Author’s note: I feel like I should clarify the MCs obliviousness for all things ‘sexual’. Since he was cursed, every girl in his life has treated him with scorn except for Akiko (even his own mother). MC not only subconsciously detested girls, he also never had the opportunity to lust after them. He has forgotten about Akiko since her death, thus he doesn’t understand his feelings towards girls or any perverted things they may do to him (example: he knows that Yunni gave him panties but he doesn’t understand why). THIS IS ONLY TEMPORARY (haha, it’s been over 20 chapters and I’m calling it temporary) but… should I spoil it? :)
Chapter 22: The Golden Sun Arc (1)
“Ahhhh~” (Marcus)
“Woof!” (Diloria)
The night sky is clear. The moon dances on the wave. Splashing in the water is none other than Marcus and Diloria. It’s been 2 days since they discovered the location of Yunni. Since then, they’ve been running nonstop to shake off their pursuers. Covered in sweat and dirt, Marcus decided it was a good time to bathe with Diloria. Combing his hands through her thick fur, Marcus was diligent in getting every nook and cranny. Diloria didn’t mind the extra attention, she was one of those dogs that actually enjoyed bath time.
[spuush]
“Haha, stop moving! You’re making it hard to wash!” (Marcus)
“Woof!” (Diloria)
After cleaning up, Marcus equipped his gear. There’s been a slight change in his appearance. Thanks to looting the bandits, Marcus had improved hard leather gloves, boots and a new cloak. He also had a secondary pouch that he tied to his waist. Marcus made his way over to the campfire where Stephanie was preparing a late night snack.
“Hey Stephanie, almost done?” (Marcus)
“O-OH! Hi Marcus, it’s taking longer than expected!” (Stephanie71)
“Here, let me help” (Marcus)
Scooting over to the fire, Marcus notice a stream of blood dripping from Stephanie’s nose!
“Stephanie! You’re nose!” (Marcus)
“Huh?!” (Stephanie71)
“What happened?!” (Marcus)
To some, peeping on someone bathing is considered a crime.
“Ehehehe~ Nothing! I just tripped” (Stephanie71)
“Here, hold still” (Marcus)
Marcus dapped his finger in some red salve he made earlier and rubbed it on Stephanie’s nose.
“Eh?!” (Stephanie71)
“All better now?” (Marcus)
“Fuuu… that’s not fair” (Stephanie71)
“Huh?” (Marcus)
Stephanie cozied up next to Marcus as they ate their meal. Since they’ve been running non-stop for several hours, they needed to replenish their stamina and satiation bar. Stephanie was quite impressed with Marcus cooking skills, she never imagine a boy to be able to cook so well, it only reinforced her image of a perfect boyfriend.
“We should head out now” (Marcus)
Stephanie took out the map and led the way. The map itself wasn’t that big. It only revealed a detail sketch of the hideout and a few villages in the surrounding. Looking towards the north, a series of forest and mountains blocked their way. Stephanie and Marcus decided to check out the closest village due north. If they were planning to reach Solaris within 2 weeks, they needed some horses.
Being short on time, the safest route was also the longest route. Cutting through the forest drastically reduced they travel time but it was still very difficult path to traverse. As the sun started to peak it’s head over the mountain range, Stephanie signaled Marcus to slow down.
“Psst- Marcus!” (Stephanie71)
“What is it?” (Marcus)
Stephanie closed her eyes. Her passive skill -keen sense- was picking up several monster signals. She focused her mana while calling out another skill.
“-Locate-!” (Stephanie71)
-Locate- was one of the skills Stephanie received as a stalker. It’s a very useful skill that reveals all allies and hostile enemies within a 25 m (82 ft) radius. When using this skill, a faint green/red light will blink at the corresponding location. What Stephanie saw caused goosebumps to form on the back of her neck. 20... 30... 40... 50 red dots! Marcus watched as Stephanie trembled in fear. What was it?
[rumble]
“SHRIEEEK!” (???)
A high pitch scream caused a chain reaction of tremors in the earth. Marcus’s eardrums were being assaulted from every direction. Whatever it was, it’s been following Marcus and Stephanie ever since they left the hideout. Marcus got ready to fight, he initiated with his own battle cry.
Lion’s roar: -25 mp
“ROAR!” (Marcus)
“SHRIEEK!” (???)
