Author’s Rant: To commemorate my 50th favourite, I give you... chapter 24! (Cheers) I hope you enjoy the story! (unpolished chapter btw)
P.S. Still re-editing my work. On chapter 4 now :3.
Chapter 24: The Golden Sun Arc (3)
Two hours have passed since joining the moving squad. The ship has finished unloading and is now departing back towards the sea. Marcus’s chest feels tight. His fist clenched. He hasn’t seen any signs of Yunni….
“Good job Marcus. Here’s your reward!” (Captain Raymond)
[ping]
Gained 7 gold, 50 silver
Marcus pocketed the change. His shoulders were slump. His vigour gone. Raymond could tell something was wrong.
“What’s the matter Marcus?” (Captain Raymond)
“...” (Marcus)
Silence. Marcus felt defeated. Did he make a mistake? Was it something else? Maybe it wasn’t a fairy? Maybe Yunni wasn’t even here… Marcus was beating himself over wasting time on a wild goose chase.
“Hey, if it’s money you need, how bout working at the venue that’s hosting the auction?” (Captain Raymond)
“Auction?” (Marcus)
“The slave auction! This year will be busy one. I just got back with my own ship, loaded with dozens of demons. I’m sure they will gladly accept any extra help they could get” (Captain Raymond)
Maybe Yunni wasn’t on this ship? She might already be at the auction house!
“Yes please! Let me do it!” (Marcus)
“Harharhar! That’s the spirit! Hop on boy, I’ll take you there myself!” (Captain Raymond)
Marcus sat in the back of the cart, next to the several exotic animals he helped carried off the ship. The capture animals were crying out in sorrow. The woeful cries chipped slowly at Marcus’s heart. He had to remind himself what his goals were. He had to save Yunni. He didn’t have time save everyone. He didn’t have time to play hero.
They arrived at the auction house. It was an outdoor auction house. Seats were being place symmetrically in front of the stage. Local merchants were setting up stalls along the edge of the venue. Marcus was thinking how grand of an event this auction really was. He assumed it was going to be held in some shady basements where only criminals and perverted nobles would gather. However, it was out in the open. Streamers and bouquets decorated the stage. It almost looked like a show for a pageant queen.
Raymond brought Marcus to the backstage where all the slaves were being kept. After a quick introduction to the manager, Raymond headed back to the dock. To Marcus surprise, the manager was none other than Kane, the silly dwarf!
“See ya later Kane. I’m setting sail in a hour. We’ll be going back to the demon continent” (Captain Raymond)
“Take care Raymond~ May the gods of fortune be with you!” (Kane)
Kane was surprise to see Marcus again! Not too long ago, they were sharing a spa date. Now’s he’s back looking for work.
“Huhuhu! I never imagine catching you again so soon! What happen to your little friend?” (Kane)
“I’m...still looking for her” (Marcus)
“And you need money I presume?” (Kane)
“Uh-yes” (Marcus)
“Huhuhuhu! Well! You came just on time! There’s an overflow of slaves this year. We need a hand in organizing the cages. You remember Helen don’t you?” (Kane)
How could I forget?
The amazonian giantess entered the picture when Kane called out her name. She had a drastic change in appearance. Her voluptuous curves and chisel abs were no longer covered in a dainty two piece bikini. Helen was now dressed in a professional attire, similar to what Kane was wearing.
“Hohoho~ Hello again Marcus” (Helen)
“H-hello Helen” (Marcus)
“Helen, be a dear and have Marcus help out in the back” (Kane)
Kane made his exit, leaving Marcus alone with Helen. She handed Marcus a scroll. It was a list of all the slaves and what cage they were held in. After instructing Marcus to re-organize all the cages, she proceed to the front of the venue. Marcus looked around. There were several other workers moving the animals on trolleys. Unraveling the scroll, Marcus made a quick attempt to find ‘fairy’. To his dismay, the scroll was written in another language…
“Sigh. This isn't going to be easy” (Marcus)
No Yunni. No Stephanie. But he did have someone.
“Hi Daddy! Pet me!” (Diloria)
“Who’s a good girl?” (Marcus)
“I’m a good girl! Me! Me!” (Diloria)
Pulling out another one of Yunni’s panties, Marcus commanded Diloria to use -Scent tracking-. Diloria lead the way through the maze of cages. The stage was placed at the entrance of a giant warehouse. Inside, it was filled with various goods and merchandise not associated with the current auction. Thanks to -scent tracking-, Marcus was able to reunite with Yunni!
