(A/N: Another slow chapter, the next one will be the training part. Hopefully you like it.)
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Standing here with the wind brushing my cheeks, my tail swaying in the air, smelling the earthen scent, this is paradise.
I was back in the clearing, it was the early morning once again.
Hopefully I’ve patched things up with Aka-nee last night. I don’t want her to suffer, just hearing her shaking voice…I couldn’t bear it, I almost decided to beg Father to let me return. I know I can’t do that though, I mean Father only has me, I’m the only remaining memory of him and Mother…He doesn’t admit it, but every time he sees me, I can tell he calms down.
Well, if Aka-nee is still upset, I’ll just talk about it once again after she gets her Dive Pod.
I turned around, looking for the guardians. It’s a mystery how I wasn’t noticed yet, I’ve been standing here for about ten minutes ever since I logged back in. It was awfully quiet here, the sun’s rays were just peeking up from the horizon.
I moved over to the small cave that was the wolves den.
Empty.
‘Did they move their den?’ I walked back into the clearing, I pondered to myself, ‘What should be my next step? I really don’t want to go back to the training hall, although I have this to cover my face, I’m not sure if it’ll work…
“Yuuuuuuuuuukiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!”
*Bam!*
I was suddenly knocked over from behind, a soft white animal was on top of me. I can’t say I hate it, the creature was so happy to see me. Its’ tail was going crazy, I thought it was gonna fly off at one point. It seems like a wolf…where’s the rest of the pack? And I haven’t seen this one before…
“Etoo~….where’s the rest of the pack? Also…do I know you?...”
“Don’t you remember? It’s me!! It’s me!!”
“Pochi?”
‘…’
“Geh! Don’t use some cliché trick like that! Seriously who are you? Were you with the guardian wolves that used to live here?” I can’t believe I just…no….I don’t want to think about it…
“Papa and my brothers and sisters moved deeper into the forest. They said that the humans were moving deeper and deeper into the forest, so they went to find somewhere else to live.”
‘…’
I was gonna exploit these wolves…I mean wouldn’t it be amazing if they showed me all the secrets of this forest? Just imagine all the power and fame I would gain…well…It’s not surprising how things turned out like this. I have the worst luck in this game, one bad thing after another keeps happening to me, I’m not so surprised anymore.
“So…Why are you here and not with the rest of the pack?” It was strange, if the rest of the packed moved on, why was this strange wolf I’ve never seen, here with me?
“Papa told one of us to stay here and show you the way back…you are lost in the middle of the forest right?”
“Geh…you’re right. So who are you?”
“It’s me!! It’s me!!”
“Poch-No that won’t work on me again!”
“Awww…hehe, I guess you don’t remember, since I’ve changed a lot. Remember that little pup that was playing with that metal stick you were waving around a couple days ago?”
‘…’
“Don’t tell me you were that pup…It’s just not possible to grow that much in a couple days…”
“Wan Wan~! You’re right hehe. I just got my growth spurt…Neh~….Yuki…I wanna be with you…” The wolf started fidgeting around, clearly troubled by something.
“…Don’t you have the pack to return to?” By this time, I’ve already managed to push off the overly excited wolf and was staring at the wolf while sitting on the cold dew covered grass.
“Papa was asking for a volunteer to show you the way back…No one wanted to, so I did. Hehe…I wanted to stay with you…”
*Ding*
Due to your Charm stat, you’ve captivated a young she-wolf.
Would you like to accept her as a companion?YesNo
‘…’
‘Really?!…This charm stat is so broken…I mean first I get mistaken for a descendant of Luna, now I get a pet? I bet this is a new discovery, aside from a possible monster tamer class, I’m pretty sure I’m the first one to get a pet…’
*Ding*
Because you were taking too long to decide, Fenrir has decided for you.
‘Eh~?!!!’
“Mooohhh~…You were taking too long to answer master, so I decided for you hehe.”
‘…’
“Your name is Fenrir?”
“Wan Wan~! That’s correct! Did you like it? I just made it on the spot, it sounds kinda strong and cool right? Right?”
“You know…Fenrir is a boy’s name…wait, if I’m the master then why did you get to decide for me?!”
“No way~!...Fenrir was a boy’s name? Uuuuuu….” Have you ever seen a wolf pout? Neither have I, but it seemed similar to a dog. Fenrir had her head on the ground and was trying to use her paws to cover her face.
“How about this, how about I call you Fena instead? It’s similar to Fenrir right? It also sounds like a strong name don’t you think?”
“Really?! Really?!” She looks so happy… “Thank you master!!!!”
*Ding*
’Fenrir’ has been renamed to ‘Fena’.
Suddenly changing her mood again, she jumped on top of me and started licking me again. I don’t wanna say I like this, but her energy is contagious. Haha.
