The three companions had barely walked a few meters from the camp when the ground began to shake violently beneath their feet. Ferdinand looked around, his eyes wide with fear.
"What is happening?" he asked, his voice agitated.
Talax braced himself against a nearby tree as violent winds began to whip around the overgrown forest. The usually silent woods erupted into a cacophony of sound, with frightened animals, quivering trees, and falling rocks creating a disturbing and disorienting symphony of chaos.
The winds picked up even more, and Talax moved closer to the tree trunk in an attempt to shelter himself from the flying debris. The other two companions followed his lead and sought cover. Branches, rocks, and even small animals were whisked away by the strong air currents, swirling around them like a deadly tornado.
For long moments, Talax waited with his heart in his mouth, protected by two overgrown roots like a squirrel waiting out a predator. Gradually, both the tremors and the winds abated, leaving behind a ramshackle forest. Trees had fallen over, plants and shrubbery were uprooted, and rocks had broken off, destroying everything in their path. The once tranquil forest now lay in ruins, and the three companions were left shaken and unnerved by the raw power of nature.
Talax frantically scanned the area, his eyes searching for any sign of his companions. Relief flooded through him when he spotted Qalo emerging from behind a nearby boulder, his body marked with new bruises but otherwise unharmed. However, his attention quickly shifted to Ferdinand, who limped his way out from behind a group of trees, looking battered and bruised. Talax's heart sunk when he saw the large dent on Ferdinand's armor and the missing helmet.
"What happened to you?" Talax rushed over to his injured friend, helping him steady himself as he stumbled.
"Um... a tree fell on me," Ferdinand mumbled, wincing in pain.
Talax quickly asked, "Do you have another potion?" Ferdinand nodded weakly and began rummaging through his satchel. He pulled out a small vial with a vibrant red liquid and downed it in one gulp. Talax breathed a sigh of relief as Ferdinand's face relaxed.
The group inspected Ferdinand's armor, hoping to fix it, but to no avail. Despite the uncomfortable fit, Ferdinand managed to keep it on. After searching for a while, they finally found his helmet, but it was destroyed beyond repair. Ferdinand sighed dejectedly, storing it inside his dimensional bag, hoping that his father's smiths would be able to restore it to its former glory.
The trio continued on their journey, their hearts trembling with trepidation. Each step they took was a gamble, as they didn't know what dangers lurked around the next corner. As they moved deeper into the forest, the devastation only grew worse. Giant trees lay uprooted, their trunks twisted and splintered. Rocks and boulders were scattered everywhere, making it difficult to find a clear path.
Qalo took the lead, his broad shoulders pushing aside the debris as they trudged forward. His muscles bulged with each effort, and his sweat-drenched shirt clung to his skin. Talax followed behind, his bow at the ready, his eyes darting around in search of any movement. Ferdinand brought up the rear, his armor clanking with each step, the large dent in his side a constant reminder of the danger they faced.
Hours went by, and the exhaustion began to take its toll. But finally, they came upon a small lake, the peaceful sound of water lapping against the shore a welcome relief from the chaos of the forest. They set up camp and rested, their bodies thankful for the respite.
The next morning brought renewed hope, and they set out with a newfound energy. Ferdinand's glowing orb led the way, its soft light illuminating their path. Talax unstrung his bow and stalked silently behind, his eyes scanning the trees for any signs of life. Qalo's broad shoulders still pushed aside the debris, but now there was a renewed confidence in his step.
As they walked, Talax caught sight of a group of small animals scampering through the underbrush. He nocked an arrow and took aim, but before he could release, the creatures darted away. Qalo's loud footsteps had frightened them off. Ferdinand apologized, his armor clanking as he did so. They continued on, and Talax decided to hunt on his own, hoping to find some critters to practice his archery.
Talax had been on edge for hours, his eyes scanning the forest floor for any signs of movement. He had been hoping for a good hunt, but so far, his journey had been unfruitful. Then, his tracking skill picked up on something - fresh tracks. Before he could follow the new lead he felt a surge of mana and he checked his skill status, seeing that he had just leveled up in athletics. After hours of trudging through the thick forest he was finally rewarded.
Athletics skill, level 3
3% to physical prowess, 3% to mobility
The small footprints glowed softly in his vision, leading him deeper into the forest. He moved quickly and quietly, slipping into the shadows whenever he felt exposed. He followed the tracks for half an hour, weaving in and out of the trees.
Suddenly, he heard a sound that made him freeze. His heart pounded in his chest as he scanned the area, every sense heightened. He saw movement ahead, and as he crept closer, he saw a flash of red.
