Chapter Three: Fire Kingdom

Two weeks of running has taken a toll on my mentality, I must build shelter and rest for a while, the sun is about to set. I use the Dungeoneering Kit and set up a perimeter of traps and then a portable hammock, my core temperature will stay cool thanks to the Cold Pill, so there is no need to use my blanket. I sleep in my armor in case something attacks and my sword rests on the floor near me. The warm glow of the volcanoes and lava create a homely atmosphere and the many stars above makes life feel so distant and lonely. Oh how I miss Nova, if she were here we would be talking around a fire, “Hello? Umbra? I don't know how to use this.”

“Embra are you in trouble?! Do you need me? Where are you?” I quickly reach for my sword.

“No no we're perfectly fine! We got caught up in a bunch of low level fetch quests so we um still haven't left the city yet.” She laughs nervously.

I put my sword back and lay down, “Oh I see. If I remember correctly there was a quest called Fetch The Goose Egg. It's best to avoid it.”

“That quest took a week to complete!” She lets out a big sigh.

“I watched Nova fight that goose countless times but in the end all you had to do was feed it bread to get the egg!” My laugh is a mighty roar.

“We figured that out today.” She laughs quietly.

“Oh yes what is it you needed from me?” I move my hair from my stomach, it is long and crimson, I don't recall how long it's been since I've looked at my hair.

“I just know you're out there probably in some dungeon by yourself and the night time drags down people's minds and fills them with dark thoughts and I know how much you miss Nova, so here I am to keep you company, and if possible I would like to hear more stories about her, that is if you don't mind. Oh and how is your night!?” She is so kind.

“Aye, thank you. I am under the stars basking in the glow of distant volcanoes at the very edge of the Fire Kingdom. Be sure to bring lots of Cold Pills to resist the heat. I'm in a hammock and I wish I had some meat or stew. I am resting from running for two weeks without a break.” I chuckle.

“Woah that sounds amazing! Make sure to not overwork yourself! I'm in our room in the Lazy Elf Inn, everyone's asleep, it's been a long day and we can afford to stay in a room for so long thanks to you!” It's as if the world is less cold, having company although what stretches before me is nothingness. I can't help but smile.

“Thank you for reminding me what I fight for. You are right, the dark thoughts that come with loneliness do a toll on the mind and heart, but I will be fine now. You dissipated them before they had the chance to attack, what kind of story would you like to hear?” My mind is more at ease now.

“No problem! I can talk at night whenever you can! And hmmm what was your first date with Nova like?” She is the child I never had.

“That would be much appreciated, our first date? Hmmm let me remember.” I run my hand along my smooth face, the memories flooding into me, “I wouldn't really call it a date, I mean I guess you could. We were both in the Earth Kingdom Capital, which I ran past without seeing the sights, I don't know why I didn't do that agh. But anyways, we were both in line for ice cream and as I was about to purchase the last Dragonberry scoop, Nova challenged me to a duel for the ice cream, this is happening all on our first date and guess what I did?” The stars look so nice.

“Did you fight her for her hand in marriage?!” She says with excitement.

“Not at all, I ate the last scoop with one bite and fled on a Under Wolf and hid in the bottom of a winding tunnel system, it only took her a week to find me but by that time she was no longer mad about the ice cream because at the other street corner there was another ice cream vendor. It was hilarious!” Agh my sweet Nova.

“That's so funny! I'm getting pretty sleepy, I'll be going now. Thank you for the story! I hope you get some rest and be careful out there, I'll talk to you tomorrow when the sun goes down Dad!” She lets out a slight gasp.

“Dad? Is that what you called me?” I try to calm her down.

“Yeah I did is that fine? I mean I don't really-”

“It's perfectly fine, I understand. You are the child I never had, just make sure to be cautious out there. And to call on me if you need help, thank you so much for keeping me company. Goodnight!” I can hear her crying quietly.

“I'm so happy! Goodnight! Thank you!” Silence fills the air once more, but it's nice outside. I'm okay with being here in this moment, I am at peace.

