《A Squirrel's Tale [litrpg]》


 Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed

    I always felt as though I was just drifting through life, born at the wrong time when everything I could have explored was already mapped out and had dozens of guides telling me how best to experience it. It was no surprise that I fell in love with fantasy books, D&D, and video games. My favorites were the games where I had to push myself to the best of my abilities, often failing at first, forcing me to become more skilled before I could overcome the puzzle, boss, or whatever it was.


    All of that was to say when I finally passed away after a Truck driver thought I''d look better as a pancake. I''m not quite sure what it was other than something that wasn''t meant to be seen by mortal eyes. It asked me if I wanted to be reincarnated in a world filled with magic, monsters, dungeons, and, best of all, stats. I had just one dumb, idiotic, absolutely foolish request.


    "Make it a struggle for me."


    A blue box floated in my vision. It was just translucent enough that I could make out that I started in what looked like an ancient forest, judging by the size of the branch I was on. My head swam before everything rushed back to me: the truck, my death, then meeting that thing and being hurled through something. I gave my head a light shake


    ''It was all real.''


    I thought while grinning like a mad hatter before turning my attention to the message that floated in my vision, only for a voice to read along with me.


    System Installing


    [¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö____]


    Welcome to The System. Your skills, abilities, and spells from your past life will be added to your status once you showcase them in your new life. As you are not from this world, additional information may be added when performing new actions. As a bonus, each reincarnate, often referred to as Traveler, gains the Tongue ability and one random ability or spell beneficial to their race. Rolling gift now.....


    A sound I was all too familiar with filled my ears. Dice bouncing against each other and a tabletop before coming to a rest. It was followed by a chime


    *Your random gift from the system is Spell: Imbue Natural Weapons*


    *Status*


    Name: [N/A]


    Level:0


    Race: Primae Nigrum Sciurus (Primal Black Squirrel)


    ...


    My mind froze alone, reading my race. It couldn''t be true. My body felt like it always did entirely under my control and wholly me. I reached up to grab at the box to shake it until it got the information right. Only for fuzzy arms to appear instead of the hands, I was used to. Panicking, I started to pat down my body, giving it a full once over, only to find out that what my status said was true. I was a squirrel with a big bushy tail and all. I started to pace back and forth while trying to stop myself from hyperventilating.


    ''This isn''t so bad. Sure, I wasn''t a human like I thought I''d be, but at least I''m not a bug. I''m sure there''s some kind of evolution. Right? There''s always a way for low-level mobs to evolve. I did ask for it to be a struggle. I was hoping for hard mode, not a new game plus.''


    I forced myself to stop and take a deep breath before truly taking in my new body. I didn''t seem to have any problems controlling it, so at least I didn''t have to learn how to walk again. I looked back down at my "hands," noticing for the first time that I didn''t have thumbs, not really. I had a small fifth claw that might help hold things, but it was going to be a problem. Not one I could do anything about, but hopefully, it would come in handy. My claws seem to be quite strong and sharp based on how easily I was able to leave marks on the bark. My feet were a bit weird, having what looked like thumbs. I guess they were there to help me climb, though I''m not sure how. My fur was, as my race would imply, black, all except a spot on my chest in the shape of an elongated diamond that was a dark blue. Using my tongue to poke around inside my mouth, I found my teeth were a lot sharper than I would have expected. It seemed I ate meat along with nuts and fruits. That, combined with how sharp my claws were, meant I was not an Earth squirrel. It appeared that I was a more primal version than the Earth squirrels I knew of.


    At Least now I knew why the branch I was on seemed so large. It was because I was no more than two feet long, including my bushy tail. Taking a deep breath, I willed my status to reappear.


    *Status*


    Name: [N/A]


    Level:0


    Race: Primae Nigrum Sciurus (Primal Black Squirrel)


    Health:10/10 Stamina:10/10 Mana:140/140


    Strength:1


    Agility:10


    Dexterity:10


    Constitution:1


    Intelligence:14


    Wisdom:12


    Skills: None


    Abilities:


    <em style="color: rgba(53, 152, 219, 1)">Tongues level: 1


    <em style="color: rgba(53, 152, 219, 1)">Spells:


    <em style="color: rgba(53, 152, 219, 1)"> Imbue Natural Weapons level: 1


    *Tongues*


    Cost: None


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Description: You have the ability to learn any language just by having them spoken in your presence.


    *Note: this does NOT give you the ability to read any language learned this way, and some languages may take longer to learn than others*


    *Imbue Natural Weapons*


    Cost: maximum per weapon= spell level¡Á10 Mana


    minimum per weapon= 5 Mana


    Description: Will your magic into your natural weapons to increase their deadliness. Maybe used in conjunction with other Spells or Abilities. Damage is based on the mana used.


    Well, at least my gifted spell would be helpful in staying alive. I focused on my missing name, trying to remember what it used to be, but I kept drawing a blank. It looked like I either lost it as my soul was shoved into this new body or, more likely, a scrub level 1 squirrel like me didn''t get to have a name. Well, the only thing to do was get stronger and either earn one or get to name myself. The only way to get stronger, I was betting, was killing, which hopefully my free spell would help. Now, to test out Tongues. I opened my mouth, and all that came out was a squeak.


    ''Well, shit, I guess It doesn''t count from before I had the system. Sucks I lost the ability to speak English, but hey, now I''ll never have to sit through classes on foreign language classes again.''


    Just as I finished the thought, my ears picked up on the slight sound of scales rubbing against bark. My instance went off like claxons forcing me to move. I went in the one direction I thought nothing would follow straight off the branch and into the open air at least twenty feet above the ground. My head shifted, locking onto a spot on the ground that didn''t look too hard. Body twisting, I was able to flatten myself out, increasing the drag on my body just in time to land softly on the ground.


    ''Holly shit, that was a rush! What the fuck was that?''


    I turned my attention back to the tree I used to be in. Just peeking down from the tree, I saw a diamond-shaped head glaring down at me. I focused on the snake, hoping all the anime and books I so loved were right.


    ''Analyze''


    Constrictor level 3


    ''Well, not a lot of information, but it''s something.''


    I glared back up at the snake, raising my middle finger up at it only to see a glint in its eye I was all too familiar with. Hate, pure hate, and spite all for defying it and escaping.


    ''Don''t you dare.''


    It dared. The snake launched itself from the branch right at me. I hopped back frantically, trying to shove as much of my mana into my claws as I could. The only problem was I had no idea what "will your magic" could mean. The best I could come up with was just focusing on my claws and thinking very hard at it. I felt a drain at the core of my being the flow for lack of a work centered on my claws, flooding them with a whopping ten mana. It felt odd, like I was somehow lesser, even if I could do it thirteen more times. It may sound like this took time, but it happened before the constrictor landed.


    The snake landed hard just a few feet in front of me before it coiled up, rising, ready to strike. There was a moment where it seemed we were both waiting for the other to move. Adrenaline was dumped into my system, pushing all the panic and stress right off of my head. An odd noise started to fill the space between us. It took me longer than I''d like to admit before I realized that I was laughing. Even with me acting like a completely crazy squirrel, the snake still did seem to want to strike first. Maybe it was hoping I''d turn around and run, maybe it was confused as to what I found so funny, but it seemed I''d have to be the first to make a move. The last thought in my head before doing one of the craziest things in either of my life was.


    ''Fuck it, time to go full agro.''


    I rushed forward as fast as my four legs would carry me, which was rather fast. I was guessing that my Agility, or Dexterity, or both were the main causes. Unfortunately for me, the damned constrictor was just as fast, if not more, than I was. Its head rapidly closed the distance between us before veering off to my left to circle around me. Knowing that if it completed an entire loop around me, I''d be dead. I took a gamble and jumped to my right, trying to intercept it as it tried to wrap around me.


    My claws extended my head, and my body twisted around, landing on what I could swear was the shocked face of a level 3 asshole. My claws scratched off the scales, my body bouncing off its head before I was able to reach down and grab onto its neck? Body? The part just below its head. Scraping, scrambling, and frantically flailing around, I managed to hold onto the constrictor, wrapping my limbs fully around it. The snake started to twist and roll, banging me against the ground and roots of the nearby trees as it tried to fling me off its back. I grunted against the impacts and erratic movements of my unwilling mount. My sharp teeth glinted in the light as I lunged toward the center of its back, willing all the mana I could into my pearly whites. Hot blood gushed into my mouth as scales broke against my teeth, and they sunk in deep until they hit bone. The shock that ran up my teeth and bounced around my head caused me to jerk back, ripping a chunk of flesh out from the snake''s back. My instincts kicked in, and I swallowed the bloody chunk whole. To my surprise, it was pretty good.


    Now, less concerned about its own health. The snake slammed its back along with me down onto whatever rocks it could find with all the force it had in its body. I could feel my life start to slip away. Not every hit seemed to drain my HP, but the constant assault was more about quantity over quality. I kicked out with my claws ripping and tearing away at its throat. I bite down again and again, desperately trying to win this damage race. Until finally, I heard a ping as the snake failed to rise back up. In the corner of my vision, a dot was lightly pulsing, changing from gold to blue.


    Skill learned Acrobatics. EXP awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    Skill learned: Analyze. EXP awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    Skill learned Natural Weapons. EXP awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    Congratulations! You have defeated a Level 3 Constrictor Snake. EXP has been awarded.


    *Note: you may loot your kills by touching it and then thinking ''Loot.'' all items will be placed on the ground before you if there is no applicable storage device/skill. Those with proper skill or the will to harvest the kill manually may receive more*


    I swore I heard a light ding as the following message opened. It differed from the others, having a fancy golden border and lettering.


    Level up!


    Level up!


    ''Well fuck.''


    The cause of this thought was probably a combination of not having a skill to get the best loot, Coming down off the adrenaline still making me well aware of all the sounds around me, and Not knowing exactly how much EXP [experience for those less into gaming] I gained or needed per level. And not actually knowing how to harvest anything, unless watching cooking shows and YouTube videos counted, let alone not having anything to carry my hard-earned loot.


    Prepare for subpar loot. Due to my less-than-expert actions, I decided to put off the level up until I had a safer place than being out in the open. I went to work cutting down the length of my once enemy''s spine. I had to recast my spell, so my claws were able to cut through the tough scale of the snake. I did my best to reenact what I saw in the videos, my claws making a poor substitute for a proper chef''s knife. By the time I was done, blood coated my paws and mouth, something I''d have to try to fix. But I had a full stomach and a new blinking blue dot for all my effort.


    New skill learned: Harvesting. EXP awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    I eat as much as my stomach would fit while still being able to scurry about. Flesh and bone both seemed to call to me. As I crunched through the bones, I could feel myself getting healed. I moved to a spot of grass without blood on it, the bruises I was no doubt covered in, not even a registering. I rubbed and scrubbed at my fur with the grass and dirt, wishing I could just take a shower.


    I checked my paws over, not happy but knowing that I wasn''t going to get them any cleaner, when it struck me that I was taking this all too well. Sure, I wasn''t one to sweat the small stuff, and I was happy enough to have a whole new world to discover, but I should have been a bit more freaked out. I could have died. Yes, the risk was significantly reduced since I got lucky and clung on where the constrictor couldn''t do what it evolved to do. But still, if I had guessed wrong or hadn''t gotten such a useful spell. I definitely wouldn''t have lived very long in my new life.


    ''Worry about it later after you find somewhere safer. For now, act on two rules. One, No, where is truly safe, and two, trust that everyone is out to kill me.''


    My thoughts momentarily back in order. I picked a new tree and went looking for a space big enough for me to hide long enough to level up.

 One in Hand

    It took me far longer than I would have thought it would to find a place to hole up in safely. I had to stay high enough up in the trees to stay out of sight from the ground but low enough so as not to let any birds or other things that live in the sky spot me. It was a careful balance that I barely got right.


    I eventually gave up on finding the perfect hiding place and made a shoddy nest in the crook of a branch that split a few times. I gathered some flexible branches and wove them together as best as I could remember how from less than half-remembered lessons I had at camp way back when I was an overactive kid. It wasn''t pretty, but as I slipped leaves between the woven branches, I thought it would work well enough to hide me away.


    After lining the bottom of my new nest with anything soft I could find. I curled up, hugging my soft, bushy tail, the only perk in my book of being a squirrel. I noticed I had a new flashing blue dot and opened my awaiting messages before diving into my level-up. Who knows how new Skills or Abilities would affect my options for leveling up.


    Skill learned Ranger. EXP awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    You have gained +2 to Agility and Dexterity along with 6 free stat points to place as you see fit.


    ''Well, not a whole lot of choices here, but that''s not a bad thing. Let''s split it between Strength and Con. I have a feeling that my other Stats are fine for now. Let''s see if I can''t look closer at my Ranger skill.''


    Status


    Name: [N/A]


    Level:2


    Race: Primae Nigrum Sciurus (Primal Black Squirrel)


    Health: 38/40 Stamina:40/40 Mana:140/140


    Strength:1->4


    Agility: 10->12


    Dexterity: 10->12


    Constitution:1->4


    Intelligence:14


    Wisdom:12


    Skills: Acrobatics level 1


    Analyze level 1


    Harvesting level 1


    Natural Weapons level 1


    Ranger level 1


    Abilities:


    Tongues level: 1


    Spells:


    Imbue Natural Weapons level: 1


    Ranger: You have shown the basic skills for running, hiding, and general survival in the woods. This skill helps you ignore rough terrain, craft shelters, conceal your presence, and tracking


    ''Wow, that would certainly help out once it was leveled up. Tomorrow, I''ll have to grind skills and try to find enemies at my own speed. Hopefully, I''ll be fully healed once I wake up.''


    I wiggled under some of the leaves I pulled up and rested my chin on my crossed arms, slowly drifting asleep.


    A snapping and crackling caused me to stir in my sleep, but it wasn''t until I smelled something lovely cooking that I dragged myself back to the land of the living. I had a moment where the sleep-addled my brain, and I thought I was back home. Sighing softly, I pushed away thoughts of loved ones and missed chances to focus on my new situation.


    Climbing out of my nest, I looked around for where the scent of cooking meat was coming from. Leaping from branch to branch, I followed my nose until I saw the glow of a campfire. As I got closer, I started to hear grunts and what could be laughter. I peeked over the branch, looking down at the campfire. Short, ugly, gangly, green skins or, as most people knew them, Goblins. They stood no more than three feet tall but hunched over, putting their face in punting range, but that was if I was in my old body. As it was now, they were three times my height if I was to stand up on my hind legs.


    The Goblins were ugly things both in body and mind. Even what armor they had was rough and ugly, hide barely even cured correctly judging by how parts seemed to have rotten flesh on them still as the three of them hunched around the fire, one reached for whatever they were cooking only to be hit on the head by the largest one. The big one started to babble something at the one who reached for the food. I moved closer, trying to hear the words to activate my Tongues ability.


    "...stupid Zykz. You try that again, and Goltak eats you."


    Zykz, I was guessing, seemed to be cowed and backing away from Goltak, arms up as he babbled apologies. The last goblin seemed to learn from Zykz and waited for its turn to eat. Only as Goltak moved forward to hit Zykz did I see what they were cooking. Four fat, juicy squirrels were roasting on a spit over the fire.


    ''Analyze''


    Level 5 goblin


    Level 4 goblin


    Level 4 goblin


    ''Nope. Screw that."


    I slowly backed away before a snapping branch drew my attention to the right of the goblins. A wolf was hunched low as it moved slowly closer to the arguing goblins. A trick of the light made it look as though the wolf seemed to scoff before purposefully stepping on another branch and snapping it loudly.


    This finally got the unnamed goblin''s attention. He frantically gestured at the wolf, drawing Goltak''s and Zykz''s attention as well. Something made me look behind the goblins. There! Movement of three more wolves sneaking up from behind. In a flash, off-white teeth flashed. Hide armor was easily ripped apart, and goblin necks were cut through like scissors snipping thread. The bodies dropped to the floor, heads bouncing into the fire. I spun around and sprinted back to my nest as howls rang out, filling the night.


    Once I was back and had a modicum of safety, the instincts that took over my limbs finally quieted down enough for me to hear my own thoughts again. The first thing I noticed was that I had a notification waiting for me.


    Congratulations, you''ve learned the goblin tongue, Ghukliak. EXP awarded for learning a language without a trainer.


    ''Oh nice, a new way to get experience. I need to avoid those wolves between them and the Goblins. I guess that explains what happened to the other squirrels and small...not the other low-level mobs in the area. Hmm, I guess I should head out in the opposite direction as I went off following my nose. I doubt that I''ll be able to get to sleep again.''


    I sighed heavily before getting out of the nest. I was a bit sad that I''d have to abandon it so soon. As I stretched, I noticed for the first time that I had grown a bit, maybe two or three inches in total. I carefully poked at myself, feeling that my muscles seemed the same size but more compact.


    ''Hmm, it seems like it takes a bit for my stats to affect my body. I might grow as my stats go up, but at least I won''t have to look like a bodybuilder on steroids.''


    I let out a soft chuckle before leaving my nest as it was and took off in the opposite direction of the goblin campsite. Jumping from tree to tree, I scanned for fruits or nuts or really anything as my stomach started to rumble.


    I stopped once I started to pick up the sounds of the forest again, letting out a breath. Either I was out of the wolves'' territory, or they went back to their den. Either way, it was good news for my poor stomach.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    I finally spotted something to eat as the forest started to thin out a bit. On the ground, just under the branch I was on, was a plump bird. It looked different than any bird I knew of. The size of a wild chicken, it was a bit smaller than I was with a hooked beak, sharp three-inch long claws, and an odd coloring. Its head, the tips of its wings, and the longer tail feathers were all vivid red. While most of its body seemed to have its feathers shimmer like an oil slick, shifting colors from blue to green to purple and back as it shifted in the light. Focusing in on my soon-to-be prey, I used Analyze as it was busy eating what looked like another snake


    Level 3 Elemental Raptor


    ''Hmm, judging how I just got constrictor for the snake, I''m wondering if the system isn''t just using vocabulary that I''d understand. Since I knew nothing about snakes other than some are venomous, and others are constrictors, that could be why I got so little information. Let''s seem elemental probably means it has magic, I''m guessing fire. And a Raptor is a bird of prey. It''s still only level three, so I should have this.''


    Taking a deep breath, I willed my mana into the claws on all my limbs before rolling forward and falling straight down, my claws fully extended. A moment before my full weight slammed into the Raptor, it spotted me as it tied its head up to swallow a chunk of meat. Flapping its wings, the Raptor shifted forward, causing my claws to rip into its back at an odd angle. I slid down its back as it let out a cry of pain. Flames roared up from around its talons and neck. I pushed off its back before hitting the ground and rolled twice before popping up and baring my teeth and snapping at it. I flooded more mana into my teeth, feeling a slight headache come on as I burned over a third of my mana in quick succession.


    We both charged at each other, flames burning in its eyes and building in its beak. I pushed my Agility to its limit, feeling my muscles and bones complain under the stress as I darted left then right before slamming into the Raptor. Its flames licked at my fur, burning me as my claws and teeth bit into its flesh, ripping away more feathers than flesh. I noticed its head turning down, the fire still in its beak. I panicked and trusted my right paw up as I stood up on my hind legs. My paw slammed under its beak, forcing it to close with a snap before a muffled explosion forced it back open.


    Flames spewed out of the Raptor''s mouth and washed over my extended right forelimb, wincing from pain. I forced myself forward and racked my claws across its face. One caught its eye, ripping it out as flaming talons slammed into my chest, knocking me away. Gasping, I dropped to all fours before pushing off with all the strength I had. I lurched up, my maw opening wide before my teeth snapped shut around its throat and bit cleanly through it.


    I flopped down as the Raptor''s body toppled over and spat out the feathery mess in my mouth. I rubbed my chest and shoulder, wincing at the burns. I could feel slowly, oh so slowly, healing. Tired from the fight, I just kicked the damn Fire Raptor''s head and thought, Loot. The body shimmered before it broke apart into a cloud of shifting lights. Part of the lights flew into me, disappearing, while the others were just gone. Nothing was left behind. As I searched for my look, the pieces fell into place. Cursing, I kicked at the dead snake, now a bit more charged than before, looting it as well. I rushed up into the safety of the trees, my anger at myself dulling the pain I was in.


    ''Of course, I have an inventory. I''m such an idiot. That''s the first thing you check after you find out that you have a character sheet.''


    It was more of a struggle leaping tree to tree with my dominant arm and chest throwing waves of pain at me each time I moved, but I managed to get into a hollow in the tree and curled up and opened my system messages.


    Congratulations, you''ve defeated a Level 3 Elemental Raptor. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered Opponent.


    Natural Weapons leveled up. +1 to Strength


    Imbue Natural Weapons leveled up. +1 to Intelligence


    Congratulations, you''ve learned Fire Resistance. EXP has been awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    ''I have to be close to leveling up. Maybe just one more Hunt or a few Skills or Abilities. Inventory.''


    A grid system popped up with five out of ten of the spots filled in with icons. Raptor meat 2 lbs, Flame touched feathers 20, Beast Core 1, Snake meat 1 lbs, Snakeskin 1. I reached through the screen and grabbed the Beast Core, pulling it out. A smooth, glossy black orb rested in my paw streaks of red seemed to ebb and flow thru it. Once it was fully in my grip, a screen popped up unprompted in my vision.


    Congratulations, you have found a comparable Beast Core.


    Absorb Yes/No


    *Note Beast Cores may be absorbed in an attempt to learn one other of five of the highest leveled Skills, Abilities, or Spells the Beast Core was taken from or in crafting*


    After slamming Yes as hard as I could, the Beast Core crumbled and flowed into me.


    Congratulations, you''ve learned the Spell: Flame Breath. *Note: no EXP will be awarded for learning from a Beast Core*


    Flame Breath


    Cost:


    Maximum=spell level¡Á20 Mana


    Minimum=10 Mana


    Description:


    Mana flows into your maw before being converted to flames. Once your Mana is fully converted to flames, they erupt forth in a cone in front of your open maw. Damage and Duration based on Mana spent.


    ''Damn, that''s a good one. No wonder it did such damage even being mostly diverted.''


    I rolled my shoulder, noticing the pain going down, and let out a sigh of relief. I pulled out the snake meat, squirreling it down. By the time I was done eating, my forelimb and chest was down to a light throb. I leaned back against the hollow''s far wall.


    ''This forest is crazy, but I''ve learned quite a bit from being in the middle of nowhere. I''ll have to look out for beasts with more than just a single name distribution. Either levels can reset, or some beasts are just born lucky. Maybe a mix of both.


    Let''s keep trying to get out of the forest for now. Hopefully, I''ll get lucky by stumbling upon a town and be able to blend in with normal squirrels since I''m not sure I am one anymore.''


    An idea made me sit back upright before hopping to my feet. I carefully made my way out and up the branch, searching for a thick limb at least to someone of my size. I found a limb that was long enough and about as thick as my wrist.


    Infusing the claws on my uninjured forelimb, I cut the branch free and took it back to my temporary home. Once inside, I stripped the branch of its bark and started to sharpen the tip. I saved the shavings before thinking better of it.


    Sticking the sharpened limb out of the hollow, I funneled the minimum cost to my new spell, aiming it so that the sharpened stick''s tip would be fire hardened but not catch. Once done, I used my claws and the rough bark to sharpen and refine the hardened tip. The spear came out shorter than I first wanted, but it should be good as a ranged option. It was about half my height and fit comfortably in my paws. Just as I hoped, a notification popped up, blinking lightly in the lower right side of my vision.


    Congratulations, you''ve learned Weapons Crafting. EXP awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    Level up!


    You have gained +1 to Agility and Dexterity with +3 free stats.


    Status


    Name: [N/A]


    Level:3


    Race: Primae Nigrum Sciurus (Primal Black Squirrel)


    Health: 40/60 Stamina:60/60 Mana:140/150


    Strength:5->6


    Agility: 12->13


    Dexterity: 12-13


    Constitution:4->6


    Intelligence:15


    Wisdom:12


    Skills:


    Acrobatics level 1


    Analyze level 1


    Fire Resistance level 1


    Harvesting level 1


    Natural Weapons level 2


    Ranger level 1


    Weapons Crafting level:1


    Abilities:


    Tongues level: 1


    Spells:


    Flame Breath level:1


    Imbue Natural Weapons level: 2


    I''m not sure if it was because I was already focusing on my body or just because the changes hurt more as I grew stronger. All I know is that after leveling up this time, I felt my muscles grow, ripple, then condense as my whole body grew slightly. I shudder, dropping my makeshift spear and rubbing myself down, noticing for the first time my poor excuse for a thumb seemed like it would be of a lot more use now that it was a bit longer and stronger.


    I needed to move after my little fire show. Taking the snake skin out of my inventory, I used it as a makeshift rope, tying the primitive spear to my back. I hurried out and up the tree before continuing away from the wolves. I kept my ears on a swivel as I leaped from branch to branch until the sun was setting and my stomach growled.


    I weaved a new nest close to where a branch and tree met. I made sure to weave a few sharpened sticks pointing out towards the sky and ground. Next was filling the base with fallen leaves and needles. Once somewhat safe, I pulled my spear off my back and wrapped myself around it before using my tail to cover myself.

 Wake-up Call

    Sharp pain in my tail dragged me from the land of sleep into that of the living. I was pulled back towards the entrance of my nest before my mind was still half asleep. I clawed at the floor reaching for anything before my hand closed around my spear. Gripping it tightly, I flexed my core lifting up and thrusting the spear at my attacker. The tip dug deep into the cheek of the bloody Weasel and skidded off, tearing a gash in its face.


    As the panic faded away I remembered that I had magic. I pumped my mana into my maw, putting as much as the spell would hold, willing the change to happen faster. In the few seconds that it took for the flames to build, the Weasel''s claws dug into my tail pulling me closer to its fanged mouth. I stabbed at it once, twice, thrice before the flames roared forward washing over my arms, lower body, and down the Weasel''s gullet roasting it from the inside.


    An errant stab caught the back of the Weasel''s throat finishing it off and causing its mouth to slam shut on my spear as it fell into its final slumber. My foot slammed into its head twice before I looted the wretched thing.


    I let myself flop back panting softly. I grabbed out the Raptor meat without looking and wolfed down what was left from dinner last night. Licking my paw clean I pulled up my Health.


    Health: 20/60


    ''Damn that spell is no joke. I need to remember to close the nest completely from now on. I''m just glad it didn''t catch the nest on fire.''


    My head thumped back against the tree limb before I forced myself up and move despite the pain. I gathered more small branches and completely covered the entrance. Finally turned my attention to the flashing notification.


    Congratulations you have defeated level 3 Mustelidae. EXP awarded.


    Congratulations you have learned the Skill Basic Spear. EXP awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    ''Well, that''s what I get for being stupid. Still haven''t seen another primal beast. I wonder what that means for me, well those wolves might have been but I''m not going back to check.''


    Once healed back up I took my makeshift spear and jabbed it through the weave of my nest at as random of locations as I could manage. Satisfied that nothing was waiting for me. Next, I inspected my spear and winced slightly at the bite mark. I''d have to make a new one.


    I let out a sigh of frustration before tossing the spear to the ground and cutting my way out of my nest. I climbed up the tree until I was barely under its leafy protection from flyers. I looked around for any signs of intelligent life. There! A smoke trail but it seemed faint, maybe only a campfire. The only reason I could see it at all was due to how bright the night was. It would take close to an hour or two for me to get there but hopefully, I wouldn''t run into any more crazy beasts.


    Turning and looking up toward the sky I noticed that twin moons hung in the sky. They seem to be about the same size. One was the pale beauty that I was familiar with while the other was off most of it was a dark gray but large parts seemed to glitter and shine like gold or platinum. They both seemed to hang near high in the air.


    I guessed it was closer to dawn than dusk and by the time I got there the sun should just be starting to rise. With how I woke up I doubted that I''d be able to get back to sleep. Making my way to the campfire I stayed higher than the last few days. I kept my head on a swivel letting my attention snap to any movement. The last thing I wanted was to be ambushed¡­.again.


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    After stumbling my way closer and getting more and more frustrated at my horrible night vision I made it close enough for my nose to guide me. It was explicitly frustrating for me because my night vision was one thing I used to always be proud of. So long as I had any light I used to be able to walk through a room with confidence and now it was hard enough to make things out in the light of twin full moons.


    I dropped closer to the ground as I got within two trees of the smoke. Moving quickly I fell through the air as I kept towards the ground my limbs fully extended to control my fall. I pulled them in close, reaching out in front of me, and landed heavily on a sturdy branch only twenty feet above the ground. Looking back I must have fallen over sixty feet and yet I was unharmed. It was good to see squirrels were functionally immune to fall damage in this world too.


    Moving closer so I had a good view of the camp I made sure to stay low and move slowly knowing just how easy it was to spot movement. Four tents were placed in an arc around the campfire, a rope encircled the camp as a whole with what looked like cans hanging down from it at even spacing while a guard was on watch leaning their back against a tree looking more bored than anything else as they wilted a block of wood.


    Taking a closer look at the guard it was hard to tell if they were male or female. Their body was hidden behind their leather armor, and their face had an alien beauty to it, with their angular features offset by large eyes and long ears. A recurve bow was set within arms reach of them. I couldn''t see a quiver but a pack was propping their feet up.


    Stirring came from the tents as sunlight started to break through the canopy. A strange group of travelers exited the four tents and started to break down camp the Elf stirred from their carving and got up to start cooking breakfast. Taking a risk I used Analyze.


    Elf Ranger level:6


    Human Fighter level:6


    Lizardfolk Rogue level:6


    Feline Beastfolk Healer level:6


    Draco Sanguinis Paladin level:6


    All five of them shot to their feet and gripped their weapons. Their eyes darted around searching for something. I was guessing me. I slowly backed away from the edge of my perch and backed up to the base of the tree.


    "Aylwin do you have eyes on the threat?" The Draco Sanguinis'' voice was a deep thrum that seemed to shake my bones.


    "All that''s near is a level 3 Black Squirrel." The Elf now known as Aylwin replied.


    My body went locked up as panic started to build inside my chest. I was getting far too used to being in constant danger. I slowly oh so slowly started to climb around the tree trying to leave without being noticed.


    "Leave it. We''d get nothing useful from something half our level. That is unless you''d like it as your new companion." A new voice called out.


    "No, I''d rather get something from the nearby dungeon. Even if its level is lower, I''d prefer a more hearty companion to help Caltad hold the front line." Aylwin said.


    "Much appreciated. Now let''s break down camp and get to that dungeon. Remember Aylwin to keep your eyes open. I know it''s a new dungeon but something from deeper in the woods might be in there." The deep thrum rolled through me again as Caltad replied.


    I relaxed as they brushed aside the EXP they''d get from me as not worth the effort. I waited until the banging and clanging of metal was starting to fade away before I moved. I followed the party keeping a healthy distance between them and myself. I was hoping that if they did notice me that they''d just think I was a curious animal attracted by their shiny armor.


    Whatever the case was no arrow, a shot of alarm or spell came flying my way. Caltad, whom I''m guessing was their leader, had a compass that guided them to two trees whose branches had grown together creating an arch between them. Without stopping they walked between the trees and disappeared from my sight.

