The student, named Serena Windsor, is a young B-rank mage with long red locks and bright eyes. She is known for her magical ability and reserved nature. Since she was a child, she has been pampered by her parents, who provided her with a wide range of magic potions to enhance her abilities.
Adam: Look who we have here, little Serena Windsor. It seems you're still good for nothing. We should move you to the class of the talentless. It's been a couple of months, but you still can't control mana.
Serena: Leave me alone, Adam. I'm surely much better than you. My talent is B-rank while yours is C-rank. You're just envious.
Adam: Oh yeah? Then prove it. Your father is a great summoner, so why don't you summon a B-rank monster? Serena is caught off guard and doesn't know what to do, but she doesn't want to be bullied by Adam.
Serena: As you wish, I'll show you an E-rank monster today. Serena decides to demonstrate her talent by summoning a venomous snake. Convinced that she can control it, she enchants the magic circle and utters the incantation.
Serena: Shadow of the Left, Hissing Coil, Creatures Beyond the Veil, Hear My Call!" However, due to her inexperience in handling high-rank creatures, the snake turns out to be a C-rank, beyond her control.
Adam (terrified): What are you doing with that venomous snake? Do you want to kill us all? Get rid of it! Serena realizes that the snake is slipping out of her control and quickly moves away. Determined not to let it escape, she embarks on a challenging hunt to recapture the creature.
Serena ignores the insults from her classmates and immerses herself in the search for the venomous snake. She traverses the school corridors, following the traces left by the creature as it moves stealthily between the walls.
Serena (while running): I won't give up. I have to prove to myself and others that I can handle this situation.
Adam (sarcastically encouraging): Come on, Serena! Show us what you're capable of! Maybe you need to call your daddy or use some magic potions to succeed.
Serena (determined): I don't need potions to prove my worth. I have enough potential and skills to do it on my own. The hunt for the venomous snake continues as Serena follows its tracks to an abandoned room. There, she finds the creature crouched in a corner, ready to defend itself.
The snake, freed from Serena's control, swiftly slithers out of the classroom, leaving behind a trail of panic and confusion. Students retreat in fear while professors try to organize themselves to contain the threat and ensure the safety of the academy. The escape of the snake creates a sense of urgent need to capture it before it can cause harm to anyone it encounters along its path.
Serena (agitated): Professors, we have to do something! The snake I summoned is out of control and is endangering all the students in the academy!
Professor Elminster Shadowcrest: Serena, how could you be so irresponsible? Putting your classmates' lives at risk is unacceptable!
Professor Seraphina Nightshade: You've endangered everyone's safety, Serena! You can't take the power of the creatures you summon lightly! Serena (trembling voice): I'm sorry... I didn't mean for things to end up like this. I thought I could control it.
Professor Seraphina Nightshade: It's not enough to believe you can handle a creature of that level, Serena. You made a serious mistake.
Serena: I'm willing to do whatever it takes to rectify my mistake. Let me help in capturing the snake. I'll be more careful in the future.
Professor Elminster Shadowcrest: We hope this lesson teaches you to be more responsible and understand the power and danger of magical creatures.
Serena: I promise I will learn from my inexperience and make amends for the damage caused. I apologize once again for my negligence.
Despite the regret and reprimand from the professors, Serena understands the gravity of the situation and commits to doing everything possible to rectify her mistake and ensure the safety of all the students at the academy.
Serena had finally managed to locate the snake, and fortunately, no one had been attacked during its escape. Focused on trying to recapture it, Serena didn't notice that the snake had silently approached her from behind, ready to strike. In a moment of courage, I stood between Serena and the snake, offering myself as a target. The snake bit me instead of Serena, saving her from a potentially lethal fate.
Professor Elminster Shadowcrest: Damien, I need to talk to you about something very important. The snake you confronted, called Velenosus, is an extremely dangerous monster. Its venom is lethal for adventurers of F-rank like you. I'm sorry to say this, but you have suffered a severe bite, and the venom is spreading through your body.
