Chapter 11
Splash Splash Splash
Swoooosh
"So... What did you get inside that room anyway?"
Lucrane then summoned something from her [Ring of Equipment].
"..... A dagger?"
She then nodded.
The dagger she showed me was sheathed inside a steel scabbard, with a unique design of a thorns wrapping, or encircling around a dead rose(?), with a broken wing at its left. It was quite stunning, and pecualir kind of art
"It's a gift from a friend of mine. She tends to keep it safe and well-maintained all the time"
Looking at it in a close range, I then asked her
"..... The art is truly fascinating, truth be told, but I don't know what does it mean anyway"
"It means that even a withered soul can still be beautiful, dangerous, and ambitious"
She then gently caress it as she continued
"The art represents the whole of a person, its will to fight, the ability to risk, and the personality it hids. The rose spoke about the beauty of a person, may it inside or outside, while its wing symbolize its ego, its pride than even the harshes trials can't take away her will to reach the peak. As why it's withered, it gives the meaning of time, that no matter how significant you are to the world, only time could take away your prize"
She then added
"Thorns represents torments and risk, that not all bridge can be crossed, neither rivers to be swam"
She then smiled as she hold the dagger tight, and added in a distance tone
"She made this during her carefree, and truly enjoyable time, that is why I cherish it"
"She is a good friend isn't she?"
"Indeed she is, that is why I admire her so much"
She replied as we crossed a small ruined bridge, across a wide lake. After what happened to that place in that haunted house, we then left before, or almost lunch. Remembering that creepy old house is really not good. So after we have further walked a bit away from that creepy forest, we then took our meal next to a pond that was beautified by a flowers surrounding it, and some small Fishes swimming around the pond, making it a peaceful and relaxing lunch to take.
After that, we then continued on. Climbing up a mountain, we then make our way to a rocky area where small rocks could be seen around the place, some spiky ones, and massive boulders. Huge pine trees could be seen at the side, peak, and base of the mountain.
Baaa!!
..
<> [Rock Goat]
[Name: None]
[Level 59]
[Exp: 17, 450/ 27, 300]
[Vitality: 39, 900]
[Skills:]
<> [Heavy Bash]
<> If thinking doesn't work, try bashing for a change. [Mastery - Lv 30: 5, 678/ 6, 000]
<> 3% (+1%) increase in defense when [Heavy Bash] is used, and invulnerable for 2 seconds.
<><> When [Heavy Bash] is used, user will receive 3% (+1%) boost in its frontal attack, and 5% (+1%) armor reduction.
<> [Single Bash]
<> Ones head can't think twice, so smash it one at a time. [Mastery - Lv 41: 6, 546/ 8, 200]
<> When combine with [Heavy Bash], frontal attack will boost for 3% (+1%)(+1%) and speed for 3% (+1%)(+1%) in 4 seconds.
<><> When hit a [Perfect Strike] ,second bash will receive additional 3% (+1%)(+1%) frontal attack, with 4% (+1%)(+1%) reduction of enemy's health, if hit
Using the bracelet's feature, I then take a look at a mountain Goat like creature, that was just a distance from us. It has a peanut brown color skin, and instead of a fur, it looks like rocks, and it has a curved horns also
Baaaaa!!
"That monster is good to be eaten, but hard to be cooked. Its skin is also a good material for defensive type of equipments"
"Back at my world, we also have a similar creature, a mountain Goat"
"Mountain Goat?"
She asked, as we went down the rocky slope of the mountain
"A Goat that lives, or mostly found in the mountains. They have white fur, and a short horns unlike those one. They have a rectangular iris, and a hooves. They are docile type of creature, and only aggressive when needed to"
After we went down the mountain, which was quite harder than climbing up, we then continued moving forward, towards the dense forest. Lucrane then signaled me to stop. She then gazed at me and swayed her head, gesturing to follow her, I then nodded as a response. Slowly, we then walked towards a twin boulder that was making a heart shape.
Peeking in between the intersection of the boulder, that was making a 'V' shape at my right, I then saw a pack of some kind of Deer, that was munching some grass and flowers, just a distance from us.
..
<> [Porcelain Crystal Horn Elk]
[Name: none]
[Lv 43]
[Vitality: 23, 300]
[Exp: 5, 950/ 15, 600]
[Skills]
<>[Swift Feet]
<> When one's feet is used, body shall move. [Mastery - Lv 24: 2, 857/ 8, 400]
<> 5% increased in user's speed
<><> Enemies accuracy against you will be affected by 6%
<> [Heavy Bash]
<> If thinking doesn't work, try bashing for a change. [Mastery - Lv 30: 5, 678/ 6, 000]
<> 3% (+4%) increase in defense when [Heavy Bash] is used, and invulnerable for 2 seconds.
<><> When [Heavy Bash] is used, user will receive 3% (+4%) boost in its frontal attack, and 5% (+4%) armor reduction.