“Huh? Diloria?” (Yunni)
“Hey Yunni! Are you all right?” (Marcus)
“M-Marcus?!” (Yunni)
Marcus face was still hidden beneath the hood. If it wasn’t for his voice, Yunni would have assumed he was another bandit. Marcus took off his hood to reveal his face. His mouth was smiling but his eyes were full of tears. All the guilt that was suppressed deep within Marcus’s heart was finally expelled.
“Marcus! I missed you!” (Yunni)
“Yunni! I’m glad you’re safe!” (Marcus)
Yunni tried giving Marcus a hug through the bars, but her chained cuffs prevented her from reaching out. Marcus took Yunni’s small hands and pressed his head against the cold steel bars. Yunni started to cry as well. She missed Marcus so much. The whole ordeal was terrifying. She didn’t know what would have happen if Marcus wasn’t here to save her.
After composing himself, Marcus looked around to see if anyone was watching. The coast was clear. Marcus examine the lock. He still remembers the set of keys he snatched from the bandits at the hideout. Fumbling nervously in his hands, Marcus used one key at a time.
[ki-kling]
It worked!
Marcus tried removing the handcuffs but failed. Whatever those handcuffs were made of, it was preventing Yunni from casting any magic. Yunni stumble out of the cage. He body looked weak. She was malnourished. He limbs were noticeably thinner. Marcus grab Yunni by the waist and proceeded on his 2nd promise. Saving the Woobles. Diloria keen sense was able to find their furry friends. All 12 of them were locked in a single cage. Again using the keys, Marcus was able to free all of them.
[ping]
Quest: Save the Woobles (Complete)
+780 exp. +5 Nature
“Thank you Hero! You freed us!” (Woobles)
“You’re welcome. We need to hurry out before they catch us” (Marcus)
“Here, please accept this reward” (Woobles)
[ping]
Received 12x Wooble dried fruit
...Wooble snacks huh?
“Here Yunni, eat this” (Marcus)
“T-thank you” (Yunni)
Now it was time to leave. Marcus and the 12 Woobles hid behind the back to avoid any confrontation. The crawled against the walls, using the wooden crates as cover. Before Marcus could make a clean getaway, Yunni called out to Marcus.
“Wait Marcus! I-I made a new friend! We have to save her too!” (Yunni)
“Yunni, we don’t have time for that!” (Marcus)
“Marcus! Aren’t you a hero?! Please!” (Yunni)
“...” (Marcus)
Marcus froze. He turn his head towards the exit, then back towards the dimly lit warehouse…
“Woobles, please make your escape…” (Marcus)
“Take care Hero! Thank you for everything!” (Woobles)
The Woobles scurried along until they found a patch of uncovered earth. All 12 of them made a line as they started to burrow towards safety. Marcus turned to Yunni. He couldn’t get upset. After all, this whole mess was his fault. This time he had Yunni guide the way as the went back into the warehouse. After several minutes of looking, they found Yunni’s friend…
Cowering in the corner of the cage was a small child. She had pale blue skin and long black hair. All that covered the child was a thin piece of black cloth. She was whimpering as Marcus approached her.
“Is this her?” (Marcus)
“Hey Rie! It’s me!” (Yunni)
“Y-yunni?” (Rieko)
“We’re here to save you! This is Marcus, the hero I’ve told you about!” (Yunni)
Marcus tried giving the child a warm smile but it only made her quiver. Marcus was guessing it was because of his cloak. He removed it completely but it still had no changing effect. The little girl only covered her head as she curled up tighter.
“Sigh..” (Marcus)
“Hey Marcus, hurry up!” (Yunni)
Using the same set of keys again, Marcus tried opening the cage but with no avail. The keys he had didn’t belong to the same bandits the locked up Rie. Marcus tried for a 2nd time. Maybe he just missed the right key?
“Hey! What are you doing back here?” (Worker?)
Marcus turned around. He was caught. The worker was a young lad. Marcus couldn’t just kill the boy. He tried reasoning with him first.
“Sorry, these are my friends that got kidnapped. I’m just trying to save them” (Marcus)
“Wah?! HEY! WE GOT A THIEF!” (Worker?)
Ugh
Marcus tried performing his signature terraform move.
[BOOM]
However nothing special happened besides the boy getting knocked out cold from the head trauma. Marcus just realized but the floor they were on was made of wood. Terraform worked on earth, stone, dirt, sand, but not wood. Marcus panicked as he heard several workers coming to investigate. Pulling out his axe, he decided to hack the wooden top open.
[thwak-thwak!]
Destroying the top of the cage, Marcus quickly reach down and grabbed the small child. She tried resisting but Marcus was too strong for her.
“Over here! THIEF!” (Worker?)