A small red fox was digging in the ground with its paw, its russet fur shining in the dappled light. Talax felt his excitement mount as he readied his bow. He didn't even dare to take a breath as he drew the arrow from his quiver, the wood creaking slightly in his grip. He pulled the string back, feeling the tension build up until it felt as though the bow was about to break.
Suddenly, He felt his bow trying to form a connection, mana reaching out, ready to create a bond. Surprised, he almost jumped. At the last second though, he managed to stay still, the bow shaking by his trembling hands.
He reluctantly felt for the mana flow, and he sensed his mana respond to the strange resonance. He led some of his mana to his fingertips and then into the bow, suddenly his vision jumped. When he cut off the mana, his vision returned to normal. Intrigued he repeated the process. Again, the fox appeared in front of him, mere centimeters away. It was as if the fox was next to him, and he was able to stroke its lustrous coat.
He felt weak for some unknown reason, and he cut off his mana. When he checked his core, he realized he had spent an enormous amount of mana. Hm, even though the zoom feature was incredibly useful it could devour his mana pool in seconds. He had to use it in moderation, activating it in key moments, when he had a sure kill.
With renewed determination he aimed at the fox once more. This time he didn’t activate the zoom immediately. He first took aim and steadied his breathing. When he was ready, he activated the zoom function and corrected his aim by millimeters, aiming for the heart.
Then he released the arrow, and it flew straight and true, hitting the fox right in the heart. The animal fell instantly, not even having time to cry out. Talax walked over to it, feeling a mix of pride and sadness.
He picked up the fox, examining it closely. It was a beautiful creature, with bright red fur and piercing green eyes. Talax felt a pang of guilt as he realized that he had killed it for no other reason than to hone his skills.
A surge of mana made him forget all about his misgivings.
Archery skill, level 2
2% to damage, 2% to aim
Talax ran back to his party with a renewed energy in his step, the fox bouncing harmlessly against his back, securely fastened to his new pack. He effortlessly vaulted over shrubs as he trailed behind his companions, who were a few minutes ahead of him. Suddenly, he heard his name being called and closed the distance to find his friend Qalo looking troubled.
Qalo heaved a sigh of relief at the sight of him, but his expression quickly changed to one of anger as he took in the sight of the fox on Talax's back. Talax thought the orc was about to breathe fire from the intensity of his gaze.
"Where the fuck have you been? We thought something had happened to you!" Qalo roared. Talax cautiously approached his two companions, keeping a safe distance from the enraged orc.
"I was hunting! Look, I have a gift for you!" Talax presented the dead fox as a peace offering. Qalo was still fuming, but the sight and smell of the freshly killed fox seemed to have a calming effect on him. He decided that the fox was far too delicious to let a silly argument get in the way of a good meal.
Before long, Qalo had skinned the fox and, to the astonishment of Talax and Ferdinand, took a big bite out of its tail. The sight and sound of Qalo's voracious eating caused Ferdinand to gag, and Talax wasn't far behind.
Talax covered his mouth with his hand, trying to stifle the urge to gag at the sight and sound of Qalo devouring the fox. He suggested, "Wouldn't it be better if we light a fire and roast it?" Qalo shrugged nonchalantly, taking another big bite. "Who has time for that?" he said between mouthfuls.
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The two humans decided to keep their distance as the orc finished his meal, and Talax took the opportunity to ask Ferdinand some questions.
"Hey Frany, what's in the crying mountains?" Talax asked. Ferdinand stumbled for a moment, thrown off by his new nickname. "I mean, as far as I understand, your home is on the other side of the kingdom."
"Yes, there's a newly discovered entrance to a dungeon at the foot of the mountains," Ferdinand replied. "Researchers determined that it was used for rituals. Worshipers flocked to the place with gifts and offerings seeking the God's favor."
"And which God did they follow?" Talax inquired.
Frany shook his head. "We don't know. Maybe some minor God of the past that we don't know much about, or a God that was killed or exiled."
Talax stopped, surprised. "Gods can die?" he asked.
The man looked at him with troubled eyes. "Yes, but let's not talk about that. Anyway, the researchers believe that some kind of God-touched artifact is hidden inside the dungeon. So, my father sent me to fetch it."
"Your father must have faith in you to send you on such a dangerous mission," Talax remarked.
Franny scoffed as his sword sliced through a vine with a satisfying thwack, sending bits of greenery flying in all directions. His expression was one of annoyance, as if he was fed up with the forest's incessant attempts to slow his progress.
"It's a tradition in my family," Franny continued, sweat glistening on his forehead, "to send their sons on quests to earn honor in battle. All of my brothers were sent on some sort of quest. If my father was pleased with the results, they were rewarded. If not..." He trailed off, a look of determination replacing his earlier frustration.
