Chapter 28: Something Amiss
A soothing melody wafts through the air. The tantalizing music draws your ears; like the smell of a juicy steak, or the aroma of a suckling pig, the sound draws your appetite. You listen closely. Savoring every morsel that tickles your ears, you let the music indulge your appetite. Ah~ this is bliss.
Then an abrupt stop. Silence. Huh? Why did the music stop? Looking around, you see jaws dropping and eyes bulging. You turn to the trio of musicians. Their faces were pale, as if seeing a ghost for the first time.
“Hm? Here’s 4 gold coins” (Markus)
“Ah-” (Trio)
The trio swiftly play a short melody from their instruments. It was a rather poor display of talent compare to their previous musical performance. The haphazard song buffed Markus and his group. Markus nodded as he left the pyramid.
“Did you see that?” (Players?)
“What race is he?” (Players?)
“It’s a player right? I mean, he pulled the coins from his inventory window!” (Players?)
Markus ignored the gawkers as he casually strolled towards the local vendor. Markus made a cursory scan of his surrounding. A lot has changed since last time he has been to this village. That being 500 years ago. During those times, the village was home to race of demons led by their lord, Aszalar. Of course, that was a long time ago. Now the village is a simple base for players to exchange their goods and rest before entering the ‘dungeon’.
“Hello” (Markus)
“Ah-H-hello. What can I do for you?” (Shopkeeper?)
Markus opened his inventory window and emptied out all the contents. The small mountain of shiny artifacts and japtem caused a huge uproar within the community. Everyone wanted to see what it was! Who was this player?! Did he clear the dungeon solo?!
“Whoa! Check it out!” (Players?)
“Holy crap! That’s worth a fortune!” (Players?)
“Ah-dear customer! Please give me a moment to appraise your goods” (Shopkeeper?)
The shopkeeper called his assistant to come out to help sort the goods. Several players began approaching Markus out of curiosity.
“Excuse me Onii-chan! Are you a vampire?” (Players?)
“Hey, did you just clear the dungeon? I didn't see you go inside!” (Players?)
“Hi cutie~ Can I add you to my friend's list?” (Players?)
Yunni started to pout as she cling to Markus’s arm. Even with his sinister looking eyes, his overall charm was still intact. Markus had everything a vampire would typically have. Pale skin. Sharp fangs. A pretty face. Though Markus was still a ‘human’, drinking the elixir did have some drastic impacts on his appearance.
What Markus gain from the elixir was a superior fighting capability in terms of strength, agility and vitality. However, the side effects were equality as serious. Normally, consuming the blood of a demon would shorten your lifespan in return for tremendous power. However, since this world was a game, players didn't have something called a lifespan... they did however have HP. Markus health points plummeted to a level equivalent to that of beginner.
His fighting capabilities were on par with those around level 90-100. However, his health was comparable to someone around level 20! Markus had transformed to the typical glass-cannon archetype!
“Nu...Marcus! Tell them to go away!” (Yunni)
“...” (Markus)
“Food Daddy! Food!” (Diloria)
Food huh?
“-Campfire-” (Markus)
Yes. -Campfire-. Have you ever wondered how the MC of every fictional novel was able to miraculously starts a fire without a match, a lighter, or even a stick of flint? It’s quite simple. -Campfire- is a skill that every player possessed. There was no need for all the tedious task that accompanied with starting a fire, all you need was a bit of mana and presto! Campfire accomplished.
Of course, for those who want to immerse themselves within the game can also create a campfire manually. It wasn't by any means a fruitless endeavour. Creating your own campfire was equivalent to casting a party buff. Party members and allies that gather around a ‘real’ campfire would benefit from minor regeneration boost and slight attribute bonuses. The higher the -Campfire- skill, the better the buffs.
Markus began growing various plants that he cultivated from the jungle. Like magic, a small garden full of plump looking fruits/vegetables and exotic herbs sprouted within moments! Markus casually began cooking a vegetarian stew. The aroma was mouth watering. Everyone who gathered around Markus started to drool. It wasn't like his -Cooking skill- got any higher. The difference between Marcus and Markus was the fact that Markus knew how to cook! Yunni and Diloria were mesmerized by the steam rising through the air. Even Rieko who normally had a frown on her face was licking her lips in anticipation.
“Hey... can I have some too?” (Players?)
“Wah~ that smells so good” (Players?)
“Onii-chan! Gimme some too!” (Players?)
Markus stood up and signaled for everyone’s attention.
