Once there was a legend passed in the Payon Village about the two mythical creatures. Since ancient times, these two mythical creatures are known all throughout the place however only a few people had actually seen those two. Living in the dark and solitary confines of the Payon Cave, legends says that the great demon fox took its residence there and those who venture inside the depths of these cave had never returned. Those who are lucky enough had lived to tell the tale but these tales varies that even the appearance of the demon was not even described properly aside from the fact that it is a humanoid monster who has a fox like appearance. These cave, which is located at the middle of the forest and nearby the village was being guarded by the Archer’s Guild. It is notorious to the whole continent as one of the places who is a home for different demons. Those that venture further inside reported hearing a bell sound and a menacing laugh, each time these bell rung, ominous feeling descends at the cave to the point it is already choking.
However, the legend is not just limited at the cave, an another legend was living on the forests itself. According to these legend, the Payon Forest was being protected by a tiger monster who serves as the god of these forest. Only a few people had taken a glimpse of these creature who is a huge tiger monster standing on its two legs commanding the fierce monster bears called Bigfoots. They said that these monster is very fierce that anyone it laid eyes on are petrified, but contrary to the demon of the cave, this monster acts on its noble instinct. It only attacks those who harm the forests and also those who trespass its territory. Because of this, the villagers give their respect and offerings to the forests to curry the favor of this god who resides deeply at the forests.
“The demon of the cave and the king of the forest.. Those who met those two is as good as being dead. How ominous these legends is. To think you will sent them to the deep part of forests, are you not concerned for your beloved grandson?”
Sitting comfortably at the sofa with his one hand holding a cup of tea was the young archer who earned the recognition of capturing the kidnapper of a princess, Chris Milshion. Across him who is sitting imposingly was an old man with a white ruggish shoulder-length hair wearing sharp eyes was the guild leader of Archer’s Guild, Isolte Irine. It is been several hours after Yoona and Kavach left, a tinge of sunset could be seen now outside of the window.
“Legends will only remained as a myth, until you see it with your eyes. For those two, facing a legend would require them to face an another legend.”
Isolte drink his cup of tea and at the same time took out a cigarette and lit it. Watching him litting the cigarette, Chris grins towards the old man as he enjoys his hot tea. Isolte couldn’t help but find the mischievous eyes of the young lad in front of him to be something should be wary of. With a carefree voice Chris opens his mouth.
“I heard that a falcon will push its hatchlings off the nest so that they will learn how to fly”
Isolte, puffing smoke looks at Chris. Trying to divulge what could be the young lad is thinking. He took a glance on the papers scattered at the table which contains the reports of the scouts.
“An arrow is only deadly if it is sharp, a dull one is nothing but a twig.”
Chris gave a light chuckle, finding fascination on the conversation. Finding interest on the swords woman and the self claimed strongest archer, Chris couldn’t help but to shake from excitement. A mischievous grin formed on his lips as he imagines the tarterred bodies of these two. Is Isolte doesnt really care to what will happen to his grand son? Or is he just pretending to be cold? He wants to know how the old man’s face will be after he will hear the unfortunate circumstances that will befall on Kavach. He empties his cup and stands up. Isolte keeps staring on the lad as he puffs his smoke.
“What are you planning, Chris?”
“Oh my.. Are you worried for me now sir?”
Isolte, unperturbed keeps staring at Chris like a hawk looking at its prey. Chris shrugged his shoulder and moves near the door.
“Those papers you have, you need someone to confirm those right?”
Chris gives a beaming smile to the old man, a charming and adorable smile only if not for those two pair of mischievous eyes he is wearing. He bows his head and opens the door, leaving Isolte on solitary.
“Legends huh… Kavach.. Be well”
Isolte puffs another smoke and looks again at the papers scattered at the table. Looking at the words which reads “The tiger king was seen at the forests east from the village”.
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*Haaa.. Haaa… Haaa*
The sounds of our panting could be heard as we lay flat with our backs in the grasses. After the ordeal at the guild house, Yoona had literally dragged me at the forests against my protests. The wind is starting to get cold as the skies started to be painted with orange.
“Haaa.. Ha… Ha.. Oi you damn baggage, you said you know where are those smokies!”
Yoona asked as she slowly move her head to look at me while still lying and panting. Her black eyes are looking at me, honestly it is a bit enticing but... This dumbass.. Irritated as I am, I tried to remember again the events that happened earlier. The old man had given me a work as the overseer of this criminal and I demand to have a compensation for this unruly treatment! I would demand to double my pay for this! I looked back at this dumb girl besides me and replied:
“Of course I do, it is just you are too impulsive and didn’t let me even speak!! Thanks to your stupidity and we’re now lost inside this god damn forests!!”
Yoona averts her eyes and, “Oh right” is written across her face. We ran all the way here from the guild house passing by the village and exiting at the east gate. Everytime I tried to speak, this muscle head will run faster, I had no choice but to keep chasing her! How can she run that fast wearing those heavy looking lump of metals?
“Well.. It can’t be helped right!! So where are we?”
She slowly lifts her body up and survey her surroundings. Following her, I lift my body and look around. The vast greenery envelops my whole vision and judging the sky, I could tell that it is almost late afternoon.
“Honestly I also don’t know. You run randomly without knowing where to go you know.”
“Alright alright! I get it already!! So tell me now where are those smokies!”
“Shut up dumbass! I am thinking here you know!”
Yoona shuts her mouth and pouts. I am happy to lend my assistance to such a cute girl if not only for her horrible personality. I surveyed again my surroundings and noticed that we are really in deep shit. The vast numbers of bamboo are spread out as far as my eye could see, I couldn’t even determine well which place we came from. Fortunately, the place we have now is a small clearing in the middle of this sea of bamboos. Knowing that I wouldn’t find anything here, I started to walk towards the sea of bamboos hoping to look for a way out.
“Hey where are you going? Don’t leave me behind!’
