Talax and Franny strolled leisurely through the lively forest, with the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds providing a serene backdrop to their conversation. The sun cast dappled shadows on the ground, creating a peaceful ambiance that felt far removed from the past few days.
Qalo led the way, grumbling about his new role as Franny's butler. His footsteps crunching on the forest floor as he occasionally muttered under his breath. His eyes darted around, scanning for any potential danger, a habit he had developed recently.
As they walked, Talax couldn't help but marvel at the vast knowledge Ferdinand possessed, evident in the way he spoke about various spells and techniques. The nobleman's expensive upbringing was apparent in his mannerisms and speech, and Talax couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at the opportunities Ferdinand had been afforded in life.
Despite his initial impression of Ferdinand's level being much higher, Talax now realized that they were not so different in terms of power, Ferdinand was only level 9, just shy of ascending into tier 2. However, Ferdinand's extensive training had given him a wide range of skills that Talax could only dream of mastering. The nobleman's family had spared no expense in ensuring that he was equipped with the best tools and techniques to become a formidable warrior worthy of their name.
While Talax had already formed some opinions about Ferdinand's family, hearing about the harsh treatment the noble had endured at a young age only intensified his dislike for them. However, he didn't express his true feelings, as it was evident that Franny held his father and older brother in high regard.
Ferdinand's insights proved to be invaluable to Talax, who had been feeling lost and disoriented after waking up alone in the temple, with no memories to speak of. As they walked through the dense foliage, Franny explained how the acquisition of new spells and abilities occurred every five levels, with the specific nature of these abilities dependent on one's personality, experiences, and nature. For example, two earth mages could have vastly different repertoires of spells depending on their race or characteristics. An earth mage dwarf who worked as a smith was more likely to acquire spells related to metals and their shaping, while an earth mage elf was more likely to get spells related to nature.
Ferdinand, with his wealth of knowledge, pointed out that acquiring a skill was just the first step in mastering it. Talax's swordsmanship skill, for example, did not mean that he was an adept swordsman, and his fight against the snake had demonstrated that. Ferdinand offered to train Talax and teach him the basics of swordsmanship, so he could become more proficient and level up more easily. Talax was grateful for the offer and felt a sense of relief that he would no longer have to stumble through battles like a novice.
As they continued on their journey, they headed west, following the blinking light of the orb. The dense forest surrounded them, and they were grateful to have encountered no dangerous beasts. Although they could hear unsettling roars and occasional yowls, nothing blocked their way, allowing them to walk without fear. The peaceful atmosphere gave them a chance to unwind and tease each other, with Talax taking every opportunity to poke fun at Qalo, which had become his favorite pastime.
The day's highlight came when Talax used his new spell, Clear Water, for the first time. As he extended his palm, water manifested from it, creating a narrow stream that fell in an arch resembling a fountain or... a pee stream. To everyone's surprise, Qalo expressed disgust and refused to drink the water. Of course, Talax found it amusing and made it his goal to splash the orc's face with water every chance he got, prompting Qalo to chase him around the forest. Franny, on the other hand, yelled at Talax for his childish behavior, reminding him that Qalo was now a butler and should be treated with respect.
Despite Franny's admonishment, the group's playful banter continued, and they laughed and joked as they walked through the vibrant forest. The leaves rustled underfoot, and the occasional bird flew overhead, adding to the already peaceful atmosphere. As the day turned into dusk, they set up camp near a gurgling brook, surrounded by trees that filtered the light from the stars above.
Franny let out a sigh before continuing, "You need to adjust your stance. Your feet should be parallel to your shoulders, and your posture is all wrong." He then walked over to Talax and placed one hand on his sternum and the other high on his back, prompting him to stand up straighter. "Much better. Now, make sure your grip is correct. Take a step forward and make a stab."
As soon as they made camp in the small clearing, Franny kept his promise and began instructing Talax on proper footwork and stances. Despite their initial lack of success, Talax remained determined to learn and practice as much as he could. His previous experiences had shown him that he was woefully unprepared, and if he wanted to survive in this world, he had to train and become stronger.
