{[Trust can only be earned.]}
Three weapon barrels aimed deep into the cave. Wong moved in first, aiming left and scanning right. Ashner did the same, except he aimed right and scanned left. Gio aimed straight ahead. In a second, the three had secured the cave.
“It’s clear.” Ashner motioned for the others to join them.
The female elves walked in, followed by Alex and Risa.
Ashner had more or less prepared the group for this journey.
He carried his gear, food, and spare ammo. He also kept some space in his duffle bag in case they had an opportunity to carry gold.
Wong wore a large medical bag. He had taken it upon himself to bring morphine and adrenaline shots. Not to mention everything needed to save or sever a limb. His weapon also had an attached 203 grenade launcher. On his chest, he carried three spare 203 rounds.
Gio was the most heavily armed. He carried the spare ammo. Not to mention his 249 SAW. He was short, but he carried that weapon around like it was made of plastic.
Risa carried a backpack with food. The three had a choice between carrying military MREs or the cheapest food in the world… As three seasoned soldiers who have lived off the rations for years, the choice was a no-brainer. Ramen noodles won. She still carried the sword she had taken off the dead human. It was basic and a little too large for her. Risa hadn't complained. If anything, she was grateful she had a weapon she could use.
Alex carried an M9 and water. He wasn't very strong, but he would do his part.
The elves sported hiking shoes and comfortable clothes, and each carried extra food and water.
Pointy-eared, slim, and beautiful without measure. The four elves in their human clothes were a spectacle to the eyes.
Luna studied everything they carried and constantly asked questions. Her curiosity was unquenched.
She’s going to learn as much as she can from us. Smart move.
As they walked out of the cave, the girls were very silent. The clothes and armor of her people and the slavers were still littered around the cave.
“Which way?” Ashner asked, but Luna guided them. She walked in the opposite direction of the town.
The two elves with daggers circled Luna.
She holds some level of authority.
“How common are monsters in this world?” Asked Wong.
"They're common, and they live in nests. The more souls that the Dead God devours means, the more dungeons that will emerge.”
“Dungeons?”
"A place that the light never touches. That becomes a manifestation of the Dead God and his will. Monsters will emerge and attack every human or demi it runs across." Luna focused on the world, trying to recall her path. "If enough souls are collected, another dungeon will emerge, and more monsters will spawn from it."
"Master," Alex butted in. "The cave we use destroyed a dungeon, but it was a small one."
So if mankind and demi-kind decided to unite and destroy these monsters, they could create a world like mine.
“How can you use magic?” Asked Wong, making it crystal clear that was the thing he was most curious about.
"The Luminous God gave that gift to all beings… You're human, but you don't use magic… How particular… Is it possible that another God created your kind?"
Wong shrugged. Truthfully, he wasn't very religious, but he didn't discredit the idea of a God.
“Using mana is similar to using your muscles." Luna flexed her slim arm. "The more you use it, the stronger you get. In my case, I'm not very strong. I'm limited to using weak attacks… So when we find the reanimated bodies of the demi-cat clan. We're going to have to fight our way through it. We might have to fight through the night."
Menu, show me Luna’s magic stats.
Luna
High Elf
Animal Kin – Level 0
Light Magic – Level 3
Mana Magic – Level 0
Spirit Magic – Level 3
Subclass
Buff Accuracy – Level 0
Buff Senses – Level 0
Buff Speed – Level 0
Buff Stealth – Level 0
Buff Strength – Level 0
Buff Target's Accuracy – Level 0
Buff Target's Senses – Level 0
Buff Target's Speed – Level 0
Buff Target's Stealth – Level 0
Buff Target's Strength – Level 0
Cleanse Corpse – Level 3
Detect Life – Level 2
Detect Illusion – Level 1
Flash of Light – Level 1
Future Sight – Level 0
Hide Aura – Level 0
Holy Blast – Level 0
Light Shield – Level 0
Share Mana – Level 0
Steal Mana – Level 0
Learned Skills
Weaponry – Level 1
Subclass
Archery – Level 1
So her powers consist of buffing herself or her target, taking and giving mana, and cleansing souls. It's a shame she has no powers to heal. I'm also curious about Future Sight and Holy Blast. She also doesn't have any fighting abilities. So far, Risa is the only warrior I can rely on, other than Wong and Gio. Her speed is essential.
