Aren and Misha made their away into the forest, treading lightly along the forest floor. The Mana Stabilizer Gloves, or mana gloves for short, that was bought by Aren for Misha was currently being eyeballed by the girl’s curious eyes. In front of her was Aren leading the way as he cuts foliages with his shortsword. Although Misha already knew what it was and does, the mana gloves’ embedded gem that sits atop of the hand is so eye catching that she couldn’t help but stare at it. The gem’s lustrous beauty however does not necessarily speaks of its potence. Misha’s mana gloves are of cheap origins which uses a ‘young’ mana gem, something that can be easily be found on any cave or underground formation. Therefore, this particular mana glove can only allow its user to stabilize their mana in a substantial but definite increased rate. Misha’s manual stabilization of her mana is already fast enough, but a second of delay could mean life or death for a magician so she would still definitely need the help of the mana gloves.

Aren on the other hand bought the essentials for this scouting trip without buying anything else to prevent deadweight. Health and mana potions, all of which costs too much money and tears, were the ones that were prioritized to be bought. An adventurer, or whatever the duo currently are, needs to be always prepared for the worst. A scout is just hunting without the actual hunting and thus would still pose risks and danger during the trip. Being kept safe inside Misha’s numerous belt pouches, they are to provide healing and recovery if they ever decide to have a conversation with death. Speaking of potions, Aren suddenly remembered something.

“Hey Misha, you remember that time I got rushed to the hospital, right?”

Misha snapped her attention to Aren who previously kept touching the cool surface of the gem.

“Hm? Yeah, it’s not something I can easily forget. You almost died you know.”

“That’s what I was about to say. I almost died, so why didn’t mom and dad use a health potion on me?”

“No, Ms. and Mr. Montrea did use a health potion on you.”

Aren paused, turning around to give Misha a questioning look.

“Didn’t you know?” Misha innocently asked.

“I’d be lying if I did.”

Aren continued on with their task, cutting another set of bushes to clear out the way.

“It didn’t work.” Misha said.

“Yeah, I already figured that out if dad had to carry me to a hospital after that.”

“Do you know why it didn’t work on you? When it’s been clearly working after you recovered.”

“How should I know?”

What Aren said contradicted with his thoughts, being he fully knows why that is so. There was no other reason than Seto himself, as this was probably his way of giving Aren the body he has now. A god taking away an innocent soul is not unheard of, but being directly related to it is not something he would be proud of. A child was the original owner of this body, and that is fucked up in more ways than one. Rather than stress himself out by thinking too much again, he instead shook off the thought and tried to be satisfied with the revelation.

Aren was quiet after, focusing on his job of clearing the way without making any sound aside from the whooshing noises of his sword.

“Are you okay, Aren?” Misha asked in a worried tone.

“No.” Aren replied.

Aren turned around to reveal his front to be full of dirt, specks of insects, and leaves from the plants he murdered. Misha held in a laugh as Aren stood there unamused.

“I think this forest hates me.”

Aren was gently cleaned with magic by the giggling Misha, who couldn’t take out the earlier image from her mind. Of course, Aren wasn’t happy with the way she’s mockingly giggling at him, but he kept quiet for the sake of his own cleanliness.

The duo continued on, talking about mundane things and avoiding any conflict with any of the monsters and beasts that roamed around. Something that caught Aren’s attention is a dead corpse of a monster. Sure, another monster may have chosen to just maul the poor sod. The problem is, no monster nor beast in this part of the forest can take it head on. The dead monster was a ‘stray’, a term he uses for monsters that aren’t supposed to be here. This means that someone else was here with them.

It’s not much of a problem however, and in fact it’s actually helping them. The extermination of these strays would mean that the duo won’t have to deal with them and would also protect the town and his secret. It’s just that Aren doesn’t know who is doing it, or why. People who has the ability to kill a stray, all of which are normally found in the center of the forest, can be very dangerous even for him. It probably won’t matter as long as they do not cross paths.

Sounds of fighting was suddenly heard, prompting the duo to rush towards the source. They arrived at a forest clearing before making themselves hidden behind trees and bushes. Their they saw a person, as young as they are, and a monstrous large beast that is also known in earth as a “bear”. It looks like they found the one responsible for the monster deaths.

The person fought fiercely with elegance, swiping and stepping with their two-bladed spear as if it were a dance. Their blonde hair would flawlessly flow to her every move despite it being so short, and the half cloak that covered their arm would flutter to reveal a gleaming armored limb. Aren could see their feet step on the ground one by one with flawless transition, with every step not wasted and always followed with movements against the bear. The bear meanwhile did struggle to keep up, with its rigid bear movements and predictable attacks causing it to suffer even more than its stubby limbs could ever do.