The sound of crickets and rustling leaves filled the air as they continued practicing. Franny was a patient teacher, correcting Talax's form and movements with precision. Slowly but surely, Talax began to improve, gaining confidence in his abilities. He could feel his muscles beginning to ache, but he pushed through the pain, determined to master the new skill.
During the long hours of training, Qalo had started a fire and cooked a meal that included parts of the dead snake. However, Talax and Franny were left slack-jawed and refused to try the horrid soup when they saw Qalo add mud with several insects in it and roots that exuded a pungent smell into the pot. The concoction was unappetizing and had a horrifying smell that made them both feel queasy. So, they decided to move their training a little further away from the campsite to avoid the smell and potential health hazards.
As they finished their practice, Talax thanked Franny for his help and collapsed onto his bedroll, exhausted but satisfied. He knew that he still had a long way to go before he could consider himself a proficient fighter, but he was grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone as skilled as Franny. He closed his eyes, feeling the gentle breeze on his face and the soft grass beneath his fingers, and fell into a deep and restful sleep accompanied by Qalo’s snoring that had oddly begun to feel familiar and comforting.
The following day, the group arose early feeling refreshed from their undisturbed rest. They walked in near silence for most of the morning, enjoying the peacefulness of the forest and the soothing sounds of rustling leaves. Every so often, they would pause to take in the beauty of their surroundings or to point out a particularly interesting sight.
Suddenly, Qalo came to a halt, his sword already drawn as he scanned the trees around them with narrowed eyes and took a deep sniff. The undergrowth was dense and wild, limiting their visibility, there could be an army of goblins hiding in front of them and they would not have the slightest clue. Franny quickly readied himself for battle, and Talax unstrung his bow, arrow at the ready.
"I think something is following us," Qalo announced in a low voice, tension evident in his tone. The group stood in tense silence for a moment, listening for any signs of movement or sound. But all they could hear was the chirping of birds and the distant calls of wild animals. Despite this, Qalo remained on high alert, his senses alert for any sign of danger.
The air was thick with tension as they waited, anticipating the imminent danger. The companions stood frozen, their eyes scanning the dark woods for any sign of movement. And then it happened. In a sudden explosion of movement, half a dozen wolves leapt from the shadows, their eyes flashing like amber in the dim light.
Their fur was matted and unkempt, bristling with a feral energy that seemed to radiate from them like heat. Their breaths were hot and ragged, the sound of their panting echoing through the clearing. As they moved, their muscles rippled beneath their skin, powerful and lean like coiled springs ready to unleash their fury.
The wolves moved in perfect unison, their bodies undulating like a single organism. Their eyes were locked onto their prey, and their minds were focused with a laser-like intensity. The companions were caught off guard, and before they could react, the pack had targeted Qalo.
The first wolf's jaws opened wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth, as it launched itself at Qalo's throat. He barely managed to sidestep the attack and landed a blow to the wolf's snout with a satisfying thud. The animal stumbled back, dazed and disoriented, and Qalo allowed himself a moment of relief.
But there was no time to celebrate. Another wolf pounced on him, its teeth sinking deep into his leg. Qalo's muscles bulged with the effort to break free, his face twisted in a grimace of pain. The wolf snarled and shook its head violently trying to inflict as much damage as possible.
As they heard the pained groan, they realized they were in no position to help. Four wolves circled them, froth dripping down their fanged maws as they prepared to attack.
“Create some distance and aim at the ones at the back. I'll handle the beasts in front,” the nobleman said with a firm tone. Talax found himself smiling despite the danger.
“Your wish is my command, my lord.” Talax stepped back slowly, trying not to draw attention to himself while checking on Qalo's situation. He aimed at the wolves and waited for an opportunity.
Meanwhile, Franny swung his sword with expertise, taunting the snarling wolves who watched him with predatory eyes.
“Franny maybe you should swing a bigger sword cause those bitches aren't biting.” the nobleman gave a surprised laugh and responded.
“I don’t think these bitches can handle my bigger sword.” Franny replied in a cheerful tone, completely at odds with their situation.
