The day has passed for Vessalius. After finishing the obstacle course of doom and passing the test of the instructor (with the help of the wife), Vessalius passes his day with a full ounce of resting. Though a day has passed, a rumor has started regarding a loud yelling sound coming from the training hall. To others who don't know, it would just be as if it's just your daily days going by but to the people who witness first hand, they could only gape and shut their mouths. Of course after that incident, Lance glared at the soldiers so much others would think they peed on their gear. Gale spent the rest of the day laughing at Lance while the other just gritted his teeth out of embarassment.
Vessalius woke up in the dead of night. He saw a familiar wooden ceiling and an open window. The curtains around the window were moving meaning wind were coming inside the open window.
'I see...I...passed out huh...'
He is on his bedroom (borrowed of course) and still currently living in the house of Lance and his wife, Lady Ethyl. He never knew that passing out on a game was also possible like in the real world. He only knew sensations like sleeping, eating, swinging a sword, reading a book were just an ordinary specs of the virtual world but he never thought it was to this extent.
'Royal Road is an amazing game. I'm glad this is my first ever game I played.'
Giving praise to a game was a first for him. In the past, his childhood was nothing but steal, run, steal, run. It continued an endless cycle of these events but after meeting his adopted parents, his life turned a complete 180 degree turn. In philosophical words, it would mean turning your life to a new leaf.
Then after looking in the ceiling for a good few seconds, the sound of the systems pop-up could be heard.
*Ding*
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Event Completed: The Obstacle Course of Doom
With your quick wits, determination, perseverance, courage and willpower, you have finished the ultimate course known in the Rosenheim Kingdom as the Obstacle Course of Doom made by Instructor Lance. which would have only been tried by renowned knights and soldiers with persevering determination, willpower and courage.
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Fame has increased by 100
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Strength has increased by 3
Vitality has increased by 5
Agility has increased by 4
Endurance has increased by 3
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You have earned the title: Crazy Daredevil
Fame has increased by 50
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You have unlocked and discovered a new stat called Willpower
Willpower has increased by 5
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You have earned the title: The one who calls a mother for help.
Fame has increased by 50
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You have unlocked and discovered a new stat called Charm
Charm has increased by 5
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Vessalius was surprised. He wasn't surprised by the amount of stats he got. What he got surprised was due to the crazy title he just recently acquired. Due to his acting, he remembers using his last resort and trump card. He yelled so hard that the wife of the instructor heard his cry. He could still remember the gorgeous and loving wife of the instructor.
When he first came to the house owned by the instructor, he forgot to take a breath after seeing his wife. Not because of the gorgeous, tall, sexy curves, slender, long hair and mature aura, no definitely not. It was because she suddenly dropped a bomb saying 'We will adopt this cute child'. At that current time, Lance was so pale he even lost his remaining hair even though he was already bald. Due to his small stature of height and a cute face that would surprisingly awaken a mothers instinct to protect despite his still current age of 18, he was told as the baby face of the world. Of course, that was only told by his adopted parents and his loving maids.
He got up from his bed and went outside his room towards the dining area of the house. He saw some plates covered with cloth which logically thinking was done by Lady Ethyl to save him some food. He smiled wryly. Though this is a game and he was not her real son, he could feel a mothers love towards him. He knows because this is what he feels towards his adoptive mother Jennifer. He took the cover off one by one and he saw a scrumptious meal. A bowl of vegetable salad, 3 pieces of meat and vegetable kebab, a bowl of mushroom soup (already cold of course), a basket of bread and cheese, grilled corn and a bowl of fruits.
He made a guruguru sound akin to sounding in his stomach. As if it is the right time, a pop-up message appeared saying he was hungry. He sat and ate the leftover food which was saved for him and cleaned the dishes. Afterwards he returned to his room to review the monster he was supposed to subjugate.
According to the book called "Rare Beast Sightings" by the Adventurer Creaton the Explorer. The beast named Behemoth is said to be a giant to titanic class monster. It is said to live in the Forest of Carnage which is worth a days travel from the Rosenheim Kingdom. It is equipped with monstrous strength that is capable of splatting its enemies to a pulp and pummel it to an unrecognizable state. It has huge, sharp and pointy tusk that is used when it charges over towards its enemies. It is also equipped with sharp instincts since it is a wild beast. It can sniff and smell out enemies with a range of 10 centimeter radius around it. He also read that when it is in critical danger, it will shout a powerful roar towards the enemy it is facing to push back giving it a fear and terror like state to give time to escape. Another thing to mention is that it is capable of attacking long range by swinging its tail with sharp spikes to disperse hair-like needles.
According to the same book, it cannot be tackled alone and must join a party to defeat it. Disrupt its senses with a powerful smell so that it is unable to sniff you out. Afterwards, take out its sight to prevent seeing you. To thee who shall challenge the beast, beware!