"So, this expedition isn't just a fun adventure for you," Talax stated seeing Ferdinand’s intense look.
"No, I have to find this artifact and return it to my father. I've always tried to please him, but no matter what I do or accomplish, he's never satisfied. I hope that this time will be different."
"What were your brothers' quests?" Talax asked.
"Let me see," Franny said, pausing to think. "The eldest, Ansel, had to visit a city long destroyed. All that remained were ruins and festering earth. It's said that the citizens of the city angered a God with their hubris, thinking themselves above the Gods. They destroyed their temples and shrines, turned away from their patron God, and declared themselves as deities. Enraged, the God raised vicious plants coated with disease and corruption that annihilated the city."
As Franny spoke, the jungle seemed to grow more still and silent, as if even the animals were listening intently to his words. Talax leaned in, hanging on every detail.
"When my brother returned with an ancient artifact," Franny continued, "he had to be treated by life mages for months in order to purify his body from the blight."
Talax's eyes widened in awe. He could only imagine the horrors that Franny's brother had faced, and the immense strength of will it must have taken to survive such an ordeal.
"What artifact did he bring back?" Talax asked, barely able to contain his excitement.
Franny's eyes gleamed with a mix of fierce pride and intense jealousy as he replied, "It was an immensely powerful object that allowed my father to build a mythic structure, a golem foundry."
Talax's eyes widened with excitement as he asked, "What's a mythic building? No, what's a golem foundry? It sounds way cooler!" " Talax watched as Ferdinand's face lit up, eager to share his knowledge.
"Mythic buildings are rare structures that possess powerful magical properties," Ferdinand began, his voice tinged with reverence. "They can be constructed instantaneously, but they typically require a powerful object as a catalyst for their creation. Kingdoms have fought over such items for centuries, as they are highly sought after."
Talax listened intently, captivated by Ferdinand's words. As he continued, Ferdinand's tone shifted, and a hint of bitterness crept into his voice. "My father was beside himself when my brother presented him with the artifact. He was always his favorite. After that, my brother could do no wrong, even if he is a philanderer drunk."
Talax couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Ferdinand. It seemed that his father was a power-hungry aristocrat who pitted his sons against each other in a bid for favor and influence. Ferdinand's brother had managed to win their father's affection through a powerful artifact, leaving Ferdinand feeling resentful and bitter.
Ferdinand's voice regained its enthusiasm as he began to speak of the golem foundry. "The golem foundry elevated my father's duchy into a military power second only to the capital. It's a building that allows us to create golems, powerful magical constructs that are incredibly difficult to produce. Even the simplest golem requires a mage with immense power and concentration for days on end. But with this building, we can create dozens of them in just a few short weeks, so long as we have the necessary materials."
Talax's eyes widened with awe at the power of the golem foundry. He could hardly imagine what it would be like to have access to such a tool. Qalo, who had been busy stuffing the remains of a fox into his pack, looked up at them with a curious expression. The two humans picked up their pace, now that the orc had finished his meal and joined them.
As they walked, Talax couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness for Ferdinand. It seemed that his family dynamic was fraught with tension and competition, with each member vying for their father's approval. Talax sighed, realizing that sometimes power and magic came at a heavy cost.
"My father has a three hundred-strong army of golems, towering stone creatures animated by powerful magic. Our neighbors are always on edge because of our growing military strength," Franny supplied nonchalantly, adjusting the silver brooch on his cloak.
"What about your other brothers?" Talax asked with curiosity. After hearing the tale of the eldest brother, he couldn't wait to find out what his other brothers had accomplished.
"The second eldest was sent to retrieve an egg from a nest of phantom drakes. He had to navigate through a dense fog that obscured his vision, making it nearly impossible to locate the nest," he explained, wiping some sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.
"What? There are phantom drakes in this kingdom? I thought they roosted in the mountains to the north," Qalo boomed with a disturbed expression, his large hands flexing.
"A few years back, there was a higher than usual concentration of mana that attracted many beasts. They moved away as soon as the mana levels returned to normal, though," the nobleman reassured the orc, his voice calm and steady.
Qalo exhaled in relief, and Talax looked over at Franny questioningly, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Phantom drakes are a menace. They ravage the villages of the north, and they are very difficult to kill. Only light or life magic can harm them. A common warrior would become their dinner before he could even draw his sword," he explained, his tone serious.
"So, what happened with your brother?" he asked, earning a grimace from the noble.
"He managed to steal an egg, although he still has the burns as a memento," Franny said, smiling viciously, his teeth gleaming in the sunlight. Talax frowned at the man's reaction.