“My, my, my lord. Your courtly friends would be scandalized by your…” The sentence was interrupted as the lead wolf pounced on Franny, its teeth bared and saliva dripping from its jaws. Franny stepped aside with ease, his movements fluid and calculated. With a swift motion, he brought his sword down, slicing the wolf cleanly in half.
Talax's arrow whizzed through the air, striking a wolf that was ready to pounce on the distracted Franny, on its flank. The animal let out a pained yelp, but it continued to circle, its eyes fixed on its prey. Talax cursed under his breath, realizing that he had missed his intended target - the wolf's head.
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Determined to make his next shot count, Talax drew another arrow from his quiver. He took a deep breath and steadied his aim. With a soft twang, the arrow was released, flying through the air and finding its mark deep in the wolf's throat. The animal let out a final gurgled growl before collapsing to the ground.
The other two wolves, unconcerned by their brethren's demise, attacked Franny simultaneously. They lunged low, aiming for the man's feet. These wolves were smarter, perhaps having witnessed their comrade's untimely demise, and had adapted their tactics accordingly. However, Franny's metal armor rendered their attempts ineffective. The wolf howled in pain and anger as its teeth met metal. Its eyes blazing with a fierce determination to take down the armored man. Franny saw his chance and charged forward, his sword gleaming in the morning light as he swung it at the wolf's exposed neck. The wolf dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the lethal strike.
Meanwhile, Talax was undeterred by the chaos around him. He drew another arrow and took aim at the remaining wolf. The wolf circled warily, baring its sharp teeth in a snarl of defiance. With a swift flick of his wrist, Talax let the arrow fly, and it hit the wolf's shoulder with a sickening thud. The wolf yelped in pain and stumbled backwards, its movements growing slower and more sluggish by the second.
Franny seized the opportunity presented by the injured wolf and lunged forward, his sword flashing as he dealt a decisive blow to the wolf's heart. With a final shudder, the wolf collapsed to the ground, its lifeblood pooling around it in a dark, sticky puddle.
Talax drew back his bowstring, focusing his mind and his aim. He activated the bow’s focus ability and the world seemed to zoom in as he took a deep breath, steadying himself before releasing the arrow. With a swift and fluid motion, he let it fly. The arrow whistled through the air and struck the remaining wolf's hind leg, embedding itself deep into the flesh.
Franny let out a yelp of surprise as the wolf stumbled and moved as if drunk. "Hey! You almost hit me!" he exclaimed.
Talax ignored his friend's complaint, his attention still focused on the wounded animal. "Finish it off," he said sternly. "We don't have all day!"
With a grunt of annoyance, the nobleman attacked the injured wolf, his sword a fleeting blur as he moved with intent. "Tonight, we will add archery to your training!" he shouted over the sound of clanging steel.
Talax raised his hand in salute, a smile spreading across his face. The nobleman looked at him for a moment with confusion, but Talax simply shrugged and turned his attention back to his surroundings.
"Are you guys finished already? I was getting bored," Qalo called out, his arms folded lazily as he leaned against a nearby tree. At his feet lay the bloody carcasses of two wolves.
Franny and Talax turned to look at him, their weapons still at the ready. "It's not my fault! I would have finished earlier if not for Talax!" Franny complained, pointing his sword accusingly at his friend.
Talax rolled his eyes. "Hey, I saved your life!" he retorted.
"You most certainly did not!" Franny countered, his face turning red with frustration.
"Kiss my ass!" Talax shot back, a smirk on his face.
Franny was about to respond, but was left speechless, his mouth hanging open.
"Why would I do such a vile act?" he stuttered. Talax waved his hand dismissively. "It's just an expression," he said, turning to Qalo. "You believe me, don't you?" The orc gave him a quick once-over before responding with an unimpressed "Sure."
Talax glared at the orc. "You don't really mean that!" he shouted, but Qalo simply repeated, "Sure." Frustrated, Talax threw up his hands and gave up.
"Can you put the wolves in your bag?" Qalo asked Franny, who eyed him suspiciously. "Why?" The noble inquired but the orc shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe I'll need them." The nobleman continued to stare at him, but eventually gave in and stowed all the animals in his dimensional bag.