After reviewing the things he needed for the quest, he closed the book and went to bed. Since it was midnight, there are no shops which are open.
Vessalius woke up early morning to prepare the things he needed to do. To his surprise, it was already finished. Beside his bed were 5 small bottles of unknown origin and 5 items shaped like a ball. He therefore scanned the said items.
"Check Item." murmured Vessalius
*Ding*
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Ink Balls
Type: Consumable
Made by explorers of renown, this item is said to be used to mark the location of where you came from in case you get lost.
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Liquid Fragrance of Wonderfulness
Type: Consumable
Concocted by an amateur alchemist that is said to be for giving a person the courage to confess to a person he or she likes. Since it was made by an amateur, the smell holds up to 5 minutes of time.
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"These are some weird items here." Vessalius murmured
Upon checking the items, these items are used for exploring. He understood the first 5 items which are the ink balls. Logical explanation would be for markings but the fragrance thing he didn't get. When he was still contemplating the use of the item, he heard a knock on the door.
"Lad my boy, are you awake already?" the voice said outside the room.
"Ah..."
Vessalius hurriedly fixed himself in a jiffy.
"I just woken up. Please come in instructor." Vessalius said.
Lance upon hearing the voice, went inside with consent. He looked at the young boy who was gonna start on his grand adventure.
"So my boy, are you ready?" Lance asked.
"Yes sir." Vessalius answered with enthusiasm.
Seeing his enthusiasm, Lance nodded.
"Well remember my boy, eyes open always and oh yeah. You probably noticed already the items here. There for you to use."
"Eh!? The items are for me?"
"Yeah, my wife bought it for you. He saw your notes about how to deal with the behemoth quest."
"So that's why there are items here."
"That's right my boy so you better use them properly to its full usage. okay?"
"Yes instructor. Just one question sir."
"What is it my boy?"
"Err, what's the use of this thing?"
Vessalius pointed the bottle that holds the Liquid Fragrance of Wonderfulness.
"Oh that. That's for you to conceal your smell. I'm guessing you already know the contents and the smell?"
"Yeah, it smells wonderful instructor. But how am I supposed to be concealed by this thing?"
"My boy, in life, you gotta take risk and do what you gotta do."
"Err, if I am to interpret that, I'm guessing that it hasn't been tested yet?"
"Bingo!"
"EHHHH!!!?? Then this is not to conceal myself. This is in order for the monster to find me."
"Hahahaha, you think too much my boy. I'm sure that with you gone, me and my wife would be back to normal again being love-love with each other."
"Did you already thought of me as a dead body!?
"Tch, how did you find out boy?"
"Now your expressing your honest feelings!?
After teasing him for a bit which got found out, the instructor rummage a long rectangular package. It was wrapped with paper tied with a small rope.
"Ah yes I almost forgot boy, since you passed my course, I'll give you this weapon as a gift."
Vessalius pondered for a bit since he remembered that he received a weapon from him a month ago. As if reading his thoughts, Lance shook his head.
"Don't worry lad, this is a different weapon. It's a newly improved sword to the one I gave you a month ago."
"But this is too much. You already gave me so much and the madam also. I cannot take this. Please allow me to refuse your gift instructor."
Vessalius refused his gift but the instructor did not back down on giving him his gift.
"Nonsense lad, take this as a sign of good friendship towards me and my wife. If you still do not take it, then kindly thought of it as a precautionary weapon in-case your weapon breaks. You never know what might happen. It doesn't hurt to be safe.
Pondering the instructors logic, he finally (though reluctant) gives in and takes his gift.
"Thank you for the gift instructor."
"Nonsense boy. Ti's but a small gift. Plus my wife would love to see you again (though my heart aches at not seeing you get pummeled outside).
Vessalius pretended he never heard that last lines and again thanked him for the gift.
After a brief conversation with the instructor, he left the room in order for him to start his work at the training hall. His last words were to eat breakfast first before going out.
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After eating breakfast, he stocked the items in his inventory and went to the market district to stock some supplies, food and medicine. Next he bought a cheap bow and quiver since he will be hunting his own food supply after all the things has been used. The bow though super cheaped, didn't lose in terms of attack power. After finishing his to-do list, he went to the appraisal shop. He thought the owner would be already home since a whole month has passed by already.
*Cling* (The sound of a bell)
"Welcome!" the caretaker said with a warm and energetic smile.
"Ummm..." Vessalius fidgets around..."Is the master already home?"
"A-ra, your that boy who came last time yes?" the caretaker said
"Umm yes ma'am." Vessalius answered.
"He's in my dear. Go to the second floor and the guide will escort you to where he is." the caretaker said with a smile on her face.
"Thank you very much madam." Vessalius said as he made his bow
"Oh dear, I'm still young you know my boy hohoho."
