Disclaimer: Everything belongs to their respective owners.
Chapter 6
Test results and Training
CLANK!
The sounds of daggers clashing over and over were echoing through out the caves as both Romeo and Firash were duking it out.
"HAHAHAHA!" The insane one laughs as he sends a slash to Romeo's cheek, only for the dark purple haired boy to block it with his own Fang Blade. "Your good! I haven't had a thrill like this in a while!"
Romeo grits his teeth as his opponent begins to get much more faster with each passing second.
The fairy tail mage then begins to jump around the cave walls thanks to his Spirit skill as he tries to get away from Firash and get back to Beth.
However this was difficult do to the fact the insane teenager was keeping up with him.
"Dammit! Is there no end to this guy's speed!?" Romeo thinks as he takes a quick look back at Beth. She was still bleeding more and more, "I got to get to her quickly! Though I doubt this asshole is gonna let that happen, I need a way to keep him down for a while!"
As for Firash, he was having the time of his life battling this kid. He was much stronger than any of his other pathetic kills, they were all too weak to put up a real fight. But this one, this kid, was actually giving him a real challenge, it's gonna be satisfying to finally bring him down.
Firash held his blade tightly as blue electricity begins to charge through the dagger as he looks at Romeo, who was now on the ground and finally stopped jumping, with a fearsome expression. "Thats right! Don't you even run! except your fate!"
Just as he was about to land a strike, Romeo dropped his Fang Blade dagger and coated his now clenched fist with red flames. This would actually surprise Firash as he was not expecting this, especially for his opponent's fist to be fast, so fast that what happened next seemed to happen within a blink of an eye. Romeo sent his red flame fist into the killer's stomach so hard and fast that he coughed up some blood, however this wasn't the end, far from it. As right after Romeo's punch registered to his body, the flames exploded, burning his shirt clean off, leaving him shirtless as well as giving his torso a nasty burn, but the cherry on top was the fact that the explosion sent Firash back a few feet away crashing into a nearby stalagmite.
Spell: Garnet Fist has been learned
Garnet Fist: You coat your fist in red fire then punch your target, which causes an explosion sending your target back a few feet, 70 Damage - 50 MP
"AGUH!" Firash shouts in pain, "Ok thats it you fucker! You are gonna suffer a thousand times more than any of my other targets before you! Your pain will make even the demons down in hell sick to their stomachs! Your gonna-"
"Oh just shut up!" Romeo yells as he soon puts his hand out and began to activate one of his spells again.
"Blue Fire Beam!"
Firash was soon hit with what he could only describe as the coldness of Iceberg wrapped in a flame from hell as blue fire began to hit him across his entire body, freezing him all over. By the time Romeo was done Firash was stuck frozen in a large chunk of ice.
Romeo then sighs as he was panting a bit, "That should hold you for a while." He stated before rushing over to a dying Beth.
"Beth! Speak to me!" The dark purple haired boy said as he gently lifts her head up from the ground as her nose, mouth, and eyes were leaking blood. The girl herself began to look pale and the light from her eyes seemed to be fading fast. She couldn't speak as she was only able to make small noises as the fingers on her hands began to twitch.
"Come on Romeo you got to think of something!" He mentally screams at himself while trying to figure out a way to prevent his partner from dying. "I need to heal her someho- wait heal, thats it!"
"Inventory"
BING!
Romeo then dives his hand quickly inside before pulling out a large bottle, which had both red and blue liquid in it.
[ITEM: MAX RESTORE]
ITEM CLASS: A
TYPE: POTION
A potion that fully restores health and magic
Does not get rid of curses
"I hope this works." Romeo says to himself before slowly opening the Mermaid Heel Mage's mouth and begins to slowly pour it inside her mouth.
BING!
Healing subject's injuries
The Fairy Tail Mage let out a sigh of relief, she was gonna live! Thank God!
The blood thats was staining Beth began to slowly fade away as well as the bruises that she was covered in.
However, while that was going on, the still trapped Firash began to shake. He still couldn't believe it, that kid actually managed to trap him! Him, one of the most deadliest people in Joya! Ohhhhh, now that was it!
CRACK!
The ice around his right hand began to shatter as a few cracks began to form right before it was freed.
He was really gonna make that kid suffer for making a fool of him! He didn't know what he was gonna do, but what he did know was that Romeo boy was gonna bleed, though he might leave the Beth girl around for some other purposes before killing her.
Just then he coated his fist in lightning right before slamming it right on his still frozen body. Shattering the ice instantly as he fell back down to the ground and landed on his feet.
Firash was shaking, but surprisingly it wasn't just from the cold, he was shaking with Rage. There was one thing he wanted to do right here and right now, and he would be damned if he couldn't do so: Kill Romeo.
"Thats it," His eyes began glowing with rage and murder, "I don't care anymore, I'm gonna kill you right here and now."
Firash quickly dashes toward Romeo with incredible speed, that one would only see him as a blur, before he brings his dagger out and thrusts it in the direction of the two children.
CLANK!
The psychotic boy's eyes widen when he sees that Romeo had managed to block his attack with his own Dagger. The secret RPG mage glares at the boy as he gently lays Beth's head back on the ground, letting the potion do it's thing before he starts putting more of his strength into his weapon, "The girl's trying to heal, move!"
