Chapter #4: Leaving the Forbidden Forest
(Phil POV)
As Oleden partially exposed body receded back into the water, I realized how hungry I was. I walked back over to the Orc arm that I had severed, while sniffing it with my enhanced sense of smell.
As I sniffed the blood covered arm, I felt my instincts take hold and force me to start eating it raw against my better nature. As ate the arm ravenously I thought to myself, I at least wanted to cook it…
As I ravenously ate the flesh from the arm I felt my hunger somewhat subside but still felt an insatiable need to eat. After finishing eating I thought, it wasn’t too bad, even though it was raw…
I felt blood drip from my face as I look at the cleanly picked arm that was now just bones, which I snapped into two pieces and threw to the two wolves, they proceeded to start happily crunching on them trying to reach the marrow inside the delectable treats.
After finishing I walked over to the lake Oleden resides in and started to wash my face with the crystal-clear water. I starred at my appearance, then forced myself to stand and walk back over to the wolves.
I starred at the wolves and attempted to think of what to do next I still needed to eat more food I knew my metabolism was going so fast that within an hour or two I would need to eat again; I had no idea how much I would have to eat to sate my appetite. Maybe it was a side effect of Shifting my form or maybe I just burned way too many calories…
I also thought I needed to get out of this forest, to be farther away from the humans that brought me into this world. Maybe Oleden can give me some insight into where to go.
As these thoughts ran through my I began to shift my body and began to rip away my skin. As I shifted into my werewolf form I thought to Oleden who lay beneath the water.
(Phil) “I’m going out for a quick bite, I’ll be back in a little bit. When I get back, I’m going to need to talk to you. Also, are there any animal or other creatures I shouldn’t eat?”
I soon felt Olden’s voice echo within head.
(Oleden) “No your fine to eat whatever you come across. Just be prepared, your level is low and there are strong monsters that reside within the Forbidden Forest. We can talk once you’ve, returned.”
I thought back
(Phil) “thanks for the heads up, you want anything to eat? It’s the least I can do since your letting me stay here.”
I felt laughing echo within my head, as Olden spoke
(Oleden) “AHHHAAHHHHA, no Phillip most dragons just absorb mana, that is enough to sustain us throughout or lives, I thank you for the consideration though.”
I thought back (Phil) “Alright, see yeah in a little while.” As called for the wolves; we took off running on all fours.
I used my enhanced sense of smell to try to lock onto some prey. As the wolves; I ran through the forest I smelled something off to our right and redirected our course. I stopped near some under-brush and started sniffing, I soon smelt the familiar smell of Orc’s, then started to run in the direction of the scent.
As we ran through the forest trailing the scent, we soon came upon several Orc’s vastly bigger than the ones we had encountered earlier in the day. There were 6 of Orcs and they were about 8 and a half feet tall. One Orc was slightly taller and more muscular than the rest it had scars all across its body. Its tusks were about 7 inches long; it appeared to be leader of the rest of the Orc’s.
Rather than carrying crude clubs like the ones before they had metal swords, while some had bows. They had similar features to the ones we had encountered early but they were all more pronounced.
They weighed close to 300lbs and were pure muscle, their horns were vastly bigger protruded straight out of their thick skulls, their skin tone varied from greenish grey, too pale grey.
Thinking of the best way to proceed forward, I noticed the formation of the Orc’s. Four were grouped up while one lead the advance while another stayed at the back protecting from sneak attacks. The biggest Orc was situated in the middle of the group and gave orders to the rest as they advanced through the forest.
I decided to attack the two single Orc’s first; then proceed to battle with the others with hit and run tactics due to being outnumbered. I looked at the wolves and pointed to the Orc in the back, as I rushed around the advancing patrol of Orc’s rushing to the one in the front.
As I came to the front of the patrol I soon heard the wolves begin to take down the Orc in the rear. I forced myself to run as fast as I could while rushing the lead Orc who was turning to face the noise of in the rear of the Orc patrol.
As the Orc turned it neck I lunged forward clamped my jaws around the Orcs throat pulling it to the ground while shacking my head trying to snap its neck. I soon felt a small blade pierce my chest as the Orc forced a dagger into my chest.
As I felt this, I forced my left hand and claws to dig into its chest, but felt severe resistance coming from it. It felt like I was digging through concrete, but I didn’t let up as I continued to shake my head and dig my hand deeper into the Orcs chest.
As I felt the Orc stop breathing I forced my body up and started running while howling. The wolves immediately new my intent thanks to skill [Howl of the Pack Leader] as it buffed them; they retreated into the forest away from the oncoming Orc’s. leaving the Orc patrol in a dazed state.
The wolves and I regrouped about a half mile away from the Orcs, I pulled the small dagger imbedded in my chest out; watched as the wound slowly closed itself. I then looked back at the wolves and howled again; they joined in as we rushed off again to attack the patrol again.
When we came upon the Patrol they had not retreated and stayed where we had initially engaged them. Rather than having the wolves head in first, I thought, I would go in first and distract the group while the wolves could sneak attack an unsuspecting Orc. I howled my intentions to the wolves and they nodded as they headed off to get behind the patrol.
The Orc patrol noticed my howl; began to look into the forest trying to find where my howl originated from. As they looked around I began my attack.
I rushed forward through the underbrush and barreled at the group of Orcs on all fours.
As I neared the Orcs they started grunting and snarling incomprehensibly as I charged them.
