"It was amazing she could sleep through all of that." Alria open her eyes to find Roy looking down at her. She crawled to her feet, sleepily rubbing her eyes. Then she noticed the two fellow adventurers from before looking at her as well.

"Morning," the girl greeted as Virgil smiled and waved at her. Alria's eyes widen as her posture immediately stiffen like a guard at attention.

"Good morning," Alria replied quickly looking around for her claws. She didn't want them to think she was some kind of slob, leaving her things everywhere. But all she saw were her bag and a bunch of homeless looking green skinned people on the ground with … is that a hoe in their hands? Better question, where on earth did her claws go!

"For a new adventurer, you should have spent the night in the lodge. It is dangerous for you to sleep out in the presence of monster if you have yet to be sensitive to your surroundings." The girl said slightly worried. Alria nodded, kicking over the dead corpse in search of her weapon. It would be better seen that way.

"Sorry to cause you two trouble again." Alria muttered, bowing her head.

"What about me?" Roy demanded.

"Those hobos probably thought you were one of them and tried to get you to join them." Alria retorted, sticking her tongue out at him. Roy's face burned red as a chuckle escaped Virgil's mouth. The girl also showed a restrained smile while her eyes drifts away in another direction.

"Well, we are heading over to kill some more mobs, you may join us if you like." The girl offered before she looks back at them. A slight smile on her face and her gaze mostly directed at her, still avoiding Roy's tomato face.

"We will be with you in a second, you guys go on ahead first." Alria replied, plopping down and ravaging her bag. Miraculously, there it sat, glistening in the sunlight. But she didn't remember cleaning it. She doesn't even know how…

"Alright, I am coming!" Alria called out, hastily slinging her backpack over her shoulder and dashing towards the group. She fumbled with her weapon, keeping an eye on the sharp blades, as she slips the claws and tightening it around her wrist.

"Ah!" Alria bumped face first into something hard. A palm tree? Another king crab? Although she didn't expect the tree or the mob to tip over so easily, not only that it has an oddly raspy and hoarse voice too.

"Get off me!" Roy yelled and threw Alria off him, giving her a full salt rejuvenation. Which unfortunately in her case involves get mouthful of sand. Alria quickly stood up and spat the sand out from her mouth.

"What the hell Roy!" Alria screamed in anger. Well she tried to scream in anger while she swats sand off her tongue. She could still feel bits of it still residing in her mouth.

"Don't be a baby, it's just a little bit of sand." Roy huffed, dusting himself off. The girl offered her canteen and Alria accepted it gratefully. Gargling the water around her mouth, she proceeded to spit onto the sand and wiped her mouth with her sleeves.

"Let's carry on," the girl suggested trudging into the woods. They followed.

Being back under the shade sure felt cooler now that most of the sun rays are out of the way, in complementary with the breeze blown from the sea. Birds chirping from the trees above. Best of all, Alria need not worry about getting sand into her boots.

"So…" Alria hopped over next to the girl. "What kind of mobs are we killing?"

"Just wolves, nothing special." She answered. She turned to Alria with a raised eyebrow. "Were you expecting something else?" Alria quickly shook her head as her pace slowed. She stared at her arm. She remembered how it had once bore a nasty gash from her first encounter with a wolf in the woods. It happened when she first tried to run away from home on a stormy night after a fight with her 'mother'. She could still remember how she laid on the ground with a wolf madly slashing at her as she tried to shield herself with her hands.

"Pick up the pace will ya?" Roy complained, pushing past her. "If an adventurer is going to take their time to do something, they are better off going home."

"Actually, it depends on different situations." Virgil added. Roy scoffed and turned back to the front.

"Not in this situation." He answered coldly.

"Alright, keep it down a notch you two." The girl hushed as she drew her sword. "They know we're here." Alria nodded, with claws ready. Virgil stood in front of her as he held his wooden shield before them.

"Let Distol deal with them, we just support her." Virgil instructed. Alria poked her head over the shield and saw them. Canines that stood at the height of her waist, baring their spiky yellow daggers. One of them seem to be particularly keen of her with its yellow eyes boring into her own. She gulped, hiding back under the protection of the shield.

Alria felt a sudden slam from Virgil's back, knocking them back slightly. When her eyes reopened, one of them had pounced onto Virgil's shield as its jaw snaps at him. "Help," Virgil requested, his voice strained. Alria swung her arm, catching the wolf on the side and it fell onto the ground with a yelp.

"Distol!" Virgil suddenly cried, running off to the currently pinned fighter. Before Alria could even react to catch up, a sharp blow knocked her onto the floor. A heavy weight pinning her down as a dreaded feeling dawns on her. She struggled, rolling sideways in attempt to escape. But no avail. The wolf brought its head down. On instinct, Alria stuck her hands out, catching the wolf's neck as she desperately held it away from her. The wolf began to snap at her hands and swung its claws wildly. One striking her across the face. She cried for help, hoping anyone would save her. Nothing happened. To stack onto her fear, her trembling arms are beginning to bend as the head gets closer and closer.