The killer teenager was sent flying into one of the cave walls, making cracks in it and a dust cloud form, the sound of the crash resonating through out the caves.
Romeo then begins dashing toward the now injured Firash, getting faster and faster, before looking more like a dashing green blur.
Skill: Sprint has been activated
Firash however begins to activate his lightning magic in his legs before dashing towards Romeo just as quickly with a sinister grin plastered on his face. The two dagger wielding teenagers then begin to go toe-to-toe in a dagger battle, slashing and striking at each other while using their amazing speed to jump across the walls, creating some mini shockwaves and wind currents.
"HAHAHAHA, SHOCK STRIKE!"
Firash's weapon begins to become coated in blue lightning right before he thrusted it in Romeo's general area, while the blade didn't hit him, the lightning it was coated in sure did, as Romeo finds out the hard way.
"AHHHHHHHHH!" He screams as agonizing pain that he never felt before begins to surge through out his body. But it didn't stop there as Firash strikes the child's shoulder, thigh, and side, causing Romeo's eyes to go wide even more as his blood began to spill, if it wasn't for the fact the system has been fixing his cuts and slowly repairing his clothes, he would have been dead right now.
-64 HP
-80 HP
-103 HP
Romeo grits his teeth before coating his foot in red flames, right before he sends it hard and quickly towards his left side of his torso, sending a devastating strike toward him, just as an explosion happened to not only send him far back a bit, but also giving him even more burns.
Spell: Garnet Talon has been learned
Garnet Talon: You coat your foot in red fire then kick your target, which causes an explosion sending your target back a few feet, 70 Damage - 50 MP
Firash lands right on the caves ground, making his feet skid across it as he begins to lose it more and more and look much crazier, at least thats what Romeo thinks.
"Oh man! Your a real piece of work!" He grins as he begins to charge his whole body with blue electricity, "If you were to have a been a target for an assassin job I would have so picked it!"
He dashes right back to Romeo with both a dagger and his fist coated in blue lightning.
"You'd most certainly be worth 100,000 scepters!" He screamed as Romeo begins dodging his attacks, already growing sick of this fight.
"Thats it, time to end this." The dark purple haired boy stated as his eyes begin to glow green.
The dark purple haired boy, with his eyes still glowing a menacing green color, glared right at the crazed killer.
This actually caused Firash to flinch a bit.
"What the- Did he actually scare me!?" Firash asked himself right before putting his foot down. This, however, caused him to feel a sudden chill.
Looking down his breath soon got caught in his throat as he soon saw what could only be described as darkness.
Cold, pitch-black darkness that was covering his feet.
"Whats going on!?"
The dark skinned teen soon looks back up at Romeo, only to instantly regret that decision.
It was the same darkness that was covering his feet, but there was one key difference to it. The pair of giant, glowing green eyes that was staring right into his soul. He couldn't explain why, but it was like his legs were frozen and he couldn't move under there gaze. He had known about this kind of feeling, it was no different from a predator staring down it's prey right before it was getting devoured, the prey helpless and the only thing it would do was to beg for their life. The only difference was that, HE was the prey this time.
"My legs are shaking! I-I can't move!" He mentally thinks as he begins sweating, actually fearing for his life for the first time, "I-Is this what I made everyone else I killed feel?"
But atlas, he couldn't pounder on it for long, as the darkness soon began to reach out toward him at an alarming rate. Firash couldn't do a thing about it however as soon, it began to cover his whole body.
STAB!
The crazy teenage boy soon felt a large stabbing pain in his chest right before he coughed up blood. He looked down as he sees what appeared to be a dagger logged into his chest. And just before he could even contemplate that he soon gets another dagger stabbed into his chest next to it, as he looks down he soon sees that the second small blade was his own. This caused him to cough up even more blood.
When Firash blinks the shadows were gone and the only thing he could see was the same boy who did this to him, the same boy who stabbed him in the chest with a dagger.
Back at Fiore with Natsu and Lucy
Back in the town of Magnolia.
Both the Blonde and the Pink haired slayer were on their way back from a job.
However, during the walk Natsu instantly stopped where he stood and looks around with a serious expression on his face.
Lucy picked up on this as she asked, "Natsu are you ok?"
"I don't know," He stated still looking around, "I just felt something."
"Like a chill?"
"No it was more like, a disturbance..."
Lucy couldn't help but wonder on what the Fire Dragon-Slayer was talking about once he uttered those words from his lips.
Back in Joya in the Monster Gate
Firash could be seen sitting down, back against the wall, the two daggers from earlier lodged into his chest, the ground below him was now a medium sized puddle of blood as his mouth also had blood coming out of it. Looking up he saw that Romeo boy from earlier towering over him. Heh, this time he really was different, this time, he was the prey.
"I never thought I'd be at this end of my dagger." He speaks as he looks up at the dark purple haired boy's fearsome eyes, "Your a lot stronger than you seem, to be able to kill me like this."
Firash laughs a bit weakly while Romeo remains quiet.
"Just... who... are you?" The defeated lightning mage asked him.
