Chapter 8: Phantomfur's end?

“Get those mice!”

“Vile vermin dare steal from us!”

Three hundred mice carrying various bentos, were scurrying away from a scouting group of spiders. The reason they were being chased was they have snuck into the camp of the spiders and stolen food from their newly acquired ally. Unfortunately for the mice they were caught by a scouting party.

This group quickly descended the stairs still holding the treasured food they risked their lives to steal.

“Mike keep running! They are gaining on us.”

“Victor can’t believe you tricked the humans!”

“Talk later. We need to get to the basement.”

The two mice who was leading the group were conversing between themselves. Of course the moment they entered the basement the chase of the spiders halted altogether.

“Tch. Those damn mice are lucky. We can’t go further than this. Sargent Webslinger, we will have to report to the Lieutenant about this situation.”

The spiders did not dare tread towards the basement as they were mere foot soldiers and they would not be a match for whoever they would encounter in the enemy stronghold.

“Victor we did it! Now the food is ours!”

“You mean ours you stupid mice.”

The mice were caught off guard as rats the size of cows decided to show themselves. Altogether there were about ten guarding the entrance to the portal of where their forces were.

“So the leader of the runts actually brought us some food.”

“You stinky rat. You are going to let our kind starve again!”

“Tough luck Victor. You either hand over that food to us… or we will have mice appetizers as well. Your choice.”

Victor the mouse looked at his compatriots. They themselves were no match for the rats that were ranging in Level from 65 - 75. He knew he had to give up the food and with a saddened look he nodded.

“Smart choice. But because you took too long…”

“MIKE!!!!!”

The giant rat ate the loud mouse who was Victor’s best friend. Then the other rats grabbed the bento’s that had an alluring scent of cinnamon coming from them. They opened it up and only split it amongst them. They did not share with the fifty mice they were in command of.

Victor had snuck away while the rats greedily ate the bento he had stolen and started ascending the stairs once more.

“Sargent Webslinger. Tell the general it’s done.”

“Wasn’t it suppose to be Mike to tell us of this?”

“...”

“We will make sure to avenge him.”

Victor returned back and started the second part of his mission. Being a spy was what was instructed to him by the red headed ninja.

***Flashback***

“Here is the plan. Kuroneko gather the mice.”

“You heard my master. Come here.”

“Yes empress.”

The five hundred mice gathered in front of Akaro.

“Who would you say is the leader of your group?”

“Victor.”

All the mice looked towards a mouse with a scar over his right eye. As cliche as it may have sounded he was a constant nuisance to the rats as he would often question their authority hence why he had a scar on his face.

“Then Victor. I have a plan but I need you and your group to accomplish this.”

“What’s in it for us?”

Just like Akaro thought he had a very rebellious feeling from him which was perfect to utilize. He chose the best way to get from what he wanted from the mouse.

“From what I understand the mice followed their orders from the rat commanders. If your kind proves themselves helpful in this war I will speak to the queen to give asylum to the mice. But only to those who defect over to our side.”

“You expect me to believe words coming from the man who slaughtered our kin!”

“I will promise you this. If you want we can sign a contract. But if you still say no… I will kill all of you now.”

Akaro had used coercion at the cost of some speech stats during this last statement. The reaction from all the mice was instant. He had no qualms with killing them as they were all just above Level 10. In terms of strength they were not enough to do anything insignificant. He needed all the mice to make a difference.

Victor looked at the one called the Rodent Reaper and understood the truth in his words. He knew that if this man wanted he would have disposed of them. A sliver of hope had also pierced him when he was threatened.

“We will sign a contract. If we can make an agreement I just want our kind to be treated fairly.”

The spider soldiers were also listening and understood what this meant. Their family that was killed by mice like them would not be avenged if this proceeds any further.

“Spider General Akaro! Forgive me for the interruption but we can just dispose of these vermin and fight their forces head on!”

General Toxinwebs was the first to vehemently object the actions of their ally. It was not Akaro who replied back but the queen herself.

“At ease General Toxinwebs. Spider General Akaro is right. Before this war we had a good relationship with the rat kingdom. These mice are soldiers just like our own. They have lost family just like us. We need to end this war so this suffering can end.”

Her red eyes looked at the young man and she looked down towards the rebellious mouse.

“Victor. If you and your kind accomplish the mission that the Spider General has given you then I will give asylum to mice who vow to make peace with us.”

Victor was shocked and awed that the queen spoke with him directly. When the queen accepted the selfish request, the sliver of hope grew within him as this was the one thing he wanted. A place for the mice to have peace. He looked at the red head and nodded.

Akaro had already prepared the contract and it became the peace treaty between these two races. The three signed the paper as Akaro had made the adjustment as the Venomsilk already agreed to the peace between them if they succeed. Akaro was their witness to the contract.

Although General Toxinweb was not happy with the situation he understood what the queen wanted. It was the same type of decision his brother-in-arms King Venomstorm would have done.

“Rodent Reaper, now that the agreement has been signed what is our orders?”

“You will have to put an act. I want you all to deliver food to the rats and then persuade the other mice to join our ranks. That is why I asked who was the leading authority amongst the mice.”

Victor nodded and the other mice understood but was confused about the food.

“Why feed your enemies?”

“I’m going to poison the food. The more we weaken them the better chances we have on all coming out alive. I’m sure they are much stronger as they manage to push the spiders out this far. This will make sure we keep the advantage.”

Akaro had planned this at the very beginning and Anko understood what she needed to do. She grabbed the bentos in her inventory and placed it in front Akaro. Akaro took out the poison and evenly distributed between them.

“How will you know they will eat the bentos instead of sharing it to the mice?”