They continued their journey, now more alert than ever, and Talax couldn't help but comment, "That was easy." Qalo scoffed, "You hardly did anything!"
Talax checked his skills and saw with delight that one of his skills had leveled up.
Archery skill, level 3
3% to damage, 3% to aim
With a smile he said. “Then why did I level up my archery skill?” The orc merely shrugged in response.
As they pressed forward, the forest grew increasingly dense, with tangled vines and twisted roots snaking across their path. The trees towered high overhead, their branches stretching out to form a canopy that blocked out the sunlight. The further west they traveled, the more the forest seemed to resist their progress, as if it were trying to keep them from their destination.
After hours of hiking through the overgrown forest, they stumbled upon a particularly sinister tree. Its bark was twisted and gnarled, as if it had been writhing in agony for centuries. The sap that oozed from its trunk was a deep, dark red, as if the tree itself was bleeding. The ground around it was littered with the remains of small animals, their carcasses picked clean by swarms of buzzing flies. The tree seemed to have a malevolent aura, its branches reaching out with a sinister purpose, as if they were eager to ensnare anyone who dared approach.
Further on, they stumbled upon a breathtaking cluster of flowers, their vibrant petals displaying an array of hues that dazzled the eye. The air was thick with their tantalizing fragrance, which seemed to ensnare Talax, almost hypnotizing him with its sweet scent. However, his fascination was short-lived when he watched in horror as the flowers' fleshy, tooth-lined mouths snatched a helpless hare and consumed it with a sickening crunch.
Exhausted and uneasy, they sought shelter for the night, opting for an outcrop of rocks that overlooked a serene valley filled with trees and wildflowers. The picturesque scene provided little comfort for Talax, who remained vigilant for potential threats lurking in the shadows. He couldn't shake the memory of the carnivorous flowers they had encountered earlier, and the thought of what other dangers might be lurking in the forest made it hard for him to relax.
As the sun began to set, Talax and Franny engaged in a lively bout of sparring, their swords clashing with a metallic ring that echoed through the forest. The sound of their grunts and heavy breathing was carried on the breeze, a testament to the intensity of their training.
Meanwhile, Talax's archery practice was punctuated by the twang of the bowstring and the satisfying thud of arrows hitting their targets. The trees surrounding them were riddled with puncture marks, evidence of Talax's improved aim and determination.
By the end of their session, Talax was exhausted and irritable, his fingers raw and sore from the incessant use of the bow. Despite this, he felt a deep sense of pride and accomplishment from his progress. His muscles ached in a satisfying way, reminding him of the hard work he had put in and the progress he had made.
Swordsmanship skill, Level 3
3% bonus to aim, 3% bonus to damage
Archery skill, Level 4
4% bonus to damage, 4% bonus to aim
After hours of sweat and strain, Talax's hard work paid off, leaving him feeling invigorated and driven to improve. Franny provided a hearty meal, its tantalizing aroma wafting through the campsite and eliciting playful bickering over who would take the first watch. Eventually, Qalo was chosen for the initial shift, with Talax taking over later.
As the night deepened, the forest around them came alive with nocturnal sounds and creatures. Talax unrolled his bedspread, his body aching from the exertion of the day, and surrendered to exhaustion, grateful for some much-needed restorative sleep.
Talax was jolted awake, his body tense as rough hands shook him like a rag doll. Grogginess slowly gave way to awareness as he remembered that it was his turn to relieve Qalo from watch duty.
"Stop, I'm awake," he grumbled, trying to make Qalo stop his rough handling. But his words were met with a low, urgent "Shhh" that immediately snapped him fully awake. He looked around in confusion and saw Ferdinand crouched behind a small boulder, while Qalo was crawling low to the ground.
His eyes widened in alarm as he realized that the once peaceful and tranquil night had been shattered by a chaotic scene of vicious snarls and yips. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end as he struggled to comprehend what he was witnessing.
“What is going on?” he whispered urgently, as he crawled towards the edge of the small rise, overlooking the small valley below.
“Gnolls. They came a few minutes ago,” Qalo whispered back, crawling up next to him.
