《I Just Want To Eat 3 Meals a Day》


 Mister Freeman

    Welcome to Cefiro Online


    Do you wish to start the game?


    I was finally logged in for the first time!


    This heart of mine was racing with so much excitement.


    All I heard were the thumping of my chest to the point that I was going deaf.


    I surveyed the area with frenzied eyes.


    The virtual environment did not disappoint.


    "So... this is how a virtual reality game actually looks like from the inside huh?"


    Amazing was an understatement.


    This place was infact truly fantastic!


    Just basing on initial reaction, after so many years of not being able to play, and this being the first for me with virtual reality , all I can say was ''wow''!.


    I was blown away to say the least.


    Words could not possibly describe the things that I would like to articulate about this new experience.


    Ding!


    "Welcome!"


    "In a few minutes, I will be providing you with the opportunity to choose your character race."


    "In the mean time, please turn your attention to the roulette on your left."


    I think I have heard of that voice before.


    The voice of the A.I. was clean, concise and pleasant.


    It was far from the usual slutty voice from the previous games he had experience with.


    This A.I. sounded very intelligent without even trying.


    Suddenly a scene popped into his head.


    He remembered a scene from that one comedic movie. It was where this ''voice'' played the role as God.


    Ah, so that was why the ''voice'' was so familiar.


    He remembered the name now---


    It was the voice of the one and the only Morgan fuckin'' Freeman.


    Top notch!


    He was the only actor that could give the voice of God justice. Him and that other actor Anthony Hopkins.


    This A.I. was making a huge difference already for the game.


    I am pretty positive that I am not the only one who appreciated this fact.


    "As a way of saying thank you for patronizing Cefiro Online, our company is spreading its generosity, to each and every patron of the game."


    "We are providing each and every one of you the opportunity to choose a gift ."


    "It is but a small token."


    Mr.Freemanadded ( yes, i am calling him that from now on)that the gift that can be acquired, may range from normal items like a pack of health potions, to something rare like armors and weapons, or maybe some additional character stat points.


    If you happen to get fantastically lucky, you might end up getting legendary items, titles and even hidden jobs.


    Thats some really good cosmic karma happening your way.


    It was a big ''if'' though.


    "Please spin the wheel when you''re ready".


    Mr. Freeman again sounding very formal.


    It was clean, commanding, authoritative voice. It really cuts through.


    ''Like a shymphony''


    I was now looking at the giant roulette.


    There was a lot of really fun things that I might end up having after the spin.


    Each tiny pie in the roulette represented a certain itemand there was a lot of them in there.


    But of course, knowing that this was only a game of chance, the possibiblity of getting those legendary items would be very slim to none at all.


    I played some mobile phone games before.


    Most of the time, the free spin gimmickery only gives you mainly useless and mostly trash items.


    Items that you will never even use at all inside the game.


    I grasp the wheel with both hands and readied my back for some major pull action.


    "Free cookies!" I yelled while dragging the giant wheel for a spin from top ''til down.


    Letting out a short laugh, I huffed a bit after that great big pull with the Wheel of Fortune.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    I didnt expect anything fantastic to comeout from the free spin.


    After all, it was just free.


    I will, however, keep anything that is useful.


    The spinning went on for a good 2 to 3 minutes before finally stopping.


    Afterwhich, a gigantic banner got suddenly conjured out of nowhere.


    The banner sported big letters flapping in the imaginary wind along with some mini fireworks around it.


    "Congratulations!!!"


    It wrote.


    "Step forward and claim your prize" said Mr. Freeman.


    It didnt bother me to say the least that suddenly a table of pure white appeared next to my right side.


    On top of it, at the dead center, was a giant red box.


    It was rather neat and cute with its big white bow fastening it.


    I hurriedly tore down the bow and the wrapping.


    Tradition right?


    The messiest way you open a gift, the better gift you will get. Or so they say.


    Not sure about that but I did it anyway.


    Inside the giant red box was a smaller green box.


    I read the description on the little box.


    "Gaia Pack". I said it outloud.


    "What is this for Mr.Freeman?".


    I tilted my head while looking upwards. I was waiting for the A.I. to respond.


    There was a long pause.


    Probably the A.I. was not smart enough to catch who I am pointing the question at and that I was referring to "it'' as Mr.Freeman.


    However ---


    " The content of the Gaia Pack will be revealed to you once inside the game".


    I was shaking the green box near my ear to get an idea as to whats inside.


    Nothing.


    Not even a jiggle.


    I dont know what happened but while I was shaking it enthusiastically, something fell off from the Gaia box.


    T''was a tiny clover leaf.


    I picked it up from the white pavement.


    As I was coming up from the bend, I was already playing with the tiny clover leaf.


    I was twirling it around my two fingers.


    "Mr. Freeman you dropped something. Is this part of the freebie?".


    I raised the tiny clover up in the air.


    The A.I. ignored me.


    "The World of Cefiro has many races. Diversity is one of its focal points."


    Mr. Freeman explained the intricacy of each races.


    What I gathered was that you will have 3 chances of choosing your race thru the Selector Orb.


    You dont choose your race directly like pointing and shooting. The Selector Orb will present a line up of options for you.


    Each roll would give you 3 race to choose from.


    It could be a mix of humans, dwarves, ogres etc.


    From the options, you may select what you favor the most.


    If on the first roll you dont get to have the race that you like, then a second and up to a third opportunity would still be available.


    This was the reason why the 3 chances were very crucial.


    The moment you chose a race was the moment you begin your hard work.


    The game sort of stir its way out of the usual "Pick your starting race" predisposed option.


    Right off the bat, it gave you that sense of gamble.


    A sense of adventure.


    A surprise.


    ''Fair enough.''


    The races that were mentiod among others were Humans, Elves, Beastlings, Dwarves, Demons and Seraphs.


    There were also Dark Elves, Ogres and Goblins.


    Humans had a 30 percent chance of being drawn. Elves and Beastlings has a 20 percent chance of appearing. Dwarves and Ogres about 10percent. The Dark Elves has 5 percent. While Draconians are at 3 percent chance.


    The rarest in the line up were the Demons and the Seraphs.


    A very ridiculous 1 percent respectively.


    Thats how slim the chances would be in landing any of the two.


    They''re the elite few in the game and those two races were also the hardest to level up


    "Please touch the Selector Orb whenever you are ready"


    Mr. Freeman ushering me to the right side corner of the white room.


    It was where the Selector Orb was hovering.


    Hesitant at first, I finally touched the orb.


    It was a little squishy.


    Like a mallow.


    The orb turned from white to black as I pressed my hand against it.


    Truthfully, I was aiming for something like an Ogre.


    I like how the Ogre race''s spawn time from an egg to adulthood was relatively fast compared to the other races.


    Plus, I want to look a bit menacing versus pretty for easthetics.


    It will help me with my goal in the long run.


    The uglier you are, the less attention you will get.


    ''Flying low on the radar.''


    Of course, starting as a human was not bad either.


    Yes it will be the most common race in the game.


    However, humans hold one significant advantage in the game---


    Strength in numbers.


    Humans had the upperhand in terms of opening up areas and territories in the game faster.


    Their subjugation speed was not to be under estimated.


    It was a shame though, my aim was not to be like a power hungry, level craving online game player.


    My goal was simple.


    I simply wanted to earn a living here in this virtual world that would cover enough for my living and food expenses.


    I dont plan on being a millionaire here.


    The only target was to only eat 3 meals a day in the real world.


    "Do you wish to use the Clover Leaf?"


    A surprise prompt from the A.I.


    ''Oh. So that was where the clover leaf was meant for? Morgan sir, you sure are full of surprises!''


    The leaf doesnt have any description on it when I examined the thing earlier on.


    So i guess this was standard?


    Or maybe this was sort of a good luck boost while doing the race selection?


    ''I dunno? I guess?''


    To be honest, I was not quiet sure at all as to what it would do.


    I presented the clover leaf in front of the orb.


    Little by little, the leaf vanished like dusts being carried away by the slow gentle wind.


    From the tips of my fingers where it once was, to the nothingness, where it resides now .


    I pressed the orb once more to initiate the selection process.


    The orb was emitting a single line of light circumventing the diameter of the black globe.


    It was going round and round like a halo.


    The orb stopped and I checked the result thereafter.


    Human. Human. Human.


    All three results on the first spin. All humans.


    Tsk. Why was I not surprised?


    That 30 percent chance was really something.


    If I had to guess, majority of the players would be humans if this would go on.


    Cefiro will be infested with humans.


    I guess thats okay?


    Not much difference with the real world I guess.


    The AI was about to confirm if ''Human'' was what wanted.


    Two spins more for free so I am using that opportunity..


    I chosed to roll again and I was starting to wonder what that clover leaf is really for then?


    I just really want an Ogre to be honest.


    Tough wish though since my luck has always been rotten. Even my mom knows this.


    Few seconds later, the result of my second draw was revealed.


    Beastling. Human. Human.


    Looks like that clover was doing its magic from the way things are going.


    ''Hmnn''


    I paused to ponder if I can make use of the Beastling as opposed to Ogres.


    The problem was, I really cant remember anything noteable about the Beastlings, even during the infommercial releases.


    I was really torn.


    ''Goodness I really want an Ogre!''


    My desire finally won me over.


    Without any regret, I firmly willed my resolve and pressed that Selector Orb one last time.


    Cheuk!


    That was the sound of the Selector rolling for the final time.


    Please be an Ogre.


    Please be an Ogre.


    Please be an Ogre.


    I kept repeating it like a spell.


    I covered my eyes using both hands as I chant away.


    A good full two minutes after the Selector sound died down. I slowly slid my hands down from may face to see the outcome of my gamble.


    I opened my left eye slowly like I was peeking into some really tight key hole.


    I wanted to check the letters slowly.


    My plan was to look from the left side to the right side of the orb.


    I was doing the squinty ugly face while I was enacting this.


    After that slow and careful peek, it was finally revealed to me.


    I was about ready to accept Human as a race a few minutes back.


    Throwing the towel down even.


    But the universe has another plan for me.


    "GET THE HELL OUT!".


    I covered my mouth in disbelief.


    My eyes can be deceiving me?


    My choices on my third roll were as follows:


    .....


    Human


    .....


    Elf


    .....


    .....


    .....


    DEMON! ! !


    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î

 Letting Go

    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î


    This house really smelled like old wood.


    I don¡¯t really have any complaints about everything here being ancient. In fact, that is how I like things.


    I loved the the dusty furnitures, the worn out cabinets, rickity beds and even light fixtures.


    Antique does not equate to ugly.


    I enjoy the simple things that reminds me of the past.


    Compared to the slickness and the newness of todays futuristic aesthetic, I thrive in the old.


    Surprisingly though, despite its dilapidated and worn out fa?ade, this house was very sturdy.


    I like that the columns supporting the house were made up of thick trunk of strong trees.


    Judging by the quality of the wood, I believe that this was a Narra tree (Philippine Mahogany).


    I examined the wood with my bare hands. Sort of feeling it from side to side.


    The varnish was preserving the wood perfectly as I checked.


    ''How old was this thing?''


    ''More than a century old or two maybe?''


    Looking up, I found out that the beams were made of the same type of wood as the main columns.


    The original owner of this house definitely sacrificed a lot of trees just to build this place.


    I guess it was understandable at that time to use the materials since natural resources are abundant and not endangered of vanishing as compared to today.


    The floor was made of wood too. It was very shiny.


    The care-taker must have made sure to keep it polished all the time.


    I looked out from one of the wide open windows of the house.


    The right side showed a relaxing picturesque view of the rice field.


    Fields after fields of rice paddies exploding in golden yellow colors and mix of green.


    It was summer and the scene was no less than anything but captivating.


    The rice stalks danced to the wind every time a breeze would glide over it combing the field beautifully.


    I felt as though I was watching a very well coordinated dance. Like an ocean wave except that this was an ocean of rice.


    That¡¯s nature for you alright.


    ''So how did I end up here again?''


    Six weeks earlier, I was in a bustling futuristic city.


    Today, I¡¯m in the middle of nowhere surrounded by rice fields and paddies nonetheless.


    ''Ah. Midlife crisis.''


    Thats what it was.


    I chuckled a little.


    ''Eighteen years...''


    That was how long I got myself strapped-in from that small office desk of mine.


    Back then, I was working as an accountant for a well-known Pharmaceutical company.


    Hours after hours of non-stop pen-pushing, balancing worksheets and reconciling ledgers day by day.


    Work, eat, sleep and then repeat.


    That¡¯s was how robotic I had become.


    Finally, during one fated day, after eighteen years, I snapped.


    I flipped.


    I''ve gone crazy.


    Mental.


    Allow me to lay down down first the things that happened before I''ve gone down the path of destruction.


    I grew up poor.


    Ours is a family of six.


    I was the eldest of the four children. Two boys and two girls. It was all well and good until tragedy struck our family.


    My father left us very early ( he got hit by Train-sama. Don¡¯t ask how.).


    I was about 17 at that time.


    With my father gone, I was forced into shouldering the burden of being the head of the family.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    My teen years was cut short.


    Pitiful I know but I needed to grow up real fast.


    I witnessed my mom crying in the middle of the night once and that was enough to nodge me into forced adulthood.


    I toiled thru college.


    The hardship with money was appalingly real.


    I worked 2 part time jobs while studying. Flipping burgers and doing some private tutoring for some korean kids in need of an english teacher for basic english conversation skills.


    The part time jobs wasnt enough to cover the family expenses and my studies at the same time.


    I had to be more resourceful and got myself some scholarship and sponsorships for my academics wherever I can find them.


    There was no shame about it. I was always on the list of students who needs loans and aids come enrollment day.


    I was a little embarrassed at first but I got accustomed to it real fast.


    It was either that or the entire five of us would go hungry.


    Almost killed myself doing this stunt.


    Juggling between work and studying.


    Thank the heavens though, I survived.


    I thought for sure I had the survival instinct of a cockroach embedded in my genes somewhere.


    Graduation came by and when I passed the board exam, I found myself very lucky to have landed a job at Mercury Pharmaceuticals.


    From that point on, I vowed to elevate the life of my family.


    Hence, I slaved myself for such long while.


    Slaved for so many years day in and day out.


    That was how the robot version of me was born.


    "No one will go hungry. Not when im still alive."


    I promised my mom some decades ago.


    "I will take care of us."


    And cry my mother did.


    I had pretty much assisted all my other three siblings to graduate from their chosen universities.


    They got the jobs that supported their own families up to this day.


    Yes. They have their own family now.


    They have kids infact.


    Sometimes I get jealous with the wonderful life they have.


    However, my pride was greater, knowing that I am responsible for making most of their dreams come true.


    In a sense, I was their father and they''re my children. So I guess its alright not wanting to have my own now.


    Not closing the door entirely but the set up of my life now was sufficient at that time.


    No regrets.


    It was all for the best.


    Family is family no matter what.


    But then fate could no longer bear witness to see me suffer for long.


    Waking up one day at the office after a exhausting night of last quarter report rush, made me realize what I was missing all along


    Living.


    That was my moment of realization.


    I realized it after being buried under tons of paperwork.


    The process of growing up too fast was brutal indeed for me.


    In my personal quest to elevate the life of everyone around me, I have forgotten how to really live.


    To enjoy life.


    To be a kid.


    I should have worked to live. Not live to work.


    There were people who were blessed to have a job that they truly like and at the same time get paid really high.


    They were one in a million.


    Unfortunately though, I am not one of those people.


    I was not lucky enough.


    Knowing this fact, there was no other choice but to pave my own way to my own personal happiness.


    And so, about 6 weeks ago I decided to call it quits with my job.


    My superior was so shock with the news of my decision to resign.


    A 30 days notice.


    That was all it took for me to get the ball rolling towards self liberation.


    I methodically sold all of my possession to start a new life.


    All my city possesion was gone in the span of seven days.


    My flat was to sold.


    Every appliances and home entertainment system has to go and was sold.


    This also included my car.


    My savings was not quite high enough so I would need sufficient funds to start anew.


    My new life away from the city.


    I was quite positive that this was going to be difficult but I was quite positive as well that I will get by.


    Remember I have cockroach genes?


    I was in a similar situation not long ago.


    If I made it before, then definitely I can make it again.


    Fast forward to today and here I was.


    I was in the middle of a rice field.


    In a house that resembled a big Nipa Hut.


    I remembered something and I took my phone out from my right front pocket.


    ¡°Mom, its Jake. Save my new number okay? The house is awesome. Cobwebs everywhere but I like it. Thanks for finding this beauty for me".


    I joked for a little bit with my mom.


    She coaxed me about finding someone to grow old with already. After all, I was 42 years old. An age pretty ripe (rotten) for marriage.


    The wrist watch on my left hand flashed for a second.


    ''So its time already?''


    The giant analog clock in the middle of the dining area confirmed my thoughts.


    "Mom I have got to go. Give my regards to Leila and the kids okay?¡±


    Politely ending the call with mother,I made my way to the second guest room of the house.


    I was excited and nervous at the same time.


    I felt like I wanted to pee first.


    I arrived at my destination.


    The room was pretty much empty if not for the giant white pod nestled on the middle of the spacious room.


    The pod was the latest version of full immersion virtual reality pods.


    This was supplied by the same company who created Cefiro Online.


    This pod was my answer to my own ''dream'' job.


    I have always dreamed of playing an mmorpg game while earning money at the same time when I was a kid.


    Who wouldnt right?


    Today would be a test drive if I could do just that.


    Play and earn.


    This baby cost me a fortune but I will have to worry about the money later.


    With a slight touch the pod automatically opened.


    It was ushering me to get in.


    "Here we go".


    I giggled like a crazy kid.


    My smile was from ear to ear.


    "This feels like christmas"


    Once inside, the pod confirmed my entry and safety measures was executed.


