Back to her question, I guess it would take too much time for me to reach the Mantichoras Forest, the place where Fortunas met his master at gambling, the person who taught him the ins and outs of the profession, back when he was still young and weak. Now that this responsibility of finding the secrets of magic gambling falls to my hands, I now have to finish this within a year using the pieces of information I scraped together to find a small clue, the previous master's location. Other than that, I have no idea how to finish this quest, and since it's my one and only lead, it's my only chance to succeed. Sink or swim as they say... But I believe on lady luck.
"I guess, our best bet is ta' find a wagon and hitch a ride..." I muttered in a tone audible to Vers.
"Ha?" I asked, I could only hear her words until the 'good will' part. What she said afterwards was softly said so I couldn't make anything out of it.
I thought for a moment before replying. "Well, that's true..." I answered while still in deep thought.
After deciding on what to do, we've head over to the city gates where people who wanted to start traveling can be found. There are those that sells horses there but in this city, only merchants were allowed to buy them. Apparently, due to focusing on the maritime industry, the herding of animals in this city is rather lacking, and in order to better the town's economy more, the horses become something exclusively sold to merchants, the people who helps advance a city's economy the most.
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The normally bustling city entrance was even more crowded today. Apparently, a renowned merchant group had visited this city due to it's abundance with marine life. It was a large scale traveling caravan. Those people were looking for strong mercenaries to protect them from during their journey. Players from all over the city rushed here to sign up for the job, though only a few were able to pass. Since they were going to pass my destination, I tried joining too.
"We apologize but we have already met our quota of mercenaries to hire. We're sorry for wasting the precious time of those unable to join." A rather young man from the group of merchants announced with a loud voice. A huge amount of cursing, jeering and despair could be heard all around due to that sudden notice.
"Haa... I guess that's it for this one..." I sighed to myself, considering whether would it be much more efficient if it would simply be easier if I just ran my way to the next town.
"!!!"
Suddenly, someone pulled on the hem of my sleeves. I quickly turned around angrily to look for the culprit whom almost made me topple over.
After looking back, instead of some idiotic looking bastard, I saw a young woman with a short-bobbed chestnut-brown hair as well as light blue eyes that makes one feel sleepy if stared at too long. She's probably around 20 in age. Though, she seems rather childish with her roundish face, she's the type of girl that would make 9/10 males turn their head to sneak another glance if they ever pass her by. Needless to say, I'm part of the other 1/10th. I'm not really the type of person who judges someone by appearance.
"Uh... umm..." She spoke while fidgeting. Her small voice furthered her likeness in appearance with a little squirrel "Mr... You're here for the protector job for that merchant group... Right?" she asked me, her efforts are clearly showing. Though, she seems worried about something as she sneaks small glances towards me every now and then.
"I guess so..." Not understanding why she asked me, I answered her question indifferently.
I looked back at her and noticed her smile widely in relief "That's great!" She smiled from the bottom of her heart "T-then, would you please help protect me? My name is Sky, a merchant. I just finished my transaction here and I need some help in safely returning to my hometown a few towns after in the west. Though I can't pay as much as the merchant group would have paid, I could at least help you with your repairs and your needs in regards to trading during our journey." She said while still smiling, even though she seems worried about how I would answer... I'm really tempted to refuse her flat out just to see her reaction... She would probably cry... That actually seems very likely.
"Alright then, I don't mind. Th' name's Fate. Twisted Fate." I said, introducing myself. Turning her down to look for another one would be much more trouble than it's worth.
"Thank you!" She said as she suddenly hugged me on impulse. She was smiling so greatly that I felt dazzled by her cheerfulness... Perhaps I'm actually part of the 9 people? No, no, that can't be?
"H-hey..." I managed to squeeze out some words, tapping her in her back. The moment she noticed what she had just done, her face quickly flushed red with embarrassment. Hey! It's far more embarrassing for me you know? After managing to compose herself, she softly whispered to me "F-follow me." and quickly walked off. She's still red as a beet as she ran away from the stares of the people.
I was dazed for a moment trying to process the existence called 'Sky' in my mind. An incomprehensible woman that acts on impulses... That's my view of her, more or less. I was brought back from my thoughts by the whisperings that could be heard all around. I quickly chased after the back of the girl who is now escaping from the awkward atmosphere.
"Oww!" Somehow, the fairy within my pocket kicked me for no reason. Really, why?!
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"Hey, there!" A rough voice came from a man about my height. He was seating on a foldable chair right next to a wagon. After noticing Sky, he stood up from his seat to talk "When are we going to set off --- ooh, who is that one?" the man said after he noticed my presence. He looked at me intently and then examined me from head to toe.
"Twisted Fate." I curtly answered in place of Sky.
The man stared at me for some time, probably assessing my abilities. There seems to be a hint of annoyance within his gaze.
"Alright, I'll tell the other guy. By the way, my name's Gabardine."
He said as he closed the foldable chair and carried it into the wagon. He stayed inside for some time until he came out with another male in tow.
The second man looked at me like how Gabardine did after he noticed me. Few moments later, he spoke with a small smile.
"Kragg, a mercenary swordsman." He said, still smiling. I'm somehow feeling a bad omen from him. After saying those words, he turned his gaze towards Sky "So... who is he?" He asked.
"Ah!" She spoke out, it was as if she just suddenly remembered something. "T-this man is Twisted Fate, and he's here for the same reason as you two..." She quickly explained in panic.
