Chapter 6

♪ Look For The Bear Necessities ♪

'bling'

'You have been challenged by [Guavgrog Bear]'

'You are paralyzed by fear for 2 seconds.'

The 12 feet tall bear was slightly pink with yellow undertones. Thick, translucent slime coated its brightly colored fur, giving it a slick, fruit-like appearance. It had a distinctly strong build, muscle visible under the rolls of fur and fat that swayed with each step. Masada had been placed over Tru's shoulder and the greatswordstaff could see the bear barreling down on their position. Tru was not so fortunate to have their attacker visible to him, but just as the bear encroached on their position, Masada used [Shadow Step] to create distance.

Teleporting both of them behind the [Guavgrog Bear], in the shade of a [Guavo Tree] just as the paralysis wore off, confused the predator. 'Thank Yahweh [Shadow Step] works on both of us,' Tru thought to himself. Turning its head gave the bear no insight into its prey's position, the bear remaining oblivious to their location until it sniffed the air. The monster turned to face the pair, ending their brief respite, but only after Tru had analyzed the situation.

[name: Guavgrog Bear. A large bear producing slick [Guavo Nectar] on its fur, found strictly on the [Abascan Upper Shelf].]

Tru had no armed combat experience, but with their new skills, he thought they had a fighting chance. Hesitation was written all over his expression, but something inside him told him not to run. Raring to go and test out their skills in a combat environment, Masada's baby-like tendencies seemingly disappeared at the start of the skirmish to Tru's relief. His current status read:

[~Status~]

[Health: 275/275]

[Mana: 206/226]

[Energy: 770/770]

The nectar had no noticeable effect on the bear's movement as it sped towards its prey the moment it found them. One thing confused the bear, its food didn't seem to be afraid. It roared in frustration to try intimidating the pair similar to a moment ago when they were initially paralyzed but to no avail this time. The skill [Challenge] required the targets to be taken by surprise and wasn't able to activate. On the contrary, Tru and Masada started running at the colossus in spite of the fear trying to take hold of him deep in his heart. Tru readied a horizontal slash by placing Masada at the hip as they charged their foe. Striking with a quick slash at the running monster, Tru swung Masada, jumping ever so slightly to the side to prevent being crushed. The sheer mass of Masada basically guaranteed that, in such a setting, the surrounding trees would be affected. That fact became apparent to Tru as the closest tree was felled by the horizontal strike. Masada's weightlessness to Tru alone had tricked the [Guavgrog Bear], not expecting the blade to weigh half as much as the monster itself.

Truck's dismay was written all over his face when the bear was only knocked back several feet. 'Even with [Hone], Masada isn't sharp enough to cut it? No, it felt more like Masada slipped and twisted upwards than anything,' Tru correctly surmised. The nectar flowed rapidly on the [Guavgrog Bear]'s fur, pushing the blade upwards and forcing it off balance, causing the flat of Masada to impact the wall of fat and muscle.

“Graaaaaa!” the bear roared, knocked off balance but quickly rebounding into a slash at Tru. Masada read the telegraphed attack, the claw being raised obviously to maul his creator. Quick thinking helped him [Shadow Step] to the very edge of a tree's shadow, barely evading the 10-inch claws that veraciously cut the air in front of them.

[~Status~]

[Health: 275/275]

[Mana: 186/226]

[Energy: 387/770]

Another idea came to Tru, readying for the next bout with the creature. Though it was slightly dazed from being displaced and subsequently thrown off balance by missing with its swipe at what the bear assumed to be its prey, it kept up its attack. It turned towards Tru and rushed again to tackle him and eat the intruder of its territory. This time, however, Tru positioned himself slightly behind but next to one of the trees surrounding the combatants. When 'Slippers,' as Tru mentally named it, charged a third time, he used [Shadow Step] to appear next to Slippers. This time, with the sharp edge facing down and the tip of Masada aimed straight for its abdomen, Tru thrusted Masada as quickly as he was capable of. This time, though the current on its fur made the blade slip upwards, the tip still pierced straight through the side of Slipper's chest.

[Guavgrog Bear] fumed ferociously as it felt Masada go through flesh. Using its powerful left arm, the bear pulled out the blade made of bone while swinging its right claw at Tru. The moment Masada was pulled out of the bear's chest, the blood of the [Guavgrog Bear] poured out onto the surrounding moss. The [Guavgrog Bear] didn't seem to regard it and continued to swing its menacing claws.

Continuing to run from the attacker seemed to be much easier, the bear growing slower and slower until a resounding notice appeared before Tru.

'bling'

'You have defeated [Guavgrog Bear] Tr 1 Lvl 8.'

'Defeating a monster with 1 or more class transformations above your own grants 1 level for each transformation.'

'bling'

'Beast-Master, Synergist has increased to level 2.'

'5 General Stat points have been awarded.'

'bling'

'Summoned Saboteur has increased to level 2.'

'No General Stat points have been awarded.'

'bling'

'[Shadow Step] has increased to level 2.'