“If you want something to eat, bring me ingredients! I’ll be more than delighted to cook for everyone!” (Markus)
Hearing that, everybody scrambled to get their hands on anything edible! They wanted something other than stale bread and bland soup. They wanted real food! Markus on the other hand took the opportunity to level up his cooking skill. Surprisingly, he was a ‘better’ gamer than Marcus was! He has already figured out the premise of the game while incubating inside of Marcus soul.
Now with control over the body, Markus was making sure to take every opportunity he get to improve himself. The next 2 hours were spent cooking. Markus managed to fill his inventory with extra ingredients as well as earning a pretty dime.
[ping]
Cooking skill intermediate lvl 1!
+100 hp. +improve bonus from food
“Yum! This is so good!” (Players?)
“This is delicious Marcus!” (Yunni)
“...” (Rieko)
Though Rieko was trying to act indifferent, she couldn’t help but smile whenever she took a bite. Markus lost track of time. He almost forgot about the shopkeepers!
“Hey-” (Markus)
“Wow! You sure know how to cook!” (Shopkeeper?)
“Yummy! Mister, can I get another bowl?” (Shopkeeper aid?)
“...” (Markus)
[ping]
+increase affection with Shopkeeper Jack and Jillian
“Oh! Sorry, where are all my manners?” (Shopkeeper Jack)
Looks like your manners are being stuffed down your face
“Mister, can I have some more?” (Shopkeeper Jillian)
“...Sure.” (Markus)
[ping]
+2 charm
“Ah~ that was good. Here’s the gold for your treasure. I put in a little extra just for you” (Shopkeeper Jack)
“Thanks ol’man” (Markus)
“Hahaha! I’m not that old!” (Shopkeeper Jack)
Markus accepted the payment gratefully, making his total earnings roughly 5000 gold coins! For a level 39, having that much gold was unheard of. Markus pocketed the money and cleaned up his makeshift kitchen. All the players that didn't get the chance to eat started to grumble. Markus didn't need to waste any more time feeding the masses, he already filled his inventory with enough provisions for a month! He already decided on his next course of action...
“Rieko, I will be returning you home to your village” (Markus)
“Really?!” (Rieko)
Rieko’s sour mood vaporized under her brilliant smile. She’s been depressed ever since leaving Solaris, Markus was glad to see her smile for a change.
“What’s the name of your hometown?” (Markus)
“Ah...um. Ki-lee-nun” (Rieko)
“Hm...” (Markus)
Markus has never heard of a demon village named Kilennun. Well, it’s been 500 years since he’s been to this world. Not too surprising. He decided to ask Yunni...
“Yunni?” (Markus)
“Um. Do we have to?” (Yunni)
Markus gave Yunni a puzzled look. Of course they had to.
“Yes. It’s important that we return Rieko back to her parents” (Markus)
“uh-” (Yunni)
-Scent tracker- was also off the table since Rieko’s only possession was the rag on her body....
Hm. It would be bothersome to have her walking in rags...
“Hey, I’ll look around for some directions. Yunni, why don’t you buy yourself and Rieko some new clothes?” (Markus)
Pointing towards the armor shop, Yunni and Rieko eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Really?!” (Yunni & Rieko)
“Yeah. Here’s 1000 g. Careful not to waste money” (Markus)
“Ehehe! Leave it to me! Rieko, come with big sister Yunni!” (Yunni)
Yunni left with Rieko towards the armory as Markus canvassed the area for the information about Kilennun....
“Sorry no clue...” (Player?)
“We don’t sell any maps, try the main city” (Shopkeepers?)
“Is it some sort of monster? Hey, you look cute. Wanna party?” (Player?)
“...” (Markus)
It’s been 45 minutes. Markus felt his efforts were in vain. Wherever this village was, it was probably far away from where they were. Markus gave up and decided to head to the next city to look for some clues...
“Excuse me, I heard you’re looking for Kilennun” (???)
“Hm?” (Markus)
Standing behind Markus was a group of adventurers. Three girls and two boys. Judging from their appearance, they all looked like freshmen in college, however, Markus knew that judging one's appearance in game was pointless.
“Yes I am” (Markus)
“Hey, if you like, we’re heading towards the capital. Why not travel with us? We could really use a cook!” (Girl?)
“Hm? Is Kilennun in the direction of the capital?” (Markus)
“Yeah! The city Kilennun was on a quest board recently. The quest has been removed but I still remember where the city was” (Girl?)
“So how bout it? It’s a win win for both sides” (Boy?)
The opportunity had presented itself to Markus. Should he take it? Markus had a hunch where the ‘capital’ might be. If it was still the same capital when he was alive, then it would be Obenairis. But he highly doubt it. 500 years is a long time. Especially in the land of the demons. Empires created within the continent of Lucia, would normally strive for 200 to 300 years before collapsing...