<>[Earth Stamp]
<> The power of might, the strength to hold, granted by God, a man weilded the world. [Mastery - Lv 26: 1, 678/ 11, 700]
<> Create a 2 meter earth wave that shakes the ground for 3 seconds. Hindering the enemy with 5% speed reduction, and armor reduction, and 7% attack power reduction
Discerning the area, I then saw some creatures, sneaking behind the of those Deer
..
<> [Black Wolf]
[Name: none]
[Lv 47]
[Vitality: 21, 300]
[Exp: 5, 840/ 15, 600]
[Skills]
<>[Bite]
<> A powerful bite that could ravage a steel armor like paper. [Mastery - Lv 27: 3, 157/ 5, 400]
<> Armor penetration 3%
<><> If the armor has been broken, activate [Bleeding] for 2 seconds
<>[Sharp Claw]
<> A fast claw slash, ripping it's prey and enemy's flesh and guts. [Mastery - Lv 46: 16, 956/ 18, 400]
<> If [Sharp Claw] is activated, for 4 seconds, the user will receive 5% (+1%)(+1%) boost in its speed
<><> If the user was able to hit a clean strike, [Sharp Claw] will receive 5% (+1%)(+1%) additional power boost for 1 second
<>[Shadow Dash]
<> Speed that could hide its presence. A quick footwork that could hinder its enemies vision and sight. [Mastery - 30: 2, 646/ 1, 500]
<> If [Shadow Dash] is activated, additional 3% (+1%) speed boost for 1 second
<><> If able to land a clean strike during the dash, additional 2%(+1%) attack power on its [Sharp Claw]
[Race: Wolf]
Gradually closing the distance towards those beast, the {Wolves} took their strive carefully, and steadily. Slowly, they made their way as they bare their fangs and sharp claws, ready to tear those creatures apart.
Seeing the brewing competition between the {Black Wolves}, and {Porcelain Crystal Horn Elk}
"So..... Are we going to use the same tactic?"
Lucrane shook her head as I asked that, and spoke
"It's almost past afternoon, and we aren't yet near the place we are going. Waiting for them to brawl would just waste our time"
"Shall we take a detour then?"
As I suggested that, Lucrane then nodded. Slowly, we then went around the area, to avoid any confrontation towards those 2 monsters.
After we have distanced ourselves from them, we then continue moving forward.
[You have gained 3, 550 Exp for killing {Goblins}, {Wolves}, {Black Wolves}, and {Nero Rabbits}]
[Due to the [Shōnin no Omamori] flaw, you will be receiving 1, 775 Exp]
[You have level up]
[You have reached level 17]
"His quite a hard working bunch ha"
I stated as I praised the {Goblin Archer}, that we brought along with us. During the time when we entered that haunted house, Lucrane ordered it to hunt some monsters along the way, and to scout the area as well.
"..... We need to get moving"
"Hmm? Why?"
I asked as Lucrane suddenly became aggravate. She then looked above us and stated
"It's going to rain"
I then looked above me and saw some grayish colored clouds, covering the horizon, leisurely dimming the dense forest. Weak rumbling noise then could be heard, as the approaching storm announced its arrival. While looking above me, a meek, yet peaceful melody of a woman singing then could be heard. As I turn my head to my back, I then stated with a frown
"They are persistent bunch, don't you think?"
Lucrane then tap my shoulder's back with her knuckles, and stated
"Don't worry on them, for now, focus on finding a shelter for us to stay"
I stared for a bit of time to where that voice resound, before I turn my head upfront, and climb up the tree using [Quick Reflexes], [Fetaher Touch], and [Swift Nimble]. Arriving at the top, I then use [Keen Eyesight], and started observing the surrounding area as I ran.
While I was dashing forward, as I jump from one tree to another, Lucrane was doing same at my left, telling me how serious the situation we are in.
Unlike before that took us some time to find a place where we could stay, this time, we are able make it much quicker. Just a distance from where we are, was a massive tree with a wide trunk. I then gazed at Lucrane, which she then replied with a nod. As she agreed on using that place as our next camping area, we then dashed forward.
Arriving at the base of the tree, I then stared up with amazement, on how gigantic the tree was.
"Do we need to keep running to climb up, or something?"
As I asked that, I then looked towards Lucrane, who was at my left, and saw her bending with a serious expression painted on her face, as she looked up
"That is obvious"
Swoosh
She then propelled herself up. Swiftly, my eyes then followed her as she raised up. After she jumps up a distance further where I was, she then slowed down until she reached the maximum height she could attain. Thanks to my [Keen Eyesight], I could still see her. As her left foot landed, she then pushed herself forward, and started leaping like a frog. Jumping from left to right like a zig-zag, she keeps moving.
Mesmerized, I just gazed at her without blinking. As she reached the tree's fist branch, she then jumped towards it and landed. Turning her back and looked at me, she then yelled
"What are you waiting for? Hurry!"