Two gazes fell upon me again. This is really something rather uncomfortable. I never liked to be the center of attention in the first place anyways.
"Call me Fate. I'm level 44. As fer my profession..." I started speaking to break the ice. The two of them listened intently and somehow felt better after hearing me say my level. Probably have doubts about my capabilities or doesn't trust me... "Let's just say it's a hidden class." I spoke softly, though the place we're at was noisy, I made it so that they could clearly hear my voice despite speaking in a whisper. The two of them became shocked when I revealed my class. While Kragg was able to feign composure and just widened his eyes, Gabardine's feelings showed upon his countenance with his mouth agape as if his jaw dropped.
Their reaction is quite funny. I looked to see Sky's reaction to find out that she's in the same state as Gabardine. I guess hidden class are quite rare since most people would simply take what the information guild would recommend them or just take up the regular test of whatever they already decided to do, be it being a warrior, mage, or anything else. Anyways, to get a hidden class, it usually needs for someone to fulfill a serial quest of a great difficulty. I already had this profession before coming on this world in the first place, so I didn't have to do all that.
"So... When do we set off, Sky?" I changed the topic to stop the awkward atmosphere.
"W-we have to go now to reach our destination within a week's time" Sky explained. The other two on the other hand were still staring at me with a weird look.
"Alright then." I spoke up. I quickly strode towards the wagon and went inside without waiting for their permission. I felt their gazes glued on to my back as I made my way inside.
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"Get ready!" A female voice came from outside, specifically, from the person who was maneuvering the horses over the field. She was acting as the coach during our travels. It was the female peddler that hired me to protect her... Sky.
The other two inside the wagon firmly held on their blades. They were releasing an abnormal amount of fighting spirit ---no, killing intent. Ever since we've left the town, they became all smiles, especially Gabardine. On the other hand, within the calm demeanor of Kragg, a glint of impatience can be observed.
When the warning was issued, I also got myself ready. The monsters here are level 45-48 One-horned bull, like its name, it is a bull with a large horn protruding from it's head. They would usually graze slothfully around the plains but whenever someone enters their territory, they would use their horns, which is actually sharper than most blades, to defend their territory.
The first one to leave the wagon was Gabardine, itching to fight the bulls. His battle-maniac roar resounded in the area, releasing his fighting spirit all over. I tried covering my ears but alas, I was already too late. I looked inside the wagon and noticed that somehow, Kragg is already gone. I look out only to find him alongside the other warrior, suppressing the bulls. Gabardine was tanking 3 of the 5 bulls we encountered while Kragg was holding off the other one. I then noticed the last bull to prepare for a charge, it's target? The wagon. It's gaze was fixed towards Sky, aiming to take her down.
"I guess it's time ta' move..." I muttered to no one in particular as I stood up from my seat.
I went outside with a piece of steel in my hands and rushed in front of Sky to intercept the charging monster.
"Object Transformation" I muttered softly. The piece of metal I held quickly transformed from a small piece of steel into a huge block of metal blocking the bull like a wall. Making this simple chunk of steel took 200 mana points due to its sheer size. I made it quite thick, predicting that the bull might easily pierce a thin one, but the bull was more of a monster than I expected, even with this about meter thick steel wall, it was still able to embed its horn inside. Perhaps if he had more momentum, the wall I just made would have shattered. Even with only a few meters to gain momentum, the pressure I feel from my hands and arms were tremendous(The steel is connected within my hand. I have to hold things I transform during the transformation phase at this level. Though, I could release it after the transformation phase was done, it would still turn back after I deplete myself of mana from the continuous mana cost).
My mana is quickly getting depleted with 2 mana per 3 second even though this skill is now at the Beginner Level 3 since I tried using it as much as possible(The mana cost gets delayed a second and lowers with every level up of the skill, the mana cost still varies on whatever the skill is used though). Not wasting another second while the bull is still in confusion, I transformed the hunk of metal into a lithe steel pole which sapped 150 mana as initial cost, I spun in place to put more force on the weapon I made and attacked aiming at the bull's legs. The sweep I've done slightly damaged the bull and destroyed it's balance, making it topple sidewards. Having the perfect opening, I pulled back my hand to put strength on my attack and thrusted the pole, piercing the bull right in the neck as it struggled to get up. The bull let out silent moans unable to even cry out with its vocal chords shattered by the attack, having struck at a vital part, the bull was in a critical condition. It tried struggling some more but was unable to put any more strength as death caught up to it. After just a few more seconds, the monstrous bull is now just a lifeless corpse, and within a few more minutes, it would disintegrate into grey particles leaving some of its loot behind.
I surveyed the surrounding to see Gabardine and Kragg side by side, fighting against three bulls. The other one was wounded all over, though still alive. Gabardine who was tanking the three ever since a while ago is in a similar state, though even in this condition, his body still fights and his eyes leaks killing intent just like some berserker. The two of them seemed to have noticed my battle and was quite shocked with what I've done, though they quickly focused on their own fight after noticing my gaze. Sky, whom I just protected was looking at me with an incredulous face, wide eyes and jaws dropped, it was a rather cute expression from her but I decided to ignore her for now to help the other two.
