Midday in the city of Gignit, of the twenty-four hours that a day has, these hours in particular are the most anticipated by all people, whether they are from Gignit or outside the city.
Why do people wait so long for these hours of the day?
Well, it's the long-awaited lunch time. The time to satisfy hunger and thirst, fill our stomachs, replenish our energy and take a short, but well-deserved break. Hunger can cause severe mood swings and filling our stomachs is an excellent way to combat it.
At this time, every restaurant, diner and even the small street food stalls are packed with people eager to satisfy the hunger that won't leave them alone. It's funny to see the exact moment when the pleasant aroma of food wreaks havoc on their minds.
There was a line that stretched even beyond the doors of a restaurant whose main dish of the day is a combo of roast beef and mashed potatoes, the people in line were already preparing their gold pieces to make the payment, more than eager to try such a delicacy.
So, we find ourselves in a certain restaurant that is specifically geared towards vegetarians such as Elves, demi-humans belonging to the herbivorous clans, and even those humans who have preferred to leave meat aside.
The meals served in the restaurant would not be any less tasty, however. These meals are prepared in such a way that they are considered a real delicacy, extremely delicious and quite nutritious.
By this time, the restaurant was packed, with tables for two, four, and even six people. Each table was occupied by customers who were smiling and very hungry, placing their orders.
The pretty waitresses, whether human or semi-human, walked around the place receiving and writing down the orders of the important clients while others brought the appetizing dishes to their respective owners so that they could taste and enjoy such exquisite food.
-What would you like to order, young lady?- one of the waitresses asked in a very friendly manner while showing a warm smile, hair tied in a ponytail, wearing the restaurant uniform, with a sheet of paper and pencil in hand more than ready to be used and write down the order.
-Oh my! You flatter me- said the client, a half-human woman from the Cervid clan, one of the many variants that this clan has and in this case the beautiful lady is a half-human white-tailed deer. Chestnut hair, loose and very well cared for, with length reaching the area of the upper back.
Beautiful and bright eyes with a color resembling that of sweet honey. Ears like those of an animal, coming out of the same place where a human's ears would be. On her head grew the most characteristic of her clan and at the same time what filled her with the most pride, her deer antlers. The one that marked her as a being belonging to the clan.
Their antlers were somewhat long, and individually they separated into branches, giving the impression that they actually looked like sharp, dry tree branches. But no, they were the symbol of pride of this clan.
Her body was quite attractive as she had a slender figure, without much bust, but well-formed hips and beautiful, toned legs.
-As always, you know what to say to get a good tip- said the semi-human smiling.
With some embarrassment, the waitress in charge of taking the order lowered her head with a deep blush, there is nothing wrong with wanting to earn some extra.
He didn't do anything bad to anyone, he didn't offend people, rather he praised them.
The woman decided - I'd like a large carrot soufflé - normally, girls are the ones who tend to take care of their figure the most. A girl, so to speak, "normal", would choose the small or medium portion.
There was a very important reason why she chose the large portion.
The reason why the demi-human asked for a large portion was because she is an adventurer and a BRONZE rank of about twenty years old. Due to her status as an adventurer she must always have enough energy for her missions, she does not worry at all about the amount of food she consumes because all the calories are burned in each mission she performs.
-Accompanied by tomato sauce and a glass of wine- she said the latter almost in a whisper so that her very important companion could not hear her. The waitress proceeded to write down the order, now looking at her very important companion.
-Little gentleman- said the waitress with a tender smile, -what would you like to eat?-.
Next to the semi-human was the one who would be the most important little person in her entire life, much more than her own!.
It was her little son, about three years old, her darling, her adoration, her light. Above the little boy's head you could see the characteristic antlers of the clan peeking out and due to his young age they were still in the process of formation. The boy smiled sweetly, causing the waitress to almost fall in love with him and hearts floated around him.
-I hope those lustful eyes aren't being directed at my son...- the very jealous and protective mother complained jokingly, meanwhile the child looked at them not understanding what had happened.
From afar it could be seen how a semi-human man from the same clan had just arrived at the same table with clothing that revealed that he was one of the many city guards.
Among all the waitresses, there was one in particular, belonging to the Rabbit clan, who looked extremely nervous, to the point of being so distracted and unfocused that she even got the orders mixed up a couple of times, having to apologize to the customers.
-You should try to calm down, Nina- Hasenina, better known as Nina, is the demi-human who in a few moments would be having a date with a SILVER-rank adventurer. After a couple of attempts, she agreed to go out and have lunch with him. Now the expectations did not let her work in peace. It was impossible for her not to think about anything other than the date.
