Paola walked alongside Ayla, her mind’s eye filled with the interface of her menu. It was like thinking about a memory that was happening right now. She could see her HP, mana, and stamina, all displayed in a corner of her vision. It was odd and disorienting.
“Once your soul is bound with the Tree of Life,” Ayla explained, “it gives you an accessible view of XP gained, available move sets, and your level. However, you can’t actually make changes or access the bonuses and traits from leveling up until you visit the Grove of Echos again. Basically, you can see your menus if you meditate, but any actual changes have to be done in the Grove.”
Paola nodded, taking it all in. She was starting to understand how this world worked after several days. Just as she finished processing Ayla’s explanation, a notification popped up in her mind’s eye. It was accompanied by the cheesy, sassy female carnival announcer voice that seemed to mock her every time.
Congratulations! You’ve reached:
[Streaking Traveler - Level 2
You’ve traveled 50 miles naked. Wow, Udanara’s most dedicated nudist!
Reward: 50 XP (Nudist Bonus: 100 XP)]
Paola groaned, rolling her eyes. “You won’t believe this, Ayla. I just got another milestone for traveling naked.”
Ayla raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “Really? What does it say?”
Paola recited the milestone with a wry smile. “Streaking Traveler - Level 2. Apparently, I’ve traveled 50 miles naked. I got a reward of 50 XP, which is boosted to 100 XP because of the Nudist Bonus.”
Ayla stared at her, disbelief etched across her face. “You’re joking.”
“I wish I could show you,” Paola replied, her tone half-joking, half-annoyed.
Ayla paused, thinking. “Actually, you can. There’s a way to display your milestones to others. It’s like a badge, used to verify certain actions or achievements. It helps with tier placements and verification."
“Seriously?” Paola said, intrigued. “How do I do that?”
Ayla explained the process, and Paola focused on her menu, navigating to the milestones tab. She selected the Streaking Traveler milestone and set it to display. In front of Ayla, a small, holographic badge appeared, detailing Paola’s naked travels.
Ayla was speechless, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to process what she was seeing. “The Tree of Life really does have a comedic side,” she murmured, more confused than amused.
Paola couldn’t help but laugh at Ayla’s reaction. “Yeah, I’m starting to find the comedy in it, even if it’s at my expense.”
Ayla shook her head, still staring at the badge. “I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s...unique, to say the least.”
Paola shrugged, her laughter dying down. “Welcome to my world. It’s a bit ridiculous, I'd say.”
They continued; the path less daunting as they moved further along the river. As they walked, Ayla explained, "If we continue to follow the Leviathan's Flow, we’ll eventually reach the Crystal Falls. It’s a magical place, and it’s only a week’s journey from the city."
Paola's eyes widened in surprise. "A week? Does that mean we’ve already been walking for a week? Have I been in this world for that long?"
Ayla nodded, recapping the last few days. "When we found that old temple in the cave, it took nearly a whole day to sneak out of there away from the hounds. Then, after we got out, we traveled for a couple more days. We've been hunting and foraging, and we had to deal with that Mountain Stalker."
Paola shuddered at the memory of the overgrown beast-cat that had relentlessly hunted them. It was like a cougar from Earth, but with the addition of magic. Udanara had many traits similar to Earth, especially with animals, but magic made everything more dangerous and intriguing.
She remembered the enchanting spells that songbirds could cast, capable of distracting, alluring, and even trapping people for various purposes. Ayla had explained how some birds could trap a person to feed them until they died, using their bones for nests, while others could offer mild health regeneration. Ayla mentioned all this casually, but Paola couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The Mountain Stalker, a mix of a cougar and a tiger with shadow magic, had nearly gotten them several times. It had hunted them for nearly a whole day, attacking whenever their guard was down.
Then there were the slimes. Not just one, but nine. Paola vividly remembered how slicing them only created more, their acidic bodies burning her legs, stomach, and arms. Ayla had to use a fire spell to finally burn them away. They rested and ate some more meat from a squirrel-like animal. Paola realized she really had been in this world for a week. The thought was both daunting and surreal.
