Chapter 3: Of Rivals and Recruits Part 2

In a grey flash an extravagant new player joined the world of Royal Road. She did very similar movements to a certain red head and she was looking at everyone around her.

Kiyomi created an avatar and named her Anko, as that was her favourite filling for a certain bread dessert. She coloured her hair to be a dark purple with a tinge of red mixed in to match more the colour of the red bean paste.

It felt very real to her and she could not help but gasp in how she felt everything as if she was in real life. She had one main objective at the moment and that was to relieve some stress so she started to look for a place to train.

“Hey pretty lady want me to teach you ins and outs of this game with me?”

A seedy looking player started to hit on the violet haired beauty.

“No, I have no use for you. Where is the training grounds?”

Anko was not going to fall for his obvious intentions. She did not show him any respect either.

“You better watch your mouth I'm much stronger than you. You wouldn't want to mess with our guild.”

He stopped as the stare he was getting from her was incredibly volatile.

“Oh you're stronger than me? I did just start the game. Want to duel at the training grounds?”

“Ha. Alright I'll duel you. I'll show you where it is.”

The duo walked toward a familiar training ground. The male player just brushed aside the instructor and entered.

However, Anko was still brought up to be respectful to people of authority and bowed to the instructor. She obviously did not know what NPCs were as she was just told to start the game. She always thought that video games were childish so her knowledge would be equal to a certain red head.

“May I use your training grounds to show this truant some manners?”

She was still bowing out of respect to the instructor.

“By all means young lady.”

“Honourable instructor is there a staff or a spear like weapon I can use?”

“I do have some wooden staffs you can use if you do not prefer swords.”

“No I do have swordsmanship skills but I prefer a pole weapon. I'm not too sure if you have a naginata?”

“That's the spear like weapon with a curved sword on top is that right? Unfortunately I do not have anything like that. I do know of a good blacksmith that can make something like that. He not that far from here. I won't mind showing you if you want?”

“I cannot take anymore of your time but I thank you for your assistance. I must conclude my business with this man here.”

She received the training staff and looked at her opponent who brandished out his usual weapon.

“You are going to spar with a real weapon? Are you not a man?”

“Do you have a problem with me using a real sword? It's not my fault a noobie decided to fight me without a weapon.”

“Ah so this is the level of a man you are. I'm sure your other sword is just as useless as you are.”

Other players who was interested in the duel started to speak up.

“Is he fighting a noob with real weapons?”

“It's a woman too. Talk about weak man.”

Goliath who was nearby noticed the duel. His imposing stature and already known high level immediately had players notice him.

“Hey you I'll fight you instead of this woman and we'll see how cocky you are.”

'I sure looked cool saying that.'

Goliath saw that the young lady put her hand in protest.

“No I don't need any help. I can handle this miscreant myself.”

Noticing Goliath and knowing of his reputation he decided not to become enemies with him. He unequipped his sword and grabbed a training sword. The player felt insulted being understimated and issued the duel against the young woman.

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=middle width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][pc]Swordjester45 has challenged you to a duel. Do you accept?[/pc][/col][col colspan=2 valign=middle width=50% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][pc]Yes[/pc][/col][col colspan=2 valign=middle width=50% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][pc]No[/pc][/col][/box]

“I accept the duel from this fool.”

She saw his health display and noticed he was level 25. The difference between stats and armour were enormous but that did not deter Anko. She knew now that he was using a training sword so she stood a chance.

Getting into stance she launched herself towards the swordsman the moment the timer finished counting down to indicate the beginning of the duel. It caught the player by surprised but he still used his sword thrust skill to strike three times in a row. As it was movement governed by the game he did not react fast enough and was instantly struck on the face after she had dodged his initial strike. As he tried to comfort the blow on his face, his legs were completely swept by Anko's staff.

As he was on the ground she put her foot on his chest and pointed the end of the staff on his face.

“If we were using real weapons you would definitely be dead. You who were a cocky fool was too early to beat my technique. Do you concede or do you wish to embarrass yourself some more?”

“I forfeit.”

He could have gotten up and tried again but he had a feeling that it would be futile to continue. He was already humiliated enough as he was beaten by a woman and even worse by a beginner. He overpowered her stat wise but could not even get a strike in as he was not skilled in martial arts like his opponent. He relied on the skills the game provided and this was his downfall. He left but not before cursing at the woman.

“You just made the wrong enemy!”

Anko watched the retreating player who was red in the face from embarrassment. She received the pop up message of learning the staff mastery combat skill. Happy with the results various players applauded.

“Did you see that?”

“She must practice in real life. That's how she beat him.”

“Maybe I should pick up a martial art.”

'She is extremely skilled and a beauty too... but my heart only belongs to Eun Mi'

Goliath walked away from the training grounds to begin his search once more for the ice queen that has captured his heart.

Bowing to the people who were applauding, Anko could not help feel a bit more relax. She knew now with her skills in this game she can be a lot stronger and can test her skills against other strong players.

'He was level 25 and I defeated him. But in a real duel he would have killed me with my abysmal stats and gear.'

