Chapter 1
“Did
you manage to find them?” asked Jasmine still pouting. “No, Fang have a very skilled magic caster blocking
my enhanced tracking skill with a barrier”, Streifen answered slothfully. “So,
what do we do?” Jasmine questioned they in concerned.
“Need
some high level item to detect the source of the barrier and hopefully weaken
the source”, they answered Jasmine sluggishly. Streifen bought high level
detection items and Jasmine prepared herself to fight powerful magic casters or
worse Fang.
But
the actual source of the barrier is much more terrifying than those two
combine. Jasmine can’t stop herself shaking in fear in front of her was the
most fearsome creature in the whole wide world, a ball of fluff.
Fluffs
are frightening because even a low level fluff can cast a strong barrier and
have high damaging attacks. It be an instant kill for new contestants like
herself. If she dies here, she be reincarnated at their base. Alice won’t be
able to teleport her back here.
“Hmm…,
a leaf fluff was the source of the barrier and it looks high level too”, they
stated lazily without a hint of fear. Jasmine looked at Streifen in disbelief
and pure shock. “That fluff has a level fifty skill tree”, Jasmine pointed out
in panic to them.
“Well,
it a good thing I have a fire and crystal fluff skill tree that’s around level
seventy”, they said slothfully. Jasmine jaw dropped in bewilderment. She
thought that Streifen was some rich person that buys high level equipment but
have trashy skills.
She
was wrong, taming any type of fluff takes a lot of time and effort. They might
look cute but they are the most rowdy creature out of all the creatures. A lot
of contestants gave up on raising them and release them back into the
wilderness. Jasmine prepared herself for battle “Alright, let’s do this”, she
said to them enthusiastically.
Then,
they summoned the fire and crystal fluff then, they engaged in a fight with the
leaf fluff. Each fluffs elemental attributes are shown on top their heads. The
leaf fluff has cream colored fur, green sparkling eyes and a green leaf facing
down on its head. The fire fluff was all red and has a small flame on its head.
The
crystal fluff was all pink with bushy eyebrows and a few crystals on its head. Next
to Streifen, Jasmine was providing support with fire vines to restrain while
causing some damage to the leaf fluff. The fire fluff attacked the leaf fluff
with lava spit and the crystal fluff created a shield to ward off attacks for
ten turns.
Jasmine
followed up those attacks with a fire hail spell towards the leaf fluff. The
leaf fluff counterattack with a barrage of poison leaf spear. Streifen used a
healing spell to treat any physical and or status damages. But then, the leaf
fluff used tree basher skill and Jasmine suffered heavy damage which led to her
demise.
Thankfully,
Streifen have a powerful reincarnating spell which brought Jasmine back to life
and healed her fully. “That was much appreciated”, Jasmine thanked Streifen.
“That took a good amount of my mana”, they stated lethargically. “How long will
it take you to recover?” questioned Jasmine towards them.
“At least two
minutes, so I’ll attack physically”, Streifen answered while taking the dagger
from the strap at their low right arm. Streifen swiftly attack the leaf fluff
with its dagger five times then, a follow up lash with its titanium tail.
Jasmine used fire hail once more and lava spikes on the leaf fluff after
Streifen attacked it.
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 2
The
leaf fluff used healing roots on itself which healed its health fully. “Damn
it”, Jasmine cussed. “It ok, we still can fight”, Streifen yawned at Jasmine.
Jasmine calmed down and restrain the leaf fluff once more with fire vines.
Then,
Jasmine’s bracelet glowed indicating she can learn a new skill. Jasmine had to
choose between lava wave and fire cyclone. “Don’t take too long to think”, they
said to Jasmine lazily while using the crystal fluff to shoot magma crystal
spears at the leaf fluff.
She
chose fire cyclone skill and used it on the leaf fluff instantly. The leaf
fluff was burnt and stuck in the fire cyclone vortex. The fire fluff continued
its barrage of fire spit with the crystal fluff crystal shards attack on the
leaf fluff.
She
could feel the barrier surrounding the island weakening. “I’m able to detect
our comrades’ exact location but they are in separate location”, Streifen said
lethargically while using their enhanced tracking skills.
She
knew it was dangerous to separate in this situation so she had to choose
between the three accordingly. “Can you detect the weakest one?” questioned
Jasmine. “Yeah”, Streifen answered slothfully.
“This
way”, Streifen said sluggishly to Jasmine before taking off. Jasmine was barely
keeping up with their speed. “The site is underground and the entrance is
heavily guarded”, Streifen stated lazily.