I charged full power into the thick of the fray with my right hand touching the deck of cards on my belt. My left hand on the other hand(pun NOT intended, just noticed it after rereading), was holding a golden die. This is my first time using this one since it's a one time use only and I want to test it out. This die was something I took from Fortunas' treasure trove. It's something that could multiply one all of my stats depending on what number it rolled at. Of course, this means that if it showed 1, it would simply waste the die, but if it rolled 6, the effects would be nothing to laugh at. The buff would be in effect for 12 hours, which is more than enough for fighting in a war or against some boss-classed monster.
I threw the die a few step ahead towards the direction of the ongoing fight. The die shone in a golden light as it cut through air which only disappeared a few moments after landing. By this time, I already reached the battle.
'Ding!'
You've received the 'Blessing of the Dice [5]' BuffLuck + 50
All stats x 5Duration- 12:00:00
*5, eh? Ain't bad at all.* I thought, as I glanced over the window that appeared at the edge of my vision. I returned my focus on the enemies to test out my buffed stats. I noticed that when my body prepared itself to fight with adrenaline rush, my concentration becomes heightened as if the world slows down slightly.
I drew three cards in and threw them in quick succession, with my buffed stats and the passive effect of some of my skills as well as my class and title's bonus, my attack speed is as fast as a level 200 thief which spent all of his stat points in Agility(Fate's base stats is around 90, class and title bonus is 60 multiply that by five then attack speed get's buffed by at least 40% from the passive of his skills). Though I was unable to kill them, my attack was capable of knocking back a 1.3 ton adult bull from its feet for a few inches. That, in itself, is a rather great achievement if I say so myself.
Anyways, with my attacks hitting home, cutting their health by over half, I rushed to their location using a speed trudging at the edge of the human limits. With it, I quickly got behind them and what happened afterwards couldn't be called a battle anymore. It was just a one sided slaughter.
Without even drawing my cards as weapons, I struck the back of one of the bulls with my full strength, forming cracks on the soil after the bull hit the ground with high pressure. Though, my strength stat could be considered normal, with the buff plus the speed of the attack, it was more than enough for something a realm below me stat-wise. The bull disintegrated into grey dust after only a few seconds leaving only its horn behind, apparently, the damage of its other parts made it unusable anymore for the most part.
The other two bulls who saw their kin murdered like that was about to leak out a roar but its instincts as a beast kicked in which caused it to feel immense fear for its own life due to facing a monster that could literally kill it with a flick of a finger.
To prevent the destruction of possible loot, he held back with his next attacks. Though, it was still quite an overkill. The other two bulls died with a punch and a kick respectively. Both of them flew a few meter before landing to their own deaths.
I rushed over the corpses and took out a small hunting knife I bought for a cheap price. I took all the good materials from the animal carcass deftly. I noticed three gazes filled with disbelief. Even Kragg who was usually calm and composed had his mouth agape. Though, the truth is, I myself am quite baffled by the result. It's just, I have far more experience with hiding my expressions, at least a lot more than Kragg. After finishing with the corpses, I walked my way near the wagon where other three were at. The three of them were still quite quite shocked but have slowly returned to normal. Basing on their expressions, they want to ask a barrage of questions to me. Haaa... This will be a long journey.
*Wait, I seem to be forgettin' somehthin'...* I thought to myself, but it wasn't probably anything important if I've forgotten about it so I've continued walking.
At the same time, a certain fairy was unconscious after riding on a roller coaster ride without any safety precautions. It's a good thing that she was just part of the goddess or else things of that world would definitely get crazy.
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"So, what was that?" Gabardine unhesitatingly asked. Apparently, other than being a muscle idiot, this guy is also dense as a rock. Though fear is evident in his eyes, he still fired away with his question ignoring the tense atmosphere between the four of us. Well, it's fine... It's not like I didn't expect this to happen.
"Nothin' special..." I started explaining as I took out something from one of my hidden pockets, the other three noticed the tone of my voice and started leaning closer, as if prying on a secret. "It's this." I showed a some dice. "This is called 'Golden Die', something like a legendary artifact that buffed my stats by whatever number it would land on. It should wear off after 12 hours." I said as I returned the dice into my pocket.
Gabardine and Kragg's reaction were similar. When they heard that my buff would wear off in some time, they sighed in relief. They were probably worried about my power and grew wary of me, after all if I were in their place, I would probably be afraid too, especially if it's somebody whom not a day has even passed since I first met. Afterwards, they followed the dice of golden color with their sight with eyes filled with admiration, awe and something else I can't decipher.
Sky's reaction, on the other hand, is quite peculiar. She went pale-faced when she heard my explanation. I wondered for a while why she had a reaction like that until I found out the possible reason for such a reaction.
I gazed at Sky and gently said in the same manner as a mother forgiving her child's misbehavior. "Don't worry, Sky..." When she heard me speak, she visibly shook but I continued "The reason I joined wasn't for the money anyways, I just needed to hitch a ride towards west." I continued explaining to Sky who had a blank expression for a while.
Some time later, she blushed, embarrassed about her expression and shyly said "T-thank you..." in a mutter. I smiled slightly seeing her reaction. She was really worried since I used a legendary artifact for a trivial escorting job, seeing that all her fortune wouldn't amount to even half or a quarter of such an item, she was afraid that I would ask her to compensate for it. The reason I used the die in the first place was just to test out its effects anyways.
