[Legend]
Bold – Movements / Actions
[Bold] – Information / Abilities
Italic – 1st / 3rd Person Narration
“Quotations” – Talking
Normal – Thoughts
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[Venancio]
Slowly emerging from the forest's darkness is a bright red eye that is slowly being revealed by the moonlight.
It's a big, beige cat with thick fur that is around the size of an average dog or even larger. And its about 20 feet away from me.
The cat hissed, then roared before sprinting towards my direction. accelerating and getting ready to attack me.
Shit! This was dumb… I was expecting something like the rat from before, but screw it. – “WAH!” I yelled, then slammed my fists together to taunt the large cat.
Pump me some adrenaline, Ninuu! – Ninuu immediately responded – “[Adrenaline Rush], be careful Venny.” – I shook my head. – “WHEW!”
I started dashing left and right using [Wynd Dash], confusing the cat in process.
Because of its quick reflexes, the large cat was able to anticipate one of my movements and nearly snagged me with its claws. Yet spotting it allowed me to move back and then forward once more using [Wynd Dash].
I had the chance to punch the large cat in the mouth when it failed to snag me. My fist was coated in a layer of hardened nanobots that gave it the hardness of a hammer, and I also used [Wynd] to speed up my punch to increase its speed and power. As a result, I dropped [1.8%] of my [A.P] due to all of my [Wynd Manipulation], leaving me with only [A.P = 18.6%].
The big cat is hit, and the speed of the blow causes a dull thud that resonates throughout the forest as well as the sound of bones cracking. As a result, the big cat collapses to the ground.
My legs were shaking, my heart was racing, and my eyes remained focused on the big cat's body. I only managed to get the big cat's silhouette. I lift my hands in anticipating for when the big cat gets up. But the cat didn't move.
I waited for a moment before carefully approaching the big cat's body slowly and maintaining my guard up.
And what I saw was the big cat’s deformed left-face; its left eye socket is broken and deformed from where I struck it. The eye that was in the socket was smashed into a red paste leaving only a bloody mess; the cat’s left jaw was unhinged and its tongue out; some of the big cat’s teeth, especially its canine, was shattered while still in its gum, and its nose was leaking blood… The big cat was panting and all the while its right side of the face was still mostly intact. Its right eye is facing me, looking at me with either malice or mercy.
“Fuck… S-sorry, I’m so sorry…” I said to the big cat, while shaking and horrified from the sight of the big cat’s condition.
I kneel down and think a bit as I face the big cat – WAIT! I have a Spell, right? [Lesser: Restoration]? But it’s for minor physical injuries only…
“Still, I need to try it.” As I said, I raised my right hand and aimed it at the body of the big cat. - [Lesser: Restoration]! – Suddenly, my [A.P.] drops by [3%]. And a faint white light was then emitted from my hand, but the big cat's injury was not healing.
It worked… I think, my [A.P] did go down. – I think again for a second of any solution – Can I modify the Spell?
Let’s see… I need the Spell to be potent enough to close open wounds back to their former and healthy form, as well as to revert bones that are broken to their former and healthy structure. In addition, if there is blood loss, allow the Mana to speed up the process of healing of any hemorrhages in the body to stop any blood loss. Furthermore, numb any pain that is felt by the being’s body by allowing the production of adrenaline. – I’ll allocate [6.0%] of my [A.P] to this Spell… and I’ll call it [Modified: Restoration]!
The big cat's injured face slowly regenerates, the wounds are closing, and its teeth are growing back at such a rapid rate that you can see the canines grow back. After only a few seconds, the big cat's head, which had previously been deformed, has returned to its healthy state. This all happened when my right hand suddenly shone a bright and white light, greater than before. Even though the huge cat's head is in good condition, its left eye did not heal, the big cat was left with a hollowed-out left eye socket.
My [A.P] is down to [9.6%], holy fuck I need to watch on where and how I should modify my Spells… I could end up with no [A.P] by just experimenting, I should be more care- – The big cat immediately got up, although it expressed neither growls or aggressive behavior.