-I don't know what to do- said Nina taking a short break in the bathroom, she washed her face for the umpteenth time -no one had ever been interested in me and now someone comes and says they're interested in me and want to make me their girlfriend... they even talked about marriage-.
Nina was so scared, she didn't think the young adventurer was a bad person or anything, she even thought he was quite attractive.
-And what's wrong with that?- asked her faithful friend.
-I just don't understand. Why me? - said Nina - when there are other girls much prettier.
The friend grabbed her cheeks trying to calm her down as much as possible - breathe with me - she said starting to breathe and being seconded by Nina - and now... don't talk nonsense, you are very pretty and also very sweet, I'm sure any boy would go crazy to have even a chance to go out with you, DID YOU UNDERSTAND? -.
Nina nodded, still quite nervously.
-It's normal that you're so nervous before going out with a guy, it's your first time after all, but you have to calm down!- she was achieving what she wanted, to calm Nina down. Taking advantage of that, she gave her at least a couple of tips.
-But I don't know what to talk to you about, I'm very boring- Nina.
- Are you serious? - the friend laughed - he's an adventurer and a SILVER rank! You can ask him about his missions and many other things - she held Nina's long ears stretching them while the cute demi-human complained under her breath - you can talk to him about anything, ask him about magical beasts, adventurers know a lot about them, besides that's a very interesting topic -.
-And then what do I do?- he asked again rubbing his long rabbit ears.
-Whatever you want! - said the friend again - you can go for a walk, go shopping, play in the square - she winked - or you can take it home and eat it-.
-Eat it?- it was impossible for her not to stutter and bite her tongue, it seemed as if some steam was emanating from Nina's ears, the embarrassment stood out and marked the face of the virgin damsel too much who was not yet ready for this type of conversation -i-it's not too fast, I mean... they'll surely think that I...-.
-NO ONE WILL JUDGE YOU!- said the girl -as long as you are well and happy, the rest is completely unimportant, and who cares what others think! None of us will judge you if you want to take him home and sleep with him. We just want you to be happy-.
Nina caught her breath again, she looked much calmer now and even a little smiling - do you really want me to go on the date? -
-Even the boss wants it!- the woman said between laughs, making the semi-human girl laugh completely calmly and with a clear mind. Suddenly and abruptly, the entrance door to the restrooms was opened abruptly and one of the many employees of the restaurant entered through there, with a radiant smile drawn on her lips.
-NINA- the girl called while behind her all the others peeked out with mischievous and dreamy looks -YOUR BOYFRIEND HAS ARRIVED!-.
…
The forest surrounding the city of Gignit is truly beautiful and quite striking.
In certain areas, the beauty of the landscape is highlighted: large trees of different shades of color and an infinite number of shapes and sizes, thickets of pure flowers and other beautiful plants.
Even a lot of coveted magical plants and flowers beautified the landscape, making it very pleasing to the eye and giving the atmosphere a magical touch.
Due to their beauty and rarity, many of these plants and flowers are used for different reasons, especially as a gift to a loved one to show a romantic gesture. Although they could also be used to make powerful concoctions and some kind of medicine.
Magical plants are a bit tricky to find, so if someone finds one they can consider themselves lucky. Magical plants and flowers are mostly used in the preparation of very powerful potions and medicines. If you were to treat yourself with normal medicine, it would take longer to cure you, depending on the ailment. Magical plants cure you in half the time.
Some of the magical flowers and plants that adorn the place receive the following names and characteristics:
The Bush Diver.
It is a bush half a meter high as well as in diameter. It has different shapes, such as circular, oval, among others. This bush has four branches that protrude above it and to its sides. Something quite peculiar is that it can move using the amount of roots as small legs. The term "diver" refers to the fact that the bush is able to walk to areas where there is water and dive into it.
It usually uses this method to prevent its leaves from being eaten by insects, animals or herbivorous magical beasts.
Fish Tank Plant.
A plant of striking and warm colors. This plant, somehow and for some unknown reason, is able to use magic to a certain degree. It manipulates water to a certain degree, it has the ability to move so on certain occasions it can be seen approaching rivers, it cannot stay in the water so it manipulates the water and sends it towards it like a large bubble. The bubble covers it completely.
The fish tank thing refers to the fact that the bubble usually brings many fish which eat all the insects that bother the plant.
You could say that there is some kind of relationship between the plant and the fish, the fish do not try to escape when the plant lifts them out of the water inside the bubble. It is as if the plant protects them in some way and the fish clean the plant of insects.