The instructor came up behind her and congratulated her.

“Miss you have done this training ground proud. I've only come across few people like you. I'll remember your name may I ask what it is?”

“Anko.”

“Feel free to grab any of the training staffs instead of the swords and use this hall freely.”

“Thank you for your permission.”

She then proceeded to walk towards a training dummy. She pictured a certain someone's smug face on it and started striking it with staff.

'I'll find you and defeat you.'

***

The person she was looking for was currently feeding his pets some of the wolf meat he barbequed earlier that day.

All the animals looked at each other and started to figure out the new hierarchy.

“Hmm... we got foxes now. Kogane was it. You dote on your siblings too much. Blowing on their meat before giving it to them. They won't be reliable men if you continue to spoil them.”

“Well it seems like your brother fears you so much he wants to run away from you.”

“My brother knows that I just love him too much to allow him to be babied. He needs to learn to take care of himself.”

“My brothers need to be watched as who knows what trouble they'll get in to. Especially Hikaru who has weird cravings for bugs.”

“It's not strange!”

The white fox disputed to his sister.

“If he was my brother he would have had a smack on the head to dare yell back at his nuna.”

“Byakko-kun. Do you like me or your sister better?”

Kogane winked at the justice minded cat.

Byakko couldn't help but blush and nodded which soon ended when he saw his sisters face. Then he slinked away and hid under Rai.

“I can't answer that question.”

“That's okay. Genbu-kun and Rai-kun will follow my orders too right?”

“Rai-hyung is it possible to love another animal?”

“Pretty fox...”

“Rai-hyung you're slobbering on me!”

Byakko started to say.

“I can't believe I have a crush on a fox. Genbu-hyung. I don't think we can win against her...”

“I concede third command to Kogane-nuna.”

With that simple exchange the dynasty brothers were charmed immediately and let her take third command. It was looking hope less for any of the dynasty brothers to become leaders in their own party now. So they looked at the twin foxes who were also staring at them.

Kogane then looked at the next adversary. She knew that the black cat was not going to let go the spot closest to their master easily and even was prepared to fight for it.

Kuroneko was calculating the proper solution for the situation that she was in. She knew that Kogane was infatuated with their master and she could not blame her as she even has a bit of those same feelings. She was never going to concede and in terms of fighting capability Kogane was stronger. She had to be crafty with her next step.

While the two dominant females glared daggers at each other the third female Tsukino was trying to figure out what her new master was planning. She had no interest in being roped in to actually be responsible for the males. She was fine with being at the bottom as she was aware she couldn't beat any of them anyway with her abysmal combat strength.

“So you are Genbu-nii, Rai-nii, and Byako-nii. Nice to meet you. My name is Kagerou.”

The black fox who was a lot more playful then his older brother introduced himself first.

“Senpai. Please take care of me.”

Hikaru bowed to the three.

The dynasty brothers finally had little brothers to show off too.

“Hello younger brothers. Do you want to join our team that fights for justice!”

“Honto (really)?! Do you have secret moves!”

The most interested one was of course was Kagerou but Hikaru was also listening in.

“Did you know we all have special moves. Watch this. Byakko uppercut!”

The white cat did his on of his skills in which the two foxes gasped.

“So cool! Teach us Byakko-nii.”

“Muahaha! Stick with me younger brothers and we will be allies of justice!”

'Thank you my little brother.'

Kuroneko had now the means to continue being the second in command thanks to her pabo of a brother.

“Omo! Kogane if you do not do anything soon your brothers will be following the path of my idiot brother.”

“Nani?!” (What?!)

Kogane looked behind her but it was too late as the two foxes all started to try doing the uppercut. They were now infected with the white cat's syndrome.

“Do you want me to put an end to it? You stay third in command and I'll let you take master's left side? Do we have an agreement?”

“I agree. But how are you going to stop that?”

With this Kuroneko smiled.

“Byakko... what are you doing?”

“Teaching them how to be allies of...OW OW OW...I'm sorry nuna...”

Byakko was currently in pain as his tail was being pierced by his older sisters claws.

“Now you two boys. You know who is stronger right? Please do not listen to him unless you have permission from your sister or I. Understood?”

The twins immediately nodded their heads.

'This nee-san is scary.'

'Anego!'

Kogane couldn't help but be amazed at how quickly Kuroneko squashed the seed that Byakko had placed on the twins. Still she felt that it wouldn't end there as technically they are still under them in terms of command. She couldn't help and feel that at one point they will become idiots like their older brothers. Especially Hikaru who was already eating insects.

Akaro watched while chewing on more meat He was a glutton for barbequed goods as that was the only type of meat he ate in the mountains.

'So now we have Kuroneko, Kogane, dynasty brothers, the twins, and Tsukino. Only two more types to get.'

“Tsukino make sure you eat. You'll come with me to gather more herbs. The rest of you listen to Kuroneko and Kogane. Kuroneko focus on base stamina and speed. Kogane teach teamwork. Your combo with your brothers should be the example to use.”