Oh shut up bitch! I said to myself, as I went inside the bamboos. I took out my bow and clutch it with my one hand as we walk. The sounds of our footsteps and the crackling of the stepped on dried leaves could be heard loudly, the air is getting colder and I could hear the faint sounds of birds and other animals from the distance. Yoona and I walk silently, the only direction I am relying on is my instincts.
*iiikkkk…. Iiikkkkk… iiikkkk*
I could hear a sound of something creaking nearby. I assumed Yoona had heard it too as she looks at the direction I am looking too. As much as possible, I want us to get out of this forest or atleast got into a place I am well familiar with before the sun sets completely. The dangers of the forest at night is not something to be laugh at. We haven’t bring any tents or any provisions thanks to a certain idiot here, but I hope we could find even just a small cave to stay for tonight.
“Hey what is that?”
Yoona stops suddenly and hide beneath the bushes and pointed on something. Wow she’s fast. I didn’t notice that she already went passed by me. I walk nearer to her and look at the direction she is pointing at.
*iiikkk…. Iiikkkk.. iiikkkkk*
A tall and slender wooden post was standing there at the clearing. The post is a bit circular and a bit thick, it looks like an ordinary piece of long log sticked on the ground only if that thing is not moving. I determined that the creaking sound we heard earlier is coming from this creature. The creature is rocking itself back and forth which causes the creaking sound. There is no doubt, that is a monster.
“That is a monster called Greatest General. It is harmless as long as you don’t ----”
“Hhhiiiiiyyyaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!”
Yoona suddenly rushed out the clearing howling, rushing towards the Greatest General without even letting me finish! With her sword on her right and her buckler on the left, Yoona immediately appears in front of the monster. The Greatest General opened his big eyes and spreads out his long thin arms as it intercepts Yoona’s attack.
“----Go near to it!! Damn it!!!!!!”
I quickly draw my arrows and scratch the tips on the ground creating a spark that quickly burst into flames. I load my arrow scorching on its arrowhead, took aim at the monster and release. My arrows has been quickly engulfed with fury of flames as it hits its mark, spreading the flame on the monster. Yoona blocks the thin arms going straight at her with her buckler and retaliates as she swings her sword. I quickly load several fire arrows and fire rapidly towards the monster, backing up Yoona.
*GGGGAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!*
The Greatest General is frantically swaying its long thin arms but Yoona keeps blocking it as my flames starts to consume its body, showing cracks all around the place. Yoona backs a bit readies her sword, looks straight at the cracks forming at the body of the monster. The long thin arms both move quickly towards her sides in attempt to pincer her however before it collides, Yoona slips away towards the monster and quickly thrust her sword towards the crack. The blade penetrates deeply, stabbing the monster directly to its weak point.
Eh.. Not bad.. Seeing Yoona delivers a critical attack, I am amazed that she managed to exploit the attack that I inflicted. But what bothers me is how the hell that sword, looking at its appearance that looks like a blunt weapon with a few teeth on the opposite side of pointed edge could stab sharply like that.
Yoona is not moving from her position and watch the Greatest General as it writhes in agony. The monster slowly looks at her, and using ounce of its strength, moves its arms to slap her one more time. I quickly drew an arrow to intercept but what I had seen next surprise me. Yoona rotates her sword in a way that the teeth part of her blade is facing perpendicularly to the monster and in a full force draws the sword back, scraping the sharp teeth of the blade on the body of the monster. Yoona stays on her after stance as the body of the Greatest General snaps into two pieces, falling to the ground. With a clunk sound, the Greatest General was split into half.
Impossible...That is a double attack!... Indeed that is a double attack. Usually swordsmans always use series of slashes to cut their opponents, using brute force to overwhelm its opponents but never they do thrusting unless they are using a spear or a very short sword. Each slash counts as one attack and they do this repetitively, however double attack is different. Double attack is a technique that could be done in two ways, either to stab or thrust your opponent and also inflict damage as you pull out your weapon or simultaneously slashing again your opponent during your attack which can only be pulled off by using a knife. This is the primary technique of thief class.
“Phew!!”
Yoona relax her body as she saw the remnants of the Greatest General. Dusting off her buckler and sword, she looks at me and said.
“What is it you are talking about again?”
“...nothing. Gather the remains, we will use that as a firewood tonight.”
Yoona sheaths her sword and buckler and picks up the once called Greatest General. Haaa… This is hopeless. She doesn’t even want to listen. Giving a sigh I walk near her and noticed a small cave nearby.
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It is already evening when we had finished our dinner. We hunted for nearby rabbits and cooked it, mixed with some edible mushrooms and other veggies. The cackling sound of flames as it consumes the wood is the only sound that could be heard inside this small cave. Me and Yoona are near the flame and staring at it, not a single word is being uttered. The silence is killing me.. I watched Yoona as she continued staring at the flame, warming herself as the cool air permeate.
Staaaaarrreeeee…………*
Noticing my stare, Yoona took a glance on me irritatingly. I simply avert my eyes and look the other way. Thinking it is just nothing, Yoona stares back again at the flame. I take a peak on the sword she is carrying. A one handed sword with a wide and thick blade, with few teeths on the other side. The sword that decimates the Greatest General in one attack, I never heard of such item that allows the user to do a double attack using a sword. It is hard to believe that weapon was enchanted with an essence of a sidewinder monster. In the first place, it looks like a unique type weapon, far from the usual swords.
“You keep staring at me ever since earlier, if you have something to say, say it. You are making me irritated.”
Before I knew it, Yoona is looking at me. Her expression doesn’t indicated that she is irritated in contrast to what is she is saying, but rather it is a bit reddish like blushing. What a ‘convincing’ expression dude. I raise my face and look at her, pointing towards the sword near to her.
“Hey, about your sword. This is the first time I see that kind, is that a unique item?”
Yoona looks at the sword and then back to me. The illumination of warmth reflecting against her cheeks, highlighting her face.
“Oh this one? Yes it is. I had received this from someone during one of my quests way back when I was still a new swordsman.”
“Eeehhh… It looks very unique, a heavy looking thing that is a one handed sword and enables you to do a double attack. I wonder how much it would sell?”