After that, we continued on our way and our pace was quickened until my buff wore off. We simply killed everything blocking our path and was able to travel a normally 3 days long ride shortened to half a day. I leveled up both of my Object transformation and Body transformation to Beginner level 4. I also raised finally raised my Cooking to Beginner level 3 since the cooking duty fell to me. I've also leveled up quite a few times and I'm currently at level 47. They didn't really peered too much with my abilities since I didn't really want to talk about it. Even the blockhead Gabardine kept quiet unless it was important to speak.
Second day of our journey and we're already halfway through our destination. Though my buff was already gone, with the three of us fighting, we were still able to pass through the plains at a good pace, though it wasn't anywhere near before, when I still had the die's buff. The place we're currently on are filled with centaurs. We've passed the territories of the One-horned bull and now we're in the lands of the centaurs.
"Hey, don't you also need to go where you freedmen go when you people disappear?" Sky asked me, We are currently taking a break using heat of a campfire heating our bodies from the coldness of the dark night, as the two warriors are gone. They were players apparently. They also treated me as another player like them, but actually I'm considered both a native and a freedman since I opened the gate to the initializing area where people start the game instead of coming directly into the continent.
"Don't worry, I'm quite special..." I spoke up. Ever since the other two disappeared, the two of us left here were quite awkwardly silent. Seeing her try so hard to break the ice, I couldn't help but tease her. "Besides, I want to protect you." I said with a serious tone, staring into her eyes. She was shocked then quickly averted her eyes from mine, but I was still able to take a peek and notice that she's blushing with a deep tinge of red, even her ears and nape are as red as beet. At such reaction, I inevitably chuckled out loud enough for her to hear, which furthered the redness of her face.
"Ahahaha, it's jus' a joke, don't be like that." I said, still unable to stop the laughter welling on my stomach.
"Hmmph..." Sky pouted cutely and faced the other way. Really, just like a small animal.
"Alright, alright... I apologize already." I tried talking to her. "If you forgive me, I'll prepare the boar we caught from before for consumption." I said her who was acting like a sulking child.
"Really? Really, really?" She quickly turned around and spoke excitedly.
"Yeah, really." I answered back which caused Sky to brighten up, completely forgetting about making fun of her some time back. I stood up and went towards the wagon to rummage in search for the boar we stored. Before reaching this area owned by the centaurs, we encountered place filled with wild boars with white, snow-like fur. They were quite weak actually, but according to Sky, who is a merchant, these type of wild boar with white fur are now rare since they were continuously hunted for the taste of its meat. We fought carefully not to damage the boar's body when killing them.
When I returned carrying one of the boars, I saw Sky almost salivating, with her eyes also glimmering with eagerness and anticipation.
I prepared it quickly since if I were to take my time, Sky would probably wolf down the raw meat along with my hands... I skillfully separated the skin from the meat, gutted it and stuffed its inside with spices. I stuck a piece of wood going from the mouth straight out it's backside. I placed it upon a makeshift stand and rolled it around as I spread a self made sauce created with tomato paste and some other condiments and spices.
I gave her a portion and she quickly devoured it with a satisfied smile on her face, we continued to chat over the campfire to waste time until the rest returns. It was mainly me talking about my journey back in my home world and about the times I spent here. Of course, I've skillfully hidden the fact about me coming from another world and only told her about the adventures.
Though, there were times I felt sorrow from her eyes, but whenever those happened, I just told her a happy adventure to cheer her up. Works like a charm, given how simple she thinks, it's really a good world for girls as innocent as her to exist.
Some time later masked under our laughter, a sound of something cutting through air zoomed through towards us. No, towards Sky, who was laughing cheerfully as she was licking the bones of the now consumed boar.
*Crap!* I thought to myself as I hurriedly stood up, but I was already too late. Centaurs are well known about their archery skills... Since I've only encountered warrior centaurs, this simple fact was forgotten.
That something, which upon closer inspection, is an arrow passed me and went straight towards Sky's chest... Her heart.
---'Crack'
A faint, unpleasant sound reached my ears. Before I could even logically grasp what it meant, my body already reacted instinctively. Fear and rage intertwined, creating a burst of emotions I've never felt before. When I was back in Runeterra, I've closed my heart from unneeded emotions. To live, to survive. It was a harsh life, but it is what forged me to become what I am right now. After reaching Versailles, I slowly came to understand emotions. The simple joy of having a meal with my comrades like Vers, Dusk, Dawn and the rest. To trust, to feel sad, to get angry, to hope. I, even if just bit by bit, slowly regained the part of my heart which was sealed. But this sudden influx of negative feelings that now swirled inside my heart like a tempest, is too much of a burden for the me right now.
"Why... What, did... What did she do? Why must this happen... Why..?" A voice could be heard that sounded near yet felt far away... Was that mine? Probably... I don't care anymore. Why did I ever strived to get stronger anyways... Why do I even try... I should just let go, and release it all out. To free myself from this.
My foot started moving, a step forward, another... My body quickly sped up towards the direction which shot the arrow. What I saw there was a group of seven centaurs, four warriors and three archers, one of which was holding a long bow, the other two held short bows with arrows already nocked.
I glared at the one holding the longbow which caused it to instinctively be afraid, but after regaining composure and having noticed the difference in number, it stood its ground and prepared an arrow.
"So, IT'S YOUUU!" I glared at it and let out a roar. The other two archers who was aiming at me missed due to the trembling of their hands from fear. But having experienced similar situations, the two centaur archers who were probably veterans with the art of war already started moving to prepare another set of arrows.