One Orc with a bow retreated as 3 with swords advanced towards me as I rushed them, with their leader amongst them. As I rushed forward I used my hind legs to push off the ground as with as much strength as I could; lifted my both my arms aiming at two of the Orcs throats while soaring through the air; attempting to use my jaws latch onto the shoulder area of the third biggest Orc.
Both of my claws connected with the Orc’s throats but the third big Orc in the middle managed to dodge out of the way of my snapping maw. I used my momentum to force both of the Orc’s I had torn into onto the ground while howling, pushing my clawed hands deeper into their tough leathery necks as the both breathed their last breaths.
As the two Orcs collapsed the third swung his sword at my neck trying to decapitate my head from my body as I sat hunched over his now dead companions. I moved my body making the Orc miss its intended target and the smash into my left shoulder almost cleaving my left arm off.
I yowled in pain as the Orc removed its weapon from my shoulder as blood poured from my deep wound; readied to swing its sword again. Using the time while the Orc wound up to swing at me again I lunged at the Orcs forearm holding its weapon, using my jaws I held the Orcs arm; weapon at bay while tearing into it, trying to mangle its arm so it could no longer use its weapon.
As I clamped down on the Orc’s arm I saw the two wolves tear into the throat of the Orc holding a bow behind the biggest Orc. Seeing this, I used my non-wounded right arm and shoved my claws deep into the leader Orc’s throat. As I did the Orc grabbed my hand at the wrist; pulled it out of its throat while holding my arm in place. The Orc then proceeded to bite into my own neck with its huge tusks while lifting me off the ground, while swinging me around trying to snap my neck.
I used my clawed feet to dig into the thigh of the Orc in attempt to minimize the damage I would receive but was surprised to see the wolves running at the huge Orc as he swung me around.
I continued to dig my feet into the Orcs thighs as one wolf jumped onto the back of the Orc while biting into its neck and spine. The other wolf latched onto its left ankle and attempted to force the Orc to the ground by pulling it foot out from underneath it.
Using this moment, I let go of the Orcs arm; tilted my head horizontally opening my toothy maw. I shoved my jaws around the Orcs head and heard a *Crack* as I broke its skull as I clamped down around its skull.
The Orc eventually stopped struggling against the three of us; fell on top of me as it breathed its last ragged breath.
Laying underneath the massive body I struggled to squirm out from underneath it, only using my non-injured right arm. I eventually got out from underneath it and stared at the gaping wound the huge Orc had cause with a single strike from its sword, realizing that Oleden was right, as the familiar sensation of pain flowed throughout my entire being in waves.
I thought to myself, I’m currently at the bottom of the food chain… Yeah, I survived this encounter even if was outnumbered but that was only thanks to my speed and shitty planning. Hell, I didn’t even follow through with my original plan of using hit; run tactic on the main group…
If there were more Orcs, I would be dead. If the Orcs had seen us on our second approach, I would be dead. If the Orc’s noticed us before our initial attack, I would be dead. If I had not moved out of the way of the big Orcs swing, I would be dead. A lot could have gone wrong luckily it didn’t but still…
I need to be smarter than this, my new life may have game like elements in it, but I cannot respawn; there are no extra life’s. I have to use my intelligence and skills to the best of my abilities, I thought to myself as I collapsed onto the ground sitting down.
As I sat down I moved my body over to biggest Orc we had killed and started using my claws to remove its tattered clothing; armor that covered its chest and shoulders. I then proceeded to start bite into the Orcs limbs taking huge chunks of flesh as blood began to pour from the fresh wounds. After picking clean its upper limbs I moved to its chest.
I then started to use my right hand; claws to split the Orcs chest open; pulled its heart out; started to eat it while working my way down the Orc as I continued to eat it in a daze.
I continued to eat; didn’t stop until I had devoured almost the entire Orc. I looked first at my left shoulder and limp hanging left arm, its wound started to regenerate but I still couldn’t move my left arm. I also felt blood trickle down my neck as the wound slowly closed.
Then I noticed the two wolves engorging themselves on separate Orcs. Almost mimicking how I ate the Orc.
I moved over to another Orc and repeated this process while the wolves went to a single Orc and started eating it.
After finishing our meals, I figured that it would be best to take whatever we were going to eat for later and get back to the lake, who knows what else is prowling about the Forbidden Forest. As I thought this I stood up; I walked over to the only untouched Orc and sliced both of its legs off while calling over the wolves, who had now finished picking clean the Orcs they had been eating; were now focused on sucking the marrow from its bloody bones.
I tossed them each a leg and they picked them up within their mouths. I then forced my body back into its naked human form and noticed a bow that the Orc had. It was fairly well crafted, and it had 3 dozen arrows still in the quiver on its back that it failed to use due to being ambushed by the wolves.
I picked the bow up and strung it across my back then did the same with the arrows. I then extended my claws from my right hand without shifting my form, this meant my claws were only about 3 inches but were still sharp. Using my claws, I dug into the left forearm of the Orc and made a fairly big hole in it.
I then slid its right arm into the hole in its left arm and then stomped on it right arm snapping the bones near the wrist that extended from the hole in the left arm. This would allow me to bend down and puts its arms over my neck and arm and carry it. Before doing this, I used my right hand to gut the Orc and pull out its intestines and other organ’s I wouldn’t be eating.