"[Untouched]"
"[Feather Touch]"
"[Quick Reflexes]"
[Untouched] has been used]
[Invasion] has been activated for 30 seconds]
[Feather Touch] has been used]
[Weightless] has been activated]
[50% weight reduction for wearing [Leather Armor]
[10% weight reduction for wearing [Steel Armor]
Following her words, I then used 3 of my skills and bend down. Scrunching down, I could felt that my body became lighter. Looking up, I then pushed myself up and jumped
Swooosh
Jumping up, I could felt the cold breeze of the wind, as it brush itself towards me, and caress my face. Reaching at the peak of the jump I made, I then slowly slowed down. Even with the 3 skills I used, I wasn't able to reach even half of her jump, and was still unmatched to her, when it comes to jumping alone. Arriving at the maximum height I could take, I then let my right foot land first before my left, then bended once again, and pushed myself forward. Knowing that using only one foot to push myself up, wouldn't give me the same result as using two.
Reaching the height that I could take, I then once again slowed down. Landing to where I was, I then pushed myself to the left, and continued further on. I jumped from my right then dashed forward, before I propelled once again to my left, and rushed.
I took a bit of time to get where Lucrane was, and landed.
"You took your pleasant time, princess"
Huff Huff Huff
Pant Pant
Looking at her as I tried catching my breath - though I wasn't that much tired - I then spoke
"To speak like that in front of your princess, you have guts"
Foooo
"What an arrogant servant I have"
She then giggled, and stated as she elegantly bowed which taken me aback, as how a barbarous woman like her knows etiquette
"Then let us be off, my lady. We are still but far away from our camp"
Saying that, she then turned her back at me. I then gazed at the giant tree one more and spoke
"Isn't this height enough? I think this place is already good enough to settle down"
She the shoke her head and stated
"Just follow me"
She then halted and turned her head to my direction, and spoke as she smiled with confidence
"I will let you experience the beauty of this world, once more"
Without complaining, I then followed her as we dashed forward, and keep jumping like a tree Frog.
After awhile, we then reached the 5th branch of this massive tree.
Huff Puff Huff Puff
"This place is huge"
I said in a hoarse tone, as I placed both of my hands behind me, as I sat down with my tired body. Breathing heavily, I then closed my eyes, as I raised my head up. I then lay down the branch
"If this is too much for you, then I suppose you have no hope in reaching even a quarter of the [Yggdrassil]"
Looking at her as I tried catching my breath, I then spoke in a joking tone
"This is the only time I missed elevator back in my world. Now I know why that panda hates stair too much"
"Panda?"
"It's nothing... Pant... Pant... So I guess this where we stay, right? Huff... Huff and I hope you won't tell me to climb another branch, because I give up"
She then sat down beside me and stated
"No need to worry, this height is enough"
She then placed her hand in between my forehead and head, and ruffled my hair, which was kind of annoying and not
"You did good this time, you didn't fall"
"Haah... Hah.... If I did, I will curse you first"
She then giggled, so I chuckled in response. She then arranged my hair as I laid down, and feeling the heavenly breeze of the cold gust of wind
"You are acting like a big sister"
As I said that, she then halted. Noticing that, I then looked at her, which greatly shocked me, as her face was closed to mine as she smiled
"How about I become one then?"
Staring at her beautiful, and captivating luster emerald eyes, I then smiled as I closed my eyes, and retorted
"Nahhhh, I don't want to have a barbaric woman to be my big sister. Better luck next time"
Tok
She then knocked my head using her left hand's knuckles, and giggled as she stood up
"Rest up, I'll place some protection to us before we start camping"
"How about the fire then?"
I asked, as I rubbed my forehead and arrange my hair, as I keep laying down
"You don't need to worry about that, this tree won't burn down for a single flickering flame. It takes a {Dragon's} flame, or lightning bolt, to seat this massive tree aflame"
I then turn my gaze to her direction and whistle. Seeing such woman swing her ass as she walked, was a pleasant sight to gaze. Noticing my gaze, she then turned around and smiled, as she summoned a dagger from her right, and stated
"Keep your hormones in check, or this will be your last"
I then gestured a salute, as I closed my eyes and spoke
"Yes ma'am!"
Opening my eyes once again, I then saw her walking towards the trunk of the tree. Arriving there, she then placed her hands on it and muttered. The distance between that place and where I was lazily resting, wasn't quite far, so I could pretty much hear what she was saying.
"Magna arbor, oro, audi verba mea et defende nos a malo et ab iis qui nos laedunt"
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
Latin translation for Great tree, I pray, hear my words and protect us from evil and from those who harm us
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
As expected, I don't really get what she just spoke. She then lean her head towards the trunk, and added
"Tuas vires, amorem et sapientiam posco, ac tuam peto tutelam"
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
Latin translation for I ask for your strength, love and wisdom, and I ask for your protection
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
Unlike the other spells or incantation she spoke before, this time there wasn't anything major happen, nor anything that emphasize any great changes. After that, she then walked towards me.
Slowly, I then got up and sat down.
Swooosh
Another cold breezy wind brush us as it pass through, and then
Crack!
Boom!
"Woah!"
A strong lighting then crackled the cloudy sky, followed by a roaring rumble of a thunder
Pitter-patter Pitter-patter Pitter-patter
Wooooosh!
