I'm awake. After getting dressed, I began to make my way to the Foyer to find that breakfast had already been served. I guess a lot of people went to sleep earlier than me, so they woke up earlier too? Grabbing a seat and a piece of Fish, I began to eat and enjoy my meal with the others before we recommenced with our plan.
Vana and her new companion seem to be hitting it off quite nicely. She laughs at all of his jokes. The same goes for White Sheep Lady and the Wolfenrine. White Sheep Lady seems to be complimenting Wolfenrine's strength, but Wolfenrine still looks at White Sheep Lady as the more superior Wolf; probably due to having been alpha first. The Rifaleesi and Rabbit seem to be fast friends. I say that, but I actually mean that they're both talking quite quickly together. I can't understand what they're saying. Cyclozard, the Lamia, and Budget Dragon are also having their own conversation. They're comparing their scales with each other. Cetilla and Rei are avidly playing the safari card game. Mobbin Village Keef Sama, Cloaked Hunk #wassup, and Mr Scarecrow seem to be talking as well. I suppose that friendships are blossoming on this fine evening. Goblin Hunk and Milton are hanging out with me. Currently, Milton and I are explaining to Goblin Hunk how to handle the waterfall mechanic in case he ever desires to help us with the Fishing endeavor known as feeding this growing rag tag ensemble. I think my other Clansmen are off practicing with the Scaraoke machine. After finishing with our meal, I began to make the announcement.
"Good evening everyone~ Tonight, we shall finish with the culling of half the Lost Kingdom monsters. Proceeding along, we should have 90 remaining Tier 1 Caterpillars to be culled currently awaiting us within Halloween. To start the night, I would like to begin with attempting to Evolve a Tier 3 Fox. For any of our newly joined comrades, I do not expect your help in this endeavor. I have not adequately explained our reasoning for doing this, and I don't want to make anyone feel forced into participating with something that they do not themselves wholly believe in. Feel more than welcome to simply await our return after we have finished." [Nero] greeted everyone before proceeding on to explain the next task.
"I would like to participate in the culling. Vana explained it to me last night, and I'm in favor." [Flutterfairy] chided in.
"If the White Wolf Lady is participating, then I wish to lend my help." [Wolfenrine] added with a voice filled of determination.
"Can I just stay here and play with the Rabbit?" [Rifaleesi] asked with a smile.
"I'll be fine to stay here with the Rifaleesi." [Rabbit] quickly said.
"I believe that killing off a conssssiderable number of monssssters would be fine." [Lamia] said with a somewhat twisted tone of voice.
"Then if everyone has decided, I will ask that Crowli and the others take care to explain to the Wolfenrine and Lamia how to help with completing the plan. If there are no objections, shall we make our way back to the old abandoned bandit camp?" [Nero] declared, to which he simply received a lot of nods.
And with that, we set off to the bandit camp. We were moving at a slower rate to ensure that everyone would be capable of reaching it together. It felt like a picnic. We didn't bring food though, and we actually just came here to incite massacres; but it's fine. It's a picnic. The weather tonight seems somewhat windier than usual. Is autumn beginning? I was wondering whether we would experience seasons in this game like world or not. We've received slight showers of rain and drizzle since I arrived, but I haven't yet witnessed any crazy weather or seasonal changes for that matter.
After arriving at the bandit camp and summoning my Hallowed Gate, I had Crowli explain to the Lamia and Wolfenrine how to go about capturing monsters without killing them. Meanwhile, the others were competing to see who could catch a Tier 3 Fox first. I'm now watching over the Caterpillars as they roam Halloween Town. About 10 minutes after arrival, a Tier 3 Fox popped out of one of the Hallowed Gates signalling the beginning of the plan. The Tier 3 Fox noticed the Caterpillars almost immediately before it began to attack them. The Fox seems to enjoy whipping Caterpillars with its tail. When it does so, a blue fire emits from the Fox tail and burns the Caterpillars.