Serenity was curious as to how the plan will work as she saw the poison in action and the mice immediately died from touching the goop that Tsukino had used earlier.

Victor was the one who replied to the young woman.

“Because they are greedy, filthy, and disgusting creatures. They starved us to begin with and we had to eat the …”

Victor gulped as the look from Akaro instilled fear in him. It was the look that the redhead first had after seeing his books decimated.

“Victor is correct. The personality of these rats are selfish and will for sure want the spoils of someone else’s work. The only problem is we have to make it believable. General Toxinwebs.”

“Yes Spider General.”

“I need a small scout party of spiders that will chase and kill the mice as they run away. In order for this to work the mice has to feel like they will lose their life. Is that understood Victor?”

“We mice agree. They are smarter than us so they will figure it out if we just show up with food.”

“Then since you are willing to sacrifice this much I will appoint Sargent Webslinger as the chasing party. General Akaro you are a masterful tactician. When shall we commence this plan?”

“Now.”

Akaro took a deep breath and shouted.

“YOU DAMN MICE! BRING BACK MY FOOD!”

**End Flashback**

Victor shuddered at the memory as they lost a hundred mice almost immediately and more while they ran. He felt that the Rodent Reaper did not want any indications known to the rats of the ploy they had created.

“Hey guys. I’m going to betray the rats. Join me.”

“What can you do Victor? They just ate Mike.”

“I’ve allied with the enemy.”

“With the Rodent Reaper?!”

“Ssh. Yes. Just watch the rats.”

It did not take long for the poison to work as the rats consumed the defiled bentos quite quickly. They all started to foam at the mouths as their health bars started decrease alarmingly fast. The rats finally noticed that they had been duped by the rebellious mouse.

“VICTOR! YOU DARE BETRAY US!”

“Serves you right you rat bastards! This is for Mike!”

“I’LL KILL YOU!”

One of the rats started to rampage and head towards the one eyed mouse. The level difference was still there and it looked like Victor’s demise was soon to follow but webs were shot at the rat and it was held into place.

Victor looked up to see his allies. General Toxinweb was the who shot a web at the mouse trying to attack him. With the feeling of gratitude welling up in his heart he let out a battle cry.

“MICE! WE ARE GOING TO OPPOSE THOSE WHO STARVE US AND EAT US! LET’S FIGHT WITH THE RODENT REAPER AND WE CAN KILL ALL THE RATS!”

The mice didn’t even need to be persuaded at this point as they saw that the rats were already on the verge of death. The low-leveled creatures outnumbered them fifty to one and the level difference did not matter thanks to the poison. The end of the rats guarding the portal had already been decided by their greed in eating the food.

Akaro’s army had now grew in size. He had Lieutenant Fangs and his army under him and he himself had his allies and an army of mice of eight hundred.

“You did well Victor. We have cut their forces in half once more. This will make it easier once we invade their base.”

“You were merciless when chasing us so the rats didn’t even suspect a thing.”

“So this is the gate that leads to your lands…”

Akaro looked at the huge glowing area. It’s eerie light was matched with the runic symbols around it. The symbols looked familiar to him but he had no time to decipher as he had to prepare for the next mission.

He looked at the forces he had brought with him. General Toxinwebs, his army of five hundred, and ten royal guardsmen accompanied them. Lieutenant Toxinfangs had an army of three hundred that he commanded. Tsukino had her band of medics that numbered about ten. Anko had Seiryuu with her as support for her. He brought the twins with him and the rest were guarding the queen.

Akaro couldn’t help but trust his gut and leave his main attacking party to guard the queen although they did have their protests.

***Flashback***

“We are going to attack in full force and if Victor accomplishes his mission we will have a force of over two thousand.”

Akaro had quickly said as he watched Sargent Webslinger chase Victor’s group.

“Serenity, Kuroneko, Suzaku, Yasu, Rai, Genbu, Byakko, and Kogane. I need you all to stay and guard the queen and prince. I want to make sure they remain safe.”

“We will protect her sensei! In the name of Justice!”

“Don’t worry about her hyung! We will make sure she’s safe.”

“Master says protect pretty spider lady. I will protect her.”

“Sir Akaro it is my honor to fulfill this mission you have bestowed upon us.”

“Who is it that dares point their blades against this beautiful rose? To you the red headed man, I know not your name, but I will protect beauty at all costs!”

Akaro and the other male companions looked at the owl and found that he had another facet to him. He was intelligent but it felt like he couldn’t leave Yasu alone with the queen for obvious reasons.

“Sir Akaro as a fellow Sky Knight, I shall keep Sir Yasu in check as his behavior to women concern me.”

The females of the group was not so accepting with their role. Serenity was the first to comment on the role given to her.

“Akaro why can’t I go with you and Anko?”

“Because I need you to protect the queen.”

“But why not Anko?”

“She’s too low a level and she still needs to get use to her new class. You are the highest level between the three of us and you are perfect for keeping enemies at a distance. This is important and you are the only one who can fight with range out of our forces.”

“Don’t worry Serenity! We will make sure no mice comes this way!”

‘That’s not what I’m worried about...’

Serenity only sighed in defeat as logically she would be too open a target if she joins them on an offensive. She also didn’t mind the role of protecting the queen.

“My son and I are in your care Serenity.”

“I’ll do my best to protect you.”

Akaro then gave Serenity a thin leather straps that they have made together and on it was the open book symbol and her name engraved on a metal piece.

“This item will allow you to speak to the animals here. I have given the symbol the same spell attributes of my language breaker. I’m going to activate it now and it will last for about an hour and a half.”

