《Dive x Divinity》 Chapter 1 - Update In the vast expanse of space, amongst a sea of stars, laid a man- battered and bruised. His spacesuit blared, warning him of low oxygen levels as his ship fell to pieces. He watched as a fleet of ten ships started to surround him. Ships the size of skyscrapers. They bore sigils and dawned colours separate from each other, making them stand apart. Their only commonality was a metallic gold which shone under starlight. It enveloped a large part of their ships. Clank Clank Clank. The sounds of armour got increasingly louder. The half-dead figure turned towards it as a man walked out in red and gold armour, resembling the ship whose deck he stood a top of. With turrets on either side, he stood poised and authoritative. He pulled a small, sphere-shaped device with a little antenna of it from seemingly mid-air. He took a deep breath. ¡°Zeika, I am here to offer you an ultimatum.¡± the man¡¯s voice thundered. ¡°Either surrender all that you have stole from us- or face this unending slaughter.¡± Zeika closed his eyes ever so slowly. *** Beeps of a barcode reader rang throughout the store. Zein Karpa. A man in his early twenties who hunched behind the counter. He scanned the remaining items of an old man. Zein stared at him as he examined a card. Artwork depicting wyverns soaring through the skies adorned it with a logo which read ¡®AGE OF DIVINITY¡¯. On the back, in large red text ¡®Forge your destiny alongside 500 million other divines in a universe with endless possibilities. To begin your journey, a VR Spacequest is required. At the bottom, a PG13 sticker. The old man threw the card towards Zein. He billed it. ¡°That¡¯ll be 25.00.¡± he said expressionless. ¡°How would you like to pay? Cash or card?¡± The old man rummaged through his pockets and found a crumpled coupon. He slammed it on the counter. ¡°I have a 20 dollar coupon, I¡¯ll be paying the rest in cash.¡± said the old man. Zein studied the coupon, squinting through his round-rimmed glasses. He looked back and forth between the man and his coupon. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to tell you this¡­¡± Zein gathered himself. ¡°But your coupon expired.¡± ¡°What!¡± ¡°Twenty years ago in fact. An artefact of the past.¡± ¡°That can¡¯t be right!¡± ¡°It says so right here.¡± Zein ran his index finger over the expiry date, showing 2007. The old man, heated ¡°So what! I still don¡¯t see why it can¡¯t be accepted! I¡¯ll have you know, kid, I have been a loyal customer of Rich¡¯s for a long time now, longer than you¡¯ve been alive!¡± Zein had lips pursed, as the old man continued to demean and argue. At the front of the store, a taller man entered, dressed in glossy, oxford shoes, an overcoat which brushed his ankles, and a shawl. His eyes drew towards the ongoing struggle between cashier and customer. He decided to watch in amusement. Zein, noticing him, shot the man a glare. He regained his composure and attempted what he thought was a smile. ¡°Would you like-¡± ¡°Bring me your manager now! I can¡¯t believe his hiring practices. All you youngsters don''t know your place¡± he interrupted. An awkward laugh. ¡°I ensure you I¡¯ll bring-¡± ¡°What¡¯s all the hub ub Zein!¡± he was interrupted once more by a shorter man with a bald head and a moustache covering his mouth. ¡°Ah!¡± Zein tripped over himself. They both turned to face the old man. ¡°Oh! Why if it isn¡¯t Ronald. Zein, why don¡¯t you go and pack up for the night. Your friend seems to be waiting for you as well.¡± he said. ¡°Manager! I need to speak with you about your employee right here who has been nothing but arrogant and unhelpful from the start.¡± he said, voice growing louder. He stroked his moustache ¡°Oooh is that right.¡± he smiled. Zein took this time to escape towards the taller man, ensuring the registry was closed and the bill was laid on the counter. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Yo, Clark. Why are you out here harassing me at my place of employment.¡± ¡°Harassment! Lil ¡®ol me? How could you say that when I drove all the way down here just to see my buddy. My hombre. My friendo. My-¡± ¡°Alright alright.¡± Zein exhaled. ¡°Let¡¯s go get my stuff.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go! Let¡¯s go!¡± Clark said with a toothy smile, throwing his arm around Zein. The store was lit a warm orange and lined with shelves stocked with a plethora of sports equipment. From football to table tennis, one could find it all. Clark ran his finger across the shelf, a speck of dust unseen on his fingers. ¡°Who cleans this place?¡± ¡°I do. The manager can¡¯t reach the top shelves so he asked if I could take care of it.¡± ¡°Not bad Zeizei.¡± Clark smirked. Zein felt a shiver run down his spine. The boys made their way to the back of the store and entered a back room. Inside the dull grey room, benches and a couple of lockers existed. Zein unlocked one of the lockers and started packing a small drawstring bag. Clark took a look around at the other end of the room. ¡°Zeizei, mind if I get some wifi.¡± He called. ¡°Sure, yeah, hand me your phone.¡± Clark threw his phone. ¡°Catch!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Zein snaps his body, juggling the phone like a circus act. ¡°Don¡¯t ya drop that! It¡¯s a high-end you know.¡± Clark laughed. Zein clutched it. ¡°Yes, yes you¡¯ve told me. Multiple times.¡± he typed in the password. ¡°Wait. Why don¡¯t you just use your data?¡± Zein asked, throwing it back. Clark caught it with one hand ¡°Don¡¯t wanna waste it. Plus I wanna watch an Age stream. They¡¯re announcing something today. Something big according to ¡®em.¡± Zein finished packing up. ¡°Is that right.¡± Clark¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°What are you interested in?! You gonna come back!¡± ¡°Not at all.¡± Zein brushed him away. ¡°I¡¯m just happy playing cat cat collector at home.¡± he giggled. ¡°My kitties are so cute.¡± ¡°But I wanna play with my pal!¡± Clark cried. ¡°C¡¯mon man, at least one raid. Please!¡± he pleaded. ¡°Listen-¡± Before Zein could finish, a jingle. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s starting. Watch with me, at least.¡± Clark gestured to sit with him. Zein sighed and took a seat beside him as the stream kicked up. ¡°Hello everybody!¡± A boisterous man came on screen. ¡°I hope you all have been well. As you may know, we have a huge announcement to make! Something which could shake the world to its core. But before that, let¡¯s talk about some bug fixes and class adjustments.¡± The stream dragged on. Zein, in the meantime, ventured outside the room. Confused by his manager''s disappearance, he made his way towards the vending machine, located by the entrance of the store. Zein, pleased with himself, returned with the cheapest sode he could find. He tossed it to Clark who popped it open without looking and started downing it. Clark, exasperated in breath ¡°Eugh, grape¡± he downed it once more and passed it back to Zein. They continued to pass it, taking a swig each until the announcer''s voice started to boom. ¡°Finally, the big announcement. I hope you all are as excited as I am cause hoo boy this is a doozy. I am happy to introduce our largest expansion to Age of Divinity yet, Babel. A cyberpunk world with a whooping four dungeons! Each with its own ancient legend to discover.¡± Zein leaned in as a city surrounded by walls and barren wasteland had skyscrapers touching the clouds shown. Babel City held a complex road structure and a tram which rides the skies, shuttling between various buildings. The further you got from the centre, the smaller and dingier the buildings got. Some almost falling apart. Its entrance was an underground tunnel built with white, glossy metal and blue strip lights. ¡°Within this world, we have decided to let the players be in control of the economy. There will be open buildings and shops which can be bought by players and guilds in different districts of the city!¡± Clark leaned in as footage showed empty buildings, ranging from grandiose furniture, and chandeliers which screamed gaudy, to floors covered in grime and flies buzzing about. ¡°To make it even more special. We will be releasing the expansion for free at midnight! We hope to see you all at Babel!¡± The announcer walked off-screen. Zein and Clark stared in astonishment. Jaws agar and soda dropped. Lucky for them, it was empty. ¡°Wait!¡± the announcer exclaimed. ¡° I have one more thing to share!¡± He reversed into view. ¡°For our PvP lovers, we are introducing the ADCS, a.k.a the Age of Divinity Championship Series! For the first time in Age¡¯s history, we will be holding an open qualifier into a main-stage tournament where people from all over the world will compete for five million dollars! More details on this will be released soon. Once again, thank you for watching!¡± the announcer waved goodbye and the stream came to a close. The boys sat in silence, unable to process what they saw. Clark jumped from his seat. ¡°I-I need to get back to the guild.¡± he stuttered. ¡°What about you?¡± Zein couldn¡¯t conjure a reply. All he could repeat was ¡°I¡± ¡°C¡¯mon please please please please please please please please please please-¡± ¡®Clark. Stop.¡± Zein¡¯s eyes drooped. He faced the floor, resting his arms on his knees. Clark contemplated for a second. He reached for Zein¡¯s head and shook it. A personal, mini earthquake. ¡°Enough, you¡¯re going to undo my hair tie.¡± he said in dizziness. ¡° I ain¡¯t gonna force ya, Zeizei. But, if you really don¡¯t wanna, then I guess I¡¯ll just have you be the first to hear of all my exploits in Babel.¡± he said boisterously. Zein¡¯s gaze shifts towards him as Clark removes his hand. ¡°I wonder what the dungeons are gonna be like.¡± he laughed, plotting. Zein shuddered. ¡°Guess I may have to get back into it after all.¡± he grumbled while standing up. Clark smiled. ¡°That¡¯s my boy.¡± Chapter 2 - Welcome to Age of Divinity "You want a ride home?" "No." "Where do you live anyway?" "I''m not telling you where I live" "Why not!" "I foresee untold trouble." "Okay¡­" ¡­ "So, you gonna get in?" "No." "But why not!" Clark wailed. "Why not? Why not? Why not? Why not? Why not?" With signage reading Rich''s Sports Ware unlit and darkness seeping through the windows, Zein remained unflinching. Clark''s cries continued. "Your car is too flashy." "Don''t you say that about my baby!" Clark said aghast. "Don''t listen to him my love, he''ll never understand how special you are." he kissed the wheel of his chromatic purple T*y*ta Su*ra. Repeatedly. "Please, find someone already." Zein advised. "Why would I need anyone, when I have you." Clark stuck his hand out. Zein swatted it. "Owie." Clark pouted, massaging his hand. "I''m heading home." Zein said, hand raised like Buddha. Clark stopped massaging. "Hm? Are you still sure you don''t want a ride?" "Yes." Zein replied, eyes narrowing. Clark''s pout worsened. "Okay, text me when you reach home. Goodnight my sweet-" "Goodnight." Zein interrupted. "Let me know when you reach too." Zein readjusted his drawstring bag and began walking away. Clark leaned through his window, watching him. He grinned. HOOOOOOOONK. Zein startled. Clark cackled. He returned to his seat, reversed, and sped into the night sky. Zein scratched his head. "Bastard." he muttered with a smile, walking the other way as lights shone bright. Zein ambled home as shoes squeaked, people chattered, and cars and buses blared. Amid all this noise, his mind started to wander. "Do I have all my stuff?" Zein rustled through his bag. He heaved a sigh of relief, before spotting the store keys. "Did¡­Did I lock the door? I think I did? Should I run back to check?" Sweat ran down his neck. He peered from whence he came. Multiple TVs stood behind him in an electronic store, showing the Babel announcement. He laughed worried "I-I think it should be fine." he scratched the sides of his hangnail. Zein swung his head back around and paced down the street, fists clenched. He checked his phone for the time, distracting himself. "11pm¡­1 more hour huh¡­Should I switch to a morning shift?" he stroked his chin, leading to scratching. "When did the manager leave? I couldn''t have locked him in cause of the post-it note, but I didn''t hear him enter the lockers." he pictured the manager and his round, rosy-cheeked face- laughing like Santa Claus. Zein''s face embodied bliss. Zein meandered down the street, leaving his worries behind as the noise around him reduced to a murmur. While on his way, Zein came across a convenience store. The signboard lights flickered erratically; It read KH-Mart. By the entrance of the store, a machine with boxes in them and a sign atop reading Age of Divinity. Zein''s heartbeat intensified. "Ah¡­right¡­I need to get one."He stared a little longer, his mind taken over by the noise of his heart. Ding ding. Zein''s attention was dragged to the sounds of children exiting the convenience store, rushing to the machine. Curious, Zein decided to check. He stood behind the squatted boys as they smacked the machine. One of the boys had short, black hair and square red glasses. The other had dirty blonde hair with bangs falling across his eyes. Their names were Ren and Johnny. Ren had his hands clutched, praying. Johnny, lollipop in mouth, hit the machine harder until his hand turned red. Johnny fell over. "I told you we shouldn''t have bought candy." he huffed. "We don''t have money to buy a card anymore!" "But they taste so good!" Ren cried. "I''m sorry¡­" Johnny sat up. "We can''t ask for more money either." he caught his breath. "Okay. No problem. We just need to keep smacking the agepon like my brother said!" he said reinvigorated. "But what if we break it?" Ren asked. "We''ll uh run." Johnny replied "Where will you run to?" Zein asked, "Our home of cour¡­" Johnny looked up. The kids startled; Zein flashed a smile. "Ah! A cop!" "A cop¡­frick." "Please, please call me anything but a cop." The boys looked at each other and calmed themselves. Zein kneeled beside them. "Alright! Back to smacking." Johnny raised his hand to hit the machine, Zein interjected. "Stop." Johnny faced him. "Why?" Johnny realised. "You aren''t going to snitch to our-" This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. "How much do you need?" Zein asked, reaching for his wallet. Johnny sat unmoving and unable to answer. "We both have 10 dollars! We bought so much mmph mmph mmph" Johnny slammed his hand on Ren''s mouth, embarrassed. Ren''s words garbled through Johnny''s hands. Zein drew thirty dollars while containing his laughter. "Here you go, 15 each." Jonny, skeptical "My mom told me not to trust strangers." Zein, saddened "Well if you don''t want it." Johnny, pleased "We''ll take it, good uncle!" "I''m only 24!" Zein chuckled as Johnny snatched the money in excitement, releasing his hand from Rens''s mouth. He slipped fifty dollars into the machine and brought it to life. The lights within the machine grew brighter and a digital screen below the sign read "Please hit the button". It scrolled from left to right. A red button sat below the glass of the machine. The boys hit it. Boxes started to bubble. One slides out. "Please hit the button". The boys follow. Another slides out. They picked the boxes up. "You ready to open it?" Ren gulped. "You guys mind if I draw one too?" "Sure uh, Mr. Guy." "Thank you." Zein said warmly. He checked his wallet for cash. His warmth disappeared for in it sat a twenty-dollar note with a ripped edge. "Eugh. I knew I should have brought my card." With a dodgy twenty-dollar note, a perfect five-dollar one, and a dream, he deposited the money. Seconds felt eternal. "Please hit the button" Zein pumped his fists and smashed the button. Bubble bubble bubble went the machine and out slid a box. The matte black finish of the box made it blend with the night. If it weren''t for the stars and planets patterned on it shining ever so slightly, it may have been impossible to spot. All three give each other a knowing nod and open their boxes. "A Cowboy!" Johnny roared, jumping in the air. His card depicted a lone person, a large stetson on their head and a poncho flowing with the wind. In a desert with sand painted red and buttes piercing the sky, They rode a horse atop a saddle with various bags hanging off it. "Aw, man..." Ren wrapped himself around his knees. His card depicted tall grass climbing the wide-trunked trees with coloured leaves. Pink. Blue. Green. Yellow. Dotted amongst the trees, little lights lit up the night sky. Zein held his card to the sky, reactionless. His card depicted destroyed pillars dusted with sand. Cracked limestone slabs laid below it, etched in ancient symbols. The heat of the sun could be felt from the card. Ren eyed it. Zein noticed. Ren looked away. "Would you like to trade?" Zein asked. "Really!?" Ren asked, starry-eyed. "Yes please!" Zein obliged. Johnny leaned over Ren in awe. "Ooh, that''s so cool!" Ren giggled, triumphant. "I know right!" Zein picked himself up, brushing the dirt off his pants. "Alright, I better get going kids." he placed his card into his bag. "Will you be safe?" "Yeah, we live across the street! Goodbye, Mr. Guy!" "Goodbye! Thank you so much for trading with me, Mr. Guy!" "Why am I Mr. Guy." Zein watched as the kids scuttled away to the run-down apartment building across the street, leaving right after. The moon bathed him in its shine the further he walked. Reflecting off buildings and cars, Zein had his very own spotlight. He made his way to his significantly smaller apartment building and rode the elevator. Inside, the only noise heard came from the flickering of lightbulbs. The doors creak and stutter open. Zein dug through his bag for the keys to his apartment, unlocking upon reaching. An empty corridor greeted him. Zein gently removed his grey loafers, leaving them by a pair of slippers. He untied his apron and tossed it on his bed which lay in the centre of his studio apartment. The rest of his clothes followed suit. Zein tip-toed his way to the bathroom located by the door. The taps turned on. Water bounced off his bony body, echoing throughout the room. Until- "Bump pa bump pa bump pa b-b-b-bump pa bump pa bump pa Ohhhhh I wish I earned more money so I can get a cat. But what if he gets lonely? Then I''ll get them a friend. Then I''ll get them a friend. Then I''ll get them a friend. Then I''ll get them a friend." This continued through skin scrubbing, face washing, and towel drying. Zein hummed his little song, wrapped in his towel, slipped into his slippers, and hopped into a pair of shorts and a sleeveless tee he grabbed from the cupboard. He walked to his PC. It sat below the street-facing window. He switched it on and picked up his Spacequest. A device in the shape of a space helmet which allowed one to play VR games with no input delay between mind and action. Zein gazed at it. Zein gazed beyond it. Breathing slow. He closed his eyes, interrupted by the rings of his PC. It was a message notification from his Skycord. "Did you reach home cause I did :33333" Clark wrote. Zein checked the time. Midnight. "Did you start playing yet? Did you start playing yet? Did you start playing yet? Did you start playing yet? Did you start playing yet?" Clark spammed. "Not yet." Zein replied, annoyed. He exited the application as Clark''s chat bubble popped up. He turned his attention back to the Spacequest, collecting himself. He pressed a button on the back of the helmet and a card popped out of an indent. Decorated with drawn, exaggerated cats coloured in baby pinks, blues, and yellows. He placed the card by his monitor and rummaged his bag, pulling the box out. Zein removed the card, lightly scratched the sides, cleaning any dirt, and inserted it into the helmet. Zein jumped to his bed, making himself comfortable, helmet in hand. He took another breath, looking up at the ceiling. Eyes closed and helmet worn, a countdown began. 5,4,3,2,1. Welcome to Age of Divinity. Blink twice to begin. Zein blinked twice. "Retina scanning...Retina scanned...Creating new profile...Profile created...Babel will be downloaded during play." the screen displayed, fading to white. Orchestral music rose as the screen transitioned to space. Space and narration. Zein refreshed his memory. "Let''s see if I remember. In a universe far far away, planets within the same system developed space travel with celestial stones. Races of all kinds existed and co-existed¡­sorta? I am a divine, a being born stronger than those of their species and we are tasked with clearing the dungeons and bringing peace." The narration matched it beat for beat. Zein, proud, closed his eyes. A prompt popped up. "Would you like to skip?" Zein blinked twice. The trailer skipped and opened on a character creation screen. Zein, in the form of a translucent soul in a blue room, viewed the five races as they stood side by side, covered in a chest binder and underwear. Human, Dwarf, Half-Goblenia, Elven, and Half-Animalia. All other species had sub-species besides Human, which Zein whinged at. Intrigued by Half-Animalia, he hovered over it. "I haven''t seen many people play as one. Wonder if they added new options." He selected it. There were more options. Zein, surprised, started to scroll through. Urusia, bear person, Rodentia, rat person, Haplorhinia, monkey person, and- "I can play as a cat!" He immediately selected Felisia, cat person, and got to the edit screen. The race had the head of a cat and the body of a human covered in fur, thinning at the hands and feet. "What kinda cat do I want to play as." he giggled. "I like the usual blue Russians but also Tabbys." his giggle intensified. "I wonder when they added them? I should ask-" Zein imagined how Clark would react. Zein scrapped the idea. "This sure is tough though¡­" "Oh!" Zein made his ears large and wide, eyes more downturned and a deep sea green. He coloured the top of his head a dark orange and the rest of his flat body a much lighter one. "Abyssinian!" he said giddy. "Would you like to proceed as a Half-Felisia?" Zein blinked twice. "Proceeding as Half-Felisia. Please name your character. " Zein examined his feline body with joy. As he pondered a name, memories of his father came back to him, reading him stories about fairies and kings. "I could go with that." Zein figured. "Would you like to proceed as Anodos?" Zein blinked twice. "Proceeding as Anodos. Please distribute your stats." A stat screen popped up. Six stats in total. "Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Constitution, Charisma, and Luck. Each race had its own base stat distributions. Five being the lowest, ten being the highest. Hovering over each of the stat, Strength affected attack damage and weapon use. Dexterity affected stamina and speed. Intelligence affected mana levels. Constitution affected health levels and carry limits. Charisma affected NPC and monster likability. Luck affected crit and drop rates. "So the cats have a 5 in Constitution, Strength, and Intelligence, a 7 in Charisma, and a 10 in dexterity and luck." "Luck huh." Zein dumped two points in Strength, three into Intelligence, and the rest into Luck. "Mankei-neko!" he exclaimed. "I should buy one of those sometime." "Would you like to proceed with these stats?" Zein blinked twice. "Proceeding with inputted stats. You''ll now be transported to Aria." "It''s been a while." Zein exhaled, deep and slow as the screen flashed white. "Okay. Let''s dive." Chapter 3 - Slime Says Hello The blue skies welcomed Zein. The pillow-like clouds welcomed Zein. The leaves which danced to the chimes of the wind welcomed Zein. The cold, hard soil welcomed Zein. Aria welcomed Zein. He kept his hand on his chest not knowing what swelled within him. Did he want to cry? Did he want to laugh? Did he want to run away? Zein couldn''t tell. "It really has been a while" Looking at his fur-covered arms cleared Zein''s mind. Replacing it with something else. "I''m a cat" he giggled. Zein kicked himself up from the ground. He checked his clothes. A tattered white tunic and pants covered in dirt. Boots worn out. He began bouncing, swinging his arms around and rolling his ankles in an attempt to orient himself with his new feline body. A screen popped up during his orientation " Welcome to Aria. Hint: To begin, say ''Open Status''." the screen read "Quest: Make your way to Aria City." the screen continued. "Open Status." Zein followed. A status screen. It showed his health bar at 50, stamina at 70, and mana at 80. Below read his stats and above, his name, Anodos. "Hint: To close your status window, say close status. To move to the next page, say ''Next''." Zein''s status window closes. A couple of paces ahead of him laid weapons, scattered. A Sword, A Spear, An Axe, A Pair of Studded Gloves, and A Mage''s Wand. He walked over and kneeled "Next." "Hint: To pick up an object, just pick it up! Once picked up, it will be equipped and a skill correlating to the weapon''s class will register." "Next." "Hint: To check your inventory, say ''Open Inventory''. You can pull items from your inventory by reaching in and grabbing it." "Open Inventory." Zein''s inventory opened up. Inside were 25 slots- 24 empty, and 1 occupied by healing potions. At the corner of the slot, a small number 3 was written. He grabbed one of the potions and examined it. A small bottle, round with red liquid inside. He stuck it back inside. "Stop hints." The hints page closed. For good. "Close Inventory." The inventory window closed. Zein turned his attention back to the weapons. "Last I played, I started with the sword. Not like it''s fixed anyway." His hand hovered over the weapons. "Maybe¡­" Zein picked the spear, studying it. The spear had a long wooden shaft and a chipped stone tip tied with rope. A little information bubble read ''Wooden Spear''. He held it at the end, slashing and thrusting. "Feels good. I''ll take it! Skill Window." A skill window with 11 skill slots arranged horizontally. At the start of the row, a skill called ''Stab''. At the end of the row, an immovable skill called ''Dash''. "Dash¡­Did they change Dash?" Zein tilted his head. "I might as well check. Check Skill, Dash." Dash. Dash a small distance instantaneously. 5 second cooldown. 5 mana consumption. Skill cannot be removed. Skill does not upgrade. "Unchanged from 5 years ago. Huh, look at that. 5,5,5. That''s kinda cool. Anyway, let''s have a look at the other. Check Skill, Stab." Stab. +50 damage to weapon attack. 10 second cooldown. 10 mana consumption. "Hmmm¡­Examine Weapon, Wooden Spear." Wooden Spear. A basic wooden spear. 10 attack. 50% Deterioration. "The sword does a bit more." He stuck the spear out, measuring. "I can keep monsters at distance though."As Zein mulled over his decision to use the spear. A little blue gelatinous monster appeared. "A slime! No better time to test it out I suppose." Zein readied the spear. The slime hopped towards him. Slowly. Slowly. Slowly. It lunged. Zein stepped in and pierced the slime through its eyes. A tiny red text reading crit appeared over it. Zein tossed the slime up and leapt. "Stab." Zein stabbed. The slime split into tiny little pieces. A small red gem materialised. Zein caught it while falling, landing on his feet unbalanced. Barely keeping himself up. He regained his balance. "Safe." A piece of light blue jelly landed on him. Staying on him. He swiped it off his head, stuffing it in his inventory. He held the gem to the sky. ''Red Celestial Gem''. Lost in the gem''s lustre, Zein smiled. "My first kill." his tail wagged. Ding. "Oh, right. Status Window." Zein''s status window opens. He was now level 2, getting 6 stat points in the process. He distributed his points. 3 to Luck. 2 to Intelligence. 1 to Strength. He confirmed his stats, leading his Mana to shoot up to 100. Zein started hopping. Left foot. Right foot. Left foot. Right foot. Each hop feeling smoother. He stopped. "Alright. I''m used to my body now¡­I think?" he sat down. "Guide." A screen with multiple tabs opened. It displayed all kinds of information, ranging from monsters to job classes. Zein selected weapon information and scrolled. "Spear, spear, spear¡­Ah there." He selected information pertaining to the spear and navigated it. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "Let''s see¡­Stab, Slash, Parry, Sweep¡­" he muttered to himself. While this occurred, a slime crept up and lunged. Zein ducked. Through the translucent, blue guide window, Zein aimed his spear at the slime and threw it. Almost missing, the spear pierced the slime, lodging itself into a tree. The slime hung off the spear like a sack, struggling to free itself. Seconds, upon seconds, upon seconds later, the slime split apart. A red gem fell out with a piece of jelly. Zein huffed and made his way to dislodge his spear. "I''m rusty." he remarked, retrieving his spear. He picked the jelly up and held it to the sun. Slime slab the little information bubble read. Its light passed through the jelly, seamless in its journey, falling on Zein''s eyes. Blinding him, Zein brought it back down, calling for his inventory. He picked the fallen gem, left the slab and both gems in, and closed it. Zein walked into the forest."It''s my first session. I shouldn''t push it. Let''s head to the city after a bit." *** Half an hour of herb gathering and slime hunting passed; Zein reached level 5. His stats after 30 points of distribution went as follows: 8 Constitution 11 Strength 15 Intelligence 13 Dexterity 8 Charisma 33 Luck His HP raised to 80. His Mana raised to 150. His Stamina raised to 130. Stab levelled up to 2, reducing its cooldown to 9 seconds. "My head hurts." Zein moaned, hand on head. "Should I log out?" Lost in such thoughts, a red-haired boar with a diadem-wearing slime riding it charged at Zein. They were level 7 and 5. Though caught off guard, Zein''s muscle memory kicked in. Ssssssslash went his spear to the side of the boar. "Where''d you two come from?" Ding. "Hidden Quest: The Red Boar who knocked you out and its master, Sovereign Slime, stand before you. Kill them and avenge yourself. Reward: Boar meat and ???" Zein''s eyes went wide. "I''ve never come across this before! Plus if that slime drops what I think it does¡­" he grinned. Zein pointed his spear. The boar stomped the ground. Their eyes connected, enraging the boar, charging him. Zein jumped, thrusting down through the slime''s diadem. It was to no avail as his spear bounced off. Wiggling like a jumper''s pole. Zein landed behind them and stood carefree. "Right. Physical and Magic Resistance¡­How do I beat one again? Last time I did it was 5 years ago" he screamed internally. "Should I just go for the eyes again?" The boar snorted, however, before it could move. "Dash. Stab." Zein''s legs glowed ever so slightly and he dashed forward, stabbing the slime through its tiny beady eyes. The spear pierced, but it wasn''t enough. The boar, startled by Zein''s sudden movement, backed up. "It''s not the eyes either¡­" The boar, ears blowing steam, charged once more. Zein stepped aside, piercing the hog in its ribs. The boar let out a cry. "Let''s just go for the boar first." The monster screeched, charging. Using the spear''s end, Zein tipped the boar over, making the slime, and its crown, fall. Zein gripped his spear as he walked over to the pig. "Stab." Zein stabbed it through its temple. With one last squeal, the boar disappeared, dropping a couple of pieces of boar meat and two red celestial gems. On the other hand, the slime hobbled over to its diadem. Zein watched, squinting. He slid his way to the stone headpiece and picked it up. He looked back at the slime, eyes raised. The slime bumped against his leg. 3 damage. 3 damage. 3 damage. Zein raised his spear and pierced it, with ease. The slime split apart and disappeared. The diadem crumbled to dust. "Have I become a moron? It must be Clark''s fault." Zein confirmed. The slime dropped two red celestial gems, some slime slabs, and a stone pendant engraved with a crowned slime. Its information read ''Royal Pendant of the Slimes.'' with a little logo reading rare next to it. The pendant gave 5% magic and physical resistance, however, its durability was low. Zein whistled. With the hidden quest being completed, Zein gained extra exp, levelling him up to 6 and Stab to 3. The skill''s damage increased to 60. While calling his status window, he wore the pendant and tucked it. "Distribute, distribute." Scraaaaah! The fur on his back shot up. Turning to look in its direction, a monster half his size and coloured green brandished its weapon. A goblin. Distinct with its long droopy ears, sharp yellow eyes, and malnourished body, wrapped in a brown leather cloth around its waist. It was level 8. Confused "A goblin? Am I near its dungeon?" As Zein grappled with the situation, the goblin rushed in, striking him. He blocked his strike and shoved him. The goblin clenched its axe harder. Brows flexing "Dash." Zein called. He dashed forward and thrusted, aiming for the face. The goblin parryed it up, exposing Zein''s body. He swung at his chest. Zein slammed his spear down, blocking it. He grabbed the axe. It was a contest of strength. Zein cut it short , however, kicking the goblin in its face. He rolled and landed on his feet. Staggering and clutching his nose. The goblin looked up to see a spear flying at its face. He dodged, jumping. Zein followed the spear. "Dash. Slash." He dashed at the goblin and struck down with the axe, lodging it on the goblin''s face. A piercing screech. The goblin attempted to pull the axe out. It struggled, and struggled, and struggled, and finally. Hragh. Hragh. Hragh. The goblin breathed- bloody axe in hand. Wiping clean his eyes with his arms, the goblin watched the tip of a spear emerge from its chest. He turned his head, slowly. He saw Zein, spear in hand. "Stab." He thrusted the spear deeper. Blood poured from his heart. The goblin collapsed on Zein''s spear, dropping his axe and disappearing. He left behind refined leather and two red celestial gems. Zein was now level 7. "Is that the last of them?" Zein checked his surroundings while picking the drops up, storing it in his inventory. "Running into both a sovereign slime and a goblin though. Open Status. My head is turning to mush. My stamina and mana are low too. Even my spear is pretty much destroyed." Zein distributed his points. 5 to luck, 2 to intelligence, 1 each to the rest. "It was a good thing auto skill learning was on. I should switch it though. Manual Skill Learning: On. Close Status." Zein, unmoving. "If the dungeon is close by, I might as well check it out. What''s the worst that could happen?.." his tail swayed. "Should I pray?..I should pray." *** Amongst trees, outside a cave with thick wooden logs shaped like pencils and brown cloth tied between the two, Three people, a robed man, a hooded man, and an armoured man, all level 15, cornered one, a level 10 dark elf. The cornered, Jejj, lay beaten against a tree. Their leather armour in ruins. The armoured man, Boom, crouched to meet Jejj''s eyes. "Listen here pal, all you need to do is hand us what you got in goblin cave and we promise nothing will happen to you." Buum the hooded laughed like a hyena. Boom held his in. Jejj scowled. "Bullshit." "Don''t you say that to me pal. I''m trying to be nice here by asking you to return what''s rightfully ours." "Rightfully yours? Don''t think I saw your names on that dungeon. Did you write ''em too small?" "I told you we should have written it larger." Biim added, shrugging. "Shaddap!" Boom retorted. He grabbed the dark elf''s black hair. "Return the stuff and you won''t have to deal with what comes next." "Scary." Jejj scoffed. Boom slammed their head into the tree. " Don''t be a¡­What''s the word?" Boom asked. "Smartass." Biim replied. "Don''t be a smartass and just hand over the material you got. If you don''t, we, The Skull Kidds, will kill you. Over and over. Until you''re level 1 with no armour, or weapons, or money. You wouldn''t be able to take a step out of Aria. Like a rat in a cage." "Like a bird in a cage." Buum corrected. Boom slammed his fit into Buum''s stomach. Boom coughed. "Like a bird in a cage. We, The Skull Kidds will always know where you go. So again, while I am still being nice, hand it over." "Did you practice that?" Jejj sputtered through laughs. Boom''s face filled red. "That''s it! You''re dead! Strike!" His knuckles began to glow. "Sayonara, bitch!" "Hello¡­!" A voice interrupted, stopping Boom from striking. They all turned to look. A cat, hand raised and teeth bared, ears upright. Anodos written above their head. "Did I walk in on something?" Zein forced a laugh. Chapter 4 - Kidds on the Slime ¡­? A pause. Who''d break it first? They all stare. Pop! A vessel snaps. "What the hell are you staring at! Scram newbie!" Boom broke the silence. "Yeah, that''s right scram newbie!" Buum added. "Or do you want your head crushed in too!" "Yeahhhh¡­Crushed in? Smashed in?" "Shaddap" "Hey hey let''s not fight. I was just passing by. What''s going on anyway?" Zein pointed to the beaten elf, attempting to defuse the situation. Biim, meanwhile, took in Zein''s character. His mud-covered tunic. His ripped brown pants. His boots with holes in them. His worn-down spear and shiny stone axe. He took it all in. "We were just trying to get our material back." Biim answered. "Your material?" Zein questioned, mumbling something else. "That''s right. Our material. You see we own that cave over there, the dungeon, anyone who enters has to pay the fee." Biim held his arms together, making his robe seem seamless. His long face and slicked-back grey hair gave him an air of maturity. "But this little elf here didn''t pay." His eyes narrowed, iris barely visible. "Therefore, anything she got from the cave, we would like back." he smiled. "Is that right." Zein held his hands behind his back. "Why are we even telling him this? Who cares! He''s just a scrub." Boom roared, hand outstretched. "Boom." Biim''s eyes snapped to Boom, keeping his smile together with god''s strength. "Wha-!?" Boom stopped himself, throwing his arms in the air. Zein looked at Jejj. Sea green met black, then wandered to grey. "How''d you get to own a dungeon anyway? Did you pay for it?" his tail formed a question mark. "Naw they wrote their name on it." Jejj remarked. Boom grabbed their and slammed it back into the tree. The shock caused them to cough. Boom didn''t let go. Biim didn''t bother to look at them. "Well, she isn''t wrong. We just wrote it too small." he jibed. "We didn''t buy it. Not that that''s possible anyway. We just so happen to run this planet" "Run this planet? What do you mean?" Zein tilted his head. "Our guild, The Skull Kidds, are the biggest on this planet. Everything that happens here, goes through us. Even Ophis, one of the 10 great guilds, took us under their wing." Biim explained. Zein didn''t know how to respond. Biim realised. "Right, you don''t know who they are. Just think of them as one of the best guilds in the world. Ranked 7. I hope I don''t have to explain what a guild is." "Why are we even telling him this? In fact, how the hell does he not know about us? Or the 10 greats? Or what a guild is?" Buum commented. "Buum." Biim shot daggers at him. Buum looked to Boom for support. Boom returned it with the universal sign for cuckoo. "Anodos¡­is it? Would you like to join our guild? We can offer you many benefits." Biim asked, kindness laced in his voice. "Biim. What the hell are you doing? Why would you want some loser joining us." Boom whispered alarmed after calling for a party chat. "I agree, I agree, explain." Buum concurred. "He hasn''t been to the city yet. Figure out the rest." Biim replied annoyed. "Uhh, so, you''re the leader of this guild?" Zein ventured a guess. "No, that''ll be our leader Cy, Cyanide. He''s a fun guy, trust me." Biim clarified. "So, what will it be?" "I''ll have to think about uh think about it. Also, if you''re so big, can''t you guys just let¡­them go?" Zein looked to Jejj. They nodded. "It doesn''t seem like they cleared the dungeon anyway so I can''t imagine they got too much." "Arghhh enough! If we let her go, we''d have to let everyone who fails go! Do you have shit for brains? I still don''t know why Biim is explaining this to you but I am gettin'' mad." Boom yelled. Zein, taken aback, "Right¡­My bad?" "He''s a little thick but he''s right." Biim remarked. "So, Anodos, what do you say?" "I guess this much is enough." Zein spoke to himself, aloud. "I''m sorry but I don''t think I''ll be joining you." Zein answered. "Jejj, dash!" Zein pulled the slime pendant out and crushed it, running towards Jejj. Biim noticed it. His eyes go wide. The ground began to rumble. "Buum. Boom. Dash now!" "Huh? But-" Jejj cut Boom short with a swift kick to his abdomen. Though the damage was negligible, Boom jerked back unbalanced and fell. The rumbling stopped. Boom watched the clouds be eaten by a blue blob. A blue blob which grew bigger, and bigger, and bigger. Boom''s jaw dropped. He pushed himself up with his arm. "Das-" Boom''s dash was cancelled. He had Zein to thank as he tripped him with his spear on launch, dashing into the ground. Could it even be called a cancel? It didn''t matter in the grand scheme of things since the blob landed on him. Crushing him. Enveloping him. Suffocating him. 3. 2. 1. Boom mouthed, "Dash!" he dashed right out. A rich sky blue with a crown atop it. Level 20, towering, and pudding-like. The Monarch Slime had made its appearance. "Hidden Quest: You have summoned the King of this forest. Monarch Slime. You cannot escape it. You are confined to this area. If you want to escape, take it down. Reward: Yellow Celestial Gem, Royal Ring of the Slimes, & ???" Boom huffed by Biim and Buum''s side. Health at half. "What the hell is that doing here!" "By crushing a Royal Pendant of the Slimes." Biim replied, calling for his inventory and tossing Boom a health potion. It didn''t fill him up. "That''s a thing! How does that he know that!" Buum asked surprised. " He''s clearly not a newbie dumbass. Close Inventory" Biim clicked his tongue. "Here I thought he was naturally good at the game. He might just be on a new account like me." The slime locked eyes with the trio. It jumped. "Get ready to fight! Dash!" Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. "Dash!" Buum and Boom said simultaneously. The slime came crashing down. Clipping Boom once more. "God you are ass!" Biim remarked, opening his inventory once more. Giving Boom his last potion and closing his inventory. "We won''t be able to access our potions until we beat it. Don''t sell it, Boom." "Shut it." Boom replied, quieter than usual. The potion filled him. Excuses impossible. It was do or die. Biim barked orders while preparing his spells. Fireball. Buum climbed the Slime. Magic Missile. Boom roared with all his might, making the slime focus on him. Heal. Boom recovered some health. Dash. The slime swung the nubs it grew. Buum held on to the side. Strike. Buum climbed to the top. The slime spat goo. Biim dodged. Boom less so, tanking some of it. In the meantime. "I''m glad I had that on me! I''m sorry for springing this on you though, and thank you for accepting my chat request." "Naw, you good. I appreciate you helping." Jejj watched the slime. "But, won''t we both die?" "We won''t. Trust me" Zein directed Jejj''s attention to the struggling trio. Pfft. "Serves them right." Jejj folded their arms. "We still gotta- oop here it comes" A nub flew at them. "Jump!" They both jumped, dodging its blunt arm. "We still still gotta be on our toes, if anything like that happens again." Zein finished. "Do you have any potions left?" "I got only one." "Open Inventory." Zein stuck his arm in and grabbed a potion bottle, handing it to Jejj. "Here. Close Inventory." "Oh for real? Thank you. Are you sure?" "I still got two more so don''t worry!" "Ain''t you nice, Anodos. Feels sketch." "You don''t want it.?" "Too late." Jejj downed it. Their deep blue skin ridding itself of its bruises. "Deja vu." "Shall we get on the offence? If your health is back up." ''We gonna help out?" ''We need to deal some damage so the game counts us as participants if those three manage to beat it. We aren''t going to do much anyway. Let''s just hit it without using our skills." "How do you beat it?" Jejj cracked their fingers. Soundless. "By breaking its crown." Zein pointed to Buum who chipped away at the crown with his knife. " It becomes vulnerable once it breaks. No resistance and double damage. Even we''d be able to finish it." "Understood." Jejj cracked their neck. Soundless. "Let''s get it." They both rushed in. Zein stored his spear in his inventory, choosing to wield his brand-new axe. Choosing to deal 19 damage per hit. They began their assault on the unsuspecting slime. A monarch too busy to deal with peasant nuisance. After all, rebels stood in front and atop it. "My hands keep bouncing off! Are we even dealing damage?" "Yeah, we are, as little as it is. Plus, it''s good if we don''t do too much. Not like we can anyway. The slime is focused on those three since they''re doing more damage than us. Unless you have roar and just so happen to scream it." "Learn something every day- and I don''t got something like that. What happens if they beat it?" "Well¡­Let''s pray they don''t." Boom, exhausted and sluggish, couldn''t keep up with the Slime''s pace. He raised his arms to block the incoming nub with whatever strength he had left. Boom. He got swatted into a tree, splitting it in half. A breath. A disappearance. Boom dropped a pair of gloves as he evaporated into blue pixels. "Boom! Shit. Buum, how close are you?" Biim downed a mana potion. "Almost got- woah!" The slime, once occupied by Boom, changed its focus to Biim. It squished. It stretched. It leapt into the air. Buum, caught off guard, slid off the slime. "Dash!" Biim yelled as he ran. Luck did not favour the duo. Buum slammed head-first into Biim''s back after his dash. "Get off! Now!" Biim used all his strength to push the dizzy Buum off him. It was too late. Biim, with all his infinite wisdom, aimed his staff at Jejj and Zein. "Fireba- blrgh blrgh blrgh" The slime ate it, and them. Jejj, impressed, "Wow, prayers answered." Zein, saint-like, "The lord giveth and the lord taketh away." The two chuckled. Zein slammed his hands together. "Okay, It''s going to focus us now. Dash with me up the slime." Five became two. The monarch would now address the peasants. Jejj and Zein. They stood ready, HP full. "One hit from the slime and we both go down." Zein gripped the axe harder. Jejj clenched their fists. They both run at the Slime. The slime shot goo at them. Jejj punched whatever came their way. Zein deflected with the axe. "Not bad, Jejj." Zein and Jejj landed on it. "Dash!" they shot straight up, flying above the slime. He called for his inventory and extracted his spear. "The slimes at half health. But the crown''s falling apart." Zein tossed the axe to Jejj. "Here. Use everything you got. You should''ve gotten a skill called slash. Would you mind doing the honours?" "Honours mine." Jejj leaned into the fall. The slime looked around, not knowing where they went. Jejj readied their axe. Holding it behind their head, two hands, triceps and forearms flexed. "Slash!" they announced. The axe split the crown in half on contact. Crumbling to pieces. Their momentum carried, slashing through the slime. They dashed out. "It''s hard as hell speaking in there. Why is that even the case?" "The game makes it harder to use skills when under crowd control skills or circumstances which makes it hard to speak." Zein leaned into his fall this time. He kissed the shaft of his spear and held it to his forehead. He closed his eyes for a second and swiped it away. "Stab. Dash." Zein pierced the slime, falling in and dashing out. 35% remained. Zein joined Jejj''s side with a broken spear. They bump fists. "Now what? We keep hitting?" "Yeah. Make sure to aim for the eyes. Do you mind passing me the axe? From what I saw, Boom dropped a pair of gloves where he died." "Why you being so damn polite? We chill now you know." Jejj tossed it back to Zein. He caught it with a smile. "Thank you. I just didn''t want to impose." He stood back up, flexing his back. "You ready to finish this?" "Let''s do this, Anodos." Jejj grinned and sped towards the gloves. The slime watched them go by, raising its nub. "Over here big guy!" Zein dashed in and started slicing. The slime flung it at Zein. He narrowly avoided it and sliced it. Its nub wiggled and disintegrated. The slime jumped, its target acquired. Zein waited. He waited. He waited. Milliseconds before impact, he dashed. Upon landing, "Slash." Zein brought his axe down, cutting through like butter. He continued his onslaught. Slicing and dicing. The slime spat goo. Step. Step. Step. It missed. "Yo! You ready?" Jejj charged at the slime. "Oh yeah. Let''s see what these Stone Gloves got!" Jejj leaped. "Dash!" They reached the slime''s height. "Look here, Slimey." Zein ran towards Jejj, dragging the slime''s attention, dodging its regrown nub, until it''s eye to eye with them. They aimed with the left and pulled their right all the way back. "Detroit Strike!" "They''re gonna love the next skill." Like a whip, their arm struck the slime between the eyes. A crit. An indicator for double damage. Jejj dealt four times the usual damage with one strike. The slime wobbled back. Zein ran up the slime and pounced, landing between its eyes. "Slash." Zein put his whole weight into the axe and slashed down. A crit. The slime swelled up and burst into pieces. Surrounded by slime debris, Zein fell. Fell right into the arms of Jejj. Arm wrapped around them, "Ohh nice catch! And punch!" Jejj readjusted him, "I know right! Being a weeb has its benefits after all." They laughed. Laughed at the absurdity of the situation. Laughed at the trio. Laughed at the idea of a giant slime with a crown and little nubs. They laughed, and with an exhale, they fell silent. A comfortable silence. Zein broke it. "You like holding me that much." "Ah yeah, my bad." Jejj let him down; his legs shivered. "Ahhh my legs¡­And head." "Take it easy." Jejj spotted something from the corner of their eye. "Oh, I see the drops." They run up to a couple of items strewn across the grass. 5 Yellow Celestial Gems. The Royal Ring of the Slimes. A stone ring with a hardened slime slab, cut to resemble a stone. 10% physical and magical resistance. +20 constitution. Level restriction 20. Deterioration 0. Slimified Spear. A light blue spear made of hardened slime slab. +41 attack. High durability. Deterioration 0. Level restriction 20. Both items were rare. Zein crawled to Jejj. "Do you want the ring? I''ll take the spear." Jejj picked it up. "Sure. I''ll take it. But, it''s got a level restriction." Zein reached for the spear, still on the ground. "True, but, anyone can wear it, it just nerfs itself a bit. Weren''t those gloves the same?" "Lemme check." "Okay. I''m gonna go pick Biim and Buum''s items." "Bet." Zein pushed himself up, trudging to where Biim and Buum died. A mana potion and a red celestial gem. He retrieved both and headed to Jejj. Jejj scratched their head. "It doesn''t have a level requirement. But, these gloves are crazy! +30 attack straight up." "Ooh, not bad. You may have reached the level requirement after we beat the slime." Zein commented. They checked their status window. "Oh shit, I shot up 2 levels." Jejj exclaimed. "And here." Zein tossed the mana potion to Jejj and took a seat. "Huh?" Jejj received it. "Mana potion. I''ll take the red gem and two yellows. You can have the rest!" "Hell yeah! What about you though? Aren''t you giving too much? Feel like you ain''t get a lot from this even though you did more. Even this mana potion. Sure you don''t need it?" "I''m okay. You broke the crown and dealt the most damage after all. Plus, I am investing my points into intelligence anyway." "How you know if my intelligence is low or not?" Jejj raised their eyebrow. "A hunch?" Zein raised his shoulder, gauging. "Good ass hunch cause imma need it. Open inventory." Jejj stored it, closing both their inventory and status window. "Anyway, what now?" "Hmmm." Zein held their head. "Well, we got two options. Either we go back into town and run into that guild, or, clear the dungeon. Two''s better than one after all." Zein raised two fingers. "We doing that dungeon, big man." They held their hand out. Zein grabbed it and pulled himself up. Zein and Jejj headed for the cave. Chapter 5 - Meet the Goblins A spacious room with carpets blooming red. A washroom clad in marble. Windows which faced the streets. A sofa, filled with the finest feathers, for three. Lights. Not powered by flame but by electricity. Three single beds- each with their own side table. Its wood, spotless and smooth. The beds were empty. The bed was empty. Biim and Buum appeared, laying flat on two of the beds. Biim shot up. Buum remained resting, and Boom stomped around. "I''m impressed you didn''t run after them." Biim remarked "Shut it. If you didn''t talk to that loser, we wouldn''t be here." Boom retorted. "You''re right. I made a mistake." Biim admitted. Boom, further annoyed, stopped in his tracks and swung his body to face Buum. He clenched his fists. He released them. Clenched. Released. The room felt hotter with every passing second. Boom fingers itched to grab Biims''s neck. "AGH!" He released his arms and faced the other way. Buum, having fought a fierce battle with gravity, sat up. "Biim." He looked at him. "Why were you trying to get that guy on our side?" Biim sighed. " Like I said before. That guy. The cat. Ano..dos? Anodos- was level 7. He didn''t go to Aria either." Biim bent his knee and rested his arm on it. "Only older players who reset or morons with gods gift for the game would do that. I just thought he was a moron with a gift. Not a lot of veterans would just up and delete their character after all. There''s only been a few instances, me included, and even they wouldn''t go through all that trouble. You guys know I didn''t. That''s why I wanted to recruit him to the guild. Cy is always looking for new members after all." "Too many words." "Me think he good at game. Me want recruit. But he just veteran. Really good veteran." "Don''t patronisis me!" Boom pointed at him. "Yeah! Don''t patronise him!" Buum agreed. "Patronise!" Boom pointed harder, somehow. "Boom, what did you lose? Buum, you check too. Open inventory." "Ah! That''s right!" Boom held his fists. "My slime studded gloves!" He exclaimed. "I''m gonna kill you! Step outside right now I''m gonna kill you!" "That''s why you invest in luck bird brain. Don''t blame me for your shitfortune." Biim shrugged. "I only lost a mana potion." "I lost a red gem." "See?" ARGH! "I''m gonna kill you!" Boom dove him. Biim kept him at bay with his feet. "Before you do that, did you two lose exp?" He planted his foot on Boom''s face. "No! Now show me your head." Boom grabbed his foot and moved it aside, only for another to plant its roots. "Yeah, me neither." Buum replied, watching from the sidelines. "Okay¡­Great¡­" Biim struggled "Agh, Boom get off me!" With all his strength, he pushed the stocky man off him. Boom stanced himself. Ready to jump. "We can salvage this. We just got to do a couple things. First, we call Cy and let him know what''s up, cause honestly, I see no point in going after them. Second-" "You coward!" Boom interrupted. "I''m gonna go there right now! I''ll kill them myself. Then you." Boom stormed to the door. "Boom, listen to me, you''re just gonna get yourself killed again." "But, what if they didn''t beat the slime?" "No. They did." Biim spoke, unwavering. "We lose exp whether the battle is ongoing or not. Death leads to loss. We just levelled up too, so, if they failed, we''d be back to 12. In fact, I think we gained more than we lost. Listen, just trust me on this, do not chase after-" "Shut it. I''m going." Boom kicked the door open. "Buum!" "I''m coming!" Buum replied, eyes pleading to a Buum who sat in silence. "Fine. I''ll come. Let''s get revenge." "We''ll kill them!" Boom shouted from outside. "Kill them!" Buum slapped the bed, jumping to his feet. The trio set out for Aria Forest. Destination: Goblin cave. *** Zein and Jejj arrived at the cave, partying up. After distributing their points, Jejj had 250 health, 150 mana, and 200 stamina. Zein had 110 health, 210 mana, and 150 stamina. He held the spear in his right and the axe in his left. "You ready?" "Hell yeah." Jejj punched their palm. "Let''s getit." "Cave of Goblins. Recommended level 13. Begin?" "Begin." their voices overlapped. The two walked in. Upon entry, Zein received a glossy white stone called an escape stone. The dungeon''s first level was cavern-like with its wide and flat base. Stalactites hung from the ceiling and sunlight danced in from the entrance. Goblins, level 9 and indifferentiable from each other, roamed the cave, wielding their axe. They began their assault. Zein effortlessly switched between the axe and spear, and Jejj stung like a bee. Sweat was a term unheard of to them as they left a trail of leather and red gems. They were nice enough to clean up, splitting the gems and leather equally. Zein and Jejj headed for the staircase at the end of the cavern, descending. "Which level did you reach by the way?" "Wanna guess?" "2?" "Made it to 3 baby." Jejj puffed their chest. "Also why I only had 1 health potion. Bought 7 too." Jejj deflated their chest. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. The second cave had stalagmites emerging from the ground and torches lining its walls The cave was wide like the first, yet longer. Wandering the cave in groups of three were level 10 goblins who held shields, bows, and swords. Each classified as Tank Goblins, Warrior Goblins, and Archer Goblins "Question." Zein tilted his head towards them. "Why Anodos?" "Why? Is it weird?" "Naw, it''s just interesting. Very Greek." "Ohh." Zein stood silent, watching the goblins. "Well, before I answer that, let''s deal with these guys." he said. "Bet." The two charged the first group of goblins. Noticing their intent, the goblin archer ran to a stalagmite. The tank raised their shield and the warrior drew their sword. Zein "dash"ed past them, beeling for the archer. Zein sliced the archer''s ankles before they could reach cover. "Stab." his spear pierced the goblin''s neck, criting. Zein rushed to help Jejj. "Slash." the warrior''s back bled, disintegrating. "Strike." Jejj destroyed the shield, finishing the goblin with a left hook. Zein checked in on the archer. 3 Red Celestial Gems and a piece of leather waved hello. He collected them. Jejj collected the rest. "My name comes from a character in a book my dad used to read me." "That it?" Jejj walked over to the stalagmite. "Yeah, pretty much." Huh. "Which book?" "Hmm." Zein wracked his brain. "I¡­don''t remember. I''d check if I had it, but it''s with my mother." Eugh. "I ain''t gonna press no more my bad. But, cool name." Zein smiled while pointing to the next group of goblins who wanted to take the fight to them. Rinse and Repeat. Zein went for the archer; Jejj kept the other two interested in them. The archer went down. He charged the warrior next. His endeavours were unnecessary. "Impressive.".The warrior and the tank fell to dust. Zein watched the continued struggle of the archer, making his way towards them. The goblin looked at him, malice in their eyes. He grabbed their bow and quiver with five arrows in them. Ding. He levelled up. Jejj joined him by the pile of gems and leather. "Nice stuff back there." Jejj took a bow. Zein slung the bow and quiver on his shoulder. "The bow too?" "I love watching You-be videos." "Crazy if this works." "Learn Skill: Mark." "Mark? What''s it do?" "It deals 15% extra damage to a marked target when you use a bow and arrow. It used to work by calling out the target''s name but they patched it so you only need to look in the specified direction. If it marks the wrong target, you can just cancel it and it''ll return half the required mana which is 10 at the start." "Not bad, that skill. Make sure you don''t miss." "I''ll try." He chuckled, retrieving his spear. "What about you by the way? Where''d you get your name from." "Excellent question, Anodos. Glad you asked. You see, Je is I in French and my name''s initials are JJ. Jj is also pronounced as an emphasised J¡­kinda¡­ in Korean as compared to the singular J pronounced as ch. Je reads as J too so JJ. I jj and JJ! Clever right?" Another set of goblins appeared. "Yeah, very much so." Zein chuckled. "You know Korean and French?" "Hell yeah! Tryna learn wherever I can. Wanna try?" "Is that right." Zein chuckled. "I''ll take you up on that offer one day! For now, watch the shield." The tank swung their shield. Jejj ducked, letting it zip past their head. Jejj threw an uppercut, hitting the tank in the jaw. They staggered while gripping their jaw. The warrior drew their sword, rushing to help. The archer positioned themselves behind a pair of stalagmites. "Shield me from those two for a second. Let me show you the power of a bow. Open Inventory." Zein stored his spear and axe. "Aight big guy let''s see whatchu got." "Mark." Zein loaded his arrow, the archer let fly theirs. Jejj grabbed the tank, using them as a meat shield. GRAAAH. The arrows stuck out of him. Zein''s turn. He aimed his arrow. Steady. Steady. Thwip. The arrow flew, it flew, and it flew through a gap in stalagmites, hitting the archer in the head. It''s a crit. "God bless the luck stat." The goblin fell over, writhing in pain until it disintegrated. "Impressive. Send me these videos." "Gracias." ¡­ "Did I say that right?" "Close enough. Let''s finish up." "Before that, could we disarm them?" "What?" Jejj side-stepped the warrior''s sword and kicked them in the ribs. "We get to keep their weapons then!" "Askin some hard shit. Fine! I''ll do it." "We''ll do it." Zein aimed his bow at the warrior and shot, hitting them in the chest. Jejj grabbed the sword and slashed at the tank. Parrying awkwardly, the shield slipped off their hand. "Strike." Jejj whipped their fist at the tank, another to the jaw- another disintegrating. Ding. Jejj levelled up. "Do you want the shield? I''ll take the sword." Hmmmmm. "Think I should?" "If you don''t want it, I''ll take both!" "Hell no! I ain''t gonna let you hog all of ''em no way! I''m taking it." "It''s all yours." Zein laughed. "Shall we head down?" A minute and 6 points of distribution later, they made it to cave three. A circular room with torches all around. Not a crack or crevice in sight; the floor littered with pebbles and 4 goblins levelled 13. A tank, a warrior, an archer, and a goblin with mage''s wand. A Mage Goblin. "Anodos." "Yeah?" "We crush them." Zein smiled. "Maybe I should get my escape stone ready." "You dead if you do. If I go down, you go down with me. Understood?" "Aye aye." Zein saluted with his bow. The mage started chanting. The archer aimed. The tank rushed. The warrior followed behind. Zein stepped back. Another step. Another step. Another step. Jejj raised their brows in confusion. "The hell you-" "Launch me." Zein ran. Jejj, jittering in place between the charging goblins and the charging Zein. Coming to a decision, Jejj kneeled, holding their shield to their head. Slanting it. "On god if this don''t work." "Trust me." Jejj slammed his foot on the shield. "I leave them to you! Mark." He jumped; they pushed. Zein soared over the goblins as an arrow zipped past him. He drew his bow. A purple mark hovered over the mage. Zein unleashed an arrow at their head, hitting, cancelling, and stunning. He landed on their head, pushing the arrow deeper. The archer, startled, locked on to Zein, letting it rip. Zein squatted, letting go of his bow and pulling his spear from blue pixels. "Stab" Zein impaled the archer. Blood streamed down the goblin''s head and neck like a waterfall. The mage got up, blood-smeared arrow in hand. Blood-smeared face enraged. Zein sowed his spear, goblin hanging off it, and retrieved his axe. The mage chanted faster. A fireball shot from their wand. Zein dropped his shoulder, shifting himself, letting it hit the archer. "Dash. Slash." The mage could not react. Zein slashed at the gaping hole in the mage''s head. He crit. GRAAAAAH. The goblins screeched. One went out in a fiery flame, the other with an axe lodged in their brain. His spear reaped, standing tall- burn marks unseen. "I just got that too." Zein gathered his spear and axe, shifting his focus to Jejj who kept pace with the remaining two. They used their shield to deflect the sword and footwork to dodge the tank''s shield. If an opening was seen, a punch was thrown. Zein stored his weapons and picked the bow off the ground. He loaded it and drew. "Aim for their neck, Jejj." "Strike." The warrior''s neck snaps. They stuttered. They stopped. They fell with an arrow in their head, becoming gems and leather. "This what they call kill stealing?" "Teamwork makes the dream work as they say. We sharing the exp after all." "Boy." they rolled their eyes, turning their attention to the goblin who stood frozen. "Dash." they close the distance, slashing with their shield, and forcing them to block awkwardly. Jejj struck the tank''s abdomen; its impact felt all over. The tank staggered- bent and clutching their abdomen, exposing their neck. Jejj slipped the shield off their arm and slammed it down on the barren connector, turning them into loot. The two collected their winning as a hidden door on the floor spun open, revealing the last cave in the system and rope. Jejj, curious, rappeled. "Are you for real?" A long, narrow tunnel stuffed with tanks, warriors, archers, and mages, all level 11, awaited them. They ascended in terror. "The hell we gonna do about that!" "Ohhh them...Right that''s next..." Zein rearranged his inventory. "How''s your health looking?" "I''m at half. Mana is low. Stamina too." Jejj plonked themselves down. "I''m low on mana and stamina too." Zein threw a health potion to Jejj. "Let''s rest up before we head down. Jejj examined the potion. "I still have one-" they stopped themselves. "Alright, but what do we do about those guys?" they downed the potion. Zein left his bow and quiver in his inventory. "I do have a plan." He extracted the Goblin Sword. A sword which dealt 21 damage per hit. "Some may call it cowardly, however." Zein grinned. Jejj watched the madman baffled. Chapter 6 - Elf, Cat, and the Goblins Chief Zein and Jejj crouched, huddling. "Cowardly?" "Cowardly." "You stalling on purpose?" "I''m adding suspense! Doesn''t it make it more fun?" Zein questioned, rhetorically. "Anyway, do you know how to clothesline?" Zein questioned, seriously. "Do I know how to clothesline? Who do you think I am?" Jejj questioned, rhetorically. "And naw, it don''t." Jejj answered, seriously. "Ahhhh come on. Trust me! Let''s rappel." "I ain''t got a good feeling ''bout this." Jejj imagined everything which could go wrong as the two descended. The goblins spotted them. The twenty-eight of them were enraged. With salivating mouths and bloodshot eyes, the goblins charged, uncontrollable in their fervour. "Go! We are going to run straight! Clothesline and dodge wherever you can!" "Boy, you gotta be outta your goddamn mind!" "Trust me! They aren''t thinking straight right now. I know you can do it!" AGH. "Fine!" Jejj flexed their arms and ran ahead, throwing their arm at the necks of any goblin willing to show it. Zein, close behind, cut the Achilles of mage and archer goblins, making them fall. Dying to your kin. Kin consumed by emotion. Kin mindless. It was a fate undeserving. Yet, it was their reality. Any who fall will be crushed. And crushed they were. Screams of pain. Screams of rage. Ding. Screams of death. A cacophony which echoed through the passageway. Meanwhile, Zein joined Jejj upfront. "Keep going! We are halfway there!" "Halfway!? You a sick man." Zein laughed as an arrow whizzed past him, hitting one of the warriors behind in the head. "We are gaining exp though! I already levelled up!" Jejj yelled as adrenaline coursed through their veins, keeping them going. They clotheslined a tank, breaking their shield and neck. Zein''s laugh settled. His ears pricked. "Chanting?" Zein popped his head over the goblins, spotting a mage with their wand in the air, speaking a language he didn''t understand. He did, however, understand it was bad news. "Oh no you don''t." Zein climbed the tank in front of him and hopped, using their heads like stepping stones. With the mage in clear view, Zein took aim with his sword and flung it. It grazed the goblin''s ribs, stunning them. Zein pumped his fists atop an archer''s head. He couldn''t stay for long due to the goblin''s lack of hair providing for unstable footing, leading him to take a tumble. The goblins ran over him, not noticing the target they so desperately wanted laid before them. They chose to aim for the far stronger second one. 20. 20. 20. Zein''s health plummeted as he crawled to retrieve his sword. Upon retrieval, Jejj grabbed him by the collar of his tunic and held him to their waist. "You''re not going to princess carry me this time?" Zein asked "Are you insane!?" Zein let out a laugh. "My bad, Jejj. You saved me back there." "No shit! The hell you do that for?" Jejj asked, demanding an answer. "I had to take care of a nuisance! The mage would have ruined the whole plan!" Zein explained. "Plus, I thought I had it in me¡­" he said depressed, dangling by their side. "May The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit save me from this fool." Jejj prayed, crossing their heart and pointing to heaven. "Now you''re just being mean!" Zein complained. "I''m getting off!" Zein wriggled off Jejj''s hold. He rolled forward and launched himself at the nearest mage, slicing their throat as they launched a fireball. Jejj, almost telepathically, followed up with a punch to the wound. The mage fell in agony. The mage died in agony. "We''re almost at the door, get ready." Jejj punched their thighs. Once. Twice. Thrice. A large, intricate wooden door marked in goblin tongue stood before them. A goblin tank guarded it, holding their shield up. Jejj''s leg started to falter, forcing them to run with a limp. Zein took notice. "Stab." Zein pierced the goblin''s shield and body, ramming them into the door. Unable to take the pressure, the door burst open, revealing the final floor of the cave system''s vast layout. The floor, a semi-sphere structure with a hole in the centre of the roof. It let the sunshine in, spotlighting a goblin who towered over the rest of their species. A bone necklace adorned their neck and a club the size of the average goblin adorned their hand. A Chief Goblin. Supporting them, a goblin blanketed in a white robe and gold detailing. They held a staff with a cross atop it. A Cleric Goblin. Adjacent to the cleric, a goblin, different from its mage counterparts. They were clad in black robes with purple detailing. A Wizard Goblin. All three were level 15. With continued momentum, Zein extracted his spear and jetted right. He aimed his sword at the chanting cleric and flung it. The sword implanted itself in the goblin''s leg. They shrieked. He dropped their staff and attempted to extract the sword. The chief, watching the horde with Zein and Jejj leading the charge, roared. The goblins broke. The little conscience they had left was no more. Their tongues stuck out as they charged their leaders. "Jejj! Do you have the energy to take out the wizard?" "Dash." Jejj shot right, floating. They slid their shield off their hand and threw it. The shield flew- the shield hovered- the shield lost height- the shield stunned, hitting the goblin in the shin. Jejj landed on their shoulder, skidding across the ground. They flopped on their back. "Party chat¡­Think I''ll die if I lay here?" Zein, caught off guard, moved to the side. He watched the zombies rush the mage and cleric. "No, not at all." "Okay¡­cause this¡­feels like shit. My head''s fine¡­ I am speaking too¡­ But my body don''t wanna move¡­ neither my voice. Feels weird¡­ Game''s too realistic." "I know right." He paused for a moment. "Thank you again." "What?.. For saving your ass?" "For trusting me." "Yeah¡­ You good¡­ Don''t let me die." Jejj closed their eyes, resting. Zein closed their eyes, smiling. The 17 goblins attacked the chief, the cleric, and the mage. Zein joined the strike force. "It''s time to clean up." Zein led the goblins to the sword lodged cleric who was too focused on extracting it. Whack. The cleric''s neck snapped as Zein brought their staff on them. A staff meant to bring life. "Learn Skill: Heal." Ding "Heal." Zein''s health shot up from 30 to 105. His mana dropped by 20. Though it wasn''t full, it was enough. Zein retrieved his spear from his still-open inventory. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. "Stab." He impaled the goblin through their neck. Pinning them to the ground. Zein backed away as the goblins he''d led had arrived. Ready to finish the job. He retrieved his bow and last arrow, using the arrowhead to scratch the 4 goblins who came to help. Satisfied with the damage he did to them, Zein drew his bow. His target? The wizard. A goblin too busy dealing with their subordinates. He aimed with his blood-dipped arrow and shot. The arrow zipped past the attackers and pierced the wizard through their cheeks like an apple. Zein left his bow back in his inventory. He picked up his spear, holding it in the air, and slammed it down. Picked it up. Slammed it down. Picked it up. Slammed it down. Picked it up. "Stab." Slammed it down. The cleric disintegrated, dropping 4 red celestial gems and a skill book. Goblin Cure, a spell which cured Rage, Confusion, and Fear. 20 Mana Consumption. Zein stored the book in his inventory, taking his time to join the fight. He walked over to the wizard, spear in hand, and left minor wounds on any goblin he spotted on his way to the beaten-down mage. He ripped his arrow out from the goblin''s cheek and stabbed the wizard with his spear. They fell apart, dropping 4 red gems and their black robe. The goblins switched focus to the chief. A goblin who swung their brethren like a baseball bat. 11 left. Ding. Zein stored the gems, the spear, the arrow, and his bow, dawned the black robe, and slid Jejj''s shield on his arm. He walked over to his lain staff and sword, picking them up and storing them. Zein headed to where Jejj rested while distributing his stats, letting the goblins fight amongst each other. Jejj opened their eyes. They slowly studied their surroundings. Beside them, an orange cat spotted in red and dressed in black robes. Jejj raised themself. "I slept in game?" "I think so? It happens to the best of us." "How long I been out?" "For about five minutes give or take." "Could''ve been worse." Jejj inspected the robe. "The big mage drop that?" "Yeah! It looks nice doesn''t it? It gives me 5 intelligence and a bit of magic resistance." "Nice." Jejj exclaimed drowsy. "Goes hard." "Yeah." Zein slid their shield off their arm. "I got your shield back. Here." Zein handed it over. "You levelled up as well, so, make sure you distribute them." "Much appreciated." Jejj slid the shield onto theirs, watching the chief demolish the others while having their health chipped away at. "So, that your plan?" Jejj pointed with their chin. "Yeah. The devs hated it. The community didn''t like it either at the start, but it''s an efficient way to farm. So a lot of players who wanted to farm items or exp used this strat. The devs, however, patched it so a random mage out of the 7 present in the passageway, the wizard, or the cleric can use a spell which can cure their rage, effectively making it a 31 versus how many ever party members there are. But I guess they didn''t want to completely ban player freedom since we can still make it happen." "Wonder who came up with it. Open Status." "I did!" Zein exhaled with pride. Jejj sighed. "Figured¡­" they fiddled with their stats. "Wouldn''t this be doable with 4?" "It wouldn''t really make sense for a new player to do something like this, especially if they want to do it with a group of 4. It''s a hassle honestly, and you lose exp from goblins you didn''t hit. Plus, most new players wouldn''t know about this unless they check the forums, which is a bit suppressed there too, or they''re a veteran." "Always thought it but¡­ You some crazy veteran or something?" "I wouldn''t call myself crazy." "I would." They both laughed as they watched the last goblin get thwarted by their chief. The chief whipped their head to the two, breathing heavy as arrows and swords stuck out from them. "Guess we up. Close Status." Jejj kicked up. "Yeah, we are. But before that, Heal: Jejj" Jejj''s health maxed out. "Nice stuff. You got enough mana?" "Yeah. I got a little more than half, but it should be enough. It''s recovering after all." "Hell yeah. Let''s get this shit." The chief roared in fury. Their ochre eyes burned red. Zein used his staff and spear to pick himself up. Jejj walked ahead. "I won''t be using my skills too much so I can focus on healing. Is that okay?" "Don''t worry. I wanna take it. It''s at 40% and I wanna see what I got." Jejj glanced back. "Mind healin'' me?" "Of course. Take them down, Jejj." Jejj smiled as Zein took position behind them. Jejj balled their fists, going from a walk, to a jog, to a sprint. "I''m gettin'' pumped! Let''s getit goblin boy. My brain ''boutta burst out my head, but I got enough brain for you. Dash! Strike!" Jejj dashed in- the club barely missed them. They struck the chief in the abdomen, forcing the chief to stagger. Wop wop wop wop wop, Jejj messed them up, unleashing a flurry of punches. The chief, regain their balance, caught their hand and swung their club. Jejj raised their shield in the knick of time, softening the harsh blow which still sent them flying. They landed on their back and used the momentum to roll. Their shield crumbled to dust. "Heal!" Jejj''s health went up as they came to a stop. They charged in once more. The chief threw rocks, their primary aim being Jejj, yet strays came Zein''s way. Jejj weaved past them and Zein side-stepped with ease. They come within melee range, fists raised. The chief spun themself, club in hand. Jejj jumped, landing on their club. The club slammed into the ground as Jejj launched themself at the goblin. "Strike." Jejj slammed their fist into the goblin''s throat, making them fall. They pummeled the chief. Punch after punch after punch after strike after punch. The chief put a stop to it, grabbing Jejj''s head. The goblin got up and made Jejj fly like a javelin. Zein, watching this, planted his staff. He hopped onto the cross, using it as a ledge and leapt into the air, catching Jejj. He landed gently on the ground with Jejj on their shoulder. "Nice catch. Sorry." "You''re good! I am returning the favour after all. Heal: Jejj." Jejj touched his fur as their bruises glowed green. They healed to a little less than half. "Your fur''s soft as shit. Never realised before." "I know right? I forget sometimes too." Zein''s ears twitched. "You did well back there though!" "Think so? Didn''t beat it though." "25% is more than what most can do alone. Especially when it''s in berserk mode." "Feel like you coulda solo''d it." "A year ago. Yeah." Zein watched the chief reminiscing. "But for now, let''s get going. I want to join the fun this time. Or do you want to go for round two?" The chief screeched, throwing rocks at them. Zein dodged with Jejj still on his shoulder. "Go ahead. Don''t know if I got the energy for round two alone." "Teamwork makes the dream work! I''ll go in first this time." Zein let them down and sprinted towards the chief. He stored his staff and pulled his sword. He slid through the chief''s legs as they slammed their club down. "Slash. Stab." He slashed the goblin''s Achilles heel with the sword and stabbed the other with the spear. The chief screamed in agony; Jejj followed up. "Strike!" Jejj socked the goblin in the jaw. They lurched backwards, swinging their club wildly; its trajectory unpredictable. Zein fell back, dropping his weapons and reaching for his bow and arrow from his inventory. He aimed at the chief whose head swung around. Jejj, in the thick of it, punched any chance they got while dodging. Their eyes worked overtime. "Mark." A purple mark appeared over the chief''s head. Zein shot. It hit. The arrow pierced their eye, criting. The chief screeched, dropping their club. Jejj picked it up with a struggle, hoisting it over their shoulder. They stepped back. Multiple steps back. "I''m going in." Zein announced. Zein stored his bow, picked up his spear, and ran. "Stab." He aimed the spear at the goblin''s unwounded, closed eye and launched it. The spear pierced through the goblin''s lower eyelid. Pierced deep. "I leave the rest to you, Jejj!" "Ain''t you kind, Aight chief, time to end it." Jejj drank their mana potion and bolted at the chief. They leapt into the air. Hovering. With all their strength, "Smash!" they brought the club down on the chief''s head, leaving a dent. The chief went down with a seizure and disintegrated. The arrow disappeared. The spear fell with 8 red celestial gems, the Goblin''s Bone Necklace and a Goblin Chief''s Eye. Jejj dropped to their knees. Ding. Zein levelled up. "It''s over¡­ Shit¡­ I ain''t never wanna do that again." "We did it though. We''ve achieved something most have not. Isn''t that exciting?" "Don''t think I got it in me to celebrate." Zein put his hand on their shoulder, patting it. A door formed on a cave wall in front of them. "What''s with the door?" "That door will lead us to a whole new world. Before we go in though, we gotta collect our winnings." Zein handed Jejj the gems he got from the wizard and the two split the scattered gems and leather equally, venturing into the passageway as well. Upon their return, Zein retrieved his spear and sword, storing them. They both distributed their stat points and examined the equipment. The goblin eye is stated to be an alchemy ingredient. The bone necklace gave +3 to every stat. The club dealt +50 damage with a level 15 and 65 strength requirement. "What would you like to have?" "Not sure¡­ I am taking the club thought. It ain''t my style but it works as backup. How did I use it anyway if my strength wasn''t up to par?" "That''s good with me. The club made you slower since you didn''t meet the requirement. You might''ve been strong enough to lift and use it, however. The eye would be perfect for you if you''re building to be a frontline melee dealer." "Don''t know what that means but I do wanna be up front beating the shit outta stuff. How''s the eye gonna work? What''s alchemy? Zein''s tail curled and slapped the ground "Alchemy gives permanent stat increases and passive skills. It''s used by combining monster parts and gems." He tapped his fingers against his thumb. "The goblin eye, if I remember correctly, gives +10 strength and a certain percentage chance to cause rage in a monster. I think around 15%? Rage causes the monster to focus on you." "Oh for real? I''ll take it then." Jejj stored their items. "Sounds good to me. I''ll be taking the necklace then. Close Inventory." Zein tied it around his neck. "Bet. Close Inventory." Zein held his hand out for Jejj. They take it, pulling themself up. The two of them walk towards the door. Jejj picked up the pace, reaching the door first. They clutched the handle and opened it. Inside, a small, well-shapen, rectangular room with two futuristic-looking objects in it and an oval gate emitting white light. The objects were coloured beige with a stripe of orange at its base. They were trapezoidal with a circular base and a flat top. They had small wings which jetted out just above the orange stripe. The base held two silver-coloured thrusters. A door was located close to the tip and two seats were seen inside objects. Jejj, shocked, "Is¡­ that a spaceship?" Zein, excited, "Yeah! Isn''t it cool!" Jejj, hands on their head, "It''s sick!" Jejj marvelled at it, examining the ship from all sides. Rookie Spacecraft. A Spacecraft for beginners new to exploring the universe. Requires fuel. Durability: High. After they finished exploring, "Wanna leave? We just gotta walk through there right?" Hmmmm. "I do want to leave but what if those Skull Kidds guys are waiting for us? They must have figured out we are in here by now. It''s been a little more than an hour after all." "Aight then, whatcha got in mind?" "Jejj." Zein smiled, devilish. "Have you ever been to space?" Chapter 7 - Familiar Face, Familiar Space Biim sat in front of the cave, fiddling with the air, legs folded. Buum sat in front of the cave, looking into the distance, legs spread out and hands supportive. Boom paced in a circle in front of the cave, fuming, eyes red. Boom came to a halt. "This is pissing me off! Where are they!? It''s been more than an hour!" Buum regained his energy. "Yeah! Where are they!?" Biim focused on his task. "They''re in the dungeon. We just need to wait." "We''ve been waiting forever!" Boom roared. "Are they stupid? They can''t even finish a-a-a-a stupid dungeon like this?" he stuttered through his fury. Biim stopped his task. "They were level 7 and level 10. After the slime, they should be around 9 to 12. The elf seemed hell-bent on running the dungeon and Anodos would probably be okay with it since he''s a veteran. He could probably clear the dungeon alone in fact. Therefore, they are either in the cave or they died. And if they die, the elf returns to the city and Anodos will be roaming the forest." "Then why are we here!" Boom demanded. Biim''s eyes twitched. "Cause a certain moron here rushed out the door without hearing me out!" Biim raised his fist at him. Boom leaned in, ready to launch himself at the stick-like man. They pause their feud at the sight of a goblin. "Buum, it''s your turn. Go take it down." Buum leisurely picked himself up. "Okay! But what do we do if they die?" He walks towards the goblin, knives unsheathed. "I''ve spoken to Cy about it already. He let me know he''d handle it. So if anything happens, it''s just on him." Buum baited the goblin into attacking, swinging and missing. He hurdled over their short back and stabbed them in the neck. Once. Twice. A disappearance. Buum collected his reward. 