“Sure, sounds fair” (Markus)
“Hey, we noticed you walking with a fairy and a demon. Are they your pets?” (Girls?)
“You can say that” (Markus)
“Wow! Not many players have pets! You must be really lucky!” (Girls/boys?)
“...” (Markus)
Lucky? Perhaps. Markus personally felt it was better not to be burden by his ‘pets’. If he was planning on becoming stronger, the extra baggage would only slow him down. But he couldn’t just abandon 3 helpless children, that wasn’t a very hero thing to do.
“Hey Marcus~” (Yunni)
“...” (Rieko)
“Woof! (Friends!)” (Diloria)
Turning around, Marcus was momentarily stunned by Rieko’s transformation. The dirt on her face has been wiped; her hair was no longer straight, but braided. The rag she wore was replaced with a gothic-style, sleeveless dress with matching gloves and boots. Rieko even had a white rose clipped to her hair, something she must have picked from the outskirts of the jungle.
“Wah cute!” (Girls?)
“Wah! They’re so cute!” (Girls?)
“...” (Markus)
Even Yunni cleaned herself up. Her old dress was torn, so she bought herself a new dress that resembled a flower garden with frills at the end.
“How do we look?” (Yunni)
Markus took a good look at Yunni and Rieko. He still wasn’t too sure how old either of them were. Considering that they were fairies and demons, their lifespan easily surpass that of a human. Markus avoided the question and asked another...
“Good job. Is there any gold left?” (Markus)
“Gr. Marcus!” (Yunni)
“...” (Rieko)
Looks like they spent everything. Such a waste
“Anyways, looks like we have a clue to where Kilennun is located. We should be able to return Rieko home soon” (Markus)
“D-do we have to? Can’t she stay with us?” (Yunni)
“No, our journey will be very harsh. I don’t have the liberty to watch over Rieko” (Markus)
“Then let me watch over her! I can do it!” (Yunni)
Yunni wrapped her arms around Rieko. She wanted Rieko to stay. As a princess, she never had a ‘friend’. Butlers, maids and guards, they were all there to serve her. She hated being a princess. She wanted to be like everyone else.
As far as interaction with her family went; her mother was always busy. Her sisters were hardly ever around to play with her. Yunni spent most of her time alone reading books and playing in the garden. Her attitude and spoiled nature stemmed from her need for attention. She always felt isolated and alone.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
However everything changed when she met Marcus. It was a strange experience for Yunni. To think the first person she fell in love with would be a human. And not just any human. Marcus. A strange human that seemed a little slow in the head. A human that didn’t take royal standings into consideration. A human that seem weaker than most fairies; with a profession of a farmer. A far cry from anything heroic.
But even with all those downfall, Yunni still loved Marcus. For Yunni, Marcus was courageous. He was kind. He was her first friend.
Yunni only had two friends in this world. Marcus... and Rieko. She understood that Rieko had her own life, family and friends. But she didn't want to separate from Rieko. Yunni knew she was being selfish but she couldn't help it.
“No Yunni.” (Markus)
“Wah! Bu-but…” (Yunni)
“Don’t cry Yunni. I’ll still be here until then” (Rieko)
Yunni wasn't good at holding her emotions in. Markus waited until Yunni composed herself before continuing.
“...I guess we should introduce ourselves” (Markus)
The two groups gave formal introductions. The adventurers were actually all in their early 20’s. Some had already graduated from college, while others were still in school. They were all friends from highschool and were big game fanatics! One of them actually worked in a gaming magazine as a reporter and enjoyed all the perks that came along with it (free capsule and getting to play during work hours).
“Hic- M-my name is Yunni Escalar. I’m 49 years old. The 3rd princess of Filoria” (Yunni)
“Wah! Princess?!” (Livvy1)
“So fairies do exist! Yunni, you really need to take me there one day!” (Luna00)
“Eh?!” (Yunni)
Yunni was on a rollercoaster of emotions. Having people suddenly interested in her made her quite happy, but she was still sad about Rieko.
“Hi...my name is Rieko…” (Rieko)
Rieko got the same reaction as Yunni but she didn’t like the extra attention.
“Let’s head out shall we?” (Markus)
“Sounds good! Let’s add each other as friends!” (SilverFangs87)
[ping]
(Quick version)SilverFang87/LonelyDragoon/Luna00/Livvy1/Kasia has invited you to their friend list, do you accept?