As they walked, Ayla pointed out a trail veering off to the left, leaving the river behind. "This is a real, well-traveled trail," she said. "Not the overgrown path we’ve been on."
Paola felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of reaching civilization. Yet, she maintained her reservations, remembering that she was still naked. Despite everything, she had tended to forget her state of undress. Even Ayla had stopped ogling her, their connection becoming more genuine over time.
Reflecting on the past week, Paola felt a mixture of exhaustion and amazement. She had faced dangers she never thought possible and had grown stronger for it. She thought about her family back on Earth, her father, mother, siblings, and friends. The longing to return home was still strong, but she was beginning to adapt to this strange new world. She was a black sheep back at home, but here she was a wolf, forced to adapt. And that new thought, the possibility that maybe she wasn’t so much of a black sheep, brought a small smile to her face.
Yet, at the same time, Paola was beginning to have mixed feelings about her situation. She knew she and Ayla had begun to catch feelings for each other. Ayla wasn’t going to admit it, but it was clear. She acted like someone with a crush who was too shy to act on it, which made Paola smile. Ayla had been so okay with letting Paola make the first move, though it was Ayla who had initially taken the lead, leading to a moment of intimacy Paola would never forget. Yet now, Ayla was acting shy and scared, as if that moment had never happened, while still making subtle advances.
Paola was bugging Ayla about teaching her magic, trying to understand how it worked. This was one of those moments as they stopped along the path, stepping off to try and teach Paola a fire spell. "Having an affinity for chaos is... complex," Ayla tried to explain. "One must understand their affinity before using its magic. And I've never met anyone with Chaos."
Paola understood that as not being able to use magic. She felt sad, knowing she couldn’t use things like fireball or water jet—if those were even real. Still, she enjoyed the moments of feeling Ayla hold her close, longer than necessary as she tried to show her the formation for a spell. It was a combination of stance and will. Ayla would move her hands down Paola's body, adjusting her leg slightly between her thighs, pushing her middle back to perk out her bare chest. Ayla's red and blue eyes couldn’t avoid glancing at Paola's chest, which made Paola chuckle internally. These were the moments she began to crave. They distracted her from the ever-present threat of death.
Ayla never got frustrated with Paola's inability to perform fire or ice magic. She had explained before that using magic outside one's affinity came at a greater cost of general mana use but it was still possible. Still, Paola struggled with it, but she knew Ayla cherished the closeness these lessons brought, which was why Ayla didn’t get frustrated. Paola could feel it.
Standing there, she sensed the moment coming to an end as Ayla's hands finished tracing the lines of her mana circuit. Ayla’s explanations of how mana flows did little to improve Paola’s movements of mana, but the XP she gained from these moments with Ayla was beyond what either of them could predict. Paola tended to forget to check her menus and updates until milestones alerted her, much more akin to notifications than subtle nods.
“I still can’t get it,” Paola said, a hint of frustration in her voice. “I feel like I’m just not cut out for this.”
Ayla smiled reassuringly. “It takes time, Paola. Magic isn’t something you master overnight. You’re doing well, considering everything.”
Paola sighed, her frustration melting away in Ayla’s presence. “I guess. It’s just... it’s hard not to get discouraged.”
Ayla’s hands lingered on Paola’s waist for a moment longer. “You’re stronger than you think. Remember that.”
Paola nodded, she searched for a reason for Ayla to stay, enjoying the contact. "Maybe I just need more practice," she said. "Let's go again. I'm sure I'll get it this time."
"Sure," Ayla said, a faint blush tinging her cheeks. Her hands bracing Paola's hips, adjusting her stance.
"Now," Ayla began, "focus on the mana in your body. Visualize it moving through the path that I showed you. Once you feel like it's flowing, push the mana out of your hands." Paola focused, Ayla's hands a welcome distraction. The mana flowed through her body, like electricity dancing across her skin. She tried to push it through her hands, willing the magic to form, but nothing happened.