The group moved out of the forest and followed a road. It wasn't very traveled due to the growing vegetation on the path. In the distance, a bird landed on a branch. It was similar to an owl, with a third eye and red feathers. Its head tilted and stayed steady on the group.
“That’s spectacular…” Wong stopped and gave all his attention to the owl. “Life here is similar, yet different.”
Gio glanced at it. “I bet it tastes delicious.”
“Really?”
“I wanna try the food out here.” He licked his lips as his eyes went to the elves. “And the locals…”
"Why are you so primitive? We're in another world, and all you can think about is food and sex?"
“Yes… What do you think about?” Gio was curious.
"How the weather affects this world's environment, how killing a monster creates gold. The people and their cultures, the ability to use magic, and where we are in the universe… Or maybe we’re in another dimension. Either way, this world has so many questions that I want answers for."
“… Nerd.”
“Simpleton…”
Both the guys glared at each other and then giggled.
"I missed you, Gio," Wong admitted. "You were gone for too long."
“Thanks for taking care of me while I took my nap.”
The two were far away from Ashner and the others.
"You don't have to thank me. You're my friend. I would've done it even if you never woke up."
Gio glanced at Ashner, who had made his way to the elves. "Ashner's quieter than he used to be. Why didn't you reach out to him?"
“I tried. But you can’t help someone who doesn’t want help… Give him some time. He’ll go back to that cheerful idiot we used to know.”
“I hope so. He doesn’t realize that we’re only alive because of his decisions.”
Ashner walked up to Luna with Risa behind him. The girls still held some level of caution when he was near them. More so than with Wong and Gio. They had witnessed firsthand how far Ashner would go with violence. Luna was the only elf who didn't fear him.
As he approached her, she was gasping for air.
We've been walking for a few hours now. But why is she out of breath?
“Luna. What is Future Sight and Holy Light?” Ashner asked.
"Future Sight is an ability that allows a light user to see possibilities in their lives." Luna answered. The other elves were keeping their guards up. "And Holy Light is a wide-scale ability to cleanse corpses within a certain distance. Their body emits the purest power of the Luminous God. And all corpses enter the Endless Forest.”
Future Sight is interesting… But Holy Light is effective enough to wipe out masses of walking corpses. I need to level her up to use that.
"You can't use those powers," Ashner stated. But this only confused the elves.
“How do you know that?” Luna raised her eyebrow.
The people of this world don’t have a leveling system. I only have this knowledge because I can see her stats. I shouldn’t give out too much information to them. Only what they need to know.
“How long does it take to learn that ability?”
“It can't be done. I can use light magic. But without a proper grimoire, I can't use that spell. Sadly, most of them were used or destroyed in the wars we've had against mankind. Their power is lost."
So, she needs a grimoire to unlock the ability to use that power. I’m curious if I find one, can I learn magic?
"I think you’re the first demi in this world that put their full trust in me…"
“I've lived for a long time…" She smiled and made Ashner blush. "I was born in an era of peace, but somewhere along the way, the world twisted into itself… But I like to believe I can recognize great men and women when I see them… You, for example…"
“What about me?”
“Your soul is shattered, and you’re picking it up with your fingers, cutting yourself with every shard… But you’re still willing to help others pick up the pieces of their broken souls… You shine like a newborn fae, a brilliant light that reaches the darkest corners of the world… But… All souls like yours have one thing in common.”
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
“What would that be?”
“You die young.” She studied Ashner and leaned her arm on his shoulder. “But I won’t let you die… I want to see your light engulf this world and cleanse it…”
“That’s a lot of trust you have in me.”
“I gamble… And more often than not, I win.” She smiled and studied Ashner’s eyes behind his mask.
“Then what if I gave you the power Holy Light?”
“That’s impossible.” Luna caught her breath. “But if I had that power… I would be considered a Saint. Before the wars, demi’s and humans with light affinities were renowned as Saints that held back the power of the Dead God… I lived through that era, but that time is gone. Humans allow our kind to be devoured as punishment for resisting slavery… We’re an example to all demi-kind.”