After making another bow to the caretaker, he went to the second floor and there, he saw the female guide last time. The guide remembered Vessalius from last time and immediately guided him to the master.
"Please through this door dear customer." the guide said as she left to go back to her post.
Vessalius knocked on the door a few times and entered the room after hearing the words 'come in'.
"Please my boy, sit sit." said the master of the shop
After sitting on the chair. He saw the master. He has white fluffy beard akin to a Santa Claus, big bulging belly again akin to a Santa Claus, big stuffy arms and legs yet again akin to a Santa Claus and the work clothes are akin to a woodsmith. He suddenly made a dumb question to the master which he literally meant.
"Umm sir, can I ask you a dumb question?
"Why yes my boy. Please ask away."
"Err, is your name Nicholas Claus?"
"Why by jolly beard, yes my boy. How did you know my name?"
'More like it is incredibly obvious' Vessalius thought.
"Err lucky guess sir."
"Please my boy, call me Claus. Claus will be fine."
"Err, yes Mr. Claus."
"Hohoho, you are one interesting little kid. So my boy, what brings you to my merry shop?" said by the master who got known by the name of Nicholas Claus.
"Ah...yes sir. I would like you to appraise an item for me please. I'll give you all the money I have as long you can appraise this item please."
"Well, I'll do my best lad. Can you show me this item you are speaking of?"
"Yes sir."
After a brief conversation, Vessalius took out the said item. The item that was given by the AI 2 months ago in-game calendar. He took out the white shiny thing. As he took it out, flashes of white beams can be seen surrounding the room. The owner of the shop, Nicholas Claus, took out a black glasses in his left breast pocket and wore it in his eyes because he was getting blind by the white beam. Nicholas asked him if he could check it out for now. Vessalius without a moments notice, gave the item to the owner so that he could check it. He looked at the white shiny orb like item, tried a few things and tried appraising it. The item didn't get appraised. After a few tries of appraising again, the item is still the same. He gave the item back to Vessalius after making a few more attempts again.
"Well my boy. You've got one interesting item there."
"Umm what happened sir?"
"It's out of my range lad. I've tried every nook and cranny of my skills just to appraise your item but it seems it won't budge."
"Umm sir, what do you mean it won't budge?"
"Your item is what I mean lad. It will stay the same like that as long it doesn't have a successful appraise."
"Then how can I appraise this sir?"
"Don't know lad. I'm sorry."
Feeling dejected, Vessalius put the item back in his inventory. The white flashing beams stopped and the room returned to the same earlier when he first entered.
"It's ok sir. Here's my payment for your troubles." Vessalius said as he took some money.
"No need lad. The item didn't got appraise so there is no payment going."
Nicholas returned the money back then said with a follow-up. "Still, that is one interesting item my boy. Where did you get it?"
"Umm it was given to me by a kind female sir."
"I see I see. Well the conclusion is, that woman gave you a very rare item my boy."
"A rare item?"
Vessalius was baffled since he doesn't know much about item grades yet.
"Yes. If I am to appraise this more, I'm guessing it would be unique magic or higher grade item."
"I see. Would it be alright if you tell me what you think of this item sir?"
Since Vessalius doesn't know much about unknown items. He asked just in case. Truthfully speaking, all unknown items are classified into weapon, armor and accessory. This is the first time that an item cannot be classified by its classification.
"Chances is 75 to 20 to 5 my dear boy. 75 percent weapon, 20 percent armor and 5 percent accessory."
"I see." Vessalius said as he pondered on the masters words. "Then thank you for your time master. I must be going now to do the kings quest for me."
"I see I see. Then you are the boy who caused the commotion in the training hall then?"
Feeling surprised, he succintly replied yes.
"If you somehow able to appraise that item my boy, please do return. I wish to hear how you did it."
"Yes sir. Then until next we meet." Vessalius said as he made his exit to the room, left the shop and went towards the gate to meet Knight Gale and the soldiers.
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Vessalius met Gale and the soldiers a couple of minutes later. He got a soundful lecture from Gale because the time they were supposed to depart was morning. It was already afternoon due to shopping for supplies, buying a bow and going to the appraisal shop.They soon left the gates with the instructor giving them a salute and the wife, Lady Ethyl, giving them a wave of goodbye with a handkerchief.
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It was just 2 hours ago that they left the gates of Rosenheim, passing the open plains unhindered, they finally entered the Forest of Rosenheim. In order for them to journey towards the Forest of Carnage, they must first pass this forest which would take them a quarter of their time if no impediment or awry has happened.
Vessalius, Gale and the soldiers were traversing unhindered so far.
The soldiers were happily chatting with each other. They never thought they would face monsters on their way. Since it was only an escort mission, they never thought of bad things that could happen. On the contrary, bad things do happen when an escort mission happens.
"You think we would be facing some monsters?" one of the soldiers asked.