    After a moment, it went totally dark inside the pod.


    A bit surprised, a gel like substance started to fill the entirety of the pod.


    ''So that explains being naked and the face mask.''


    I felt weird.


    I hated the feeling of suffocation.


    Few minutes had passed. After the darkness came light.


    Instinctively, I squinted my eyes.


    The surrounding were bursting into all sorts colors.


    I felt like im witnessing the birth of a star.


    I had this sense of floatiness.


    Like air, I was very light.


    The scenes I''m seeing were amazing as I passed by planets after planets in mere seconds.


    Finally, my speed slowed down.


    Somehow I arrived near a blue planet.


    The planet had 3 moons.


    Beautiful wont even be fit to describe the scene that I was witnessing right now.


    Slowly the gravity of the planet invited me down.


    I was gently being guided to what appeared to be a big white cube levitating on top of a snow powdered mountain.


    I was still naked but the cold never bothered me anyway.


    The white box was as big as a standard 3 story house.


    There was no door nor any opening when I tried to investigate from all four sides.


    And then I yelled "Hello!"


    ....


    .... "Its me!"


    That was when a door from the left side most of the cube opened.


    ''I wonder whats inside?''


    Apprehensive at furst but I eventually slid in.


    I confirmed that the room was bathed in white.


    The same as the exterior.


    The room was empty.


    ''Seemed like moving into the center of the room should trigger something.''


    Ding!


    I was not wrong.


    Welcome To Cefiro Online


    Do you wish to start the game?


    While extending my right hand to press the "YES" button, I remembered a qoute from an old facebook post before.


    "Happiness is an Inside job"


    "Happiness will never come unless you make it happen."


    So this is me reaching for my happiness.


    This is me doing an inside job.


    Inside a pod.


    This was me hoping to find happiness


    ...


    ...


    and possibly earn money to eat 3 meals a day.


    Ding!


    "Mister Freeman. Is that you?"


    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î

 Rare Raise Race

    ¡°Go forth. Carve your own destiny!¡±


    A very encouraging parting words from the ever wise Mister Freeman.


    Hurriedly, I stepped into the rebirth chamber.


    Butterflies having a riot inside my belly.


    Damn.


    I still could not believe my eyes when I saw that last surprise from the Selector Orb.


    Obviously that clover leaf helped immensely in allowing me to roll that lucky draw.


    The excitement still hasn¡¯t died down inside of me.


    My heart beat still raging.


    Palpitating crazily,I can hear my chest thru my ears.


    My hands were still trembling.


    Im a Demon!


    Lifes been kind to me today.


    In spite of the many curve balls you thrown at me for the past decades, ''life'' managed to still be generous at this point of my life.


    It was an honor.


    I¡¯m not used to this level of luck.


    I have never won any raffle give aways in my entire life (because mostly I don¡¯t join raffle draws.


    My luck was rotten (still remember my mom?).


    I dont know if that can one time can be counted but at one instance, I received plenty of freebies.


    It was when I celebrated my 10thyear with Mercury.


    I received little knick knacks which included the latest Hologram projector A10X2 by Zeny at that time.


    This level of freebie though can¡¯t even be compared.


    Like night and day.


    I feel like I was not worthy to receive such an amazing gift.


    But of course, a freebie is a freebie.


    It was mine now.


    Since I don¡¯t see any other person in the room that can claim ownership otherwise, then, I fully intended to utilize this gift to the best of my abilities.


    The astral body of mine was now inside the Egg.


    The Egg had already spawned inside the game.


    I was awaiting for the time to elapse and hatch.


    The egg would release me out into the vast open world soon.


    The time indicated was 23hr : 49min : 08sec.


    The hours in-game works differently than the time spent in real life.


    The four hours consumption in real life is equivalent to one full day in-game.


    Now before I forget, remember as to why I was so hell bent in landing an Ogre for a race?


    It is for this exact reason.


    INITIAL SPAWN TIME.


    Each races has different initial spawn time in the world of Cefiro.


    The reason was that one race has a certain advantages (or disadvantages) and circumstances after birth.


    The initial spawn time somehow aims to balance those inherent advantages of one race over the other.


    Let us take the Ogre for example.


    The Ogre race were very prolific in terms of spawning youngs.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    A queen ogre can give birth to a dozen ogre spawns in one go provided that the queen was in a healthy and excellent condition.


    An ogre youngling can reach full adulthood in a span of 3 days (in-game time).


    The default attributes of +10 defense and +10 strength at spawn point is nothing to be laughed about.


    This was the main selling point of the race.


    It boasted of strength and iron clad body defense.


    Ogres are indeed an amazing specie but there was a slight drawback.


    The three days wait to reach adulthood was the most dangerous time for an Ogre spawn.


    The youngling can either be eaten cannibalistically by the Queen or get trampled on by other Ogres invading the village.


    The Ogre specie are not the sort of friendly race.


    They were lacking civility even to their own kind.


    Tribes would strike at each other at any moment for no apparent reason.


    Raids left and right occurs on a daily bases in Ogre land.


    It was a massacre party every damn day!


    To sum it up though, as an Ogre, you can spawn in the game fairly quickly along with the advantage of having strength and defense.


    On the downside, you can die as well even as early as post birth.


    Either you get eaten by your own mother, get your head clobbered during a village raid or even be set on fire inside a burning hut.


    Death inside Cefiro was not to be taken lightly.


    Dying in game will put you under a big disadvantage against other players.


    A penalty of not being able to play for 432 hours inside Cefiro was a monumental deal.


    A death penalty would mean that you will get left behind fairly fast especially in terms of player levels.


    The player that dies less gets the upper hand in the long run.


    This is basic knowledge for every MMORPG players.


    Even commoners knows this.


    Another example were the Elves.


    The spawn time is 8 days inside Cefiro.


    Why so long though?


    The answer was just three words----


    Safe Spawn Point!


    The elves were conceived by the Great Tree of Yggdrasil.


    They are cradled inside the fruit of the Great Tree for 8 full days.


    A lot of players are willing to wait for that long just so they can enjoy the species vital advantage.


    A fully grown Elf will emerge from the fruit after dropping ripe from Yggdrasil along with the +10 Agility and +10 Dexterity advantage.


    They had a very high affinity bonus with Nature and Wind, making them excellent wielders of the bow.


    Humans on the other hand had relatively instantaneous spawn time.


    The newly born were tucked inside a giant basket carried by the Gigantic Holy Stork from the sky using its enormous beak.


    They were then gently laid in front of the Church of Liwayway¡¯s open door steps.


    A believer would then usher the baby into a room inside the church.


    That was where they bless the child.


    As soon as the blessing was done, the child would then instantaneously grow.


    The child would eventually reach adulthood in approximately 3 hours.


    The species highlight was in its ability to distribute 10 stat points freely to any of the other attributes.


    The default stat though upon birth was +5 Strength and +5 Intelligence.


    Most humans were proficient mages or warriors.


    The problem with choosing human though was that there are so many who would choose this race, even if they don¡¯t want to, for the lack of choice during the Selector Orb stage.


    A bloody competition for resources and territory was bound to happen eventually.


    Which brings me back to the Ogre race once again.


    Despite the risk, I desired to be an Ogre.


    Choosing Ogre as a race means faster spawn time.


    Not as fast as humans but definitely not as slow as the elves.


    The faster I spawn means that I will be able to earn gold relatively faster as well.


    It was true that Humans has way faster spawn time wise versus Ogres. But having a +10 strength and +10 defense was definitely worth considering.


    Also, what the other players would not have thought of though was the viability to farm gold.


    The ogre kind was too ugly to be desired by normal players.


    Kids of today¡¯s generation were more concerned of their looks rather than taking the other advantages into consideration.


    This undesirability to be picked during the selection process would mean that I will have less competition for mobs and resources case and point.


    More money for me.


    Less problem for my wallet in real life.


    All for me.


    However, the Six Gods of Cefiro had a different plan for me.


    They made me a Demon.


    According to Mister Freeman, my specie boasted of +10 Strength and +10 Agility.


    This means that we will excel in melee combat with both strength and speed attributes boosted.


    The Demons were a formidable and rare race due to one notable passive skill---


    Life Steal!


    Cool!


    A slight handicap though was that the healing powers of a Holy Priest will never work on a Demon.


    It was for this very reason that Life Steal was gifted to this race.


    This skill will pretty much help carry the Demon race to its survivability.


    But we know what they always say¡­


    ¡°With great power comes great responsibility¡±


    After hatching from the Egg, Demons are expected to fight for their lives.


    The Demon realm was a very harsh place.


    Only the strong will survive.


    No rest for the wicked.


    ¡°Goodness. I need a Rocky (movie) song when I spawn¡±


    I know that I will be in for the greatest ride of my Cefiro life once I set foot on the Demon Realm.


    I cant wait to try out my new body.


    I cant wait to farm and earn money.


    This was a special race so competition was really out of the question.


    My only competition was the Demon Realm itself.


    The Demon Realm is all for me.


    Well all for me technically.


    If there will be another player who is lucky enough to have landed the same specie as me, then I am not worried.


    I can always share.


    Buahahahahaha!


    I was doing this evil laugh inside my head.


    Do you wish to customize your avatar?


    YES!


    Mister Freeman I wish to be a Chibi Demon!


    "Very well.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Let''s begin."


    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î

 Training Wheels

    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î


    I remember when I was 7.


    Kids my age would be clamoring for the latest handheld gadgets in the market.


    Regardless if it was expensive, most of my playmates has one.


    It was sort of a status symbol.


    If you have one, then you are sort of rich.


    It makes you more popular with the other kids in the neighborhood.


    And when you are a kid, you really would like to be part of the popular cliques.


    My playmates would be boasting their devices to everyone in the sandbox.


    They would wave the devices in each other¡¯s faces arguing as to which one is better and which device holds the most fun factor.


    The gang would argue for hours until late in the afternoon.


    Eventually, no one wins because each one wants to be the best.


    They each believe that only theirs was the best.


    Silly really, but that¡¯s how kids were.


    As for me though, I never wanted one.


    Well, I sort of wanted one but our family couldn¡¯t afford it.


    Only my father has a handheld device and that was because it was crucial for his work.


    ''"Jake you¡¯re still a child. Why would you need one for?"


    Frowning, my father asked me this when I quipped during dinner time, many months ago.


    It was about the idea of having my own handheld device.


    ''Blame it on the other kids, dad. They made me.''


    ''I got jealous.''


    I wanted to answer it out loud.


    Instead, I responded by quitely sipping my soup with my head down.


    I was focusing on the bowl like it was the most important thing on the table.


    That was the last time I asked about it and never to be brought up again.


    What I did brought up though on the same dinner table, two following weeks after, was about wanting something much simple.


    A bike.


    Yes. I wished for a bike.


    The two wheeled wonder.


    The one with the shiny skeletal steel body.


    The one that propels you forward when you hit the pedals.


    The one that challenges your balance.


    The one that takes you to many places without fuel.


    Yes, a bike.


    The car for kids.


    I wanted one please!


    I expressed my intention to my father while thrusting my spoon up in the air.


    Like a declaration of war.


    He responded with a ¡°Let me see what we can do with that wish¡±


    Father was a firm believer of hard work.


    You deserve to have possessions only if you pay for them with your own sweat and blood.


    If you wanted something, then you have to grasp it firmly with your own bare hands.


    With your own power.


    In short, he wanted something from me first as an exchange.


    A barter if you will.


    Father wanted a good grade.


    A grade point average of 90.


    I knew I was in for a fight but I accepted the challenge nevertheless.


    Few months have past, I remember after blowing my birthday cake, father guided me towards our small garage from the kitchen backdoor.


    He was covering my eyes as I walked.


    ¡°No peeking!¡±Mother said while joining my father.


    My brothers and sister followed suit.


    I already knew what it was but I can¡¯t help but still feel ecstatic.


    I was laughing and slightly tripping while walking towards my surprise.


    I heard the garage door opened as if it was a big curtain for a big stage.


    It was being lifted slowly for a grand reveal.


    It set the atmosphere just right.


    ¡°Open your eyes. Come see!¡±Father¡¯s voice was just as excited.


    I opened my eyes and I knew that it was what I have wished for.


    The big wrapper covering it, along with the giant bow did not do its job of keeping it secret as to what it was.


    I did not complan though.


    I was going to tore it apart (the wrapper) anyway the moment I got my hands on it.


    True to what I had in mind, I tore the wrapper apart in mere seconds.


    My mother laughed commenting as to how I looked like a grizzly bear, hacking hastily over a fish, so he can quickly eat it.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    No big deal for me.


    I can be a grizzly bear just this once.


    It was my moment.


    Both my eyes shone like there were thousands of shootings stars passing by and I was seeing it up close.


    I didnt mind if it was going to blind me.


    Wow!


    The bike was shining like a blue skeletal gem.


    The silver steel and the blue painting of the body was perfect.


    It had the right height just for me.


    The wheels has those reflectors attached to it along with the training wheel on the right side.


    It was just the right combination.


    I loved it already!


    ¡°Thanks Dad!¡±


    Two words that expressed all of my deepest gratitude for the greatest parent a child could ever have.


    I looked at my mother and she was happy for me too.


    For the next two weeks I trained with my bike. With training wheels attached still of course.


    Suddenly, I was the popular kid in the sandbox.


    I managed to beat the Tablet Gang (kids with the handheld gadgets).


    Everybody wants to have a go at my bike.


    I was puffing with pride.


    One hot sunny weekend, I approached my father of having my training wheels removed.


    It was about time that I drove free.


    He nodded briefly and dropped the newspaper that he was reading .


    ¡°Remember to just look ahead. Don¡¯t look at the pedals. Allow your body to be as one with the bike. Feel the handles as if they were the extension of your arms. The pedals as extension of your legs. It¡¯s like walking but on wheels. You will eventually find your balance. Just look ahead. You got this. Okay?¡±


    He was looking me straight in the eye.


    I saw his concern and hopes at the same time in those eyes.


    He knew I was going to be okay.


    I looked straight ahead.


    Both my hands gripping the steering wheel very tightly.


    I was tense and was holding on to it like a lifeline.


    I was nervous as hell.


    My dad was holding the back of my chair using his left hand.


    He was assisting my balance while I rode the bike at halt.


    I twisted my neck towards the back and nodded at him confirming that I was ready.


    He gave the bike a gentle push thru the chair but still holding on to it so he can assist my balance just a little bit more.


    I was pedaling as well to match his effort, and I know I was gaining some acceleration little by little, while dad ran by my side.


    I felt the wind on my face.


    I was gaining momentum.


    I was like floating.


    It was one of the nicest feeling one could have.


    ¡°Son, I¡¯m going to let go¡±


    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î


    ¡®Please choose a Name¡±


    I¡¯ve been itching to use this name ever since I signed the contract for this game.


    It was what most Vegans use as a meat substitute.


    Seeing that was a demon, I thought the name would fit me so well.


    SEITAN!


    The word reverberated inside the egg as I confirmed it.


    I swore I was going to get really mad if the name got already chosen by another player.


    I was going to demand a trial to secure my rightful name just in case.


    "The name Seitan is not beholden to anyone.I am accepting this offer."


    Mister Freeman cooly confirmed.


    Watch out Cefiro¡­.


    Seitan is coming!


    I grinned like a madman.


    ¡°Very well. You shall be known as Seitan of the Demon race henceforth.¡±


    Aw Mister Freeman. He was still very serious even while acknowledging me.


    ¡°The World of Cefiro awaits you young demon. Honor. Glory. Terror. Ruin. Euphoria. Salvation. Bring them all as you see fit. Shape and bend your destiny as you hope.¡±


    Goodness Morgan you are so poetic sir! You are making me tear up.


    And here I was inside an egg where there¡¯s no freaking tissue.


    How am I going to wipe my tears then?


    Well played sir!


    Geesh ninjas cutting onions again!


    ¡°You will emerge in


    5¡­


    4¡­


    3¡­


    2¡­


    1¡­.


    Goodluck¡±


    ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ


    How many of you can still recall that one scene from the famed Terminator movie as how Arnold emerged from the time warp for the very first time?


    Because folks... I emerged just like that!


    Kneeling on my one knee,buck naked and all mysterious as fuck.


    ''Damn I was so in-character!''


    I have always wanted to do that tacky pose if given the chance and this was it.


    I pulled it off!


    Bucketlist... one check!


    I hope you were not secretly recording me Cefiro Admins. That would be so embarassing!


    Once I stood straight up, the first thing I did was to examine my featuresof my young body.


    Yes...


    I said young!


    During the character customization stage, instead of choosing my default body for my age, I deciced to go against it.


    This was a virtual world remember?


    And if I was going to re-live my childhood, then, what fitting way to kickstart that goal if not choosing a body of a young boy as well, right?


    After all, this is a role playing game.


    I was assuming the role of my choosing.


    The body and height I had was of a 6 year old boy.


    I was not kidding when I told Mister Freeman that I wanted to be a Chibi Demon.


    So here I was... a 42 year old Chibi Demon with the body of a 6 year old.


    Lets just say that I was playing the Demon Possession game.


    I had possessed the body of a child.


    I liked the unintentional evil tone already.


    "BuaHahahaha"


    I looked and examined my skin.


    It was like black but with an ashen tone.


    My chibi body was riddled with freckles all over.


    Dust and specks of light gray and deep black colors are sprinkled here and there, adding dimension and dept to my child like body.


    Both my hands and feet were small while short.


    I opted for clean short nails.


    I dont know but I dislike unhygenic long nails even in real life. It just wasnt my style despite being a demon here.


    I wanted to be a clean looking demon if possible.


    Medium pointed ears were also sported with my looks together with a short devil like tail.


    My eyeballs and pupils were all black.


    My hair was also short. Sleek and black with one side of it parted.