 Open Season

    I stared wide-eyed at the empty air where the party should be. It took an uncomfortably long time for my mind to snap back at just how quickly they vanished. Oh sure, I''d seen magic tricks that did similar things with small objects, but nothing was like this. There was no curtain to hide behind, no trap door to slip into, not even a ripple in the air to hint that all might not be as it seems. Just empty air where five armed and armored people used to be.


    ''That''s some kind of magical bullshit. If there isn''t something right out of the Land of Faerie, I want my money back.''


    Focusing on the doorway to the dungeon, I used Analyze.


    Dungeon: Oberon''s Hunting Ground


    The dungeon will scale difficulty with the challenger[s].


    *Note: Most dungeons are meant to be taken on by a party of four or more. Though, no dungeon is impossible, regardless of party size or level. There is always a path forward for those willing to pay in blood and sweat.*


    I shuddered slightly, and the last line felt different from the system''s normal information. It felt like a challenge, as though that great being that brought me back was telling me that this was a way to push myself to the limit and beyond if only I was willing to bleed for it.


    Knowing what I did about games, I was betting that the dungeon was not just going to scale off of my race and level but from everything on my charter sheet. I could probably cheat a little by not acknowledging my notifications that even now blinked calmly for my attention. No, if I was going to live up to the challenge I set for myself truly, then I wanted the dungeon to push me as hard as possible, which meant checking my notifications after each encounter.


    Congratulations, you''ve learned, Eaceno. EXP was awarded for learning a language without a trainer.


    Tongues level up. +1 to Intelligence


    Analyze level up. +1 to Wisdom


    I nodded at the gains. With the extra Mana, I could be a little freer with my spell usage. I searched around the trees around me for a branch I could use as a spear. Finding one that was an inch longer than I was tall, standing on my hind legs, I got to work crafting a new spear. I knew I should try to find a sharp stone to make into the tip, but I had no tools or knowledge for knapping. Checking over my crunched spear, it looked slightly sharper than before and came out the length I wanted at my height.


    I slid the spear into the snakeskin holder on my back before rushing head-first into Oberon''s Hunting Ground.


    The forest around me twisted as I stepped through the gate. The trees grew closer together as the underbrush grew thick. The air itself seemed to grow heavy and thick. A new notification popped up without warning.


    You have entered Oberon''s Hunting Ground. Oberon has started the hunt. Run, hide, or fight. It matters not. The hunt comes for all.


    Goal:


    Find the exit


    Defeat 10 hounds [Optional]


    Defeat 5 Huntsmen [Optional]


    Defeat 5 Riders [Optional]


    Defeat Oberon [Optional]


    Defeat all the hunters [Optional]


    ''There goes my hope of being the hunter.''


    Hounds howled in the distance as a signal horn blared. I sighed heavily, happy I was so small. I''m hoping that my size would allow me to take them out one at a time. I went running up a nearby tree only to have a branch swat me away. I shook my head and took a closer look around. The forest had turned into a labyrinth.


    Growling softly, I sprinted forward, keeping to the left wall. I focused solely on staying as close to the left wall as possible, ignoring everything else around me. I pushed my Agility for all it was worth. My Stamina rapidly dropped as my body was hard-pressed to keep up with the speed I was capable of. I had to stop my mad dash sooner than I wanted to. Leaving my stamina half of my max, I slowed my speed to a crawl.


    Something was off. My ears twitched, listening to the unnaturally quiet of the labyrinth. A rustling came from my right. Trusting my instances, I hopped back as flames built in my maw and aimed at the bush. A snapping, snarling hound burst from the underbrush. Drool foamed from its mouth as its bark-like skin easily fended off the brambles and thorns of the underbrush that was meant to slow it.


    My flames spewed forward, washing over and coating the hound. I had to jump back even further as the hound seemed to ignore the flames washing over it. I pumped my mana into my two front paws as the hound swiped its paw at me. I snapped my mouth shut as the fire died away just in time for the hound''s paw to slam into my side and bat me into a wall.


    Growling, I stayed on all fours as I was forced to hold my spell in place. I rushed at the much larger hound. I had doubled my size in the short while I was on this world, but the hound stood four feet tall at the shoulder, and the parts not covered in bark had grass and moss coating it.


    I crouched low before pushing off the ground, hard leaping up into the hound''s throat. My claws slashed into its bark, ripping the tough armor-like skin free. A grass rope sprang from the hound''s chest, aiming right for me. I pushed myself hard off the hound, twisting my body around and landing against a tree before pushing back off it before a branch could swat me out of the sky.


    I flew back at the hound, flames building back in my mouth again. I dug my claws into its bark and scurried around its neck and back. I started to claw at its moss-covered shoulders before infusing my mana into my teeth and bit into its back, and flames poured forward. The fire was focused on the back of the hound, where I clamped my teeth down until they forced their way out to wash over its back, burning away the moss and grass on the hound''s back.


    I moved to where the moss was and grabbed my spear, ramming it down hard into its back. I used my full weight behind each thrust, hanging on as the hound bucked and shook, attempting to throw me off. A new grass rope reached up from its chest and wrapped around me. It tightened its grip before yanking hard as my claws scratched at the ropes, cutting them particularly. I was flung from the hound''s back, leaving my spear in it as I flew into the underbrush.


    I had to cut my way out of the underbrush, and by the time I got out, the moss on the hound''s chest glowed brightly before flowing out to encase the hound as a whole. When the glow faded away, a lot of the damage I dealt with had been replaced with new green moss.


    I growled at the sight of the hound''s healing. I pumped my mana back into my maw while dashing forward. I dodged the incoming snap of its jaws by fainting a jump, only to dash left and go under the hound. I kept pouring mana into my spell as the flames shot up, washing over the hound''s underbelly. I made sure to coat what I could now tell was the male hound completely in fire by casting the spell twice more while dodging around his attempt to stomp me or crush me under his bulk.


    My head throbbed from mana depletion. If it was that bad now, I never wanted to run dry of mana in a fight. The sound of my spear snapping as the hound dropped and rolled around in an attempt to put off the fire its lower half had become helped me push the pain to the back of my mind.


    I darted back in and jumped on the hound''s face. My claws flashed, tearing into his eye before my teeth chomped down, ripping the wound larger as I forced my way into his eye socket. I felt something come down hard on my poor tail. The pain spurred me on as my hind legs gripped onto the hound''s muzzle, stopping it from biting anything important.


    The hound''s paw came back up, racking across my back, ripping away my snakeskin sling. The claws on my right forelimb punched through its skull and into something soft and squishy as the hound tore me free, ripping part of his brain out with me. Panting heavily, I watched as the hound stumbled and then collapsed, no longer able to support his weight. A blue flashing light caught my attention, and I slumped in relief.


    Acrobatics has leveled up. +1 to Dexterity


    Congratulations, you have learned pain resistance. EXP has been awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    Congratulations, you have defeated a level 2 Herba Canis. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Goal updated: Defeated 1/10 Hounds [Optional]


    Health: 15/60 Stamina: 7/60 Mana: 23/160


    ''Well, I guess that proves I regain Stamina and Mana in a fight.''


    After getting my breathing under control, I sat back on my hind legs and watched as my stamina ticked up point by point. I waited until I had a quarter of my stamina back before going forward and looting the grass hound. More of the ever-shifting lights seemed to enter me than normal. In the time it took me to loot the hound, my health had only gone up two points.


    Hoping that the solution to my problem was in my Inventory, I willed it open to take stock of my new loot. The grid popped up in my view.


    Flame touched feathers 20


    Snake meat 1 lb


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Weasel meat .5 lbs


    Weasel pelt 1


    Grass Hound Fang 1


    Health potion [Low-grade] 2


    ''Analyze''


    Health potion [Low-grade]: Heal 50 points of Health upon consumption. Uses 1 per vial.


    I snatched one of the Health potions out of the screen. The one-ounce vial was rather larger than my short frame. It was a glass tube about two inches long; the vial was narrower at the top than the bottom, giving it a teardrop shape. I pressed one of my claws to the top, where I found a scored line. Pressing into the scored line, the top broke off. Instead of falling to the ground, the part, no longer than one of my claws, shattered into the same ever-shifting lights as before. Mentally shrugging, I tilted the vial back down the whole then. Once the last drop of bittersweet red liquid hit my tongue, the vial shattered into shifting lights before fading away.


    I felt the torn skin on my back ripple before stretching back into place and healing closed. I gave a full-body shudder, even going so far as to poof my tail out from the unnatural feeling. With my health now topped off and the fight over, I took a good look at my surroundings.


    The first thing I noticed was that I was no longer in a hallway but in a room roughly 20ft by 20ft with exits on each end. The second was that there were bushes and trees scattered throughout the room. My front paw smacked hard into my forehead as it became clear what happened. The hound was either waiting silently in this room or was walking around in a patrol, probably stopping at each bush looking for an intruder. I, the ever-focused idiot, failed to notice the hall opening up, and the hound spotted me quickly after that.


    It looks like even in this life, I was going to have a problem hyper-focusing. I took a deep breath before letting it out. This room suggested that at least the other hounds would be in similar rooms. With the new information in hand, I waited for my stamina to tick back up to full before heading through the exit to the room and continuing my dungeon run.


    I moved slower now, hoping I was right in that the guardians would be stuck in their room. I was regretting that I used a potion by the time I got to the next room. Poking my head into the room, I spotted a hound.


    Its back was to me as it stalked forward; still something seemed off about it. Looking beyond the hound, I couldn''t see anything else in the room besides trees and shrubs. I backed up slightly I, sat back on my honchos, and rubbed my chin, watching.


    The hound made a full trip around the room. I could see the path I could take to sneak past this new hound. Finally, as the hound walked past the entrance to the room, it clicked what was wrong with the hound. It didn''t have the same bark-like skin as the last Grass Hound. It looked like a normal dog. It was about two feet tall, so at the shoulder. I moved closer, getting a better look at the hound to confirm my suspicions. After which, I''d check on my mana.


    ''Analyze.''


    Canis level 5


    Mana 110/160


    I was filled with confidence by the hound before me being a lower tier than the hound I just defeated. I dropped down to all fours and bounced lightly before moving into the room. I made sure to move quietly up behind the hound before using any spells. I pumped the maximum mana into my front claws before racing forward and slashing at the hound''s back leg. My claws flashed through the air, easily tearing through the muscles and tendons on its back thigh.


    The hound spun around faster than I was expecting. I was barely able to move to get my left arm and half of my chest out of the way before its teeth clamped down hard, forcing the air out of my chest. I was lifted off my feet as you drove my claws into the hound''s cheek and jaw, ripping apart anything I could reach. The hound shook its head back and forth, tearing open my flesh. A notification forced itself into my vision, only disheartening after I read it.


    You are bleeding. -2 Health per second for the next 5 seconds.


    I clamped down on the pain and nausea that pulsed through me with each shack of its head and used it to sharpen my mind. I pumped mana into my mouth, holding it in place as I went limp, hoping to trick the beast into thinking I was dead. Luckily, it worked, and the hound made to toss me up.


    I pushed off its lower jaw as it threw me up, adding more speed and height to the toss than the hound was expecting. Twisting in the air, I let my spell finish and poured flames down at the hound. It was fast enough to keep the flame from washing over its face, but its injured back leg gave out, causing the flames to splash against its left side.


    I landed hard, sending another wave of pain threw me. I forced myself forward towards the hound as it rolled on the ground. I lunged at the hound''s throat as it put out the fire and made to stand up. My claws ripped into it and then threw its neck, scraping off its spine. Blood splashed over me as the hound''s head came down, knocking me onto my back.


    Groaning, I looted the hound instead of trying to lift it off of me. I stayed on my back, feeling the bleeding from my wounds trickle to a stop. My lungs heaved for air as I started to laugh uncontrollably. How could I ever think any fight would be easy in this world? I got myself back under control and willed my notifications to open.


    Congratulations, you have defeated a level 5 Canis.


    Pain Resistance levels up. +1 Constitution


    Flame Breath leveled up. +1 Intelligence


    I could feel how I was close to another level up; I just needed a little more. I forced myself to take slow, deep breaths, letting my mind drift away, sinking deep into a pool of obsidian. Specks of blue, green, and red lights drifted around me before I was flooded with golden motes. It snapped me back to my body, where a frantically flashing notification was waiting for me.


    Congratulations, you''ve learned Meditation. EXP awarded for learning a skill without a trainer. This skill is one from your past life.


    Assessing. [¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö____]


    Assessment complete.


    [Truncated] Meditation leveled up [¡Á5]. Wisdom +5 *Note Meditation increases Health, Stamina, and Mana regeneration*


    Goal updated: Defeated 2/10 Hounds [Optional]


    Level up!


    You have gained +1 to Agility and Dexterity with +3 free stats.


    Status


    Name: [N/A]


    Level:4


    Race:Primae Nigrum Sciurus (Primal Black Squirrel)


    Health: 50/90 Stamina:50/90 Mana:100/170


    Strength:6->7


    <em style="color: rgba(53, 152, 219, 1)">Agility: 13->15


    Dexterity: 14->15


    Constitution:7->9


    Intelligence:17


    Wisdom:18


    Skills:


    Acrobatics level 2


    Analyze level 2


    Fire Resistance level 1


    Harvesting level 1


    Meditation level 6


    Natural Weapons level 2


    Pain Resistance level 2


    Ranger level 1


    Weapons Crafting level:1


    Abilities:


    Tongues level: 2


    Spells:


    Flame Breath level:2


    Imbue Natural Weapons level: 2


    My stomach growled softly. Even if I could eat raw meat, I was getting tired of the taste. I spent longer than I probably should, hacking away at a tree limb until I had enough wood for a small fire. Doing my best to stack the wood in a pile, I grabbed two sticks that were Y-shaped. I placed them on either side of the fire pit. I scurried up one of the Y branches and put the snake meat on a long stick, placing it in the crotch made by the branch splitting off in two directions.


    Hopping back to the ground, I pumped the minimum mana into my Flame Breath spell. The fresh logs hissed and popped before catching on fire. I made my way back up the branch on my left and started to turn the spit, ignoring the smoke that would occasionally drift in my direction. My mouth watered as the smell of cooking meat and burning wood filled the air around me. I kept one eye on the exit of the room while the meat slowly cooked.


    After what felt like forever but was only ten minutes, I pulled the spit from the fire and made my way back to the ground. I sat back on my honchos, watching the fire as I munched on my food. It was a bit gamey and needed seasoning, but it was not half bad. A new notification blinked calmly, and I pulled it up.


    Congratulations, you have learned Cooking. EXP awarded for learning a skill without a trainer. This skill is one from your past life.


    Assessing. [¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö_]


    Assessment complete.


    [Truncated] Cooking leveled up [x5] Dexterity +5.

 A Hare Trigger

    I stayed sitting there for far longer than I should have and just watched the fire dance as the logs hissed and crackled. This was the first time I was able to take a break and relax. I sighed heavily before looking at my inventory to see what was new. The only thing added to the list was a hound''s fang.


    A memory from a book series I loved in my past life drifted through my mind. ¡°Bones for bones, teeth for teeth.¡± Hesitantly, I pulled out the hound''s fang. It was heavier than I thought it should be. Feeling like an idiot I put the Fang in my mouth and bit down. To my surprise, I felt part of the fang dissolve with each bite.


    I had no idea if it strengthened my natural weapons, but I had a gut feeling it was. Frustrated that I had passed up, I''m not sure how many useful resources I gnawed away until the fang was gone. I then plopped the Grass Hound''s Fang into my mouth, repeating the process.


    I needed to make a plan for after the dungeon. Did I want to risk going into a city? Or should I stick it out in the woods? I just didn''t know how people would react to a talking squirrel. I sighed heavily before getting up. My body felt different like it was more under my control, each move was smoother than the last until I got used to my new Dexterity. I used my new control to toss dirt into the fire to help put it out.


    I brushed my fur down and used the loose dirt to take a dust bath, getting the smell of blood and smoke out of my fur. Feeling refreshed, I headed to the exit following the twists and turns of the labyrinth.


    I had to backtrack more than once due to my method of following the left wall. It wasn''t until I was backtracking for the third and last time that something new broke up the trees and shrubs. Close to the bottom of the wall, two of the shrubs grew at an odd angle and covered a narrow path. It was almost impossible to spot unless you were staying as close to the wall as possible.


    I slipped into the hidden path, a purr built uncontrollably from my chest. I almost stopped by the shock of learning that squirrels purred when happy. Squirreling that fact away in the back of my mind, I paid more attention to the path forward.


    I slipped under and between tripwires slowly making my way through the maze of traps. I had to stop and slowly backtrack more than once as I came upon multiple rocks that were placed just where I would have to put my paw. Each time I''d feel a tingling sensation warning me away.


    When I had enough room around another rock that felt off to me, to inspect it, I took a closer look. The rock was just a bit too high and I dug under it to see if my hunch was correct. The rock was only about an inch thick and completely flat on the underside with a strange mechanism under it. I carefully pushed the dirt back into the small hole I made.


    I finally came to the end of the hall of traps. It opened up into a larger room about ten feet after the last trap. The room had a boar digging into the ground in front of a treasure chest in the center of the room. The room itself was a bit odd with no trees or bushes growing in it besides what made up the walls.


    Health 90/90 Stamina 90/90 Mana 170/170


    I moved into the room after checking on my stamina and mana. I wasn''t sure why the dungeon would place an opponent here or even if the boar was one. Once I was fully in the room, I heard wood creaking and leaves rustling as the way I just came through was closed off. The boar started to turn around as I used Analyze.


    Gravitas Apri level 1


    The boar locked eyes with me before it dropped its head. Red light glowed around its tusks before it changed straight at me. I pumped mana into Flame Breath, pushing the spell to its new maximum as I dashed to my right getting clear of the boar''s charge. The boar slammed head first into the wall that sprung up to block my escape. Part of me wondered if it wasn''t to stop me from using the trapped hallway against the boar.


    I moved in close, not wanting to have to deal with another charge as more intense flames spread out before me and broke the boar from its stunned condition. My claws flashed out to minimal effect against the boar''s tough hide. I had to jump back as the boar swung its tusks towards me.


    I jumped over its tusk and poured more of my mana into my front set of claws as I came down, slicing into the boar''s snout. My hind claws gripped onto the boar''s face, stopping me from falling off. I sunk my claws deeper while pulling myself up onto its head.


    The boar''s eyes flashed a deep purple as I started to fall towards the ceiling. My body twisted, allowing me to land on my feet. I was standing on what seemed like thin air. I looked back at the boar in time to see it flying through the air charging right at me. I dashed forward rolling under the boar as its tusks smashed into the ceiling, spreading cracks through it chunks of rock fell from the sky. The illusion that was carefully sculpted broke revealing the "sky" was painted rock.


    Coming up behind the boar, I hacked away at its back legs, cutting deep into its muscles. I pivoted with the boar as it spun around my claws, slashing at the boar''s wide belly. The boar''s tusks glowed purple before I was thrown back away from the boar towards the back wall. I landed hard, skidding backward a few more inches before the push became a sharp tug.


    The boar charged forward as I was yanked towards it. I went with the pull without fighting it and built up more speed. I pushed off hard from the ground at the last second, jumping up past the boar''s tusks and landing hard on its face, my claws sinking into its flesh.


    I formed my front right paw into a blade. I trusted my hand forward, slamming my claws into its thick skull, sending a massive shock up my arm. The boar squealed in pain as the gravity suddenly flipped back to normal.


    We fell through the air, spinning out of control. I went to move away but had to stop as my claws stayed stuck in the boar''s skull. I hugged the boar''s face, staying close to it, hoping its tusks would protect me.


    We landed hard. There was a loud crack, and then only my heavy breathing could be heard. Shaking, I slowly got up and hacked my claws free with my off-hand. I hopped off the boar''s face and looked to see what had happened.


    The boar was upside-down, and its back was bent unnaturally. The boar had landed on the chest hard enough to snap its spine in half. I walked back to the boar and thought ''Loot''. I rubbed my paws together, greed glinting in my eyes as I moved up to the chest. I flipped the lid open. Light poured out from the chest as the lid easily fell back.


    Ten copper coins and a salt rock lay at the bottom of the chest. My tail twitched along with my eyebrow. I took a deep breath before letting it out and hopped down into the chest, collecting my reward. As soon as my reward was safely tucked away, I jumped up and out of the damned chest and looked around the room.


    The door that I entered was still sealed, but a path had opened up behind the chest. Letting out a sigh of relief I laid down on the ground and opened up my notifications and then my inventory to see what I got from the boar.


    Congratulations, you have learned the Skill Dodge. EXP has been awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    Congratulations, you have defeated a level 1 Gravitas Apri. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Inventory:


    Flame touched feathers 20


    Weasel meat .5 lbs


    Weasel pelt 1


    Health potion [Low-grade] 1


    Gravitas Apri tusks 1


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Boar hide 1


    Boar meat 50 lbs


    Beast Core 1


    Salt 1lb


    Copper Coins 10


    I hurriedly took out the Beast Core and willed myself to learn what was contained inside. The core crumbled to dust and flowed into me.


    Congratulations you have learned the Ability: Charge.


    Charge: Cost=10 Stamina-[Skill level¡Á .5] to a minimum of 1 Stamina.


    Max distance covered=5ft+[5ft¡Áskill level]


    Description: Expend your Stamina to rush forward bartering away anything that stands in your way within reason.


    ''Not what I would have picked but it should be useful.''


    Next, I pulled out the boar''s tusks a bit confused about why it had a special name compared to the other loot. Knowing I was about to hate not having a crafter I used Analyze on the tusk.


    Gravitas Apri Tusk:


    A tusk that had been strengthened under the crushing force of gravity magic. A trace of the magic still lingers in the tusk.


    *Note this is a crafting ingredient. However, as you are a beast you may instead consume it and the magic within to strengthen yourself.*


    Now with proof that consuming them would actually help me, I''d have to make sure to manually harvest the stronger beasts that I kill. I started to gnaw away at the tusk that was just over half the length of my tail.


    By the time I was done consuming the tusk my Mana and Stamina were back to full. It felt as though I was more aware of the constant pull of gravity. It was more than likely that the whole thing was in my head. I moved to the exit rapidly getting used to the new feeling.


    I started down the hallway using my new Charge skill to get used to it. I had to rest twice to recover my Stamina before I finally got the skill down. It was easy to just let myself be thrown forward uncomfortably at the maximum distance. It was slightly harder to stop myself early.


    Even if most of my time was spent stumbling over myself I did learn that I was able to use a Charge to throw myself forward, plant a paw down infused with my mana, and use it as a pivot to go around corners. The only problem with using that technique was the strain that it put on the limb I used as a pivot. If I used the same limb without letting it rest I was likely to rip it out of its socket.


    Rubbing my left paw I sat back against the wall waiting for my health to tick back up while looking into a large room. The sound of something large moving at high speed filled the room. I caught a glimpse of yellowed bone, white fur, and green skin before finally, I caught sight of the room''s occupants.


    Two giant rabbits dashed around a tree at breakneck speeds. A pure white rabbit was in the lead half a body length away with one with black covering its face and lower body. Both have one foot of spiraled bone jutting from their foreheads and a goblin rider on their back hunkered low.


    As the snow-white rabbit crossed a tree branch laying on the ground both rabbits came to a stop panting heavily. The goblin rider on the winning rabbit threw its arms up into the air celebrating its victory. The losing goblin looked pissed and started to argue with the winner hopping off its horned rabbit and shoving at the winner.


    I moved to one of the bushes as quietly as I could and used Analyze.


    Giant Leporem Corniger level 2.


    Giant Leporem Corniger level 2


    Goblin Rider level 2


    Goblin Rider level 1


    I rubbed my paws together, chattering gently as I looked over the situation. From my experience, I knew at minimum the horned rabbits were a higher tier than I was but I was guessing that the goblins were as well. These goblins looked leaner and had better equipment than the goblins outside.


    Both goblin riders stood three feet tall, wore padded cloth armor, and had what looked like steel short swords, as a backup to the lances strapped to their rabbits'' sides. The Goblins in question were currently rolling around on the ground trading insults and blows.


    Hoping I was making the right choice I rushed forward pouring mana into my front claws before switching spells and pumping as much as I could into Flame Breath.


    When they were just in range I used Charge to slam into the back of the goblin on top. My claws sank into its armor as flames spewed down washing over both the goblins.


    Screams rose along with the smell of cooking meat and burning leaves. My claws flashed through the flames ripping into and then through a goblin''s skull.


    I suddenly felt a heavy blow on my back that sent me bouncing across the ground causing the flames pouring out of my mouth to light random bushes and deadfall on fire.


    I shook off the blow getting back to my feet despite my back complaints. The one living goblin had put out the flames coating it and was just now hopping onto the snow-white horned rabbit. The other rabbit was already dashing right at me, its head down and horn extended.


    Huffing in frustration I rushed towards the oncoming rabbit. I pushed my body forward for all my Agility was worth. Right before I was about to run head first onto its horn I twisted my body angling off to the right and used Charge again.


    I flew forward with the horn barely scraping my hindleg. Once I was clear of the horn I slammed my front left paw into the ground using it to swing my body until I was facing the Rabbits side before pulling my paw back out and letting my charge take me right into the rabbit''s broadside.


    I extended my claws out in front of myself slamming them into its ribs. A loud cracking could barely be heard over the rabbit''s cry of pain. Blood foamed from its mouth as I pulled my hand to either side of myself, dying the rabbit''s fur crimson as I opened its side.


    The pounding of feet and a tingling sensation at the back of my neck were the only hints given to me. I launched myself up and over the dying rabbit barely laying flat on the ground before first, a horn and then a lance punched through my makeshift cover just above where I hid, scoring two burning lines across my back.


    I jumped back onto the paws. Flames built in my maw. I jumped around the front of my cover and released my spell. Fire washed over the pure white rabbit and its rider.


    I Charged forward claws extended. I crashed into the rider knocking him off his mount and to the ground. My claws flashed through his neck ending his suffering. I wheeled around and did the same for his mount.


    I sighed heavily letting the rush of battle leave me. Not wanting to waste any more resources I went to work harvesting both mounts using Analyze to help me determine what to and what not to keep. The only thing valuable I got from both were their horns, pelts, and meat. I put the pelts and meat into my inventory, while the horns I consumed right away. I tried to loot what remained of the two rabbits but almost no motes of light entered me so I was unsure if that did anything.


    Next, I moved on to both of the goblins and decided on just looting them. It was finally time to open my notifications and then take stock of my new loot.


    Congratulations you have learned the Ability Danger Sense. EXP has been awarded for learning an Ability without a trainer.


    Congratulations Dodge has leveled up. +1 to Dexterity.


    Congratulations you have defeated a level 1 Goblin Rider. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Congratulations you have defeated a level 2 Giant Leporem Corniger. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Congratulations you have defeated a level 2 Giant Leporem Corniger. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Congratulations you have defeated a level 2 Goblin Rider. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Goal updated: Riders defeated 2/5


    Level up!


    You have gained +1 to Agility and Dexterity with +3 free stats.


    Status


    Name: [N/A]


    Level:5


    Race: Primae Nigrum Sciurus (Primal Black Squirrel)


    Health: 25/100


    Stamina: 30/100


    Mana: 70/170


    Strength: 7->9


    Agility: 15->16


    Dexterity: 20->21


    Constitution: 9->10


    Intelligence: 17


    Wisdom: 18


    Skills:


    Acrobatics level 2


    Analyze level 2


    Basic Spear level 1


    Cooking level 6


    Dodge level 2


    Fire Restance level 1


    Harvesting level 1


    Meditation level 6


    Natural Weapons level 2


    Pain Resistance level 2


    Ranger level 1


    Weapons Crafting level:1


    Abilities:


    Charge level 1


    Danger Sense level: 1


    Tongues level: 2


    Spells:


    Flame Breath level: 2


    Imbue Natural Weapons level: 2

 Sword Practice

    After the level-up, something felt off. The vague feeling of how much EXP I needed for the next level was off. It was as if it wasn''t going towards a level-up but something else. I would just have to wait and hope it was my chance to evolve.


    I shook my head gently and pushed the thoughts of power away. I pulled out my weasel meat and chowed down, not caring to spend the time to cook it. I then went about searching the room for more loot, humming softly to myself a nameless tune. I almost jumped for joy when I found the chest tucked away in a corner of the room.


    My tail flicked as I threw back the lid and looked inside. Five more copper coins, an odd gem, and a piece of paper. I reached up and gently rubbed my chin before hopping into the chest and, picking up the paper, and looking it over.


    It was a crude map of the labyrinth. While it was helpful here, it wasn''t much use outside. It took a few minutes for me to find where I was on the map, then a few more for me to find a path to the exit. There were a few paths I could take, but only two that didn''t have me fight Oberon, who I was guessing was at the center of the labyrinth. One would be a long winding path that avoided other rooms. The other and more exciting path would have me go through two more rooms. With any luck, the other hounds or the riders would be in those two rooms.


    I went to put the map into my inventory along with the coins. I then picked up the gem and turned it around in my hand. It was a deep black like obsidian and had been shaped and polished into a marble about an inch in diameter.


    Analyze


    The Essence of Night.


    Used in the crafting of weapons and armor.


    I gently tried to bite into the gem, only for my teeth to bounce off without even scratching it. Huffing at the damned object, I tossed it into my inventory, only for it to refuse. Irritated, I took a look to see what was wrong with my inventory.


    Inventory:


    Flame touched feathers 20


    Weasel pelt 1


    Health potion [Low-grade] 1 Heals 50 points per vial.


    Boar hide


    Boar meat 50 lbs


    Salt


    Giant Horned Rabbit pelt 2


    Rabbit meat 140lbs


    Goblin''s Greatsword 1


    Map 1


    Currency; Cc [copper coins]: 23


    Well, that would explain it. It turned out my coins had their own spot in my Inventory, but with the map, I had hit my limit of ten items. Looking down at my snakeskin sash, I had an idea. I pulled the map out along with a Giant Horned Rabbit pelt.


    I used my claws to cut three strips long enough to wrap around my body from the pelt. Next, I folded the rest of the pelt over, forming a bag with a flap to act as a lid. I punched holes down both sides of the bag where the pelt overlapped. I used most of one strip to sew the bags'' sides together, having just enough left to loop through a slit I put in the flap and the front of the bag. A knot at the ends of the strip to stop it from easily slipping out.


    To secure it to my back, I cut four slits in the back, slipping the last two strips through them. I then tied the ends of the straps to their ends, making loops for me to slide both my fore and hind limbs into. I put the map into my makeshift fur-lined backpack and put the gem into my inventory before, I put on my backpack and moved around. It didn''t seem to slow me down much, and with the bright white fur on the inside of the bag, it shouldn''t ruin my stealth.


    A notification blinked calmly. I used Analyze on my backpack and then opened my notification.


    Crude Leather backpack. A backpack made by a novice leather worker with little to no tools or knowledge of the craft. Despite this or because of the quality of the raw material, it was a success.


