The final day was imminent, KiAera watched in silence as the Mezmeics were in the midst of treating Viz, Scarbol, and the others after their dungeon expedition. The little caterpillar monsters bustled about and tore at their leafy-capelets, pressing the pieces to their patients' wounds.
Padding over to the storage room, KiAera counted once more to their forage.
Items Obtained:
Dark-Blue Crystals x33
Blue Crystals x221
Light-Blue Crystals x14998
This was for Scarbol. For a chance to have Mina and Boggorc to never harass him and the kobolbos ever again. Removing [12000] crystals from the crates, she arranged them into several sacks.
Storage:
Dark-Blue Crystals x33
Blue Crystals x221
Light-Blue Crystals [x14998] → [x2998]
Tying them, she hefted them to her ears and made her move, only to turn and spot Nex leaning against the doorway's entrance.
"Recall our bargain, KiAera."
"Of course—a fourth of the [12000]. As promised, you will paid. Take [3000] and go. Stay if you want," she said as she brushed past him.
Nex smirked, pushing off the doorframe and falling into step behind her. "You're surprisingly generous for someone who doesn't trust easily. But I'll take it—business is business." His tone was casual, but KiAera could hear the subtle edge, as though he was sizing her up even now.
KiAera didn't glance back. Her focus remained on the sacks weighing down her ears as she carried them toward the shelter's entrance.
"Generosity has nothing to do with it," she said after a moment. "I'm just honoring the deal. You held up your end, so I'll hold up mine."
Nex's footsteps were soft but steady as he followed her outside. "You know, you could've just stiffed me. It's not like I'd stick around to fight you for it. Not with the way you handled those Mruzasts."
KiAera glanced at him. "If I went back on my word, I wouldn't be much better than the monsters I'm fighting against, would I?"
For a fleeting moment, Nex's smirk faltered, replaced by something unreadable. Then it was gone, and his usual cocky demeanor returned. "Fair enough. Not bad for a Merecritt."
KiAera paused, her ears twitching as she turned back to face him. The weight of the sacks dangled from her ears, but she didn't let it slow her down. “I didn't expect anything more. Your share is ready, just as we agreed. You, your siblings, you'll get what you're owed, Nex."
Nex stepped closer, his shadowy blue stripes catching the light of the sunrise. "Good. Because if this whole thing backfires—Scarbol, the kobolbos, your crew—they're your problem. Not mine."
KiAera's lips pressed into a thin line. She wasn't in the mood for his games. "I've already accepted that responsibility. I don't need you reminding me. And thank you."
The two locked eyes for a moment, tension sparking like static between them. Finally, Nex gave a shrug, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Suit yourself, KiAera. Just don't come crying to me when Mina and Boggorc decide they want more than just crystals."
KiAera didn't respond, instead turning back to the shelter and heading toward the main hall. The Mezmeics had finished their work, their tiny forms flitting around the Crystal Shelter like delicate shadows. Viz the Nexperbax lay propped up against a cushion, his eyes half-closed as Scarbol sat nearby, sharpening his blade.
"Scarbol," KiAera called out, setting the sacks of crystals down with a soft thud. "These are for Mina and Boggorc. You know what to do."
The kobolbo leader looked up, his eyes hard but grateful. "Understood. You'll handle the exchange. Just… be careful."
KiAera nodded, her gaze sweeping over the others. "And the rest of you—rest up. We've got one last hurdle to clear before we can even think about relaxing."
Amber let out a soft trill from where she perched near the hearth, her feathers ruffling. "LeeLee ready to stomp more bad guys, KiAera!"
A faint chuckle escaped her. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. But if it does… I'll count on you all."
The room fell quiet as the weight of her words settled over the group. Each of them knew the stakes. Mina and Boggorc were not monsters to be trifled with, and the upcoming negotiation—or confrontation—could very well determine the future of their fragile agreement. She shuddered—thoughts flickering back to the Fluzzeretch, Violet, and the Dorvus.
They may or may not have been connected, but she knew to remain mindful of those encounters.
Her heart clenched when she passed by her room where Skadicritt lay, a pink bundle of striped fur resting on her bed. The poor Merecritt girl had barely survived the Ilosphat ambush the day prior. All KiAera could hope for was that the girl would make a full recovery. Her gaze flicked toward the Mezmeics, who were now scurrying to bring fresh leaves and ointments for Scadicritt.
One in particular paused and locked eyes with her, expressing a smile. She returned the gesture as warmth gushed in her chest.
Be careful out there, Big Sis. The voice—Liozel's—resonated in her mind. KiAera peered at the Liorex egg with a grin, it shimmered next to her bedside. "Of course, little one. I'll be back as soon as I can. As always. Take care."