“Emdul are you awake?” The sound of running water.

“Yes, yes I am Lord Umbra, what is it that I can help you with?” The water quickly stops.

“You can call me just Umbra, no need for the lord stuff, and are you in the bath?” I can hear him getting out.

“Ugh yes I was but I'm done now since there's business to attend to.” He's so diligent.

“No no it's okay, just dry your arms, grab something to write with and sit back in the bath and relax friend for I am swaying in the calm breeze in a hammock with a wonderful landscape of volcanoes and stars, and if I am relaxing then you have the right to relax as well.” I can hear him mumbling to himself.

“Hmm why ah yes that does make sense, alrighty then I shall relax in my nice hot bath.” I can hear him sinking back in slowly, “Okay Umbra, here is the update, we are able to purchase the land, but there are tales of a deadly dragon that rules that part named Drathor the Lightning Dragon. And many other beasts.”

“But we can purchase the land?”

“Yes, yes we can.”

“Okay good, purchase it as quickly as you can under the name Light Kingdom Guild. And for Drathor, he is a huge fan of Dragonberry ice cream, a large amount of that should get his loyalty.” I chuckle remembering our encounter.

“Ice cream sir? Is that some sort of spell?” I forget the time difference.

“Okay this is what I also need you to do. Set up four separate 20 man forage quests, they must be level 40 or above. All get paid 200 Gold each after the quest is finished. One will go to the Ice Plains West of the Water Kingdom to fill one Greater Magic Satchel with ice each, warn them of the Ice Golems that roam there. The second quest is also in the Water Kingdom but to the East in the Great Salt Lakes, to fill one Greater Magic Satchel each with salt. Be wary of the Hydras that lurk there. The Third quest is to the Earth Kingdom to fill one Greater Magic Gourd with milk from the wild female Cows, the males are vicious and number in the hundreds. The Fourth is the most dangerous one, to travel to Mt. Basilisk at the edge of the Earth Kingdom, and secure a single Dragonberry, there are many vicious enemies along that path and a massive Basilisk in the caves, offer two extra Platinum for this quest and they keep the items and rewards. Once the items are gathered I can walk you through how to use it. But make sure you warn how dangerous the mission is, and if they are willing to give up their lives for that much Gold. The few that survive, offer them a place in our guild. They will have surely earned it. That is all.” I can hear him furiously scribbling things down, “Oh yeah one more thing.” I grab a scroll and quickly write a spell on it then send it over, “This spell can create copies of yourself, use it to set up merchant shops in every city. Anyone in our guild gets everything for free, set up a shop in our territory and hire a blacksmith and a army of mercenaries to guard it. Head over as fast as you can, aim for four days at most. Ride the fastest mount no matter the cost. That is all. Thank you.”

“I will make sure things run smoothly Umbra! If there is anything else I can help with don't hesitate to call upon me!” I hope I didn't forget anything.

“Thank you, sorry for interrupting your bath, make sure to relax, we have long days ahead of us my friend. Thank you for trusting me. Goodnight.” I roll onto my side.

“Goodnight Sir!” The splashing resumes, followed by silence.

I'll probably have to fight level 40 to 50 monsters here, I'm still level 27, but with all of my attack buffs and my class I'm sure I will be fine and level up quicker too, I should sleep now. Oh Nova, I miss you so much. The darkness that is sleep surrounds me and peacefully embraces me and envelops me in a warm shell of bliss.

The rising sun hurts my face, for not being under the cover of the lush canopy anymore, I must hurry and pack my things to continue my journey, the emptiness caused by my dream creates an indescribable pain in my core so I reach out to my anchor of sanity, of happiness in this world, “Embra, you there?”

I finish packing my gear and traps, “Umbra! Are you okay? It's been three days! I was so worried!”

“Wow I was asleep for three days, I must've been tired haha, I'm just packing my things, about to leave and you?” I place my sword on my back and grab my satchel.