After finishing gutting the Orc, I bent down and lifted it over my head and pulled right arm through the hole carrying it like a satchel; started walking back to the lake. As the wolves; I started walking back to the lake I heard the voice in my head start ringing.
[3 Adult Orcs slain, 1 High Orc Slain] [You are now Level 3] [Gained 10 SP; AP] [Skills Regeneration, Howl of the Pack Leader; Scent Tracking are now level 3]
After seeing this I again dumped 3 AP into both Strength, Agility; 4 AP into Constitution Attributes. I also used 4[SP] to level up the three skills I bought to level 2, along with the [Pain Resistance] skill I had neglected up until this point. I then thought of my Status as the picture formed within my mind as I continued to walk towards the lake.
{Authors Note: I fucked up, I forgot about the Pain Resistance skill the MC acquired in Chapter #2… Sorry about that, I added it in this chapter after realizing my mistake. I’ll go back and put it into Chapter #3 status to make it clearer for readers.}
[Name: Phillip Mauger]
[Level: 3]
[Race: Homo-Sapien {Homo-Sapiens: a race of animals that evolved into humans without the any assistance of gods}.]
[Class: Shape-Shifter {Undiscovered Class Shape-Shifter: a non-magical class that allows its holder to adopt the forms of other life, in its pursuit for its own survival.}]
[Health: 110/220 {Regeneration} 125/220]
[Stamina: 168/220]
[Magic: 0/0]
[Skills:]
[Inspect Level (2): Allows the user to gather information about items; life. The amount of information provided grows with the level of the skill}-passive.]
[Shapeshift Level (2): A skill that only the Shape-shifter class can use. The Skill allows the user to Shift in other forms, the forms will evolve with your understanding of the original life form. This skill may trigger unconsciously due to mental state or other reasons. Leveling the skill allows for better adoption of the transformed body by the class holder} -passive].
[Regeneration Level (3): Allows the body and mind to regenerate from physical; magical attacks, as the level increases so will your own ability to regenerate. -passive]
[Scent Tracking Level (3): Track other beings by their scent, your ability to do so will increase with each level of this skill -passive].
[Claw; Fang Growth Level (2): Grow claws; fangs while in your human or Shapeshift form. The sharpness, hardness, other abilities will increase and or come about, as the level of this skill increases in level -passive.]
[Howl of the Pack Leader Level (3): Intimidate Non-predatory animals while communicating your intentions to your pack, current skill level gives low Strength and Agility buff to your pack. The effects of this skill will increase and grow as the level of the skill increases - active {cost -50 Stamina}]
[Animal Instincts Level (2): Your heritage is that of an animal, instincts are what kept your kin alive, in a hostile and unforgiving world. As this skill increases so will your connection to your animal instincts. -passive.]
[Pain Resistance Level (2): Your body has developed in a high tolerance for pain, the higher this skill level increases the more pain your body will be able to experience without passing out or going into shock. This skill does not eliminate the pain you feel, it only dulls it. -passive]
[Fang; Claw Mastery Level (2): Gain a better understanding of how to use your claws; fangs to fight as the animal you are. As the skill level increases so will your understanding of your claws and fangs; your ability to use them in combat -passive.]
[Enhanced 5 senses Level (2): Your 5 senses grow sharper with each level of this skill -passive.]
[Bottomless Stamina Level (2): Stamina is your only means of attack and defense. Strenuous movements cost little to no stamina, as this skills level grows all stamina movement will cost nothing; Active Skills that use stamina costs will be reduced -passive.]
[Buff’s: Regeneration]
[De-Buff’s: Throat, left arm; shoulder wounds {in the process of regenerating, Left Arm non-functional}, Non-Magical Being – Permanent {This being has never contained magic; its body will never be able to store magic or use magic skills}]
[Attributes: Strength-28, Agility-28, Constitution-30, Intellegence-14; Wisdom-14] { Str, Agility; Con have +2 due to the title: Leader of the Pack.}
[Titles:]
[Child of Nature: You are a child of nature, not the gods. Nature will recognize this so will the gods; their followers.]
[The Last of His Race: You are the last of your kind, will your kind die or survive? This questions rests of your shoulder. Increases [SP] and [AP] gain when leveling up from 5 to 10]
[Leader of the Pack: While with your pack you gain +2 Strength, Agility, Constitution; your ability to lead your pack is significantly increased.]
[Skill Points {SP}-6], [Attribute Points {AP}-0]
As I looked over my status I saw the [Inspect] Skill; face palmed myself as I continued to walk back to the lake. I mean fuck I could have used that; would have had a better idea of how close to my own level the Orcs; High Orc were.
As we continued to walk back I started to use Inspect on just about everything we walked by, it didn’t level up, but I noticed several similar plants to my own world such as Aredeaia Thistle, Aredeaia Sword-Ferns; Aredeaia Conifer’s.
After about 15 mins I arrived back at the Oleden’s Lake; Immediately heard his voice echo within my skull.
(Oleden) “It appears you are injured; it looks like you succeed in your hunt for food. What did you come across?”
I thought back
(Phil) “Just a few Adult Orcs; a High Orc. It was a tough fight, but we managed to gain the upper hand.”
(Oleden) “You are very strange creature Phillip, it’s surprising you defeated A High Orc; several Adult Orcs at your current Level. You may have a Skill that heals you but do not take that for granted, this world if most likely very different from your own world. Attributes and skills dominate this world, if your own attributes weren’t so high you would have surely died…”
(Phil) “Thanks for the info but what do you mean my Attributes are high for my level? I only get 10 [SP]; [AP] per level.”