2 gems and leather. "Does that mean we have them in the palm of our hands!" "We better! Or I''m gonna take it out on you." Boom pointed his finger. "Biim!" Biim smacked the ground, entering a running stance. "I''ve been taking your shit for long enough. Didn''t I apologise and offer to buy your stupid gloves back on the way here you meathead!" ''That''s it! Prepare yourself-" "Guys! Look!" Buum interrupted in excitement. A gate emanating white light appeared before them. Biim stood up, brushing the dirt off his robes. Boom leaned in, ready to pounce. Buum existed. "Finally! Come Out!" "I knew it was a long shot since we only came here cause of that moron, but¡­ they did it¡­ Just how good is that guy?" "Yeah! Come out!" Buum matched the energy. "Open Inventory." Biim hopped to his feet. They all stand ready. 1 minute. 5 minutes. 10 minutes. Boom''s eyes were ready to pop. Boom screamed. "WHERE ARE THEY!?" "They''re just resting." Biim flexed his fingers. "The elf must be burnt out." "And how would you know?" Boom asked with quiet rage. "Yeah, how!" Buum added, still excited. "Cause there''s no other way to leave." Biim declared. "I mean, no one would really attempt that¡­ right?" he doubted. "Are you sure there''s no other way?" Buum asked, curious. "There- There just isn''t!" "Then why''s the ground shaking so much?" Aria rumbled. Aria quaked. Aria made the birds fly. Aria made the insects crawl out of the ground. Aria made the animals run. Aria made Biim fear the worst. "No¡­" Some distance away from the cave''s entrance, an object shot out, leaving behind a trail of smoke and sparks. "No!" Inside the flying object, two silhouettes. Zeb and Jejj- unable to move from their seats due to the G-force. Zein''s hands were on the yoke. Jejj''s hands were kept to themselves. Their eyes pushed back into their sockets as they broke barriers. Jejj wanted to speak, but their mouths wouldn''t move. They raised their hand with all their strength, only for it to be snapped back to position, by their side. Noise reverberated. Noise came to a still. Space. It drowned them in its beauty. The stars, the planets, the sun- all visible with the naked eye. It was overstimulating to the unprepared. It was overstimulating to Jejj. The elf''s eyes were glued to the window. Unmoving. Unflinching. Zein switched off the thruster and drifted the ship in the direction of the green planet. Jejj finally found it within themself to speak. "I- uh- wha? I?" they fell into a continuous stutter. "Welcome to space! We will get our chance to stargaze later, however. For now, I need you to pull up the guide so I know Aria City''s coordinates." Words could not reach them. Why would it? They got to see space. Space! They were far too star-struck for it to ever reach them. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. "Jejj? Helloooo?'' "We in space! W-W-We in space!" Zein held his tongue. He titled the spacecraft, making it orbit the planet oh so very slowly. Zein joined Jejj in taking in his surroundings. An ocean. A small raft, in a vast, endless, purple ocean, decorated with its children. Decorated by its creations. Jejj didn''t speak for a minute. Their breathing- slow and heavy. Zein smiled to himself. Not at the universe which cradled him, but at the elf who sat in wonder. He experienced these feelings once and oh how he wished he could feel them again. "Search Bar." A search bar popped up and he began typing. Another minute passed until Jejj finally noticed their cat comrade. "Why you so chill about this? We in space!" "I''ve¡­ seen it many a time. I got used to it." He laughed, sombre in his breath. "You do you big guy. This still insane." "It is, yeah." He agreed. "Anyway, could you look up the guide and get me Aria City''s coordinates?" he asked, attempting to change topics. "Why?" "So we can land there¡­?" "It ain''t automatic!?" "It would be if we had a map." Zein explained. He pointed to an empty, rectangular indent in the panel below the dashboard. "But right now? No." "Why ain''t you say this shit before!" "You wouldn''t have agreed otherwise! Plus, isn''t this more fun." "Hold on. Then that whole thing about the Skull Kidds guys bein'' outside waiting a lie too?" "Well. I did say there was a possibility¡­" "You lied!" "I didn''t!" Zein raised his hands in surrender. "I mean, no one would really wait outside a dungeon believing two people levelled 10 and 12 would clear it." Zein explained. "Buuut if they did¡­" "Homie???" "Okay fine! Maybe I exaggerated a little." He gestured. "But we are in space!" "We gon die oh nah." Jejj had their hands on their head for in their eyes, space became their coffin. "Trust me! Didn''t we turn out okay in the dungeon? Come on! Please?" Zein pleaded. "We gon die! Oh lord, we gon die. If you hear me, lord, please help this poor soul. Guide" Jejj prayed while looking for Aria City''s coordinates. "Coordinates¡­ got them. N9781-S4351-E151-W50." "Could you repeat that? I need to type it in." Zein played with the screen on the dashboard, opening up a navigation app. Jejj repeated the coordinates, one character at a time as he typed them in. Zein hit enter. The screen loaded, calculating the inputted coordinates. A dot showed up on the nav, zooming out and revealing the planet and the duo''s position. The nav projected an average trajectory for the spacecraft to follow. "See!? Now all we got to do is follow the line." Zein said, prideful. ''This betta work." Zein laughed, then pondered. "Would you like to try flying? It''s like flying a gu-dam!" he claimed, redirecting the ship and aligning it with the nav''s course. He engaged the thrusters, keeping it at a minimum as he gently guided them towards their destination. "Oh yeah? Which one?" Jejj asked, skeptical. "There''s more than one." "..." "Oh. I mean. Well. You know? The one with the¡­uh women in them. They are like from Mercury or something. You know?" "..." "In any case, would you like to give it a go?" "Right now? Absolutely not. ''Cause if we die, I know who I''m jumping." Zein pouted. "Aww okay." He flipped the thrusters to the max. "I hope you enjoy the ride then!" The ship shot through Aria''s gravity, throwing Jejj back into their seat- unable to react to its suddenness. "Party¡­ chat." Chat bubbles popped up in front of Zein. "Par..t-ty¡­ch-chat." "Jusssssssst knoew i treuuuusst yoiiu" Jejj typed, struggling to move their finger. "Iiiiiiii appppresssscioate it!@@@ Cccoiiulld yoiu ppppiiut yeoouur fffffingeerr onnnnnn theeew rtthhhryyuster?" Zein struggled too, pointing to the truster after sending, hands now on the yoke. Jejj followed, fighting the force which held them back. They broke through the first layer, entering Aria''s atmosphere. A spark. A flame. A fire engulfed the ship. A metal comet. Jejj wanted to type with fear spelt across their face, yet their body was unwilling. Zein looked to Jejj, forcing a nod. Jejj, finger on the thruster, switched it off. With an eye on the map, he made minute adjustments. It seemed robotic as his hands moved unprompted. The city started to come into view. Little buildings started to come into view. Zein, however, was more interested in a structure which towered over all of them. A building shaped like a tube with its elongated length and wide base. It was a structure built off of dark blue metal with wires poking out from within. It was a structure unsuited to the medieval city. At the peak of the structure, a slanted orifice wide enough to fit a couple of rookie spacecrafts. Zein aimed theirs at it. "Not yet.." Closer. "Not yet¡­" Closer. "Now!" Zein activated the ship''s landing process, pressing a button on the yoke. Time. How cruel its passage is. How cruel of it to wear you down. How cruel of it to make him miss. The bottom of the ship crashed into the rim of the opening as it activated its landing process. Maybe time had forgiven him. The ship bounced off the walls as it fell, shaking the two inside violently. Jejj held on to their seat belt, closing their eyes. Zein swiped the air and started typing. A forever fall which finally came to its natural end. The ship exited the tunnel and met a circular chamber; its base lit with little blue lights; a landing pad rested at its centre. The spacecraft slammed into the pad. With a dramatic pause, kaput. It fell over. Zein and Jejj crawled out. They looked at each other, processing what they had been through, and laughed. Jejj collected themself. "Thought we''d die¡­ Jesus Christ." "See..? Didn''t I tell you we''d be fine¡­No problems at all." The ship emitted smoke. The ship''s panels fell. The ship''s wiring showed. "That gonna be okay?" "I''ll¡­ pay for the repairs later, for now, let''s get out of here. Open Inventory." Zein grabbed 10 red gems and pushed himself up. He lent a hand to Jejj. They took it. The duo walked towards a door attached to the metal wall. Upon exiting, Zein handed the 10 gems to a man dressed in a red bellhop uniform with accents of maroon and white and wore black Oxford shoes. The man received the gems and handed Zein a cream-coloured ticket with his name and a seal on it. 3 long swords behind a round shield. Aria City''s symbol. Zein stored the ticket. "Close Inventory." They made their way down the corridor, side by side, shoes echoing. Zein''s face was more serious than usual. "They got hotel boys and shit?" He snapped out of it. "Yeah! And girls. And, well, everyone?" "I want one of ''em uniforms." "They sell them at an accessory shop in the city! I''ll take you there." "That''s what I''m talkin'' ''bout." As they reached the end of the corridor, the two were blinded by light and noise. Aria City Station. A hub for beginner adventurers. A place of new beginnings. It was a spot mostly used for departures, so the occasional arrival was always a welcome surprise even if the starting point was a couple of kilometres away in a cave. The trapezoidal-shaped station had counters lining its walls. They ranged from banking to inn booking to mini stores. An open wall laid before them, allowing for natural lighting. Adventurers bathed in this lighting. Adventurers of all shapes, sizes, and kinds. Adventurers dawned in armour, robes, and tunics. Adventurers who coloured the station vibrant. Adventurers who chattered away. "What dungeon should we do?" "Did you watch the announcement!?" "I think I need to buy a new pair of boxers¡­" Sounds overlap sounds overlap sounds, and yet, one stood out to Zein. "Zeizei!" A man clad in light blue armour which shone bright. The lights reflected it like a mirror. His back held a blue, shark-like handle connected to a jagged broadsword. His brown hair swooped to one side, bouncing as he ran towards Zein. Jejj watched in confusion. "Uh¡­" "He''s a friend of mine." Chapter 8 - Friends Tap tap squish squish tap tap. "Woah¡­ you really are a cat, Zeizei! I could touch you all day." Clark said caressing Zein''s ears and pinching his cheeks. "Alright enough with the touching." Zein swatted both hands, clanking against the metal. "Let''s get out of here. I need to speak with you." "But it''s so soft!" Clark reached to touch. "That''s what I''m sayin''." "No." Zein swatted harder. "Cold!" Clark exclaimed. "You''re so cold Zeizei. How could ya treat me like this when I''ve been waiting here for almost 2 hours!" "This really is becoming harassment." Zein shivered. Clark waited in anticipation as Zein''s body refused to make him say the next few words. With a hard-fought victory, "But thank you." "That''s my boy." JJ raised their finger. JJ curled it back down, pursing their lips. They didn''t know whether to interfere or not. They didn''t know whether they could interfere either. "Am I third wheeling?" Clark noticed. "Hello! Are you a friend? I''m Kalel! As it reads above my head." He pointed to his name with 190 and BLG written next to it. "Jejj is it? Did I pronounce that right? I ain''t very good with names. I didn''t get this guy''s name right for 3 months!" He threw his arm around Zein. "Zeizei she seems cool! Elf melee build." "I-uh-hello?" Jejj stuttered. "Kal shut up." Zein slapped Clark''s armour with the back of his hand. "And don''t use my real name in game." "I didn''t know your real name was Zeizei." He smirked. "Uh. Should I go?" JJ asked. "No!" Zein replied. "No." Zein collected himself. "Do come with us. He''s just being annoying." "Annoying! Lil ol'' me? I''m just tryna make you smile and you go and- and call me all that? You''re such a rude lil'' cat." "..." "Kal." Zein refocused. "This is JJ. I met them in the forest while levelling. We cleared the cave too." "Ooh not bad JJ." Clark bobbed his head, eyes closed. "A two-man clear is tough even with a pro like him!" He tightened his arm around Zein. "Say, do you wanna join our guild? We wouldn''t mind making exceptions." "Er¡­ Uh?" "Clark. Enough. You''re scaring them." "What! Can''t a man scout some talent? They seem skilled so I want ''em to join!" Clark explained, eyes on Zein. "What are you jealous?" He dragged his words. "Jealous are we? Zeizei jealous? You know our doors are always open for you." He had his finger on Zein''s chest. "I''m sorry if I did scare ya though." Clark apologised with a smile. "Alright, let''s get out of here." Zein grabbed his finger. "JJ don''t take him seriously. Cla- I mean- Kal. We need to get to the accessory shop. They-" "I want one of ''em hotel boy uniforms. They seem cool." JJ interrupted. Clark moved his hand, scratching his head with an awkward laugh. "How do I put this¡­Eeeh¡­ehhhh. They ain''t selling it anymore." "What? Why?" "Something about a hitbox bug with the hat, which is funny cause there are bigger hats and helmets, but I guess the devs never figured it out. Initially, it was just for a lil'' bit, but it just got longer and longer and yknow, never came back" Clark explained. "Was that why I saw so many of those hats¡­" Zein remembered. "You''re such a smart lil'' cat Zeizei!" Clark cooed. "So, I can''t get one no more?" "Au contraire, mon mere." Clark raised his voice. Confusion turned to displeasure as JJ held themself back from saying anything. Clark continued "The auction house''s gotta have it! The devs didn''t remove it since there was some pushback and it gave zero defence. They only stopped selling it." "Is that right? Let''s get going then." "Let''s go let''s go!" Clark pushed Zein along. "Ye-Yeah." JJ tried to match the enthusiasm. After adding each other as friends, the trio walked down the stone steps of the station. They were greeted by a fountain with an ethereal statue atop it. Made to mimic marble, the statue held a sword to the sky with a shield by its waist. A silk gown flowed from its shoulders with sandals wrapping around its feet. Zein stared at it. JJ joined his side. Clark continued walking. Upon reaching the base of the stairs, "Eenie meenie mienie moe¡­" Clark mumbled as his hand counted the 5 roads. He landed on the middle. "Let''s go!" Clark skipped towards it as the Zein and JJ sighed, following. Their feet joined the clatter of adventurers on the cobblestone street. Mishapen yet charming. The buildings resembled Victorian architecture with their pointed facades and arched windows. They were closely packed, making the street claustrophobic. Their saving grace was the streets being wide enough to fit a multitude of people. "Does this bring back memories? Zeizei." Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "I can''t say. Last time I was here I marched to my death." Clark''s eyes, unmoving, solemn. "Yeah¡­ I won''t let it happen again." JJ watched the two. Clark spotted it. "JJ! You wanna know his lore? I can tell you if ya want!" "I ain''t even say nothing!" "One need not speak it for it to be heard!" he said like a nobleman. "Is that your attempt at sounding smart?" Zein asked. "What!? It wasn''t? I thought it was!" Zein shook his head in disagreement. He turned to face JJ."JJ¡­ If you would like to know, I don''t mind telling you. It''s not that interesting, however." "Well I wouldn''t say that! Considering your infamy bac-" Zein clasped his hand over Clark''s mouth. "Enough. How far are we from the auction house?" "Mmmph mmmph mmpH mPhmp!" Zein released his hand. "We are almost there!" Clark skipped with whimsy as the other two followed now in fear. JJ couldn''t help but notice something. People moved out of their way. Some in confusion. Some in wonder. Some in fear. JJ knew Clark was important, but wasn''t this too much? "You a bigshot or something?" "Maybe I am. Maybe I am not. Maybe the auction house is over there!" Clark pointed to a small circular building with a pointed dome. Standing out amongst the crowd, its ornate windows and tall doors welcomed all. The red, maroon, and white of the house made clear who it bleonged too. The space guild. A guild incharge of all interplanetary travel, whether people, or goods. "Ah. Hold on. We need to go to the bank first. I have no coins." Zein mentioned. "Why?" Clark asked. "So I can exchange my gems for coins¡­?" "Why?" "What¡­ Yo are you being obtuse on purpose or something? What''s going on?" "Why do ya need to do all that when I am right here?" "I''m not making you pay!?" "Oh phooey too late I am paying. You too JJ." "Me!? Naw I''m-" "Whaaaat you don''t want me too?" "I''ll uuh accept your offer." "That''s what I like to hear!" They entered the house through the oak doors. Gold greeted them. Gold-plated floors. Gold-plated ceilings. Gold-plated walls. It all glimmered under the chandeliers. Vendors lined the circular room with counters and attendants dressed in similar bellhop uniforms. At the back of the room, glass cases rested atop pedestals. They held expensive items ranging from weapons to monster parts. The adventurers contrasted it- encased in expensive armours with weapons worth an inordinate amount of coins. Mixed within them were the humble- simple white tunics. Armour made from the hide of boars. Boots made of simple slime slabs. All stood stunned by Clark''s presence who fluttered towards a free counter. Zein didn''t care for the stares. JJ cared very much. "Don''t like how they staring." "It''s understandable." Zein chuckled. "But that''s what happens when you casually stroll in with the 11th largest guild''s leader." "HE THE WHAT!?" Time stood still. Eyes intensified. Clark stopped mid-skip and turned to JJ as they leaned in ready to fight. "Oh? I didn''t tell ya JJ? Are you surprised?" He smiled, teeth in full display. "I am Kalel, the leader of the Blue Lightning Guild." He huffed his chest, fists on his waist. "Now, let''s head for the counter go go go!" He wrapped his arms around both of them and set out. At the counter, an elf in uniform stood behind the glass pane. "Welcome to the auction house. How may I help you?" "View auction items." Clark announced. "Understood." Their world turned black. Screens tinted orange and gold appeared before them with an overwhelming number of items. JJ, caught off guard by the suddenness, had their hand on Zein''s shoulder. Zein, unphased by the dimension shift, perused the items. Armour crafted by novices. Armour crafted by veterans. Weapons smithed by novices. Weapons smithed by veterans. Potions brewed by novices. Potions brewed by veterans. And so on and so on and so on. It filled the little columns. "JJ. If you wanna find the uniform, its space guild uniform!" Clark advised. "Bet. Do I say it?" "Yeah! You could do that or type it too. If ya speak it, just say ''Find'' followed by item name." "Aight." "There''s some armour here which seems good. It''s made by a novice but the stats are decent." Zein entered the conversation. "Oooh what didja like?" "Leather chest piece and boots. They''re both coated in slime. Gives me armour and increases my strength. It doesn''t affect my agility. It''s 35 copper and made by someone called Skada." Zein grinned, impressed. "I like it." "That''s really good for the price! Lemme buy it now. JJ, did you find the uniform?" "Yeah but uh¡­ don''t think it''s a good idea no more." "Gimme the price cmon don''t be shy now." "It''s 1 gold¡­ Feel uncomfortable asking." "Annnd done. It has been bought!" Both items popped in Clark''s inventory. He opened it and handed the two their equipment. "Shall we head out! Let''s go go go! I wanna walk around with you guys some more." If Clark had a tail, it''d wag with vigour. The man with the tail, however, had his frozen. "Hold on. There''s an egg here. Not taking coins either, only 5 yellow stones. I just need to send in most of my gems. I don''t think they''d mind 50 red gems." "What! Are you for real? That''s such a steal! Why has it not been sold yet?" "I''m not sure but they say they got it in a random normal box from Mow. It just went up." "Oooh maybe I should buy it then." Clark searched for it and was disheartened to see it sold to someone named Anodos. "Eh. Was I too late. Aw man¡­ Oh well, let''s get outta ''ere. Close auction items." The void which enveloped them vanished into thin air. The three of them left the counter. "Whatcha wanna do now?" "I''m going to finish up some of the side quests so I can get some extra exp. It''ll quicken the egg hatching too. JJ what are you going to do?" Zein asked. "Think imma log off. My head''s starting to hurt." Just as they said that Zein''s head throbbed. "See ya.." they thought for a moment. "Zei." they concluded. "Don''t forget the videos." JJ logged out before Zein could respond. Clark waved his hand, a cat-like smile etched across his face. "Sooo, what videos they talkin'' about?" "Videos on how to use the bow and such. Anyway, let''s go. Remember how I said I need to talk to you?" Zein and Clark rushed out the auction house, reaching an intersection. "Is this a secret? Do I finally get to learn more lore! These do be exciting times for me." "No, but have you heard of the Skull Kidds?" Clark''s face lost its previous cheeriness. "The one under Ophis? Yeah." "So you know about what they''ve been up to right? With the dungeons and stuff." "Yeah. Let''s keep walking. I''ll fill you in on details." They paced the street. In a building nearby, A man draped in shadow with a sharp overcoat watched on. "They''re on the move, leader. One of them logged out, and Kalel is sticking close to the other. Should I continue my pursuit?" "Yes. I want to see how long the guild leader BLG keeps this up. If you pick up on anything, report back to me immediately." A gravelly voice came through, laughing. "I can''t wait to see what happens next." Zein equipped the armour while extracting the egg. Zein examined its scaly gold shell as the two descended the street. "So where you wanna go first?" Clark asked. "The clinic. I''ll finish the herb gathering side quest, I picked some up as I was levelling." 5. "Oooh not bad. You gonna go to the bank next?" "Yeah. Either that or finish the blacksmith quest since I got a lot of slime slabs too." 4. "You could repair ya stuff too!" "Yeah. The money from both quests should be enough. If it isn''t... I can just sell some stuff." 3. "Why wouldja do that when I''m right here?" "If I take any more of your money it''ll just piss me off." 2. "That''s so rude! All I wanna do is give you my money and you don''t take it?" "Yeah, yeah, whatever. I will need to go to the bank though. Then the inn." 1. "You wanna take mine? I took up a free one." "I''ll take you up on that, thanks. In any case, back to Skull Kidds, why are the other nine letting them-" As Zein readjusted his egg, crack. CrrAAaack. An arm popped out, hairy and five-fingered. Another popped out, brown and slick. A head popped out, a tuft of hair swooping behind their head Zein''s ears stood straight- confusion in his eyes. Clark''s eyes popped out. His mouth shaping an ''O''. "A monkey?" "A monkey!" "oogie?" Chapter 9 - The Monkey King Biim, Boom, and Buum rolled into Aria City with a vengeance. Biim looked to the skies, spotting a spaceship crash into the station entrance, sliding in by the skin of its teeth. "Cy, they just reached, they should be at the station." Biim reported. "I was watching. Lucky cat isn''t he." Cy cackled. "What an interesting man, as if he expected you three to be waiting." "Let us have a go at him, brother! I can''t let him go free." Boom barged into the conversation, sticking his face to Biim. Biim pushed him away. "We are on our way to intercept them right now." "No." Cy rejected. "You''ll be coming back to the office." "Brother! We have them where we want them!" Boom exclaimed. "Don''t make me repeat myself. Boom." Cy said no longer jovial. Boom threw his hands in the air, walking away from the two. "Why can''t we intercept them, Cy?" Biim asked. Cy blew air out, coughing right after. " Blue Lightning''s leader was spotted. He was spotted in town for two hours before heading to the station around when you called." A tapping noise, a huff, a blow, coughing. "If this man''s a veteran, he''s a well-connected one." "Blue Lightning!!! Their guild leader is here to pick them up?" Buum chirped. "It''d make sense if he was a veteran¡­ even if it''s just conjecture." Boom returned. "Who cares! We are better aren''t we, brother? Blue Lightning is nothing in front of us and Ophis." "Come to the office. Now." Cy said, stern and coughing right after. Biim closed his eyes, flexing his eyebrows. Mouth scrunched. "Understood." he let out. Biim cut the call. Boom faced the other two. "We can''t just run with our tail between our feet!" he stated, determined. "Yeah! With our tail between our feet!" Buum followed. "I¡­" Biim pondered. "Guess that''s technically right." Biim scratched his head. "Boom if you wanna charge one of the strongest men in the game in front of hundreds of people you can go right ahead. I just hope you understand how Cy will react to that." Biim made it clear. "So, we go back to the office?" Buum asked. "Yes. Let''s just go and see what Cy says. I want to confront them too." Biim clenched his fists. "But Cy is right." he freed them. "Shit!" Boom kicked an invisible rock, storming away. Biim sighed, walking behind. Buum followed without complaint. *** Clark. Zein. Monkey. Clark. Zein. Monkey. They all stared at each other. The monkey, in Zein''s palm, was in a battle with Clark''s finger. "Zeizei, can I name him?" Clark asked, unrelenting in his attempts to poke him. "No." Zein shut him down. "Cmon please please please please please-" Clark shook him. "You won''t be naming him!" Zein pushed. "Oogie!" the monkey agreed. "Goku." Silence. The monkey looked at Zein. Zein nodded. An understanding formed. He climbed Clark''s armour. He used it as a pedestal, standing straight. Slap. Clark couldn''t speak as he held his face. Zein''s face contorted. The monkey returned to Zein. Clark shed a tear. "And so the son takes after the father." he hiccuped sadness. ''But I still love you." he giggled, mood shifting. "oogiee¡­" he sighed. The monkey camped himself on Zein''s shoulder, hiding from Clark. "He does not like you." Zein grinned. "I''ll earn his love! Just like I have yours, Zeizei." "Is that right. In any case, I have thought up something." "Oogie!" The monkey waited, expectance pouring out of his eyes. "Wu." "Wu!?" "Oogie?" "Like the hip-hop group from the movie?" This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Oogie¡­" the monkey mumbled, disappointed. "No¡­" Zein denied, annoyed, confused, and disgusted. "Like from Sun Wukong the Monkey King." "Goku is so much better!" Hearing this, the monkey took a moment to think about both names. "Oogie!" The monkey flashed a thumbs up to Zein. Clark''s mouth fell out of his face. Zein raised his hands, triumphant. Wu brushed Zein''s fur. "This¡­ was not how it was supposed to go¡­" Clark fell to his knees. "Yeah. Yeah. Let''s get going." Zein tapped the back of Clark''s head. Wu jumped to Zein''s other shoulder and tapped too. Clark moved into a squat and pushed himself up. Two became three as they continued their walk after a brief pause. Tangents, lead to tangents, lead to tangents, lead to thirty minutes flying by. "Tell me about the cave raid?" "How didn''t they beat they beat the slime?" "Why did you ignore all my messages?". During these tangents, the trio greeted the old nurse, delivering medicinal herbs. They greeted the gruff blacksmith, delivering slime slabs and deteriorated weapons. They greeted the proud general, delivering leather. They greeted the bored banker, delivering coins. They greeted the innkeeper, delivering Clark''s keys. In return, they received coins, coins, coins, a bank card, repaired weapons, and Clark''s bedroom. Deciding it''d be unfortunate if Wu remained level 1, Zein moved to the open fields of Aria. Clark followed by his side. "Ah, I haven''t checked his skills yet. Check skills: Wu." "Oooh what he got, what he got!" Clark asked, excited. "Monkey''s Blessing. Increases attack damage and agility by 10%. I wonder how much it''ll scale by with each level." Zein scratched his chin. "That''ll be exciting! I can''t wait for him to buff me." Clark tapped his fingers against each other, giggling. "Yeah... My head''s starting to hurt though, I should log out soon." Zein commented with a yawn. "You can''t log out! We haven''t even hung out for this long in forever!" Clark cried. Wu ran ahead, scanning the area. Target acquired. A slime hopped through the field. Wu charged, running on all fours. "Yeah, yeah, I won''t yet." Zein stretched his paws, the tip of his tail swinging. "Now that we are settled, tell me about why the ten are ignoring Skull Kidds," "I''ve asked, but no one wants to answer." Clark said monotonous. "Not even Himmel." "Himmel¡­huh." Zein reminisced. Wu scratched the slime''s eyes, making it bounce away. Upon recovery, the slime squashed and launched itself at Wu. He leapt into the air and slammed his heel on the slime as he fell. Wu ricocheted. "You got any ideas as to why though?" "A few. Ophis has been gaining power real quick. They may raise to five in fact since they''re on a guild-acquiring spree." "Don''t the other nine have multiple guilds under them too?" "They do, but Ophis has been real aggressive with it. Everyone believes they planning something. Including me." Zein stayed silent, studying Wu battle it out with the slime as he sorted his thoughts. "Wouldn''t this further incentivise them to act? Why are they so scared?" "Cause they''re cowards." Clark spat, venomous. "Why would we fight a war when the resources here are pointless." he mocked. "They''d rather gang up on you than protect the new players. Pricks." Wu wrapped his tail around the slime and flung it into the air. He juggled the slime with his soles. "Oogiekekeke." he snickered. "I guess so." Wu ended the charade with a roundhouse kick, striking the slime between the eyes. The slime disintegrated, dropping a red gem and a slime slab. Ding. Wu levelled up. He skipped with joy, red gem and slime slab in hand. He waved them at Zein who returned the gesture, smiling. "All out war though¡­ I''m surprised Himmel of all people wouldn''t act." "Now that''s cause, Zeizei, he''s a coward too." Wu returned with the items and handed them over to Zein. Zein patted him. Wu giggled. He returned to the fields, hunting for his next battle. "What about you then? What would the leader of Blue Lightning do? Zein glanced at him. "The leader of Blue Lightning¡­ is a coward too." Clark laughed weakly. "Even if he wants to crush them¡­ He simply does not have the power to make it happen." Clark''s shoulders drooped. Wu spotted the second slime. He wasted no time, launching himself at the unsuspecting blob. "Unless you join me." Clark glanced back. "Would I make that much of a difference?" Zein asked. "You would." Clark said with conviction, he turned his body to face Zein. "You don''t understand how good you are. Your game knowledge and mechanics are something people prayed for. You would make a difference." Zein looked away, choosing to have his attention drawn by Wu. Wu fought the slime in front of a beginner summoner who attempted to make a contract with a baby vulture. "Oh, that reminds me. Learn Skill: Summon. Summon: Wu." Wu, mid-air and ready to punch, disappeared, and reappeared before Clark, landing a blow on his nose. -1. Clark pinched his nose as confusion grew on Wu''s face. "Wu! Why did ya do that? That was mean!" Clark wagged his finger. Ignoring him, Wu turned to Zein. "Oogie!" Wu climbed Zein''s arm and bonked his head. "I''m sorry for summoning you during your battle, Wu!" Zein laughed. "Here let me help." Zein picked himself up and clutched Wu. He aimed the little monkey like a javelin- gauging the distance between him and the slime as it attempted to hop away. Zein let loose. Wu soared through the sky, making himself a cannonball as he spun. Wu descended on the slime. Metres turned to centimetres, turned to millimetres. Wu whipped the top of the slime with his tail. It bounced into the air, letting him finish it with a strike to its face. Wu flexed his muscles as the items vanished before him, ending up in Zein''s inventory. A lot of exp for Wu, a little exp for Zein. Zein sat back down, confidence filling his face. Clark watched the whole ordeal in awe. "That accuracy was crazy! That''s my best friend." Clark nodded. "Alright, alright, enough." Zein barely contained his smile. He watched over Wu as he searched for his next fight. "I''ll join you. I don''t like involving myself in stuff like this, but if I can help in any way, I''ll do my best." What that would entail? They would never know as they were interrupted by a man who wore skintight clothes, an overcoat, and leather armour. His head cosplayed a crystal ball and an SKG badge hovered above it. "Kalel and Anodos. Our leader would like to speak to you at the Skull Kidds Guildhouse. Please follow me." The man spoke with a small voice. "Wow! I did not see this coming!" Clark''s hands moved with exaggeration. "Come on big guy, let''s go." "Wu. Come back. We need to leave." Zein and Clark took to their feet. "Oogie oogie!" Wu complained. "Wu." Zein''s eyes narrowed. Wu wanted to push his luck but decided against it. He jogged back, catching up to Zein and Clark as they headed towards Aria City. *** In a little bar with neon lights flashing through the windows. A woman with a beanie and pink cargo pants sat on a stool, hands strewn across the counter. Ding. She shot up, her white tank top following her. An item sold. "Finally! I wonder who it is¡­ Anodos. Level 13 in Aria City huh." She giggled. "I want to see what my first buyer is like." She jumped out of the stool and made their way to the exit. "To Aria City, we go!" Chapter 10 - Cyanide and Discussions A mansion, rivalling the auction house in size, encompassed half the street, forcing it to curve like unlike others. Its blockish nature with a low-lying tiled roof spilling out the side, was painted black and white- a contrarian in a city filled with pastel yellows and brick reds. Beside the walnut-finish door, a gold nameplate read "Skull Kidds Guildhouse." Inside, sixty adventurers ranging from elves to dwarves to orcs littered the red and brown decor. They all fell within a level range of 10-40. Anticipation lingered. Wild tapping. Tongue clicking. Muttering. Legs shaking. Frustration took the wheel. Frustration took Boom. "Where are they!? It''s been 30 minutes!" Boom yelled. "Yeah! 30 minutes!" Buum followed. "Calm down!" Biim punched Buum''s arm. "You''re gonna make my ears bleed." Biim''s leg shook as Buum soothed his arm. ''Only when I get my hands on that stupid cat and elf!" "This is stupid." Biim''s leg shook faster. Shhh shhh sHHhhh. The room fell silent as noise wafted through the walls. Noise which grew louder and louder with every second. Noise which resembled conversation? "So, whatcha do with ya free time? Got any hobbies ey big guy?" A voice giggled. "Oh jeez I don''t do very much outside the game. I do like playing with my sister though! She''s so cute." "Is that right. Is it not getting late for you?" "Oh nonono. It is past my bedtime cause i have school tomorrow, but my mom won''t find out." he said confidently. The doors open, revealing a shy skullcracker, an elbow-nudging Clark, a smiling Zein, and a sleeping Wu in Skullcracker''s arms. Everyone inside whispered about the scene unfolding before them. Boom broke the silence. "Skullcracker! What are you doing!?" a question which permeated everyone''s mind. The sudden sharpness of Boom''s question caught Skullcracker off guard. "Ah! Boom! Um." Skullcracker turned to the two. They gave him a knowing nod. "I was escorting them here seriously." "Don''t lie to me! We all saw you getting real close to those two. And what''s with the monkey!? Get out!" "I-I''m sorry!" Disgust and apathy filled Skull Kidds as Skullcracker ran out the door whimpering. "Aw man you made him cry! Aren''tcha a mean one." "Shut it! No one wants to hear your onion!" "Yeah! No one wants to hear your opinion." Hah. "Zeizei he said onion, these guys are funny." "Who''s funny you loser bitch." "Oooooooh." The crowd simultaneously let out. They hooted and hollered over their newfound position of power. Zein looked away with a heavy exhale and a concerned look. "Well, if it isn''t my guests of honour." a gravelly voice came through. Clark''s eyes followed the spiralling stairs, leading him to a half-orcen man dressed in black. Black leather chestpiece. Black pants. Black boots. No undershirt. He leaned on the rails, hair in a mohawk and tusks curled unevenly. 60 Cyanide SKG. "So, you''re the guild leader of Skull Kidds. Very impressive." Clark commented. "Who the hell do you think you''re talking to like-" Clark shifted his gaze, piercing Boom''s soul through pixels. "Ahhh, yes. You. I have a question for you, Guild Leader Cyanide. Are my people viewed as losers here?" Boom froze, sweat sliding down his face. And he wasn''t alone. Fight or flight and a choice was made for them by one the strongest men in the universe. A man who led more than 500 people. Every impulse screamed to run, but they were at his mercy. At the mercy of a shark. Biim could barely keep his wits on him and Buum hid behind him. Red. They all saw red. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Clap "Kalel. Do forgive my guild member''s poor showing." Cyanide asked. "He''s new after all." Clark let the Skull Kidds come back to their senses. Boom staggered, using a chair to stop himself from falling. "Thank you. Let''s chat in my office, shall we? Biim- Buum- Boom. Guide them." Cyanide released his weight from the rails, standing straight and walking away. "Brother-" "Boom." Biim interrupted. "Just shut it. Before it gets worse." Buum shuffled towards Clark and Zein, approaching cautiously. "U-Um, p-please follow me." he forced the words out. "Oooh aren''tcha kind. Thank you! Let''s go Zeizei!" "I can see that. Lead the way, Buum." "Y-y-yes. Zein, Clark, and Buum climbed the stairway and paced the hallway adorned with paintings of knights in armour baring Aria City''s sigil. Biim and Buum trailed them. Anxiousness trailed them. Buum creaked the door, peeking inside. A room plastered in gold. The walls, the roof, any hint of metal, nothing was safe from the lustrous metal. It''d be blinding if it weren''t for the furniture and flooring being black. Cyanide propped his legs on an empty desk, holding his stomach and leaning back on his leather-like chair. "Biim! Come in." "I-I''m actually Buum, sir." "What am I an old man?" Cyanide cackled. "Now bring them in, Buum." "Y-yes." Buum opened the door, leading Cyanide''s guests inside. "Ooh, gaudy." "Ain''t it beautiful? I''m sure you understand." "Oh it''s fit for a king." Cyanide let out a boisterous laugh, exhaling, slow and relaxed. "Do you smoke, Kalel?" A lighter was heard. Clark didn''t respond. Cyanide shrugged. Biim and Buum made their way in. They stood by the door, keeping their distance from Clark. "Good. Everyone''s here." Cyanide coughed. "Now, let''s get down to business. Anodos, hand over everything you got from the dungeon." ''Zein stuck his arm out, stopping Clark from jumping. "No." "Woah ho. Slow down there, Kalel." tap tap tap. "I thought you were an amicable man." "I''d say I''m amicable to those I like." Clark gripped his chair, hovering low over it. "You don''t like me? That makes me sad, Kalel. We should get along after all." Cyanide breathed deep. "And why should I ever consider that." Clark gripped the chair harder. "Why shouldn''t we!?" Cyanide exhaled. "Cause the other option would be to go against us, which I don''t believe you''d want, Kalel." He drummed his stomach, snickering as bloodlust leaked from Clark''s eyes. Zein held on to Clark''s shoulder guard, acting like a gate. "And if I had another reason," hmmmmmmm, Cyanide raised his head, watching the chandelier sparkle. " Zeizei. You know, that name, it rings a bell." he snapped his fingers repeatedly. "I was told of a man who lost it all. A man you were allegedly close with." he stopped. "Strange coincidence maybe?" Cyanide pouted. A lightbulb flickered. Biim started to piece it together. Surviving without Aria City. Summoning a Monarch Slime. Clearing a dungeon with two people. Flying a spacecraft without a map. Zei. Zei- Biim, Boom, and Buum fell to their knees, eyes growing wide. Fear consumed them. Run. Run. Run. Their bodies screamed to run for Clark couldn''t hold it in any longer. "Kal. That''s enough." "You should listen to him, Kalel." Cyanide inhaled. "After all, I have an offer to make." Cyanide coughed, hitting his chest. Clark shut his eyes, mouth wavering. He allowed the downed trio to breathe once more, releasing his grip on his chair and sitting down. Clark leaned forward, arms on thighs, fist in hand. "It seems like you''re willing to listen." Cyanide howled. "You see those three over there?" he pointed to Biim, Boom, and Buum, still on the floor. "They''re gonna be our guild''s aces in the future. So, would you kindly finish the vulture raid with them?" "Brother! Why should we-" Biim slammed his hand over Boom''s mouth. Clark smiled, twitching. "What do you gain from this?" Clark asked. "Who wouldn''t want to foster a relationship with the great Kalel and "Zeizei"." Cyanide air quoted. "Two icons of the game helping my guild? It''s a dream come true." he grinned. Zein bobbed his head, processing. Clark slumped over. "So, what do you say? Do we have a deal?" Zein''s eyes narrowed. "I have one condition." *** Zein and Clark exited the mansion, meeting a kneeled-over Skullcracker and an awake Wu. "Oogie!" Wu jumped from Skullcracker''s arms, hanging on Zein''s shoulder who scratched his chin. "Hello¡­" Skullcraqcker dug his head into his folded arms. Clark stepped forward; Zein blocked him. "Thank you for taking care of Wu, Skullcracker. I appreciate it." "Oogie! Oogie!" "Really?" Skullcracker asked with hope. "Of course I am. Wu seems happy too." "Oogie." Wu nodded. "I''m so glad!" Skullcracker shot to his feet. Skullcracker shrunk into his coat, unable to meet their eyes. "I''m sorry I ran away with Wu. And also for how everyone treated you. They aren''t very nice people." "That''s alright. Thank you, Skullcracker, for keeping Wu safe." "Are you sure?" "Yeah." Zein smiled with warmth. "Would you like to be friends?" "Okay!" "Hell yeah. Send Friend Request: Skullcracker." Ding. "Accept Friend Request: Anodos." "Ooh ooh me too!" Clark chimed. "Send Friend Request: Skullcracker." Ding. "Uh-um, are you sure?" Skullcracker emphasised his words. "Yeah! You''re a good person, big man, so why don''tcha be this lil'' guy''s friend too?" "O-okay. Accept Friend Request: Kalel." "Alright, let''s gooooo." "I''m going to be logging off now, Skullcracker." Zein let Wu down. "Take care of yourself, okay? Don''t go to bed too late." he laughed. "Wu, you''re free to go wherever you please." "Oogies." Wu saluted. "I''ll see you around too, Kal." "You ain''t got a choice buddy ol'' pal." ''Yeah, yeah. Log out." A blue flash. A blue disappearance. Zein removed his helmet, glasses sliding down his nose from sweat. The whirring of his fan greeted him. Whiz. Whiz. Whiz. It echoed, filling the noiseless room as sombre blues painted his walls. "Ah¡­ I remember why I played Age." Chapter 11 - Mixed Emotions At 10 am, Zein woke up to the sounds of quiet chirps. He trudged to the bathroom, cleaning his heavy eyes, brushing his heavy mouth, washing his heavy face, and showering his heavy body. At 11 am, once changed into shorts and a t-shirt, Zein fixed himself breakfast- cereal with milk. A hearty meal in his eyes. At 12 pm, Zein strayed from routine, staying indoors and reading Age forums instead of shopping for groceries. A ritual he conducted every Friday for the last year. Aria Mountain Range. Rocky, prone to landslides, inhabited by the Rock Village People, Weeds, Iron Ore, Mud Moles, and Vultures. Recommended level 23. Recommended party size, 8. Make sure to bring a long-range weapon. Average duration 1 hours. At 2 pm, a transformation. A white t-shirt, a green apron, brown khakis, and grey slip-ons. He grabbed his bag, cleaned his glasses, locked his door, and ventured into the quiet street with a popped umbrella. At 3 pm, Zein walked into Rich''s Sports Wares with bread crumbs forming a perimeter around his lips and a drink. "Hey, manager. How are you? Did you get home safe?" he asked his manager, hunched. "Zein! Come come." he chuckled. "Everything is good my son. I hope you had a good night''s rest." "My sleep was wonderful." "I''m glad you slept well too, Zeizei." "Yeah thanks, Clark." ¡­ "Clark!?" "Yessir that''s me, that''s my name, what can I say that''s already been said." Clark boasted. "Wha-huh?" Zein was baffled. Clark was dressed in a white shirt, a green golf cap, a green apron, brown khakis, and black oxford shoes. ''I work here now! Well, part-time." "Manager, I need to file an HR complaint." The manager twirled his moustache, liver spots glowing on top of his head. "You guys get along now. I''ll be in the back if you need anything!" he laughed like Santa Claus, leaving for a glass room by the checkout aisle. Zein, still in disbelief, lumbered to the locker room like a zombie. Clark followed with a dance in his step. Inside, Zein tossed his bag into an open locker, securing it, and sitting down, collecting himself. Clark crossed his legs and leaned on the locker room door. "What?" he dragged. "You missed me that much?" "Why is the son of one of the largest conglomerates working at a sports ware shop?" "Cause it seems like fun! Can''t a man work with his pal while surrounded by equipment he loves? Is that not allowed? Is that banned!? I think not." "Is that right?" "Whatcha drinking anyway?" "Poca-" Clark rubbed his hands while snickering like a fox. "Here." "Thank you, thank you." Clark took a swig. Glugging, and glugging, and glugging as Zein pushed himself up with great effort, stretching his back. Clark threw his arm around Zein. "I miss your cat ears¡­" he fiddled with an imaginary ear above Zein''s head as the bottle covered him in dew. Zein nudged his ribs. "That''s enough." he adjusted his glasses. "That¡­was harder than usual." Clark staggered. "Yeah, yeah, let''s get to work." "Let''s go let''s go let''s go!" For the next 8 hours with intermittent breaks, Zein and Clark ran the show. Zein cleaned the equipment, cleaned the floors and bathroom, and sorted all the equipment. Clark attempted to clean the locker room, but Zein put a stop to it after spotting him almost mix bleach with ammonia. A super secret concoction of the Siegel family. Banned from touching anything, a law enforced by Zein, Clark stood behind the counter, fiddling with the scanner and aiming it at customers like a gun. Praise came Clark''s way, however, as he dealt with the tougher customers. The night came to an end. "I''ll be heading home now so you make sure you close up and take care of yourself, son." The manager adjusted his sports coat. "Sounds good. Do take care of yourself, manager." Zein said. "Goodbye, boss! I will see you tomorrow!" Clark confirmed. Hohoho. The manager waved goodbye. He hopped on his little red moped and sped away. A second chance was given to Clark, this time with Zein making the cleaning solution. He moped the floors, whistling an old-timey tune as Zein counted the money and locked up. Laying on the locker room bench, hands grazing the spotless floor, Clark let time pass him by. Zein sat by him, packing his bag. "I¡­ didn''t think it''d be this tiring." Clark huffed. "Are you sure you play sports?" "Hey!" He swung his hand, pointing behind him. "By tomorrow, I''ll be wiping the floor with you." Clark finger gunned. "I''m sure you will." Zein remained expressionless. "I did have a question though. It slipped my mind yesterday." Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. "Oooooh is it about my dashing looks?" Clark raised his head. "What can I say it''s all natural baby." "No. But it is about Skull Kidds. Where did they come from?" "Ah. Them." Clark buried his head into the bench. "They popped up about 2 months ago. It was weird how quick they gained prominence but with it being under Ophis, it''s most likely a direct subsidiary." "You think they''re washing?" "Maybe. Who knows. What I do is that the heads of Skull Kidds are getting paid. We don''t know how much, but that''s what we''ve heard." "This is getting annoying." Zein shut his locker. Clark''s chest tightened. "I''m¡­ Sorry. For dragging you into this mess." "It''s alright. I''m sure things would''ve been worse if you weren''t there. Plus, I got Wu and JJ got their bellhop uniform thanks to you." Zein reassured. Clark smiled. "Thank you. I promise you, things will be different." "Make sure you don''t do anything stupid." Zein smiled. "I know, I know, I know okay. I know it all after all." "You are tired, huh." Clark shot up, posing like a seal. ''Ah! I wonder if she''s going to be on today." "Who?" "Ohohohohoho wouldn''t you like to know." Clark twisted his body, sitting up straight. "I can''t wait for us to log on. It''s gonna be fun." Zein walked, showered, changed, and logged into Age of Divinity perplexed. What was going to happen? What did he plan now? Who was this girl? Question after question banged against the walls in his head. Wood fitted Zein''s inn room as its grains blended. Wooden bed, wooden floor, wooden walls, wooden ceiling, wooden fan, wooden table, wooden cupboards wooden chairs, wooden doors, wooden windows, wood, wood, wood, wood. The pillow played contrarian. Walking to the entrance, Clark jumped Zein in the lobby. He changed his gear to something more palatable within the world of Aria. A leather chest piece, iron arm and knee guards, leather boots, and a Mud Mole Long Sword. "Is your privacy filter on?" Zein asked. "What happened to "Hello" or "How are you" or "Didja reach home safe?"? I blame you young folk for this." ¡­ "But yes it''s on." Clark confirmed. "Let''s get going then. JJ seems to be online too, I''ll let them know to meet us at the mountain ranges. Skull Kidds should know by now too." "Let''s go go go!" Clark opened the inn''s door. The flood of adventurers roaming the streets disorientated Zein, making him uncomfortable. He held his ears, shutting it from incoming noise. "Hey, you good?" Clark kept a hand on Zein''s shoulder. "Yeah, I''m okay." "Anodos!" Zein released his ears, letting his hands sit behind them. "Did¡­ You hear something?" "Whuh?" "Anodos!" His name grew louder. Zein scanned the busy street. "I swear someone is calling out my name." "Anodos!" There. A woman with luscious pink hair in a beanie waved her hand as she ran towards them. "Oh! That''s the girl! She was looking-" The woman threw herself at Zein, wrapping her arms around him as her toolbelt crashed into his stomach. Clark''s eyes and mouth blew wide open, letting out a drone. "Hello¡­?" "You''re Anodos right!" She asked enthusiastically. Zein read her nametag. Skada. Level 40. The cogs spun. "Were you the one who made the slime-coated armour I bought." he guessed. "Yes! Thank you for buying it." She petted Zein''s cheek. "Your fur is so soft." Clark came back to his senses, eyebrows now furrowed, lips reaching his chin. "Hey! You! Get away from my husband!" "Husband!" "Husband?" "Do you like women too?" Uhhhhhh¡­ "Yes?" "There we go! Just cause he got a goalkeeper doesn''t mean a girl can''t score." Skada booped Clark''s nose. "Excuse me!?" "You''re off age right?" She whispered. "Yes¡­?" Zein replied. "Great! Cause I am too. We in business now." She faced Clark, arm around Zein. "Why you. You." Clark turned to Zein. " Honey!" They both looked at Zein with intent. A choice needed to be made. "Okay, that''s enough." he dodged, pushing Skada away from himself. "First off, don''t call me your husband," Clark looked away. "Second off, that was harassment, so don''t so that again." Skada looked away. ''To be divorced like this. How cruel, Zeizei." "I''m sorry¡­" "Good. Now, how can I help you?" Zein asked dusting his robe. "I just wanted to see what my first customer was like! And I was not let down." Skada said with a hand on her waist. "You betta not by eyeing my boyfriend lady." "I''m not your boyfriend either, Kal." "To be broken up with like this. How cruel, Zeizei." "That''s right Anodos! I know I''m gorgeous but you can''t be breaking up with your boyfriend over a game!" "Enough, let''s reset. Would you mind introducing yourself?" Zein switched course. "Well, my name is Skada as you know, and I am an armourer! I''m currently not part of a guild and I use these bad boys." Skada drew two flintlock pistols, spinning them on the trigger before grabbing them. Pew pew. She mimicked them being shot at Zein. "Oh that''s sick! I haven''t seen them in ages. Did you get them in Nedline?" "Naw I bought them at the auction, but aren''t they so pretty!?" Skada caressed the guns against her cheek. "Hell yeah. But if we''re doing introductions, my name''s Anodos, currently unspecialised, and he''s Kalel, a swordsman." "What! That''s it!" Clark complained. "What about "Leader of the 11th largest guild in the game." C''mon man, this ain''t right." he began mumbling to himself. "Oooh hold on that''s kinda cool." Skada said impressed. "You''re a connected man aren''t you Anodos." "I guess I am." Zein smiled, glancing at Clark who didn''t pay attention. "In any case, we gotta fo, so, we''ll see you around. Thank you for the armour again!" Zein texted and Clark grumbled as they made their way to the raid, leaving a pondering Skada behind. "Wait! I''m coming with!" Skada decided. "Are you sure? It''ll be a while." Zein turned to face her. "I''ve done raids before! I still wanna come." Skada declared. "I wanna see my first client in action." Zein chuckled. "My bad. Let''s get going then. Show Summon: Wu." Wu''s stats and location appeared in front of him. "Level 5. Not bad Wu!" "Aww what''s Wu?" Skada asked, curious. "My best friend!" Clark exclaimed. "He''s my monkey." Zein laughed. "And my best friend too." "Ooooh cute! I wanna meet him too!" Skada said giddy with excitement. "Let''s pick him up on the way then, he''s close to the goblin cave." Zein waited for Skada to catch up. The trio departed for the mountain ranges ruled by the vultures, picking up a curious Wu and some exp. The gems and items weren''t left out either, Wu made sure of it. Ding. Level 14 for the cat. The four of them arrived to a distressed JJ, an annoyed Boom, a nonchalant Buum, a focused Biim, and a gaggle of other adventurers, all preparing for their perilous trip, avoiding the Skull Kidds like the plague. Thankfully, none of them noticed Clark due to the level restriction, placing both him and Skada at level 23. JJ stomped towards Zein. "Yo! Anodos! The hell''s goin'' on? Why we doin'' the raid with these assholes." "Yeah why are you doing a raid with the Skull Kidds." Skada asked, her tone piercing. "Shut up!" Boom retaliated. "You think we''re happy about this! If it weren''t for our brother-" "Boom. Enough." Biim shut him down. "Hello, we''ve been waiting for you." Biim said, cordial. "I''m sorry, JJ." Zein apologised. "I''ll explain later. You too, Skada. If you''re uncomfortable, you don''t have to raid with us, but I can promise you there is an explanation." Wu slept on Skada''s head as she studied Clark and Zein. "Okay. I trust you. Only cause you''re cute." Skada winked. "Thank you." Zein smiled. "You too JJ. If you''re uncomfortable-" "Man let''s just get this shit over with. Pissing me off." JJ left for the entrance. "Are you fonna ask me too!? Cman ask me too!" Clark waited, excitement sparkling in his eyes. "Who cares about you! You don''t have a choice loser." Boom scoffed. "One day¡­ One day." Clark said under his breath. "Sorry about him. May we know who the girl is?" Biim asked. "Yeah! Who''s the girl!" Buum reiterated. Biim looked at him with confusion. "She''s with us. 7''s better than 6 after all, isn''t it?" a rhetorical question was posed. "Anyway, do we have potions covered?" a question was posed. "We have some with us." Biim replied. "And we''re sharing none of it." Boom added. "Yeah! We''re sharing none of it!" Biim followed without missing a beat. "I have enough for us, Zeizei." Clark confirmed. "Sounds good, we can get some at the village too." Zein figured. "Shall we head in?" "Who the hell made you-" "Boom." Biim glared at Boom while the rest readied themselves, partying up with each other and ensuring they had their stuff. Steps away from the entrance- "Excuse me¡­ Do you maybe have space for one more?" A quiet, shaking voice spoke. Chapter 12 - Climb. Climb. Climb. Irises darting, breath stuttering. The orcen man dressed in blue robes and accented by its different shades bowed to the seven of them, staff barely holding on to his back. "Who the hell''s this loser now!?" "Yeah! Who are you!? "My god they never shut up." "Does it matter? He didn''t get picked up by any other party. Let''s just get going." "Ooooh a cutie, c''mon why you gotta hide your face big boy." "Zeizei, this guy rocks! We gotta take him!" "Please, raise your head. Could you introduce yourself?" The orc raised his head, eyes unable to meet anyone''s. His small tusks contrasted his oblong, septum-pierced, nose. " Hello...M-my name is Torell. I use magic, fire magic more specifically. What else...w-well I also like video games and animation-" "Shut it! No one cares! Why are we wasting time on this loser!?" "Aw, he seems cute though, why can''t we take him with us?" "Oogie!" Wu woke up, attentive. "I agree with her¡­ But only this once!" "A second long-range dealer would be nice¡­Jejj, what do you think?" "Seems good." "What! Are you blind? He''s an orc who uses magic! He''s useless!" Boom imposed. "Yeah! Useless!" "Both of you, quiet. What''s the call here, Anodos." Zein contemplated for a moment. "Alright, welcome to the team! You don''t have to be too polite okay?" "Really!" Torell straightened himself, towering over all of them. His excitement vained upon realising who he teamed up with. His body rang alarm bells, rattling him to run, yet his mouth would not move. Clark noticed, putting an arm around the frightened orc, bringing him down to his height. "Don''tcha worry buddy, we''ll take care of ya." Torell nodded, joining the party. Wu hopped from Skada''s head and landed on Zein''s shoulder, perching himself. "Before we head in, we need to decide on-" An interruption. "Begin!" a faint shout from the distance. The Skull Kidds entered, leaving the rest of them behind. "Alright, we''ll decide on a raid leader later. Torell, you ready?" Zein asked the green giant. "R-ready sir." Torell gulped. Clark and JJ''s cheeks puffed as Skada fawned over the orc, pinching his cheeks. "Deja vu." Zein smiled. "Open Inventory." Zein drew his spear from the blue space. "Shall we head in?" "Hell yeah." Jejj punched their palm. "Let''s gooooo." Clark hopped in place. Ppssh pppsh psh psh. He mimicked, throwing jabs and hooks. One step. "Aria Mountain Range. Recommended level 23. Begin?" the system displayed. "Begin!" they said in unison. Two steps. A narrow path nestled between two jagged mountains. The five began their trek as Zein checked in on Skull Kidds. "Half health!?" They all turned to Zein, confused, checking their status. Realisation struck as they quickened their pace. "Jejj, Torell, Moles are going to be popping out from everywhere, be careful." "Got it." "O-okay!" Rocks crumbled by Jejj''s head. Nails, then head, then body, fly at Jejj. A level 17 mole. They step back and punch it into the wall. Clark ignored it, Skada shot it in the head, Zein slashed it, Wu scratched it, and Torell picked up 4 red gems and a mole nail. Ding. Wu levelled up to 6. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The mole''s numbers grew. One. Two. Three. Five. Eight. They popped from the ground, the sides, from above, and in front. Most of the moles appeared at random, however, some of them, ones where anger seeped through their nails, targeted Jejj. "We have to ignore." Ignore. Ignore. Ignore. Dodge. Dodge. Dodge. Throw a punch in, a shot in, a slash, a scratch, a stab in whenever possible, leaving any drops behind. They had to move faster. And yet, Torell struggled to keep up, taking hits every so often as the rest weaved their way closer to the trio. Wu helped the fledgling mage as he perched on Zein''s shoulder. "Oogie!" He''d point at the ground. "Are you doing okay back there, Torell? We''ve almost caught up." Zein asked, watching the roughened orc. "I-I''m okay! I may need a health potion when we-" Clark fell to the back, running with Zein as he tossed a potion to Torell who juggled it. "Here ya go, Rell. Make sure ya don''t drop it!" "Ye-yes! Thank you, Kalel." the orc bowed. Using the tips of his massive fingers, Torell downed the potion. His cuts disappeared. "Hey! Maybe I should-" "Get back in position." "Man¡­" Clark pouted, returning to his place. "The Skull Kidds'' health bars continued to drop. Lower, and lower, and lower as the party hiked faster, and faster, and faster, until they arrived at a diamond-shaped field. Flanked by 34 moles, the low-health trio sat on the ground, blood dancing down their skin and spotting their clothes. Zein drew his staff, raising it to the air. "Heal: Boom, Biim, Buum. Heal: Boom, Biim, Buum." his mana dropped by 120. "Retreat!" Biim roared, louder than he ever was. ''Retreat!" Buum parroted. "Shit." Boom spat. Behind the five of them, 21 moles trailed. Zein scanned his surroundings. A warning sign was placed by the entrance to the field depicting rocks rolling down an uneven slope. He scratched his thumb. "I''m not going to ask why you guys rushed in, but for now, listen." "And why the hell-" "Boom. Enough. And Buum, if you open your mouth." Buum placed a hand over his mouth, shaking his head. The moles grew closer with each word. "What''s the plan." Biim inquired. "Boom. Jejj. Cover the back. Clark, play with me in front, we''ll tank the 34. Torell and Biim, stand in the middle. Skada and Buum, cover them." Zein drew on the ground using the end of his staff. "Okay!" Skada wrapped her arm around Buum''s, pumping her fist in the air. "Aah!" Buum squealed. "I have to work with her!?" Boom cried. "Do you always complain?" Jejj retorted. "U-um are you sure?" Torell stuttered. "Just hit your shots." Biim drank a mana potion. "Now we''re talking!" Clark unsheated his sword. "Alright. One more thing, watch for landslides. Wu, buff anyone you think needs it but don''t leave my side. Understood." Zein confirmed, glancing at Wu. "Oogie!" the little monkey saluted. With almost no space to move, Clark charged the moles in front of them, spinning his sword. Wu buffed upon contact, slinging moles all over the place and drawing their aggression. Zein followed, storing his cleric staff and drawing his axe. Stab and slash. A simple combo which proved efficient as their numbers started to dwindle. Biim, anticipating a fight at the entrance, shot a magic missile at the mountain, forcing a landslide. "Fall back! Torell, shoot the mountain too." he ordered. Jejj listened, Boom listened slower as rocks almost buried him with the moles. Most dug their way out, the rest turned to gems, nails, and skin. "O-okay. Magic Missile." Torell shot at the mountain, making rocks fall. Ding. Level 20 for Torell. Boom and Jejj dove the remaining moles. Smash. Strike. Smash. Strike. Skills were thrown on cooldown. Whenever Boom or Jejj missed a mole, Skada would cover with a body shot. Rumbling below her feet. In a flash, a mole by her face, swiping at her. Skada ducked and shot the mole in the stomach. Buum, late on the uptake, slashes its throat, killing it. Gems and items drop by their feet. "That was good Buum! Thank you for keeping me safe." Skada winked. "Ye-ye-yes, of course!" Buum blushed. Zein and Clark blitzed their way through them. Ding. Zein levelled up. Ding. Ding. Ding. Wu''s level shot up, giggling every time it did. Zein pocketed the ravaging guild leader, switching weapons and healing him anytime his health dropped to half. It was poetry in motion. Poetry wept on Jejj''s end, unfortunately, as Torell missed skill shots, Jejj and Boom couldn''t sync, sometimes punching each other, and Biim could barely keep up with heals. "Buum! Come here and help! Now!" Biim commanded. "Okay! I''m coming." Buum ran to them, blades ready. Zein eyed his party status, biting his lip. "Skada-" She moved with Buum, shooting stray moles. Wu studying their situation, buffed Skada. Bullets flew as Skada''s hands moved with precision, reloading as her eyes were fixated on the battlefield, hunting for her next target. Zein grinned. The mountains rumbled. Harsher, and harsher. Zein''s ears pricked, eyes tracing the mountain. As he turned to speak, a mole drilled him in the stomach. With a roll, he regained his footing. Zein slammed his staff into its stomach like a bat and pierced it with his spear. "Landslide! Watch out you two-" Another mole jumped him. "What the f-" Nails connect, drilling Boom in the stomach. He landed amongst the pile of rocks, health dropping rapidly as the mole continued its assault. Jejj punted the mole and attempted to drag the fallen man closer to Biim. Crassshhhh. Rocks crushed both of them with the moles. "Oh no!" Torell shrieked. Torell dropped his staff and dug through the rocks. All he found was a pair of claws stabbing him in the throat. Torell staggered, mole still attached. He grabbed the little animal and flung it into the wall. Skada finished it with a shot to the head. "Be careful big guy! Watch their health bars, they aren''t dead yet okay?" Skada reassured. "O-okay. I''m sorry¡­" Torell apologised as blood oozed from his neck. Skada stretched, ruffling his permed hair. A hand shot out of the ground. Its fingers wiggled and tapped around. The hand placed itself on a rock and pushed itself up, revealing a dust-covered Jejj clutching onto a pebbled spitting Boom. A few moles remained. Jejj tossed the stocky man at Biim as they returned to the battlefield, working with Skada and Torell. Buum stayed by the injured man''s side. Landslides became more frequent; it forced them to dodge while dealing damage. Health bars and mana bars dropped, and yet they persevered. Torell used his staff as a club. Jejj punched with newfound vigour. Wu fainted from exhaustion after applying a buff on Clark. Skada''s eyes grew weary. Clark and Zein used every opportunity to crush the moles with the landslides. 5 minutes later, the moles had met their fate. To turn to gems and items. Wu levelled up 4 times. 9. Zein levelled up twice. 16. Jejj levelled up twice. 17. Torell levelled up once. 20. Biim levelled up once. 18. Boom levelled up once. 18. Clark walked towards the injured Boom. He towered over him. Clark grabbed the man by his chest piece and lifted him. Boom held his armour with disgust and fear smeared across his face. "Tell me. Boom. You ain''t tryna throw are ya?" Chapter 13 - The Big Mole Attack The door swung with violence. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth. The door found peace. Boom picked himself up in a hurry. Buum turned over, facing the ceiling. "Brother! Why should we collaborate with those losers!" Boom gestured at the door. "Boom. How much do we pay you?" Cyanide asked. "Uh¡­ 1 gold coin?" "That''s right. So don''t ask questions. Are we clear?" "But-" "Boom." Cyanide''s eyes narrowed, Biim, witnessing the exchange, decided to step in. "Cy¡­ I do believe we deserve some explanation. We''re the ones taking part in this plan after all. We aren''t getting the Great Blue Vulture''s eye either." he argued. Cyanide took a deep breath. Contemplating. " Kalel is a prideful man. A man who values his people. Having the people who griefed his friends do a dungeon raid with his people would eat him alive." Tap. Tap. Tap. "It also strengthens our position in Aria." he coughed. "Since we''re running it with BLG." "So we''re just there to mess with him?" Biim cocked his head. "Do we just throw?" "You''re free to do whatever you want." "Whatever we want, huh." Boom stroked his chin. "Whatever we want!" Buum chirped from the carpet. "Did you get the answers you seek?" "Yes. Thank you for taking the time to-" CRUSH. "This will be the last time I do." Cyanide said, monotonous. "Get out." Their pupils shrink, minds taken over. With a bow, the three of them scuttled out of the room. *** "Tell me." Clark shook Boom with violence, nails digging into his armour. Boom mouthed words unintelligible to anyone but Clark. With a deep sigh, Clark dragged Boom to the edge of the cliff. "Kal. Calm down." Clark turned, slow and mechanical. His eyes fell upon a kneeled over Zein, staff and spear supporting him. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth. Clark found peace. He tossed Boom aside, leering at Biim. "Thank you, Clark." "What happened to using only our in-game names?" a smile crept on Clark''s face. "You can chew me out later." Zein smiled. "Could we all talk for a second?" Jejj helped Zein to his feet, putting an arm around his shoulder. "Yeah. Okay." Biim replied, sweat beading, Buum nodded meekly. One by one they started to gather. Boom, however, chose to sit out as Clark made his way. "Do you mind keeping any moles in check, Kal?" Zein asked as he sat down. The rest followed suit. Clark stopped in his tracks, returning to a natural pose. "I''ll keep the ol'' eyes peeled don''tcha worry." With an imperfect circle formed, a guard to protect and a nomad on the outskirts. Conversations began. "To begin with," Zein clapped. "I don''t believe you three are throwing, your actions prove otherwise. So, set the record straight. Why did you rush in without us?" "We just thought it''d be good to get a headstart." Biim answered. "Yeah! We wanted to get a headstart!" Buum chirped from the soil. "Boom didn''t want to wait any longer either!" he added. "Buum." Biim pinched him. "I apologise for Boom. But we don''t intend on throwing." "Ain''t believe that for a sec." Jejj retorted. "Even though Buum seems sweet, there''s no reason to trust you guys since you know." Skada pointed at their player tags. "Sorry." "I''m sweet." Buum giggled. "How did you end up with so many moles surrounding you then?" Zein rested his head on his elbow. Wu, sat in Zein''s lap, played with his dangling necklace. "We just weren''t good enough. We overestimated ourselves." Biim said plainly. "Seen that before." Jejj scoffed. "Oooh, I wanna hear that story!" Skada chimed. "Won''t you tell me pretty lil'' elf?" She leaned towards Jejj. "Maybe¡­ If there''s time¡­" Jejj refused to make eye contact, red filling their face. "We tried our best though!" Buum claimed. "But I don''t we don''t have many potions left." he fell silent. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "I''ll talk to Kal about sharing some of our health and mana potions." Zein ensured. "U-um are you sure?" Torell asked, nervous. "Yeah, it''s alright. We''re doing this together after all." Zein looked at Biim. "Thank you." Biim bowed slightly. "Of course." Zein returned the gesture. "With that being said, shall we discuss who should be raid leader then? It''d be beneficial if we had someone calling the shots." "I''m voting for you then!" Clark towered over Zein, 3 Mole claws placed between each finger and Mole leather hanging off his head like bangs. "Me!?" Zein exclaimed. "You been leading from the start, why you surprised?" Jejj pointed out. "I agree!" Skada said with enthusiasm. "Yes¡­ I''d like you to be leader too." Torell peeked at Zein. "Uh- well- I''m sorry about that." Zein let out an awkward laugh. "We ain''t arguin''. Just makes sense to keep you in charge." "Thank you¡­" A curl started to adorn his lips. "What about you guys?" he asked the Skull Kidds. "I''m okay with it." Biim responded. "I''m okay too!" Buum followed. "Alright. Clark, could you share-" "I''ll hand it to ''em don''t ya worry." "Hell yeah. Shall we get going then?" Zein raised to his feet; Wu hung on to his necklace, swaying. "Let''s get this shit." Jejj cracked their neck. Wu climbed Zein''s robes as he dusted them. Clark distributed a couple of health potions to everyone, including Biim. He used his chin to point at an observing Boom, hand resting on his knee. Biim walked over and whacked the injured man on his temple, handing him a health potion and getting him on his feet. The journey continued. Jejj covered Boom, and Zein and Clark took the rear, covering their backs. Skada, Torell, Biim, and Buum stood in the centre. Skada faced the back, and Buum faced the front. Semblances of teamwork were seen. A sight Jejj did not believe possible. Sticking close to the mountain, they made their way up. They encountered mole after mole after mole and within minutes there''d be gems, claws, and leather. The minutes ticked down to a minute. The minute ticked down to seconds. Nothing could stop their climb. A second open field, a jagged oval. The party trod lightly, anxiety in each step. Their senses rang. Uncontrollable. Their senses proved right. With a rumble, the ground below Torell started to crack, spreading like a parasite. "Spread out. Now!" Zein yelled. "Wu stay by the entrance. Buff whoever you can!" Wu, understanding the severity of the situation, "Oogie." he hopped away. Torell, stumbling over his robes, barely avoided a hail of rocks exploding from where he once stood. Amongst the rocks, claws the size of Zein emerged. It used the ground to push the rest of its body as the party surrounded the towering, purple figure. Desman Mole, level 23. "Jejj, Clark, Boom- to the front. Buum flank. Torell and Biim stay back." Zein commanded. Jejj and Clark jumped to action, Boom joined with displeasure. Torell''s head darted as he gripped his staff, breaths quickening. "Just shoot it." Biim said with calm. "O-okay." Torell and Biim sent a barrage of magic missiles at the mole while Jejj, Clark and Boom took to damaging its legs. They slashed, struck, and dodged anytime it reached down to stab. A simple job for the weaponless as Clark drew its attention. Zein stored his staff and returned with his bow and quiver. "Skada-" Just as he spoke, Skada, positioned by the mages, shot the mole in the eye, making it flinch backwards- swiping at the air. "Yeas?" Skada dragged her word. "You''re doing great." Zein smiled. Zein dropped his spear, slung his quiver, and drew his bow, taking aim. Thwip. The arrow flew, stinging the mole in its eye. "Oooh, not bad cutie." "I can shoot too!" "I can see that." Skada chuckled. The Desman jammed its claws into the ground, bearing the flurry of attacks, and flung rocks at the backline. Torell and Biim dashed back into each other, rocks clipping the both of them. Zein and Skada side-stepped, saving their mana and health. Buum, standing behind, clanked his blades. "An opportunity has arrived!" Buum closed the distance, hiding amongst the rocks. He leapt at the mole, scrambling up and standing on its shoulders. "Slash!" Buum began his assault, slicing with incredible speed. "Take that! And that! And this! Hyahhh." This became routine as they punched, slashed, stabbed, and shot at the mole with Torell and Biim alternating between healing the frontline and sending missiles the mole''s way. At 50%, the Desman tossed Buum into the air and burrowed into the ground. Shaking preceded by silence. Clark caught the falling Buum like a princess and set him down beside him. They shifted in place not knowing where it''ll pop out from. Crack. CRACK. Zein looked down, eyes widening. "Dash!" He zipped forward as the mole shot out. Zein escaped. His robes didn''t. The mole''s claws pierced right through, taking Zein with it. "Zeizei!" "Shit." "Oogie!" Jejj and Clark charged the mole as it dropped. Wu attempted to join but was pulled back by Biim. "You don''t want to go there lil'' monkey." Wu, hesitant, obeyed. Jejj climbed on Clark''s back with understanding and launched themself at the mole. Zein, watching this, dropped his bow and grabbed his axe, flinging it at Jejj. "Catch!" Jejj caught a hold of the axe and slammed it into the mole. Wu buffed the elf who used the axe as a ledge, shooting themself at the Zein. They kicked the mole in the snout and grabbed the flailing man by the waist, ripping his robes. "Ooh my hero!" Zein kept a hand around their shoulder. "Learnt from the best." Jejj retrieved the axe on the way down. "Oogie! Oogie!" Wu high-fived Biim while Skada covered the duo as they landed and fled. Buum, blending amongst the chaos, used this opportunity to return to the mole''s shoulders. Routine returned with an amendment to it. Jejj equipped the axe and Zein switched to his spear and staff, joining the frontline. "I''ll assist you two with healing!" Torell and Biim, acknowledging, began to mix in fireballs and fire arrows. 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. The mole became more erratic with each decrease. Boom and Torell kept getting bailed out anytime the mole targeted them as Buum stuck to Clark like glue anytime it happened. Blow after blow was landed on the exposed mole anytime it missed due to being locked into its exiting animation. In its final attempt, the mole leapt at Skada. Jejj dashed towards her and dove, bringing her to the ground as the mole soared above them. "You really are a hero!" Skada wrapped her arms around their neck. "Yeah¡­I-maybe¡­" Jejj stuttered, not knowing where to look. Biim shot a fire arrow at the mole through the eye as it drove by, making it collapse. 8 yellow gems, 8 pieces of mole leather,8 Desman Mole claws, and A Desman Mole eye. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Apart from Clark and Skada, levels went up. Zein and Jejj levelled by 2. The Skull Kidds and Torell levelled once. Wu levelled by 3. "Oogie!" Wu bolted towards Zein, hugging his shin. "That''s right Wu, we did it!" he bent over and ruffled the monkey''s hair. "Hug me too, Zeizei!" Clark jumped on Zein. "Me three!" Skada joined the fray. Jejj, panting on the floor, found the energy to join the group hug. Torell fiddled with his fingers as The Skull Kidds celebrated amongst themselves. "Alright, enough!" Zein laughed. "We need to get going." "Boo don''t ruin the moment." Clark shut the idea down. "Jejj, scoot in! Don''t let him out!" Skada grabbed them by the waist, dragging them closer. "Oo-okay" Jejj flushed. "Oh my god, it''s one boss you losers." Boom cried. "Just when I was enjoying the moment." Clark sighed. "Uhm I collected all the items¡­ Do I distribute it?" Torell interrupted. "We can discuss it at Rock Village." Zein wrestled free of the hug. "For now, would you mind keeping it with you?" "A-are you sure?" "We trust ya big guy!" Clark said. "Don''t lose any of them!" "O-okay. Got it." Torell glanced at Biim. "We''re fine with it. Let''s just get going." The party recuperated and began their hike. Halfway through, Biim walked up to Zein, pulling him aside. "Once we reach the village, could we talk?" Chapter 14 - Link to the Past Sunlight permeated through the clouds, raining upon a modest village with a humble fence for an entrance. Low-steeped roofs made from slabs of rock adorned the building as logs of wood acted as its base. People dressed in thick woollen sweaters and mole leather scarves walked with infectious energy. Children laughed while kicking a mole leather ball, adults chattered with love imbued into every word, and dogs barked with joy. ¡°It¡¯s been a while huh, Zeizei.¡± Clark reminisced by the wooden gate. ¡°Yeah. A long while.¡± Zein reminisced by the wooden gate. ¡°Ooh whatcha mean by long while? Have you played before?¡± Skada asked. ¡°Hmm? Yeah, I used to.¡± Zein paused. ¡°Wait, I thought you''d have guessed by now since you were okay with making me leader.¡± ¡°Ooop sorry I just thought you were a nerd.¡± Skada laughed awkwardly. ¡°But like a cute nerd though!¡± She tried to save herself. Hah! ¡°He do be nerdy sometimes.¡± Jejj agreed. ¡°I will not be sending you the videos.¡± ¡°Man that ain''t right don''t be like that.¡± Jejj tried to save themself. ¡°Could we continue this inside?¡± Biim butted in. ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s go.¡± Zein opened the gate, letting the rest of them enter. The party made their way to a large, circular townhouse at the centre. They stepped and dodged as the kids played. The townhouse was a single-floor building which housed visitors, guests, and village meetings. The rock door swung open with ease. Inside, wooden boards were laid atop small shaped rocks which fit like puzzle pieces. The party creaked the floor as they made their way to the counter. ¡°Why hello there young ones! To what does our little village owe you the pleasure?¡± An old man with a hunch greeted them while hitting his back. He was dressed in a purple leather shirt and blue cotton pants. ¡°We¡¯re looking for some rooms to rest.¡± Zein placed his arms on the counter. ¡°And how many rooms would you like?¡± ¡°4?¡± Zein¡¯s head swivelled to face the party. ¡° 1 with 3 bedrooms.¡± he eyed the Skull Kidds. ¡°And a single bedroom.¡± he landed on Skada. ¡°That¡¯s fine with us.¡± Biim readjusted his robes. ¡°A single sounds good with me!¡± Skada stretched her hands, interlocking her fingers in the air. ¡°Though I¡¯d rather have one with our little elf though.¡± She folded her arms as she brought them down and leaned on Jejj¡¯s back. ¡°Aha¡­Ahahahaa.¡± Jejj¡¯s mouth contorted, forming unnatural shapes. ¡°Can we go!¡± Boom interrupted. ¡°Testing my pestilence.¡± he muttered. ¡°Yeah! Testing our patience!