The skill he was referring to was the Language Breaker and it was the only spell in his arsenal that could be assigned to a symbol. He chose the symbol he engraved on all his pets as it was a symbol he already created. With his use of Language Breaker during the conversations with the spiders and mice he had manage to bring it up to the second beginner level. This increased the duration it will last before needing to activate it once more.

“Anko this is yours. If we get separated you will have at least be able to speak to the spiders around you.”

He handed her the same strap but with her name on the metal plate. He had created both of them when he was waiting for Anko to change to the new armor.

“Another item I need to pay you back for.”

“It’s not a gift but a necessity. You are part of our allied force and you need to be able to communicate. All the animals can already talk to other animals, only us humans really need it to understand them.”

Now it was the two last females of the group he had to talk to as their disgruntled face at being told to be left behind was too apparent for even Akaro not to notice.

“Master why do I have to be left behind with trio of idiots?”

“Akaro-sama please don’t leave me behind. I want to watch over my brothers!”

It was true that Akaro was taking the two foxes with him but that was because he felt that they did not grow as quickly as the others so he is taking them to help them grow.

“Kogane I am going to help your brothers grow. Do you trust me?”

“Yes Akaro-sama. With all my heart.”

“I will bring them back alive. But I need you both to also look out for the royalty. I cannot shake the feeling that I am getting that they will be in danger when I leave them. Kuroneko you answered your own question. You are the best at handling those three and Suzaku and Yasu need to focus on fighting if the need arises.”

Kuroneko and Kogane saw the concern in his eyes, and they knew why he was asking them to be left behind. It was because he trusted them to root out whatever is causing their master this feeling of doubt.

“Yes Master. If you are feeling that way then who better than I to support you. You, the purple haired one. You better do your job properly and protect our master!”

“Hmph. You just make sure you don’t accidentally kill the queen!”

Anko and Kuroneko smirked at each other before they look towards their leader.

“Seiryuu you will stay with Anko and be her support.”

“Asss you wisssh massster. I ssshall not disssappoint. Woman I will wrap myssself around your waissst.”

“So be it.”

Anko felt the slithering snake climb up her leg and wrapped himself around her slender waist. She felt a slight chill crawl up her spine as her body was still trying to get use to the cool feeling coming from the snakes scales.

“Tsukino you and your medic team will be in the back of the forces to heal and bandage any spiders we send back.”

“It wouldn’t make sense if I’m in the front you know although…”

“No experiments.”

“Damn.”

Akaro was starting to understand now that why the rabbit was scorned by her own kind as she was quite peculiar. He can only shake his head at the mayhem the rabbit and Poison-sensei will do now that they will be able to talk to each other.

“Kagerou and Hikaru.”

“Yes nii-san!”

“Yes Akaro-nii!”

“The both of you will be my support. Your abilities will be needed for what I have planned.”

“YAY! We are going to finally learn how to be awesome like our master Hikaru-nii.”

“Looks like we get to do something exciting this time.”

“Both of you listen to Akaro-sama! Come back to me safely!”

“Hai nee-chan!”

The two foxes couldn’t control their joy as they finally get to go with their older brother in a real fight. Although they knew to not do anything too drastic, as their sister will find a way to kill them a second time if they died on her.

“Lieutenant Toxinfangs is your army ready?”

“Yes our general. We are prepared to finally end this war.”

“General Toxinwebs are you fine with the treaty we have signed?”

“The queen herself has signed it. As a soldier we will follow orders to the end.”

“Good.”

“Generals! The rats have taken the bait.”

Sargent Webslinger arrived with news from their advanced party.

“To war!”

The allied forces cried out as this was the first time the spider race were on the offensive end in this battle.

***End Flashback***

Akaro had to act quickly while the element of surprise was still with them.

“Everyone to formations. Our first goal is to secure Venomcindra. Victor rally up the mice. You will be the first to go through. We need to confuse them.”

“Yes sir! You heard him you bunch of cowards. We won’t get our freedom by being afraid.”

“NO!”

“What?!”

“Why should we lead first? They just want us to die.”

This time Akaro stepped in as it seems that Victor still didn’t have their respect.

“You either go through now or I’ll kill you myself.”

[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 Coercion: Beginner level 4: 24%

Speech reduced by 50

Int up by 1

Wis up by 1

Charisma up by 1

Leadership up by 1

[/col][/box]

“YES SIR!”

“TO NOT DIE BY THE RODENT REAPER!”

“CHARGE!”

“FOR MIKE AND GEORGE!”

“WHO IS THAT GUY?!”

The strange battle cries of the mice was giving Akaro a headache. Their sense of unity was questionable but thanks to the Coercion skill he knew they would follow orders. In terms of fear he was on the higher scale than the rats. The only problem he can see is when attacking the rat king himself. His charisma must be much higher than his own and he cannot afford to have them meet the rat king.

The mice disappeared into the portal. Soon followed by General Toxinweb and his army as their back up. With the remaining forces he looked at Anko and Toxinfangs.

“Anko, Toxinfangs, and Seiryuu. Stay close to me. We are going to go straight to whoever is holding Venomcindra. Hikaru and Kagerou you two will also stay close. Our objective will happen the moment the queen’s sister is safe.”

“Hai aniki!”

“Yes Akaro-nii.”

“As you wish Spider General.”

“Anko.”

Akaro this time singled out the female warrior.

“Yes.”

“What skills did you learn after becoming a Spider Knight?”

Anko forgot to check as they immediately went into battle. She called up her skills screen and read it out for Akaro.

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]

Spinnerette Shooter (Beginner Level 1: 0%): Enables the user to shoot out spider webs from the palm of their hands.

