For a few hours, we trekked through the fields outside [Initio], making our way to our destination. There, Kaz and I discovered something important to [Isekai's] gameplay: while Kaz could use the mini-map while in the city, it became disabled the moment we left the city. Because of this, we were unable to determine our current location. Unfortunately, as it turns out we aren't the only ones who are affected by this as Arthur is also caught off-guard, causing him to declare that he will use his instincts to get us out of this bind. Yeah, right...

However, Mari had apparently anticipated our lack of knowledge of this, as she revealed that she had bought a paper map about an hour prior. She explained that the reason behind this strange mechanic was because of the developers wanting to try to increase the players’ immersion into the game by limiting the mini-map to only be useful within cities and towns. I don't know who came up with this, but it made this [Quest] more difficult for us since it took place outside the city.

As for Kaz though, he seemed to not be too bothered by this. Rather, he felt rather excited as he walked through the fields at my side. Not only that, but he also seemed to be interested in Mari's map as he looked at her in curiosity. He’s a curious kid and just traveling in a virtual fantasy world only fueled it to the point of him just wanting to know more and more. Regardless, he’s still staring at a girl, so I covered his eyes with my left hand.

"Wind!"

"Sorry, but you do know staring at other people is rude and annoying to them, right? Try to respect their privacy, even in a virtual space like this."

Mari then approached us and said, "Oh, it’s okay. I'm not surprised to see people getting curious about an item like this. Though I did spend about 700 [Adaments] just to get it. There’s a cheaper version, but most of those are empty and need the skill of a [Scribe] to fill them out."

"A [Scribe] skill? Last time I checked, Kaz choose it as one of his skills, right?" Kaz nodded yes, confirming this.

"Well, that's good to hear. But I suggest you be careful and hide your skill from everyone but us." I raise my eyebrow, confused at what she just warned us about. "While buying the completed map is beneficial to everyone who saved enough money from [Quests] and battles, there are some who coerce other players with their [Scribe] skills just to fill up the map and then kicked them out of the party when they're finished. It's still a rumor, but it never hurts to stay cautious."

It does make sense. Most players like to focus on honing their combat-related skills, so I can understand why they would take a player with a [Scribe]’s skill in for their own gain. Just imagining Kaz being forced into a party without my presence is a nightmare for me, especially if he doesn't want to be in it in the first place.

"I understand. Kaz is my responsibility and I won't let him out of my sight. Besides, if they want to take his services, they have to go through me first!" I did come into the game as his [Guardian Player] and I promised to keep Kazuki safe in real life and online. And I’m not gonna let anyone use my little brother as a computer.

Suddenly, I hear Arthur chuckling. I can tell he found this situation funny. It’s so apparent that when I turn around to frown, he’d just avert his eyes away from me. As for Kaz, he just stares at me with a confused look on his face while Mari just smiled as if nothing strange just happened.

"O-Okay. But still, I like to buy an empty map afterward. It would be more fun to make my map like some of those fantasy novels that they've mentioned."

"That's the spirit!" Mari said happily to Kaz. "If you're lucky, you may discover something that you can't find on any maps from the NPC shops. And even more, if you level up your [Scribe] skill."

"I agree," Arthur spoke up as if he also forgot what just happened. "And maybe, if you’d let me, I could borrow it from time to time?"

I frown again as I give him the 'glare'. I can guess from his fearful expression that he’d gotten the message I was sending with it.

"Or maybe not," Arthur said as walked on without saying another word.

"Anyways, according to my map, the forest should be right nearby. I suggest we assume our positions. If we learn more about our roles better, we may able to finish this quest without any causality." Mari said as she points something to her north. When we looked in the said direction, we can see the trees and bushes in front of us. But I am soon startled by a growling noise echoed through my ears.

"Y-Yeah, I can see why. So... what roles are you talking about?"

"Well, in an MMORPG like this, there are several roles based on the play style and skills we currently have. Since mine is based on a black mage, I mostly use offensive spells such as [Fire], [Ice], and [Thunder]. But since I'm only wearing light armor, my defenses are pretty low. So I have to stay in the backline of a battle to avoid any damage."

"So in other words, you're a ‘Magic-Ranged DPS’? Yeah, I can dig it. Though, considering Kaz's attire and staff, I could say he would take the same role as you."

Well, he has some magic skills at hand, so I didn't protest this suggestion. But I become confused at the initials he used.

"DPS?"

"It means ‘Damage per Second’. They're the ones who attack opponents. Magic and melee combat skills are usually the best with this role, but since you wield a bow, you could take the backline as well as a Physical-Ranged DPS."

Wow, so many terms, so little time to learn them all. Though he’s right about my reliance on my bow and arrows. But just in case...

"Yeah, it's a good idea. But I do have a [Wind] and [Swordsmanship] skill as well. So it might be a good idea to let me help you if you get overwhelmed."

"That's true. There are also roles called Tanks and Healers. But since not all of us have some skills on the latter, I guess I should take the role as our Physical-Melee DPS and Tank then."

"Wait, are you sure?" Mari said as I see that her eyes widened, which I was surprised to see her smile broke for the first time. "I don't know if you have the skillset to survive."

"What do you mean?" I asked Mari.

"Like their namesake, the Tanks' role is to redirect attacks to themselves to protect the other party members from damage. Unless you have a high [HP] and defense, it's a very risky role for anyone to take."

