August 15, 491 U.C.
There are thousands of quotes about overcoming fear. Sadly, they didn’t tell me how to do it. They just told me I should. So, I stared at the floor, examining the brown carpet. Should I vacuum?
“Casey, now,” Dad said sternly. He stepped closer. “Look at me.”
I looked up. My throat swelled.
Dad pulled me from my chair. “It’s time. Be alert. Find that dungeon.”
“Armor?” I asked, fidgeting while I looked at the tattered, ruined dress.
“I’m working on it. Magical armor is hard to get.”
I nodded and used my dismal courage to get ready. After collecting my gear, I took a moment to toggle up my level.
Level: 3. Mana: 38.60 of 38.60.
I headed to the door with anxiety in my throat. The thought of another Kiltr sent a small tremble through me. I smashed it down, pushing aside the desire to go hide somewhere.
We’ve got this. Just be smart. And be quick. We have more mana now… I continued my pep talk while walking through the streets.
Approaching the wall, I looked up at the concrete. Maybe I should just stay here? Then I looked around and sighed. The fae were hunting for me; it was time to try again.
I climbed the wall; the rebar left little marks on my hands. Before descending, I spent three minutes searching for anything. I scanned the towering trees, the tall grass, the fence, and the sky in search of anything. I saw a flock of rotk. That was it. So, I forced myself to descend.
Landing lightly, I turned and headed towards the trees. Slipping past the fences, I headed into the forest. A soft breeze sent the leaves above into a flutter, whispering its passage.
I reached out and touched a fluttering fern-like plant. Honestly, the forest was beautiful. If it weren’t for the large number of creatures that could kill me, I would have enjoyed it far more.
Locking onto a chirping bird above, I removed the necklace to hear and see better. It helped. I sniffed and climbed over a massive root that was thicker than I was. Then I jolted as a branch snapped.
Filled with adrenaline, I climbed up a nearby tree which had some low branches. With my fingers digging into the bark, I pulled myself up. Then I grabbed the next branch and the next. After I was five meters in the air, I began leaping from tree to tree.
Landing on a tree with white bark, I sniffed the flowers above. They smelled like honeysuckle. I enjoyed them while searching for my path forward. That’s when I saw the nuts. Like a starving acrobat, I dashed down the branch and leapt.
Soaring through the air, I landed and dashed down the branch. As I neared the trunk, I began grabbing handfuls of green nuts. They’re about the size of walnuts, but they taste like pistachios. I ate several while filling my bag.
After I raided the ripe ones nearby, I saw a lapple tree. I darted over to it, grabbed a fruit, and sunk my teeth into it. The sour gooseberry taste exploded in my mouth. I sat on the branch and enjoyed it, my feet swinging. Then I looked at the fruit and tried out [Pocket Dimension]. A small wormhole formed. I placed my bag inside. Then I added a few more lapples for good measure.
Ending the spell, I grabbed a lapple to go. A twig snapped below, causing me to jerk my attention downward. That was when I saw a pack of konodos on the ground, fifteen meters below.
Optional Quest: Konodo Pack Rewards: None.
“None? Come on, Ela!” I protested.
“Killing things just to kill isn’t rewarded. Nests are different since magic can throw off balance. I’m uncertain if these are nest-based.” Ela grinned at me and fluttered through the augmented reality.
“How do nests work?”
“Some call them dungeons. Some creatures get too much mana and mutate. Then it starts to chain to others as they breed. Usually, they get it from a location. That is where they create their home. However, sometimes they just get it by consuming enough mana. Mana drives them a little wild as it changes them. That’s what causes incursions and nests.”
Looking down at the group, I pulled out my bow while moving towards the trunk of the tree. The lizards below began eating the fallen fruit, wasting the precious lapples and making a mess.
Nocking an arrow, I aimed. Breathe. Just breathe. Use haste if you need. I let my training kick in and released the string, sending the arrow zipping through the air. It sunk into the lizard; I grabbed another arrow.
A large green konodo spun as the first staggered. It chirped and then caught an arrow in the back. The others began their search for the hunter.
With growing fear, I shot rapidly, pretending I was back practicing with Job. Arrows rained down, cutting into flesh. The lizards who survived bolted for tree trunks. A few raced off into the woods.
Peering down, I searched for any remaining threats. Finding nothing, I listened. The breeze, like flowing water, made a stream of sound. That was all I could hear.
With a swallow, I carefully descended, swinging from branch to branch. Dropping, I landed lightly to avoid snapping any of my twigs. Finding nothing, I grabbed arrows.
Okay. Nothing to it. And we still have most of our mana. My eyes flicked to it.
Mana: 31.69 of 38.60.
It’ll be fine. With that thought, I stalked forward, following the footprints towards the north.
I veered around trees and shrubs, the wind drowning out my noise. Like a kiltr, I stalked forward, remaining as silent as possible.
After several minutes, I heard noises. Slowing further, I carefully peeked around a large tree and saw a clearing about forty meters away, there was a large group of konodos near a cliff. I wasn’t sure what the konodos were doing, but they were hissing a lot. Text popped up as I saw one that was glowing with mana.