At one time, humans and demi's had peace? I wonder what changed that?
"Nothing is impossible." Ashner put his hand on her shoulder. She glanced at it. Luna usually despised when men touched her. But Ashner held some influence over her. He was both terrifying and intriguing. "I also gamble with those around me.”
Menu, level up Luna’s Holy Blast to the highest available level.
The menu popped up and spun.
XP:880 > XP:815
Holy Blast – Level 3 – Each level extends the range and increases the quickness of the spell.
Luna stepped away from Ashner, conflicted with a new form to use her mana. She cuddled her chest and then gave a delighted and terrified glance at Ashner.
“What did you do?”
“Use Holy Blast.”
The other elves took a step back with Luna.
Luna sensed the peaceful aura that overtook her body whenever she used her light power. She glowed white, then a blast of white light overtook the group… As quickly as she used it, her power faded.
The elves stayed silent, including Luna.
“That was a low-level holy blast… How?" The elves surrounded Luna, but she had no answers. Her eyes just stayed on Ashner, who had just become more intriguing to her. "You're amazing, Luna."
“Use that power when we find Risa’s people.” Ashner moved ahead to stay in formation with Wong and Gio. Luna, on the other hand, smirked.
I can try maxing out her Light Magic, but not yet. I want to see if she's worth the effort…
*******
“We'll rest here tonight," Ashner announced to the group. The sun was starting to set, and the group had managed to find the remains of a destroyed tower. It had decent shelter, and the building was falling apart from neglect, not from destruction.
Free Gotcha Spin?
Sure, Spin.
The menu spun like a Ferris wheel and stopped.
(Epic) Conceal Racial Traits.
Level 1 – (Bought) – You gain the ability to hide your ears.
Level 2 – 10 XP – You gain the ability to hide the ears of your allies. Costs 10XP per ally. One time use, and it remains in effect forever.
Level 3 – 100 XP – You gain the ability to hide the tail of any of your allies. Costs 10XP per ally. It is a one-time use that remains in effect forever unless the ally desires to remove the spell.
Level 4 – 1,000 XP – You gain the ability to hide the wings of any of your allies. Costs 10XP per ally. It is a one-time use that remains in effect forever unless the ally desires to remove the spell.
Level 5 – 10,000 XP – You gain the ability to hide the horns of any of your allies. Costs 10XP per ally. It is a one-time use that remains in effect forever unless the ally desires to remove the spell.
This is very useful but costs a fortune for the later levels. It's a good thing none of my allies have wings or horns… Menu, buy up to level three.
XP:815 > XP:695
Level 2 – (Bought) – You gain the ability to hide the ears of your allies. Costs 10XP per ally. One time use, and it remains in effect forever.
Level 3 – (Bought) – You gain the ability to hide the tail of any of your allies. Costs 10XP per ally. It is a one-time use that remains in effect forever unless the ally desires to remove the spell.
The menu shook and showed a demi-cat partly turning human in a terribly rendered 3D effect.
I’ll use these when we go back… There’s no point in burning through all my XP.
“What are the odds of monsters attacking us here?” Ashner asked Luna.
“I can't say. There are only a handful of warriors out there clearing the world. With so many monsters, it's gotten harder to predict their moves."
“Then we’ll make a guard schedule for the night.” Ashner took off his backpack and started readying his sleeping bag. Both Luna and Risa were in awe that he was able to fit three sleeping bags in his bag. They had taken enough for each member to sleep in one. Sadly, they would have to make do without pillows.
"Travelers would pay good mythril for something that convenient," Luna commented.
“In my world. All soldiers were given these.”
Luna moved her sleeping bag next to Ashner. Risa caught sight of the elf and did the same.
Their sudden interest confused Ashner.
Luna seems interested in my world… And Risa is keeping me safe. She's desperate to save her people… And she doesn't really trust the elf.
"Tell me about your world." Luna teased. Behind her, the two female elves took the first watch with Wong. The sun had just started to set, and the group was readying themselves.