(Oleden) “That’s what I mean, all life only gets 5 [SP]; [AP] per level, even myself…. Not only that your attributes should have been at 1 when you came to this world but were already fairly high; you even gained several Skills immediately upon getting your undiscovered class, which is unusual as well. If I had to guess, it is because your body was not able to contain magic, it was given higher attributes than normal; given several skills to help you survive by the System. I’m also sure that your title [Last of His Kind] also has a role to play in this. Typically, any level 2 would struggle to do what you did, minus some higher creatures like Dragons, Chimeras; Griffins to name a few, races such as ours gain attribute quicker when we are younger.”
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(Phil) “Well I guess I should be thankful I didn’t get magic; that I got an undiscovered class instead.”
(Oleden) “Speaking of your class, what is it? I’m still unable to Inspect its contents, even though my level is vastly higher than your own.”
(Phil) “It’s called Shape-Shifter, from what it states the class description basically mean’s one who adopts the form of other beings in pursuit of its own survival, it allowed me to change into what is called a Werewolf in my world. I’m guessing it has something to do with the fact that my only real family member in my own world was a dog; I was almost killed by a wolf when I was brought to this world…”
(Oleden) “Interesting… we never had such a creature in this world called a werewolf, maybe the system gave you such a class because of your familiarity with it.”
(Phil) “Hey sorry to change the topic but I’ve been thinking I should probably leave the forest. I need to find a place that I can get farther away from the people who brought me to this world. Any suggestions on where to go to?”
(Oleden) “So the Holy Kingdom is chasing you, makes sense since Illengards Ritual failed them. I would say head west if your fine with exposing your other form; race to others. To the west is the Animal-Kin Kingdom, they should accept you since you are not a part of the Holy Kingdom.”
(Phil) “Oh yeah, that’s what the people in that city called me when I jumped out of that palace. What are Animal-Kin?”
(Oleden) “Makes sense they would assume that, you look somewhat similar to one in your other form. They are a race of beings who have characteristics of different Animals and Creatures. Some look like human dragons, others look like birds, some look like predatory animals such as Wolves, Felines; Chimeras. Most look more human than your werewolf form though. Some have the ability to change into a form of the animal they originated from, but they lack the human characteristics that your form has. If a wolf Animal-Kin had the skill [Animal-Form] their form they would just become a big wolf rather than a bi-pedal wolf such as your own form.”
(Phil) “…. *silently contemplating*…. That works for me but any advice and how I should communicate with them? It’s not like I can speak their language, You’re the only being besides the wolves that I can actually communicate with….”
(Oleden) “Hmmmmm, you can talk to the wolves very interesting. Use this, I no longer need it.” he stated as his head came out from the water, he then spit a book at me.
(Phil) “What this?” I thought as I picked the book up; stared at Oleden massive head protruding from the lake.
(Oleden) “It’s a skill book, a very rare item. Open it and you’ll be able to speak to any higher being’s in Aredeaia in their native language. I do not believe you will be able to speak to plant life but any race you encounter you should be able to speak to them, minus a few such as Orc’s, Goblins; other species that are born from corrupted magic. I no longer need it due to my [Telepathy] skill I’ve acquired, you should have more use for it than myself.”
(Phil) “Thank you Oleden, really. I sincerely thank you for all of your wisdom; this skill book.” I thought as I opened the skill book as some mysterious force washed over my body as the voice of the system echoed in my head.
[Skill gained] [Communication- passive] [This skill has no level; you cannot increase its level like other skills, once learned it will allow the holder of the skill to communicate with all higher beings of Aredeaia.]
As the voice stopped echoing, I spoke to Oleden, but what came out was a strange sound that mimicked the roar Oleden had scarred me with when we first met.
(Phil) “I will see you again friend; I thank you again for all that you have done for me.” as I began to leave Oleden’s loud voice echoed through the air in a roar.
(Oleden) “You are not free to go yet Phillip, the book I gave you has a price. With that said I will not stop you from leaving but I would advise you sit and listen, there is still much you do not know about Aredeaia. As I stated earlier I find you amusing so we will have an exchange of information, the images and emotions I seen; felt in your mind have peaked my interest, this is the cost of the skill book you have been given.” Oleden stated sternly.
I turned around and sat down on the grassy ground while looking at Oleden with a friendly look while stating.
(Phil) “I’ll happily answer your question’s Oleden, it is the least I can do for all you’ve done but I would prefer from now on you don’t look throughout my memories without my consent; from now on call me Phil we are friends, are we not? With that said I expect that what I say to you will not be mentioned to anyone or anything am I clear?”
(Oleden) “You are foolish to trust so easily Phil; make demands of a dragon. Life in this world will be greatly different from what I’ve seen of your own world. It is unforgiving and violent, you should be more warry of other’s, but I do accept you as friend. I also understand why you wish for some of the contents of our conversation to never be stated again, so the remainder of our conversation will take place in our minds if that is fine with you?”
(Phil) “Haha, maybe olden maybe I am to naïve, but everyone deserves to be judged as an individual not by the actions of those that came before them… Yes, its fine for our conversation continues in telepathy.”
Oleden’s voice began to echo in my mind.