She sighed in frustration, feeling Ayla's hands gently rubbing her hips. "Don't be discouraged," Ayla said. "Magic takes time and patience. You'll get it eventually. Besides, you need to speak the incantation," she added, teasingly.
"Oh, yeah," Paola said, blushing slightly. "I keep forgetting about that." She focused again, Ayla's hands helping to guide her. She visualized the mana flowing through her body, her hands tingling as she pushed the energy through her palms. "Ignis scintilla!", she cried, focusing on the mana leaving her body. There was a magnificent buildup of energy as Paola felt the mana flowing out of her body. But then, just as at reached the end of the path, it fizzled out. Paola felt like screaming. It had felt so good, and so close, yet she couldn't complete the spell.
"Ya vez," Paola whispered, "it just... won't work."
Ayla wrapped her arms around Paola, hugging her from behind. "You're getting there," she said encouragingly. "You just need to keep practicing." Paola could feel her body pressed against Ayla's, her mind wandering to other places. Ayla's embrace was comforting, yet the sensation of her body pressed against Paola's was arousing. "Being able to feel the flow of mana is a good sign," Ayla continued, unaware of the effect she was having on Paola. "It means that you're starting to get a handle on the basics of magic."
"Thanks," Paola mumbled, her face burning. She could feel her arousal growing, and she didn't want Ayla to notice. "Can we take a break? My head is pounding from trying so hard."
"What's your mana at?" Ayla asked, looking at her curiously.
"Umm..." Paola quickly checked her stats. "19/60"
Ayla laughed. "I think a break is definitely in order, you're going to suffer a mana burn if you don't take a break." Ayla moved away, though her hands trailed slowly down Paola's body.
"What does that mean?"
"If your mana goes below 20% of its max, it begins to hurt, the lower the worse the pain. If you go below 5%, you'll pass out. It's important to remember to take breaks, or else you could do serious damage to yourself."
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"Good to know," Paola said with a laugh. "I'll be more careful next time." She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. The smell of flowers was thick in the air, a light breeze stirring the leaves around them. They would only take a momentary break before continuing their journey.
They moved back onto the path, continuing down the dirt road. The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows that danced across the landscape. The air was crisp and cool, a welcome relief from the earlier heat. Trees lined the path, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. Birds chirped from the branches, their melodies a soothing background to their journey. The scent of pine and earth filled the air, grounding Paola as they walked.
Paola glanced at Ayla, who walked beside her with a confident stride. Ayla's blonde hair caught the light, giving it a golden sheen. Her black metal shoulder pads and bracers glinted in the sun, a stark contrast to her dirt-streaked skin. Despite the weariness evident in her posture, Ayla moved with a grace that Paola admired. She looked every bit the seasoned warrior, strong and resilient. Paola herself felt a mix of exhaustion and excitement. Her mind still buzzed with the recent magic lesson, and though she hadn’t managed to cast a proper spell, she felt a small sense of accomplishment. Ayla’s encouragement had boosted her spirits, and she was determined to keep trying.
The path wound through the forest, occasionally opening up to reveal sweeping vistas of the Spinal Range. Rugged mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks shrouded in mist. Below, the Leviathan's Flow snaked its way through the valley, its waters glistening in the afternoon light. The sound of the river provided a constant, soothing backdrop to their journey.
As they walked, Paola couldn’t help but think about the connection she felt with Ayla. It was more than just physical attraction; there was a bond forming between them, a shared sense of purpose and trust. She found herself craving those moments of closeness, the feel of Ayla’s hands guiding her, the comfort of her embrace.
They had been traveling for hours when Ayla suddenly put her hand out, signaling for them to stop. Instinctively, they both ducked down, hiding behind a large boulder on the side of the path. Down the path, a cart had been pulled off the road. Paola squinted, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. It looked like a spider in a jacket, its arms tied behind its back. A group of bandits was going through the cart’s contents, while another bandit seemed to be holding the being at blade point.