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"Runic Blessing." I muttered with a voice devoid of emotions. My ring's light grew brighter and knowledge and power flowed unto me.
"Object Transformation." I held the same piece of steel I used before to use as a weapon, I took it out as I was running towards their direction. The metal I held slowly turned into the form of a blade.
The long bow wielder finished his preparation and shot after aiming. The arrow which was supposed to go straight ahead directly into the gap between my eyebrows... was bisected. My arm was raised in a blur and in a few moments, the arrow aimed at me was divided into two equal parts. Separated and only pierced the ground a few meters behind me.
As I closed in the gap between me and their group, I took two cards from deck, both cards being kings, the highest damage output amongst all the cards, and threw each in to the face of the two short bow users. Both cards embedded deeply into their foreheads immediately murdering the two without much resistance.
Five left. I reached the warriors in just a moment and then went behind their formation, causing chaos in the group. As I initiated a battle against 4 centaur warriors at the same time, the centaur archer was unable to support with me in the midst of the enemies, it was afraid of hitting its companions.
When I use my blade to block a strike, another blade would come my way, or even a pair of horse legs which is enough to blow an adult male flying away for tens of meters.
It was a dangerous situation, but as I was a gambler, life and death situation is like my backyard. Even with a high chance of failure I went ahead and put my plan in motion.
"Object Transformation" I muttered, and turned my blade into a huge hammer, striking down the nearest warrior. As the warrior evaded my attack, the hammer struck the floor, making the ground shake a little, but as the enemy warriors were wearing heavy plate armors, the small vibrations were enough to create the opening I needed. I cancelled object transformation and used body transformation for a simple attack.
I ran towards the nearest centaur and went under it. An average centaur is bigger than an average human by a few inches so it was quite easy to reach its blind spot. I then used body transformation to launch an unexpected attack. I threw a punch, then extended my arm to hit him. The momentum was enough to make the enemy unconscious since it was a clean hit to the jaw, shaking the centaur's brain from below. After my attack got in, I cancelled the transformation and my arm returned to it's regular length.
With one of the centaurs down, the others were left in confusion. I made full use of this and my hand made its way to my card deck. I took a card and chanted my spell, wild cards, which allowed me to throw three cards at the same time which causes magic damage and ignored the enemies' defense, as it passes through everything. The card I took multiplied into three and I threw them aiming at each of the centaurs at the same time. Two of them hit home on its target but the final one managed to evade it by instinct and perhaps, luck. With my left hand still holding the metal piece, I used object transformation to turn it into a blade.
The centaur archer is now in a panic, as I was able to defeat five from the previously seven centaurs, it stopped hesitating and started its open fire. An arrow would always come my way once every five seconds. Given the distance and that the enemy was using a long bow, his skill is quite apparent. Honestly, fighting a centaur warrior while getting barraged with arrows was rather difficult, and I was unable to leave unscathed. The arrows and the warrior's blade sometimes grazes me, slowly whittling down my health.
I focused on evading for a while and I slowly got used to the rhythm of the arrow barrage, allowing me to approximate how the arrows would come. Now, I was even able to evade those with my eyes closed. The problem lies on the warrior, unlike the archer who can only do simple attacks in this situation, the warrior on the other hand, has a lot more options to go with. Piercing, slashing, bludgeoning, kicking... It's impossible for me to completely predict its attacks.
I heightened my senses and slowly lured the two attackers, after finding the right timing, I evaded the arrow that should have hit dead on piercing my back. Instead of reaching me, it pierced the armor of the centaur warrior. Though it wasn't able to damage it due to the thick plate armor, I was able to make use of the opening it gave as the other two was in a shocked state. I cleanly beheaded the centaur and turned around in one flowing motion.
The centaur archer noticed the danger and started firing at an even faster rate. Dropping his large bow to pick up his now dead comrade's short bow. He was now firing at a crazy rate of one arrow per second. But each of the arrows were struck down by my sword before even touching the hem of my clothes. With each of my step, the centaur fell deeper and deeper into the pits of despair, missing more and more. When I was just three meters away, it dropped all of its weights and turned tail. Of course, I didn't waste this chance to attack. I chased after him and made a sweep with the blade, aimed at its legs. That attack alone was able to separate two of the centaur's six limbs, falling down ungracefully while writhing in pain. As it looked at me with fear in its eyes, I've felt an indescribable ire. Like fire welling on my stomach waiting to burst out and engulf the world aflame. For Sky to fall under the hands of a creature like this with no more than a maggot's pride... My eyes went red with anger. I couldn't remember what happened afterwards.
Perhaps my madness would have continued if not for my fairy companion using magic on me to bring myself back.
"What..?" I spoke up as if in a half asleep state, I looked around and noticed the blood everywhere. I looked at my feet to see what was left of the monster. It can't even be called a carcass... Just simply a mass of meat, guts and a huge amount of blood splatters. I probably tortured it even after it already died in a maniacal manner. I was still filled with rage, but this vengeance made me feel relaxed, even though it's a gory scene.
"Eh..?" Did I hear right? Sky is alive? It took me some time to understand the implications of Vers' words, and when I did, I rushed over towards the campfire to see Sky laying down on the soil coughing up.
She noticed me and sat up. "Cough, cough... Fate, what happened?" She replied with pain showing on her expression.