Konodo Dungeon Reward: Unknown
Not wanting to become a blood fountain again, I stopped to think. What would Job do? I studied the area, planning to stay at a range. Finding the best spot, I grabbed the bow and used Haste. The world slowed around me. Grabbing an arrow, I fired, sending it zipping forward. I darted behind a new tree, grabbing another arrow. Passing the tree, I shot and darted to the next tree.
The konodos hissed, barked, and charged toward the first tree. Like a phantom, I skirted around them. Taking position, I shot off an arrow. Then I grabbed another and another. Like a speed archer, I sank arrows into six. The metallic scent of blood flooded my nostrils as they realized their mistake.
With a bark, one turned, most followed. I darted away, slipping back into the trees. Imitating Job, I ensured I was downwind and crouched behind a large shrub, peering out at the creatures who were twenty meters away.
One, who clearly was hungry, opted to have a meal. A few joined it. The konodos began fighting each other as cannibalism seemed to take hold. One rose and let out a furious squawk at those eating their own. I shot an arrow in its neck, trying to target the sane ones.
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Another konodo emerged from the cave. I sunk an arrow in its chest. It squawked as a glowing konodo burst out into the clearing.
I reached for another arrow and found none. Grabbing daggers, I lit the returning enchantment and launched the blades.
The mana konodo chirped in loud anger. My blades sunk into it and then vanished, appearing in my hands. White mana and red blood leaked from its wounds. I hurled them again, bouncing them off its skull. With blood leaking from it, its eyes locked onto me. I darted away and threw daggers again, sticking one into its side.
With a furious bark, it charged, throwing dirt behind it. Wanting nothing to do with melee, I retreated, spun, and threw again. It staggered; a burst of mana exploded out of it. A small crystal drifted down.
Minor Mana Crystal - It may also be gifted or sold to command.
I dashed forward and grabbed the crystal. Then I dropped haste and began gathering my arrows. I’d picked up about a dozen when I heard noises and bolted. I spun to see two more of the mana konodos emerge. Engaging my haste spell once more, I sent knives flying as they charged.
The knives hit eight times before one slumped in an explosion of mana. The other leapt. Claws smashed into steel. I rapidly stabbed. It did the same; claws ripped into my flesh, causing a jolt of pain.
With blood pouring down my leg, I hacked into its neck. It headbutted me. I flew backward, slamming into a tree with a whump.
Dazed, I vaulted up and nearly toppled. The charging konodo ran into the tree and went still. With a throbbing head and pain coursing through me, I pulled out my potion and downed it. Then I grabbed the medkit while the potion kicked in.
My skin began to knit together. With a breath of relief, I moved forward and picked up all my gear along with the crystals, glancing at my mana.
Mana: 3.77 of 38.60.
I swallowed. “Ela? Can you map and scan inside of it?”
“It appears to descend into a small cave structure. I’m unsure if things are alive inside.”
With anxiety coursing through me, I couldn’t bring myself to go inside. It just seemed so foolish to push forward. I gathered my things and the crystals. Retreating, I climbed a tree and waited for mana while debating if I should just go home.
In the end, I decided to stall. So, I waited, spending over an hour twitching at every single sound while I slowly got some mana.
The wind spent the time playing with the trees, sending leaves fluttering and a churning noise through the forest. Vibrantly colored birds flitted in and out of the canopy, chirping and scaring me repeatedly.
After an hour, I was on edge. Figuring that haste would give me the edge needed, I boldly returned and engaged night-vision on my ocular computer. Padding forward as silently as possible, I entered the large crack in the stone.
Engaging haste with the small amount of mana, I dashed into the crack in the ground. The cavern was narrow. It didn't give me much room. I ran down through it, climbing over stones. Then I reached a small cavern that was five meters wide. It also had several new targets. Not waiting, I dashed forward and slammed down my blades, impaling four within six earth seconds.
Spinning, I hacked a head off, rubbing against the wall. The remaining konodo chirped furiously and clawed. I sidestepped, smashing blades into it. Mana exploded from it as another scrambled up into the room.
I bolted forward, swinging my blades. Hacking with one, I blocked attacks with the other. Claws shot forward. Leaping back, I capitalized, cutting off both its legs. The other headbutted me, knocking the air from my lungs and sending me flying.
Slamming into the wall, I gasped for breath. The konodo sunk fangs into my arm and thrashed. Teeth hit bone. I screamed bloody murder. Anything nearby likely fled due to the horrific sound that left my mouth.
While it ripped my arm open, I hacked into its head. Again, it was not elegant or graceful. It was just sheer desperation while I was racked with agony. Streams of mana flooded out of it; my screaming turned to sobs as it went quiet.
Oh god. I looked down. My arm was covered with blood. It throbbed with every heartbeat. I grabbed the last potion from my belt and drank it. Then I waited while my flesh knitted back together, trying to calm my thundering heart.
After a minute, I moved forward and winced as my right arm still hurt. Frowning, I used the other to gather my things and the mana crystals. “Is there a reward?”