“Should we help them?” whispered Misha.

“If a person could lop off a bear’s arm with one swing, then I don’t think they would need help.”

Misha looked at him, confused. Aren did nothing but point at the fight happening before them. Misha redirected her attention to the fight, only to find the bear’s left arm lying on the ground not too far from where it was standing. The fight had already ended before Misha could say anything else, with the bear flat on the ground and its chest bared open from a swift thrust of the person’s spear.

General Info Name: Seris Von Rosen Affiliation: Rosen Royal Family Level: 23 Age: 10 Gender: Female

Jobs Blade Dancer

Health: 929/929 Mana: 454/493 (+0.57/min) Fame: 270 Experience Points: 26,997

Strength: 310 (+40) Vitality: 201 Endurance: 189 (+200) Agility: 585 (+350) Dexterity: 721 (+500) Perception: 103 Intelligence: 182 Wisdom: 172 Fortitude: 256 Charm: 20 Faith: 121 Luck: 32

Bonuses: Rosen Bloodline

Maharlika's Chosen

Favors: None Discovered

Status Effects: Holy: Increased effectivity against the unholy.

Taking the time to see her stats, he saw how much of a gap there is between her and him. For one…

General Info Name: Aren Montrea Affiliation: None Level: 37 Age: 10 Gender: Male

Jobs Jack of All Trades Brawler Mage Rogue Ranger

Health: 1563/1563 Mana: 616/616 Fame: 89 Experience Points: 56,789

Strength: 773 Vitality: 414 Endurance: 626 Agility: 476 Dexterity: 411 Perception: 314 Intelligence: 221 Wisdom: 232 Fortitude: 193 Charm: 21 Faith: 10 Luck: 21

Bonuses: It's Me!

Here's a gift.

Favors: None Discovered

Status Effects: None

...Aren is already at his fifth job, with one attribute reaching 700s. Although she may be able to fight against him in one on one combat using only spears, she will most definitely be defeated by him in almost every other way, and that does not include the few tricks he has up his sleeves. Their age is the same, yet there’s already this much difference between them. For the first time in forever, he thanked Stan for the training regime he had to suffer through.

One attribute did catch his attention with its high value; her dexterity in 700s. This was understandable considering she only focused on one job, that being “Blade Dancer”, and the show she put on earlier. Her agility’s stat also makes sense with the “dancer” part of the job, making it completely focused on accuracy, speed, and footwork. Aren isn’t nearly as fast as her or as dextrous, and with such a lower than desirable perception, he would have a hard time predicting her attacks if she goes all out on him. Everybody knows speed beats strength.

There’s also the fact that her equipment are ridiculously strong and are to die for. Unfortunately for him, the spear isn't his best weapon nor does he think her garment would fit him.

Maharlika

(Soulbound)

Type:

Spear

Grade:

Divine

Description:

A divine weapon granted by the goddess of wind and elegance, Aera. This spear is said to be a witness of many gruesome battles and a claimer of uncountable lives. Many did try to oppose the spear and its chosen, but none has ever prevailed against its might. This is the testament of Aera's wrath, and those who the chosen deems unworthy shall receive swift retribution.

Effects:

Grants the "Holy" status effect

Additional 300 DEX and 150 AGI

A chance to hasten movement with every attack by 10% for 3 seconds (Stacks)

No effects if wielded by other than the chosen

Skills:

Awaken (LOCKED)

Revelation (LOCKED)

Wind Dancer's Garb

Type:

Light Armor

Grade:

Master Crafted

Description:

A blacksmith once denounced the gods and acted against them. His skills on his craft would be used to create heresy, and cause chaos among those who believes. Yet despite his doings, the gods that were his enemy saved him from death. For redemption and repentance, the Wind Dancer's Garb was created for tribute to the god that spared him. The god was none other than Aera herself.

Effects:

Additional 40 STR, 200 END, 200 AGI, and 200 DEX

Hastening status effects are 10% more effective

Slowing status effects are 10% less effective

Skills:

None

These obviously boosted her stats more than what they already are. Her equipment also made her look like a noble, which made the affiliation “Rosen Royal Family” make much more sense. So then, she’s part of a royal family which oddly sounds like a city he’s familiar with. Aren knows that he must treat royalties with utmost respect as to not gain their ire. He has read way too much stories that involved offending the royal family, and he’s sure that they won’t hesitate to have him killed if this person happens to be the daughter of the king or even just the servant. He just hopes that he won’t have to fight her.

“Wait. Why am I assuming she’s going to attack me?”

