I inspected the glowing crescent of metal. It seemed dimmer than it had just a moment ago. "You'll have to maintain a connection to the Skyblade with your mana, or it'll eventually run out and the magic will fade. Use the link to the gem picture a blade, then use your mana to fill the space with the wind."

Well, it's not wind I'll be using but air. Why isn't it called air magic? Oh well. I remade the connection with the gem on the hilt of the Skyblade. I fed a small amount of mana into it, and pictured a short knife edge. I felt a stronger pull on my mana, and a thick straight blade extended another 6 inches from opening in the metal crescent. A quick check showed that it was eating up my mana very quickly. I cut off the connection to the gem and looked at Wisham. "That used up half of my mana in that short time I had the blade extended!"

"Well yeah. That didn't look very efficient. You'll find out later that you can extend the blade and vary the thickness. There was a Kitsune many years ago that used them as clubs to some minor effect. " Wisham chuckled. "Try using less mana and thinning out the blade. Also, know that the shape will affect how you can use it. You could make it a point for stabbing through armor, a club for bashing, or long sword for slicing. Change how you use the Skyblade based on the situation you find yourself in, and you'll be much more capable in all kinds of situations. You can also pull the mana back that hasn't been consumed yet. This lets you avoid waiting for it to disperse.

I found that using an image of a razor much better for making a thin blade. After spending some time practicing forming the edge, Wisham handed me the Skyblade he had been holding. I looked at him questioningly. "They don't call them Skyblades for nothing." He said while emphasizing the plurality.

It took me until the sun was coming up to split my concentration enough to keep two blades active at once. When the bell rung Wisham stood up. "Time to go, Jak."

"Go where?" I asked as I stood up too. I stretched and yawned. I'm no stranger to all-nighters, but having spent a lot of time concentrating hard repeatedly, wore me out.

"I want to take you on a walk. The couple won't be expecting you until this evening. Follow me."

Wisham walked out of the park and back towards The End. But instead of stopping, he kept moving past until we got to the gates. There was a stream of people heading out of the gates, and we joined the crowd.

"We'll head to the edge of the farmlands and see if we can help out a friend of mine."

"Okay," I said as I yawned again.

"Fine, here." Wisham handed me a perfectly round pill. "Take this, and you'll wake right up."

"What is this?" I asked while looking at it.

"It's something Lena makes, called a Pill of Rest. It'll help you avoid needing to sleep, but you'll crash tonight. Shouldn't be an issue for our day, though." Wisham grinned.

I stared at the pill for a moment and then shrugged. I popped it in my mouth and crunched on it. It turned into a powder that was barely sweet enough not to be completely tasteless, and it smelled like ozone.

I immediately felt wide awake. I was full of energy and felt like I could do a backflip. Or a dozen backflips.

"That's potent," I said to Wisham.

"Don't take another for a few days. It'll mess with your sleep schedule." He advised.

We walked down the cobblestone path that split in all directions to various farmhouses. Wisham led me down the largest path for a while until we split off to the right. The farm we were heading towards was growing bushes with blue-green leaves hanging low with red fruit weighing them down. It was visually striking with the straight rows leading back to a white barn. Naturally, Wisham took us straight to the barn.

"Tarn! You here?" Wisham yelled.

"Eh, be quiet, you old bastard. You don't gotta shout."

Following the voice, a tall ogre man came out from around the corner.

[Tarnally - Ogre, Level 33]

Tarn was tall, 8 feet 11 inches. Thank you, perk, for doing your job properly for once. He had long red hair pulled back into a tail, exposing his horns that curved back over his ears. His skin was exceptionally tan, and he had red irises.

"Who's the pup that's staring at me?" Tarn asked.

"This is Jak. He's my new disciple. We came to take care of your little problem. Jak, this is Tarn. His family is the only one in the city that can properly take care of the Boro Fruit. It makes some of the best wine in the Kingdom."

Tarn waved Wisham off. "Eh, shut your mouth. Try not to get him killed; I don't want to be cleaning up that mess today."

Wisham waved and walked me out of the barn. "What are we doing that is going to get me killed."

"Have at least a little faith in me," Wisham but his hand on his chest and looked offended. "We, dear Jak, are going to clear out a small pack of Skulds that have taken up residence nearby and have been attacking people at the farms nearby. And by 'we' I mean you."

I was alarmed. I probably should have expected it, but I'm not ready to be fighting. "I've been here less than a week, Wisham! I told Lena and Arterian that I wouldn't even try being an adventurer until I had spent time training."

"Where's your sense of excitement, Jak." Wisham was shaking his head. "All young Kitsune want to get out and fight. And you've already got plenty of training. The Skulds will be easy."

I sighed. He's going to be like this. Fiiiiine. "What even are Skulds?"

"Great question! Skulds are a type of dog or wolf, or something similar. People haven't done much looking into it to determine which they are. They are heavily muscled, which allows them to get moving reasonably fast, but they can't turn quickly. However, their most recognizable trait is the white bone plate that grows around their skull. The plate grows down on either side of their face that creates a serrated edge that they use for cutting and knocking down trees and bushes. They are plant eaters that are very territorial."