“Hmpf not bad… For a baggage carrier like you to see through my attacks, it seems I need to evaluate you a little. Too bad for you, this thing is not for sale. Just try touching it, and you will find yourself unable to use a bow for the rest of your life.”
“How scary~ It feels vexing being called like that by a muscle brain idiot like you. Besides, thanks to me, you managed to kill that monster very easily.”
“Hhaaaaaa? I don’t even feel you as a fighting force in the first place.”
“Stupid swords woman, that is the reason your an idiot. You couldn’t see properly aren’t you. Who the hell do you think I am?”
“A flimsy baggage carrier who likes to ditch people.”
“What did you say!? It is not my fault that your a criminal.”
“I am not a criminal!! You and your friends accused me of something I didn’t do!”
“Then why did you agree with that quest? Is it not as good as admitting it?”
“That is because, I couldn’t just leave that person alone!”
Surprised, I looked at Yoona and she looked back to me. Wearing a serious expression as she stares back in my eyes. I asked:
“Are you perhaps, a relative of the princess?”
“No I am not.. It is just, I couldn’t leave that kind of person alone and furthermore on that state. A swordsman has an obligation to help those who are in trouble.”
“Then what kind of state she is in when you saw her?”
“Her eyes are empty when i saw her, it is like she is not on herself. However the weird thing is, I could feel something around her. I don’t know how to describe it and I also don’t know what it is but it is like ‘something’ is existing around her that is invisible to our eyes. I am sure you will feel the same way. If ever you saw her, I am sure you will feel like helping her.”
Yoona’s eyes are full of sincerity and determination as she looks at me. Sorry to break your expectations dude, but I am not that kind of person. Compiling what I know so far about the princess, I could only conclude that she did something she shouldn’t and made her like that. The princess is a soul linker. They are the class who meddles with the soul of a being by stimulating them with their magic and arts. I heard before that the princess engage herself in a research in regards with the spirits, reason why recently, there are many quests requested to the archer’s guild coming from the palace.
“Keep watch for awhile, I will rest first. Wake me up after 5 hours so that I can change places with you.”
Yoona said as she lean on the cave walls, leaning her sword to her as she close her eyes and sleep. Haaaaa……. You can at least ask for my input first. I stand up and walk outside. I look around the place for any signs of monster. On times like this, it is convenient to use a trap. But unfortunately, I am not skilled enough to use one probably if I became a Hunter I could properly use it well, as they are the experts on this field. I looked up at the dark sky filled with twinkling lights. I searched for a particular star amongst these sea of stars. A star that serves as the saving grace and messiah to those people who are lost, the north star. Letting my eyes swam around the vast sea of stars, a bright light that outshines the others is finally in my sight. How beautiful.. I thought to myself. I stare at the bright sky filled with stars, narrowing more my vision and feeling the cool air passed by me, it feels somewhat nostalgic. But why is it nostalgic? Why i feel a sense of dejavu?. This place, if my memory serves right is the area of a forests were the Greatest General dwells and as well as the former headquarters of Hunter’s Guild. The Greatest General earlier confirms it, and if I remember, going north from this place is where the smokies is.
“Polaris huh... “
Muttering the name of the north star, the sense of nostalgia envelops me more. Under this night sky, the cool and calming breeze that strikes my skin and ruffling my air, why do I feel that I once had already at this kind of place and at this kind of time? I tried closing my eyes as I keep my head still inclined upwards.
“...Hey do you know?..If you got lost in the forest, the Polaris will lead you the way.. Beautiful isn’t it? The undying light of a star, giving light on the darkness of anxiety, how I wish we can be as noble as it is.”
I heard a solemn and gentle voice of a woman beside me, as if whispering directly on my ears. I immediately snap my eyes open and hurriedly look beside me. No one.. I looked around me and saw Yoona still sleeping soundly at her place. Who was it?.. I tried to walk a bit to find the owner of that voice. Is it my imagination?.. I shake my head and return towards the cave. I guess I am getting tired, it is pretty late anyways.. I return to my former spot inside the cave which is across Yoona, down on my ass and stare at the flame. There is no ghosts here isn’t it?... Hehe how stupid.. I absentmindedly stare at the swaying flame in front of me.
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I couldn’t remember how long I am staring at the swaying flames. As if dancing slowly at the wind, the swaying flames keeps its pace as it burns the woods. The scent of smoke and sounds of crackling of firewood could be heard around. How warm…
“Staring at the flames? You sure have a weird hobby aren’t you?”
The voice of a young woman breaks the silence. Still seating, I look towards her. A young swords woman wearing a breastplate and leather armor with a long wide skirt intended for fast moving was looking kindly towards me from the entrance of the cave. Her long purple hair was fluttering at the wind and her eyes are as gentle as a loving mother. On her hilt was a weird looking sword with a wide blade and teeth on the opposite side intended for brute slashing while on the other hilt was a long and slender sword, a sword that could be use for fast stabbing.
“It’s your shift now Kavach..Or are you feeling unwell?”
I stand up and dust myself, grabbing my bow and walk towards her. She walks and stops in front of me. She raise her palm and touch my forehead.
“You don’t seem to have a fever…”
I gently grab her outstretched hand and remove it from my forehead. I smiled at her and said:
“I am just spacing out.. Sorry to make you worry..”
Glancing at the sword on her hilt, the weird looking sword with wide blade and teeth on the opposite side was badly chipped off and worn out. Noticing my glance, the purple haired swords woman look at her sword and smiled at me.
“Hehehe.. Just some monsters intending to attack us.”
I look at her body to check if she is injured in anyway. Convinced that she is unhurt, I gently hug her and whisper to her ears:
“Don’t go by yourself next time okay..I am still here..”
The swords woman, blushing a bit, wraps her arms towards me and whisper in return.
“Silly, I am not weak okay. Besides, how can you rest well if I will always call you?...”
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I unwrap my hands on her and pat her head. She looks at me and gave me a radiant smile. Still patting her head, I open my lips and said:
“Eg--------....”