"Nah, that can't happen. I mean, this is just an escort mission towards the entrance of the Forest of Carnage."
"Of course we know what kind of mission this is you dolt."
"Come to think of it, the soldiers in the barracks said that they saw a huge beast in the Forest of Carnage."
"Yeah I heard that from the other soldiers as well."
"Yeah yeah. They said the beast was as huge as a tree."
"Ha! Clearly a fake, I heard the beast was as tall as an ogre."
"Where are you even hearing those rumors. Mine is the closest. I heard that the beast is as tall as a titan.
"Of course we will never face that beast. We are only escorting that unknown adventurer to the entrance of the forest."
When the soldiers heard the words unknown adventurer, they in unison looked at Vessalius. His body shook and felt the stinging cold barbs of stare. Gale noticing his state, he smiled wryly. The soldiers continued their conversation with each other as they traverse onwards.
"By the way, who is that adventurer anyway?" one of the soldiers asked.
"No clue. This is the first time I ever saw him." one of the soldiers replied.
"What about you Rodritz? Heard any juicy information about him?" another soldier asked.
"According to my sources, he's an adventurer." the soldier who was called Rodritz said.
"Like we already know that doofus."
"I'm not finished yet you doofus. He's not just some adventurer. 2 months ago, he passed the beginners trial in the training hall."
"As if we would believe that nonsense. Most adventurers would go out of the training hall and do jobs to earn money for a month."
The soldiers nodded in unison. Vessalius suddenly sneezed as if someone was talking or thinking about him.
"Believe me. I also heard that he made a wreck of the training hall also and was called by the king himself."
"Ohhhh. I heard that rumor. The conclusion was said that he was given a quest to subdue the beast we were talking about." one of the soldiers replied.
Shock spread amongst the recruits as if they could not believe it. Of course they could not believe it. They looked at Vessalius again from afar and again he could feel the cold sensation of being stared at. He was only wearing clothes that are fit for a beginners level. Clearly seeing is believing though they could only see him physically. In all honesty, he was already a monster beginner. To be exact, a skin of a beginner and underneath are monstrous stats. Of course, as a level 1, they could only see him for what he is since they haven't seen him fight and like them, this is also his first venture outside the walls of Rosenheim. Of course the last bit about him passing the course with the help of the instructors wife was controlled to save him face and respect.
"Then this will be an easy mission like a walk in the park escorting such a weak adventurer." the soldiers said laughing with him.
But one of the soldiers beg to differ on his colleague
"Though this is an escort mission, we must always remain vigilant."
"You stiff. Relax a little bit will ya." replied one of the soldiers.
Berk, Wale and Lalaine smiled wryly but then seeing their colleague Paul, they swiftly grouped together and converse in a low tone that no other person could hear but themselves.
"I bet 15 silver coins that Paul would snapped to the recruits." Wale said to the two.
"You chicken, Raise your bet a bit higher. I will bet my 1 gold coin that Paul would give a handful of chops on the recruits head." Berk said.
As if pondering for a bit, Lalaine told them her bet. "I'll bet 2 gold coins plus a free strip show to the two of you if I lose my bet."
As if an alarm signal occured, Berk and Wale swiftly nodded on the bet of 2 gold coins. But an amiss occurred that they never expected.
"Paul would only give a re-mindful of advices to the recruits."
When the 2 heard her bet, it was too late.
"Listen everyone, what your fellow recruit said was right. Though this is an escorting mission, his words is correct. Now that we have left the safety of our walls, we must always remain alert on our surroundings. Caution is of utmost importance. Recklessness would only lead to your own demise. Always remember that recruits."
Vessalius hearing Paul's re-mindful reproach towards the recruits looked at Gale.
"You have good captain sir knight." Vessalius said smiling wryly.
"You have no idea Vessalius-dono." Gale replied with a smile as well.
The recruits being reminded that no mission is no walk in the park was reminded to them by Paul. They saluted as a sign of understanding. On the other hand...
"Well boys, looks like it's my win. I'll be taking your bets now."
"Gaaaah!" Berk screamed as if spouting out blood.
"To think I would forget. Paul and Lalaine were the original two under command of Gale." Wale said vexing.
Losing a bet was okay for the two but losing to her with a strip tease show as the prize was totally crumbling. Berk made another special effects as if spouting blood and went on all fours in despair as he handed his 2 gold coins to her and Wale who was almost about to cry also handed his 2 gold coins as well.
Gale and the soldiers with Vessalius in tow are almost out of the forest when they heard a rustling sound in the nearby bushes. Gale raised his right hand signaling them to stop. The recruits suddenly got alerted. What came out was a wolf. The recruits lowered their guard and heaved a sigh of relief since it's just one wolf. Then another rustling sound has been heard and came out 2 more wolves. Another sound in the nearby bushes and came out 2 more wolves, then another...and another...