Strong gust of wind then followed after, with a heavy rainfall pouring below us. Gazing at it, I unconsciously spoke as my eyes was glued to this magnifying sight
"Beautiful"
"Isn't it?"
Sitting at the top of this massive trees branch, as I watched the heavy downpour pour, and the thunder clapped, while the lighting crash was a sight that you could only see in this wonderful world
"I really wish you could see this with me"
Feeling a bit lonely, I then stood up and went towards Lucrane, who was already setting our camp fire. Seeing that this giant tree's leaves could protect us from the rain, so we didn't set up our usual tent.
Lucrane took the task of cooking today, so I let her be, as I just sat down and mesmerized the beauty before me. Lucrane is making a hot soup today. Cooking a hot soup for our dinner today, was perfectly matched the atmosphere we are having.
Boom!
Crash!
Woooshhh
Swiiiishhh
Truly, living in this world is a wonderful experience.
"Dinner is ready"
Lucrane then called me out. She then handed me a bowl, which she already poured the soup inside. Taking the bowl from her hand, I then took a spoon and started eating.
Slurp
Chew Chew Chew
Swoooshhh
Plunk Plunk Plunk Plunk Plunk
Crack!
Gulp
Fooo~
'This is what it means of peaceful haven'
As I ate my meal with extreme pleasure, I then suddenly realized something
"Where is the {Goblin} anyway?"
Chew Chew Chew
Gulp
"Its below us, sleeping"
"Aren't you going to invite it to eat with us?"
She then shook her head and spoke
"They don't eat dishes like we do, they merely goes for raw meat, or cooked by either grilled, smoked, or fried meat"
Slurp
Nom Nom num Nom num
Gulp
Haaaa~
"As long it's meat, they will eat it. Anything that has vegetables, seasonings or spices, will make them lose their appetite, and I also already told it to snack some meat as it hunts, so don't worry about it"
I then nodded and continued savoring our hot meal in this breezy, and cold stormy night
'Sleeping in this atmosphere will worth 5 star in my opinion"
Slurp
Thunk Thunk Thunk Thunk Thunk Thunk
Swooooshhh
Crash! Crack!
....
Before the morning came, yesterday, I purposely asked Lucrane to wake me up quite early, to enjoy the beautiful morning sunrise. As the sun rises in the east, its sun rays touches the remnants of the stormy night, shone, making it glitter like a sparkling treasure. Standing at the top as I gaze the surface below me, I could see a thousands upon thousands of glistening jewels, that shimmers as the sun rises, painting the whole place with crystalline beauty.
After taking our meal, which in turn was my task to do, I cooked a [Battered Egg], and a [Grilled Meat], which I applied the chicken oil I made, to make it even tasteful as we watched another blissful day in this world. We then started heading out as we climbed down, which was quite tricky than the first.
To get down, Lucrane took the lead first as she jumps from the 5th brach towards the 3rd. After that, I then jumped and slid myself down the massive tree's trunk. Using the [Iron Gauntlet] I have stored in my [Ring of Equipment], I was able to gain 65% reduction of my weight, as I activated [Feather Touch], cheatingly. Using [Swift Nimble] and [Quick Reflexes], helps me maneuver as I went down. Lucrane below will be my assurance, to catch me whenever I miss the spot I should be going.
After I have arrived at where Lucrane was, we then continued going down, as Lucrane jumped first then me, until we reached the base.
After we have climb down from the gigantic tree, we then started heading back to our journey.
"Where is the {Goblin}?"
"I ordered it to scout the area first, and hunt some monster on the way"
Curious as I was puzzled, I then asked her as we transverse the deep forest again
"And how did you do that? Did you commanded it early in the morning?"
"No, I use [Telepathy]"
"[Telepathy]? Is that where you can exchange words with someone inside you head?"
She then nodded
"Yes, it's a required skill when commanding your tamed monsters, without needed to speak at them face to face. It's also quite a good skill to use when you needed a direct communication, and quick delivery without any interface to someone you are trying to speak of, especially during a surprise attack"
We then scrunched down as we crossed a narrow passageway, inside a small cave.
"So, where are we heading this time?"
"We will take a shortcut from here to the [Valley of Ruined City], where the [Teleportation Array] is located. Getting there and using the [Teleportation Array], we will be able to teleport directly at the [Deep Forest of the Forgotten Ruins]"
"[Valley of Ruined City]? That is some interesting name not going to lie, any history to it?"
As we got out from the small, narrow cave, we then continued venturing the dense forest again
"It was once called [Concord Vale], that is known for its flourish agriculture, and outstanding production. It is one of the best trading partner during its years, but as the nature of a person could take, their greed went further than they could control, seeking more richness and fame, they dug dipper than they should have, and ended their civilization"
"Did they provoke an entity or something?"
She then shook her and spoke, as we pass a stunning field of dandelions in our way. As the sun touches the field, it rays filled the stunning garden with beauty and delight
"They didn't, they just took something they shouldn't have"
Around the field was filled with small incest, like Butterflies and Bees that strolls around, as they buzz and flap their mini wings.
