8.

“SEBASTIAN STOP!!”

The dagger was feeling the thin skin of the archer’s neck, a thin line of dripping blood tainting her shirt’s lapel and was reflected by the three moons’ light. Her face, drained of color was indicative of her and the boy’s dire situation. Should Bast choose to end it here and now, just a small vibration is enough to sever her external jugular vein. The blood loss would be enough for her to die. It was the same for the boy. Should they move a finger, or breath a bit more loudly, or show just a hint of killing intent, Bast would no longer hesitate. She will die.

Both of them will.

“Evelyne sis, what are you waiting for?! Use this chance to escape!”

“Eve! Get out of here now!”

‘Eh?’

“…”

As if he’s connected the dots after a long time, Bast finally solved the riddle of the situation. As to why they were being followed by these two humans. As to why they attacked first, misunderstanding the circumstances. As to why Evelyne showed a face of surprised familiarity. It was obvious.

Bast felt rather stupid, and a wee bit annoyed.

The Boy was wincing. With a broken wrist, multiple cuts, and a dislocated shoulder, it wasn’t hard to imagine the pain he was feeling and the helplessness of having his own weapon being held, pointed deeply against his back. The Girl with the sick bow skills was in the same state. But both can’t complain. Anyone who was sneak attacked like that would, without a reasonable doubt, retaliate with everything they got. Bast was left with little option for negotiations as time wasn’t on his side. No explaining can be done in a moment when fatal assaults aiming to kill just suddenly go your way. Both were highly skilled and lounging not to incapacitate, but to execute him. And he isn’t the type to explain, lest give an excuse for anything. In fact, He is not one to talk at all.

They were somewhat both lucky and unlucky that it was Bast they chose to target. Unlucky that they chose him as prey. Luckily, he showed mercy. Somewhere deep within him, Bast was secretly grateful that he did not kill the two.

The two proprietors knew of Evelyne, perhaps even more than just an acquaintance. Probably a friend or a relative. It was the same for Evelyne, showing signs of being accustomed with the two. As to why they were following them, he made a few theories. One of which is that when Bast was running, dragging Evelyne along, the two thought she was being held against her will. It was further strengthened with the fact that he dragged her away and shoved her forcefully towards the engorged roots that looked like a prison. It was their cue to attack. Had Evelyne intervened a bit later, they would’ve met a tragic fate.

“Bast, let them go! They’re my closest of friends. LEX. REI! Thank God you’re both okay.”

“...thought so.”

Tears slowly formed in Evelyne’s eyes and Bast’s resolve weakened. Most men since ages past were feeble to weeping maidens. Bast was no exception. She was a damn fine one. He relaxed his grip and sent them both on the ground roughly. Even though they were her friends doesn’t mean that they can get away from almost killing him. He was still pissed but decided it was not worth spilling their blood. Evelyne used this opportunity to run and hug them both.

After a short while Evelyne explained her situation and both of them understood. She was now healing them both and was trying to heal Bast but, he just shrugs her off. His regeneration is far too immoral to the point where it won’t take a day to make a full recovery. Instead He just sat down with eyes closed and tried to meditate. Meanwhile she continued her story to her friends.

“EH?! You two know each other? I thought he was gonna rape yah or something!”

Amanogawa Rei Lvl 9 human

“Idiot Rei! Bast saved me from that shithole of a dungeon. It was already written in the stars that we would die that day. The giant rats had question marked levels and was surrounding us from all sides and even though Sebastian could always escape on his own...he…he still saved me.” As if pondering why Bast saved her, Evelyne wore a blank but confused expression.

“I see. And the others? Eve, where are all our classmates?”

Alexia Brenn Lvl 11 human

*sniff*

“They d-didn’t m-make it.”

*sniff*

“I see.”

“…”

“Yah. Lex and I, we kinda misunderstood the situation yah know. I’m really, err, sorry Mr. Bast.”

“…”

“…He doesn’t talk much Rei. I know, don’t ask.”

“Seriously though, we almost died yah know! He was too fast and can also teleport. What the fuck did he kill to obtain a teleport skill?”

“He doesn’t say.”

*sigh*

“Obviously.”

“Obviously.”

“Anyway, where were the both of you when the apocalypse struck? When we tried to get to the stadium range, we can’t find the both of you. We were worried but we decided it was best to hide underground and wait it out. The monsters everywhere were also panicking. There was something in the air, like some energy that was creating chaos and shockwaves all around and-”

“Ah. Yes, we know of that Eve. That’s why we escaped early on in the first place. We didn’t know all you guys are going to surprise visit us at the competition so we immediately evacuated. But with all those commotion, we were separated from the others. There were two giant monsters. Bigger than the rest and as large as buildings. They were releasing this kind of energy or something that was so frightening. I even saw some humans and monsters that were closer were disintegrated by that transparent energy!”