“Yes master. I will make sure to train them well. I still have to punish them from their earlier offence.”

“I'll make sure they learn how to work together Akaro-sama.”

The white rabbit jumped at the sound of her name. She followed her owner until they reached a clearing.

“Now Tsukino I'm going to look for a few things in the forest. Make sure you hold onto this needle. If you are in danger scream out. I'll come to you immediately. If you see any thing that can harm you make sure to provoke them. The closer they are to you the better I can protect you.”

“That... doesn't even make sense! Why make them try to attack me?! Aren't you just using me as bait?”

“Hmm... if you think about. Yes. Make sure to gather herbs as well.”

The same sadistic smile was on his face. Tsukino couldn't help but thumped the ground out of anger and fear. She then thought about the needle and knew he said that he will protect her so she can only have faith in the man.

Akaro stayed close by sitting on a branch from one of the trees close to the valley. He needed to stay out of sight in order for his target to lock onto the rabbit. He was staring at the grass making sure he didn't miss the chance to spot any snakes looking to eat Tsukino. As if she was cursed with bad luck, it wasn't a snake that she had attracted but a falcon.

The raptor in question had a build like a peregrine falcon but it had red feathers that pointed on the head like a cardinal. Its beak was just as red as the feather and the it had seemed if it was wearing a monocle as one of its eyes had a black ring around it with a streak of black leading to it's breasts. The tail feathers and the tips of his wing were also red. It had black feathers everywhere else except its breast was an ivory white with black stripes leading to its talons. It had just spotted a lone white rabbit in the field and was preparing to descend but it was staying a safe distance away.

Tsukino spotted the falcon and remembered her owners words. He needed the bird to be closer in order to protect her. So she used her provoke skill.

“H..Hey! Bb.. Birdbrain! Come and get me if you can!”

The falcon answered back immediately.

“I will savour eating you young rabbit. Never in all my days have I met such an impertinent prey goading me to attack. This gentleman will have to teach you proper predator and prey etiquette.”

'PROPER WAY FOR PREY TO REACT?!'

Akaro was too far to proper translate what it said to Tsukino but whatever she did was effective. The falcon started to dive bomb from the sky and it opened it's claws. It was moving so fast that Tsukino held the needle in her teeth and started praying as she knew she couldn't out run the falcon. The moment it's sharp talon opened and he was mere centimetres from acquiring his prey familiar red smoke appeared.

Grabbing the falcon by it's legs and holding him up like a chicken he looked at the rabbit making sure she didn't get hurt.

“Aigoo... my heart. My heart stopped for a moment. You should have told me you could do that!”

Tsukino would have literally died if he was a second slower. She couldn't help but yell at him due to the adrenaline that had rushed through her veins.

“I told you to hold onto that right? I came to save you like promised.”

The falcon didn't know what happen. One second he was descending ready to take the insulting rabbit and now a red headed human was holding him upside down.

The bird started to shriek and squawk.

“Translate.”

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Level up: Translation (Beginner Lv. 6 30%)

You have learned Aves language

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

Mana up by 100

Speech up by 50[/col][/box]

“My good fellow. Please release me this instant. This a rather undignified position that you have precariously placed myself in.”

“I'll let you go if you become one of my companions.”

“As your servant? I think not. If you beat me in a gentleman's duel then I may consider it.”

“If I win you become my companion and if you win you get the rabbit.”

“WHAT?!”

Tsukino glared at her owner.

“Don't worry I won't lose.”

“Confident fellow. I accept the parameters of our duel.”

Akaro released the crimson bird and it took flight immediately. He watched as it prepared itself and dove with even more speed than what he saw earlier.

'He's taking it seriously now.'

Akaro had to dodge as the bird itself was about his level. He was level 18 after killing off the wolves and the falcon was level 16.

“It is quite unfortunate for you to not be able to fly. It seems fate has taken a fancy to me.”

“Don't worry. I'll come to you.”

Akaro quickly threw out needles as they were his lightest arsenals and using his strength it flew towards the falcon.

“I say. You must do better than that to catc...”

The bird of prey was surprised as when he looked down he only saw a cloud of red smoke. As his instincts took over, he quickly flew away as the red headed man had appeared behind him.

“Good sir. You are full of surprises. This shall be a duel that will be talked about throughout animal kingdom.”

Akaro who was mid air threw another needle at the bird. Which was again avoided and the raptor decided to continue to avoid these needles. The red head had to continously use shukuchi to stay in the air and his mana was beginning to diminish.

'I'll run out of mana if this continues like this. I'll have to go higher to catch him off guard.'

Akaro threw a needle at the raptor before throwing one in the air. The bird as per usual dodged the first needle but did not see the second needle Akaro threw.

“Where did that fellow go?”

Then he felt it. A surge in his instinct told him that he was in danger. He wanted to dodge but he did not know where it was coming from. Akaro was falling from a higher position and grabbed the bird on the throat as both of them started to descend towards the ground. Waiting until he was closer to the ground he used Shukuchi towards the needle that Tsukino still had.