“ROARRR!” (Marcus)
“SHRIEEK” (???)
“...” (Marcus)
“Woof!” (Diloria)
The monsters kept a safe distance from Marcus. What was it? Why weren't they attacking?
“Ahem… ‘ROAR’!” (Marcus)
“Shrieek” (???)
“Woof!” (Diloria)
Stephanie turn to Marcus with a perplex expression. Were the monsters hostiles or friendlies? A small red dot scurry underneath the topsoil towards Marcus, it seems they were sending a messenger of somesort. Maybe a plea bargain? Popping from the dirt was a furry ball of cuteness! Stephanie squealed in excitement. The high pitch noise caused a small ripple of squeaks from behind.
The monster had ears similar to a bat and claws similar to a mole. Their face and bodies were round like a soccer ball, but that was mostly due to their fluffy fur. As if Marcus and Stephanie were the main attraction at a zoo, several more little creature crawl forward and started to gawk.
“Uh-do you know what these are?” (Marcus)
“Sorry, no clue” (Stephanie71)
The little messenger was trying to communicate with Marcus, but all he heard were squeaks. To his surprise, Diloria was actually barking back in response.
Do all animals share a common language?
Diloria looked at Marcus and started to translate. Marcus could tell that she wanted him to follow her. He told Stephanie it was safe and they should follow the little mole-bat (temporary name). Marcus didn't realized but he was becoming an animal translator. He still couldn't quite put his finger on it but he recognized most of Diloria’s ‘speech’ and ‘expressions’. It wasn't like in his past life, he was a dog or something… right? They spent the next 30 minutes walking deeper into the forest, as they arrived at their destination, they were left breathless. A miniature village made of stone and trees spanned over half a km (0.31 mile)!
The artwork of the houses were well done considering furry rodents with no opposable thumbs. Little gardens were planted at the entrance of each house, makeshift roads were made with flatten logs. There was an array of plants and wildlife buzzing around the village. The main residents were indeed the mole-bats, but several other furry creatures made this village their home.
Marcus continued to follow Diloria towards the biggest ‘hut’ in the village. The path would be considered narrow by human standards, but the main ‘road’ had enough leeway for two adults to stand side by side. Stopping just outside the hut, a slightly larger mole-bat with white fur snuggled through the entrance.
“Squeak-squeak!” (White mole-bat)
“Um, hello. Sorry, I don’t understand your language…” (Marcus)
The white rodent scurried back inside the hut and came out with a small book.
“Squeak-squeak!” (White mole-bat)
[ping]
You received a skill book: Beast language
“Hm…” (Marcus)
[ping]
Would you like to use this skill book?
“Yes” (Marcus)
You’ve learn a new skill! Beast language beginner lvl. 1
“Hello Hero! Thank you very much for your help!” (White mole-bat)
Marcus was surprised. Not because he could understand what the cute little mole-bat was saying, but because he didn't know what he did to help them.
“Um. Sorry, I don’t recall doing anything special” (Marcus)
Stephanie had a curious expression on her face. She wanted to be part of the conversation but she didn’t get a skill book like Marcus did.
“Hey Marcus! Tell them to give me a skill book too!” (Stephanie71)
“Uh- you wouldn't happen to have another skill book would you?” (Marcus)
“Sorry, we cannot give this skill to outsiders” (White mole-bat)
Outsiders? Am I not one too?
“Sorry Stephanie, they said they can’t give it to you” (Marcus)
“Wah! No fair!” (Stephanie71)
The ‘Red Fox’ pouted but her smile was a mix between being upset and being super excited. Stephanie just wanted to pounce on the furry animals and hug them to death.
Marcus was clueless why he was chosen to be the translator. But he was still confused why the called him a Hero in the first place.
“Ah- My name is Marcus” (Marcus)
“Hello Hero, I am Lurial, the chief of the Woobles!” (Lurial)
“Hello Lurial. So why did you bring us here?” (Marcus)
All the Woobles and other various fur ball gathered around Marcus. He could see it in their eyes that they were grief stricken. All the animals started to murmur in a high pitch voice as the chief cleared her throat.
“The humans have been hunting our kind since the dawn of Woobles! We are powerless against their magic and giant contraptions! We witness you slaying those vile humans who have kidnapped our brethren! Please Hero! Save our family! We will forever be indebted to you!” (Lurial)
[ping]
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Quest: Save the Woobles!