After 20 Caterpillars had been slain, the Fox Evolved into a Tier 4 Fox. It gained an extra tail, and seems more capable with its tail whip ability. It also seems to have gained a similar ability to White Sheep Lady's [Flame Paws]. It can't imitate flight with just the pseudo [Flame Paws] ability but it can still burn the Caterpillars with the paws. It now likes to do small backflips off of the Caterpillars using the flaming paws, while whipping them with its tail midway through the backflips. It's kind of impressive. After it had slain an additional 43 Caterpillars, the Fox Evolved into a Tier 5 Fox. The Tier 5 Fox had three tails, a larger size, and seemed to have gained an ability capable of emitting blue balls of fire from its tail to which it can juggle and launch at enemies from a slight distance.
With its new Evolution, the Fox began to make use of very diverse combat strategies while dealing with the Caterpillars. It would perform the same backflip kick tail whip method as before, but now after killing one Caterpillar, it would handle the next nearest Caterpillar using the new ability. Eventually, all of the Caterpillars had died to the Fox who had still not Evolved. Exiting the Hallowed Gate to inform the others to begin with bringing in the Tier 1 Rabbits, I was reminded that there were supposed to be 125 Tier 1 Rabbits; so we had 62 capable of being culled.
Around 5 minutes after informing the others to begin with capturing Rabbits, they had finally begun pouring out of the Hallowed Gate. The Fox noticed after a few minutes and began to hunt them down one by one. The Rabbits who simply tried to hop away were no match for the now Tier 5 Fox. After 32 Rabbits were slain, the Fox Evolved into a Tier 6 Kitsune. The Tier 6 Kitsune has four tails and a white coat of fur. It's larger than before, and it has a strange red design on its fur. The red design is most prominent on its face, but it also appears on the tips of each tail as well as the tips of its paws. It has red eyes, with no pupils. It's all red. It can speak, so I guess it's a success. Rather, I was expecting a Foxmen to Evolve from the Fox… Did this Fox choose to not become a Foxmen? She has a female voice, so I'm just going to assume that she's a woman.
After returning the Kitsune to the Wailing Keep, I asked a lesser Scarecrow to show her to a room in the basement and for the Kitsune to simply wait until later for an explanation. I promise, I'll thoroughly mansplain it to you once you have all gathered together! Moving on, I returned to the other Hallowed Gate and asked if someone could go procure us a Tier 3 Bear after I explained that a Tier 6 Kitsune had Evolved from the Tier 3 Fox.
Around 5 minutes later, a Tier 3 Bear appeared from the portal. The Tier 1 Rabbits stood zero chance, and once again could only flee. One of them accidentally fled into a portal, but was promptly chucked back inside to which it continued on its way as if nothing had happened. The Bear likes to roar a whole lot, and also runs somewhat fast. After catching up with a Rabbit, it swipes its claws at the rabbit or it just flat out bites the Rabbit and rips it apart. I must say... Watching all of these monsters fight to Evolve makes me want to train as well. But we're doing this to help the Lost Kingdom become more self sustainable without my direct interference. It can't be helped.
After slaying 19 Tier 1 Rabbits, the Bear Evolved into a Tier 4 Bear. It learned to speak, so I don't feel the need to continue even if it's not as strong as the others. It now stands on two feet, but it still looks like your everyday black Bear. It's just a bit taller. It's a guy. I returned him to the Wailing Keep and gave my instructions to a lesser Scarecrow to take care of him the same as the others before. After telling the others that a Tier 4 Bear had Evolved from the Tier 3 Bear and gained intelligence, I asked if someone could please try and find me a Tier 3 Deer before I returned to Halloween.
While I waited, the remaining 11 Rabbits seemed to be gathering in attempts at holding out against their next competitor. Smart little fellows, but they're going to need some serious luck to stand against a Tier 3 Deer. The Deer are currently the alpha of this ecosystem. It might be due to their choosing to remain in a herde at all times, but it's still relevant. The Rabbits are practically total prey in comparison. 6 or 7 minutes later, the Tier 3 Deer arrived to which the Rabbits immediately dispersed and seemed to have given up on their plan due to fear. Yikes. Selling your comrades short, are we?