Holding a kunai at the birds throat Akaro smiled.

“Good sir you may release me now. I have lost this duel and as a gentleman I will honour our agreement.”

Releasing the raptor it flew before it landed right beside Tsukino.

“I, Akaro, will provide food and shelter to Suzaku as long as he obeys my orders and protects me. Do you accept?”

“On my honour I will give my life to you sir.”

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Suzaku has accepted the companion contract.

Level up Contract (Intermediate Lv. 5 20%)

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

Speech up by 20[/col][/box]

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Level up: Shukuchi (Beginner Lv. 7 17%)

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

DEX up by 1

AGI up by 1

Mana up by 200[/col][/box]

“It is only customary for a servant to know his master's name. What may I call you?”

“My name is Akaro.”

“You have given me a splendid name as well. Does it have any meaning?”

“Suzaku was the vermillion bird that protected the south of a city in my home country.”

“Then I shall live up to that honour and protect you my dear benefactor. Sir Akaro is there anything you need from me?”

“Not at this moment unless you know where I can find a snake and an owl.”

“I dare say I do good sir. I have a colleague, strange fellow, but he is definitely in the same class as me in terms of aerial maneuvers. As for ground sliders there is one that I have been searching for but he is quite crafty. He managed to escape me twice with some sort of mental sorcery. He had eluded me every time I have spotted him but I do know where he hunts. If we have the proper bait we can lure him out from whatever rock he is under.”

At the word bait, Tsukino responded automatically with a shiver. She then looked at both Akaro and Suzaku who were staring at her.

“Please no master! Anything but that!”

“Don't worry. You will be safe.”

“My fair rabbit, as a gentleman I will come to your aide as quickly as the vile serpent shows up.”

Tsukino knew she was not going to get out of it and only sighed in response.

'Why is my luck so bad?'

***

Meanwhile with the other half of Akaro's team.

“I did it finally! Nuna I flipped myself over.”

“Good job Genbu!”

Kogane congratulated the turtle. Byakko who did not want to lose to his fellow brother screamed out.

“I have also gotten a lot faster. I can go to that tree in half the time now!”

“I got rabbit meat for you pretty lady.”

Kuroneko watching the three boys couldn't help but laugh a little. She then walked to the group.

“What good work you three. Genbu you must be faster. You took too long. It has been an hour since we flipped you over. Again and this time faster. Byakko you and Rai need to work on some team work. Kogane-ssi can you take over and teach them. I'll watch the turtle.”

Kuroneko flipped over Genbu once more to have him be able to do it a lot faster.

“Nuna why do I need to go faster?”

“In battle we cannot burden our master. You being able to flip yourself faster will make it better for you to help anyone else around you. Even if you are on Rai's head, it does not mean you will always be on there.”

“I do not want to be a burden. I'll do it nuna. I'm sorry for not listening earlier.”

“It's okay. As long as you listen now then you will not get punished again.”

His punishment earlier was to be spun around until Kuroneko was bored. Genbu shuddered at the thought. He was so dizzy he couldn't see straight.

Rai's punishment was exactly as Byakko's earlier one but because Rai had a sturdier head he completely cracked the tree after the tenth time of hitting it.

Byakko was force to run backwards until Kuroneko was done punishing Genbu.

Kogane brought the cat and the dog to where her brothers were practicing their movement.

“Teamwork is all about knowing your partners abilities and movement. You must be one with them. The both of you are two different animals but I'm sure we can make something work. Rai already has a bit more experience due to working with Genbu but you both seem to fight alone. We are a team now.”

“Okay pretty fox.”

“As a protector of the innocent I shall follow what you say, Kogane-nuna.”

“I'm going to first show you an example. Kagerou. Hikaru. Fox Medley.”

The three foxes used their prospective skills. Hikaru used Fox Rhythm, Kagerou used Fox Tempo, and Kogane used Fox Waltz. They were moving around like it was some sort of dance but after the skills were used they were moving faster, stronger, and seemed to know where the other was.

“In battle our skills will be doubled thanks to the support we give each other. Both of you are attackers so you should concentrate on an attack you can use together.”

Byakko looked at Rai and they both tried to used their strongest techniques on each other.

Rai ran at Byakko with a rushing headbutt and the cat use Byakko Pounce to try and bite onto Rai's head. This as you may have guessed was a bad idea.

“This isn't going to end well for the senpai.”

“This looks like it's going to hurt.”

Kogane sighed as she watch the both of them collide to each other.

“Rai. Byakko. Why are you using your attacks against each other? I said work together. For now just hunt deer together.”

“Why did you rush towards me? You were trying to kill me!”

“Stupid cat jump in front of my eyes. Could not see. Your fault we got hurt.”

Kogane watched as the two bickered.

“If you guys manage to create an Akaro-sama approved combo move then I'll promise a kiss to the both of you.”

“Cat we must hunt deer now.”

“Way ahead of you Rai-hyung.”

They both started rushing to the deer area while screaming out.

“FOR THE KISS!”

'Nee-chan is horrible.'

'Anego you're so bad.'