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Vessalius and the recruits met their very first enemy. To be exact, it was enemies. They met a pack of hungry wolves. It was 3 dozen wolves with 2 pack leaders and 1 alpha leader with a scar on its left eye as the main boss.
Gale never expected this to happen so soon. An ambush right of the bat. They were almost out of the forest and this happened. Gale is confident he could come out unscathed but it is very different. The 30 soldiers were fresh recruits with the exception of Paul, Berk, Wale and Lalaine that are under his command.
"Recruits, assume battle formation immediately."
Paul yelled to take battle formations. The recruits clumsily unsheathes their weapon and divided themselves into 6 with Paul, Berk, Wale and Lalaine as their captain-in-command with the last 2 recruits under Gale's protection. Vessalius was of course left alone to fend for himself.
Seeing the situation to deem dangerous, Gale immediately issued a command formation because they are being surrounded.
"SOLDIERS!!! ASSUME FORMATION PORCUPINE. NOW!!!"
Hearing the knights command, the recruits with Paul and the others guiding them, they immediately assumed their battle formation. They formed a circular area, their spears surrounding every corner possible with Gale as the main center of command. On the other hand, Vessalius was outside their formation since he got attacked by a sudden sense of fear. Though a game, what he is sensing is real fear. He stumbled backwards, stuttering his mouth.
What's happening at the moment is caused by a stat called Fighting Spirit. Fighting Spirit cannot be increased by stats. It can only be increased by fighting enemies. If you would term it in a real fight, it would be called battle experience. Due to the intimidating aura of the alpha leader of the wolves, Vessalius couldn't muster any courage. To counter a monsters intimidating aura, a players fighting spirit must be in a sense equal or high.
Gale could not give a very sound advice for the young boy. Though he showed qualities befitting of a courageous knight while tackling the course, this on the other hand is different. Very very different. He would have to handle this himself. If he passed this internal obstacle he is having, then he will be fine in the coming future.
The alpha leader looked at the soldiers hungrily. It sensed fear. Probably their very first assignment. Then he moved its sights on Vessalius which sensed the greatest fear it could feel. Vessalius could feel the hungry glare of the wolf. He was thinking over and over...
'I'm gonna die...'
The alpha leader howled loudly as if saying "let the hunting commence" on the surrounding wolves. The wolves immediately charged to attack but not on the soldiers. They attacked Vessalius who was on the ground assaulted with fear.
"OH NO!!!" Gale screamed. He immediately scrambled outside his formation to go towards Vessalius but was stopped by Paul.
"Let go of me you idiot! The boy will die out there!!"
"You can't Gale, you'll be completely surrounded by the wolves."
"I can handle them on my own Paul."
The wolves who are charging jumped to pounce at him.
"WAAAAAAAHHHH!!!" Vessalius screamed and shielded himself with his hands.
He was waiting for his imminent demise but...
"Sir...are you okay? Sir...can you hear me? If you do, please respond."
He heard a female voice. When he slightly opened his eyes to look, he saw a very long hair. It has a bluish color like a sapphire gem. Then he opened them in full to see. He saw a figure clad in metallic armor. It was one of the recruits. Then he heard the figures voice again.
"Sir can you hear me?"
It was definitely her. The one who kept calling him out of his stupor. This time, she turned around and stared at his scared face.
"Sir, stay close to me. I'll protect you from the wolves."
The female soldier protected Vessalius from one of the wolves vicious pounces. She locked her position and steeled her shield and spear to protect him from danger.
Gale was surprised. Apparently, one of the recruits left the formation and immediately went to protect Vessalius from the attack. He knows that this was an act of insubordination from an order but in a different point of view, she made the right call. You cannot call yourself a soldier if you left one of your comrades to die (though Vessalius is not part of the soldier caste).
The wolves paced a few steps back. They felt the soldiers determination and spirit to protect Vessalius. The wolves still continued to growl at them. Then on the flank, one of the wolves tried to pounce at him again but was immediately bashed away by the female soldier. The other wolves finally started to attack Gale's group who are bunkered down on their position. They were immediately deflected easily with the guidance of Gale and his 4 veteran soldiers.
The other wolves again attacked Vessalius and the female soldier as well. The wolves pounced at them and she would immediately use her shield and spear in a combination to deflect the wolves pounces. Surprisingly, she is defending Vessalius very well despite being a fresh recruit.
"Agghh!!"
Though she was defending him pretty well, she cannot take the attacks all alone. She got scratched on her metallic armor front and back respectively. Wolves are said to be agile beast and hunt in packs. With a pack leader's leadership, they can show their full capabilities as a hunting group. Gale and the soldiers were busy trying to deflect and counterattack at the wolves. They cannot muster 1 or 2 soldiers to help them.
"Wh-why are you defending me?"