Difficulty: C
Description: Free the imprisoned Woobles located in Solaris!
Requirement: High affinity with nature.
Reward: + Exp, Wooble snacks
Failure: Decrease affection with Woobles
Marcus had to discuss this matter with Stephanie. It wasn’t out of the way for Marcus to save the Woobles, but the reward for the quest was rather… questionable. Stephanie wasn’t even listening after he told her “We must save the Woobles!”. For Stephanie, saving the cute bundles of joy was a definite yes!
“I guess we’ll take the quest” (Marcus)
[ping]
Your party has accepted the quest: Save the Woobles!
Marcus was still in a party with Stephanie. Though it’s usually the leader’s job to accept quests, if party members are given approval, anyone can accept a quest on behalf of the party.
Now Marcus's next dilemma was figuring out how they would travel to Solaris. They've wasted a bit of time in the Wooble’s village, he was a little concern if Yunni would still be there when he arrives.
“Excuse me Lurial, we must be on our way now. We also have a friend that has been kidnapped by the bandits…. We will do our best freeing your friends” (Marcus)
[squeak-squeak!]
All the animals were cheering.
“Hero! Please let us help you travel to Solaris!” (Lurial)
“Really?!” (Marcus)
“Hey Marcus, what are they saying?” (Stephanie71)
The Woobles started popping out from beneath the ground. Looks like their specialty is digging holes. Solaris was a city located behind a series of mountains. The path most merchants took was a zig zag through the mountainous terrain which normally took over 3 weeks by horse. Taking a boat along the shoreline would take roughly 2 weeks. However…
“Hero! If you travel through our tunnel, you can cut straight through the mountain and arrive at Solaris within a week!” (Lurial)
“Daddy! Lets go!” (Diloria)
“Wai-WHAT?!” (Marcus)
[ping]
Beast language beginner lvl. 2
Marcus wasn’t expecting Diloria to sound so young. Actually, he wasn’t expecting for her to even talk! Marcus could have sworn he heard this voice before. However, he couldn't match a person to the voice. Marcus picked Diloria up to his eye level and examined her face.
She looks like a fully grown dog but she sounds like a child!
“Diloria, do you understand what I’m saying?” (Marcus)
“Of course! You’re so funny Daddy~” (Diloria)
“Hey Marcus, what are they saying?!” (Stephanie71)
Even though the cuteness meter has broke for Stephanie long ago, she was still curious what all the animals were squeaking about.
“They have a shortcut to Solaris. Looks like we’ll be there in a week” (Marcus)
“Oh really?! That’s great!” (Stephanie71)
Stephanie picked up the white Wooble and started petting it. At first the Lurial was struggling to get free but it soon succumbed to the pleasure.
“Cheif! Let go of the cheif!” (Woobles)
“Purrr-this feels nice~” (Lurial)
The little Woobles started to gather around Stephanie’s legs. She mistaken their attempt to save their chief with wanting some affection. Stephanie successfully patted each and every one of them to submission.
“Purrr-more, pet me more!” (Woobles)
“Me! Pet me!” (Woobles)
Stephanie turn to Marcus with glee in her eyes.
“Hey Steph. What’s up?” (Marcus)
“Hehe! I just got a new skill!” (Stephanie71)
“New skill?” (Marcus)
“Hm. I’ll name you Mr. FuzzyWuzzy” (Stephanie71)
“Yay!” (Wooble)
Picking up a Wooble, Stephanie showed her new friend to Marcus.
“Look Marcus~, my new pet!” (Stephanie71)
“...” (Marcus)
***
[swoosh, swoosh]
The sound of wooden swords filled the room. Entering the dojo was Sora. He’s been coming to the dojo after school and during weekends. Besides the oldman, there were 3 other instructors that ran the dojo. Sora was on bad terms with the students, but the instructors never treat Sora any different than the others. They actually had taken a liking to Sora’s raw determination and discipline.
Sora would train harder and longer than any other students. He didn't complain once about the training regime and gave it his all, even if he couldn't finish it. Right now Sora was with the other students practicing a two handed vertical swing.
“Hehe, watch this” (Student?)