Consumes 10 mana/meter

20% chance to slow targets

Venomize (Beginner Level 1: 0%): Enables the user to coat weapons with poison using their own saliva.

Consumes 100 mana

Wall Climber (Beginner Level 1: 0%): Enables the user to cling walls and other vertical surfaces.

Consumes 10mana/sec

Spider Eyes (Beginner Level 1: 0%): Enables the user to view their immediate surroundings as if they had 360 degrees of vision.

Consumes 25mana/sec

[/col][/box]

“That is just the beginner skills for us spider knights miss.”

Lieutenant Toxinfangs commented after she recited her skills.

“So there is more to this. My stats also improved and now I don’t have any issues with using my weapon. I’m one step closer to beating you Akaro.”

“Hmm. Did you say something? Well lets get in and get ready to help our allies.”

“Did you just ignore me?!”

Akaro didn’t even respond as he entered the portal. Hearing Anko’s skills he can see how he would have used it for himself but it wasn’t what he himself wanted. He had to blink as when he entered the portal the cries of both mice and spiders could be heard.

“YOU DAMN MICE! DARE BETRAY THE KING!”

“YOU DAMN RIGHT! WE DON’T WANT TO DIE BY THE RODENT REAPER!”

Soon after Anko and the rest of their forces entered and they too surveyed the situation. They needed to find Venomcindra and it did not take them that long. She was being guarded by a rat the size of an elephant that was level 80.

“That’ssss a big rat…”

“Go kids. If you get hurt your older sister rabbit will be sure to heal you. Just come back right here. As there is no way in rabbit hell am I going to face that.”

The two foxes looked at their older brother.

“Aniki.”

“Akaro-nii”

“Don’t worry we are not going to fight him. Anko is.”

“REALLY?! YES!”

Anko was excited as she really wanted to test out her new skills. Akaro only shook his head but knew she and the army should be able to handle it.

“Why am I alwaysss with the crazy onesss?”

“Don’t worry snake. I’ll assist.”

Toxinfangs and the army will also be joining Anko in taking down the humongous rat.

“What are we doing aniki?”

“We are going to assassinate the rat king.”

“Did you hear that Hikaru-nii? We are going to fight the rat king…”

“ARE YOU CRAZY ANIKI?!”

“We are going to be fighting first. The rest of the army will be joining us after.”

Akaro was trying to explain to the frantic young foxes his actual plan but it was proving to be a bit difficult.

“We are not strong enough to fight him.”

“I already said you guys were my support. Nothing else. I need your skills and don’t worry I’ll protect the both of you.”

“Well if Akaro-nii says so. As long as we don’t get in trouble with nee-san.”

Akaro and the two foxes snuck away from the portal and as they were approaching the door leading towards the main floor a humanoid rat jumped in front.

“RODENT REAPER! I, Deathfur, challenge you.”

“I have no time for you.”

The red head wanted to conserve his strength but this giant of a ratman was in his way. As he was about to unsheath his blades another voice entered the fray.

“Deathfur you cannot face him without facing me.”

“Toxinweb. You’re still alive. You think you can beat me?”

“Spider General let me handle this vermin.”

Akaro nodded and the trio descended down the stairs.

‘That black rat was only a couple of levels above Toxinweb. He should be fine.’

***

“These spiders have finally gotten so desperate that they sent a tiny human girl to fight me. HAHAHA”

The elephant sized rat bellowed as he saw the approaching violet haired woman.

“Hmph. As they say the bigger they are the stupider they are.”

Anko also threw out an insult. She watched as the giant rat moved forwards her and the small army behind her. Although she wanted to jump in and start slashing away she remebered that she wasn’t alone.

“Men. Use your webbing and seal it’s movements. Make sure to bind his tail.”

The trunk of a tail made a big thump on the ground as he moved it menacingly towards the army. The main advantage they had as a group was numbers and they needed to be utilize against such a large foe. Lieutenant Toxinfangs was no idiot and knew that in order for victory to come about, sealing its movements were important.

“Spinnerette Shooter!”

Anko joined the mice and sprayed the tail of the rat to try to seal it or to at least slow it down. Seiryuu was getting annoyed at her decision to shoot webs.

“Woman… You need to attack. Ussse your venomize. Let the sssmall fry handle the sssupport.”

“The name’s Anko.”

“Ssstupid isss more like it. Wasssting time ssshooting ssspider websss while doing no damage to the rat. No wonder why massster is going to fight the rat king alone!”

“WAIT! HE’S FIGHTING THE RAT KING WITHOUT ME?!”

Now her anger had came out.

‘Think that I’m not strong enough to fight with him against the Rat King!’

“You stupid rat. Prepare to DIE!”

Anko was now unleashed thanks to the insults of the snake.

***Flashback***

“Seiryuu.”

“Yesss masster.”

“You will support Anko.”

The snake looked at him as if questioning his mental aptitude.

“Why ssshould I?”

“She’s going to try out some of her new skills but she doesn’t have the experience with them yet. She just started so she may waste her mana. So I need you to goad her into using one skill and primarily fight with just her weapon. I’ll be fighting the rat king alone at first but the faster everyone saves the sister, the faster you can come to help me.”

Seiryuu looked at his master and he had to admit he was starting to like the man.

“Massster. Are you ssstupid? Fighting the rat king alone isss sssuicide.”

“I won’t be alone if you help her free Venomcindra.”

“I’ll ussse any method.”

“I know.”

***End Flashback***

‘Hahaha. Massster we’ll be there sssooon. But ssshe may be the one to kill you if you don’t already die from the rat king.’

