CHAPTER 1 – Leaping Lizzy

5 years later…

It's that time of year again. The Fumaroles are more active than usual in the summer heat, attracting the attention of the fiendish hornets that drift softly on the pressure of the warm steam vents. This is South Gustaberg, the rocky derelict plains to the south of the Republic of Bastok. Famous for its rich mining economy, it draws many adventurers seeking financial awards here and there. Outside the great rock walls of the city, newbie adventurers anxiously battle stone eaters and rock lizards, desperate to improve their level and make themselves into heroes such as the ones they have read about in their adventurer tutorials and manuals. Such adventures can also be found here ranging from level 10 mages to level 75 paladins.

Shadowed by the sheer cliffs of Vomp Hill, a newbie adventurer sits in the shade, avoiding the uncomfortable glare from the sun. Wearing nothing but humble Bastokian robes, Hajime of Bastok sits on a smooth rock, analysing his white mage staff and wondering how many worms he has to hit on the head before being able to revive someone the way he witnessed a few days ago after unfortunately wandering into Dangruf Wadi and being escourted out with reduced Hp by a very advanced White Mage.

Hajime watched as a group of advanced warriors patrolled the tall jagged rock in front of him, every now and then, killing off a few lizards. What were they waiting for? What were they doing there? Curious, Hajime suited up and headed for the rock.

He approached a well armoured Mithra and was about to state his presence before a Taru did it for him.

"Hey you get out of my spotaru!"

"Jes, sorry, I didn't know this spot was yours…aru" replied Hajime sarcastically.

The Taru Glared and sat down with his small sword by his side. Embarrassed that he had just been given strict orders by a life form much smaller than he was, Hajime was about to turn around and leave before the female warrior spoke.

"Unless you've left your level 25 armour at home, I don't think Lizzy would give you a pleasant time".

Hajime looked befuddled. "Who's Lizzy?" He asked, "That little Taru thing?"

"Haha no that's Boogiepop, ignore him, he's just a bit annoyed because he's been waiting here for a long time and had no luck and…do you know what I am actually talking about?" Hajime shrugged and explained that the reason he came over was because he wanted to see what the attraction to this weird shaped rock was.

"Well now this rock is home to Leaping Lizzy! Leaping Lizzy is a notorious monster and the drop is a pair of Leaping boots that retail on average for about 250,000 gil! But it seems you are not yet strong enough to…"

"YESS WOOHOO" shouted the small taru next to her as what looked like a rock lizard had appeared right in front of him. The Taru had provoked it and in one slash, the lizard was slain. The people waiting around the rock had run in his direction, curious to see his prize.