**Ruby Forest, Continent of Karv, Egalia**
The Ruby Forest is a wonder of the natural world, all organisms in the forest are more intelligent than average. This, in turn, causes many dangerous monsters and beasts to thrive due to their cunning nature. Where the sounds of roaring beasts, singing birds and the flutter of leaves being pushed around by the wind have been completely overwhelmed. The sounds of wood axes chopping trees down were echoing throughout the outer forest. The people that were causing the disturbance were the Red Wood Trading Company; they had been cutting down trees for years. The trees with their rich mahogany bark and ruby red leaves are a material sought out for by the humanoid races of Karv for their strong and flexible components. The trading company had exploited this gold mine and is only increasing the logging rate.
Now, the company is approaching the deep woods where the largest trees have lived for centuries. Over their life, the Ruby Spruce, which comprised most of the forest had developed a community, or well as much as trees could. All of them could talk with one another and can communicate with the more intelligent beasts residing on the ground and their branches.
The trees being unable to move had asked the other residents of the forest to venture out and get rid of the trespassers who were killing their younger brothers and sisters. They had agreed to the trees’ request and had gone to do just that. None of the strongest creatures returned, but of the small rodents that scampered away, a few did return only to report the horrible news. Everything that went near the Red Wood Trading Company was cut down on sight.
Udel was listening to the story the trees were telling her. They had asked her to aid them in their survival. She agreed reluctantly and ventured out towards the camp where the humans were residing. Udel lifted her arm in front of her, she studied it still trying to comprehend the full situation. She remembered the coin being flipped and it landing on heads.
It felt as if she had real skin, but it was completely different. Her skin was coloured just like the bark of the trees, deep mahogany. On top of the interesting shade of colour, Udel could feel more than the cool night air, she felt everything around her, the brambles, the insects and even the occasional monster that was hiding in dark areas Udel was unable to see. On her forearms were a pair of bracers that had been formed to fit her perfectly, they restricted no movement, and the same could be said for the rest of her outfit. The armour that had been made from a durable brown bark had been crafted by Systemia. The natural armour, as named by Systemia, felt as if it was an extension of her organic body.
After looking at herself, and questioning frightened animals, Udel had a pretty good picture of what she looked like. She was around the same height as her Goddess body, but leaner. Her skin was mahogany that seemed to allow her to blend in with her surroundings. Her hair was a dazzling ruby red similar to the trees that flowed elegantly down to the small of her back. I am starting to notice a pattern…” Udel stated to no one in particular. Continuing, her armour was snug and what seemed to be a modified jumpsuit that allowed for more breathing room, or in Udel’s case, more eating room being organic and all. The aspect she found most intriguing were her eyes, instead of a white sclera like all mammals have, hers are black that only are accented further by the golden iris in each one.
After a decently sized jog, Udel finally started to crested a hill, the trees Udel noticed were smaller. The occasional stump could be found revealing the royal red wood that the humans were seeking. Each time she approached a stump she could hear crying, every time she heard the crying she looked around for the source for a second before realizing the trees themselves were mourning for their dead companion.
Once Udel reached the top of the hill she looked down at the mass of tents and lights that rested at the bottom. Collecting herself, Udel sits down and starts to plan her attack.
“So, this must be the pests that the forest wants to be destroyed. I can feel it, the natural mana is too abstract… hm? Since when have I been able to feel natural mana flow?” Udel tilts her head slightly pondering and finally accepting the difference between her new self and her old body. “Since this is my body, for now, I have to just accept it. As long as I do not get too attached it should be fine…”
Udel coughed and stood up. “Well, now it is time to begin. If only they had chosen another forest, maybe I would have been more lenient. Problem is, this one is sentient.”
As Udel starts walking down the hill, she hears a young man’s voice filled with disgust and hatred coming from her right.
“I cannot allow you to do that demon!” Before Udel gets to look over at the owner of the voice, Udel for the first time in that world feels pain, she gasps and falls to her knees, protruding from her chest at an unusual angle was a spear point covered in red organic matter and a piece of her armour. “Heh, that is what you get for coming living in this godforsaken forest.”