Paola rubbed her eyes, trying to process the scene. The spider was an Arachnite, a race she had learned about but never seen up close. The Arachnite's many eyes glinted in the fading light, and its mandibles clicked nervously. It wore a weathered vest, its humanoid torso making it look almost comically out of place. The bandits, rough-looking men and women with mismatched armor and weapons, were rifling through the cart's goods with greedy enthusiasm.
Ayla’s eyes narrowed as she took in the scene. She leaned closer to Paola, whispering, "We have to help."
Paola nodded, her heart pounding. Despite her earlier frustrations with magic, she knew they couldn’t leave the Arachnite to its fate. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation.
The area around them was a mix of dense forest and open patches of land. The trees provided ample cover, and the ground was littered with fallen leaves and twigs. A small stream ran parallel to the road, its gentle babbling adding to the peaceful ambiance, now sharply contrasted by the tension of the unfolding situation.
Ayla looked at Paola, her expression determined. “Follow my lead. We’ll take them by surprise.”
Paola nodded again, feeling a rush of adrenaline. She glanced once more at the Arachnite, its desperate situation fueling her resolve. Together, they moved silently through the underbrush, getting into position to launch their attack. The sun continued its descent, casting long shadows across the path as Ayla and Paola moved silently through the underbrush, positioning themselves to launch a surprise attack on the bandits. The scene before them was tense and chaotic, the bandits rummaging through the Arachnite’s cart, unaware of the danger lurking nearby.
Ayla glanced at Paola, giving her a reassuring nod. Paola took a deep breath, steeling herself. She was extremely hesitant, her heart pounding in her chest. This was her first real combat encounter, and she could feel the fear gnawing at her resolve.
Ayla sprang into action first, her movements swift and precise. She charged at the nearest bandit, her broadsword igniting with a blue flame as she swung it in a wide arc. The bandit barely had time to react before Ayla's blade cleaved through his armor, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Paola followed suit, targeting two bandits on the periphery of the group. She activated her Barely There ability, her form flickering and blending with the shadows. Moving swiftly, she approached her first target, a burly man with a jagged sword. With her Dagger Diva skill, she struck with precision, her dagger slicing through the bandit's throat. He gurgled in surprise, collapsing to the ground. But as he fell, he managed to grab her blade, wrenching it from her hand before he died.
Paola's heart raced as she realized she was now weaponless, facing her second target—a tall, wiry woman with a cruel grin. The woman lunged at her with a short sword, and Paola barely dodged the attack, her mind racing. She summoned her weapon with Summon from Scratch, the dagger materializing in her hand just in time to parry the next strike.
Ayla, meanwhile, was a whirlwind of motion. She used her Flames Cross ability, performing a cross-body swing that conjured a secondary flame sword, striking multiple enemies in a sweeping motion. One bandit fell to his knees, his chest burning with a massive hole. Another bandit only took the fire damage, manage to push through the swing but only to meet her broadsword coming down vertically, taking the rest of his health.
Paola dodged the overhead swing from the woman, counterattacking with her summoned dagger. The woman was quick, parrying the strike and responding with a swift kick to Paola's stomach. Paola grunted in pain, stumbling backward. Still able to parry the next attack, Paola saw an opening and struck out with her Dagger Diva ability, catching the woman in the leg. The blade tore deep just behind the calf, sending the bandit to one knee.
The wiry woman made one last desperate hack and slash attack, the blade cutting the air inches from Paola's bare stomach. Then, with a quick spin, Paola slipped into the opening after the attack, her dagger tearing across the woman's throat. Blood spurted, splattering Paola's skin. The woman's hands flew to her neck, desperately trying to stem the flow, but it was no use. Her eyes glazed over as she crumpled to the ground, dead.
Ayla continued to decimate the bandits, her sword blazing with blue flames. She used her Frost Step ability, dashing forward and leaving a trail of ice that slowed and damaged the bandits who crossed it. The combination of fire and ice was devastating, and the bandits fell one by one under her relentless assault. Paola watched in awe as Ayla dispatched the remaining bandits. Her movements were fluid and precise, each strike calculated and deadly. Despite the chaos of the battle, Ayla remained focused and composed, a true warrior.