Gio had gone out of his way to collect firewood, and Alex was preparing dinner.
"You shouldn't bother our Master," Risa warned. She kept her hand on her weapon. “Even if he gave you a power, I don’t trust you.”
"What's the harm in asking?" Luna sized up Risa. "We're all aware you're only protecting him for your own benefit. Plus, you need me to cleanse the bodies of your fallen comrades. Why are you so cautious around me?"
Risa did not answer. She just kept glaring at Luna.
“Very well.” Luna focused on Ashner, putting her shoulder on his. “What are humans like in your world?”
Ashner gazed down at the fire that Gio was lighting.
“They’re dark… Broken… And will use anything they can to get ahead… Betraying each other for their own benefit… Never taking a second to consider the feelings of others… When it’s over, no one wins…”
Luna wasn't expecting that answer.
"At least humans in this world openly show their cruelty… In mine, they hide it until they can use it most effectively against you."
“You’re lying.” Luna studied Ashner. “Because you’re nothing like that, and neither are those two.”
Ashner stood up and walked to the fire, breaking away from Luna. "That's enough talking. Get some food and then some rest." He grabbed his sleeping bag and moved away from the girls. Ashner wasn't in the mood to talk to them.
"He's a hard man to read," Luna spoke to Risa.
“Ashner is a kind man… But he’s broken inside…” Risa glared at Luna. “You're good at concealing your true intentions and how deep your hatred for humans goes. But, you won't deceive me, elf. Your eyes give away more than your voice does… That's why I'm warning you… If you plan on betraying him… I will end you...”
“Enough with the threats, cat." Luna was tired of her distrust. "What did he do that made you so fierce for him?"
“He… Showed me mercy… Then he gave me hope…”
"I do hate humans…" Luna admitted. "But my intentions are not to kill him… If he truly is willing to give my people freedom. Then maybe one day he might enslave every one of my kin, then free us all… Never allowing another human to claim us… That is my true goal… So stop resolving yourself to kill me…"
Risa bared her fangs and moved her hand away from her sword. “If you want anything from Ashner, let him make that choice on his own… Another thing, don’t play with his heart.”
Luna sighed. “I’m curious what he looks like under that mask.”
“I haven't seen it," Risa admitted. "But Alex told me his face is similar to a melted corpse."
“What happened to him?”
“I don’t know.” Risa made her way towards the warm food. “Don’t pry, long ears.”
Ashner found Alex and Gio huddled up together, watching anime on the DVD player Wong had given him. He even had a portable solar-powered device to charge it.
"Why did you bring that?" Ashner asked. Gio was carrying dead weight.
“Culture exchange.” Gio teased.
“That’s not even our culture. It’s Japan’s.”
"It's our world's culture… Plus, Japan was destroyed. It's not like we're getting any more anime anytime soon… I need to know how this season ends. And since Alex took an interest, I restarted the whole series."
Ashner shook his head. “Get some rest. We should arrive in a few days.”
“We will.” Gio giggled. “After a few episodes.”
Ashner got inside his sleeping bag and went to sleep.
*******
The sun rose. Everyone had taken watch over the night.
Ashner was the last one. He peered at the sunrise in the distance.
This world has a similar night and day cycle as my world.
Risa awoke first. Her ears wiggled as she yawned and stretched.
She’s just like a cat.
Luna arose next. She had slept in just her shirt. Her face showed signs of struggling to wake up. Her purple eyes peered at the dying fire pit. She changed inside the sleeping bag and put her pants on.
The other elves were awoken and started eating the breakfast Ashner had prepared. More ramen.
The food was portable, and the demi's all adored it.
Luna had been quieter than usual, keeping an air of patience with Ashner.
Her elf friends spoke to her in elven.
Menu, buy Language Proficiency for their Elven Language.
XP:695 > XP:665
"Are you absolutely sure we can trust them?" The elf warned.
"When was the last time you talked to a human who nursed us, fed us, and didn't look down on us?" Luna retaliated. Her friend stayed silent. "I know this might sound weird, but I'm taking the word of that demi-cat. Let's give them a chance."