I back away using [Wynd Dash] then put my fists up. – If you attack me after I just healed you, I swear to god – Although it appeared that the big cat was calm and just stood there looking at me, it didn't act aggressively, but I was still on high alert.
The big cat then cautiously approached me.
“Weird… hey, stop!” I exclaimed at the big cat. The large cat stopped when it heard me yell. – “Go away!” I exclaimed, and the cat abruptly turned away.
To be honest, a cat that size as a pet would be so fucking cool, but living would also be cool. That cat might slice my throat if I lower my guard. – As I watch the big cat flee in the bushes. To make sure that if I turn my back on it, it won't come running back to me. Then, all of a sudden, I realized something. – “Wait…” I said – HOW DO I GO BACK TO THE VILLAGE?!
Calm down, think… Dashing left and right made me lose the direction I came from… goddamn it. – I jumped using [Wynd] from where I was standing to scour the forest from above looking for any sign of light… while looking around, I spotted a smoke from the distance.
Landing safely back on the ground – Shit, I’m down to [A.P = 9.2%], I should be more careful with my usage. – I ran towards the direction of where I saw the light.
Hey Ninuu, don’t withdraw my [Nanobots] yet. – Ninuu pops up – “You got it.”
While running I check the time on my interface… it’s 4:56am. – Huh, I wonder why it’s still so dark, even though it’s almost sunrise.
----------------------------------------
My heart’s beating fast, as I ran through the dark but moonlit forest towards the direction of where I saw the light… and as I ran closer towards the light. The trees were getting thinner in numbers, maybe I’m getting further away from the deeper part of the forest. And as I get closer towards the light, I decided slow down and try to sneak to see what was there first.
As I sneak around the small camp, hiding at the bushes, I overhear some chattering, it’s group of people talking. I decided to eavesdrop first.
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Although it was somewhat close to the dirt route, it was an open space bordered by trees and plants and far enough away to make a comfortable campground. Three oil lamplights and a campfire in the center light up their campsite. It features two little tents and various antique kitchen appliances including cauldrons, wooden bowls, and wooden cups over the campfire. They have some logs that serve as a temporary seat, and something smells quite delicious.
As I was just battling a large cat ten minutes ago, I won't lie: I'm amazed that no wild animal is exploring this area.
There were 4 people in total that is around a campfire, they look like a small group of campers. Their clothes we’re decent, it has Victorian/Steampunk aesthetic to it, each of their clothes we’re intricately designed. Their group is divided into 2 men and 2 women, all of them look in their early 20s.
1 of the men had a mid-length blonde hair and is wearing a white dress-shirt with a blue-leather vest, as well as a brown trouser with a sheathe which carries a sword, as well as a steel-toe boots. – He’s checking over some things.
The second man is dressed in just a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a short brown leather coat with elaborate decorations. He has short, black hair and a short-length beard. His right thigh was covered with a long, thin leather casing that was fastened to his pants. He wore a belt with various leather containers and pouches attached to it. - There are pots and cauldrons all around the place and he's attending on them.
1 of the notable females in the group has a red-hair with a French-bob like hairstyle and carries a long wooden-staff with a big white-gem at the top which I think is [Wynd Stone], the staff is about the same height as her. She’s wearing a cotton shirt, with a brown leather-corset under a brown-leather duster, a dark-brown leather trousers with boots. – Her getup probably suggests that she’s a Caster same as me. – and she’s trying to clean a dagger while sitting down on a log.
And the other female has a short curly black hair. She is wearing of what looks like a white shirt-blouse under a brown-leather corset, and leather trousers with a belt armed with pouches and a pouch of some sort with bolts in it strapped on her right thigh. With knee-high leather boots. She was wearing a bronze-goggle and carrying a crossbow, which suggests she was lookout of some sort. – Which adds to the idea because she IS standing around looking while holding a crossbow. She was also wearing leather bracers on her forearm, but the right bracer was strapped with a quiver of some sort, holding 3 crossbow bolts.
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The 4 of them seems to be getting ready to either pack or unpack, I can’t tell.