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Flower Spit Fire.
The intrinsic characteristic of this magical flower is its ability to use elemental fire magic and throw it out like a spit in the form of a fireball at anyone who comes within its range. It uses this effective method of defense to ward off predators or anyone who might try to pluck it. This flower has a striking, yet strong crimson color. Its thorns are longer compared to the thorns of a rose.
It has numerous petals and in the center of it the carmine color changes to a yellowish one, it is from there that it spits out a small fireball which disappears immediately upon impact with its enemies.
You can also see some midnight flowers, just like the one Selestia has had for so many years next to a beautiful Fairy Flower that shines with beautiful colors at night and attracts little spirits who play around it.
Unfortunately, the beautiful and magical landscape, with an air of the most beautiful fantasy, was horribly spoiled by a nefarious and nauseating trail of dried blood impregnated the path that marked the dividing line in the middle of the living terrain.
As one more followed the said trail, the path would go from dry to the point where the blood would be fresh.
The trail of blood drew a curve, leaving the path and entering under the large roots of a huge and very healthy tree. From that point, right where it seemed that the blood was accumulating forming a small puddle, there was a plump man with fine clothes now dirty, bathed in sweat and with large blood stains adorning him.
-DAMN IT- his bloodshot eyes made it more than obvious the evident state of fury that this unpleasant person was going through. He looked towards where his now non-existent right hand should be located. The cut went up to the height of his forearm. The blood was still falling from that area and all because such a wound could not be treated yet.
-THAT GUY WILL PAY FOR THIS! HOW DARE HE CUT OFF MY HAND? SHIT! FUCKING TRASH!-.
He complained again, losing control of his thoughts for a few moments, while with his only "healthy" hand he tried to stop the bleeding, even if just a little.
The slaver was beginning to feel dizzy, he had already lost too much blood and if he didn't do something about it, it wouldn't be surprising if he died sitting there. Looking at the amputated area, the sight was not at all pleasant. He could see the flesh hanging, the veins spitting blood and the hollow disgustingly greeting him.
-DAMN, my lie should have been enough, it's always worked for me. He must have been scared to know that he was a "silver rank" even if it was just a ruse- the chubby man's plan was to attack his opponent's spirits, to create a feeling of superiority over his young adversary. I sensed that he was an adventurer by the way he was dressed, I reckon he shouldn't be older than fifteen or sixteen, so without a doubt he had to be a PORCELAIN rank.
-Even so...- he gritted his teeth with some fury, remembering again the exact moment when he felt a terrible pain and then his hand said goodbye forever -he dared to hurt me like that-.
He sat down on one of the many roots that could be used as a stool, the tree was actually big enough since under it was quite spacious -if I only had one of those two shitty slaves I would force them to get me some water, I don't want to risk going there myself. There could be many beasts in the area that try to devour me, those two would be the perfect bait since they are only good as food for beasts-.
In truth, the guy is beyond saving, his heart is only haunted by selfishness and bad feelings. Luckily, neither Roger nor Macky are still under his nauseating "protective" mantle. If they were, they would be sent right now in search of something that could heal this bastard's wounds, and most likely they would never return from that search. In these woods live ferocious beasts and magical carnivorous beasts that would gladly make Roger and Macky a souvenir.
He touched his belt and looked away at it -I still have a good amount of gold- tied to his belt an elegant sack filled with who knows how many gold coins, he should have at least five hundred -if only he knew where the base of ''VARANUS'' was he could buy at least one or two slaves, no matter what condition they are in-.
VARANUS is the criminal organization currently located in the surroundings of the Gignit forest, completely on the lookout for "merchandise" that they can sell at a high price in the slave market or clandestine auctions.
-I've tried to contact them, but it's impossible- he bit his lower lip in a sign of annoyance and frustration, he closed one of his eyes when he felt some pain run through his arm -if I could be part of VARANUS my life of luxury would be assured, if I could get the attention of the big fish of the black market... they could even invite me to join the biggest criminal organization of all, the one that controls all the other organizations... aackkk- once again he felt dizzy which was combined with a terrible pain that made his skin crawl.
-I'm feeling really bad...- with his free hand or rather the only hand he had left he held his head, his mind seemed to be spinning, for a few moments the surroundings became a blur. And as if that weren't enough, the physical pain did nothing but go on -I don't even have a damn painkiller... is that it?- he saw something like that that diverted all his attention focusing on a certain violet flower. It was somewhat striking because of its shape and even more so because of the leaves that sprouted from the ground accompanying it.