She returned to the main hall. As the others settled in, KiAera felt another faint tug at the edge of her awareness. Turning her head, she noticed GamaGen's book resting on the nearby table, his raven symbol glowing faintly. She approached him, her hand hesitating over the worn dark cover.
"What is it, GamaGen?" she asked softly.
The book pulsed faintly in response as a familiar, soothing voice echoing in her mind. 「'An inevitable storm approaches, Miss KiAera. Your resolve will be tested—not by might, but by the weight of your choices. Remember, not all battles are won with fire and steel.'」
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
The journey to the ruins west of the UvoSath region was quieter than KiAera expected.
Afar, the ruins loomed on the horizon, jagged spires of ancient stone clawing at the sky. Their presence seemed to exude an unspoken weight, an echo of whatever civilization once thrived here.
KiAera stepped carefully through the cracked earth, her sacks of crystals swaying gently from her ears. At her side, Big Osseod waddled along, his cheerful grin contrasting with the somber, derelict setting. Flanking them, Saptal and Sapshorla trudged along with their tall, plant-like forms carrying the other sacks in their hands.
She had the crystals; she had herself. But was it enough? If things were to go south… she'd fight.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
[Innate Status]:
Name: KiAera
Age: [26 Cycles] [25]
Race: [Merecritt]
Species: [Merecritt]
Innate: [Human 𓆩♡𓆪]
Special Traits: [Chimera's Mark]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Variant Grade: [Common]
Attribute Influence: [Beast] [Fire]
Dominions: [Revise] [Virtuoso]
Stored AP: [3154]
Current APeX: [5850 Units]
Power Limit Cap (APeX): [5850 Units]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
With a quick glance, she inspected her group. Worry roused within her chest upon looking at them.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Saptal the Sapkin
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: plant sapling monster.
APeX: [3420 Units]
Dominion: [Manifest]
Attributes: [Plant]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
— — —
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Sapshorla the Sapkin
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: plant sapling monster.
APeX: [3410 Units]
Dominion: [Manifest] [Augment]
Attributes: [Plant]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
— — —
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Big Osseod
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: big odd crystal mouse monster.
APeX: [4100 Units]
Dominion: [Augment] [Virtuoso]
Attributes: [Ore]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: ["Unusual Common"]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
They were strong, of course, stronger than most monsters on the UvoSath surface—and that made her proud. But that was not the issue that plagued her heart or festered knots in her stomach. The issue cemented itself to as to if she should have been more adamant against bringing them along with her. That was the prime of her angst, but she did not dare show it on her face.
She wanted to come alone for this matter, but the three monsters were insistent to trail along. Their claim was for the matter of her wellbeing. Her thoughts grew reminiscent as it brought her back moments ago.
"Yer not going anywhere without us, KiAera," Saptal had said.
Sapshorla swayed in step beside Saptal, folding her leafy fingers in a prayer-like fashion. "Yes, as Sapkin-Saptal has said. Neither of us are willing to accept rooting you to the whims of that Mina and Boggorc. We will tangle alongside you."
Big Osseod expressed a goofy grin, the ginormous crystal mouse had nudged her back. "Big Osseod goes with! Promise to protect KiAera. We defend against badness together?"
KiAera sighed, touched by their loyalty, even if it made her task more complicated. "Fine," she relented. "But don't do anything rash. This isn't about fighting—it's about making sure Scarbol and the Kobolbos don't have to deal with these two anymore. Understand?"
Big Osseod puffed up his chest. "Understood! But Big Osseod still smash badness if needed."
Sapshorla gave a serene nod, her leafy hands resting lightly on her chest. "We shall be vines, not swords. Unless, of course, the soil calls for otherwise."
Saptal knocked on his wooden chest in agreement. "Aye, we'll stay rooted. But if they try to cut us down, we'll show them the wrath of the forest."
KiAera smiled but the silenct reminisce didn't last long.
"You're punctual," a familiar, grating voice called out.
KiAera's eyes darted upward. Crouching atop a crumbled pillar was Mina, her strapping Minokaurbo form outlined against the purple light of dawn. Her dark eyes glinted with amusement as she hefted her club over one shoulder. "Mina didn't think you'd actually come. Mina thought you'd scurry off and hide like the little critter you are."
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: 'Mina' the Minokaurbo
Faux Nym: None…
Brief description: oni Minotaur.
APeX: [9890 Units]
Attributes: [Brawl]
Evolution Stage: [Emergent] (E)
Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
She's grown stronger, KiAera thought.
"I don't run, Mina. You want crystals? They're here. Now leave the Kobolbos alone." Her grip tightened on the sacks hanging from her ears.
A rumbling snort came from the shadows as Boggorc the Boarbogrunt stepped forth. His froggy, boar-like face twisted in a scowling smile. "Think it's that easy, Merecritt? Our esteemed lord didn't just want crystals. He wanted you."
