"It's dry," He thought as he continuously chewed the cooked meat, the smell drifted through the air followed by the loud chattering of the group. Even Lance to his surprise was talking with Sara, most likely about something trivial, everyone was talking but Takashi who just chewed his meat in silence as he stared off into space.

Francis had continued babbling about his speculations regarding the system only some of it being comprehended, what I did understand contradicted everything Sen had said the night prior so I dismissed his ideas altogether. It had been a day since he last checked his stats and wanted to verify his User before heading out into the forest,

"My User"

Shin A.Venge Health Spirit Energy Stamina Maturity 220/220 Regeneration (3.5/ min) 250/250 Regeneration (5/min) 240/240 Regeneration (2/ min) 16 Vitality Strength Agility Intelligence 24 11 22 19 Wisdom Fortitude Will Luck 17 30 28 3 Title: (B) Eradicator of Dungeons (Active) Titles: Inactive Water Mutant, One who Denies Death Discoveries Purify IV, Clairvoyant II, Ray of Light II, Protection I, Spirit Armor I Passives Chemical Resistance, Soul Rearrangement, Perseverance Specialties  

Noticing a new slot he wondered just how would he obtain a specialty, would it be through the repetition of a specific skill, or was it a more complex thing altogether? Pondering the thought Bryce wanders over carrying a shirt, "You can't seriously think we'd leave you in those rags, did you?" he says, while tossing it,

It was a worn button up shirt with a few holes, much better than what I was wearing. "Thanks," sliding the shirt on Trace beckons me over to where he and Eugene sat.

Standing up, Beth stares at me as I walk over. "The fuck you keep looking at me for," echoes in my mind before Eugene begins going over the route. According to him, we should get there and back before nightfall with little to no trouble from the Rattlers.

We each carried a bag, which contained bottles for storing the water, Eugene approached Takashi asking about the bow and arrows. Which he managed to acquire from him along with a carved out spear he made in his spare time. Being a man of no words he simply handed over the weapons without saying anything, afterward wandering off into the forest until he was out of everyone's view.

Eugene carrying the bow and Trace with the wooden spear we headed deeper into the forest, Bryce giving us a thumbs up and a grin, while Lars sat with a grumpy look on his face while mumbling "Goodluck". I felt a little left out me being the only one without a weapon but realizing I was the only one with actual abilities it was for the best, even if they didn't know about them.

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The deeper we wandered into the forest the more eyes I felt on us, Trace led the way followed by myself and Eugene trailed behind. They figured I was the weakest here without having a weapon so decided it would be safest for me in the center. The rustling of the leaves had us all flinching, expecting a Rattler to descend from the sky and attack us in hordes. It was different than when Eugene and I were leaving the forest and happily chattering before, now we were entering the forest and danger constantly lurked overhead waiting for a moment to strike, and that pressure kept all of us on edge.

"We're almost there Shin, Trace stay alert up there" his voice was oddly calm for the situation we were in. I began to wonder just how many times had he come to this place hunting for Rattlers. Although he wasn't as big as Eugene, Trace was still quite large his back rippled with muscles as he tightly clenched the spear, frantically looking in each direction as we neared the destination.

The forest was dark and gloomy, the leaves repelling any sunlight that threatened to shine through. The rustling of leaves began to grow more frequent the deeper we traveled, slowly beginning to surround us. I felt it in my gut "we are in some deep shit" regretting letting myself be manipulated by Beth, I now understood Bryce's warning as he told me about her.

The snarl echoed through the forest, followed by numerous more all seeming to hum in unison as if they were rushing to war. Looking back at Eugene, I can see his face slightly pale as the rustling became louder, the roars fierce as lightning as the sound quickly approached. The urge to run pulsed through my body, but I knew it was already too late.

"Spirit Armor" activating the skill dozens of Rattlers fall from the trees like leaves, Eugene bow already at the ready begins to launch arrows at a rapid rate, darting towards me while howling "Shin run for the pond". Not thinking, my body moves on its own as I begin stumbling through the forest. Trace thrusts his spear in quick succession as the Rattlers draw near only hitting one, as Eugene fires ahead of us trying to clear a path.

"There are too many" flashes through my mind, my breath running ragged. Rattlers continue dropping from the sky like rain, their numbers seeming endless as we fight our way through. Descending from above Trace is tackled to the ground, fending off the beast's jaws with his spear as the claws began sinking into his arms, the jaws snapping viciously at his face. Seeing the weakened prey they all sprint towards him, their legs almost blurring at the speed they were moving. Eugene continuously fired his bow trying to pick them off before they reached him to no avail, before shooting the beast that mounted Trace.

Scrambling to his feet he thrusts his spear at the incoming beasts that clawed at him, his skin being sliced as he roared before he continued his assault through the waves of Rattlers. Looking ahead the path is swarmed with them as they wait for our arrival clinging to the trees. Pointing my arms forward I channel my SE to my hands unleashing my only offensive skill.  

Unlike before they darted out of the way as if they knew it was coming. My heart thundered in my chest as we pushed forward, Trace close behind stabbing any Rattler that got too close and Eugene trailing slightly behind, launching arrows at any that were on Traces heels. Closing in on the hoard that awaited us an idea flashes through my mind and I shoot my arms forward unleashing my skill again.  

 Avoiding the blast they leap to the side like before clinging to the trees around them snarling in our direction. Looking in both directions I swing my arms outward the beam sweeping over the area ahead of us. It wasn't powerful and the trees blocked a majority of the damage, but it had hit enough of them to clear a path for us. 

Rushing through we're mauled by several of them, the air leaving my lungs as the claws tear into my chest hitting the ground. Hurling his spear at the incoming beast Trace impales it through the head, gasping for breath I rise to my feet before grabbing the spear and dashing through the clearing. 

The pond glistened as the sun shined off the surface, falling to the ground and panting I look towards the forest as Trace races towards me panting and looking over his shoulder. His arms drenched in blood as he stood by the pond waiting for Eugene to emerge. Snarls echoing through the forest as we waited in anticipation, minutes passed as we stood there, looking towards me Trace wore a grim expression before snatching the spear from my hand and sprinting towards the forest.

"You didn't think a couple of zippers could stop me did you?" Stumbling out of the forest and blood dripping from his legs, he smiled before collapsing to the ground.

Standing over him Trace stares before chuckling, "took you long enough."