“Ok Ok, get off me for a moment Fena. First, I’m the master, so don’t decide on things by yourself ok?” I tried pushing her off me with my measly strength. It wasn’t working.
“As you wish master, I’ve decided to let you decide things from now on. I’ve also decided to get off you.”
“Eh~? Something tells me this isn’t right…Well, whatever. Can you show me the way out of this forest Fena?”
“Sure thing! Follow me! It’s this way master!”
‘*Sigh* This might get tiring…’
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I’ve been trudging through this forest for about an hour now…Ugh, it was much easier than when I was being led by Fido…hehe…anyways Fena seems nicer, although she looked like she’s bursting with energy, she was always waiting for me when I needed to rest.
Since I’m gonna get out of this forest soon, my only problem is where I’m gonna train now.
*Ding*
Incoming call from Trey. Would you like to answer it?YesNo
Trey? Sure why not. I hope he can help me with my dilemma.
“Hey…Y-yuki…Uh…H-ow have you been…”
“Trey…I’m a guy remember?”
“*Cough* I know that, I was just out of breathe ok?! Anyways…How have you been?”
I shouldn’t tell him about the guardians of the forest…I know it’s bad but…a man is bound to keep some secrets right?
“I could be better. I kinda got lost in the forest for a few days…hehe…”
“…Are you an idiot?! What level are you now?”
“Kinda…still level…one…”
“*Sigh* I think the game felt pity for you, it’s amazing how you haven’t died yet. So where are you now?”
“Still kinda…in the forest…”
“…”
“But! But!! I’m on my way out, I found a little friend that is showing me the way out!”
“So did you find your little ‘Fairy friend’ from the forest too?”
When Trey said ‘Fairy’ I stumbled and tripped over a tree root I was walking by.
“No! I made friends with a wolf! Right now she is leading me out of the forest!”
“Riiight…So you are almost back in Lucierna?”
“Yea, did you need me for anything?”
“Err…Kind of. I felt, that ummm…since you, uh you know, lost all of those stats. I felt like you needed help…so I asked my sword instructor in the army barracks for a favor…”
‘!!!’
“Really?! You found someone that is willing to train me?! Trey! You are the bestest friend a man could have!”
“Yea… ‘bestest friend a man could have’…Anyways, Once you get into Lucierna, head back to the city square. I’ll meet you there alright?”
“Un! I’ll be right there!”
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It took a while longer for Fena and myself to exit the forest. It’s weird though, I mean, Fena was only a pup until a while ago. How does she know her way around the forest? What’s even more amazing was that we didn’t encounter any monsters on our way out. I guess ‘Guardians of the Forest’ isn’t just a title they have, but a title they earned.
When I came out of the forest, the same familiar scene was in front of me. In the open space that was right outside of Lucierna was a large gathering of noobs just like me. Haha…it was funny seeing them run from foxes and bunnies. There’s even a girl crying while stabbing the little bunny.
I of course, paid them no mind. I mean, come on! I’m walking with a wolf that was as high as my chest! It felt great, all the stares of envy and jealousy as I cruised through the crowd of players.
“Kawaii~!”
“Oi! Jou-chan, wanna party with us?”
“What a beautiful wolf…where did she find it?”
“Don’t you mean him? I’m pretty sure he’s a trap.”
*Slap*
“Don’t you dare call that bishoujo a trap!”
‘Eh~? Is the same thing happening again?!!’
All around me there were people gathering. Like what had happened in the training hall, they were arguing, but this time it wasn’t about protecting me, but about whether I’m a guy or a girl. I swear…well, at least the scarf is kinda working?
“You wanna go pal?!”
“Bring it moron!”
Aannnnd there’s the signal. I ran as hard as I could, with Fena close behind. I guess we both could sense the atmosphere, because as soon as we ran a fight started out.
It was really funny, I was looking back while I ran. What I saw was that, everyone gathered there was fighting, chaos was everywhere, which drew in people from around the field. Some people would watch and laugh at the display of carnage that was the battlefield, only to be drawn in by a stray arrow or magic missile.
‘*Sigh* I really gotta get rid of my long hair. Maybe then some people won’t think I’m a girl.’
“Master!” Scampering beside me, Fena was also looking back at the warzone, “You are amazing! To be able to start a battle just from walking through a crowd!”
*Ding*
Charm +15
“Ugh! Don’t you start Fena, anyways let’s go get the city guards, I’m pretty sure they are already panicking from the impromptu warzone.” We both arrived at the gate, to see about 20 or so guards getting ready to rush out.
“Halt Miss!” He stopped me as I walked towards him, I was tired of correcting their mistakes so I ignored it, “Do you know what happened out there? Also tell your ‘little’ pet over there to calm down.”
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Fena was baring her fangs, she didn’t like how the men were glaring at us.