As I move around the forest, I decided to crouch down in the bush just about 40 feet away from the open area they were camped at, I was trying to watch how I breathe as well as where I step, since any sudden movements might alert them, and a crossbow bolt might find its home between my eyes.
Now as a total stranger, how should I approach them… if I ran towards them like I was running from something, they’d probably think I was either escaping something scary, or a runaway criminal… that’s probably not the best idea. And if I approach them friendly and open arms… that’s more suspicious, I think. Maybe being lost and honest would be better? – I decided to wait for a few seconds – I’ll just approach them nonchalantly, fuck it.
Ninuu, withdraw the [Nanobots] – Ninuu pops up with a question mark above her head – “Are you sure? That might be dangerous” Ninuu said.
Yeah – “Alright, withdrawing” Ninuu said.
I decided to stand up from the bush which made a crackling sound that causes them to put on their guard. The blonde guy pulls his sword out from it sheathe, the girl with the staff stands up and readies her staff, and the girl with the crossbow points it at my direction… all the while the bearded guy just continues to tend the campfire… cooking.
I put my hands up in the air and tried put on my most friendly face – “W-wait! I’m just trying to traverse the woods, and I got lost.” I said, while trying to move towards them.
“Lost?” The girl asked, while pointing the crossbow towards me.
“Yes, and I don’t mean you to do any harm to you fine people, Its just me here.” I said while standing still and hands up in the air. – “I’m sorry, but I just need a little bit of help, if you guys would.” I said to them.
The blonde guy, the Caster, and the girl holding the crossbow looks at each other for a second… and nods. Although the bearded one still didn’t care and continue tending the food on the campfire.
As I got a clearer view of the 4 of them; the blonde guy was the tallest of them; he’s around 5’9 and has a slim but athletic physique, and fairly handsome.
The crossbow girl even with her leather pants, the crossbow girl's 'shapely' thighs weren't hidden by them; one term to describe her would be "busty." She was very pretty. She's about 5'5" tall.
The Caster girl is the shortest of the group, with a rough guess of her height of around 5'1 to 5'3 feet. She has a 'petite' build. She is the one of the three who appears to be on high alert, presumably due to her small stature.
In regards to the bearded man, what the hell is with him? Does he really not care one bit? This guy is still tending to the campfire and keeping an eye on their camp while his 3 friends are alert.
“We can trust you right?” The blonde guy asked.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
I nodded.
“Because if you do decide to trick us, we won’t hesitate to kill you.” The blond guy said.
Okay… noted – “Yes, of course.” I said to the blonde guy.
The blonde guy sheathes his sword, and the girl with the crossbow decides to lower her crossbow but keeps her eye on me. Although I can’t say the same for the Caster girl.
Suddenly, the girl with the staff decided to speak.
“Don’t move yet, you’re a Caster, aren’t you?” The girl with the staff asks.
“W-what?” I asked nervously, while lowering my arms.
“DON’T! lower your arms yet.” The Caster girl said then slowly walk towards me, while still on guard.
What did I do?! – I keep my hands up in the air.
As she gets closer to me, thoughts are wildly running around my mind of what can happen. – SHIT! Should I do something? … hehe, I mean to be honest, even if they try to attack me, the 4 of them against me is a bad matchup… for them. Hardened Nanobots are hard enough to withstand .22LR bullets. Still, that’d be stupid… making enemies in an unknown world without knowing anything about it, is probably the dumb.
The Caster girl approaches me and, after giving me the once-over, reaches inside her duster with her left hand and pulls out a wooden wand with iron rings wrapped around the center and either end. And on top of the wand was a purple jewel that resembled a [Gauging Stone] and was secured in place by iron wires. Next, she directs the wand at me.
She is holding the staff in her right hand, and as I watch her, I suddenly see that the bottom of the staff, which touches the ground, is armed with a metallic spearhead. – “Now… I’m not going to hurt you, alright?” The Caster girl said.
Why is she so paranoid? Isn’t she a Caster herself? – “S-sure.” I said to the Caster girl.