“Yah dude! It was only ‘cause we were so far away from the fightin’ that we saw clearly what happened. The two monsters were fuckin’ pummelin’ each other. It was so epic like a game boss fight yah know. Anyway, me an’ her were shocked when we started killin’ dem monsters. I thought I was in a game yah know!”

“Yes. We were shocked too. Mine’s a forest wisp. What did you guys get?”

“I killed a cow sized sparrow. Amanogawa-kun here kill-steal a dying black hellhound the size of a car from a mob of acidic slimes.”

“Hey! It tried to bit me yeah? Even though it was already dyin’! ‘Nyway after that all hell breaks loose and people and monsters both were fleein’ from them city. The fighting of that big ass snake and flying vulture was becoming more and more dangerous yah know. Me an’ her thought we were in a fantasy dream yah know so we killed and killed the fleein’ monsters till we met Mr. Bast…Ugh. ‘Onestly it was only then I realized tha’ death was really scary.”

“True. We thought if we died we would just wake up from the dream. It was only chance that I saw both of you near the river. My improved eyesight and a tracking skill allowed me to follow you two and we thought you were in trouble Eve so…”

“I see, I’m sorry Lex. We were still high on nerves as we’ve freshly escaped a dungeon. You suddenly attacking us…Anyway we should catch up more later. We were planning to go somewhere safe and elevated so that we can have much visibility of the surroundings but still hidden on plain sight. You guys should go with us. Bast! Is it okay if they come? Please?”

Evelyn was doing the puss in boots eyes again. Bast was now understanding how dangerous girls were. Those cute and innocent and fragile ones are the worst of them all. Still, both of her friends sincerely apologized and seemingly means well. They can survive on their own, true. But it was still more advantageous to have them than not having them at all.

Bast knew when he unknowingly decided to take Evelyne in, that he can’t protect her all the time. With her friends here, he can be sure she’ll be safe and Bast can continue with his training. And if by chance they were discovered by other people with bad intentions, a few more numbers can mean life or death.

Sighing, Bast stood up without directly looking at her. He was also not interested in their stories or their past. What matters is that if they can protect Evelyne and not get in his way. It was now half past seven and darkness permeates the entire forest. He can now sense many dangerous presences lurking nearby. He has regenerated some of his health and stamina. It was now the time for the run and hide game.

“Follow me.”

Bast sprinted without looking back. Evelyne was learning fast. She knew that if she doesn’t catch up soon she’ll be left behind. The two others followed suit. They were still confused if Bast had already granted them the permission to follow or not. But seeing the confident and determined look on Eve, they guessed it was okay.

They ran for half an hour before arriving on a skyscraper-like giant tree. It was wide and lofty with lots of visible roots spanning a few kilometers at least. Only the upper half part has branches and the large leaves covered the upper portion, shrouding it in darkness and mystery. There are thousands of moving giant mushroom-like thingies surrounding said tree. When Bast tried to gauge if they were dangerous or not, the herd reacted inactively and were seemingly harmless. They passed through peacefully. The group found a deep spot under the tree and almost dropped dead from exhaustion and weariness after arriving. Bast tossed them food, drinks and clothes and then deeply examined the tree trunk covered in moss.

Fairy's Oak Tree Plant Its fluids contain a natural insect repellent. Monsters don't like the smell of the tree as it makes them lose their appetite.

“Eat those and rest for a bit. Don’t make too much noise and do not, under any circumstance, create a fucking fire.”

“Sir yes sir!” chimed the three.

Bast was unable to hold back rolling his eyes. With a grin, he once again studied the bark, deepest and nearest the center of the tree he could find. He then began working. If the God’s ever saw how Bast was wastefully using the basilisk spit, they would cry blood. Bast was unable to carve the tree using earthen means. The System strengthened tree was too hard to break or cut. It was only by using Ormr’s fangs and basilisk spit did the cutting became as easy as cake.

First, Bast fashioned a human-sized secret door. By carefully removing the bark that was shaped like a door, the flesh of the tree was revealed. Bast brushed it with the feathers covered in chicken spit and let it corrode the wood. Using Apophis to carve the softened wood was ill-advised so he once again used the other small fangs to do the job. Durability dudes. He gave one to Rei as the skinny-looking boy wanted to help as well while the two ladies bicker.