Damien: What does that mean? I mean... what will happen?
Professor Elminster Shadowcrest: I'm sorry, Damien, but the venom of Velenosus is extremely potent and deadly for anyone with a power level lower than an A-rank adventurer. No matter how brave or skilled you are, your current strength is not enough to survive. In a few days, the venom will have a fatal effect on your body.
Damien: It can't be... Is there any way to stop the venom? Any cure or antidote?
Professor Elminster Shadowcrest: I'm sorry, Damien, but at the moment, we don't have a cure or antidote for Velenosus' venom. It is one of the most lethal creatures out there, and only adventurers with superior talent can survive its venom. We're doing everything we can to find a solution, but the prospects are not good at the moment. Damien: So... what should I do?
Professor Elminster Shadowcrest: My advice is to spend these remaining days with your loved ones. Do the things you love, live each moment intensely. We have informed your parents, and we're trying to support you in every way possible. Know that you have shown extraordinary courage in protecting Serena, and your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Damien: Thank you, Professor Bianchi. I will do my best to face this situation with strength and courage.
Professor Elminster Shadowcrest: You performed a heroic act today, saving someone's life, Damien. If there is a solution, we will do everything possible to find it. In the meantime, we are here to support you in every way.
Serena: Mother, father, I need to talk to you. It's my fault that Damien was bitten by the snake. The venom is consuming his body, and he only has 7 days to live. I've searched everywhere, but I can't find a magical potion or remedy that can save him.
Serena's Mother: Oh, Serena, it's not your fault. You couldn't have predicted that the snake would escape from the classroom. We trust you, and we'll do everything we can to help Damien. No matter how difficult it is, we'll face this challenge together.
Serena's Father: You're right, Serena. We're your family, and we'll support each other. Even if we don't know of a specific potion, we'll seek help from other experts or wizards. We won't give up until we've exhausted all possibilities.
Serena: Thank you, Mom and Dad. I'm so sorry; I wish I could do more. Damien is a precious friend, and I can't imagine my life without him. We have to find a solution; we have to find someone who can help us.
Serena's Mother: Yes, Serena, we'll do everything we can. Don't give up and keep searching. There might be hope, even if it seems unlikely.
Serena's Father: Calm down, Serena. We'll find a solution; we won't give up. I vaguely remember a witch specialized in poisons. She lives in a city called Miraluna, far from here. Perhaps she can help us. We need to go to her as soon as possible.
Serena: Miraluna... Yes, I remember hearing about that city. It will be a long journey, but if there's even a chance of saving Damien, we have to try.
Serena's Father: Get ready for the journey; there's not much time to waste. I'll take care of the tickets and expenses. Despite the anxiety and worry, they have a flame of hope that pushes them forward. They know that time is against them, but they are determined to do everything they can to save Damien's life.
Evelyn: Serena, I can't believe your foolish actions! You endangered Damien's life, and now we're all in this dangerous situation. You don't understand how worried I am for him.
Serena: I know, Evelyn, I'm so sorry. I didn't want any of this to happen. But we have to find a solution; we can't give up. I have a plan to take Damien to the poison witch in Miraluna. I believe only she can help him.
Evelyn: Miraluna? I've heard of that place, but it's far from here. How do you plan on taking Damien there? And what if the poison witch can't help him?
Serena: I've talked to my parents, and we all agree. We'll take Damien and bring him to Miraluna. I've heard that the poison witch, named Zelinda, specializes in antidotes and might have a solution for the snake's venom. We can't let Damien die without trying everything we can.
Evelyn: I understand your concern, Serena, but we have to be very cautious. We know that Zelinda's castle is located in Miraluna, but we don't know what awaits us. It could be dangerous.
Serena: I know, Evelyn, but we can't stop now. We need all the information we can gather to enter the castle and face the dangers that await us. Let's ask for directions from the passersby and try to get help from anyone who knows the way to Zelinda's castle.
