Chapter 2
----------------------------------------
Why does no one believe me? Everyone still treats me like a child telling stories, but how am I supposed to prove it? Should I just forget about the screen? Why can I see it, but not others? So many questions fill my head but no answers accompany them.
Like it is weird that I can see the screen, everyone else has no clue what I’m talking about. I’ve tried explaining it to mum, she doesn’t believe me either. She just smiles at me, thinking to let me indulge in my fantasy. Well looking at it from their prospective, it must sound a little crazy.
I mean, even I don’t really understand it myself. All I know is that it had always been around from my earliest of memories. A little transparent box that’s unnoticeable unless I focus on it, which thus brings up the screen.
Status Screen
Name:
Ares
Level:
1
Gender:
Male
Race:
[1] Tailed Fox
Stats Screen
Strength:
19
Wisdom:
13
Agility:
23
Intelligence:
20
Endurance:
21
Charisma:
12
Dexterity:
22
Luck
15
I’m pretty I know what most these stats are. At first they were all really low, around 8 or 9. However, performing certain actions would prompt a screen to pop up in front of me, stating that a stat has been increased.
Strength was easy to figure out; I mean it was pretty obvious when I could lift heavier objects every time it went up. I deduced that agility affected my speed and ability to make quick manoeuvres. Intelligence seems to correlate with how smart I am, it should be much higher I reckon.
Luck I assume just has to do with, well how lucky I am. However, it’s hard to prove or disprove this theory, guess time will tell on that one. Wisdom had me stuck on for a long time, because I always kind of figured wisdom was how smart you were as well.
So I asked mum on the difference. Well she went on about a bunch of random stories, but I think I got the gist of it. Being intelligent is to know a lot of information, being wise is knowing what to do with that information. I think that is. Maybe once those stats go up I’ll know a bit better.
Then there is endurance, this seems to be my energy. Sometimes after a training session in the fields I’ll get a +1 endurance notification.
That just leaves dexterity and charisma left. Now I think dexterity has to do with using my hands… I seemed to get a few points in the stat when I was learning how to write. Finally charisma, I have no clue what this is. Like I understand charisma is being able to use attractiveness or charm to compel people. However, I don’t understand how that works. How do I even improve that?
Pushing that issue to the back of my mind, I open up my skills page.
Skills
<
<
<
These were a lot easier to understand. The more I practised the said skill, the higher the level. The higher the level, the better I am at that skill. It seems skills are only created once I reach the minimum standard though, like my archery skill was created when I could first hit the target from 10m away.
Status Screen
Name:
Ares
Level:
1
Gender:
Male
Race:
[1] Tailed Fox
Stats Screen
Strength:
19
Wisdom:
13
Agility:
23
Intelligence:
20
If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Endurance:
21
Charisma:
12
Dexterity:
22
Luck
15
There’s really not much to it, like one section tells me what my name is and my gender! Thanks, I was wondering what they were. Then there’s the race section, constantly reminding me that I’m failure with only 1 tail. This box would get along well father I reckon.
Lastly there the level section, but I have no clue what this is in regards to. It says I’m level 1 so I guess that means it can improve like my stats, but how? And what does it achieve? Stupid screen needs to come with a manual; it took me ages just to figure out those stats.
“Are you sulking again?”
“I ain’t crying you dimwit!” I retort, knowing who the voice belongs to without seeing him. I turn around to look at my best friend who is walking up to me with a grin, Lilly following behind him.
I still don’t understand how we’re the same age, he’s already comparable in height and build to some 16 year olds. His body already beginning to show his developing muscles from under his shirt, the two bows hung over his shoulder alongside quivers, completing the image of the son of a warrior. His red hair cropped shortly on the sides and the top grown into a long braided ponytail hanging down his back. Hiss also a 3 tail, the lucky bastard. Going along with his manly looks, than it won’t be long before he’s surrounded by girls.
Glancing at Lilly who is holding her brothers shirt and following obediently behind him, I can’t help but smile. I like Lilly, she’s what I imagine having a little sister is like. With her timid personality, it just makes you want to hug and protect her.
She has delicate facial features and soft pale skin, which works well with her red hair that trails down her back.
Noticing my stare, Lilly averts my gaze by looking down, her pale cheeks tinged red. I know she has a bit of a crush on me, I find it adorable, and handy since she listens to what I say. Normally I’d be happy if a girl had a crush on me but she’s 10, and a little sister in my mind. So she’s way too young for me, I like a girl who’s at least 18 years old. Man, if only older girls would act this way around me. That’d be the life.
“I might be dim-witted but at least I don’t look like a girl.”
“Yeah well are you ready to have ass beaten by a girl then!” We’re locked in a staring contest, until we both slowly start to grin before breaking out into laughter.
“So your old man is home huh?” Roman asks, wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes.
“Yeah”
“Do you know how long?”
“Nope, I didn’t stick around long enough to ask.”
“You know dad says that whenever your old man gets drunk he’ll always talk about how much he worries about you.”
“You’re too naïve for this world Roman, always trying to see the best in people. Father and I just don’t get along, probably never will. That’s all there is to it.” There’s a slight tone of annoyance in my voice, but it’s frustrating when everyone sticks up for father.
“Maybe, maybe not. Let’s forget about that though, I’ve got a good way to get your mind off it.” He suddenly changes the subject. I grow weary but intrigued at the same time, because his ideas always get us into trouble. Well mine do to, but that’s not the point.
“Go on then.” I prod him on.
“The other day dad took me out hunting, it’s a great way to take your mind off things. Plus, we get to compete in our archery skills.” Roman slings a bow and quiver off, holding them out for me to take.
“Are you serious?! I haven’t even been hunting before!” I snatch the bow and quiver out his hand, slinging them onto my back. “Man, I hope we don’t get caught though. I won’t be able to sit down for a week cause of the beating I’ll cop.”