“Sure” (Markus)
After checking their supplies, the group formed a party and headed out northeast towards the inner continent. Markus noted the direction they were heading, it was the opposite of the old capital city of the demon continent. Markus made a mental note to obtain a map if possible.
***
Leading the group was SilverFang. His job class was an elven longbow sniper. He was tall, yet lanky. However his skinny arms were deceptive. The power it took to draw a longbow was considerable. For an elf, he made the feat look effortless. Silver’s long silvery hair flutter in the wind every time he unleashed one of his more powerful spells. SilverFang wasn't the typical elf. He obviously modded his avatar to look much taller than the average elf... though Markus wasn't 100% certain. Perhaps elves grew taller since he last visited this world?
After two days of travelling, the jungle slowly transitioned to a more temperate zone. The large palm trees and broad leaf plants were replaced with deciduous trees and smaller shrubs. The climate was still warm but the air was much drier. The group decided to take a short break. Markus wasn't tired thanks to his increase in stamina, but he could tell Yunni and Rieko were exhausted.
Markus took his time preparing some stamina potions while some rabbits were being roasted over the campfire. One of the girls joined Markus and gave him some unnecessary pointers on how to make potions. Actually, Markus wasn't well versed in making potions. He normally left those jobs to his companions when he was a hero, but he still knew the basics.
“And if you use this herb, you can increase the potency of the potion” (Luna00)
“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind” (Markus)
After finishing the potions, he shared some with the party. Everyone was impressed with the quality of the potion. Normally, a stamina potion would heal for 200-300 points, but Markus enhanced helix herbs was more superior to the herbs you would normally find in the wild! His potions easily healed 500-600!
“Here Yunni, share some with Rieko” (Markus)
“Thanks Marcus...” (Yunni)
“...” (Rieko)
Yunni was still depressed over the thought of leaving Rieko behind. Markus didn't know what to say. He still had his own prejudices against demons. For him, he couldn't be any more happier getting rid of Rieko. She obviously hated humans as much as Markus hated demons. For Markus, he figured it would be a win-win for both of them.
“Yum~ I can’t get enough of your cooking! It’s so good!” (Livvy1)
“I agree, I never considered using medical herbs for cooking before, where did you learn that?” (Kasia)
“Hm. Something I experimented along the way....” (Markus)
Truth be told, Markus recalled his former companions using these herbs to roast meat. His former companion was a priest, but also a cook. She was one of Markus's closest friends during his time travelling as a young Hero. He missed her dearly. The thought of her only damped his mood.
“Ah-I see” (Kasia)
[rumble]
“H-hey, does anyone feel that?!” (LonelyDragoon)
“Eek!” (Livvy1)
“Guys! It’s a monster! Get ready!” (SilverFang87)
How strange. SilverFang was the leader, but also the scout. His vision was superior to a hawks and his hearing was better than the average human. To fathom the idea that something as massive as a small building would be able to approach the group undetected was unimaginable! A beast so massive, it nearly blocked the sun from view with only it’s presence! It wasn't just 1 or 2… there were eight! Eight giant earth golems!
“Wah! E-earth golems?!” (Luna00)
“Fang! Weren't you on lookout?!” (LonelyDragoon)
“O-of course I was! I don’t what's know happening either!” (SilverFang87)
Golems. One of the more difficult monsters to deal with. Their regeneration capabilities were off the charts! As long as they were near their element, golems could easily repair a missing limb or a decapitated head! Their sturdy defense made it difficult to deal physical damage to, and their massive size did nothing to slow down its movement.
The golems had no real face. Their bodies were a cluster of tree root, dirt and stone! Markus figured that there was a mastermind behind these golems. Wild golems actually had a real face, they were living monsters. These golems were created with a powerful spell. Looking around, Markus couldn't catch who was responsible. They must be near by, but where?
“Eeek! Watch out!” (Luna00)
[THRASH]
The group scattered as a golem stomped their campfire out. Everyone was ready to engage in combat!
“-Wind Blast-!” (Yunni)
“-Water Surge-!” (Luna00)
Luna was a water elementalist. All elementalist start off as mage (or magician). As they progress through the game, they have the option to specialize or diversify their repertoire. One of the mage advancement is known as an elementalist. They focus exclusively on a single branch of magic, allowing them to unlock powerful spells that a normal mage wouldn't be capable of achieving without years of practice.
Luna made use of Yuna’s -Wind blast- to carry her -Water surge-. The spells combine, creating a powerful vortex of wind and water that penetrated the core of the golem’s body. The limbs scattered in opposite directions as the body disintegrated in the explosion.