Aren suddenly found himself outside the bush, arms spread wide as if he was making an entrance. In which he did. Aren barely opened his mouth, when the stranger has already covered ground with her spear pointing dangerously near his throat.

“Ah, that’s why.”

Dust trailed Seris after a moment, as if time wasn’t able to register her movement for a while. Aren, who was on death’s spear, quickly raised his hand in apprehension.

“I did nothing wrong ma’am! I swear I’m innocent!”

Seris glared at Aren’s anxious expression with him breaking in a cold sweat.

“Who are you?”

“A-Aren. Aren Montrea. Nice to meet you.” Aren nervously answered.

Aren figured that revealing your name would be something of a trust gesture showing the other that you mean no harm. And so that's exactly what he did.

“And uh… Misha’s in the back. Misha!”

Shortly after being called, Misha came out from behind with her hands surrounded by glowing blue glyphs. If her burrowed eyebrows and intense stare weren’t an intention to harm, then it would be her remark.

“Get away from him.”

Before this standoff could go on any further, Aren set himself between the two girls, one hand swiftly and tightly holding the spear and the other lowering Misha’s. Seris tried to pull back her spear, but Aren’s strength wouldn’t let her. Misha on the other hand, reluctantly drew away her spell and instead settled with glaring at Seris. Aren let go after, with Seris taking the opportunity to step back and gain some distance between her and the two.

“Look, we don’t want to fight.”

“I do.” Misha butted in.

“...We don’t want to fight. I’m sorry if I agitated you earlier, but I..:” Aren raised his hand at chest level, facing the palms towards her “...won’t be doing anything harmful.”

Seris doesn’t seem convinced.

“What about her?”

Aren was pretty sure that Misha wasn’t going to escalate this thing any further, only to find himself wrong when he realized that the faint glow from the side of his vision was from her powering up her spell again. Misha stopped after Aren slapped her hands away.

“Either way, I don’t trust any of you. Coincidentally showing up after the fight is suspicious, and the fact that your friend there tried to sling spells at me doesn’t seem very welcoming at all.”

“Excuse me?” Aren replied in disbelief “You were the one who almost shoved a spear to my throat! My throat! What kind of friend would not see you as a threat by then? Hm? I didn’t even do anything yet to deserve that kind of treatment!”

“They who strikes first gets the advantage.”

Aren responded with closing his mouth, not wanting to say anything more with how much this little snot is being an imprudent little brat. His disappointment was expressed clearly through his gestures, which was shown with utmost intent to make this girl understand how much she is being disliked. This act of disapproval was dismissed by Seris turning around in a ‘hmph’, which did not improve her first impression at all.

“Do not follow me anymore, if you know what’s best for you.”

Well, Aren expected this much from a noble royalty like her.

Seris disappeared shortly after into the forest, leaving behind the bear. Aren, still salty about earlier, decided to harvest the bear for everything it’s worth to sell back at the town. The extra funds will be good for their scouting trip since Stan technically did not set any deadline for the task. For a moment there were only the sun’s light and silence that filled the area, along with some sickening sounds made from stabbing flesh. Misha only looked at the direction where Seris disappeared into.

“Hey, Aren.”

Misha finally spoke up, making Aren stop to look at her.

“Let’s follow her.”

“Aw hell no!”

Aren shot up in disagreement, making an “x” with his hands to emphasize his decision. Misha looked back at Aren with worried eyes. Knowing his friend, Aren knows she is genuinely worried about that one.

“You tried to ice her with magic earlier. What made you change your mind?”

“She’s going deeper into the forest.”

It took Aren cranking his head for a while before realizing what Misha meant.

“She’s here with the same goal as us.”

It was reasonable, seeing that Seris was using a divine spear and had a full set outfit that boosted her attributes. If she’s going to go in full gear, that would mean she’s going to fight something nasty. If he’s right, it might be even the same target as they were trying to scout. It would be problematic if the task was finished by someone else, since he knows that Stan would just give another ridiculous test to replace it. The forest’s location would also mean that one of its sides would be directly facing Rosenvolt, and without Aren’s interference, they would have most likely noticed the increase in monster appearances. Though he doesn’t know why Rosenvolt didn’t send in any soldier or adventurer earlier in the first place.

There’s also uncertainty, uncertain if Seris is enough with how she went in with those equipment. Sure her stats are incredible, but if she’s going so far as to even wield a divine weapon, then there’s a probability that she isn’t that confident in taking on the culprit. Is she’s going to fail, then it would mean that the monster responsible would be more aggressive knowing that it is now being actively hunted, which is the worst case scenario.

“I really don’t like her, but it doesn’t mean I should leave her to the dangers of this forest.” Misha worrily said.