“But we're taking them to our home. It's hidden, but getting there with an army is possible. If they betray us, it'll be the end for all of us."
“Enough, they won't betray us. And I won't hear another word out of you on this subject… If you can't recognize a good soul from a bad one, then you're no different than a slaver."
Against her own instincts, the elf nodded and ended the argument there.
In a few minutes, everyone armored up, and they walked into the world again. This time, they crossed a mellow filled with wild grass, occasional trees, and some plants that resembled Yukka's, except they were bright purple and dark blue.
Some things were similar. The boys almost cried when honeybees flew around them and stopped on wildflowers.
As they walked, a large animal caught their attention. Ashner aimed his sight at it.
The animal was similar to a rhino with the stripes of a zebra. It had two tails and four horns. And they were larger than an elephant.
"What is that?" Asked Wong, delighted with the discovery of yet another animal. He had stopped a few times to study bugs and plants.
"That's a Java." Luna answered his question. "They're docile creatures as long as you keep your distance."
"I wonder what it tastes like." Gio's mouth was salivating.
"Its meat is rough. I don't recommend eating one unless you're on the blink of starvation.” Luna smiled at the gentle creature. “Their flesh is strong. It's why monsters rarely prey on them."
"Humm." Wong brought his hand to his head. "The animals in your world survive because they have the means to defend themselves against monsters."
"They, on occasion, kill monsters, but they're smart enough to know when they should run away."
Ashner lowered his weapon and kept on their path.
They passed stones that were easily mistaken for flowers, but they were sharp, and they cut the bottom of the group's shoes.
And even some fruits that looked like spiders, but with one bite, something similar to a strawberry and kiwi melted in their mouths.
It took both Wong and Ashner to drag Gio away from that tree.
A few days passed until they found themselves on the edge of a dense forest. Ashner glanced at Luna, who was out of breath. Her elf friends gave her water.
She’s not as energetic as the other girls. I wonder why that is.
“This place is called the Timor Forest. A trial for humans.” Luna announced to the group once she caught her breath. "The reason humans haven't found our home is because this place affects your race in an odd way… Every human that's entered has left running in fear."
"Why is that?" Wong asked curiously.
"You see your worst fear when you enter the forest. This only affects humans… The secret is to keep moving forward. Regardless of what you see."
“Just humans?” Gio blinked at his friends. “Is that possible?”
"It's possible," Wong butted in, "this forest might emit some toxin that affects a human's mental state temporarily. If it's just an illusion, then it should be easy to break out of."
"Even if you should fail, we will carry you into our village," Luna reassured. "The effects of the trial are only limited to the forest. And once you go through it once, you never need to endure it again."
"Our bodies will start to resist it naturally?" Wong commented.
Risa readied her sword. "If you're lying, I'll cut you down first."
Luna smirked at the cat. "You won't do it. You need me to cleanse the bodies of your kin."
Risa glared at her. Luna still held all the power.
The busty elf moved a stubborn strand of hair behind her ear. "If you're unsure, our Master can make it an order."
Risa waited for Ashner’s response. Eager for him to comply.
"No. I won't order that." Ashner stepped up to get face-to-face with Luna. She stood about half a head shorter than him. "You still want to use what we can offer you. If we die, then that deal goes with us… If anything, the deal you made with Risa is what's at risk. That's the promise I want you to hold more dearly… For now, I'm choosing to trust you."
Luna smiled. "Then let's move forward. The test is overbearing. So no matter what you see… Don't use your weapons."
The three guys shrugged and turned their weapon's selective fire from fire to safe. To ensure they wouldn't harm anyone or anything.
“Monsters rarely enter the forest. The effects of the trees keep them far away from this location. It’s also why we chose to make our home here.”
The guys studied the forest. It was thick and appeared to push away the sunlight from above. They couldn't see much, but if the elves were telling the truth, they just had to move forward.
“What are we waiting for?” Gio pushed ahead with a big smile.
“I hope its effects aren't permanent on us since we’re not from this world." Wong stepped behind him.
Ashner stood silent for a little while until Alex and Risa urged him to move forward.