“WAKE THE HELL UUPPPPP!!!!!!!!”
“UGGGHHH!!!!!”
Suddenly, my face was slammed at the dirt by an unknown force. The impact was so hard that I could see stars as I open up my eyes. I look up hurriedly and saw Yoona’s figure. She is standing in front of me with her hands entwined at her chest, angrily looking down at me.
“You damn baggage!! How could you fall asleep during your watch!!! What if we get attacked you pea brain piece of shit!!!”
Ehh? What was that all about? It seems I had fallen asleep during my watch last night, then could it be...that the purple haired swords woman was... just a dream?
“What? You still asleep? It seems slamming your face on the ground is not enough, I guess I should hit you with a buckler or some-----”
“Wait wait wait! I am now awake! I am now awake!!!”
I hurriedly stand up and look around. The flames are already out and what remains are the ashes of the firewood last night, a stream of sunlight strikes my face as I look outside the cave. It seems I fell asleep last night while staring at nowhere. Yoona was clearly in bad mood and just angrily stares at me. Now for the next round, Yoona opens up her mouth.
“I can’t believe you!! Strongest archer my ass!! You can’t even handle such a simple task!! If I didn’t wake up, you will continue to sleep there forever!! And worst we would be a breakfast for the monsters here!!”
“Errr… I’m sorry. Don’t be so loud okay..”
“Haaa!!! You dare to talk back you useless piece of baggage?! Listen here you---”
Ignoring what she is saying, I look around again and felt relieve. It seems we are lucky no one attacked us. I tried to remember the events earlier. For the first time in awhile, I had dreamt about something. A purple hair swords woman and a weird looking sword on her hilt. Looking closely, it is almost similar to what Yoona is holding. Aside from the hair color, she looks a bit like Yoona but unlike this amazona here, she is gentle and kind. Her smile is far warmer and gentler unlike this one here who is very loud. What is her name? Who is she?. I was about to say her name earlier but it got cut off and the first thing I see as I open my eyes is the dirt and a sense of pain. And we are hugging each other.. And I think I was about to call her name.. What is my relationship to her? Could it be..She is my lover?. I felt myself grinning as I think more about this. I am sure I could also kiss her that time and who knows what can happen next.
“Are you listening to me!?”
As if pulling me back to reality, Yoona punched me hard at the face. The force was enough to knock me back a bit. I could feel the sharp pain across my cheeks as I rubbed it gently with my hands.
“Damn it!!”
Yoona turns her back to me and walks outside the cave. Still rubbing lightly my cheeks, I stand up and follow her.
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*Hyaaah!!!! Haaaa!!! Urrryyaaa!!!!*
The sound of battlecry could be heard across the field. Several corpses of smokies are laying waste everywhere. Yoona, after the ordeal earlier had rushed north from the cave after I told her about the location of Smokies after I figured it out last night. Oh right, Smokies, they are a raccoon type monster. They are bigger and more agile than a normal raccoon. They use their fluffy but sharp tail to attack and the item they are using to keep their tail sharp is a special leaf called Raccoon Leaf which they always carry with them. I honestly don’t know where they gather these things. It would be strange to hear that monsters drop customized equipment like headbands, swords and other stuff but it is the reality. I don’t know the phenomenon behind it but the scholars could only explain it that only those monsters special within their circle have these kind of unique tokens. Like for example, for a kitty band, probably the most fairest of all smokies in that community wears this kind of accessory made or stole by them and serves as a token. I heard that the boss type monsters or so called MVP monsters carries unique magical items on their disposal and having of these items gives a large profit. Another phenomenal thing about the monsterology is the "cards" system. Literally speaking, one out of a thousand chance, a monster drops a unique magic item in a form of a card. These card was then inserted to the equipment and gives magical attributes. The effect varies depending on what monster card is that and to what equipment it is compatible. Let's say for example, if I got a Smokie Card and inserted it into an accessory, I could temporarily learn to use a unique hiding skill similar to what the Thief class do. These phenomenal things are hard to explain but they are convenient one way or another.
“36...37...38...Hyaaah!!!..39...40..”
Okay this will take a while. I watch Yoona as she decimates the poor Smokies that is fleeing from her. As a punishment for earlier, I was forced to pick up these Raccoon Leaves from the Smokie’s corpses for her. As her observer, I am not allowed to interfere with her quests so I guess it is fine. But seriously, this is a pain in the ass.
“Hey sleepyhead!! Are there any Kitty Bands yet?”
“Nah…”
“Tch…”
I forgot to say, but I am also the one looking for any headbands around these corpses, looking if there is a special looking smokie here that has a headband on its head or something. Why I am the one doing this grunt work? I am the supervisor here isn't it?
“Haaa.. Since when did picking of materials became part of my work?”
I gave a sigh as I moved to the next corpse, Yoona keeps hacking and chasing on the Smokies a bit far from him. As I kneel down to get the leaf, I felt a strange presence nearby. Hmmm.. I quickly glance behind me and look around. Must be my imagination.. I resumed on picking up the leaves and went to another one.
*Rustle..* *Rustle…*
I quickly turn around at the nearby bush. I could hear a rustling sound coming from there. Hmmm.. Slowly, I walk near to it. Cautioning myself that it might be a hiding monster, I grab my pocket knife as I approach the bushes. I wonder what monster is this?.. The bushes rustled more as I slowly walk nearer. Putting my knife in a reverse grip hold in front of me and walking in a crouching position, I simulate to my brain how would I defend on a sudden attack. At this range, I can parry it with my knife if ever it attacks. Then afterwards, I’ll kick it away. One of the code that an Archer must follow is that, you shouldn’t shoot without confirming if it is an enemy or not. There might be a case that you are shooting to someone who is not an enemy and may cause death or injury which will be a pain in the ass to begin with. This is particularly true if you party with assassins as they cloak themselves to approach there target. You might accidentally shoot them if you’re not careful. However the ironic thing is, you are putting yourself in danger whenever you are trying to confirm things, that’s why archers bring a dagger with them so that they can still fight in a close range.