"And how many are in a pack?"

"Oh, usually just a couple and an alpha. Nothing to worry about."

And so I followed him. I really don't want to fight, but I've got to start somewhere. "You'll be around if I need help, right?"

"Of course, of course. Lena would have my tail if I didn't."

--

The area we were traversing quickly turned from flat farmland into hills as the trees grew denser. Eventually, the trees blocked all direct light, and it was getting harder to follow Wisham as he snaked between the tall thin trees with apparent ease.

After walking for a few minutes, Wisham stopped. "We're here. I can see their tracks thicken, their den is over tucked into the hill as well. They usually only come out in the evenings. But I think I can rile them up pretty easily."

I looked around and noticed the vegetation along the ground was crushed flat. There was a large hole dug out of the side of the hill. It almost looked like it had been turned to mud and then pushed out.

I turned to tell him to wait a moment, but it was too late. He already shot a cobalt blast of wind into the tunnel that made a loud clap like thunder when it struck the cave entrance. As soon as that crash died down, I could hear the Skulds. They let out a low rumble that sounded almost like a hum and a growl mixed together. Then came the sound of their feet slamming into the ground as they ran out.

"Um, Wisham, how big are these things?" I looked back at Wisham, but he had disappeared. "Wisham!?" And got no response.

Out of the hole in the hill came a Skuld. It looked nothing like I thought. The bone on its face formed a skull that flared to the side with small ridges. The top of the plate had a protruding section made for striking. It didn't even look like a dog. It had shaggy fur, it was almost as wide as it was tall. Which was roughly the size of a small car on earth. The tail was short but thick like its six legs.

[Skuld Alpha - Beast, Level 8]

I watched as it locked its eyes on me and gave off another rumbling hum. It started to charge at me and didn't bother running around all the small trees, the trees splintered as they bent. I immediately scrambled to the side. No, no, no, no, no! The Skuld skidded to a stop as he changed directions to charge towards me. I turned and fled, sprinting as hard as I could, ducking between the broadest trees.

"Come on, Jak. You'll never defeat it like that. This is the alpha, the biggest of the bunch." I heard Wisham's voice like he was right next to me.

"You could help me out! I've literally never fought anything before in my life!" Right as I finished yelling, I heard it's feet stomping behind me. I grabbed onto a small tree and used that to change my momentum and fling myself out of the way. As I spun to the side, the Skuld smashed into my ankle, bruising it and speeding my rotation. My ankle bent sideways and exploded into pain as it shattered on the trunk of the tree it smashed into.

As I screamed, tears fell from my face. The Skuld had run into the large tree I was trying to get past to use as cover. It was lying still on the grass 5 feet away from me. I pulled myself over, screaming the whole time while dragging my ankle. If I don't kill it now, it'll still run me over later! I got right up next to it, and I could see it breathing. I grabbed for one of the Skyblades, adrenaline made me fumble, and it fell to the ground. I jostled my ankle as I grabbed for it again. It felt like my leg was on fire, but the adrenaline helped me stay conscious, and I was able to quickly establish a link to the gem forcing out a full 12-inch razor blade.

Before I could figure out where to stab it, I heard another low growling hum coming from behind me. I quickly shoved the Skyblade into the Skuld's chest with the terrible leverage being propped up on my elbows afforded and left it there. I tried to drag myself away, screaming more, hoping to find someplace to hide. My leg had other ideas as it shot pure pain through my body and into my brain. I couldn't do it. I watched as the new challenger pushed through some bushes and charged at me.

By this point, I was barely able to focus, adrenaline was leaving my system as I saw my death coming.

I closed my eyes and laid down. "Fuck you, Wisham," I said before I blacked out.

-- [Wisham]

The forest was silent, and I was standing over the kid, all three Skulds laying on the ground. What kind of place did he come from that he had no skill in fighting? I figured he at least knew how to use his fists or something. There were only three of them, I just thought he'd have no trouble they are only level 7. I shrugged. "Hopefully, he won't tell Lena."

-- [Jak]

I woke up groggily, staring at the ceiling of an unfamiliar room. "I should stop doing this," I said.

"Stop doing what?" Wisham asked from the side of the bed. I turned and glared daggers at him.

"Waking up in a hospital type room. That doesn't matter though, why the hell would you get me into a situation like that and just leave!?" I was yelling at the end.

Wisham looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Jak. I thought that you had some kind of training already. Kitsune children have the reflexes to pick up fighting early, and I've never trained a human." Wisham paused for a moment while looking at me. "What was your realm like if you didn't have to learn to fight?"

I sighed and checked my ankle to see how bad it was. But it was fine, there wasn't even a cast, and I could move it without any pain. I looked up at Wisham, "It's peaceful. There aren't any monsters, and the whole world has been colonized. We do have wars, but soldiers only use explosions or long-range weapons. No one learns to fight because they have to. A few people may learn to wrestle or fight in some situations, but it's mostly for fun or competitions.