Ela fluttered in front of me. “Go to the bottom.”
Walking into the cavern, it lacked the large, glowing chest of loot. That was very disappointing. I was hoping for some video game treatment with epic rewards, titles, or achievements that would be completely imbalanced in my favor. Moving forward, I spent a good minute searching to find said loot.
At the end of the search, I was annoyed. The video games had lied to me. I huffed and paused in the center. Then mana surged around me. A glowing chest materialized while Ela grinned. I reached down and flipped it open. There was an amulet inside. I took the amulet; the chest vanished as magic seemed to flood into my very core.
Konodo Dungeon Cleared! Rewards: +150 Reputation. (400 Total).
Magical Girl Uniform Spell!
Familiar Spell!
Harvesting Spell!
Unenchanted amulet!
Level: 3 Mana: 2.01 of 38.60. 9.65 additional mana gathered! Estimated time required: 256 hours.
The harvesting spell appeared on my display; it was some complex pattern. Looking down, I saw a black skirt, white tights, a white blouse, and black shoes. Silver trim lined it. My hair was tied up with black ribbons. A smile spread across my face. I finally had a magical girl outfit.
“Even though I’m not registered?” I asked Ela.
“Yes, the council decided to approve it. You can try to use the harvesting spell on the wall. That will be very difficult. And you don’t have enough mana. They want to meet with you though. You really should…”
I ignored Ela’s request, walking towards the exit. A shower, bed, and blanket were the only real goals left for the day.
I won’t regale you with most of the trek home. It was largely panicked reactions to nothing while my arm throbbed. A kiltr sensed blood and closed the gap after nearly an hour of retreat. It took a sword through the head and crumpled. I grabbed it, growled, and continued forward while hoping the growl would deter anything else.
As I approached the wall, I used the uniform spell to swap back to my mangled black dress. The amulet went back around my neck. Climbing the wall sucked. But I made it over while the throbbing in my arm grew worse. Then I headed to the butcher shop. I pulled out my bag and knocked.
Job shook his head as he saw my bloody outfit and self. “Next time, I’m calling the authorities Casey. You have two strikes. That’s all you get.”
I looked at the ground. “Do you have a med-cast? I need one.”
“Yes. I’ll be back.” Job walked back to his shop. I walked inside and shut the door. Then I waited, studying my throbbing arm.
Job returned and snapped the cast around my arm. It expanded and scanned. Then the display popped up. I winced. There were fractures. No wonder it hurt so badly.
“I mean it, Casey. I get that you want to get stronger, but don’t go do something reckless. You’re twelve, damn it!” Job ran his hand through his short hair in growing frustration.
“Sorry.”
“We’re resuming training,” Job replied with a shake of head.
“Will you buy them?” I opened my pocket dimension and pulled out the bag.
“It’s going to cost you the kiltr for your supplies.” Job took the bag and began to inventory it.
Not wanting to move, I swallowed and sat there, glancing back at the cast. Two hairline fractures were running through my bones which weren’t the same as most humans. Warnings about that were spamming the screen. I turned off the display in frustration.
Job looked up. “That’s a nice find, but don’t go getting yourself killed. I mean that, Casey.”
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have done it.”
“You should be out with your friends playing, not getting destroyed in the death forest. I’ll have a chat with your dad. I don’t care if you are a magic girl. They wouldn’t have you doing this shit.”
I swallowed. “Thanks, Job. I won’t do it again.”
“Good.” Job handed me back the empty bag.
I took it and headed home. After cleaning up the mess, I collapsed on my bed.
Dad frowned as he walked into the room. “Casey?”
“Sorry. I messed up. It’s so dangerous out there.”
“That’s why you need to take the training seriously. Be more careful, please. Where did you get the cast?” Dad asked.
“Job.”
“I’ll speak with him. I need you to attack smart. Lure them into traps. Use that clever brain of yours. Make a gun.”
“Can I have a tube meal, please?” I asked as my stomach grumbled again.
“Yes. Stay there. Get some rest.” Dad walked away. He returned and handed me three of them. “Did you manage some kills?”
“Yes. I need ten days.”
Dad smiled at me. “Focus on your enchanting, potions, and studies while you grow. And be smart, Casey. I want you to get stronger. I don’t want you dead. If you have to run away, run away. Don’t risk your life again. Got it?”
I let out a breath of relief and began eating the mashed potatoes, sausage, and veggies in the tube.
“Yell if your arm acts up. I’ll get a doctor over here.” Dad turned and headed from the room.
I finished eating and then drifted off to sleep.
Current Level 3 Current XP 45.63% Current Max Mana 38.6 Regen per minute 0.21 Growth Time (Days) 10 Potential Mana 9.65 Reputation 400
Tier Skill Cost Tier 2 User Time Dilation (Haste)
- User experiences 4 seconds for 1 earth second. - Costs .25 mana per earth second. Tier 1 Pocket Dimension
- 4 cubic meter pocket space 8 mana Tier 1 Enchanting Varies Tier 1 Potions Varies