    Feeling my mouth, all my teeth were human like except for the two fangs on each side at the bottom.


    They were protruding like a sort of tusks.


    I was seriously channeling a FunkoPop action figure vibe here.Me thinks.


    Trying my movement, I starded tightening my fist and then releasing it to an open palm thereafter.


    Rinse and repeat.


    This was so I can guage my grip.


    "Powerful!I have an excellent grip" I confirmed.


    I was feeling the +10 strength already.


    I squatted next, repeating the action 10 times. I can confirm that my legs are sturdy and well balanced.


    I tried jumping.


    The gravity was perfect and had the right feel when both my foot impacted the dirt as I landed.


    Despite being chibi, this body was truly very capable!


    I sort of praised my self.


    "Well then lets see what we have in the inventory. Where is my weapon?"


    I opened a transparent window in front of me.


    I was rummaging through the Equipment tab of the menu.


    Wondering where it could be since there was none displayed.


    While rummaging like a hobo doing dumpster dive, that was when I noticed that there were some really strange moving lights from afar.


    Aside from life steal, the Demon race had a bonus trait of being able to see clearly in the dark too from a certain range.


    That was how I managed to detect the movements early on.


    The distance was about 50 meters from where I once stood.


    My demon senses told me that those red moving dots can''t be any good.


    My body was screaming for me to run.


    And I did.


    I was running for a good 12 seconds and already, I can detect the floating''reds''following me.


    Trouble. I knew.


    With no weapon in my inventory to defend myself, I cant expect to win this.


    I needed a safe place for cover.


    I was searching for a crevase or perhaps a tree that I can take refuge from but to no avail.


    My pursuers were at my tail.


    Goddamnit theyre so fast!


    Inch by inch theyre gaining on me.


    I was panicking for my life.


    "Mister Freeman? A little help please?"


    I pleaded for help but I got nothing.


    Finally, I knew that my pursuers have caught up with me since I can finally read their names like an apparition on top of their heads.


    Lvl.10 Hellwolf


    <???>


    They were fast fiery buggers.


    And what the hell was that level?


    Isnt this supposed to be the beginner floor?


    Why are there level 10 mobs in here?


    "Are you kidding me Mister Freeman??? Thats cheating Sir!"


    I ran and ran but they finally cornered me.


    There was no choice.


    I stopped and faced my pursuers. It was futile to run anyway. Might as well get it over with.


    ''Fucking hell I hope my LifeSteal could save me!''


    I am a demon and I almost wanted to pray!


    I assumed the basic boxing stance.


    Fist at the ready.


    "Come at me bitches!"


    The red fiery Hellwolves bared their fangs against me.


    The monsters had surrounded me from all sides. Waiting for that one ripe moment to snatch my neck.


    Their mouths dripping with drools of fluid fire.


    "Come" I said once again. Challenging all of them.


    As I was trying to put a brave front while facing my nemesis, I remembered that moment again when I was a kid.


    When I was 7, I rode my bike for the very first time without the training wheels.


    I remembered my father.


    He was guiding me.


    "Son, I am letting go"


    I also remembered speeding up.


    I remembered losing control.


    I remembered smashing into the trees.


    I remember how my body ached after the impact. Face firmly planted on the ground. My chest heaving ecstatically.


    There were bruises all over me despite not seeing them myslef. I just knew that I got lots of those from the stings and the shooting pain that I felt.


    I remembered crying.


    I was crying hard because I knew....


    I knew then ....


    I knew then that I had failed!


    System Message


    You have died


    You will respawn in approximately 432 hours!


    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î

 X Mark The Spot

    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î


    One cold morning,I decided to stroll along a small stream on a nearby forest.


    The original plan was just to jog around the neighborhood before the sun shows up.


    But here I was, barefoot, while trodding the shallow stream.


    Shivering a little as the cold water hit my skin. The water ever gently creeping up. Up towards both of my legs.


    I walked about 3 meters from the banks and I noticed that the water was almost knee deep this time.


    I reckon that it must have been getting deep as I move forward towards the center of the stream.


    I decided to step back a little.


    Some fifthteen minutes later, I spotted a cluster of gigantic boulders.


    The natural rock formation was about twenty meters from where I first sighted it.


    Ran towards it, I did, thus quickly reaching the area.


    After climbing, I decided to sit on top of one of the biggest rock among the cluster.


    "This seems like a good spot". I said as I plopped on top of the boulder.


    Sitting on a lotus position up a top of a rock, I closed my eyes and started to feel the sorroundings around me.


    The sun just peeked and slightly grazing the forest with its sunrays.


    It was forming multiple lines of radiant columns stabbing the forest trees with its brilliance.


    The forest was awake now.


    Creatures of the forest like the kingfisher can be seen swooping down the cold water stream.


    It just snatched a small fresh water fish.


    "Alright. Time to back track."


    I sort of slapped both of my cheeks with both left and right hands in sync to wake myself up.


    It has been 12 days since I started playing Cefiro Online. For that twelve days total, I had died four times. That was 432 hours multiplied by four penalty inside the game. .


    Shocking! I know!


    Special race my ass.


    Life Steal my ass.


    Goddamnit demon life is hard!


    I was beginning to somehow regret my decision for choosing this race.


    ''I could have made it easy as a human.''


    *Sigh*


    I was full of regret at the moment but I decided to broaden my understanding.


    I needed to re-evaluate the situation.


    To be able to succeed in the future, I must know what I did in the past.


    First question...


    What went wrong?


    First, I realized that the game decided to choose my egg spawn point on a random spot of the vast dungeon floor.


    I was not positive either as to which floor I''m in.


    I dont know if the area only has one floor or there are many. Not sure really.


    The map that I had would only show the area where I manage to uncover.


    It does not indicate anywhere high or low where I really am.


    The game just would not give me any clue.


    It doesnt give you any free information.


    "What a bitch right?"I frowned.


    The good thing about dying four times though was that I managed to find something out.


    The shell fragment of the egg from which I spawned from was where I respawned again after death.


    I did not respawn into the beginner demon town (if there was even such an area like that here).Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    On my first death, the moment I respawned, I dashed like a madman to see if I can find an area where I could hide first.


    I needed to secure my perimeter.


    The good thing about this dashing like a madman method was that every ground I cover, the map would record it permanently on my archive.


    In mere minutes I was slowly expanding my knowledge of the area terrain, together with its flora and fauna location.


    The not so good part was that I also attracted unwanted companions.


    The Hellwolves were there again.


    Fucking level 1 of me versus level 10 of them along with their wolf pack, was so frustratingly unfair!


    I died again.


    No surprise there.


    On my second death, I had a thought.


    What if I can move my spawn point?


    And so, I''ve decided to experiment.


    The moment I appeared in the dungeon I immediately examined the egg shell fragment from which I spawned from.


    I touched it and lifted the biggest broken piece.


    Ding!


    Do you wish to relocate your respawn point? Yes/ No?


    ''Fuck yeah it worked!''


    ''Please designate a different spawn point.''


    The instruction said that I can carry the shell fragment with me.


    I can then store it in my inventory and place it on an area only where I would choose to respawn again.


    It didnt told me about limitation of tries, which was good since I can really find a suitable place for my next spawn point, without worrying about my tries running out.


    Atleast I just needed to find an area where it was relatively safer.


    ''I can work with that.''


    My 3rd and 4th death was dedicated to solely finding that safe spot.


    After my second death, I stopped caring about dying.


    Sure I will not be able to play for 3 days again but what choice do I have?


    I made a lot of progress with my fourth death finally.


    While evading the Hellwolves, an accidental discovery ensued.


    By a freak luck, I happened to pass by a crevace along a small mountain.


    It was an area up north of the dungeon.


    I was about ready to explore the tiny cave but once again I was hindered.


    Death came once more to me under the fangs of the fiery mutts.


    I cursed at them.


    I was really loathing against these creatures now.


    Fast forward 12 days after my first death, I strategized inside my head, while sitting on top of a rock, on a lotus position.


    I was visualizing my game plan.


    I have to get inside that cave.


    I have to make it happen today no matter what.!


    Im so behind now with my character level and gold farm.


    I wasted too much time dying.


    Well, the twelve days wasnt entirely a waste of time so to speak.


    In those 12 days I managed to perform some thorough check up of the house.


    I found out that the roof near the kitchen area needed repairs. The water pipe at the back of the house were rusty and broken which means those needed replacements.


    Some of the nipa shingles of the house are also damaged.


    Lasty, the window in one of the free guestroom at the right wing side wont properly close. In short, the house was in serious need of help.


    There was also the concern of my monthly upkeep.


    The electric bill is coming up soon together with the water bill. Not to mention the monthly subscription for Cefiro Online as well as the bi-monthly tune up of the VR pod.


    My head''s spinning already from the many issues that I had yet to address.


    This doesnt even include the issue as to how am I going to get my 3 meals a day in the future?


    If push comes to shove, I was actually contemplating about using my tiny savings for these types of setbacks.


    I just wish though that I can start earning money through this game as soon as I can.


    Most likely, I will have tofu and rice for breakfast for today and for the next meals to come!


    I felt like Mr.Poverty was slowly creeping in.


    I believe he was almost at my doorstep.


    Scary thought!


    One of my greatest fear was to go hungry.


    I think everyone else has this fear too Im pretty positive.


    I found myself in the bathroom of my place an hour or so after that brief encounter with nature.


    I washed to prepare for battle.


    Twenty minutes before spawn time. I steadied my resolve.


    I have to make it this time or else.


    ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ


    The dungeon was dark.


    The environment spells of desolation.


    Pebbles and uneven rocks big to small abound were peppered everywhere.


    Few eerie trees stood here and there giving the place a rather depressing aura.


    Despite that, there was a sense of beauty about this terrible place.


    Like an embrace of solace.


    I am welcomed by such place.


    "There is no time to be idle" I said inwardly.


    With lightning speed movement, I opened the mini map along with a precorded information of the area.


    I carried the egg shell fragment with me as I prepared myself to trudge the vast darkness.


    I knew where I should go.


    I dashed my level 1 ass going north with all my might. The map right beside my peripheral vision purposely expanded to assist my navigation. A glance at it from time to time to confirm my progress.


    Some 12 minutes after, I can already see the X on the map that I had marked.


    It was where the cave was.


    "Fuck Mister Freeman, why you keep inviting these wolves to my party?"


    I groaned when I knew that the Hellwolves are at my tail again.


    I focused every inch of my energy towards running.


    Stride by stride I''m exerting power to my legs.


    I''ll be damned if those damn furballs would gain on me again.


    The entrance to the cave was just a stone throw away as per my estimation.


    "If I follow the bend then I should be home free."


    I can hear the growls of my relentless pursuers behind me.


    Theyre hounding me tirelessly. Their footsteps getting louder as they approach.


    "Please. Just a little more".


    I pleaded for Lady Luck to smile upon me.


    Hoping she would cast those smile my way today.


    And smile ''she'' did since I safely reached the cave.


    However, Im still not out of danger.


    Woof!


    Woof!


    Damn! I cant shake those buggers. Not even once.


    I still need a nook to hide .


    I started to panic.


    But then I saw something from a distance.


    There!


    At long last I can finally see salvation.


    Thankfully there was that one corner of the cave that showed a little crack on the wall.


    The crack could fit my child like body from the look of things.


    I quickly slid my self inside. It was very narrow but I can still move from side to side.


    Moving like a crab I managed to come out into an open area on the other side of the crack.


    "Guaaah!!!!"


    I crashed into the ground upon coming out.


    My chest was heaving rapidly.


    I was panting like crazy.


    Sweats dripping all over me from all those running and adrenaline rush.


    Hahahahahaha!


    Seitan is alive!


    Im alive!


    I cant help but cry deliriously.


    I was in euphoria.


    After 4 deaths and 12 days later, I finally had a break!


    Laughing and screaming like a deranged man for a good 3 minutes or so, I finally managed to control my emotions.


    I started to normalize.


    I looked up towards the ceiling of the little secret cave.


    Somehow it was spacious. Like a dome. There are red crystals protruding like swords on the ceiling of the dome.


    All of the red crystals evoked gentle red lights.


    Theyre beautiful!


    And then I discovered somethingat the center of the cavern.


    My eyes widened.


    "What the hell?"


    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î

 Gaia Surprise

    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î


    The cavern was enormous.


    Its ceiling was akin to a dome.


    An enclosed cavern was supposed to be devoid of light as to what I had originally pictured in my mind, but this place was far from it.


    Surprisingly, the space was very well lit as opposed to dark and gloomy.


    Crystals at the top of the ceiling, big and small, formed a stalactite like structures.


    There were gigantic crystals on the ground too resembling stalagmites.


    Together, they all illuminated the entire hall with their somewhat calming red glowing light.


    They scattered like mini stars inside the cavern.


    The ground where I was lying flat had a rather soft soil quality to it.


    It was pleasant against my back.


    It was different from the pebbly quality of the general soil composition of the entire dungeon floor.


    Here inside, the soil was rich and soft.


    In fact, there are patches of Bermuda grass growing.


    Or was it moss?


    I was not quite sure since I am no expert with plants.


    What I was sure of though was that, there was vegetation inside this cavern.


    ¡°What the hell?¡±


    I exclaimed while I tilted my head.


    In my upside down vision, as I was surveying the entire cave, I was very surprised to see a huge tree that closely resembles an Elm.


    It had a very thick tree trunk base.


    To hug it, one person would not be enough.


    It would, at the least, take four grown men together to cover the circumference of the Elm.


    Lush and full leaves were also being sported by its powerful overlapping branches, making it more gigantic.


    The only thing that separated this tree, from the other regular Elm tree that I had seen before, was that this flora was glowing red.


    Yes! A Red Glowing Elm Tree!


    It was not the usual green earthy friendly tree.


    It was beautiful. I¡¯ll give it that.


    However, the red glow emanating from it, was giving it an aura of something very menacing.


    As much as I was amazed by the sight, I refused and second guessed myself on approaching the tree.


    I left it alone.


    Them cats can have all the curiosity they want but I am not having any of that.


    I do not have any plans about dying over a tree.


    First things first...


    ¡°Open Inventory Screen¡±.


    I commanded.


    A transparent window appeared in front of me.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    In one of the many storage space in the screen, I took out the egg shell fragment that I stowed away a few minutes back.


    I looked around me.


    I chose a suitable spot not too far away from the entrance, but at the same time, not too near from the Red Elm tree.


    I was more afraid of the cavern entrance but I was also not feeling secured with moving nearer towards the red tree either.


    It just spelled death flag to me no matter how I analyzed it.


    You have chosen to relocate your respawn point. Is this space your final choice? Please confirm


    Yes/No.


    I have chosen the affirmative answer.


    Finally, a safe hideout!


    I will utilize this place until I can figure out how to escape from this unforgiving dungeon floor.


    For the meantime, I took the opportunity to examine as to what were the contents of my Character Menu Screen.


    There the miscellaneous, equipments, armors and other tabs in it.


    I haven¡¯t actually had the time to study what my character was capable of previously.


    Wrestling against Hellwolves since day one, I didn¡¯t have the luxury to check.


    It was very unsafe to stay idle from the place where I once was before.


    Now that I am relatively safe, I am truly thankful for this opportunity.


    <u>Character Name: Seitan</u>


    <u>Level: 1</u>


    <u>Race: Demon</u>


    <u>Job Class: None</u>


    <u>Title: None</u>


    <u>Strength: 1 (+10)</u>


    <u>Power: 1</u>


    <u>Agility: 1 (+10)</u>


    <u>Dexterity: 1</u>


    <u>Intelligence: 1</u>


    <u>Wisdom: 1</u>


    <u>Passive Skills:</u>


    Life Steal: Level 1 (2/100)


    An offensive passive trait that restores health to the wielder for a percentage of all on-hit physical damage dealt against an enemy.


    Night Vision: Level 1


    The innate ability of the Demons to naturally see in the dark without fail. Be mindful that the range is only up to 300 meters. It is possible to expand the coverage however.


    I was a little embarrassed about my character screen information.


    This was really beyond pathetic for a special race.


    Looking at how I was now, I didnt feel special anymore.


    All that hype.


    Gone!


    I bet the other races were raking in gold and levels now while I¡¯m stuck at level 1.


    Jealousy suddenly sparked.


    What about the other Demons in the game?


    How are they faring?


    Jake wondered.


    Hopefully, they were doing much better than me.


    I didn¡¯t want to be the reason as to why this race would suck entirely.


    I wonder if they were somewhere not so unforgiving and enjoying being lucky.


    Leveling up steadily like the super strong bastards that we should be.


    I looked at my gold vault.


    It was all zeros.


    Pathetic!


    I sighed at the sight of my gold vault.


    ''The others must be rich by now.''


    I shook my head side to side, full of regrets.


    The intention of having a steady three meals a day goal was still too far away.


    There might be a dire time that would force me to use those savings.


    Dire times that may require emergency rations.


    I was honestly hoping that I won¡¯t, but I was going to prepare for the worst.


    I might check that youtube recipe for a tofu steak later.


    I heard it taste good but I can¡¯t be too sure.


    I have not tasted something like that even once so I can¡¯t comment on it yet if it was true.


    I evaluated my situation once more.


    So I had no weapon.


    The game didn¡¯t gave me one at all.


    Maybe this was standard?


    I was hoping it was the same for everyone else because that would be so unfair if it wasn¡¯t.


    What I do have equipped, as per my Equipment screen, was a loin cloth.


    It was old, worm out and disheveled.


    I think it was given for free as default just to cover the genital parts.


    This game still wants to be decent I guess?


    But Im a demon¡­ should I just let it hang loose?


    I chuckled.


    That would be scandalous!


    Not to mention I have a child¡¯s body. That would be so much weirder.