    Congratulations, you have learned the Skill: Basic Leather Crafting. EXP has been awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    With that done, I turned my attention to the only thing that grabbed my attention: the sword. I pulled it out and looked it over. The sword was thirty inches long in total. The blade was narrower at the hilt. It widened as it curved towards the tip. The sword was heavier than it should be as the blade didn''t have a noticeable distal taper. It was a heavy blade meant for hacking and slashing. I gripped the handle, surprised that it fit comfortably.


    I gave the blade a few swings, my smile quickly turning to a frown as it was clear that my body was too light. Each swing of the blade dragged me along with it. I should have guessed as much. The blade weighed as much as I did. It would be difficult to get used to, but hopefully, I''d figure it out soon enough.


    I stuffed the blade back into my inventory to use later. With nothing left to do in the room, I sat back on my hind legs and delved into my meditation skills. I closed my eyes and let my mind drift away into nothingness.


    Blue, red, and green motes drifted in the empty space. I watched as the motes drifted down and joined their corresponding pools. Time ticked away as my body and mind claimed my thoughts, becoming less scattered as all but the red pool was filled.


    I let my meditation lapse once my Mana and Stamina were full. I spent the time waiting for my health to tick back up to full practicing with my new sword, finding out what worked best for me. Once I was back in fighting condition, I headed off down the hallway, following the path I mapped out. Each time I came to an intersection, I pulled my map out, double-checking I was heading the right way.


    It took me a little over ten minutes before I was at the entrance to the first room I picked out. Peaking into it, I could see the normal setup of trees and bushes scattered throughout. Two riders were in the middle of the room. A goblin would occasionally go take his mount around the room, disappearing from my sight before meeting back up at the center of the room with its partner to trade a few words and wild gestures before smacking the other goblin. After this display, the goblin that had stayed behind would huff before going on patrol.


    I took my backpack off and then waited until one of the guards was out on patrol. I dashed into the room and hid behind a bush. I scanned the room and found my target. The rider was close, but I still had time. I moved to a tree with a limb that hung over the road and climbed up into its branches, hidden by the leaves.


    I waited until the rider passed under me before pulling my greatsword out and jumping down at the goblin. The air gripped and tore at me as I fell blade first. I pulled my arms and legs in, spinning myself around to give my swing a bit of extra help. The curved blade bit deep into the goblin rider at a bad angle, getting deflected off to the left, cleaving the Goblin''s left arm off completely before getting further deflected by its armor away from the mount''s back and into the horned rabbit''s side leaving a painful but rather shallow gash before slamming into the ground. Blood and dirt flew up into the air as the rider and mount howled in pain.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    I winced at the damage I probably just did to the blade. Not having time to worry about it, I brought the blade up at an angle as I used Charge to reposition. The blade cut through the mount''s neck as it dragged me forward. I kept the blade moving to let it fall behind me and throw me up into the air. I let go of the handle as the blade fell, using it to throw myself right at the rider''s face. My teeth and claws flashed, digging into and ripping out the soft flesh of its throat.


    I panted heavily at the end of the short fight. I took a quick peek at my stamina and winced as it was half full. It looked like fighting with a sword heavier than you were was an excellent way to drain stamina quickly. I smacked both corpses, looting them before I grabbed my sword and shoved it into my inventory.


    A scream brought my attention to the other rider as they came around a bend and spotted me. It kicked the sides of its mount hard as it lowered its lance, lining up the tip with my head. I pumped my mana into my claws to get better traction before dropping to all fours. I darted forward to put the tree at my back and spun to face the rider.


    I held still, waiting for the right moment as my body angled to the right. The rabbit tilted its head down, pointing its horn at my chest as it seemed to glow slightly. My Danger Sense screamed at the sight of the glow. Not wanting to see what happened next, I used Charge to throw myself out of harm''s way. I quickly spun around to find the rabbit''s horn and the Goblin''s lance stuck in the tree.


    Wanting to save Stamina, I rushed forward before pulling my inventory open, skipping to the last box, and I pulled out my greatsword. I brought the blade down onto the trapped rabbit''s neck using my full strength. The blade cut into then threw the mount''s neck, causing its body to collapse, falling away from me and pinning its rider''s leg under its bulk. I lifted my blade onto my shoulder before walking around the rabbit''s body and looking down at the goblin.


    I looked down at the hateful thing as it cursed and spat insults at me before I brought my blade down, smashing the sword it threw up to guard down into its chest. I heard what sounded like twigs snapping in half. The goblin, still barely alive thanks to its armor, scrambled and clawed at the ground, trying to get free as I brought my blade up, took a step back, and brought it down again, this time right on its head. Blood splattered my face, and I fought to keep my food down at the sight.


    Hands shaking, I looted the rider and his mount before collapsing against the tree I used as a trap. I sat there shaking as I came down from the adrenaline high. A blue dot flashed at the corner of my vision, dragging me out of my thoughts. It''s time for my gains and then the loot.


    Congratulations, Ranger has Leveled up. +1 to Agility.


    Congratulations, you have learned the Skill Basic Greatsword. EXP has been awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    Congratulations, you have defeated a level 3 Giant Leporem Corniger. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Congratulations, you have defeated a level 1 Goblin Rider. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Congratulations, you have defeated a level 3 Giant Leporem Corniger. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Congratulations, you have defeated a level 2 Goblin Rider. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Goal updated: Defeated 4 of 5 Riders.


    The only additions to my inventory were two more pelts and seven more copper coins. I leaned back against the tree, recovering my stamina. Once I caught my breath, I got back up on my feet and headed back to the entrance.


    I put back on my pack, wiggling slightly to get it to rest right. I headed back into the room, searching through it for anything of interest. I found a small pond I drank out of before cleaning myself off.


    I had one last room to go before I could get back to the real world. I was happy with how I was doing, but every time I thought about fighting Oberon, all I could think about was how he would definitely have magic and how I was definitely not equipped to fight a mage.


    I would have liked to stay and complete more of the objectives, but I had a nagging feeling that the Huntsmen would at least have bows, and the hounds would probably be scattered throughout each of the rooms with them.


    ''Well, that''s how I would have done it.''


    I took the map out and looked it over once more. With any luck, the last rider would be in the next room. I stuffed the map back into my backpack before heading through the exit on the east wall.


    I carefully made my way through the hall, ears on a swivel. For some reason, my Danger Sense was at a constantly low buzz in my mind. Taking a cue from horror movies, I darted a glance up at the ceiling. The tree branches were shadowed. All I could see were the bottom branches. Next, I turned around, checking the hallway behind me. Empty.


    I had to trust that my new ability would warn me before I got attacked by whatever was setting up an ambush for me. I moved a bit faster down the hallway, the low buzz in my head getting stronger as I was coming up to a T intersection.


    I slipped my backpack off and set it against the wall before inching forward. I hugged the wall that split off, pressing my tail against it. I leaned over and peeked around the corner. A set of eight black soulless eyes stared back at me.


    I jumped back from the hall as a leg shot out towards me and slammed into the wall, breaking through it. Flames built in my mouth as I scurried back. The spider rushed forward, going up the wall before heading right at me. I dodged back as one leg, and then another came shooting out at me.


    Fire roared forward, washing over the spider and its webs before it pushed off the wall, leaping over my head and landing behind me. I jumped forward and spun around as I reached into my inventory and pulled out my greatsword, using it to bat away any strikes that came towards me as I turned to face the spider.


    Before I could move forward, the spider lashed out with one of its two front legs. I followed a gentle tugging on my body and knocked a front leg to the side, leaving a shallow slice in it before using Charge. It was a bit awkward using the skill on two feet, but I managed not to fall flat on my face while closing the distance. I swung the heavy blade down as the spider moved back and to its left. The blade came down on its front right leg, which was still extended to strike me. The leg thumped to the ground. Ichor followed the limb.


    The spider hissed in pain as it swung its remaining front leg into my side as I was still recovering from the swing. I slammed into the wall, bouncing off of it, and stumbled to regain my bearings. I still had my sword tightly gripped in one of my hands.


    I rushed back in, keeping the blade low before planting my right hind leg down firmly. I followed the strange pull of my basic greatsword skill and twisted my hips and shoulders with the momentum from my short dash, swinging the greatsword from my left hip up and across my chest to my right shoulder.


    The blade hacked into and smashed through the leg the spider raised to defend. I used the pull of the swing to bring my back leg forward, planting it down hard. I twisted my wrist as I controlled the blade, bringing it down to my right side. I twisted my hips and shoulders as the hilt was at my right hip, swinging the blade in a mirror of my last cut. My blade caught the spider as it backed away, taking off its left fang and one of its eyes that survived being burned.


    I felt my basic greatsword skill was still guiding me. It was a gentle tugging on my mind, warning me not to let the blade stop moving. I took two quick steps forward, bringing my sword up above my head before bringing it down in a powerful chop as I stomped down with my last step. The blade smashed through the spider''s charbroiled head as the spider got in one last hit, slamming its body into me, pinning me under its dying bulk.


    I wrestled with the spider''s weight, wincing as it felt like something was grinding together. I eventually was able to send my sword, that had ended up trapped between myself and the dead spider, back to my inventory. I looted the spider, the motes of light pulled together before solidifying into a bundle of silk thread. I picked it up, carried it back to my backpack, and tossed it inside before I looked at my notifications.


    Congratulations, Charge has leveled up. +1 to Strength.


    Congratulations, you have defeated a level 3 Gigas Venator Aranea. EXP has been awarded.


    Goal updated: Huntsmen defeated 1 of 5


    Health: 60/100 Stamina: 38/100 Mana: 150/170

 Finish Line

    ''Well fuck.''


    That was all that went through my head as I came down from my adrenaline high. Not having much of a choice I took out the map to check it over. The tunnel that the Huntsman was in led to a room with no exits. I tilted my head back and forth before I made up my mind and dashed to what I was thinking was a spider den.


    I moved slowly enough to recover my Stamina. I kept trying to slip into meditation but felt it slip away each time. I turned and focused on the hallway as I inched along. I kept waiting to see webs but no matter how long I headed down the hallway no webs appeared.


    My Danger Sense started to tingle as I approached the entrance to the room. Looking through the entrance I couldn''t see any signs of the spiders however, my vision was blocked by several trees. I checked on my Health and Stamina now that I was within spitting distance of the entrance.


    Health 63/100 Stamina 100/100 Mana 170/170


    It wasn''t ideal but the other option was to backtrack and try to meditate for who knows how long. I slipped my pack off, setting it just outside the entrance before I went to move into the room. My Danger Sense went off like a klaxon freezing me in place with my front paw still raised.


    Slowly I pulled the limb back as my heart started to thunder in my chest. At least one of the other Huntsman spiders was hanging out around the entrance for something to enter. I sat up and gently drummed my fingers against my hip.


    I had the barest hit of a plan but it would be risky. I took another hard look at the scene before me but no matter how I looked nothing changed. I took a deep breath, readying myself. I trickled mana into my front left paw just enough to activate my oldest spell. Next, I poured the forty mana into my mouth holding it there before pushing Charge hard.


    I shot through the entrance flying ten feet into the room. I rammed my paw into the ground and swung my body one hundred and eighty degrees. Flames roared out splashing over the chamber''s wall and washing over the four huntsmen that were waiting in ambush.


    One spider dropped right away as the other three writhed in pain. They broke apart scurrying away in different directions. I followed the largest spider as it crawled onto the ceiling keeping my flames on it until the spell splattered out. I darted my gaze around getting off a quick Analyze on the three that were still standing.


    Gigas Terra Venator Aranea level 1


    Gigas Venator Aranea level 5


    Gigas Venator Aranea level 5


    I reached into my inventory pulling my greatsword free as I readied myself. The largest spider shot down toward me. I moved forward and swung my sword up catching the spider in its thorax. I twisted with the swing bringing the spider smashing down hard onto the ground.


    I could barely hear what sounded like an egg cracking before Danger Sense shouted at me. I jumped to my left just in time to dodge a leg aimed at my head. I stepped back towards the strike as I twisted around swinging at whatever was in range.


    My blade hacked into two legs as the spider scurried away. I propped my sword onto my shoulder as I carefully turned trying to spot where the next attack would be coming from. I caught a subtle brown glow just before an earthen spike out from the largest spider. I jumped left before using Charge.


    I raised my blade high and leapt into the air as my Charge ran out. I came down hard, blade fist onto the overgrown arachnid splitting its head in two. I twisted and heaved the blade up and out of the spider''s face just in time to have Danger Sense shout a warning moments before two legs swiped at me.


    I went bouncing back towards the entrance as my blade flew off to the side. I growled as I hopped back to my feet. My mana flowed like water filling my claws as I tracked the last two spiders only to get warned about an attack from behind.


    I dropped to the ground and rolled to my right before popping up and facing the third attacker. The smallest spider was still alive. It looked crippled but was still very much a threat. I rushed forward ducking under its jabbing limbs and lunged up at its face.


    My claws dug into its cracked carapace, ripping it apart and coating me in its ichor. I leaned back before slamming my claws deep into its face, dropping the spider for good. I rolled up onto its back and turned back, my eyes darting around to find the two mostly intact spiders.


    A movement to my right had my head snap in that direction. One of the spiders was trying to sneak over to him by crawling on the wall. I pushed ten mana into my Flame Breath spell tracking the spider as it tried to evade.


    The spider cried out in pain as its kin rushed towards me from the opposite direction. I jumped toward the flaming spider at the first scuff from behind narrowly dodging a leg sweeping toward my back.


    I pushed my body for all it was worth, my paws pounding the ground. I rushed the spider in front. It dropped to the ground and rolled around in pain putting the fire out. I reached the burnt thing just as it was getting up.


    I slammed claws extended into its cracked and burned face. My paws sunk up to my elbows before my moment died along with the Huntsman. I jumped up, placing my hind paws between its fangs, and pushed off, freeing myself just in time to have the last spider slam its leg down onto my chest, pinning me in place.


    I reached up gripping its leg, my claws cutting through its chitin. I took the leg with me as I rolled to the left dodging its lunging bite. My claws flashed out, driving into its underbelly and detaching its abdomen. I darted out from under it taking an errant blow to my back as ichor sprayed out like water from a burst pipe.


    I kept my distance from the dying spider watching as it got slower and slower before it and the flow of ichor finally stopped. I sighed heavily looking around the room for anything else that wanted to surprise me.


    Finding nothing I made my way to where my sword was sticking halfway into a bush and pulled it free. I checked over the edge wincing as it had become blunter than a two-by-four. I pushed the blade into my inventory hoping to either find a replacement or a way to re-sharpen it. My next stop was the cave entrance.


    I checked over the makeshift backpack wincing as it was singed from my first spell. I gently pulled on the straps sighing in relief as the bag held up to the light abuse. I carried my pack with me as I went about looting each spider making sure each one was down for good.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    I looted two pieces of chitin, three more bundles of silk threads, and a Beast Core from the big spider. The chitin looked to come from their abdomen by how they were curved slightly. I absorbed the Beast Core right away giddy at the thought of having its projectile spell.


    Congratulations, Basic Greatsword has leveled up. +1 to Strength


    Congratulations, Dodge has leveled up. +1 to Agility


    Congratulations, Natural Weapons has leveled up. +1 to Strength


    Congratulations you have defeated a level 1 Gigas Terra Venator Aranea. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Congratulations you have defeated a level 2 Gigas Venator Aranea. EXP has been awarded for defeating an opponent.


    Congratulations you have defeated a level 5 Gigas Venator Aranea. EXP has been awarded for defeating an opponent.


    Congratulations you have defeated a level 5 Gigas Venator Aranea. EXP has been awarded for defeating an opponent.


    Goal updated: Huntsmen defeated 5/5 rewards increased upon completion of the main goal.


    Congratulations you have learned the Ability: Armored Skin.


    Armored Skin:


    Gain slight physical damage reduction per level and a chance to reduce the severity of the damage type. *Note: only a % of damage will have its severity reduced based on ability level. the damage scale is: generic-> slashing, piercing, bludgeoning-> severing, impaling, crushing*


    With my notifications taken care of, I took the time to search through the room. The only thing I found of interest was a small pond I used to clean up and felt a bit more human. Knowing that I''d have to be here for a while I gathered up some firewood and dug a pit to put it in. Once the pit was deep enough and had a spot I could fan to add more air I filled it with the wood I gathered and placed one of the chitin pieces over it checking over my handiwork.


    I nodded to myself before lighting the wood with my Flame Breath. I took out a bit of boar meat and my salt rock. I lightly dragged a claw against the rock sprinkling salt over both sides of the pork chop. I had to wait until the chitin was hot, checking it by tossing droplets of water from the pond onto it. Once the droplets boiled away on contact I pressed the fat deposit to my makeshift pan rendering it down to coat the cooking surface. Wishing I had some bacon I ignored the heat and lay the pork chop down frying it in its own fat.


    I fanned the fire as I waited five minutes per side knowing that I could handle it being under or overdone. I took the chitin away from the fire burning my paws slightly before I set it on the dirt pile I made digging the firepit. I dug into my under-seasoned meal, happy that I at least had salt. Now done with eating I took my pan to the pond, rinsing it out and cleaning it the best I could by rubbing small rocks against its surface.


    Having done everything I wanted to do I filled back in the firepit to put out the fire. I then put away the chitin I used to cook on and sat down to meditate. I lost track of time as I watched the motes of light fill first the green and then the blue pool relatively quickly. The pool of red was only about a fourth full when I started so it was no surprise that it took so long to fill.


    I opened my eyes after the last mote fell into the crimson pool. I stretched yawning softly after I got out of the dungeon, I''d have to find somewhere safe for the night. I slipped back on my pack and headed to the last room.


    I moved slowly to the last room, my eyes darting back and forth looking for any traps or enemies. My caution turned out to be unwarranted. I looked around the entrance not spotting anything so I kept my pack on as I slipped into the room and moved from one piece of cover to the next searching the room for an opponent.


    I was about to give up on finding the enemy in the room when I froze. I was only watching the ground. Both the boar and spiders could attack from above. Slowly I moved my gaze higher until I was able to scan the ceiling. I let out a sigh of relief as the sky was clear.


    I reached back and pulled out my map looking it over. I was in the right room and if I was right it should just have an exit door, hall, or whatever it was at the back of the room. I tossed it back into my pack and went back to slowly making my way through the room.


    Well, I had found both the exit and the last rider. A goblin sat tall on his jet-black mount right in front of the exit portal. The rider was larger than the others and wore a coat of plates instead of the leather of the others. I started to drool slightly when thinking about the loot I''d get from this mob.


    There wasn''t a way for me to sneak up so I''d either have to be ready to dodge or take their charge head-on. I bounced lightly before I rushed forward pumping my mana into my front claws and teeth.


    As soon as the rider saw me he kicked his mount''s sides and aimed right for me. I pushed my body hard before using Charge as soon as they were in range. My body blurred before I slammed claws first into the giant rabbit''s head. A line of pain was cut into my back from where the rider was able to score a glancing blow.


    I moved to my right away from the rider''s weapon before I slammed my left hand through the dazed rabbit''s large eye punching into its brain and ripping it free as a shield slammed into my face and chest throwing me into a tree.


    I pulled myself away from the tree snarling as I locked eyes with the rider. The goblin got off his dead mount and pulled out a long curved blade tossing away his shield. My eye twitched as I stared at the blade with envy. I moved up and pulled my own blade free from my inventory after dropping my pack next to the tree that so lovingly caught me.


    We circled each other tossing out light cuts to test each other. I was often on the losing end of these tests. I watched the Goblin''s shoulders as I gave ground with each exchange. Slowly I started to get his rhythm down and match him strike for strike. I took a cut here or there using my high Agility, Dexterity, and Danger Sense to mitigate most of the damage while returning each cut I took for one of my own.


    I winced as I failed to dodge completely and took a bad cut to my hind leg forcing me to stay in place. I grunted as I tried something different. When our blades next met instead of going into another cut I forced his blade out to the side and let go of the grip with my right hand.


    My hand flashed out as I used another Charge to close the distance and grabbed the goblin by his collar while he was off-balance. I dropped my sword completely, my left hand grabbing the goblin''s arm and stopping it from stabbing me. I leaned up and bit through the leather protection and into its throat. My mana-infused teeth took a fist-size chunk out of its neck.


    We fell back as the goblin started to slam its free fist into my wounded leg. I howled in pain before my right hand slashed across what was left of the goblin''s throat, freeing its head from his shoulders. I panted heavily flopping onto my stomach as I let the notification fill my vision.


    Congratulations, Armored Skin has leveled up. +1 to Constitution.


    Congratulations, Basic Greatsword has leveled up[¡Á2]. +2 to Strength.


    Congratulations, Charge has leveled up. +1 to Strength.


    Congratulations, Danger Sense has leveled up. +1 to Wisdom.


    Congratulations, Pain Resistance has leveled up. +1 to Constitution.


    Congratulations you have defeated a level 3 Giant Leporem Corniger. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Congratulations you have defeated a level 4 Goblin Rider. Increased EXP has been awarded for defeating a higher-tiered opponent.


    Congratulations, your ascension is ready. Please find a safe place to ascend to a higher-tier.

 Hello my name is ____

    I was tempted to just "ascend" right now but with the enemies being able to wander the halls I knew it was a mistake. I pushed my notifications to the side, holding off for now. I hobbled my way back to the two swords on the ground.


    My hands shook slightly as I bent and picked up the mostly undamaged goblin greatsword. Only to have the blade burst into light fading away. A new notification blinked lightly in my vision snapping me out of the rage that was building.


    Note: Dungeon-created weapons and armor only have a percentage chance of dropping. To raise this chance level appropriate skills or gain Title.


    Note: Titles can be earned through completing quests, clearing dungeons, reaching milestones, inherited, etc.


    I swore softly under my breath as I grabbed my battered sword, shoving it into my inventory before I slapped the goblin rider''s chest thinking ''loot.'' The goblin broke into light. A whetstone was resting on top of the chest armor.


    I immediately snatched up the armor pulling it into my chest. It was only the chest piece missing the shoulders and arm guards the goblin had but some armor was better than no armor. It took me turning the armor this way and then that to find that it had the straps on the right side.


    I put on my new armor, my tail flicking in excitement as it rippled and shifted, fitting itself perfectly to me once I had the last strap tightened. I let out a low whistle rubbing my hands up and down the armor as I tested my movements in it. It was a bit awkward but in time I''d have to get used to the weight. It about doubled my weight which wasn''t saying much since I was about four pounds now. I finally outweighed my sword after the boosts to my strength and constitution.


    Feeling less vulnerable I grabbed the whetstone and moved over to the small pond that always seemed to appear after I killed everything in the room. I put the stone in the water. I nodded to myself as I saw small bubbles float up from the stone.


    I went back to the rabbit and cut its horn free, nibbling on it as I looted the rest of the body only getting its pelt. I shrugged as the horn fully dissolved before going back to the pond.


    I pulled back out of my greatsword. I sat down pulling the dripping whetstone out after the bubbles stopped. I followed what remained of the previous edge to re-sharpen the sword. I made sure to use the full surface of the stone to avoid creating dips or unevenness in the surface of the stone. I found myself falling into meditation as I dragged the stone across the blade, switched to the other side of the blade, and repeated.


    I''m not sure how much time went by as I sharpened my sword back to its razor edge or at least as close as I could get it. I tested the edge with my thumb nodding to myself as I looked the blade over. To my surprise, the edge was even and had no major flaws to it. I rinsed the stone off and was happy to see that it was still damp to the touch. I pushed my newly sharpened sword into my inventory.


    I felt much better as I got up most of the shallow cuts have healed leaving only the gash in my leg. I tested my weight and it held up but I could tell I wouldn''t be running at full speed any time soon. I made my way to my pack tapping my chin as I wasn''t sure what to do with the whetstone. I didn''t want to just toss it into my backpack and potentially get damaged as I moved about but what would I be willing to risk getting damaged or lost.


    Not having a better option as the pelts would take up too much space I took my salt rock out. I placed it into my pack before, slipping my whetstone into my inventory. I pulled my pack back on before checking my health.


    Health: 81/120 Stamina: 120/120 Mana: 170/170


    Not as good as it could be but not as bad as what I started with. I stretched yawning softly as I made my way out of the dungeon. My eyes darted around taking in the scene around me. The area had changed in the hours? Days? I was in the dungeon. Campsite dotted the area around the entrance and the trees had been cut back creating a clearing and road headed out of the forest. Multiple eyes locked onto me from adventures that were watching the dungeon exit.


    "Um¡­Hello."


    I waved, giving them my best smile to put everyone at ease. People dressed in what I could only describe as wizard gear jumped to their feet with a fire burning in their eyes.


    "Did that beast just talk?"


    "Quick catch it before it gets away!"


    ''Fuck!''


    I darted off to my left pushing my wounded leg for all it was worth. I had to dodge random arrows and spells that aimed to slow me down or herd me towards big burly looking adventures. I was forced to use Charge three times back to back to escape the firelight and fade into the shadows of the forest.


    I darted up a tree going higher than I''d prefer to better put distance between myself and the zealous adventures. I had to slow down as the cut in my leg started to bleed again. I panted softly laying down on a branch.


    I looked around at the nearby trees for a spot to rest while my ears swiveled tracking any sounds. I got back up making my way to a tree that had a hollow a few benched lower than where I currently was.


    I gathered small branches and twigs as I went. Once I was at the hollow I started to build a nest inside it blocking off the entrance. I stuck sharpened spikes through the weave before I turned my attention to the inside of the hollow. I scratched at the wood carving more space for myself. I made sure to give myself twice the room I needed in case my ascension to a higher tier doubled my size.


    I took my backpack and armor off after lining my temporary home in furs to act as bedding. I laid down using a rolled-up rabbit pelt as a pillow before I opened back up my waiting notification and pushed on with my ascension.


    Congratulations, your ascension is ready. Please find a safe place to ascend to a higher-tier.


    Ascend now? [Yes/No]


    Races available:


    Dire Primae Nigrum Sciurus: bigger, stronger, faster. Everything you are but more only alphas are your betters. Strength +5, Dexterity +4, your size doubles.


    Fey-touched Primae Nigrum Sciurus: you have been touched by the magic of Farie and made it your own. +5 Intelligence, +5 wisdom, gain one spell related to the fey.


    Primus Ignis Sciurus: embrace the flames within and burn away all that stands before you. +5 Intelligence, +5 Wisdom, gain Skill: Pyrokinesis


    Primae Sciurian: forgo your beastly nature and return partially to what your soul is. +3 intelligence, +3 wisdom, gain access to the class system, adjust proportions to that of humans, become denser, immunity to all fall damage reduced to feather fall 30ft. *Note This is a new race as such the path to ascension is unclear*


    I quickly smashed the Primus Sciurian option already going a bit crazier than I already was. In my defense, I''m sure everyone would have gone at least a little mad from having their day-to-day be fighting, eating, hiding, sleeping, repeat with no one and nothing to talk to.


    Golden motes burst into life surrounding my body before flying into me. My body went rigid before my bones snapped, muscles tore and tendons stretched. My vision darkened around the edges before I thankfully passed out from the pain as everything shifted and moved around.


    I woke up untold hours later feeling drained and famished. I ignored the notifications blinking away in the corner of my vision to stuff my face. Pound after pound of pork was ripped into and choked down until finally, I started to feel more like myself.


    I took a glance at my inventory and winced as all my pork stockpile was burned through to help full my body''s change. On the upside, I had room in my Inventory for my salt again. Then the change caught my attention. My inventory had changed from two rows of five boxes to four rows of five doubling the number of items I could store without worries.


    I went to sit up and was slightly saddened that I had only grown about five inches putting me at two feet nine inches overall. My fur was the same shiny black with dark blue patterns. As I moved around I noticed that I was a lot heavier than before. I''d have to head outside to test it but it felt as though I only lost a bit of mobility to the increased weight.


    I looked down at my hands turning them this way and then that. My claws were still there. They were shorter and a bit blunter. Overall they were better for using tools while still being useful as weapons. I''d have to find a pond or mirror to check what changed with my head but it didn''t feel like much change as I poked at it.


    I grabbed my armor putting it on much easier than before and watched as once again it adjusted to fit my new proportions. My arms stayed the same length but my torso had shrunk, while my legs stretched out and shifted their structure from quadruple to bipedal. My tail was still there thank goodness but it was shifted a bit higher up due to my pelvis changing shape.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    I sat back down and leaned against the hollow''s wall turning my full attention back to my notifications.


    Congratulations you have successfully ascended to a higher tier.


    ***WORLD ANNOUNCEMENT***


    Rejoice all who walk the path a new race has joined the world through the efforts of an individual. The gods have seen it fit that this race flourish. Beasts from its base race are being elevated. A new God is being born to watch over these people.


    Welcome to the System Squirrelfolk.


    Congratulations Title: Progenitor received. You are the progenitors of a new race. All those of your race will hold you in high regard. Stand tall for your actions will be reflected on all your race. Worry not for your people as the gods have gifted them not only their own language but also that of the common language of the region they''re in.


    Congratulations, you have learned Sciurish. This is your Races specific language as such NO EXP has been awarded.


    Goals updated:


    riders defeated 5/5


    Find the exit: complete


    Assessing dungeon run [¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö______]


    Assessment completed. Three goals were completed. Additional rewards added


    Rewards:


    Title granted: Dungeon Delver


    5 SC [silver coins]


    Huntsman''s Bow


    Rider''s Lucky Charm


    Congratulations, you have reached adulthood and are able to pick a class. *Note classes help shape your path but do not define it. Classes start off basic but will evolve at key milestones.*


    Classes available: Fighter, Mage, Monk, Ranger, Rogue, Scout


    Congratulations you have chosen to become a Fighter! Fighters change from one to the next. You''d be hard-pressed to find two that are the same but, all Fighters are good at getting hit and hitting back harder. While they can use most weapons they excel when they focus on one.


    Health and Stamina formulas have been changed.


    Stats per level changed


    +1 Ability point. *Note:Ability points are used to buy abilities that are unlocked based on your stats, skills, and their level*


    A small list of abilities popped up for me to choose from. There were a few that looked interesting I was especially curious about an Ability called Imbue Blade but it and many of the better-looking ones were grayed out hinting that although I had the skills and stats for them there was some other prerequisite I was missing or I just didn''t have enough points. It was hard to tell.


    I ended up grabbing Weapon Focus [Greatsword]. It was a generic ability that I could take multiple times for different weapons. It would increase my skill gains with the weapon of my choice. If it was anything like D&D then it was the start of a line of abilities but that was for later.


    With my Class taken care of, my Status popped up with the empty space for my name blinking. I rubbed my jaw with my right hand as my left drummed against my forearm. I always sucked with names and for the life of me, I couldn''t remember my name from before I got to this world.


    I could always go with a famous squirrel from mythology but that seemed like a bad idea just in case they turned out to be real. In the end, I went with a name that was still kicking around from Ancient Greece.