“Oji-san, I’m not sure.” I lied, “I was on my way back from the forest and all of a sudden people started fighting, so I ran as fast as I could!” I really didn’t wanna get in trouble so I lied straight through my teeth. Hopefully it worked.
“Is that so? Alright men, let’s go stop the little kids from fighting, march!” They all walked out with their pikes and shields. They didn’t draw their weapons but held it at the ready.
‘Well, whatever. Now which way was it again?’ I ignored what had just happened and made my way through the winding streets to the commercial district and thus the city square.
What confused me was, Fena was ignored. None of the guards attacked her, nor are the merchants and shopkeepers around us paid much attention to her. MT must’ve made it so that once a monster became your pet, it would be registered as a pet to NPCs.
Well we arrived at the square with only a few stares, I dropped by a shop that looked like a beauty salon, it costs one whole silver coin! Just to lop off my hair! So I left.
The way the cosmetic system worked was, in order for you to change the way you look, you need to pay for it. If you just randomly cut your hair yourself, it would grow back within a couple minutes of you doing that. So you much either have a profession as a hair stylist or visit one in order to make the change permanent.
Sitting by the fountain was the familiar Riajuu. Tch! Look at all the girls that are staring at him with lust. I wish they were doing that to me too…instead of wanting to hurt and kill me.
It seemed like he got stronger, instead of the beginner gear which composed of a brown worn out shirt and pants and some leather sandals, he was wearing armor! It wasn’t special armor or anything, just a chainmail shirt with dark leather gloves and boots. On his waste was a shining new sword.
“Hey Trey.” He looked up at me, Gah! That smile is a killer. “What did you do to get all that?”
“This?” He gestured towards his chainmail shirt, “Oh nothing much, haha. I kind of got scouted by a Knight, while I was training in the barracks. I unlocked a different class, now I’m a squire.”
“Eh~? You can change class?” I went to take a seat beside him.
‘I thought only my class would change…’
“That’s right, I think it has to belong to a specific class tree, mine for example started out as Infantryman. I was just a regular disposable person in the army, but thanks to Sir Elric I’m now his squire.” He looked so proud of what he did. “Oh? Is that the wolf that you made friends with?”
Trey inspected Fena, I’m not surprised, this was probably the first time he saw someone with a pet. Trey stood up and started moving to pet Fena.
“Grrrrr.” Fena got up and moved away all the while glaring at Trey. “Don’t even think about human.
Surprised by Fena talking Trey jumped back and moved his hand toward his sword, fumbling about like an idiot.
‘Haha, I guess even Mr. Riajuu over here can still be easily flustered.’
“Surprised? Fena isn’t your average wolf, she can talk haha.”
“No way?! An intelligent wolf?” He looked at Fena and bowed in an apology, “I’m very sorry for being rude towards you Miss Fena.”
‘Gah! The usual chivalric attitude, this guy fits his role so much as a knight.’
“Trey, come on! Show me where I can train and get stronger!” I tried to give him an angry look. I think it worked, because he got flustered again and looked away. I’m becoming more manly now, I can just feel it.
“R-right, follow me.”
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Yuki, Trey, and Fena had arrived at the walled off district which was known as the Military district just west of the Noble district. Only military personnel and those with proper permission were allowed past that point. At the gates were heavily armed men standing guard.
“Wow…why don’t they let regular people through?” Yuki was curious, he thought that the military was hiding something.
“I’m not sure, I asked them once before they said ‘quit talking, more swinging’. I guess I won’t know until I get up in the hierarchy.” Trey was just as clueless as Yuki was.
By the time they got to the gate, they could feel the armored guards staring at them through their visors.
“Halt! State your name and your business here!” They both were about a full head taller than Yuki, so he was pretty intimidated by them.
“It is I, Trey, Squire of Sir Elric Royal Sword Instructor to the Kings Court!” Standing firm Trey’s carefree attitude from earlier changed and became stoic, “Next to me is Yuki, a person that Sir Elric ordered me to escort.”
As soon as the guards heard the name Sir Elric, they flinched and backed off from Trey.
‘Just who is this Sir Elric? To be able to scare off these guys so easily…’
They both entered through the gates, apparently Fena was also allowed through without question.
Trey led Yuki through the clanging of swords and the twanging of bows, through drilling soldiers and stables full of cavalry horses until they entered the yard of a cozy looking building. Just one look at the building and anyone could tell that it was well cared for, there was no grime or dirt on any of the walls, it doesn’t look worn down nor were the grass around it dying like the rest of the practice fields. The building wasn’t all too big, it looked like a perfect house for a small family. The odd thing was, this house was located far off from the rest of the training area, at the far end of the housing area in the Military district.
“Is this where Sir Elric lives? Why is it so…small…” Yuki questioned Trey, “I mean, judging from how those guardsmen were acting when you mentioned him, you would think Sir Elric was someone with lots of influence and power.”