Romeo remains quiet for a while, the sound of some of the dripping water from the cave filling his now enhanced ears.
"Lets say I'm someone who grows stronger with each battle he fights in." Romeo stated to him, "How strong do you think I could become?"
"Heh heh," Firash said weakly as the light begins to fade from his eyes, "If thats the case, then your someone who could eventually go to challenge the gods, and even beings that are beyond their strength." He then weakly raised his hand weakly at him, "But you and I both know that a path like that will be paved in blood, either by your hands, or someone else's. I don't know if I'm your first kill or not, but I do know one thing... I won't be your last."
The killer teenager's hand then finally drops down to the ground, limp and lifeless.
It was done.
Firash was dead, killed by Romeo's own hand.
BING!
BING!
Secret Quest: Test of the Almighty
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Objective: Kill Firash [COMPLETED]
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Rewards
5000 XP
30,000 Jewels
+10 stat points
Strong Mage's Boots
.
{Skill: Bloodlust has been learned}
Bloodlust Lv.1
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Using strong energy, the selected target is put in a state of fear for 1 minute.
Several targets can be selected.
Effect 'FEAR': All stats -50%
Romeo then pulls both daggers out, deciding to keep the psychopath's blade for his own.
He soon accepted his rewards.
BING!
BING!
BING!
BING!
5000 XP Gained
.
30,000 Jewels Gained
.
+10 Stat points Gained
.
Strong Mage's Boots Added to Inventory
Romeo soon put away his Fang Blade dagger and soon digitally materialized his new boots. They looked like a pair of brown combat boots, with white laces on them. The Rpg mage took off his other shoes and put those on instead, tucking his long green pants into them.
[ITEM: STRONG MAGE'S BOOTS]
ITEM CLASS: S
TYPE: CLOTHING
A pair of combat boots that once belonged to a power mage
+20 Dexterity
+10% Attack
+10% Speed
.
Set Bonus
Set Effect 1: +5 on all STATS (1 Items)
Set Effect 2: +10 on all STATS (2 Items)
Set Effect 3: +10% on both Physical and Magical Damage Reduction (3 Items)
Set Effect 4: +20% on both Physical and Magical Damage Reduction (4 Items)
Set Effect 5: {Locked} (5 Items)
Set Effect 6: {Locked} (6 Items)
Set Effect 7: {Locked} (7 Items)
Romeo smirks when he sees that he unlocked a new Set Bonus before he looks down at Firash's dagger that he now obtained. It was a jagged red blade with multiple edges on the dagger. The center is a tint of black with red lines near the bottom of the blade. The hilt is a pattern of grey and white.
[ITEM: JAGGED SERPENT]
ITEM CLASS: B
TYPE: WEAPON
A dagger that once belonged to the Killer Firash
The previous wielder's will, still lingers on within the blade
+75
Effect 'BLEED': Bleed- Attacked foes lose 1% health each second once activated.
"Hmmmm, this will surely help me." Romeo thinks before he puts it away in his inventory. He then opens up his stats and looks at his new 10 stat points, "I'll put you guys into wisdom."
"Ughhhhh..." A weak female voice said which caused Romeo to snap back into realty once he was done. He quickly makes a beeline to the origin of the voice.
"Beth!" Romeo cries out as he made it back to her, noticing that the max potion did the trick, her entire body has been healed up.
"R-Romeo?" She said weakly.
"Yeah it's me, don't worry your fine." He stated right before he looked to find a blue portal opened up, "Can you get up?"
"I-I think so." The cowgirl tried to get up but was still a little weak, looks like the potion healed her injuries but her body still needed some time to rest.
"You thought wrong." Romeo stated before he quickly scooped the mermaid heel mage into his arms, holding her bridal style, effortlessly carrying her toward the portal. The overall wearing girl only able to let out small, "Eek" in response.
"R-Romeo." She stutters out a small blush on his face.
"Don't think about it too much." He stated as his cheeks were also a little pink, "Your body still needs rest after all it's been through."
Beth was still embarrassed, though she did have to admit, it was impressive that Romeo could lift her up so easily.
Soon both teenagers were out of the portal and back into town.
Later
When the two returned back into the real world, both mages had to explain the situation. Bajeel wouldn't have believed in the fact that Firash, one of the most well known and popular mages in the whole city would even do such a thing if both teens didn't tell him. He would have a hard time telling his guild this, but that was a matter for another day. He soon exchanged the scepters for jewels, along with the extra money they made informing them of the guild mages still inside. Both kids made a total of 4,300,000 jewels, which they of course split between them, 2,150,000 to 2,150,000.
However that wasn't the important thing, the important thing was that now, Romeo and Beth needed a place to stay, since the next Train back home wasn't coming until tomorrow. Fortunately for them, The Mayor was kind enough to give them am inn room free of charge, though the room itself only had one bed since the others with two beds were already taken, though Romeo did say he would simply sleep on the couch.
"You sure your alright?" Romeo asked as he noticed the way Beth was shaking as they had walked to the Inn. Her experience with what just happened must of effected her more than she was letting on.
"Yes!" Beth snapped at him, "I'm fine! Very fine! You can go to bed now!"