The Deer had large antlers, so I'm assuming that it's a male. It ran very fast and charged its antlers into the fleeing Rabbits. The attack missed quite often, but it was able to claim the life of a Rabbit once in every 3 to 10 attempts. When there were only a few Rabbits left, I exited the Hallowed Gate and asked everyone to begin searching for Tier 1 Foxes. Apparently there were 164 counted Tier 1 Foxes, so we're willing to cull 82 of them. Returning to Halloween, after the final Rabbit had perished; the first Fox emerged from the portal.
The Foxes seemed somewhat more capable of escaping the Deer, which worked out nicely as it meant that more Foxes were appearing than the Deer could keep up with killing. Even so, none of the Foxes were capable of slaying the Deer; so it just meant that the Deer was able to slay Foxes more indiscriminately. Once 7 Foxes had been slain, the Deer Evolved into a Tier 4 Deer. It seemed to have gained larger antlers, and it increased in speed dramatically. As the Deer was charging, I was able to notice that its antlers were emitting a faint green glow. When the Deer finally struck into a Fox, the faint green glow drastically intensified and the Fox became entangled in thorny vines until it eventually died from blood loss while trying to break free. Harsh.
The Deer ended up killing off 33 more Foxes before having Evolved into a Tier 5. When it did, the Deer gained a longer neck and revealed that its skin was actually composed of a tangled mass of roots. As if the entire Deer was composed of a tree. The antlers became tree branches, and the face of the Deer reminds me of a Deer skull, but it's made of roots. It still can't talk yet, and I haven't ever witnessed anything like it. I guess I have no choice but to let it continue to kill the Foxes? It seemed to gain a new ability allowing it to manipulate the roots within its body to thrash at nearby enemies on either of its sides, but it still prefers to use the charging attack method and only manipulates its roots when in a bind.
The tree Deer managed to obliterate all of the remaining 42 Tier 1 Foxes and still has not yet Evolved. I took the time to ask the others to begin bringing in the Tier 1 Wolves. Apparently we had counted 76 Tier 1 Wolves, so we can manage slaying 38 of them. One by one, the Wolves arrived into Halloween and found themselves being chased around by the Tier 5 bundle of charging roots. 23 dead Wolves later, and the Deer managed to Evolve into a Tier 6 bundle of larger charging roots which was starting to look somewhat more humanoid. It still could not talk, and so we are now being forced into creating a new Tier 7 monster.
Towards the end of the Tier 1 Wolves' lifespans, I declared the need for us to begin also hunting Tier 1 Bears. Apparently there were only 26 Tier 1 Bears so we could only cull 13. The Bears were dominated by the Tier 6 bundle of charging roots which is only shaped somewhat similar to a Deer at this point. We ended up deciding to bring the 22 Tier 1 Rifas capable of being culled into the picture, so I moved my Hallowed Gate temporarily to be near the southern side of the Lost Kingdom. Even the Tier 1 Rifas were not enough to bring about the Evolution of a Tier 7 monster. We took the time to add 5 of the Tier 2 Rifas to the culling, before relocating back to the bandit camp.
After relocating back to the bandit camp, we began to feed the monstrosity the Tier 2 Wolves. There were supposed to be 34 Tier 2 Wolves, so we fed it 17. It still was not enough, so we also fed it the Tier 2 Bears. According to the census, we had 9 Tier 2 Bears to cull. We also ended up needing to feed it some of the Tier 2 Rabbits. We had 16 Rabbits capable of being culled, but thankfully it had Evolved after 12 Rabbits. The result was a Tier 7 Leshi. The Leshi appeared as a humanoid female and was made of tree roots, but her face was replaced with the skull of a Deer. She had long wooden antlers, and there were flowers which appeared to be on the verge of budding sprouting from beneath her roots. She was capable of speaking, but she was not a Clansmen candidate contrary to her apparel. I was almost certain that her skull would end up being something similar to Crowli and Mr Scarecrow. It's too bad. She has a green aura of light flowing out from her eye sockets.
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After taking the Tier 7 Leshi back into the Wailing Keep, briefly explaining that she was safe, more than welcome to stay here with us, and that I would more adequately explain later; I returned to the others. I happily told them that we had succeeded in Evolving at least one of every planned race on the surface of the Lost Kingdom. Going over the results, we should have 4 Tier 2 Rabbits, 23 Tier 2 Foxes, 3 Tier 3 Bears, 1 Tier 3 Fox, and 4 Tier 3 Wolves left. Looking at the results, we might not have enough critters to accommodate an additional Evolution. Be that as it may, we should still try. We can't just cull half the ecosystem and then leave a small portion untouched. It wouldn't be fair. If we fail at producing a bonus comrade, we can just kill the monster and claim the experience for ourselves. It's not the worst thing, but it's not optimal.