Looking down at the spear, Udel starts to feel faint. After a couple of big breathes and a few despairing thoughts, she turns her head and opens her mouth, only to find a foot being forcefully kicked into her mouth instead. She stares at the leg in front of her eyes roll back in her head and falls limply to the ground.
---
Ven was dragging the body of the demon he found that was secretly planning to murder them all down the hill towards the camp. He was smiling to himself, he had incapacitated her by tying hands and legs together, not to mention gagging her as well. As he approached the closest tent he raised his hand and yelled. “I CAUGHT ONE OF THE DEMONS THAT WAS TRYING TO HALT THE PROGRESS!”
Not too long after he yelled, a couple of armoured warriors seemed to sprint out of the tent at an alarming rate. When they finally got close enough to Ven, they looked at the captive and started showering him with praises.
“Thank you guys very much, it was a hard-fought battle, I luckily escaped with minimal injuries as you can see.” Ven boasted showing off his spotless armour and his spear that had been stabbed through the demon’s body. “I need to go report to Captain Farlence.”
As he walked off he, the other men patted his back and waved him off. Not too long after he noticed a pair of girls he knew all to well walk up to him. June and Katania, both were incredible in their own right, but Katania had captured his heart a few years ago. Katania had saved him from a horde of orcs, she had run in and decapitated every one within a few seconds just as they were about o kill him. Since then he has been following her around saying he owes her his life. June, on the other hand, met Katania before Ven had. They met during a cyclops raid in the lower Agareen Mountain range. June was a skilled archer that infused wind magic into her arrows. If Ven had not fallen for Katania, he most would have fallen for June since she was a half-elf and had gained the traits of both humans and elves alike.
When he noticed that they were together his face fell, he knew that June was aiming for Katania as well. They were a party of three, but it felt like it was just the two of them. He was always left out of important conversations and decisions. He did not mind though, as long as he was with Katania he was happy.
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“Oh, look what Ven has brought back Kat.” June pointed directly at the demon, obviously trying to disrupt my chance at talking to her beloved. “It seems he has brought back a demon with him this time.”
“Quite the interesting catch I must say.” I stared at Katania as she brushed her straight black hair out of her eyes with her hand. She leaned in closely and whispered. “Ven, you go rest up, June and I will take it from here. I will make sure you are properly compensated.”
Ven froze up despite his body heating up and his face flushing red. He hesitantly handed the rope he was using to drag the demon over to Katania. She took the rope quickly and then started to walk off.
June stuck her tongue out at Ven, she turned and bounded after their black-haired companion.
Finding his voice once they the corner Ven answered, “Alright then, please do so.” Ven realizing that he just answered a question that was asked a minute ago quickly shut his mouth and weaved his way around the tents towards his own.
Once he arrived he stepped inside his one-man tent and promptly flopped down on the makeshift bed he was using. He took off his armour to get comfortable before proceeding with picking up his adventuring bag. He reached in and pulled out a pair of wooden bracers he had looted from the demon.
Flipping the bracers over to examine them. Ven slowly slid one of them on to test to see if they would fit. He gasped a little as the bracer magically shifted to fit his arm perfectly. “{Appraise}” He eagerly said.
Darkwood Dryad Bracers (Legendary)
Description
Crafted to perfection for the use of a Darkwood Dryad. It houses some of the magical properties of the Darkwood Dryad it belongs too.
Stat Bonuses
- Strength +8
- Intellect +13
- Durability +25
- Health +30
- Mana +30
- Casting Time -7%
Traits
- Wooden Consumption: By feeding the bracers wood, they will get stronger.
- Binding: Binds to the wearer to not restrict movements.
- Curse of Owner: If the wearer is not a Darkwood Dryad, then Item is unable to be taken off except by a Darkwood Dryad.
- Darkwood Dryad Armour Set: If all of the set is present on the wearer, every stat is increased by 100%.
Ven’s eyes widened he immediately noticed the legendary rarity level. He started to salivate as he imagined the number of gold pieces he could sell it for. He snapped back to the box after the Curse of Owner trait processed properly. He started to panic and attempted to remove the bracers on his arm. After a good couple of minutes of Ven struggling to take them off, he lies down on his bed and groans.
“Ugh, I should have appraised it these Darkwood Dryad Bracers before…” Ven’s mind came to a grinding halt as his mind tried to process what he said. “Hold on, what is a Dryad, nonetheless a Darkwood one?”