    Hmnn¡­.what else do I have?


    Oh!


    Gaia Pack!


    I had almost forgotten about this thing since I got absorbed in my plans of survival. Thanks to the space created by this cavern I was able to finally have the chance to unbox the Gaia Pack.


    I read the description.


    <u>Gaia Pack.</u>


    The survival kit for beginners that aids adventurers in harnessing the potential of the earth and nature.


    I wonder what¡¯s in it?


    I double tapped the icon.


    Mister Freeman asked me if I''d wish to open the package?


    I responded with acurt nod along with a yes for emphasis.


    Very well.


    The AI acknowledged.


    Soon after, I¡¯ve gotten bombarded by pop-ups.


    You have received the book Deconstructing Gaia: A Guide to Alchemy


    You have received the title ''Green Thumb''.


    You have received the Bag of Seeds.


    You have received the Beginner Baking Supplies.


    That was quite a surprise!


    I even got a title¡­. for free!!!


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll be busy from here on¡±


    I grabbed the book. I placed my hand on it.


    Ding!


    ¡°Do you wish to learn the content of this book?¡±


    "Of course Mister Freeman! Of course!"


    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î

 Aquafaba and Then Some

    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    A bulk of knowledge was being forcefully funneled through my brain in mere seconds the moment I laid my hand on the book.


    It was like that scene when Trinity absorbed that flight simulation data uploaded by Tank during the helicopter scene in The Matrix.


    I was channeling a major REM possession kind of thing as I stood there while holding the book.


    <Seizure anyone?>


    The transfer of information was similar to watching an instructional video but at a very rapid speed.


    The peculiar thing about this though, was that, I actually managed to absorb and remembered the teachings.


    This was despite having the video in my head played in a super fast manner.


    ¡°I know Kung-Fu¡­ errr Alchemy!¡±


    Hell yeah!


    Finally something good was happening to me after a series of unfortunate events!


    I was no longer a pathetic level 1 loser.


    I was now a pathetic level 1 loser with Alchemy!


    Buahahahahaha!


    Question was--- will the practice of alchemy skill provide me a character level up while I use it? Or was it only limited to the Alchemy skill level up alone?


    I wish that it would be the former since I could really use some experience for my character level.


    Being level 1 for 12 days now was truly atrocious.


    Who else would be so pathetic to be at level 1 at this stage of the game?


    Me!


    Just me!


    Shaking off the bad vibration, I decided to toughen up.


    I¡¯ve always been a fan of Super Sentai¡¯s (BioMan, MaskMan, Masked Rider Black, etc) when I was a kid.


    So in their honor, I formed a fist with my hand, squeezing it tightly, and jabbed the air with it thereafter.


    Watahhhh!!!


    Footwork included.


    Bucket list check!


    Alright, let¡¯s try this out!


    I surveyed the ground for a suitable area to write on.


    I spotted a flat surface with a clay like soil quality.


    I thought the spot would be the best area to try the skill out.


    Grabbing a piece of twig that was lying on the ground, I then started writing the runes etched in my head.


    The video tutorial in my head was somehow very clear.


    Each stroke I did was exactly how it was shown in my mind.


    When I was done writing the runes, a circular pattern on the ground can be seen.


    The intricate handwriting basically formed the outline of the ring.


    Right in the middle section of it, there was an empty space.


    I rummaged through my inventory again.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Finding the baking goods first.


    One by one, I placed the wheat flour, bottle of aquafaba, sugar, salt, water and yeast as per instruction on the manual.


    All the measurements has been accurate to the tooth.


    Thereafter, I did 5 hand signs in smooth succession perfectly.


    I was quite amazed as to how my memorization was so sharp, since, I was remembering every single thing.


    Methodically step by step and performing it at the same time.


    That, while being lightning fast too.


    It gave off a scene like I had been doing this for a very long time now.


    I mumbled a very suppressed enchantment.


    Almost like a quiet whisper.


    I didn¡¯t know the meaning of it to be honest.


    I just followed the voice in my head that told me to murmur the words.


    I kneeled and touched the ground with my right hand the moment the chant ended.


    And then, something amazing happened after that.


    The runes started glowing.


    After, the glow came small lightning cracks traversing the circumference where the runes were written.


    Then there was vapor.


    And then finally, there was smoke.


    Few good seconds after, the smoke dissipated.


    What remained at the center was the transmuted item crafted by the magic of alchemy.


    Ding!


    ¡°You have successfully created an Aquafaba Bread through Alchemy!¡±


    Was Mister Freeman¡¯s voice just as excited as me?


    I excitedly picked up the bread.


    In my hands, I cradled the bread like how Rafiki was carrying Simba.


    I lifted it up in the air and yelled---


    ¡°I did it!"


    "Mister Freeman can you see this?"


    "Here¡­ look!"


    "Aren¡¯t you proud of me?"


    "I did it! "


    "I was so awesome! Yes?¡±


    Bordering mad man demeanor, I continued to marvel at my own creation for a full five minutes!


    After the euphoria had died down, I finally took the time to closely dissect the bread. It was still warm.


    I saw that it was moist, soft to the touch and smells amazingly divine!


    Pinching a portion from it, I tasted the bread.


    Surprisingly, it tasted delicious in my mouth.


    It has just the right ratio of sweetness and saltiness.


    The taste was very realistic in fact that it was somehow scary.


    The VR technology now a days should not be under estimated by any means.


    "What in blazes name is this sorcery?"


    I couldnt help myself from expressing after tasting the bread.


    Forgive me for acting like a total noob but I really am a noob.


    Theres no shame in that.


    Hear me out first though before you judge.


    The last MMORPG experience I had was when the game was still being played through PC''s and consoles.


    It was far, no lightyears away, from the way games are being played today.


    Before, players see the game world through a flatscreen.


    Now, the players are in the game itself!


    How fantastically cool was that huh?!


    So yes, you can call me a retarded noob but I wont care.


    Not even a bit.


    Zero fucks will be given to everyone who has the same view about me being a retarded noob.


    This was me reliving my childhood days.


    They can laugh at me.


    Ridicule me.


    As long as I can have my own fun without being bothered, then to hell with what anybody would think about me.


    Im too old to care for that shit.


    I resigned and gave up my fat check for this, remember?


    Aquafaba Bread (N)


    Soft and moist bread with balanced sweetness and saltiness. Good for a quick satiety fix up.


    Ah. So that explains why I wasnt so fatigued anymore.


    The bread actually helped me in releaving the sluggishness out of my body after that marathon contest against the Hellwolves.


    Poof!


    Poof!


    Poof!


    That was the sound of magic happening.


    That was the sound of alchemy at work.


    The sound of alchemy filled the entire space of the cavern. Reberverating from where I was, to the most secluded crannies of the dome, and back again.


    With continous application, I finally debunked my own theory that my character would level up once I perform alchemy.


    It didnt gave me any main level experience.


    The good news though was that, the Alchemy level was steadily rising with every use.


    I was producing bread after bread after bread of aquafaba, like there was no tomorrow.


    I can do this all day long if I could.


    I was simply enamored into just witnessing how the runes would glow when I alchemize. As well as my fascination as to how cracks of tiny lightning, would snake around the magic circle, over and over.


    There was nothing like this in real life.


    And as a kid, I have always imagined that magic was real.


    Today, I confirmed that it was.


    I was so proud of my work.


    I was so proud of this power.


    Edward (Full Metal), am I making you proud too?


    So here I was, baking multitude of breads without having to use an oven.


    Although alchemy doesnt use a conventional oven to bake the bread, it does consume a different type of energy.


    Each bread requires about 20 mana to create. I had about 50 Hit points of health and 50 Mana points of magic power at level one.


    Therefore, I rest every after creating 2 loaves of aquafabas to replenish my mana.


    Theres was no rush anyway. So I just stood back, relaxed my body, replenished my mana and alchemized bread again, in intervals.


    In the end, I managed to create 44 aquafaba bread.


    I had wished to create more, but the Gaia pack''s Bag of Beginner Goods for Baking, only have about 99x bag of wheat flour and about 99x unit of salt, sugar, yeast and water respectively.


    Each bread costs about 2 bag of wheat flours and 1 unit each of the salt, sugar, yeast and water.


    That was the reason why I only ended up having 44 loaves.


    I basically ran out of ingredients at that point.


    No matter, I was happy to store the bread in my inventory.


    I should not worry about getting hungry for the many weeks to come, inside the game, with this.


    Hopefully.


    Crackle!


    That was the last bread.


    After I finished tucking it away in my inventory, I suddenly thought of something foolish.


    ''Why didnt I thought of that earlier?''


    ''It could actually work!''


    With a big grin, I turned around to embrace the dome with my eyes.


    I saw a lot of materials.


    I saw a lot of potentials.


    Lets craft something fun!


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î

 Weapon of Choice

    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    The amazing thing about the Alchemy skill was that, it allows you to combine objects that are already predetermined by the system.


    You can create a lot of things, provided that you will be able to meet the exact requirements.


    So what are these requirements?


    Here are the basic two: (1) Level of Alchemy skill and (2) Ingredients.


    Having the two basic components met, any alchemist can easily create any objects without failure as long as the requirement to create that object is low.


    An alchemist can breeze through the creation process without having to care about failure, just like the way I did when I was breezing through the Aquafaba bread creation.


    Now here comes the fun part.


    At higher levels, a third requirement will factor in.


    Luck.


    The higher the rarity of an object (armor, weapon, accessory, potion, etc.), the more luck will be required to successfully create an object.


    Alchemy was different than specialized skills like smithing, potion making, jewel crafting etc.


    Alchemists are basically cheaters.


    They short cut the supposed normal process and make it seem like a walk in the park in a sense.


    Now since this was somehow a cheat, a drawback has been set by the creators of this game.


    An immense chance of failure at higher levels was imposed.


    Not unless you get a really nice accessory to amplify your luck.


    Perhaps also get an achievement that gifts you a permanent bonus to add stat to ¡®Luck¡¯.


    The two mentioned are the only known ways so far that can counter balance the immense drawback of the skill.


    They also mentioned that there was a ¡®title¡¯ that gives a lot of ¡®Luck¡¯ stat bonus.


    No proof though if that was true.


    I¡¯ve only heard whispers through the online community about it.


    The cavern was my playground at the moment.


    I had tried to alchemize almost all of the materials that I can get my hands on.


    From the rough rocks, to the barks of the elm tree, to the red stalagmite crystals and even the leaves scattered around the cavern.


    I was having so much fun experimenting.


    I was refining rough rocks and transforming them to smooth oval shaped necklace stone pieces.


    I did the same thing to the red stalagmite crystals except that the shape is somehow very close to an obelisk.


    The tree barks are no exception.


    I made smooth canes, planks and clubs with it.


    One time, I tried piling up lots of wood planks inside the magic circle. I was going to try and make a lounge chair.


    I was excited!


    The magic circle was a little bigger than usual. I imagined the image of a typical lounge chair before I moved through the motion of chanting and executing the hand signal.


    Imagination was key with alchemy.


    If you are poor in that department, then prepare to fail miserably.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    As usual, the segment of glowing runes and cracks of mini lightning followed suit.


    Once the smoke disappeared I checked the result.


    Disappointing


    I failed.


    The chair that I expected to materialize wasn¡¯t there.


    All I saw were heaps of ash and coal on what was left of the transmuted plank of wood.


    ¡®For sure I lacked ingredients that was why I failed. Iron nails maybe? Or perhaps more wooden planks?¡¯


    No matter.


    It was just an experiment.


    It was okay to fail.


    The good thing about all of these experiments that I have been conducting for a good few hours now, was that, all of the objects that I have successfully created are now catalogued in the Deconstruction of Gaia book.


    Every time a creation succeeds, the book catalogues the information along with the name of the item, ingredients (recipe on how to make them), stats, description and usage.


    It was rather very neat to have.


    It was like having a mini-library of objects and how to make them.


    The pictures and diagrams are quite beautifully presented as well. Just imagine ancient text and really old parchment paper. That¡¯s the kind.


    I checked my character stat real quick.


    <u>Alchemy</u> Grade E(35/100)


    So, I actually leveled up while goofing around. I gained one level!


    Not bad.


    I stretched my arms and started yawning (what? I yawned? Cool!).


    I got tired doing so much alchemy.


    Opting to rest, I laid my back against the foamy bermuda grass. I took out an Aquafaba and started munching on the entire loaf bit by bit as I stare at the chandelier like stalactite crystals.


    And then I had a thought!


    Since starting Cefiro Online, I have been chased multiple times and killed by Hellwolves brutally.


    I kind of accepted dying because they¡¯re simply out of my league.


    There was no chance for me to fight back because (1) they were higher level than me and (2) I don¡¯t have a weapon!


    So maybe if I had a weapon, I would not be so bitter about dying.


    I could atleast land one hit and I¡¯ll be okay.


    ¡®Alright, lets create a weapon then shall we?¡¯


    So I thought about what to make as a weapon.


    Maybe a sword made of iron?


    I can maybe alchemize the rocks, turn them into fine sand and shape a weapon with it?


    Or maybe I can conjure a war hammer?


    I can use the biggest chunk of the very tough red crystals as the head of the hammer. Then, I can use the elm wood as the handle.


    Hmnn¡­ tough choice.


    If I was to be successful in creating a sword (given that my alchemy would actually work), can I really handle a sword?


    I have zero to non-existent combat training even in real life.


    I know how to use a knife for chopping, but that¡¯s about the extent of my knowledge.


    I don¡¯t have the technique nor style.


    On the other hand, swinging a war hammer was easier than striking someone with a sword.


    The hammer required less finesse and technique.


    It was also wider than the sword.


    I can just easily swing the giant hammer and use that 11 point stamina and agility to land a hit.


    I mean, it wasa big hammer¡­ how hard can it be to not miss?


    I stood up.


    I had a winner already in my mind.


    The weapon of my choice.


    Gathering the ingredients in the magic circle, I then started to chant.


    I carefully imagined the shape of the weapon. The length, the size and the form.


    I imagined the handle.


    I imagined every details as to how it should come out.


    I imagined every ingredients in perfect harmony. Every component in perfect unison.


    I imagined breathing life into it.


    I imagine it being born.


    I finished the chant with the hand gestures.


    Thereafter, I once again touched the ground with my dominant right hand.


    Alchemy was doing its magic as per usual.


    This magic of deconstructing and creating never gets really old for me.


    The cloud of smoke settled. And then¡­


    Ding!


    You have successfully crafted a weapon through Alchemy


    You have created the Impure Crystal Hammer


    This new discovery has been catalogued.


    Mister Freeman was still as smooth as ever.


    He was the only thing that I will never get tired of after Alchemy second.


    I was beaming with pride when I picked up the hammer.


    Finally.... I have a weapon!


    Fuck I have a weapon!!


    This is amazing!!!


    Alchemy was the shit man.


    Forget about hunting monters for weapon drops. I can just make them!


    Gosh Im so awesome!


    I kissed my little demon biceps.


    I was checking the finished alchemized weapon in my hand.


    The head of the hammer was glowing red due to the crystals innate property.


    The handle was as tall as me, which was perfect because that¡¯s how I really wanted it to be.


    A tall hammer of whoop-ass!


    I felt like the hammer was speaking to me.


    Yes precious? Should we kill something then?


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î

 Here Fishy Fishy!

    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    Ding!


    You have leveled up!


    Be honest.


    Did anyone just imagined that I was going to go outside of the cavern and start smacking some level 10 Hellwolves? As in immediately after obtaining the Warhammer?


    Well...


    I hate to burst everyones bubble but, hell no, I did not!


    Let''s just get one thing straight...Seitan as an in-game name is super crazy, but, I am not that super suicidal!


    To be truthful though, I had to admit that I almost jumped into the suicidal idea.


    Blame the burning vengeance inside of me for almost acting on the thought. It was maniacally telling me to just jump, to go forth and embrace my reckless death.


    But of course, the 432 hours death penalty ban, poured a lot of freezing cold water into my hot burning plan altogether.


    Ban hammer--- it is the single most scary thing in Cefiro other than death.


    Well.... that... and being pennyless is scary too.


    Or going hungry.


    Yes! Double triple yes on being hungry!


    It is very scary to go hungry, even more so, to die of hunger. There is shame involved when dying of hunger. This is my greatest fear in real life. Not just in Cefiro.


    I am reminded of my vault being full of zeros. Sadness was choking my heart once more.


    But of course, it is not always raining on my own private parade.


    I get to walk on sunshine once in a while. Like say... right now.


    I just leveled up, you see.


    I was extremely happy to hear Mister Freeman announcing it in my head.


    A red carpet should have been rolled in my honor, so I can walk on it and bask on my shameless glory.


    Finally a level up of character and not just skill!


    Woot!


    I was actually doing the chicken dance to celebrate.


    So how did this happen?


    The cave was relatively a safe haven truth be told. So, how was I able to kill a monster inside then?


    The answer lies in the shallow waters of the cave.


    Yes, ladies and gents. There was in fact a little stream circumventing almost half of the area of the cavern.


    I discovered this when I was walking. Walking while thinking of a plan of smacking the Hellwolves down for revenge.


    The stream was shallow and it has the quietest flow I have ever heard in my entire life. That was why it was so hard to notice that it does exist inside here, in this cavern.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    It was perpetuating a sound almost to a point of a whisper. This, as the water flowed from one tiny spring and out to another drainage like outlet.


    I was floored to find out that theres water in the cavern so I can replenish my supplies. But later, I got more ecstatic when I discovered that there were in fact mobs in the shallow water!


    Lvl.3 Carnivorous Clown Fish


    Lvl.5 Blue Carnivorous Clown Fish


    You wont be laughin'' once you get bitten''. We aint jokin''.


    End of description.


    Dear Mister Freeman, tell the devs that theres someone trying really hard to be funny in their team. Give them a raise. They seem desperate.