"I am not like most people, though. I was always picked on or beaten up because I was smaller than everyone else. I had no parents while growing up, so I just dealt with it. You put me in a situation that I definitely couldn't handle alone, and I thought you were going to help me!"

"I am sorry. We can work on tactics and movements in battle before we attempt anything else. Also, getting your Wind Manipulation skill up in level will help you a lot." Wisham was looking at the ground like a child that got in trouble.

On the one hand, I was mad at Wisham. On the other, I wasn't actually hurt, just traumatized from being chased and having my ankle turned to jelly. "It's fine, Wisham. But please get me something to read about monsters and how people fight them. And something about tactics, and a fighting form that is useful with the Skyblades. I'm sure I can read a lot of this to help speed it along."

Wisham finally looked up at me. "I can do that. What are you going to do with the remains of the alpha? I bet you could get some coin for yourself with the carcass. The armor that can be made with the leather would outfit you twice over."

"What do you mean? You killed them, won't you keep them? I passed out from the pain."

"Well, Jak. You managed to bleed the alpha to death. It wasn't fast, but it couldn't move, and when your blade dissipated, it left a nice gash that sped it towards its end. What does your Stratum look like now?

Name: Jak Rollins

Level: 4

Race: Human

Class: None

Strength: 12

Dexterity: 18

Intellect: 18

Wisdom: 15

Blessings:

Identify

Skills:

Alchemy - Level 21 - [Perfect Measurement]

Cooking - Level 3

Jumping - Level 5

Running - Level 3

Wind Manipulation - Level 13

Mana Blades - Level 11

"I've hit level 4 and got some levels on my skills. Nothing is too close to a breakthrough, though." I relayed.

"Not bad, not bad. Almost halfway to picking your class. Those skill increases will be massive for you, I'm sure."

"Skill increases?" I asked.

"Oh, right, you don't know. At level 10, you can pick your class, which will affect related skills and help them level up faster. It will directly add to your hero version of the Age of Skill. Back to the carcass. You killed the alpha, it's yours by right."

"Where can I go to sell the whole thing, or have something made from it? And how should I get it back to the city?" I'm starting to feel like a question machine here. I just need a bunch of books to read and get caught up.

Wisham grinned evilly at me. "We can take it to The End and have Martin help us out. But, this is a perfect time to level your Wind Manipulation."

--

It was well past midday bell now. I was drenched in sweat, no thanks to Wisham. If I wasn't attempting to use Wind Manipulation to move the stupidly large body through town, I lifted it to help earn and level the porter and endurance skills. Wisham did do most of the work by floating all three corpses, but he still had me struggling to use my skills. Thankfully we didn't have too far to go, but I swear Wisham had us going in circles a couple of times to make me work harder. We finally set down the dead Skulds in what was effectively the backyard of The End.

"You run inside and ask Athena to come out. She should be able to take stock and help us work on a plan."

I was feeling better now that I wasn't pushing or trying to lift the stupid Skuld. So I jogged around the building to head to the front door. I walked in and saw and heard a guy talking to Athena at the counter.

[Lepond - Human, Level 6]

"Why don't you come with me? I know of a good place we could spend some time together. Your master won't mind since you're a just a filthy mongrel, I'm sure." The guy talking to Athena was in dirty clothes, and as I walked closer, I could smell him too. Alcohol was the primary smell, along with general unwashedness.

"No, sir. I have my job to do." Athena responded while taking a small step away from the counter. A look of anger mixed with fear was on her face while the black fur on her ears stood on end.

"Come on, girl, I don't have all day." The guy leaned over the counter and grabbed at Athena. He was missing her by a hair and got ready to slide further when I got to him.

I knew I had to do something, no one else was around. But I definitely didn't want to get into a fight. Maybe I can intimidate him since he's a low level? So I grabbed his shirt and pulled him back, making him fall to the floor.

"You should get out." I said as I used my mana to push a current of air around me, making my clothes flutter against the wind. "Before I make you." I sent a stream of air over to a corner pulling at the motes of dust. Pulling them back into the swirling winds around me. I held out my hand and made a tiny tornado using the particles I gathered to make it visible.

He looked up at me in fear, slowly scooting himself backward on the ground. "Out!" I nearly yelled. He scrambled to his feet and knocked over a barrel of staves as he turned the corner and ran out the door.

I dropped the manipulation and sagged. Once again, feeling the drain of using my mana. I turned back to Athena to see a surprised look on her face. "Sorry about that. Some of us can't figure basic morals. Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine." She said as she visibly calmed down. The fur on her ears settled back down. "Thank you."

"Not a problem, does Martin not allow you to defend yourself?" I asked, curious as to why he would leave her alone if she wasn't allowed to.

"No, but usually he can tell what's going on in his shop and can snuff out problems before they start." She brushed off her clothes. "Did you need something?" The distrust from a couple days ago was gone.

"Wisham and I have some Skulds we would like to have processed waiting around back. Would you be able to help us get that started? I've never done this before so I'm not sure what to do."

"Wisham is here?" She brightened up immediately.

She ran around and put up a temporarily closed sign up on the doors and locked up. She beckoned me behind the counter to another door that eventually led outside.