“Can’t
you use your cloaking spell?” questioned Jasmine to them. “Nope, the place is
armed with magic nullifying items”, Streifen yawned sluggishly. “So what do we
do?” questioned Jasmine in a panicked voice. “I’ll try to negotiate with Fang”,
Streifen answered lazily.
She
gulped in uneasiness at the plan. They head to the location and Streifen
demanded to meet with Fang in his usual lazy manner. The guards escorted them
to a small room with a small round table and a few chairs. Moments later, Fang
appeared out of thin air which surprised Jasmine.
“Settle
down girl”, Fang said while snickering at the fear in Jasmine’s eyes. Jasmine
ears flopped down while taking a seat with an obvious pout on her face. Fang
and Streifen took their respective seats at the same time. “Let’s see if you
can offer me something interesting Streifen”,
Fang said while emphasizing on Streifen’s name.
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 3
“A
poison fluff and a dragon fluff for all three of your captive”, Streifen
offered slothfully. Streifen lazy attitude in high pressure situation really
irks Fang but he will not show it. “Very well”, Fang said calmly with an eerie
smile.
She
shivered in terror at the sight. “I’ll give them to you once we are off your
island safely and sever any connection to you”, Streifen sluggishly yawn behind
the bone head mask. “Very well”, Fang stated once more but with a malicious
aura around him and a fiendish smirk.
“If
you break this deal, there will be harsh consequences”, Streifen reminded him
in a lazy manner. They came to an understanding and left the meeting room.
Streifen and Jasmine waited for their comrades on Streifen’s sailboat.
They
saw their comrades shackled in neck, wrist and ankle chains. Kage was badly
battered while Virgil and Spiral only have minor cuts and bruises. Jasmine
vigilantly watch their surroundings for a surprise attack or ambush.
Once,
their comrades arrived near Streifen’s sailboat they were released from their
chains. Spiral and Virgil helped Kage onto the sailboat. When, they were safely aboard the sailboat, Streifen set sail while Jasmine still warily kept a lookout for any
sign of trouble.
They
manage to get out of Fang’s territory safely and made their way to the water
area. “Treat their wounds”, Streifen said lazily from behind its mask. “Right”,
Jasmine agreeing with Streifen and beginning to treat Kage’s injuries.
There
was a heavy awkward silence between Spiral and Virgil. Virgil broke the silence
first, “I’m sorry for not being much help”, Virgil apologized. “No, I was probably the one that triggered
the traps”, Spiral said remorsefully.
“I
think it’s a good thing that all of you survived without considerable damage to
yourselves physically or mentally”, Streifen stated in an apathetic but serious manner. “Yeah, Fang
may not look like it but he is a sadistic guy”, croaked Kage in pain.
“Why
did you get involve with Fang?” asked Virgil as kindly as possible. “My family
wasn’t a multinational company but we did have a few franchise chains here and
there. One day Fang came and was about to take my family business away. I
offered myself so that Fang would spare my family business”, Kage explained.
“Get
some rest”, Jasmine stated after she finish treating Kage. Jasmine went to
treat Spiral’s and Virgil’s minor injuries. They relaxed a little bit and watch
the beautiful aurora night sky with countless bubbles of different sizes float
around in the sky.
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 4
In the distance, they were able to see some round cottages with cedar thatched roofs that looked like pine cones. Each of the cottages were encased by their own individual bubbles. “I have a friend in the area”, Virgil stated breaking momentary peace.
“Try
to contact your friend and setup a meeting”, Kage suggested while resting.
“Alright”, Virgil agreeing with Kage’s suggestion. Virgil attempted to get in
contact with Ar a grass slime but to no avail.
“My
friend seems to be busy at the moment, I’ll call again later”, Virgil said. “We
should find lodging as soon as possible”, Jasmine point out. Just as the others
were about to nod in agreement, Spiral interrupted “I don’t have the proper
documents to enter the water area”.
“That
is a dilemma, Spiral can’t get the documents unless her skill tree is at least
level five. Spiral’s skill tree is only at level one because she didn’t have
the chance to go hunting and gather experience”, Virgil stated.
“Then,
we should head to the ice area”, Streifen said slothfully. “Ice area is a mini
area near the water area right?” questioned Jasmine. “Yeah”, Streifen yawned.
The ice area is a small rural town that is at the outskirts of the water area.