(Oleden) “The gods of this world watch you Phillip Mauger, some are displeased with your action’s and existence as a whole, others are unsure of your intentions. You must be aware of this going forward. They will monitor you every action and word, looking for more reasons to exterminate you, looking for weaknesses to turn you to their side, or even just be honestly curious about you as a being.” Olden stated coldly within my mind as he continued speaking.
(Olden) “The god who created my race, Advinia will likely be listening in on our conversation. She is not like most gods of this world, she only watches her children, the dragons and rarely associate with the other gods. You do not have to fear what you say being stated again but you do deserve to know she seen what I have seen; felt in your mind and will be a-part of this conversation.”
(Phil) “Well thanks for the honesty… I’m going to be blunt, whether gods are real in this world or not I will not acknowledge them, nor do I give a shit if they watch me, it will not cause me to change how I act or operate as a person.” I stated coldly as I continued thinking.
(Phil) “Gods didn’t exist or help to create my race, nature did. It gave us the tools to thrive and survive and we as a species abused natures gift to us, becoming the apex predators of our planet while slowly destroying. We developed higher thinking, science; technology but still fought, and killed each other aimlessly over different fake ideologies, cultural beliefs, or even the color of our skin’s. I imagine with gods these issues are only exacerbated. I only believe in one thing Oleden, Death. It comes for us all even gods, whether they understand this or not I do not know. A wise man from my world in my world once said, “with strange eons, even death may die.” Your gods may not understand this; even if there is a god of death in this world, it does not know what it meddles with; neither do fully understand it but I do know that death comes for us all in the end. While were alive we can only survive; pursue our goals. I am free of my world and that is what I will be doing with my new life in the world of Aredeaia, with or without the consent of the Gods that rule over the races that live here...”
(Oleden) “Hmmmm, that is a lot to think about Phil. What do you mean nature created you; why do you believe death can even claim and immortal being’s? We do have a God of Death, but he only governs over mortals, his name is Necrosis; holds a similar belief of your own of not judging the dead but to say he is does not understand his powers as the god of death is a bold statement.”
(Phil) To answer your first question, from what others have discovered on my planet. All life was created due to one simple fact, luck. All life on my planet evolves, not directly so but through our offspring. Both parent’s genes are split amongst their children, due to this fact, all life thrived on my planet. The strong survived and the weak died in the beginning. As life continued my species evolved from apes over the course of time. As we evolved, we lost the strength of our ancestors; gained the traits of those who were smart enough to survive. Our intelligence only grew over time; So, did are greed; ability to destroy. This is how humans became to be the ruling species of my planet, Earth; how nature created us.”
(Phil) “Let me say this now before addressing the next two questions. I do not know if I’m correct nor do I really care, what I’m going to tell you is my opinion and belief about what you asked nothing more.”
(Phil) “Moving onto your second question, your gods may be immortal but let me ask you and your god a few questions to ponder upon. Your gods may be immortal but they all can still die can they not? All life dies, it’s the one rule that applies to all life equally, even the gods of your world. You or I may not know the means in which the gods are able to die or even capable of doing so but what’s to say something stronger than a god couldn’t kill them? Would they still be immortal then? If gods do exist why wouldn’t something stronger than them likely exist as well? I could be completely incorrect in my belief; the rules and logic that governed my world may not apply here but I would highly doubt that to be the case.”
(Phil) “Moving to your last statement on why I believe Necrosis is not able to control Death. Death is not a god, it’s a rule. He may be able to control some aspect of mortals Death, but he cannot cause the death of gods as you already stated; those that may or may not exist above the gods. That is why I believe he does not understand what he meddles with. Rather than a power he dabbles in a rule that governs everything that is alive. That like saying gods can turn back time, which they cannot I would assume. To say that gods are not alive is to say that they do not exist at all is my personal opinion. Just as your second question this may not be the case; I could be completely wrong but again, but I highly doubt that to be the case. Hell, your god is probably laughing at my stupidity and views but who knows…” I stated, as I caught my breath, A voice other than Oleden’s echoed in my head as I finished
(Advinia?) “Amusing Phillip Mauger, I would keep your opinions; beliefs about these matter’s to yourself. Some of the other gods would not allow you to willing spread such knowledge.”
I smiled at Oleden while saying
(Phil) “Thanks for the heads up, Advinia I presume? Oleden, do understand why I believe such things? If your god warns me to keep my opinion; beliefs to myself?”
(Oleden) “You are very amusing Phil, I didn’t expect Advinia to speak to you. She rarely speaks to her own children, so to tell you to keep quiet shows there is some truth to what you say. What questions do you have for me?”
(Phil) “I have quite a few but for the moment, which way is west. I don’t know in which direction the sun rises in your world, so I cannot ascertain where I’m going?”
Rather than answering Oleden used his exposed head to point off to the left-hand side of me, while I thought to him.
(Phil) “The only other question is you said early that most dragons only eat mana, what did you mean by that? Was that a hint that some of your kind eats other mortal beings?”
Oleden didn’t speak, Advinia did, her voice echoed in my head my head while holding a hint of grief.
(Advinia) “Some of my children fell into temptation just like any would. I gave my children the ability to grow without needing substance from others because of their size and power, if they had to feed on other life to grow the world of Aredeaia would be a barren wasteland. Some of my children decided magic wasn’t enough to sate themselves. As they consumed mortal races they absorbed their magic, the magic inside these races slowly changed and corrupted my children. They are now similar to Orcs; Goblins they lack the ability to think properly they are only driven by their insatiable hunger to consume magic.”