"They took an amulet that was found dipper in an ancient structure, deep underground. I know curiosity isn't new nor that uncommon, but being so typical about it leads them to their demise"
"Was there any sign or warning, something that repel or warn the intruders like that?"
"There was: 'Don't seek what can't be find, don't take what can't be reach, don't cross what can't be walked, and don't steal what isn't yours' is what was written there, but those people didn't cared about it, and took the amulet anyway. Nothing happens for at least 3 weeks after they took that amulet out. Though their productions suddenly going even further, and even their agriculture was more blissful than the last. They thought that the amulet was the reason, and used it as a symbol to their valley, and spoke that it was a gift from the Gods, but-"
Swooosshh
As a strong gust of wind pass us, it then blew the dandelions, causing its seeds to flew and scatter around us, like a thousand snowflakes. It was a mesmerizing sight to behold. Turning myself to see its full glamor, I then keep my sight wonders as I look, from above till below, at my right and at my left, the whole place was completely painted with this splendid uptake.
Turning my vision back, I then saw Lucrane looking at this wonderful, and pleasing scene as she smiled. Opening her palm as she let those dandelion seeds lands on her hand. It was a dazzling sight truth be told, she was like a painted portrait that was brushed with gentle touch, it was as if she was a fairy that dwells in this field.
Gazing at her, I can't help but smile and let this moment go
"Do you believe in fairy tale?"
She asked, which I then spoke in a sarcastic, playful tone
"Well let me see. I got teleported to unknown, foreign land, where I battled monster I only see in fiction, and lives in a world that was once just a mere thought, so yes, yes I believe in fairy tales"
She then giggled a bit and stated, as she hold the stalk of the once a beautiful dandelion
"[Angel's Eternal Wish], is a folklore about an eternal wish of an {Angel} that came down to this place, and asked for a miracle to this flowers"
"Hold up"
As I crossed my arms, I then halted Lucrane, as I asked something puzzling to what she just told me about
"Why would an angel asked a flower for a miracle, if she's near the Gods? Can't she just asked them instead?"
Lucrane then stared at with a frown, and muttered
"No wonder you aren't popular to women"
'Oops, dodge that'
"I thought it's because of my looks, glad it wasn't"
"That is the second reason"
".... Wow"
"Ahem, legend said that long time ago, an {Angel} once fell to a mortal, to a Human. Feeling the love she never knew she have, she asked the Gods to meet the man. Having the permission to meet him, the {Angel} then hurriedly went down to see him. The man was truly surprised when the {Angel}, a messenger of the Gods came at him"
'Thankfully, he didn't have any heart problems, or the story should have end there'
"Though their meeting was truly awkward and distance, but years pass as they live together, they became quite close and valued each other. They became friends, companions, until the time came by that the man then fell for the {Angel's} warmth. Seeking her loving embrace and stunning smile, the man then confess his feeling to her, conveying what he truly feels. The joy that the {Angel} felt that day can't compare to all the things she been through, as for the first time in her life, she found the one she could love"
Silently, I then walked towards her as I listened
"Years after years came by, as they lived their lives, the {Angel} then finally notice something to his love, the once young man has now grown, his body became much mature, his voice became deeper, and his body has grown. For the man, it was a natural thing, but for the {Angel} ..... It was a sign. Seeking for an answer, the {Angel} asked the man to wait for her, as she needed to go back to take care of something. A bit sadden to her words, the man then nodded and let the {Angel} go"
Lucrane then noticed one single dandelion, that wasn't blown by the strong gust of wind. She then picked it up and moved it closer to her, as she added
"The {Angel} asked the Gods to give her lover a chance to live, further than what he could have, but the Gods decline and told him that 'life was created to give birth, while death was to pass on. It is a cycle where one can't live without the other'. With those words said, the {Angel} then complained 'then why aren't we the same? Why only them?', 'mortals has way of living, so too as those perk above them', hearing those words from the God, the {Angel} then frustratingly walked out"
Lucrane then made this distance smile, as she stared at the dandelion
"Months came as the {Angel} wonders and cross her thought, to any possible way, scenario, and outcome, but she could never find anything that could help her lover. Coming down from the [Heaven] with grief in her heart, the {Angel} flew. The {Angel} then unknowingly came across a vast field of flowers, she never seen before. Charmed by it, the {Angel} went up close, and pluck one of that said flower. Staring at the magnifying beauty, the {Angel} unconsciously tear down and sob. She then deeply holds the flower on her chest, and wished 'please, hear my prayers, hear my plea, I only asked for his happiness, a blessing, a miracle'. A gust of wind then pass her, blowing the dandelion, and scattering its seeds. The {Angel} was surprised by it, as she watched it flew away from her"
"Suddenly realizing that she went somewhere she never been to, the {Angel} then rose above and found out she was lost. Finding her way back to her lover's embrace, she flew for months. Time flies by as she got back to where he was, she then saw her lover with someone she didn't knew, a woman she never knew was with the man she love, and cherish the most"
She then blew the dandelion in her hand
"... Bastard"
"Might be, but with such scene, the {Angel} then flew away. For unknown reason, she came back to the field where she made her wish. Rather than screaming in tears for grief, the {Angel} kneeled, and thanked the flowers for making her wish come true, as she cried in silence. She then went back to the [Heaven], and didn't came down ever again, and the love between her and him was now just flitting memory she will cherish, until time will seek her to rest"
Speechless, I only stared at field in silence
"Do you know why she felt such way?"