After explaining myself, I chose to start with attempting to create an additional Tier 6 Lamia. The Lamia and Wolfenrine both participated in the culling, and I would like to reward them with a partner. Be that as it may, the Wolf race still has some monsters which need to be culled. I don't want to force a Wolf gladiator into killing off lesser Wolves, nor do I want to possibly lose out on any experience considering that we're probably cutting it close as is. I have a theory. I believe that some of the experience being attained from killing another monster is lost somewhere in the transaction. I don't know by just how much, and it seems to generally vary. I don't know why, but I'm thinking that some critters just have higher levels than the others even if they're of the same Tier. So, those critters pass over more reward per kill; making it seem inconsistent for I who can not ascertain other monster's levels.
And so, I asked the Lamia to go find us a male Snake suitable for Evolution. After she had returned, I ventured into Halloween to help the new Snake get his first kills. This Snake is a mixture of stripes between black and yellow. He has red eyes though. I'm spoon feeding again. Catching the Tier 2 Rabbits while flying on my Broom proved slightly challenging. They're small, so it ended up taking me a few minutes to finally grab one. Thankfully, the Snake who I forced into biting the Rabbit was capable of killing them within just one minute each. Repeating this once, the Snake seemed to Evolve into a Tier 2. After I had fed it the 4 Rabbits, I asked the others to go find the 23 Tier 2 Foxes. After they had arrived, the Snake was still being spoon fed by me. Three dead Tier 2 Foxes later and the Snake had Evolved into a Tier 3. I continued spoon feeding it until it had Evolved into a Tier 4 Python from having killed an additional 12 Tier 2 Foxes.
At the point of becoming a Python, I allowed the Snake to roam the town by itself. There were only 8 additional Tier 2 Foxes left, and I knew that it would not be enough to bring the Python to Tier 6... So I asked the others to begin sending in the one Tier 3 Fox, 4 Tier 3 Wolves, and 4 Tier 3 Bears. I also informed them that if after those 5 had been successfully captured, that they could continue on to catch Deer. We don't know how many Deer to catch, so I told them to judge it to the best of their abilities.
Watching over the Python as it finished off the remaining Tier 2 Foxes, the additional monsters began to slowly pour in through the portal. It was interesting to watch the Python deal with so many different types of monsters back to back. The Foxes were short work for it, but the Wolves attempted to evade it while the Deer desperately tried to take it on until they had procured a squad between the four of them. The Bears simply roamed around alone until they came across the Python and died off one by one. The Deer would attempt to charge at the Python, but on approach; the Python would leap onto them into a bite which would slowly kill the Deer who was attempting to stop running mid charge.
The Wolves attempted to surround the Python, but after it jumped on one of the Wolves; the others were forced to try and bite the Python off of the attacked Wolf. By the time that they drew closer to bite the Python, it had already released its poison and was able to pounce onto another Wolf. The previously bitten Wolf would slow down and eventually lay down until it had died. This method continued on even while there were additional Deer pouring in through the portal and it became a blood bath. The Deer who attempted to charge at the Python would often get tangled amidst the dying Wolves and would constantly miss their attacks against the evasively jumping Python.
After the final Wolf had died, the Python Evolved into a Tier 5 Python. There were only Deer being added to the mix at this point, so I quickly went to go check in on the others. Apparently, less than a quarter of the very roughly estimated Deer population had been sent in already. If it's like that, we might just make it. I told the others to inform me when they believed to be nearing the halfway point before I returned to the Python to watch the madness ensue.
The Python was making short work of the Deer at this point, and appeared to have learned a new ability. I didn't remember noticing the previous Python use this ability, so it felt somewhat special. The Python would spit black poison at the enemy as if it were projectile vomiting. The poison appeared more like acid as it seemed to be burning through the skin of the Deer. Around an hour or two later, the others still had not called to inform me that we had run out of Deer to sacrifice; and the Python Evolved into a Lamia.