Evelyn: You're right; we can't give up. Damien's life is at stake. Let's ask the passersby and seek directions. Hopefully, someone can help us find Zelinda's castle and reach it safely.
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The two friends set off, determined to reach Zelinda's castle in Miraluna. Despite the perils of the journey and the attacks from monsters along the way, they manage to overcome adversity with their determination and skills. Finally, they stand before the majestic gate of Zelinda's castle, ready to face new challenges to save Damien.
Upon arriving in Miraluna, Serena and Evelyn discover that the castle of the formidable witch Zelinda is well known in the area. They decide to ask the locals for directions to find the way to the castle. Fortunately, the locals are well informed and provide them with the necessary guidance.
However, as they approach the castle, they are attacked by a dense swarm of spiders and snakes. Huge spiders climb the walls, while snakes strike with their venomous bites. Serena and Evelyn fight courageously, using their skills and wits to defeat the monsters. As Serena and Evelyn face the swarm of snakes, they lock eyes, aware of the challenge ahead.
Serena: Evelyn, we need to find a way to overcome this horde of snakes. We have the numerical advantage, but their venom could be dangerous.
Evelyn: You're right, Serena. We need to be clever and find a strategy. If we can exploit their weakness, we might have a chance.
The two girls look around, searching for something that can aid them in their endeavor.
Serena: I have an idea! We need something to repel the snakes, something that can temporarily render them harmless.
Evelyn: But what could we use? We don't have any special items or magic potions with us.
Serena: We don't need anything complicated. Look! There are stones on the ground. They're large enough to throw at the snakes and drive them away.
The girls gather some stones and start skillfully hurling them at the snakes, hitting them and forcing them to retreat one by one. The stones strike the snakes' weak spots, momentarily weakening them.
Evelyn: It's working, Serena! Can you hit another one?
Serena: Absolutely! Take this!
The girls continue to throw stones with precision, managing to repel the snakes and create a path through which they can advance. Leveraging their timing and agility, they avoid the snakes' bites and move through the horde.
Serena: We did it! Now we can reach the castle door.
Evelyn: We've been resourceful in finding a simple yet effective solution. Let's keep it up, Serena!
The girls encourage each other as they advance toward the castle door, ready to face the next challenge that Zelinda has in store for them. Their intellect and determination will be their primary weapons as they venture into the witch's lair.
Serena: Hello, Miss Zelinda. We're desperate, and we've heard that you're the best in your field. Our friend Damien was bitten by a venomous snake, and he needs your help. We're here to offer you a proposal.
Zelinda: Ah, foolishly courageous girls. Do you think I can be easily persuaded? What can you offer me that holds enough value?
Serena: Miss Zelinda, we're aware of your interest in money. We're ready to make an offer that you can't refuse. We'll give you $10,000 in exchange for your expertise and assistance in saving Damien's life.
Zelinda: $10,000? Ridiculous! To me, that amount is insignificant. You won't have my help for such apaltry sum.
Serena: I understand your request for a more significant amount, Miss Zelinda. We're determined to save Damien, so we're willing to increase the offer. We propose $50,000 in exchange for your services.
Zelinda: Interesting, but still not enough. You're getting closer, but not close enough. $50,000 means nothing to a witch like me.
Serena: Miss Zelinda, we're prepared to make one final effort to convince you. We offer you $100,000 in cash, a considerable sum that surely meets your needs. Please, accept it and save our friend Damien's life.
Zelinda: $100,000... Well, it seems you've finally understood the value of my talent. I accept your offer. Prepare the money, and I'll give you instructions on how to cure Damien.
Zelinda: Girls, I have news for you, and it won't be pleasant. The venom of this Velenosus snake is extremely dangerous, and there's no known cure for it. Especially for an adventurer of F-rank like Damien, death is almost certain.
Serena: No, we can't accept that there's nothing we can do! Is there anything else we can try?
Zelinda: Actually, as I pondered the problem, an idea came to mind. There is another potential cure, but it's a risky option. You'll need to obtain the venom of the King Snakes.