“Gah! You’re still awake!” (Marcus)
[BOOM]
Marcus took off! Sirens and bells began to ring as the workers chased after Marcus. Running through the alley way, Marcus had an idea. Pulsing mana through his feet, he envision a stone wall rising from the ground.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
“-Terraform-!” (Marcus)
Terraform: -105 mp
The ground rumble as a solid stone wall erupted from the ground! Marcus was pleased. He was able to stop the workers from chasing after him. However, Marcus was now lost. He didn’t know the city well enough to use the extensive alleyway to their full potential. He just kept running, hoping he would find an exit!
“Stop right there criminal!” (Officer?)
A booming voice was heard from above. Marcus recognized this voice. It was the same officer he met yesterday!
“Through the hammer of justice, I’ll crush you! -Gavel smash-!” (Officer?)
She really needs to stop using the same line
“-Terraform-!” (Marcus)
Using the stone pillar, Marcus quickly repositioned himself before the officer was able to land her smackdown.
[BOOM]
“Yikes!” (Marcus)
The stone pillar that was smashed to bits! Marcus was now being chased by a crazy hammer wielding chick who had a weird obsession with playing cops and robbers! Not the kinky kind. The dangerous kind!
“-Terraform-!” (Marcus)
Marcus catapulted himself towards the roof. He was hoping she wouldn’t be able to reach him from so high up...Marcus was wrong.
[BOOM]
“STOP RUNNING THIEF!” (Officer?)
Oh god! She’s like a monster!
Marcus didn’t know where he was but with the change in scenery, he was able to see a boat getting ready to sail! If he wanted to escape, he need to get off land! Marcus made a beeline towards the port. The ship was already 3 meters off shore! Marcus had to hurry.
Looking behind, the girl was gone. Did Marcus manage to shake her off?
[BOOM]
“I FINALLY GOT YOU!” (Officer?)
“Eeek!” (Yunni)
“Ah!” (Rieko)
Between him and the boat was the Officer. Was running in a straight line a bad idea? How did she get past him so quickly? The officer made a wicked grin while holding her hammer in both hands. It was time for some sweet revenge. The ‘Red Fox’ gave her a hard time last night, she wanted to take out her pent up frustration out on her companion, Marcus.
[ba-dump, ba-dump]
Marcus eyes began to focus. Several flashbacks began to emerge from deep within his memories. The image of a girl holding a two-handed sword superimposed itself over the hammer wielding officer. Who was it? They both looked the same. Their face, their hair, their eyes, everything was eerily similar. Marcus watched as the girl slowly raised her weapon to strike Marcus down. The ship off in the distance was drifting away. Marcus didn’t have time to slow down. He had to move faster.
[ba-dump, ba-dump]
Marcus mind was filled with countless scenarios. His arms were carrying two helpless children. He couldn’t wield a weapon. He couldn’t use his arms.
[ba-dump, ba-dump]
Marcus was closing in. The hammer of justice was swinging down. The friction with the air seem to ignite around the edges. Marcus could only rely on his feet. Should he dodge left? Right? No. Changing direction now would cause his to lose too much momentum. The boat was just ahead. He need to run straight through.
[ba-dump, ba-dump]
This was it. Marcus focused all the mana he had remaining towards the ground. He didn’t care at this point. He needed something BIG.
[rumble]
The earth nearly split in half as a giant pillar of earth rose beneath Marcus feat. The momentum surged through the ground and shot Marcus out like a bullet! He soar through the air and crashed onto the ship.
[thud!]
“WAH!” (Marcus)
“EEEK!” (Yunni & Rieko)
The officer was left dumbfounded as she found herself sitting on the floor with her eyes glued towards the ship. As the other sailors and officers arrived at the scene, they could only gasp at the huge monument that was erected from the ground.
“Officer Ilene! Are you hurt?” (Officer??)
“I-I’m...okay…” (Ilene)
Pulling herself up, Ilene took one last gaze as the ship continued to sail towards the ocean's horizon. She clenched her fist as she whispered in a trembling voice…
“I’ll get you...just you wait…” (Ilene)
***
It’s dark. Cramped. Marcus turned to his left. Yunni, the 3rd fairy princess was sleeping defencelessly in his arms. Her cute little dimples appeared every time she started to stir in her sleep. She kept murmuring someone’s name... was she calling out to Marcus?
Laying on top of Marcus belly was Diloria. She’s no longer the same cute little puppy that Marcus was able to pick up with one hand. She was big and fluffy! Marcus felt uncomfortable, it was getting rather stuffy.
Turning to his right was a small child. A beauty named Rieko. Marcus didn’t notice at first but taking a closer look, it became clear. Rieko was a demon. There was no tails, no horns, no wings, not even fangs. She was very humanoid for a demon. What gave her away wasn’t her skin. Yes, he skin was blue. But only a pale blue. If you weren’t paying attention, you would have thought her skin was white. What really convinced Marcus was her eyes. Like golden gems floating in the dark, Rieko had eyes like a cat.