Without saying anything, I went to her and touched her, feeling her warmth, feeling her life, feeling her existence. Sky was stupefied by my actions and was frozen stiff, but I didn't care. I went ahead and hugged her, to feel her existence with my body. I hugged her tightly which probably caused her some pain but she refrained from speaking out. I'm really thankful for her consideration, since I don't know what I would have done from embarrassment in that situation if she did say something.
After a few more time, I released her from my hug and muttered her name repeatedly... "Sky... Sky... Sky... I'm glad, I'm really glad that you're alive..." I whispered to her, while I was still holding on her shoulders. My legs felt weak since I'm quite exhausted.
The two of us sat next to the now fireless campfire. I just noticed but it's already sunrise. The two of us just stayed silent until a certain fairy reached us and broke the tense atmosphere utterly,
"Ah! Sorry, I forgotten about you..." I replied. I really do forget about her at times since she's usually inside my coat...
"Right, this girl is Vers, my cute companion." I said sarcastically. "She's usually hidden inside my pockets since she's rather unique of a girl. She's also bad tempered and foul mou---" Before I was able to finish, lightning suddenly zapped me. The reason, of course, is the angry fairy besides me.
"Haha..." Sky let out a small laugh after seeing our interaction. Seeing her like this, I couldn't help but form a smile, this also made Vers calm down.
"Anyways... Back ta' before. How come you're still fine? I'm sure I saw the arrow hit you straight into your heart." I said, yes, this is the most unusual part. I doubt that Sky would have survived the arrow that was able to halfway pierce a thick plate armor with just her skin, flesh and bones...
"Ah!" She leaked out a gasp. "It's this..." She spoke up as she started taking something from her pockets. What she shown was a light blue, teardrop shaped gem made into a pendant. Upon further inspection, you can see cracks appearing on it's surface. "This is called 'Azure Tear', a family heirloom I wore at all times. You see, I am like you. A person with a troubled past." She started speaking about her life. Now that I think about it, the times when she became gloomy as I spoke about my past was when I told her my life during my starting years, having lived in the slums, my escapades in regards to gambling and your usual day to day robbery just to gain enough to feed the mouths of my family.
"I am also born for a poor family, my mother who took great care of me despite our economic standing died when I reached eight years old, due to illness. We didn't have the money to pay the clerics of the church to cure her of her sickness which eventually led to her death. Ever since then, my father, who became a drunkard started getting violent..." Her voice softened and she continued speaking with a wry smile.
"He started hitting me for no reason, inflicting pain upon me whenever he had the chance. It gets worse when he imbibes alcohol..." She said as she shown me what was beneath her clothes on her back. Burn scars, it wasn't off putting nor conspicuous enough to take notice of, but for that timid Sky to hide something like this, it was quite a shock. She continued her story with tears welling up in her eyes.
"There were times where I truly considered taking my life... Rather than suffering in the hands of my very own father, to the me who was still a child back then, death felt like my only respite. One day, my neighbors who heard my cries of agony during the night reported my father to the church. Due to that, my father was arrested by the paladins. Now I was truly alone, loneliness crept up to me. I was sent into an orphanage, though, I lost my emotions back then. I wouldn't talk to anyone except the matron sister of the orphanage. This went on for two years until my new parents adopted me. The Azure Family(Yup, Sky's name is Sky Azure). My mom, Mrs. Azure is unable to bear a child, and if she did, danger would fall both towards the mother and child. They then visited my orphanage as a last resort. When she saw my sky blue eyes, which was the same as hers as well as the previous generations of the Azure household, she chose me and made a huge donation to the church. At first, I was afraid. Very afraid. I remembered how father treated me when I was younger. His words and actions were ingrained in my mind. I would tremble in fear whenever they approached me. But..." Sky started to smile as she wiped her tears with the hem of her sleeves.
"I slowly opened up to them as they showered me with their love towards the child they couldn't have. They treated me as their own. This made me remember about my late mother, how each of her actions done for my sake, calmed my heart. They taught me everything I know, starting from writing, arithmetic and also the art of trading. Whatever I asked, they gave it to me. They even gave me this family heirloom as part of the tradition when I reached 18 years old. The only reason I was able to go on a journey like this was due to my insistence on gaining life experience. I forcibly asked them to allow me to travel as a merchant by myself without any help. Though, I was forced to comply with their requirement of visiting them at least once per three months. At first they were asking for it to be once a week but I was able to turn it to that, but that was the most I could do. They wouldn't settle for anything less. And that's how we reached this situation." She explained with a smile. You wouldn't believe that a person with such an innocent smile could be somebody with such a past.
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The three of us, me, Sky and Vers continued to talk until the afternoon where the other two appeared roughly at the same time. Once they appeared, the wagon went on the move again.
"---and that's what happened." I explained the rough gist of what happened while the two were gone, of course I've hidden things like Sky almost dying and Sky retelling her life story to me.
"I see..." Kragg murmured under his breath. Seemingly thinking about something.
"Alright, then what is that thing?" Gabardine asked with a suspicious gaze directed to Vers.
"Haa... She's Vers, a companion of mine." I briefly said.
"A familiar?" Kragg curtly asked.
"No, we aren't contracted with each other. We're just traveling together." I feigned knowledge with whatever stuff I could remember about the things Vers explained before. Though, not one word of mine was a lie.
"I see..." Kragg muttered again, with a weird glimmer in his eyes.