They were working like miners. As Bast chips the walls, Rei wheelbarrowed the debris outside. When Bast saw the two ladies finished eating, he assigned them to dig a trough for the wooden debris. He doesn’t want others to know that they have a secret place here and it would be so ever obvious if wooden rubbles are seen outside. The debris should be buried and covered with dirt. All four of them were now cautious as fuck after experiencing what happened earlier that day.

They made the passageway reedy. The narrower, the harder for large ass monsters to enter their safehouse. It was Alexia’s idea to make the passageway curvy and not straight. It was a good idea, so that peeking eyes won’t be able to know immediately what’s inside. The wood was also sound absorbing, which was good. Bast was nearly shouting while giving his orders as the people outside cannot hear a word he’s saying. After building a large and deep pit on the side, Evelyne also helped by floating her orb of light inside to increase the visibility.

It was really unnecessary as Bast literally has a hardware shop in his possession. He used glow dyes on the walls to brighten up the place. It was not surprising that the battery lamps were not working but at least the traditional oil lamps do. Evelyne’s orbs can’t even last a few seconds. She was already drained from earlier and her mana regeneration was not as good as his.

The passageway now was s-shaped and many meters deep within and towards the center of the tree. Bast made six rooms. The largest was the lounge for all of them to use. It was circular in shape and as large as a forty-seater classroom. He also made two bathrooms and positioned it well in opposite ends of the lounge. The bathrooms were filled to the side with drums of river water that he collected in the afternoon. Bast also installed a tub, a toilet and a drainage for each of the bathrooms. They were dug and positioned in cascade to a downward root of the tree which has a hollow crevasse deep in the earth. A lucky find that can be made into a functioning sewer system which can also benefit the tree in the long run. Fertilizers dudes.

Truly an ecological innovation.

The other four were bedrooms, one for each. Each of them created their room to their own preferences. Like building in Minecraft or in Sims. After cleaning each room of dust and wood rubbles, Bast emptied his items from the mall’s “Home Depot”. IKEA can’t be more be fucking proud. It was a quarter till three when the gang had finished decorating their new home. All the wooden rubbles were cleanly buried. They weren’t concern much from the oil lamp’s oxygen consumption or the lack of windows. Cause, let’s face it. They’re living in a big-ass fantasy tree, supplier of a fuckload of free and clean oxygen.

It’s the dream.

It was late and all of them were tired and sleepy. The kitchen room can wait tomorrow. They still must decide where the ventilation system of the smoke coming from grilling the food should go. But future Bast can think about it tomorrow. He was just done hammering the nails of the connecting metal of the bark-door and the tree. Proud of his creation, he positioned the covering moss to camouflage the outside and locked the door from the inside.

He was done for tonight.

He noticed his new companions were now sound asleep, not even bothering to lock the doors of their rooms. He closed them and got on his own soft bed. Surprisingly, they weren’t shocked by his storage device nor the monster corpses peeking from it. They even worked harder, filled with inspiration and respect for him. Bast dismissed it as non-important. Even before the System, Bast never did care what other people think of him.

It was now time for meditation, no more idle thoughts.

Fatigue swiftly made Bast enter a sleep like trance, but his mind was still as clear as a newly polished glass. It was easier now to feel the flow of mana as minuscule amounts circulates his body and subsides once more in his mana pool. His chakra points are more pronounced now that his mana pool’s in the low levels. His only goal for the evening is to memorize the number of points, their positions, the flow of energy, and sense the amount of unused mana that was being emitted away from his body.

Time flew by so fast that Bast was awoken by a noise, sounding more like a synchronized mooing of ruminants. It was now seven in the morning and Bast was feeling perfectly well. He was well rested, All his health, stamina and mana points are in full. Even though he did not finish observing his internals last night, he was still happy with the skill. Not only it can make his mana larger and his regeneration faster, he was no longer required by his biological body the need to sleep.

"View activity log"

Activity Log

You have learned the passive skill Dodging! [C] (N1)

You have learned the passive skill Ambidextrous! [U] (N1)

Your Dagger Mastery skill increased in proficiency! (I7) +11 Ctrl +5 Agi

Your True Aim skill increased in proficiency! (N3) +1 Ctrl

Your Phantasm [L] skill increased in proficiency! (N2)

You have learned the passive skill Pain Resistance! [C] (N5)

You have learned the passive skill Hand to Hand Combat! [C] (N9) +2 Str +1 Vit

Your Sprint skill increased in proficiency! (N4)

Your Primordial Meditation [R] skill increased in proficiency! (N8) +50 mana pool

Your Mana Manipulation [U] skill increased in proficiency! (I2) +20 mana pool +2 Wis

(tbc)