The Caster girl's left hand suddenly releases a tiny amount of purple mist, which is drawn toward the [Gauging Stone] portion of the wand. similar to what occurred when Yonne demonstrated it.
The [Gauging Stone] on the wand lights before gradually becoming darker. It didn't become completely black like when Yonne did it, though, and it didn't break either.
Should I say something? – “I’m a Caster, alright?” I said to the Caster girl, while still having my hands in the up in the air.
“Okay” She said, while staring at the wand’s gem – “Curious…” She said quietly.
“Uhh, so we’re good?” I ask the Caster girl.
“Maybe” she said, then went back to her campmates, while walking back, she nods at the blonde guy.
I get that I’m a total stranger in the forest, and they’re just cautious… but holy shit. – “I’m gonna lower my arm, okay? It’s getting numb.” I said, then lowered my arms.
The blonde guy sighs – “Yes, sorry about that by the way… you said you we’re lost, eh?” The blonde guy asks.
“Yeah, the names William by the way” I said to the blonde guy, while still standing. -
The Caster girl decides to sit back on the log she had been sitting on, while the crossbow-wielding girl went back to her post to look around the camp..
“My name’s Kenneve.” Kenneve said then looks at the girl with the crossbow – “That there is Welyn”
Kenneve then looks at the bearded guy – “He’s Mergyl of the Ugvyr Family.”
“And lastly, the cute devil of our party… Aelyna Aza” Kenneve said.
Wait… Aza? Is she related to Ly? – “Can I sit around the fire?” I asked Kenneve.
“Yeah, come sit” Kenneve said.
“Thanks you very much.” I said cheerfully and walked then sat on the ground around the campfire.
“Thank you very much.” I replied enthusiastically as I walked and sat down on the ground, next to the campfire.
Sitting down around the campfire. The aura feels a bit… awkward, they we’re talking before I arrived, and now it’s quiet. – “Would you guys’ mind if I ask, what are you doing here?” I asked.
Kenneve decided to speak – “Yeah, we got a contract to kill a notorious mountain lion here. And to visit-” Kenneve said before getting cut off by Aelyna clearing her throat.
Huh, that’s kind of a giveaway, I bet Ly and her is related. But a contract? – “Contract? Like you guys are hired to kill it?” I asked Kenneve.
“Yeah, we’re contractors.” Kenneve said.
Hmm, so contractors are kind of mercenaries? Or assassins of some sort. – “Oh, alright. Gotcha!” I said, even though I don’t fully get it – Asking too many questions is probably not a good idea.
Mergyl came to approach me and hand me something while I was sitting.
“Huh?” I said, then looked up, it was a wooden cup with a liquid inside that smells like coffee or a tea – “Is this for me?” I asked Mergyl.
Mergyl nods while smiling.
I grabbed the cup – “Thank you very much, I appreciate it.” I said to Mergyl, then looked at the cup, it’s definitely coffee.
“Just to let you know, Mergyl is cursed with having the ability to speak. But he can still understand and hear.” Kenneve said.
Oh? – Ninuu pops up – “It could be a type of aphasia, but hey… this being a world with magic. It’s possible that it’s actually a curse.” Ninuu said.
“That’s terrible, I can’t imagine the hardship that causes.” I spoke. – “But I bet, Mergyl isn’t bothered by it one bit.” I said then sipping the beverage given by Mergyl. – GODDAMN! That’s bitter as hell, it’s definitely coffee.
While tending the campfire, Mergyl turns to face me then nodded.
I raised my cup.
Aelyna decides to speak – “You said, you were lost right?” She said, while sitting down on a log.
“Still am” I said, then smiled.
“Where’d you come from originally then?” Aelyna asked.
Oh… shit, should I tell them the about the village, Ly said it was secluded. Can I reveal it? – “A village somewhere around here.” I said to Aelyna.
“Huh, is it the Greenrock village?” Aelyna asks.
I don’t know the name of the village; how come I didn’t ask anyone the name of that village – “Maybe” I said to Aelyna.
“It’s the only human village in this part of the forest, so if you’re not from there. You’re lost by a few thousand kilometers.” Aelyna said.