“Speed! Agh nice well at least you got some rest Im glad! It's at one HP hurry! Sorry I'm in the middle of fighting a troll.” I can hear the sounds of battle and items dropping.

“I would say be careful but I know you guys can handle yourselves, what level are you now?” I begin walking towards the distant volcanoes.

“Most of us are level ten now but once we finish this dungeon we should be around level fifteen hopefully.” Their levels being that high in the beginning dungeons put me at ease.

“That's very good, be careful and if you ever need me I'll be right over okay, just wait a bit until I beat the Vampire King Vlad then I get a ring and can use Instant Teleportation, that's where I'm headed next.” I chuckle, knowing everything is kind of cheating.

“Woah that's so cool! After this dungeon we'll probably rest in a small village for a few days, it's been non-stop fighting I don't know how you do it. Be careful being solo okay!”

“Is that Umbra? Tell him I said hi!”

“Me too!”

“Yeah same!”

“Tell everyone I say hello too and to be careful and take their time going through the dungeons. If I remember correctly there were catacombs beneath the biggest volcano that were filled with vampires so it'll take a while to head there. Then once my level is high enough I can slay a dragon and make a good armor and weapon set. That will be my goals for now. Just in case I disappear, it's always good to let someone know where you will be okay?” I worry so much about her like a protective father.

“Aye aye Captain! Another troll let's do this!” The excitement of battle in her voice.

“I'll let you focus! Take care of your team and fight hard! I’m always here okay?” I begin walking.

“Okay! See ya! Be careful!” It is silent once more.

My Cold Pill wearing off I quickly swallow another one. The floor is hard like stone, the clouds ominous, the field endless. I wish I had a mount, agh walking it is. Just me and my thoughts, my weak gear and body, I miss Nova. This is how empty and lonely my life was before her, what am I to do? I begin humming and making different noises with my mouth, I wish there was a monster to fight, or anything. I swallow a Food Pill and drink some water while walking, I need to keep up my strength. The slight creaking of my armor plates, agh I miss my old armor set. With Vlad’s ring I can teleport to anywhere I've been or to anyone in my guild. Super convenient but vampires are so hard to kill, not really for me though. I continue walking while lost in my thoughts for some time. The volcano a few hundred yards ahead of me, I'm surprised there was no enemies, but then again it is daytime and the vampires have hunted the area clean, “Oh boy. Feint!” I use it twice to move to the left to dodge the massive fist of a Lava Golem, I sprint to the left, dodging more fists and a lava beam that tears through the floor, “Feint!” I spam it to get behind the golem, “Focus Slice!” I stand there charging up as it slowly turns and faces me. Another lava beam is charging but mine is charged faster. As it shoots my Focus Slice deflects it and tears the golem into a pile of rubble. I take the Silver and head towards the massive entrance of the Vlad Catacombs. My descent into darkness begins, but I can see clear as day. I sheath my sword and slowly walk towards a massive metal door. I open it slowly but it being a really old door creaks loudly, I can hear the hissing of vampires as one hundred stone coffins are pulled open, “Oh boy.” I say to myself and put my hands up, “I come here in the name of the Under Wolf Tribe to make a peace treaty with Vlad from one King to another. Honor the ancient pact and don't attack.”

“He looks just like a commoner! How can we trust him?” One vampire hisses.

“The old ways must be respected!”

“Off with his head!”

“What is all this commotion so early in the morning? Ugh my head.” A tall man in red armor with long black hair, goatee and moustache appears from a balcony behind them, the vampires quickly bow.

“Vlad my lord this intruder claims to be an Under Wolf King seeking a treaty.” He rubs his chin in thought.

“We are not at war? Is this a trick?” His red eyes glare at me.

“It is no trick Vlad, I also am able to cure Sophia.” His eyes widen, I put my sword on the ground.

“Sophia? How do you- no harm shall come to this King. Let him through!” A pathway opens up for me to walk through, one vampire holds my sword for me. Vlad appears at the door below, “Welcome to my home. Allow me to formally introduce myself, I am Vlad III the Vampire King. Come on in please.” I shake his hand.