Serena: The venom of the King Snakes? And where can we find that?
Zelinda: It's a B-rank snake known as the Royal Serpent. It's extremely dangerous and difficult to confront, but its venom might be the antidote needed to save Damien. We'll have to go to the Dark Forest, where a permanent dungeon formed 100 years ago, a dangerous place inhabited by the most fearsome snakes, and try to capture one of these snakes.
Serena: We're willing to risk everything to save Damien. We'll obtain the venom of the King Snakes. Please show us the way to the Dark Forest. We won't give up!
Zelinda: You're brave, girls. Let's go capture this monster; don't worry, I know in which dungeon to catch one. Let's get its venom as soon as possible. Damien's life depends on it.
The girls set out toward the Dark Forest, guided by Zelinda, the B-rank witch who has joined them to face the Royal Serpent. Along the way, Zelinda shares her knowledge of the snake's attack patterns and abilities.
Finally, they reach the location where the Royal Serpent is said to hide. Tension fills the air as they prepare for the impending encounter. Zelinda showcases her magical powers, ready to support the girls during the battle.
The serpent emerges from the dense foliage of the forest, displaying its majesty and lethality. It strikes with swiftness and precision, attempting to entrap the girls with its venomous coils. Zelinda moves with agility, employing protective spells and enchantments to defend herself and the girls.
The fight is intense, with the Royal Serpent's attacks trying to overwhelm the girls' defenses. Zelinda uses her witchcraft skills to counter the snake's strikes while simultaneously attempting to weaken it. It's a moment of sheer courage and determination.
After a fierce battle, Zelinda manages to land a final blow on the Royal Serpent, defeating it. But just as they prepare to obtain the snake's venom, it rises, injured but still vigorous enough to flee into the depths of the forest.
Serena looks at the retreating serpent in despair, and a sense of hopelessness washes over her. It seems their attempt to obtain the venom of the King Snakes has failed. It could mean my end.
Zelinda approaches the girls. "There's no more time, even if we manage to capture the monster again, it will be too late."
As Zelinda extracts the venom from my body, she notices something extraordinary. Her magical necklace, which has always reacted to dark elements, begins to vibrate and glow intensely in my presence, our eyes meet.
Zelinda looks at Damien with a mix of surprise and hope. "Damien, it seems you have an affinity for the dark element. This discovery could be the key to saving you from the venom. Perhaps you have the ability to absorb it."
I'm also taken aback, trying to comprehend the magnitude of this new information. "Does that mean the venom might not kill me but instead be absorbed by my body?"
Zelinda nods, with a determined expression on her face. "Exactly. The dark element might be able to absorb the venom. From the reaction of my necklace, it's a C-rank affinity, so the chances are high."
The discovery of Damien's affinity with the dark element, ranked as C, reignites hope in their hearts. Together, they decide to harness this potential solution and find a way to channel the dark element to absorb the remaining venom. But due to the loss of too much blood during the venom extraction, I faint.
I wake up feeling weak and disoriented. My vision is still blurry, and I sense a profound fatigue enveloping my body. I try to get up, but my legs seem unresponsive.
Zelinda approaches with concern, attempting to wake me, but my eyes refuse to fully open. It's then that I see a strange glow in her eyes, and a mysterious smile appears on her face.
In an instant, I feel her lips touching mine in a sweet and sensual kiss. A strange and unexpected energy courses through my body, as if something inside me is awakening. I find myself immersed in a vivid dream, with Zelinda as my guide.
In my dream, Zelinda provides detailed instructions on how to absorb the venom. She explains that I need to focus on my affinity with the dark element and visualize the venom as a negative energy that I can transform and absorb.
I follow her instructions meticulously, concentrating intensely on the venom still flowing within my body. I imagine a stream of dark energy merging with the venom, neutralizing it and absorbing it into my being.
