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Entering Rewards Room…
They appeared in another ordinary cave, like the many they’d seen on their journey. However, there was a sleeping bear in the center!
‘That’s it! That’s the bear I was telling you about’, Jason whispered in a panic-stricken voice, careful not to wake the beast up. They had been running around, doing everything to avoid this exact situation, only to be cruelly thrown back into the cave where this whole ordeal began.
‘The hell! Weren’t we done with the tutorial? Why on earth are we facing this monster now?!’ Alice exclaimed in a hushed yet frustrated voice.’
‘Is it a hobby of the author to throw us back into the pits of despair, right when we think we’re free?’ wondered Seo-Jun, devastated.
‘Huh?’ asked Daiki, looking confused.
‘Oh, I meant collectors, I guess I got used to talking in novel phrases,’ replied Seo-Jun, embarrassed. (Author: Heh. You mixed up your dialogue with your background 4th wall break, eh?)
They were trying to be quiet, looking around for some way to escape this predicament. However, their horrible luck was finally at play as they heard a roaring voice, ‘Why bother whispering if you’re going to be so loud about it!’
The bear had woken up.
It had started to move about to stand up so it could face the nuisances disturbing its restful slumber, making its way towards these poor players who had nowhere to run.
Emerging from the shadows was a monstrous figure, a grotesque hybrid of beast and insect. The creature stood towering over them, its immense bulk covered in shaggy, matted brown fur that barely concealed the rippling muscles beneath. This was no ordinary bear; its eyes burned with an unnatural intelligence.
Its powerful limbs ended in razor-sharp claws, each talon gleaming menacingly in the dim light, capable of rending flesh and bone with terrifying ease. Its mouth, filled with pointy teeth, was set in a permanent snarl, saliva dripping from its maw as it growled low and deep, a sound that resonated like distant thunder.
But what made this beast truly horrifying were its arthropod characteristics, making Seo-Jun nearly wet his pants (Author: lol)
(Seo-Jun: Hey! Don’t go exposing me!) (Author: Heh)
Its fur parted in places to reveal segments of chitinous armor, dark and glossy, reminiscent of an enormous beetle. Along its spine and limbs, hard, jointed plates clicked and shifted as it moved, providing an extra layer of protection and adding to its monstrous appearance.
The creature’s movements were disturbingly fluid, a blend of mammalian power and insectoid precision, as if it were a nightmarish fusion of bear and insect, sending shivers down the spines of its unwelcome spectators.
Its eyes, multifaceted like those of a giant insect, glinted with an eerie, otherworldly light, surveying its prey with a cold, calculating gaze. Mandible-like appendages occasionally twitched near its mouth, further adding to its nightmarish visage.
This abomination was a terror to behold, a true apex predator of the unnatural world, embodying the worst fears of both the animal and insect kingdoms combined.
‘Ahhh’, Seo-Jun lost it, as he screamed himself silly trying to somehow burrow himself in to the cave walls while backing in to them.
‘What the hell is that thing?’ said Daiki, disgusted by its appearance..
‘It’s worse than any of the monsters we’ve seen so far,’ said Alice, absolutely revolted by the sight
The bear stopped its actions and stared at them blankly.
‘It really is both disgusting and terrifying’, said Jason.
‘Agreed’ expressed Zhiren.
‘I think I’m gonna puke’, whispered Seo-Jun while retching causing the group to look over their shoulders in concern however they could not afford to take care of him in this situation.
The bear did something shocking. It brought its nightmare-inducing paws to its hips and said in a wronged manner, ‘ Well, that’s now very nice now, is it?! I mean, I’m right here! How could you say that to my face?! Did your parents not teach you how to treat a lady?!’
Yes, it was the voice of a middle-aged woman. They hadn’t paid attention before as it was more akin to an angry growl but it was definitely a females voice.
They all stared at her blankly, even Seo-Jun was shocked out of his unstable condition.
‘Uh…huh? What?’ asked Daiki.
While Alice, being her adaptable self put her own hands on her hips and asked in the same way, ‘Don’t act all offended, now. We’re going to be trying to kill each other anyway, so what use is there in being polite?’
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
‘Huh? Who’s gonna kill who?’ asked the monster, confused?
‘You’re gonna try to kill us and us, you…right?’ said Alice now unsure because of the monster’s expression.
‘Why would I do that?’ asked the beast, tilting its head to the side.
‘You’re not…?’ asked Alice hesitantly.
‘Of course not! I’m here to give you your rewards y’know. I mean yeah I was pissed at being woken up like that so suddenly but I wouldn’t just kill ya kids for it’, she assured, looking offended that they would think of something like that. She was so nice and sweet, not to mention so gentle and kind looking, how did such a thought even enter their heads. They truly were strange creatures in her eyes.
‘Let me introduce myself, I used to be the gatekeeper of this realm but after the great war I became confined to this reward room, ordered to hand out items and information to whoever enters. I’ll be honest your sudden arrival left me a bit unprepared, causing you to witness my disgraceful appearance. I would’ve taken a shower and tidied up if I knew…’, she explained downcast. ‘Oh, and my name’s Helda’
They were really confused, having no idea how to make heads or tails of this whole unbelievable situation. Though everything about this day was like that.
Zhiren started, ‘Uh, okay…Mrs.’
‘Ms. ‘, interrupted Helda, yet again offended at the audacity of these kids.
Zhiren continued, ‘ Yes…Ms. Helda, you mentioned a war?’