In
contrast to the busy city of the water area, the ice area has a much lower
level requirement for entry. “It would take a few days, to get to the ice area
port”, Streifen said lethargically. “Do we have enough supplies?” questioned
Virgil.
“Yeah”,
Streifen answered sluggishly. “Then, one of you get me something to eat and
drink”, Kage commanded. “You should be
nicer to the people that rescued you” Jasmine scolded Kage and he scoffed at
that.
She
pouted and smacked his right shoulder. “Please”, Kage said jokingly. Jasmine
glared at Kage which seems to only amuse him. She huffed and turn away from him
to look at the vast ocean.
Spiral
brought Kage, his food and beverage. Kage grinned at Spiral happily then
started eating. Virgil watched the exchanged and saw the way Kage can interact
with any being with ease.
He
sighed at his lack of interacting skills.
“He became a guarded because of ill-intent and two-faced beings he had
to deal with in his life. Spiral has not been through such things in her life.
She led a simple life till that incident was dragged into this mess without a
choice in the matter.
All
the other contestant are better prepared than her even the new ones. Sometimes
a new contestant can defeat a veteran one. Spiral needs to get stronger and
wiser even if he has to train her harshly. It’s better than dying and or
becoming someone else’s slave”, Virgil grimace at the
last part of the thought.
As
they approach closer to the ice area, the air around them became colder.
Everyone except Streifen shivered as the chilled air hit them because of their
white tiger fur. “Changed to the appropriate clothing or die from hypothermia
cause it will only get colder”, Streifen said sluggishly.
Everyone except for
Spiral had clothes to handle the ice area effects. None of them can lend Spiral
a pair because all their skill tree level is abundantly higher than hers. Streifen
noticed that and asked Jasmine in their usual slothful manner to cast a
protection spell till they can go to an armor shop on land.
After they had changed into their ice area
outfits at the speed of sound, Jasmine began to cast the protection spell on
Spiral and recast every two minutes when the spell wears off. Everyone especially
Virgil was on edge if Jasmine mana was enough to last until they reach their
destination or not.
If it was the latter
both of them would suffer tremendously. The moment the boat reached the ice area port, Virgil lifted Spiral bridal style
and sprinted into town. “Phew, thank goodness my mana lasted till we reach the
port”, Jasmine sighed in relief.
“Well,
we should find a lodge and get some proper rest before heading out for a
quest”, Kage stated while holding his arms up. “I’m not gonna carry you”, Jasmine said with a huff.
“Neither am I”, Streifen said lazily. “Awe, your words wound me”, Kage said
while putting a dramatic display of being wounded.
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 5
Virgil
burst into the armory shop while carrying Spiral. He quickly purchased a set of
ice area beginner armor for Spiral. “Could you put me down so that I can change
into the armor?” Spiral asked feeling uncomfortable being carried by Virgil.
Virgil
carefully set her down. Spiral went to the changing room with her new ice area
beginner armor. Virgil waited for Spiral at the armory shop lounge. “Would you
like a drink or a meal Sir?” questioned the lurker bartender.
“No,
thanks”, Virgil politely decline. Moments later, “I’m done changing”, Spiral
said to Virgil as she entered the lounge. “I’ll contact Jasmine”, Virgil
stated. Virgil texted Jasmine that they have obtained an armor for Spiral.
Jasmine
text him back that their group found lodging at Snowflake inn. The
trip there would take a few hours. As they made their way to the inn, they passed
some shops and stalls. So they stopped to buy some food and drinks. Spiral was
enjoying the foreign delicacies since she never had such luxuries before. After
that, they continued to walk through the street and there were some contestants
trying to trade and or sell their stuff with other contestants.
If
they had managed to get in the water area it would have been a billion times
busier. A cute and small female dandelion plant in a white strapless sundress with gossamer cicada-like wings and cheese puff-like hair approached her trying to sell accessories. She
declined the cute plant hybrid. Then another creature approached her. It was
male fox hybrid, he greeted her. She greeted back while Virgil was glaring at
the contestant. “Wanna be friends?” questioned the fox hybrid with a sly grin.
“No, thanks”, Spiral declined as politely as possible while feeling
uncomfortable about the situation.
“Okay”, the male fox
hybrid said before leaving with a displeased look on his face. “Careful who you befriend, some low level
contestants just mooch of higher level ones”, he
lectured her. “I understand”, she sighed tiredly. She knows those kind of
people well, that’s the very reason she is ostracized by society. She
didn’t associate with people that only see others as tools for their own gain
and wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice or betray anyone.