As Sora was mindlessly swinging his sword, one of the students walking by tried tripping Sora with a swift low kick. Sora wasn't blind. He saw the kick from a mile away. Sora simply lifted his right foot to dodge. A bunch of snickers could be heard from behind as another person simply shoved Sora from the back while he was balancing on one leg.
Dropping the sword, Sora caught himself and turned around. Everyone dispersed and continued their training. If it wasn't for the smug looks on their faces, Sora wouldn't have been able to tell who the perpetrators were.
Dusting off his clothes, one of the instructors called out to Sora.
“Hey Sora. Would you like to spar with one of the students?” (Instructor?)
“Yes Instructor Hiro!” (Sora)
Hirotaka Muruyama was a middle aged kendo practitioner. He’s one of the few original students of Ryusaki that was still practicing kendo to this day. The instructor had a sense of justice. He wasn't blind when he notice the students picking on Sora. He was hoping this little duel would give Sora a chance to get even with the bullies.
“Hm, Kazuma. If you please” (Instructor Hiro)
“Yes Instructor Hiro!” (Kazuma)
The guy with the biggest grin on his face followed Sora as they went to the sparring room. Several students followed, they wanted to witness what Sora was really capable of.
“Alright. Shake hands and bow” (Instructor Hiro)
Sora and Kazuma had donned their kendo mask, gloves and body plate. Even with the protective gear on, kendo was still a lethal sport. There was always an instructor watching to ensure the student’s safety.
Once Sora finished bowing, he could already see Kazuma swing his sword towards his face.
[thack!]
Sora quickly sidestep the strike while redirecting the energy with a parry.
“Tsk.” (Kazuma)
Kazuma ran in with a wide swing. His body was full of openings.
[swoosh]
[thuck]
“Migi-do (Torso)!” (Instructor Hiro)
Sora had scored a point. In the world of kendo, 2 points means victory. Kazuma was now fuming with anger. Rage clouded his judgement as he stepped in for another strike.
[swoosh]
[thuck]
“Sayu-men (Head)! Sora wins!” (Instructor Hiro)
“Wait! That wasn’t fair!” (Kazuma)
“Kazuma! Are you questioning my decision?” (Instructor Hiro)
“Uh-” (Kazuma)
“If you spent more time training instead of fooling around, maybe you’ll be as strong as Sora!” (Instructor Hiro)
Watching Kazuma bow his head in shame put a smile on Sora’s face. After training, Sora thanked the instructor and went home to continue where he left off in Golden Age.
Welcome back Marcus
***
“Hey Stephanie, hope you didn't wait long” (Marcus)
“Ehehe, it’s okay. I was playing with Fuzzywuzzy” (Stephanie71)
Stephanie has grown incredibly attached to her new pet. Besides fighting off some wild beast and monsters, most of their journey was filled with endless giggles and purrs. A group of Woobles led the way. Their stubby legs made the trip seemed longer than normal. Marcus was worried they wouldn't make it in time at the pace they were going. It was already a week and they've just arrived at the mountain side. The Woobles started squeaking towards each other.
“Here we are! Woobles, get ready to dig!” (Wooble)
“Dig! Dig! Dig!” (Woobles)
Marcus watched as their little claws started glowing with mana. Like scooping a spoon full of jelly, the Woobles tore through the mountain side! The tunneling process was fast, too fast! Marcus and Stephanie didn't have time to think. They sprinted after the Woobles as they dug deeper into the mountain side.
Why can they dig faster than they could run?!
The Woobles were masters at digging, be it stone or dirt, their high affinity with earth allowed them to manipulate the earth like it was water! The small village Marcus saw earlier was only the surface. Below was an advance system of networking tunnels that spanned over 3 km!
After 1 hours of non-stop running, light finally pour through from the front. If it wasn't for the fact that they were running in a straight line, Marcus and Stephanie wouldn't have been able to navigate through the darkness!
The squeaks drew Marcus attention as he looked ahead. The blinding light slowly dimmed as a city, nested in the middle of the mountain range, revealed itself. The city was huge! Tall buildings made of stone and various metals made the city look very modern. From the west, several different mining operations were underway, and from the east, the ocean. Billows of smoke drifted towards the sky. An intricate maze of paths and buildings surrounded a giant glowing orb which was dead center of the city. The sight left Marcus and Stephanie in awe. They've finally arrived at their destination…
Solaris. The Golden Sun.
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