¡± Buum chirped with joy. The party went their separate ways. Zein, Jejj, and Wu took up a room after much opposition from a certain blonde-haired man. Clark and Torell took up a room after the blonde-haired man submitted. Inside, decorated with a rug made from mole fur, Zein and Jejj sat on their beds; It was filled with blue vulture feathers making it soft. Yawn. The tired little monkey curled into a ball beside Zein, falling asleep. ¡°So.¡± Jejj leaned forward. ¡°You gon'' tell me why we doin'' this with those assholes?¡± they questioned. Before Zein could begin, Clark barged in with an arm around Torell. ¡°Guess who¡¯s here!¡± ¡°Aah aaah.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t forget about me!¡± Turning around, a giggling Skada waved peace signs. ¡°Come in.¡± Zein gestured to enter. ¡°Do keep it down though since Wu is sleeping.¡± ¡°Oops sorry¡­¡± Clark apologised. Clark tip-toed, sitting by Zein, Torell shuffled, sitting by Jejj, and Skada slid, shutting the door behind her and sitting between Jejj''s legs. ¡°Are we all comfortable?¡± Zein studied the room. ¡°Yes!¡± Skada replied with enthusiasm. ¡°Ye-yeah. Sorry for intruding¡­¡± Torell replied with less enthusiasm. ¡°What we talkin¡¯ about?¡± Clark moved the conversation along. ¡°Skull Kidds.¡± Zein replied with no enthusiasm. The room grew quiet. The little snores coming from Wu were all that was left. ¡°I ain''t gon'' force you. I do trust you after all. But I wanna know if you trust me.¡± Jejj broke the ice. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll explain.¡± Zein understood. ¡°Zeizei-¡± ¡°It''s all right. They deserve to know. Especially since they are here with us.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Clark understood. ¡°To start with, as you guys know, I used to play the game. But that wasn''t all.¡± Zein began to scratch his chin. ¡°How do I say this without sounding like a prick?¡± he wondered. ¡°Zeizei was the best.¡± Clark spoke up. ¡°Without a shadow of a doubt, he was the best player in Age. He had an inventory rivalling the ten great guilds. This isn''t me exaggerating or bragging. This is a fact. Zein was the best.¡± Clark stared at everyone. ¡°What happened to using only our in-game names?¡± Zein asked. ¡°We¡¯re even now.¡± Clark smiled, satisfied. ¡°In any case, it was something like that.¡± Zein¡¯s leg jittered. ¡°However, a year ago, I was forced to quit by the ten great guilds. There''s even a video of it on You-be. It was pretty dramatic.¡± Zein coughed a laugh. ¡°Knew you was good cause of the whole ¡°making the devs change a strat¡± thing, but damn.¡± Jejj kept an arm on Skada¡¯s head. ¡°Yeah, I guess I was a big deal.¡± the tip of Zein¡¯s tail wagged. ¡°In any case, the Skull Kidds¡¯ leader found out about my past and used it to get those three to raid the mountain with us.¡± he tapped his finger with his thumb. ¡°He blackmailed you!¡± Skada¡¯s eyes grew wide. ¡°Evil.¡± She shook her head in disagreement. ¡°Why ain¡¯t you fight back? Ain¡¯t Kal a hot shot or somethin¡¯ in this game?¡± Jejj inquired. ¡°I am.¡± Clark said with confidence. ¡°But the Skull Kidds are backed by Ophis.¡± he said, losing confidence. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°No wonder they have so much confidence.¡± Skada placed a hand on her lips, looking away. ¡°I''m sorry you had to go through all that.¡± she offered solace. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind risking it all for him though.¡± Clark pumped his chest, folding his arms. ¡°Yeah, yeah, you can that up with Jovah. I¡¯m sure he¡¯d love to hear that.¡± Zein commented. ¡°He¡¯d uh- be fine with it.¡± Clark concluded for his own safety. In the background, Jejj whispered something to Skada. Skada, after pondering for a moment, whispered back to them. Jejj let out soundless, but understanding acknowledgement. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry to interrupt,¡± Torell raised his hand. ¡°but why did that guild pick them? They aren''t doing anything bad¡­ I think¡­¡± ¡°Those three attacked Jejj when they ran the goblin cave. That''s how Jejj and I met. I''m sure their leader knows this too.¡± Zein began scratching his thumb. ¡°Maybe he sent them to mock us. Who knows honestly?¡± ¡°Asshole.¡± Jejj piped up. ¡°I feel bad getting close with Buum now.¡± Skada lamented. ¡°I liked that kid.¡± ¡°It''s okay.! We both reaped much more than they sowed. Kal and I are close with another kid in the guild as well.¡± Zein attempted to console the bummed Skada. ¡°But, does that answer all your questions? I''m sorry once again for dragging you all into our mess.¡± He bowed slightly. ¡°Yeah. We good.¡± Jejj reached out over Skada. Zein took their hand, dapping them up. ¡°Would it be okay to watch the video if for some odd slash unknown reason I happened to stumble upon it?¡± Skada smiled wide, blinking profusely. ¡°You¡¯re free to do so.¡± Zein tried to stop his shaking leg. Skada pumped her fist. ¡°I-I have no questions.¡± Torell bobbed their head. ¡°T-Thank you for answering all our questions.¡± Knock. Knock. Knock. A voice. ¡°We¡¯re heading out. Could we discuss our plan?¡± the voice was flat. ¡°Ain¡¯t their timing something.¡± Clark rolled his eyes. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get going then.¡± Zein got up. ¡°Wu, buddy, it¡¯s time to wake up.¡± he scratched the monkey¡¯s chin. ¡°Oogie?¡± Wu rubbed his eyes. Wu stretched his arms and scratched his head. He scanned the room through his half-closed eyes and climbed Zein. Everyone inside, walked out, one by one. ¡°Will you younguns be heading out?¡± the receptionist wrote in his little notebook. ¡°Yes. We''d like to explore the village.¡± Zein answered. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s wonderful! I recommend paying Egbert''s Armoury a visit. He makes magic with that hammer of his.¡± the old man blew air out of his nose with pride. ¡°We will be sure to do that.¡± ¡°Oh! Before I forget.¡± the receptionist stopped them. ¡°If you''d like to leave the mountains without encountering any moles, especially the Desman, visit Margret by the mine entrance. She''ll help you find your way out.¡± ¡°Thank you so much for the information. We''ll be heading out now. Take care of yourself!¡± Zein waved his hand. ¡°Why of course! I hope you enjoy our village!¡± the old man returned the gesture. With a smile, the party made their way to the exit. They conglomerated by the townhouse, fiddling with their stats and any inventory. ¡°Alright. To begin-¡± ¡°I¡¯m leaving. Buum.¡± Boom stormed away. ¡°O-ooh okay.¡± Buum swung his head back and forth while shifting towards Boom. ¡°I¡¯m coming.¡± he sprinted. Boom and Buum left the party behind. ¡°...Okay. Do we know how many potions we have?¡± Zein continued. ¡°I got 2 health potions and 3 mana potions.¡± Clark answered. ¡°We expended a lot halfway through for some odd reason.¡± he glared at Biim. ¡°I can just cover the cost for the potions.¡± Biim offered a solution. ¡°Anyone else got anything?¡± Zein asked, checking his own inventory. ¡°I have nothing!¡± Skada shot her fist into the air. ¡°N-neither do I¡­ sorry.¡± Torell watched the pebbles by his feet. ¡°Got nothin¡¯ on me.¡± Juhi shrugged their shoulders. ¡°Okay. Let''s split up. Skada and¡­¡± Zein¡¯s finger swayed from person to person. He landed on the elf. ¡°Jejj. You guys mind picking up the rest of the drops?¡± ¡°Of course we don¡¯t mind!¡± Skada wrapped her arms around Jejj¡¯s arms. ¡°Aha¡­Ahahahaha.¡± Jejj¡¯s eyes spun. In a flash, Jejj and Skada disappeared with the shorter of the two taking charge. ¡°Kal. Biim would like to speak with me. Do you mind roaming around with Torell.¡± Zein brought Kal closer. ¡°¡­Are you sure?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Clark conceded. ¡°Torell it''s you and me buddy! Let me tell you about my glorious adventures.¡± Torell clutched the unsuspecting mage while walking away. The orc could not protest. ¡°So, tell me. What would you like to talk about.¡± Zein turned to Biim. Biim stared into the distance. His grey eyes narrowed. ¡°I''d like to start by saying I''m a veteran, just like you.¡± Biim cleared his throat. ¡°It''s how I figured you may be one too and why I tried to recruit you.¡± ¡°I had a feeling you were a veteran.¡± ¡°Thank you. I...deleted my character so I could play with Boom and Buum. It happened just about 3 months ago.¡± ¡°That sounds nice but what does that have to do with me?¡± Zein¡¯s impatience grew. ¡°How do I put this... I looked up to you.¡± Biim announced, changing Zein¡¯s demeanour. ¡°Anytime someone uploaded a video of you I''d just drop everything to watch it.¡± They began to drift, moving like a gentle breeze guided them. ¡°You were my goal. So when you quit... I just didn''t feel like playing either... Maybe that''s why I was okay with starting anew. To play with friends.¡± Zein thought for a moment, watching some kids play with swords and shields as an audience cheered them on. ¡°I''m honoured. Thank you for saying that.¡± Zein said with distant warmth. ¡°Of course, anything. Thank you for coming back Zei-¡± ¡°Anodos. It¡¯s Anodos now.¡± Biim smiled; emotions swelled. ¡°Thank you for coming back, Anodos.¡± he paused for a moment. ¡°Would it be okay if I asked for some advice? ¡°About?¡± ¡°My play and such. I feel like something¡¯s just off but I can¡¯t put a finger on it. ¡°On your play huh. I didn''t really build as a mage, so take what I say with a grain of salt alright since my only basis is Josephine.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen, she¡¯s really good at managing her mana. It¡¯s what makes her the best in the game right. You spam heal too much, which leads to you only using magic missile.¡± They walked past a bakery selling plump bread. A single worker in a mini chef hat and eyebags manned the register and packed food as people lined up outside. ¡°Sure your party isn''t doing you a favour, but you can heal later. Even when you played with us during the mole boss fight, you used your heal too much.¡± ¡°I see... So it''s okay to just let them take damage?¡± ¡°Yeah. As long as they aren''t dead, you''re doing your job. So, I''d suggest understanding when to heal and when you need to deal damage.¡± Their conversation continued. It continued at the clinic. It continued at the armoury. It continued at the general store. And it continued by the inn.¡± Zein watched Jejj and Skada return. One had steam escaping from their head and the other was satisfied with herself. ¡°By the way. Jejj goes by they/them. Do make sure you respect them.¡± ¡°Ah. Yes. I''ll be sure to. I¡¯ll let Boom and Buum know as well.¡± ¡°Zein! We are back and let me tell you we are rich.¡± Skada wiggled her fingers. ¡°Is that right? I hope you share some with me.¡± ¡°I''ll think about it. What do you think, Jejj?¡± ¡°Sharing¡¯s cool. Maybe¡± Skada pinched them. ¡°I mean. We ain''t giving you shit.¡± Jejj folded their arms. ¡°You''re breaking my heart here.¡± Zein chuckled. ¡°Who is breaking your heart! My sword is ready.¡± Clark arrived, galloping. ¡°H-hello... We have returned¡­¡± Torell trailed behind, staff in hand. ¡°Welcome back! Where''d you guys go?¡± Skada reached to ruffle Torell¡¯s hair. He leaned in naturally. ¡°We-um-went to the mine and bought some iron from them.¡± ¡°Oooh that seems like a cute date idea, right Jejj.¡± Skada nudged them. ¡°Eah.¡± Jejj sputtered. ¡°They seem to be malfunctioning.¡± Zein snickered as they all shared a laugh, even Biim couldn¡¯t help it. ¡°Hello! Why are we laughing!?¡± Buum appeared. ¡°Buum! And¡­ where¡¯s the big dork?¡± Skada stood on her toes to look around. ¡°Hm? Boom? He said he went to the store! Don''t know why though.¡± Buum came to a halt by Biim. ¡°Alright. Sounds good. While we wait for him, let''s distribute all the items.¡± Zein bit his claws. The seven of them calculated and calculated and calculated until their heads spun. Jejj and Buum fell flat on the floor giving up, Torell and Clark fled to the general store under the guise of looking for Boom while Zein, Skada and Buum figured it out. 524 red gems, 65 mole claws, and 66 mole leathers. Zein was granted the honour of keeping the excess items and gems once everything was equally distributed. Clark and Torell returned, waving their hands frantically. ¡°The bald moron wasn¡¯t at the store!¡± Clark said exasperated. ¡°W-w-we couldn¡¯t find him anywhere!¡± Torell followed up. ¡°That''s...Maybe he just went somewhere else?¡± Biim rationalised. Ding. Boom has left the Aria Mountain Range. Ding. Boom has left the party. Chapter 15 - Vultures Crickets. . . ¡°So¡­¡± Zein started. ¡°On god, imma whoop his ass and may the lord be my witness as I do it.¡± Jejj declared, stomping the ground. ¡°Ooh, maybe I can record!¡± ¡°Skull Kidd B and C. What¡¯s going on?¡± Clark glared at the two boys. ¡°I uh¡­ I don¡¯t know?¡± Biim refused to make eye contact. ¡°Maybe he just had an emergency?¡± ¡°An emergency! Maybe¡­¡± Buum parroted unsure. ¡°Wh-what do we do now?¡± Torell held his staff close to his chest. What do they do now? ¡°Alrighty. I will be back.¡± Zein tapped his robe. ¡°But before that, Kaland Skada, could you guys draw up a plan please?¡± ¡°What!¡± Skada exclaimed. ¡°You¡¯re gonna leave us too!?¡± she raised her voice. ¡°I won¡¯t be doing that.¡± Zein chuckled, waving their hands. ¡°I just need to drop by the blacksmith and pick up some arrows.¡± ¡°Sounds good sounds good! Don¡¯t be too late now sweetheart.¡± Clark mimicked a southern drawl. ¡°Yeah yeah.¡± Zein rolled his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a bit.¡± Zein took off as the rest of the party stood in a circle. Clark drew his blade and used the tip of his sword to draw the rest of the mountain''s map on the ground. Skada shot at areas she thought would be dangerous, sometimes aiming them dangerously close to Biim''s feet. "Oops, misfire." she¡¯d jest With discussions complete, Zein returned stretching his arms and tail. Bow in hand. ¡°Hello.¡± he raised his hand like a priest. ¡°Welcome back. How your trip go?¡± Jejj greeted. ¡°It was decent! I have a cool 30 arrows now. Some fitted with mole claws.¡± Zein boasted. ¡°Shall we head out?¡± ¡°Whaaat! You don¡¯t wanna hear my super intricate plan!?¡± ¡°Our super intricate plan!¡± ¡°Our super intricate plan!¡± ¡­ ¡°Sorry.¡± Buum apologised. ¡°I do see the plan on the ground.¡± Zein drew a circle with his foot around the map. ¡°I hope you guys weren¡¯t fighting.¡± he played with the bullet shells. ¡°No, we would never!¡± she laughed half-heartedly. ¡°Sure.¡± Biim agreed. ¡°Is¡­that right?¡± Zein said, skeptical. ¡°Shall we head out then?¡± he brushed it off. ¡°Let¡¯s getit.¡¯ Jejj cracked their neck. The party made their way to the entrance. Waiting for them was an older man with a pickaxe and a bandana around his head, blocking the sweat from streaming down his face. ¡°Adventurers! Over here.¡± the man beckoned to them. ¡°The name is Mag. I live right there in the village as a miner.¡± Mag pointed to one of the huts where a woman waved with happiness. ¡°Would you mind hearing me out?¡± ¡°Anytime for you boss!¡± Clark chimed. ¡°What can we do for ya?¡± ¡°Well, you see, I''d like to go to the mountain peak. There''s some real valuable iron there I''d like to take for myself. But due to the vultures, it has been tough.¡± ¡°We can take you there!¡± Skada offered. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit! I''ll be sure to share all the gains with you.¡± Mag said giddy with excitement. ¡°Perfectiones.¡± Clark looked to Jejj. A disapproving nod. Mag readjusted his bloated travel bag and shuffled to the centre of the group. ¡°Don¡¯t know what that meant, but let¡¯s go! We have work to do!¡± Mag jumped, pumping his fists in the air. ¡°Yippee!¡± Skada jumped, pumping her fists in the air. ¡°Oogie!¡± Wu jumped, pumping his fists in the air. Clark and Jejj took the front, Skada and Zein covered the back with Wu, Torell and Biim placed themselves in between both duos, and Buum protected Mag beside the mages. Their trek to the top began in earnest. Within the minute, their first encounter. A singular Blue Vulture. A level 19 monster the size of Torell. Wings unfurled, its eyes were glued to the seven of them. A standoff. Skada''s hands itched to draw, but Torell shot first. ¡°F-fireball.¡± The vulture watched the fireball fly by. Skada didn''t let the opportunity go, crushing the distracted vulture''s windpipe with a bullet. With a squeal, the vulture rushed in, aiming for Mag. ¡°Fireball.¡± Flames engulfed the winged being, burning to ashes, gems, and feathers. As Torell and Wu began to collect their winnings, Biim kneeled. ¡°You don''t have to overthink it. You just need to relax and take your time.¡± ¡°Oh-um-understood. Thank you.¡± Torell bowed. ¡°Oogie!¡± Wu patted the orc''s tusk. Torell leaned in, appreciating the monkey for his kindness. Storing it his inventory, Torell used his staff to pick himself up. Wu hung off his tusk with his tail, swinging himself onto his shoulder. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Further down the trail, 2 vultures. ¡°I¡¯ll take one. You take the other.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Together. ¡°Fireball.¡± With a gentle grip, swish, fire formed, shaping itself, containing itself, letting go of itself upon impact. The birds screech in agony before charging in. ¡°You wanna see who hits the bird first?¡± Skada challenged, looking to Zein. Thwip. An arrow pierced a vulture in the eye; it embraced the ranges'' abyss. Gems and vulture meat dropped by Zein''s feet. ¡°I guess I won this round.¡± Zein shrugged. ¡°That was not cute at all!¡± Skada fumed, eyes locked on Zein as she shot, finding the vulture¡¯s heart. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m sorry I am not Jejj.¡± Zein¡¯s tail fluttered. ¡°Don¡¯t go draggin¡¯ me into this.¡± Jejj intervened. ¡°He¡¯s right though!¡± Skada exclaimed. ¡°I-h-hm-yeah. Maybe.¡± Jejj retreated. Conversations came to a halt when the team spotted 3 vultures encircling them. Clark stared, relaxed as a smirk grew on his face. ¡°Jejj. They can¡¯t be hogging all the fun.¡± Clark loosened his arm, cracking his shoulder blades. ¡°You wanna try something?¡± ¡°Whatchu got in mind?¡± Clark kneeled, hands overlaying. ¡°Oh, you nuts like him, huh.¡± Jejj couldn¡¯t contain their smile. Jejj took multiple steps back. Hopping. They took a runner''s stance, palms on the ground, legs stretched. ¡°Light ¡®em up, boys!¡± Clark called. Fireballs rang true as Jejj launched themself. Using all their weight, they stepped on Clark''s hands and leapt into the air as he pushed. Surrounded by flames and bullets, ¡°Smash.¡± Jejj threw their leg like a whip, puncturing the top of a vulture¡¯s skull. Jejj, twisting into a roundhouse kick, ¡°Strike.¡± they connected with a second enflamed vulture''s throat. With a final hurrah, they smashed the bottom of the last vulture''s beak as they fell. ¡°I gotcha! I gotcha.¡± Skada held their hands out, shuffling. She shuffled, she shuffled, she shuffled, and she tripped over a sight-seeing Buum. Skada crashed on Buum. Jejj crashed on the both of them. Gems, feathers, and meat crashed on all three of them. ¡°Buum!¡± ¡°Whahuh?¡± ¡°Jesus Christ.¡± They scrambled to their feet, allowing Torell and Wu to collect their winnings. ¡°So whatcha think!? Wanna go again?¡± Clark asked, eyes sparkling. ¡°Don¡¯t think I trust my catcher too much for that.¡± ¡°That wasn¡¯t my fault!¡± ¡°I¡¯m always ready to sub in, coach. I got a proven track record after all.¡± ¡°You back off right now buddy!¡± ¡°Can we get going? Before we run into more vultures.¡± ¡°Always with the rushing! Come on man, relax!¡± ¡°He isn¡¯t wrong though, I do spot vultures on the horizon. Let¡¯s cover as much ground before they find us.¡± Returning to position, they made headway, covering as much ground before running into a kettle of 5 vultures. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s show them what we got.¡± Zein drew an arrow. ¡°Fireball.¡± ¡°Fireball. Magic Missile.¡± ¡°Mark.¡± Zein and Skada called. Fire, bullets, missiles, and arrows set loose like fireworks. Biim swung his wand, ensuring he hit two targets. Reloads and cooldowns began. The vultures, eyeing their opportunity, swooped in. ¡°Dodge!¡± The party dashed out of the way as Buum dragged Mag to the ground. Jejj punched and Clark parried, using his momentum to slash the burning predator. Time was up. A second round of spells and metal flew from the ground. Screech after screech after screech the birds fell. Ding. Wu levelled. Collection into motion, the seven of them continued their hike. Mag, waddling behind Buum, made conversation with his guardian. They talked about the village food. They talked about the weather. They talked about adventurers who drop by and say hello. It was a change of pace for the daydreaming rogue. ¡°8 of ¡®em coming our way.¡± Jejj squinted, hand against their forehead in a salute. ¡°What¡¯s the plan for 8 of ¡®em!?¡± Clark asked Zein from the front. ¡°Why are you asking me!?¡± Zein replied. ¡°I left that to you and Skada?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t hear anymore!¡± Skada plugged her ears. La la la la la. ¡°How are you a guild leader!¡± Zein exclaimed. ¡°Ahhh we¡¯ll be fine, Zeizei. Just you see.¡± Clark raised his blade. ¡°...¡± The vultures dove in, claws at the ready. Clark parried and slashed, Jejj followed with a strike to the head. 1 down. ¡°7 coming your way!¡± Torell and Biim provided cover fire. ¡°Just focus on 2 of them with fireball and missile.¡± Biim advised. ¡°R-right.¡± Torell accepted. They chanted. They shot. 3 down. Buum, standing dead centre, shifted himself in front of Mag as a vulture charged in. Blade readied. ¡°Be careful now, adventurer.¡± Mag held Buum¡¯s arm. ¡°I got this.¡± Buum stepped forward. ¡°I think?¡± he raised his eyebrows. The knife vibrated. Faster and faster as it got closer. Kachinggg. Buum parried, directing the vulture up. He pounced, hand grabbing its neck. Using it like a kip bar, he swung himself onto the bird''s back. Buum stabbed and slashed as it cried in agony. Before the bird returned to Aria, Buum leapt to his next target. He flung his knife at the vulture, impaling the nape of its neck. Centimetres from landing, BAM, a bullet turned it to dust. Falling. ¡°Skada! Cover! Dash¡± Zein aimed his bow. ¡°I gotcha big guy.¡± Skada confirmed. Zein shot his arrow, striking a vulture in the wing, and tossed his bow aside. He dashed to the edge of the cliff and grabbed Buum¡¯s hand. Wu, noticing, buffed the cat. Behind them, Skada finished what Zein had started. 6 down. Her eyes darted between a second vulture and her bullet chamber. "reload, reload, reload." Clang. A collision with a pistol. Skada jammed her pistol into the bird''s mouth while keeping it at bay with her foot. She spun the chamber back into place, cocked the hammer, and pulled the trigger. The vulture staggered, choking. Skada smelt blood in the water. Dexterous hands lead to a second shot. Gems and feathers rained. 7 down. Flying in circles, undecided while watching the rest of their family fall in battle, the vulture decided to charge the laid-down gunslinger. ¡°You want a piece of me too!?¡± Skada huffed. ¡°I know I ain¡¯t that cute.¡± Skada aimed her gun at the agape vulture, steadying her arm from the ground. With a trigger moments from being pulled- ¡°Smash!¡± Jejj threw their fist at the bird''s head, forcing it to swerve off course and crash into the cliffside. Dazed and unmoving, a throwing knife crushed the vulture''s heart. Buum, panting by Zein''s side, pumped his fist. Ding. Wu levelled. ¡°You good?¡± Jejj asked, elven ears bouncing. ¡°Oooh my hero!¡± Skada held her hands against her face. ¡°Deja vu.¡± Jejj reached for Skada, bringing her to her feet. With an arm around them, the party set out once more with Zein moving to the front, spear replacing the bow. ¡°The party had their eyes peeled. Vultures watched. Vultures ignored. Vultures flew. What was the move? What was in store? ¡°I see 12 of them!¡± Zein scouted. ¡°Get ready.¡± ¡°Zeizei. I don¡¯t think we can take 12 of them with our setup.¡± Clark pointed to the back. Zein turned around. A tired sharpshooter and two mages with half their mana bar remaining, recovering slowly. ¡°Cave then?¡± Zein suggested. ¡°We can get some metal out of it.¡± ¡°Yeah! Yeah! Iron time!¡± Clark skipped. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get going.¡± Zein loosened his grip on his spear. ¡°Guys! We''re heading to the cave over there! Make sure you keep up!¡± Zein made himself louder. ¡°Otherwise you¡¯ll be picked up like the worm!¡± Clark commented, happy with himself. Clark nodded with pride. The party changed direction with swiftness, heading for the cave. One by one they entered. One by one darkness greeted them. ¡°Oh! I got just the thing for this! Don''t you all go worrying.¡± Mag sifted through his bag, extracting a torch and lighting the way. Mag scanned the area, gears spinning. ¡°There!¡± Mag hopped towards a metal stalagmite. He placed the torch on the wall and drew his pickaxe. ¡°I''ll be getting to work on this now! I''ll be sure to share some with you all as well.¡± Dink! Dink! Dink! Mag toiled at the ore. The ground shook with every hit. The soil began to rise to the rhythm. ¡°Here they come!¡± Clark announced. They tightened their formation as claws shot from the ground. Buum moved to the back, playing defence for the miner. The Mud Moles made their return with their usual purple hue replaced with a darker silver. The pack of 8 stood perturbed by the sudden noise. They knew their mission. ¡°Level 21! What they been eating down here!?¡± Jejj said in disbelief. ¡°Bigger level, bigger rewards! Time to play protect the president.¡± Zein laughed. ¡°Protectiones le presidente.¡± Clark said with a Spanish accent. ¡°... Dawg.¡± ¡°No way you just said that!¡± Skada cackled. ¡°Torell. Don''t use fireball, let''s just save for now.¡± Biim tapped the Torell with his wand. ¡°Understood.¡± Torell gulped. ¡°Oogie! Oogie!¡± Wu imitated a boxer on Torell¡¯s shoulder. Weapons at the ready, the battle commenced. Chapter 16 - Taking Bets With a trusty pickaxe in me hand. I mine I mine I mine. Toiling away under vibrant orange. May all the metal be mine. He ho he ho. He ho he ho. ¡°He ho he-¡± Guhiiuh. A mole drilled Biim in the stomach. Sending him flying into the cave''s wall. Cracked. Collapsed. ¡°Buum!¡± Biim called out. A hand emerged from the rocks, signing. ¡°All good!¡± ¡°Kidd B and C, what¡¯s goin¡¯ on back there!? Are we gonna focus up or what?¡± Clark kicked a mole into Zein who stabbed it. ¡°We got 11 more to go!¡± Biim fired another barrage of missiles, missing most of them as he weaved past diving moles. ¡°It¡¯d be easier to do that if we could just get some peel.¡± he glanced at Jejj. ¡°Some peel! Some peel!¡± Buum freed himself from the miniature mountain. ¡°Don¡¯t you blame me for you bein¡¯ ass.¡± Jejj punched a mole into a cave wall. It burrowed into it. ¡°You leave them alone!¡± Skada shot by Biim¡¯s head, hitting a mole behind him. ¡°G-guys, please stop-¡± ¡°Alright, alright, enough. Let¡¯s regroup.¡± Scattered like Sagittarius, everyone returned to position. Buum stayed at the back by Mag''s side. Standing in order, Jejj, Torell and Clark covered the front while Skada, Zein, and Biim protected the rear. Gemini was restored. ¡°Defence defence! Even if it¡¯s a snooze.¡± Clark snored. ¡°It¡¯s better doing that than getting Mag and us killed You want to see the poor old man dead hmm?¡± Zein asked. ¡°I suggested the plan, Zeizei!¡± Clark cried. ¡°Here they come.¡± Biim interrupted. 10 moles remained. Low on mana and stamina, the party began to rely on raw damage and defence. Torell sifted through his inventory for mana potions while the mole''s attack began. 5 would charge, claws at the ready. 5 would burrow, appearing at the worst time possible. Like a task force, they kept rotating these two duties, whittling their stamina. ¡°Should I feel embarrassed for struggling with moles?¡± Clark wondered, blocking a mole from reaching him. ¡°I mean, the last time you faced any mole was 4 years ago.¡± Zein slashed at a mole and kicked it away. ¡°Ohh, so that¡¯s why you¡¯re ass too.¡± Clark smirked. Zein stopped in his tracks, rising to his full height. ¡°Alright¡­ Let¡¯s wager. Whoever gets the most kills wins.¡± Zein retrieved his axe. ¡°Now we¡¯re talking. Zeizei!¡± Clark roared. ¡°Uh.. we standing back then?¡± Jejj questioned. ¡°Ooooh this is going to be fun!¡± Skada giggled, clapping her hands. ¡°Place your bets, everybody!¡± Clark readjusted his sword. Biim rolled his eyes. ¡°Can we just finish this-¡± ¡°10 red gems on Kalel!¡± Buum reached for the air, waving his hand. Biim¡¯s face contorted as he turned to face Buum. ¡°On Kalel!?¡± he said aghast. ¡°Not on the man who was seen as the best player in the game? A man who could solo dungeons? A man who every adventurer looked up to and is still whispered about? Are you out of your goddamn mind? You-you don¡¯t know how good he was!¡± Buum brushed his hair, hood falling over. ¡°Anodos is winning this every day! Put 20 on Anodos.¡± air blew out the mage¡¯s nose as Zein laughed shyly. Torell raised his staff like a student with a doubt. ¡°U-um. If we¡¯re actually betting, then I¡¯ll place 15 red gems on Kale-¡± Clark peeped at Torell. ¡°On Kal.¡± Clark winked at Torell. ¡°Oogie!¡± Wu picked a gem from Torell¡¯s bag. ¡°Oogie oogie!¡± he waved it at Zein. ¡°How does he know what gambling is?¡± Zein waved back. ¡°May the lord forgive me for the sin I will commit. 20 on Kal for me. Need the wise-ass beat.¡± ¡°What about all the bonds we forged!? The memories we made!¡± ¡°Funny.¡± ¡®Ahh, don¡¯t be mean to him! He brought us together after all!.¡± Skada pointed out. Hope filled Zein¡¯s eyes. ¡°That being said, 10 on Kalel.¡± Hope left Zein¡¯s eyes. ¡°The bets are in baby. I guess I¡¯m favoured.¡± Clark shrugged, eyes closed. Splat. A spear found itself pierced through a mole. ¡°I can¡¯t believe everyone¡¯s going to let a Skull Kiddand a baby take their gems.¡± Zein retrieved it with force. ¡°Dirty play!¡± Clark cried. ¡°Dirty play!¡± Buum cried. ¡°Dirty play!¡± Skada cried. ¡°Less chatting, more hunting rich boy.¡± Zein gestured with his hand, mimicking chatter. ¡®Oh ho now you¡¯ve done it, Zeizei.¡± Clark joined the battle. Charging at any mole with bullets in them. Eyes darting. Scanning. Like a hunter spotting prey, Clark dashed towards them, throwing his skills on cooldown. His mana drained like a broken pipe, but it worked. Having a level advantage and strength advantage on Zein aided in Clark''s slaughter. Ding. Zein levelled up. ¡°Point allocation: 6 points Dexterity!¡± Zein''s speed and stamina shot up. Slashing and stabbing any mole in his way. Taking 2 on at a time, keeping it close. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. One by one the moles fell as the men''s health, stamina, and mana cratered. Yet, they kept pushing. They became slower, leading to more dives. And yet, they kept pushing. ¡°S-should we heal them up? Cause things aren¡¯t looking good.¡± Torell asked, wondering. ¡°They¡¯ll be fine.¡± Skada emphasised the adverb. Both of them have 20% health left and there''s only 4 more moles!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t think they¡¯d want us interfering anyway.¡± Skada crossed their arms. Their eyebrows curled, spotting mud rise. ¡°Mole coming our way.¡± Burrowing towards them, a mole climbed out of the ground and leapt Clink. A scream. A spear. Piercing through the mole''s heart and pinning it against the wall behind the miner. ¡°Oh-oh my!¡± Mag stuttered, both in speech and step. Zein panted, head swivelling back towards the three remaining moles. It was now two. Clark panted with a sword through another. ¡°Looking tired out there, Zeizei.¡± Clark extracted his sword. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a break? Have some juice. Or maybe some wine huh?¡± Zein drew his sword from his inventory. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it .¡± Zein slashed at both moles, bringing down to 10%. Clark, watching it drop, dashed right in. A matter of milliseconds. Both moles fell. Gems dropped by Zein''s feet. Gems dropped by Clark''s feet. Tie game. Hands-on their knees, staring, the cat and the blonde shook hands. ¡°Rigged game!¡± Jejj slapped the air. ¡°Rigged game!¡± Skada slapped the air. ¡°Rigged game!¡± Buum slapped the air. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t this be Anodos¡¯ win since he¡¯s 3 levels down?¡± ¡°I.¡± huff huff. ¡°Agree.¡± ¡°Now,¡± huff huff. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that.¡± huff huff. ¡°Let¡¯s just call it a tie and share. Sharing is,¡± huff huff. ¡°Caring after all.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be like that.¡± Zein stretched his back and tail. ¡°You know the Kidd is right.¡± ¡°I-I agree with Biim.¡± Torell said. ¡°Anodos m-making it a tie with a 3 level is¡­¡± He looked away as the rest pondered. Aggh. ¡°Fine! You win!¡± Skada threw her hands in the air. ¡°You become less cute with every minute, Anodos!¡± ¡°Come on why are we being so mean?! I won fair and square this time!¡± Zein chuckled. ¡°Less cute with every second!¡± Buum threw his hands in the air. ¡°Punished for sinning. Never betting again. ¡®Specially on you, Kal.¡± Jejj swayed their head in disappointment. ¡°Cmaaan why we being mean!? Let¡¯s all get along okay?¡± Clark pleaded. Phew. ¡°Finally done with this one.¡± Mag wiped the sweat off his brow. ¡°Let¡¯s find some more!¡± Everyone glanced at each other. Understanding. Their attention switched to Buum who reluctantly began their conversation. ¡°Old man.¡± Buum touched Mag¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I think we¡¯re gonna get back to climbing.¡± ¡°Aw really?¡± Mag pouted. ¡°Alright, let me pack these then.¡± he waddled towards the fallen ores. Wu hopped off Torell''s shoulder and began collecting. The rest of them helped, easing their workload and allowing their health, mana, and stamina bars to recover by using a single potion each. ¡°Do we have enough potions left?¡± Zein plucked his spear from the wall. ¡°I got enough left for us.¡± Clark checked his inventory list. ¡°And even if I didn¡¯t, I¡¯d die for you, Zeizei.¡± Clark smiled. ¡°Oh mein gott!¡± Skada held her hands to her face, mouth forming the perfect o. ¡°So cute!¡± her eyes sparkled. ¡°Decent pronunciation, not bad.¡± Jejj picked a gem off the floor. ¡°The little cola boy taught me well. He must be all grown up now.¡± Skada shed a pretend tear, wiping it with exaggeration. ¡°Di-did he even say that?¡± Torell scratched his temple. ¡°I¡¯m done collecting.¡± Biim walked to the group. ¡°Me too! Me too!¡± Buum skipped to the group. ¡°Hell yeah. I¡¯m done as well.¡± Zein left his sword and axe in his inventory. ¡°Shall we get going?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go let¡¯s go let¡¯s go!¡± Clark jumped in place. With nails, gems, and leather stored in their inventories. The party exited the cave. Revitalised and reorganised. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth. The party rotated themselves between the narrow pathways of the mountain and wide chambers of the caves, playing defence and avoiding battle as much as they could. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. By the end of this charade, moments before reaching the peak of the mountain- Zein reached level 20, Jejj reached 21, Biim, Buum, and Torell reached 21, and Skada and Clark remained the same. ¡°Have you distributed your points yet, Jejj.¡± Zein asked, using his spear like a hiking pole ¡°Naw. Going to now. Why?¡± Jejj asked, trailing. ¡°Would you trust me if I asked you to dump it into Strength and Dexterity?¡± Zein stopped in his tracks. ¡°Strength and Dexterity¡­¡± Jejj pondered. Their eyes lit up. ¡°Oh. I see where you goin¡¯ with it. Aight bet. Let¡¯s do it.¡± Jejj dumped 24 of their leftover points into Dexterity and Strength. They ventured into their inventory, grabbing the Goblin Chief''s club, wielding it with one hand. Jejj reached into their inventory. A wooden handle, growing larger and wider with bumps and scratches and dried blood. ¡°Now we in business.¡± Jejj heaved the weapon onto their shoulder. ¡°Ooh, you took the chief¡¯s weapon!? That¡¯s so cool!¡± Skada patted the weapon, marvelling at it. ¡°That is cool¡­ Damn.¡± Biim held his chin. ¡°Oh my god that is pretty rare!¡± Clark joined Skada in marvelling at it. ¡°You could actually sell that for decent money since newer players don''t go for it and older players find it pointless.¡± Clark began analysing. ¡°You could probably sell it for a gold piece.¡± Zein added with nonchalance. ¡°Ain¡¯t selling.¡± Jejj shut down all potential offers. ¡°... Can we move along? Mag seems just about ready to reach the peak too.¡± ¡°Ooh, I knew I could count on you adventurers!¡± Mag giggled. ¡°Everyone is going to be so jealous.¡± ¡°Again with the rushing! Let¡¯s relax buddy.¡± Clark walked up to Biim. ¡°We need to recover too. Especially since we have only a couple potions left on us.¡± he kept his hands on his hips. ¡°Aren¡¯t we all at max?¡± Biim retorted, crossing his arms. ¡°Pal it¡¯s 2 in the night.¡± Clark pointed. ¡°There¡¯s real people outside these characters yknow.¡± ¡°Like you and Anodos would get tired with just two hours of raiding.¡± Biim scoffed. ¡°And yet there are 4 others. Listen-¡± Clark got closer. ¡°Enough.¡± Zein stepped in, holding him back. ¡°Let¡¯s get going alright.¡± He turned to the rest of them. ¡°Everyone else okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯m good!¡± ¡°Yee.¡± ¡°I-I¡¯m okay as well.¡± ¡°Oogie!¡± ¡°Oogie!¡± ¡°Oogie?¡± Buum giggled. Zein retrieved his bow and quiver, slinging them over his shoulder. He then reached for his staff. ¡°Time to get going go boys.¡± Skada coughed. ¡°And girl.¡± Jejj coughed. ¡°And person.¡± ¡°Oogie.¡± ¡°And monkey¡­ Okay let¡¯s get going!¡± They walked to the peak of the tallest mountain. Cautious with every step. Zip. Their hair and fur blew with a sudden gust of wind. Their pressure rose as their blood pumped. Hearts beating for anxiety and excitement. A sign. "Beyond this post lays the ruler of the mountain. For those of simple mind, may your death be painless." ¡°Zeizei, I¡¯m scared!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll let Jorah know.¡± ¡°Why you gotta do that! No one likes a rat, Zeizei!¡± ¡°Rats make decent food though.¡± ¡°Like Ratatouille!¡± ¡°E-excuse me!?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mind him. Ain¡¯t worth it.¡± ¡°B-b-but Ratatouille!?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve reached.¡± ¡°Reached!¡± Past a narrow entrance, an empty field lay before them with stalagmite formations erupting from the ground. Iron ore. Zip. Their hair and fur blew with a sudden gust of wind. Mag, missing from the middle, was spotted galloping towards the centre. ¡°Ore!¡± Mag yelled with joy. ¡°Buum! Get him now!¡± Zein commanded. Buum sprang into action as a shadow was cast over the miner. Growing in size with every blink. Growing darker with every step. Moments away from a painless death ¡°Dash!¡± CRASSSHHHHH! The dust blinded them, forcing everyone to step back into the barrier. There was no escape. Death was inevitable. The dust settled. Buum had his hand over the frozen old man, shivering at the sight of what stood before him. A majestic, blue feathered bird looming over them at 7 metres tall. Its emotionless black eyes stared into their souls as they rested before them. The Great Blue Vulture. Level 25. Chapter 17 - To Kill A Great Blue Vulture Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Two pairs of feet moved with vigilance, weaving past strangers, small and tall, in their coats. ¡°Why are we walking so quickly!?¡± Buum asked through munching. ¡°I got myself those shrimp-flavoured chips we saw the other day and these are really good I think I¡¯ll buy-¡± ¡°Shut it and follow moron.¡± Boom chastised. ¡°It¡¯s good chips though!¡± crunch crunch crunch. Their feet brought them closer to an orifice on the mountain. Emerging from within, carts filled rocks with a slight shimmer and people painted in black, rough soot. ¡°Is that the mine?¡± ¡°What else would it be dumbass? The pizza store?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Why are we going to the mine?¡± Boom came to a halt. ¡°Why do you think?¡± ¡°Did...Biim need iron?¡± ¡°I¡¯m getting out moron.¡± ¡°Right¡­right¡­ Are you tired?¡± ¡°No! God why are you-¡± Boom paced in a circle, hands hysterical. He paused. ¡°You being an idiot on purpose?¡± ¡°No?¡± ¡°Okay, you- hm- all you need to know is that I will make sure no one, I mean no one, messed with our guild, not that cat prick, not the bitch elf, and especially not Kalel.¡± Boom¡¯s fingers curled in anger, holding them to Biim¡¯s face. ¡°Ohhh right. I don¡¯t really get it, but okay!¡± Buum threw a thumbs up. ¡°How do you- Ah! I¡¯m planning an asphalt okay!? An asphalt! Don¡¯t tell Biim until you finish, he¡¯ll know what to do.¡± Boom walked away. Boom walked back. ¡°And don¡¯t you dare-¡± a sharp inhale. ¡°And don¡¯t you dare tell those losers why I left. Make shit up. Got it?¡± ¡°Umn- loud and clear! Asphalt?¡± ¡°Good. Now leave.¡± Buum and Boom made their separate ways with confidence, confusion, and plans involving roads set in place. *** ¡°Buum..¡± ¡­ ¡°Buum!¡± ¡°Huh? Wha-¡± ¡°Quit staring at us and get the old man out of here!¡± Clark yelled. ¡°Go go yallah yallah!¡± ¡°One day you gon¡¯ make me snap for real.¡± Jejj shook their head. ¡°Old man! I saw some ore over there! Let¡¯s go!¡± Buum dragged the old man and himself to their feet, ushering him to the perimeter of the battle zone. ¡°Ooh okay! Sorry ¡®bout that. I got a little too excited.¡± Mag chuckled. ¡°It happens!¡± Buum pet his shoulder. ¡°I would have done the same! Oop watch out.¡± ZWISH. Buum jerked the miner back as materialised air shaped as a crescent brushed past them, striking the mountain and leaving its mark. A deep, deep mark. Mag fell to the ground. ¡°Ooh that was close!¡± he sat, hands keeping him up. ¡°Good job adventurer sonny!¡± ¡°My arachnid senses kicked in after all.¡± Buum placed two fingers against his temple. ¡°Buum!