Gradually, I feel a strange sensation of calm and healing spreading throughout my body. My strength begins to return as the venom dissolves and becomes part of me. I feel reborn, stronger and more determined than ever.
When I finally wake up from my dream, Zelinda's eyes scrutinize me intently. She wears a satisfied expression on her face, as if she knows that I have done what was necessary to absorb the venom.
"Damien, you're back," she says with a tender voice. "You are now completely healed."
My gratitude towards Zelinda is immense. Not only has she helped me survive, but she has also shown me the potential that lies within me. Now, together with her, we will face the consequences of this decision, ready to confront any challenges that destiny has in store for us.
I feel completely rejuvenated, but I'm still confused about what has happened. I ask Zelinda to explain everything in detail, wanting to understand how it was possible to absorb the venom. Zelinda, ready to share the truth, begins to tell the story but decides to omit the part about the kiss, deeming it perhaps too intimate or inappropriate to mention.
"Damien," Zelinda begins in a calm tone, "what you experienced was a very rare and special phenomenon. Your affinity with the dark element allowed you to absorb the venom, merging your power with that of the snake. Now, you also have an F-rank resistance to venom. Look at your amethyst bracelet."
[You have leveled up.]
These are your statistics:
Name: Damien Riversong Level: 5
Title: Mark of Witch Zelinda
Class: None
Strength: 8 Speed: 12
Intelligence: 5 Resistance: 5
Mana: 21 Health: 10
Resistance: 10/50 Mana: 300/210 Health: 23/100
Ability: Venom Resistance (F) (Passive)
Status point: 25 ability points:5
Looking at the title triggers a memory of the witch kissing me.
[You have been kissed by a witch, achieving the result, "Witch Zelinda's Kiss."]
[You have obtained the title, "Mark of Witch Zelinda," mana +10]
Everything starts to make sense. "Zelinda, you've told me everything, but I have one question. In my dream, I have memories of a kiss... Did something happen that you didn't mention?"
Zelinda looks at me with a mischievous yet gentle smile. "Damien, you have a good memory. Yes, I used a succubus spell to enter your dream and provide you with the necessary instructions to absorb the venom. You had fainted due to blood loss, and you weren't waking up. It was an intimate and personal act of magic, but necessary for your recovery. I hope you understand."
As my mind processes this information, I realize that what happened was unique and extraordinary. I feel grateful to Zelinda for saving me, and I understand that magic can take unexpected forms.
Damien: Zelinda, thank you for saving me and giving me a second chance. I understand the necessity of your spell, and I'm grateful for everything you've done. And that kiss you gave me didn't displease me; it was my first kiss. I had never experienced anything like that before. I was surprised and a bit confused, but now that I know, I wanted to tell you. I'm sorry if I made it seem strange. I was just caught off guard.
Zelinda, touched and embarrassed by my words, is experiencing an unfamiliar sensation. Zelinda: You're a good boy, Damien. I advise you to keep your affinity with darkness hidden. Revealing it to others won't benefit you, but keeping it secret will be an ace up your sleeve that could save your life.
Serena and Evelyn arrive, embracing me, relieved that I'm alive. I almost risked my life, but I don't know why I believe it's the most beautiful day of my life. I'll never forget it.
Damien: Serena, I don't know how to thank you enough for what you've done for me. You were brave and determined, showing a belief in me that I had never experienced before. I'm deeply grateful for your friendship and support.
Serena: Damien, you don't have to thank me. I was happy to help you and be by your side in this adventure. You're a special friend to me, and I wouldn't hesitate to do everything possible to save you. We're a team, remember?
Damien: I know, Serena, but I want you to understand how important what you did is to me. You were there when I needed it most, risking your life to save mine. I will never forget it.
Serena: Damien, we're friends, and we would do anything for each other. There's no need for thanks between us. We're a team, and we face challenges together. Now we just need to focus on the future and what it holds. I'm glad you're okay.
Damien: Thank you, Serena. I don't know what I would have done without you. You've been a true hero to me.