*Rustle…* *Rustle…*
Just a few more steps, I try to sense the enemy beyond the bush. As I about to stretch my free hand to sway the bush, something came out and passes across my face. Uwaa!! Startled, I stumbled down on my butt. As I turn my head towards the direction it jumped to, I saw a white rabbit standing there. Its long ears are twitching and it’s nose is sniffing. After a while, the small creature run away in the opposite direction. Hahahaha.. Damn how silly.. To be scared by a rabbit.. Just what’s wrong with me today?” Still on my butt, I chuckled lightly as I tried to stand up. However on that instant, I felt a sharp stare towards me. I quickly turn around at where it came from. Someone is there definitely… This feeling is different, this stare is meant to stalk someone. However nobody is there, not even a single shadow nor a single rustle. I stand up and grab my bow that is attached behind me. Staring at the place, I put my hand on my arrow. Should I shoot? This is against the code but this sensation… As I do my shooting stance, I heard someone shouting from the distance.
“Hey baggage!! Where are you!!!??”
My concentration breaks off and the presence i am sensing earlier had also vanished. Damn it.. That Idiot!!! I gave a last stare towards the place and walk away. Still on my guard, I run towards the source of voice, towards the muscle brained swords woman who is calling me. I wonder what is that? Was someone sent here to look on us? That can’t be, I was sent here for that purpose. As I run towards the nearby clearing, I saw several dead smokies along the way. Oh damn it!! I slow my pace and pick the leaves quickly as I pass through them. From my estimate these leaves are near a hundred.
“98...99… 100!!!! Finally!!!!!!!”
As i rushed towards the greenery, I saw Yoona striking a victory pose with a grin plastered on her face towards me.
“So uhm.. Can I know what you are doing?”
Honestly her pose is too dumb that I don’t know what to say. Is she a kid or something? Puffing her cheeks, Yoona irritatedly say:
“Can’t you see? I already reach a hundred!! If you will take all their leaves it will reach a hundred!! My quest is now complete!”
Irritating as she is earlier, Yoona give me a beaming smile after she said “my quest is now complete” but sorry to pop your bubble but I think your quest is still on-going idiot.
“Ehh.. Sorry to spoil your celebratory mood, but these are just leaves.”
I fold my arms and wearing an annoying grin, I look down to Yoona while snickering. Yoona unfazed by this just raised her eyebrow and said:
“Oh do you mean the Kitty Band? I think one of those corpses with a funny face have those. I saw one earlier.”
“What!?”
She pointed her thumb towards the corpses of Smokies beneath her. I immediately check the corpses, and there I saw it, a small headband with a cat ears on top of it, a Kitty Band. One of the smokies had it and that item itself was sparkling a bit as I take it with my hand. I look behind me and saw Yoona looking at me triumphantly. Tsk.. Oh well..
“Damn luck…”
“Hihihihihi…”
Yoona snickers as I started to gather the leaves scattered towards the corpses. I bent down and take the leaves one by one and count again. Well with this, the leaves are already 100. As I stand up to re-pack the things, I saw Yoona sitting on a nearby rock wiping off her strange sword. Remembering my dream, I am a bit skeptical on whether to ask her about it or not. However, the woman on my dream looks a bit similar to her but the most striking factor is the sword. I am sure that the sword I saw at my dream and her sword are the same. I wonder, is Yoona related to that person? Where did she get her sword? She told me she got it as a reward from a certain quest so maybe she happens to meet that woman in my dream somewhere? I had a feeling that Yoona is somewhat related to what I had saw on my dreams. But this can’t be, this is the first time I saw that kind of dream. I know that I probably lost most of my memories or what since I don’t remember much, but maybe does Yoona know about me? No that couldn’t be too, when we first met she clearly don’t know me. As I stare at her, Yoona turns to me and said:
“What is it baggage? Is there something on my face?”
She looks at me while wiping her sword, her demeanor is cheerful which makes me smile a bit. What a strange girl, earlier she is angry now she is cheerful. She change mood easily huh. I swayed my head as a response to her question and told her:
“Nothing, it just happens that seeing you being cheerful like that, it’s not bad at all.”
Yoona’s eyes got widen then after a while she looks at me teasingly and said:
“Eh.. Fell inlove already? Hihihi”
“No.. Not even on your dreams”
I automatically denied her. Yoona puff her cheeks and stare at me reproachfully. I chuckled a bit seeing her like that. Yoona folds her arm, puffing her cheeks and looks away.
“Hahaha what are you? A child?”
Yoona looks back to me her cheeks still puffing, with one eyed closed. I gently smiled at her and after a while she closes then opens her eyes and smile back to me gently. As we are indulging ourselves into this pleasant atmosphere, I suddenly felt something approaching. I quickly look at the direction of something approaching. Sensing the change in me, Yoona quickly stands up and equip her buckler. Several smokies came out from the trees and was running towards us, I immediately readied my bow and place my hand on the arrows. Yoona readies her stance but her stare is not at the smokies, it was beyond. The smokies are very quick, one smokies was running in a fast pace towards me. I reflexively take out my knife to defend myself but the smokie went pass me. Ehh?
“Something is there”
Yoona said as she readies her stance. Holding her buckler in front of her and her sword on another, Yoona keeps staring at the far away distance. Several birds fly away from the nearby trees and several animals were running here and there. I think something big is approaching, no need to be stingy ehh. I relax my body and concentrate my mana.
“Improve Concentration!!”
In an instant, my senses become heightened. I could feel my surroundings more, I could hear even the smallest sound. My field of vision got better and I could even see albeit just for a while those who are hidden behind obstructures and even feel their presence. Wait what is this? Somewhere behind us, I could feel another presence. I recognize this presence. This is the one I sensed earlier! As I turned around to behind me..
“WATCH OUT!!!!!”