“Umm I-I don’t think this is a good idea.” Lilly’s little voice sounds out, reminding me she’s been there the whole time.
“Come on Lilly, we’ll be careful. I promise I’ll protect you and your brother, is that all right?” I ask her softly with a wink at the joke of protecting her brother. Lilly’s little face scrunches up as she struggles with an inner battle.
“Okay… If you think everything will be alright, then it will be.” I can see in her eyes that she 100% believes that. Ugh what’s the pain in my heart, I feel like a villain. But if I don’t convince her, she may tell someone, then we’d be screwed.
“Good girl!” I rub her head to which she looks down to hide her blush. Man younger sisters are definitely better, so cute and obedient. Older sisters on the other hand, I think of Lynn and shudder at the thought. “Well let’s go.” To which Roman just shakes his head at me for manipulating his little sister, but doesn’t say anything.
Roman and I walking into the forest side by side, Lilly just behind us, nervously looking around. This will be the first time I ever leave the village, how exciting!
----------------------------------------
We’ve been walking through the forest for what has to be a quarter of an hour, and honestly the excitement of leaving has worn off. Aside from the birds in the trees and a small tree snake, there hasn’t been any animals, let alone any beasts.
Well I guess it hasn’t been a complete waste of time, I’ve had a lot of fun watching Lilly jump at any sudden sounds or movement.
“Maybe we should just head back?” I suggested to Roman, who’s been leading the way.
“Shh” He motions to in front of him. Crouching low and slowly moving over to where Roman is. I peer through the bushes and I can see two rabbits. Well really oversized vicious looking rabbits. Nearly a metre long with thick fangs protruding from their lips. They could easily take down a person if they weren’t paying attention.
“I thought we’d be hunting something less… that.” I whisper to Roman, in fear that I make these creatures aware of our presence.
“They’re cartalope, or just cartas’ for short. It’s what dad took me hunting for. They’re a pest of the forest, eating anything and everything. Anyway, don’t tell me you’re scared.” He smirks as he says that last part. Damnit, I know he is baiting me but I can’t help it.
“I ain’t scared, 10 coppers I hit one then.” Nothing like a good gamble to win back my pride.
“You’re on. Try and aim for their neck if you can.” Since when did this bastard think he can advise me, but that does sound valid. Fuck now his going to get smug because I followed what he said.
“I know that. You just try and make sure you hit it.”
“U-Umm maybe we should just go back? Please.” Lilly’s voice sounds out timidly from right behind us. Oh yeah, I guess she would be scared. I mean even I’m a little nervous looking at these creatures.
“Lilly, just stay back and be quiet. They just look tougher than they actually are, Ares and I can handle them.” Roman ordered his sister, and she nods her little head and steps back. Although I can see she’s shaking.
“Do you trust us Lilly?” I ask her.
“Yes.” She nods her tiny head.
“Then watch your brother and I kick some cartas’ butt.” I give her the thumbs up. This should hopefully ease up some of her fear.
“Okay!” She responds with an expression to serious for her childish face.
“You know you have to stop babying her or she won’t ever grow up.” Roman suddenly pitches in with his opinion.
“Yeah, yeah whatever. Let’s just do this.” It’s not like I could leave her shaking in fear, I’m not heartless.
“Okay, follow me.” This guy and ordering me around…
I still follow though, crouched and staying low, the both of us edging our way closer for a better shot. We’re within 15 metres of the beasts, I can hear the deep growling sound reverberating within the distance. Sudden nervousness floods though me, as I see their teeth and size close up.
Roman holds his fist in the air, signal to stop. We communicate through our eyes, it’s time to do this. I slowly slide the bow off from my shoulder, being careful to not make a sound. I hold the bow in my left hand and slowly draw an arrow from the quiver on my back, and knock it on the bow. I tell myself that this is no different from practise, the only difference is I’m shooting at live beasts that could tear my throat open instantly if given the chance.
The nervousness increases from that thought. Think puppies, think miss Jones and her bountiful… Wait don’t get distracted. I look over to Roman, he looks back at me. He signals on three to release.
Three, o god please don’t let me miss. Two, I have to calm down. One, I take a deep breath, inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through my nostrils as I’ve been taught.
Release. All I hear is the twang of my bow, and the arrow which sails through the air and smashes one of the beast in the neck. The beasts collapses, however shortly after getting back up and letting out a roar of pure rage. Damnit, the shot was too weak.
I look over to see the other beast laying in a pool of blood, a massive hole through its chest where an arrow passed through. Damnit, I have the better aim with a bow but Roman definitely has the advantage with power. The difference between a one tail and a three tail showing yet again reminding me of my inferiority.
My beast still raging in anger, looks in my direction and makes eye contact. The blood rushes from my face, the stare of the beast which could be my death sending chills down my body. The beast lets out another fierce roar as it charges at me, even with a deadly wound to its neck it’s speed is still breathtakingly fast.
I look over to Roman who is staring me in the eyes, silently telling me that I have to finish myself. He’s a good friend, he knows if he saved me now feel even more inferior. I’ll finish this, prove that even if I’ve only got one tail I can still be strong.
I calm myself and pull another arrow from my quiver, and knock it. The beast only 10 metres away, I fight every instinct I have to just release the arrow. I’ve only got one chance, I need to make sure I pull it off. I steady my breath and count down the metres.
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 metres. Two metres. I release the arrow and fling myself to the side, out of the trajectory of the beast’s path.
Quickly turning around, in case I missed and the beast is ready to pounce on me. I see the beasts laying still on the ground listlessly, an arrow in between its jaws protruding from its skull.
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Archery has progressed to Beginner lvl 4
Wisdom has increased by +1
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------