Alria gritted her teeth, mustering a final burst of whatever strength she has left and pushed. However, it only managed to keep the head in place for only a few seconds. During those seconds something else fell onto of them. Alria screamed, but was quickly muffled by the squirming wolf on top of her.

"My bad," Roy laughed above her before a loud 'whack!' sounded above her. The wolf suddenly fell limp and much to her disapproval, suffocating her further. Her legs shot straight out as her hand taps madly on ground. "Can't you wait?" Roy chided as the weight on her slowly lessen.

Once Alria got free from her, she gasped for air.

"That was the second time, I saved you." Roy deadpanned, lowering himself to her level. "How about a little thank you?" He smiled.

"You… did that on purpose… didn't you." Alria panted, getting up on her feet. Roy shrugged.

"Looks like you two held out okay." Distol comment, plopped on the ground with her back propped against her kill with Virgil kneeling by her side. She reached into her pocket and tossed a healing stone to Alria. "You two would definitely make a great team together."

"More like extra burden than a helpful teammate." Roy answered with distaste.

"I will get stronger, just wait and we would see who is saving whom." Alria pout, wiping off the remaining blood sticking onto her face with the back of her hand.

"That's cute," Roy laughed, ruffling her hair. "Keep dream-" Alria stomped on his toes. Roy's tongue shot out from his mouth as he yelled in pain, hopping around as he clutches his stomped foot.

"So what do we do next?" Alria asked innocently, ignoring the occasional swears behind her.

"We bring these wolves to Merchant Zach," Distol responded, slinging a wolf over her shoulder. Alria's jaw dropped as she watch wolf after wolf being stacked onto her shoulder. Those wolves probably weigh a tonne. However, Distol made it look as if the wolves were as light as a feather, not to mention in addition of her backpack.

"Do you need help with that?" Alria offered, smiling nervously. Distol frowned, taking off one wolf.

"Are you sure? They are a little heavy." Distol warned. Alria could quickly retreat with a no. Distol did gave her a warning, therefore making it acceptable for her to dispel her offer. But what if Distol is testing her? If she says no right here, Distol may see her as useless and would never allow her to join her.

"Yes." Alria muttered, stretching her arms out. Distol just flash a sympathetic smile and dropped the wolf. Alria immediately regretted her decision. Her nerves felt as if they had just caught fire and is now slowly burning to death. Soon she could no longer feel her arms.

"Alria are you alright?" Virgil piped up. Alria shook her head frantically, her face burning red with strain. As his hand approach her, Alria's eyes widened.

"Wait, I don't need your help!" Alria screamed, sweat beading at the side of her face. Virgil swiftly recoiled his hands away. "I didn't mean for you to help me; I just shook my head because… I was daydreaming!"

"Okay, if you say so," Virgil replied, walking ahead. Alria sucked in a sharp breath of air and took a step forward. Just as she lifted her leg, the weight suddenly became too much for her to bare and she fell.

"You know…" Virgil slipped his hands under Alria's own and carried the wolf up. "Acting strong won't get you far, working together is the only way to get stronger." Virgil laughed wholeheartedly. Alria stood up with her arms hanging by her side and her eyes staring at the ground with guilt and embarrassment.

On the way back to Roumen, Alria followed silently behind the group, stealing occasional glances of the wolf Virgil held. She would pick up her pace to lend him helping hand, but slows down just before she reached his side.

"Thank you for helping out in such a short notice." Alria heard as another streak of light shone down on her, informing of her newly gained level. Shortly after, Distol came back with, bouncing a bag of coins in her hand.

"We will split the reward equally." Distol announced, opening the pouch and counting the coins. From there she made her rounds, handing everyone 20 coins. When it became Alria's turn, Distol handed the money and placed her hand on her shoulder. "You did great, protecting Virgil back there just now." She smiled as Alria felt a tight squeeze on her shoulder. "If you two ever want to do side jobs with us again, you are more than welcome to." She whispered, before giving Virgil a nod. "Let's go."

"May I tag along?" Alria requested. A growling sound suddenly came from her tummy and Alria blushed, holding her belly. Distol and Virgil chuckled.

"I think you should grab a bite first," Distol suggested with a light giggle. "We will just be going around, finding any quests we can get our hands on." She explained. Alria nodded and they part ways.

Roy had disappeared mysteriously, no idea where he went. Probably headed back to the Forest of Tides to kill some crabs for food. However, Alria had a different idea in mind, she decided she should treat herself a nice meal at the local diner. But still being somewhat new to this town, she would need a guide, and she knew just the right person.

