Split!

"Not just your fur, mate. You are bleeding from the cheek," said Bryan, tossing Tomoe a white handkerchief.

Before I could say anything else, the wooden sword in my hand broke as I gripped it firmly. Then, as shards of wood flew everywhere, my regular blade came out. Everything happened in a flash as I used Avarice on the broken bits. Though, I had no clue why I did it. Perhaps Vania helped?

"Notice. You have unlocked the Woodworking Skill. Would you like to try the Skill out?" asked Vania, completely ignoring my question.

I pouted as I pressed the 'Yes' button. Instantly, my blade turned from a metal to a wooden sword. I was impressed as I examined my newfound weapon.

"Notice. Additional spells have been unlocked for wielding the Woodworking Skill, including the sub Element Skilltree for Wood Element."

A massive emblem of the Wood Element appeared in my vision, prompting me to try out a Spell. However, I wasn't going to waste more Elemental Energy since I found the pinpoint location on the map in my head.

"Gentlemen, this is where we say our goodbyes until the next few Chimes. Beyond this wall is the basement of our main enemy, Fabian Brookes. Once we bash this thing through, we will split ways and venture according to the map we've discussed a few days before."

"Are you all ready?" I asked as I looked at the group.

Everyone looked at each other and nodded. I took a big gulp of air before stepping towards a large stone wall. As I placed my hand on it, I instantly knew I was knocking on the enemy's door. One of the reasons was that Vania filled my interface with new quests and readings of Elemental Levels.

Another reason was that I could hear something coming from the walls. But I didn't have any more time to think about it as I tested my wooden blade on the wall, slicing it into several pieces in one movement.

The stones crumbled to reveal a hallway made from cement blocks of varying colors compared to the ones from the Underground. The wall we had broken down was connected to the main trunk of the basement, and it landed us at the crossways of five different halls.

Bryan would be the only one heading to the end of the hallway, slightly further than our rooms. I looked at everyone else and nodded before pointing to the opposite end.

"Once you've done with the Ducklings, you are to head to the end so we can prepare to meet back with Mavislin. From the looks of things, we've got about a Chime and a half to do this," I commanded.

Everyone stood at the openings of their respective Ducklings before running towards their targets—all except for Bryan and me. I went over to the Slayer and put my arm across his shoulders to ruffle his hair.

"Loosen up! I managed to strike up a negotiation with the Black Knight, so show her your best spell, and she won't kill you. However, if she tries to kill you, I permit you to destroy her Elemental Core."

"If the Black Knight messes with you, making light wounds, destroy her communication device. It's not a hard thing to miss as it's a constantly blinking light," I instructed, smiling brightly at the worried Slayer.

"I hope you are right... Thanks, Lizzie," replied Bryan, smiling back.

"Alrighty then, let's meet soon!" I yelled, dashing towards the metal hallway.

Each hallway was covered with the materials of the Elements that the Five Ducklings use. Mine was Conchorbar, the Iron Canine of Teuton, a master of the Metal Element. As I ran in, I faced many booby traps and spikes. I would've been dead several times if I were an average human.

Finally, after destroying the large metal cage that fell on me, I entered the main arena. But I was in for a surprise as I was not up against only one opponent but two pale-skinned men standing in the middle of the room.

One looked Korean, wearing a black kimono with a long blade. It couldn't be a katana, so it must be a Wakizashi. Damn... No one told me I'd be going against a samurai! Wait a minute... Isn't that supposed to be the dead Marquess?

The other kid looked like Duncan but more homeless and dirty. His eyes were all black, and his short and messy hair was black tinted with purple. The kid started to growl at me as I faced my sword at him. The Hound Of Madness is frothing at the mouth as he couldn't destroy my weapon.

"Ah~ So we meet again, darling Swordsman..." greeted the ex-Marquess of the Campania, smiling a big grin to the point that his eyes were a single line.