Seiryuu smiled as he watched the girl fight while trying to stay around her waist.

“Venomize!”

She unsheathed her naginata and licked the blade. It was an unnatural action for her but it had another type of effect. The giant rat seemed a little frightened.

What the rat saw was angry demon lady who just licked a sharp object. He could have sworn he saw her eyes glowed red. The rat just picked up on the killing intent she was giving out and he was not prepared for it.

Anko used that brief hesitation to dead sprint at the giant rat and pierced her weapon straight into it’s chest before using it’s body to jump up onto the wall. Using her wall climbing skill she look down menacingly at the giant rat.

The rat shrieked in pain and stared back at the woman. He had lost a considerable amount of health thanks to the strike but he was now also afflicted with poison. His annoyance with the constant amount of webs being shot at his limbs and tail was beginning to enrage him.

“Continue shooting webs. We must make it easier for her to fight. I’ll be joining the fray!”

Lieutenant Toxinfangs also joined in the fight in order to alleviate some of the attention Anko was receiving. In gaming terms all aggro was on Anko at this point of time.

“Venomizer. Twin strike of the fangs!”

He launched himself towards the rat and slashed the area that was just pierced by Anko. The wound opened more and as he was well versed in the class than Anko, he had used his skills more fluidly. He was no slouch when it came to hit and run tactics as he also jumped away as soon as the rat had his attention on him.

This type of fight continued. Anko jumping from the wall and piercing any opening the rat gave when it turned it’s attention to Toxinfangs. They did not come out unscathed however as the rat would rush towards the support spiders that were shooting webs. This in turn started to reduce the amount of webbing that held the rat back.

All the injured spiders and mice were all brought back to the medical team.

“Hey I said bandage that group over there!”

“Miss Tsukino. We have a bleeder over here.”

“Is it a mouse or a spider?”

“Mouse.”

“Damn it. I’ll be right there. You over there make sure to wrap those spiders in bandages their legs are practically coming off!”

Tsukino was busy organizing her team to bandage the spiders primarily. She was the only one who can really help the mice with her diluted healing salve. She had to constantly be brought water to hydrate her mouth again and again.

“Are you an angel?”

“Wrong species you dumb mouse.”

“I hurt in my mouth.”

“Good.”

“You’re not going to kiss it?... Wait what are you doing?”

A perverted mouse flashed grey in front of everyone.

“Oops. Must have used poison instead of the healing salve. Anyone else want a kiss?”

All the mice in the vicinity shook their head no.

‘I must have been trick by master. I got so excited having a team but there is no free time healing this army.’

Tsukino looked at the opposing army. They were still in the advantage. There were rats the size of cows left but they were getting thrashed by the newly inspired mice. Victor was leading them by using her master's title as a reminder for them.

What concerned her the most was the battle between the General Toxinweb and the black ratman. Although they were the similar level the ratman, Deathfur, was easily overpowering the general.

She then turned her gaze to the other end where the elephant sized rat was combatting the other human of their group. Although they were wearing it down he still was giving her extra work with it marauding over the other spiders that could not dodge in time.

The one person she was looking for seemed to not be within the vicinity.

‘Where did master go?’

Tsukino wasn’t informed of the danger he put himself in as she was with the ladies earlier. The only ones who knew were Suzaku, Yasu, and Seiryuu. The younger boys were not given the information as they would react almost immediately.

“Tsukino we have another bleeder!”

“Coming… I don’t even get paid for this. Where’s my water?!”

***

The trio of human and foxes descended the stairs. The surrounding was much darker as there was light trickling through the surrounding. Hikaru automatically started to glow as he lead and guided the other two down the stairs. The glowing mushrooms dim light was not enough light to illuminate this one room.

When they were all on the main floor the door opened which quickly filled the room with the soft glowing light from the large fungi that was outside of the building. From the door a figure was standing there. His white fur reflected the different coloured light that came from the mushrooms.

“Hello Rodent Reaper. I’ve been expecting you.”

“King Phantomfur I presume.”

The two foxes were shaking but remembered what was discussed before going down the stairs. They started digging through the floor as it was just made out of soil. The one thing that Akaro remembered from the queen’s memories was the layout. This also included the ground they walked on and the familiar feeling of soil informed him that he can utilize the foxes shovel paws abilities.

“It seems that you have brought boys to a fight between men.”

He walked further in the room and more of his figure could be seen. He was approximately two meters tall, his bleached white fur can be seen all around his body. Phantomfur was proper name for what Akaro was looking at. He had a golden crown on his head but what really caught Akaro’s attention were the blood red eyes looking back at him.

The rat king was level 90 but like in most games, when entering a dungeon the monsters are usually stronger than their level suggested. He was triple Akaro’s level and he had a very domineering aura around him. He wore golden armor with a red cape. The weapon he had in his hand was a halberd.

“Come now Rodent Reaper. Where is you scythe? Forgive me if I may be rude but you are not what I was expecting.”

“Oh. I was thinking the same thing. Golden armor is usually given to heroes who are opposing evil, not given to villains who cause pain and suffering.”

“Rodent Reaper. Don’t put me in some archetype that you would find in children stories. Gold and red suits my white fur the best does it not? Even my tail, has a sharp golden blade on it. But to come at me with the rags such as yours. Some great spider general you are. Why waste time trying to save a dying race? Join me Rodent Reaper.”

“No thank you. I rather take your head for what you’ve done to my library.”

Akaro outright refused. The anger from his emotions were beginning to seep out but he took breaths and calmed himself down. He still needed to buy time for his plan to work and also allow his allies a chance to come and help.