'Cute little brothers.'

***

Anko was starting to get into her training. She noticed that some stats would level up. She was also another person who did not play video games normally. She knew that stats would increase her base power as she felt stronger the more stats she obtained.

'Going to have to research this later when I log off.'

Taking a small break and eating her second bread she watched as other players were just practicing their skills. Then she picked up the scent of something extremely delicious. She did not have the scent of smell like wild animals but she did have one scent she could not get enough of.

'Anko!'

She quickly got up and started heading to the direction where she picked up the smell.

Cooking Queen was baking a red bean dessert. She first made the dough and was now making in the shape of a turtle. Inspired by her son's pets she made dog heads and turtles. She made them quite thin as she had to put two together after putting the red bean paste that she mixed with a couple of cups of sugar to make sweeter. After putting in the paste she would then put the other half of the dough shape on top. She would lightly press them together and seal the sides. After sides were sealed she would work on some minor details and applying cuts to let the steam out while it cooks as well. The holes were set up to either look like eyes or the shape of the shell. She placed it in the oven and waited for about twelve to fifteen minutes. Once it was a golden brown she set it by a window to cool.

Walking in the Hunter's Delight, Anko walked towards the counter.

“Excuse me. How much are those red bean desserts?”

“Hmm I'm selling them for 50 copper coins.”

Completely dejected Anko was starting to walk away. She was just a beginner and did not have that much money yet. She hasn't even learned what quests were yet.

Juhee watched as the girl seem to have gotten depressed.

'To get that sad for not getting the dessert. She must really like it but it looks like she just started. I can't just let her go feeling like that.'

“Pardon me Miss. Did you want one?”

Quickly returning to the counter she nodded furiously.

“Oh my so enthusiastic. The first one is on me.”

“Thank you! Please I cannot just take charity. Is there something I can do to pay you back?”

“I'm not too sure. Gasper is there anything that we need right now?”

'Quite a beauty. Might be good to set her up with young brother.'

“We need a dishwasher to clean some of the plates. If she can do that we can probably use her as a waitress later on.”

“Wash dishes? You don't have servants to do that?”

“Are you a rich girl? I'm not too sure if you can do it then. It might be hard for you.”

“I'll do it! I cannot take advantage of your generosity!”

“This girl has a good head on her shoulders. Alright we'll take you in as a dishwasher.”

Whistles all came from the young chefs in the back.

“Working with another beauty!”

“We have a good looking younger brother and a pretty younger sister!”

“Is she single?”

“Oi you brats! Keep working, I don't pay you to hit on women.”

“Don't worry... Ah I didn't catch your name.”

“My name in this game is Anko. Thank you for having me.”

“Such a polite girl. Alright let this ajumma teach you how to wash dishes but before that here.”

Cooking Queen handed over one of the treats to the young woman.

Anko took a bite on the golden brown turtle's head and couldn't help and let out a cute noise.

“Sooo good! Oba-san your baking is so delicious.”

“No chef can deny a compliment for their cooking. Once you finish that we have work to do. If you do well, I'll give you three more.”

“Three more! I'll work hard miss um...”

“Cooking Queen.”

“A queen! I apologize for my rude behavior.”

Anko bowed to the older woman.

“You stop that. That is my game name. Now stop fooling around.”

Juhee was shaking her head at the young player.

“I'll teach you more about the game as well. My son was just as hopeless as you.”

“Please take care of me.”

***

Hopping with tears in her eyes, Tsukino was walking towards a river that was quite close by. She was sobbing as she had to resign her fate as bait for the snake that her master was after. Firmly holding onto her master's needle that he gave her earlier. She hopped closer and closer to the waters edge.

Akaro and Suzaku were at a nearby tree watching the rabbit from afar.

“Sir Akaro. This snake has quite a nasty bite. Will she be alright?”

“Even if she gets bitten she has a high tolerance for poison. So her life will not be in any immediate danger. But I will make sure that doesn't happen.”

“Of course. We cannot have a lady be injured in this endeavor. Even if the lady is a rabbit.”

“Sir! The vile creature is coming from the river.”

The falcon had better eyesight than his owner and spotted it it first. It was a dark shadow in the river gliding towards the white rabbit. It's blue head left the surface before it launched it's attack.

“Eeeek!”

Red smoke appeared and blocked the snakes eyesight and sense of smell. Looking confused it spoke out.

“What isss thisss red sssmoke?”

“Suzaku now!”

Suzaku was in the air and it had already started his descent to capture their query. Grabbing the snake in it's talons it flew straight into the air.

“Waaahhh... master. I was soo scared!”

Tsukino jumped into her owners arms with tears in her eyes.

“You did well Tsukino. I'll make sure to get some carrots for you later.”

“At least three. One because I did good. Two because you used me as bait.”

“Hai. Hai.”

Suzaku was above the clouds now with a snake in between his talons.

“We meet again fiend.”

“The bird I essscaped from. I can essscape again!”

“Not while being at this height. I'm sure if I were to release you, mother earth would embrace you.”