Romeo didn't bother getting angry at her rather rude tone as she has been through a lot lately.
"Ok, well sleep tight,"
The dark purple haired boy was only able to take about three steps before a soft, trembling hand grabbed his own, causing him to stop and turn around. Romeo was meet with the scared eyes of Beth Vanderwood.
"A-A-Actually, if you don't mind, could you please just stay here with me?" Beth confesses gulping a bit, "I-I don't want to be alone right now."
Romeo couldn't help but feel his heart sink, seeing such a powerful mage like her reduced to a shaking mess like this.
"That Bastard." The boy thinks back to that asshole killer he had just faced. Romeo then wrapped his arms around Beth before he wrapped his strong, yet gentle arms around Beth and laying next to her on the Bed. The girl would blush as being in this Fairy Tail Mage's arms made her feel more safe than anything else in her life, though not like she would admit that. Soon she passed out and Romeo soon heard the sound of her soft breathing.
"It'd be best if I didn't get up, probably wake her up." Romeo thinks as he looks down at the peacefully sleeping girl. The dark purple haired boy then holds up his right hand and began staring at it, visions of the fight he had with Firash a few hours ago flooding his mind. However the image that stuck most in his brain was the dead corpse of the deranged boy, which made him realize his actions even more.
He had just killed another human being.
And whats worse, he didn't even feel guilty about it.
Sure, Firash was a psychopath who deserved it, but that doesn't change the fact that he did it, without even feeling anything no less.
"It's most likely a side effect from my Tranquil Mind Blessing." Romeo thinks putting his hand down, his eyes, for now completely devoid of emotion, were staring up at the ceiling, the final words of Firash still echoing in his head. "Is what he said true? Will I really have to kill again?"
Next Morning
Both of the children were back in the town where mermaid heel was located in. The sad part is that it had began to rain during the time their train had brought them back to near town. Fortunately Romeo had remembered to bring an umbrella with him. As seen by the fact that both he and Beth were walking down the town's street together, Beth much closer to the dark purple haired boy's general area, and before you ask no, it wasn't just because he was holding the umbrella.
It was obvious that Beth had been experiencing some trauma after coming so close to death at the hands of that Mad Man, Romeo was the only reason she was even still breathing right now even. Now she did know that the life of a mage was dangerous, and that she would inevitably be faced with a situation like this again, However this was her first time she has even been in this kind of situation! To say it was traumatizing for her would be an understatement.
This was way she was this close to the powerful rainbow fire mage, because he made her feel safe. Romeo himself, while a little embarrassed, didn't seem to mind much as he probably figured that this was her first encounter with Death and that she needed some time to heal afterwards, and besides, he wasn't going to say no to someone that needed help, especially if it's a fellow guild mage like himself.
"You gonna be ok?" Romeo asked as he looks at the trembling Beth, who was holding onto his rather toned and muscular arm as they kept walking.
"Y-Yeah don't worry I'll be fine." She said a bit shakily.
After that the walk towards Mermaid Heel was rather quiet, with the sounds of the pouring rain the only thing filling Romeo's ears.
"Ummmm Romeo?" Beth asked him looking up at him, "I've been meaning to ask, what happened with Firash?"
Romeo looks away from the country girl, unable to look at her in the eyes. He wasn't sure how to answer this, he couldn't say that he killed him after all, plus he was actually surprised that she didn't realize that he had killed him.
"I beat him don't worry," He stated to her, "He's locked in that dungeon forever most likely, no need to worry about it."
Beth would have asked for more info, but the boy reassures her that there was no need to. Soon their walking would be at an end as they soon reached the guild hall.
"Here take it." Romeo said giving her the umbrella.
"W-What no I couldn't-"
"It's just an umbrella," The secret RPG mage says to the mermaid heel mage, "Besides, I can handle a little rain."
The Vegetable mage holds onto the umbrella, still feeling bad about leaving the boy in the rain, however she simply turned around before going back to her guildhall.
Thus, leaving Romeo in the rain, not that it bothered him that much anyway.
"Well, this has been a crazy adventure." The young Fairy Tail mage thinks to himself as the rain continued to pour heavily, "Anyway, I should probably head back before my dad begins to worry-"
Smooch!
Turning around slowly, Romeo touched his right cheek as he felt something soft and warm press up against it, to find Beth once again there, holding the umbrella blushing hard as she was avoiding eye contact with the boy.
"Did you just kiss me?"
"Y-Yeah." the girl confessed, "I reckon that you deserve it since your the reason I'm still standing here."
"I... see," A blushing Romeo says lightly rubbing his cheek.
"Yeah, and don't worry, I'll put in a good word for your guild so this alliance will happen. Well, I hope to see you again some day." She said before walking back and finally entering her guild hall, leaving behind a dumbstruck Romeo in her wake.
The dark purple haired boy continued his walk toward the train station, still holding onto his kissed cheek, while remembering how soft her lips felt, even if it was just for a few moments.
Two Days Later
Romeo was in his room relaxing.
After he came back from his joint job with Beth he had told everything that had happened to Master Makarov. To say that the short old man was surprised would be an understatement, though of course the secret RPG mage left out the part of him killing Firash, as doing so would cause a number of problems for him, and especially for the guild down the line. He also informed him of the fact that the guild alliance with Mermaid Heel is still going to happen, making the master very happy.