(Phil) “I’m sorry to hear that… family is never easy to lose. Especially when you had one that actually cared for your existence in the first place…” my thoughts drifted to my own family and their disdain for me.
(Phil) “I do not have any more question at this moment, do you or Oleden have any question before I leave?
(Oleden) “Not at this moment you’ve given me much to think about Phil, I cannot speak for Advinia though.”
I just sat for about two mins and never got a response from Advinia, so I guessed she didn’t have any questions or was to upset at what I had asked. I stood up and spoke to Oleden in his Draconic language.
(Phil) “Thanks for everything Oleden, I won’t forget what you’ve done. I’ll come visit you again after I’ve grown stronger; we can continue our conversation then.” I headed off with the wolves in the direction that Oleden had pointed with his head.
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(Oleden POV)
As Phil walked away I questioned my silent mother.
(Oleden) “Was he correct in his beliefs; opinions? Or is he just insane?”
(Advinia) “Yes he is correct, eldest child. His race is far too Intelligent for their own good… I’m just glad you made it clear to him when you first met that he isn’t human… if worked together with Illengard, I’m scared to think of thee destruction they could bring upon this world. The image in his mind of the earth, it looked horrid, his species destroyed their planet, poisoned it; reshaped it as they pleased. The machines of war they made were astoundingly proficient in their purposes, I fear that what he knew as a nuke could kill most your siblings; maybe even you…” she stated coldly
(Oleden) “Then its good I became his friend, such a strange creature you are Phil. I wonder if he comprehends how big of a problem his existence is?”
(Advinia) “He probably doesn’t child, I would say that it due to him being naïve, but he is smart so maybe it’s just the way he is. I’ll inform your siblings of him, what they do with that information is up to them. Hopefully they’ll go the same route you did. If not, he seems to be someone who does not judge the whole based off a single part.
(Oleden) “Indeed mother, I would wait to inform them though. Some might be tempted to kill him as he is low level; I doubt that would turn out well with his class, he might even be able to turn into one of us if he kills one of us. Even though I could not read the contents of his class’s it appeared to me that only a portion of it has activated… he will only grow stronger and stranger as his class develops.”
(Advinia) “You may be correct eldest child, but my children come first. What they do with that knowledge is ultimately up to them. I can only warn them of this new race that walks among them.”
I knew that things would be hard for my new friend but also knew he would survive, Phil was a strange creature that defied the common sense of Aredeaia.
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(Phil POV)
As the wolves and I continued to walk through the forest to the west, I stopped and looked at the wolves while having the feeling several sets of eyes were staring at me. Rather than let this unsettling feeling control how I acted I looked at the wolves and said.
(Phil) “Your both well over due for some names.”
The wolves just sat down and stared at me curiously while wagging their tails. I looked at the pair and it seemed they were a mated pair of wolves.
(Phil) “your both have black fur, but I think the names Sun; Moon are fitting for you.” I named the male Sun; the female Moon; asked “are you satisfied with those names”
Both wolves shook their head in agreement showing they were satisfied with their new names. I motioned for us to continue while thinking about everything that happened since coming to Aredeaia. As we continued to walk through the forest.
After several miles of walking I dropped the Orc Satchel and divided it up between the three of us. As we ate I thought that I should probably make a pair of pants, before heading into a town or city. I didn’t think me arriving naked anywhere would turn out to well. So, I decided to go hunt again and try to make a pair of pants from the skin of some animal.
After finishing eating; I shifted my form and howled to Sun; Moon expressing my intentions. They both stared at me weirdly, almost trying to say, why do you need to cover your body with the dead skin of another animal?
I just shrugged; ran off while Sun; Moon followed behind me.
We continued to the west while hunting for an animal big enough to become a pair of pants. I eventually found the scent of some unknown animal; figured any pair of pants is better than being naked…
As I followed the scent trail we came to a clearing. Several animals that appeared similar to White tailed deer were feeding in the clearing on the local fauna. I searched the heard for the sick or old in attempt to not kill a young animal with the rest of its life ahead of it. I spotted a huge buck with brown and grey hair all over its body denoting its age and experience. I dropped the bow and quiver I carried in my now shifted form.
I pointed at the animal causing Wolf and Moon to circle around so we could box the animal in. As they got into position I let out the skill [Howl of the Pack Leader] as I rushed forward on two legs, through the heard of deer startling the ones nearest me cause them to jump several feet into the air and run away.
The Older buck took off towards the right, the direction that Sun was in. As I chased the deer, Moon popped out to its left causing the buck to head directly at Sun, while it continued looking back at the two of us chasing it. As it starred at us while we chased it, Sun jumped out of a thicket onto the old buck and latched onto its neck while dragging it to the forest floor, as I arrived the old animal struggled for its life.
I used my non-injured hand with single claw stabbed where I believed it heart to be. The struggling buck, died quickly. As it did I said “Sorry, your life will sustain us; make me a pair of pants…”
I called Sun off the now dead buck and used my claws to cleanly make a slit along the bottom of its mangled throat; used my right arm to grab the buck and lift it so the blood could drain from the dead animal. As the blood pooled on the forest floor Sun; Moon lapped it up like drinking water.
After draining the animal of blood, I began lining the buck, preparing to skin it. I used my claw and made a V shape coming down from both its limbs then connected each of the V’s at the point. Then drew another line, from its front legs to its mangled neck making a circle around the non-chewed on part and did the same to each leg.