Damn! That’s quick… so Greenrock is the name of that village. – “Y-yeah.” I said, then looked away from her while sipping.
“Who’s your chief then?” Aelyna asks.
I feel bad for Oren if this goes wrong – “It’s Oren Bulwark” I said.
“Hm, we can probably help you get there.” Aelyna said.
I can probably guess that she’s going there to visit Ly, but I need to be sure – “How come?” I asked Aelyna.
“You’re lucky, we’re heading there.” Aelyna said.
“Yeah! If you want, you can come with us after we finish our contract first.” Kenneve said enthusiastically.
“Really? I’m pretty desperate to get back to Greenrock, so I’ll accept your offer” I said to Kenneve then looking Aelyna – Not that desperate, but help is always welcome, hehe.
“Yeah! but first, you gotta help us too… if you can” Kenneve said, then smiling.
“Alright, as long as I don’t need to be bait for a monster, I’ll help.” I said in a jokingly manner – I’m not joking though.
Welyn chuckles, but she doesn't look at us; instead, she keeps an eye on the bushes that are surrounding the campground.
“Mm, not a bait. But we need an extra hand in hunting a mountain lion.” Kenneve said.
“A mountain lion?” I asked Kenneve.
Aelyna reaches into her duster and takes out a rolled piece of parchment. Then handing it to me.
I unfurled the parchment and began to read.
Contract Type: Exterminating Contract Minimum Requirements: Qualified Contractors || Rank C+
[Reward]
[2 Seals] - [24 Silver]
[Contract Details]
[Target]: Mountain Lion || [Possible Anomaly]
[Location]: Forest of Greenrock.
The Mountain Lion, last seen in the area of Greenrock village's woodland, has been ambushing both travelers and small caravans.
[Description]: It was seen with a thick beige fur, and larger than usual.
[Completion]
Kill the mountain lion, then give the head as proof to your dispatcher.
Contract's Country of Origin: [Riyeka]
So, this is a contract. Ninuu capture this. – Ninuu pops up – “Way ahead of you, Venny” Ninuu said, then giggles.
“Hm, alright. I can help you guys with this.” I said confidently after I read the parchment – Isn’t this the same big cat that I fought 30 minutes ago? Ninuu?
Ninuu pops up – “I’m 99.9% sure that this is the same cat from earlier.” Ninuu said.
I handed back the parchment to Aelyna, then she puts it back inside of her duster.
“It’s a very dangerous job though, are you sure you want to tag along with us?” Kenneve said.
Dangerous? I mean, not to toot my horn… but I gobble smacked that cat in just one hit, healed it too. – “I can probably provide you guys with moral support” I said in a jokingly tone.
Welyn laughs heartily before quickly stifling it.
Aelyna on the other hand looks a bit serious.
“This is seriously a dangerous job, you can die.” Aelyna said.
“Yeah, I’m sure” I said to Aelyna, then smiled at her.
Aelyna saw me smiled at her, her expression went from relaxed to her squinting her eyebrows. – “Alright then.”
“But first, what are you good at though? Or your class?” Kenneve asked.
A what now? – “My class?” Confused, I asked Kenneve.
“Yeah, so we know what you’re capable of and we can work as a team” Kenneve said.
I have no idea what this guy is talking about – “I don’t know really, I’m a Caster though” I said to Kenneve, then taking a sip from the cup. – Still bitter. This is unacceptable, I need sugar or at least some milk.
Aelyna decides to speak – “Knowing you’re from Greenrock, it’s not surprising you don’t know your class. But it’s also Greenrock, so you should be able to manipulate Wynd. – Aelyna said.
“You can manipulate Wynd, right?” Aelyna asked me.
Pfft, of course I can, pretty good at it too. – “I can, although still a beginner though, ha-ha” I said to Aelyna.
“Good, that should be a good addition.” Aelyna said, then mumbles to herself quietly – “I need to talk to that Elder Caster to give classes to her Casters.”