Though stuttered, Vessalius was finally able to squeezed out a few words.
Before she could reply, the wolves attacked them once again but this time, they are now joined by the alpha leader. She deflected a few attacks from the wolves but clearly not enough to defend from the alpha's attack. This time, she didn't just get a few scratches. She was at the moment clearly injured. Her helmet flew off from defending her head. Her head was clearly oozing with blood. It was amazing how her helmet got blown off but her head didn't. She was still hunkered down, defending Vessalius. Her battered shield true from defending him and her spear broken with the spear tip only left being handled. As if she finally know what will happen to her life, she finally replied Vessalius question.
"It's because you are my mission sir."
"Y-you idiot. I-I'm not your mission." Vessalius stuttered yet with tone this time.
"To protect and escort you safely on your journey to the Forest of Carnage is my mission sir." she said it with a brave tone.
Vessalius was unable to answer her words. Clearly, what she said was called a death flag. A death flag was said to be some kind of term used by manga artist and video games. Clearly he knows this very well because he also encountered this in some of the books he has read in the house. Some times in the real world, this rare kind of flag also happens so he definitely knows what she was saying.
As if the alpha leader sensed the limits of the female soldier, it howled signalling one of the wolves to attack.
The wolf charged on her and the female soldier immediately steeled herself so she readied her battered shield from the attack. It was clearly the last few moments of her life and so the wolf pounced. Though she was scared, she didn't closed her eyes and faced the wolf head-on. If she closed her eyes off, then she won't be able to see what happened.
Then she saw a flash of line in front of her. There appeared in her view was a figure clad in beginners clothes. As if dreaming that this was heaven or some kind of illusion, she turned her head around to find Vessalius gone behind her. Then she felt a very cold feeling. What she felt was real because not just her, Gale, Paul and the others with the exception of the recruits, the wolves as well including the alpha leader. A dreaded feeling of helplessness and fear. What they felt was clearly the tingling sensation of blood-lust.
"Thank you very much for clearing me out of my stupor."
She turned her head again as she heard the figures voice. To see that the figure in beginners clothes was the person she was a few minutes ago defending against the wolves. Vessalius appeared on her line of sight. She could see his sword drenched in blood.
"You can rest easy now. Father always says that men are born to protect and help girls when they are in trouble. This time I will be the one to protect you from the wolves."
One of the wolves attacked her flanked but it was immediately intercepted by him. The wolf's body got sliced horizontally. It's blood gushed out and the entrails were flown out of its body.
Feeling a sense of security, her legs finally gave out and sat on the ground.
The alpha leader growled at Vessalius for the first time. It recognized him not as a prey but as a predator like the rest of them. It howled commanding them to attack Vessalius. 3 wolves from the pack pounced him and it got dismissed easily by his blade. The wolves paced themselves a few steps back. He didn't miss this moment. He carried the female soldier like a princess and immediately went to the soldiers formation. She was unable to reject him on the method she got carried because she got surprised. Vessalius quickly gave the female soldier to Gale and the others so that she could be immediately treated of her injuries.
"Apologies Sir Gale. I almost jeopardize the safety of the recruits."
Gale smiled wryly and could only shook his head.
"Apologies are unnecessary Vessalius-dono. I can sympathize from what you have felt."
"Thank you for understanding my predicament earlier." Vessalius said. Then he saw the wolves charging again to attack them once again."
"Please tend to this soldiers wounds while I deal with this."
"We will Vessalius-dono and be extra careful of the alpha wolf's attack. It is different than the pack wolf leader."
"I thank you for your advice Sir Gale."
As he thanks Gale for the advice, he detached himself from the unit's formation. He went a bit further so that the pack of wolves won't target the recruits often. He instilled a blood curdling glare on the eyes of the wolves. Vessalius made a drawing stance. He posed his body in a sideways stance. His legs were far apart from each other. His left arm, holding the sheath of his blade while his right arm is near the handle of his sword. His eyes shined as if saying to "attack me if you dare".
The wolves as if provoked by his glare swarmed him all at once. 2 wolves from his sides pounced at him at the same time. He laid his body back a bit and made the fastest draw swing he could muster. The 2 wolves who attacked from the side were sliced cleanly into 2 when they landed. Indeed it was the fastest because none of the recruits could see what he did. The exception would be Gale because he held the most battle experience among the group. What the recruits saw was that Vessalius only dodged the attack but to Gale's P.O.V, he swiftly discharged his sword as soon as he laid back then again swiftly sheathes his sword.
More wolves started to attack Vessalius and this time in all directions. Vessalius jumped and he saw the wolves crashed together but it didn't stop there. He saw a wolf did a pounce as soon as he was in mid-air. He parried the wolf's attack with his blade and at the same time, beautifully counter-attacked by slicing the wolf's head. Then he charged at the pack of wolves.
