Swallowing his response to the notice, Owen’s eyes snapped forward as he heard the strange speech of the Gobbo. Scanning over them all, Owen fired off two rounds, killing a Warrior and Ardent. Having killed the threats, Owen wished he had a sling as he dismissed his weapon. Summoning his sword and shield, Owen used Mana Edge as he decimated the regular creatures. Having killed everything that spawned, Owen glanced at his notifications before dismissing them.
Skill increased: Basic Swordsmanship Combat Exp gained 170. Rewards: F-Grade Mana Stones x8
Making his way away from the city, Owen headed straight for the next large group. As he took off, he checked on his stamina, “Alright, all that running and fighting cost about 45 stamina and 40 mana. I should be good to clear all the packs as long as nothing gets in the way. ARMS, can you hold off any notifications until I ask for them to return to normal.” Not expecting an answer, Owen soon reached the next pack of monsters; this one seemed to have attacked a group of deer. Summoning his rifle, he shot the only Warrior in the group. Dealing with the rest with his mundane weapons, Owen once again took off for the next group. Owen rushed from group to group, slaughtering the monsters as he went. Soon, he was covered in a layer of sweat and grime, but he pushed on, counting each group he took down as a victory. It was when the fatigue was setting in, these few hours of running from battle to battle wearing him down.
“One more, come on, Owen, just one more. Fucking move body,” Owen struggled to get the words out as he opened his stats.
STATUS Inventory Armory Other Name: Owen Grest Class: Assault Marine Species: Human Level: ERROR EXP: ERROR Health : 174/499 Stamina : 102/499 Mana: 45/383 Stats Strength: 25 Endurance: 22 Dexterity: 21 Vigor: 22 Intelligence: 16 Focus: 19 Faith: 13 Luck 9
Owen's eyes glossed over his stats, ignoring the strange errors; they focused instead on his resources. “You still got gas, Owen, so fucking move,” as he began to slough towards the final pack, a scream tore through the air. Owen’s chest clenched as he dug into the ground and sprinted without reserve. As he ran, he summoned his sword and shield while checking his Map. He could see two dots on the nearby road against five monsters, four as one of them disappeared. It didn't take long for them to come into sight, a large man holding off the Gobbo’s with a large hand axe. Another figure was hiding behind him; as Owen neared, the large man let out a roar, smacking the nearby monsters and flinging them away. Taking the chance, Owen ran in and stabbed one of the Gobbo’s as it attempted to get up.
“I’m here to help,” Owen said out of breath.
“Thank the Gods,” The large man responded with deep, ragged breaths. As Owen cut down another two monsters, he saw the man fell the final creature before he sunk to the ground.
“Brother!” The voice from earlier yelled out as she ran to the large man. Checking his Map, he confirmed there were no other enemies nearby as he made his way over to the pair. As he approached, he noticed the extremely tall man hunched over, clutching at his side. The small woman was reaching into a bag at her waist and trying to apply some type of leaf to his wound.
Meadow Bell Leaf: The leaf of a medicinal plant. Helps stem bleeding by clotting open wounds.
Now that Owen was much closer, he could make out the wound the large man had sustained. It was a deep cut with the blood soaking through the leaf and his matted…fur. Dropping his pack, Owen grabbed his disinfectant before holding it to the man's wound.
“This may sting a bit,” Owen warned as he pushed his mana through the device, letting out a small healing mist. Focusing as the wound slowly began to heal, he ignored the gasp coming from his partner as Owen used Critical Eye on the large man.
Name: Borit Craggle Class: Axeman Species: Ursar Level: 6 EXP: 14/380 Health : 102/253 Stamina : 87/215 Mana: 22/42 Stats Strength: 18 Endurance: 18 Dexterity: 11 Vigor: 13 Intelligence: 8 Focus: 8 Skills Slash, Raging Roar, Thunderous Strike, Beastial Prowess, Bestial Shift
As he read the information his Skill gave him, Owen looked over the large man. He had a large build, wearing leather armor similar to his own, but was easily twice as wide. Aside from his small layer of fur, Owen understood why he hadn't realized it sooner. As he took his eyes off the wound and looked up to check on the man, he seemed completely normal. The fur was so subtle from far away he thought it was just a tan. As he looked up at the man's face, it became more pronounced, as he had a large snout with ears on top of his head.