This Lamia was a male, he had black scales with a yellow pattern of stripes on his back, while his front was filled with white scales. The Lamia still had red eyes, and had long black hair which looked similar to dreads; the same as the other Lamia. They'll most likely Evolve into having lesser Snakes for hair. I can see it already. He has long claws on his humanoid hands as well, but they don't appear to be as long as the female Lamia's. Happily, I brought this new Lamia to meet with the others and informed them that we had successfully completed the culling.
All in all, we have obtained several new comrades from this ordeal. If you count gaining Vana during the census investigation as part of the culling, there are 1 Tier 7 Leshi, 1 Tier 6 Wolfenrine, 1 Tier 6 Kitsune, 2 Tier 6 Lamias, 2 Tier 5 Flutterfairies, 1 Tier 5 Rifaleesi, 1 Tier 5 Rabbit, and 1 Tier 4 Bear. All in all, I would say that this culling was multitudes more successful than the one in the Chasms due to us actually Evolving at least one of every race. Be that as it may, we'll still need to keep tabs on the overall population of each race and ensure that the ratios remain the same.
After leading everyone back to the Wailing Keep through the Hallowed Gate, I closed it off and replaced it with a new one within the Throne Room. Everyone else is extremely tired at this point, and I kind of am too. We did a good job, so I guess we deserve a break? Just kidding~ I still need to explain to the new comrades exactly why we decided to slay off half of the populace. I briefly explained last night that it was better this way to help keep the overall population of the Lost Kingdom safe from outside forces, but there's a bit more to it than that. If they're going to live alongside us in the Wailing Keep, then they deserve to know exactly what we're doing here.
So, I had EVERYONE gather in the Dining Hall. There are Fish being passed around, and I have for the first time ever; taken my master seat at one of the tables. No one has ever sat here before. We usually just eat near the middle of the middle table, but tonight is different. Tonight matters! Besides, there are a lot of people here now. Including my Clansmen and the individuals who inhabit the Wailing Keep, there are 33 creatures at this table aside from me. One might say that we have filled up around half of the chairs for one of the three tables.
"Greetings everyone, I would like to welcome any newcomers to my home; the Wailing Keep. I tried to briefly explain to each of you exactly what our goals are here, but I will now explain everything in much more detail. If any of you hold obligations or opinions, I ask that you refrain from sharing them until I have finished what I need to say." [Nero] respectfully greeted everyone before continuing.
"My name is Nero. I am the True Halloween Cat. I represent the races of the Halloween Clan, and will do everything within my power to keep this Kingdom safe during the time of night. Be that as it may, I lack the capability to withhold the safety of this Kingdom during the day. I can't do it alone, nor will I even try. For a long time now, there have been armies of nearby Kingdoms wandering through ours in attempts at launching war against each other. While those armies march through our lands, they indiscriminately slay any and all monsters who stand in their path. Many of the monsters of this Kingdom appear to be of low intelligence and power… If a single army were to march directly through the territory of any race within this Kingdom, that race may very well go extinct. It is my hope that we as the few strong monsters of these lands can rise to the occasion, and fight off any invading armies together before any of the remaining lesser races die off. By performing cullings of the Lost Kingdom races, we were able to help several monsters Evolve to the capability of being able to help protect this Kingdom. I am talking about all of you, newcomers. By attempting to leave half of the monster populations untouched, we hope that the balanced ecosystem within the Lost Kingdom will remain intact and will be able to recoup again; allowing us to obtain a suitable mate for each of you. If each of you newcomers can attain a suitable mate from our cullings, then you may bring forth a new; more Evolved race of monsters which will be more capable of protecting the Lost Kingdom in the generations to come. Generally speaking, monsters Devolve losing intelligence and power if their parents are not adequately fed. We will feed all of you who choose to help protect this Kingdom from impending war, effectively ensuring that if you do obtain a partner and attempt at having a child; your child will not Devolve. That is my promise to you. If you return to your own appropriate dwellings, there is a chance that you may cause more harm than good. As an Evolved monster, you require more food to sustain yourself; and you very well may give birth to a Devolved monster if you leave here and fail to adequately feed yourself. Your Devolved children are still your children, but they might still be bestowed with immense power towering over the nearby monsters and would lack the cognitive abilities to make proper use of it. They may cause the balanced ecosystem to shift, effectively forcing a different race of monsters to go extinct from internal forces within the Kingdom rather than impending armies. So by all means, you are free to leave here and rejoin the ecosystem. If you do, please be aware that if your children become a nuisance to the populace; I will eradicate them. My own Clansmen may also suffer the same fate after I am dead and gone... They may eventually Devolve as well, I only hope that you all keep this fact in mind. It's amazing if we can get along and live together, but we should not risk all of our futures based on the wellbeing of just one race who refused to play it safely. If some of my Clansmen were to begin a rampage after I died, I would not hold anything against you if you chose to fight back against them." [Nero] explained honestly.