They walked in
silence after that, mulling over their own thoughts. As the sun began to set, they saw the Snowflake inn signboard in the
distance and made their way there. The Snowflake inn like most building in the
ice area look like a small castle made of glass covered in different styles of
frost and or snowflakes.
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 6
They
went inside and check in at the front desk. Before they went to their separate
rooms, “I never intended to demean you, I might be overprotective of you but
that is because you weren’t born into this life of the obligation to
participate in the tournament and it scares me that horrible things might
befall on you” he sincerely apologize to her.
“I
know and I’m grateful but it also constantly reminds me of my uselessness. Even
though Jasmine just join, she contributed more than I did”, she said
despondently. “That is because she was born into this life, she just like
Streifen, Kage and I was groomed for tournament”, he explained to her.
“Guess
I have to work extra hard not be a burden to you all”, she said with a small
smile. “You need to know your limits, rushing in without a plan is dangerous”,
he advised her with concern look. “I’m sorry for always making you worry”, she
said on the verge of tears. “I’ll always worry about you just take better care
of yourself from now on”, he requested bashfully. She nodded with a small blush
tinting her face. “Right, we should get some rest for tomorrow”, the words
tumble out of her mouth in her flustered state.
“Yeah,
night”, he agreeing with her. Virgil was glad that his relationship with Spiral
improve a bit. Alice would be proud of him if she were here. It has been awhile
since his last visit to ice area. He reminisced a little bit before going to
sleep.
Virgil
was sharing a room with Kage while Spiral was sharing a room with Jasmine and
Streifen was staying in a room of its own. The next morning, the sun rays
glittered through the buildings and waking its occupants.
Kage
burst into Spiral’s and Jasmine’s room shouting “Wake up already”. Jasmine was
cussing him in hybrid language while Spiral was yawning and rubbing sleep gunk
off her eyes. Kage merely grinned and waited for them to get out of bed.
Then,
they went to meet up with Streifen and Virgil at the inn’s dining hall.
Jasmine’s stomach grumbled at the scent of food and Kage laughed at that. “I
can’t help it if I’m hungry”, Jasmine defended.
“Yeah,
yeah, you did use up a lot of mana yesterday”, Kage agreeing with her in a
sarcastic manner. “C’mon let’s get something to eat and drink”, Spiral said.
“Kay”, both of them said in unison but Jasmine with less energy than Kage.
Once
they got their meals and refreshments, they went to take a seat at the table
with Virgil and Streifen. “We should
discuss battle formations”, Virgil stated after everyone has finished eating.
“Well I’m a tanker type of person”, Kage said cheerfully while striking a pose
of a single thumbs with a huge grin on his face.
“I’m
a support mage”, Jasmine said casually with a smile. “I’m still figuring it
out”, Spiral said nervously. “I’m a support too”, Streifen yawned. “I’m an
attacker”, said Virgil. “So, Spiral you should stay at the back with Jasmine
and Streifen”, Virgil said to her. “Alright”, Spiral agreeing with Virgil.
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 7
Then,
they went to prepare for their quest. They stopped by a potion shop and looked
around. Picking potions is as hard as picking an armor or an equipment. Plus, a
potion cost depends on the area even though the potion is the same type, it may
cost more in certain area.
The
high prices for the potions were scaring Spiral but the nonchalant attitude of
her team members buying lots of these expensive potions scare her more. After
they finish purchasing the potions, the left the shop and then each of them
gave her half of their potions.
She
blushed at her teammate’s kindness and will do her best not to be a hindrance.
“Do any of you need to go to the equipment shop?” Virgil asked the group. “Nope”,
all of them replied.
“Alright,
let’s head to the forest outside of town, there should be some decent level
creatures there”, Virgil said. Today Streifen is using a genderless cotton
fluff. Streifen’s mind has taken over the cotton fluff’s body. A cotton fluff body
is green and its elemental attribute on its head looks like a white afro.
Virgil
is using his newly acquired lurker. Lurkers can morphed into any shape they
chose. The variety and strength of the shape is depending on the individual
skill tree level.
Kage
is using a female plant humanoid which shock the group. Jasmine glared at Kage’s
female plant busty chest. His female
plant has bushy hair, tree roots intertwining into long arms and claws.
Long
leaves and tree roots barely cover his female plant private areas. There are
also some that are jutting out of the knee area. She and Spiral haven’t caught
any creatures yet to be used for battle. They began their journey to the
forest.