"..... Don't know, I'm single so I don't really know how couples think"
"I see, how pitiful"
".... You do know I have feeling right?"
"To answer my own question"
"Ya deaf or what? What me to yell?"
"It's because their love story won't bear any, rather than a blessing and a curse. A blessing of love for the man, and a curse of longing for the {Angel}. Rather than experiencing a thousand years of grief, the {Angel} just took the silent and short solitude, than a years of torment of guilt and regret, knowing that their tale would come to a tragic end"
She then stood up and turn around, as she added
"[Angel's Eternal Wish] then became a folklore in this continent, and those dandelion became a symbol of longing, or hope"
"Should I be glad that I am single?"
"Maybe not that long"
"What?"
Giggle
"Secret~"
She said as she walked away from me. Baffled as I look at her, I then followed her after
Sigh
.....
After walking a bit further, we then arrived to where we are heading
"... This is... Amazing"
Pak
"Ow"
I exclaimed as Lucrane slap my back. She then went pass me and said
"Don't just stand there, our journey is about to end so let us go"
Rubbing my shoulder's back that she just slap, I then retorted
"What is with women slapping somebody's back anyway? Is that some kind of fetish?"
I then followed as we climb down.
The [Valley of Ruined City] was built inside a giant crater of a once massive mountain. The placement of the house was designed the same, of how those seats in a gymnasium were placed.
"It was said that a fight between {Ancient Dragon} took place here, which caused a thousand upon thousand of death. As both took their breath to finish each other, it collided and destroyed this mountain. The people that were living at the base of the mountain fled, trying to distance themselves away from the fight, but it was still no vain, as most of them still succumb to their death. After the fight broke out, it was ended as the draw. Both the two {Ancient Dragon} then leave this place. The people that survived that battle used this place as their new base, which took them years to make it flourish"
You can totally see that inside this giant crater, a civilization once grew and develop. The crater has a shaped of an upside down cone, with wider width and not pointy top. Structures could be found as you stroll around the place, from the tallest to the smallest structures. Buildings were designed in varied ways, polished in great details. Some of the structures were built like a castle or a mansion, some were just ordinary places to be stayed in, and some were built like a double complex houses.
But one thing that made this buildings the same is that, even how much time passes by, they all still stood pridely, and unwaveringly
"What kind of stone are those made off anyway?"
I asked as I was intrigued to its durability that even how much time pass, it didn't even faltered
"Its a [*Opus Caementicium], a strong and durable concrete, that was once used in the old civilization. It can withstand strong earthquake, and even volcanic eruption, but as it was quite hard to produce, and taxing to make, the production and method of [Opus Caementicium] was forgotten, and replaced by normal cement, bricks, and hard concretes"
"Are the towers also made in such material?"
"No one knows. The materials used to build those towers were unknown to many"
"I see"
Trees and flower fields could be seen around the place, and some small pond. At my top left, I could see a small streaming waterfall, that runs down towards a medium size pond, at the bottom level of this place.
At the middle of this valley was a large farmland, that occupied 3 levels of this place. But as how long it has been, those crops rotted and was replaced by weeds and trees, coupled with some flowers that blooms at each side.
At the side of the valley, facing its west and east was a mining area. The entrance was worn down to the point that the east area collapsed, and closed the said mining place, while the other was still holding on.
At the center of the valley was a large temple
"Are we heading to the temple?"
Lucrane then shook her head and replied
"That place is completely sealed of after they unleashed that said curse. To protect their people, the one who governs this place told them to head directly towards the temple, to be guarded and be safe. But as soon as it was sealed, they weren't able to account the longevity of the said famine, killing them inside because of hunger, thirst, and anxiousness"
"So that temple now is just a graveyard?"
"Yes"
Curious, I the added
"Did no one tried to unseal it?"
"A lot. It was uncountable how many corpses was laid here, after they violently opened that temple"
".... Excuse me, what?"
"After they smashed that temple open, whatever abomination that was locked there got out, and ravish everyone outside, causing a mass massacre, that leads to almost complete annihilation of those adventurers"
She then halted and stared at the temple, and spoke
"There were 80 adventurers that ventured this place, with the lowest at level 356. But even those numbers, they weren't even able to stand against it"
".... What was the curse anyway?"
She then looked behind me, and puzzlingly asked
"I didn't told you?"