¡± Clark parried the vulture, striking right after with no remorse. ¡°Keep it moving! Shit¡¯s hitting the fan and I need you keeping him safe.¡± Clark dashed toward the vulture. ¡°We don¡¯t want him dead after all.¡± Zein said from a distance. Left. Right. Buum couldn¡¯t spot him. Up¡­? Zein soared through the sky, staff by Torell¡¯s feet, and landed on the Vulture''s throat, sliding down to the nape of its neck. He unleashed a barrage of slashes, hands moving with precision. The vulture launched itself into the sky, twirling like a ballerina and making Zein dizzy as he clung to his flesh-lodged spear. Stop. Zein was flung higher into the sky as the vulture came to a halt. Bullets, missiles and fireballs pierced the clouds, surrounding them. ¡°Dash! Slash!¡± In the blink of an eye, Zein caught the vulture''s beak, clasping it shut. He retrieved his sword and began his assault. On its throat. On its eye. On its head. Crits flashed. The vulture cried and descended, diving towards the ground. ¡°Hey, guys. Forewarning, I¡¯m going to throw up.¡± Zein said, stomach churning. ¡°Want me to drop by with some meds!?¡± Clark asked. ¡°No!¡± ¡°Why not! I have access to the ¡®em all!¡± ¡°You just want to come to my house!¡± ¡°Okay¡­ So¡­ When you gonna send me the addy so I can hop by with meds?¡± ¡°Shut up and help me with the bird!¡± Now within sight, Clark ran to position himself under the bird, arms stretched out in front of him. ¡°I gotcha baby just let go.¡± ¡°Oh my god just slow the vulture¡¯s descent!¡± ¡°Oh. Okay.¡± a tinge of sadness in the guild leader¡¯s voice. Zein, one arm grabbing onto the vulture''s neck, another attempting to unsling his bow and quiver. With a struggle, he tossed his weapons to Clark who caught both items with one hand. He set his sword down and aimed. ¡°Steady¡­ Steady¡­ Steady¡­.¡± Clark mumbled. ¡°Bang!¡± Clark let loose, striking the vulture''s wing. With a twist, the vulture flattens itself- metres from the ground and straight at a club-wielding elf. ¡°Batter up! Smash!¡± Jejj raised their club like a baseball bat, letting it make circles in the air. ¡°Oh no no no no.¡± Zein let go of his sword, sliding like a curling stone across the terribly uneven ground, tail dirtying. Inches away- ¡°Boom!¡± Jejj swung with all their might at the vulture, striking its beak. Crack. The bird bellowed, taking to the skies once more and unleashing wind cutters at all bystanders. ¡°Nice hit, cutie!¡± Skada commented. ¡°Yessir, someone ain¡¯t like that too much though.¡± Jejj glanced at Biim barely dodging the bird¡¯s attacks with annoyance ¡°He¡¯s just a lil¡¯ baby, it¡¯s alright.¡± Skada snickered. ¡°Alright for you! That bird has gone nuts!¡± Biim pointed his wand at Jejj. ¡°You just had to piss him off didn¡¯t you.¡± ¡°Imma smack the shit out of you and yo¡¯ bald daddy one day I swear to god it¡¯s gonna happen.¡± Jejj approached the stick-figured man. ¡°Stooooop fiiiiiighting!¡± Clark interfered. ¡°...¡± ¡°...¡± ¡°Hello dadd-¡± ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Aight.¡± Stolen story; please report. Weapons still firmly in place on the vulture, Zein brought himself to his feet. ¡°You guys got any idea as to how I''m going to get my weapons back?¡± ¡°M-maybe bind?¡± Torell suggested. ¡°That¡¯d be a good idea, but it has too much health. Bind only works if you overpower the thing you want to.¡± Zein replied. ¡°O-oh okay. Sorry.¡± Torrell dropped his head. Wu patted the orc''s head. ¡°That¡¯s okay! The ability doesn¡¯t really mention it, but you figure it out once you use it a couple of times.¡± Zein cheered the orc up. ¡°Just need to get you back up there then.¡± Jejj chimed in. ¡°I might really throw up if I go up there again.¡± Zein motioned to his mouth. ¡°Oh? Chicken?¡± Jejj crossed their arms. ¡°...Alright. Fine. Torell, could you hand me your staff for a second?¡± Zein asked, stretching himself. ¡°Wu, buff me.¡± ¡°Oogie!¡± Wu saluted. ¡°Oogie oogie.¡± A light yellow glow formed around Zein. ¡°Um, o-okay?¡± Torell handed his staff over. Standing at the cat''s height, Zein spun the staff around himself and stomped it, eyes studying the vulture as its focus shifted to the gunman and amateur archer. "Learn Skill: Magic Missile." Zein brought his axe out, kissed the shaft, held it to his forehead and swiped away, eyes focused. He jumped, starting with short hops and into larger, heavier jumps. He aimed the staff at the ground and leapt. ¡°Magic Missile. Dash.¡± The missile blasted the ground fuelling his dash jump. Zein welcomed the blue canvas above. Biim stared. ¡°...what¡­¡± Zein, within striking distance, slashed at the unaware vulture''s spine, stunning it into screeching. He held on to his spear located at the bottom of the bird''s body. He swung himself like a gymnast and landed on his spear. Using it like a launchpad, he leapt towards his sword, slitting its throat as he retrieved it. He bit down on the sword''s hand as he ripped the skin off the bird''s back with his axe. Zein brought his knees to his chest and struck down at the butt of the spear, unlodging it and clutching it with his free hand. ¡°Physics engine be nuts man.¡± Jejj watched, mouth agape. ¡°I just don¡¯t know what I am watching.¡± Biim watched, mouth agape. ¡°Wow¡­¡± Torell watched, mouth agape. ¡°That¡¯s my Zeizei!¡± Clark pumped his sword in the air. ¡°Guys! Anyone want to help!¡± Zein asked in free fall. ¡°Oogie!¡± Wu jumped on Torrell¡¯s shoulder. While Zein embraced Aria¡¯s gravity, the vulture chased after, jaw unhinged and ready to feast. ¡°A-ah! The vulture!¡± Torell squeaked. Skada aimed her weapons at the vulture, unleashing a flurry of bullets in an attempt to attract its attention. ¡°Come on big guy lookie here!¡± It worked. The vulture changed course, darting towards Skada. ¡°Parry!¡± Clang. Clark deflected the vulture¡¯s claws and slashed, getting in multiple hits. ¡°Eyes on me birdie, don¡¯t look anywhere else.¡± Squawk squawk. The vulture pecked at Clark as he guided the bird away. ¡°Was I¡­ forgotten about?¡± Crash!... Zein. 10 health. ¡°Close call Zoro.¡± Jejj squatted next to Zein who faced Aria¡¯s soil. He rolled over. ¡°Thanks.¡± he said through exhausted breaths. ¡°Is that the guy from the movie with the cool Spanish guy? You know? Wears and mask and that cowboy hat.¡± ¡°Do you two do this on purpose?¡± Jejj smacked Zein¡¯s head. ¡°Heal!¡± Torell called, healing the wound-ridden cat back to full. He alternated between spells and the last of his potions. ¡°I-I¡¯m out of potions!¡± ¡°Do you have your mana potions?¡± ¡°Yes. O-only two.¡± ¡°Is that right?¡± Zein grabbed Jejj¡¯s shoulder, pulling himself up. ¡°Well, take one now and let yourself recover, thank you for the heals! I¡¯ll take over for now.¡± ¡°O-of course!¡± Torell bowed. He moved to the edge of the field''s barrier with Wu, allowing himself to recuperate as the rest continued the fight. ¡°Hey guys! Hope you didn¡¯t forget about me ¡®cause I don¡¯t think I can solo this any longer!¡± Clark whinged as he battled the vulture alone. ¡°Some guild leader you are.¡± Biim scoffed. ¡°Anodos would¡¯ve solo¡¯d it so easily.¡± ¡°Well if you like him so much why don¡¯t you marry him!¡± Clark yelled. ¡°Are you a child!?¡± Biim yelled back. ¡°Aw, you guys are bonding!¡± Skada held her hands to her cheek. ¡°Bonding!¡± Buum clapped with his knife and palm, parrying a wind cutter aimed at Mag. ¡°We are not!¡± Clark and Biim synchronised. ¡°Anodos you got competition for yo¡¯ man dawg.¡± Jejj nudged him. ¡°He can have him.¡± Zein smirked. ¡°Zeizei!¡± Clark cried. ¡°Enough! Let¡¯s just finish this.¡± Biim put an end to the conversation. For the next 40 minutes, Zein decided to stay grounded, playing defence by parrying for Skada and covering healing for Torell as the orc returned to hurling fireballs. The vulture bled. The vulture burned. The vulture endured multiple blunt-force injuries. Stamina ticking down. Wind cutters getting more haphazard. Dives switching on moment''s notice. Screeching out of fear. Screeching to fear. ¡°Bird down! Bird down!¡± Clark called. ¡°Almost!¡± ¡°Just say it¡¯s almost down then! Why must you make it so complicated.¡± Biim chided. ¡°Always with the complaining! Shut up and bind it. Parry.¡± Clark redirected the bird in Biim¡¯s direction. ¡°Keep ordering me around.¡± Biim mumbled. ¡°Bind!¡± Blue strings crept out of Buum''s wand and made their way towards the bird who violently clashed with Clark and Jejj. One string wrapped around its claws, another around its thighs, another around its abdomen, another around its wings, another around its neck, another around its beak, and another around its eyes, bringing the bird to the floor. ¡°Bird almost made my club a damn bat.¡± Jejj brushed their weapon. ¡°We can just get you a new one.¡± Zein replied. ¡°We including me!¡± Skada said with a cheer in her step. ¡°Maybe just you two then.¡± Zein peeked at Skada. ¡°See now you¡¯re getting cute again!¡± Skada smacked Zein¡¯s back. Repeatedly. ¡°Ah-mm-yes.¡± Jejj said, faking a cough. ¡°JUST HIT THE DAMN BIRD.¡± Biim screamed. Everyone piled on the attack, including Buum. Slashing, stabbing, smashing, puncturing and anything else which could make the bird''s life more miserable. In a fit of rage, the vulture freed itself from its restraints, lacerating itself. Its eyes bled red as it flew close to the ground, heading straight for Torell. Fear in Biim¡¯s eyes. ¡°Torrell!¡± Fear in Wu¡¯s eyes. ¡°Oogie!¡± The vulture opened its mouth wide enveloping more and more of Torell''s sight. Wu closed his eyes. Torell did not. ¡°F-fireball.¡± Fire erupted from Torell''s staff, shooting straight into the bird''s oesophagus, bulging it and making its skin turn red. Larger and larger it grew. Pop! Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding Ding. Ding. 16 yellow gems. 32 great blue vulture claws. 32 great blue vulture feathers. Two great blue vulture eyeballs. Wu hopped from Torell''s shoulder and ran to pick up the items.¡°Oogie!¡± ¡°Ooh you guys did it! You guys took down the ruler of Aria¡¯s mountain!¡± Mag ran over to the group. ¡°And I got a lot of iron out of it!¡± ¡°Glad¡­¡± huff huff. ¡°I¡­¡± huff huff. ¡°Need a sec¡­¡± huff huff. ¡°I haven¡¯t exerted this much in a month.¡± Clark laid down. ¡°What the hell have you been up to?¡± Zein knelt beside Clark. Clark sat up, resting his chest on his knees. ¡°A lot¡­¡± huff huff. ¡°Paperwork and¡­¡± huff huff. ¡°Talking. I haven¡¯t done much raiding.¡± ¡°Wow. That seems unfortunate.¡± Zein pinched Clark¡¯s nose. Zein helped the hunched-over Clark, guiding him to the rest of the group as Jejj followed behind. Biim, hands on his knees, spotted Buum signalling to him. Rolling his eyes, he jogged over to the rogue. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Uh, Boom wanted me to tell you something.¡± Buum looked around. ¡°Come here.¡± Jejj, watching it unfold, felt a pit in their stomach. They watched his eyes squint as Buum leaned in, whispering. They watched his eyes grow wide, darting around. They watched Biim pull Buum in, spinning him around as their bodies shook. They watched them both turn back around standing upright. Jejj motioned to Skada. ¡°Think the idiots planning something.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t they always?¡± Skada remarked. ¡°Yee, but, this be feeling something.¡± Jejj scratched their chin. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Skada scratched her chin. ¡°Let¡¯s see how this plays out.¡± she stopped. ¡°Should we tell Zein?¡± ¡°Naw. Feels sketch but don¡¯t wanna bother him.¡± Jejj folded their arm. ¡°Okay! Let¡¯s distribute everything.¡± Skada wrapped her arm around Jejj¡¯s. Gathering around a mountain of jewels and items, Wu sat atop it waving feathers around in the direction of Biim and Buum. With a cough and a pinch, they made their way to the party. ¡°Would you guys mind if I took 5 each? I¡¯ll sacrifice a yellow gem for it.¡± Zein asked, storing all his weapons apart from his spear. ¡°You want all of mine?¡± Clark offered. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Last chance, last chance!¡± ¡°...¡± ¡°Going once! Going twice!¡± ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll take ¡®em¡­Thank you.¡± ¡°Yippee!¡± ¡°Aw, how adorable.¡± Skada giggled. ¡°Jejj you want some of mine?¡± ¡°Naw I¡¯m good. Ain¡¯t you an armourer or something? Don¡¯t you need this stuff?¡± Jejj asked, wondering. ¡°I do but you¡¯re just so cute so I decided to ask!¡± ¡°Oh uhu-mm-haha-still good.¡± Jejj tried to hide their face. Biim and Buum collected their winnings in silence, understanding they had no stake in the matter. Before they could collect Boom''s- ¡°Up, up, up! Don¡¯t ya dare touch anything more than what¡¯s yours.¡± Clark put a foot on the item the Kidds reached for. ¡°Your boy left, so it¡¯s ours.¡± Biim bit his lip as Buum withdrew his hand. ¡°Fine.¡± Biim complied. Clark released his foot. ¡°Who wants the gems!¡± ¡°Meeee!¡± ¡°Catch!¡± Clark tossed 2 yellow gems to Skada, bringing her total to 4. ¡°Who wants the claws!¡± ¡°Meeee!¡± ¡°Catch!¡± Clark tossed 4 claws at Skada, bringing her total to 8. ¡°Who wants the feathers!¡± ¡°Meeee!¡± ¡°Catch!¡± Clark tossed 4 feathers at Skada, bringing her total to 8. ¡°Wow! What a big haul!¡± Skada held her haul to them. ¡°Thanks, guys! You¡¯re all so sweet.¡± she tossed them into her inventory. ¡°Anytime.¡± Zein chuckled. He scanned the group. ¡°Torell, you want an eye?¡± ¡°M-me!? N-no it¡¯s alright.¡± Torell waved his arms, eyes closed. ¡°Come on, just take it! You finished it after all. You deserve one.¡± Zein tossed it to him. ¡°U-um alright.¡± Torell juggled the eye. ¡°Thank you!¡± he bowed. ¡°Do you know how to use it?¡± ¡°Alchemy¡­ right?¡± Zein nodded his head, moving on to the last eye. ¡°Does anyone else want it?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve taken one of ¡®em already.¡± Skada refused! ¡°Naw, I¡¯m good.¡± Jejj refused. ¡°No!¡± Zein refused. ¡°Then it¡¯s mine! All mine!¡± Zein stored it in his inventory, along with his weapons, gems, and items. ¡°Here¡¯s all your metal good adventurers!¡± Mag dropped 40 iron ore pieces and 24 high-grade iron ore pieces. ¡°You both can take his share of the metal. But, if he pulls that shit again, I¡¯ll take him out myself. Got it?¡± Clark glared at Biim. ¡°Yeah.¡± Biim said monotonous. ¡°Good boy!¡± Clark smiled. Everyone took their share of the metal as Mag shook everyone''s hand with vigorous energy and waved goodbye, heading back down the mountain. ¡°Aight, Imma bounce. Seeya outside.¡± Jejj headed for the portal. ¡°Wait! What about the gems from-¡± Torell sifted through his bag. Ding! Jejj has left Aria Mountain Ranges. ¡°The gems?¡± Zein thought for a second. ¡°Let¡¯s distribute it no-¡± Ding. A blue chat screen appeared in front of everyone with an elf¡¯s face on it. ¡°You guys ain¡¯t gon¡¯ believe what¡¯s out here. This shit too funny.¡± a laugh was heard. ¡°Jejj?¡± Skada squinted, brows furled. ¡°You alright cutie?¡± ¡°Oh yea. Need all of you here for this though.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Zein gestured to leave. One by one they entered the white portal. First to appear was Zein. ¡°Ohhh. I see what you mean.¡± Second was Skada. ¡°Ooh are they here to admire us? Hello!¡± Third was Clark. ¡°Hah! This is gonna be so good. Thank you so much you stupid moron.¡± Fourth was Torell with Wu. ¡°Wh-what¡¯s going on? Did we do something?¡± Fifth was Biim. ¡°...¡± Sixth was Buum. ¡°That¡¯s what he meant by asphalt¡­¡± In front of the party of 7, 30 adventurers, ranging from level 25 to 30, encircled them with a little SKG badge hovering next to all their nameplates. Boom took centre stage. ¡°Well. Well. Well. If it ain¡¯t the losers.¡± Boom grinned. Biim watched in horror. ¡°Ah¡­ Shit.¡± Chapter 18 - Booms Asphalt Boom centred himself amongst the crowd, pumping his chest. He brandished an axe at the antagonised. ¡°Drop your loot, or face the conscience.¡± ¡°...consequences¡­¡± Buum mumbled. Clark burst into laughter, slapping his knees and coughing. ¡°I truly.¡± Clark let out a laugh. ¡°I truly cannot believe how much of a moron you are.¡± he laughed some more, finger in the air to ask for a second. ¡°Oh my god. Open Camera. Start Recording.¡± ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t need to record. We doing it right now!¡± Boom held his arms to the side. ¡°And it¡¯s gonna be posted everywhere.¡± ¡°Brought your lil¡¯ friends too huh? Seems overboard for a ¡°couple losers.¡± Jejj scoffed. ¡°He even made sure no else is watching!¡± Clark pointed at Boom while looking at Jejj. ¡°Poor guy doesn¡¯t wanna be embarrassed.¡± he pouted. ¡°I won¡¯t be falling for your shit anymore!¡± Boom slashed his axe against the air. ¡°Cause what¡¯s gonna happen next will be all the cataracts I need.¡± ¡°...catharsis I need¡­¡± Buum mumbled. ¡°I wonder what he¡¯d drop if he dies.¡± Skada wondered, grinning. ¡°I wonder too. Jejj has been using his gloves after all.¡± Zein chimed. Jejj flashed their gloves at Skada and its previous owner. Shades of red began to set into Boom''s face. ¡°Enough! Biim, Buum get your asses over here.¡± Boom demanded. ¡°Boys. I wouldn¡¯t wanna kill ya.¡± Clark said with a smile. ¡°Buum, sweetie, make the right choice.¡± Skada said, doe-eyed. ¡°Uhh¡­ Umm.¡± Buum''s eyes darted, meeting Boom''s eyes, meeting his fellow guildmate''s eyes, meeting his party''s eyes. Mouth quivering, a saviour descended. ¡°I¡¯m gonna just, stay out of this.¡± Biim stepped back. ¡°What!¡± Boom yelled. Zein''s lips curled ever so slightly at the announcement. Clark howled some more. ¡°Hey, the smart one is staying out of it. What about the little follower?¡± ¡°Uhm.¡± Buum looked to Biim for reassurance. Biim held his back. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ okay.¡± Buum shook his head, eyes on the floor. ¡°What!¡± Boom yelled. ¡°Good boy!¡± Skada cheered. ¡°What the hell is wrong with you guys!?¡± Boom cried, emotions swelling. ¡°Are you two betraying the guild!?¡± ¡°No dumbass, this is just the stupidest thing you could do!¡± Biim screamed, anger and confusion seeping through. ¡°Why the hell are you guys agreeing with this!?¡± One of the Kidds, an elf, clad in iron armour with chainmail across his body spoke up. His hair covered his ears and shaped his face. ¡°Cyanide will be paying for this.¡± ¡°Cyanide is paying. Cyanide.¡± Biim repeated his guild leader¡¯s name appalled. He refocused his attention on Boom who squirmed at his boss''s mention. Biim''s eyes narrowed, greying. ¡°Boom.¡± ¡°Shut it! If you¡¯re gonna be sitting on your asses, leave!¡± Boom swiped at the air so hard he lost balance. Biim clenched Buum''s wrist and dragged him to the border. Biim crossed his arms in annoyance. ¡°With those bastards out of the way. Drop your shit.¡± Boom ordered. ¡°Lotta confidence big guy. ¡± Clark heaved his greatsword and rested it on his shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s just get started, big guy.¡± ¡°Last chance.¡± Boom offered. A bullet whizzed by Boom''s face and the Kidds behind, striking a tree. ¡°You¡¯re talking too much, boy.¡± Skada said, smoke emerging from her gun. The veins across Boom¡¯s head swelled. ¡°Fine! Get ¡®em.¡± ¡°Zeizei. How about we bet? Most kills win.¡± Clark smirked. ¡°The man who¡¯s up 150 levels on me wants to bet on most kills?¡± Zein replied, readjusting the grip on his spear. Clark swung his broadsword; it clattered against the kidds at the front, sending them to the ground. ¡°I won¡¯t leave the restriction area.¡± The row behind had no remorse for those kissing the ground, charging through them. Health bars began to drop. ¡°I¡¯d rather you would though. Parry.¡± Zein parried the first strike and crushed the Kidd''s face with his knee. ¡°30 feels like a bit too much, even if it¡¯s us.¡± He vaulted over the man and stabbed another with his spear, flinging him to the ground. ¡°Fine! If things get difficult, I''ll drag them out. Slash.¡± Clark followed up Zein striking the hunched over Kidd''s neck. Blood seeped out his neck as he smashed the floor. Whipping his head to the left- a sword inches from his face. Clark steeled himself to take the hit while balling his fist to counterattack. BANG. Skada nailed the kidd in the head, staggering him. Clark, without a moment''s hesitation, slashed at the Kidd''s body and punched his jaw. ¡°Good save good save!¡± ¡°Anytime!¡± Skada reloaded her guns. ¡°I¡¯ll be moving out of the restricted zone. I got a little surprise.¡± she winked. ¡°Is that right?¡± Zein came into the frame- his spear pierced through someone''s head. He smashed the Kidd skull first into the ground like a hammer. ¡°Yes! I''ll be nice however and take four with me.¡± BANG BANG BANG BANG. Skada nailed 4 kidds, dragging their attention while moving towards the forest. ¡°Yeah yeah shoo shoo.¡± Clark dodged a punch and swung his sword at the Kidd''s shins, tripping them. ¡°Sooo are we going to do this or what?¡± He raised his sword and slammed it down through their body. ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Zein grabbed another Kidd''s hand and flipped her over his body, twisting her hand and stabbing right through their head. ¡°Come onnn. Double or nothing.¡± Clark took a golf swing at the Kidd''s neck as the spear still stood standing. ¡°... Fine. Let¡¯s do this.¡± Zein retrieved his spear from the Kidd and his axe from his inventory. While stuck between a body and an inventory, Boom launched his offensive. ¡°You¡¯re mine, bitch!¡± Shaped like claws, Boom''s hand were aimed at Zein''s throat. His axe lagged behind ¡°Eeeh wrong answer forehead.¡± Jejj drop-kicked Boom in the ribs as they made their entrance. Jejj raised to their full height and looked down on the veteran pair. ¡°Think I can join this bet?¡± ¡°Hah! Sure! If you can keep up. Slash!¡± Clark swung his sword at the Kidd¡¯s shins, catching them off guard and tripping them. They piled on their employer, crushing the bald man. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡°That would be fun! But we do need someone guarding Torell and Wu. Parry.¡± Zein pointed at the defenceless mage and monkey with the butt of his spear as he deflected a Kidd''s attack with the front end. Clark kicked the failed attacker in the throat, sending him flying. ¡°Dash!¡± Two kidds flew past the three of them, beelining for Torell and Wu. Swords and fists at the ready. ¡°See? Slash.¡± Zein swiped at a Kidd''s eyes, blinding them for the next 5 seconds. The Kidd stumbled into another, making them both fall. ¡°Fine! Dash.¡± Jejj dashed to the two kidds, chasing behind them while extracting their club from their inventory. Torell''s eyes began to blur, breathing quickening. He looked to Biim, meeting his grey eyes. They were slumped and hid emotion. Time came to a halt. Biim gestured ever so slightly with his hands and mouthed a word. A smile grew on his face. Torell was thrust back to reality. ¡°Fireball!¡± ¡°Oogie!¡± With a generous buff from Wu, Torell shot at one of the kidds, burning and staggering him. Jejj smashed their club into the Kidd''s head, knocking them out. SWISH. The second kidd missed. Torell aimed his staff at the Kidd''s head. ¡°M-magic Missile.¡± he casted with an eye closed. A bright red crit. The Kidd stumbled into Jejj''s path. Fortune did not favour him. BLAM. A piece of leather and no kidd. ¡°Nice job guys!¡± Zein threw a Kidd onto the fallen. A mountain in the making. ¡°Torell, keep hurling those fireballs and missiles! Don''t worry about us!¡± ¡°What! No! Worry about us!¡± Clark lifted a Kidd by the collar of their chest piece and added him to their mountain. Jejj placed their hand on the orc. They both watched the veterans stab and slash at the pile of kidds, adding any who dared to attack. ¡°I¡¯ll cover. Go wild.¡± Jejj patted Torell. Taking a deep breath. ¡°O-okay. Fireball.¡± Torell casted, eyes wide open, hurling a fireball at the pile, dispersing Zein and Clark while setting the kidds aflame. Health bars blinked red and they smelt it, jumping into the fiery pit. One after the other kidds fell. One for Zein. One for Clark. One for Zein. One for Clark. One for Zein. One for Clark. Only Boom and his dead teammates'' materials remained. Eyes wide and pupils dilating, Boom dug his fingers into the ground- was this how he met his demise? BOOM. An explosion in the distance. . . . . . ¡°Didja hear that?¡± Skada¡¯s voice fluttered through their party chat. ¡°Yeah! Are you okay?¡± Zein and Clark stepped away from the scene with concern and confusion. Boom, thanking the lord, sprinted on all fours during the distraction. ¡°Yes! There will be two more of those coming your way!¡± ¡°You¡¯re gonna shoot rockets at us!? Excuse me!?¡± ¡°Aw come on cutie, I know you can dodge ¡®em! Ain¡¯t you a guild leader?¡± ¡°I¡¯m level 23!¡± The kidds, unburdened by the possibility of being a part of the rat king, charged once more, now substantially fewer in number. They switched targets from the monsters in front- to the protected behind. ¡°Oh no no no no you don''t.¡± Clark slashed at four, holding them back. Zein let them go, choosing to chase after them from behind. Kidds kept looking behind while Zein poked and prodded at their backs with his spear, whittling their health. Torell, Wu and Jejj ran, attempting to keep a fixed distance from the kidds. Torell, however, did not have the foresight to invest in dexterity. ¡°A-ah! I¡¯m not fast!¡± ¡°Oogie!¡± A Monkey¡¯s Blessing was applied. A Monkey¡¯s Blessing wasn¡¯t enough. Torell shot missiles and fireballs to delay the kidds by exploding the ground or the Kidd. And yet there was always another. ¡°Agh! That¡¯s it!¡± Jejj slid to a stop, raising their club to swing at the incoming wave of kidds. BOOM. A rocket struck the middle of the group. Screams were screamed and swears were hurled as the kidds dissipated with low health and broken armour. ¡°Wu! Buff! Slash. Stab.¡± Zein commanded. ¡°Oogie!¡± Wu saluted. Zein emerged from the flames and scanned his surroundings, hunting the critically injured. He slashed one, stabbed another, flung his axe at the third''s head, criting her, and punched the fourth in the gut. Four kills for Zein. ¡°Oooh not bad, Zeizei!¡± Clark held up a kidd by the head surrounded by gems and a sword. He slammed the man against the ground. ¡°I¡¯m done here too.¡± He stabbed the Kidd''s neck, freeing him from his mortal coil for 5 minutes. A once commendable 30 was now down to a pitiful 11. ¡°Shit. Fall back! Regroup!¡± The level 19 Kidd pleaded with his comrades, waving his axe. There was no response. A realisation set in. Boom had lost control. He watched his guildmates run to their demise. BOOM. Another rocket crashed into a bundle of 5 stationed in front of Jejj, setting them alight while scraps of metal scattered. Blocking the stray pieces. Jejj stepped in and swung with all their might. ¡°Smash!¡± Jejj''s club clattered against two of the kidds, bringing them to their knees. With a second swing, Jejj claimed two lives. Zein and Clark crashed their party, stabbing, slashing, and taking a life each. They swiped at the last adventurer as he raised his sword to parry. A debate erupted. ¡°Zeizei that was my kill!¡± ¡°What are you talking about!? I was the last hit!¡± ¡°No no no I was!¡± ¡°Jejj! Who hit him last!?¡± ¡°Uh, don¡¯t know, but I do see a health potion by Kal¡¯s leg.¡± They both looked down, a little red bottle rolled by Clark''s leg. Clark leapt into the air. ¡°Hah! I told ya!¡± ¡°Dash!¡± ¡°Wait, what?¡± Zein chased after the remaining 4 kidds. Kidds attempting to flee. He aimed his spear at the first, piercing his knee. He aimed his axe, lodging it on her shoulder. As they fell to the ground, Zein pounced, landing on the spear-pierced kidd. He reached out and grabbed his axe''s handle and pulled the other closer while they struggled. ¡°Slash!¡± Zein reached for his sword inside his inventory and slashed at their throats. Just as he went for his second strike- ¡°Coming through, Zeizei!¡± Clark stepped on Zein''s back and launched himself forward, running after the remaining two kidds. ¡°No! Shit!¡± In one stroke, Zein slashed both their necks, reducing them to blue pixels. He threw his sword aside and grabbed his bow and quiver. Zein loaded the weapon. ¡°Mark!¡± Zein aimed his bow and let fly. Whether luck or instinct, the Kidd moved his head, letting it whizz by. Clark raised his sword. ¡°Konichiwa baby! Dash! Slash!¡± In one swing, Clark brought his sword down on the kidds, slashing their backs. Momentum carried the guild leader, leading him to face Zein. He struck a pose while the kidds turned to items. ¡°Zeizei! Guess who won.¡± Clark danced. ¡°Oh no you didn¡¯t.¡± Zein''s eyes fell upon a lone Boom. A man surrounded by the items of his guildmates and the judgment of his enemies. Zein''e eyes fell upon a lone rabbit. Prey to let him keep his bet alive. ¡°Das-¡± ¡°He mine.¡± Jejj walked towards Boom with conviction. Zein, allowing the gears in his head to spin, cooled himself and stepped aside. ¡°Let¡¯s do this dickhead. No weapons.¡± Jejj tossed their weapon. ¡°Shut it bitch. You don¡¯t know who you¡¯re messing with.¡± Boom enraged. ¡°I''ve been taking a lot of yo'' shit. But I''m kind. To keep it fair, I ain''t gonna use no skills either. Imma beat your ass and cover your gloves in your blood.¡± Jejj picked up their pace. ¡°AGH! Fine!¡± Boom dropped his axe. ¡°Dash!¡± Boom dashed towards Jejj. Jejj turned their walk into a run. They met at the centre. ¡°Strike!¡± Boom flung his arm at Jejj. The elf dropped their head and shifted to the left, throwing a right hook at the man''s abdomen. Boom staggered. Jejj kept light on their feet, hands raised to their chest. Boom took the initiative once more, aiming for the elf''s jaw. Jejj clutched his wrist, stepped in, and slammed the back of their hand into his jaw. Jejj took the initiative, stepping in and punching Boom in the liver with their left, followed by an uppercut which was barely blocked by Boom. ¡°Not bad.¡± ¡°Shut it! Smash!¡± ¡°Keep up.¡± Boom attempted to counter with an uppercut of his own. Jejj side-stepped the strike and swept the man off his feet. Once on the ground, Jejj locked the man with their tighs as they sat atop him. Nothing could stop what happened next. Punch after punch after punch after punch after punch after punch after punch after punch after punch after punch after punch after punch after punch after punch after punch after punch. The black gloves stained red. Health at its lowest, Jejj came to a stop, huffing as their stamina bar couldn''t keep up with them. Boom, soundless, stared with venom. Jejj raised their fist. ¡°Sayonara, bitch.¡± Jejj put all their weight into their punch, crushing Boom''s face as he turned to a gold coin. The rest of them, including Skada who observed the backend of Jejj''s onslaught once they left the comfort of the forest, rushed to help Jejj. Skada lifted the tired elf and let them rest on her shoulder while the rest collected their winnings. Ding. Biim has left the party. Ding. Buum has left the party. ¡°Aw, they left.¡± Skada said saddened. ¡°Glad.¡± Jejj said tired. ¡°U-um, I am happy Biim and Buum didn¡¯t take part.¡± Torell said contented. Zein stored his weapons, freeing his hands to scavenge the rest of their winnings. ¡°Yeah. If they did, Mr. guild leader extraordinaire would have had to leave the restricted area.¡± ¡°Truly. Truly.¡± Clark examined a sword made of iron; its hilt comprised of mole leather and a vulture talon. He tossed it to Zein. ¡°With that being said, we gotta scram. Skadoodle. Ska yabba dabba doo. Ska-¡± Zein caught it with one hand. ¡°Where do we scram to, Kal.¡± ¡°Why Babel of course.¡± Chapter 19 - Before Take Off ¡°Babel?¡± ¡°Babel!¡± ¡°Ooh Babel! That¡¯s home base for me!¡± ¡°That the new planet?¡± Think I saw an update.¡± ¡°U-um is there a level requirement for it? It seems pretty high levelled¡­¡± Torell piled the 29 items on the ground. Wu took the opportunity to sit on it cross-legged. ¡°No no no there is no level requirement.¡± Clark waved his arms. ¡°No requirement for any planet in fact! It¡¯s just, ya know, you could die and stuff.¡± Clark shrugged. ¡°R-right.¡± Torell gulped. He tapped the structure to make sure it was stable. ¡°Why do we need to go to Babel?¡± Zein asked. ¡°Whaaaat you don¡¯t wanna see my headquarters???¡± Clark exclaimed. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Cold.¡± Jejj shook their head. ¡°Right! Thank you.¡± Clark threw his hands out in relief. ¡°But to be serious for a sec. It''s to meet Himmel. We need him to see this shit so that prick can make a move.¡± ¡°Himmel¡­¡± Skada brushed her chin. ¡°Guild Chivalry''s Leader!?? Like the guys who runs the number one guild?¡± ¡°Yessir. The one and only. Stop Recording. Close Camera. Also, the man who got my dear friend here killed.¡± Clark wrapped an arm around Zein. Zein tapped his thumb with rhythm. ¡° He¡¯s a good person. But Babel huh¡­¡± Zein stared at the clouds floating by. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°That¡¯s my boy!¡± Clark ruffled Zein¡¯s fur. ¡°Oogie?¡± Wu placed his finger on his lip. ¡°You¡¯re coming too, Wu.¡± Zein confirmed ¡°Oogie! Oogie!¡± Wu hopped from his throne of items and perched on Zein''s shoulder. ¡°H-how do we distribute the items?¡± Torell examined a pair of boots. ¡°Hmmm¡­ eenie meanie mineie mo?¡± Clark batted his eyelashes. ¡°No.¡± Zein said with no hesitation. ¡°Okay, Zeizei, you think of something.¡± Clark stepped away from Zein, crossing his arms. ¡°Listen, It''s a lot of gold and silver coins and like potions with only a couple of weapons, armour, and leather here and there. So, let''s evenly spread the coins and if someone needs something let ¡®em have it.¡± Zein shrugged. ¡°I''m taking the sword by the way.¡± he waved the sword. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna do it, Zezei.¡± ¡°Not it.¡± ¡°Not it either!¡± ¡°U-um should I do it?¡± ¡°Oogie!¡± Wu scolded the orc, wagging his finger. ¡°I¡¯ll do it, Torell.¡± Zein sighed. ¡°We still have to distribute the other gems, so if you can calculate that, I''ll work on this.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Torell replied, checking his bag. Zein began mumbling numbers while storing the items. He changed from tapping his thumb to scratching it as he stared at his inventory. Clark held the cat''s shoulder, attempting to bring him back to reality. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Calculate in the aircraft, Zeizei.¡± Clark released his hand. ¡°We don¡¯t know if more Skull Kidds are coming.¡± ¡°More items if they do.¡± Jejj balled their fists. ¡°Hehe, I like your confidence, cutie.¡± Skada booped Jejj¡¯s nose. ¡°But, I don¡¯t have any more rockets to support so it¡¯ll be a bit harder.¡± ¡°You right, you right.¡± Jejj yielded. ¡°Alright! Vamanos.!¡± Clark announced. Jejj rolled their eyes, resisting the urge to comment, even if it itched all over. Their neck. Their head. Their hands. But they held firm. Clark, noticing, grinned. ¡°You¡¯re falling behind, Jay.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a saint. I¡¯m a saint. I¡¯m a saint.¡± Jejj repeated to themself as they caught up to the group. Skada threw her arm around Jejj as they disappeared into the foliage. Outside the station, Zein watched his friend list grow in number. ¡°Wait. Skullcracker is online.¡± ¡°Ohh that kid! I like him.¡± Zein pondered for a second. Eyes looking away. He clicked on Skullcracker''s profile and messaged him. Typing led to more led to more led to more. Silence...Zein closed their chat. ¡°Didja message him? What were ya sayin¡¯?¡± Clark brought the party to a halt. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°If we are meeting Himmel, we might as well take some witnesses.¡± Zein said with nonchalance. ¡°Ooh smart smart. Smart boy you are, Zeizei. You¡¯re a lil¡¯ smarty pants, aren¡¯t you? Lil¡¯ smarty pants. Lil¡¯ lil¡¯-¡± ¡°Alright zip it.¡± In the distance, a large silhouette emerged from the crowd waving his hand. ¡°There he is.¡± ¡°Oogie gie!¡± Zein and Wu returned the gesture. ¡°Hello, Anodos. Hello, Mr. Kalel. Hello everyone else.¡± Skullcracker met everyone¡¯s eyes. Pfft. ¡°Mr.¡± Jejj snickered. ¡°Mr!?¡± Clark¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°Skullcracker, how are you? You okay to leave right now?¡± Zein shook Skullcrusher¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m ready to go.¡± Skullcracker¡¯s hand trembled slightly. Skullcracker bowed to the other 3. Jejj and Torell matched the gesture. Skada simply waved with a smile. Walking into the crowded station, Clark submitted his ticket at the counter. Summarily, he was directed to the end of the tunnel. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Their shoes echoed arhythmic. Skullcracker and Torell lagged, examining the dark corridors while Clark led the charge. ¡°You boys ever fly?¡± Clark asked. ¡°N-no. Is it scary?¡± Torell wondered. ¡°I guess you¡¯ll find out if you¡¯re afraid of space.¡± Clark winked. ¡°What about you skully? ¡°No, not really. I think I am more excited. I can¡¯t wait to tell my little sister about it. I recently read The Little Prince to her, so I¡¯m sure she¡¯d be happy hearing about it!¡± Torell replied, relaxing. ¡°Aww, that¡¯s so sweet! Aren¡¯t you a good brother.¡± Skada pinched his cheeks. ¡°Ehehe thank you.¡± Skullcracker swayed with the pinching. ¡°With that being said,¡± Clark twirled. ¡°Ta-da! We¡¯ve reached our zone!¡± he showed off the bellhop. The uniformed man shifted to the side, allowing the door to open. He gestured to the station goers, letting them enter. ¡°Woah.¡± Jejj gasped, unable to describe what they were feeling. A ship engulfed the area hovering metres from the ground. Its wheels were the size of Skada and felt like impenetrable rubber. It had a flat, metal-tiled roof painted electric blue with saturated yellow racing stripes lined down the middle. The carrier''s massive kite-shaped body had circular windows equidistant from each other to the side and a blue-tinted windshield adorned the front. Four thrusters as tall as the ship adorned the back with two on each side. ¡°It¡¯s still as gaudy as I remembered it to be, huh.¡± Zein stared, holding back a smile. ¡°Of course it is! It¡¯s the ship we bought!¡± Clark wrapped an arm around Zein¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Nonono it¡¯s the ship you bought.¡± Zein unwrapped himself. ¡°I was just dragged along.¡± ¡°Rude! After all this time!¡± Clark huffed. ¡°Do you guys see how rude he is? He''s always like this! He even bullies me in real life. He made me clean the bathrooms today!¡± he gestured at the others. ¡°Anodos! Don¡¯t treat your husband like that!¡± Skada chided. ¡°Yeah, that ain¡¯t cool man.¡± Jejj concurred. ¡°Alright, time out.¡± Zein signed. ¡°It''s his job to do that. In fact, the man almost recreated Raccoon City with how he was mixing the chemicals.¡± ¡°Wait, so I am your husband!¡± Clark realised. ¡°No!¡± Zein kicked Clark¡¯s behind. ¡°Now let¡¯s get going.¡± ¡°Yeah yeah.¡± Clark walked to the side of his ship and slapped a tile. It whirred. Lights came to life underneath the ship with a purple hue. ¡°That¡¯s sick.¡± Jejj bent to check the lights. ¡°How much you pay.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ Ya want one?¡± ¡°Uh-haha- think I¡¯m good.¡± ¡°No one wants my ships!¡± Clark flailed his arms. ¡°Even Zeizei with his shitty lil¡¯ pod.¡± ¡°Come on keep it moving. We have no time to waste.¡± Zein stood beside Clark. A door flipped open from the roof and stairs shot out, making the perfect acute angle. Zein was the first to climb with Wu, followed by a grumbling Clark, an excited Skada, a marvelling Jejj, a content Torell, and a worried Skullcrusher.¡± *** Boom, Biim and Buum knocked on their guild leader''s door, waiting with anxiety. Buum held on to the sleeve of Biim''s robe while Boom shook his leg. ¡°Enter.¡± Biim nudged the door open and peeked in. Cyanide''s head faced the ceiling- hands behind his chair and feet resting on the table. The trio shuffled in with Boom taking the centre. ¡°My guild¡¯s three stooges.¡± Cyanide blew smoke. ¡°The dumbest at the front.¡± he dropped his feet and faced the three. ¡°Brother I-¡± ¡°Boom.¡± Cyanide interrupted him, raising his finger. ¡°Quiet. Biim.¡± he pointed to the robed man. ¡°Explain.¡± ¡°Boom thought it smart to just plan an ambush on Anodos and the rest of the party.¡± ¡°And you didn¡¯t do shit to help!¡± ¡°What would you want me to do? We''d be facing people who are 175 and 40 outside the restriction zone. It was just plain stupidity.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t talk you piece of shit traitor.¡± ¡°Boom. I said quiet.¡± Cyanide said; his tone flat. ¡° Shut your goddamn mouth. Bastard.¡± he clicked his tongue. Boom retreated into himself. ¡°Biim. Buum. Why didn¡¯t the two of you help.¡± Cyanide huffed his cigar. ¡°I didn''t want to die and lose an item for just no reason. Especially since Kalel was recording.¡± Biim responded. Cyanide coughed. The noise of him beating his chest permeated throughout the helmet''s mic. The orc collected himself and took another puff. ¡°He was recording?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Ye-as.¡± Buum pursed his lips after he stuttered. ¡°Boom.¡± Cyanide rubbed his eyes. ¡°You''ve put the entire guild in jeopardy with your stupid antic. Do you understand?¡± ¡°But I was doing it for-¡± ¡°Do you- understand.¡± Cyanide reiterated, his tone lowering. ¡°I-I-¡± Boom looked to his friends- Biim shook his head. Buum¡¯s eyes were glued to the floor. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You have two options, Boom.¡± Cyanide raised two fingers. ¡°Either pay the gil you promised which is.. let''s see¡­¡± he counted on his fingers, tapping each one. ¡°90 gold coins and apologise. Or leave.¡± the orc pointed to the door. ¡°But if you pick that option, know this is the end for your character.¡± Cyanide leaned forward. ¡°But I don¡¯t have that many coins!¡± Boom cried. ¡°Then you won¡¯t be getting paid.¡± Cyanide¡¯s eyes pierced a hole through Boom¡¯s skull. ¡°But brother-¡± ¡°Boom I¡¯m showing you kindness. Accept it.¡± ¡°... Okay.¡± Boom fell to the back, almost hiding behind Biim and Buum. ¡°Now. Where¡¯s the Blue Lightning Guild¡¯s leader and our favourite veteran cat?