“Ssstop. Pleassse don't drop me!”

The snake was looking down on the ground. It had sapphire blue outer skin and it's belly was a bright yellow green. The highly vibrant colours indicated he had very potent poison.

“Sir Akaro. I have apprehended our slithering query. What shall we do with him?”

“I, Akaro, will provide shelter and feed Seiryuu. As long as he protects me and obeys my command. He will also not attack any of his companions. Do you accept?”

“Never you ssstinking human. Nothing you can do change my mind.”

“Suzaku. Drop him.”

“It will be my pleasure.”

“Nooooooooo! Pleassse I accept. I acceptssss!”

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Seiryuu has accepted the companion contract.

Contract proficiency increased.

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

Mana up by 100

Speech up by 50

Due to using Coercion Speech down by 50

Level up: Coercion (Beginner Lv. 2 20%)[/col][/box]

“Suzaku.”

“Pity. Would have loved to eat his carcass.”

Suzaku quickly swooped down and retrieve the falling reptile and placed it safely in front of Akaro.

Just as quick as he was put down he seemed to get ready and launch an attack at Akaro. Seiryuu unfortunately did not know the danger he just put himself in both with the contract condition and Akaro's own reflexes.

Akaro caught the snake by the throat and with his other hand held a kunai to it's mouth.

“Did you just try to attack me Seiryuu?”

“Mo Masstaaa. Mai wahs gawing to gibss you a kisshh!”

(No Master. I was going to give you a kiss.)

“Well I'm all for affection but biting me with venom in your fangs speak otherwise. You know what that means right Seiryuu.”

The kunai was drenched with venom from Seiryuu's fangs.

The blue and green snake started the wiggle and move around randomly.

“It'ssss sssoo itchy. Massster what did you do?”

“One of the punishments for not following a contract was a punishment dealt by the gods themselves. They have given you one that I'm familiar with. It makes you itch for the next hour. Tsukino probably knows a remedy but you tried to attack her not too long ago.”

Akaro said gods as it being a game cannot be really explained to NPCs who lived in it. Although they are programmed to know about class skills and how players were always hunting and asking for things to do, they are still living beings in the world itself. So he decided to use gods as that could alleviate the unexplainable to the snake.

“Pleassse masster, help me... I'm sssorry. I will not do it again.”

“No.”

Akaro simply let the snake suffer as he continued to hold it by the head making sure it had no chance to rub on anything around him. When he said no, he made sure Seiryuu saw his glare.

Suzaku and Tsukino had to shiver at the cruelty but did not say anything as the snake did try to kill their master.

“Sir Akaro. We are close to my fellow winged colleague. He should be awake as he is quite strange for an owl.”

Still holding the snake he walked with the other two to what looked like an old oak tree with a giant hole in the middle. Soon enough an owl came out. It was quite large, probably bigger than Suzaku, and it had horn like feathers protruding out on top of his head.

Already knowing the Aves language Akaro decided to speak to the amber eyed owl.

“Good afternoon. Can you help me with a request?”

“Who goes there?”

“Akaro.”

“Akaro what a funny name. How can I help?”

“I need your help with some mice and rats.”

“Who goes there?”

“Akaro.”

“Akaro what a funny name. How can I help?”

'This one really has a bird brain.'

Akaro looked at Suzaku and cardinal falcon took over.

“Fellow raptor please help us with our noble quest to slay foul vermin. We can eat our foes, as that would assist my benefactor.”

“Ah the red falcon. Nice seeing you again. I can join you.”

“I, Akaro, will provide shelter and food for Yasu and he will obey and protect me. Do you accept?”

“I accept. What did I accept?”

Everyone had a sweat drop on their head towards the birdbrain of an owl.

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Yasu has accepted the companion contract.

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

Mana up by 100

Speech up by 50[/col][/box]

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Level up: Contract (Intermediate Lv. 6 24%)

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

Speech up by 20[/col][/box]

“Suzaku, Seiryuu, and Yasu stats.”

Status WindowNameSuzakuRaceCardinal FalconLevel16Health1250Mana0Stamina300Loyalty100%Strength70Agility220Vitality100Instinct300Wisdom50Intelligence140Leadership50Luck0Attack80Defence30Combat Skills:Aerial DiveATK +75%

Consumes 40 staminaAerial SlashATK +100%

Consumes 50 StaminaAerial GripATK +50%

Consumes 30 stamina, 20% chance to cause bleedAerial DropATK +10%/10 meters above ground

Consumes 50 StaminaCry of the RaptorOpponents Decrease ATK -50%

Consumes 50

Duration 10 minutesSpecial Abilities:Raptor EyesThe keen sense of sight that belong to birds of prey. Able to see longer distances then the human eye.Razor FeathersDue to constant fighting with other birds of prey it had adapted and sharpened its wing feathers with a fine edgeAerial AcrobaticsThe falcon has adapted in close quarter flying with both flexibility and awareness.