Tru frowned deeply, “Slippers... you will be remembered,” Masada mirroring the sentiment like a son learning from his father. As quickly as the frown was, it wasn't, making way for an excited pair. Electronic notice sounds and a colorful surrounding coupled with the differently colored suns provided the perfect ambiance for a joyous victory dance. Whilst bouncing around, Tru started to sing abhorrently, “Thiiiiis is oooone strange woooorld! I have nooOOO ideAAAAA how leveliiiiing woooorks!” Masada complained, “Kururuuuu,” expounding upon Tru that his singing is atrocious and may start damaging poor Masada.

“Jeeeez fine. I'll just never sing again,” Tru said, Masada's response in turn being, “kuruuu...” 'never again...' being what Tru heard.

“Okay, okay. Whatever. We survived and that's all that matters. At least we both get full EXP gains. Typically, fighting as a group in an RPG lessens the gains for each individual.” Filled with adrenaline, Tru couldn't help but pump out some push-ups at the thought of 'gains.' Soon enough, the excitement wore off and Tru thought more rationally about what just happened.

“[Guavgrog Bear] really didn't seem intelligent. It probably just got used to paralyzing its prey and forgot how to actually fight. We should learn from its mistake and not let power get to our heads. Pride comes before the fall, or so they say.” Remembering that he wouldn't have anything without Yahweh, he said a small prayer thanking the powerful God, “thanks for everything, God,” to which Masada mimicked the prayer “kuru kuru ku.”

Tru sighed involuntarily leaning against a tree. Masada, who heard it tried to nuzzle his fur closer to Tru. A huge body laid defeated at their feet after having lost all signs of life.

“You helped so much, Masada. There's no way I could have done that without your quick thinking and decisive [Shadow Step]s,” Tru said, stroking Masada's fur with the attention Tru knew Masada was craving as a reward. Masada hummed contently, “Jurururu~,” a smug aura emanating from Tru's companion.

Tru understood the [Guavgrog Bear] to be a somewhat rare monster since it is “...strictly found on the [Abascan Upper Floor].” He didn't want the monster parts to go to waste if they could be potentially forged into some kind of armor or other pieces of gear. Knowing that living things can't be stored into the [Ring of Space] made him somewhat discouraged to try, but when he attempted to store the monster carcass, it worked.

Tru was relieved that there wouldn't be other monsters coming to the area to eat the body but was still a bit nervous to stay there after the effects of the battle. At least one tree had been knocked over and the ground dug up from the clash between Tru and the [Guavgrog Bear]. If that wasn't enough, the stench of blood wafted in the area.

Tru had another idea since the bear was able to be stored into the [Ring of Space]. “If that worked... then,” the felled tree suddenly disappeared. Shivering with excitement, Tru's enthusiasm burst out like a damn bursting forth a torrent of water. “YES!” he exclaimed, understanding that he can easily get enough wood to build his own house when he finds a place to stay. It wasn't a very large tree, only 6 inches in diameter, but even the [Guavo Fruit] that had yet to ripen had been stored.

Now was a good time for Tru to make use of the [Pen of Ink] and [Masada's Journal], so he took the items out and began to write. “I still need to read the dead dude's last thoughts. I'll do that after I note a few things down. First, Masada's skills can also affect me. While we're at it, let's perform a few tests. Masada, use [Imbibe] on this tree.” Tru slashed into the tree, assuming that it counts as a magical being just being a living thing. They could both feel the skill take root as the mana passed out from the green gem up to the blade and out into the tree. “Well, how does your status look?” Tru asked Masada.

[name: Masada]

[~Status~]

[Health: 9999999/9999999]

[Mana: 9999991/9999999]

[Energy: 9999999/9999999]

[name: Truck Coon]

[~Status~]

[Health: 275/275]

[Mana: 124/226]

[Energy: 182/770]

“. . .” Tru wrote down that his mana is used up first, then Masada's when Masada uses a skill. He also noted down that neither of them experienced any actual gains from [Imbibe]. “So that skill only really reduces the general stats from whatever we target. We don't actually get the points though. Kind of a bummer, but then again, it just means that you're as strong as feasibly possible in Driscoll.” Tru said to Masada. Continuing on that thought, Tru theorized, 'If I can use his mana pool after mine runs out, we'd basically have a limitless mana pool at least. Oh yeah, I should note that dead monsters can be stored in the ring.'

Once the note was written down, Tru casted [Weight Up(minor)] until he had no mana, then tried once more. The skill wouldn't activate, leading Tru to the conclusion that they both used his mana pool first, but his skills can't make use of Masada's mana. “Ugh... such a drag man, but we are still pretty low in level. Just have to be careful about mana usage,” Tru said to Masada. He tried to activate [Assassin's Path] to no avail after having his [Nimble Tabi] eaten. Tru understood the importance of avoiding trouble while he had dangerously low energy and his mana was at zero.

They walked closer to the tree they had just lightly cut and sat down. [Masada's Journal] in hand, he flipped to the beginning and attempted to read his last thoughts.