With the last of the bandits defeated, Ayla turned to Paola, her expression one of concern. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Paola nodded, though she was trembling from the adrenaline and fear. "Yeah, I’m fine," she replied, her voice shaky. She glanced at the Arachnite, who was still tied up and clearly terrified.
Ayla moved to the Arachnite, cutting his bonds with a swift motion of her sword. "Are you alright?" she asked.
The Arachnite nodded, his many eyes blinking in relief. "Thank you," he said, his voice a raspy whisper. "My name is Yas'tavot. I am a merchant on my way to Valarian."
Paola and Ayla exchanged a glance, both relieved that they had managed to save him. Paola felt a surge of pride despite her initial hesitation and fear. She had faced her first real combat encounter and survived. More importantly, she had saved someone. Before she realized, Ayla had pulled Yas'tavot aside and began to gently ask him questions.
Yas'tavot was clearly shaken, but he answered her questions readily. He told them that he had been traveling alone when the bandits attacked. They had killed his guards and he had made a run for it, but they had managed to corner him. If Ayla and Paola hadn't arrived when they did, he was sure the bandits would have killed him. Ayla asked more questions as she began to help move things back onto the cart. Paola listened quietly, absorbing everything.
Yas'tavot kept eyeing Paola, which made her very nervous. The Arachnite was an imposing figure, his many eyes and mandibles making him look like a nightmare come to life. She did her best to not shudder, Ayla seemed to not be bothered, but then again, she was a seasoned adventurer. Slowly, Ayla and he moved just out of hearing range, talking about something. Paola tried to listen in but couldn't make anything out. Paola wasn't trying to be obviously nosy and took notice of the horses tied to the wagon. Slowly, she moved towards them, trying to keep her distance but also make a friendly impression.
They seemed to be well trained, not even flinching when Paola approached. She gently stroked their manes, admiring their strength and beauty. The conversation they had was brief as Ayla returned quick, smiling at her. Yas'tavot had begun moving to the dead around them, searching for whatever was worth salvaging.
"Yas'tavot is headed the same way we are," Ayla explained. "He's invited us to join him, for the rest of the journey. His guard is dead, and he can't fight, so it makes sense." This was all good news. It would make their journey easier and safer, and they could finally reach the city. Everything happened so quickly then, Ayla already with Yas'tavot as they began to tend to the dead. The horses were already hitched up, ready to go. Paola was petting the horses, their white fur dirty from the travels they had clearly endured. She found solace in the simple act, enjoying the company of creatures that weren't trying to kill her. As a kid, she had been scared of horses, but after everything she had been through, she was grateful for the peaceful moment. She glanced over at Yas'tavot, shivering slightly. It was a talking spider, an Arachnite, as Ayla had called it.
Yas'tavot was an unusual sight, even for this strange new world. His face resembled that of a wolf spider, with large, expressive eyes that seemed to blink more often than necessary. He had a pair of small mandibles that moved when he spoke, and what Paola thought might be a mustache, giving him a fancy impression. His body was covered in a fine layer of fur, and he wore a vest that somehow fit his arachnid frame, complete with a pocket watch chain dangling from it. A top hat perched jauntily on his head, making him look like a character from a steampunk novel.
Paola's eyes wandered back to Yas'tavot repeatedly, trying to reconcile his appearance with his polite demeanor. He was every bit the traveling merchant, his cart filled with various trinkets and goods, despite his spider-like form. The juxtaposition was almost too much for Paola to handle.
She nearly gagged at the smell of the dead bandits. Unfortunately, none of their clothes had been salvageable. Yas'tavot and Ayla had decided to burn the bodies, a task Ayla had spared Paola from. Burning the bodies served multiple purposes: it acted as a warning to nearby predators that highly skilled combatants were present, and it prevented their bodies from being used for necromancy or becoming natural undead.