"You were so busy telling that love story like a teenager, that you forgot to mention it"
She then looked at me with a sarcastic look, as she frowned. Sighing, she then stated
"After they took that amulet from that mine"
Her finger then pointed at the collapse mine, and added
"A curse that was once placed by someone was then lifted. A famine that caused everyone to vomit blood from their mouth at first till their ears, followed by their nose then finally at their eyes, before they die. The children that was affected by the curse exploded like a bubble, while those elderly completely dried up like a corpse"
She then turn her vision back upfront, and pointed at the temple
"The curse then spread across the whole valley, until every single one of the people living here succumb to their death. Those who notice it directly run towards the temple to find shelter, seeking a safe place for them to stay, until this situation cease, but even their last hope vanish"
She took a long pause before she turn back, and looked at me as she continued
"Among the adventurers who went inside this place, there was one [Bard] among them. Trying to find a place for an inspiration for his new creation, the man suddenly step on to his grave without him knowing. But before he died, he explained everything what he saw. With his battered body while missing an eye, both arms, and a leg, he stated everything he witnessed here"
"And?"
"And what he saw was a horrifying existence of an abomination"
Gulp
Lucrane then looked back behind her, and stared at the temple back again, and added
"He saw a monster coming out from that temple, with 19 heads that was screaming in pain, and pleading for mercy. A massive body that could compare to an adult {Owl Bear}, and a huge mouth and sharp teeth at its abdomen. Its arms and legs was composed of those peoples limbs, combining together to form a gruesome limbs, and a long, disgusting tongue"
She then started climbing down as she further explain
"That monster then ripped, and mangled anyone it sees, painting the whole place in red blood and agony. And even how much those people defend themselves, they weren't able to defeat it, neither scratch it"
"..... Then, where is it?"
I then followed her from behind, as I curiously asked
"No one knows. After that one-sided massacre, it then disappeared, vanish without a trace, and never seen ever since. Some speculated it went further west, some even proclaimed that it was killed, and some did say that it might be still here, guarding this ruins for any intruders that dares to trespass this place"
"And you really brought me here while knowing that ha? You have guts I tell you that"
After that, we then went down. As we continued climbing down, and almost reaching the center ground, I then just noticed 4 destroyed pillar, that was placed just a distance from the temple at each edge. The ground where the temple was built, had some engraving or carved ruins or letters, but seeing how battered that place were, I can't properly see nor examine that said engraving
As we reached the bottom, Lucrane then went left and walked towards a giant metal door. Following her, I then noticed that there were 3 other doors placed in here, and only the one at our front was the biggest one among the 4. All of the doors was coated in dark green, polished with shade of brown.
Walking at the door at our left
'!?'
I then halted and turn around, as I suddenly heard a meek rumbling sound. The sound didn't last as it just pass through, and it was so weak that I suddenly thought that it might be just my imagination. But as I was about to turn my head back upfront
'!!?'
The same rumbling sound then after. A bit worried about it, I then ran slowly towards Lucrane. As I got closer to her, I then spoke
"Lucrane, I heard a rumbling sound just-"
"Shhh, quiet"
Baffled to her words, I then looked at her and then suddenly realized that she was wearing a grim expression. I then slowly closed the gap between us, and asked in whispering tone
"What is it?"
"Something, or someone is here
"Who?"
"Either that abomination, or something else"
"... What?"
Stunned to her words, I tried calming myself down not to panic. Taking a silent breath, I then asked Lucrane
"Then why it didn't kill us?"
She took a long pause as she was lost in her deep thought, finding in possible way, any route to get out from this mess. She then looked upfront and realized something. Following her gaze, I then looked at the giant door upfront. The giant door was slightly open with a narrow pass, and behind it was a small stage looking pillar.
"... I don't know, but"
"But?"
"But whatever it is, it's waiting for something, seeing that it let us wonder here for that long"
She then took something from her ring as she summoned it, and added
"If I said run, run"
Gulp
"Don't look back and start heading to the stage, that is the [Teleportation Array] here. And whatever happens, don't ever leave that place"
I then nodded as I tightly clench my fist
"How about that {Goblin}?"
"I ordered it to stop hunting, and hurriedly come here. It will come"
[You have gained 2,500 Exp for killing {Wolves}, {Six Legged Serpents}, and {Nero Rabbits}]
[Due to the [Shōnin no Omamori] flaw, you will be receiving 1, 250 Exp]
I then received a notification that I gained an ample amount of Exp just now, donate that the {Goblin} Lucrane ordered to hunt has now stopped, and heading towards us.
"Oro arborem magnam, circumda malos et repelle malefactores"
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
Latin translation for I pray to the great tree, surround the evil and drive away the evildoers.
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
As I heard Lucrane muttering, I then looked at her, and saw her whispering to that bean looking thing on her hand. Afterwards, she then intentionally let those beans looking thing fall. As it fell down from above, it then bounced a few times before halting. Taking a secret glance at those beans, it then suddenly convulse. Some roots then suddenly appeared around it. The roots then pierce the stone ground, and made way for the bean to root itself, and slowly vanishing. Just seconds came and those said beans was now planted at the ground, at unknown deep.
"I changed my mind, both of us will run like hell to that array"
"What?"