Being adept in the martial realm, Akaro knew he was going to be facing someone quite strong. Looking at the health bar that belonged to the rat it showed half of it still there.

“It seems that you have noticed. The reason why I haven’t joined by army in the front lines is I have still the injuries that wretched king has given me.”

The redhead tried to find if there was any clues in his statement in regards to the wellbeing of King Venomstorm.

“Did you kill their king?”

“My my. You’re interested in to save him as well. I’m sure you have already your hands full on trying to save the queens dear sister.”

Phantomfur made gesture the moment he mentioned the sister.

“If you really want to know… then you shouldn’t dawdle and face me now. No?”

Akaro could feel that the fight was about to begin between the two of them. The time for talk had ended and Phantomfur got into a fighting stance. Unsheathing his twin blades he prepared himself.

“COME AT ME RODENT REAPER!”

The crimson haired youth did not reply. Instead he calmed his mind and forgot all the formulated plans and let his battle instincts take over. He couldn’t afford to hesitate in any of his actions or it will be his downfall. He entered to what most athletes would say was the zone.

With a burst of strength he lunged towards the rat king. He needed to close the distance between them to decrease the effectiveness of the halberd. As it was a pole weapon it had great reach for a melee weapon. Similar to the naginata but it had a blunt piece like a hammer, the blade of an axe and the piercing ability of a spear. This was a weapon with three clear functions and he was not wanting to test it out on his own body.

The king however reacted by swinging the halberd in an arch with the axe end to try and slice Akaro. Phantomfur expected Akaro to jump over but was surprised as Akaro dove and slashed at the king’s legs.

With that brief moment Akaro landed his two strikes before quickly getting up and trying to slash at the king some more. His two blades met with the pole portion. Then Akaro quickly jumped back from the swinging golden blade descending on him.

“I see that tail is also dangerous.”

“I have to say. You are probably on par with Venomstorm. He is the only other person to have dodged a strike from my tail.”

“I don’t need your compliments.”

“True. I’m going deal with you the same way I dealt with the Venomstorm.”

Again they went in to another skirmish but this time sparks flew the moment they collided with each others weapons. Being of lower level Akaro was pushed back. Damage to his body was still minimal but this was not looking good.

Akaro knew with a quick assessment conserving mana would be nigh impossible to do. So he decided to just use every skill he can. The red headed dodged once more the slash coming from the tail and threw his word at the king.

“Throwing your weapon away. Did you really think I would not dodge such a simple attack?”

No reply was given as he used shukuchi to quickly teleport to his flying weapon. Unloading his entire arsenal of projectiles, he had literally blanketed the king in a rain of sharp metal.

Due to the sudden descent of all the weapons, Phantomfur was only able to parry a small amount of them. He had taken quite a bit of damage but like most game bosses his health was an alarming amount even with only half of it remaining. Only about ten percent of his health had decrease since the start of their fight.

“Full of surprises. I really want to kill you now.”

Akaro saw the eyes of the rat king and knew that he had just released the beast within. The rat king jumped towards him thrusting his spear at Akaro. Using shukuchi he teleported back to the ground but had to immediately roll away.

“I can sniff you out young man. You will not get the drop on me a second time.”

***

“I never knew he was that skilled! Daebak!”

Juhee was literally awestruck with the way her son was fighting. She was watching from the beginning but he was just fighting creatures roughly the same level as him so she thought all her skills came with his class. She has not seen anyone in the current game fight like he did yet. She had edited a lot of video gameplay but she understood if this was broadcasted he would be an overnight celebrity. This further steeled her resolve of making sure no one will know of this until he says he wants to.

“His other grandfather must have drilled in everything he knew into this boy.”

Myung-Dai had a proud look in his eyes. It was the look of a fellow warrior. He looked at Dong-sun and they shared a hidden conversation between them with just their eyes.

Both Dong-Sun and Myung-Dai had an ember lit in their eyes that ignited feelings they have not felt in quite a long time. Watching the young man on the screen gave them the same senses they had in their younger days.

***

“Lieutenant. We are almost there. Just a bit more.”

Anko was literally panting as she had just run out of all of her mana. She can now only rely on her fighting ability alone. The jumping from walls and casting Venomize had drained her completely.

The rat himself was now in the last ten percentile of health. That was when his fur started glowing red and he went on a rampage. Survival instincts had kicked in and now they had to attack a rampaging elephant of a rat.

“ALL FORCES ATTACK UNTIL IT FALLS!”

Toxinfangs had ordered the remaining uninjured forces to stop the web shooting and focus on damage. They all decided to do suicide jumps towards the rat and bit at him and inject him with venom.

The rat continued to rampage and Anko was already out of juice to put poison on her blade.

“Let me take over now.”

Seiryuu slithered up the pole and spat out his venom on the blade.He then slithered back back to his original position.

“Thank you snake.”

“The name is Ssseiryuu. Ssstupid woman.”

She then looked at the rat.

“Hey big and stupid. I bet you can’t kill me.”

As it lost its mind already the giant rat just rampaged at the woman who first injured him. He rampaged directly at her, unaware that he had fallen for her trap.

Sticking the bottom end of the naginata to the wall she prepared for the damage she will receive. She watched as the head of the rat was impaled and as his body got closer and closer it soon flashed grey and items dropped from him. She was relieved but unfortunately for her the naginata did not make it. It was destroyed and she lost the weapon Akaro had made for her. She slumped against the wall and felt the hole the weapon had made once it collided with the wall

‘This was a lot harder than I thought. Still I leveled up but how am I going to join him without a weapon. Wait what is that?’

Anko picked up the key which opened the gate for the cage Venomcindra was in. She also picked up a spear that dropped.