However after such a situation, he needed some time to himself and relax. Not only that but he narrowly avoided a scary faced Wendy when the small, but mighty, Dragon-Slayer smelled Beth's scent all over his body, he had forgotten that Dragon-Slayers have enhanced senses. The boy barely escaped with his life, and it's not like he could have told her that he and Beth were cuddling together in the same bed.
"After fighting against a giant skeleton, lizardman, and a killer teenager, the only time that I felt so close to death was seeing that scary smile on Wendy's face." Romeo stated, as the horrifying image was seeped into his memory. "Lesson learned, Dragon-Slayers have enhanced senses, that includes smell."
The boy then shakes his head of such a terrifying sight before getting up and begins to walk downstairs. In doing so he looked to see the newspaper on the table.
"Huh, paper came in." He said as he picks it up and begins to look at the front page, making his eyes go wide.
FIORE'S WEEKLY
GOD SERENA HAS BEEN KILLED!
Tensions and emotions are running high when witnesses found the strongest mage in all of Ishagar brutally murdered. Two limbs gone and cut and bruised all over. Mark and Jack, two hikers that were walking through an open field came across the body and alerted the authorities of it right away. The magic council has ruled out a Dark Guild as they said no such guild could exist that could oppose that kind of a threat.
However some believe that, most likely, a powerful monster emerged from one of the various portals that began to spawn recently.
This, however, has only lad to more disaster as the idea of something that could kill the strongest mage in Ishagar as sent the entire Continent into worldwide panic. And the fact something this strong is possibly still out there hasn't been helping much, especially to the area that God Serena was found it.
What does this mean for us? And what will the Magic Council do about the rise in portals?
Time will only tell
"Holy shit, he's dead?" Romeo says to himself amazed that someone that powerful was actually killed, "Well I shouldn't feel that bad about it, after all he's gonna betray Ishagar in the futu-"
At that very moment the Dark Purple haired boy remembered something really important: HE TRAVELED BACK THROUGH FUCKING TIME!
And not just to any time! The time before such events like the Grand magic Games, The battle with Tartarus, and even the freaking War with Alvarez!
How something like this slipped his mind he had no idea.
"For real, how did I not realize this before? And I have a full 71 points in Intelligence!" Romeo berates himself for being this dumb. "Thats not the main thing here, the main thing is that I have a chance to prevent those fights from happening in the first place!"
However the boy realized one major flaw in his plan, he wasn't strong enough to fight these enemies.
He would have to eventually have to fight these strong people, such as Future Rouge, The nine demon gates, and maybe even people from the 12. However, he was only a mere level 27! Those opponents would at least be above level 60 at most! He could never defeat them the way he is now!
"If I'm going to deal with these guys, especially on my own," He clenched his fist and his eyes began to be filled with determination, "I need to get stronger! No matter what."
BING!
Romeo looks up to see another floating screen.
All the Conditions have been met
Please Visit Emma's Trinket Shop for a Special Gift
The boy blinks as he sees this, but swipes it away soon enough before putting on his clothes and goes outside as he starts walking toward an alleyway so as no one will see him. He summons the Market Key and enters into the dimension.
The Market Dimension
Romeo soon entered into Emma's Trinket Shop, seeing it has all sorts of items like, jewels, gems, clothes, books, etc. It had various shelves and other things that were used to show what was for sale. However, Romeo didn't have time for that as he soon made his way to the front desk to where the light green haired neko girl was.
"Hey Emma." The dark purple haired boy says.
Said girl smiled at him while giving him a wink and a piece sign,
"Hey handsome, nice to see you again~" She purrs as she giggles, "Thanks to you I got a major upgrade from my old run down wooden stand. Look, lights! air conditioning! I'm in heaven right now!" She said smiling as she looks at the boy.
"Your welcome." He stated smiling back at her.
"So what can I get for you."
"I was told I could receive a special gift from here."
"Ah, I know what you are talking about hold on." The neko goes down and starts looking for the special prize she was talking about. After a short while the lightly green haired girl pops back up and was now holding a purple wrapped present, "Romeo, for completing the secret quest, for gathering four of the seven items for the wardrobe set, and for killing Firash, Magi has gifted you with this!"
Romeo grabs the box from her before opening it.
When he did it was a fancy looking blue key, while at the end of it there were three straight lines going outward that made them appear to be claw marks. (AN: think of the monster energy drink logo but upside-down.)
BING!
[ITEM: MONSTER CASTLE DUNGEON]
ITEM CLASS: S
TYPE: KEY
A key that will allow you to enter the Dungeon: Monster Castle
Can only be used within Crocus or the forests that surrounds it
Key will Disappear once dungeon has been completed
Upon reading that, the boy's eyes widen, "What the-, it can only be used in Crocus!? Plus this is S Class, I don't stand a chance the way I am now!"
"Yeah and thats not all," Emma stated to him.
"Oh, this must be good." Romeo sarcastically stated.
"It is, for you at least." The neko girl tells him with a smile
"I was being sarcastic Emma."