Some of the wolves also attacked the recruits but with Gale's guidance and instruction, they were holding and repelling them back.
Giving himself the full aggro of the wolves, the pack split into 2 with Vessalius getting half the attention of the wolves with one pack leader and the other half attention with Gale and the recruits. While getting half of the aggro, Vessalius was still only a lone man and was unable to parry all of the attacks. His health points are bit by bit diminishing. Too many were the wolves attacking him. Despite his continuing injuries, he was still able to counter-attack, slaying the wolves one by one when he sees an opening.
The alpha wolf howled once more and as if the winds changed, so too were the wolves. The attacks are getting fierce and intensified. The recruits are starting to get injured despite Gale's guidance. They were changing battle formations from defense to offense respectively. But with this kind of formation, their circle became short and they were left with little options but to do this in order to minimize any more damage and avoid casualties.
"RUUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHH!!!!" Vessalius yelled as he sliced another wolf.
The winds changed for the second time. The wolf he defeated earlier was 1 of the 2 pack leaders.
Seeing their leader sliced, the wolves instinctively paced themselves a few steps back. Vessalius did not fail to notice this.
"GETSUGA TENSHOU!!!!"
With renewed vigor, for the first time, he was able to use his skill. He depleted all of his mana intentionally upon using his skill. He crashed his blade on the ground as his skill exploded the ground making a crashing wave that went to the wolves who are grouped together. The skill crashed and made a huge smoke. The wolves that are on the recruits stopped their attacks and immediately went to the alpha wolf's side to protect it from the attack. The wolves can now be counted after the smoke cleared away. The 3 dozen wolves before the start of the fight became a dozen or so wolves now.
"RECRUITS, PHALANX BATTLE FORMATION!!!" yelled Gale.
Gale seeing the tides in their favor swiftly changed from the formation of porcupine to phalanx then they marched together, attacking the wolves at the front.
The wolves tried their hardest to fight and defend their leader but to no avail. They are being slain one by one, chipping off their battle strength. Vessalius joined their charge.
With no one left to order, the alpha wolf despite being the only one left still growled at Vessalius and the soldiers.
The recruits surrounded the beast in a circular position to prevent the alpha from escaping. When the recruits are going to charge and gang-up on the lone wolf, Vessalius immediately stopped them. Gale and the recruits with confusion on their faces stopped due to his words. Vessalius stepped forward facing the lone alpha wolf.
"Honorable Alpha Wolf. I challenge you to a one on one fight. No soldiers are going to attack you. Just you and me.
Berk being the first to be surprised retorted on his words.
"Vessalius, are you insane? His an alpha wolf. A beast. As if he can understand our language. We should finish it quickly before it finishes us."
"No Berk. I can see it in his eyes. He's an honorable beast. He will come to understand what I am saying."
As if Berk lost his words to refute, he look at his colleagues. Paul took the line and agreed with him.
"He's right Vessalius. We should finish it quickly. Though alone now, the beast could still finish us and eat us.
The wolf, with suspicion, gave them a menacingly growl as if saying "you think I would believe all of your stupid words?".
Vessalius seeing the beast with suspicion in his eyes again talk with the beast as if talking to a person.
"I will assure you honorable beast that no one will interfere in our fight."
Gale hearing his sincere words joined in their conversation.
"I shall permit it Vessalius. No soldier will interfere with your duel."
"Sir, have you lost your mind?" Berk retorted on Gale's words.
"My decision, my order Berk."
Berk hearing his commanders words finally backs away.
After the talk, Gale orders the recruits to step back a few steps away from Vessalius and the alpha wolf.
"See? Told you no one would interfere on our fight."
As if the beast understood his words, the alpha only gave a glare instead of a growl.
Vessalius immediately made his sword drawing stance and observed the alpha's movements. Seeing him in a stance, the alpha claws the ground and moved in a slow walk to the left observing his movements as well. Vessalius answered him and walked to the left as well. Both combatants were making a circle as they continue their slow movements.
They were both observing each others movements patiently, trying to see if there was an opening. Gale, Paul, Berk, Wale, Lalaine, the female recruit and the others waited with bathed breath. Waiting to see who will draw the first blood.
Dispersing the silent atmosphere, the alpha was the first to move and pounced at Vessalius. He answered the beast with a clean parry.
The recruits heard a metallic clang on the exchange with Vessalius going the opposite way and the alpha respectively. He smiled menacingly. The alpha wolf twitched on its left leg. Feeling its injuries, the alpha glared menacingly on Vessalius. The first draw of blood was his.
The recruits cheered at him. But it was too soon to cheer. Both combatants made another exchanged and this time, Vessalius was the one who got injured on his chest. The alpha as if copying him smiled at him. They continued their exchanges and the recruits watch them in awe with bathed breath.