-That will do! I'm sure it's a Terrestrial's flower- at least he could say that he knows about botany and magical creatures, the discovery calmed his injured integrity greatly -a Terrestrial's flower serves as a kind of painkiller, although it is not so strong at least it will help to calm my pain-.
The sweat increased as he moved to where the blessed flower was, tiring himself even more than he already was, but it was worth it. He held on with some force and in that way he stretched the flower trying to remove it from the "root", but it seemed to resist, it was obvious since the flower is stuck to the head of the harmless creature, it is part of its body.
-Damn Terrestrial- he complained again- give me that flower! I will give it a better use than you will give it in your whole life- using what little strength he had left he pulled the aforementioned flower out, tearing it off the poor Terrestrial.
-How unpleasant- he muttered, laughing and observing things that seemed to be roots, the same ones apparently were the closest thing to veins that carried the vital liquid, in this case greenish, to the Terrestrial flower.
Small drops of that greenish liquid fell from the roots.
Suddenly, that area of the ground seemed to be bulging until suddenly something emerged from the ground revealing the Terrestrial that had come to the surface. Immediately, the small creature threw itself to the ground writhing in a state of pure suffering and feeling extreme pain, it let out an anguished shriek trying to reach with its short hands the area where its precious flower was torn from it.
A liquid, apparently vital to the life of the Terrestrial, emerged from that area as a source of water.
Terrestrials often lose or shed their flowers, and after a while another one grows back and they don't feel any pain, as long as they do it themselves and properly. This is a different case because their flower is still healthy and apparently growing, and this wretch comes and tears it off so heartlessly, causing them indescribable and horrible pain.
Terrestrials are completely harmless creatures to other beings, they do not bother or hurt anyone. They are not predators, in fact, they contribute enormously to the distribution and circulation of vitamins and minerals in the soil.
That way plants and other life forms can feed on it. And now a damn bastard came to hurt him very cruelly and all because his flower can be used as an analgesic and pain reliever, and to top it off it is not even potent. It was more than enough and much less painful if he only cut off the part where it bloomed, in short, having torn off the stem was simply an act of cruelty.
-Tsk- he clicked his tongue and then complained - will you shut up already? You are a very loud and annoying creature, can't you just bury yourself and be quiet again?-.
The request was rejected, in fact, it was not even listened to in the slightest. The Terrestrial only focused on his pain and suffering in agony, small tears could be seen escaping from his eyes as his screaming increased.
Having no other option, the subject decided that it was time to act, if he continued in this way some beast might hear them and decide to investigate the area. With a throbbing vein he looked at the poor and tormented Terretrial who continued to writhe on the ground -if you can't understand what I'm saying, you must die-.
Crouching down and joining his index and middle fingers, he forced it into the mouth of the small, harmless magical creature.
-You asked for it- the magical creature seemed to be in pain as her useless attempts to remove the man's fingers from her mouth were accompanied by more tears, her instincts screamingly telling her that she was in danger.
For a moment the man felt a strange pleasure, knowing what was about to happen - if only you had kept quiet you would have been spared from dying in such a horrible way - the last thing the poor Terrestrial managed to see before perishing in such a terrible way was the smile drawn on the lips of his executioner.
-Fire Elemental Magic: Flamethrower-.
With the little energy he had left, he was only able to launch the magical flamethrower attack through his two fingers which were stuck inside the poor Terrestrial's mouth.
In an act so cruel, so nefarious and of pure evil, the man burned and charred both inside and out a harmless magical creature, which contributes much to the environment and was at least a thousand times more beneficial to all KOSMOS than this unpleasant character is.
The greenish liquid which served as the earthly being's blood boiled for a few brief moments before turning into nothing. Everything inside the magical creature that served as organs was burned and charred.
His entire inside was reduced to nothing but ashes, leaving the outside as a simple empty shell as it began to crack and fall apart. His skin was completely dry and black. His eyes lay to one side, but in a liquid state as they were melted from within, looking like raw eggs that had just been broken and slid down his face until they hit the ground and began to burn.
Black smoke, which had the sole purpose of contaminating the environment, emerged from the hole that the man had caused when he plucked the precious Terrestrial flower.
The plump slaver finished casting his magical attack, removing his fingers from the cracked shell that is now the Terrestrial, contemplating what he had done -hmpf- he snorted with quite a bit of malice laced with every word that came out of his mouth -it seems that creatures of your species burn quite well, I think I could start a new business and sell them like coal-.
He laughed as he took in the horrible sight of the Terrestrial once more - I could make a few gold coins selling them as coal to the small independent villages.