"And I don't care." She said before clearing her throat, "Anyway, you know how Monster Gates are appearing more and more in your world, and even some outside in Fiore?"
"Yes?"
"Well some have started appearing in Crocus." She stated to him.
"Um ok, I kind of figured that cause you know, they have been appearing even outside of Fiore."
"I know don't interrupt me!" She snapped, surprising Romeo who nods fast in response, "Anyway, like I was saying, some have started to appear in Crocus, however all these Monsters are coming from the forests near the city. It's pretty much become a Monster breeding ground, in summoning them through the gate sense, not through mating obviously."
"But if thats the case why don't they just send in some of their own Guilds to deal with them?" Romeo asked confused, "After all, they're home to Saber Tooth, the strongest guild in Fiore." Romeo lets out a small chuckle, "Or at least until the Grand Magic Games."
"Because there's a barrier surrounding the place thats preventing people from going inside it."
Romeo takes in the words she just said.
"So basically put, Monsters are generating within the forests near Crocus, but there's a barrier thats preventing anyone from entering?" He asked her, receiving a nod in response.
"Plus, because of this, the King has sent Rune Knights to watch over the forest and prevent people from ever going near the damn thing, and to also alert people if a monster begins to show."
"Ok, but how does this help me?"
"Your the only one who CAN pass through the gate Romeo." She stated to him, making the RPG mage's eyes go wide, "Magi made the gates, the portals, the monsters, not to mention the barrier itself, he's not allowing anyone but you to enter it." Emma explained, "He pretty much made it a place where you could level up freely."
The young Fairy Tail mage was quiet, taking in every word she had just spoken before looking at her.
"Emma,"
"Hmmmm?"
"You as well as the other Merchants in this Dimension were created by Magi." Romeo starts to say, "Can you tell me what he plans to do with me?"
The cat girl gives him an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry Romeo, but I can't answer that, cause we don't know."
"Wait seriously? He never told you?"
"No not at all." She admits, "He just created us and told us to make these stands and help you when you requested it. In fact he personally delivered that to me and told me all the stuff I just said to you. Unfortunately he said I couldn't know the reasons why."
"So why follow him without question?"
"He created us Romeo, and he could easily uncreate us if he wanted to." Emma informs, "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you."
"No it's ok." The dark purple haired boy said smiling, "Anyway, thank you."
The boy stated as he puts the key back into his Inventory and soon gets out of the store. But, if he was gonna do this, he needed supplies, that included food, water, tent, sleeping bag, blankets, etc. Which he could, fortunately, get in the Market Dimension, because he knew that an S Class Dungeon was something he wasn't ready for, and since he was going to a place with infinite monsters in it where he could be alone, the dark purple haired boy needed a place where he could rest between hunts, but also because the system gave him this,
Quest: Level Grinding pt.1
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
You are about to embark on an Amazing Training that will shape you into an even more powerful mage
OBJECTIVE: Head to the center of the forest that's near Crocus
Back in the Real World
Romeo soon pops out of the Alleyway, back from the Market Dimension. He was lucky that no one spotted him as he soon stepped out and began his walk home, he sees that he had been in the market dimension for quite some time as he looks to see it is almost night fall.
"Hmmmm, I haven't gone into the guild hall for a full day, hope no one suspects anything." Romeo thinks to himself before walking back into his place, surprisingly he didn't see his father anywhere, which was actually good news for him. The boy soon looks at the Calendar and his eyes went wide as he knew what was going to be coming soon, "Hold on, right now the whole infinity clock crisis should be starting soon, should I really go on this Quest?"
The Rpg mage looks at his new screen.
BING!
Alert
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
If you do not complete the Quest: 'Level Grinding pt.1' YOUR HEART WILL STOP
"Then again I didn't really do much during that time anyway!" Romeo says laughing nervously, shocked and actually terrified that the system would go that far to ensure that he would actually partake in the Quest. He swipes it away before looking up at the sky, "Magi, just what is your plan? And how am I involved in it?"
Romeo ponders as he was wondering why the God of Magic wanted him to get stronger so badly, but he pushed that thought aside. He opened up his drawer, pulled out some pen and paper and begins to write his letter to his old man:
Dad,
If your reading this, then it means I already left
And before say anything no, I'm not leaving because I'm sad or something
I just left for a training trip
Look, there's something thats been going on with me that I can't tell you about yet
I can't tell anyone, about yet
I'm leaving to get stronger, I'll be back in three months
I know I'll see you again, but I also know I don't always say this so... your not always father of the year but
I love you Dad, really I do
And hopefully one day, I can finally come clean to you and the others about whats been going on with me
But until then,
Goodbye Dad,
Love Your Son, Romeo
Romeo smiled before he placed the letter on the night stand in his room before he brings up his Inventory and pulls out a cloak he had bought and puts it on. With the robe around him and the hood on he jumps out of his bedroom window and onto the roof of his house. Before long, the dark purple haired boy was dashing from rooftop-to-rooftop as he made his way toward the Train Station.
Magi and the Omnibeing
Magi was smirking, well if you know... he had a mouth.
Both never the less he was proud of Romeo, he had completed the test.