¡± Cyanide changed topics. ¡°We don¡¯t know Cy.¡± Biim answered for the trio. ¡°Then figure it out and bring them here. If that video gets out-¡± Cyanide¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Fine.¡± ¡°Good. Stupid Bastards. Get out.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Biim ushered the two of them to the door. ¡°Biim.¡± Cyanide called; his tar-ridden throat roughening his voice. Biim turned to meet his eyes. ¡°Watch yourself and those morons.¡± Biim repressed his emotions with great effort and shut the door. Chapter 20 - Discussions and Distributions Clank. Clank. Clank. Clank. ¡°Morning sir.¡± ¡°Morning.¡± ¡°Yo, what¡¯s good boss?¡± ¡°Morning Rhodes.¡± Clank. Clank. Clank. ¡°Morning. Did you check your skycord?¡± ¡°Morning Sati. I haven¡¯t yet. Did something happen?¡± ¡°Noting important. Reol should fill you in.¡± ¡°Understood. Thank you for all you do.¡± ¡°Anytime.¡± Clank. Clank. Clank. Clank. Stop. The man dressed in red and gold flexed his back, proceeding to rotate each shoulder. He placed his hand on the gold-plated door and pushed. Inside, a tall, bronze-tinted elf dressed in high-waisted black leather pants and a white shirt with bishop sleeves. Layered over it- a sleeveless, dragonskin chest piece. The elf''s silver hair was tied into a tight ponytail and her oval glasses sat on the bridge of their nose. Eyes focused on a pad, ¡°Good morning, Himmel.¡± ¡°Reol, Morning.¡± Himmel closed the door. ¡°I heard nothing important has happened so far.¡± ¡°You wouldn''t be wrong.¡± Reol tapped their pad. ¡°We haven''t come across anything regarding Babel''s Tower.¡± ¡°Have the other guilds found anything?¡± Himmel walked to his desk. ¡°We have reason to believe that they haven''t.¡± Reol met Himmel¡¯s eyes, holding the pad by their side. ¡°But knowing them, they wouldn''t share the information either way.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Himmel dropped into his leather chair, making it squeak. ¡°There¡¯s no rush in any case, let''s ensure we''re being thorough.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll let the others know.¡± Reol typed on their pad. ¡°Perfect.¡± Himmel leaned into his desk, resting his elbows. ¡°Anything else I need to know about?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know how important you consider this but, adventurers in Aria are kicking up a fuss about Skull Kidds.¡± Reol peeked from their pad. ¡°Moreso since 30 of them took over the entrance to the Aria Mountain Ranges. No one was allowed to enter.¡± ¡°What were they up to?¡± Himmel asked. ¡®We don¡¯t know, but it¡¯s all over social media. Our people in Aria weren¡¯t online when this went down.¡± Reol replied. ¡°We have to rotate more people there.¡± Himmel tapped his desk. ¡°Aria is becoming more important with each passing day.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Reol continued typing. ¡°Wonderful. What''s been happening in Aria though? First Kalel is spotted in the region, and now this.¡± Himmel played with his deep purple ring with a golden river engraved on it. ¡°I have a bad feeling about this.¡± ¡°Would you like to set up a meeting with Kalel?¡± ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Ding. A message alert. ¡°Hey Himmel, I''m coming to your place. I need to speak with you. I''m bringing some people too. Okay bye!¡± Himmel closed his eyes. He pinched his eyelids, dragging them towards his nose. ¡°Reol¡­ Clear my schedule.¡± *** ¡°Is everybody strapped in!?¡± Clark enquired. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Y-yes.¡± ¡°Hell yeah!¡± ¡°Yes yes yes!¡± ¡°Oogie!¡± ¡°Ready Mr. Kal.¡± Clark shut his eyes for a second, lips stretched straight. He nodded. Jejj snickered. He opened his eyes and flipped a switch on the dashboard by the map to Babel. The ship ascended; its wheels retreating into the ship''s body. The ship climbed the building with increasing speed. Skullcracker played with his belt. Torell''s heartbeat could be heard by the rest. Emerging from the building''s entrance, Clark pressed a button on the yoke. ¡°Sit tigh-!¡± The engine''s voice came to life. The thruster''s fire came to burn. BOOM. The ship hurtled towards the purple infinite. Jejj couldn''t get enough as their elven teeth shone bright like the stars. Torell, on the other hand, passed out. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Buckles were undone. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Let¡¯s move to the breakroom!¡± Clark jumped out of his seat. ¡°Which in this case is just a roundtable. But a very cool roundtable like those knights.¡± ¡°You¡¯re still using that one?¡± Zein asked, eyebrows raising. ¡°Nothing changed, Zeizei.¡± Clark answered, eyes softening. ¡°Is that right?¡± Zein said. Hints of a smile peered through. Wu climbed Zein and perched on his head. ¡°We gon¡¯ leave him here?¡± Jejj pointed at the collapsed orc. ¡°Let the poor baby get some sleep.¡± Skada rested themself on Jejj. ¡°He had a rough time today.¡± ¡°.....¡± ¡°Okaaaaay, keep it moving, keep it moving!¡± Clark ushered the 4 of them into a wide open space with a roundtable and 8 stools placed in the centre. Doors were located on all sides with little, child-like drawings of what each door led to. Skada skipped towards a door, tracing their finger over a poorly drawn box and a stickman clothed in brown shorts and a shirt. ¡°Aww the drawings are so cute! Who drew these!?¡± Skada turned to Clark. ¡°Was it a little brother? Or sister!¡± ¡°Yeah! It was drawn by my ¡°lil¡¯ bro.¡± Clark threw his arm around Zein. ¡°Ahem.¡± Zein said. ¡°No shot.¡± Jejj blurted. ¡°Um¡­ I think you did great Anodos.¡± Skullcracker joined Skada¡¯s side, examining the art piece. ¡°Anodossss, I didn¡¯t know you had such a cute side to you!¡± Skada¡¯s face gleamed. ¡°I would like to put an end to this subject.¡± Zein proposed. ¡°Denied. Denied. Denied.¡± Clark slammed their hand into their thigh like a gavel. ¡°... Man.¡± Zein trudged to the table. Wu held on to the cat¡¯s ears, piloting him towards a seat. ¡°Oogie! Oogie!¡± ¡°To the round table my knights!¡± Clark drew his sword, raising it. Everyone took their seat at the table while Wu sat on it. Zein dumped all the items they collected from the battle onto the table, spreading them out for all to see. ¡°I¡¯ve taken the blade for myself. ¡° Zein showed the hilt of his brand new sword from his inventory. ¡°What do you guys want.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Jejj stared at the spread. A pair of mole leather boots. An Arian Iron Axe. A Blue Vulture Feather Ring. A Slimified Mole Leather Chest piece. ¡°Takin¡¯ the axe.¡± Jejj claimed their prize. ¡°Oooh, I¡¯ll take the chest piece!¡± ¡°Oogie! Oogie!¡± Wu pointed at the ring. ¡°It¡¯s yours, Wu.¡± Zein slid the ring on Wu¡¯s index finger. ¡°Oogie-gie!¡± Wu stared at his new treasure. ¡°What about me!¡± Clark exclaimed. ¡°Here.¡± Zein tossed Clark a health potion. ¡°I¡¯ll treasure it, Zeizei.¡± Clark hugged it. ¡°I¡¯m sure you will.¡± Zein nodded. ¡°The boots are for Torell then. Not too bad for him, he''ll get some dexterity and defence.¡± He began tapping his thumb. ¡°Skullcracker, do you mind handing these to Torell? If he is still knocked out, just place it in his lap.¡± He blinked at the man in the coat. ¡°Okay! Got it.¡± Skullcracker grabbed the boots by the collar and made for the cockpit. Zein gathered the coins and remaining items. ¡°So we have a mana potion, a health potion, 3 gold coins, 8 silver coins, and 10 bronze coins.¡± ¡°You guys can have the gold coins! I¡¯ll be taking all the silver coins and potions though.¡± Skada''s fingers crept over their winnings. ¡°I want 1 bronze coin.¡± Clark raised their finger with a smile. ¡°Here.¡± Zein flipped a coin at Clark, bouncing it off his forehead. ¡°Thank you.¡± Clark¡¯s finger remained raised with a smile. ¡°Torell, Jejj and I get 3 bronze coins and a gold coin each then.¡± Zein concluded. ¡°Bet.¡± Jejj accepted. Money was distributed to their rightful owners while a little stack of coins was left by the edge of the table. ¡°I have given Torell his boots!¡± Skullcracker saluted upon return. ¡°Great work lil pup¡¯. Great work indeed.¡± Clark patted his shoulder. ¡°Now take a seat.¡± ¡°Anything else we gotta talk about?¡± Jejj asked. Clark¡¯s smile faded, taking on a more serious expression. ¡°We need to talk about Himmel. More specifically what we¡¯re gonna say to him.¡± ¡°Floors yours.¡± Zein gestured. ¡°Oooh can I come to the meeting!¡± Skada raised their arm. ¡°I don¡¯t know about the meeting, but definitely the guild!¡± Clark pointed at the excited armourer. ¡°Yippee!¡± Skada threw their arms in the air. ¡°What the story gon¡¯ be then?¡± Jejj inquired. ¡°We talk about the cave. Skullcracker talks about whatever is happening on the inside, and Torell mentions the bullying as well.¡± Clark said flatly. ¡°And we do not-¡± Clark paused, eyes wide, ¡°mention the 5 v 30.¡± ¡°Why!?¡± Jejj replied, shocked. ¡°Ain¡¯t that the biggest example of it happening!?¡± ¡°We have no way of explaining why Kalel was there I¡¯m guessing.¡± Zein scratched at an imaginary hangnail. ¡°Exacte-mundo.¡± Clark said. ¡°What if we say Kalel wasn¡¯t there?¡± Skada questioned. ¡°I don¡¯t think Himmel is naive enough to believe we escaped a 4 v 30?¡± Zein answered. ¡°Plus, I wanna do something very juicy with the video.¡± Clark let out the faintest of giggles. ¡°I... don''t know if I should say anything but what about saying you know Anodos irl?¡± Skullcracker asked with hesitance. ¡°That''s what you told me at least.¡± ¡°True.¡± Jejj agreed. ¡°Maybe... But then there''d be a permanent target on Zeizei. Guilds would use him to get to me.¡± Clark answered. ¡°Plus, he won¡¯t let me give him bodyguards.¡± he shrugged. ¡°I¡¯d rather restart than have that. I¡¯ve only invested about 8 hours anyway.¡± Zein sighed. ¡°Kalel said my name as well, or well my nickname.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true¡­ Sorry.¡± Clark watched the ground. ¡°It¡¯s alright, don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s not your fault.¡± Zein patted Clark¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Sooner or later, this was bound to happen. I don¡¯t trust Skull Kidds to not leak, so, we might as well stall as much as possible.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± The defeated guild leader replied. ¡°How long until we reach?¡± Zein asked, attempting to change topics. ¡°Well,¡± Skada dragged while squinting at a blue screen. ¡°It should be a couple more minutes!¡± ¡°Hell yeah. I¡¯m heading back to the cockpit then.¡± Zein left his seat, grabbing Torell''s money and dragging his feet to the front of the ship. Wu hopped onto Zein''s back in the process. Jejj and Skada made their way to Stargaze while Skullcracker conversed with Clark at the roundtable. Inside the cockpit, Zein dropped into his chair. Wu crawled over Zein and curled into a ball in his lab. The cat observed the unreachable polygons through the windshield- tail swinging with pauses. He attempted to contextualise the past few hours and minutes, head throbbing the more he thought. ¡°Politics again¡­¡± Zein¡¯s stare went blank as the ship darted toward its destination. ¡°Eugh¡­ Wha happen.¡± Torell held his head. ¡°Wha!¡± Torell tossed the boots into the air. With a toss and a turn, one of the boots landed on his head. ¡°Take care of your boots, Torell.¡± Zein handed Torell his coins and Wu returned his boot. ¡°Oogie!¡± ¡°O-oh, these are for me?¡± Torell studied it. ¡°Thank you.¡± he bowed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, and look it seems like we¡¯re here.¡± In the distance, a planet painted in red and orange with the occasional splotches of blue. With god¡¯s grace, they headed for the brighter side of the planet. Awe washed over the three of them. A new planet. One they had never seen. It was Torell¡¯s first, and it wouldn¡¯t be Zein¡¯s last. He¡¯d make sure it wasn¡¯t. Chapter 21 - Ring Ring Ring ¡°I''ve done many things in my life. I''ve swam with the fishes(against my will), I''ve climbed Mount Fuji (against my will), and I''ve been chased by wolves(the smaller kind at the dog park)...(against my will). This was the first time I''ve wanted to do something for myself and I hope to never do this again.¡± Torell thought, eyes rolling into the back of his socket as the ship broke the sound barrier. Faster and faster and faster and fire. Skullcraker clutched his seatbelt- eyes sealed. Jejj couldn''t hold back their smile, the adrenaline they felt from crashing into another planet felt euphoric. ¡°Www-w--weeewee aaaaaare aaaalmooooost tthththereee. Ddddddon''ttttt wowowowoworrrrryyyy y--y-y-youuu twwwwoooo.¡± Clark lifted his thumb from the yoke, making it barely visible to the two teenagers in the back. ¡°Fffffocccus oooon llllllannnndinnng.¡± Zein chided, hands covering Wu''s ears while curled into a ball in his lap. The little monkey cried under his breath as Zein stroked his head with his thumb. ¡°OooOOoooOOOkkkaay.¡± Clark forced a smile, his pearl-white teeth shining through his thin lips. In the back, by Jejj, Skada stared at the ceiling emotionless, trying to steady her breath as the fire grew around them. She mumbled to herself, words inaudible. 5.4.3.2.1. A runway leading to a white, trapezoidal tunnel. Clark pressed a button on the yoke, forcing the ship to slow down and releasing the wheels. Everyone inside jerked forward, necks outstretched, and slammed back into their seats. Zein held Wu close. ¡°Why... Did you not install a calibration mod¡­¡± Zein huffed. ¡°I thought... We already discussed this¡­¡± Clark huffed. ¡°....right¡­¡± ¡°My head hurts.¡± Skuullcraker held his head. ¡°Aww, it''s probably cause it''s your first time! You''ll get used to it.¡± Skada comforted. ¡°Shit rocked.¡± Jejj stretched their arms and left them behind their seat¡¯s headrest. ¡°Oogie?¡± Wu freed himself from Zein''s arms and climbed onto a knocked-out Torell. He began smacking the back of Torell''s head. Zein lifted the monkey by the nape of his neck. ¡°That¡¯s not going to work, Wu?¡± Zein raised the monkey to meet his eyes. ¡°Oogie?¡± Wu tilted his head. ¡°Need more muscle, lil¡¯ man.¡± Jejj flexed their triceps and abs. ¡°Oogie¡­¡± Wu¡¯s head drooped. ¡°Cheer up, Wu, you¡¯ll get stronger.¡± Zein kept the monkey on his shoulder, who perched with sadness. ¡°Let me try calling him.¡± Zein tapped Torell¡¯s name, hitting the call button. Ding. Ding Ding. Ding Ding. Ding Ding. Ding Ding. Ding Ding. Ding Ding. Ding Ding. DIng DIng. Ding Ding. Ding Ding. Ding Ding. ¡°Huh¡­Wha¡­¡± Torell scratched his forehead, eyes forming slits. ¡°It¡¯s time to go go go, Rell! Wake up!¡± Clark roared. ¡°O-okay.¡± Torell jumped awake, unbuckling his belt. The rest followed suit. They raced into the tunnel, wheels grazing the runway. Strips of blue neon lead the ship towards a dock. ¡°I-is the tunnel supposed to be this long?¡± Torell leaned forward, getting a better view of their surroundings. ¡°Nooo but there are a lotta people entering right now! The tunnel works like one of ''em loading screens. Sooo, the longer the tunnel, the longer the load!¡± Clark explained. ¡°Sick.¡± Jejj commented. The tunnel came to an end as the ship reached a circular room with a flat roof. White metal sheets lined its walls, glowing ever so slightly. Clark smacked a button on the side of the airship''s door. Pshhht. The door slid open. The stairs shot out. One by one the adventurers exited the plane. ¡°Home sweet home!¡± Skada jumped from the stairs. ¡°For now!¡± ¡°This space is so much bigger Mr. Kal!¡± Skullcracker marvelled. ¡°Aha¡­Yeah¡­ It sure is.¡± Clark slumped. ¡°Oogie oogie.¡± Wu patted Clark¡¯s hair. ¡°Thank you, Wu.¡± Clark shed a tear. ¡°Alright, let''s get going, no need to mope around.¡± Zein kicked Clark¡¯s behind, walking ahead. ¡°Shut up!¡± Clark pointed with aggression. ¡°You aren''t the one being called Mister!¡± ¡°How do we get out anyway?¡± Zein looked around- not a door in sight. ¡°Tap the wall and find out!¡± Skada imitated a game show host. ¡°Bet.¡± ¡°Wait what.¡± Jejj dashed to a wall, banging it with their open palm¡­ Silence. ¡°Sure somethin¡¯s supposed to-¡± Whzzzzzzzz. A noise from within the walls. ¡°Wha-what¡¯s that noise!¡± Torell staggered. ¡°You¡¯ll see, you¡¯ll see, Rell!¡± Clark massaged the orc¡¯s shoulders. Clark dragged Torell to Jejj. The rest trailed behind. Now clumped together, they waited with bated breath. Ding! Whoosh. The wall extruded and rose, revealing an elevator; its suddenness scared Torell and Skullcracker. Even Zein couldn''t help but be caught off guard. Ding. Please enter the elevator. Taking you to Babel''s First Platform. Jejj rushed into the elevator, examining its glass interior. ¡°Holy shit.¡± ¡°I knew you¡¯d like it!¡± Skada wrapped their arm around Jejj¡¯s. ¡°Do we just get it? I don¡¯t see buttons.¡± Zein studied the interior, looking for elevator buttons. ¡°Get in get in get in, Zeizei.¡± Clark pulled Zein¡¯s arm, bringing him closer to himself. ¡°You''re asking too many questions! Just get in.¡± ¡°Alright, alright, don¡¯t drag me around.¡± Zein freed his arm. ¡°I-is it safe?¡± Torell knocked on the glass walls. ¡°I¡¯m sure it is if Mr. Kal thinks so!¡± Skullcracker examined the wall with him. ¡°O-oh true.¡± Torell stroked his chin. The party piled into the elevator and the door closed in tandem with the wall. With a click, the elevator began its ascent. The five of them were taken on a journey. A journey through layers upon layers upon layers of bridges and elevator tracks, all interwoven with one another. Crossing and twisting. There was a sense of harmony in its chaos. Chaos painted in reds and blues and purples and pinks. All bright and flickering. Adventurers roamed the labyrinth-like station with ease. An everyday experience for those at the top. ¡°How they navigate this?¡± Jejj watched the adventurers traverse the station. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Once ya traverse the place enough, it basically comes to ya like breathing.¡± Clark explained. ¡°Woah¡­¡± Skullcracker basked in the station¡¯s complexity. ¡°H-how high are we going?¡± Torell gazed into the neverending layers of the abyss. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry big guy!?¡± Skada leaned on Torell, gazing with him. ¡°Scared of heights? We were just on a mountain yknow, hehe.¡± ¡°N-no. I¡¯m fine.¡± Torell backed away, eyes wide. ¡°Aww, aren¡¯t you cute.¡± Skada poked his cheek. Clark leaned into Zein, who couldn''t help but have stars in his eyes as he stared at the clusters of people and colours. ¡°Enjoyin¡¯ the view?¡± ¡°Yeah. I am. This is cool.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad, Zeizei. I¡¯m glad.¡± ¡°Ooh, I see our exit!¡± Skada broke up the two. The elevator made its way to a platform dotted with adventurers hanging around and making conversation. None of their levels were below 100. None of their armour worth less than a fortune. Dragon skin helmets. Red Wyvern Scaled Armour. Swords smelted with Mythril and Gold. ¡°I can never get over the equipment. It''s all so good!¡± Skada squealed, clapping with excitement. ¡°Is that right?¡± Zein asked. ¡°Yeah! How often do you get to see this!? It''d take months to get to this level! And even then, this is all stuff that''d take forever to grind.¡± Skada explained like a teacher. ¡°Oh, I know.¡± ¡°Wha-?¡± Ding. You have reached the First Platform. Please get down. ¡°Why are you so surprised?¡± Zein hopped off the elevator. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you? I was pretty good.¡± Zein smiled, eyes locked with Skada. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Where the guy at?¡± Jejj asked, holding their hand to their forehand, looking around. Similar to Aria City, shops with neon signs sold perishables and items, some even selling special souvenirs. Flies made regular appearances at these stores alongside the arriving adventurers. Under the moon¡¯s glow, Babel came alive. ¡°Riiiiiiiiight..... There.¡± Surrounded by skyscrapers reaching the stars, Clark pointed to a towering white building with red and gold stripes down the side right in front of them. Every two levels had a bridge connecting to the station. ¡°W-woah. Are all the buildings this big?¡± Torell gulped. ¡°This is so much bigger than our guild!¡± Skullcracker tried to measure the building with his arms. ¡°Hey! Our building is just as big!¡± Clark interjected. ¡°Put the fries in the bag, Kal. Take us there already.¡± Jejj punched Kal¡¯s shoulder, making his arm ring. ¡°Bah!¡± Clark threw his arms in the air. Adventurers parted like the Red Sea in confusion when Clark led the group to Guild Chivalry. "Why is the leader of Blue Lightning wearing level 30 armour." ¡°Likin¡¯ the stares?¡± Jejj nudged Clark¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Que sir-a, sir-a.¡± Clark replied. ¡°You doin¡¯ this shit on purpose ain¡¯t ya.¡± Jejj¡¯s eyes narrowed, face contorting. Clark shrugged his shoulders, hiding his grin from the annoyed elf. ¡°D-do they need such a large building.¡± Torell asked, eyes scaling the building. ¡°They have thousands of people in their guild, so, I guess they do.¡± Zein explained. ¡°W-woah¡­¡± Torell paused, thinking. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯d ever wanna join them.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll get a lot of benefits though.¡± Zein glanced at the orc. ¡°B-but they were the ones who like did the bad thing to you right?¡± Torell kicked a pebble in the direction of the building, unable to meet Zein¡¯s eyes. ¡°That¡¯s true, thank you then, Torell.¡± Zein smiled, ruffling Torell¡¯s hair. ¡°O-of course. Y-youre-uhm-¡± Torell bounced in place, feet drawing circles. ¡°you''re my like-uhm-friend. Right?¡± He turned his body away from Zein. Zein''s eyes softened, warmth flowing from his body ¡°Of course I am.¡± ¡°N-nice.¡± Torell pumped his fists. ¡°Hell yeah.¡± ¡°Alrighty kiddos! You ready to go in?¡± Clark posed- fists on his hips. ¡°Ye-¡± ¡°Okay let¡¯s go go go!¡± Clark interrupted the armourer. He swung the door open, bringing everyone inside to a halt. ¡° Hello, Guild Chivalry.¡± he said with excitement. Guild Chivalry''s members watched each other, looking for a saviour. ¡°Kal!?? What''s up, buddy!? What brings you here? Why you got that cheap shit on?¡± A voice boomed from behind the frozen adventurers. His name was Rhodes, a half-man half-wolf whose hands were wrapped in bandages and eyes covered in a bandana. His chiselled body was barely visible under the light grey fur. The wolf dressed his bottom half with Wyvern Leather pants and Mammoth Fur Boots. ¡°Ahh, Rhodes! My man! How we doin¡¯, how we feeling, how we living, how we dreaming?¡± Clark matched the energy. ¡°Ohh you know how it be. We out here, livin¡¯. You ain¡¯t answer m questions though.¡± Rhodes pushed. ¡°I¡¯m here to meet Himmel. Set up a meeting and everything too.¡± Clark answered. ¡°I ain¡¯t mean that one but alright.¡± Rhodes said to himself. ¡°Those people behind you goin¡¯ to meet him too?¡± ¡°Everyone except pink beanie,¡± Clark pointed to Skada. ¡°You mind if she hangs out here?¡± ¡°Hiii, I''m Skada, nice to meet you cutie. I love the fur.¡± Skada outstretched her hand. ¡°Oh, mama mama.¡± Rhodes¡¯ jaw dropped. ¡°How you doin¡¯ baby girl.¡± he shook her hand with vigour. ¡°Ookay, we¡¯re gonna head up, ciao!¡± Clark ushered the rest of them away. ¡°Can I talk to you about something,¡± Skada twirled the fur on Rhodes¡¯ chest. ¡°It¡¯s important.¡± ¡°Anythin¡¯ for you baby.¡± Rhodes brought Skada closer. ¡°Lemme take you on tour. Show you around the place.¡± Skada''s giggles could be heard in the distance while the rest of the party made their way to an elevator. Jejj cleared their throat. ¡°How you guys flirt? Askin¡¯ for somebody.¡± ¡°U-um. Maybe being nice to them?¡± Torell replied. ¡°I agree with that!¡± Skullcracker chirped. ¡°That¡¯s what my mom tells me at least.¡± ¡°Like complimenting their eyes... I think?¡± Zein said, unconvinced by his own words. ¡°Apparently, that''s how my dad got my mom to fall for him. He used to brag about it.¡± he shrugged. ¡°With a girl? I don¡¯t know. I just walk into places and it usually works.¡± Clark said with nonchalance. ¡°Oogie oogie! Oogieee.¡± Wu jumped around on Zein¡¯s shoulder, arms waving. ¡°Bet. Bet.¡± Jejj nodded, taking in their information. ¡°Thanks, boys.¡± Ding. The elevator door opened before them, furnished with marble and glossy steel. The soft orange lighting gave the elevator a sense of luxury- a place for the privileged few. Floors ran into the 30''s with the lowest floor being the basement. One by one, the party entered. Clark clicked the button for the highest floor. 37. Ding. The door closed behind them. The elevator took its time to climb, letting adventurers in and out. All greeted the Blue Lighting Leader. All continued about their day in confusion. ¡°Is the armour that bad?¡± Clark checked his armour, dusting off any dirt. ¡°I don''t think anyone is used to you wearing level 30 armour since your usual is bright blue mythric steel.¡± Zein folded his arms, unbothered by the dust on his robe. ¡°But they¡¯re being so mean about it!¡± Clark cried. ¡°Well, we are meeting their boss, so, why not complain to him?¡± Zein offered a solution. Ding. Level 37. The doors opened. Standing before the five of them was an elf with a tablet. ¡°Welcome. Kalel. Himmel is waiting for you.¡± they peeked from their tablet. ¡°Reol! How are ya!? Thank you for makin'' space for me on his schedule.¡± Clark¡¯s teeth shined through. ¡°Please make sure it¡¯s about something.¡± Reol sighed. ¡°Always is always is.¡± Clark laughed, skipping out of the elevator and gesturing to the rest to follow. Zein made eye contact with the elf. He bowed to break it. They returned the gesture. Walking down the hallway, Zein''s anxiousness grew. This was the man who ordered his death. What was he gonna be like after a year? What was he going to say? What if he already knew of his identity? It wouldn''t be surprising if he did. What if he just didn''t care about his or his friends'' plight? What was going through the leader of the most powerful guild''s head? Zein wanted to know. Knock. Knock. Knock. ¡°Yoohoo!¡± Clark called. ¡°Come in.¡± A stern voice replied. Clark barrelled through the door, revealing a man hunched over his desk. ¡°Kalel. And guests. Welcome to my guild. Do take a seat.¡± A man dressed in gold welcomed. ¡°Himmel, buddy, long time no see! How are ya?¡± Clark greeted, walking towards a set of chairs placed in front of Himmel¡¯s desk. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you started seeing me as your "buddy", Kalel. I feel honoured.¡± Himmel tapped the table. ¡°Of course, I see you as my buddy. How else would I see ya?¡± Clark forced a laugh. ¡°British prick.¡± he mumbled to himself. ¡°Anyway, why are all your underlings so judgy? They keep givin¡¯ me and my armour the stink eye!¡± Clark took a seat, followed by Jejj, Skullcracker, and Torell. Himmel studied the armour, holding his tongue ¡°I will speak to them so you don¡¯t feel offended. Would that be alright?¡± Himmel said unflinching. ¡°... Yes. It would.¡± Clark answered. During their conversation, Zein stared at the guild leader, like he was stuck in a trance. He stared at his face, his desk, his hands- his hands. ¡°Is there something on my face? Kalel¡¯s friend.¡± Himmel asked. ¡°I like your ring.¡± Zein dug his claws into his palms. ¡°Oh. Why thank you. I like it very much as well.¡± The ring glinted under the moonlight. ¡°How¡¯d you get it? I¡¯d like one for myself.¡± Venom seeped into Zein¡¯s voice. ¡°I see.¡± Himmel stroked his chin. ¡°Well, unfortunately, the man I got this ring from is no longer playing. So, I don''t know. A fact which still annoys me to this day.¡± he chuckled. ¡°Is that right?¡± Zein felt his heart in his throat, every beat clear to the ears. His eyes dyed red- breathing uncontrolled. Clark tugged at his robes, shaking his head. Zein shut his eyes for a moment and took a seat by a worried Clark. ¡°So, tell me, what brings you here, Kalel.¡± Himmel inquired. Skullcracker took a deep breath in, sitting up straight. Clark glanced at him, collecting himself. His eyes sharpened. ¡°We need to talk about Skull Kidds.¡± Chapter 22 - To Be A Leader Ding ding. Ding ding... Ding ding. Ding ding... Ding ding. Ding ding. ¡°Yes. Cyanide.¡± A monotonous voice answered- draped in silk. ¡°Lucero!¡± Cyanide¡¯s tar-laden voice rang out. ¡°I got some info for you.¡± ¡°Will it make up for your screw-up?¡± Lucero asked. ¡°Oh, it will.¡± Cyanide snickered. ¡°Confidence. I like it.¡± A chair squeaked. ¡°Tell me about this info then.¡± Cyanide cleared his throat; it led to a coughing first. ¡°Gah, Sorry.¡± Silence on the other line. Clearing his throat once more, ¡°There was a man once, before my time, who caused big trouble for the 10 great guilds. Video of his death got a number of views too. I think you have his swords? You''ve mentioned it once... maybe twice before.¡± ¡°... Go on.¡± ¡°He¡¯s back.¡± Seriousness returned to Cyanide. ¡°Goes by Anodos now. Got a little gang going for himself now.¡± ¡°He¡¯s back, huh.¡± Lucero pondered for a moment. ¡°Do you have proof?¡± ¡°Got it all on tape.¡± Cyanide said with pride. ¡°Kal''s reaction always gets me. I''ve watched it 20 times at this point.¡± he cackled. ¡°Kalel was involved?¡± Lucero asked, surprised. A moment of static. ¡°Good work, Cyanide. Send me the video.¡± ¡°Of course, of course. I believe this covers for my men messing up?¡± Cyanide questioned with hope. Lucero exhaled, deep and slow. ¡°Make sure you fix it, Cyanide. I don''t want to hear about this ever again.¡± ¡°Consider it done.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mess this up, Cyanide.¡± ¡°A warning or a threat?¡± ¡°Take it as you please. As long as you get the job done.¡± ¡°Hah! I¡¯ll talk to you later.¡± Ding. Cyanide ended the call. Lucero stared at the Age of Divinity forum. Post after post after post, with hundreds of likes talking about Skull Kidds clearing out the entrance of Aria''s Mountain Range, each getting progressively more scathing and hostile. He unsheathed a sword which hung from his hip- a curved blade with a blue hue and patterning resembling Damascus steel. Shrouded in darkness, all the blade reflected were his deep red eyes. *** ¡°The Skull Kidds, I see you brought one of them here as well. Is this about the little incident at the mountain ranges?¡± Himmel examined Skullcracker. ¡°Well,¡± Clark began. ¡°We don¡¯t really-¡± ¡°I¨Cu-um have some information on it.¡± Skullcracker interrupted. Clark¡¯s mouth hung. A change of plans. ¡°Skull¡­¡± Himmel squinted. ¡°Craker. Charming name, go on.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Skullcraker felt Clark¡¯s eyes on him. With a deep breath, ¡°So, um, the person who got everyone together to go to the ranges, his name is Boom. He didn''t mention who they were attacking but he talked about it in our skycord server.¡± Skullcracker¡¯s leg shook. ¡°I-I wasn''t online at the time, so, I couldn''t join them, or know. I swear.¡± he bobbed his head. ¡°Why are you here with the leader of Blue Lightning then?¡± Himmel clasped his hands, resting his chin on it. ¡°I asked him to testify.¡± Clark stepped in. ¡°Kalel. Let him speak.¡± Himmel said, calm. ¡°Skullcracker.¡± He gestured with his hand to the orc. ¡°It-it was as Mr. Kal said.¡± Skullcracker looked to Clark who had a smile on his face. ¡°I got to know him after escorting Anodos and Mr. Kal to meet my boss. When I came online today, An-¡± Clark nudged Skullcrakers leg, still smiling. ¡°Mr. Kal asked if I could talk to you about the guild.¡± he corrected. ¡°And how do you know Kalel, Anodos.¡± Himmel shifted his attention to Zein, ¡°I-¡± ¡°He''s a friend of mine. In real life. A close friend of mine, in fact.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t take you to be a man who spoke over others, Kalel.¡± Himmel said, tone unchanging. ¡°I would prefer if you didn''t interrogate my friends.¡± Clark snarled. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll back off if that¡¯s what you want.¡± Himmel straightened himself. ¡°But if that''s all there is to the story, then I am sorry but I can''t do much for you.¡± ¡°What do you mean you can''t do much!?¡± Clark slammed his fists into his thighs. ¡°You and your guild are the strongest in the goddamn game! These people are clearly abusing the newer players and you''re just gonna sit on your ass and do nothing?¡± ¡°We have our hands full with Babel, Kalel.¡± Himmel crossed his arms. ¡°If you want to discuss this some more, bring it up at the guild leader meeting.¡± he said, unmoved. ¡°So much for being chivalrous.¡± Clark scoffed. ¡°I got 3 people here who were extorted and bullied by them and a guy on the inside confirming their 30-man hit on some random adventurers!¡± Clark¡¯s hands went haywire, almost bumping into Zein. ¡°It''ll be war with Ophis if we take action. Something I''d rather not do while, again, we are busy with figuring out Babel. I''m sorry boys but, I can''t help.¡± Clark tightened his cross, hints of emotion coming through. ¡°You ain¡¯t shit.¡± Jejj said, annoyance written on their face. ¡°Callin'' yourself Himmel and can''t even be a hero.¡± they snorted. ¡°Oogie! Oogie oogie. Oogie.¡± Wu jumped on Zein¡¯s shoulder. Your friends... And monkey seem lovely, Kalel.¡± Himmel rested his arms on his desk. ¡°Don''t you give me that shit.¡± Clark retorted. ¡°I can''t believe you''re still unwilling to take any action after learning about 3 victims and a witness.¡± he rolled his eyes. ¡°Well, 3 victims, care to explain what happened?¡± Himmel asked. Jejj sighed ¡°Got a fee for a dungeon. Thought it stupid and entered. Got my ass beat and left. They gave chase- almost killed me. That''s where I met Anodos.¡± they explained. ¡°Right, the dungeon fee.¡± Himmel played with his ring. Zein¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. ¡°Alright, what happened next?¡± ¡°We escaped into the dungeon. Beat it. Got out.¡± ¡°You two beat the dungeon? Alone?¡± ¡°Took awhile but yeah.¡± ¡°It¡¯s why I plan on recruiting them to my guild.¡± Clark smirked. ¡°He does seem impressive¡­ so does Anodos.¡± Himmel studied the Zein. ¡°What''s your side of the story, Anodos.¡± ¡°Whatever they said.¡± Zein pointed to Jejj with his thumb. ¡°They tried to player kill so they could get our items and we didn''t let them. It led to me being summoned by their guild leader and a warning was handed out.¡± he shrugged. ¡°Oogie?¡± Wu looked befuddled. Was this why he was asked to remain with Skullcracker? ¡°Cyanide didn''t ask for anything in return?¡± ¡°No.¡± Zein answered. ¡°I made sure he didn''t take anything.¡± Clark added. ¡°I hope this is all there is to the story.¡± Himmel sighed. ¡°Why? You don''t trust me?¡± ¡°I don''t think you want to know the answer to that, Kalel.¡± ¡°You''re a real piece of work.¡± The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Torell raised his hand to speak. ¡°I-I hav-ve something to sh-share.¡± he nodded. ¡°Speak your mind, Tore-ell.¡± Himmel replied. ¡°Th-thank you. I-I also got some money taken a-as a fee. A-and they were mean to me when I was looking f-for party members to do the Aria Mountain Ranges raid.¡±Torell stared at the floor- his breathing heavy. Jejj kept a hand on his shoulder, attempting to relax him. ¡°The usual then. Alright, I''ve heard you all out. I apologise but I can''t be of help. We can''t be everywhere at once.¡± Himmel leaned forward, gazing upon his desperate guests. ¡°You could easily coalesce the rest of the 10 great guilds to take out Ophis. Just like you did with Zeika.¡± Zein felt a twinge in his heart. ¡°But I guess it''s easier to bully a single man compared to a guild, huh.¡± Clark spat. ¡°Don''t you dare bring him up!¡± Himmel slammed the table. ¡° I''m warning you Kalel. Do not cross that line!¡± he pointed, teeth on full display. Himmel took a second to gather himself. ¡°Ophis has support within the 10 greats, their own little faction as you know. If we fight them, we fight all of them. It''d be an all-out war. Something no one wants.¡± he exhaled. ¡°Oogie¡­¡± Wu shivered. He crawled into Zein¡¯s lap, pulling his robe over to hide himself. ¡°This good guy act you put up is insufferable you know that?¡± ¡°I''m sorry for yelling, um, Wu.¡± Himmel apologised with sincerity. ¡°Kalel, if you''ve come here to insult me while I made time out of my schedule to listen to you first thing in the morning then I''d much rather you take your leave.¡± he tightened his fists. ¡°I''m trying to reason with you, Himmel. We need to keep Aria safe from these people so newer players joining the game have fun.¡± Clark pleaded. Himmel sighed. ¡°I love the passion, Kalel, but we won''t be helping. We simply do not have the resources.¡± Himmel thinned his lips. ¡°You had the resources before Babel! You had them! You''re just a-¡± Clark controlled himself. He calmed himself. ¡°Come on, we''re getting out of here.¡± Clark shot out of his seat, storming to the door. Skullcracker looked back and forth before rushing to Clark''s side. Jejj displayed no emotion as they arranged their seats to align with the others. Torell bowed to Himmel who returned his gesture with a sharp nod. The elf and the orc walked to the door, leaving the cat with a frightened monkey behind. ¡°Would you like to share some kind words as well?¡± Zein gazed upon his former foe. Upon the ring which sat on his finger. Upon his tired eyes. ¡°Babel is lovely, isn''t it? I hope you find whatever it is you''re looking for.¡± he replied. ¡°Oogie.¡± Wu peeked from behind the robe. ¡°Why thank you. I appreciate it.¡± the ends of Himmel¡¯s mouth curled. Zein blinked slow, collecting himself. He left his seat with Wu, cradled in his hands, and joined the rest of the party at the door. Clark held the door open, allowing them to walk out. With one last glare, Clark slammed the door shut. Seconds passed before Reol peeked in, entering Himmel''s office and gently closing the door behind them. ¡°How did it go?¡± Reol asked. ¡°Kalel and his party don''t seem pleased.¡± ¡°Horrid. Kalel wanted me to take action against the Skull Kidds. He brought victims of their abuse, apparently¡­¡±Himmel fell into his chair. ¡°Tell me... Am I making the right decision by not wanting to take them out?¡± he wondered. ¡°If we took action, the game would be unplayable for anyone not in the 10 great guilds.¡± Reol answered, fiddling with their tab. ¡°Whether it''s right or not, that''s something you need to figure out.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s not very nice of you now is it.¡± Himmel fell further. ¡°I¡¯m your secretary, Himmel, not your advisor. I¡¯m sure Rhodes can help there.¡± Reol glanced over. ¡°I will say, however, if I was in your position, I''d make the same call.¡± ¡°I''ll accept that. Thank you, Reol.¡± Himmel fixed his posture. ¡°Anytime. Now look at these reports.¡± Reol tossed the tab containing a map of Babel with markers. Like a storm, Clark made his presence felt. Skada, seated on a sofa by Rhodes, noticed the guild leader. ¡°I- gotta go. My friends are back. It was nice speaking with you! I hope we get to speak again, cutie.¡± ¡°Any day, any hour, any minute, any second, mademoiselle.¡± Rhodes kissed her hand. ¡°If you need anything, you have my skycord.¡± he smiled. Skada jogged while waving goodbye to the wolf man whose canines shone bright through his smile. Reaching the party, her smile faded, shifting to concern. ¡°What happened!? Is everything okay? Wu seems pale!¡± Skada caressed his cheek. ¡°You guys seem super annoyed too!¡± she checked on the rest. ¡°Let''s talk outside, don''t want to speak about it here.¡± Clark replied, attempting to keep his emotions in check. ¡°Oh okay.¡± Skada looked to Jejj. Jejj did not return the favour. Together, they rushed out the door and into the bustling, tar-laden streets. The buildings grew smaller and more worn down the further they ran. Adventurers went from carrying the scales of dragons on their chests to simple mammoth leather. The party of six scurried into an alleyway, taking a second to reorientate themselves. ¡°Can someone tell me what¡¯s going on?¡± Skada stomped her foot. ¡°I am not liking the mood right now.¡± she huffed. ¡°Guild Chivalry won''t be stopping Skull Kidd''s activities.¡± Clark¡¯s anger seeped into his words. ¡°Excuse me!?¡± Skada said, shocked. Clark explained further, detailing how their conversation turned into an argument. How Himmel interrogated them. How Himmel brushed them off. How Himmel looked down on them. Skada''s face soured, disappointment filling her body. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you guys. I didn¡¯t expect them to be so¡­¡± Skada didn¡¯t know how to continue. ¡°That''s just what happens when you run the largest guild in the game.¡± Clark sat down, stretching his legs. ¡°There was a part of me which believed he''d take action. How wrong I was.¡± he looked away in scorn. ¡°Why this shit so political? Feels gross.¡±Jejj groaned. ¡°Unfortunate, isn¡¯t it?¡±Zein smiled somberly. ¡°Money flows like water for these guilds.¡± Clark drew circles on the ground. ¡°I¡¯m talking millions of dollars. Our guild makes a decent amount too, even if it isn¡¯t our focus.¡± he explained, drawing a smile within the circle. ¡°I was so scared! If you guys weren''t there... I don''t know if I would have survived.¡± Skullcraker held himself. ¡°M-me neither.¡± Torell added. ¡°I didn¡¯t like that one bit.¡± ¡°Oogie oogie¡­¡± Wu hugged Zein, burying his head on his summoner¡¯s neck. Zein¡¯s soft fur calmed the monkey¡¯s breathing; it lulled him to sleep. ¡°I''m sorry guys. Feels like my fault for dragging you guys into this.¡± Clark stared at his drawing. ¡°But, if you don''t wanna experience all this stuff you can always join my guild!¡± he looked to everyone with a smile as wide as the ocean. ¡°Don''t promote your guild right now.¡± Zein slapped the back of Clark¡¯s head. ¡°Alright alright.¡± Clark used Zein¡¯s arm to pick himself up, almost dragging him to the floor. ¡°In any case, what are you your guy¡¯s skycords!?¡± Clark asked, hands on his waist. ¡°About time.