* This is a very short part, but I have been busy with finals in college and still am. The poll isn't used in this part but it will be stormbringer eagle and shadow condor. I will try to finish the other parts of the chapter soon but they might not come out till Friday or Saturday. If you guys want something to read you can check out my other fiction. It has been part of the reason for my slowness on this.

 A Warlords Origin

Chapter 4: Part 1

We headed out of Sportsman’s Warehouse weapons in hand looking around for any monsters nearby. One of the pigeon flocks had landed outside and was nosing around on the ground looking for food and pecking at store windows.

I looked back at the others and signaled that we would attack them. I got my shovel in hand and when I saw the others were ready I charged the pigeons. I swung my shovel at the closest one with all my might causing a snapping sound to emanate from the bird and it to go flying into the side of a nearby shop before disappearing in a flash of light, it was only the size of a house cat after all.

I heard a twang and saw one of Kate’s arrows hit another pigeon, causing it to vanish like mine. Bailey was holding off two while of the remaining three one headed for Kate and the leader and a level 1 charged me, flying at me with talons outstretched.

I ducked and rolled barely hanging on to my shovel. The birds flew by me and I rolled to my feet swinging my shovel at the slower one. The bird was knocked out of the air but got up with only a broken wing. Guess I got lucky that first time and they are a lot more agile in the air.

The leader had already swerved around and was making a pass at me. With my shovel extended and not enough time to dodge I jumped at the bird tackling it. We rolled on the ground it was faster in the air but on the ground I was bigger and stronger. I grabbed its wings trying to hold on while it scratched and clawed me with its talons.

Getting a good grip I tried to ignore the pain and twisted its wings in opposite directions there was a sickening crunch and then they went limp. The bird however was going crazy clawing and pecking me even more. Taking one hand off its wings I grabbed its neck and started squeezing.

The bird was now frantic doing everything to get out of my grip. Biting my teeth to ignore the pain I put both hands on its neck and squeezed tuning out everything else. Finally the bird went limp and vanished in a flash of light.

Getting up off the ground and dusting myself off, I looked around and saw the girls had finished off the rest of the birds. I saw that the girls both looked okay except for a six inch gash on her arm. All of us were panting from the fight, the adrenaline rush, and our brush with death. A screen popped up in front of all of us.

6 level 1 Jumbo Pigeons defeated

1 level 2 Jumbo Pigeon leader defeated

Will: 17 exp earned, 5 pigeon feathers, 1 green talon

·        1 level 1 pigeon killed: 5 exp

·        1 level 1 pigeon injured: 2 exp

·        1 level 2 pigeon leader killed: 10 exp

Kate: 16 exp earned, 6 pigeon feathers

·        2 pigeons killed: 10 exp

·        2 injured pigeons killed: 6 exp

Bailey: 7 exp, 3 pigeon feathers

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

·        1 level 1 pigeon killed: 5 exp

·        1 level 1 pigeon injured: 2 exp

Checking my inventory I saw it was a little over half full now and that the pigeon feathers and talon from the leader were all in my inventory. After dismissing the battle summary I saw a new notice.

Skill upgraded: Analyze

 Novice level 2

You are able to instinctively know the level of monsters your level or below. Analyze if used as an active skill will tell you the level and race of something. Items will tell the name and quality if you don’t own them. Items you own are not affected by analyze.

Skill upgraded: Shovel Mastery

Novice level 3

Shovels are a weapon in your hands. You know the basics of using one.

·        3% damage increase using a shovel

Attack Skill learned: Shovel Bash

Increases strength by 25% to allow a massive strike, only works when using a shovel

·        Costs 35 mana

So I had upgraded some of my skills and learned an attack skill. It seemed attack skills couldn’t be upgraded and used mana. I wanted to look into this more but we had to focus.

“Okay, guys I think if we stay out of the open we should be able to sneak past the rest of the pigeons. Let’s try not to get in another fight till we are sure we can win and we know what the pet store looks like. The pigeons were weak individually but if we ended up fighting multiple groups we would be in trouble and I don’t want us all tired before we get to the pet store.”

“Yah, that was pretty hectic. Especially when I missed my shot that one time I thought that bird was going to eat me there for a moment.” Kate said nodding her head.

“Okay, whatever you guys think.” Bailey said. It didn’t look like she was used to making decisions or being seriously considered before.

“So let’s try to get to their without anything noticing. Kate you lead the way with your crossbow. It gives you the most reaching attack and I don’t know the way to the pet store.”

Kate loaded her crossbow and took the lead sticking to shadows and the sides of bridges. We all made sure to keep a watch on the sky.