Paola watched as Ayla and Yas'tavot returned from the task, the smell of burning flesh still lingering in the air. Ayla had explained the necessity of the act, but Paola still found it hard to deal with, which was why she had stayed with the horses.
Yas'tavot approached her, his movements surprisingly graceful for such a large creature. "Thank you again for your help," he said, his voice a low, rumbling tone. "I owe you both my life."
Paola nodded, trying to muster a smile. "It was the least we could do. Are you sure you're okay?"
Yas'tavot inclined his head, his hat bobbing slightly. "Quite, quite. I've faced worse in my travels, though I must admit, this was a close call." His laugh revealed how nervous he truly was.
Paola glanced at Ayla, who was wiping soot from her hands. "So, what’s next?"
Ayla looked at her, her expression softening. "We continue to Valarian. Yas'tavot has graciously offered us a ride, which will make the journey easier."
Paola sighed in relief. "Good. I’m ready to get out of here."
"Please, make yourselves comfortable. It’s not the most luxurious ride, but it will get us there safely." Yas'tavot gestured towards his wagon, and Paola climbed into the back while Ayla was up front, next to Yas'tavot, talking with the Arachnite. The wagon was an intricately designed vehicle, clearly crafted with both functionality and a touch of elegance in mind. The exterior was painted a rich mahogany with golden accents, and ornate carvings decorated the wooden panels. The wheels were large and sturdy, perfect for traversing the rugged terrain of Udanara.
The interior was a treasure trove of goods, packed neatly and securely. Shelves lined the walls, filled with a bewildering array of items. Glass vials containing various colored liquids hinted at potions, while small, intricately designed scrolls suggested spells. There were cases with specialty weapons, each one unique in its design. Paola recognized none of it, but she could tell everything was of high quality and likely expensive.
There was no armor or clothing, however, which Paola found somewhat disappointing. She settled onto the floorboards, leaning against the side of the wagon. There was a small counter where Yas'tavot presumably conducted business from the back, but it was clear that space was limited.
Paola took off her slippers and set them beside her, feeling the rough wood beneath her bare feet. She stretched out her legs, dangling them off the edge of the wagon. Her long, messy hair cascaded over her shoulders and back, still slightly damp from the river. She glanced down at her naked body, taking in the various scrapes and bruises that had begun to heal. She ran her hand over the faint scar left by the Mountain Stalker's claws, under her left breast, and running down her ribcage. Three faint pink lines that would forever remind her of the danger she had faced.
Her eyes lingered on her bare breasts, their smooth curves and pert nipples exposed to the warm breeze. She couldn't help but admire how the sunlight made her skin glow, highlighting the subtle definition of her muscles. Despite her ordeal, Paola had grown stronger and more resilient, her body adapting to the harsh realities of Udanara. Her eyes moved lower, taking in the lean muscles of her legs and the soft curve of her hips. She was still a stranger to this world, but her resolve to survive had grown with each challenge. Her body had responded, changing and evolving to match the demands placed upon it. And as she traced her fingers along her naked form, she felt an odd sense of, well, not peace, but acceptance. She had been through hell and back, yet she was still here, alive and unbroken.
The wagon began to move, the horses pulling it along the road. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the landscape. The sounds of the forest surrounded them, filling the air with a gentle rhythm. The pink-tinged sky signaled the end of the day, and the fading light gave the world an otherworldly glow. Finally, for the first time since her arrival, Paola felt a semblance of peace. She took a deep breath, the fresh air filling her lungs. The encounter with Yas'tavot had saved them five days of travel, and the relief was evident in her body. She leaned back, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. The gentle rocking of the wagon and the rhythmic sound of the wheels on the dirt road lulled her into a sense of calm.
As Paola's eyes closed, she felt herself drifting into sleep. Although she fell asleep peacefully, her dreams would be anything but restful. The horror and nightmares of the week had finally caught up to her, and Paola's sleeping mind was about to face the demons lurking within.