“Jarwen 35th, year 23176 of the Sunaris calendar

I fled the Abascan College, hallowed be thy ground, as the assassins made chase. I think I lost them, but this illusion will only provide sanctuary for a fortnight. The enemies of the great I Am berate without ceasing. I can only pray for protection in the coming days.”

Tru commented, “I kinda figured. I do feel bad for the guy.”

“Jarwen 39th, year 23176 of the Sunaris calendar

They have found the end of my trail. It's but a matter of time before the [Black Apostles] find me. Likely is my death upon their hands. To any who find this, know that I will fight valiantly before that can occur. Give me strength, maker of heaven and Driscoll.”

“Huh, the last section doesn't have a date,” Truck mentioned.

“Destroyed are they who blasphemed the holy name. Alas, I have lived by the sword and will also perish by the same. Take the chest. Guard it with your...”

Tru had a sorrowful expression on his face, understanding that the last scribbled line was written as Masada passed away. A tear fell for his helper, the man who provided a way of survival in this world. “Rest in peace Masada. I'll protect the [Orichalcum Chest] and figure out what happened to your college as thanks for my life.”

Continuing to reflect on recent events and how grateful he is to have gotten a second chance at life, Tru sat silently under the [Guavo Tree]. Mana and energy began to regenerate in a restful state when he received a notice.

'bling'

'You have acquired the general skill [Meditate].'

[Meditate level 1: While in an intentional state of contemplation, gradually regenerate mana and energy up to 100%]

“A state of contemplation? So, what, I'll just always regenerate the stuff? Ha!” Tru mused, recognizing that he often thinks too much. Bringing practicality to the front of his mind, he said, “I bet I have to be still or maybe even sitting to get the 'intentional' part to activate.” Masada had fallen asleep shortly after Tru sat against the tree, leaving Tru to practice using [Meditate] to his heart's content.

The first sun had nearly set in the sky, leaving a spectacular sight to behold. An array of red, yellow, orange, and all the colors between illuminated the clouds while the sky was still a light blue, filling Tru's mind with wonder at the beauty of Driscoll.

After the last of the four suns had started to set, Masada awoke and Tru said, “Good morning sleepyhead.” Masada replying with, “Kuruu.” Tru had sat silently for a little over an hour, letting his baby-like companion sleep. Now that both were awake and their resources replenished, the two set out towards what Tru assumed to be the south, as the [Map] read.

Many Bunnies frolicked around on the [Abascan Upper Floor] and Tru had grown fond of them. Giving some of the [Red Moon Berry]s to the family proved to be beneficial for him, but caused a group to follow him.

[~Status~]

[Health: 275/275]

[Mana: 269/269]

[Energy: 770/770]

[~General Stats~]

[Strength: 25 +9]

[Agility: 70 +70]

[Stamina: 50]

[Intellect: 25]

[Spirit: 40 +9]

“Okay, that's all folks. I don't wanna get in the habit of using up my stash of [Red Moon Berry]s,” Tru said to the following [Hungry Rabbit]s. [Guavo Tree]s had progressively declined in density as they moved further south. Looking at the [Map] showed Tru that they had barely moved despite walking all night. The cover of night had also proven to be much less treacherous than moving during the daylight thus far. That peace soon being crushed after hearing loud hisses in the distance.

What Tru had assumed to be a giant snake wasn't even a reptile and he soon learned what it was after hearing, and feeling, the ground shake with each step. A huge furry beast, as large as a whale but shaped like a komodo dragon, quickly moved past, toppling the trees in its wake. From a bird's eye view, there appeared to be a river of [Guavo Tree]s flowing in the same direction.

Approaching rapidly, the hiss that seemed to be soft in the distance had started to deafen Tru with the high-pitched screeching it made at close range, far louder than a hiss should ever be. Practically being overwhelmed by a sense of terror, Tru silently hid and prayed that they would go undiscovered by the enormous predator, leaving craters in the ground where it stepped.

[name: Young Tarragon. Few have lived to tell of such a beast. Fewer still who had information on it.]

After moving under the roots of a tree, that were protruding from the abascan landscape, Tru had come to the understanding that his small cave had been the safest place he likely would find. 'We really need to find a way out of this forest ASAP.'

Quakes from the monstrous steps were fading as the [Young Tarragon] continued to move, but Tru could hardly shake the sense of doom he felt at the sight of such a monster. “We wouldn't have a hope of defeating that thing. Let's just move during the day after all,” the group leader concluded. “Kuruururur!” Masada said, telling Tru he thinks it's just a matter of time before they surpass even that. “You're right buddy. I have a feeling that thing has some kind of skill that forced fear on me. You probably resisted it though, with your dumb stats,” Tru chuckled, glad his partner could “talk” some sense into him. 'But there was no notice of the fear status or anything and that terror definitely felt... instinctual,' Tru thought to himself, not wanting to bring down the mood again.

A young man and his living greatswordstaff continued to move. The former rationalized that their witness of the monstrosity must have been a normally unthinkable occurrence after reading the monster's analyses. Their path had been practically paved for them when the [Young Tarragon] channeled the skill [Terrify] for miles, giving Tru and Masada a silent walk until morning.