    Status


    Name: Theseus


    Race: Primae Sciurus [Primal Squirrelfolk]


    Class: Fighter


    Level: 1


    Titles: Dungeon Delver, Progenitor


    Health:240/240 Stamina:180/180 Mana:200/200


    Strength: 15


    Agility: 18


    Dexterity: 21


    Constitution: 12


    Intelligence: 20


    Wisdom: 22


    Skills:


    Acrobatics level 2


    Analyze level 2


    Basic Greatsword level 4


    Basic Leather Crafting level 1


    Basic Spear level 1


    Cooking level 6


    Dodge level 3


    Fire Resistance level 1


    Harvesting level 1


    Meditation level 6


    Natural Weapons level 3


    Pain Resistance level 3


    Ranger level 2


    Weapons Crafting level:1


    Abilities:


    Armored Skin Level: 2


    Charge Level: 3


    Danger Sense level:2


    Feather Fall Level: 3


    Tongues level: 2


    Weapon Focus [Greatsword]


    Spells:


    Flame Breath Level 2


    Imbue Natural Weapons Level 2


    I looked over my new status, happy with everything the new changes. I walked over to my pack looking it over. I should just scrap the ugly thing. It was half burnt and had rips in place I didn''t remember getting.


    Instead of tossing the bag aside, I slipped it into my inventory along with all of the things I had scattered around. After securing my things I took out Hunter''s Bow and Rider''s Lucky Charm. The bow was a beautiful thing that looked to be made from the legs of the Huntsman spiders with a string made of spider silk.


    I gently tugged on the bowstring smiling at the resistance. It seemed like the bow would last me a while if I ever got arrows to go with it. The Rider''s Lucky Charm was a black rabbit''s foot on a leather necklace. I slipped the charm around my neck and under my armor after Analyze on both items.


    Rider''s Lucky Charm:


    Slightly increased the odds of retrieving higher grade items from looting.


    Hunter''s Bow:


    A Good quality bow that is hard to damage and ready for enchanting.


    I stashed the bow back into my inventory. I pulled part of my blockade away from the hollow''s entrance and watched as the sun slowly peaked above the horizon. I smiled to myself watching as the sun slowly rose above the forest.

 The Path More Traveled

    I looked out over the forest knowing that I''ll have to make my way back here especially to fully take down Oberon''s Hunting Ground. Hopefully, the next time I get back I''ll have a team with me to help explore the woods. I pulled the rest of my nest apart and carefully made my way to the branches.


    I tested my weight on each branch having to move lower and lower until I was at the thicker branches near the base of the tree. While some of the other branches would hold my weight if I wanted to jump to other branches without plotting out a path then this was the best route for me.


    It was a bit odd running along and jumping from branch to branch only on two legs. I hummed softly before trying to go back to quadrupedal movements and found it just as easy as running upright. It would appear my body had more in common with primates than humans.


    I made my way back to the tent city that the adventures had set up by the dungeon. I kept my ears and eyes open not only for dangers but others of my kind. I spotted a few normal squirrels the closer I got to the dungeon but nothing of the new race. Part of me wondered just how many there were or if any were close by.


    If I truly had to find out I could always try praying to my race''s patron god. That thought sat heavy in my mind. Gods were real here and the system had the power to create new gods.


    ''Just how strong was the system? I shook my head refocusing on my current task. I had to take things one step at a time. I could worry about the Gods if and or when one showed up.''


    As I got more comfortable with my new body I moved to the higher branches. I was about twenty feet up in the air by the time I arrived back at the clearing. I sat down on my branch watching the laziest adventures start to wake up and join everyone else already hard at work. They had made quite a lot of progress in one day. The start of a wall was already taking form.


    I hadn''t noticed it when I ran away yesterday but as I watched I noticed the tent city had three separate groups that made it up. First and most obvious were the adventures. The second was a group that was similar to the adventures being kitted out in armor and weapons but they were all wearing different versions of a uniform. My current guess was soldiers or a guild.


    The last group didn''t have any weapons or armor to speak of instead they had tools and looked to be going about building permanent buildings. While each group had multiple different races it looked as though humans outnumbered the other races two to one.


    Having made sure, to the best of my ability, that the city I''d be headed towards was welcoming to all races I followed the road that had been cleared. I dropped down to just ten feet above the ground as I made my way above the rough road.


    I had lost track of time as I made my way from one branch to the next. The road I was following had wound its way through the woods before meeting up with another road. I had hopped down to the ground checking out the road crossing sign only to belatedly remember that although I could speak the language I was completely illiterate.


    I looked down at each path trying to make out which direction just had the hoard of adventures leave. Unfortunately for me, the road was hard-packed and my little to no tracking skills even enhanced by the system weren''t enough to figure it out. I pulled out a copper coin, one side had the face of a woman I didn''t know while the other side had a crown made of antlers.


    ''Heads I go right, crown I go left.''


    The coin just seemed wrong in my hands, it being about an inch in diameter. I held it in both hands before tossing it up by one edge causing it to flip around as it flew up into the air. The polished copper caught the light as it hit the ground bouncing once, twice, thrice before settling down heads up. I nodded to myself, slipping the coin back into my inventory before I decided to walk down the road for a time.


    It was still odd for me to be so small and in moments of travel I wish I had the long legs of my past life that eat up the distance. I stopped walking and stretched out my body to loosen up my muscles and prepare my body for what was about to happen. I got down in a runner''s stance, my tail flicked side to side before I took off like an arrow pushing my new body to run as fast as it could.


    The claws on my, still very squirrel-like, feet dug into the ground giving me the extra traction to push off the ground with my full strength. I leaned forward taking a running position that had more in common with speed skaters than runners. My tail acted as a counterbalance keeping me from falling onto my face. Each step pushed me faster than the last until the trees blurred as I passed them.


    I burst out laughing, finally being able to make the most of high Agility and Dexterity without my body feeling like it was about to be torn apart. My lungs heaved as my stamina slowly ticked down. I pulled back from a dead sprint to more of a light jog once my stamina hit half. My body took on a more traditional form as I slowed down.


    From my little test, I was no longer worried about having to keep up with the taller races. Besides, if they ever did start to outpace me I could always just ride on their shoulder. I kept up my jog for the better part of the day. It was a few hours after noon that I found a good place to stop and make a fire to cook my lunch.


    The spot I found looked to be an old campsite with a firepit set off from the road. I gathered up some deadfall and made a small fire around a flat rock I placed in the pit. I waited until the flames died away and I was left with the coals. I put a rabbit steak on the hot rock after salting it.


    I watched the meat sizzle and pop tapping my foot as I waited for it to cook. After five or so minutes I flipped the steak using only my claws holding back a wince of pain as hot grease splattered against my fur. I darted my glance around as my ears started to pick something up.


    I dragged my eyes back to the rabbit steak plucking it off the hot rock. I tore into it ignoring the hot grease as it coated the fur around my mouth. My ears twitched as they picked up the sound of hoofbeats coming up the road. I pulled out my backpack using the fur lining to clean up before shoving it back into my inventory and tossing dirt onto the fire putting it out.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    I made my way back to the road and waited for whoever was coming, luckily for me it wasn''t long before I spotted a wagon being pulled by a horse. A gnome wearing a cloak was driving the wagon as two humans sat in the wagon. The driver pulled up on the reins once they saw me. I took a few steps further on the road and waved at the wagoner.


    Both humans hopped out of the wagon and moved closer. I ideally noted that the one on the right was a woman. She stood about five feet even wearing leather armor. A quiver was on her right hip with what to her was a short sword on her left.


    The other human was a man about half a foot taller than his female counterpart. He was wearing chainmail over padded cloth armor from the looks of it with a shield in his right hand and a mace on his hip. They stopped ten feet away from me looking a bit puzzled.


    "Hello, friends, I''m Theseus. Would you be able to tell me where this road leads?" I asked


    "Hello, Theseus. Are you by chance a member of the new race?" Asked the male


    "Yes, I am. As such I''m not that familiar with where the roads lead or the names of cities." I replied


    "We''re headed to Sherwood. It''s a trade city, just a few hours travel by wagon." Said the woman


    "Is there a chance I could get a ride on your wagon? I don''t have much but I can pay for the trip." I said


    "I told you Jareld! It''s the same squirrel that popped out of the dungeon yesterday. You are the same one right?" The woman said.


    "Emma, it''s none of our business. Let Theseus have his secrets." Jareld scolded his company before turning back to me. "You''re more than welcome to catch a ride with us. It''s the least we could do to help out someone just starting out. As you probably figured out I''m Jareld and our excited archer here is Emma."


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you all now that no one''s trying to catch me. What was that all about anyway?" I asked as we walked back to the wagon.


    "Oh that. Everyone thought that a dungeon break was going to happen but then when it was just you and you started talking it made all the mages want you as a familiar. It''s a good thing you got away. I think a few are still hunting for you but it''s too late now." Emma explained.


    "Okay. I''m guessing you all are going on a supply run." I suggest. I had to reach up and grab the wagon''s floor before pulling myself up and into it.


    "Something like that." Jareld said.


    Unsure where to take the conversation from there I just let it die and turned my attention back to our surroundings. I wrapped my tail around my waist and started to run my fingers through it in an attempt to keep myself busy. The unnamed gnome gently flicked the reins getting the wagon up and rolling again.


    Luckily for me, the burden of restarting the conversation did not wholly rest on my shoulders. If it did I was sure we''d endure a long awkward and quiet ride.


    "So what do you remember of being a beast? Do you remember anything about the dungeon?" Emma asked


    I scratched lightly at the back of my neck deciding to stretch the truth a bit.


    "I only remember the last few days. Most of that time was spent getting stronger and trying to flee from a pack of wolves. I remember everything from the dungeon but I avoided taking on the boss. I''m not sure how much help I''ll be, besides I followed a group to the dungeon and they went in first. I''m sure they''d be of more help." I said


    Emma just waved my comments off as she continued.


    "Yea but they''re only going to report to the guild and their friends. We''ll only get the bare basics of what to look out for, not the story."


    I gently rubbed my chin as I ducked my head in thought. I''d have to edit a few things but I didn''t see the harm in letting them know what they could get into. We spent the rest of the ride with me telling them of my experience in the dungeon with Emma asking questions now and then whenever I was a bit lacking in detail. I was able to keep the fact I was a traveler to myself passing off my knowledge of their language as a reward from the dungeon.


    I was able to slip a few of my own questions in learning that it''s ten copper coins to a silver coin and ten silver coins to a gold coin. They also told me that the best shops were those endorsed by the crown but they were sometimes more expensive. You could identify these shops by their signs having a crown at the bottom right.


    Most importantly I learned that while everyone has an inventory there were some classes and abilities that would greatly expand it. From what I was told most people just kept their most valuable items in it along with supplies if they were going to leave the city. I still had some ideas I wanted to test out to find the limits.


    Before I knew how it happened two hours had come and gone. We were just a few minutes out from Sherwood. I turned my attention to our surroundings, a smile coming across my face as we passed farmers working in their fields. I leaned out of the wagon a bit, getting a better look at the city through the open gate.


    We joined a line of other wagons entering the city. Jareld and Emma both pulled badges out and pinned them to their chest. I leaned in getting a better look. Both badges had the same basic shape of a shield. Each badge had different symbols on them and was made of different materials. Emma''s badge was made of iron while Jerald''s looked to be copper or bronze.


    Once it was our turn the guards were a bit surprised and did a double-take once they noticed me. They ended up just waving us through once Emma cleared her throat. I turned to Emma.


    "Do all guild members get waved through?" I asked


    "Normally yes but there are times when we get stopped and questioned. The guards are mostly there to keep order and to look out for any criminals. I''m sure they were just surprised to see a member of the newly announced race. I''d get used to people staring. It should go away after your people interact with others more but right now we''ve only seen you." Emma explained.


    I gave her a nod acknowledging that I''d just have to ignore people''s stares. I rode with them back to the guild my excitement building. Emma and Jerald exchanged glances once I started to bounce slightly in place my fingers running through the fur on my tail.


    "Theseus is everything okay?" Jareld asked.


    "Yes. I''m just a bit excited. I''m hoping to join the guild and get some training. What do you have to do to join?" I said.


    "Joining is simple you just pay a fee of one silver. For training, you''ll have to find someone willing to take you under their wing or you can sign up for some basic classes but those aren''t that great. Your best bet is to rent time at the training ground to build up your skills." Jareld replied.


    "Thank you I''ll keep that in mind hopefully I''ll be able to find someone willing to train me." I said.


    The wagon pulled up in front of a large three-story brick building. I followed Emma and Jerald out of the wagon before it took off with our silent driver towards the back of the building. Emma and Jareld waved me off as they headed to a side entrance for guild members. I took a deep breath before trying to relax. I made my way to the front door pushing it open easily.

 Registration

    I''m not sure what I was expecting the guild to look like but I''m sure it wasn''t what I found. The door swung in revealing a rather large reception area. The room was pretty well furnished having enough seating for twenty people. At the far end was a desk with a receptionist sitting behind it. The receptionist was a rather well-dressed male elf that was currently helping out a client.


    I looked around the room noting that the seats had numbers carved into the armrests. I made my way over to the first chair quickly finding a built-in ladder that made it rather easy to seat myself if the large chair. I curled my tail around my waist doing my best to ignore the conversation happening ten feet away.


    I had to hold onto my tail to keep it from reacting. I forced myself to focus on my tail and fur. My fur was matted, stained, and had dirt dulling its shine. I resolved to buy a bath and brush. What surprised me was Emma and Jareld didn''t say anything about my appearance. My hands twitched to brush out my fur but I forced them to stop once I remembered where I was.


    Footsteps followed by a gasp had my head snap in the direction of the noise. I gave my best smile and a wave to the scaled woman. Her face was a mask of worry, her finger picking at her sleeves. I slid off my chair and made my way around the woman and up to the desk. I climbed up a platform that was placed to the left of the receptionist.


    "Hello, how can the guild help you today?" The receptionist asked


    "I''d like to join the guild." I said as I pulled a silver coin out of my inventory and slid it over to the man.


    "Certainly. I just needed you to put your hand on this and accept the prompt."


    The receptionist placed a box made of crystal on the countertop. I let out a soft whistle as I reached out and placed my hand on the top of the box. A notification forced itself into my vision.


    You have found a guild node.


    Would you like to join "Adventurer''s Guild"? [Yes/No]


    I mentally hit ''Yes''. I felt something prick in my palm and pulled my hand back. I looked at my palm seeing a long thin cut that was already healing over. I looked back at the receptionist about to ask about the cut when the box opened. Inside sat a wooden badge just like the ones Emma and Jareld wore.


    At a nod from the receptionist, I picked up the badge and ran my thumb over it. I looked at the back and studied a glyph engraved on it.


    "You just need to press it to where you want it. The badges are enchanted with a few things they can''t be lost, will fix any damage done, will record accomplishments, and a few other things I''ll let you find out. To grow in ranks you have to complete quests. Once you''ve completed the right number you''ll have the chance to take a quest of a higher rank that will be supervised if you''re successful your badge be updated to reflect your new rank." The receptionist said before I could ask my questions.


    He gestured at a door set off to his left before continuing. "You can go into the guild proper now either through that door or from outside. Is there anything else I can help you with?"


    "Where''s a place I can get a bath?" I asked.


    He chuckled and gave a nod. "The guild provides room and board for all its members for a discounted price."


    "Thank you. I think that''s everything for now." I said.


    I hopped off the platform and made my way across the room and through the door leading deeper into the guild. The room was huge compared to the welcoming area. A pillar was standing in the middle of the room with tables spread out around it. Off to the left of the room was a desk large enough for three attendances to sit at. A staircase was set off to the side of them headed upstairs and a bar was set in the back of the room.


    I spotted a few people sitting down and chatting between themselves while servers moved from table to table dropping off new drinks only to slip through a door I could only assume led to the kitchen. I made my way to the desk at the back of the guild with my wooden badge on display over my left pectoral. I walked directly up to the attendance with a raised platform in front of them. I hopped up onto the platform and smiled kindly at the beautiful human woman.


    "Umm¡­.hi. Yes Hello. I''m Theseus. I just joined the guild. It''s nice to meet you." I stammered and blurted out.


    ''SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!'' I screamed inside my head. She gods bless her chose to ignore the foot I shoved into my mouth.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "Hello, Theseus. How may I help you? Are you here to turn in quest items or sell monster parts?"


    "Yes, that. I''d like to sell something to the guild." I said.


    I started to pat where my pockets should be only to stop myself and pull the map out of my inventory.


    "I was in Oberon''s Hunting Ground and got this map from a hidden room after beating its guardian. I also have some giant horned rabbit meat and pelts I''d like to sell. Oh, I also need a room and bath." I said finally getting my brain to kick into gear.


    "We can certainly help with all of that. First how long did you want to rent the room for? It''s one silver a night for guild members." She asked.


    "Well I''m not sure how long I''m going to stay in the city so let''s just do the one night for now." I answered.


    "Very good. Now please place the items you''d like to sell in this box please." She placed a strange box on the table.


    I looked down at the roughly shoe size box only to see the opening was pitch black. I placed my hand on the box and brought up my inventory. Two grids popped up in my view on the right was my inventory and on the left was an empty grid that looked to have about one hundred boxes. I let out a soft whistle as the size of the transfer box.


    I split up the rabbit meat keeping twenty pounds of it. I also put in the map, all four of the rabbit pelts, both spider chitin plates, the four spools of spider silk, the boar hide, the weasel pelt, and all twenty flame-touched feathers. I decided that if I was going to craft items for myself it would be after I got training to do so and since most of my crafting materials were rather common I''d only keep the jewel of my collection The Essence of Night. I closed both inventories and rubbed the back of my neck.


    "I may have forgotten a few things I wanted to sell." I explained.


    "It''s fine. That happens to everyone. Let me just go through everything and I''ll get you your money minus the one silver for your room. Would you like a receipt?" She reassured


    "Yes please." I said.


    The receptionist nodded and pulled out a pad of paper along with a book. She would write notes down before flipping through the book and noting the price of each item, taking more notes. It took about five minutes for her to find and double-check each item. She took out a new piece of paper cleaning up her notes before sliding the paper over to me along with the box.


    129 lbs of Rabbit meat +12 gold 9 silver


    1 Map of Oberon''s Hunting Ground +50 gold


    4 Giant Rabbit pelts +2 gold


    2 Spider chitin plates +5 gold


    4 Spools of spider silk +8 gold


    1 Boar hide +1 gold


    1 Weasel pelt +5 copper


    20 Flame-touched feathers +20 gold


    One night stay at guild rates -1 silver


    Total: 143 gold 8 silver 5 copper


    My mouth went a bit dry at the total and flicked my eyes back up to the attendance.


    "H-how wealthy am I?" I asked


    "Well Theseus if all you did was live in an inn you could take most of the year off or about four years in the guild but we kick members out if they don''t complete quests at least once a month." She explained.


    "Thank you, Mis. You''ve been a great help." I said.


    I opened up the box''s inventory and pulled the coins and a key from there into my inventory. I pulled the key out checking the number. The key had two hundred eleven engraved on its stem. I smiled and pushed over a gold coin to the attendance.


    "For all the help. I really appreciate it being new to this whole thing and all." I said


    She took the gold coin smiling softly and gave me a curt nod. I hopped down from the platform and headed up the stairs looking for my room. Once I was on the second floor I found to my surprise that about a fourth of the doors were sized for someone of my short stature.


    I made my way over to the shorter doors and quickly found my room. Unlocking it I stepped inside before closing the door behind me. The room was small but that was to be expected. Just eyeing it I''d say the bedroom was about six feet by five feet. There was plenty of room for myself being just a few inches shy of three feet tall with my shoulder being about nine and a half inches wide. At the back of the room, was a door that opened into a full bathroom with a tub that looked like it would easily fit me. Apparently being small did come with some perks after all.


    I luckily didn''t have to hull bucks to fill up the tub as the guild at least had indoor plumbing. I filled the bath with steaming hot water and took my armor off before slipping in and enjoying finally getting clean.


    I scrubbed away at my fur for what seemed like hours getting the dried blood and dirt free having to refill the tub twice. After my much-needed bath, I turned my efforts of cleanliness to my armor and greatsword, washing the dirt off my armor and re-sharpening my blade to the best of my abilities. With cleaning complete I stored both in my inventory and collapsed on the bed wrapping my arms around my tail and slowly drifting off to sleep.

 Shopping Spree

    I slowly woke up my mind and body, trying their best to drag me back into Hypnos''s soft embrace. I forced myself to roll off the edge of the bed and fall to the ground, the impact fully waking me up. I got up off the floor and walked over to the bathroom, splashing cold water into my face to clean it. Once I was ready for the day, I put on my armor and bounced lightly to get it to sit right.


    A thought struck me that I never used Analyze on my armor or sword. I took my sword out of inventory to rectify that fact.


    Goblin Greatsword:


    Common item


    Damage +3


    Brigandine:


    Common item


    Armor +5


    I sighed, suspecting that they were both pretty bad. I put my sword away and double-checked that I had everything before I headed downstairs. I found a section of tables my size to sit at. I only had to wait a bit before what I was guessing was a gnome barmaid walked over smiling. She set down a fork and spoon before turning her attention to me.


    "Hello, sugar. I''m Amy. We have porridge with sausage or eggs and fresh bread. Which would you like?"


    "I''ll go with the porridge. Can I get milk with that?"


    "Sure thing, hun. When you''re done, just go ahead and bring your room key to the desk; they''ll get you sorted out."


    She pulled a plate out of her inventory, set it down in front of me, and did the same with a mug of water before walking away. Steam rose off the plate as I started to tuck into my food using my claws as a knife. I kept building a list of things I needed to buy. Once I ate my fill, I patted the armor over my stomach and looked at my furry legs, the first item on my list: pants.


    I got up from my table, finishing off my mug, before I walked over to an attendant. I smiled softly at the well-dressed man and set the key to my room on his desk.


    "Is there anything else I can help you with?" He asked.


    "Not right now. Thank you, and enjoy the rest of your day." I replied.


    "Good luck on your adventures." He said


    I nodded, smiling warmly, before I walked away and headed out of the guild with my badge still displayed proudly on my chest. I walked through the bustling main street, my eyes darting from sign to sign as I moved with the flow of early-morning shoppers. After a few minutes of searching, I saw a sign with a needle and thread with a crown on the bottom right. I darted between people pulling away from the crowd as I made my way into the tailor''s shop.


    A small bell rang as I walked into the shop. At the back of the shop was a desk where a man with thin silver hair sat. Behind him, the wall was covered in different fabrics; one side of the room had shirts and pants in cubbies and three doors on the other side. I walked deeper into the store, looking through the different fabrics and wondering where they all came from.


    "Oh, isn''t this a treat? What can this old man help you with?"


    "Hello, can I get two shirts and pants? I''m not looking to get anything custom; just whatever you have on hand will be fine."


    The old man gently tapped the countertop as he thought. He waved me to follow him as he ducked into the rows of cubbies. He gestured at a section of cubbies.


    "These are for lizardfolk children. Their kids are about your size, their tails come out at around the same spot, and they share your same leg structure. It won''t be perfect, but it should fit well enough. If you''d like my suggestions, I''d go with a leather set for the road and something more comfortable for the city."


    "Thank you, sir. I think I''ll take your advice." I replied


    I looked through the styles and fabrics of clothes, settling on a better-fitting plain leather set for my road clothes and a slightly baggy set of velvet clothes that was a dark, rich blue with black patterns. I had to stop my old habit of rubbing silky things together when I gently tested the fabric. I looked over at the tailor, smiling softly.


    "Could I get these, a wool cloak and a square of whatever that set is made from?" I pointed to a set of clothes that tripped that feeling the most.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "Yes, I can do that for you. Let''s go back to the desk, and I can show you the different styles of cloaks we have." He replied.


    I followed him back to the counter, setting the clothes on it. He pulled out a wooden board with several designs on it. I ended up going with a dark green hooded cloak that stopped just past my hips with slits that ran from the hem up to my armpit, giving my arms free movement. The total for everything I bought came to ten gold. I went into one of the rooms, changed into traveling clothes, and put on my cloak. The pants were the only thing I had a bit of trouble with as they had leather strips lacing up the back from the tail hole. I had to blindly tighten and tie them without help or practice.


    With my other items in my inventory, I headed out of the shop and made my way down the street with my hood down. I pushed my way into a crowd-sanctioned bowyer. There, I bought a shoulder quiver and thirty arrows from a quiet elven man for two gold. It took me a while before I heard the tell-tale sounds of smithing and followed it to my next stop.


    The shop had racks of weapons on each wall, armor stands, and a Draco Sanguinis behind the counter. They were smaller and leaner than the one I had seen in the forest, what felt like last week. I walked up to the counter and smiled softly at the attendant.


    "Welcome to the Dragon''s Forge. How may we help you today?" Their voice thrummed so low I could feel it reverberate off my bones, making me a bit ill.


    "I''m looking for some upgrades to what I already have. Hopefully, with armor that won''t restrict my movements, and I''d like to keep with a curved sword about the same size." I replied while setting my greatsword and brigandine armor onto the countertop.


    The shopkeeper took a bit to review the items I had worked so hard for. They tilted their head from side to side before eyeing me. I felt a tingling sensation run down my body as the shopkeeper eyed me.


    "We''ve got something that will work for you. Did you want to sell these?" They asked


    "Yes, I would. Oh, and I''ll sell this too." I replied as I set The Essence of Night on the counter.


    That got a raised eye ridge from the shopkeeper, but they just headed into the back of the shop, returning five minutes later. They set a breastplate, pauldrons, rerebraces, vambraces, and gauntlets onto my brigandine before setting what looked like a khopesh made from steel with a modified handle. I used Analyze on everything.


    Half-plate armor set


    Common item


    Armor +25


    Steel Khopesh [Greatsword]


    Uncommon item


    Damage +15


    "Your brigandine is a fine enough base layer with the added plate on top of it; you''ll be fine until you gain enough levels for better armor. Unfortunately, any helmet would have to be custom-made. I can put you on the list, but it will take some time. If you want a curved greatsword, the khopesh is all we have in your size right now." They said.


    "I''ll take what''s here. I''ll have to pick up a helmet at a later date. How much do I owe you?"


    "With you keeping the brigandine and selling that gem, we''ll call it fifty gold, and I''ll toss in a belt dagger. Agreed?" They said while setting a dirk down next to the khopesh


    "Agreed," I replied.


    I winced as I put the gold on the countertop before putting on my new armor set, tugging everything in place and getting used to how it sat on my body. The khopesh''s scabbard had a slit running about half its length, allowing me to draw it from my back with a bit of practice. I stuffed my cloak into my inventory. I had the belt the dirk came with wrapped around my waist and angled it so my left hand would naturally rest on its handle. I had come to terms with the fact that I''d have to change my setup if I wanted to wear my cloak and things on my back.


    I waved goodbye to the shopkeeper as I moved out of the shop. I headed to my last shop of the day, the crowd giving me a bit of space now that I looked somewhat impressive in my new armor. It took me longer to find the last store I wanted to visit, but just as it turned to midday, I found a general store. There, I was helped by a young human girl and got a sewing kit, leather worker tools, fifty feet of rope, a ten-foot pole, a tent, a bedroll, a hatchet, and a waterskin for twenty-three gold and four silver.


    With my shopping done, I went back to the guild and rented a room for the night, feeling a bit rung out from the constant glances and whispered comments people made when they caught sight of me. I walked into my room and pulled my backpack out of my inventory with my leather working tools. With a rough idea in mind, I got to work taking apart the backpack and turning it into two half-decent belt pouches. Thanks to my efforts, I was able to level up my basic leather crafting, gaining another point in Dexterity.


    With my crafting done, I put the square of fabric I bought into one of the pouches while tossing what little scraps I had left into a trash bin before I headed back downstairs to grab dinner. To my surprise, I got the same bubbly server from the morning.


    "Welcome back, hun. Did you have fun shopping?" She asked


    "How did¡­oh right, I''m still in my new armor. Yes, I did, but I could have gone without spending most of my money." I replied, half tempted to facepalm.


    "Haha, ain''t that the truth. Well, tonight we''ve got a rabbit stew or pork with mashed potatoes and gravy." She said.


    "I''ll take the pork and some cider if you have any." I said.


    She nodded and set a steaming plate in front of me along with a mug.


    "Enjoy." She smiled before heading off to another table.


    I tucked into my meal the cider pairing well with the pork and brown gravy, bringing sweetness to the hearty meal. Once my food was finished I leaned back in my seat and sipped at my cider, taking the drink slowly as I wasn''t too sure how well my body would handle the alcohol. To my relief, I only started to feel a light buzz as I finished off my drink.


    I went to stand up only to have the room tilt as I stood. I swayed slightly as I waited to regain my balance. Slowly, I made my way across the room, relying on my tail for extra balance. I made my way up the stairs  stumbled into my room, and passed out as I fell face-first onto the bed.

 Rat Swarm

    My body let me know just how much it didn''t enjoy me sleeping in my full kit as I woke up. I groaned while I pulled off bits of my outfit, setting them on the bed. I then hobbled over to the bathroom, relieving myself as the tub filled with steaming hot water. I slipped into the tub as it was half full, letting the heat relax my stiff muscles.


    I relaxed in the heat for a few minutes before getting out of the tub and stretched a few of my joints popping. I walked back into the bedroom and got dressed in my traveling clothes and armor. I headed downstairs and grabbed a breakfast of porridge and sausage. I then walked to the attendant and put my key on the desk.


    "Is there anything else I can help you with?" They asked.


    "Yes, how do I take quests? I''m new to the guild." I said.


    "Oh, it''s alright. All you have to do is go to the pillar and place your hand on it. The system should show you all the quests it thinks you can handle." They answered.


    I thanked them for their time before making my way over to the pillar. It was massive, being about fifteen feet in diameter. I pressed my hand to the oddly warm pillar. A system window was pushed into my vision; it had different tabs breaking up the quests. The first was for jobs open to everyone. A number of them were missing pets or livestock; one was a standing request for anyone of the new race to come and be examined by the wizard''s college.


    The second tab seemed to be for adventures that wanted to stay close to town. A number of quests in this tab were what I''d think of as starter quests, the sewers were filled with rats, goblins were spotted by the road leading west, the alchemist needed more plants, and so on. The third tab looked to be for the kingdom as a whole having quests that mostly focused on guarding people as they went from one city to the next or bringing supplies to forts or remote cities, a few of the quests had to deal with roaming monsters. The last tab was for world quests and had nothing for me at my current level.


    I went back to the city quest and took a closer look through them, trying to find any quest that had to deal with a dungeon. It took far too long to find, mainly because I had skipped over the quest related to the dungeon so many times. The dungeon was named The Sewers and was filled with two mobs that one would expect, rats and slimes.


    The fun part of the dungeon was that instead of the entrance being in the slums, it was placed in the city center, and I had walked past it at least three times yesterday. I wanted to smack myself but just settled on picking up the two quests.


    Quest obtained!


    Rat Race:


    Goal: Turn in blighted rat heads to the Sherwood branch of the Adventurer''s Guild


    Location: The Sewers at the heart of Sherwood


    Payment: 5 copper per head


    Quest obtained!