"What? He is a dick! If you want my opinion, he got off easy! A severed limb would have been more to my liking," Franny exclaimed in protest as Qalo nodded in encouragement, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I knew I liked you for some reason." He raised his palm and said, "high five." The two men slapped their palms as Talax looked on with astonishment and murmured, "I may be a bad influence on them."
"My third brother went to a deserted temple on the southern isles that was rumored to be inhabited by shades and discovered an enchanted shield that glimmered with a faint blue light," Franny continued, his voice lower this time, almost reverent.
"What is the big deal about a shield?" Qalo inquired, his interest piqued.
"That was not a simple shield! It was a god-touched relic. It can mesmerize the owner's enemies and even subjugate them if they look for too long at the shield!" Qalo whistled appreciatively, but Talax had to interrupt, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"What do you mean, 'god-touched'?" Ferdinand looked at him perplexed, his brows furrowed in confusion.
"How don't you know the term? It's an item either created by a god or had been in the possession of one long enough to absorb divine energy," Franny explained, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Or someone who was gifted a divine boon, like you two bastards!" Qalo supplied with a sour expression, his eyes narrowing.
"What? A God has provided you with a wreath?!" The noble seemed surprised and looked at him with an unreadable expression. Talax shrugged, not wanting to disclose his gift. He tried to change the subject when they heard thunder overhead, the clouds darkening as they approached.
They all looked overhead, trying to catch a glimpse of the sky through the dense canopy of towering trees. The lush foliage created a natural barrier against the elements, but the wind had picked up, and the rustling of leaves made it difficult to hear each other.
“We better find shelter.” Advised Qalo as he quickened his steps. The forest seemed endless, a never-ending monotony of greenery, with little change of topography. The dense undergrowth made it challenging to navigate, and the ground was covered in a thick layer of decaying leaves and twigs. Occasionally, they had to hack through annoying vines or roots that blocked their path, slowing their progress.
As they walked in a brisk pace, Talax looked around and noticed the delicate flowers that adorned the forest floor. He couldn't help but admire the way they contrasted against the rugged terrain. He looked at Frany, who seemed lost in thought, and decided to follow up on their conversation.
“So, all your brothers were successful on their quests?” The nobleman took a while to respond, prompting Talax to believe that he had said the wrong thing.
“No, Clemens, wasn’t successful.” Yeap, wrong thing indeed. He wanted the earth to open up and swallow him whole, seeing Frany’s bleak face.
“He was sent to capture a flying mount that would have made our army a superpower. My father has become obsessed with our military might since the creation of the golem foundry. I think he has plans of expanding our duchy, and he needs a strong military force. The zephyr charger seemed the perfect solution! An avian force that would obliterate any opponent! My brother though isn’t a very impressive warrior. His entire band was wiped out, he only managed to survive through his underlings’ sacrifice.” His face turned even more bleak, and his eyes shone with unshed tears.
"You don't have to..." Talax began but Frany waved away his objection with a reassuring gesture of his hand.
"No, it's ok. My brother wasn't the same after he returned. Both mentally and physically. My father was furious with him and stripped him of all his titles and exiled him to a little village bordering the dry sands. I haven't seen him for five years..." Frany's words trailed off.
Talax had the urge to go find the duke and deliver a well-deserved spanking. The man seemed to care only for precious artifacts and the glory that such items would bring. He couldn't voice his opinion, though. Frany idolized the man, despite his flaws and abusive behavior.
The mood for talk had dwindled as soon as Frany revealed his brother’s fate. The weather seemed to mirror their mood as fat drops started pelting their faces, and the wind howled through the branches of the trees. They walked for hours in the rain, drenched and weary from the long hike. The constant pounding of the rain had turned the ground into a quagmire, and each step had become a challenge, the sodden earth seeming unwilling to let them pass, with the mud up to their ankles.
When the sun dipped low enough to make it almost impossible to see more than a few meters away, the two humans heard Qalo’s voice calling them. Shivering, they followed the voice as the rain fell with unforgiving intensity.
Qalo’s figure emerged behind a copse of trees with beautiful, blue flowers that swayed to the intense wind.
“We will be safe here.” He announced with a smug smile, pointing at the cave behind him.
“Finally!” Ferdinand exclaimed and rushed towards the protection of the cave. Talax on the other hand felt disquieted for some unknown reason and looked at the orc.
“Are you sure it’s safe?” The big man nodded in reassurance. “Yes, come now. I am hungry!”
Talax smiled despite his fatigue and entered the cave even though his gut was screaming for him to leave as soon as possible.