How cruel must a person be to kill in such a horrible, cruel and macabre way a harmless being that was quite beneficial to the environment. Terrestrials do not fight, do not cause harm or look for trouble and even try to hide so as not to be seen by other beings. This Terrestrial had not hurt, bothered or disturbed him. He was simply buried while probably feeding.
And this man arrived, who was not satisfied with causing terrible agony; he also had to kill him in such a terrible way.
-Now I just have to focus on treating my wound- he sighed, diverting his attention once again to his amputated arm -I feel a little better, I think killing that nuisance helped lower my stress level- he couldn't even stop insulting poor Terrestrial who lay dead next to him.
-The pain is starting to increase, I have to apply myself before it becomes unbearable- he felt like that area seemed to throb with a life of its own. Once again he used one of the roots as a seat and with his only free hand he crushed the flower until it became a pasty mass -it's difficult to do it this way, especially considering that I'm right-handed-.
He looked closely at the color of the pasty mass that was previously a pretty flower and narrowed his eyes sniffing the peculiar aroma it gave him, he frowned with obvious signs of annoyance, squeezed the pasty mass tightly and threw it to the side with dull rage in his soul -useless creature- he said looking with annoyance at the cracked corpse of the terrestrial -and to think that I wasted so much time with you, damn, your damn flower hasn't developed enough yet-.
In short, this man stole the precious flower and brutally murdered the magical creature completely in vain.
The flower still needed to grow a little more to reach maturity, in order to gather the nutrients necessary to produce the component that is used as a painkiller.
-TRASH- He kicked the corpse, sending it towards the entrance area, and it was at that moment that it seemed that for a few moments the soul of the plump slaver left his body.
At the entrance to his area, he could see a ferocious magical beast looking at him while emitting growls. Looking at him from head to toe with yellowish eyes, black sclera and a gaze which did not show the slightest hint of feelings.
Forked tongue that entered and exited the oral cavity.
Scaly skin of dark green color, the scales that adorned its body were so thick that they gave the sensation of being a kind of rough armor. Long legs for the type of body it has, black claws and soaked with mud. Long tail and the tip seemed to be made of rocks. It did not stop drooling because the ferocious beast, the Komodo, was hungry.
The man did not succeed in his goal, the reason why he killed the Terrestrial was due to the fear that some beast that was prowling the area would be attracted to it. In the end something heard them and now it was in front of it. And making its luck worse, the Komodo was an adult.
Six meters long and three meters high. It opened its jaws, and the man could see with horror the row of countless carmine red teeth, quite similar to extremely sharp crystals which would be used against him. His despair was even greater when he realized that the Komodo was able to enter without any problem to where he was.
-BACK OFF- he screamed in fear and desperation -BACK OFF, YOU DAMN LIZARD-.
The intimidating and ferocious Komodo had nothing to do with a lizard. The guy threw a few fire magic spells which were in vain because the Komodo's skin was very tough and resistant to heat or at least attacks of this degree and level would not do the slightest damage to it, perhaps if it weren't in such a pitiful state without any energy it would have been able to scare it away.
But it was a Komodo, a beast whose danger level was within the "MODERATE" category, being the highest among the three divisions that the MODERATE category has:
MODERATE-LOW, MODERATE-MEDIUM and MODERATE-HIGH.
Only the category considered "MODERATE" has these three divisions, since due to the level of danger of the other categories a division is no longer necessary.
There is no such thing as ''Danger Level: Low''.
The classification of the danger levels starts directly with "Moderate-Low" emphasizing that the danger remains moderate. After passing through the three divisions, the following danger levels follow:
*Danger Level: High.
*Danger Level: Titanic.
*Danger Level: Mythic.
*Danger Level: Universal.
This last level is considered a threat to the world.
The same level system is used to classify the danger levels of the quests that adventurers take.
The Komodo Beast has a danger level of Moderate-High, something that even strong BRONZE-rank adventurers could consider a threat to. But that doesn't mean it should be taken lightly. The Komodo is extremely voracious and loves meat, if it's hungry it has no problem fighting other magical beasts to devour them.
PORCELAIN rank adventurers often have a lot of trouble when fighting against these beasts, and on several occasions they have to escape.
In his current state, horribly injured and lacking in energy, the plump slaver would have no chance against a beast with a danger level of: Moderate-Medium, much less against the Komodo which is Moderate-High.
The last thing he could see and hear was a huge Komodo entering without hesitation under a large tree and after only seconds -AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHACK...- a loud scream of horror and despair could be heard.