"Whatever you do, don't look back, and keep running"
Hoooo~
Taking a deep breath, I then nodded to her words. I then activated [Swift Nimble], [Quick Reflexes], [Feather Touch], and [Untouched] in one go
[Untouched] has been used]
[Invasion] has been activated for 30 seconds]
[Feather Touch] has been used]
[Weightless] has been activated]
[50% weight reduction for wearing [Leather Armor]
[10% weight reduction for wearing [Steel Armor]
"Wait for the signal"
"I don't even know what is the signal"
Trying to relax myself, the two of us continued walking straight towards that array, until
Kraaa!
"Now!"
Swoosh
Wooosh
The two of us then dashed forward with great speed, as we heard a {Goblin} cry, signaling us. Then
BOOOOM!!
ROOOOOOAAAAARR!!
"Holy shit! That is big loud roar isn't it?!"
A bit in a relaxed - a little anxious - joking tone, I then spoke
"Just shut up and run!"
Rushing forward, we then didn't tried looking back, even though I curiously wanted to.
"After you got there, just stand still at the center, as I will do the rest"
"I am becoming a deadwei-"
CRASH!
"Woah!"
I exclaimed as that loud crash suddenly lifted the ground I was in, tossing me a bit high, and slamming myself on the ground as I landed, and rolled a bit
"Get up!"
Lucrane then halted as she yelled at me. And without wasting anymore time, as I wasn't that hurt, I then got up and rushed forward. Running at full speed, I then followed Lucrane from behind.
Thud Thud Thud Thud Thud
I don't know how massive this guy is, but every time it stride, a loud stumping sound could be heard, shaking the ground on its wake.
The {Goblin} that Lucrane tamed then came back, as it jump down at my right. It then dashed with great speed towards the gate after it landed.
GROOOOAAARRRR!!
As it let out another thundering cry, we are able to reach the gate and went inside. As we got where the [Teleportation Array] was located, I then turn back and looked at the creature that was chasing us
"Holy coconuts! What the hell is that!?"
And exclaimed in great shock, at the monster that was rushing at us. As I then use [Keen Eyesight] to carefully look at it, I then saw how vile the creature was. Its body was composed of grayish black worms that was crawling around, bulking and wiggling as they moved. It has a full grown deer skull as its head, with a broken horn at its left.
"The hell is that thing anyway?"
And as the creature rushed at us with vigor and ferocity
Bang
Crack
Wooshh
Grraaaa!!!
Vines then sprouted below the ground where the monster was, tangling it with a tight wrapped. The monster tried to get away from it by tearing those vines, but many more then came enabling it to moved. The vines then tied the monster's neck, and slammed it to the ground. All the vines then surrounded the creature's body, and hold it down.
"Oh Goddess of time, bestow us your grace. Oh God who created space, bless us by your might"
I then looked behind me as I noticed Lucrane muttering something, as she bowed at the runes engrave at the array.
Groowwwwlllll!!
Snaaaapppp!
"!?!"
As I swiftly turn my head back to where the monster was, it didn't even took another seconds to rip the vines that was strangling it. It then gaze at us with its hollow eyes, and roared again and dashed at us
"Thy God who ordain mortal to weild thy nature, grant us access, grant us permission"
"[Teleportation Array]"
The array then glowed a light gold glow with the same rune then appeared at it. Lucrane then hurriedly step inside the circle
Thump Thump Thump Thump
Rooooaaaaarrr!!
And before it could even reach the gate
Swoosh
"Sayonara, goodbye"
The light gold glow then engulfed us, and teleported us out away from it
[You have been teleported to [[Deep Forest of the Forgotten Ruins]
(Author's POV)
Reaching the place, the monster then broke the huge steel door
BOOOM!
Dust smoke then covered the whole ground, as the two huge steel door, smashed around the area, with bended side. The monster then scanned the whole place, but it was far too late, as the two was already gone.
ROOOOAAAAARRRRR!!
The monster then roared a deafening sound, and strengthen itself as it stood up with its hind legs. Two new arms then grew from his side, in creepy and eerie creation. It then raised both of its arms up, and brought it down towards the array below
But before it could hit it, a defensive circle then appeared from the ground, with pure coat of see-through blue, it then blocked the vigorous assault of the monster
BAANG!
ROOOOAAAAARRR!
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
The monster repetitively hit the array, with its ferocious strike, but to its vain, the array's barrier stood tall with might, and all the monster could do, was scream in rage and hate
ROOOOAAAAARRRRR!!
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
*Roman concrete, also called opus caementicium, was used in construction in ancient Rome. Like its modern equivalent, Roman concrete was based on a hydraulic-setting cement added to an aggregate.
Many buildings and structures still standing today, such as bridges, reservoirs and aqueducts, were built with this material, which attests to both its versatility and its durability. Its strength was sometimes enhanced by the incorporation of pozzolanic ash where available (particularly in the Bay of Naples). The addition of ash prevented cracks from spreading. Recent research has shown that the incorporation of mixtures of different types of lime, forming conglomerate "clasts" allowed the concrete to self-repair cracks.