¡± Jejj punched Zein¡¯s shoulder. He laughed apologetically. ¡°Yippee! I like that idea!¡± Skada clapped. Exchanging skycord information with each other, Clark added zzzeika, Skelowl, krug girl, jejejeje, supaman, and Blade to a group chat. ¡°Now, we can all chat with each other!¡± Clark said, impressed with himself. ¡°Plus I can update on you if anything happens to Skull Kidds.¡± he snickered. ¡°Um- What should I do? I don¡¯t think I can go back to my guild¡­¡± Skullcracker asked, unsure. ¡°Oh right. They most likely know by now. I¡¯ll take you to my guild, we got a room you can set as your save point.¡± Clark patted Skullcracker¡¯s back. ¡°O-okay.¡± Skullcracker nodded. ¡°Why ain¡¯t we go to yo¡¯ guild in the first place?¡± Jejj questioned. ¡°Isn¡¯t this more fun!¡± Clark laughed. ¡°That reminds me, ya boy needs to change back.¡± he pointed to himself with his thumbs. ¡°What are the rest of ya gonna do?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to log out and head to bed.¡± Zein replied. ¡°Jejj!¡± Skada startled the elf. ¡°Do you wanna come to my workshop!?¡± ¡°Hmm-uhhh-well¡­¡± Jejj stared at Skada who blinked profusely. ¡°Okay.¡± they cleared their throat. ¡°C-can I-¡± ¡°You¡¯re coming with me big guy.¡± Clark wrapped his arm around Torell, bringing him to himself and Skullcraker. ¡°Alright, Zeizei, goodnight. I''ll see ya guys tomorrow!¡± Clark waved while dragging Skullcracker and Torell to the main street. ¡°Goodnight, Anodos!¡± Torell twisted his neck to see Zein. ¡°Goodnight!¡± Skullcracker waved with energy. ¡°Bye Anodos! I¡¯ll see you tomorrow, hopefully!¡± Skada giggled, holding Jejj¡¯s hand. ¡°Send me those videos.¡± Jejj held their hand out. ¡°Will do.¡± Zein dapped them up. ¡°Goodnight Wu.¡± he brought the monkey to his face. ¡°Oogie!¡± Wu shot his arms into the air. Wu and Zein turned to Blue pixels. Each returning to their own world. Zein freed himself from his spacequest, placing it by his side. His eyes seemed dead as he stared at the ceiling fan, head empty. He tilted his head to the side, making his glasses fall to the tip of his nose. Zein was drawn to a picture of a young boy and his father by a bookshelf. They both were beaming. Zein began to well up, his throat blocking the safe passage of air. He tried to stop it, desperately so. Whether squeezing his eyes with the base of his palm or trying to control his breathing, Zein then realised it would be a long night. *** Light turned to darkness with the switch of a button at Rich¡¯s Sports Ware. Zein exited the store with an excited Clark, more so than usual. ¡°Zeizei! Take me to-¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°But I wanna talk to you!¡± Clark frowned, unlocking the door to his car. ¡°We¡¯re going to be talking on Age anyway.¡± Zein dug through his bag, ensuring nothing was left behind. ¡°Unless you¡¯re not logging on?¡± he raised an eyebrow. ¡°Aww, you gonna miss me? You¡¯re gonna miss me aren¡¯tcha.¡± Clark poked his cheek. Zein swatted it. ¡°I¡¯ll be logging on just for you okay.¡± he opened the car¡¯s door. ¡°However, I do need to speak with you. In person. It¡¯s important.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t want to talk about it in the locker room?¡± Zein rested a hand on his waist. ¡°It slipped my mind.¡± Clark ruffled his hair. ¡°Are you sure this is important?¡± Zein inquired, concerned. ¡°Yes. Trust me, it is.¡± Clark leaned on the car door''s window. Zein paused, studying his friend¡¯s face. ¡°Alright, I know a nearby park. Let¡¯s go there.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Clark pumped his fists. ¡°Come on, hop in! Come on come on come on!¡± he motioned to Zein, shutting the door behind him. Zein stared at the purple T*y*ta, sighing. Begrudgingly, Zein entered the passenger side, strapping his seatbelt. Clark, hand on the steering wheel with no belt in sight, revved his engine. ¡°You ready!?¡± Clark¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Ye-¡± In a flash, the car took to the streets, throwing Zein back into his seat. ¡°Take it easy, Clark. We still have to follow the rules.¡± he checked the tyre tracks through the rearview mirror. ¡°Yes yes yes I won''t be breaking any laws.¡± ¡°Seatbelt?¡± ¡°I will be breaking exactly one law.¡± Clark raised a finger. ¡°Moron.¡± Zein shook his head, unable to hold back his smile. ¡°So tell me, what was it you wanted to talk about?¡± ¡°Okay. Okay, this is good. Okay.¡± Clark took deep breaths. Confusion grew on Zein¡¯s face. ¡°Uhhh- hello?¡± ¡°Hm? Yes. Well.¡± Clark cleared his throat. ¡°I would like to upload the 30 v 5 battle to You-be.¡± Mouth agape, Zein was stunned into silence. Chapter 23 - New Beginnings A light breeze brushed against Zein''s hair, making it sway. Seated on a cold bench, he hugged himself to preserve his limited body heat. Clark stood by him, hovering over a trashcan with an ashtray. Scents of vanilla and tobacco disturbed Zein''s nose, and yet he didn''t move. "You going to explain this plan of yours? Uploading the video." Zein rocked on the bench. "Yeah. Sorry. Hold on." Clark took a puff, blowing away from Zein. "I¡­" he bit his lower lip. "I don''t know what to say. I just know it''s gonna go big, Zeizei. I just know it''s gonna go big. Zeizei, we have to publish this." Zein played with his hangnail "Okay, are you just going to upload the video to your channel? Or the guild''s one?" he asked, confused. Clark stared into the ashtray, taking another hit. "That''s where the plan, my plan, really kicks in." He took a deep breath. "I want to make you a channel." "Excuse me!?" "Zein." Clark gripped the sides of the dustbin. "Trust me. You don''t have to do anything. I''ll handle getting an editor, an artist, someone to manage it. All I need is your recording." he bobbed his head. "But why me?" Zein questioned, scratching at his skin, peeling it further- anxiety spiking. "After that talk with Himmel," Clark shook his leg violently. "I-I''m scared man. I don''t want a repeat of last time. I don''t want a repeat of last time, Zeizei." he tried lifting the bolted-down dustbin; his cigarette crushed in his hands. "I don''t want a repeat. I don''t-" "Hey hey, it''s alright. I understand." Zein looked to his friend, hair now a mess. Their eyes met, calming Clark down. "I- don''t want you to be bullied around again, ''cause I know those bastards will do it." Clark threw his cigarette in the bin, breaking eye contact "I don''t wanna lose you again man. I-I know we talk online and stuff from time to time but when we," he gestured, not knowing how to continue "We like, raided Aria Mountain Ranges, I felt happy, Zeizei. It took me back- back to a time I truly fell in love with the game." "Clark, I am not going to leave this time." Zein ensured. "I remember you telling me that before." Clark''s breathing quickened. "Before those bastards kept hunting you," he lurched forward, face closer to the ashes. "Over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and-" "Clark, relax." Zein held his hand out. Clark''s dilated pupils shrunk, and his breathing steadied. He took Zein''s offer- grabbing his hand and sitting beside him. "Yeah. Sorry. I''m sorry." Clark buried his face in his hand. "You''re alright. Thank you, for worrying so much. I''ll send you the vid. Make sure it looks good." Zein chuckled. "I will. I won''t let you down, I promise." Clark smiled. "You feeling better then?" Zein released his hold on Clark''s hand. "Yeah, I''m feeling better." Clark released his hold on Zein''s hand. "My plan was, basically, to get more eyes on you. My thinking was," he leaned forward. "If you had more eyes on you, the guilds wouldn''t want to take action, I hope." "Oh? So it''s not cause the video would do well?" Zein smirked. "That too! But, that''s something I want to see happen." Clark puffed his chest. "Selfish ain''t it." he glanced at Zein. "Hasn''t that always been the case?" Zein raised his legs to his chest, resting them on the bench. "Don''t be rude!" Clark wrapped his arm around Zein''s shoulder. "I''m trying to help, you rude rude man." he brought Zein closer, driving and twisting his knuckle into his head. Zein tapped out. Clark released the spectacled man. "Yeah, yeah. I''ll send you the file later." Zein readjusted his bag. "Thank you, Zeizei. It''d be funny if you actually blow up." "I don''t know if I like the idea of so many people knowing about me." "You''ll get used to it ol'' buddy ol'' pal." Clark laughed. The two men sat in silence, taking in the moment. The faint smell of smoke and flowers. The birds surrounded by family. The dim white lights stationed around the park. They felt the flow of time. . . . "So, you want a ride ba-" "No." "What! Why not! Ain''t we already almost there!" "That''s why." Zein stretched his legs. "I''m walking back." "What!? Come on!" Clark slapped the bench. "Please?" he dragged his appeal. "I thought we shared a moment!?" "We did, but I still want to walk back." Zein replied. "But but but-" "Anymore buts and I won''t be sending you the video." Clark shot to his feet. "I will see you online in 40 minutes." he ran to his car, leaving a trail of dust behind. Zein''s lips curled ever so slightly. He rested his elbows on his thighs, hunching over. Once home, showered, and changed, Zein returned to Aria. He spawned in his little wood-plated inn room. Zein felt his fur and ears while deep in thought. "Do I need to start recording from now on? Open Camera: Start Recording." His mind spun, cycling through his next steps. Aria Mountain Ranges, Alchemist, Weaponsmith, dodging the Skull Kidds, heading to- Ding. A message. Zein returned to reality. "Yo. Vids were fire, thanks. Where you at?" "I''m in Aria City''s Inn. Are you in Babel?" "Naw. Back in Aria too. Room no.?" "102. Are you at the inn?" Ding Dong. The bell rang. Zein leapt from his bed and walked to his door in confusion. Unlocking it, Jejj stood waiting, hands on their waist. "Wha?" Zein''s tail formed a question mark. "Yo!" Jejj raised their hand. "Let''s go." they pointed to the stairs. "Alright." Zein loosened his body, jumping and twisting. "Do you want to join me at Aria Mountain Ranges?" "Yea. Why you still speaking so formal? What I tell you about that?" Jejj asked, punching Zein''s arm. "You''re just bullying me for how I speak now!" Zein laughed. Zein and Jejj headed towards the mountain ranges, eyes peeled for any adventurer with an agenda. Zein summoned Wu to his side, nuzzling his head and propping him on his shoulder.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. The entrance to the mountain ranges breathed life once more. Adventurers formed parties without any Skull Kidds in their midst- A welcome change to the planet. "So, we ready to climb?" Jejj studied the mountain. "You want to go through the front?" Zein asked in shock. "Yea? Ain''t we gonna clear it?" Jejj folded their arms. "I love the confidence but we''d not survive in there." Zein admitted. "For real?" Jejj said, surprised. "Yeah. I also don''t wanna deal with it." Zein felt a shiver. "The hell we doin'' then!?" Heh. "Follow me," Zein swirled his finger. "Because we are going back to the village." Zein and Jejj jogged to a little opening on the side of the mountain. Standing guard, a miner covered in soot and annoyance. "Halt. This is the entrance to the mine. Outsiders aren''t allowed inside." the miner directed their attention to a sign signalling no entry. "Open Inventory." Zein retrieved a Great Blue Vultre''s feather and A Giant Mole''s Claw. Cleansed from his annoyance, "Oh! Oh?" the miner examined the feather and claw. He cleared his throat. "Head in, there''ll be a cart you can ride up." the miner returned the feather and claw. "Thank you very much!" left his items back in his little subspace. "Not bad." Jejj said, impressed. "Right?" Zein winked. Zein, Jejj, and Wu entered the creak, leaving the miner behind. They boarded a cart and Wu, being the gentleman he was, offered to pull the lever. His offer was accepted with grace. "Oogie oogie!" Wu clapped with joy. He pounced on the lever, hanging from it. "Oogieeeeee." He exerted. The lever shifted, degree by degree, becoming more acute with each passing second. "Come on Wu, you got this!" Zein cheered. "Almost there lil'' man." Jejj said, squatting. "Oogieeeeee!" Wu''s veins revealed themself, popping from his throat. Click. The lever fell to the ground, trapping the little monkey. "Oogie oogie!" Wu attempted to push the lever off himself. A struggle ensued, but he didn''t give up. With the slightest raise, Wu wriggled himself free. The cart began its ascent. "Oogie!" The little monkey flexed his muscles. Zein and Jejj applauded his show of strength as he snickered. Wu returned to his seat on Zein''s shoulder, observing the roughened rope and the patches of soot and dirt embedded into their wooden cart. Heaps of iron ore sat scattered across the mountain, glistening under the torches. Accompanying the minerals were miners. The sound of their strikes echoed throughout the tunnel, growing louder the higher they climbed. "Watch out for the flying bits!" the miners yelled anytime pieces of ore flew and landed in their cart. Wu pounced on the rocks, examining them with curiosity. "That usable?" Jejj examined one of the pieces. "Yeah, the pieces count for," Zein paused. His thumb tapped each finger. "1/10th?" he answered. Confidence unseen in his response. "We gon need a bit for a full one then." Jejj tossed the piece back into Wu''s pile. "We''ll get enough for the both of us if I remember correctly." Zein leaned against the cart. Jejj crossed their arms and stared at Wu''s ever-growing mountain of shards, pondering. "Lemme look that shit up." "That''s a good idea." Zein nodded in agreement. The cart shuddered as Wu carefully laid down the last bit of rock on top of his pile. He patted it to ensure its sturdiness. "Oogie!" Wu marvelled. Excitement in his heart, he waited for the next shard to arrive- and the next shard- and the next shard- and the next shard. "It ain''t 1/10th." Jejj scrolled a blue. "It''s 1/5th. Used to be 1/10th until it changed 2 years ago." "Ooh, that''s interesting." Zein began tapping his thumb. "I wonder why? Was it to make it easier? To help newer players with the game? Or is it cause people don''t do the Aria raid anymore so they changed it? Was there a problem with the drop rate? There have been complaints in past with parties and how they split the shards since it''d sometimes not be an equal amount." he scratched at his thumb, fur falling out. "We gotta bounce big guy. The exit''s close." Jejj remarked. "Eh? What?" Zein raised his head, watching the tunnel be enveloped in white. "Oh! Alright. It looks like we got 30 bits of ore." "3 each then, hell yeah. Think I can make some shit?" "Well, let''s find out." The rope came to a sudden end, making the cart swing. "Oogie!" Wu yelled in shock as his mountain collapsed. "I''m sorry Wu, but it''s time to go alright. I''ll get you something better to rebuild with." Zein stored the pieces of ore in his inventory. "Oogie!" Wu climbed the cat''s back while he knelt and attached himself to the back of Zein''s head. Jejj and Zein exited the cart, taking in their surroundings. The little huts in the distance, the blues and greys which made Zein instinctively shiver, the miners running back and forth with carts filled to the brim with ore. It felt nostalgic for Zein. It felt new for Jejj. "Welcome back to Aria Mountain Village. Name''s Margaret. Hope you enjoy your stay." the woman with jet-black hair tied in a ponytail and soot-covered overalls greeted the adventurers, alternating between striking an ore and speaking. "Oogie! Oogie!" "Hm?" Wu climbed down from Zein''s head. He jumped up and down while pointing to the village. "Ohh. Would you like to take us to the blacksmith then?" Zein asked with a smile as warm as a bonfire. "Oogie!" Wu bobbed his head, teeth on full display. "We here for that?" Jejj enquired. "That''s right! And we have a little guide for us too." Zein ruffled Wu''s hair. "Oogie." Wu puffed his chest and marched ahead. They twisted and turned through the traffic of children and adults until they came face to face with a store; it had a sign depicting an anvil and a hammer. "Oogie! Oogie!" Wu pointed to the sign. "Good job, Wu! Thank you for guiding us." Zein held his hand out. Wu jumped onto his arm and climbed, returning to his spot on Zein''s shoulder. "Not bad lil'' man." Jejj high-fived Wu. "Oogie!" Ding. Ding. The little bell rang on the inside. Zein, Jejj, and Wu peeked in, searching. Swords and shields and bows and staffs and armour and boots and wands and helmets decorated the walls. Weapons and wares with scratches and tears were bunched together in containers made of iron. Behind a counter made of wood- a man, sound asleep. "Hello!..?" Zein called. "..." "Yo! Blacksmith! You got customers!" Jejj called. "Wah-huh?" the blacksmith rubbed his eye, his grey beard and hair covered in dust. "Oh hello! Welcome to Egbert''s Armoury. I''m Egbert! What can I do for you?" he brightened up. "I got you the stuff, for the boots. Open Inventory." Zein retrieved 5 Great Blue Vulture Claws and Feathers. "Ooh, yes, boots made from the Great Blue Vulture. It''s an honour." the blacksmith examined the items. "Wait, what boots? You getting boots?" Jejj asked perplexed. "Yeah, I took a side quest. Do you want a pair?" Zein asked, grinning. "Hmm¡­" Jejj pondered while the blacksmith took Zein''s items to the back of the store. "What''s it got?" "It will increase your dexterity by a percentage instead of a raw stat." Zein studied a pair of Mole Leather Boots. "Cool right?" "That sounds op¡­ Lemme in on one. Open Inventory." Jejj dug around in their inventory. "Hell yeah!" Zein said excitedly. "I''ll hand you my extra, you have your 4 right!?" "Yea." Jejj placed the 8 items on the counter. Zein made it 10. "Your boots will be ready in 5 minutes!" Egbert wiped a sweat from his brow. "Thank you very much. Would you mind making another pair?" Zein asked. "We have the materials." he pushed the items towards the blacksmith. "To get to work on 2 pairs of these- it seems it''s my lucky day!" the blacksmith laughed. "Hell yeah." Jejj pumped their fist, discreetly. The blacksmith returned to his smithy and began working on a second pair, striking his hammer with vigour. "He ain''t takin'' money?" Jejj asked. "No. He considers it a passion project." Zein answered. "I ain''t see too many people wear ''em though." Jejj remarked. "Makes sense since a lot of people don''t know about it, even if there are multiple posts about it on the forums." Zein explained. "On god?" Jejj opened the forums to check. "Huh, you right. To be honest though, I ain''t look that shit up either." "Understandable." Zein chuckled. "After all, the raid doesn''t require deep research, unless-" "You a nerd." Jejj finished his sentence. "Is that right?" "You know I ain''t wrong." "No you are not." Zein said, defeated. Jejj burst into laughter, followed by Zein. Wu, not knowing why his friends were cracking up, joined them as well. Then, there was silence. A silence they both found comfort in. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Slam. "Two pairs of Great Vulture Boots. Thank you for letting me work on this." Egbert smiled. Two pairs of blue boots with an off-white, sturdy sole and two feathers attached on either side. The last feather seen on the inside- melded to the sole. The rest of the boot was made from mole leather. "5% dex increase +10. Ain''t this much?" Jejj questioned, studying the shoes. "It falls off a cliff the higher your dex stat gets. I, however, kept upgrading it." Zein said with pride, holding his pair in his hand. "You ain''t switch boots? There had to be better stuff." Jejj equipped their boots. "What can I say, I like the colour." Zein giggled. "In any case, thank you for the boots!" he equipped his boots. "Of course. Maybe this will be the pair to get The Giver''s attention." Egbert wondered. Zein''s eyebrow raised. "The Giver?" "Yes! There''s a legend which states The Giver would appear before any who hold the blood of their children. The Great Blue Vulture, when it was a weak and feeble creature, was given its strength by The Giver." "Is that right? Thank you for letting me know." Zein tugged on Jejj''s hand, catching them off guard. "Anytime, have a good day!" the blacksmith waved goodbye. Zein ushered Jejj out the door, excitement in every step. He brought the elf into a huddle. "You gon explain-" "That was new dialogue." Zein interrupted, hands shaking. "New dialogue?" "Yeah! He''s never said that before. This is new! This is new!" Zein dragged them closer, almost making the elf lose balance. "Aight it''s new, maybe they wanted to flesh out the world or some shit." Jejj offered an answer. "No." Zein rejected. "No I don''t think that''s it, they''d never do something like this. There''s only one reason." "Aight, spill." Jejj kept their arm around Zein''s shoulder as Wu rested on Zein''s head, leaning all the way over to listen in. "It''s Babel. I don''t know much, but I''ve played enough of the game to understand its intentions. This "Giver" creature, has to be on Babel." Zein concluded. "That do sound cool, but whatchu gon'' do ''bout it?" Jejj looked to Zein. "Well first, I synthesise my eye," Zein looked to Jejj. "and then, I''m off to become a cowboy." he smiled. Chapter 24 - Time to Duel The fence rattled from the stomps and yells of ten teenagers kicking a ball amongst themself. Sweat flew from their arms and faces as they flew across the battlefield. Two remained unmoving between goalposts and a net their size. Bystanders hooted and hollered; their entertainment rising with each action. "Tommy! Sub!" A boy, dawning a faded buzzcut and knee-length socks, stopped in his tracks. He turned to the girl who asked for the substitution. He nodded in acceptance, jogging to the door while play was paused. "Thanks, Tommy." "Yeah. Anytime." Tommy wobbled to a bench high-fiving any who raised their hand. He sat by a boy glued to the screen. Curious, Tommy decided to take a peek. "What are you watching, Bruce." Tommy asked. "Tommy! Shush! This shit is nuts." Bruce silenced the boy. "Is that so? Share it with me." Bruce scooted closer the boy drenched in sweat- his red and blue football jersey soaking. On the screen, a you-be video with 30 thousand views and climbing was titled. "30 vs 5! What REALLY happened at the Aria Mountain Ranges." The video, filmed from a first person''s point of view, showed their protagonist scanning their surroundings amongst the smoke and rabid adventurers, dashing through and stabbing anyone in their way. Tommy''s eyes grew- wider and wider as the you-be video went on. Finally, a name. "Ooh, not bad Zeizei!" The voice uttered as he took down another Skull Kidd. "Holy¡­ shit¡­" Tommy said in disbelief. "It''s sick right! The leader of Blue Lightning and those randoms are-" "No." Tommy interrupted, excitement starting to take over. "One of them isn''t a random. It can only be him. He''s back! Zeika is back! *** Shadow enveloped the little Saloon in Old Rocky Town, a town located in the middle of nowhere on a planet far from home. Nedline. The saloon was dotted with drinkers, smokers, and gamblers, some chose to stand out by doing all three activities. By the bar, a man sat draped in a scarf and a hat. His partner in crime rested on his shoulder, drinking milk from a tiny cup. "Oogie!" Wu wiped his mouth with his hand. "Did you enjoy that?" Zein asked. "Oogie oogie!" Wu bobbed his head, smiling. "Hell yeah." Zein scratched the little monkey''s chin. The bartender, dressed in a dirty white sleeveless tee and a grey apron, slid another shot of milk to the duo while smiling. "On the house." "Thank you." Zein caught the drink and handed it to Wu. Before he could claim it, "Say thank you, Wu." Zein said, pulling his hand away. "Oogie gie!" Wu bowed to the bartender and grabbed the drink from Zein''s hand. "Anytime." The bartender wiped the insides of a glass mug with a washcloth. Spotless, he hung the wet cloth around his neck. "First time?" "In town? Yes, it is." Zein replied. "Enjoy yourselves. Won''t be lasting too long after all." the bartender poured a pint for a customer at the bar. "Is that right? Why so." Zein leaned in. The bartender checked his surroundings. He leaned in. "There''s been trouble. New gang in town, The Browns, been taking everything we got. "What about the sheriff?" Zein asked. "That fool? He can''t distinguish his left from his right. A miracle he learned to walk, much less shoot a gun." The bartender sighed. "Should''ve never given him the job, but now, The Browns would never let him go, ''cause they know he''s a fool too." "I''m sorry to hear. That sounds unfortunate." Zein said, empathetic.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "We make do." the bartender replied, voice laboured. A whistle at the end of the counter called for his attention. "Make sure you don''t go poking your nose into their business." "Thank you, I''ll be sure to keep it in-" SLAM. The saloon doors were kicked open. Its batwings flapped as a group of 7 gruff-looking men stepped in. Patrons at the saloon jumped from their seats, rushing to the streets behind them. In a matter of seconds, a place once bustling with activity, became barren. A couple of adventurers, Zein, Wu, and the bartender were all who were left to entertain the saloon''s guests. "What''s got them so scared. Something happen?" Dutch Brown cackled, his overcoat exposing his leather belt and gold buckle. "A barrel of your finest, bar boy." The bartender contained himself, he didn''t allow his emotions to take control. With an acknowledging nod, the bartender left for the back. Dutch Brown wandered to the counter. Noticing Zein and Wu, he took a seat by them. "Howdy partner, Dutch Brown is the name." Dutch Brown rested an elbow on the counter. "Put ''er there." he reached out for a handshake. Zein accepted, grabbing his hand with ferocity. To the cackling onlookers, they felt the hostility from the handshake, immediately reaching for their weapon. "Quite the handshake, boy." Dutch Brown spat. "I don''t believe I''ve met you before." "I guess your eyes aren''t as good as I thought." Zein chuckled, scratching his thumb. "Oogie oogie!" Wu laughed. Dutch Brown grabbed Zein by his scarf. His boys stood back. "Now where''s all this confidence coming from huh?" Dutch Brown brought Zein closer to his face. "Think you can mess with me?" "How about a good ol'' duel then? Winner takes all." Zein smiled, baring his fangs. "I like the sound of that, boy." Dutch Brown said, humoured. "Maybe I''ll come to like you after all." he grinned. "Outside. Now." Dutch Brown tossed Zein onto the barstools. Dutch Brown''s men scurried out the door; their shouts were heard, warning the residents of the duel''s commencement. Dutch brown walked to the town''s singular street. Zein followed behind. Seconds later, the bartender slammed a barrel of beer on the counter. To his surprise, there was no one left to collect. The residents of Old Rocky Town peeked from behind buildings and crates. Some chose to spy on the duel from their window. Zein and Dutch Brown walked to the middle of the town, standing a number of yards apart. Zein grabbed his gun, moulded from the iron of Aria, and holster. "Ain''t even got your gun ready. I don''t like that you ain''t got your gun ready." Dutch Brown remarked. "Don''t worry, Dutch, within the next couple of seconds, none of this is going to matter." Zein strapped the holster to his waist. HAH. "I''d rather die than lose to man who don''t even got his gun ready." One of Dutch Brown''s men stood between the duelists. "The rules for the duel are as follows." the man cleared his throat. "Duelists will shoot on the count of ten. The winner will be decided dependin'' on who is more injured. The winner gets to decide what to do with the loser." he announced, running to the sidelines. "I may spare you if you beg." Dutch Brown grinned. A tumbleweed blew by. "The feeling is mutual." Zein grinned. Zein and Dutch Brown''s hands hovered over their holsters. Dutch Brown''s men began chanting. Wu hid in Zein''s scarf, hiding behind his friend''s head and chanted. Dutch Brown''s fingers twitched. Zein mumbled under his breath. The kids joined the chanting. The adults joined the chanting. 3! Zein scanned Dutch Brown, eyes narrowing. 2! Sweat beaded around Dutch Brown''s brows, making a trail around his eyes. 1! BAM! The men remained standing, guns leaving a trail of smoke. A second passed. 2 seconds passed. 3 seconds passed AGH! Dutch brown grabbed his shoulder, collapsing to his knees. His men clamoured towards him. BANG! Zein shot the dusty sky, stopping Dutch Brown''s men in their tracks. "Honour the duel''s rules, boys." Dutch Brown''s men reached for their guns, "Don''t you dare draw your guns. Do not shame me." Dutch Brown yelled. His men watched Zein with scorn. Wu popped from under his friend''s scarf. He flashed his tongue and pulled an eyelid down, mocking them. Yet, they obeyed, falling back to the sideline with their hands in the air. Zein approached the fallen duelist, gun aimed at his head. "Now, what''s the plan, Dutch." he snarled. "Shoot me, boy." Dutch Brown said with anger. "I may, but first, hand over everything you got." Zein gestured with his hand. Dutch Brown grabbed a bag brimming with bronze and silver coins from the inside of his jacket''s pocket. He threw it at Zein''s feet. The cat retrieved the bag with his tail. He dropped it in his palm and examined the contents. 15 bronze coins. 5 silver coins. "Ooh, not bad. You like it Wu?" Zein jingled the bag. "Oogie oogie!" Wu clapped with joy. "Let''s take it then." Zein pocketed the bag in his inventory. "I do like your gun as well, Dutch." Dutch flung his pistol at Zein''s shins. He raised his leg and caught it with his tail. "Thank you." Zein left the gun in his inventory for later studying. "Since you''ve been so understanding, I''ll let you go. But don''t you ever step foot in this town again." "I don''t need your pity." "Get out before I change my mind." Zein signalled to Dutch Brown''s men with his gun, letting them know that they were free to collect their boss. They rushed over. Dutch Brown grunted as his men leaned him against their shoulders. Dutch Brown turned to get one last look at his foil. "You''ll regret this, boy." "I''m sure I will." Zein shrugged. Dutch Brown and his men walked into the sunset, leaving the town behind for good. Silence changed to uproar. The citizens of Old Rocky Town took to the streets, tossing Zein and Wu into the air. "Roleplay is so fun." Once the tossing died down, the bartender pulled Zein aside. " Boy come with me." he dragged Zein into the saloon, overrun with people once more, and to the back. "Great job with Dutch back there, even if I ain''t think you were gonna win." the bartender patted his shoulder. "Why thank you, I appreciate it." "Oogie!" "That being said, we need your help." the bartender held Zein and Wu''s shoulders. "I''m listening." Zein and Wu crossed their arms. "There''s another gang, one which reigns terror upon our little town everytime they come. They''re called The Serpents. Vicious bunch. Live somewhere south of here." the bartender explained. "You want me to take care of them?" "We would appreciate it." "Alright. You got yourself a deal," Zein nodded. "But what do I get in return?" The bartender thought for a moment. "How does gold sound to you?" "It sounds like music to my ears." Zein smiled wide. Chapter 25 - Scorpions Kiss Visitors of Old Rocky Town were welcomed with a cracked and faded sign. The letters were barely legible. The sign stood slanted as it balanced on two rotting logs. Zein and Wu waited by the signage, daydreaming about the future. ¡°Gold. Gold. Gold.¡± ¡°Sorry to keep you waiting.¡± The bartender called, wiping his sweat with the towel around his neck. ¡°It¡¯s alright. It wasn¡¯t long.¡± Zein assured. ¡°No need to be so-¡± the bartender paused, irises rolling to the corner of his eyes. ¡°What¡¯s the word,¡± he snapped his finger repeatedly. ¡°Forgivin¡¯?¡± The bartender landed. ¡°Anyway, I got your bullets right here.¡± He tossed a pouch with cartridges to Zein. ¡°All 42 of ¡®em. 30 for the single-action. 12 for the double. Some fine metal you gave.¡± ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Zein slotted 12 of the bullets into his belt loop and stored the rest in his inventory. ¡°Oogie!¡± Wu saluted. ¡°Alright then, you take care now. I¡¯ll be headin¡¯ back to the bar.¡± The bartender pulled his pants up, covering his bulging stomach. ¡°Sounds good. I¡¯ll see you around.¡± ¡°Oogie oogie!¡± The three of them waved goodbye. Zein and Wu watched the bartender jog to the saloon, huffing and puffing. Shouts of encouragement poured in from the sidelines as he returned to his establishment. ¡°So, are you going to show yourself?¡± Behind one of the rotting logs, a man, level 27, with sweeping blonde hair, heavy denim jeans, and a red scarf tied around his neck hid horribly. ¡°Oops.¡± ¡°Hello there¡­¡± Zein read the man¡¯s name. ¡°JohnnyTheCowboy?¡± ¡°Yessir that¡¯s me! Nice to meet you, partner.¡± Johnny tipped his hat. ¡°That duel was crazy! The way you swung your gun out like-¡± WHAPOW. He imitated a gun being drawn. ¡° and shot him in the arm was awesome! I could never beat him no matter how many times I tried!¡± Johnny said in awe, his overdone Western accent cracking. A recognisable crack. ¡°Is that right?¡± Zein smiled. ¡°I guess I got lucky.¡± ¡°Gie-gie-gie-gie-gie!¡± Wu laughed, peeking from Zein¡¯s scarf. ¡°Really? I wanna get lucky too.¡± Johnny whinged. ¡°Hmm¡­ well, I can¡¯t make you lucky, but tell you what, there¡¯s a dish at the saloon called cacti stew. It''ll make you stronger.¡± Zein offered a solution. ¡°Is that what you did too, Mr. Cat?¡± Johnny asked. ¡°No, since we won¡¯t get it here,¡± Zein replied. ¡°But, if you travel to Copperton, you¡¯ll find it in abundance.¡± ¡°Oogie!¡± Wu flashed a smile. ¡°Woah¡­ Copperton¡­¡± Johnny dreamed of a town made entirely out of copper. ¡°Thank you, Mister!¡± ¡°No problem.¡± Zein readjusted his long black scarf. ¡°I¡¯ll be heading a little ways away from there, so, take care of yourself alright. See you around.¡± he turned to walk. ¡°Um, Mr. Cat, can I come with you?¡± Johnny asked. ¡°You seem to know more than my brother and he already knows a lot!¡± Zein stared at the cowboy, in thought. ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s get going.¡± *** In a dark room lit by the white of a computer, eyes glowed. ¡°Did you load it?¡± ¡°Of course I did! Just play it, just play it. Come on Jorah, come onnn.¡± ¡°You got it.¡± A loading screen. A video, shot from the eyes of a cat, detailed the interior of an armoury, complete with bows, swords, spears, and shields. Behind the counter, an old man conversed with an elf and the videographer. "Of course. Maybe this will be the pair to get The Giver''s attention." "The Giver?" "Yes! There''s a legend which states The Giver would appear¡­ its strength by The Giver." Jorah had his hand over his mouth. ¡°This is¡­ Oh my god?¡± he said, half in shock, the other half in awe. ¡°Isn¡¯t my Zeizei the best!?¡± Clark said, beaming. ¡°We got information on the wind dungeon now! And an idea on how to get info on the rest of the dungeons.¡± ¡°Oh my god.¡± Jorah still couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Are the boots a key?¡± Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°Yes yes yes yes yes!¡± Clark shook Jorah violently. ¡°Holy shit, I can¡¯t believe it.¡± Jorah held Clark¡¯s arms, getting him to stop. ¡°How has no one else figured this out yet?¡± ¡°Welll it has only been a couple days, so, they¡¯ll figure it out soon enough. But until then-¡± ¡°We¡¯re the first.¡± Jorah interrupted. ¡°We¡¯re the first, baby!¡± Clark howled. ¡°I-I¡¯ll get some of our people to Aria and the other beginner planets.¡± Jorah rushed to the door, toppling chairs in the process. He slammed through and let it swing. Clark leaned back in his chair, unable to contain his joy while the video replayed in the background. *** ¡°See that rock over there? Try aiming for the centre.¡± ¡°But my bullet!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll give you one of mine since we have the same type of gun.¡± ¡°Ookay Mister.¡± Johnny took his stance and aimed his revolver, shaking. Uncontrolled. BANG! The shot goes wide. ¡°Aw man¡­¡± Johnny pouted. ¡°Hm¡­¡± Zein stared at the wounded soil. ¡°Hand me your gun.¡± Johnny passed his gun to Zein, depressed. A double-action revolver made from a mix of Copperton¡¯s copper and an unknown metal. ¡°73 strength? Who made this? What¡¯s your strength?¡± Zein asked, perplexed. ¡°Like 60? I think?¡± Johnny answered, unsure and choosing not to check. ¡°This gun is too heavy for you. It¡¯s way too heavy for me as well.¡± Zein blocked the sun with the revolver, examining the cylinder''s chipped grooves. ¡°Where did you get this from?¡± ¡°A man at the train station.¡± ¡°A man at the train station?¡± ¡°Yep. A man at the train station.¡± ¡°Johnny¡­ You got scammed.¡± ¡°Scammed?¡± ¡°You-uh-¡± Zein stumbled over his words. ¡°Got a bad gun from the man?¡± he ventured. ¡°What! But he said it was the best gun!¡± Johnny said, appalled. ¡°Yes! That¡¯s what scammed means!¡± Zein replied, proud of himself. ¡°Try shooting this instead.¡± he retrieved Dutch¡¯s gun from his inventory and handed it to Johnny. ¡°Woah¡­ Dutch¡¯s gun!¡± Johnny¡¯s eyes sparkled. Nedline Brass finished to perfection with a coated wooden handle. ¡°It¡¯s nice, isn¡¯t it?¡± Zein smiled. ¡°Try shooting it.¡± Johnny took his stance and aimed Zein''s revolver. Stable. Controlled. BANG! The shot hit dead centre. ¡°That¡¯s so cool! I hit the rock, Mister!¡± Johnny turned to Zein. ¡°I didn¡¯t miss this time!¡± ¡°That was some nice shootin¡¯, Johnny.¡± Zein tried his best at a Western accent. ¡°Why don¡¯t you keep the gun until we reach Copperton? Let¡¯s get you something new there alright?¡± his voice couldn¡¯t keep up with the accent any longer. ¡°Sounds good Mr. Cat! Thank you!¡± Johnny spun the gun around his finger. ¡°Hell yeah.¡± Zein replied. While caught in the moment his ears perked. Vibrations were felt under his feet. With a hiss, a lv. 24 Nedline scorpion, a creature the size of Zein''s paw with its tail and pincers tinted gold and body-coloured mauve, pounced at Zein from the ground. Zein drew his gun and shot, stopping the scorpion in the air and letting it fall to the ground. It twitched. It twitched. It crumbled to dust, dropping a yellow gem and Nedline Pincers. ¡°Shall we keep moving?¡± Zein blew imaginary smoke from his barrel. ¡°Yes!¡± Johnny exclaimed. The more the trio ran, the larger their assailants¡¯ numbers grew. Using the dark to their advantage, the scorpions aimed for the ankles, attempting to grab, slice, and stab. Yet it was to no avail for their gold glowed. Ding. Their dreams of a feast were shattered one by one by Zein''s hands and Wu¡¯s support. Johnny on the other hand couldn''t hit a shot. ¡°AGH! I keep missing! It¡¯s too dark and this gun sucks!¡± Johnny complained while smacking the gun. ¡°Don¡¯t give up, Johnny! Mark¡± Zein cocked his gun¡¯s hammer and shot, nailing a scorpion in the head. ¡°Try to aim for where they will be, not where they are at! And watch their tails!¡± ¡°Oogie oogie!¡± Wu pointed at a scorpion. ¡°What does that even mean!¡¯ Johnny cried, unloading two more rounds into a charging scorpion. He missed both. An opportunity at last. The scorpion leapt at Johnny''s thick cowboy boots, latching itself to them. It began its assault. ¡°EEEK!¡± ¡°Mark!¡± Click. BANG! All beginnings come to an end. But none this abrupt. The arachnid collapsed from Johnny¡¯s boot, turning to blue pixels, gems, and items. ¡°Johnny, listen to me, we are only a couple minutes away alright? So just run. Mark.¡± Click. BANG! ¡°Shoot them while they latch on to you. Here are some bullets.¡± Zein grabbed a bunch from his inventory and passed it to the scared cowboy. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Johnny, I¡¯ll keep healing you.¡± Zein reloaded his gun- the cartridges around his belt down to an abysmal amount. ¡°Oogie. Oogie.¡± Wu encouraged, yawning. ¡°Grrr.¡± Johnny growled. ¡°Alright, mister! I trust you! Even if my mom told me not to trust strangers.¡± ¡°Mark! A little late for that isn¡¯t it?¡± Zein laughed, mind still racing. Johnny ran, and ran, and ran- crushing any scorpions who dared latch onto him. Anytime his health reached half- ¡°Heal: JohnnyTheCowboy.¡± A green glow, a healthy gunslinger, and a town in sight. ¡°The town! I see the town!¡± Johnny pointed to an orange dot in the distance. ¡°Good! Start using your dashes! Dash!¡± Zein commanded. The final stretch. Zein refused to use any more bullets and mana on the scorpions. An exception was made. Zein dealt with any on Johnny''s leg, a must for his young companion''s survival. Wu, exhausted from the constant application of buffs, passed out in Zein''s scarf as the orange dot grew. ¡°Come on. Come on. Come on.¡± Stamina starting to run thin, Zein''s strides got longer, and longer, and longer, until the dot grew no more, splitting into multiple little lights. Guarding these lights, an older man, dressed in slacks and chewing on some straw, sat in an armchair. ¡°Welcome to Coppert-¡± Zein breezed past the townsman. In front, Johnny sat with his knees held against his chest, breathing as heavy as copper. Zein barely brought himself to a stop in front of the cowboy, ensuring he didn''t trip over himself. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Zein asked. ¡°That. Was. Awesome!¡± Johnny huffed, adrenaline running through his veins. ¡°You¡¯re so cool, mister!¡± How did you do that!? Even my brother isn¡¯t that good!¡± Poor brother. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what, head to the saloon and I¡¯ll let you know alright?¡± Zein said through breaths. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there.¡± he pointed to the saloon. ¡°Okay!¡± Johnny raised to his feet and made for the saloon while Zein took his spot. His hands fiddled with the air, opening a blue chat screen addressed to a certain armourer.