"No, I don't have time to entertain you Alria." Remi said dismissively, flipping through her clipboard.

"Wow I am surprise you could remember my name." Alria complemented. Remi straighten her posture and puffed her chest out with pride. She cleared her throat.

"That is why I am entrusted to guide new adventures," Remi smirk, placing her hands by her hips. "Now go away, I have adventures who begs for my help."

"There is no one here…" Alria drawled painfully. Remi shot a glare down at her.

"That's because there are more pirate ships around and you adventurers aren't doing your job properly!"

"Cool story, but may I know where is the diner located?" Alria asked. Remi recoiled away from her in disgust.

"What do I look like to you, a service counter?" Remi scoffed, turning her nose away.

"I thought you would know," Alria tried. "After all I thought that you would be the best person to ask. Since-" A rumbling sound interrupted as Alria blushed, placing a hand on her tummy as she looked away. "So would you please tell…"

"I guess I do not have a choice now do I?" Remi sighed, hopping off the crate she stood on. "From here just take a right then take the stairs on the right and turn right once more, the diner should be right side of the street." That looks simple enough for her to remember.

"Awesome, thanks Remi!" Alria shouted behind her as she ran before heading up the stairs.

The pair of batwing door creaked announcing her arrival. Alria looked around the barren diner. She made her way to the end of the room and sat at a wooden table. Soon after a waitress came over and handed her a menu.

"What would you like to order?" She asked, giving the table a little wipe before serving a glass of water from the tray on her left hand. Alria look between the three food choices offered to her. Pork sandwich, grill pork slice served with roasted potatoes and grilled pig… Does that mean the whole pig? Alria wasn't sure if she could finish that. However, she definitely wanted something filling.

"Grill pork slice with roasted potatoes," Alria decided, handing back the menu along with 10 coins. The waitress nodded and disappeared into the kitchen. Being left alone in the dimly lit room, Alria could not help but drum her fingers on the table. A minute later, Alria's knees started to rub against each other as her tapping went faster. She would occasionally check on the door to see if anybody were to enter. No one came and the silence is choking her. Stopping her knees with her hands, Alria reached for her cup and took a sip of water to calm her nerves.

"Here is your food sweetie," A voice Alria recognised as the Waitresses, sang into her ears as the plate clink onto her table. Alria's eyes widened. The slab of meat on that plate looks like it could feed a family of four! Curious of how it taste, Alria grabbed a pair of fork and knife, cutting off a chunk and popped it into her mouth. The meat tasted fragrant with a little burnt taste but overall simple and delicious. The potatoes also tasted wondrous with a consistent texture. Alria allowed herself to indulge in this treat as her reward from her previous quest.

A shame she couldn't finish it though. Her belly already began to feel bloated halfway through her meal. In fact, now she could only take sips of water instead of a swig to quench her dry throat. She sighed, laying her head on the table. "May I clear that for you?"

"Yes," Alria sat back up as the waitress whisked the plate away from the table. She down the last drops of water in the cup and left the diner. Not after she paid of course. She went to hand in her own quest from yesterday first, gaining a few more levels. Buying a healing stone to replace her broken one before heading to the Forest of Mist, which the map pointed out to be through something called the teleporter gate- a floating circular stone with glowing blue light produced in the middle, located near the stairs she went up from just now.

She watched as a guy wielding a sword tapped his finger on the glowing part of the stone and he vanished. Alria went up to it to give it a try. Upon closer inspection of the teleportation gate, there were three distinctly differently picture of different areas. Alria tapped on the forest landscape.

The image of the forest immediately went dull grey as sound of waves lapping at the dock were replaced by the chirping of birds. Even the air smells different Alria noted as she breathed in the fresh scent of grass.

"Hey you, the girl with claws over there!" A gruff voice barked. Alria spun around to find a fat bearded man in plate armour staring back at her with a pair of beady eyes. "We are over here," A hand grabbed her by the shoulder and turned her to the two guards. One lean guard holding a spear in and the one holding her was a well-built guard. The muscular guard flashed her a toothy grin as he carried on. "Hey girly, would you like to earn a little cash?"

"No thanks, I have other matters to attend to," Alria turned her head away as she tries not to gag. The guard reeked of alcohol. She tugged her shoulders attempting to loosen herself from the man's grip.

"Don't be like that, I will pay you good money. I promise." He slurred, falling on her. Alria held him away by the head, stretching her hand as far away from her own body as possible.

"He won't stop pestering you till you accept his request," the lean guard sighed. Great now she has an inebriated guard shoving his quest right up her face just as she entered in. Who drinks in broad daylight anyway?

"Okay I will help you," Alria quickly responded. That seemed to get the guard off her. Staggering a few steps back, he pointed at the mobs in front of them. Skinny green skinned elves, flying around with their wings holding up their tiny little bodies.