Yo, I can hear you. – “What’s your class though? Aelyna?” I asked Aelyna
“I’m an Elemental Caster that specializes in Wynd Manipulation.” Aelyna said.
Kenneve decided to speak after Aelyna “And I’m a Duelist that specializes in swordplay.” Kenneve said, then smiled.
“Ohh okay, what about Mergyl and Welyn?” I asked Kenneve.
“Mergyl is a Guardian that can use a bit of Holy Necromancy and Enchanting Spells” Kenneve said while looking at Mergyl.
Kenneve then switched to look at Welyn – “And Welyn is our Spellbow, she specializes in crossbows, and she can also cast Spells.”
Welyn decided to speak – “Can still use a traditional bow though.” She said while still looking scouting our surroundings.
Huh, I would’ve thought that they’d be more private with their classes since its their capabilities. But I guess not – “So you guys are a group or something then?” I asked Kenneve.
Kenneve nods – “We’re a party-”
Mergyl suddenly clapped his hands, interrupting Kenneve.
Kenneve looks at Mergyl, then back to me – “Dinner! You wanna join us, William?” Kenneve asked.
Dinner? What, it’s almost sunrise. Wait… so my time is not sync then? – Ninuu pops up – “It seems so, they’re having dinner, and your clock says that it’s 5:12am” Ninuu said.
“I wouldn’t want to be a bother, so-” I said to Kenneve.
“Nonsense, we’ll feel bad if we eat and left you with an empty stomach.” Kenneve said, as he stands up and walked towards the campfire to grab a serving.
The same was done by Aelyna and Welyn, who each took a serving for themselves..
After all of them finished grabbing their serving, they sat down to eat.
I finished the coffee Mergyl gave me, and I decided to stand and walked towards the campfire to grab a serving – “Are you guys sure I can take some?” I asked Kenneve.
“Mm-hmm” Kenneve mumbled, while eating.
I decided to grab a serving of the stew, which contained both the meat and the vegetables. I took a spoonful… and it tastes okay..
I took another bite. – Could use a bit more seasoning, the meat and vegetables are good, but the soup is pretty… bland.
It’s bothersome to not have the correct time, but I could deal with it for now. Ninuu, remove the time from my interface. – Ninuu pops up – “Sure, removing…” Ninuu said, then suddenly the time set at the top-right of my interface disappears.
The (4) of them chose to stack their dishes around the campfire after we had finished our meal.
“Are you guys going to wash the dishes?” I asked them.
“No, since there’s not water source nearby.” Aelyna said.
“What about Water Manipulation?” I asked Aelyna.
“I can’t manipulate water. Like I said, I specialize in Wynd.” Aelyna said.
Huh, is it rare to manipulate water? Hmm, if they’re going to Greenrock, then Aelyna is going to meet Yonne, their conversation is probably going to turn to me… should I hide my ability to manipulate water? It’s pretty well-known in the village by now. It would be weird if I say that I can’t, and they later find out that I can… I’ll just hide it for now – “Ohh, alright” I said to Aelyna.
“That was a good meal! Now it’s getting pretty late, and we’re moving at the break of dawn. Welyn, you rest, I’ll keep watch” Kenneve said to Welyn.
“Yes, yes.” Welyn said, then went inside at one of the tents.
Aelyna walked towards the same tent that Welyn got in. – “I’m taking my rest too” Aelyna said, before heading inside, and closing the entrance.
“You can rest here too, William.” Kenneve said.
Mergyl went to his bag and grabbed something. And then walked towards me, he’s holding a bedroll and is trying to give it to me.
“There’s no need, thanks.” I said to Mergyl.
But Mergyl insisted that I take it.
I eventually took it and laid it down. – “Thanks man.” I said to Mergyl.
Mergyl nods and enters a different tent from those of Aelyna and Welyn.
I laid the bedroll around the campfire and laid down on it. – “You mind if I snooze here?” I asked Kenneve.
“Yeah” Kenneve said, while sitting down on a log.
They’re pretty chill, and that contracting stuff sounds pretty interesting. Also, I really want to get back to the village.
I soon fell off to sleep fairly quickly from exhaustion.