    *Chuckles*


    Lets get back to the focus of the story. Where was I again? Oh, about the fish mobs.


    So there I was, planning on how to bring smack down pain to the level 3 carnist clown first.


    I am not being a pussy here when I chose not to bring pain to the level 5 monster as well, together.


    I was just being realistic.


    I was sure that I was going to die horribly if I took them both on simultaneously.


    Dont give me that judgemental look okay?


    I am an accountant.


    I am good with problem solving. And with a reckless fight, I am sure to lose.


    I focused and analyzed the situation.


    The swimming monster is carnivorous in nature. Therefore, it should respond to blood and meat.


    The problem was...I dont have any bait that resembles blood or meat anywhere in my inventory.


    I have bread, wood planks, rusty iron dagger, baking goods and a worn out loin cloth.


    No blood or meat in there.


    Frustratingly, I realized that theres nothing that resembled a bait in my inventory except for...


    Wait a moment!


    I have....


    ...


    ...


    My...


    ...self!


    A lightbulb suddenly switched on inside my head!


    Of course I was the perfect bait.


    Why didnt I thought of that in the first place?


    I smacked myself in the forehead for being stupid.


    I forgave myself thereafter.


    So the plan was simple. I was to slice my left hand with the rusty dagger. Lure only the level 3 monster to the shallow water then smack it silly with the war hammer.


    It was simple in my head but execution is rather different versus an actual scene.


    As expected, it didnt quite go smoothly as I had planned the first time.


    I under estimated the speed of the carnivorous clown fish. The moment I sunk my bloody hand into the water, the fish immediately zoned into where the smell of the blood was coming from.


    Whoa it got speed!


    Taken a back by its swiftness, I immediately pulled out my hand from the water.


    As I come up from the bend, with a huge splash, the fish hungrily jumped out of the water, following the motion of my hand and bit my left arm .


    20 HP was immediately deducted from my health bar with just one bite.


    Damnit this fish is so scary (hah! Clowns!)


    I rolled into the ground and summoned my war hammer. The fish still gnawing on my flesh.


    With all my might I started to inflict pain into the crazy clown.


    One hammer...


    Two hammer...


    Three hammer...


    Four hammer...


    And then finally the crazy swimming clown was no more.


    It has a 70 hit points total and my hammer was hitting it for 20 points each time.


    Fuck yeah!


    I shouted as I saw the fish starting to melt like an ice cream right beside me.


    In the game, the decomposition sequence goes far too fast. It is like watching a time lapse video.


    Both my ears and face were burning red hot from the adrenaline rush due to the fight. It was the same thing for my chest. It was still beating fast. I was holding on to it while still on the ground, panting with my back against the soft soil.


    The fight was very rough.


    There wasnt any technique involved.


    It was just pure survival instinct kind of fight. I moved through the motion of my fear. Fear triggered me to fight so I may live.


    The injury almost claimned my life, but fortunately, I got about 10 HP left after that bout.


    It took me 10 minutes to recover all 50 points of my HP.


    As I was waiting to regenerate my health, I was already determined to have another go at it.


    Next time though, I will be able to already deliver a much smoother performance, since for sure, a pattern will reveal itself and I will be able ready to cope using it.


    Fast forward to four kills after... I was now offically level 2!!!


    I was on top of the world!


    Christmas came twice already for me today. I was truly a happy ''kid''. Period.


    There were no copper coins dropped by the dead clown strangely.


    Is this how it is then in Cefiro? No currency drop from all the monster?


    Well, Im a newbie so I wouldnt know. Not until many kills after this, that I can create a hypothesis and then confirm.


    My wallet will be sad if in case.


    After the thing melted, it gave me a fish scale as an item drop. I dont know what good use it would bring to me, but I was fine stashing them away in my spacious inventory tab.


    So, is it about time to go for the Hellwolves now?


    Of course... it is still a No!


    Still level 2!


    Pfffttt!!!


    Maybe after 500 dead carnivorous clown fish, then, I will consider.


    I picked up the rusty dagger again. Using my right hand, i slit my left palm with it.


    I slowly approached the water thereafter.


    With arms wide open, I was trodding the water with the posture of a cross.


    Dripping fist of blood on the left hand.


    Red Crystal Warhammer on the right.


    It was something like Jesus walking on water. Except that this was a walk with a badassery attitude level of over 9999.


    With a very mischevous sort of smile, I announced...


    Here fishy fishy fishy!!!


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î

 Kitsune

    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    When I was given the chance to be reincarnated in this ''world'', I chose to be reborn as a Kitsune.


    The moment I released myself from the egg confinement, I immediately stood up and planted both of my feet into the unforgiving gravel.


    I slowly moved the fingers of my feet, one by one, as though checking if they would really move under my every whim or the opposite.


    And they did.


    Like well trained soldiers.


    All ten appendages synchronizing and doing my bidding as I will them.


    I tiptoed and walked like that for a few moments. That was me testing my leg reflexes.


    As I twirl like a ballerina, I found out just then that I was wearing a white peasant robe.


    Despite the dress being of low quality textile, it was prestinely white and flowed surprisingly beautiful when I turned.


    I was dancing against the gentle breeze of the wind and my dress swayed along its caring whisper.


    Turning my attention to my hands, it was revealed to me as slender and elegant. It matched my long legs beautifully too. The proportion is almost perfect.


    I instinctively made a Flamenco stance.


    Looking up to the soft motion of my one arm, as I raised it up to the wind, I noticed that my skin was in fact milky white smooth.


    Supple stark ivory skin.


    Ghost like.


    Just the way I wanted.


    I twirled again and I was beyond excited to realize that I actually have two foxlike tails!


    They''re so fluffy! I exclaimed as I brought them up to my bossom for a hug.


    Amazingly, even though I dont have such a tail in real life, these fluffies are instinctively moving exactly the same way as I do with both my hands.


    It felt very natural.


    Finally, I brought my hands down to either sides of my head. And there they were...


    Fox ears!


    Closing my eyes, I envisioned all of my features coming together in perfect harmony.


    Long flowing silver straight hair.


    Fox ears.


    Slender long legs and elegant arms.


    Lithe graceful body.


    Twin fox tails.


    I opened my blue speckled silver eyes. These eyes that carry multitudes of stars as they sparkle. They pierced through this dark gloomy world like the gentle ray of the moon.


    ''I looked ethereal!'' I complimented my self.


    I opened the arsenal inventory and from it, took out a relatively slender, above average length katana blade.


    T''was a gift from the giant roulette.


    Ding!This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Lvl.2 Rabid Snake


    A vicious underworld snake


    "For Slytherin Hhisssss!!!"


    End of description.


    I unsheathed the blade.


    A sliver of light shone from its sharp edge as I reveal it from its hiding place.


    I gripped the handle with assuredness.


    This is how a Kitsune should be.


    Graceful but powerful!


    "Thank you for your sacrifice"


    I rushed forward to introduce my blade to my lone enemy.


    It was a brief exchange.


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    The Demon race is a very selfish race.


    Thats the first thing that I discovered while playing.


    Everybody wants to be strong and each wanted to find that strength on their own.


    Everyone was too proud to ask for help.


    To ask for help is to be weak.


    Thats the unwritten rule.


    You wouldnt find a demon forming a party with another demon. That idea was just plain absurd.


    As a Demon, you were equipped by the Gods as an instrument of slaughter.


    A slaughterer doesnt require somebody elses strength.


    A slaughterer draws power only from his own.


    A slaughterer... alone... can bring ruin to all.


    It was sacrilege to even think about reaching out to someone for help.


    The same goes for me.


    I clawed my way from level 1 to level 10 for a couple of days now.


    Starting late in this game made me work even harder.


    I wanted to catch up from the rest of the Devils pack. The group that started from opening day about 10 days ago.


    Sheer determination was my driving force. It allowed me to push and shove everything that stood against my way. It propelled me to the level where I''m at today.


    However, that same determination placed me in a quite a bit of a bind at the moment.


    Dying is something I have not experienced yet in this game. Maybe this will be the time?


    Such a shame though if that would happen. I had such a good run until now.


    Biting more what you can chew always draw a big problem.


    Im on the 3rd floor of the dungeon.


    I figured that today will be the right time to move down another floor. Find new enemies and add another level to my belt.


    The first and second floor was no issue. Mobs tend to wander around on their own. It was an easy kill even if sometimes I found myself fighting 2 critters at same time. Two versus one isnt''t such a big deal after all. For me at least. That, I''m sure of.


    Today though was different.


    I thought fighting this fiery critter would be a walk in the park.


    I was dancing with this creature beautifully and I was about to go for the kill. Its life was in the brink of forfeit.


    What I did not anticipate though was the sudden ''howling''.


    In its last attempt to save itself, the creature called out to its pack.


    Suddenly, seven other similar creatures were coming to its rescue.


    I knew I was out numbered.


    Damn these Hellwolves!


    I had no choice but to run.


    Shame that I had to let go of my prey.


    Tide reversal is such a pain.


    One versus one against a Hellwolf was not an issue. But to be against all seven? That would be just plain suicide!


    Its a good thing that my speed is a little bit above these wolves. I was able to evade their attempts to swipe my leg and bring me down to submission.


    However, if this play of cat and dog keeps up a bit longer, for sure, I will run out of stamina, and that would be the end of me.


    I have to find a way to escape the aggro effect that I triggered with this pack. Hopefully, while avoiding and running away from this group, I hope not to attract another possible aggro from another pack.


    There has to be a safe place here somewhere.


    I was running for my life with no hope of finding salvation until I found something barely protruding from behind a rock.


    The rock was part of a crack of what looked like to be an entrance to a cave.


    Well it was actually a ''someone'' and not ''something''.


    I managed to confirm this thanks to my night vision.


    "Over here!"It shouted.


    My legs were very tired now but I poured all of strength to it and leaped a good distance away from the pack.


    ''Please dont fail me here'' I prayed to my legs.


    I was almost near the crack and the ''person'' beckoned me to follow him inside.


    Suddenly, I thought of something horrible. Player kill came to mind.


    But its either that I die in the hands of another player or die at the mercy of the wolf pack? It was basically the same end result. I will die regardless.


    I strengten my resolve and followed the moving shadow in front of me inside of the cave.


    I can hear the packs barking, echoing inside the cave.


    The Hellwolves managing to follow me still even inside.


    I had to break free!


    The shadow was showing me to get inside another crack and follow him in there once again.


    I had death flags flashing all over the place but what choice do I have at this point?


    Kicking the dirt with every ounce of my strength I managed to push through the narrow crack, finally arriving inside a glowing red cavern.


    Still was catching my breath and suddenly this tiny shadow came out of nowhere, startling me.


    I lost sight of him a few seconds ago that was why.


    He was stretching his hand and was extending it to me.


    "Im Seitan" he began.


    "I dont think I would say this in real life but I was glad to see another demon today" he said while smiling from ear to ear.


    And there I was thinking...


    ''What the hell was that name?''


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î

 Magic Show

    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    Wierd.


    That''s the impression I had with this person.


    For one, he smells of fish.


    After my hesitation to shake his hand when he introduced himself, he took his hand away and hid it behind his back. He was still smiling though.


    I dont know if he was still smiling because he got embarassed that I didnt shook his hand or maybe he was smiling for a completely different reason.


    I would never know for sure.


    Forgive me for acting like a snobby little spoiled princess but I really cant help myself.


    I am wired this way ever since.


    It will take some time for me to warm up to a person. This guy is a complete stranger to me, so go figure.


    Dont talk to strangers! Isn''t that what our parents have always taught us?


    Although he was taken aback by my gesture, he was still kind enough to offer me sustainance.


    "Im sure you are famished with all the running you just did. So here---"


    He took out some bread, a clay jar full of water and a ceramic glass from his inventory.


    The quality of the jar and glass was a bit crude. However, the design was quite cute. It resembled a cat for the jar and a kitten for the glass.


    See what I meant by weird?


    This was his second ''weird'' for me. It is so out of place for a demonic looking guy to pull out a cat ceramic set. That is just so out of character.


    Then I wondered--- ''Was there a mob that dropped a sort of tea set? Where did he get these from?''


    This just adds more weirdness to this guy.


    ''Wow'' I almost exclaimed but I kept it to myself. ''This bread is surprisingly good!''.


    I was about to look for him to say a genuine ''thank you'' statement, however, he was too far away already from me to deliver the message.


    There he was, near the banks to what would seem like a shallow body of water.


    I thought with the complimentary bread and water gesture that he did, he seem to have redeemed himself to me.


    I was about ready to be friendly.


    But then the road redirected suddenly to looney ville once again.


    Not sure what he was doing but he just suddenly stabbed his left hand and started squeesing blood out of the wound while forming a fist.


    A group of fish (3 carnivorous clown fish) suddenly sprung out of the water.


    From the look of things and with a grinning face like that, I am pretty positive that he was expecting that reaction.


    The fish was about to bite him but he parried the attack with his gigantic hammer. Afterwards, he started hacking at them with gusto.


    It would appear like he was enjoying the battle by a lot.


    There was plenty of splashing and trashing in water happening around him. It was like, there was a small storm in there and he was in the middle of the rain, tearing the piranha like fishies apart.


    The water was mixed with fish blood as it rained down against him.


    A few minutes later, the hysteria died down and yet, he was still there standing in the water, panting like a mad dog. Hes got blood soaked water coming down from his face like Rage Carrie.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    This guy was tiny, but strangely, he packed a mean punch and looked eerily scary.


    I guess he does kind of lived up to his name.


    Seitan.


    I veered away from looking at him for a bit and decided to distract my self by examining the cave.


    This cavern looked so huge.


    A small town can easily fit in here.


    Not to mention mesmerizingly beautiful.


    The huge glowing red tree in the middle was really the star of the show here. The red crystals complimented the tree as if they were its little blinking spotlights.


    This place has a very stark comparisson against the desolated backdrop of the environment outside.


    This cavern is actually alive with life!


    "How was the bread? How was the taste?"


    Gaah! I suddenly placed my palm to my chest as a reflex.


    Again mister with the sneaking and popping out from behind maneouver!


    I wish he would stop doing that.


    "It was pleasant" I composed myself first after the fright before politely answering.


    "That''s nice to hear. I dont want to be the critique of my own creation. It would be bias to say the least." He chuckled and was amused with himself.


    Oh so he made the bread?


    Wierd number three. A demon who bakes?


    As if reading what I was thinking, he suddenly moved to an open space with a flat surface.


    I guess he read the expression on my face and he wanted to prove his claim.


    ''Did I give out a quizzical look?''


    He started with a circle on the ground and drew some unreadable runes thereafter around the circumference.


    Then, he took out the bread from his inventory and placed it in the middle of the circle.


    It looked a lot like a magic circle. I guess?


    He then closed both his eyes and started chanting.


    With a few flicks of his hands the circle started glowing and cracks of electric current appeared.


    With a ''poof'' the circle was filled with smoke.


    It was a pretty thing to witness.


    Magic sort of have that effect every time.


    The smoke disappeared and what appeared in the center no longer resembled a bread.


    If I had to guess, there was a bag of flour and the rest of the ingredients of the bread separated.


    He sort of like reverse engineered it.


    He had that face. And then he looked at me like he was saying "see I did that!" with his expression.


    I just looked at him expressionless.


    Then he decided to return it to its bread form once more.


    He looked my way again.


    I was still expressionless.


    This time he made a ceramic jar out of a good quality clay.


    No expression on my face still.


    He conjured a little tea cup kitty set.


    ''Ah so thats where it came from.'' I did an eyebrow twitch and thats all he managed to get out of me.


    But the rest of my face was still expressionless.


    And so he built a mace.


    A little toy train.


    A bar stool.


    A tiara made of fish scale.


    A toy gun.


    A wooden spoon.


    An iron spoon.


    Wow this guy was not going to give up isn''t he?


    A ceramic plate.


    An iron mixing bowl.


    An iron whisker.


    A mortar and a pestle.


    ''Are there more? Im starting to get somewhat not pleased.''


    ''Is he going to start a bakeshop with the things he was showing me?''


    I wondered.


    But then he stopped.


    ''I guess he ran out of gas?''


    Well good because that magic show was going downhill from the looks of it.


    "I guess magic tricks only works with children?" he quipped and started laughing.


    There was an awkward silence.


    Chirp Chirp Chirp!


    That was the sound of the alarm I set for myself. I needed to go back to town so I can log off properly. I needed to go back to the real world.


    I stood up.


    I then dusted my clothes and fixed my hair up.


    "The bread was great" I courteously bowed and forced a smiled at him.


    Opening my inventory I searched and plucked one teleportation feather.


    "My name is Kiwi" I said.


    His face immediately lit up. I guess he was waiting for it the moment he presented himself a few minutes back. He was waiting for me to say my name too after he extended his hand but that didnt quite happen as we all knew.


    He took something out from his inventory.


    "Here" he grabbed one of my hand with both of his. Then he planted the item in my palm very quickly as he also withdrew his hands from mine thereafter.


    Red Aurora (N)


    A necklace crafted from the red crystal Aurora. It grants the bearer additional defense.


    Defense + 2


    "If you find yourself in another tight spot, dont hesitate to ask for help from anyone that can offer it. Everybody can use a little help once in a while. Alright?"


    I forced a smile once again and kept his trinket.


    I guess he wanted to be recognized this whole time for his heroics when he showed me the way to this sanctuary.


    But I wasnt going to have that from anyone. I saved myself there. I was the one who ran for myself. I wasnt being carried by anyone at their back for safety. He just showed me the way. He was nice and all but I definitely saved myself there. I could have found this cave too even if he was not there.


    A name and a little compliment for the bread should suffice.


    Calling upon the magic of the feather, I was slowly being enveloped with a bright light.