‘Oh, that’s got nothing to do with you kids, it was so long ago that even I barely remember. What’s important is giving you your rewards, yes’, replied Helda immediately busying herself with a screen she suddenly conjured out of thin air while Seo-Jun mumbled, slouched in a corner, ‘Stuff like that usually matters though, I’m sure it’ll end up having a lot to do with us in the future.’
Helda looked over and asked, ‘Did you say something, dear?’
Seo-Jun buried himself in to his shoulders, trying to act invisible as he mumbled, ‘No…’
‘What? I didn’t hear you’, she asked again.
He repeated louder, now on the verge of tears, ‘No…’
She continued tinkering with the screen saying, ‘Ah, my bad then. Let’s see the players sent here are five people’, she looked up, ‘Yes, that’s correct. But it seems you’ve received all the points and only have an item remaining, huh. So why were you sent here when there’s nothing much I can even do…?’
She wondered and exclaimed as she had a light bulb moment, ‘Ah yes! I understand! Information! My other job! Okay, I’ll give you all your items and then you can ask me any question you want, I’ll answer whatever I can’, she said.
‘Will you really?’ asked Daiki, unsure, as he had a flashback about a certain dragon saying something similar but not really answering anything. The memory still left a bad taste in his mouth.
‘Of course! That’s what I’m here for! Now take your items first. Player 1 come forth’, she announced as Alice stepped forward. ‘Ah, I see. So, it’s you…here you go’, said Helda handing over an arms-length grey sword with a silver handle, topped with a beautiful snow-white stone, which gleamed in the light.
The blade was pristine and sharp, extending gracefully to match the wielder’s reach. The silver handle, intricately designed, added an elegant contrast, while the snow white stone at the top of the handle gave it an ethereal, almost magical appearance.
Alice looked over the beautiful weapon which fit perfectly in her hands with a pleased expression.
Helda continued, ‘Now Player 2…’ Jason stepped forward, ‘Oh what a handsome young man! Here’s your reward, dear’.
She handed him a long graceful silver sword, its blade gleaming with a polished brilliance. The handle was a delicate pale blue, providing a striking contrast to the metallic sheen. At the top of the handle, a sea-green stone was embedded, its color mirroring the deep, tranquil shade of his eyes. The overall design of the sword was elegant yet formidable, a perfect blend of beauty and strength.
Jason happily took his sword as Helda continued, ‘Player 3…what you get this reward!’ she exclaimed in shock as Zhiren stepped forward. Helda stared at Zhiren with wide-eyes but quickly regained her composure, ‘I see…it’s you then, Ms…?
‘Zhiren’, she replied.
Helda continued, ‘I see…Ms. Zhiren. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. You truly are an exceptionally beautiful young lady. You see the reward you’re getting is quite close to my heart, but now looking at you I’m sure it’ll be in great hands as it’s found it’s owner’, she said with what appeared to be a smile but just made Seo-Jun who was just wondering again if she really is the FL, hide his face again.
Helda handed her a shining silver sword, its surface gleaming brightly like the door they had encountered earlier. The handle was a rich hazel, mirroring the color of her eyes, and at the top of the handle was a green stone.
This stone was intricately carved with the image of an oak tree, a detail that caught Zhiren’s eye and made her stare in surprise. The sword was both beautiful and meaningful, a perfect symbol of strength and connection.
She was admiring the stunning weapon, when Helda announce, ‘Now, Player 4’, as Daiki stepped forward to which she remarked with raised eyebrows, ‘Ah…so the owner of this weapon is you, eh. You truly are quite the dashing lad yourself, eh?’
Daiki embarrassedly extended his hand, and she placed a pitch-black sword into it. The blade was sleek and ominous, its surface absorbing the light around it. The silver handle was intricately designed, with delicate engravings that added a touch of sophistication to the weapon.
At the top of the handle sat a greyish-black stone, polished to a glossy finish, which seemed to pulse with a dark, hidden energy. The entire sword exuded an air of mystery and power, perfectly complementing Daiki’s aura.
Daiki stared at the unexpected weapon with a complicated look, but decided to accept its uniqueness. Frankly, he quite preferred a weapon like this as compared to a bright and flashy one.
Finally, Helda called out excitedly, ‘Player 5, please step forward.’
Seo-Jun tremblingly stood up, supporting himself with the cave walls and cautiously came forward. He shakingly extended his arms, his fear evident in his every action.
‘Uhm, is there a mistake? While you are quite good-looking yourself like your companions, however your demeanor is quite different from what I’d expected, considering how powerful you’re supposed to be…anyway here’, said Helda leaving Seo-Jun surprised at her words for a moment but quickly buckling down when having contact with her as she quickly scurried away, examining his weapon at a distance from her.
It was a striking silver sword with a handle made of gleaming gold. Nestled within the handle was a prominent black stone, its smooth surface contrasting sharply against the metallic hues. The sword emanated a sense of elegance and authority, its craftsmanship impeccable and designed to command attention.
He admired the weapon he had received as he cautiously bowed to express his thanks to her.
Helda continued,’ Didn’t expect him to be so afraid…oh well. Let me just tell you while your weapons are indeed good swords, however their true power can only be unleashed after you completely awaken your powers’ she took a deep breath and continued, ‘Now that the rewards are out of the way…let’s move on to the information.’
She sat down with her arms crossed and asked, ‘Any question?’
To be continued…
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Seo-Jun: Ah! You definitely did that on purpose didn’t you?!
Author: I have no idea what you’re talking about. ╮(╯▽╰)╭
Swords: Hurry up and get your powers so we can actually show-off, damn owners?!
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