After finishing I tried to use my left arm that was now semi-functioning. Using both my arms I began to peel the skin from the buck, trying to not destroy the hide. Starting at the limb I pulled the skin back to the body from the circles I had cut around the ankles. Then same from the neck down pulling the skin from its carcass.
After pulling the hide off I began using my right hand and a claw to scrape the excess flesh from the hide, feeding it to the Sun; Moon. After completely cleaning the hide of flesh I soon realized I couldn’t make a pair of pants without a needle and thread…
Rather than letting this obvious fact bother me I turned the hide inside out while making small slit in several areas, allowing the limbs to stretch through and be tied in knots allowing the hide to be wrapped around my body making a leather kilt or skirt of sorts.
Before actually tying the still bloodied pelt down I shifted my form back; grabbed the bow and the quiver I had dropped before chasing the buck; strapped it across my back. Then proceed to tie the pelt around my waist.
I then walked back over to the buck and used my claws on my right hand to decapitate it head giving it to Sun; Moon. They both gnawed at the flesh on the buck’s neck. I then proceed to make a back pack from the deer carcass by slicing flesh from the ankles making holes in the upper legs. Then I shoved the hind legs through the holes and snapped the legs I slid through.
After making my meat pack, I hefted it over each shoulder and continued to walk in the direction Oleden had pointed making my way towards the Animal-Kin Kingdom.
We hiked endlessly through the Forbidden Forest com; eventually coming across another Orc patrol.
As we neared the patrol the I could smell their scent, so I decided to try to take them on. My arm was now almost fully healed only 3 hours had transpired since I was wounded but we had covered several miles in are trek.
I hefted the deer carcass into a small tree to save it; then looked at the wolves as I took the bow into my left hand and stung an arrow from the quiver into the bow, while motioning the wolves to follow.
As we came neared the advancing patrol, I saw this time there was only four Orcs in total. Using [Inspect] Skill on them I was able to see their levels but nothing else since the skill had yet to level up.
All the Orcs were level 15; were adults. I didn’t know how far their level was from the original patrol I had fought so, I still was wary of them after getting my injured by the High Orc. I pointed at two Orc’s for Sun; Moon to attack. Then pulled my pelt off and put it on the ground to not destroy it if needed to shift into my other form.
I waited for Sun; Moon to circle around the patrol and get into position near the Orcs they would be attacking. To signal them I used my go to skill [Howl of the Pack Leader] and shot and arrow at the nearest Orc.
The arrow pierced the Orc in the chest, but not near its heart. As this happened Sun; Moon ran from the underbrush while jumping at two Orc and clamping their jaws around the surprised Orc’s necks and pulled them to the ground with their momentum and strength.
They both began to shake their heads violently trying to snap the Orc’s Spine’s.
I drew another arrow from the quiver and shot the same Orc again, this time the arrow stuck the Orc in the throat and it fell the ground struggling to pull the arrows in its chest and throat.
I advanced closer to the Patrol of now one capable Orc while gaining its attention in the process; pulling another arrow from my quiver.
The Orc drew its sword while charging me, I drew the arrow back in the bow and shot it at the advancing Orc. This time the arrow fell dead center where I had aimed straight into the Orcs heart.
The Orc dropped like a sack of potatoes and I proceeded to sling my bow over my shoulder; advance to the first Orc I had shot while extending my claws in human form.
As I neared the Orc, fear could be seen in its eyes; I pitied the creature. As I came near the Orc shoved my clawed right hand into its throat before It could move. It died quickly; this simple fact gave me comfort.
I nodded at both wolves and they began to eat the Orcs they had respectfully killed. I began gut the two Orcs I had killed, while shifting my own form; dropped my bow; quiver while eating their corpses. When I arrived at the second Orc both Sun; Moon had devoured both Orcs. In astonishment at all over are endless appetites, I split the last orc amongst us and we ate overfilling our stomachs.
I then shifted my form; walked back over to my bow, quiver; fur kilt as I put them on again and began heading back to where I had stuffed the buck carcass into a small tree.
After getting the buck carcass and not hearing the system echo in my head. I retrieved my belongings; we proceeded to continue walking west as the sun began to set, on my first day in Aredeaia.
We continued to walk through the night and thanks to my Skill [Enhanced 5 Senses] my ability to see in the night was increased drastically. Walking through Forbidden Forest I looked up and the foreign stars; realized how far from my earth. The Big Dipper was nowhere in sight; neither were the other constellations that I had come to know.
This excited me, the simple fact that everything was new within the world of Aredeaia, made me shake with excitement like a child getting a gift for the first time. I became so excited that my instincts forced me to start howling at the several small moons in the sky; even in my human form the sound that came from me was closer to that of a wolf than a human.
Sun; Moon joined in and we howled for several minutes as my excitement only grew. As I stopped howling I started to run to the west in anticipation of what was to come.
I also thought about what Oleden had warned me about, that I was too trusting… I came to the conclusion that I would better to hold my views about being giving everyone the benefit of the doubt that I encountered unless they gave me a reason not to, but I also told myself to take not trust anyone until I was sure they wouldn’t screw me over.
I assumed the common sense of Aredeaia differed from that Earth. I was unaware about just about every aspect of this world; felt people could easily take advantage of this fact.