“I am Under Wolf King Umbra, Dragon Slayer class. Pleasure to meet you.” I follow him to red velvet chairs and take a seat.

“What brings you here to my humble abode? And how do you know about Sophia?” Vlad is unblinking.

“Life to a vampire is endless if they live right, I come from the future where you are old and withered, a relic of the past with no Kingdom, sleeping in this very catacomb alone. We are good friends and you shared your people's most sacred history with me and about Sophia.” He listens without saying anything, “The Dark Lord that overthrew your castle and how you fled to this area and survived off of Lava Lizards. The curse placed upon your only child, your wife held captive in the 32nd floor of the Dark Lord’s dungeon. I know of the ink rose in the inside of your lip from when you were mortal.”

“And what is it you want? I believe every word, for not even my closest servants know that much about me or this kingdom.” I look at the green emerald ring on his finger.

“The Ring of Teleportation and your loyalty.” He brushes his finger over the ring.

“My wedding ring, the only thing I have left of my wife. And you expect me to bow down to you?” The voice of a hurt man.

“I expect loyalty as an equal, fight alongside me against the Dark Lord and save your wife as well. I will cure Sophia, I will use the ring to become stronger and travel to my troops faster. I will build a kingdom and raise an army big enough to fight the Necromancer that overthrew Vlad the most powerful vampire. Then I will return your ring. These words are my promises to you.” He is thinking hard.

“You can really do this?”

“Yes.” He clenches his fist and takes off his ring.

“I will trust you. Please cure Sophia and help me save my people and my wife.” I place the ring on my finger and shake his hand.

“You have gained the title King of Kings! Attack boost! Agility boost! Defense boost! Level raised to 30!” The NPC announces.

“I will not let you down.” I reach into my satchel and take out a jar of Stamina Pills, “Sophia is half Human, the stress of being a vampire takes a toll on her body. When she is older her body will die and she will become a full vampire but until then it is a constant struggle for the body to be strong and healthy. These are Stamina Pills that will help. Give her half every twelve hours, that is all she needs, the Dark Lord is a tricky one.” I hand him the jar.

“That makes perfect sense, I would have never thought that! Thank you so much! I will be right back!” He disappears for a few minutes. He returns with a smile on his face, “Thank you my friend, I haven't seen Sophia void of pain in the longest time, I thank you deeply. As a reward please allow me to give you this as well, for I am in the greatest of debts to you.”

“You are in no debt to me at all.” He waves his hands furiously.

“Please you are offering me a way to return how life once was, to be happy with my family. The least I can give you is this to help with your battles.” Two of his servants bring a massive crate, “My Great Grandfather’s armor Black Death, crafted from the scales of a God level Behemoth. Resistant to all magic attacks. The Greatsword Hades, crafted from a thousand fallen vampires’ fangs gives Lifesteal with each hit. May these aid in your- our battle.”

Oh my I hold back my tears, “Thank you so much! I unequip my crappy gear and strap on the armor, it feels dense yet lightweight and hugs against my body. The massive sword magically attaches to my back, the massive sword shaped like a Claymore but ten times thicker.

“You don't need the helmet?” Vlad holds it in his hand.

“No thank you, it gets in the way of my vision. Before I forget, please join my guild so I can travel to you fast.” I send him an invite.

“Of course, and yes I will.” He accepts the guild invite, “Light, how interesting. Well good luck and if you need me please ask at any time. Thank you so much Umbra, for everything.” He shakes my hand again.

“Thank you as well friend. I will return when everything is settled. Give me a month or sooner okay. Thank you.” I give a nod goodbye and think of the catacomb entrance, “Teleport Catacomb Entrance.” I'm instantly standing out front. What to do now, I have super epic legendary gear and an army of vampires, I guess I can relax for a few days, “Embra?” I sit down and wait a few minutes.

“Hello! You okay?” Everything seems quiet on her end.

“Yeah I was wondering if I could travel with the four of you for a few days? If that's not a bother?” I hold a stone in my hand.