Trey paused at the door of the building and turned around, “He is someone with power and influence, it’s because of who he is, that’s why people fear him.” Turning around once more, Trey rapped three times against the door.
*Knock Knock Knock*
After a few moments, the door slowly creaked open, revealing a fit figure. The man that opened the door looked to be about 60 or so. Even though he looked 60, inside of his clothes, he was bulging with lean muscles.
The man was clean shaven, with graying hair. He had deep hazel brown eyes that give off a feeling of calmness and serenity. In those eyes, one can see knowledge and understanding, this man has seen much in his life. He didn’t have any scars that were visible, which showed how skilled he must have been throughout his life.
“Ah! Trey, nice of you to drop by and see this old man. It has been a while since anyone came to visit me.” Sir Elric smiled calmly as he gestured for everyone to come inside. “Sit! Sit! Make yourselves at home.”
Inside his home, there was a small table big enough for only four people to sit at. The kitchen and pantry were also in the same room. There was a door that led to another room off to the left. After Sir Elric, Trey, Yuki, and Fena who was sitting at Yuki’s side settled down, Sir Elric initiated the conversation.
“So this is the Yuki I’ve heard Trey go on so much about. Nice to meet you Miss Yuki, my name is Elric Cunningham, but people like to call me Sir Elric.” Leaning over the table to shake Yuki’s hand, Sir Elric wasn’t at all perturbed by the she-wolf by Yuki’s side.
Taking his hand, Yuki replied, “I don’t know what Trey has been telling you Sir Elric, but I’m not a girl, I’m a man. Also, nice to meet you. I heard that you wanted to see me for a reason?”
“What?!” He gave Trey a questioning glance, “really? Trey never mentioned you were a girl. I thought you were his lover or something judging by the way he was drooling when he was-“
“Hey! Let’s get back on topic teacher. Please, I would like you to help in instructing Yuki. HE’S been through a lot. As a friend I want to do everything I can in order to help him.” Trey nonchalantly interrupted Sir Elric before he could finish.
‘*Sigh* Even though he knows I’m a man…is Trey gay?’ That thought was going around behind Yuki’s embarrassed smile while Trey was interrupting Sir Elric.
“Ah yes. Yuki I heard you were bullied and teased because you were weak. Is that right?”
“Yes, Sir Elric. I was betrayed by someone that I trusted, in the end she left me broken and disheartened.”
“Gehehe! I see you have women problems hehe.” Amused by Yuki’s problem, Sir Elric couldn’t help but give a chuckle at the irony of the situation.
Yuki blushed slightly when Sir Elric commented, “Anyways, I want to become stronger. You see how girl I looked right? I want to become strong enough so that no one will mistake me as a girl ever again!”
“Hm…and what will you do once you’ve obtained strength? Will you use it to force your will over those of lesser strength? Will you use to it to protect those who do not have the strength to protect themselves?” The old man’s attitude did a 180 degree turn, now he was deadly serious.
“Power isn’t something you should wield lightly, those with power hold within their palms not only their lives, but the lives of many. If wielded irresponsibly many will die by your hands. If power isn’t being controlled, it will corrupt you. Even those with power still fear, they fear that they will not be able to control their power. That’s why, little Yuki. I want to know, what will you do once you’ve obtained strength?”
Overwhelmed by Sir Elric’s little speech, Yuki’s mind went blank.
‘He’s right…what will I do once I’ve obtained strength? What will I do once people recognize that I’m a man? I have no ambition. All I want is my revenge…even that’s slowly dying out. So…Why do I seek power?’ Yuki was seriously pondering the reason for his desire for power.
“Sir Elric, I will not lie. First of all, I desire power to be acknowledged by those around me. Second, I seek power for revenge. I’ve suffered a pain worse than death by the hands of a heartless she-devil, what I seek is to return the favor. Other than these two goals right now, I am still clueless. So to answer your question truthfully, I do not know. I guess I’ll think about it once I get to that road…” Yuki calmly waited with dread while Sir Elric pondered Yuki’s response. Soon…
“Hehehe…Hahaha!! Good answer! You are right, too many times have I seen people lie and say they would use it for good. What is the point of obtaining power if you won’t use it for yourself, but for others? Did other people obtain that power? NO! You did, so why are you obligated to help them? There’s only one thing I hate worse than liars, that is fools. Yuki, that was a test, a test to judge your character. You’ve passed my boy. My only hope is that you don’t become corrupted by these powers, that is all I ask of you.”
‘No way…I guess telling the truth was a good idea.’ Yuki had his eyes wide open in amazement. Not only did he pass a unknown test, but he’s going to be taught be a man who talks about power as if he has the abilities to confer powers to people.
Standing up, Sir Elric looked around the room, “Just wait right there little Yuki, let me get my whip.”
“Eh~?”