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Boggorc the Boarbogrunt
Faux Nym: Boggorc
Brief description: greater frog-boar monster.
APeX: [13530 Units]
Attributes: [Terra] [Brawl] [Aqua]
Evolution Stage: [Emergent] (E)
Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Big Osseod lowered its head, its happy grin diminishing into a low growl. "No hurt KiAera. Big Osseod make sure."
Mina chuckled, leaping down from the pillar to land with a heavy thud. "You brought your little posse. Cute. But they're not going to save you." She leaned her club against the ground, the barrel digging a groove into the dirt. "Boss wants you alive, so here's the deal: You come with us nice and easy, or Boggorc and I start breaking things until you do."
Saptal stepped to the fore as his hands glowed faintly with a greenish hue—a wooden sword and shield materializing respectively in his hands. "You will not root harm here, Minokaurbo. KiAera is under Sapkin-Saptal's protection."
Sapshorla mirrored his stance—a wooden battlehammer in her grip. "We do not bend to the will of those who seek to uproot our peace."
Boggorc snorted again as he scrapped his frontal hooves across the ground. "Talk all you want, plant food. You're all going down the hard way. Do not force our hand."
KiAera took a deep breath, her eyes flicking between Boggorc and Mina. Her [Spectral Flame] flickered faintly at the tips of her ears, ready to ignite at a moment's notice. "I didn't come here to fight. But if you think I'll let you drag me back to Jalkra like some prize, you're mistaken."
Mina grinned as a feral glint flashed in her eyes. "Good. Mina was hoping you'd say that. Makes it more fun."
With a roar, Mina swung her club in a wide arc, the ground trembling from the force of her strike.
KiAera dodged nimbly, the sacks of crystals swinging behind her.
Big Osseod lunged, its crystal-coated body shimmering as it rammed its [Headbutt] into Boggorc. The hulking frog-boar did not budge as his broad forehead clashed with Big Osseod's, the ruins trembling with the impact.
"Not bad. Little girl," Boggorc hurled Big Osseod back easily with a swing of his larger frame. "But you're going to be smashed into smithereens. You've been warned." He bent down on his muscled frog legs in preparation for a devastating spring.
Big Osseod shifted closer to KiAera, its expression hardening into a protective glare. "No hurt KiAera! Big Osseod against badness!"
Mina's grin widened, and she let out a bark of laughter. "What's this, your little bodyguard? Adorable." Her tone turned mocking as she tilted her head toward Boggorc. "What do you think, Bog? Think this 'Big Osseod' can handle us? Let's see how the bunny reacts…"
KiAera stopped a few paces away, her ears shifting slightly to adjust the sacks of crystals hanging from them. "I came to settle this. You get what you wanted. Take the crystals and leave!"
Mina's expression soured slightly, but she quickly masked it with another smirk. "Touching. Really. But orders are orders." She pointed a finger. "The Boss wants you, not just the crystals."
KiAera's brows furrowed. "Orders?"
Mina's smile turned sharp. "That's right. Jalkra wants to have a word with you. These crystals are just a nice little bonus."
Boggorc grunted. KiAera could see his legs continued to bulge and convulse with veins as it flowed with power. If he jumped—it was over. "Makes it easier if you come quietly. But if you want to fight, I ain't complainin'," the Boarbogrunt's bulbous eyes shifted between Saptal, Sapshorla, and Big Osseod. "We cannot go back empty handed."
KiAera tightened her grip on the sacks, her ears twitching with restrained tension. "I came here to negotiate, not to be taken."
Mina laughed, the sound ringing hollow in the empty expanse of the ruins. "Negotiate? How cute, but you've got the wrong idea. This isn't a conversation. It's a collection. We're gonna feast and have you tag along!"
KiAera exhaled slowly, letting the tension flow into her fingertips and ears. A stillness pressed on her senses, amplifying the slightest movement.
She shifted a quick to Saptal, Sapshorla, and Big Osseod. They shouldn't have come. I shouldn't have let them.
"Alright. You want a fight? But we do this my way." She stepped forward, dropping the sacks of crystals at her feet, creating a sharp clink against the broken ground.
Mina raised a skeptical brow, lowering her club slightly. "Your way? You must be joking."
KiAera smirked while allowing her flames to dance brighter. "No jokes. We settle this like beasts. One-on-one." She nodded at Mina. "You and me. Unless you're scared of a Merecritt?"
Mina's grin faltered for a moment before twisting into a snarl. "Scared? Of you? Mina accepts. Mina will enjoy crushing your little face into the dirt."
Boggorc snorted but continued to lean back on his powerful legs. "Fine by me. But if she cheats, I'm stepping in."