*BOOOMM!!!!*
Yoona suddenly pushed me aside. My body flew away from her and fell down on my butt. Damn that hurts!! I quickly stand up however I got surprised on what I had seen. Yoona was standing on where I am earlier in a blocking stance, a smell of fire trifling on the air as the area was scorced. The buckler that she is holding has been dented with several soothe. Her armor was soothed with black fumes however her weapon covered in black soothe. Just what happened?
“IDIOT!! DON’T JUST STAND THERE!! WE ARE BEING ATTACKED!!”
My senses came back to me and immediately load my arrow to the bow. As I about to pull the string, I sense something approaching. I immediately jump away and in that split second, I saw something landed on my position earlier and exploded.
*KABOOMMM!!!!*
“Demonstration!!!!”
Recognizing the skill, I immediately put a distance. Yoona quickly moves away from her spot and use her buckler to block an another projectile going towards her.
*KABOOOMMM!!!*
“Yoona!!!!!”
I quickly shoot my arrows towards the source of the projectile. In that short span, several large brown bears came out from the trees and rush towards me, with their heavy claws trying to reach me.
“Bigfoots!?”
I immediately move away from their range. 5 Bigfoots came out and rush towards me. Bigfoots, they are the monster bears that is large and fiercer when get angry. Usually these monsters are not aggressive and will only attack when got provoked. In contrast with that, these monsters are clearly going for my life. I look towards Yoona while I move away..
*KABOOM!! KABOOM!! KABOOM!*
Hearing several explosions, Yoona was being bombarded with those exploding projectile, producing black smoke and scorching the ground. Black smoke rises and thickens as the fire scorches the surroundings where Yoona is. Tsk… This bears are in a way!! I took out 5 arrows and loaded them all as I run around, looking for the best place to position myself. Yoona immediately jump out of the scorched earth, with sword on her hand and buckler in front of her, she rush forward in attempt to counter attack. Suddenly, a huge fire ball came out and was rushing towards her. She immediately block it with her buckler but the impact of the ball had made her slid a bit backwards. Watching her from the side of my eye, I run around and around as the bears was chasing me.
“Damn it.. This bears are annoying!!”
As I spat out my complains, I keep running around until I saw the rock Yoona was sitting earlier. There. I run faster towards the rock and as I get nearer, I allocate extra force on my both of my legs. Having the perfect timing and momentum due to running, I bent my left knee a bit and with such force kick away from the ground, forcing myself to lift as I stretch my right foot towards the rock. As my right foot touches the rock, I used my momentum and put a tremendous force on my right foot to lift my body higher and attempt to tumble. As my body is tumbling in the mid air, I immediately put force on my hands, holding the 5 arrows that is being drawn by the bowstring, as my body rotated back and my vision turns upside down, I look towards the approaching bears. 1..2..3..4..5.. I draw with such force and used my momentum to draw more with such force.
“Arrow Shower!!!”
As I am tumbling in mid air, I release my bow skill and several arrows that is loaded earlier has been all released, rushing towards the head of incoming bears. Afterwards, I landed successfully with my back facing the bears. But eventhough I am strong, I am not naive. I quickly draw the same amount of arrows and quickly face them again. The bears was knocked back earlier with force but immediately rush towards me. I draw again my bow and release my skill.
“Arrow Shower!!!”
Several arrows flew away from my bow and hit their corresponding targets. All the bears was knocked back and slammed on the nearby trees and rocks. Arrows was struck on their foreheads and a huge amount of blood gushed out. Confirming they are dead, I quickly left and run towards Yoona.
*Boom!!! Booomm!!! KABOOOMM!!*
Several explosions and scent of burning ground is what I had seen as I look for Yoona who got separated with me earlier. Looking right and left, I tried to locate the source of explosion which is happening nearby.
“Hyaaaa!!! Haaaa!!!*
I heard Yoona’s battlecry nearby, There! Praying that it would not be the worst case scenario, I run as quickly as I can with my bow loaded with arrows.
*Clank!! Clank!!! Tiing!!*
“Yoona!!”
Seeing Yoona a bit further away, I strained my eyes more to look the enemy she is engaging it. Wait, what is that? What I see on my eyes is a silhouette of a big bear-like beast standing on its two legs, however it is a bit different compared to the Bigfoots I had fought earlier. Without hesitation, I loaded two arrows on my bow and channel my mana to my arms.
“Double Strafe!!!!”
I fired my bow skill, and in that instant two high speed arrows pack with such force flew straight towards the silhouette. Expecting them to hit, I focus on running towards her. She is already beaten up!! Yoona looks at me hurriedly.
“Yoona!! Are you--”
“WATCH OUT!!!”
Without moment’s hesitation, I quickly look back towards the silhouette but what I saw was a huge ball of fire coming straight towards me. Shit!!! The ball is already at my point blank range when I realize it, realizing I can’t avoid it, I crossed my arms in front of me.
*KABOOOMM!!!!*
“Aaarrgghh!!!!!!”
My body flew a bit and rolled down to the ground. Severe pain courses through my body and I feel the burning sensation all over my body. I rolled away from the ground as I sense a projectile coming down towards my place.
*KABOOMM!!*
“BAGGGAAAGEE!!!!!!!”
I am happy that you are concerned for my well being Yoona, but damn it atleast call me at my name!! I rolled further and further until I reach Yoona and stop there. I lift my burned body and said:
“Damn it… I have a name you idiot, it is Kavach Icarus!! Kavach!!!”
“Ehhh… You are pretty tough for an archer. Impressive, I thought your already dead.”
“Same, I thought your pledge to save the princess will just end up in ashes.”
Enduring the pulsating pain, I stand up and look at our enemy. Yoona readies her stance and stare at the enemy in front of us. Wait… This beast’s feature….”
“You got to be kidding me!!..”
Astonished on what I had seen, I couldn’t help but mutter. Yoona gives a sidelong glance as she is still in her stance and said:
“What? You know that thing? I don’t know who is that beast but it is damn strong.”