The journey continued like before, just with the addition of Vers in our squadron who helps with the occasional spells. She could also do some weak healing spells whenever we get scratched up. For the more major wounds, we use the bandages supplied to us by Sky.
I leveled up to level 48 by now after killing my thirtieth Field Jaguar. As long ay you take care not to get ambushed, field jaguars are quite an easy prey for us. Gabardine continued taking the role of the tanker as me and Kragg acted as the main damage dealer.
Whenever we took a break, I could notice Sky gazing on me every once in a while. Though, whenever I would look back, she would avert her gaze and turn bright crimson. Ever since the false alarm from before, I also understood how important my comrades are to me, especially Sky, Vers, Dawn and Dusk who took me out of my emotionless grey world.
After killing another pack of Field Jaguars, as Sky went ahead to bandage us. Kragg went up to her with a dangerous aura
---and stabbed her. It was a good thing I was next to Sky at that moment so I was able to pull her away at the last second to avoid her heart getting pierced, but it still grazed her skin and wound her flesh. I was only able to react due to the unusual killing intent Kragg emitted as he attacked.
"Ku, what a shame. I wasn't able to finish her within one stroke." Then he smiled, an eerie smile of someone who finds pleasure in killing. "It doesn't matter... The blade is coated in poison, though it's weak, as long as you can't find the cure, it's impossible to survive." After finishing his words, he started laughing like a villain of some third-rate movie.
*What?* My mind took some time to realize what just happened. Betrayal. We were betrayed. Looking from a criminal's mindset, their aim is probably Sky's possessions. So the strange emotions I could feel from them was greed. They are likely aiming for my possessions too. Since they understood that even one of my stuff would be worth a mansion, they became more cautious with handling us. Since they found out I am at least capable, they were probably preparing for all possible situations. How did I know this? Of course, I'm a fraudster. A master at cheating. I've already seen all the darkest part of the world.
The soil I was standing on, started forming cracks due to the powerful strike made by Gabardine. He was licking his lips as he felt the pleasure only found in battle.
"Tch, I knew we should have taken out the fly first." Kragg spoke up. "We had to wait for 48 hours before Gabardine could use his Berserk skill again. Consider yourselves lucky to have lived two days longer." Kragg explained, acting the role of a third-rate villain that explains his evil plots of taking over the world. He killed the fairy to prevent the troublesome healing capabilities. Since Vers is soulbound to Fate, she could appear again after 24 hours in game.
I gripped my deck and waited for the right timing when suddenly...
"Drop your stuff and don't move. Else, this girl would kick the bucket immediately. You like her right? Haha, what a fool, she's just some program yet you fell for her... Unlike you, she would really die if I killed her, would you risk it?" Kragg coldly said.
"No, Fate! Don't!" Sky screamed out.
"Shut up, bitch. I'm not talking to you!" Kragg roared as she slapped the wounded Sky.
I gritted my teeth and complied. I dropped my everything except my clothes a the piece of steel. I also dropped the mountain of gold I received from Fortunas' grave.
"B- brother! This is amazing, I never knew this crook had this much on him!" Gabardine spoke in admiration and greed of the gold. So the two of them were actually brothers... As Gabardine slowly made his way towards the pile, he was suddenly stopped.
"Stop. Fate, I know you still have that piece of metal that could transform to anything. I said drop all your stuff." Kragg spoke again.
'Tch' I clicked my tongue in an exaggerated manner to annoy them, placed my hands on my pockets and took out the piece of steel to throw it into the pile. I then placed my arms up in the air with a mocking expression.
"Yo- you bastard! What were you planning if I were to have went towards the treasure pile huh?" Gabardine angrily charged at me and punched me in the abdomen. I coughed up some blood due to the sheer force of the attack. His stats must have been buffed by Berserk... Better watch my words not to make him any angrier...
As I was getting roughed up, I heard Sky's pleading voice. My eyes are getting blurry from the damage I took.
"Stop! Don't hurt Fate anymore! Just take my life if you must!" Sky begged for my safety.
"Ha! Do you think we would let you go after wasting our time? We'd kill the man then take turns with you later." Kragg coldly replied as he licked the tears coming out of Sky's eyes.
"You... I'll... Murder the both of you!!" I screamed on top of my lungs.
My anger rose to it's zenith and reached a new realm altogether. My killing intent became dense that the two started trembling from my presence alone, gasping for air as if being suffocated, even the dying Sky twitched lightly.
"A- are you kidding me? I told you I would kill her if you move, understand?" Kragg managed to speak up under pressure after he remembered the hostage.
"T- that's right!" Gabardine said with fear still evident in his expression.
"Destiny." I muttered, suddenly my vision which was getting blurred due to my body's condition returned to normal. No, it became better than normal.
Kragg tensed up but feigned composure. Gabardine on the other hand, was shaking uncontrollably as if having met Death himself, a little shock would probably make him wet his pants.
"Gate." I muttered, I was then transported behind Kragg, who felt chills as he saw me disappear.
"Wh- wha---" Kragg was about to say something but he was already dead before he finished it. I used body transformation's wolf claws to decapitate his head off his shoulders. Blood spurted like a fountain out of his severed neck and was still conscious for a few seconds, he watched as his body turned into a lifeless corpse right before his eyes.
As he saw his brother's death, Gabardine hyperventilated, frothing at the edges of his mouth. He was trembling so much that he seems convulsing. I walked over his side, gouged his eyes without breaking my poker face and trampled him to death. He disintegrated into grey particles few moments later.