Realizing his mistake Ven jumps up off his bed full of energy and races out of his tent. “I need to tell them, I need to tell them. I have no idea what a Dryad is, but it does not sound good.”
**Captain Farlence’s Tent, Remains of the Outer Ruby Forest**
Katania was sitting on Captain Farlence’s lap giving him a passionate kiss when they heard June and Ven having a heated discussion outside the tent. The moment ruined, Katania slides off the Captain’s lap and walks slowly saunters over to the entry flap.
“Get back here Kat, we haven’t finished,” Farlence says in a forceful tone causing Katania to wince. “They can wait until morning when we are done.”
“If only, these two have ruined the mood and I should send them back,” Katania replies in an annoyed tone.
As she exits the tent she sees June trying to pull a pair of wooden bracers off of Ven’s arms.
“What are you two doing?” Katania’s tone was cold. Both of them quickly closed their mouth before separating and hanging their heads low.
Katania continues to glare at them, suddenly Ven raises his head, “Katania, what I captured was not a demon, it was a dryad of some sorts. I do not know what that is, but I need its help with taking these things off.” He lifts his arms showing off the bracers he was wearing.
Katania rolls her eyes and motions for the two to follow her inside the tent. “Don’t say anything Ven. You may ruin everything if you do.” Ven quickly nods which receives a smirk from June.
Once they were inside Ven gasps, he had never been inside the Captain’s tent. Animal furs coated the floor, monster skulls hung from the top of the tent. It was incredible and in the middle of the tent sat Captain Farlence. He sat upon a golden throne that was intricately designed to boast his successes throughout his life. The man himself was intimidating he wore no shirt, which allowed for his extremely well-toned body to be on display. He shut his mouth once he noticed he was gawking at the luxury.
“Captain Farlence Sir, it has come to my attention that the demon in question is a Darkwood Dryad. I feel we must take full responsibility for this mistake.” Katania made a small bow with her head. “I am sorry for not noticing that I had captured a resident of the forest.”
Ven’s eyes widened and he looked at stared at his love. He could not believe what he just heard. Had Katania taken the glory in his capture?
“Very well, the thing is behind the tent outside with the other demons.” Farlence narrowed his eyes at Katania but said nothing.
“June could you go around and grab it? I have business still to discuss with the captain here.” Katania cocked her head towards June and Ven. “Oh, and just take it back to Ven’s tent right away, we must not be disturbed.”
The two of them left the tent. Katania making sure they were gone slowly sauntered towards the captain. She made it to three feet away before he raised his hand. “Tell me, Katania Sako, why was Ven looking at you like he had been betrayed? Answer quickly.”
“I, uh, he…” Farlence started to growl and his eyes were shooting daggers now.
“You did not lie to me, did you? You know I hate liars.” He stood up and was leaning over Katania. He then stopped and turned his head towards the back of his tent. Katania completely confused pricked her ears.
There were barely tangible words being spoken between loud sobs. “I... sob ...Am so sorry for… sob ...capturing you!!” The last two words were just barely understood before Ven could be heard breaking down into tears. A full minute went past and Farlence had returned his glare at Katania. Ven continued completely unaware of what was happening in the tent. “I did not know that was happening.” Ven’s voice faded away until it was quiet in the tent.
“He was not supposed to say anything.” Katania seethed under her breath thinking that the giant of a man standing before her did not hear her.
But he had heard, he crossed his arms and sat back down on his throne. “Katania, you and your party are hereby expelled from this adventuring expedition. You have lied to me, and I have no idea how many times. That boy captured a dryad, not you.” He was practically yelling at this point.
“Captain please reconsider, I can make up for it...” She slowly started to take off her clothes, obviously trying to entice the man in front of her.
“NO, GET OUT OF MY TENT! I WILL NOT HEAR ANY MORE LIES FROM YOU!!” He took a deep breath before continuing. “You have one hour until you must be gone. If you are still here, I will cut you down myself.”
Katania, eyes widened sprinted out of the tent, cursing that she will make Ven pay for his crimes against her.
At the same moment, three separate thoughts were made, all of them with the same idea: What do I have to live for now?