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]

Spear of Tormented Souls of Spiders

Durability: 240/300

Damage: 35 - 45

Level: 30

A black spear that was made out of the remains of the slaughtered spiders the Rat King had vanquished. Their souls will not rest until the rat king is dead.

Equip:

STR 30

VIT 30

Cursed weapon.

Requirements

Spider Knight class

Spear cannot be unequipped until the Rat King is dead

Level will grow with user

Spears damage is reduced due to the curse

Cannot be repaired due to the curse

[/col][/box]

Although not the greatest weapon for her at the moment, Anko still needed a weapon. She equipped it regardless of the curse but she may have took it too lightly. The weight of the spear required all her strength to just pick it up.

‘Well that’s why it said it was cursed.’

Taking the key she opened the door to find Venomcindra still casting the spell to keep the portal open.

“We have come to save you. The queen sent us.”

“Yesss. Pleassse leave the cage now.”

Seiryuu didn’t want to rush the female spider but the more they dawdled the longer Akaro would be in danger.

“RABBIT! COME HERE!”

“You rang? Oh it’s the queen’s sister. Alright she just looks a bit tire from overuse of the spell. We will need someone to escort her.”

“I will. I’ll bring her back to the queen.”

General Toxinweb had showed up ragged and panting. He had just lost his duel but he still had a smile on his face.

“What about Deathfur?”

“There is no need to worry. There is a reason why he was given the name Toxinfangs.”

“Thank you all. Once I have gained my strength. I will open the portal once more.”

Venomcindra finally spoke but was panting as she had to keep the portal active.

“General if you please?”

“Not a problem milady. Now all of you we have already defeated the rats. You must join your General. He is fighting a battle he cannot win alone.”

With that last comment the two humanoid spiders went through the portal and the light coming from it disappeared.

“Anko you need to recover some mana. Master gave me some potions for you. Seiryuu what did the general mean he’s fighting a battle he cannot win alone?”

“He’sss fighting the king right now with the two foxessss.”

“WHAT?! Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”

“He sssaid it was important for everyone to firssst concentrate here then join him after.”

“Alright guys bandage everyone and get everyone to go. We need to go save my master.”

The medic team quickly bandaging and all of them were ready to go but they all had to stop and watch the Lieutenant fight Deathfur before they could enter. All of them was surprised at what was occuring.

***

“Why did that general switch with a runt like you? You are not even worth my time.”

“I have no time to discuss anything with you. I have already lost one General due to a stupid vow I made to myself. I will not lose another.”

Lieutenant Toxinfangs started to glow gold and he became one of the humanoid spiders. He had two curved looking blades in each hands and his level had also increased to Level 82. He had the same armor type that Anko wore but made for males. His hair was a short yellow that contrasted his bluish skin.

“Yes a challenge now. I’ll cut you in half with my claymore!”

Deathfur swung down but Toxinfangs used one of the curve knives to parry and guide the blade towards the ground. He then jumped to a nearby wall and looked at the humanoid rat.

“I will end this now. Venomize.”

Toxinfangs coated his two curved knives and then attached webbing to the handles. Using a skill he could not use with his previous form he quickly threw the knives like boomerangs and they landed behind the black ratman’s back. He then pulled them back quickly and the blades pierced the flesh and lodged itself in the shoulderblades.

“ARRRG!”

Using the knives he pulled himself towards the rat and shouted out another skill name.

“Toxic Fangs!”

As he descended towards the rat, webbing shot out of his mouth took the shape of tiny fangs and all of them were laced with poison. It covered the rat completely who was still trying to dislodge his sword from the ground.

Toxinwebs had already did heavy damage to the rat but was not strong enough to finish the job. Toxinfangs just decided to use the strongest skill he had available as he wanted to join Akaro in the main floor as quickly as possible.

Deathfur flashed grey dropping the claymore he was using. The army who witnessed all of this and looked at Toxinfangs.

“Let us go and save our brave general! Mice stay here and gather the spoils of war. We will return.”

“Yes sir.”

Victor knew already they couldn’t join the spiders in the next floor so he and the other mice started gathering all the items that were dropped during the skirmish.

***

Panting Akaro had lost about half of his life and only brought the rat kings lifebar to about a quarter health on his own. He had about a quarter of mana left but he had to keep going. The fighting in the second floor has not stop yet and he needed to buy more time. He could not afford to lose his life before they were finished on the second floor.

“Kagerou, Hikaru… NOW!”

On queue the foxes appeared and dug under Phantomfur and his leg collapsed into a hole. That brief moment Akaro appeared in a puff of red smoke in front of the king.

“Ameterasu! Raijin! Kojin!”

In succession he use his three sword skills. First he spun around and slashed with both blades before sheathing them and using the iai type attack Raijin. Last he just held his breath and attacked with everything he got and the seventeen hit combo landed. Still was not enough as the Rat King started blinking red. Akaro was immediately launched to a wall. With a thud he hit the wall hard. this brought his health down to fifteen percent.

“You are running out momentum young warrior. Rodent Reaper, you will die by my hands.”

Phantomfur stepped out of the hole he was in and prepared to thrust at the fallen body.

Akaro had used up all his mana and even a bit of his stamina in the last attack and he was exhausted.

“PROTECT THE GENERAL!”

“MASSSTER YOU BETTER NOT DIE!”

“YOU IDIOT MASTER!”

“YOU CANNOT DIE TO A RAT! YOU HAVE TO DUEL ME AFTER THIS!”

‘So loud you idiots.’

Akaro smiled as his companions had made it in time.

“HAHAHA. So this is what you were stalling for. Stopping me from joining my army.”