“Yes of course! We're right outside the boss room too!” The happiness in her voice lifts my spirits.

“Umbra’s coming? Yes!”

“That's so cool!”

“We get to see him fight!”

“Okay I will be right over then! Teleport Embra!” I am sitting on the floor next to them, there is a small fire and a perimeter of Glow Stones hung around a cavern that has many passageways. I'm right next to Embra who gives me a big hug.

“That was so cool!” The thief girl holds out her hand, “I'm Emma nice to see you again!”

The timid archer holds out his hand, “My name is Emduk, let's fight hard!”

The dual wield girl holds out her hand as well, “Embal is my name! I'll be with you on the front lines!”

I shake their hands, “It is a pleasure to meet you, I will not be fighting, just watching how you work as a team and if you get in a pinch I'll step in. Just pretend I'm not here once the fighting starts okay?” The nervous looks on their faces while I laugh.

“Woah look at that armor and sword! What level are you now?!” Embra’s yelling echoes throughout the cave.

“Level 30.” I smile, “So me fighting with you would just be cheating and I want you to level up and get used to fighting.”

“That makes perfect sense!” Emma says.

“Well that was enough rest, is everyone ready to fight?” Embra stands up and dusts off her pants.

“We're ready!” The three say, grabbing their weapons.

“Okay let's do this!” I stand up as well as Embra pushes the two wooden doors open, revealing a massive chamber filled with five trolls and a thirty foot troll sitting on a pile of bones at the far end of the hall, “Everyone stay calm, battle formations but first get close.” They group up, “Agility! Attack! Defense! Mana!” The spells affect me too, they're not single person buffs anymore but ranged area buffs. The party glowing many colors, Emma and Embal get in front while Embra and Emduk are at the back. They begin firing arrows and magic shards of rock. Emma and Emdal charge at the trolls that have been blinded by the attacks. The swift potent attacks of the thief combined with the furiously vicious attacks of the Dual Blades are a DPS combo that quickly drains the HP of monsters with many small attacks. The many trolls fall one by one without fail. There is no need for a tank with their strategy, I knew Embra would figure something out. Emma and Embal rush the boss. The big boss the only one left begins to stand up slowly while growling, the shockwaves flinging up the ground around him, sending shockwaves toward the two.

“Uwaaaghh!” Emma screams, being sent into the wall along with Embal. Who falls to the floor with a sliver of HP left. The troll points his finger at them, a magic ring on it, the finger glowing black, it can't be.

“Feint! Feint! Feint!” I quickly grab both of them and place them near Embra, “Heal.” The two are at full health once more, the spot they were at is covered in black flame. The four are shaking violently, this is no regular boss, “Stay back and don't let that flame touch you, it's called Blackfire, the item is from a God level legendary dragon named Hades. I don't know why this troll has it or is a level 50 in this beginner dungeon, but please let me fight it without any interference, I didn't notice the power level because of the many smaller ones.” I pull my Greatsword from my back, I can swing it around easily thanks to Embra’s buffs.

“Good luck!” Everyone but Embra is too in shock to speak, she gives me a thumbs up as they sit against the wall clutching their knees and shaking furiously.

I run towards the beast as he points his finger at me, then shoots five balls of flame that fly at great speed toward me but before it gets close to my body a red shield nullifies them, the panic in his eyes as I smirk, “Feint! Feint! Feint!” I quickly move close to the beast and push off of the ground, the concrete below flying everywhere as I slice upwards, cutting the massive beast in half, “See no need to worry while I'm around okay?” I try to reassure the others, but by now they are standing up and smiling.

“That was amazing!” Embra helps pick up the five Silver and one Platinum. Their levels are now at 15, mine shot up to 35 for killing this big boy. I upgrade to get attack boost for Focus Slice and my stats rose greatly.

I carefully pick up the ring, “Embra you take this okay? Focus the energy through your staff and shoot it like you would any other spell. I will rest easy knowing that you have this and so can your party. This will take down any enemy with one hit unless they have magic resistant armor like myself.”