With a huge body just like a bear and standing on its two hind legs, a height that surpasses the bigfoots a bit. The huge beast was covered with golden fur with black stripes just like a tiger. The beasts’ intimidating and sharp eyes was glaring at us however the odd thing is that, despite being a beast one of its huge paws was holding a long smoking pipe and on its head is a small black cap. The beast puffs a smoke from its pipe and blows the smoke towards us. I feel a chilling sensation as those intimidating eyes are looking straight towards us as if looking at its prey, I muttered:
“Eddga…”
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Well said, boy!”
The beast laughs loudly as it puffs out smoke from its mouth. With a hoarse voice, Eddga looks at us and said:
“Surprised that I can talk? Oh please, I will not be called the Tiger King or a God on this forests if I cannot do a simple thing as that.”
What’s with this overwhelming presence? Eddga’s intimidating presence overwhelms us, I feel my body is shaking and stiffening as its gaze was locked on us. I took a glance on Yoona, without batting an eye, she readies her stance. Firmly grasping her sword and buckler, Yoona was looking straight towards the intimidating enemy. Eddga puffs a smoke and with a voice that sounds amused, it says:
“Ohhh… Nice eyes you have there human.. Unlike the boy besides you.. However.. You boy..”
Yoona glares furiously towards the Eddga. Like a bowstring that is about to release, Yoona’s body was tensioning. As she is trying to look for an opening to attack, I look towards the Eddga after I realize that it was referring to me.
“..Www-what?”
In that instant, Eddga’s eyes became serious. His gaze pierces me like being struck by an arrow. A killing intent was very thick and I realize that this choking sensation was being directed towards me. It feels like eternity, my heart beats faster as fear envelops my body.
“You boy.. Just what are you?..Such an anomaly that shouldn’t be tolerated!”
“Huh?”
What? An anomaly? What does this thing trying to say? As I about to open my lips, in that instant, Eddga’s sharp claws was rushing towards my face. So fast!! I tried to block the attack using my bow however it is too late. These deadly claws had cut thru my throat, and so as I had expected however instead of a sound of ripping flesh, I heard a sound of a screeching of a metal.
*Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssshhhhhhhhhh*
Yoona jumped between Me and Eddga with her buckler and block the claws that was about to rip me. Sparks flew out as Yoona tried to resist the impact however it is not enough, the buckler had successfully blocked the attacked but the impact was too strong that Yoona had flew towards me. My body catched Yoona and flung away towards the tree, my body being sandwiched by the tree and Yoona. It hurts like hell but this is better than being ripped at the throat.
“Ughhh!!!”
I felt a sharp pain running all throughout my body. Yoona slowly stands up and parries the incoming attack. Why is Eddga here? Why is this creature attacking us? Such questions are floating within my head. Thinking about this will not be good for now. We need to get out of here! Confused as I was, I tried to stand up and saw Yoona exchanging blows with Eddga. Using her shield, she keeps blocking the simultaneous attacks coming from this beast. Taking out my arrows, I loaded it with my bow and aim towards the Eddga. However as I am about to release, Eddga leaps back and throws something towards me and in that instant Yoona looks at me and frantically shouts:
“Kavach!!!!!”
Shifting my aim, I released the bowstring towards the incoming object. My arrow flew straight towards the object, shattering it in midair and at the same time exploded. The thunderous roar reverberated all throughout the forest. As I was about to aim my 2nd arrow, a huge fireball was coming towards my face. Oh shit! I quickly jump to the side, avoiding the huge fireball as it exploded at the place I was before. Smoke rushes forth and fire spew out as it scorches the ground. As I was about to take a stance, Eddga quickly moves infront of me. Shii--. It’s huge claws is very fast and quickly punches me at my abdomen.
“Augh!!”
It was a sheer dull pain. The claws had tried to dig further to my body but luckily it has been blocked by my leather. My armor was torned due to impact. My body rolls at the ground like a ball that has been thrown.
“Kavach!!”
Hearing Yoona shouting my name from the distance, what my eyes could see is a pitch black. The pain is too much for me, it feel there was a hole in my abdomen. Ugghhh,.. I gritted my teeth as I endure the pain and forced to move my arms. I slowly open my eyes as I tried to lift my body.
*Clank!!!! Clank!!! Clank!!!*
Sparks flying from the impact between the sword and claw as it exchange blows to one another. Still slouching, I watched Yoona as she is standing in front of me, desperately trying to fight Eddga off. Yoona.. I put my hand behind me to grasp my bow however what I grab is nothing but a thin air. Shit.. I look around to look for my bow and saw it at the place I had before. It seems I dropped my bow while body is flying from the impact. Forcing my body, I run towards my weapon to retrieve it. Yoona took a glance on me and nod her head a bit, seeing that, I quickly run, entrusting my back to her. Just a few more steps!! As I was about to reach, I heard a huge explosion from where Yoona is.
“AAaaahhhhhhh!!!!!”
Yoona made a loud and painful cry of anguish. Yoona! I looked behind me however what I see instead of Yoona is a huge claw going straight towards my head! I desperately kick my feet away to the ground to force my body to tilt to the side to evade the impending death running straight towards me however as if Eddga knew it, it raises its legs and with brute force, kicks me at my abdomen again. My body flew back to where I came from. Like a ball thrown at the wall, my body slams at the tree near to where Yoona is. I placed my hand behind me towards my pouch and fish out a small transparent bottle filled with white substance, a white potion and shattered it using my hand. After a while, a faint glow of whittish light envelop my body and I feel a bit better. This is the first time I used this potion on this kind of way, I usually drink the contents however you can also shutter it during emergency cases like this, eitherway the effects of this potion is to instantly heal your injuries just a bit. A temporary measure if there is no Priest nearby.
“What now? Is that all?”
Eddga said in a coursed voice as it puffs the smoke again. The beast was walking slowly towards us like a creeping nightmare looking us fiercely. I looked at Yoona who is sitting limply just a bit from me. Her body was in a mess, blood was dripping out from her head and mouth. She slowly raise her head and what I know of a beautiful face was now replaced with a face full of anguish and pain. With her blood dripping from her head, she is clutching her abdomen who is also filled with blood.
“Yoona! Hang in there!”