Phantomfur still blinking red started to go on a rampage against the spiders shooting webs at him. As the rat king was pushed back, Tsukino hopped towards her fallen master.

“All of you men are battle hungry idiots. You better eat this to recover. If you die who’s going to give me my salads that you still owe me!””

Tsukino scolded him.

Although it was trivial as he heard that he would have just been unable to connect for a day. He never thought that his companions would still not want to see that happen. He had to plan it this way as the mice was were the trump card against the rats in the portal room. If the king showed up with all that mice he probably could have forced them back to his side. Akaro could not let that happen.

“I’m sorry for worrying you. But I’m not done yet.”

He sat and focused his mind for the next attack he will conduct.

***Flashback***

“Akaro. I have taught you all I know but there are two katas that you need to experience for you to understand.”

“Yes jii-chan.”

Akaro watched as his grandfather got into a stance.

“The first kata is known as Izanami. This is a sure kill move. Do not use this unless you are at war. You will be striking at all the vital spots of the body with each strike of your blades. What is important is not the technique itself, but the feeling. You cannot hesitate when using this move as it will require every ounce of physical and mental strength you can muster.”

“I don’t understand jii-chan.”

“That is why I am going to show you.”

Akaro felt it for the first time. He felt the reason why his grandfather was respected and also feared. The killing intent was massive and it suffocated him. Then he saw his grandfather flashed before him and felt as if the wooden blade had cut all over his body. If it was real he would have died without knowing what had happened.

“Akaro I pray you will never have to use this technique on people. I pray you will continue to have peaceful days.”

***End Flashback**

Akaro remembered the first sensation he felt when learning the first stance. This was the first memory he had when he feared his grandfather. The look on his face was still vivid and he could not help but shudder at the thought.

After recovering enough of his health he looked to see the army was still being pushed back by the rat king.

“Anko, Hikaru, Kagerou, and Lieutenant fangs. Keep him immobile for at least a minute.”

“Yes Spider General Akaro!”

The spider army started to shoot webs to slow the rat king down. Hikaru and Kagerou dug holes around the legs to drop him so that the webs had an easier time to fasten him in place.

He prepared his mind first to remember all the places he felt the cuts on his body. The memory of him looking at a mirror and finding all the friction burns where the sword had landed on his body when his grandfather attacked.

The trick to the stance was the killing intent. The moment the opponent stood still and felt the killing intent, the success of the attack increases immediately.

Akaro then took the memory of all the suffering the spiders had when their kingdom was destroyed, the feelings that he saw in the prince and the queen when they lost family, the attacks on his animals, and finally the destruction of his books.

He turned the anger he felt into pure killing intent and directed them solely to the slowed Phantomfur.

The rat king felt it. The coldness that was directed at him. It was like a cold steel blade had pierced his brain. Then he looked at Akaro in the eyes. That was the moment where he lost sight of Akaro.

Akaro used proper shukuchi. The martial arts skill to disappear from an opponents field of vision to unleash an attack. With Yasuke and Sasuke in his hands he put the layout of body overlapping the rat king’s physique.

‘Heart, Brain, Liver, Lungs, Stomach, Kidneys, Wrists, Waist and Jugular.’

“Izanami.”

He quickly pierced all these areas in quick succession and with such speed Phantomfur had not felt it.

The rat king’s health bar reached to 1% and he dropped into a kneel.

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]

You have created a new skill. Please give it a name.

[/col][/box]

“Izanami.”

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]

Izanami

Rank [S] Dual Sword Skill

Aiming for various organs and veins that can instantly kill an opponent. Named after a goddess that vowed to kill 1000 living souls.

Attack power with two weapons (300%ATK/Successful hit)

Attack speed with two weapons (300%ATK SPD)

Consumes all remaining mana

Consumes 99% stamina

75% chance to instant kill

75% ignores defence

User will lose all ability to fight for a period of 5 minutes.

[/col][/box]

“Rodent Reaper is an appropriate name for you after all.”

Akaro could not move a muscle at all and also knelt on the ground.

“What happened to the king? Did you kill him?”

“HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA….”

Phantomfur burst out laughing after the question was asked.

It was abruptly stopped after Anko thrusted the cursed spear through his head.

“Laugh at this you bastard.”

The dropped items were the golden halberd and a piece of paper.

“WE WON!!!!”

“VICTORY IS OURS!”

The mice hearing the cheering descended down the stairs and joined in the reverie.

“WE’RE FREE!”

“FOR MIKE AND GEORGE!”

“SERIOUSLY WHO IS THAT GUY?”

Akaro did not smile as he felt something was off.

‘Why did he laugh all of a sudden. This doesn’t make sense… What could have been so funny?’

Anko picked up the halberd and handed it over to Akaro. Seiryuu had the note in its mouth and dropped it in front Akaro.

“Akaro are you okay?”

“Just exhausted. That last move uses all my stamina and mana. I need to eat something.”

She handed him a bento but he only took small bites. He opened the note that Seiryuu dropped.

“What does it say?”

“Everyone recover quickly. The queen is in danger. I need to recover all my mana.”

‘How can I not think of that possibility?’

I might have a lot of mistakes in this one. Kind of finished this about 2 am in the morning so let me know.

I'll be taking a break on writing the main volumes for this story after this volume. Reasons:

- Catching up on reading on FF's and stories that I like to read.

- Chrismas month. Hard to think straight

- Been really busy at work

But as you may have deduced I will be making a 2.5 volume:

This will include interviews with the characters.

What happend to Seiryuu and Tsukino

And many more.

I'll post more details in the discussion page. If you haven't done so already please vote your favorite animal companions.