"Don't worry about it. I can just dodge that bear's attacks easily! As long we can put a dent in that stupid bear's skull, this [Quest] will be in the bag before you know it!"

That's what I'm worried about. In the real world, whenever he said there wouldn’t be a problem, there’d be a problem. I’m just hoping that it won't be the same in [Isekai].

As we entered the forest, we can see the trees and fauna scattering through the woods. Just like the city, it is pretty lively as I hear the birds chirping and the trees' leaves rustle as the wind blew past them. As I think about it, I realize that walking through the woods with my friends is very calming and a good way to enjoy the atmosphere of this natural (yet virtual) wonder. But before I know it I had gone ahead of my friends by jumping across the top of each tree I could find.

The reason for this is because I was the only one who has the [Hunting] skill. As the name stated, I possessed abilities and skills that will help me track down any target in a flash. Besides, finding any items isn't the only feature for my skill's [Eagle Eye]. Just like a real eagle's eye, it allows me to see the area with a bird's eye view. I don't know how it really works in terms of real life, but it’s really helpful for my playstyle, especially for this plan. Since we are dealing with a potential high-level monster, Mari suggested I have to locate it ahead of time so we could formulate a plan on how to fight it.

It isn't long before I encountered the said beast on my right. I follow to where my [Eagle Eye] had spotted it, and when I arrive, I become shocked by the sight of the humongous beast. It seemed like a normal dark brown bear at first glance, but it is the size of an elephant! How in the world can a bear be so big?! Seeing its red glowing eyes didn’t help my case either. I don't know what I'd gotten myself into, so I used [Investigate] to know more about this beast.

[Wild Bear]

[Known as the "King of the Forest", this aggressive beast is known for attacking nearby humans who invade its territory. Beware of its teeth and claws as they are rumored to be able to cut down a tree in a single bite and/or swing respectively.]

[HP: 580/580]

W-What the hell?! Just reading the flavor text was bad enough, but its [HP] count is too much! Compared to the [Stout Boar] from earlier, this "bear" can end my life in [Isekai] in just a few short minutes, if not even less! Dammit, Arthur! Why did you have to jinx this right now?!

...

“Okay, calm down, Wind,” I said to myself. “I can't freak out over its appearance. Right now, I have to prepare my bow and assume my position. If this works, we might able to survive and even win this.”

PING!

I’m quickly startled by that sudden noise. I soon realize it must’ve been the others calling me through the whisper option of the chat. In this case, it’s telepathic communication, which we simply used by using our thoughts just like some psychics you often saw on TV.

>

I don't know if this is much of a party, but there’s no way to back out now. I calmly take a deep breath.

>

>

I certainly hope he has this. Kaz is still with him and Mari. If something happens to him, then the monsters won’t be his only worries here. Regardless, I pull my bowstring as I aimed the arrow at the bear. I’m still getting the hang of wielding a bow, so my arms are slightly shaking. I know this will affect my aim and attack, but I have to concentrate. If I don't, I could hit Kaz, Arthur, or Mari by accident. So I had to take a few breathes and...

TWANG!!!

Just like that, I can feel that the arrow had already left my bow. I didn't close my eyes when I shoot it, but I’m not sure if it had flown away as I released the bowstring. That is until I hear a roaring ring through my ears. A roar from right below me. I knew what it means, but I have to look down to check for sure. And sure enough, I see the bear with the same arrow I shot penetrating the back of its head. Is that supposed to happen? I was hoping I could shoot into the back of his neck.

>

My eyes widened. It was Arthur's voice as I saw him rushing out of the bushes.

>

<>

Oh yeah... I remember that shooting in the head has a high chance of fatality, so I guess that’s somehow okay for my first sneak attack.

>

>

It seems I have no choice. It was part of the plan after all and he had volunteered to protect us. So I have to rely on him to become a diversion. As I jump down from the tree, I can hear Arthur's footsteps as he shouted towards the big, bad bear.

"Hey, ugly! Yes, you! I'm talking to you, you poor excuse of a furry dragon! How's about you try a taste of my shining blade!"

As I landed on the ground, I hear a slashing sound right nearby. When I looked up, I see the bear's left arm bleeding slightly as Arthur continued to run around with his hands still clutching his sword's handle. "Hah! For a dangerous monster, you seem pretty slow! Must be because of your big fat tummy!"

I roll my eyes when I heard this. His lame insults at the bear might’ve been annoying, but he is good at being bait. Well, if he isn't running for his life. In any case, I see him swing his blade at the [Wild Bear's] body, causing it to roar in pain.

Then, as I prepared my arrow once more, I can see Kaz and Mari start to cast their spells at the monstrous bear. I knew I had to act soon, so I rush towards the bush to my left as I prepare for my attack.

Current Quest: Subjugate a Wild Bear **

Status: In Progress

Party Members:

[Wind]

[Kaz]

[Arthur]

[Mari]

Wind's Masteries

[Archery] Level 5

[Woodcrafting] Level 1

[Swordsmanship] Level 6

[Cooking] Level 1

[Wind] Level 5

[Physical Enhancement] Level 1

[Hunting] Level 4

Kazu's Masteries

[Arcana] Level 6

[Thunder] Level 6

[Wind] Level 5

[Alchemy] Level 7

[Magecrafting] Level 1

[Magical Affinity] Level 5

[Scribe] Level 1