    Slime Time:


    Goal: Turn in vials of slime to the Sherwood branch of the Adventurer''s Guild


    Location: The Sewers at the heart of Sherwood


    Payment: 2 copper per vial


    I could only guess both were used in alchemy and that I was better off not knowing what potion or salve they went into. I made a note to myself to read the quests instead of just skimming them. I made my way out of the guild and to the general store. There, I bought ten vials for five copper.


    With my last-minute shopping done, I headed into what at first glance looked like an inn. It was a two-story stone building with a plaque on the front-facing wall. I was guessing the plaque has rules on it or somehow just let everyone know that it was a dungeon. I walked into the building to find two sets of guards. One set was just inside the room, flanking a steward sitting behind a desk with a massive book in front of them. The second set was standing at the back of the room by what looked like a door leading down into a cellar. I used Analyze on the cellar door.


    Dungeon: The Sewers


    This is a wave dungeon and is meant for a party of four. The initial level recommended is 1. *Note: This is a wave-type dungeon and can only be left between each wave. You will be asked at the end of each wave if you wish to continue. Each wave increases in difficulty; every five waves, there''s a dramatic increase in difficulty.*


    My tail twitched and flicked behind as the guards turned toward me. The steward who had looked like he was about to fall asleep sat bolt upright and straightened his jacket.


    "Come in. Come in. Ignore these fine gentlemen; they''re just here to keep an eye on the dungeon." He said


    My eyes darted from one heavily armed and armored guard to the next before I stood upright and stiffly walked over to the steward, making sure to keep my hands away from my khopesh.


    "Would you mind explaining what''s going on?" I asked


    "They found a traveling dungeon close by, and almost all the regular adventurers rushed out to run it before it left, leaving us with basically nothing to do all day but watch the dungeon." He said.


    "I guess that makes sense. So, what are the rules?" I asked.


    He blinked a few times as he looked at me confused before realization dawned in his eyes.


    "You can''t read. It''s been so long since we''ve had a new race. I think everyone forgot what to do. Right, the rules. First, there''s an entry fee; for guild members, it''s one silver per delve. The second is that half the Beast Cores collected have to be sold to the crown for the standard market rate. Those are the two big ones. There are a few others involving groups, but we can skip those.


    The other things you need to know is that we have healers on-site, any bill you rack up with them will be covered by your guild, you''ll have part of your quest rewards go towards what it costs to heal you until you''ve paid it and any interest off, you can buy a guide for fiver silver, and lastly, Do.Not.Lie at least one guard per shift has a skill for detecting lies." He explained


    "Thank you for your time. I think I''ll just delve the one time." I slid him a silver smiling softly.


    "Good luck on your delve Adventure."


    I nodded to the man, making my way over to the cellar. One of the guards grabbed the door and pulled it open for me. I smiled at them as I walked past and down into the dungeon.


    You have entered The Sewers. Rats and slimes have felt an intruder in their domain. Hold fast and weather the tide.


    Goal:


    Defeat the first wave.


    Defeat an additional wave. [Optional] [Repeatable]


    Defeat a sub-boss [Optional] [Repeatable]


    Defeat The King Of The Sewers [Optional]


    I quickly read through the notification and pushed it away, getting a better look at where I''d be fighting. I was in a circular room that was about forty feet across. It had four tunnels that shot off from it that were blocked by grates. I was betting it wouldn''t be a problem for the rats or slimes. Looking up, I could see a cluster leading from each tunnel that ended right above the center of the room.


    I moved away from the center of the room as I pulled my khopesh free, giving the blade a few test swings. Suddenly, I felt very stupid for rushing into my next fight and not taking the time to get used to my new equipment. I''d just have to try better in the future. My ears swiveled, trying to pick up any sounds before finally picking up a light scratching that quickly built-in volume and intensity.


    I shift to face the direction of the noise blade at the ready. Five rats that looked to be slightly smaller than I was before my evolution sprinted down the tunnel toward me. I got ready to fight them when I picked up on the same scratching sounds starting to come from each tunnel. I darted my glance around seeing more rats flood into the connecting tunnels.


    I forced myself to calm down; panicking wouldn''t do me any good. I bounced lightly on my feet before rushing forward as the lead rat slipped past the grate and into the room with me. I fell back on what little I knew of swordplay, hoping the skill would guide me.


    I brought my blade down in a diagonal cut, easily cutting through the lead rat''s skull. It was so much easier than I was expecting that I put too much power into the swing and had to take a set forward to keep my balance. That was when the next rat jumped off its dead friend''s body and leaped at my face.


    I let go of my sword with my right hand as I brought my armored elbow up into the rat''s bottom jaw, snapping its mouth closed. The rat slammed into my chest, knocking me onto my back. I shoved hard, throwing the rat off me and into one of its friends.


    I rolled to the side as Danger Sense yelled a warning to me. I was able to move just in time to avoid the snapping jaws of the last two rats. I kicked out at the two, making them back up as their friends untangled themselves, biting at each other. I hopped up to my feet, scooping my Khopesh up off the ground. I must have dropped it when I hit the ground.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I backed up, feeling the room closing in. I cast Flame Breath at full strength, letting it wash over and consume the four rats in front of me. Something about the dungeon forced them to try and rush me charging into the flames instead of running away. Right as the last one dropped, Danger Sense yelled at me again. I jumped to the left and twisted around, bringing my khopesh around like a club and knocking away the rat that tried to hit me from behind.


    I stabbed into the dazed rat''s skull before I moved back, counting nine more rats and five slimes spread through the room. The three lead rats spread out from each other before rushing at me. I used Charge slamming my armored shoulder into the far-left rat. I moved forward and to its side, bringing my blade down and chopping off the rat''s head. I moved around the dead body, putting it between me and the closest rats.


    I dashed out, rushing to the next rat, bringing my blade up in a rising cut. I left a gash in its cheek as the rat jerked its head out of the way. I growled as I stepped in and brought my pommel down hard on its forehead, shattering its skull.


    Danger Sense warning came too late as two rats darted in. One attempt to bite into my waist is teeth bouncing off my armor. The second went lower biting into my left leg and pulled back, trying to pull me off my feet. I reversed my grip and stabbed down, hitting the rat just behind its head.


    The rat squealed in pain, letting my leg go before it slumped to the ground. The rat on my other side took this time to adjust its aim and bit at my tail, grabbing a mouth of fur. I twisted around, leaving my sword as anger started to build up in me. I lashed out, slamming my foot into the rat''s head, dazing it long enough for an armored fist to slam down, crushing its skull.


    I looked back at the other two groups. The rats were hanging back as the slimes inched forward. The slimes were sickly green balls of well slime. I looked around at the slimes and didn''t spot a core, which made my job both harder and easier. I moved back, making sure they were all within the area of effect before casting Flame Breath at full strength again. The fire danced as it rushed forward and washed over the group of slimes.


    The slimes started to boil before they burst, sending globs of flaming slime ten feet in each direction. I blinked a few times and ended the spell early. I turned my attention back to the last group of rats.


    They were about one and a half times bigger than the rats I already dealt with. I moved closer, getting a better look at the rats. Their fur was matted and patchy with open sores that ooze yellow pus. I shuddered at the sight, knowing that I wouldn''t feel clean for a while.


    The rats spread out in a half circle, trying to get behind me. I backpedaled quickly until my back was pressed up against the wall. Two rats darted in at one. I moved to meet the one on the right, darting towards it. I lowered my shoulder, slamming it into the rat and shoving it back before swinging my blade around in a diagonal cut from my left hip up to my right shoulder, splitting the rat''s skull in half.


    I twisted around, leading with my sword, forcing the rats back. I watched the four rats wanting to just get this wave over with so I could leave and try again with a team. I tossed my caution to the wind as I used Charge leading blade first. The rat I chose jerked to the side, causing my blade to slam into its shoulders and got stuck in its ribcage.


    I spun leaving my khopesh inside the dying rat and burned more stamina as I used Charge again, doubling the cost for using the skill back to back. I aimed at the far rat and slammed my shoulder into its side. I heard ribs snap as I drove the rat back. I grabbed its fur hopping over it before I slammed my gauntleted fist into its snout as it tried to bite me. Its teeth shattered against the forged steel. I pulled my arm back before slamming it into the rat''s head twice in rapid succession, feeling its skull fracture and then shatter under my blows.


    I looked up, scanning the room for the last two rats. I found one rushing towards me but didn''t have time to find the last rat. I paid quadruple the normal price to use Charge a third time and slammed into the charging rat. Its head hit my chest, knocking the wind from me but stunned the rat. I interlocked my fingers, wheezing for breath before bringing them down hard on the stunned rat''s head, caving it in.


    I stumbled as I turned around, expecting to see the last rat only for Danger Sense to warn me that the attack was behind me. I ducked down, moving to my right as the rat jumped over its friend, its jaws open wide. I was able to shift just enough that the rat''s jaws missed my head and bit into my bicep and yanked me down.


    I hit the ground hard, groaning in pain as the arrows in my quiver were knocked loose, spreading out in front of me. The rat bit down harder and started to shake its head back and forth. To my relief, my armor held strong against the abuse. I snatched up an arrow in my left, bringing it around and stabbing it blindly into the rat''s head again and again and again until it finally let go of my arm. I quickly rolled to my left as the rat aimed for my head.


    I hopped back to my feet in time to meet the rat''s lunging bite. I shoved my left forearm into the path of its jaws. I was able to stay upright by dropping my tail to lower my center of gravity. I reached down, pulled out the dirk I just remembered I had, and stabbed it up into the rat''s throat. I pulled the blade to the right, cutting through its windpipe and juggler. The rat held onto my arm glaring at me until an unknown time later it went slack, and I was able to pry my arm out of its mouth.


    I started to shake, missing my dirk''s sheath a few times before I was finally able to get the dirk back in its sheath. I took a few deep breaths and shoved down my emotions. I could have a nice long breakdown after I was back in the guild. I stumbled over to the rat with my khopesh sticking out of its chest. I had to plant a foot on its head to pull the blade free. A quick use of Analyze confirmed that only the last five rats were labeled as ''Blighted''. It was a messy process, but I got all five heads stashed away in my inventory before looting everything and collecting my spilled arrows. Unfortunately, the one I used as a makeshift dagger was broken. I pulled up my inventory to see my rewards.


    Inventory:


    Health potion [Low-grade] 1 Heals 50 points per vial.


    Rabbit meat 20 lbs


    Salt ~1lb


    Hunter''s Bow


    Blue velvet outfit


    Cloak 1


    50 ft rope


    10ft pole


    Sewing kit


    Leather working tools


    Tent


    Bedroll


    Hatchet


    Waterskin[full] 1


    Empty Vial 10


    Blighted Rat Head 5


    Vile of Slime 5


    Rat hide 10


    Currency: Copper Coins 30 Silver Coins 3 Gold Coins 58


    I started laughing as I saw that the slime came in its own vials. It explained how I got them so cheap. My laughter went from bitter to manic as I was finally starting to see just how deadly this world was and that there was no checkpoint for me to respawn at. It took me a while to calm down. I focused on the things I was doing right and what I knew would help keep me alive in the future. I opened my notifications.


    Congratulations, you have learned the Heavy Armor skill. EXP has been awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    Congratulations, Basic Greatsword has leveled up. +1 to Strength.


    Congratulations, Dodge has leveled up. +1 to Agility.


    Congratulations, Natural Weapons has leveled up. +1 to Strength.


    Congratulations, Charge has leveled up. +1 to Strength.


    Congratulations, Danger Sense has leveled up. +1 to Wisdom.


    Congratulations you have defeated 10 Giant Rats of various levels. Decreased EXP has been awarded for defeating a lower-tiered opponent.


    Congratulations you have defeated 5 slimes of various levels. Decreased EXP has been awarded for defeating a lower-tiered opponent.


    Congratulations you have defeated 4 level 2 and 1 level 4 Blighted Rats. EXP has been awarded for defeating an opponent.


    You have leveled up!


    Goal updated: Defeat the first wave [completed]


    Would you like to fight on? [Yes/No]


    I pressed no.


    Assessing dungeon run [¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö___]


    Assessment completed. Goal[s] completed:1


    Reward: 5 silver coins.


    I smiled softly at the level-up but decided to put it off for now. I looked around and saw a staircase that wasn''t there before in the middle of the room. I headed up the stairs and waved at the steward moving over to him.


    "No Beast Cores today but I didn''t get far. I wasn''t expecting a wave-type dungeon." I said, shaking my head.


    The steward looked over at a guard who nodded before speaking.


    "That''s fine, I''m sure you''ll do better next time."


    I just grunted and waved goodbye. I headed straight to the guild, paid the attendant for a room for the next week, and headed upstairs. Once in my room I moved to the bathroom dropping parts of my armor as I walked. I sank into the hot water and scrubbed the blood, dirt and grime out of my fur.


    I drained the bath before gathering up my armor and weapons, giving each a good scrub down. I checked the edge on the khopesh and dirk surprised to find they were still in good condition. I placed my gear on the table next to the bed before falling into it and wrapping myself in my tail and the threadbare blanket.

 Que Montage Music

    I woke up slowly, feeling more like my old self. I climbed out of bed and grabbed my armor, checking it piece by piece. I was happy to see that there were only some light scratches. I put back on my full kit, checking that everything was in place before I pulled up my level-up notification.


    You have leveled up!


    You have gained +2 to a physical stat of your choice. +2 free stats. +1 Ability Point.


    Status


    Name: Theseus


    Race: Primae Sciurus [Primal Squirrelfolk]


    Class: Fighter


    Level: 2


    Titles: Dungeon Delver, Progenitor


    Health: 240/300 Stamina: 216/225 Mana: 200/200


    Strength: 18


    Agility: 19->20


    Dexterity: 22


    Constitution: 12->15


    Intelligence: 20


    Wisdom: 23


    Skills:


    Acrobatics level 2


    Analyze level 2


    Basic Greatsword level 5


    Basic Leather Crafting level 2


    Basic Spear level 1


    Cooking level 6


    Dodge level 4


    Fire Resistance level 1


    Harvesting level 1


    Heavy Armor level 1


    Meditation level 6


    Natural Weapons level 4


    Pain Resistance level 3


    Ranger level 2


    Weapons Crafting level:1


    Abilities:


    Armored Skin Level: 2


    Charge level 4


    Danger Sense level:3


    Father Fall level 3


    Tongues level: 2


    Weapon Focus [Greatsword]


    Spells:


    Flame Breath level: 2


    Imbue Natural Weapons level: 2


    I opened the list of abilities I could put my point into. I groaned as I stared at the wall of text, willing it to change into something more manageable. The list disappeared before reopening. Now any ability that required you to have another ability before you could take it was set up to resemble a tree with the base ability set to the left and the abilities that required it to its right connected with a line. When an ability requires more than one ability, it would have multiple lines leading to it.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I felt like an idiot for not trying to customize my system views before I added tabs to the list, breaking the abilities into groups based on the weapons or armor they could be used with. I added a general tab for abilities that could be used regardless of my equipment.


    With the list finally not as overwhelming, I started by finding the ability I really wanted, Imbue Blade. It took a bit of time searching through the general tab before I found it. I was lucky that it was the second ability in its tree. The base ability was called Bond Blade, and it cost two AP [ability points] to learn it with Imbue Blade, costing another five AP. I headed downstairs and grabbed breakfast to think over the problem on a full stomach.


    ''I could save my points. With my stats, I''m already punching above my level, then adding in my spells and new equipment means I should be able to hold on picking for a bit. Maybe I''ll get lucky and get the abilities from Beast Cores.''


    With my mind made up, I got up from my table and headed over to the attendants, turning in my two quests from yesterday, getting three silver and five copper for my troubles. While I was there, I asked about training. There were two options. The first option was to go out back in the walled-off training yard that was free to all guild members. The second was to rent out time in a room with training dummies that would animate to fight against.


    Wanting to save as much money as I could, I went with the training yard. I pretty much had the whole yard to myself with most of the adventures out of the city. I moved to an open space and pulled out my khopesh. I started with my grip. I knew I had been holding too tightly onto the blade. I adjusted my grip and tested it by slashing it down. I did this over and over, feeling my skill guide me until I finally got it right and was able to make my blade sing as it cut through the air.


    Next, I worked on my swings. I had a little bit of knowledge here as I had spent more than I wanted to admit watching sparring matches as I saved up to join the HEMA group I was headed to when I died in my last world. I again focused on what felt right, trusting that my skill would guide me. I trained the six basic cuts I knew over and over. Low middle up, high right to low left, high left to low right, low middle up, reverse chop down, low right to high left, low left to high right, chop down, repeat. I moved so slowly, listening to how my body responded to the movements and adjusting until they felt natural. I changed up the order, chaining different strikes together until I was sure I could use the sword as it was intended rather than swinging it around like a stick.


    I took a break and walked over to a well. I pulled up a bucket of water, pouring it over myself to cool down before I pulled up another bucket to fill my water skin after I drained it. I looked up at the sky, judging that it was early after. My stomach took that time to let me know it was time for lunch.


    I pulled out a pound of rabbit meat and quickly tore into it before using the well to clean up. I moved to a new spot where I could sit down in the shade. It was time to see if I could customize or create new spells. The first thing I had to do before I could try was to check my flashing notification.


    Congratulations, Basic Greatsword has leveled up. +1 to Strength.


    It wasn''t as large of an improvement as I was hoping for, but it made sense. I was refining everything I knew instead of pushing myself. Next, I figured I would try to work my fist spell into something more useful now that I wouldn''t be fighting tooth and claw. I had two ideas that might work with the spell as it was.


    I started by casting the spell as I typically would, trying to get a better feel for the spell. When I thought I had it, I tried my first test. I willed my mana into the muscles in my arms, focusing on making them stronger. The spell didn''t respond at first. I could feel pressure building just behind my eyes. I slipped into meditation and tried to picture the spell. A spell form slowly unfolded in my mind. It was a simple thing with lines connecting runes.


    I traced the lines of the spell to the runes. It was as if I could almost make out what each rune was meant to do. I shook my head, breaking out of my meditation. I would have to learn more about spell construction and runes before I could create custom spells. I was betting if I stayed a beast, I''d have an easier time making spells but be limited to a single element.


    With the roadblock of needing to learn about spells, forms, and runes getting in my way, I got back to my feet and headed over to the archery targets. I started with the targets that were about ten yards away, putting arrow after arrow down range. I adjusted between shots to get closer and closer to the bullseye with each arrow. Once I ran out of arrows, I collected them and went again until I could reliably hit with the second of four rings. After three hours of practice, I realized I never analyzed my bow and decided to fix that after I checked my notification.


    Congratulations, you have learned Basic Archery. EXP has been awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    Hunter''s Bow


    Common Item


    Damage +10


    I grunted, seeing the stats. It wasn''t great, but I wasn''t a great shot, and it worked well enough as a way to get some ranged damage in before I got into melee range. I didn''t even look at my dirk''s stats, knowing it was probably better than my first sword. I collected my arrows one last time before stuffing my bow back into my inventory.


    I rolled my shoulders, getting the tension out of them before I made my way out of the guild and into the city. I was tempted to stop at a few stores that looked to be run by wizards but held off for now. Instead, I made my way to a store with a quill and a book on its sign. I forced myself to walk up to the clerk. The clerk was a kind-looking older female feline beastfolk. She put a ribbon in the book she was reading and set it to the side.


    "Hello, what can I help you find today?" She asked.


    "Hello. I need something that will help me learn to read and anything you have on spell construction." I said.


    She tapped her fingers on her desk before nodding.


    "Those are two very different things. Let''s start with your first request. There are a few options for you, but I think the one that will help the most is learning the calligraphy skill. It''s a bit of an odd phenomenon where anyone with the calligraphy skill learns to read and write any language they speak, as you can''t do one without the other. Next, I could recommend a few books regarding your other request, but they can get quite pricey. How much are you willing to spend today?" She asked


    "I''d be willing to spend twenty gold." I winced as I gave the number, but I knew I could always get the money back by delving more.


    "I''d recommend ''Zimari''s Primer to Spell Craft'' and ''Gelenor''s Runic Encyclopedia.'' While other primers go more into the theory behind spell crafting, Zimari prefers to deal with the more practical aspects. Both are used heavily in the training of spell casters of any type and, as such, are relatively cheap at five gold each. With the standard trainer''s fee for teaching you Calligraphy, your total comes to twenty gold even." She calmly explained.


    I had to remind myself that it was an investment, I had plenty of gold left, and I''m not a dragon who hoards gold as I handed over the twenty gold. She smiled softly, took the money, and pulled it into her inventory. She then walked around her shop and grabbed two slightly battered books that looked to have twenty pages between them, maybe, bringing them over to the desk. She set them down next to me. After a heartbeat of awarded silence, a notification popped into my vision.


    Hana would like to teach you the Calligraphy skill. Accept? [Yes/No]


    Congratulations, you have learned the Calligraphy skill.


    I felt something building inside my head before it all clicked into place. How to hold the quill, how each letter should look, all the tiny little rules that came with any written language, and of course, how to make it look pretty. I shook my head lightly to clear it. I felt something hot trickle out of my nose. I whipped away the tiny amount of blood and smiled warmly at Hana.


    "Thank you, Hana. Have a great rest of your day." I said.


    "You''re welcome. Enjoy your new books." She replied.


    I scooped the books into my inventory and headed back to the guild. Once there, I quickly headed up to my room. I tossed armor and clothes onto the desk, stripping quickly. With that done, I took a bath before I crawled into bed and opened Zimari''s Primer to Spell Craft. It was time I got to work learning about how to create spells.

 Spellcraft 101

    I slowly woke up blinking as I looked around the room. My eyes shifted to the book that was lying on the ground next to my bed. Slowly my brain kicked itself into gear and the events of my study section came back to me. It turned out I was so enthusiastic about learning that I had fallen asleep sometime late in the night or was it very early in the morning? I reached down, picked up the slim book, and opened it back up to review what I had learned.


    Spells had a core rune that held them together, the lines, aka pathways, that connected one rune to another could be any shape you wished and it was highly encouraged to break away from what the system granted spell structure as they were easy to counter. While the pathways'' shape didn''t matter, the distance from rune to rune did along with how thick they were.


    The longer your pathways the higher the amount of mana each spell could hold and the depth or thickness of them determined both what runes you could connect to each other and the minimum amount of mana needed. The book did talk about some interesting things you could do such as have pathways split but it did hammer home that unless you wanted a spell that would blow up in your face to make sure each pathway always ended in a rune. About halfway into my night of studying I had gained the Basic SpellCraft skill.


    I was about to crack open my encyclopedia of runes when I thought better of it. I got out of bed and ran through my morning routine getting dressed for the first time in my dark blue velvet outfit leaving my armor in the room. I headed out of the guild and to a general store. There I bought a blank spell book, an ink pot, quill and sold off my empty vials and rat hides. It still ended up costing me five gold.


    I headed back to my room, and took my sword and dirk off. I sat at the desk with the runic encyclopedia and spellcraft primer open. The primer had mentioned that because my class was solely focused on physical combat I would only be able to learn spells that used basic runes and only a number of spells equal to one-fourth of my intelligence.


    I tapped my claws gently on the desk as I thought over what spells I wanted to make. The first spell I would try to create was a healing spell. There were a few ways to go about it and I suspected a spell that encouraged growth would work for a regeneration spell but I decided to go with a modified recommendation from the primer.


    I set my spell book on the table along with the ink pot. Before I started with the runes I wrote down a few of my thoughts on which runes would work, the how and why behind my reasoning before explaining that due to my lack of free spell slots I had decided on a more tried and true spell. I wrote down the runes I wished to use along with the minimum and maximum each rune could hold. With all the runes being basic they were all fairly close to each other in mana cost. I followed the example in the primer just switching out the rune for targeting with the self-rune.


    I added the mana each rune would need along with the max they could hold. Next, I plugged those numbers into a formula to get the length of the pathways. With all that done I finally was able to create a small rough sketch of my new spell. I checked my design over and over before crossing my fingers and slipping into meditation.


    Slowly and carefully I drew each rune arranging them so that the spell would twist in on itself having the core of the spell protected at the center. All that was left was to draw the pathways. I started to draw out looping and swirling pathways before I shook my head and erased them. I went back adjusting the runes slightly before drawing the pathways as a simple Celtic knot pattern. It meant that I was drawing two pathways to each rune instead of one but I was hoping it would be fine.


    Slowly I poured my mana into the spell and watched each rune glow as it was filled with mana. I felt the spell click into place ad I reached the minimum cost and cast the spell. Healing washed over me before being used up. I pulled myself out of meditation and pulled up my notifications.


    Congratulations, Basic Spellcraft has leveled up. Intelligence +1


    Congratulations, you have learned the spell, Minor Self Heal. EXP has been awarded for learning a spell without a trainer.


    Minor Self Heal level 1:


    Cost: 50mp - [1mp ¡Á spell level]


    Description: Heals yourself 25hp


    I winced at the relatively high mana cost but the spell was just at the edge of what I was able to learn. Still, it could help save my life so I would just have to train it until it was somewhat manageable. I waited for the ink to dry before flipping to the next page. I had a buff, damaging, and now healing spell.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    With only two spell slots left I wanted one utility spell and another damaging spell with his favorite element. The only question for me was what utility spell I wanted. After going back and forth between a light spell or a spell to create water I choose the water spell.


    I got to work creating my last two spells. I leaned on my D&D knowledge for the idea behind the spells while using the bit of science I remember to help make them a bit stronger. It took a while to find the right rune but I eventually was able to create the two spells.


    Congratulations you have learned the spell, Create Water. EXP has been awarded for learning a spell without a trainer.


    Congratulations you have learned the spell, Bolt. EXP has been awarded for learning a spell without a trainer.


    Congratulations Calligraphy has leveled up. +1 to Dexterity.


    Create Water:


    Cost: 10mp


    Description: pull up to five cubic feet of water from the air to a container or spot of your choice within thirty feet.


    Bolt level 1:


    Cost: 25mp - 1mp/level


    Description: shoot an arc of lightning at your foes. Has an n% chance to cause the paralyze status for 2 seconds where n=10+[.5¡Áspell level]. Damage dealt is based on intelligence and spell level.


    I was happy with how both spells had turned out. Sure Create Water wouldn''t level but with such a cheap cost I really didn''t need it to and with any luck Bolt would quickly become a strong single-target spell. I tapped a claw against the desk as I thought but eventually decided against trying to modify my first spell. I wanted to play it safe and wait until I could get my hands on a book that went in-depth about the subject.


    I was itching to go run to the local dungeon to test my new spells but it was time for me to go back to the forest. I enjoyed a hot bath before getting dressed in my battle kit. I hummed softly wondering if I should pick anything up before I left town. Shaking my head I headed downstairs letting the guild know my plan as I turned in my key. While I wasn''t able to get a refund for leaving early they did make a note that I still had five nights stay.


    I headed out of Sherwood leaving in the late morning. I checked my inventory and rubbed my chin thinking of what I could place in my belt to free up some space. First was my hatchet, I put it on my right side looping it through my belt to carry it. Next was the small sewing kit that I put in my belt pouch that held my square of fabric. With three spots open in my Inventory I was happy enough to wait until I got a hide to turn into a backpack.


    Hopefully, I''d get another rabbit pelt or two. I wouldn''t mind adding a fur lining to my cloak when I went to modify it so I could keep my sword on my back while I wore it. I shook my head clearing it of my ideal thoughts. I made my way to a tree and scurried up it and started to travel from tree to tree quickly making my way back to the adventurer''s outpost.


    I stopped a hundred yards out from the outpost and took in the sight. Through what I can only imagine was a back-breaking effort they had transformed the small tent city into one made of dirt homes, with an actual wall to protect them. At the center, I could see the same building that housed Sherwood''s dungeon.


    I made sure my guild badge was on before hopping down from the tree. I noticed a notification blinking calmly but chose to ignore it as I walked the rest of the distance to the manned gate. I was stopped at the gate by what looked like soldiers.


    "Name and business." One demanded.


    "Theseus. I''m here to run the dungeon." I replied


    "Very well. It''s a silver to enter the village." They said.


    I sighed of course I''d have to pay to enter. I pulled a silver out and handed it off to the guard before I was let through the gate. I walked quickly through the makeshift village making my way to the dungeon.


    Once in the building housing the dungeon I had a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. The whole building was exactly like the one in Sherwood down to the same number and placement of the guards. I blinked twice and moved to wait in line behind a few other adventurers.


    Everyone seemed to still be excited about the dungeon as I caught bits of conversation. Apparently, someone named Vick had gotten quite the sword as his reward, a gnome named Ellys got a mount, and someone named Xorlak Shield-breaker ironically got a very nice shield.


    The line moved quickly enough as both groups and a few other solo adventurers paid the fee and entered the dungeon. What took the longest was the delay between groups. It was always ten minutes from the last person to enter. Finally, I was able to pay yet another five silver to get into the dungeon and step back into Oberon''s Hunting Ground.

 Round two.

    You have entered Oberon''s Hunting Ground. Oberon has started the hunt. Run, hide, or fight, it matters not. The hunt comes for all.


    Goal:


    Find the exit


    Defeat 10 hounds [Optional]


    Defeat 5 Huntsmen [Optional]


    Defeat 5 Riders [Optional]


    Defeat Oberon [Optional]


    Defeat all hunters [Optional]


    The familiar message butted into my vision. I read it over making sure nothing changed before closing the notification and looking around. I once again found myself in a hallway made of trees and thick underbrush. I walked forward following the left wall retracing my steps from the last time. I made sure to stay calm this time through. I will admit it was far easier this round. Each time I started to get nervous I just reached up and touched the handle of my greatsword to calm me down.


    It wasn''t long before I came upon the first room. I loosened my sword in its scabbard before I pulled my bow out knocking an arrow. I inched forward scanning the room for the hound that should be there. It took a bit but I finally found the hound as it walked between a group of trees nose pressed to the ground.


    I inhaled as I pulled the arrow back bringing the bow to full draw. I held my breath lining up my shot before exhaling as I loosed the arrow. The hound''s head snapped toward me at the twang of the bowstring just as my arrow hit a few inches off target lodging itself into the hound''s shoulder.


    I backpedaled as the hound bolted towards breaking the arrow shaft as it squeezed between the trees. I rushed my next shot but to my surprise, it was still on target. A dirt wall rose up in front of the hound blocking the arrow.


    The hound kept up onto the wall snarling before pushing off of it. I clicked my tongue as I shoved my bow into my inventory. I pulled my sword free with my right hand as electricity arced in my left. I threw my left hand forward as the hound got within ten feet of me, sending out a bright blue-white bolt to slam into the charging hound.


    The hound''s fur stood on end but unfortunately, it only caused the hound to stumble slightly. I burned stamina charging the hound. My leading left shoulder slammed into the hound''s muzzle stopping its mad dash and pushed its head down. I gripped my sword in both hands as I brought the blade down onto the hound''s head cleaving it in two.


    I blinked twice before pulling my sword out of the hound and whipping the blade off on its pelt. I put my sword away and drew my dirk getting to work harvesting the hound using Analyze on each part. The fangs turned out to be the only thing of value I was able to harvest from the hound before I gave up and looted the remains.