She hesitates, “Is it really okay to take this?”

I smile and place it in her hand, “Of course, don't you want to protect your friends? Just make sure they aren't close to it and if you accidently hit them then quickly call me and continuously heal them until I arrive go it?”

“Mhm! Got it!” She gives a thumbs up.

“Are you two okay? I know that was a heavy hit.”

Emma dusts her pants off, “Yeah. I just need to get stronger that's all. Thanks for saving us.”

Embal is cheerful again and gives a thumbs up, “I'll work hard to get stronger too!”

“Good I'm glad your spirit didn't get broken. When you get to the city look for our guild shop, there should be shops popping up around the whole map please stock up on items and the best gear it's all free, just keep fighting hard okay? I must go now but before I go let me give you this.” I activate my Under Wolf King skill and howl. The title Wolf Pup appears next to their names.

“Exp. Multiplier! Attack Boost! Agility Boost! Defense Boost!” Are all said by the NPC.

“Wow I feel so light and strong!” Emma hops back and forth from right leg to left leg really fast her body is like a blur.

“Wow I can focus my accuracy so much now!” Emduk shoots three arrows into each other against the wall.

“Thank you Umbra!”

“Thank you!”

“Thanks!”

“Thank you so much! We are much stronger in your short visit, I'll make sure to protect them and we'll get stronger okay! See ya Umbra!” Embra cries tears of joy.

“Keep on fighting! I believe in you, all of you. See ya soon! Teleport Catacombs!” The faces of the young ones fade away and I am alone again in the desolate landscape of fire and ash. There is no need to make armor out of the fire dragon for myself but I can help get the young ones a set and weapon and since they're small it would only take one dragon. I can level up as well, “Embra sorry to bother you even though I just left, but could you and the party camp in the forest for the night? I have to show you something but it might take all day to get it.”

Almost instantly, “Yes of course! I was going to thank you but I guess I can now so thank you! We will set up a perimeter once we climb all of these stairs to the top, we'll wait for you! Be careful!” I can hear the others thanking me in the background.

“Tell them I said thank you for the company. I shouldn't take too long okay?” I begin walking again past the catacombs. I look for the staircase that leads up to the top.

“Okay see ya!” I can hear the rest saying bye as well.

“Bye, see you soon!” I keep looking, “Where are those stairs? Don't tell me there isn't any.” I'm way too lazy to climb up and as I stare up above at this endless massive volcano and those ominous clouds I think of Nova. Agh yeah I can do that! I grab a handful of Mana Pills and hold them in my hand, “Feint! Feint!” I slowly move upwards towards the top. It takes me around eight hours to finally reach the top and by this time I'm so exhausted but I take a stamina pill and feel fine. The volcano’s rim stretches a mile across and down below there is a pool of smoldering lava. I stretch my legs and close my satchel as it hangs at my hip, more like the size of a small pouch.

My senses tell me of danger approaching. Out of the sky an object falls like a meteor, I draw my sword as it crashes into the ground ten feet in front of me. The top of the volcano trembles, “Are you here to challenge me!” He yells, a long haired bearded young man clad in the armor of God level Elder Dragon parts, wielding a massive Long Sword filled with the teeth of a God level legendary dragon.

“No I'm not, just passing through that's all.” I grip my sword knowing he won't take no for an answer.

“Lies! You're here for my treasure! Agility boost! Attack boost! Defense boost!” With each charge a surge of power erupts and covers his body, the endless energy overflowing.

He has question marks where his level should be, “Wundah! That is your name correct?”

“Yes it is and you are Umbra, prepare to fight because I won't hold back!”