“Sometimes
creatures appear on roads, so be on guard”, Virgil stated to the group without actually making eye contact with them. Everyone nodded in
response except for Streifen. It couldn’t nod in its cotton fluff form since it’s
a ball of fluff with tiny wings. It can’t fly but it can fart to propel it
upwards.
So
it yawned a response instead “Yeah”. The forest was filled with thick layers of
snow, Spiral was the only one that had trouble moving around. “Kage help me set
up camp”, Virgil said as he felt the air around them becoming colder.
With
the skills of a plant and lurker, they made a hut. Streifen provided the beds
and pillows with the cotton fluff skill. Kage prepared their meal with his
plant skills. Jasmine and Spiral were only able to watch from the sidelines.
Once
Kage was done preparing, they began to eat. “Crystals usually roam this area
and catching them would help you financially”, Kage said while munching his
food. “Don’t talk with your mouth full”, Jasmine scolded Kage.
Kage
then obnoxiously chewed his food. Jasmine huffed in annoyance and continued
eating her food. “Are you in a guild Streifen?” questioned Spiral. “Nope”,
Streifen lazily answered. “How did you meet Kage?” questioned Jasmine
curiously.
“We
met at a park in the grass area”, it answered slothfully. “Yeah, I was looking
for plants to capture and that place is always filled with people and creatures,
it’s a good place to get info”, Kage explained.
“There
are tons of other hot spots in other areas too”, Virgil said to them. “Are
there any in this area?” asked Jasmine. “There is a few, we will visit them later”,
Virgil told her. Both Jasmine and Spiral never left Metro until now so they are
excited they can explore other areas.
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 8
Even
though it is dangerous, sometimes in life you need to take risks. But needless
risks will just cause more harm than good. “Time to get our snooze on”, Kage said
before plopping into bed. “That guy sure knows how to make a scene”, Jasmine
gripe.
“Thank
you”, Kage exclaimed with a grin at her. “It wasn’t a compliment you dolt”, she
huffed angrily. “But it actually is since he is a tanker type, he needs to get
the enemies to focus on him”, Virgil explained.
“Why
are taking his side Virgil?” Jasmine pouted at him. He felt uncomfortable being
in the middle of her fight with Kage. “I’m not taking anybody’s side”, he
defended. Jasmine glared at Virgil in disbelief.
“Jasmine
you shouldn’t lash out at people without a good reason”, Streifen advised
Jasmine. “He is so annoying”, Jasmine grumbled. “Jasmine, you shouldn’t let
people provoke you so easily”, Virgil lectured.
“He
is right”, Spiral agreeing with Virgil. She angrily ignored them and went to
sleep. “We should get some sleep too”, Virgil sighed tiredly. “Night”, Streifen said
before going to sleep. “Is this group going to be okay?” Spiral questioned him
in worry.
“I
have no idea, we just have to see how it goes”, Virgil answered her. “Alright,
night”, Spiral said with a hint of worry in her voice. Virgil studied his new
lurker body before going to sleep. The
next day, “Wake up”, Kage exclaimed frantically.
“What’s
the matter Kage?” Virgil asked groggily. “Jasmine is gone”, he answered
frenziedly. Virgil became fully alert and so is Spiral. Then, there was a ping
from Spiral’s bracelet. It was a message from Jasmine.
Hey,
went out hunting with Streifen at Icy Lake. Call us when you wake up if we are
not back yet by then.
Spiral
told the others about the message and called Jasmine after that. “In a fight
right now”, Jasmine said hurriedly before ending the call. “We should head to
Icy Lake”, Spiral said to them while anxiously fidgeting. They both agreed with
Spiral and started their journey for Icy Lake. Upon their arrival, they saw
that Streifen and Jasmine were pinch fighting a flock of baby water slimes.
They quickly went to aid their companions. It was an intense battle but they
manage to defeat an entire herd of baby water slimes.
“Let’s
rest before continuing to grind”, Kage suggested with a smile. They agreed with
Kage’s suggestion and set up a new campsite in the vicinity. “Hey!” an
unfamiliar called out to them. They turned to the origin of the voice and
saw a Midnight Sheep. A Midnight Sheep is a rare hybrid because the hybrid is
near extinction. “This is my hunting ground, what are you disgusting
adventurers doing here!” the Midnight Sheep exclaimed to them.
______________________________________________________________________________
Author Note: Chapter 8 is W.I.P and there is a borrowed a line from @graphiteshimmer @DemonGoddess in Chapter 5
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