    The body burst into rainbow motes, some drifted into my chest as most seemed to fade away. I pulled up my inventory to check on what I got, but at first glance, I didn''t see anything added. It wasn''t until I took a closer look that I noticed I had gained a second health potion.


    With the hound taken care of, I wiped my dirk off putting it away before I walked into the room collecting the arrow that had been blocked. I looked around the room finding nothing of interest and with no new notifications, I left the room to continue with my dungeon crawl.


    I knew I should check the one I got heading here but I was perhaps overconfident in myself this time around since I had a rough idea of what I could expect and how easily my first fight was. I hummed softly to myself wishing not for the first time I had music to listen to. I eventually came to a stop at the second room''s entrance and looked around for my next opponent.


    I pulled my bow back out, nocking an arrow as my gaze darted around the room. I slowly walked into the room after what felt like five minutes but was probably closer to thirty seconds. I dashed behind a tree as the hound''s head peek out from behind a tree fifteen feet to my left.


    I pulled the string back as I inhaled. I held the shot for a second or two lining up the shot before exhaled releasing the string. Once again the twang of the bow was enough to warn the hound and throw my shot off slightly. The hound ducked low causing my arrow to glance off its skull and disappear into the distance.


    The hound stumbled before shaking its head. A green glow surrounded it before fading away along with the wound revealing bark-like armor was now coating its body. My second shot followed the first just as the hound realized where the attack had come from. It slammed into the tough armor of the hound only for it to get stuck before it could do any real damage.


    The hound seemed to scoff at the arrow stuck in its armor before locking eyes with me. It rushed forward as I dropped my bow into my inventory. I brought my left hand up sending my newest spell racing toward the hound. Luck was again against me as the ball of electricity burned into the hound''s armor but failed to paralyze it. I quickly pulled my khopesh free aimed the tip at the hound''s chest and darned my stamina in a Charge. I figured if it worked last time why not do it again?


    My body flew forward the tip of my khopesh slammed into the hound''s shoulder as it tried to dodge to its left. My blade punched into its shoulder before hitting bone and getting deflected away from anything vital. The hound lashed out in pain its jaws flashing toward my head forcing me to jump back.


    It was at that moment, while I was I''m the air that my Danger Sense screamed at me. I was barely able to shift my body to the right thanks to my tail pushing into the ground. Something slammed into my left shoulder causing me to go flying off into the underbrush.


    I was lucky that I didn''t get stuck halfway in the bush. I pulled myself free rolling my left shoulder making sure the armor hadn''t been damaged too badly. I''d have to hammer it a little but it wouldn''t affect the fight. I turned my attention back to my enemies glaring as the spider that sucker-punched me had just sent a green ball of light at the hound.


    The hound''s wound closed before my eyes. It moved in front of the spider blocking my path as mocking laughter danced in its eyes. I gripped my sword tightly, my eyes narrowing as I stomped forward.


    I darted toward the left side of the hound as I rushed forward. It followed while keeping itself between the spider and myself. The hound lunged forward snapping at me. I ducked low as I brought the hilt of my sword up into the hound''s jaw forcing its mouth shut. I slid to the right in a half-turn before driving my khopesh down in a heavy chop.


    Shock ran up the handle and into my arms as the blade sunk halfway into the hound''s neck and struck bone. Danger Sense screamed at me forcing my deaded hands to let go of my main weapon as I jumped back barely dodging the spider''s long leg.


    I backed away cursing under my breath as I pulled my dirk free. The hound stumbled and dragged my sword as it half turned to face me before crumpling to the ground and sliding down the length of my blade. My eyes darted to the spider as it crouched low. My hand shot up lightning dancing as it arched forward only for the spider to jump left and cause it to slam into the tip of my sword and travel into the hound putting it out of its pain.


    I started to circle the spider inching closer to my dropped blade. Before I could get within reach the spider launched itself toward me. I planted my feet lowering my center of gravity by dropping my bushy tail and raising my left arm using it to take the spider''s weight.


    I was able to get my forearm just past its mouth. The impact bent my body almost in half but I barely was able to keep my footing and push back against its weight as its legs wrapped around my body pulling me closer. My left arm was all that was stopping my face from meeting its fangs.


    I pushed my dirk into its sternum just above where it connected to its abdomen. Casting a Bolt into the blade I dragged it up splitting the spider''s sternum as green light fought to keep it alive long enough to pull my face into its dripping fangs.


    To my utter delight, I finally managed to get lucky as Bolt paralyzed the spider, weakening its legs. I pushed hard against the spider with my left forearm ripping myself free before I brought my dirk around in a hook slamming the blade hilt deep just behind its eyes.


    I kicked the spider hard pushing it away as it curled up in death. Panting softly I scanned to room triple checking that nothing else was about to show up. It was good to know while the rooms might not have shifted the enemy placement sure had.


    Being lazy I walked over to the spider kicking it to loot the body before doing the same to the hound after I wiped both my blades off on its fur. With my looting finished I checked my inventory only to be annoyed that all I got was another fang. I took a deep breath before I pulled up my notifications needing something to make me happy.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Congratulations, Heavy Armor has leveled up. Constitution +1


    Congratulations, Ranger has leveled up. Agility +1


    Congratulations, Dodge has leveled up. Dexterity +1


    Congratulations, Basic Greatsword has leveled up. Strength +1


    Congratulations, Bolt has leveled up. Intelligence +1


    Congratulations, you have defeated a level 1 Terran Hound, a level 3 Silva Hound, and a level 3 Sanctus Aranea Venator.


    Level up!


    You have gained +2 to a physical stat of your choice. +2 free stats. +1 Ability Point.


    Status


    Name: Theseus


    Race: Primae Sciurus [Primal Squirrelfolk]


    Class: Fighter


    Level: 3


    Titles: Dungeon Delver, Progenitor


    Health: 250/320 Stamina: 200/240 Mana: 125/230


    Strength: 20


    Agility: 21->22


    Dexterity: 23->24


    Constitution: 16


    Intelligence: 22->23


    Wisdom: 23->24


    Skills:


    Acrobatics level: 2


    Analyze level: 2


    Basic Archery level: 1


    Basic Greatsword level: 7


    Basic Leather Crafting level: 2


    Basic Spear level: 1


    Basic Spellcraft level: 2


    Calligraphy level: 2


    Cooking level: 6


    Dodge level: 5


    Fire Resistance level 1


    Harvesting level: 1


    Heavy Armor level: 2


    Meditation level: 6


    Natural Weapons level: 4


    Pain Resistance level: 3


    Ranger level: 3


    Weapons Crafting level:1


    Abilities:


    Armored Skin level: 2


    Bond Blade level: 1


    Charge level: 4


    Danger Sense level:3


    Father Fall level: 3


    Tongues level: 2


    Weapon Focus [Greatsword]


    Spells:


    Bolt level 2:


    Create Water level: 1


    Flame Breath level: 2


    Imbue Natural Weapons level: 2


    Minor Self-heal level: 1


    Bond Blade level: 1


    Bond to a weapon to increase the effectiveness of skills and abilities used through it. You gain an extra slot in your inventory for your bonded weapon. Your bonded weapon will automatically enter your inventory if it''s not within 30 feet of you.


    With my new level, I was able to grab Bond Blade. I was sure there was more to the ability than what was stated just like how Charge dialed up your perception allowing you to react while moving at such high speeds. Either way, it was a step closer to being able to infuse my weapons with spells. Speaking of spells now that I had a point or two as a buffer in case anything bad happened it was time to see if I couldn''t change Imbue Natural Weapons to something that I could use again.


    I walked over to a tree and scurried up it. Once I was comfortably nestled in its branches I pulled up Imbue Natural Weapons'' spell diagram in my head and my makeshift spell book out of my inventory. I started by writing down the pattern in my book before cross-referencing the runes in the encyclopedia. To my surprise, the spell was very complicated having more runes than I at first thought necessary.


    It was only after combing through the spell a half dozen times that I finally understood what was going on. While some of the runes could be taken out it would weaken the outcome of the spell having the extra runes added more power than just dumping more mana into it. After I was done with this I''d have to go back through my new spells and swap things around to give them a bit more bang for their buck.


    It took me another dozen of slow pass-throughs of the spell and a very thorough read-through of the encyclopedia before I found what runes I could swap. With the bulk of the work done, I drew the new pattern in my spell book touching up the pathways to smooth out the mana flows.


    With all the drawing and design done I made sure to write down what I had learned about redundant runes along with going back to my previous spells and writing down ideas for how to strengthen them. Bolt was pretty simple with just amping up the voltage. Minor Self-heal was going to be harder and I wasn''t concerned with Creat Water.


    I closed my eyes sinking into meditation to help focus before pulling Imbue Natural Weapons back into my mind. Slowly and carefully I pulled one rune out at a time swapped it for its replacement then smoothed out the pathways. All while holding the rest of the spell formation in place stopping it from collapsing. Time slowly ticked forward as I work until the last run snapped into place and stabilized the spell. My meditation came to a stop as notifications popped up.


    Congratulations, you have successfully transformed Imbue Natural Weapons to Overflow. The spell''s level has carried over.


    Congratulations, Basic Spellcraft has leveled up. Intelligence +1


    Overflow level: 2


    Cost: Min: 5mp


    Max: 10mp/level


    Description: Flood your body with mana pushing it to its limit for a time.


    The other spells would have to wait until after I was done with my dungeon run. I pulled my khopesh free and activated Bond Blade. The ability came with a bit of knowledge letting me know that while I could bond to a new weapon my current one would be destroyed. Not something I had to worry about right now but I would have to be a bit more critical about what I replaced it with.


    I checked my health, stamina, and mana happy to find them mostly full. If I was right I''d be in top shape by the time I got to the next room. I hopped down from the tree and headed out to continue my run.

 A Comedy of Failures

    I had forgotten just how boring it was following the maze. I knew I should be more alert, but as I followed the left wall with nothing happening, I couldn''t help but get lulled into lowering my guard. At least, that''s my defense for not noticing the first trap.


    My leading foot came down on a tile that was slightly raised. The tile seemed to slowly sink, matching the feeling in my stomach until it came to a rest with a deafening click. At that moment, as if to confirm my fuck-up Danger Sense screamed at me. Bolts shot out of the wall to my right. Luckily for me, most were aimed to either side of me as if to catch a party. The few that did come my way were at chest height.


    Three bolts slammed into me. One glanced off my left pauldron; another shattered against my breastplate; the third bolt was the problem. I had turned sideways expecting an attack from the front and hoped to present a smaller target only to do the exact opposite. The third bolt hit where my right pauldron and rerebrace met, punching through the small gap. It drove deep into my arm, only being stopped as it hit bone.


    I bit back the scream that wanted to rip out of my throat. I stumbled back, dropping to my ass, and pressed my back against the maze wall. I looked over at the bolts nearby and cursed as I saw they were barbed.


    "Of course they are." I spat out through gritted teeth.


    I carefully started to pull the pauldron and rerebrace, wincing with each small movement causing the bolt to move. I panted softly, fighting the nausea that clawed up my throat. I grabbed my dirk, cutting my sleeve open to get a better look at the wound while taking a few deep breaths. I then had to cut either side of the wound to widen it enough to fit my fingers inside.


    Tears built in my eyes, blood pouring down my forearm as I slammed my head back into the wall. Before I lost my nerve, I reached into the wound, my gauntlet making my fingers clumsy. I fumbled around in the wound, my fingers grazing the bolt causing a fresh wave of pain.


    Finally, I was able to grab where the head met the shaft. I nearly blacked out as I had to wiggle it back and forth, the head having been stuck in my humerus before it was pulled free. I threw the bolt across the room as blood was pouring freely from my arm. The mix of pain and blood loss caused my head to swim.


    I quickly cast my healing spell once twice thrice before rolling to the side and emptying my stomach. The magic swelled before rushing to my injured arm, stitching my flesh back together as if nothing had happened. I lay there curled up, hugging my tail close until I calmed down.


    Shaking slightly I put back on my armor, took out my waterskin, and rinsed my mouth out before drinking deeply. I slowly got back to my feet cleaning my armor and dirk of the blood and vomit. A quick check told me my health was full again but I had used a lot of my mana. I knew I needed to sit back down and meditate but I couldn''t be here anymore I had to move.


    I replaced my waterskin with my ten-foot pole and carefully moved forward. It took me an hour or more to travel the twenty-foot-long hallway avoiding four tripwires and five more pressure plates.


    I collapsed next to the room''s entrance pressing my back against the maze''s wall. I put my head in my gauntleted hands forgetting that one was sticky with my blood.


    "Son of a bitch."


    I sighed heavily, grabbing my waterskin with the hand not stuck to my face. I poured water over the gauntlet, freeing it. I then scrubbed my gauntlets clean with dirt before washing them again with the last of the water in my waterskin. I sat there until I slowly felt myself calming down. I had calmed down way too quickly for what happened but I''d happily take system-fuckery to keep me from breaking down rather than having to try and find a therapist in this magical medieval world.


    I pushed myself back to my feet pulling my sword free. I rested it on my shoulder before I headed into the new room. I scanned the room, smiling softly at the familiar sight. A boar was busy searching for truffles near the sole tree in the room. I carefully moved forward using Analyze.


    -Tonitrua Aper level 5-


    I stared at the notification cursing whoever thought it was a good idea to use Latin as the naming convention. I had no idea what element this boar unfortunately its color didn''t give anything away as it was mostly covered in mud and dirt. I scanned the room for anything else making sure to look up this time.


    Confident that it was just the boar I decided now was a perfect time to test my newly improved spell. Mana flooded my body causing it to start to heat up. I moved quickly into the room rushing towards the boar.


    To no one''s surprise, the boar heard me coming as it was rather hard to move quietly in heavy armor. The boar turned to face me snorting. It lowered its head, lightning coating its body as it ran forward. We both rapidly closed in, gambling on who had their Charge at a higher level.


    It was just a few more seconds before it would be in my range when the boar blurred suddenly speeding up. I swung down as quickly as I could but was still too slow. The boar''s tusks smashed into my chest as the lighting surrounding it discharged into me. Between the force of the blow and the extra kick from the lightning, I flew backward, bouncing off the ground and losing my khopesh in the process.


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    I quickly rolled to my left before hopping back to my feet. My gaze darted around the room locking onto the boar as I gently patted my breastplate. It had a small dent in it but for the most part, seemed to be in one piece. Fortunately for me, I had sent my blade flying to the opposite side of the room.


    I could feel my blade waiting in my inventory for me and wasted no time pulling it free. The boar just snorted before rushing towards me clad in lightning. I stood my ground angling my shoulders and feet to my right.


    My nerves built as I sat waiting with my back against the wall. The boar rapidly closed in. Fifty, forty-five, forty, thirty-five! I slammed my Charge as hard as I could the second the boar started to blur. My body flew forward at an angle allowing me to pass just right of the boar, my sword sticking out to my left slicing into the boar as we passed each other. Lightning danced up my blade from the moment of contact discharging into me.


    My body started to seize up but was barely able to fight off the effect. I spun around smiling as I saw the boar stumbling around. I aimed my blade carefully before burning more stamina. The tip of my blade slammed into the boar''s side. It glanced off its rib nicking the boar''s lung as the blade was deflected down and to the right.


    The boar bellowed in pain as I twisted the khopesh and cut down hacking through the boar''s sternum. Blood flecked the boar''s mouth as it swung its tusks at me. I danced back while slashing up to my left. My blade hacked into the boar''s tusk, getting stuck halfway through.


    I placed my right hand on the back of my blade, twisting it to force the boar''s face into the ground. I yanked my dirk free and slashed open the boar''s throat as it discharged another round of its spell into me.


    Blood poured out of its wounds as I jumped back. My body was twitching from its last attack until I poured mana into my healing spell. I gritted my teeth as the boar wheezed for air as I circled the boar. It kept turning, trying to get me back in front of it stumbling slightly. I couldn''t stand it and darted in sliding my dirk between its ribs before cutting down and ripping the blade out. I did this two more times before I was finally able to hit its heart putting the boar out of its misery.


    I sighed heavily leaning against the boar as my spell lapsed leaving me feeling like my body had done its best to rip itself apart. I sat there catching my breath before I forced myself up and got to work. It took me a while to harvest everything from the boar using Analyze as I went. I got lucky and pulled a beast core out of the boar. I smiled softly, rolling the core between my fingers before tossing it into my inventory.


    I had to move my waterskin to my belt and with my khopesh stashed in its own slot I put my cloak on just to free up another slot. I was able to get one hundred and forty pounds of pork out of the boar along with its hide. When I looted what was left of the boar I got a tonitrua aper''s femur, which I quickly pulled out and consumed.


    Happily, as I was part of the beastfolk races we still held some benefits from our beastly nature. I didn''t know if the other races got the same thing but I was still able to gain from eating the bones of my foes. I could feel my body break down the power within the bone and make it my own. I had no idea what benefit I was getting other than the feeling that I was more solid but every bit mattered.


    I looked around the room now that the boar was taken care of. I smiled, spotting a chest sitting in front of the tree. I rubbed my hands together as I walked over to it. The sound of dice rolling came from my charm as I threw the lid open.


    Inside I found a helmet that looked like a boar''s head tusks included. The chest broke into motes of rainbow light as I lifted the helmet out using Analyze on it before checking my notifications.


    -Helm of the Thunder Boar-


    Said to be crafted from the remains of a Thunder Boar it holds onto a fragment of its past life''s power.


    Clads the wearer in lightning when they use the Charge ability. Lightning damage is based on Charge''s level.


    -Congratulations-


    Armored Skin has leveled up!


    +1 Constitution.


    -Congratulations-


    Pain Resistance has leveled up!


    +1 Constitution


    -Congratulations-


    Minor Self-heal has leveled up!


    +1 Intelligence.


    -Congratulations-


    You have learned Lightning Resistance.


    EXP has been awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    -Congratulations-


    Harvesting has leveled up!


    +1 Wisdom.


    -Congratulations-


    You have defeated a level 5 Thunder Boar.


    EXP has been awarded for defeating an opponent.

 Petting Zoo

    I gently tossed the helmet from hand to hand. It would add more protection, but if I wore it, I''d be unable to use Flame Breath with the visor down. It was a bridge I''d have to cross eventually. I sighed heavily before putting the helm on making a mental note to change Flame Breath''s spell form.


    The helm cut off a good part of my vision. I could only really see what was right in front of me, and it dampened my hearing by a good bit. I''d have to rely more heavily on Danger Sense, but hopefully, that meant the ability would level faster. With that decided, I took a quick look at my resource pool.


    I wasn''t sure when, but three new icons had appeared in the top left of my vision. They seemed to fade into the background if I stopped focusing but came to the foreground with a thought. The first, an outline of a Squirrelfolk, had a darker red in the chest while the rest was filled in with a light red with a 68% floating above its head. The second and third were bars colored green and blue. The green bar was mostly full, having maybe twenty percent taken out of it, whereas the blue was down by about a fourth.


    I clicked my tongue, having thought I had done better than that in the fight. I moved to sit under the one tree in the room. I dumped my mana into my healing spell, casting it three times to finally get back to one hundred percent. Next came meditation to fill my mana back up in a reasonable time.


    It was a little under a minute and a half when I felt everything was topped off. I stood up, stretching lightly to loosen my slightly stiff tail. I''d have to find a better way to sit or start meditating while standing to fix that. I shook my head, refocusing on the task at hand. I flipped my visor up, finding the exit to the room before lowering it and heading off back into the maze.


    I moved more carefully, sweeping the hallway with my ten-foot-long pole. I wasn''t expecting to find any more traps, but at the thought of not doing it, I would get a bone-deep ache in my right arm. Even with my slower pace, I was still making better time than my first dungeon run. My steps were more confident, as I thought I knew what to expect.


    I stepped into the next room, training the pole for my bow. I knocked an arrow, flipping up my visor, allowing me to scan the room. The room had a few trees and bushes breaking up the mostly empty room. At the back, I could make out three goblin riders sitting on their mounts. The first had a lance and shield; the second had a saber, and the last had a bow. They were huddled together, seeming to be engrossed in some debate I was too far away to make out.


    I moved into the room, climbing up the nearest tree. They were far enough away that hitting them would come more down to luck than skill. The only thing I had going for me was that they were standing still. I took a deep breath, calming down.


    I pulled the bowstring back until my fingers were just under my ears. My tail helped keep my balance as I lifted the bow slightly and loosed the arrow exhaling. The arrow shot through the air streaking towards my foes right over their heads to valiantly bury itself into a tree.


    The horned mounts'' ears swiveled as they tried to locate where the arrow had come from. The Riders turned in their saddles, readying their weapons as I knocked another arrow, adjusting my aim. I held the shot aiming at one of the mounts before losing the arrow.


    Against my expectations, the arrow arched through the sky, slamming into the far mount''s side. It squealed bloody murder before spinning to face me. The others quickly follow suit. They rushed forward as I quickly grabbed another arrow, rushing the shot.


    The arrow slammed into the lead goblin''s shield. The bow goblins split off from the others, taking its injured mount to my left as he started to fire arrows back at me. I flipped my visor down as I hopped to a new branch, putting the tree between us.


    I shot one more arrow at the charging group. Time slowly as everything just felt right, my arrow streaked through the air, slamming into the lead rabbit''s shoulder. The rabbit screamed in pain as it jerked away, tossing its rider free from the sudden stop.


    The saber goblin cursed and spat insults as it closed in. I stashed my bow and hoped my crazy plan worked. My tail and my left hand held onto the branch as I angled my body to aim the saber rider. I waited until he was just in range, bunching up my legs before letting go. I pushed hard off the branch as I tried to use Charge.


    The branch shattered as I launched myself at the goblin. Lightning coated my body just before I slammed head-first into the Goblin Rider''s chest. We became a tangle of limbs falling off the horned rabbit mount slamming onto the ground.


    We bounced on the ground, coming to a stop with the goblin on top. I wrapped my left arm around the goblin''s neck as I grabbed my dirk, pulling it free and stabbing it into the goblin while it was still stunned. My blade slammed into the goblin''s armor more than once before it found a gap.


    The goblin bucked, hammering my sides with its fists. It screeched nonsense as it hammered away. I trusted my armor to hold up as my blade slid between gaps in its armor punching holes in the goblin''s side. The goblin placed both hands on the ground and forced itself out of my embrace.


    The goblin scrambled away, clutching its side. I quickly got back to my feet, replacing my dirk before pulling my Khopesh out of my inventory. I was about to rush forward when Danger Sense screamed at me. I darted to my left half, turning to get completely out of the way, barely dodging an arrow from behind.


    I flooded mana into Overflow before charging the saber goblin. My blade flashed lightning, following in its wake. The goblin tried to block with its arms, but my blade smashed through its weak guard, ending the goblin.


    I danced to my left dodging another arrow only to move into the path of a charging rabbit. The horn slammed into my back, glancing off my armor only for the rest of the rabbit to slam into me, tossing me to the ground. I rolled over right, shooting a Bolt off once I caught sight of the riderless rabbit.


    My spell gave me just enough time to get back to my feet, causing an incoming arrow to glance off my breastplate. I grit my teeth, forcing myself to stay focused on the horned rabbits in front of me. I darted forward using the back of my blade to smack its horn to my right.


    I brought my blade around, slashing down and taking the rabbit''s eye. I shifted, placing the rabbit between the archer and me. I stayed close to the rabbit hacking away now that I was too close for it to use its horn.


    With one rider and mount down, I flipped my visor up scanning the room. The lance goblin had gotten my arrow out of its mounts shoulder and seemed no worse for wear. The bowman had moved in closer, circling the downed mount.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    I stepped forward, looting the downed mount as my foot hit it before using Charge. I burst through the motes of light, dragging them behind me. My blade flashed, smashing the mount''s horn to the side. Flames roared forward, washing over the horned mount and bowman.


    I moved to the right, placing the rider between me and the Lancer. As the spell died down, I reached up, grabbed the flaming goblin, and ripped him down off his mount. I slammed my foot into its chest, gritting my teeth as my blade hacked through its neck.


    I stepped back from the mount as the fire burned itself out. I clicked my tongue, moving back in only to have the rabbit dart forward. Danger Sense screamed as I dodged to the right. A horn scraped against my breastplate, deflecting off to my left as the following lance slammed into the dent left behind by the boar.


    It felt like I got hit by a truck again as I was thrown back, the air getting knocked out of me. I gasped for air, my hands scrambling at my battered armor. I forced my scattered mind back together as I got to my feet. I spun around to find the Lancer already turning his mount around for another pass.


    I knew the last mount was probably trying to flank me, but I didn''t have time for that. A glance told me I had a little over half of my mana left. I darted toward the Lancer, sending four Bolts into his mount. The first Bolt had strands of electricity arc through its fur, but before it could fade away, the second, third, and fourth Bolt slammed into it. Each spell caused the arcs to build running rampant through the mount.


    The rabbit locked up mid-sprint, causing it to tip forward. Its horn dug into the ground, causing it to flip head over heels, throwing the Lancer free. Danger Sense warned me of an attack coming in from my right. I burned stamina charging forward to slam into the Lancer as he was just getting to his feet.


    My blade hacked into the Lancer''s armor, battering him. He slammed into my chest, trying to drag me to the ground. I brought my pommel down into his back, my tail helping me stay on my feet. I was about to bring my sword down again when I felt a blade slide between the plates of my armor and into my ribs.


    "You little shit!"


    My left hand darted down, grabbing firmly onto the goblin''s arm, keeping the dagger stuck in my side. I brought the pommel down hard against the goblin''s head as my knee shot up, smashing into its face. The Goblins went slack slumping to the ground. I looked down, my anger mounting as I noticed it was my dirk sticking in me.


    My foot smashed into the goblin''s head, rolling it onto its back. I reversed my sword and stabbed down the tip, punching through its face. I pulled the dirk free as I cast Minor Self-heal. The spell closed the wound enough to stop the bleeding.


    I flipped my visor up as Overflow ran out, causing my body to become heavy, and my stamina took a big hit losing half of it in one go. Both mounts were back on their feet but were noticeably slower. I planted my foot on the goblin''s chest, pulling my Khopesh free. I heaved the blade up onto my shoulder as I slammed my visor shut.


    ''God damn, I need a drink.''


    The rabbits spread out as they hopped closer to me. I focused on the charred rabbit rushing towards it. I ducked to the left, darting under its horn. I spun before hacking down hard putting my full strength behind the blow. My khopesh hacked into the rabbit''s spine smashing through it.


    I had to leave my sword behind as I leaped back to dodge the last rabbit. I pulled my dirk free glaring at the traitorous blade. I chased after the rabbit catching up to it as it spun around. I used Charge to get in close before it could point its horn my way.


    My shoulder slammed onto the side of its neck causing the wound in my side to reopen. I grunted, grabbing onto the stunned rabbit''s horn and forcing its head down. I brought my dirk''s pummel smashing down into its skull three times until it crumpled to the ground.


    I whipped my dirk clean on its fur before sheathing the blade. I fell onto the ground leaning against the rabbit as I looked at my resource.


    Health: 180/360 Stamina: 53/270 Mana: 27/250


    I was losing five health a second from blood loss. I grabbed my two health potions downing them back to back stopping the bleeding and bringing my health back into the green. I rested my head against the rabbit panting softly. My eyes grew heavy as the adrenaline left my body. I was able to get through my notifications before passing out.


    -Congratulations-


    Basic Archery has leveled up!


    +1 Dexterity


    -Congratulations-


    Charge has leveled up!


    +1 Strength


    -Congratulations-


    Bolt has leveled up!


    +1 Intelligence


    -Congratulations-


    Danger Sense has leveled up!


    +1 Wisdom


    -Congratulations-


    Heavy Armor has leveled up!


    +1 Constitution


    -Congratulations-


    Dodge has leveled up!


    +1 Agility


    -Congratulations-


    You have defeated 1 level 4 Goblin Rider, 1 level 3 Giant Leporem Corniger, 1 level 5 Goblin Rider, 1 level 6 Goblin Rider, 1 level 5 Giant Leporem Corniger, and 1 level 6 Giant Leporem Corniger.


    EXP has been awarded for defeating your opponents.


    ¡ïLEVEL UP!!¡ï

 Dog House

    I jerked awake, gasping for air. My hands scrambled at my helm before ripping it free and dropping it to the ground. I bolted up to my feet, slowly calming down. I scanned the room, confirming that I was safe as the nightmare faded.


    I blinked a few times before putting away my sword. I wasn''t even sure when I had pulled it out. I shook my head, clearing it of the last bit of sleep. I pulled my dirk free and got to work harvesting the two rabbits and looting the goblins. Overall, I got two horns, two pelts, one hundred and eighty pounds of rabbit meat, seventeen silver, and fifteen arrows.


    I cast Create Water, washing the blood and grime off my armor and knife. I shivered as the cold water washed over me. I pulled a pelt out, using it to dry off before going over to a tree. I sat down, leaning up against it before pulling up open my status to finalize my level-up.


    ¡ïStatus¡ï


    Name: Theseus


    Race: Primae Sciurus [Primal Squirrelfolk]


    Class: Fighter


    Level: 3


    Titles: Dungeon Delver, Progenitor


    Health: 380/380


    Stamina: 285/285


    Mana: 250/260


    Strength: 21


    Agility: 23->25


    Dexterity: 25


    Constitution: 19


    Intelligence: 26


    Wisdom: 25->27


    Skills:


    Acrobatics level: 2


    Analyze level: 2


    Basic Archery level: 2


    Basic Greatsword level: 7


    Basic Leather Crafting level 2


    Basic Spear level: 1


    Basic Spellcraft level: 3


    Calligraphy level: 2


    Cooking level: 6


    Dodge level: 6


    Fire Resistance level: 1


    Harvesting level: 2


    Heavy Armor level: 3


    Lightning Resistance level: 1


    Meditation level: 6


    Natural Weapons level: 4


    Pain Resistance level: 4


    Ranger level: 3


    Weapons Crafting level: 1


    Abilities: [+1]


    Armored Skin level: 3


    Bond Blade level: 1


    Charge level: 5


    Danger Sense level:4


    Father Fall level: 3


    Tongues level: 2


    Weapon Focus [Greatsword]


    Spells:


    Bolt level: 3


    Create Water level: 1


    Flame Breath level: 2


    Minor Self-heal level: 2


    Overflow level: 2


    With how my fights were going, I decided to try to get my speed up a bit to help avoid the bigger hits. I could tank the small blows all day with how good my armor was, but I didn''t want just to stand there and eat the damage. I never enjoyed playing tanks in the past, and now that the damage had real pain behind it, it was an even more off-putting idea.


    With the bookkeeping all up to date, I climbed back to my feet and chewed through my supply of bones to free up space. I dusted myself off and headed over to my discarded helm, putting it back on after dusting it off. I searched through the room, clicking my tongue when I didn''t find a chest. I bounced lightly, settling my armor before I headed out of the room and into the labyrinth.


    It took a while before I came to the next room, letting me regain the bit of mana I was missing. I peeked my head in, searching the room, a bit surprised to find that this room seemed to take after a clearing in the woods with a small cabin at its center with a tall fenced-in area behind the cabin. I lifted my visor, getting a better look at the room, as I pulled my bow out.