These thoughts continue to role in my head; I soon noticed how far Sun, Moon; I had traveled without stopping. Immediately I stopped and looked around at Sun, Moon; the surrounding forest. I noticed that the trees began to grow thinner and I regretted the fact that I was so focused on my thoughts rather than the environment that I had trekked across.
I knew I could be attacked at any moment but felt that our sense’s as a pack would allow us to locate anything long before it came too close.
Rather than letting these facts bog me down I just acknowledged them; told myself I need to be more aware. I’m responsible not only for myself but as well as my new family.
We continued to walk at a steady pace, neither Sun nor Moon appeared to be tired, so I figured walking through the night would be fine.
After traveling about 50 miles from the lake the trees of the Forbidden Forest started to grow thinner; thinner while being spaced farther apart. We continued without encountering any life, this was to are advantage allow us to travel unimpeded.
After another 25 miles the sun had risen, and I noticed that the Skill [Bottomless Stamina] was truly amazing. I could walk much faster than I originally; the distance I could cover was unconceivable to what I could do before. We continued as the sun continue to rise into the sky.
Since the Sun was now almost above our heads I dropped the deer carcass I still carried and cut off the hind legs; pulled the heart out of the chest cavity and gave the rest to Sun; Moon.
We devoured the portions quite quickly then continued to head to the west. As we walked I started to hum my favorite song “Goodbye Old Friend”. As the sun reached the middle sky, I decided that we should take a longer break.
As we sat down Sun; Moon curled up next to each other and began sleeping. I figured they were tired from our long trek, so I would keep watch as they slept. For some reason I didn’t feel tired at all, so I leaned against a small tree while listening to the bird’s chirp; enjoying the sounds of nature around me.
After about 45 mins I began to smell something unfamiliar in the woods around us a-ways off. I put both my hands-on Sun; Moon stirring them from their deep slumber. They immediately started to sniff the air and letting out a low growl.
This surprised me they were generally quiet, so thought they must be familiar with the smell that was off to our left coming from the way we had just come from.
Soon I began to hear voices that I could barely make out.
(Unknown) “look at the size of these tracks, these are dire wolves!” someone said with excitement in their voice.
(Unknown) “Yes they sure are but there’s a human with them, it must have a taming class…” the other voice stated dryly with clear displeasure in its voice.
The contents of the conversation gave me flash-backs of the Poachers who had shot me as I looked down at the bullet scar on my lower chest that hadn’t healed like the rest of my wounds.
My Instincts began to force my body to change into my werewolf form. I forced it down as I pulled my bow off my back as I started growling unconsciously. As soon as I had pulled my bow off I strung an arrow into it; my instincts continue to try to force me from my original form. I then started howling using my skill [Howl of the Pack Leader] to communicate my plan to Sun; Moon.
The voices quieted; I looked at Sun; Moon who spaced themselves on either side of me. I started rushing towards the location of the voices howling again signaling Sun; Moon to circle around and prepare for the worst. I wouldn’t attack these people if they didn’t give me a reason, but I still had a disgusting taste in my mouth just thinking about what had transpired with the poachers.
If These people were after my family or they gave me a reason I would kill them without hesitation.
As I neared the scent of the people who had come from behind us I waited for Sun; Moon to get into position; walked forward towards the scent of people.
As I walked forward I saw three people, not humans about 75 feet in front of me. due to the scarcity of the cover both the group what I guessed to be Animal-Kin saw each other. They group began talk when they saw me.
(Unknown) “I thought it had Dire Wolves with it?” the women with feline feature questioned
(Unknown) “Maybe it killed them? Inspect it Jarold and find out if it’s a tamer.” the man with Feature like a bull stated.
A man with Bear like features stepped forward; exclaimed
(Jarold) “Inspect says it’s not human!? Its race is Homo-Sapien? … IT HAS A UNDISOVERED CLASS?!??”
I just continued to walk towards the group, with my bow drawn; I spoke at them in a loud and clear voice while continuing to advance.
(Phil) “Why do you stalk my pack” I coldly stated
(Jarold) “IT CAN TALK?!”
Before they could continue their useless banter, I snarled at them loudly in humanly letting my fangs and claws come out unconsciously.
(Phil) “WHY DO YOU STALK MY PACK!!! WHY DO YOU TRACK US!!”
The group was just stared, rather than continue this game I threw my bow on the ground and let my kilt fall to the ground from around my waist. I force my form to shift as ripped my skin away allowing my form to be exposed.
(Phil) “DO NOT MAKE ME REPEAT MYSELF, YOU ARE FOLLOWING MY PACK LIKE WE ARE SOME PREY TO BE HUNTED! IF YOU DO NOT GIVE ME A GOOD REASON I WILL KILL YOU WHERE YOU STAND!” I snarled inhumanly as my pointed my long claws at the group.
The women with feline features just starred awe struck. The man with horns like a bull started to lift a huge two-handed axe preparing to fight. The man named Jarold stopped the bull like man while saying.
(Jarold) “its talking to us don’t provoke it any further, Ahben.” While the Bull Animal-kin just stared at his companion.
I started to snarl louder and louder while until Jarold started speaking again.
(Jarold) “We are not tracking or hunting you, we are patrolling our borders; came across your packs tracks… What are you?!” the man forced out.
(Phil) “Your [Inspect] Skill already answered your own question, you know my race; name… I may look human, but I am not.” I growled at the people in front me, then asked. “Your borders, does that mean I finally reached the Animal-Kin Kingdom? I questioned Jarold.