    And just like that, I was gone.


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    The hatch from the pod slowly opened.


    Kiwi removed the mask from her face and carefully lifted her body from the fluid.


    She sat there for a moment.


    Few minutes have passed after she adjusted her senses to the real environment, she motioned to grab the white robe waiting for her at the left side of the pod.


    The fluid in the tank was already drained.


    On the one corner of the room, a servant patiently awaits.


    "Segovia, help me up" Kiwi commanded.


    "As you wish Miss"


    The tall burly woman in a lolita maid outfit scooped her up from the pod.


    Segovia ever so carefully held her like a child while proceeding to transfer her into the chair.


    The strong woman then wheeled Kewi away from the room with the rolling chair.


    "Dinner is waiting Miss. Allow me to take you there."


    Kiwi just waved her hand in agreement.


    There was a defeaning silence once again as the door of the room closes.


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î

 Once Upon a Zombie

    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    Jake was struggling to find the strength to stand up in order to remove himself from the pod.


    ¡°I overdid it.¡± He immediately blamed himself.


    He was crawling on his belly like a mudskipper with not much of any strength left.


    This was what ¡®tired¡¯ plus ¡®hungry¡¯ would look like--- a human-crawling-mudskipper!


    Rewinding the moments back in the game, after that embarrassing episode with the Silver Fox, he made sure to distract himself to forcefully not remember the incident.


    Every time he would remember that he had alchemized a spoon, or a chair or a bowl in front of the fox, he would hack and bash a poor carnivorous clown fish.


    ¡°I was such a dork!¡±


    ¡°What was I thinking ?!¡±


    The sound of his embarrassment was echoing all throughout every nooks and crannies of the cave. He was shouting every word out with a painful scream.


    Right then he was a boy. Throwing tantrums as he pleased. He was not a 42 year old grown man which was just fine since this is a role-playing game anyway.


    So what exactly was he thinking back then?


    Well, to be frank, the girl was not much of a talker. Jake can get more reaction talking to a plant than with his fox visitor.


    She was always so reserved and had that cold expression written all over her face.


    Jake wondered if she was just shy or aloof. She could be both?


    It could be something deeper too. Like somehow the Silver Fox was holding something back. Like a secret.


    At that point in time he wouldnt know anymore since the fox teleported back to somewhere.


    He saw her first when he was trying take a sneak peek at the Hellwolves roaming patterns, as well as its territory scope. He was meaning to escape the cave soon so Jake wanted to take down notes and be prepared. It was just a freak coincidence that he saw her there and was running away from the baddies.


    And we knew the history after that. Jake led the Silver Fox to the hidden cavern and they were just there inside, sitting still, while having a very awkward silence between them like an invisible wall.


    In his quest to cut the air clear, Jake thought of something to break the ice.


    And so he came up with that ¡®Magic Show¡¯.


    ¡°F-U-C-K-I-N-G E-M-B-A-R-R-A-S-S-I-N-G!¡±


    With every letter and syllable, he would hammer a fish to pieces.


    That was his sole way to temporarily get rid of the embarrassing flashbacks.


    He was so lazer focused that he wouldn¡¯t even pick up the loots from his fish kill anymore.


    It was such a waste.


    He was doing it for countless hours already and didnt even noticed it. Jake had completely lost his sense of time.


    Not until---


    Ding!


    You have leveled up!


    Surprise was written all over his face.


    Jake was shocked to know that he was actually level 10 now while absentmindedly committing genocide to the entire carnivorous clown fish population.


    And then slowly, after the adrenaline rush, hunger had finally caught up to him. His satiety has gone down significantly low. He was almost running on empty.


    Jake wiped the sweat from his forehead. His sweat was mixed in along with the blood of the fish, together with the spring water.


    He was about to take out an Aquafaba from his stash when he noticed the time.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± he cursed.


    The time on the clock was 2:08am.


    He missed lunch time and dinner.


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


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    The town of Mabua was situated a couple of hundred kilometers away from the main City of Sugao. Through the north side, the town was being shielded by the big mountains of Kanduli. Through the east, the open beach was found. The coastline stretches far and wide into a sort of a half-moon shape.


    Aside from its crystal blue waters and white powdery sand, Mabua was also known as the regions rice granary. There are more rice fields here than houses. The population was small but the people are always warm and friendly.


    Recycling was also a way of life here.


    Apart from having a zero waste policy, crime was almost non-existent too. The town was so quiet you can even cut the air with a knife.


    People had the confidence here to walk alone even in the wee hours of the evening without fear of getting stabbed in the neck.


    It was just that peaceful.


    It was Summer now and there were a lot of holiday makers visiting the town. It was for this reason that there were plenty of midnight pop-up tents in the central plaza selling different kind of stuff. Food, beverages, alcohols and some acoustic entertainment.


    Holiday makers loved midnight markets. It is what keeps them busy.


    Clyde was no exception. He was busy too.


    He just started his shift at Fresh Bytes two hours ago. He¡¯s working as a check out counter personnel for a year now, and he liked the graveyard shift for its laid back atmosphere.


    Fresh Bytes was a convenience store that doubles as a coffee shop and an internet hub.


    It was almost 3am and Clyde knew that the holiday merry makers would start flocking the shop any minute now.


    The majority would grab some coffee to wash down the alcohol from all the partying they did.


    He heard the familiar wind chime from the main door of the shop.


    A customer.


    ¡°Welcome!¡±


    The man who just entered the door looked like hell and was walking like a zombie. He was slow while almost dragging his feet.


    ¡°Can I interest you with anything? Coffee perhaps?


    Clyde politely suggested while looking at the person or ''thing'' in front of him.


    ''He could really use a shot or two of black coffee. ''


    The man didn¡¯t respond to Clyde''s goodwill. Instead, the man looked up way past his head and straight towards the digital menu board behind him. Its pupil was moving eerily from right to left as it read the options on the wall above.


    ¡°I will have 3 vegetable spring rolls and 2 cups of garlic rice¡±


    The man¡¯s mouth opened and closed like a guppies.


    ¡°Is the water free?¡±


    Clyde smiled and added ¡°Yes we serve clean alkalized water for free. Do you want it ice cold?¡±


    The ''zombie'' man¡¯s attention transferred from him to the big flat screen tv on the wall, paying Clyde no mind.


    The news being played was part of an online broadcast regarding a virtual reality game coverage.


    ¡°Ah Cefiro Online. Pretty cool game. I played that myself and I was lucky enough to roll an Elf. I¡¯m sort of a full agility archer. Right now though, I¡¯m sort of contemplating of either going full physical damage build or I will add some magic damage.¡± Clyde started a small talk ¡°Do you play too?"


    The ''zombie'' paid him no mind however. Its focus was still glued to the tv screen.


    Clyde chose to clear his throat.


    "That would be 90 pesos for the entire meal"


    The ''zombie'' instinctively drew a 100 peso bill from his back pocket.


    With a twisted arm, it placed the money on top of the counter and went on to still view the screen without looking at him.


    While pushing the change and food towards the customer, Clyde commented about what was happening on the television screen.


    "So the Humans were the first one to finish a mini-raid huh? As expected."


    He was about to continue with his commentary but then something stopped him.


    The ''zombie'' was already eating its meal right on top of the counter.


    Clydes forehead was all wrinkled.


    "Sir there are plenty of empty tables and chairs where you can eat comfortably while finishing your meal"


    He thought the ''zombie'' was paying him no mind again but Clyde got startled him when the ''zombie'' suddenly turned to face him.


    "Can I have some ice cold water please" Jake said with teary eyes. His face was of a person who was about to choke.


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    Fresh from an 8 hour sleep.


    With tofu scramble and mixed vegetable fried rice for breakfast, Jake was once again ready to assume the role of Seitan with renewed spirit.


    He was taking inspiration from last nights televised raid.


    The Human race were indeed very serious about not being outshined despite being the most common race in Cefiro.


    The raid took place in Castle Puksain. They were up against the hordes of Minotaurs.


    It was a beautiful but very tense battle against the giant bison like beasts.


    Thanks to the steadfast leadership of the Guardian, he led the mini-raid party composed of 12 people to victory.


    Four casualties, but overall it was a great success.


    The loots were no joke either.


    He heard that the Minotaur Boss Bakamu dropped an epic rate shield.


    Talk about lucky!


    ''Right. I shouldnt be taking it easy too.''


    Now level 10, Seitan finally had the guts to explore the center of the cavern.


    He was thinking about this last night. He was not sure, but he thinks that there''s really a story behind the red glowing tree at the center of the cavern.


    It really screamed ''quest'' all over it from the first time he stumbled upon it in this cave


    If there was infact a mystery, then Seitan wanted to solve the puzzle of the ominous red glowing tree.


    The hint came to him yesterday.


    That was the time when he was busy purging carnivorous fishes.


    He saw something.


    He thought that he actually saw a bat swooping down from the ceiling of the cave.


    The bat was not the surprising part since there was a huge possibility that they do inhabit this area. Afterall, this was a cave.


    The real surprise was, if his eyes were not mistaken, several roots from the red tree suddenly snatched the bat like a whip.


    Immediately the bat got dragged down to ground until it was no more.


    ''I know theres a quest here. I can really feel it. The force is strong on this one!''


    If his hunch was right, he might actually hit the jackpot.


    Seitan carefully approached the tree.


    Inch by inch, he progressed.


    He was holding a live carnivorous clown fish as he inched closer to the center.


    First, Seitan wanted to know the boundary of defense of the red tree.


    He threw the fish into the air.


    Immediately without warning, about five root tentacles sprung up from the ground. It clasped the fish mid air and then tore the fish apart like paper.


    Whoa!


    Bad tree! Bad bad tree!


    Seitan placed his left foot forward, about one feet closer.


    Then it triggered


    Ding!


    "I am Makiling. Diety of the forest"


    The voice spoke directly to his mind.


    Jake immediately knew.


    He smiled.


    "Adventurer, please help me free my children!"


    A quest has been uncovered.


    Would you like to partake in the adventure?


    Yes/No


    "Well well well Mister Freeman. I''ve been waiting for you to say that this whole time!"


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î

 Makiling

    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    Long ago, the Diety Makiling gave birth to the flora and fauna of the land. She gave life and form to every crawling, water breathing and winged creatures of the world we now knew as Cefiro.


    With every blade of grass, Makiling was there. You feel Her when you hear an arctic owl hoot. She shares her happiness with you when it rains.


    When the wind embraces you, Makiling embraces you too.


    You bear witness to her ever changing mood through the seasons. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.


    Makiling was a very caring mother. She loves each and every one of her creation --- her children.


    One of her cherished children are the Mulawin¡¯s.


    The Mulawin¡¯s are the stunted brothers of the one called Yggdrassil Tree.


    While Ygg towers over everything at the surface, its siblings, the Mulawins governs the Netherworld.


    The Mulawin¡¯s were placed in the Netherworld by its mother Makiling.


    This was to bring the balance of energy to the realm of the Demons.


    It was written long ago that the Demon Realms dark energy were leaking out to the surface and was wreaking havoc to the creatures of the upside realm.


    To prevent further damage, the Diety Makiling, sent her precious children, The Mulawin¡¯s, to neutralize the impact.


    Balance was finally achieved after a few thousand years and the Mulawin¡¯s thrived in the Netherworld.


    However, peace was not everlasting.


    The unrest and constant warring of the different Demon Tribes against its own, once again ignited the surge of dark energy.


    For hundreds of years, the dark energy accumulated. It grew and grew until the Mulawin¡¯s can no longer maintain the balance.


    The dark energy within the Demon realm were being propagated faster than the trees can purify.


    Almost all of the Mulawin¡¯s died during the process.


    The ones that did survive up to this day were the trees that are helplessly corrupted and in ruin.


    This was my mission now.


    The dire task of restoring the Mulawin¡¯s to its former strength and numbers.


    Quest: Purify the Seven Pillars of the Mulawin


    Condition: Purify the first Pillar within 8 days (in-game)


    Difficulty: Rank C


    So this was not the only Mulawin tree around these parts of the Demon realm? There were six more and they¡¯re called Pillars?


    ''Chain quest most likely?''


    When Seitan accepted the quest, the voice inside his head transformed into a Golden Dragonfly. He expected it to be a woman according to the projection of its voice, but Makiling chose to reveal herself as a tiny flying creature.


    The dragonfly was bathed in ethereal light. As its tiny wings flapped, golden dust like particles are being scattered into the air.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Simply enchanting!


    ¡°Follow the dragonfly. It will lead you to where the Cattleyas Moon are. Gather the essence of the moon from its flowers and return as soon as you can.¡±


    ¡°Hurry!¡±


    ¡°The children awaits.¡±


    The Golden Dragonfly ever so gently swooped in, inches away from his face. It then perched and rested atop of the tiny nose.


    Flashes of lights started forming inside his head revealing a vision. It was showing him the path to a field of flowers.


    ¡°Easier shown than done.¡±


    Seitan understood that the essence of Cattleyas Moon was needed to purify the corruption of the Mulawin tree, but there¡¯s a big obstacle ahead--- the Hellwolves.


    The vicious critters almost always traveled in packs. It would be difficult to evade them once he journeys into the wide expansive space of the demon realm.


    No matter how careful an adventurer was in terms of avoiding danger, in the vast open flat terrain, it would be hard to conceal yourself.


    Travelers would eventually encounter the pack of wolves sooner than later.


    ¡°I needed to get stronger first before venturing out¡±


    It was the correct strategy, but the question was --- ¡°how?¡±


    The carnivorous clown fish only offered little to no experience at this point. And with the 8 days in-game time limit, Seitan was already feeling the weight of the constraint.


    He placed his think tank together to come up with a strategy.


    Fiddling with a long stemmed grass in his mouth he re-organized his thoughts.


    Seitan knows that he lacked the level to go toe to toe against the entire pack of Hellwolves. One versus one will be favorable for him. But eight versus one? Hell no!


    Not only was his level falling short, his equipment were the same. Even until now he was still wearing the ragged loin cloth.


    He had---


    No upper body armor.


    No lower body armor.


    No shoes and gloves.


    The only decent equipment he had was the Red Crystal Warhammer.


    Seitan looked so primitive. No wonder the Silver Fox left so soon.


    His weirdo meter was way above ¡®high¡¯ and he himself agrees to this fact.


    He needed to compensate for his lack of equipment and low character level with something. Anything!


    Suddenly he remembered a very old technique before when he was playing an MMORPG.


    Seitans eyes brightened.


    "It might just work!"


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    The plan was simple.


    Lure a single stray hellwolf inside the cave and start hammering the bastard.


    Rinse and repeat.


    It was important to lure the lone wolf inside the cave for one obvious purpose--- stopping the ''Howl''!


    That annoying skill was what makes the Hellwolves really dangerous. The 1 vs 8 scenario was all too real because of this almost cheat like skill.


    The lure worked.


    Seitan found himself face to face with the hellwolf.


    He was not worried. He was afterall inside the red cavern.


    Behind Seitan was the boundary to the corrupted Mulawin tree.


    He was standing straight. His feet firmly planted on the ground. His eyes were lazer focused on the hellwolf. Both his hands were holding the base tip of the handle, making the warhammer looking like a pimpstick.


    The Lvl.14 Hellwolf looks very menacing with its deep dark fur coat. Eyes were bloodshot. Its bite sporting a burning mouth. Its fangs at the ready.


    It was pacing left and right for a few seconds.


    It was trying to size up Seitan.


    And then it stopped.


    The wolf let out a low growl and was about ready to snap.


    It was then that Seitan dragged his hammer and point it towards the wolf with his right hand.


    "Come at me....!"


    "El perro diablo!"


    With lightning speed, the wolf reached Seitan with five swift strides.


    It was aiming for his neck.


    Surprisingly, Seitan did not swung his hammer to prevent the wolf from snatching his neck.


    Instead, he ducked and rolled into his right leaving the wolf to its momentum catching nothing but empty space.


    In slow motion, the hellwolf was floating on mid-air missing Seitans neck by a hair.


    And just like that, five root tentacles sprung up from the ground while hurriedly snatching the wolf.


    Arwk!


    The wolf yelped while the roots pinned its body down.


    Seitan was just behind. He had the biggest smile plastered across his face.


    "Cant call your friends now can you?"


    He allowed the tree to first weaken the wolf and then he would deliver the final blow.


    "I just hope that hellwolf heaven is true"


    Heup!


    Seitan mustered all his strength and placed all his power to that one single blow.


    Splat!


    The hellwolfs skull got smashed in an instant. It left Seitan with splashes of blood across his face.


    ''Instant Victory!''


    He was wiping some of the blood off of his face when he noticed an item that the Lvl.14 Hellwolf dropped.


    Seitan picked it up.


    HellWolf Cover-All : A Guide ( R )


    The armor that covers all. Come wear it and be as cute as Hell----wolf!


    "What a weird item!".


    He read the booklet.


    "Ahhhh. I guess im going to need more materials" he snickered.


    Seitan hid the book in his inventory.


    Pretty pleased with himself, he was now on his way outside again...


    He was whistling while resting his warhammer on his right shoulder and holding the tip of the handle for balance.


    Seitan looked like a lumberjack, off to take down his next big timber!


    "Next victim please Mister Morgan!"


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î

 RNGeesus

    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    She¡¯s been fighting countless number of Hellwolves ever since she left the town of the dungeon¡¯s second floor.


    This was right after her short encounter with a very interesting creature she would only knew as Seitan.


    With every single fight against the Hellwolves, Kiwi gained valuable information.


    The information she gained included combat patterns, mannerism¡¯s of the wolves and more.


    The one most notable thing amongst all the discoveries that she had with the monster, was the information about when it will use its ¡®Howl¡¯ skill.


