MTL NOVEL Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Power Unleashed and Quests Conquered
Chapter 6: Power Unleashed and Quests Conquered
Caspian Swan sat on the porch of the Swan house, the night settling over Forks like a thick, damp blanket. The faint glow of the system's holographic interface hovered before him, casting a soft light across his sharp features. He swiped through the screen with a flick of his finger, his golden eyes glinting with satisfaction as he reviewed the latest update: *"Quest Completed: Protect Bella from Harm. Reward: +500 XP, Skill Enhancement Unlocked. Current Level: 7."* A smirk tugged at his lips. *"Not bad,"* he thought. *"Edward might've stolen the spotlight, but I'm the one leveling up."*
The system had been his silent partner these past few months, feeding him quests that ranged from mundane—"Help Bella Adjust to Forks" (+100 XP)—to critical, like today's near-disaster with the van. Each completed task pushed his powers further, sharpening his hybrid nature into something lethal and precise. He'd been training in secret, building his strength far beyond what the Cullens could guess, and the smirk widened as he scrolled through his stats: *"Telekinesis (Level 4), Energy Manipulation (Level 3), Celestial Aura (Level 3), Phoenix Regeneration (Passive, Enhanced)."* He was a force now, and he'd only just begun.
His mind drifted to those early days, the first time he'd tapped into his powers. A flashback flickered to life, vivid as the mist curling through the trees around him.
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It had started a week after arriving in Forks, before Bella's truck rolled into town. The system had pinged him with an introductory quest: *"Discover Your Potential. Find a Training Ground. Reward: +200 XP, Dungeon Access Unlocked."* Caspian had slipped out under the pretense of a late-night walk, following the system's coordinates deep into the forest. The woods grew denser, the air heavier, until he stumbled upon a hidden cave—a jagged maw in the earth that pulsed with an energy he couldn't name. The system chimed: *"Dungeon Detected: Low-Level Anomaly Zone. Suitable for Beginner Training. Enter?"*
"Hell yes," he'd muttered, stepping inside without hesitation. The cave warped as he crossed the threshold, the stone walls melting into a vast, shadowy chamber lit by faint, glowing runes. The system explained it in a dry tone: *"Anomaly Zones: Pocket Dimensions Aligned with Twilight Universe. Generated for Skill Development. Threat Level: Adjustable."* It was like a video game dungeon, tailored just for him—a gift from whatever cosmic force had built his system.
The first enemies were simple: spectral wolves, their forms shimmering with dark mist, lunging at him with snarls. Caspian's instincts kicked in, and he raised a hand, testing his telekinesis. The air rippled as an invisible force slammed the nearest wolf into the wall, its form dissolving into sparks. *"Not bad,"* he'd grinned, adrenaline surging. Another charged, and he focused harder, lifting it off the ground and crushing it mid-air with a flex of his will. The system pinged: *"Telekinesis Proficiency Increased. Level 1 Achieved."*
Next came the phoenix side. A larger beast—a bear-like shadow with glowing eyes—roared as it barreled toward him. Caspian let it get close, then unleashed his energy manipulation. His hands flared with golden-orange light, flames curling around his fingers as he hurled a blast of searing energy. The bear disintegrated in a burst of ash, and he felt the heat coil back into him, invigorating rather than draining. *"Phoenix Regeneration Active,"* the system noted as a shallow cut from an earlier dodge healed in seconds, embers flickering across his skin. *"Energy Manipulation Level 1 Achieved."*
The angel half was trickier. He'd been sparring with a swarm of bat-like creatures when he first felt it—a hum in his chest, a pull toward something higher. The system prompted: *"Celestial Aura Unlocked. Activate?"* He'd nodded, and a wave of light erupted from him, soft but commanding. The bats froze, their screeches fading as they hovered, mesmerized. Caspian smirked, then clenched his fist, the aura sharpening into a pressure that crushed them into dust. *"Level 1 Achieved. Aura Can Now Influence Emotions and Physical Space."*
He'd trained there every chance he got, sneaking out when Charlie was asleep or Bella was buried in a book. The dungeon scaled with him—stronger enemies, harsher conditions—but he thrived on it. By the time he hit Level 5, he could hurl boulders with a thought, summon walls of flame, and project an aura that made the air itself tremble. The half-angel, half-phoenix blend was a perfect synergy: beauty and destruction, resilience and grace. He'd emerge from each session stronger, his golden eyes brighter, his presence more magnetic.
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Back on the porch, Caspian dismissed the memory with a shake of his head, the system screen still glowing. He'd kept it hidden—no point tipping his hand to the Cullens yet. Edward's save today had pissed him off, sure, but it hadn't changed the game. Bella was safe, and that was what mattered. The system pinged again, a new quest flashing: *"Investigate the Cullens. Uncover Their Intentions. Reward: +300 XP, Insight Bonus."* He arched a brow. *"About time,"* he thought. *"Let's see what you bloodsuckers are really up to."*
Inside, Bella was curled up on the couch, still shaken but unharmed, flipping through a worn copy of *Wuthering Heights*. She glanced up as Caspian stepped in, her expression softening. "You're brooding out there," she said, a faint tease in her voice. "Everything okay?"
"Just thinking," he replied, dropping into the armchair across from her. "You sure you're good after today?"
"Yeah," she said, her gaze drifting. "Edward was… weirdly fast. But I'm fine. Thanks for being there, Cas."
"Always," he said, his tone firm. He didn't mention the system, the training, or the simmering anger at Edward's interference. Bella didn't need to know—not yet. But as he leaned back, his mind was already racing. The Cullens were watching, Alice's visions were closing in, and Edward had just staked a claim he didn't deserve. Caspian's smirk returned, sharp and dangerous. *"Level 7 and counting,"* he thought. *"Let's see how long you last, sparkle boy."*