    I knocked an arrow as I stepped into the room. My ears twitched, and my tail flicked as I heard multiple dogs barking. I groaned as I moved up to the cabin, not looking forward to another group fight. My thoughts turned toward the abilities I could grab to help deal with groups.


    I sighed heavily, refocusing as I reached the cabin. I pushed the door open with my foot as I brought my bow to full draw. The door swung open, showing a one-room building. The space gave me flashbacks to my old life. Trash littered the ground and was pushed into piles to create walking space. A musk filled the air, one part dog, one part trash, and two parts mold. The only thing that stopped me from slamming the door shut was a half-buried wooden chest sitting in the center of the room.


    I moved into the room, my stomach revolting at the smell. I slowly released the tension on my bow before trying to open the chest. The lid refused to open, and I had to jump back to avoid a cascade of trash revealing a lock.


    "Of course, it''s not that easy."


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    I moved back out of the cabin, ignoring the door at the back of the room. I placed my bow into my inventory before climbing up the cabin''s wall, my claws digging into the wall with ease. I hunched low, took my bow back out, and knocked an arrow again. I slowly moved to the roof''s edge, peeking over it as a sharp whistle cut off the barking. A goblin in furs stood just ten feet in front of me. Past him, four hounds were quickly breaking away from each other before lining up in front of the goblin. I quickly shot off a round of Analyze as I stood up, sending my first arrow at the goblin''s unprotected back.


    Goblin Beastmaster level 3


    Canis Ignis level 5


    Canis Tonitrua level 5


    Canis Ventus level 4


    Canis Terra level 3


    My arrow streaked between the goblin and me in an instant, slamming just to the right of its spine and punching through its chest. Blood sprayed out of the goblin''s mouth. It fell onto its knees before tipping sideways and slamming into the ground. Silence filled the yard before the hounds turned their heads to my spot on the roof.


    The hounds burst into action, rushing towards me. I sent another arrow down at the earth hound only for it to dodge. I clicked my tongue, switching my bow out for my sword. I had set my feet ready for the hounds to jump up to the roof when the wind hound slashed the air in front of itself.


    Danger Sense yelled at me, allowing me to jump out of the way as a Wind Blade sliced through the space I was just in. Just as I landed, the three remaining hounds leapt onto the roof. Thankful that my visor was still up, I channeled mana into my mouth to spew forth a way of flame. The hounds acted quickly.


    The fire hound jumped forward, blocking the majority of the flames. It was still taking some damage, but nowhere near the amount, the spell did with even the minimum cast. I burn a bit of stamina, charging forward. I brought my blade up, aiming at the fire hound''s neck, making it choose between protecting its pack or its own life. Before the hound could make a choice, its earthen brother, now clad in rock armor, burst through the flames, slamming into my side, knocking my blade off course, and causing it to nick the flame hound''s muzzle.


    I staggered back from the hit and had to jump off the roof into the backyard to dodge a bolt of lightning. I rolled as I landed, popping back up to my feet. I quickly turned to face the wind hound just in time to catch a wind blade with my blade. I managed to deflect the spell, forcing it towards the roof.


    My left hand shot forward, sending a bolt of lightning back at the wind hound. Before I could rush forward, I was forced to jump back as fire streaked between us. I pressed my back to the fence and slammed my visor shut. Even though I had a distaste for trading blows, it seemed like I would be forced into it. I slowed my breathing as mana flooded my body with my gaze locked onto the earth hound that placed itself in front.


    I burned stamina charging forward. My lightning-clad pommel slammed into the hound''s head, cracking its armor and causing it to slump dazed. A Bolt slammed into my left shoulder. I forced my twitching muscles into action. My foot lashed out, knocking the dazed hound''s head back. My blade cleaved down through its skull. As the hound crumpled to the ground, a blade of wind, a ball of flame, and a bolt of lightning slammed into my chest, hurling me through the wooded fence.


    Constitution was a fantastic stat. It helps toughen the body, making you more resilient to damage, and gives you a larger pool of health. The problem was until your constitution hit triple digits, steel trumps bone. Of course, some abilities changed this, and luckily for me, Armored Skin was one. Unfortunately for me, I had not leveled the ability up enough for it to stop something in my chest from breaking. I came to a stop after bouncing off the ground. Groaning, I climbed back to my feet, looking for my sword. I found it lying a few feet to my right. Scooping up the blade, I addressed the red notification.


    -Warning-


    You have multiple cracked ribs.


    Stamina costs doubled.


    Stamina regeneration halved.


    While it was helpful to know there wasn''t much I could do with the information. Thankfully, the adrenaline pounding through my veins combined with Pain Resistance helped me move despite everything, breath causing a sharp pain to pulse through me. I forced myself back up onto my feet, my vision blurring slightly. I dragged my attention back to the hounds, my eyes growing wide at the second wave of spells.


    I hurled myself to the left, dodging out of the way before I scrambled to put the wall between us. I back up, hearing the hounds barking and coming closer. A gentle tugging from Bound Blade let me know my khopesh had been safely tucked in my inventory. A thought struck me, causing a smirk to cross my lips.


    Lightning dancing between my fingers. The wind hound was the first to come leaping out of the new hole in the fence. A double cast of Bolt flashed thru the air and hammered into the hound. Its head snapped in my direction. The hound snarled before shooting another Wind Blade my way.


    ''So much for that idea.''


    I willed my khopesh back onto my hands. Rushing forward, I attempted to hook the spell. Sadly, I was too unfamiliar with the action and misjudged the timing. The Wind Blade cut into my left vambrace, pushing my arm back into my chest, sending a spike of agony cascading out from the impact. I stumbled, grinding my teeth together as I fought the pain.


    Danger Sense screamed louder than the pain. I jerked to my left, dodging another trio of spells. My eyes traced the spells back to their origin. The other hounds had caught up, but what surprised me was the wind hound was changing at me. I pushed forward, dumping stamina into Charge. Lightning clad my blade as it hacked up into the hound, catching it mid-stride and splitting the hound. Its body continued forward, forcing me to twist out of the way, my chest feeling like it was on fire.


    I spun to see the hounds split up. The fire hound started to move away from the wall, heading to my right as its lightning brother paced, waiting until they flanked me. I braced for the drain before charging to the fire hound''s side, placing it between its brother and me. I lashed out as I spun to face the hound. My blade met the hound as it tried to latch onto my leg. Its head fell to the ground two steps away from its body. I stepped over the body, putting my sword up onto my shoulder.


    Froth built on the lightning hound''s muzzle as it barreled toward me. It lunged for my throat once it got in range. I ducked down under the lunge. My blade flashed up, hooking the hound''s midsection, and slammed it into the ground. I flipped my blade, putting the whimpering hound out of its pain.


    My gaze drifted up to my user interface or UI. I winced as I saw my health, stamina, and mana all hovering around fifty percent. I watched my mana bar drain to about fifteen percent, and my health ticks up to about sixty-five percent as I cast Minor Self-heal twice. I walked over to the wall, slumping down, and leaned against it after stashing my sword back into my inventory.


    It took a lot longer than usual for me to get into the right headspace and meditate. I kept slipping in and out of meditation time, dragging on until after the two more casts of Minor Self-heal, I could breathe again without it causing pain to radiate through me.


    With my ribs fixed, I pulled my visor up, taking a good look at my armor. It had a few new dents, a scorch mark on my chest, and two long cuts. All considered, I thought it held up just fine and would be able to get repaired. I stretched, going over to each body and looting them.


    Each hound only gave me a fang, while the goblin only gave me a key. I ate each fang as I got them. I bounced the key gently in my hand as I walked over to the chest.


    ''Honestly, with how simple this key is, I wonder how hard it would have been to pick the lock. Eh, it''s probably magical or has some system fuckery going on with it."


    With a thunk, the chest unlocked the key, dissolving into motes of lights. My fingers twitched as I reached for the lid before throwing it back, revealing a blue-white token and a simple silver ring. Curiosity got the best of me. I reached down and grabbed the token, only for it to burst into motes and flood into me. I blinked twice before picking up the ring and stuffed it into my empty belt pouch before turning to my notifications and checking my progress.


    -Congratulations-


    Armored Skin has leveled up!


    +1 Constitution


    -Congratulations-


    Analyze has leveled up!


    +1 Wisdom


    -Congratulations-


    Flame Breath has leveled up!


    +1 Intelligence


    -Congratulations-


    Meditation has leveled up!


    +1 Wisdom


    -Congratulations-


    You have defeated a level 3 Goblin Beastmaster, a level 3 Canis Terra, a level 4 Canis Ventus, a level 5 Canis Ignis, and a level 5 Canis Tonitrua.


    EXP has been awarded for defeating your opponents.


    -Congratulations-


    You have acquired an Ability Point.


    Goals updated:


    0/1 Exits found


    6/10 hounds Defeated[Optional]


    1/5 Huntsmen Defeated[ Optional]


    3/5 Riders Defeated [Optional]


    0/1 Oberon Defeated [Optional]


    11/? Hunters Defeated [Optional]


    ''So that''s how you get extra Ability Points.''


    I rubbed my paws together at the thought of all the abilities just waiting for me. I walked back out of the cabin and sat my back against the wall. Before I continued on my delve, I had to get my health, stamina, and mana back to full.

 Spiders den

    Since I had to wait for my resource pools to tick back up, I decided it wouldn''t hurt to take a few minutes to scroll through my available abilities. I pulled off my helm, sitting it beside me. The list was primarily ones I had seen before: Empowered Strike, Hack ''n Slash, Armor Mastery, Parry, etc. However, a few new abilities had shown up. Most were about dealing extra damage to the types of enemies I''ve already fought or taking less damage from them.


    What was surprising to me was a lot of the abilities specialized for non-bladed weapons were no longer available to me. I could still see the other tabs but was limited to choosing from the generic, blades, and armor abilities. It had probably been like this since I picked up either Weapon Focus or Bond Blade. I''d have to pay more attention in the future to make sure I didn''t close off too many paths.


    I shook my head to clear it before waving away the screen. It didn''t matter right now unless I wanted to put off grabbing Imbue Blade. I put back on my helm before slipping into meditation. As soon as I was in peak fighting condition, I hopped up to my feet and started to look for the exit.


    After searching for longer than I''d like to admit, I came to the conclusion this room was a dead end, and it was time to backtrack. It wasn''t the first time I had to retrace my steps, but it did annoy me that a non-exit room would be a dead-end. I returned to the last fork in the labyrinth and got back to work clearing out the dungeon.


    What felt like hours, but was probably closer to fifteen minutes, passed as I made my way through the twisting corridors until I got to the next room. Sighing in relief that at least my boredom was coming to an end. I swapped my pole out for my bow. I rolled my shoulders, loosing up before I poked my head into the room.


    Danger Sense screamed inside my skull, causing me to yank back just in time to dodge a glob of molten earth dripping down from the ceiling. Cursing, I backed away from the archway as lightning splashed against it.


    My eyes darted around what little I could see of the room. It was a small clearing with little cover unless you could crawl on the ceiling. I stashed my bow and shook out my hands, getting ready for the rapid casting of my one ranged spell.


    I rushed forward as the water from my first spell fell, rapidly cooling the puddle of hissing magma at the room''s entrance. I jumped through the explosion of steam, my Fire Resistance helping me survive the super-heated steam. My hands cracking with my held spells. I jerked to my left, dodging a spear of ice before sending twin Bolts back at my attacker. I was forced to dance back, avoiding an arc of lightning.


    I traced the spell to its origin. A spider hung halfway up the wall, lightning building up around it. I tried something new. One hundred twenty-five cubic feet of water pulled together ten feet above the spider before slamming into it. Chitin shattered as the spider was ripped from the wall. Its broken body was dragged to the ground. I stood there, stunned by how destructive the spell was.


    That meant that despite Danger Sense''s warning, I was caught flat-footed as a spider larger than the others dropped from the ceiling, landing on my back. I grunted and pushed my tail up, covering its eyes. I trusted in my armor to weather the spider''s blows. I rolled to my left, grabbed its middle leg, and sent three point-blank Bolts into it.


    The spider locked up, making it easy to throw it off my back. I spun to face my paralyzed foe, my khopesh forming in my hands as I hacked down. My blade cut through its abdomen, my aim spoiled by an ice shard ringing my helmet like a bell and a chunk of molten rock splashing against my back.


    Luckily, my tail flicked out of the way in time to avoid being caught on fire. I staggered forward before twisting around my eyes, landing on the molten spider flying through the air. I burned stamina, hurling myself forward and catching the spider in midair. Its legs wrapped around my torso as my electrified khopesh cut a path.


    Chitin bounced off my torso, splattering my face and chest in ichor just in time for a blade of ice to crash into my side, causing my Charge to veer off course and into the room''s wall. I pushed myself off the faux tree and stumbled backward into the waiting limbs of the extra-large spider.


    I widened my stance, and my tail pressed into the ground, stopping the spider from dragging me to the ground. Fangs dripping in venom slammed into my pauldron. My left arm was pressed into my chest, and my right arm was trapped between two legs, making it too awarded to use my sword. I sent the blade back to my inventory.


    I could trust my armor to hold out for a while, but sooner or later, the damned spider would break through it. The only upside was that I didn''t have to worry about spells until I got it off my back. A glance at my mana showed I just had over half left.


    I had just enough movement in my right arm that I was able to point my palm at the spider''s face. I cast three Bolts into the spider. I felt the start of a migraine form as the spider lost control over its limbs.


    Danger Sense roared in my head, letting me throw myself out of the path of an ice lance. I popped back to my feet, spinning around to find another lance building up between the ice spider''s pedipalps. I pulled my khopesh free before rushing back to the paralyzed spider.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    I hacked down, splitting the spider''s sternum in two just before the ice lance crashed into my chest. The lance ground against my breastplate, deflecting down and to my left. The tip of the lance cut deeply into my thigh. My teeth clicked shut, muffling the scream that tried to claw its way out of my throat.


    -Warning-


    You are bleeding.


    -5hp per second until healed.


    -Warning-


    Your leg has taken critical damage.


    Movement is restricted until fully healed.


    I fought to stay standing, my leg wanting to buckle under me. I shift my weight onto my right leg, taking deep breaths. I stumbled through the casting of Minor Self-heal. The spell shattered twice before I was finally able to cast it. My bleeding slowed then stopped as my leg slowly knit itself together, stopping before it was whole again. Most of the healing was spent healing the bruises and burns I picked up in the fight.


    My focus snapped back into place, my eyes darting up to the spider as it loosed another lance. I swung my blade up, catching another ice lance and forcing it off course. I dragged myself forward, my tail lashing behind me. My eyes darted to my mana bar.


    ''Just under 10%. That explains the pounding headache.''


    The spider danced back and forth on the wall, hissing at me before it launched itself at me. My blade hacked down, smashing the spider to the ground, its chitin shattering on impact.


    I sighed heavily, sending my blade back to my inventory before I pulled my helm off. I grabbed my waterskin, downing half its contents and pouring the other half over my head. I pulled out the notification, fighting for my attention.


    Health: 260/400


    Stamina: 152/300


    Mana: 26/270


    -Congratulations-


    Pain Resistance has leveled up.


    +1 Constitution


    -Congratulations-


    Basic Greatsword has leveled up.


    +1 Strength


    -Congratulations-


    You have defeated a level 4 Tonitrus Aranea Venator, a level 3 Molten Aranea Venator, a level 5 Dire Aranea Venator, and a level 3 Glacies Aranea Venator.


    I waved away the notification before limping around the room, nudging each spider with my good foot to loot them. The heat from the magma spells had made it so I was too tired to harvest the spiders properly, my Fire Resistance doing little to help cool me off. It also didn''t help that my armor can only block part of the damage from spells, given its mundane construction.


    I walked back to my dropped helm and started to pull my armor off. Once free of my personal oven, I kicked my pants off to repair the slice in them. I used some of my newly acquired spider silk thread to sew the cut shut after struggling to get the thread on the needle.


    A quick cast of Create Water refilled my waterskin, only for me to drain a third of it. Even without my armor, my leather clothes, despite being thin, were anything but breathable. I planned to pick up a new set of clothes while idly playing with the satin square.


    It took me far longer than I''d like to admit to snap back to reality. I stashed my sewing kit and square of fabric. My mana had been filled up while I was zoned out. I poured my mana into Minor Self-heal to help speed up my recovery before slipping into meditation.


    After I got back into fighting shape, I hopped back to my feet and stretched. I gathered enough deadfall to make a small fire and cooked about a pound of pork for lunch. I made a mental note for the hundredth time to pick up spices when I got back to the city, as I spent the better part of half an hour getting back into my armor. I bounced lightly in place, taking my pole out before diving back into the dungeon. With any luck, I''d be out of here in just a few more hours.

 Summoning 101

    I hadn''t traveled more than thirty feet from the spider''s den when I ran into my first trap. I took a deep breath to try to stop the oncoming panic attack. I backed up, closed my eyes, and just took a minute.


    ''You''re okay. You found it this time. You can just step over the tripwire and keep walking.''


    I''m not sure how long it took to calm down, but I could feel something helping me smooth the jagged edges of the memory from my last trap. The shaking in my hands slowly stopped. I was still left with a dull ache in my shoulder where the arrow had punched through.


    I opened my eyes, squaring my shoulders before I pushed forward. I tested the ground past the tripwire, where I''d put a pitfall. With a sigh of relief, I stepped over the trap and made my way further down the hallway, avoiding two more tripwires and a pitfall.


    With each trap, the memory was a bit less jagged. The panic was a bit easier to come back from. I''d still freeze on spotting them, partly out of caution. I still felt the phantom pain of the bolt sliding into me, lodging into my bone, and the worst part, the arrow moving around as I tried to remove it.


    I smiled as I got to the entry of the next room. The room was a bit different from the others I had been in. The smallest tree was at least fifty feet tall. Add in that there weren''t any bushes to be seen, giving me the feeling that I had reached a much older part of the forest. Even with the lack of ground cover, the forest was dense enough that I had a clear line of sight for about ten feet around me.


    I put the pole away before I made my way into the room. My eyes darted around the room as my smile slowly grew. I rushed towards the closest tree, only for the clanking of my armor to cause the light in my eyes to die.


    ''If jogging causes this much noise, there''s no way I''ll be able to surprise my enemies by jumping from tree to tree. I''ll have to look into reducing the noise I make.''


    I shook my head before talking my bow out and nocking an arrow. Slowly, to not sound like a bag of pots and pans falling down a staircase, I wove between the ancient trees, heading towards the center of the room.


    I was about a thick of the way through the room when Danger Sense went off. I tried to roll to the left, only for my shoulder to slam into a tree. Despite this, I was able to move enough to cause the two arrows to become glancing blows. One cut across my right pauldron, while the second skimmed off my helm.


    I spun around, my eyes darting around, scanning the gaps in the trees. Whatever had shot me had already disappeared into the woods. I backed away slowly, my head constantly moving. Movement in the corner of my eye had me spinning to the left and losing an arrow off into the trees.


    I growled, nowing that the arrow was lost forever. I darted forward, my ears swiveling to pick up any sounds. A soft twang from my right had me ducking down and pushing off a nearby tree to dodge the incoming arrow.


    I took a chance and spun to my left, nocking another arrow. My eyes darted between the trees. Time seemed to slow as my heart pounded in my chest. A white horn followed by burnt red fur broke out behind a tree.


    My arms snapped up the string, pulling back. My eyes meet the goblin riders as we lose our arrows. I twisted to my right, pulling my bow close to protect it. My arrow hammered home in the rabbit''s chest as the rider''s arrow cut a line of fire across my left leg.


    My left leg dropped from under me, causing me to fall to a knee. I sucked in a breath to stop the scream that wanted to rip its way out of my throat. My fingers flexed against the bow as I rapidly cast Minor Self-heal.


    My ears twitched at a small creek behind me. I rolled forward, dodging the second rider''s shot. I tried to pop back to my feet, staggering a bit. I nocked another arrow before pressing my back to a tree. I slowed my breathing as I scanned the forest.


    My eyes landed on a splash of crimson where my arrow had hit the rider''s mount. I tested my leg, ensuring it would hold my weight before I took off at a sprint, following the trail of blood. My ears flicked side to side as I tried to make out any sound over the racket my armor was making.


    As I ran, I got more comfortable with the uneven terrain and found myself practically leaping from one footstep to the next, using the ground cover to push my body faster. Trees blurred passed as my stamina burned away. I was so caught up in the newfound joy of running that I almost missed Danger Sense''s warning.


    I threw myself into a forward roll, diving over the glinting blade at waist height. I tucked my head down as I rolled to bleed off my momentum, my armor taking most of the abuse from the uneven terrain until my back rammed into a tree, knocking the wind from my lungs.


    I flopped to the right in time to dodge an incoming sword strike. My eyes locked onto the goblin attacking me. The ugly green bastard smiled at me as it raised its sword above its head to strike me. I grit my teeth, forcing myself forward in a short Charge, my arms spread wide.


    Lightning danced between us as my shoulder slammed into its waist before we both fell to the ground. Our weapons were tossed aside in the tangle of limbs we became. As we stopped rolling around, I managed to come out on top. My iron-clad fingers dug into the goblin''s arms as blows rained on my head. I forced its arms down, pinning its shoulders under my knees.


    I sat up, panting softly before I jerked my dirk free, but before I could plunge my blade down, I was forced to roll to the side, dodging an arrow aimed at my uncovered face. I popped back to my feet and flicked my visor down, protecting my face once again. Unfortunately, this gave the goblin enough time to reach its feet and free its dagger.


    My blood hammered in my ears as we moved in my grip tight on my blade, my mind going blank. Steel flashed as we traded blows. My armor was better, but the goblin knew to aim for the gaps. I took more cuts and glancing blows than I gave. I did my best to take blows on my armor, but between the flashing dagger and random arrows, I was taking a beating. It wasn''t until after a stab landed between plates that I remembered. I. HAD. SPELLS.


    Bolt caught the goblin in the face, causing it to back up, shaking its head. I slammed my foot into its chest to create more room, dropping my dirk and pulling my Khopesh into reality. I moved in, and my blade flashed as I cut at his hand. The Goblin was forced to block my blade with his dagger, causing its dagger to be ripped away from its hand, spinning off into the sea of trees. I raised my sword before hacking down and smashing through the goblin''s hastily raised arms deep into its chest.


    I kicked the dying goblin off my blade. I stumbled back, leaning against a tree. I panted softly, my eyes scanning the forest for danger. After a minute to catch my breath, I pushed off the tree and looted the goblin after collecting my gear and sending my blade back to my inventory.


    I kept my visor down as I scanned the ground, finding the blood trail again. I followed the trail at a more sedate pace. It wasn''t long until I found the rabbit. It lay on its side, and bloody foam bubbled from its lips as it tried to breathe.


    Guilt weighed me down as I moved in. I pulled my dirk free, kneeling next to the large beast. My gauntleted hand gently stroked the rabbit''s soft fur as my other hand brought the dagger up through its chin and into its skull, ending the mount''s suffering.


    I had to remind myself that it was a dungeon monster and would have killed me. I pushed my guilt away and looted the rabbit. Its horn fell to the ground, and I groaned softly. I always hated inventory management. For now, I just slipped the horn into my quiver, hoping it would help my arrows to stop rattling around.


    I whipped my dirk clean before slipping it back into its sheath and pulling my bow out of my inventory. It took me an embarrassingly long time to find the tracks and follow them to the room''s exit.


    "Fuck."


    ''Well, the next fight just got harder.'' I thought.


    I checked my stats, wincing softly at how banged up I was. I backed away from the exit and hid myself as best as I could before spending the rest of my mana on Minor Self-heal, falling into meditation to recover.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    With me being back to full strength, I pulled myself out of meditation. My eyes darted around, scanning the area for any signs that the last rider had come back. Unfortunately, it looks like it hasn''t. I took this break to check my notifications and the loot I got.


    -Congratulations-


    Ranger has leveled up.


    +1 Agility


    -Congratulations-


    You have learned the Skill: Basic Knife Fighting.


    Exp has been awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    -Congratulations-


    You have defeated:


    1 level 4 Goblin Rider


    1 level 2 Giant Leporem Corniger


    EXP has been awarded for defeating your opponents.


    Scanning my inventory, it looked like I only picked up another twenty silver, the rabbit''s pelt, and the horn stuffed in my quiver. I debated eating the horn right away but decided to wait until after I took down the last rider. I adjusted my armor, checking it over before sighing.


    ¡®I wonder how much it will cost to repair it. It''s not too bad now, but it will only get worse. Best to get it repaired as often as I can.¡¯


    I stretched a bit, deciding to keep my khopesh in hand. I carefully walked into the hallway, following the left wall once again. I moved slower than before due to the lack of my trap-finding pole and the fear that the last Rider might double back to try and hunt me down.


    Hours ticked away as I forced myself to stay focused. It was getting a bit painful when I finally got to the next room. I checked the ground, smiling when I found no tracks leading into the room. I slipped into the room, my eyes scanning for movement. My ears twitched as I heard hounds barking not too far from me.


    I debated trading my sword for my bow but decided against it. My spell had a much more limited range, but with all the trees in this dungeon, the extra range didn''t matter. I rested my blade on my right shoulder and gently flexed my left hand as I crept forward, moving from one tree to the next, the sound of the hounds barking covering the noise my armor made.


    Before too long, I came up to a clearing. I stopped at the edge, lifting my visor to get a better look. At the edge of the clearing, the four remaining hounds circled the clearing with their handlers. Twenty yards away laid a ten-foot diameter stone rune circle laid equally spaced apart was a bone crown, a kriegsmesser sized for a goblin, a ring in the shape of a skull, a wolf''s pelt, and a wooden demon mask with a feather headdress.


    In the middle of the circle was a goblin shaman standing over a bound goblin painted with runes covering it. The shaman read from a book in its left hand as it gestured wildly with the knife in its right. I drummed my fingers against my sword hilt, but before I could decide what to do, a system window popped up in my vision.


    -Hidden Quest Found!-


    Objective: Defeat all enemies involved in the ritual. 0/10


    Optional objective: let the ritual finish. *Note: This will both increase the difficulty and reward.*


    Time until ritual completion: 00:10:00


    I rubbed my chin, humming as I looked from the quest to the ritual and back again.


    ¡®I could take out the hounds and guards first and let the shaman finish. Ah, fuck it. FOR THE LOOT!¡¯


    I closed my visor before stepping into the clearing and turning to the closest pair. Mana flooded my body as I burned stamina rushing towards the hound. Lightning coated my khopesh as I brought it up and to my right. My blade grazed the hound as it jumped into the goblin, knocking them to the ground.


    Frowning, I stepped forward and trusted my blade down through the black-hound and into the goblin as they tried to untangle themselves. With a twist of the blade, I ripped it sideways, freeing it from their cooling bodies. I look away from my gruesome work, taping both with a foot to loot them before taking off at the incoming pair.


    I ran towards the next group as the hounds and their handlers closed on me. When I thought I was in range, I used Charge again. My body flew forward, electricity trailing me. Unfortunately for me, my poor judgment of distance came with me into this life, and my momentum dropped back to a jog 10 feet in front of the now lightning-coated hound.


    I grit my teeth as lightning hammers into my breastplate, splashing against it. The goblin ran forward, hefting its massive club onto its shoulder before swinging at my head. I twisted out of the way, using the motion to bring my sword around, hacking into the lounging hound.


    My blade bit into the hound''s chest before throwing the hound off to my right. Danger Sense had me ducking under another wild swing from the goblin. I pivoted to my left, putting the goblin and hound before me as flames kindle to life before washing over them. I stomped forward, bathing them in purifying flames until their scream and thrashing stopped.


    Time:-00:09:00


    My nose twitched in irritation at the scent of burning hair mixed with roasting pork. My foot came down on the chard lumps, turning them into motes of rainbow light, taking the sticking scent with them. Before I could scan for my next opponent''s Danger Sense, the beautiful ability that it was had me rolling to my right to dodge a blast of high-pressure water that cut through the stop I had just left.


    Whipping my head up, I locked eyes with a smirking goblin as it swung two crude lumps of iron on a stick at me. Gritting my teeth, I burned stamina, holding my arms out wide. My lightning-clad body speared into the goblin''s waist as its weapons smashed into my back. My arms wrapped around the goblin''s waist as I dragged him away from his hound.


    At the end of my Charge, I slammed the goblin down into the ground. I mounted the goblin before electricity coated my fists as I slammed them down into its face once, twice, thrice. The goblin thrashed under me as electricity writhed, burning branching cannons in its face before reaching a crescendo bursting out. I was thrown back as the goblin''s skull evaporated.


    Thankfully, I recovered from the backlash of abusing my spells in time to roll out of the way of a blade of water. With a tug on my battered soul, I pulled my khopesh from its dropped spot through my inventory and back into my hands as I popped back to my feet. My tail was the only thing letting me duck under and around, cutting jets of water as I sprinted at the hound. I came in low, taking a water blade to my left arm as I swung my khopesh up with all the momentum from my mad dash behind it. Steel met flesh and bone before the hound''s head tumbled to the ground.


    Time: -00:08:30


    I panted softly, looking over at the last pair. They were still a fair bit away, and the goblin looked none too happy about their chances. I rested my sword on my right shoulder, calmly walking towards the pair.


    ¡®Analyze. I need to remember to use this more often.¡¯


    -Canis Aeneus Level:1-


    -Goblin Beast Tamer Level:2-


    ¡®No wonder he looks so defeated.¡¯


    When I got into Charge range, the hound leaped forward, opened its mouth wide, and shot a bronze bolt at me. I dodged left, the bolt scraping across the side of my blade as I Charged the hound. Bronze needles sparked off my armor as I closed in.


    My lightning-clad shoulder slammed into the hound''s head. Teeth shattered against steel before the hound flew backward. A whip cracked against my thigh, grabbing my attention. My leg buckled for a second before I turned and rushed the Beast Tamer.


    The goblin screeched, lunging at me, clenching a bronze dagger in its off hand. My blade flashed, taking the arm off at the elbow before it came thundering down, splitting the Tamer from shoulder to hip. I followed Danger Sense''s warning, ducking down low and shifting to my left.


    The Bronze hound soared over my right shoulder. It skidded across the pact ground as I rushed after it. The hound spun around in time to meet my Khopesh with its skull. Steel and bronze screamed as they met before bronze gave way. I stashed away my sword before looting the goblin and the hound. I checked the remaining time and my resources before sitting down and meditating before the miniboss fight.


    -Time:-00:07:00-


    -Health: 300/420


    -Stamina: 179/315


    -Mana: 124/270

 Panda(Moo)ium

    I made sure to keep my eyes open as I slipped into meditation. I wasn''t too worried, knowing that the Shaman was likely close to no mana and was using his regen to fuel the ritual. Time passed slowly as the Shaman and I watched each other.


    -Time:-00:03:49-


    Health: 302/420


    Stamina: 293/315


    Mana: 270/270


    My mana was finally full once again. I guessed I had enough time that if I cast Minor Self-heal three times, I''d be mostly full on my mana by the time the boss fight would start. I''d still be short of full health, but I''d feel better having full mana over full health since my armor seems to be holding up to everything.