    Kiwi finally understood, that the moment the Hellwolf¡¯s hit points would fall below 15 percent and farther, that¡¯s the time the wolf will unleash the skill.


    A skill ignited under very difficult circumstance.


    A last ditch effort to survive. A desperate move.


    ¡°Cornered dogs bites the hardest¡±


    That statement holds true even for the likes of the Hellwolves.


    Before this knowledge, Kiwi used to run away from the mutts.


    It was not like she could not put up a good fight and defeat one by herself. That''s entirely untrue.


    She just figured that it will be a waste of time to fight an unfair 1 versus 8 fight. Since later on, once the lone wolf gets cornered, it would start calling its kin and the unfair fight would be unveiled.


    Still the question remained--- How did she overcame ¡®Howl¡¯?


    The answer was rather simple.


    The solution was to expunge the life of the Hellwolf in one go.


    All 15 percent remaining hit points should be slashed to nothingness in one single swing. Thats more or less the jist.


    Well, the solution was actually more of a problem in itself than the actual answer.


    With Kiwi, her slash''s damage output was about 8-10 percent per slash using her current sword.


    It would be easier to achieve this if she was level 20 or higher but. Her damage output should be higher.


    However of course, she was only level 11 at that time. She can barely hit 10 percent in one slash.


    Thats not all, the 10 percent maximum damage output can only be achieved if the RNG sided with you.


    That would mean that luck should always be at your side to trigger it.


    And that¡¯s a big ¡®if¡¯.


    Praying to the RNGeesus was not hard though. The hard part was whether RNGeesus would listen to your prayer. Because most of the time, gods don¡¯t. They¡¯re busy.


    Deal with it!


    Kiwi didn¡¯t rely on the god¡¯s to cover the deficit however.


    She relied on a skill.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    About a few days ago, Kiwi stumbled upon a quest dubbed as ¡°Remnant of a Wraith Warrior¡±.


    The quest was to free a noble warrior from the grasp of an evil spirit and free its 500 year old soul from the torment.


    The Samurai named Jubei from the Tsuki Demon Clan, succumbed to the power of the vile spirit long ago, and ever since then, the warrior who turned to a wraith, terrorized the southern planes of the second floor dungeon.


    Jubei killed countless of fledgling demons.


    He was the bane of adventurers who unknowingly travelled the southern parts of the floor.


    It was only by a stroke of luck that Kiwi managed to defeat Jubei at level 10.


    The last slash that decapitated the head of the Samurai was nothing short of a miracle. Even Kiwi was still in disbelief as to how she managed to evade the quick slashes of Jubei back then. Her reaction was fluid and flawless, she even surprised herself.


    It was after Jubeis defeat that another surprise was presented to Kiwi.


    She was offered the hidden job as a ¡°Magic Samurai¡±.


    She was beyond ecstatic when the chance presented itself to her.


    The chance to become much greater.


    No hesitation was needed and Kiwi pressed yes at the option to accept the occupation.


    The moment she accepted being a Magic Samurai, was the moment she found the solution against the Hellwolves.


    Moon Cleave.


    It was the first skill that was granted by the Magic Samurai class.


    In essence, the skill produces a double slash effect with just one slash of the sword.


    It was the skill that almost took her life when she was fighting Jubei.


    She can still recall how the Wraith Jubei beautifully executed the dreaded skill.


    The moon cleave covers the sword with moonlight upon execution. When the sword is swung, a moonlight shadow after image, will be conjured by the sword, hitting the target twice on the same spot.


    This was the answer to question.


    The Hellwolves stood no chance against her.


    ''This power!''


    Kiwi doesn¡¯t run away from the sight of any Hellwolf now. In fact, she welcomes it.


    ¡®Thank you for your sacrifice¡¯


    Another wolf had bitten the dust.


    ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ


    Her steps was pretty frantic.


    Traversing pass a mini mountain and a cave, Kiwi found herself once again in a very familiar place.


    Standing in front of the Mulawin tree, she was now Level 18.


    She saw the familiar boulders of red crystals, the red glowing tree in the middle and the shallow streams.


    She also saw something new.


    It seems to be an igloo made of leaves.


    ¡®So he made a camp?¡¯


    Kiwi found most of the things the little man have conjured. From the medium sized picnic table, to the campfire in the middle and the plethora of cooking utensils.


    She found the remnants of the little man that was once the inhabitant of this space.


    Everything was here...


    Except for the little man himself.


    She unknowingly touched the Red Aurora necklace.


    It was dangling between the crevice of her ample chest.


    A moderate draft of wind coming from the fissure of the cave slightly ruffled her hair.


    ¡°He¡¯s gone...."


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    Achoooo!


    ''Did someone remembered me just now?''


    That... or he could be allergic to fur?


    Seitan was wiping his snot with the back of his paw.


    Yes. Its ''the back of his paw'' since the little man was now wearing the Hellwolf Cover-All armor he''d so carefully crafted.


    ''Goodbye peasant loin cloth.''


    ''Hello sexy beast!''


    Sexy beast, however, did not sew its ass on its own.


    It was a painful and ardous journey getting to where ''sexy'' is.


    Seitan killed almost sixty or more of the Hellwolves population just so he can get the 10 wolf fur needed for the recipe.


    Killing one hellwolf was never easy much less sixty more.


    He would curse deeply every time he would kill a wolf but no fur would drop.


    RNGeesus can be so unfair sometimes. In his case that day, it was almost every time.


    Sweat.


    Blood.


    Determination.


    Seitan offered them all to the RNGeesus as tribute just so he can bestow him the fur.


    ''Hey Mister Freeman? Are you brothers with RNGeesus? Can you like tell him to stop farting bullshit around and give me my drop instead...''kay?"


    A few days had passed as what seemed to be a millenia, Seitan finally collected the required numbers.


    He cried like a baby afterwards.


    ''Fuck, I finally got 10!''


    Together with the recipe from the guide book and his (D)Grade Alchemy, ''sexy'' was finally born.


    Hellwolf Cover-All (U)


    ''Why so sexy...beast?"


    Adds +3 to all stats


    Skill(A): Dog eat Dog World.


    The enemy will fight you one versus one. Skill only applies to Hellwolves


    Skill(P): Im a wolf too.


    Hellwolves will mistaken you for a kin and will ignore you until you attack.


    He was such a sexy beast in costume, he cant help but hug himself.


    ''Im so warm and fuzzy!''


    But what good would sexy do when his ass is still broke?


    He looked at his gold vault.


    All zeroes.


    "Dobu jurim and rice again tonight I guess?"


    Shaking the sad thought away, he remembered he was out in the open planes to finish a mission.


    The golden dragonfly reminded him of that.


    He felt another sniffle coming.


    Achooooo!!!


    ''Geezus, am I popular now?''


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î

 Bumble-Rumble

    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î


    ''I believe it would be just over that hill.''


    It''s been 6 days since he left the confines of the red cavern.


    Unlike the first time he set his foot on the demon realm, Seitan was now pretty capable of protecting himself.


    He has now graduated from a measly grunt to someone decent.


    In his mind though, still, he doubts if he can even be someone amazing in this game. But by god he will have that 3 meals a day as he intended.


    He was now level 19.


    Thanks to his armor, he was able to choose his battle carefully against the Hellwolves. He can choose either to go fight or do flight. An exact opposite when he was still starting out.


    The Hellwolves doesnt give chase in packs anymore. He always had a one versus one fight with zero interruption from ''Howl''.


    It was all thanks to the active skill ''dog eat dog''. The skill basically cancels ''howl'' forcing the victim to fight alone until death.


    ''Pretty neat skill''


    He stroked himself. Well, his fur technically.


    The golden dragonfly seemed to be in a frenzy like flight.


    It was making crazy flight patterns unlike the linear ones before when they were still very far from the hill.


    ''I must be somewhere close''


    Instinctively, Seitan paused to get himself combat ready.


    There''s no such thing as a free moon essence.


    He knows that the game would not hand over something valuable for free.


    Experimenting on his loots without any recipe book was a waste of resources. However, the drops are there and he was not even sure if he can sell them, so Seitan used them instead.


    The loots were piling up in his inventory anyway, so, this was a great way of disposing them.


    Alchemy without any recipe book was a hit or miss endeavor.


    If you get the combination and ratio of the materials wrong, then you will end up having a pile of ash.


    But once in a while, the universe''s karma will completely align.


    You will happen to get all the combination right, and thats when the ''amazeballs'' happen.


    Seitan took out his new weapon.


    Bumble-Rumble Hammer [R]


    ''Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bumble-spider''


    Strength +4


    Power+3


    Skill(A):Slow and Rumble                Slows down the enemy for 5 seconds. Cooldown 25 seconds.


    He finally was able to luckily create the hammer after 56 failed attempts.


    On his travel, he encountered a handful of Bumble-Spiders here and there.


    Their habitat was the sandy parts of the dungeon. They burrow themselves on the ground waiting for their pray to waltz in.


    Maybe it was his armor? Maybe it was his level? But the Bumble-Spiders were just simply too squishy for Seitan.


    He finishes them off relatively quickly.


    Maybe it was intentional since even on the sandy parts, there were Hellwolves roaming around.


    Maybe it was really infact a very difficult area since the combination of the spiders ''slow'' and the wolves ''howl'' could kill any adventurer of level 30 when they find themselves alone in those parts.


    Seitan probably had it easy because he can focus on the spider alone and not be bothered by the wolves. He basically broke their combo thus making the Bumble-Spiders an easy meal for him..


    Thanks to the spiders too, he was able to rack experience points left and right.


    The spiders weren''t shy in terms of drops too.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Abundant spider parts and webbings are some of the loots after the kill.


    There was so much materials that it was enough for him to go crazy with alchemy.


    And the result was the weapon he was now holding on both of his hands.


    The weapon looked more like a Sycthe with a fat black head and a slightly curved yellow body handle.


    He was now sitting on top of a rock while endulging on an aquafaba bread. He was replenishing his stamina and curving his satiety level.


    ''I should go''


    Seitan mumbled after triple checking his preparations.


    He walked for a few minutes and finally reached the top of the hill.


    ''Now this is really something''


    Immediately, Seitan looked for the record video option. Three orb like cameras floated around him. He was directing the camera for one aerial shot, one from behind his back and one in front.


    The scene was no less breathtaking.


    Despite the dim lit environment of the demon realm, here layed the most beautiful garden he had seen to date.


    It was a field of Cattleya Moon all around him, stretching far and wide.


    The flowers glowed like little lanterns.


    It was specially beautiful when it would gently sway under the breeze of the playful wind.


    He walked for a bit towards the center of field to have a better view and camera coverage.


    He even spotted a deviant Cattleya Moon flower.


    It was about 100 times larger than the normal flower.


    ''Could it be a Cattleya Queen?''


    It was a possibility.


    He thought about how much moon essence he can get from the enormous flower but it would be a shame to pluck the ''queen''.


    Ding!


    Warning! You have entered an enemy field!


    ''Mister Freeman you bitch! Now you''re telling me that?"


    The gigantic flower turned out to be a giant snake!


    It revealed its head from the flower forming a collar around its neck.


    Lvl.25 Cattleya Viper.


    "???"


    ''I cant read any other details''


    Seitan was sure that this was the guardian of the cattleya moon field. It should be pretty strong.


    He sprung into action.


    Barely dodging the first bite of the viper, Seitan was seen rolling across the right of the field.


    The little man was up and about the moment he stopped rolling.


    Capitalizing on his agility, Seitan was making a beeline towards the cattleya mimic.


    He wanted to sneak from behind to land a blow. He wanted to use the slow effect of Bumble-Rumble.


    Seitan exerted some pressure on his legs and made a leap towards the viper.


    He was almost about to land a blow to its back but then he met its tail instead.


    Smash!


    Like a crumpled car after a crash test, Seitan was seen flying towards a boulder and crashing its body afterwards into it.


    The scene was nothing short of painful.


    Guarkhh!


    He vomited blood once he made landfall.


    ''Fuck this bitch is strong''


    This game can be pretty realistic as he coughed more blood. He can truly feel that he has damaged organ after that impact.


    Half of his HP was gone with just one sweep from the vipers tail.


    ''I would die if it does that again''


    Seitan thought about failing the mission. About dying in the game again.


    He thought about having zero gold and that was the worst!


    ''I cant go on like this''


    He wiped the blood off of his mouth. He stood back up and was ready to fight once more.


    He gripped Bumble-Rumble like he was going to break it.


    ''Lets do that again from the top''


    The ''puppy'' was seen approaching the viper with fascinating speed. It fainted an attack and triggered the vipers tail to attack again.


    That time though, the viper missed the ''puppy''.


    Tail wagging, it was encircling the viper and doing the faint attack over and over again.


    The viper was getting frustrated. It started spewing medium range venom spit attacks.


    Finally the puppy understood the pattern.


    It was ready to take the gamble.


    The ''puppy'' encircled the viper once again.


    The Viper''s understanding with Seitans pattern was it would most likely attack his back.


    But the viper was wrong.


    Seitan just made him familiar with the move so he can engrave a pattern of his attacks against the A.I''s. memory.


    It was actually a trick!


    The moment the viper swung its tail towards its back, Seitan rolled to the front instead and made a forward leaping flying sommersault attack.


    Seitan aimed right for its head and slammed the hammer in.


    Slow effect!


    Capitalizing on the after effects of the skill, Seitan mustered all the power and strengh he had to rain down on the vipers thick skull.


    Slam!


    Slam!


    Slam!


    He landed so many blows in five seconds he even amazed himself.


    Seitan shaved 60% of the Vipers life.


    This is the advantage of 10+ strength and agility plus charater level. It was starting to show its real capability.


    Seitan distanced himself hurriedly after the effect of the slow has worned out.


    He was running around in circles again. The purpose was to expend the 25 seconds cooldown of the skill so he can go at it again.


    He repeated the pattern once more.


    Then Viper took the faint.


    Seitan rolled to the front again after the Viper swung its tail and made a forward leaping flying sommersault attack.


    Just when he was about to land a perfect blow to head of the Viper again, he met its mouth and its venomous spit full on.


    Ding!


    You have been inflicted with poison!


    -5 HP per second.


    Goo of venom spit was all over his body and face, but, he looked straight into the vermins eyes.


    With a loud cry, Seitan landed another blow to its head!


    The Vipers head was on the ground once again. It was somehow stunned too.


    Slow effect!


    ''Now lets see who dies the quickest. Me from your poison or you from my Bumble-Rumble?"


    For five seconds, Seitan gathered all the power and strengh he had including the universe''s to punish the vipers thick skull.


    He was relentless.


    He was hammering the creature like theres no tomorrow!


    Every 2 slams per every -5 of poison.


    It was neck and neck.


    He was at the reddest of red with his HP but he was still hammering it like a mad dog!


    ''Im tired''


    And just when he was about to collapse and cant swing anymore....


    Salvation came.


    Ding!


    Congratulations!


    You have defeated the Guardian of the Cattleyas Moon Field!


    +25 Fame


    You have leveled up.


    Seitan didnt have the time to celebrate.


    He collapsed thereafter.


    He totally forgot about the in-game camera being active. He forgot to turn it off due the sudden fight.


    The camera slowly focused on his right hand.


    It was showing a ''middle'' finger!


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î

 Announcement

    First up this is not a chapter.


    I am writing to announce that due to my hectic work schedule.


    Christmas holiday is fast approaching and I''m kind of neck deep with my task.


    I would like everyone to know that I will be releasing the next chapters every Saturday starting this week.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    I owe it all to you guys to release a more readable and not rushed chapter.


    The feedbacks were so awesome and I learned a lot from the critiques and reviews.


    So, I am taking all the advices in.


    Every single last one of them.


    I can only promise that this story arc will only get better from here.


    Quality is what I am focusing on right now and I wil be releasing 2 long chapters per week.


    I made sure that it will be worth the wait.


    So dont let go just yet and stay tuned.


    Thank you once again for joining me in this journey to Cefiro!

 Unshackling the Mulawin

    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î


    It was in-fact possible to sleep inside of the game.


    Seitan discovered this when he collapsed the moment he had slain the Cattleya Viper.


    He woke up to a severe aching body. Not to mention hungry.


    Ughkkk¡­


    The sound of pain escaped his lips.


    ¡°You may stop being so damn realistic now!¡±


    Struggling through the words while gnawing through the pain, Seitan managed to still voice out a plea.


    ¡®Damn this games pain settings.¡¯


    The left side of his rib was surely cracked.


    He knew this based on the shooting pain he felt every time he graze the area with his hand.


    ¡®I wish I had those green bottled HP things now.¡¯


    He can really use some quick fix up.


    No one in their right mind would want to enjoy the pain for long and this was the same for Seitan.


    Steadily, Seitan finally managed to sit himself up.


    Not enough to recover quickly, but he made use of the bread regardless.


    Bread on the right hand, water flask on the left.


    He remembered last about being catapulted far away after his hammer hit the viper and the viper hitting him back with its tail simultaneously.


    He thought it was a double knock-out for sure.


    It was his last memory before Mister Freeman announced the defeat of the viper then immediately going out cold.


    ¡®Wait a minute? Were there any loots?¡¯


    Seitan got excited all of a sudden.


    He wanted to stand up so bad.


    ¡®The treasures!¡¯


    He wanted to find them if there were any.


    While the cattleyas were tall, Seitan noticed something submerged on top of a cluster of flowers.


    The flowers were making a cradle around the object.


    It was a few meters away from him, he estimated.


    ¡®Could that be¡­?¡¯


    Hurriedly, he finished all three breads along with gulping what seemed to be buckets of water via the flask.


    He tested his pain tolerance.


    ¡®It seems fine to move now.¡®


    The pain was still there but it was far bearable than whence he woke up.


    He was finally up and standing.


    Slightly bent but standing nonetheless.


    With a limp he walked and cupping his side ribs.