I tried to move quickly towards her however my body couldn’t move. What? Why my body won’t move? I look at my hands and saw it was shaking strongly. My body wouldn’t listen to me and is shaking all over. My legs are getting limp as I look towards Eddga while it is walking in a slow pace.
“You boy.. Just what are you? Answeer me!!!!!”
Eddga roars angrily and looks at me with a strong killing intent. My body is trembling and no voice is coming out from my mouth.
“Hmmm you won’t answer? I guess I can just take you with me and torture you inside my lair until you spit it out. However, it would be troublesome to let a survivor live so I’ll finish that girl beside you first and then after that, the pest that is hiding!!”
A huge fireball was forming at Eddga’s hands. My eyes open wide as I realize how strong that fireball would be. After charging it a bit, Eddga raises its hands and throws the huge fireball directly straight to Yoona. Damn it!! Move!! My Body!!! Gritting my teeth hard, I forced my shaking body to move. Using my body as a shield, I jump between the approaching fireball and Yoona.
“Uggghhh!!!”
I catched the fireball using my body however the fireball didn’t dissipate after impact instead it pushes me back. Grrrr I need to endure this, else Yoona will bit hitted!! Begone already!!” The fireball is pushing me back little by little and me is enduring it with my sheer will. I could feel the smell of a burning flesh. My arms are getting numb as I parrying the huge ball of heat. Just a little more!!!
“SSsssshhhhhhhhhh”
As my body being pushed back, the size of fireball is getting smaller. Looking behind me, I see that I am almost in front of Yoona. Yoona.. As my last resort, I steeled my legs further and plant it firmly on the ground however the force is still strong enough to push me bit by bit. As I about to reach Yoona,.. the fireball dissipates and vanishes, leaving only smoke. My arms are numb and burned to a severe degree. I could feel the heat all throughout my body and a severe pain of burns here and there. I fell on my knees due to exhaustion and catch my breath. I could only hear my severe panting and approaching footsteps towards us.
“Ohhh… Seems you still have something left within you boy. If that’s the case, then...BOTH OF YOU.. BURN!!!!!”
Eddga roars loudly as it throws a something towards us. I know what that is, that is a fire bottle, a bomb that almost killed us earlier. A bomb that is being utilized by the skill called ‘Demonstration’ I don’t have any strength left. I look behind me and look at Yoona’s face. She tried to wriggle but can’t, she only looks faintly towards me with those limpy and cloudy eyes. Fear taken over my whole body and my body is shaking from the impending death however, I look back towards Yoona, both of us staring at each other. We only met a short while, but at the very least before I die, just one person. Atleast let me save just one person. Forcing myself to calm down, I gave Yoona my most gentle and sincere smile I could ever muster. I reach towards my pouch and quickly get a ‘Butterfly Wing’. It is a small magical item in a shape of a butterfly wings that when used, will return the user to the place it previously belongs to, which this time I think is Payon. Too bad I only have one piece. I throw the Butterfly Wing towards Yoona and said sincerely:
“I don’t know who you are...but..atleast..finish your quest..So GO!!!!”
The Butterfly Wing landed on Yoona’s lap. Her eyes widen after hearing what I said, an expression of shock written on her face. Tears start pouring down from her eyes as she tried to muster some words towards her mouth. However, each time she opens her lips, blood gushes out. Seeing her like this is too painful even for me. If she returns to the village, someone will heal her and she can tell to others what happened here. Ah old man, I’m sorry. It seems I couldn’t make it this time.. I turned my back to Yoona and face the approaching fire bottle towards me. Accepting my fate, I shouted:
“EDDGA!! YOU LOOK LIKE A DOORMAT ON A GOLDEN FUR, TRY PINK INSTEAD!!!!”
My throat hurts after that loud shout but I feel a sense of satisfaction and delight. I stare mockingly towards Eddga without blinking my eyes and as the bottle is about to reach me, suddenly:
“Hahaaha!!! That fails my expectations but well said!!!!-------Pneuma!!!!!!!!!”
I suddenly heard the voice of a young man out of nowhere. However before I could react, a thick mist appears between me and the incoming bottle. The bottle that is supposed to hit and explode to us has been catched by that mysterious mist that suddenly appeared and like a living being, consumes the bottle and disappear out of nowhere. Huh? Since when did I have this kind of power?. Before I could react, suddenly I heard the young man’s voice again.
“WARP PORTAL!!!”
Suddenly, a huge pillar of light appear besides Yoona. The pillar of light is gushing out from the ground towards the sky, in a height of just as tall as a tree. Baffled by the turn of events, I heard again the voice of young man and said:
“How long will you keep standing? Hurry up and take that lady with you and go inside the portal!”
Snapping out, my adrenalin suddenly kicks in. I move quickly towards Yoona and held her in a princess carry. Ignoring the pain creaking on my body, I muster all the strength I have and lift her. Yoona being helpless, clutches on me as I held her. Her face is full of tears and dirt. And at the same time:
“YOU DARE TO MOCK ME HUMAN!!! AS IF I WILL LET YOU!!!!!”
Eddga suddenly rush towards us in an instant. Its claws are sticking out in an attempt to snap us into pieces with its brute force. As its claws is about to reach me, I face my back towards the approaching assault in an attempt to shield Yoona as I attempt to get inside the gush of light.
“GGRRAAAHHHH!!!!!!!”
Eddga’s fast claws mauls my back however I am faster by a split of hair as I quickly move away towards it, avoiding a critical hit. However, even though I avoid the full impact it doesn’t mean I wasn’t hit. I feel the severe sharp pain of its claws as it cuts my back, the impact gives my body a slight push towards the gush of light. I used that chance to muster all my strength and step desperately towards the light.
“GGRRRRRRR!!!!”
Hearing Eddga’s frustrated voice as it watches us from outside, my vision suddenly blurred. Strength suddenly leaves my body and I could feel Yoona is slipping out bit by bit from my arms. And as if my strings has been cutted off, my consciousness together with my body has been consumed by this pillar of light.