“Didn’t you see the bear?” Aren asked, presenting the dead bear in front of him with his hands.

“Aren, you can take on a bear in a one on one. What are you trying to prove?”

“It’s a bear.” Aren emphasized.

Misha looked at him with determined eyes. She could get very stubborn sometimes, and this is something Aren can't steer into his advantage. He has no other choice but to give in.

“Ok, fine. We’re gonna follow her.”

The meat and hide that was harvested from the bear was thrown away to prevent any deadweight in what they are about to do. Yes, they were about to stalk the poor girl on her way to slay whatever monstrosity lies ahead. Despite the malicious intent this action would imply, as well as breaking her warning, Misha seems happy before returning back at Aren’s side, waiting for him to start.

“If anything happens, I’m blaming this on you.”

“That’s fine. I understand.”

With a sigh, Aren stepped into the forest again with Misha following close.

Seris made her way inside the forest with her eyes peeled for anything suspicious. She can’t help but feel like she’s being watched by someone, or something. Her perception stat isn’t that high, so this thing she’s heard about may be the one responsible for this feeling, namely “Women’s Intuition”. She frankly doesn’t know how it works, but it’s a woman’s thing apparently and it’s supposed to work mysteriously. All the time spent on training wasn’t really compatible with a lady’s ways, and so she wasn’t even aware that such a thing existed in every female there is. She didn’t believe that it would work, but now she’s having second thoughts.

The people earlier didn’t seem like bad people, nor did they even know who she was with their casual attitude. It seemed like they were adventurers, or aspiring adventurers if she’s mistaken. She didn’t really mean to lunge forward with “Flash Step”, but reflexes are something she can’t easily control. It was thus very fortunate that the encounter didn’t escalate, seeing that her nervousness just made them wary of her, which was fine anyway. The task she had at hand was not something she’d want others to participate or get involved in since it would defeat its purpose. She just wishes that her encounter with the two earlier had gone better. Still, the chance of them being an opposition was there, so she couldn’t risk it.

And so she treaded with her spear at the ready. She never knows when will another enemy strike at her, and judging from the 9 monsters she encountered earlier, she at least knows it will be soon. Health and mana were kept in check and conserved, making sure that she wouldn’t waste any of it more than what was needed. She’s thankfully still full of health, and her mana is might as well be considered full. The monsters were, after all, just small fries that cannot even stand up to Maharlika’s might. Then again, this forest is known to be rather easy due to how weak the monsters and beasts are.

Still, it doesn’t mean she should let her guard down. She’s here for a task she imposed upon herself, and it would be shameful if she were to fail and come back to Rosenvolt empty-handed. A royalty’s name is worth their merits, and she must prove to her peers that she’s good enough. She must prove to her father that she’s worthy of being a heir.

She tightly gripped her spear on one hand, swinging occasionally to remove hindrances along the way. The air around her started to get heavier as she drew near to the center of the forest, something that was unnatural given that the forest shouldn’t have that much ambient mana to begin with. A denser mana ambience can be caused by many things, and among those things include things that aren’t exactly harmless. Knowing these possibilities, she came in full gear in case something like a demon decides to be the culprit. Proving one’s self doesn’t always involve battles, and it is most true when you are a noble or a royalty where they must know not only how to fight, but to manage and lead as well. However, having not given any opportunities to show off on the latter, she’ll have to prove herself in another way. That way being finding the source of the increased monster appearance and putting a stop to it.

As the atmosphere around her gets denser and denser, she realized she has stepped into a territory unheard of from any of the reports she has seen. The area was darker as if the sun was being prevented to shine, while a mist was slowly making itself known as she walked closer. A dreadful feeling washed over Seris, and she trembled. Never did she ever felt fear so strong that it would literally make her shake uncontrollably. There was no mistake, this is where the source is.

Despite her body resisting to move on, she steeled herself and moved forward with a silent prayer. The resolve she had was strengthened so that she may complete the task, and come back in one piece. The unease she felt in her heart from the very moment she arrived however started to grow. The place was eerily quiet, and her mind was screaming to back off. It did not stop her unfortunately as she stepped ever more closer to the cause of it all. She needs to do this. She must do this.

Seris was finally inside a clearing after a while of walking, but what was waiting inside was not something she expected. Her eyes grew wide open when she realized why the place was dreadfully uneasy to even stay at. It finally occurred to her why no one dared to go deep into the forest.

“Who daressss enter my domain?”

It wasn’t because of a magical barrier, or a dungeon. Instead, what greeted her was a looming, shadow-like horned snake. Its ominous red eyes stared deep into her like daggers stabbing her soul. It was in this moment that she questioned the gods; out of all things, why did it had to be an abyssal?