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“Um, Sir Mage, I’m afraid we can’t afford your services. Please stop.” The shy voice spoke up. Looking over, Owen also used his Eye on her.
Name: Alice Craggle Class: Herbalist Species: Lupinax Level: 2 EXP: 87/155 Health : 50/50 Stamina : 90/107 Mana: 150/174 Stats Strength: 5 Endurance: 4 Dexterity: 16 Vigor: 16 Intelligence: 14 Focus: 13 Skills Botany, Cooking, Survival, Beastial Prowess, Bestial Shift, Crealexis
“Umm, I wasn’t planning on charging you,” Owen told the young woman as he also took her in. She was petite, barely approaching her brother's height as he crouched over. The pack she wore on her back was easily twice as big as her, with a satchel on her side and a dagger.
“You won’t charge us? But the magic tool you are using, we just don’t want any trouble.” She said with steel in her voice; confused, Owen looked into her eyes.
“This is completely free,” Owen said, “I’m helping because your brother is hurt. If you want to pay me back, maybe dinner or something. For now, ensuring your brother doesn’t bleed out is my priority.”
“But we can’t just-”
“Alice, that’s enough. This man is obviously stronger than us; he wouldn't need to use any tricks with me wounded as I am. We should be thanking him. I apologize for my sister, Sir. We had a nasty run-in with bandits, and she’s been doubtful ever since. I’m Borit, and this is my younger sister Alice. Thank you for coming to our rescue.” The man said as he tried to stand up.
“That’s fine, I understand. My name is Owen, and I’m from the nearby town of Moonkeep. I was out hunting monsters when I heard your sister scream, and I rushed over. I appreciate your thanks, but don’t push yourself.” Owen said as he helped the large man up, “What were you guys doing out here? If you don't mind telling me, of course.”
“It’s fine,” Borit said, “We are part of a merchant caravan. I came out with my sister to look for herbs while they waited in the nearby village. Seems I overestimated my own strength. If you can spare the time, would you come back with us? I’m sure my sister would love to repay you with dinner for saving us.”
“Brother,” Alice cried while Borit laughed at his younger sister.
“That sounds great. I’ve been killing monsters all day; I should probably take a rest.” As Owen helped the man to his feet, he couldn't help but ask the towering man. “So, how are you two related? I’m sorry, I don’t really know much about the other races.”
“It’s fine,” Alice spoke up, shushing her brother, “Knowing Borit, he’ll just say something like, ‘She’s always been my sister.’” Looking over at the large smile Borit had, Owen chuckled at the pair. “We come from the Craggle Clan. Everyone in the village works together to help raise the children. We were in the same age group and are a family by your standards. At least, that’s how it is in the South; I’m unsure of the customs this far North. Though my brother is right, you should come back to the caravan and meet the rest of the family. They will love to add this story to our tale.”
“I don’t mind at all,” Owen said as he helped Borit walk along, “So how long have you been traveling? How far have you traveled? What did you mean by adding it to your tale?” Borit’s laughter caught Owen by surprise.
“You ask so many questions, Owen,” Borit said while his laughter died down. “We’ve been traveling since the season of Fire. We’ve traveled a fair bit north, though most was on a ship at first. We’ve been following the river north to get to the capital, where we are planning to portal back home. As for the tale, it's a family custom. As we travel, we add exciting things that have happened to our stories. While we have many Merchants in the family, we have just as many Entertainers. I can’t wait to see what Mother thinks of a Knight coming to the rescue. Borit began to laugh again as the village came into view. Seeing the village reminded Owen, and he thought to himself.
ARMS, it’s all clear now. As soon as the thought crossed his mind, his vision flooded with notifications.
Skill increased: Basic Swordsmanship Skill increased: Basic Shield Mastery Skill increased: Mana Edge Skill increased: Eagle Eye Skill increased: Physical Boost Skill increased: Primordial Affinity Skill increased: Critical Eye Combat Exp gained 2100 Rewards: F-Grade Mana Stones x96
The User has leveled up. The User has leveled up. The User has leveled up. The User has leveled up. The User has leveled up. The User has leveled up.
Achievement gained: Relentless Unique Achievement gained: Harrowing Temper
Warning: Prerequisite not acquired, ERROR—-
Achievement gained: War Scarred