I see his body lean forward, then what remains is an afterimage as a massive crater erupts from the pressure of his foot, luckily I am used to Nova’s speed so I can see him clearly. I block a 50 hit combo and step on his boots, then I kick his shin. I deflect a strike and my feet dig into the ground below, “Feint!” I use Feint to attempt to match his speed, it seems like his stamina is endless. I decide to go on the offensive. I swing wildly and fiercely, as our swords clash it sounds like booming thunder, the shockwaves destroy the ground around us. He becomes faster and it's as if there are many clones of him, each one does a 50 hit combo. It takes all of my strength to block the attacks, “Focus Slice!” The powerful swing sends him flying through the air. I use that time to charge fully as he regains his balance and charges at me, “Focus Slice!” For a moment my sword is glowing red, a massive wave of energy flies out toward Wundah who punches through it with ease. It looks like I have to change tactics. I drop my sword on the floor and use Feint to slightly move a few inches to dodge his blade but to also get close to him. I wrap my arm behind his arm and I pull his neck down while kicking his legs. As he begins to fall downward onto his back I kick the middle of his back and use Feint to put both of us high into the air, then I quickly use Feint to get above and kick his stomach with both feet and use Feint to speed us down to the ground where I crash down on him, the ground beneath us crumbling away.

He stares at me blankly, “Is that all you got?” He begins to lift his body upwards.

I smirk, using Feint once more to quickly move under him, putting him in a choke hold, no matter how strong an opponent is if their oxygen is cut then there is no winning. I squeeze as hard as I can while he struggles, throwing elbows and punches that I endure.

His consciousness is fading away, “My treasure. Is yours... if you..spare me.”

“Promise not to attack if I let go?” I still squeeze tightly.

“Yes...you have my...word.” His eyes begin rolling into the back of his head.

“Deal.” I let go of him and he catches his breath, “Great fight, you're a strong warrior. A bit cocky, but very strong!” I laugh loudly.

“Thank you, I underestimated you.” We help each other up, “Well my treasure is yours to keep.”

I hold my hands up, “I told you I wasn't here for your treasure, I'm here to hunt the Elder Dragon Fuzzy. I know it lies dormant inside the lava.”

A shocked look on his face, “You serious? Is it like the normal ones?”

“It's God level. Six times bigger than the normal ones, I need to fight it to level up.” I give him a thumbs up.

“But God level monsters you need multiple guilds to take it on, whole kingdoms of resources! You plan on fighting it yourself?” The shock in his eyes.

“Yeah, I don't have the Dragon Slayer class for nothing! It'll be fine my friend.” I walk towards my sword.

“I would help but then the Exp. would go to me so I'll watch if that's cool? I should return to my team soon anyways, they're in a different world I just came here to earn enough Nugz to have them revived, that's a thing in that world as well my dude.” He smiles at me.

“That is no problem at all. Take a seat on that rock over there and watch me take this big boy on. I'll kill it with one hit.” I pick up my sword.

“One hit? I'll give you this ring crafted from a God level Sphinx that traveled at light speed. One hit though!” He smiles, showing me a black diamond ring.

“Deal.” Nova's ring, how is it here of all places.

“But we haven't said what I get if you fail?” Wundah holds it in the palm of his hand.

“I won't fail.” I throw two Cold Pills into the lava.

“I know you won't.” Wundah smiles at me as I clutch my sword, the Cold Pills making the lava turn into stone, a beam of flame shoots into the sky, scattering the clouds up above, it begins to rain chunks of stone and lava. A deathly roar sounds in the air, “It's showtime! You got this!” Wundah claps his hands.

“Thank you!” I give a thumbs up and wait for the massive beast to emerge out of the volcano. A huge claw peaks over the inside, then another, followed by the enormous body of Fuzzy, it is a massive black dragon with two sharp horns and a lion mane. The eyes are light-blue and glowing. I take two Mana Pills to make my bar become full. One strike is all it will take. The towering dragon roars at me, flame drifting through its teeth into the air, “Feint! Feint! Feint! Feint!” In an instant I move high in the sky above it, then I use Feint to come crashing down so fast the dragon has no time to react, “Focus Slice!” I slice the head off with one swift strike. My level shoots up to 50, my charge time for Focus Slice is reduced, attack, defense and agility is boosted. I pick up the 10 Platinum pieces and store them away.