As Talax peered down the cliff face, his heart pounded in his chest. He was met with a gruesome sight that chilled him to the bone. Below him, a horde of over twenty hyena-like beings had set up camp. The creatures were larger than any he had ever seen, towering over even Qalo at two meters tall. Their filthy, matted fur was a patchwork of grays and browns, perfectly blending in with the shadows around them. Their faces were twisted into grotesque parodies of human features, with short, bristly tufts of hair sprouting from their hyena-like heads.
The gnolls were indulging in depraved acts of savagery, bickering and fighting over scraps of food, their razor-sharp claws and jagged teeth glinting in the flickering firelight. Talax recoiled in disgust as he saw one of the creatures tear into a live boar, ripping off chunks of flesh with abandon as the poor animal squealed in agony. In the center of the encampment, another pair of gnolls were entwined in a frenzied act of mating, their crazed yips and snarls echoed in the air, while a circle of spectators yipped in delight and snapped their jaws in sexual aggression.
The scene was a grotesque and disturbing display of primal urges and base desires, reminding Talax that the world was full of creatures who existed only to kill and survive. His heart racing, he retreated from the cliff's edge.
Talax crouched in terror, his hands shaking as he strained to listen to the gnolls' frenzied chatter. Their piercing, high-pitched voices grated against his eardrums, making his skin crawl. At first, he could only pick out a few words, but as he listened intently, the meaning behind their wild speech began to reveal itself. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, their crude language and deranged sounds seeping into his mind with an unnerving clarity. It was as if he was hearing the words in his own language, and he shuddered at the realization that he could understand their twisted, depraved speech.
He wasn't sure how he was doing it, but he suspected his void magic was at play, since he felt a faint ripple from his core. Nevertheless, he wished he could stop understanding the ugly speech.
Franny's harsh whisper cut through the cacophony. "We have to leave now!"
Qalo's small eyes darted around in agitation. "Before they catch our scent!" The half orc added with a trembling voice.
Talax heard a gnoll threaten to castrate his companion during their dispute over what looked like a human foot. The bile rose in his throat, and he agreed wholeheartedly with his friends.
Together, they crawled towards the dense forest, hugging the ground like snakes as they slithered through the undergrowth. The gnolls' shrill voices pursued them for several minutes until they finally made their way into the unbroken forest. Fear and adrenaline pulsed through their bodies as they walked as quickly as possible without making too much noise.
Despite their urgency, the two humans had to slow down as Qalo's large frame and awkward gait caused a loud thud with each step, alerting any nearby creatures to their presence. Talax winced as a branch smacked him in the face, causing his eyes to water and his heart to race with fear.
"What are gnolls doing this far south?" Franny whispered, her voice trembling with fear.
"I don't know," Qalo shook his head in bewilderment. "That was a lot of gnolls! They usually live in small families, because the keep killing each other. Even orcs don't fight that much among themselves."
As they reached an exceptionally dense part of the forest with uneven terrain and ancient trees that left little room to maneuver, Franny's ears perked up. "I hear water!" he exclaimed, barely above a whisper. "We should cross the river they will lose our scent."
Qalo nodded in agreement, but Talax felt his exhausted body protest in weariness. The thought of having to swim in freezing water this late at night made him want to shout in frustration. Nonetheless he remained silent and followed his companions.
After several minutes of following the sound of running water, they came upon a small stream that cut through the unbroken wilderness. The crystal-clear water revealed schools of fish darting around in the shallow depths. Talax sighed with relief as they waded through the stream, feeling the icy water rush against his skin.
"Can we finally get some sleep now?" Talax asked, but two sets of eyes looked at him with barely concealed incredulity. Qalo's face was set with determination, his eyes scanning the forest for any signs of danger. Franny's hand hovered over his sword, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
"Of course not! We need to create as much distance as we can!" Franny declared, his voice ringing with authority. "We can rest when we're far enough and have found a defensible spot." Qalo nodded with his hands folded in front of his chest, as if waiting for an argument.
Talax sighed once again. "Fine, lead on."
He knew they had to keep moving if they wanted to survive. With a heavy heart, he followed his friends into the darkness, scanning the forest for any signs of danger.