"As long as it's interesting…" [Cetilla] said while winking before letting out a giggle.
"...I don't know..." [Rifaleesi] said while unsure.
"It ssssoundsss fine." [Female Lamia] remarked.
"Yessssss." [Male Lamia] agreed.
"You're even willing to sacrifice the wellbeing of your own Clansmen to help us…" [Mobbin Village Keef Sama] said while looking down.
"I would follow my master anywhere." [Tier 5 Bat] solemnly proclaimed before the lesser Bats flew over and landed beside him.
"We get food, and we might even get a chance at having proper mates. I don't see the issue here." [Male Flutterfairy] said nonchalantly.
"I agree. I was SO tired of having Caterpillar babies." [Vana] chimed in as if exasperated.
"...But what about holes? I want to dig a hole..." [Rabbit] asked while tilting his head.
"You can dig a hole outside the Wailing Keep." [Nero] replied flatly.
"Then I'm in!" [Rabbit] exclaimed happily.
"If the Rabbit stays, then I will too!" [Rifaleesi]
"...Do I get a chance to leave as well?" [Milton] asked in an unsure tone of voice.
"Would you even want to?" [Rei] asked mockingly.
"Haha~ I guess not... The beds are too comfortable." [Milton] laughed before admitting.
"I'm just happy to have friends to spend time with." [Cyclozard] chimed in.
"Me too~" [Leshi] remarked happily.
"The festivals are my favorite part. I'll stay as long as we continue to hold them!" [Budget Dragon] declared.
"Aye!" [Weeping Angel and Mrs Scarecrow] agreed. To which, Mr Scarecrow nodded.
"If White Wolf Lady agrees, then I'm willing." [Wolfenrine] declared.
"I have no choice in the matter, but Nero knows what he's doing." [White Sheep Lady] admitted.
"Very well then!" [Wolfenrine] proclaimed.
"Why aren't we culling the Goblins though?" [Kistune] asked. To which, the three Goblins all quietly gasped before looking at Nero.
"The Goblins are already capable of communicating with any of the races here, so it doesn't seem necessary." [Nero] admitted. To which, a sigh of relief was heard from the Goblins.
"I guess that makes sense. They still can't protect the Kingdom though." [Kitsune] agreed.
"I will help so long as there is Candy!" [Crowli] exclaimed. To which, several Crows cawwed.
"I can't imagine attempting to protect my brethren without all of your help, so I'll join." [Bear] said reluctantly.
"You have helped the Goblin Village through so much already… We will stand with you." [Mobbin Village Keef Sama] dramatically declared.
"Then I guess that we're all in agreement. We'll fight to keep this place safe for as long as we can. With that, please feel free to spend the rest of the night as you wish." [Nero] declared.
Whew~ Thankfully, they all were able to agree that we'd be better off together. I was feeling kind of tired at this point, and dawn was approaching anyways; so I made my way towards the Treasure Room. On the way, Goblin Hunk considerately thanked me for choosing to spare the lesser Goblins. I honestly thought that me sparing the lesser Goblins would have been a given, but I accepted the thanks and continued on my way to bed. While I walked through the Throne Room, I was creating clothes while aiming at level 20 pieces. On arrival into my room, I used [Daily Candy] before returning to my Cat form and falling asleep.