"Didn't I tell you?" Magi asked looking up at the space sky in his plain of existence, "He passed our test with flying colors,"
The Overlord of magic felt a gentle breeze.
"Oh thank you, I'm glad you liked Zack, I modeled him after that stupid Skull faced loser Jeevak." Magi informs, "And if our little protagonist manages to complete this quest, the real final test can begin."
Magi feels a much stronger Breeze than last time.
"Yeah, I did tell the others about the fact you gave me permission." Magi stated to the Omnibeing happily, "So what are you going to say when they eventually ask you about the fact you gave me said permission?"
Magi sees at least 10 comets flying in the sky before nodding.
"So your just gonna tell them the truth, makes sense." The cloaked Overlord stated, "Ohhhhh, I can sense them getting ready to do this, you can go ahead Master, I need to make some adjustments to Romeo's quests."
The Overlord of Magi soon felt the overwhelming presence of his Master leaving his plain of existence.
Leaving the originator of all Magic alone with his thoughts.
...
...
...
Laughter
Quiet laughter
Thats the sound that was coming from Magi as he was finally alone without the Omnibeing present.
"So master, that is your plan I see." Magi begins to speak as he was thinking about his Master's plan. "I must say it is a pretty ingenious idea, though there is one fatal flaw to it."
Magi begins to stand up as he puts his celestial hand out toward a far away red planet in the space filled sky. Using his vast powers, his hand began to become surrounded in blue energy, as well as the red planet it was pointing to. The large red orb began to shake violently because of this, however all of that ended right after he released his fist quickly.
BOOM!
In the blink of an eye the planet exploded, turning into multiple asteroids, floating in the endless void of space.
"The fact that you believe that I'd actually stay loyal to you for such a plan to work." Magi says to himself as he pulls up a few screens, "When I can play both you, and my fellow Overlords."
Back with Romeo
Next day
The dark purple haired boy wakes up yawning as he looks and sees that he had fallen asleep on his train ride to Crocus. He also saw that he was right at the station.
Getting up the cloaked boy soon left the train and began to go towards the forest. And he saw that Emma's info was indeed correct, the forest really was covered by a giant green forcefield, with Rune Knights surrounding it and guarding it. However the boy needed to get passed them so he was hiding behind a nearby tree, and thanks to his increased Wisdom stat, he was able to hear their conversation.
"Man it sucks we got forest guard duty right?" One of the rune knights asked
"Totally, nothing ever happens." His partner stated as he taps on the barrier, "Nobody can get in, and besides monsters are rarely coming out anyway."
"It appears they don't notice me," Romeo thinks before he forms a small red fire ball and shoots it from his palms, sending it fast past the two guards.
"Woah what was that?" One of them asked as they grabbed their spears in reflex.
"Don't know lets see."
And with that both Rune Knights go toward where the fire ball had been shot, leaving an opening for Romeo, who gladly took it.
In almost a blink, Romeo ran right through the gate, with not a single knight ever taking a notice of his existence.
And as soon as he entered the dark purple haired boy look around. He took notice of the vast green trees, the grace, and the large amounts of wild life that was still in here. However he quickly dashed in the forest as he knew that those Rune knights would be back. Once he got deep enough into the forest he finally started walking. The cloaked Fairy Tail mage, while couldn't see any at the moment, he could feel the presences of monsters within the woods.
The boy soon came across the center of the woods. Though he had to admit, he didn't exactly expect what he was seeing just now.
What he saw was a large open field, in the center he could see, what he could only describe as gross, was the corpses of a pack of wolves. However what was surprising him more was the very monsters that were killing and eating them.
They were monsters that looked like hyenas save for their red fur. Each one putting a caravan to shame in size. They all sensed the young boy's presence as they turn around, showing their red eyes that were staring at him like he was a slab of meat, not to mention the blood that stained their teeth from the meal that they were just eating.
BING!
Quest: Level Grinding pt.1
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
You are about to embark on an Amazing Training that will shape you into an even more powerful mage
OBJECTIVE: Head to the center of the forest that's near Crocus [COMPLETE]
OBJECTIVE 2: Kill the Monster Jackals and make a clearing for the safe zone
Romeo nods before using his observation skill on all of them
BING!
Monster Jackals
Monster-Type: Beast
HP: 80
Rewards
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
100 XP
50 Jewels
The Dark Purple haired boy had a laugh, pretty weak I must say.
The Jackals all look at this strange, cloaked boy, that dear disturb their meal. All of them glared at him, with droll and rage in their eyes. However only one Jackal was still going near him. The creature noticed this, and was confused as to why the others weren't joining in the glories hunt that would be happening to this child right now. Turning it's head back, it looks on in shock to find that it's fellow Monster Jackal's shaking with both sweat and looks of pure fear on their bodies. The beast that wasn't like them couldn't understand what was stopping them from pouncing on the boy and add him to their meal.
Looking back onto his prey, he figured out what was causing this, and he wished that he didn't. It was the boy that was standing in front of them, with a jagged dagger in his hands. However, this time, the boy wasn't the same. The darkness in the hood part of the cloak was lighting up thanks to a pair of glowing green eyes that would remind anyone of their greatest fears with just one look.