Ever since then, the two brothers became afraid of everything that would make them remember that experience, be it Royal Road or gambling. Pissing their pants whenever they hear the word 'fate'.
I solemnly walked towards the dying Sky. Tears flowed freely from my eyes, when was the last time I cried..? I can't remember anymore. Rage, sorrow, fear, fulfillment, these similar yet contrasting emotions combined and created the tears flowing down my cheeks. Resentment turned my stone heart into burning magma, but I kept my emotions in check, but somehow, I was unable to stop the never ending tears coming out as if releasing everything it had stored through the years.
I dropped to my knees besides Sky's body and raised her upper body on my lap. My tears flowed to her face which caused her to open her eyes.
"Fate, is that you..? Sorry, the poison already robbed my of my vision... I can't even lift my body anymore, eheheh..." She said with a forced smile.
"It's... fine. It's, alright... Tell me everything you want. Cry, if it's too much, Sky... I don't wan't to see you forcing yourself like this." I whispered with a creaking voice. Though I don't think I could take it if she says she resents me, but as I am unable to save her... Accepting her words is the only thing I can do.
"I... 'hic' I'm afraid... I'm afraid to die, to be alone 'hic' again..." She said as tears welled up from her light blue eyes which doesn't reflect any light anymore. "I want to meet father, to meet mother... I still wanted to become a successful merchant, to become someone's wife..." She continued to cry, while speaking ceaselessly as if seeing her approaching end. "When you told me about your life, I somehow felt a connection with you, whenever you protected me, I felt elated as someone treats me with importance, when I told you my story and you listened seriously, I felt like a huge burden was lifted from me. Thank you Fate, thank you for everything." She continued in tears. "It's just a few, days... since we first, met... But, haaa... I've experienced, many things, during... haa... this short time. I never... felt something like, this, haaa... before. I've thought, haa... about what this... could be, haa... but, now... I finally, understand..." Her words started to get cut and she was now getting out of breath, but she still continued.
"I... I love you, Fate." She said with a smile in her face, though trembling nervously as if waiting for my reply.
Many thoughts spun on my mind. Why did this have to happen? Who caused this to happen? Why couldn't I save her? If only, I noticed the suspicious actions of the two earlier... If only, I bought an antidote before... If only, Vers was here to support me, to cure her of the poison... Why didn't I at least notice her feelings earlier, MY own feelings earlier... Why did I have to wait for things to turn like this... Why? Why...?
My thoughts are stuck on my throat unable to be conveyed to Sky. But, I resolved myself already. With all my affection, I spoke with the most tender manner I could muster.
"I, I love you too, Sky. In the short amount of time I encountered you, I felt various emotions I never had before... Especially that, of true love." I whispered to her. She broke out in a smile and teared up again, this time filled with joy... and regret.
Seeing her like that, I inched closer and sealed her lips. A kiss. At first she was shocked and her body shook, but soon she went with the flow as she entangled her tongue with mine, seemingly unwilling to part. This lasted for a while until we separated, gasping for air.
"Fate, live on... for, the sake... of the, both of us... Thank, yo---" Unable to even finish her words, she drew her last breath. Her body grew cold and soon disintegrated to grey particles. I watched her disappear, not missing a second. Admiring her beauty as she turned into nothingness. What she left behind, is a huge pendant. The pendant covered in azure light as it fixed itself, filling in the cracks. The supposedly damaged pendant fixed itself. I checked it's description and saw...
Sky's Heart - Durability N/A
Unknown description, High level Identify is needed to learn about this.
+10 All stats
Other unknown effects.
Soulbound to player Twisted Fate
Can not be dropped, can not be sold.
Tears flowed again. 'I see, even after death you would still watch over me...' I cried, no, wailed loudly with a mixture of sorrow, happiness and hatred. My voice echoed on all the corners of the plains, making the creatures who hears it roar, as if sympathizing with my loss. This continued for a while. Some time later, I carried the Azure Tear, now called as Sky's Heart, and continued on my journey on her wagon, reborn as a new, stronger person, carrying the hopes of a certain female peddler.
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Author's Note(Grumblings):
Ha... So tired, it's 4:35 and I only slept for 3 hours. Worship me for giving you an extra serving of a chapter. Tell me what did you think about it in the comments below or in the discussion page. I'd be locking this by the way when I'm about to post the next chapter, which is still unsure when to be released since I only write when I have the mood.
Anyways, I made this into one long chapter since I, as many of you also do, hates getting close to one character only to find her dead in the next. I had to put it into one bundle to prevent that. As to whether she would make an appearance again or not, all the hints are inside this chapter. When you talk about your theories in regards to this, please put them in spoiler tags.
Something random: the name 'Gabardine' came from me and my friends messing around. I jokingly said I would use the vocabulary word two days back during the english subject as a name for my character. I was thinking about what to name the character when this word struck in my head. My naming sense sucks doesn't it? How unlucky would my children be...
Haha, anyways, that's all... It's almost time for school and I'm sleepy. Ah right! As I was writing this, a mild earthquake struck(first time experiencing earthquake while awake), precisely at the part where I wrote about Fate striking a hammer down to create a small earthquake to destroy the centaur's balance. Perhaps this is the awakening of a new power?
Ahh! Anyways, I got too carried away with writing this,(Wrote this for 6(?) hours.) See ya!
-BBeLiN
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