    -Time:-00:00:40-


    Health: 379/420


    Stamina: 315/315


    Mana: 270/270


    I finally slipped out of meditation and stood up, happy that my guess was right. Unfortunately, I didn''t think I had enough time to go through my notifications, which, judging by the golden light blinking, I''d be going into the fight a level short. Grumbling, I bounced from one leg to the other, shaking my arms out as I watched the last of the ritual, making sure to stay out of the circle until the ritual finished.


    The shaman went on about the strength of their god, singing its praise before begging for a champion from the twelfth plain to strike down their enemy. The last second ticked down as the Shaman plunged into the heart of the tribute.


    Space ripped apart above the dead goblin. A red panda, the size of a poney, strode out of the portal, a minotaur atop its back, wearing a thick leather trench coat and wielding a massive cleaver in its right hand. The shaman stared slack-jaded at the summoned champion as I shot off a round of Analyze.


    -Tychon-


    Sangen Ailurus Fulgens Level:7


    -Asterion The Minute Minotaur-


    Marauder Level:8


    I winced, stepping back as Tychon stood on his back paws before slamming them down. The Shaman raised its staff in a futile attempt to block the panda''s attack, only to be crushed under its weight. More blood than I would have thought burst out from under Tychon''s paws, only to freeze mid-flight before being pulled back. The blood ran up his paws before crystallizing into armor.


    ¡®Well fuck that''s not good.¡¯


    I quickly pulled my khopesh to hand as I dumped mana into Overflow. Mana and adrenaline hammered in my veins as I burned stamina charging forward. The tip of my sword blurred toward Tychon''s eye, only for lightning-coated steel to meet the crystallized blood as Tychon lowered his head. My blade skirted across, deflecting up at Asterion only for him to bat it away.


    Danger Sense blared its warning just before Tychon''s paw slammed into my left side. I rolled with the blow, letting it create distance between us. I popped back to my feet only to find Tychon''s jaws open wide, inches away. I slammed my tail down as my feet shoved off the ground, pushing me back, dirt exploding under me.


    Screeeeeech


    Crimson fangs scraped across my breastplate before snapping shut. A glint in the dust cloud and Danger Sense hand me ducking low. Asterion''s blade screamed through the air before deflecting off the tusks of my helm. I burned stamina as I flooded mana into Bolt. My body slammed into Tychon, forcing the massive beast back while lightning pumped into him.


    I groaned from the impact before stepping back. Tychon and Asterion shook in place as arcs of electricity rolled down them and arced into the ground. I pumped the maximum mana into my mouth as my arms blurred. Sparks and blood flew before flames bathed the mini-bosses. I thrust my left fist forward, dumping three more Bolts into Tychon, stunning him again as the built-up lightning busted. Asterion reeled back from the flames.


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡±


    Asterion bellowed. The force from his powerful lungs, combined with an odd skill, blasted away my flames and shattered my spell. I staggered back as the cleaver sang through the air. The steel boar squealed as the cleaver rammed into my helm, ripping it off my head and sending it flying out of the clearing.


    Dazed, I backed away, taking in my opponents. Tychon''s crystallized armor had kept the flames off him but did little to stop the intense heat they carried. Parts of the armor seemed to have been boiled while others had been blacked by lightning hammering into it. Asterion, on the other hand, had most of his fur burnt but only looked as if he only had a light sunburn.


    Tychon hissed before his paw was sent hurtling towards my unprotected head. I backpedaled, bringing my khopesh around, deflecting Tychon''s swiping paws and Asterion''s flashing blade. I grit my teeth as I back up. My arms ached from deflecting their blows. My eyes darted around as I did my best to gauge how close to the treeline we were, only for my tail to brush against a tree.


    I dropped my khopesh into my inventory as I dove under Tychon''s massive paw, as he had aimed once more for my head, and landed on all fours. Not bothering with standing back up, I Charged forward on all fours before pivoting and rushing into the woods. I darted between trees, making a wide circle back to the clearing, doing my best to put one tree after the other between myself and Tychon as he tore through the woods, trees shattering against his armor and bulk.


    Stamina burned away as I Charged into the clearing, Tychon and Asterion just seconds behind me. I slid to a halt, turning around and pulling my bow from my inventory. I readied an arrow, taking deep breaths as I pulled the string back, holding the bow at full draw. Instantly, I could tell it was a mistake. I had to fight to keep my arms from trembling. I knew I wouldn''t be able to hold for long, and luckily, I wouldn''t have to.


    Tychon erupted from the tree line, sending wooden shrapnel in every direction. I jumped at the forceful entrance, shards of wood cutting past me and grazing my armor, my ears going flat against my head as I accidentally loosed the arrow. Cursing, I didn''t bother to watch the arrow miss horribly as I quickly readied and loosed another. Through luck or my fledgling skill, the arrow sparked against Tychon''s sangen armor, guiding the arrow into his left eye.


    Tychon twisted to the left. His body tried to continue forward, causing him to trip over his bulk, rolling as his momentum carried him toward me. Asterion jumped free of his mount, rolling as he hit the ground. I tossed my bow back into my inventory, but before I could so much as twitch, the familiar feeling of Overflow coming to an end, and with it, a chunk of my Stamina.


    My teeth chattered against each other as I pushed forward. Burning stamina, I blurred forward, pulling my Khopesh free. The tip of my sword ground against Tychon''s armor before punching through the momentum of my Charge, driving my blade hilt deep into the panda''s ribs.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°I''ll make you suffer for that!¡±


    Asterion bellowed as his bloodlust hit me like the truck that sent me here. Danger Sense screamed louder than ever before. Leaving my sword where it was, I spun to my right, catching sight of Asterion''s lowered head as he blurred toward me.


    I pushed hard off the ground, barely able to dodge the minotaur''s horn before his wide shoulder slammed into my breastplate. The impact drove the air out of me as Asterion''s massive arms wrapped around me, pinning my arms to my chest. The minotaur quickly lifted me off the ground, arcing his back and tightening his grip. My armor groaned in protest as my clawed feet kicked blindly in my trashing back and forth.


    My heart hammered in my ears. My armor groaned in protest as I flooded my body with mana. I flexed my core, bringing my legs up into my chest and planting my feet firmly against Asterion''s chest. Claws sank deep into his abdomen as I kicked out once, twice, thrice, ripping open Asterion''s stomach and drenching the dungeon floor in his blood.


    Asterion''s arms slacked, allowing me to break away from his titanic grip. Rage flicked to life in the minotaur''s eyes, a red haze built around him. His cleaver dropped into his hand. I darted over to Tychon''s body and ripped my khopesh free, spinning around in time to catch the cleaver on the flat of my blade, knocking the strike wide.


    My arms ached from the force behind Asterion''s blow. I pushed my Agility and Dexterity for all their worth, ducking and slipping between Asterion''s mad onslaught before I darted in, my left hand dropping to my dirk, catching his blow on a hanging guard. His blade hacked into my blade''s hook. I let the force of the blow pull me to the right, pivoting on my right foot.


    I yanked my dirk up, the blade meeting Asterion''s wrist as our blades carried past me. The cleaver slammed into the ground, Asterion''s severed hand still wrapped around its handle. Danger Sense''s warning came too late as the minotaur''s fat fist slammed into the side of my head.


    I stumbled back, my teeth feeling loose, as I blindly swung my dagger around to ward off further attacks, only to catch a cloven hoof to the chest, throwing me away. I let go of my weapons as I flew back. I hit the ground hard, sliding another few feet before I came to a rest and could get back up to my feet.


    Asterion slammed his feet into the ground before falling into a three-point stance, his bleeding grinding into the ground. Dirt erupted behind him as he blurred toward me. I hurled myself to the right, my tail flicking up behind me. Asterion''s horns passed inches from my foot, my tail hitting his eyes and blinding him as he rushed past.


    My teeth chattered against each other as I spun around to face Asterion. The minotaur had plowed through a tree before coming to a rest. I darted forward, my khopesh returning to my inventory as it got too far away. Asterion wrapped his arms around the fallen tree. His muscles strained against his coat as he lifted the mighty oak off the ground.


    Asterion bellowed out as he swung the tree around and hurled it at me. My fur stood on end as the tree sailed through the air. My clawed feet dug into the ground as I jerked to the right before burning stamina and Charging. I ducked low as my body raced across the ground, almost reaching safety when a branch as thick as my wrist clipped my hip. A snapping sound hung in the air as my feet were knocked out from under me. I came down hard on my left shoulder, knocking the wind out of me. I flopped onto my back, gasping for air, my left side throbbing in pain.


    The sound of hooves approaching brought me back from the pulsing pain that radiated from my left side. I groaned as I rolled to my right, flopping onto my stomach before forcing myself back to my feet. I turned to face Asterion, taking in his battered form. Blood bathed Asterion''s lower half as it ran free from his tattered stomach. Blood and sweat drenched his half-burnt fur, yet his royal blue coat still looked flawless. The red aura around him flickered before sputtering out. We locked eyes just feet apart.


    I grabbed my khopesh, resting it on my right shoulder. Asterion ground his hooves into the ground, lowering into a three-point stance, hot steam bellowing from his nose. I leaned forward, pushing my left side back. My heart hammered in my ears as the world fell away and time ground to a halt.


    Asterion flexed, blurring forward horns aimed at my chest. I slammed more mana through my body, pushing the red pop-up away. I bent my whole body to one action, swinging my sword. My muscles screamed, a chunk of my health disappearing as my blade tore through the air, hammering into Asterion''s skull.


    A bloody grin spread across my lips as I looked deep into the minotaur''s glassy eyes. His dead body thumped to the ground, pulling his horns from my chest. My health flashed red as blood poured from my chest. I scraped the bottom of my reserves and cast Minor Self-heal the healing, doing just enough to stop the major bleed debuff. I fell back, landing heavily on the ground before letting my notifications wash over me.


    -Congratulations-


    Your skills: Heavy Armor, Natural Weapons, and Basic Greatsword have leveled up.


    +2 Strength, +1 Dexterity, +1 Constitution.


    -Congratulations-


    You have learned skill: Intimidation.


    EXP has been awarded for learning a skill without a trainer.


    -Congratulations-


    Your Abilities: Danger Sense, and Charge have leveled up.


    +1 Strength and +1 Wisdom.


    -Congratulations-


    Your spells have leveled up.


    Overflow, and Bolt.


    +2 Intelligence


    -Congratulations-


    You have defeated Goblin Beast Tamers levels 2, 3, 3, and 2, Canis Umbra level 3, Canis Tonitrua level 2, Canis Aqua level 4, and Canis Aeneus Level 1.


    EXP has been awarded for defeating your enemies.


    ¡ïleveled up!¡ï


    +2 physical stat points, +2 Free stat points, +1 Ability Point.


    -Warning-


    Your Mana infused body is tearing itself apart. Refrain from sudden movements.


    -50 health.


    -Congratulations-


    Your Ability: Armored Skin has leveled up.


    +1 Constitution.


    -CONGRATULATIONS-


    You have defeated the paired mini-bosses Tychon, the level 7 Sangen Ailurus Fulgens, and his rider Asterion, the level 8 Marauder.


    EXP has been incressed for defeating a mini-boss type enemy.


    EXP has been increased for defeating a paired type mini-bosses.


    ¡ïLevel Up!¡ï


    +2 physical stat points, +2 Free stat points, +1 Ability Point.


    ?Status (Truncated)?


    Theseus Level 5 Fighter


    Health: 28/540


    Stamina: 62/405


    Mana: 14/290


    Strength: 25


    Agility: 24->28


    Dexterity: 26


    Constitution: 23->27


    Intelligence: 29


    Wisdom: 28


    ¡ïQuest complete¡ï

 Time for the Loot!

    -Quest Complete-


    Objective: Defeat all enemies involved in the ritual. Complete!


    Optional Objective: let the ritual complete. Complete! Adding additional rewards.


    Hidden Objective: Defeat the mini-bosses. Complete! Customizing rewards.


    Rewards calculating [¡ö¡ö¡ö¡õ¡õ]


    Rewards: 3 Ability Points, Asterion''s Mantle, and Sanguine Panda Charm.


    -Asterion''s Mantle-


    Once the Mantle of the proud marauder, it now serves as proof of his defeat at your hands. +10% Spell resistance, +5 armor. **Note: Cannot be worn with a cloak. Can be worn over armor. Some pauldrons may have to be worn over the coat.**


    -Sanguine Panda Charm-


    An adorable silver charm of a fierce Sangen Ailurus Fulgens that attaches to a sword hilt. Adds a stacking 5% chance of causing the Bleed status effect with each attack. Chance resets once Bleed is applied.


    **Note: only one Charm can be attached to a weapon at a time. Some Status Effects can stack, such as Bleed, while others, like Paralyze, reset the effects timer with each instance applied.**


    I smiled softly at the rewards before the mantle and charm popped into being above me and fell, landing on my chest. The warmth of the coat draped over me added to my exhaustion and had me closing my eyes before I could worry about hiding or cleaning up.


    My body ached as I woke up. Everything hurt, but my health was just below half, so I forced myself to my feet, pulled my new coat onto my left shoulder, and drained my mana, casting Minor Self-heal six times. Asterion''s and Tychon''s bodies were gone, and in their place sat a silver chest. I shook my head and left that for later. First came finding the charm I got.


    I knelt, running my hand through the grass in an ever-widening spiral. After about an hour and a half, I stood back up and rubbed my forehead. I had searched the whole clearing with no signs of where the charm was. My eyes slowly drifted to my new coat. It was a lovely royal blue gothic Victorian coat with a split tail, silver silk lining, and buttons. Oh, and of course, it had pockets, four of them to be exact, two external, and an inseam left and right breast pocket.


    I groaned and squeezed the bridge of my nose. I lightly pat each pocket, finding the charm in the left breast pocket. I pulled the small chain out, finding the charm was a red panda, its head centered in the ring attached to the chain, its front paws clung onto the ring as the rest of its body dangled. I smiled softly at it before putting it back into the left breast pocket.


    Unfortunately, my search didn''t reveal the missing loot from my kills before Asterion''s summoning. Fortunately, I did find my missing helmet, and with my mana back to full, I was finally able to heal back to full with three more casts, leveling up Minor Self-heal in the process. Funny enough, I didn''t gain a point in Intelligence.


    ¡®It looked like there was a timer to loot drops, and I had missed out on that, or it all went to the chest.¡¯


    Clicking my tongue, I walked back to the chest. After taking a cautious stab at the chest, dungeons and dragons teaching me never to trust a chest you don''t see spawn, I flipped the lid open. An armor stand slowly rose from the chest.


    Hanging on it was a set of half-plate armor, each armor piece having red fur with black and white markings lining and trim. The armor differed from my current set in many ways. It had extra articulation in the chest, longer rerebraces, and scale male sewn into a gambeson covering the armpit and under the upper arm. Most exciting to me were the gauntlets, which had the knuckles reinforced, and each finger had the last knuckle removed, leaving it open, allowing my claws to be useful again.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡®Analyze.¡¯


    -Blood Steel Half plate-


    A set of armor that, through various methods, imbued a blood affinity into the Steel, allowing the armor to self-repair by absorbing blood.


    +40 armor


    I let out a soft whistle. The extra armor was nice, but the ability to self-repair would undoubtedly come in handy. I pulled my new coat off my shoulder and draped it over the armor. It looks good to me, but my fashion sense didn''t get much of a workout in my past life. I opened up my inventory, clicking my tongue at the lake of space. I let out a sigh.


    ¡®It looked like it was time to create another backpack¡­after I put on my new armor.¡¯


    After about thirty minutes, with a break in the middle to down some water and freshen up a bit. I had successfully switched armor, leaving my helmet off for now. I pulled lightly at my coat, making sure the pauldrons and rerebraces I chose to attach to the coat sat correctly. I rolled the sleeves up to halfway over my bracers.


    Feeling refreshed, I promptly sat down and drummed my fingers against my thigh, thinking over my three options. First, I could just leave my extra gear here and hurry off to the exit or boss. I was not a big fan of this, but I did recognize that it was the easiest and fastest solution.


    Second, I use my cloak and sewing kit to make a knapsack to lug the armor around. It would probably be the second quickest and had the side benefit of maybe giving me another skill. However, I''d still have to physically carry it around, having zero free space in my inventory, and it would mostly get damaged if I got into another fight.


    Lastly, I could use the boar hide and maybe a rabbit pelt to make another backpack, hopefully, better quality than last time. This would take the longest and be more expensive than making a sack, but it would push a skill I already have higher and free up at least one inventory slot, so everything would be safe the next fight I got in. Right before I decided, a thought struck me as I looked at my cloak.


    ¡®There''s no way this works. It would be so stupid if it worked.¡¯


    I laid the cloak out wide on the ground, pulled my other set of clothes out, and laid them onto the cloak. Next, I took Zimari''s Primer to Spell Craft, Gelenor''s Runic Encyclopedia, and my spell book, setting them onto my clothes. Calmly, I folded my cloak up, creating a nice little bundle before holding my breath as I tried to shove the package into my inventory. The bundle slipped effortlessly into my inventory, taking up a single slot.


    ¡®I can''t believe it worked. I''m such an idiot. The tool kit should have given it away. I should have bought crates. I need to buy crates! And Spices! I have to stop forgetting to buy spices.¡¯


    I quickly gathered my damaged half-plate and sent the set to join my inventory. With my physical loot all sorted out, it was time for upgrades. The first thing I did was add my new charm to my khopesh. I was planning to get a sword custom-made after returning to the city, hopefully one that had some enchantment on it, but there was no reason not to give it a little boost. With that done and my blade sitting across my lap, it was finally time to pick up an ability or two.


    Finding Imbue Blade was quicker than before, and for five points, it was mine. I tapped the claws on my left hand against my khopesh as I rested my cheek against my right hand, scrolling through the list of available abilities. The options just seemed to keep expanding. Most were out of my price range or just didn''t hold any interest for me. After who knows how long of scrolling, I finally found an ability I liked and could afford.


    -Imbue Blade-


    Infuse a spell into your blade, causing an n% chance of inflicting a status effect based on the spell.


    n=spell level¡ÁImbue Blade''s level.


    Cost to Imbue a spell=?¡Á[spell cost-Imbue Blade¡¯s level]


    -Accelerando [passive]-


    For every minute in battle, gain one instance of Tempo. All instances of Tempo granted by Accelerando expire when combat ends.


    -Tempo-


    For every friendly instance of Tempo, gain a 10% bonus to Agility. For every hostile instance of Tompo, reduce Agility by 10%


    Imbue Blade was quite what I expected, but it was still a powerful ability. Accelerando was very promising and opened up another skill tree that was more than likely going to eat up all my foreseeable Ap. The next ability in the Bound Blade path was Dual infusion for another five Ap or Empowered Blade for ten Ap. In comparison, Accelerando leads into Prestissimo for seven Ap. What looked fun was Ritardando¡¯s ability tree that merged into Accelerando¡¯s tree on their third ability.


    ¡®Hmm, maybe I should take Ritardando next. It''s only two Ap, and if video game logic can be trusted, I''ll need both to get the third ability. A thought for future me. First thing first, getting out of here.¡¯


    That was when my stomach decided to wake up, grumbling loudly at the lack of food. I hopped up and gathered some wood, creating a small fire to roast a pound of rabbit lightly salted. With my stomach satisfied for now, I drank a bit of water before heading back into the twisting labyrinth, my ten-foot pole in hand.

 Oberon

    Tap¡­Tap¡­Tap


    I groaned inward as my pole tapped against the maze''s floor. Five dead ends and three hours after the mini-boss room, I wondered if I could create a spell to make background music. Another three turn around, and another hour later, I was willing to spend any amount of gold to buy and lug around the first musical instrument I found. The only sound in the dungeon was the light tap tap taping of my pole against the hard-packed ground.


    It was in this mindset almost wholly checked out as I turned to take the left passage where two paths met, for the gods only knew how many times my  Danger Sense  knocked me back to reality. A heartbeat later, a javelin as thick as my forearm cut through the fur on my tail, passing inches for my head.


    Adrenaline hammered in my veins as instinct took over. I dropped to all fours, my tail puffing out, covering my actions just in time for a second javelin to blur through the space my chest was. I fought against my instincts, spinning around and forcing myself to rush forward, my wide eyes scanning the long tunnel before me.


    There, standing at the end of the hall and just outside of its room, five hundred feet away, was an odd creature. It? He? He looked at first glance to be a satyr, but looking closer destroyed that illusion. His legs ended in paws instead of hooves, where ram¡¯s horns should have sat on his head instead, a set of antlers fit for any great king of the forest grew from his temples, framing the wolf skull he wore as a mask. Above all this, it was made clear as a javelin grew from his raised hand that his entire body was carved wood.


    ¡®Damn, Fae.¡¯


    Slowly, I reached up and closed my visor, my eyes locked onto the empty sockets of the wolf''s skull. His arm cocked back before, who could only be Oberon, hurled his javelin at me. Mana flooded my body as I threw myself to the left, teeth chattering as the javelin slammed into the ground. I was thrown against the wall from the impact. I scrambled quickly back to my paws. My claws sank into the packed ground before I rushed forward. My vision narrowed as my heartbeat seemed to slow.


    Thump¡­thump¡­thump


    Another javelin formed and sent, blurring my way. My muscles burned stamina as fuel while my lightning-clad body leached forward, pulling me clear of the impact zone. Oberon didn''t seem to like that very much as a second javelin grew from his off-hand. Groaning internally, I kept to my headlong sprint towards the final boss.


    I bounced off the corridor wall, dodging the first javelin. The second aimed to catch me in midair. Due to the added flexibility of my new armor and having my tail push against the wall, I was able to shift just enough to have the tip of the javelin first impact against my outstretched forearm, shifting its path higher and sending it sailing over my head and pushing my arm into my chest.


    Landing oddly, I stumbled on, losing a bit of speed. I flung my arm forward, lightning dancing along my claws before arcing into Oberon''s chest. His body locked up a javelin in his hand, shattering as he convulsed, buying me enough time to get halfway to him, close enough that  Analyze  finally worked.


    -Oberon lord of the Hunt-


    Level: 15


    ¡®Fuck.¡¯


    Adding to the horrible news, my left hand fell on a tripwire. Apparently, traps started at the halfway point. I rolled to my right, buffeted by the wind of a swinging log trap. As soon as I was back to running, I had to  Charge  forward dodging the incoming javelin. I shot off two quick casts of  Bolt  in return. The first slammed into an incoming javelin, and the second was backhanded, causing the magic to slam into the ground in front of Oberon.


    ¡°GODS DAMN FAE BULLSHIT!!¡± I bellowed as the ground dropped out from under me.


    My helm helped obscure my site of the bottom of the pit but didn''t hide the fact that solid ground was just fifty feet away. My body twisted in air, pulling my feet forward, my arms fully extended as I readied to smash into the wall of the pit fall.  Danger Sense  helpfully reminded me that Oberon wasn''t just sitting idle. Two javelin tore through the air aimed at my falling form.


    Only having time to throw out one spell in panic, I cast the only spell that might act as a wall. A five foot cube of water formed on top of the lead javelin, pushing it out of its deadly trajectory. It held its form just long enough for the second javelin to smash into it, sending water and wood splinter through the hall.


    I slammed heavily into the hard packed wall as my claws dug into the wall, stopping me from sliding lower into the pitfall. I groaned softly, shaking my head quickly turned into a full body shake like dog that just came in from the rain. One by one, I shook out my limbs, working out the stiffness. Slowly, I started to climb up the cliff.


    With about ten feet left to climb, the ground started to shake clumps of dirt raining down onto me as the wall I was climbing started to crumble. Cursing, I scrambled at the loose dirt, clawing my way up the last ten feet and dragging myself onto stable ground.  Danger Sense  screaming I jumped forward onto my hands, dodging over one of Oberon''s javelins only for the javelin to detonate as it slammed into the ground behind me and set me tumbling through the air.


    My eyes locked onto the ground as I twisted through the air. My body contorted my tail, twirling to help aline my body to land on all fours¡­


    Snap


    ¡­unfortunately I landed on a rope. A long branch that had a wooden stake tied to it came whipping around before slamming into my back piercing through my armor and hammered home in my back. The edges of my vision started to darken, my vision tinting red as my teeth chattered against each other. I ripped myself off the stake, dropping to the ground.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    -Warning-


    Bleeding: -5 hps


    Glaring at Oberon, I darted forward my armor, soaking up my blood slowly repairing itself. Each step pulled at the wound, causing a point or two of damage. Oberon twirled his javelin, finally having realized that my reaction speed was high enough to dodge it and the traps. Metallic emerald patters light up over Oberon''s javelin and arm before he stabbed it into the ground before him.


    The ground bucked under me, forcing me to come to a stop and dig my claws into the ground, holding on for dear life.  Danger Sense  went crazy. Wooden stakes burst from the ground under me. I pushed hard against the ground most of the spikes, slamming into my armor a few punched through and more stabbed into my legs. I hit the ground hard, and my legs collapsed as the cluster of spikes cracked before erupting, sending wooden shrapnel in every direction.


    Groaning, I kept an eye on Oberon as he grew a new javelin. Quickly casting  MinorSelf-heal , my bleeding came to a stop, and strength flowed back into my legs. I pushed myself back into a sprint. Only a quarter of the distance remained between Oberon and myself before the ground started to violently buck again.


    Knowing what was coming, I  Charged  forward, barely making it clear just before the spike cluster busted from the ground. Rising up, I shot off two quick  Bolts  back to back. Oberon caught the first with the tip of his javelin, the weapon detonating in his hand. The second caught him in his chest, blasting away some of his bark armor. Oberon glared at me as the bark slowly regrew.


    Sprinting the last bit of distance, I pulled my khopesh free, channeling my favorite spell  Bolt  through the blade.  Charging  forward as soon as Oberon was in range. Golden emerald patters light up all over Oberon''s body. Javelins burst from the ground in a thirty foot circle around Oberon. My lightning-clad body smashed into the forest of javelins, splintered wood, and blood flew through the air. My blade slammed heavily into Oberon''s left shoulder, bitting deep into it.


    -Warning!-


    Heavy bleeding: -10 hps


    Four javelins pierced into me, two had punched through the armor on my left arm, one in my forearm on in my bicep, while the others were planted firmly in my gut just below where my armor ended.


    Oberon''s fist slammed into my chest, pushing me back as my armor drank in my blood, pushing the remains of the javelins out of my arm. Thick golden sap oozed out around my khopesh firmly planted in Oberon''s shoulder, the arm dangling useless.


    ¡®KILL it! BREAK it! BATH IN IT''S BLOOD!¡¯


    Pain and rage twisted together, narrowing my world to just the damned fae. Snarling, my right shoulder slammed into Oberon¡¯s stomach, lightning sparked off my armor and into his body as I drove him backward into the boss room. I slammed him down into the ground, mounting the fae.


    My fists lashed out, hammering into the fae''s mask, sending bone chips flying. The damned fae pulled on the wooden shrapnel in my stomach, using it as a handle to wrench me off of it. The fresh influx of pain helped push back the rage induced madness.  Minor Self-heal  pushed the shrapnel out and closed my wounds before the healing energy ended.


    I jerked to the side, dodging the fae''s javelin before I lunged at it. My left hand grabbed Oberon''s wrist, yanking him closer. I roared as my helm slammed into the fae''s face, cracking its skull mask, forcing Oberon to stumble back tears welling up in its eyes.


    I darted forward, gripping my khopesh firmly before jumping up and slamming my feet into Oberon''s chest, ripping my khopesh free. Landing lightly, I darted back in hacking down on the fae''s right leg. My blade bit into his bark, drawing more golden sap. Oberon whirled on me, his antlers slamming into my chest, knocking me back before his javelin stabbed out.


    I knocked the javelin away once, twice, thrice before pushing forward, sweeping the javelin wide and slamming my pommel into Oberon''s cracked mask, shattering it. The fae''s hand lashed out, grabbing me by the throat before throwing me deep into the boss room.


    I slammed into a wooden gate bursting through it. Rolling, I popped back to my feet, my head darting around, taking everything in. Four equidistant brazers on the walls bursted to life as I pushed myself back to my feet.


    Dozens of goblins pounded their feet against the wooden stands as they roared for their king atop the walls. Oberon walked past the ruined gates, taking this a signal a pair of goblins started hammering on war drums. A goblin ran over to Oberon, passing him an odd weapon, it looked like someone put an arming sword at the end of a staff about as tall as i was, before the goblin ran off and scurried up the walls joining its brothers in their hooting and hollering.


    Vines as thick as my forearm burst from the ground, growing over the broken gates pulling them closed. I took in Oberon''s form as I flourish my khopesh. The Fae looked disappointingly good. His arm still hung useless, but the bleeding had stopped, and worst of all, the fae seemed to be enjoying the fight, a manic grin carved on his face and a mad glint in his eyes. Not knowing how long  Imbue Blade  will last, I  Charged  Oberon.


    Vines erupted from the ground between us, attempting to block my path. Lightning lept from me vaporizing the water in the vines, causing them to burst in a sticky cloud and fowl my strike. The flat of my blade slapped across Oberon''s shoulder as he darted to the side and dumped the last bit of electricity into him. We turned to face each other, trading blows back and forth until I finally got my first stack of  Tempo.


    Ducking under the next thrust from Oberon''s sword-staff, knocking his blade higher with mine, I darted in and slammed my shoulder into Oberon''s stomach before pivoting behind him from his left as my tail slapped across his face, blocking his vision. The hooked tip of my khopesh punched into the back of his knee as I pumped  Flame Breath  into my blade.


    Roaring in pain, Oberon threw his elbow at my head as he spun to face me. Gritting my teeth, I took the blow to twist my blade as it was ripped out. The fae''s ruined knee gave out buckling as he put weight on it. Golden emerald patterns light up across his body again.


    Instead of running, I stepped closer to Oberon, my left fist slamming into his jaw as the forest of javelins trusted up from the ground. Most of the javelins missed me as I was so close to the epicenter, but the damn fae got lucky as three javelins managed to spear into my legs.


    ¡°BURN!¡±


    I roared, pushing myself closer to him, taking a blow from his sword-staff to my right shoulder as I dropped my sword to rip my helm off, dumping the last of my mana into letting loose a torrent of flames into the fae''s face as I loomed over him. My left hand grabbed the first weapon it found. I brought my hatchet down, sinking it deep into Oberon''s right shoulder as he tried to pull himself out of the fire. Tugging at the haft, I pulled us closer as the flames guttered out.


    ¡°Well..¡± weeze. ¡°¡­fought, little squirrel. Now¡­¡± chough ¡°¡­finish it so¡­¡± deep inhale ¡°¡­I can move on to the next hunt.¡±


    Oberon managed to rasp as his charred bark skin flaked off. That same mad joy glowed in his eyes. Flexing feeling into my right hand, I returned his bloody grin with one of my own. I scooped up um khopesh limping to Oberon''s side as he bowed, offering up his neck. Taking in a deep breath to center myself as I raised my blade high, I let it out in one explosive move, sending Oberon''s head to the ashen floor to the goblin''s cheering.