“That was so cool! Here is the ring as promised!” Wundah puts the ring in my hand.

“Thank you very much, this was no, is my wife's ring. I am in your debt.” He holds out his fist.

I put my fist to his, “I know Umbra! You weren't the only one sent here, well my job here is done. You got the ring and now my friends will be revived. Thank you for the fight I had a lot of fun! I hope to see each other one day! Next time I won't go easy on you.”

“I have so many questions! Who sent you here?” My mind is confused.

He pauses and smiles, “You did.” A bright portal appears near him, “Time's up. Take care old friend!”

“Wait!” He jumps in and disappears, I rub my thumb over the ring, “Roses wither and die but our love will last for eternity.” The words engraved in Elvish runes on the inside. I put it on, I feel the warmth of my love surrounding me, I must hurry and get back to her. My heart yearns to hold her, to kiss her. I must hurry, “Embra have you set up camp yet?”

A minute passes bye, “Yes we have! The area is clear of beasts too!”

“Great! Are you in an open field? Can you get really far from camp please?” I walk to the dead body of the dragon.

“Yes can do!” She runs for a few seconds, “Okay I'm far!”

“I'll be right over.” I lift the body with one hand and the head with the other hand above my head, “Teleport Embra!”

“Woah! What is that!?” I'm holding it above her head, I gently set it down in the grass.

“You killed that Umbra! Nice!” Emma yells, cooking stew over a fire.

“Wooow amazing!” Embal says, her mouth wide open.

“So strong.” Emduk says.

“I killed it with one hit too hehe, Embra look this is my wife's ring.” I show her the ring and it's as if she is gazing upon an ancient magical sword.

“Woah that's so pretty!” She runs her hand over it.

“Yeah and look at this. Ta!” So this is how she felt, it is as if time is frozen in place, I walk across and sit next to Emma, then as if by will, time resumes again.

“Agh!” The started scream of Emma.

“You moved so fast! Speed of light!” Embra is astonished.

“I have ten more levels until I am max level, then I must somehow get even stronger.” I smile, “but first I will teach you what you need to survive in this world is that a deal?”

“Deal!” I use the Dungeoneering Kit and pull out some scent blockers and place it on the dragon, “What are you doing?”

“Blocking the scent of a dead animal so other monsters don't become attracted to it, it also helps preserve the meat in case we want to use it for cooking. After we eat I'll teach you how to carve and craft for armor and weapons, how to cut and prepare meat and also store it for long voyages, how to use every part of the beast so it doesn't go to waste and you can make more Nugz selling parts you didn't know could be sold okay?” I sit down next to the fire with Embra.

“Okay it's all done!” Emma hands out small wooden bowls and spoons filled with broth.

“Thank you! Agh it smells so good!” Embal says while viciously scooping it into her mouth.

“Thank you.” I say while grabbing a bowl, the warmth in my hands and the smell of many spices, carrot, potato and rabbit meat. The taste reminds me of Nova's cooking and my heart feels pain once more.

“You're very welcome Umbra!” Emma snaps me out of my trance. Food is passed out to the rest, all is quiet but the chewing of food and the stars above to keep us company. There are howls of many monsters filling the air but none seem close and the others are at ease and don't pay them any attention.

“Embra told us you're from a different world, shouldn't you be in a hurry? Why are you teaching us all of this and helping us?” Emduk asks while pausing between drinking huge gulps of water.

“Because we are men and we must become strong to protect the women and the people we love. The four of you remind me of how things were with my childhood friends, so in a way this is me paying my debt that I owe.” The memories long forgotten resurface.

“Debt?” The small fire casts a shadow on the four, their sullen expressions awaiting a story, one that has not been told for decades.

“This story only few have seen, an old memory of when I became an Adventurer like yourself, please watch very carefully for I do not wish anyone to repeat the choices I have made in life. Please.” I take a few slow, deep breaths, mentally preparing my mind and my spirit for the journey I am about to embark upon once more. I point my left hand at the four and my right towards my face, “Saudade!” A flash of white light erupts from my hands.