I already know what my worst fear is…
The three walked forward. The air had become humid, and the group circled around some trees that were so wide it would take several semi-trucks to wrap around it once. The roots were so thick and large that the guys found themselves crawling on all fours from time to time.
Even with all their gear, the three guys were doing great. Alex and the elves were struggling to keep up.
“What are those?” Gio pointed into a thicket of trees. Floating like ghosts were blue balls of fire. They flew into the trees and passed through them without leaving so much as a burn.
“Wisps." Luna recognized them, "They tend to all the trees here. Ensuring they have enough nutrients. Even in the winter, this forest never withers."
“Our world doesn’t have those things.” Gio was delighted. “Can I touch them?”
“No, they don't have a physical body, nor can they rationalize thoughts properly. If you move towards them, they'll either panic and flee or flat out ignore you."
“Maybe I can capture something from this world and take it as a pet into my world.” Gio smiled.
“No,” Wong lectured him, “that might destroy our own ecosystem.”
“Earth’s ecosystem is already in shambles.”
The two started bickering, then silence.
Ashner glanced left and then right.
Everyone was gone.
He was alone in the forest.
This is the test.
Nothing happened for a few moments, so Ashner kept moving forward, this time alone.
A weeping girl materialized in front of him. It was Melissa, draped in the same white dress she wore that night. Blood rolled down her legs. Ashner held his breath.
“YOU LET ME DIE!”
Her voice echoed into the dark forest. Ashner lowered his head.
“There isn’t a night you don’t haunt me.”
Ashner walked up to the illusion, fully aware that she wasn't real. He studied her eyes. That was the only thing the illusion couldn't replicate properly since they lacked life.
“You failed.” She cried. “I needed someone… Anyone…”
“I know.”
“Failing is just as bad as committing the deed." Her eyes shifted between colors. From brown to green to purple. Now that Ashner pictured her. He didn't recall her eye color. The illusion played with his mind… But Ashner played this scene in his head over and over, often several times a day.
“I’m sorry.”
“No, you're not!" She hissed.
Ashner’s heart tugged against his chest.
“I’m sorry.”
“I needed a hero…" The girl's voice whimpered. "Instead, I got you.”
“The whole world hates me… No matter what I do…” He showed her the C-R on his hands. “So please, accept this as your revenge…”
“You fool…” She tilted her head. “These are the words you want to hear… Not the ones I want to say…”
What?
“All I see is a lie carved into your hands.” She shook her head. “I want justice… For what happened to me… For what happened to you… Where is your anger! Your RAGE! WHY AM I THE ONLY ONE YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WERE BURNED BY THEM!”
Ashner stayed silent. The world around him shimmered and pulsed like a stone tossed in an ocean.
“I know the answer…” Her hair became messy and wild. “You need them to hate you!”
Ashner raised his eyebrows.
“As long as they hate you, you have a reason to hate yourself." Her dress started ripping around her chest and legs. "If they stopped hating you, then you would need to face your loneliness… And emptiness… That's what you fear most… Where there is light, there is darkness, your light will dim and fade if you allow it… Then, you'll be alone once more, and your soul will freeze and match the frost in your heart… There is no hope buried deep within you… You’re as empty as my corpse…"
"Is that true?" Ashner fell to his knees. "I don't know… I don't know anymore… I just wanted to hide and disappear…"
The girl clutched the mask. Her fingers were so cold they passed through the plastic, and he sensed the frost on his face.
Ashner shook with regrets and pain. He would've preferred the gazes of hatred or the crap people say behind his back… He wanted the pain to stop, and for a split second, he wanted to die…
The girl's hair glowed a brighter blonde color. For a second, her tone shifted.
“How foolish is your heart?” Her eyes settled on a green hue. “I caused my death… But no one agonized over it more than you have… I never wanted you to suffer or to be alone…”
“What?”
“Not you, never you… Your eyes are desperate… Your hands hold the sins of another, and the flesh that twisted behind your mask isn’t for my sake… When I was alone, you fought for me… I don’t blame you for losing… I’m grateful that men like you still exist when other men are willing to take for their own pleasure… Ashner, even beyond the grave… You are my hero…”