"You see those Mini Greenkies there?" Alria raised an eyebrow. What about them? They look friendly enough. "One of them stole something very important to me and I want it back."

Alria put on her weapons as she scanned over the Mini Greenkies hovering around. Most of them seem to be carrying something in their hands. Everything ranging from flowers, berries and- that must be it! The one holding a spear must be the item. A shriek came from the Mini Greenky's open mouth as Alria dashed straight towards it at full speed. It struggled to fly higher whilst carrying the spear. But Alria made a leap, snatching the spear. "I'll be taking that." Alria announced triumphantly.

Suddenly a sharp pain came from her head, causing Alria to yelp slightly. She turned and saw the Mini Greenky yanking at her hair. Alria grabbed that lock of hair and pulled the mob down before slashing at it with her claws. However, it managed to swiftly fly out of her range before she even reached it. Alria continued on her journey back to hand in her quest item. The pain immediately came back as the Mini Greenky began yanking her hair again. Alria attacked it again, this time using the spear for more reach. She slashed the spear downwards like a sword, smacking it right on its forehead.

"I got what you are looking for," Alria chirped, presenting the spear to the guard. She watched as he examined the spear, squinting his eyes at it and shaking it. He frowned, tossing the spear over his shoulder. Alria's jaw dropped. Luckily, the archer guard made a lunge for it, catching it just moments before it could fall over the cliff behind them.

"That's not what I'm looking for, you dumb girl." The guard slurred, losing his balance and falling on his bottom. Alria set out for a second round in search of the drunk head's important item. Worst of all, he did not mention any clues of what that thing might be.

Upon further wandering, Alria came across an odd Mini Greenky that seemed to be maladroitly flying around. With it a half full glass bottle in its hand. Alria groaned, placing her hands on her head. This can't be. The item that the guard was willing to pay her to retrieve back was a glass bottle? She didn't even have to try to snatch the bottle away from it. Simply watch as it crashed into ground, kick that little drunk away and took the bottle.

"I miss you so much my darling." The guard cried, wrapping his lips and chugging down a painful amount of the smelly liquid in the bottle. Alria stared at him with half closed eyelids as the guard have a little celebration of his reunion. An audible 'pop' came from them and the guard wiped his mouth before focusing back on her. "Oh yeah… Here's your reward." The guard produced a handful of scrolls and dumped it in Alria's arms.

"You said cash!" Alria cried in dismay. The guard just shooed her away, muttering she could sell the scrolls for money. Alria scoffed, shoving the scrolls into her bag before running off. Those scrolls better be worth tonnes of cash or he could forget about asking her to ever do a quest. She stopped, dropping her bag and examined the scrolls. All of them were skill scrolls and majority wasn't even for her class!

Alria sighed, looking over the images drawn on the skills scrolls for her class. None of the poses look too hard to imitate but what she didn't understand was the words written on the bottom of some of her scrolls, mentioning she require souls to activate it with 5 for maximum damage. How on earth could she obtain souls? Alria continued to read on. It's written that she would require to use a certain skill first that would automatically allow her to obtain souls while attacking something… She should seek someone's help for this.

More importantly, Alria should find her friends. If only they had given her a more specific location to meet up instead of simply telling her which area they would be at. Perhaps they have yet to arrive and she was supposed to meet up with them at the teleporter gate. It could also be that they forgot that she wanted to join them and went ahead first.

In the midst of her thinking, she felt her knees unbuckle before her but a sudden force hitting the back of her knee. She stumbled forward, turning back to a pair of midgets running up to her. However, they ran in a stiff looking way as if they had strings tied to them to control their movement- one leg lifting in a 90 degree angle at a time as they skipped and bounced their way towards her.

They didn't waste any time upon reaching her, targeting her legs as they hit her with a round red glove they wore on their hands. Alria kicked one of them in the chin, sending it up a surprisingly few feet high into the sky. Then strike the other midget with her claws, but it managed to hop around her legs, avoiding the claws. Lifting her leg, Alria stomped down onto the midget. A sadistic grin appeared on her face as she grinds her heel on the midgets' face. Its face felt surprisingly soft to step on, almost as if it's face is made of cotton. Not to mention the way it appeared with a bow tie and a ridiculously large red hat.

Alria lifted her foot off the monster and her body froze as a pair of emotionless eyes stare back at her. Alria took a step back. The thing stood up and its gloves reached up to its face, where the mouth should have been. Alria tried to turn away but her eyes remained trained on it unblinking. A zipping sound echoed into her ears as it slowly creaked it's head up. Alria's eyes widened as images flashed into her head. A wide smile of a killer when approaching its victim. A grin of a mad man. Alria turned and fled.