Marcus was surrounded on all sides. There wasn’t much room to move, they’ve been sleeping there for the past 3 days. Why was Marcus sleeping in the dark, you may ask?
“Hey! Wakey-wakey!” (Sailor?)
[klang-klang-klang]
Running a metal mug against the steel bars, a sailor called out from the shadows.
“Harharhar! You thought you could catch a free ride on the St. Marie Voyager?! You gotta be more sneaky than that mate!” (Sailor?)
“When we get back to Solaris, we’ll have you thrown in the cellar!” (Sailor?)
“Hahaha! Here’s your meal! Savor the last week you’ll have as a free man!” (Sailor?)
A bowl of slug slide under the bars. It was too dark to see but Marcus could already smell the stench from a mile away. Marcus refused to eat the garbage that was thrown his way. Fortunately, he still had several Wooble snacks still in his bag…. Unfortunately, he had 3 other mouths to feed.
In unison, Yunni, Rieko and Diloria all woke up thanks to the disgusting smell. Marcus slid the bowl back out with his toe. Everyone was hungry. There was no soil to grow plants, no room to start a campfire. Marcus shared the last bit of food he had left with the 3 girls. Rieko still didn’t trust Marcus, but she was very friendly with Yunni. Marcus figure she really hated humans. Who could blame her? It was humans that kidnapped her. If Marcus was Rieko, he’ll be pissed too.
As the group finished their last meal, Marcus stared out the small window. The clouds were thick. The winds fierce. There was actually a very good reason why Marcus wasn’t eating anything.
“Ugh…” (Marcus)
I feel like throwing up…
[ping]
Through special action(s): (New) Skill: Starvation beginner lvl. 1
+reduce negative effects from low satiation levels
Marcus held his stomach as the shipped swayed back and forth. Marcus Satiation level has already at 10%. Any lower and he’ll have to subcome to toturing himself with eating slime. The girls curled up in Marcus arms. Though Rieko hated humans, she was more frighten of thunder.
[rumble-BOOM]
The sky was crackling. The rain started to pour down. The window didn’t have any cover so Marcus had to use his cloak as a makeshift canopy. Yunni and Rieko were terrified. Marcus was thinking, this must be Yunni’s first time outside since she was born. Was there any thunderstorms in Filoria? The boat continued to rock as a huge wave struck the side of the ship! Everyone was now drenched in salt water. Marcus felt weak. Nauseated. Sick. He wanted to log out. But the last time he did, he found Yunni and Rieko crying in the corner….
“All hand’s on deck! Drop the sails! Port side! Port side!” (Captain Raymond)
Marcus muster his remaining strength to look outside. The wind was being sucked out of the cabin. Marcus eyes bulge. He started to tremble. A swirling chaos of doom was coming straight for them. Like a funnel sucking the ocean towards the sky, a massive hurricane was headed their way!
Marcus quickly took shelter. He tied the cloak around Yunni, Rieko and Diloria and held them in his arms. Yunni was scared. She didn’t know what was happening. The swaying became heavier and heavier. Then suddenly.
[SPLUUSH]
A giant wave struck the side of the ship! The St. Marie was capsized under water! Everyone tumble through the air as water started to fill the cabin. Without Yunni’s magic, they were left defenceless against mother nature’s wrath. Marcus pulled the girls up to gasp for some air! The lights were completely out. The candle lights have been snuffed. All Marcus could hear was the sound of heavy rain hitting the hull. Everything became still... was it over?
[creeeaakk]
The sound of the ship wailing in pain. The hull was being stretched. Marcus held everyone tighter. He didn’t know what was going to happen, but if he was guessing right…
[CREEEAKKK-PU-PU-PU]
The sound of metal popping and wood snapping came from every direction. The ship started to vibrate. The sound of water thrashing the side became for fierce.
[CREAAKKK..BOOM!]
Everything began crumbling towards the wind! Marcus held on with his dear life. He mustered every last ounce of strength he could find. The sound of the galing winds tearing through the ship sent shivers down his spine. Marcus turn his head away from the wind. The rain felt like bullets piercing his back. He closed his eyes tightly. What happens next would only last for a moment…
[BOOM!]
Marcus felt it. His body was being tossed in the wind like yesterday’s newspaper. He held on. He couldn’t risk losing Yunni again. Not this time.
Marcus never believed in the supernatural. He wasn’t a strong believer in god. He closed his eyes and muttered a small prayer. If god was to show his face, now would be the perfect time…
Please god, save us!
[BOOM!]
PREV / NEXT