Let's Train Heroine

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Lucan leaned in closer, his eyes tracing the now-visible contours of a vast landscape. At the map\'s center was a symbol he recognized from his research—a spiral, the mark of the ancient temple where the relic was hidden. Around it, the map revealed treacherous paths, hidden traps, and obscure runes meant to guard the temple from intruders. This was it.

He felt a surge of satisfactian. The relic, was now within reach.

Lucan\'s eyes flickered as he began making plans. The map showed that the temple was located deep within the Mountains of Shadow. Lucan already knew that relic was in Mountain of Shadow but Mountain of Shadow was as big five kingdoms combined, and in such big place, he can\'t didn\'t relic by himself. So this map, that showed exact loction is time saving map.

He laid the map flat, his mind already working through the logistics. The journey would be difficult, but Lucan was prepared. His time spent gathering the map pieces had also given him the opportunity to acquire the skills and resources he needed to survive such a journey. He had gathered knowledge, and honed his magical abilities to the point where he doesn\'t need fear anyone in current world.

Lucan\'s thoughts drifted to Maris. He already told her what this map and why he was collecting it. It wouldn\'t hurt to bring her with him, and it would be also be opportunity to let her control her power.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Lucan quickly rolled up the map and tucked it away before crossing the room to open the door. Maris stood there.

"Lucan-sama, You\'ve found the location of the temple, haven\'t you?"

Lucan nodded, Maris stepped closer, her gaze intense. "Then I\'m coming with you."

"Alright," he said, "I was planing to take you with me, but you need to understand, Maris. Victor and his group know I have all the map pieces. They\'ll be waiting for me. As single person they are not dangerous but together those four are powerful. So be careful, you don\'t have as much as power you had before."

Maris nodded, "I understand. But I won\'t let you face them alone. I be with you and we will face it together."

"Then we prepare," he said, "We leave will next day morning."

Maris nodded.

---

The morning sun had barely begun to rise when Lucan and Maris set out from the academy, the map safely tucked away in Lucan\'s coat.

They left the capital city and reached the closed city to Mountain of Shadow in three days.

The Mountains of Shadow loomed in the distance, their peaks shrouded in mist, and the path ahead was filled with danger. But Lucan\'s mind was focused on something else—Victor and his group.

He knew Victor was no fool. With all the map pieces now in Lucan\'s possession, it was only a matter of time before Victor made his move. Lucan knew from game knowledge that Victor was too desperate to get this relic.

As they walked, Lucan\'s thoughts raced. He had been preparing for this moment for weeks, anticipating Victor\'s every move. Lucan could just go and kill Victor and his group. It would be troublesome but nothing hard.

However he decided that it\'s better to face them when they ambush him.

Maris walked beside him, her eyes scanning the landscape.

As they reached the base of the mountains, Lucan paused, turning to face Maris. "This is it," he said, his voice low but steady. "Once we enter the mountains, there\'s no turning back. Victor and his group will be waiting for us, and they won\'t hold back."

Maris nodded, her expression serious. "I\'m ready, Lucan-sama. We\'ve come this far, and I\'m not leaving you now."

Lucan smiled faintly, "Then let\'s go."

They began their ascent, the terrain quickly becoming more treacherous as they climbed. The air grew colder, the path narrower and more winding. Every so often, Lucan would stop to check the map, making sure they were on the right track. But his mind was always on Victor, always anticipating the ambush that was sure to come.

Hours passed, and the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the mountainside. Lucan knew they were getting close to the temple. The map had shown that it was hidden within a secluded valley, surrounded by towering cliffs that would make any approach difficult. It was the perfect place for an ambush.

Lucan stopped, holding up a hand to signal Maris. "We\'re close," he said quietly. "Victor will be waiting. Stay alert."

Maris nodded, her grip tightening on the staff she carried. A tool she use to control her power more efficiently.

The path narrowed even further, leading them into a rocky gorge that seemed to close in around them.

Suddenly, there was a rustle in the bushes ahead, and Lucan barely had time to react before a bolt of magic shot past him, missing him by inches. "Get down!" he shouted, diving to the side as more spells began to fly through the air.

Victor\'s group emerged from the shadows, their faces twisted with malice.

Lucan quickly cast a shield spell, deflecting an incoming fireball as he scrambled to his feet. Maris was beside him, her own magic flaring to life as she created a barrier between them and their attackers.