Status WindowNameSeiryuuRaceRiver SnakeLevel10Health450Mana0Stamina170Loyalty10%Strength30Agility100Vitality45Instinct220Wisdom100Intelligence140Leadership0Luck0Attack30Defence40Combat Skills:Venom BiteATK +20%

Consumes 50 stamina

100% chance to poisonConstrictATK+10%

ATK +2%/Second

Consumes 10 Stamina

Consumes 2 Stamina/secondVenom SprayATK +50%

Consumes 60 stamina

100% chance to poisonSpecial Abilities:Basilisk EyesAble to hypnotize his opponents causing them to be unable to move their muscles for a limited amount of time.Water BreatherA snake known for it's ability to breath under water.Vile DeceiverAble to fool creatures of lower intelligence to listen to his orders or suggestions

Status WindowNameYasuRaceEagle OwlLevel18Health1300Mana0Stamina300Loyalty50%Strength186Agility142Vitality100Instinct300Wisdom250Intelligence130Leadership0Luck0Attack25Defence70Combat Skills:Silent FlightStealth +50%

Consumes 20 stamina

Duration 10 minutesSilent Aerial StrikeATK +50%

Stealth +50%

Consumes 50 staminaSilent Aerial GraspATK +70%

Stealth +50%

Consumes 60 Stamina, Duration 10 minutesSpecial Abilities:Quiet FeathersDue to the special feathers that owls possess they can fly a lot quieter in order for them to sneak up on preyNocturnal Raptor EyesAble to see at far distance while in darkness due to their big round eyes.Mind LapseDue to having a birdbrain mentality it is unable to be attacked with anything that constrains mental aptitude.

Akaro was quite surprised at Yasu's level of intelligence. He was not a stupid bird but unfortunately due to the Mind Lapse ability it made it seem that way. Suzaku seemed exactly how he looked but unfortunately the snake was the least loyal of the group. Due to coercing Seiryuu, Akaro had forced the contract on him.

'Makes sense that he has animosity against me. I'll have to worry about that later.'

“Time to head back and join the others. He was the last on my list that I needed to combat the mice. Now we are going to work on teamwork.”

The new group of companions and Akaro headed towards the western gates once more.

***

Rai and Byakko was covered in bruises and dirt. They had tried so many different combinations but could not find anything that would not end up in failure.

“This is so frustrating. How can we not figure anything out by now!”

“Combo move is hard to make. Kiss so far away now...”

“Don't give up Rai-hyung! We are not done yet.”

Just then a wolf had entered the area. It had been eying the two animals for a while and it had left it's pack to get a snack of it's own.

“Look at these two pets trying to train. Your owner isn't around so it's perfect time to get a snack.”

“You think you can take down allies of justice!”

Byakko bravely spouted at the wolf. He prepared to attack and was joined with Rai. They both did not have a lot of stamina so it was important that they kill the wolf or they become food.

“White cat.”

“Yes Rai-hyung.”

“Get on my head.”

“What?!”

“I fight better when there is something on my head.”

“I'm not Genbu-hyung!”

“Just do it. We need to fight at our best.”

Rai forcefully picked up Byakko and flipped him on his head. Byakko was scowling but listened anyway.

Using his strongest move, Rai ran towards the wolf with a rushing headbutt but forgot the person on his head was Byakko.

“YOU STUPID DOG!”

Byakko screamed and as they were about to hit he jumped off of Rai's head and did an uppercut before Rai collided into the wolf. The wolf whimpered before it grayed out.

“We did it!”

“Rai-hyung we got a new combo move!”

“Yay kiss!”

“We need to give it a name... How about Rising Dragon of the rushing River?”

“Master won't approve. Too long and hard to say.”

“Right... we need sensei's approval. How about CD Rushing Uppercut!”

“CD?”

“Cat. Dog. Rushing from your move and uppercut from mine.”

Byakko gave a grin. Rai nodded as the only one who liked calling out special moves was Byakko anyway. The two started heading back and found that their master was waiting for them to return.

“Master! You're back!”

“Sensei we have a new move that needs your approval so we can get a reward!”

Akaro watched the duo and nodded.

“Alright. Try it on me. I'll see how much damage it does.”

“Don't cry if you get hurt sensei! Rai-hyung lets do it!”

Byakko jumped on Rai once more and the move was started.

Akaro watched carefully as the speeding cat and dog rushed at him.

“CD RUSHING UPPERCUT!”

Byakko tried to do the uppercut but only grazed Akaro who dodged slightly but still got caught with Rai's charge.

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]You have received 500 damage.[/col][/box]

The collision brought Akaro and the two boys down with him. Akaro couldn't help but laugh as Rai had started licking his face as if saying sorry.

“Sensei, is it a good move? Is the name good?”

“The moment you said uppercut I knew to dodge it. So don't say it before. Heroes usually say their finishing moves after the move was completed. But good job both of you. I approve.”

“Yes! Kogane-nuna. The reward please!”

“KISS! KISS!”

“I did promise.”

Kogane walked up to the both of them and lick them once on the cheek. She also gave Akaro a lick on the lips.

“Sensei still gets the best reward.”

“...”

Rai was lying down happy while Byakko pouted.