To be honest, this fight was supposed to be already over with Vessalius winning in a landslide with no injuries stat-wise. But because this was his first time playing a game and a virtual reality game to boot, this tipped the balance. If you will be explaining this in real words, he was still a newbie. Though he has some skills in the real world, he cannot corporate it yet here in the game full.
With the exchange of attacks nearing its end, both injuries are now getting clearer with the alpha wolf getting most of the injuries and Vessalius having minor injuries.
As if picking the tense atmosphere, Gale and the recruits waited for the end of this bout.
Vessalius made a sword drawing stance, lowering his upper body while the wolf readies for a full blown pounce. Each of them knows that this will be the finale of their exchanges.
Contrary to what happened earlier, Vessalius was the first to move this time and the alpha followed suit meeting him head-on. The recruits forgot to blink while Gale and the others made their eyes wide. Vessalius ended his charge with the alpha's earlier location, his sword in his right hand thrust out. The alpha respectively on his location earlier. Both were standing and the recruits waited who will drop out.
As if a god moved the scene forward, the alpha wolf finally gave out and was lying on the ground lifeless. As if waiting for something more to happen, Vessalius turned around to see his foe lying on the ground. The recruits finally cheered signalling the end of their very very first predicament. Finally reaching his limit, Vessalius dropped due to his legs giving out. The recruits immediately went to his side to check on him and Gale and the others followed suit with Berk still unable to process what happened. Following the sounds were a familiar sound he was used to hearing.
*Ding*
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You have gained a level.
You have gained a level.
You have gained a level.
You have gained a level.
You have gained a level.
You have gained a level.
You have gained a level.
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Your sword skill increased to intermediate level 5.
Your foresight skill increased to intermediate level 2.
Your getsuga tenshou increased to beginner level 4.
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Strength has increased by 3
Vitality has increased by 3
Agility has increased by 5
Endurance has increased by 3
Perseverance has increased by 2
Charisma has increased by 2
Fighting Spirit has increased by 25
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You have laid rest to the Alpha Wolf and his pack that was prowling the Forest of Rosenheim. You have made the Forest of Rosenheim safe so that others can have a secured passage.
Fame has increased by 300
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His first fight ended him with a reward of 7 levels turning him from level 1 to level 8. Not just his levels, his skills also rose. He was also amazed with the increase of his base stats. Though just a little stat increase, it was still huge for him. This achievement was his very first and he will remember this day till the day he dies. Honestly speaking, he will also remember how he almost wet his pants off due to his cowardice earlier when he was almost about to be wolf food had it not for the female recruit that protected him.
The tense atmosphere was lifted and was exchanged with smiles and laughter. The recruits chatted happily because they will be bragging this to their fellow recruits in the kingdom. They survived their very first fight. Gale interrupting them with a cough ordered them to collect their spoils. Agreeing upon it, it was decided that all of the spoils was to be given to Vessalius but he dismissed it saying it was a team effort. Hearing it logically, they then decided that the spoils from the alpha wolf would be given to him.
After collecting their spoils, the sun set down. Seeing it was nearing the coming of night after passing the Forest of Rosenheim, Gale ordered the soldiers who aren't injured to make camp and cook dinner while the others tend to their wounds.
He felt a sense of camaraderie with the recruits. Despite his injuries (which hasn't been tended yet), he helped the recruits on the work in anyway he can but soon ordered to stand down and take a rest with the injured female recruit. With no choice but to obey Gale's words, he went to the medics tent.
When he entered the tent, all time suddenly halted and dropped the supplies he was suppose to be used. He immediately felt 2 pairs of eyes staring at him. That's because inside the tent were 2 females. One was the veteran soldier Lalaine and the other was the injured female recruit which apparently was naked on her upper chest. He could see her gorgeous yellow blond hair like the sun and her blue sapphire eyes like the ocean. Her chest were very supple and her areola were very pinkish like a cherry blossom. Lalaine was behind the recruit, handling a bandage that she was supposed to be putting on her injured chest. In order not to give any hard trouble on Lalaine putting the bandage, she rose her arms sideways.
With the awkward atmosphere swirling around the med tent, Vessalius was gonna start a conversation but he was soon beaten to it...with a girlish scream that is.
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!"
"Err, l-look I can explain..."
Vessalius tried to form a few words but again...
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!"
"Please listen to me. I didn't see any supple chest that has 2 very pinkish dots in it."
With a snap on her head, the female recruit immediately hidden her chest with her left hand and with faster movement than the alpha wolf, she made a very very angry sentence with a continuation of...
"FORGET WHAT YOU SAW YOU PERVEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRTTTTTT!!!"
She made a punch but not just any punch. An uppercut punch that could break mountains landed on Vessalius chin. With in an impact, he was literally punched away and flew away as if this was a comedy anime.
Including his very first achievement of fighting, this honestly speaking is also his very first. Seeing a naked girl that is.