“Yeah! Nice one!” (LonelyDragoon)
“Good job!” (SilverFang87)
LonelyDragoon was a lancer. Even though he has yet to become a ‘dragoon’, he insisted everyone to call him one. Jumping an impressive 3 meters, he launched a powerful thrust towards the golem’s abdomen. Unfortunately, his spear only managed to lodge itself inside the dirt while the golem prepared for a counter attack.
“Ugh!” (LonelyDragoon)
“-Air Shield-!” (Kasia) (Got this from Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari)
“T-thanks!” (LonelyDragoon)
Kasia was an imperial guard. An upgrade from a knight. She wielded a large silver kite shield, with an image of a golden lion. Her secondary weapons were a short sword and a dagger that hanged by her waist. Even with all her bulky armor, she was still nimble enough to avoid the golems’ random trashing.
“Hey! The golem is regenerating!” (Livvy1)
Markus was soloing 2 golems himself before noticing the original golem that Yunni and Luna destroyed was now fully regenerated. Markus was using his terraform skill to destroy the golem's limbs to temporarily immobilize it. However, it started to look futile.
“Arg! This is impossible, we need to escape!” (SilverFang87)
“-Aqua spear-!” (Luna00)
“-Tempest-!” (Yunni)
Luna’s magic was very effective against the golems, but it wasn’t enough to stop their regeneration.
“Guys! Buy me some time, I’ll cast a more powerful magic” (Luna00)
“Okay!” (Group)
Markus had his hands full but buying time was something he could do. As he continued using terraform until he notice Rieko was shivering behind a rock. There was a large golem standing above her, ready to stomp it’s feet.
“Dammit-” (Markus)
[ping]
Aszalar's Blood: -50 Max HP (24 hours)
+50 Agi (5 minutes)
Markus's legs were briefly engulf in a black flame. His muscles tensed as he bolted towards Rieko. Soaring through the air was a black streak of flames!
[rumble]
“Eeek!” (Rieko)
[BOOM!]
The golem’s whole body sank into the earth, causing dirt to rise; creating a small dust cloud. Yunni panic as she casted spell to clear the dust.
“-Gust-!” (Yunni)
As the cloud dispersed, it was a grim scene. Markus used his body to shield Rieko from the attack. He was supporting the golems weight by resting his arms on the boulder and legs firmly on the ground.
[ping]
-412 HP
Fuck
Markus did use his terraform skill to convert the golem to sand and dust. However, -Terraform- had little effect on tree roots and other organic matter. The branches were stabbing into Markus back, causing him to cough blood from his lungs.
“Marcus! -Pulse-!” (Kasia)
Kasia jumped in the fray, using her shield to knock away the golem’s body.
“Marcus are you okay?!” (Yunni)
“*cough cough* I’m fine...” (Markus)
Drinking a health potion, Markus instantly recovered from the damage. If it wasn’t for the sand cushioning the blow, Markus would most likely be dead right about now. Markus summon Diloria to come.
“Rieko, don’t just stand there, have Diloria carry you to safety” (Markus)
“Woof-woof! (Leave it to me!)” (Diloria)
“W-wait. Let me f-fight!” (Rieko)
Rieko’s attitude slightly changed. Markus didn't know if she felt indebted towards Markus or she was no longer afraid of the golems, but he didn't deny her request. He was also curious what type of magic Rieko was capable of.
“Guys! Stand back!” (Luna00)
Luna had finish casting her magic. Looks like Rieko’s help wasn't needed after all... Everyone got into formation, gathering in a tight circle around Kasia and Luna. Luna waved her staff in a large circle while conjuring a massive storm cloud.
“-Heaven’s flood-!” (Luna00)
“Wah!” (Group)
“-Barrier-!” (Kasia)
The dark clouds swirled, creating some static and a slight rumble. The center of the cloud caved, as an image of a massive waterfall plummeted towards the earth. The golems were swept by the sudden downpour; breaking up the dirt and stone that binded them. The invisible barrier Kasia created helped divert the rapids around them.
After 12 seconds of being submerged, the water dissipated towards the surrounding forest. Their surroundings transformed into a swamp. SilverFang looked around before confirming that they were safe. Whoever was behind the golem attack was probably swept up with the current.
“Let’s get out of here, doesn't feel safe” (SilverFang)
“Agreed” (Kasia)
Markus carried Rieko and Diloria in his arms. They continued their trek north through the knee high mud. Markus turned around to see if he could catch anyone or anything following them. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't right. That something was amiss. That something was noticeably wrong...
"...Hey Marcus..." (SilverFang87)
"Yeah Fang?" (Markus)
"Do you want some... spare pants?" (SilverFang87)
"..." (Markus)
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