Akaro was happy that they started to get along.

“Alright now that everyone is here. These are our newest members. Suzaku, Yasu, and Seiryuu.”

“Good afternoon my fellow companions.”

“Greetings. Who are you again?”

“You are all foolsss following thisss human.”

Well there were mixed reactions. Most of them were hate towards the snake for insulting them and their owner. The owl was being inspected by the fox twins.

“Hello.”

“Yo big bird.”

“Greetings young foxes. Nice to meet you.”

“Have you ever eaten fireflies?”

“Why is everything fireflies with you. I'm ashamed I'm the youngest.”

“Don't knock it until you try it.”

“Greetings young foxes. Nice to meet you.”

“You said that already.”

“I did? Well I'm not as young as I use to be.”

“I don't think being old has anything to do with it.”

The foxes thought the owl was strange but fun to talk to.

“Greetings my fair ladies.”

“My what a gentleman. You can be the fourth leader.”

“So polite. He is perfect for that position.”

The cardinal falcon bowed to the two older sisters.

“Fourth leader? Madame I am most suited in this group to be Sir Akaro's right hand man. As his faithful servant I will take no lower position.”

“Oh? I believe you will not like me as an enemy. Second leader position is mine or do you want to test your skills against mine?”

“Please madame, a lady should not needlessly choose violence as their first action. Your threats do not frighten me as I have eaten far bigger prey.”

“Don't be like that. Us women need to be closest to Akaro-sama. We must protect him from the wiles of other females you know. Please reconsider?”

“I'm sorry miss but you are the wrong species for me to be allured by your beauty. Albeit you are still a gorgeous vixen but my ideal lady is a little more feathered if you understand my meaning.”

Their attempts to dominate and captivate the red headed bird. They needed a different approach to have him do what they wanted.

“Alright you can take second in command. I guess we will have to work hard on training the young ones ourselves Kogane. Too bad we do not have any proper man to take over their training.”

“Your right Kuroneko. So hard to teach the boys how to be proper gentleman when we are just two lowly women.”

“What?! Young men who do not know how to act accordingly is quite an insult to men everywhere. Do not worry my beautiful companions I shall train these boys into proper gentleman. I'll be the fourth in command to not overburden you with these young rapscallions.”

'Too easy.'

The two ladies of their group again reaffirmed their positions as second and third in command.

Genbu was having an argument with Seiryuu.

“Hey snake. Don't insult hyung like that!”

“You don't know what he did to me.”

“It cannot be that bad. I don't see you injured anywhere.”

“He would have dropped me from the sssky if I didn't accept hisss contract.”

“Ssso? You probably dessserved it for whatever you did to hyung.”

“Are you insssulting my ssspeech turtle!”

“Isss that a problem for yousss?”

“If I could harm you without retribution I would have done ssso already.”

The two glared at each other. Their relationship started off quite rocky although they were both reptiles.

“Okay everyone gather around. We are going to agree on a contract as a team.”

“Can I name the team The Tigers of Justice?”

The white cat had such a passionate face it would have been hard to say no if it was someone else.

“No.”

“Ow what was that for Nuna?”

“For being an idiot and interrupting master. Please continue master.”

Akaro watched Kuroneko smack her brother before she looked at him to continue.

“Even though we all just gathered recently you have all promised to listen and protect me. I will do my best to protect you and prepare you for the upcoming battle. We cannot do proper training as I need to prepare for our upcoming battle.”

Akaro began but was interrupted by an excited Suzaku.

“What a great stage for us to be in my comrades! To stake our strength against a common foe.”

“Mice? Where are the mice? Who are you people?”

Akaro glared at the two birds to shut them up.

“As I was saying, I will be putting Suzaku, Kuroneko, and Kogane in charge of the training of the team. Kuroneko will be in charge of training Yasu and Kagerou as our stealth unit. Kogane you will be in charge of the support unit which will consist of Hikaru, Tsukino, and Seiryuu. Lastly Suzaku you are in charge of the dynasty brothers which are Byakko, Genbu, and Rai. You are an attack unit and even though Genbu is mostly defensive he already works will with Rai and the combination of both of them is already really strong.”

“We will be so silent that the mice will not know what hit them.

“We will be sure to able to assist you with all our skills.”

“Sir Akaro, the training of these young men will be an honour. They will be made into gentleman in no time.”

Akaro nodded and smiled at his army. They were still outnumbered but he had obtained the natural predators of most rodents. Albeit the turtle and rabbit really cannot help against their adversary in that regards but one was his second companion gained and the rabbit was perfect for support.

“All of you train hard and I will come to get you tomorrow when it is time to commence the operation. You are not just my companions nor pets. You are now my family that I will swear to protect from any danger. All of you please agree to the contract of as long as you are contracted to me that you will all protect each other as well. No matter what you think of each other. I'm talking to you Genbu and Seiryuu.”

“He started it!”

“He made fun of my ssspeech.”

“Seiryuu! Watch out!”

A warning came out of Genbu's mouth as an arrow was flying straight towards the snake.