    It was probably the most painful travel he ever endured in his life.


    And mind you, this was a game.


    Ten meters took him forever.


    The travel was well worth it though.


    It was!


    He finally confirmed that the ¡®thing¡¯ that was cradled by the cluster of cattleya flowers was in fact the treasure chest!


    Sparkles in Seitan¡¯s eyes undeniably shone.


    ¡®hashtag #ohmyfuckinggod !!!¡¯


    Very teenager.


    He kneeled in front of the treasure.


    It was shiny.


    Regal looking.


    The design of the chest was charmingly medieval down to the last details.


    Precious stones embellished the chest.


    ¡®A treasure chest fit for a king.¡¯


    Imagination ran wild inside Seitan¡¯s head while thinking of the contents.


    ¡®Would there be gold too?¡¯


    He finally unboxed the treasure.


    Ding!


    You have received 1x leather of the Cattleya Viper


    You have received 10 x medium Cure Potion


    You have received 4x Viper Fang Dagger [R]


    You have received 2x Gold Coin


    All the treasures inside but only one stood out for him.


    ¡®Gold coins!¡¯Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Picking up the coins carefully like brittle glass, Seitan carefully cupped the gold coins inside his palm, trapping them like birds.


    He was afraid the coins might fly away.


    ¡®All mine!¡¯


    Of course, 2 gold coins won¡¯t make him rich.


    But for Seitan who had his gold vault empty for such a long time, this was a jackpot!


    ''Here''s my three times a day meal right here.''


    Excited about the possibilities, he finally banked the coins.


    ''Zero vault no longer''


    Woot!


    He celebrated a bit before turning his gaze at the remaining treasures.


    Viper Fang Dagger [R]


    The dagger crafted from the Fangs of the Cattleya Guardian. The blade''s both beautiful and deadly.


    Skill (P):Poison Fusion.Inflicts 2 percent poison damage to an enemy for 10 seconds duration. Doesn¡¯t stack. Cooldown 15 seconds.


    Medium Cure Potion


    ''One bottle to cure them all...almost.''


    The concoction nullifies most ailments like poison, petrification, freeze, burn, blind and bleed. Fair warning, this cannot be used to reverse curses.


    ''This would have been perfect during the fight''He lamented.


    Eventually, he decided to shrug it off.


    ''No use crying over spilled milk''


    The fight was long over.


    All was well in the end.


    That was the bottom line.


    In the future though he promised not to be as reckless.


    Leather of the Cattleya Viper


    Material obtained from a slain two century old serpent. Hidden options may be revealed upon crafting.


    ''A curious thing''


    There was a surmountable amount of possibility that he might be able to create a similar cover-all as with the wolves fur.


    ''The problem was the recipe''


    He doesn¡¯t have one.


    It will be a huge waste to experiment with the leather using alchemy.


    ''Not gonna gamble''


    Saving the material and tucking away all of his loots for later, Seitan melted down once again amongst the flowers.


    The cattleya moons aroma was very soothing.


    It calmed his aching body.


    He remembered his mission very well.


    ¡®Cure the Mulawins¡¯


    Right that instant however, he just wanted to stay there and do nothing.


    ''Five minutes...''


    He closed his eyes.


    ''I swear.''


    He woke up 2 hours later.


    ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ


    The trip on his way back to the Red Cavern was pretty uneventful.


    Truth be told, Bumble-Spiders were starting to get pretty dull to fight against.


    Even a Lvl.20 Red Hellwolf on a one versus one was just.... alright.


    ''Easy peasy!''


    Regardless about how easy the bouts were going, Seitan still fought like a moronic brawler with no sense of style.


    He doesn¡¯t have finesse.


    ¡®Maybe I should watch martial arts tutorials online?¡¯


    But who cares about that right?


    The most important thing was to defeat the enemy.


    That was all that mattered.


    He was different now.


    Awrk!


    That was the last cry of a level 14 Hellwolf before succumbing to Seitans hammer.


    Took him 3 hits to finish it off.


    He finally arrived at the caverns entrance and saw the familiar crevice.


    ''I am home''


    He smiled unburdened.


    Passing through the second entrance towards the Red Cavern, Seitan was greeted by a very familiar sight.


    ''The Mulawin!''


    The tree was terrifyingly majestic still.


    He can stare at it all day but...


    ''No time to waste''


    He took out two vials from his inventory.


    It was the essence of the moon that he collected from the cattleya moon flowers.


    He made several batches of it and almost sacrificed half of the garden.


    He was sorry to see the flowers uprooted but he needed them.


    There were 7 Mulawins that needs to be purified, so it was understandable to harvest plenty.


    It was for a cause.


    Seitan also made bottles of extra essences just to anticipate future hiccups.


    He''ll never know when a need would arise.


    The sacrifices of the cattleyas will not be in vain.


    The Mulawins will be cured.


    ''I promise.''


    The procedure on purifying the corrupted Mulawin tree was simple.


    You grab an essence of the moon vial, spread the essence to the trunk of the tree and then watch the miracle happen.


    It was very simple indeed.


    If only this Mulawin tree weren¡¯t such a murderous psychopath!


    ''How do I get from here to there?''


    Seitan was talking about the 20 meter distance that separated him and the tree.


    ''So near yet so far''


    He had a plan.


    A plan to overcome the gap.


    For this occasion, he made three arachne spears.


    He tried to go a little closer to the tree for an unhindered view.


    Seitan distanced himself just a few steps away from the border of the trees defense radius.


    He got one arachne spear in his right hand and two more in his left.


    Seitan looked into the giant chimney hole like space just above the Mulawins crown.


    He wiped the sweat above his nose just before he readied himself for the throw.


    ''Fuck Im such a nervous wreck!''


    He took a deep breath and positioned himself.


    Seitan was channeling an olympian javelin thrower.


    He gripped the spear tightly.


    He leaned his shoulder back and then with ease, he had successively released all three arachne spears with terrifying force.


    The spears shoots up into the air like guided missiles.


    Seitan did not aim for the tree.


    He was aiming for the chimney like hole.


    All three of the spears went in to the ''chimney hole''


    And then...


    ¡®Come out. Come out!!!¡¯


    It was a blur after that.


    Thousands upon thousands of cave bats came out of the ''chimney''.


    It swirled down around the Mulawin.


    They were all flying pretty confused caused by the disturbance.


    Kik kik kik kik kik kik!


    The cave was filled with screeching noises.


    The Red Cavern was blanketed by the horde of cave bats.


    It was chaos!


    ''Time to move in.''


    This was the exact moment that Seitan was waiting for.


    ''It has begun''


    Without warning, hundreds upon hundreds of whip like roots sprung up from the ground.


    The Mulawins defenses activated.


    Intruders!


    Each tentacle was grabbing every bat that it can, shredding them off to pieces.


    The scene was unbelievably chaotic.


    Seitan then chose this moment to put his Wolf Hoody back on.


    With a burst of speed he went straight for the tree.


    He sprinted like his life depended on it.


    He was dodging every tentacle that jutted out from the ground.


    He was like a seasoned runner tackling repetitive but difficult hurdles.


    Run!


    Jump!


    Skip!


    Dodge!


    Roll!


    And then repeat.


    ¡®Was the distance really just twenty meters?¡¯


    It seemed longer to him now.


    The tentacles were making it farther to be exact.


    It was making everything one hundred times harder to get to where the tree was.


    Finally Seitan saw an opening.


    The tree was tightly guarding itself but against all these bats frantically zooming around aimlessly, its unbreakable defense was suddenly showing some cracks.


    Like a lion jumping into a ring of fire, Seitan dived head first into the closing wall.


    He swooped right in.


    Never enjoyed P.E. as a class but he suddenly had a fond appreciation with that vaulting class he took up when he was way younger.


    ¡®Made it!¡¯


    He made a victory pose like a gymnast would after finishing a routine.


    Phew!


    The adrenaline rush was still there when he got up from the dive and roll.


    And while his hands were shaking, he still managed to open the bottles.


    Not a second wasted.


    Seitan sloshed the Mulawin tree with the essence of the moon!


    ''Take that!''


    Ding!


    The Mulawin Tree has been blessed by the Moon.


    The curse will be lifted in 10...9...


    ''Stand back''


    T''was the voice of Makiling.


    2...


    1...


    Crack!


    Crack!


    Boom!


    The ceiling of the cave exploded!


    Something pierced through it like a bullet.


    ¡®The Mulawin!!!¡¯


    Suddenly, it grew to an enormous size.


    The debris were falling all over the cave due to the piercing action made by the tree.


    The chimney like hole at the ceiling even grew larger.


    Much larger!


    The Mulawin increased its growth exploding up to 30 times larger than its original form. It might be even larger.


    Outside, a scene of a giant tree suddenly springing up a mountain can be seen.


    It was visible for as much as three kilometers away


    Inside, after the dust have finally settled, a wolf boy can be seen holding two pieces of giant fruit.


    They were from the Mulawins.


    It was seen hovering above the tree before floating and finally nestling into Seitan¡¯s hands.


    The fruits instinctively gravitated towards Seitan.


    He felt something from the fruits.


    ''Heartbeats?''


    Seitan was shocked and confused.


    He didn¡¯t have time to ponder because another strange thing happened.


    It happened so fast.


    The two Mulawin fruits glowed.


    When it cracked open, an enormous amount of light energy bursted into the atmosphere.


    Temporarily, he got blinded by the light.


    Seitan only managed to see clearly after a few minutes.


    The moment he finally regained his eyesight was the time he noticed that there was something that spawned from the fruit.


    Both were perching on his palm.


    "Are these Kodama¡¯s??!!!"


    Do you wish to become a Natures Attendant?


    Yes/No


    ¡®What???¡¯


    Amidst the confusion, another announcement was heard.


    You have leveled up!


    ¡î¡î¡î¡î¡î

 Natures Attendant

    <u>Natures Attendant (Class)</u>


    The alchemist of life. An enigma who shepherds all living organisms.


    To an extent, the alchemist of life can bend nature to his will. He is both the protector and the champion of the forest.


    One of the blessed few emissaries of the Deity Makiling.


    Affinity to Nature: Epic


    Skill (A): Natures Embrace (U)


    The Natures Attendant calls forth the power of nature to summon vinesfromthe earth. The vinesgrow virulently, entrapping helpless foes in a tangle of thorns.The targets movement is restricted for five (5) seconds and adds physical damage (1% of targets HP) with its thorns. Cooldown is 60 seconds. Mana Requirement: 10


    Skill (A): Call of Nature (EX U)


    The Natures Attendant invokes the aid of the tree spirits-- The Kodama¡¯s.


    The summoned Kodama will fight, protect and do all biddings according to the will of the ¡®Attendant¡¯. The summons will expire once its life (HP) is spent or when the ¡®Attendant¡¯ elects for its return to the Spirit World. Current number of summons: 2 Mana Requirement: 25 (per Kodama)


    The decision came to him as naturally as breathing.


    When the first Mulawin tree was finally freed from corruption, Makiling¡¯s Golden Dragonfly form once again have spoken.


    Fallen debris was still everywhere and the dust hasn¡¯t even settled yet. However, that didn¡¯t stop the deity from presenting a once in a lifetime offer.


    She was thanking me for saving her ¡®child¡¯ and at the same time laying out a reward for me.


    She spoke to Seitan about a choice.


    A choice that would forever change his life in Cefiro.


    Everything happened like a blur but he was excited.


    Hearing the name ¡®Natures Attendant¡¯ for the very first time, Seitan didn¡¯t have a squat clue as to what the jargon entailed.


    ¡®But fuck YES! Sign me up!!¡¯


    That was all he had to say for a reply.


    He naturally said ¡®yes¡¯ because he was going to accept any job anyway.


    Mage, warrior, healer and even sculptor. It didn¡¯t matter.


    This offer just saved him so much time looking for a Master somewhere in town, doing god knows what quest and finally landing a job class after.


    ¡®And where is ¡®town¡¯ anyway?!¡¯


    This job class offer just landed into his lap without even discerning.


    Plus¡­ it was free!!!


    He heard through the online community vine that the Humans would have to pay a commission to study under a master and get initiated for a job class.


    Gold was involved since it was the normal route of obtaining apprenticeship.


    By how much? He didn¡¯t know.


    ''University all over again?''


    ''No thank you.''


    With Seitan, he didn¡¯t have to spend a dime.


    His was a special case.


    ¡®Does this mean that I have secured a hidden job class?¡¯


    He felt prideful just with the thought of it.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Seitan was not sure but still.


    His goal was to just earn gold while having fun. Any job can do that. Even artisans can.


    But this?


    ¡®Maybe celebrating amongst the children in the Orphanage during my last 8 birthdays must have rebounded a good karma huh?¡¯


    Maybe? Maybe not.


    What was important now was that he got the job class.


    A well deserved one to be quite frank.


    Battling the Cattleya Viper and then the corrupted Mulawin tree, should at least earn him something tantamount to the efforts he exerted.


    ¡®Awesome!¡¯


    He just finished reading the description of his new found class.


    Seitan was more than excited to try the fresh skills out.


    Eyes closed, he peeked into the tutorial for the new skill.


    His eyes were rapidly moving under his eyelids.


    Few seconds shortly, he learned the truth about the skill.


    ''So it says to go like this''


    Two hands performing seven different symbols separately under 3 seconds or less.


    Suddenly, there were circlets of green light in front of his hands.


    Enclosed in the middle of the green circlet was a hexagram.


    Floating rotating runes were seen navigating around the edges of the circlet as well.


    It was like a clockwork.


    The spell was an eye candy.


    The 14 part ''mudra'' was shortened by executing the parts of 7x7 levels separately by utilizing both hands.


    Almost like an instantaneous casting.


    ''Oh. I didn¡¯t know I can execute it this way.''


    He was comparing it with his hand signs with alchemy.


    As the green circlet of magic glowed more, eight thorny whips jutted out of the coarse earth with amazing speed.


    It entangled the unsuspecting Hellwolf Seitan was targeting on.


    Arfghheukkk!!


    The creature yelped while being embraced by the vines of countless thorns.


    ''Wait a minute... My lifesteal is also activating?''


    So while the target was immobile, Seitan would also be able to drain its life!


    Life drain was not in the skill description so this is an added value.


    He confirmed it just now.


    It was activated because it was his passive. He touched the enemy through the vines thus activating the passive skill.


    The lifesteal may be miniscule but it will help a lot during difficult battles once he ran out of potion for healing.


    A long ranged life steal!


    ''Am I cheating?''


    Five seconds was almost over.


    The effect of Natures Embrace will expire right about a second.


    And so, he called forth Bumble-Rumble out of thin air.


    He ended its suffering swiftly.


    ''Two swings huh.''


    Seitan noticed he got stronger after that level up.


    The added stats given by the character was certainly useful.


    His gains were noticeable with every swing.


    So far, he was satisfied with Natures Embrace. It will be proven useful in many battles ahead.


    He checked the second skill.


    Call of Nature.


    The skill looked very promising.


    It would allow him to call forth the Kodamas to aid him in a fight.


    He already saw the little summons just a few hours ago before logging out.


    He first saw them when Makiling offered him the job class.


    And these little ones are as tall as him. They were only half a foot shorter.


    ¡®Status Window¡¯


    Apparently, the Kodama¡¯s has their own status window.


    He found out about this when he examined them earlier.


    They each have their own individual names and can even equip weapons.


    How cool was that?


    Their entire body was clad in black.


    There was a sort of a black mist that thinly coated the Kodamas body making them appear like animated smoke as they move.


    <u>Teemo and Keemo</u>


    The twin Kodama¡¯s assigned to safeguard the Mulawin tree ¡®Luntian¡¯. They are expert swordsouls adept in handling any long swords, short, blunts and daggers. They are quick on their feet and are very loyal. They would offer their lives if needed be.


    ¡®So the tree that I saved also had a name?¡¯


    ¡®Interesting!¡¯


    ¡®So these twins can actually wield daggers. The Viper Fangs should suit them. The equipment will not be for naught.¡¯


    At first, he was unable to summon the twins together.


    The required mana was twenty five per summon. Seitan¡¯s entire mana pool at level 23 was only twenty-three as well.


    Not even close to summoning just one Kodama, let alone two.


    Due to this shortage, he was forced to use all of his accumulated distributable points and fed it all to wisdom.


    All 21 points!


    It was the moment of no return.


    He didn¡¯t even blinked while distributing it. He will just deal about the repercussion later.


    Thanks to this, the combined mana point climbed to 44.


    He was still short of 6 points, thus, he can only summon just one still.


    It was a good thing that he managed to acquire accessories that had a wisdom stat option in them.


    Ring of the Bumble(N). A drop he obtained from the Bumble-Spider. It gave him +2 on wisdom.


    Cattleya¡¯s Vine Ring(N). A ring that was a product of alchemizing the moon flowers of cattleya. This ring gave him +3 on wisdom.


    Lastly, was his Red Aurora Necklace(N)that gave him +2 more on wisdom.


    He was scraping mana and barely meeting the quota.


    A downside of a race built for melee at the very start of the game.


    ¡®I¡¯m still okay¡¯


    There were ways to overcome this dilemma. He just need to find them sooner.


    Seitan was very optimistic of the future. He was optimistic about overcoming his weaknesses.


    Teemo and Keemo were both looking at him with intense eyes. They both have flaring yellow eyes. It was somehow eerie but quite mesmerizing if you look deep into them for long.


    ¡®They must have been waiting for me to give them a command or something¡¯


    Seitan was thinking along the lines of having the twins dance. Dancing would be the shortest way to test their locomotor skills and overall body coordination.


    ¡°Teemo! Keemo!¡±


    The twins perked up upon hearing their names.


    ¡°How do you guys feel about ----


    MACARENA???!!!"


    ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î ¡î