Skill Bloodlust has been activated
Bloodlust Lv.1
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Using strong energy, the selected target is put in a state of fear for 1 minute.
Several targets can be selected.
Effect 'FEAR': All stats -50%
.
Effect 'FEAR' has been activated
"So it appears you guys are afraid of me." The boy smirked as he holds up his dagger as he steps closer and closer to them. "Thats good," The secret RPG mage licks his lips smiling, "You should be..."
The sound of howling and roaring of pain could be heard throughout the forest, making the birds and other local, non-monster wildlife flee.
And at the end of it all, Romeo was sitting on the ground, dead center in the carnage that he just unleashed, evident by the dead bodies of the Dungeon Jackals that would make even the most violist of killers sick to their stomach.
However, that would only last a few moments before they, along with the wolves they had eaten, began to fad away enterally, leaving only a clear open field. As Romeo looks to the right he also sees a stream of water, a good place for fresh water, as he looks to his left he sees that the field actually wasn't that empty as he spots a medium sized pond, thats good for freshening up.
BING!
BING!
Safe Zone has been created
Monsters will not attack you while your in this zone
.
Quest: Level Grinding pt.1
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
You are about to embark on an Amazing Training that will shape you into an even more powerful mage
OBJECTIVE: Head to the center of the forest that's near Crocus [COMPLETE]
OBJECTIVE 2: Kill the Monster Jackals and make a clearing for the safe zone [COMPLETE]
OBJECTIVE 3: Use the Dungeon: Monster Castle Key and Defeat the first boss
Reading that the boy's eyes widen.
"Wait what?" He out right asked not believing what he is reading, "You want me to go into an S rank dungeon, I'm only level 27!"
At this point the boy was done, he wasn't gonna do that, it was basically the same as purposely chugging down a bottle poison. Nope, there was no way he was doing this right now, and there was nothing the system could do about it.
BING!
ALERT
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
If you fail to do this by today YOUR HEART WILL STOP
"Oh come on you can't threating to do that EVERY SINGLE TIME I DON'T FOLLOW ORDERS!" Romeo screams at the screen, "You know what, I beat you won't even do it."
BING!
ALERT
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Yes I can and I will
"HA! oh please, I'd like to see you try to do that you-" Romeo instantly shuts up as he felt an enormous pain in his chest. His eyes widen with fear and panic as he grabs his chest and falls down in agony, as he only stares at the floating screen. "Ok Ok! You can do it! You can do it! Stop!"
And just like that the pain instantly faded, leaving the thirteen year old boy panting, as he was trying to process the fact that he almost died.
"Magi, if I survive this, I'm gonna get stronger and punch you in your stupid fucking face." Romeo says to himself finally getting up and removing the cloak and bringing up his inventory and began pulling out the supplies that he bought with him. After about an hour the dark purple haired boy had set up a tent, a fire place, and even a few lanterns, now the safe zone felt like home.
Soon he left it before digitally summoning the key to him. He turns it in the air and soon began to travel toward the dungeon.
Fire.
Heat.
Destruction.
Those were the words that described this place that Romeo was in. Looking around, it looked like an apocalyptic wasteland. Every building was destroyed or on fire, however the amazing part was Romeo wasn't even inside the Dungeon yet.
He was actually at the gate of this so called city.
The gate was guarded by the Boss itself.
The boss was a large black dog with red glowing eyes. It's body was rotting and smelling, plus it looked to be covered in bruises and cuts, to the point the young Fairy Tail mage could even see it's bones and other body parts in some places. However it's most prominent feature was that it's entire head was that of a burning skull, a dog's skull to be exact, and the flames themselves were red in color.
Romeo used his Observation Skill on the beast.
Boss
Dungeon Gatekeeper Hellfang
Monster-Type: Zombie
HP: 2580
"This boss is crazy strong." Romeo said as he walks closer as did the beast. "If by some miracle that I do manage to beat this thing, It would be best if I don't enter the dungeon until I'm a few more levels ahead."
Hellfang soon dashed right toward Romeo at incredible speed.
"Well then." The rpg mage soon summoned both his daggers, Fang Blade and Jagged Serpent. "Lets do this."
"Scarlet Armament. Emerald Armaments."
Fang Blade began to become incased in burning hot red flames, while Jagged Serpent was covered in poisonous hot green flames.
And just like that Romeo dashes toward the Zombie Dog at top speed as he beings to move all over Hellfang and slash and strike him. The zombie dog was growling and grunting in pain, though mostly ignored it. Though Romeo was surprised that he had managed to make him at least sound in pain. Then he remembered that he had previously fought a Zombie-Type boss monster back in Magnolia. And after he had beaten him, he gained a very special title.
Undead-Slayer: 40% Increase on all Stats when facing against Zombie-Type monsters
After remembering that little detail Romeo began to use another one of his many skills.
Skill Sprint has been activated
The dark purple haired boy now went even faster, striking and hurting the Dog at a much more swift rate. It was so fast that, to Hellfang, he was just a large green blur that was slashing and cutting at his body with flame encased daggers. Which were hurting much more than what he originally thought.
Effect 'PARALYZE' has been activated
Hellfang is unable to move
Effect 'BLEED' has been activated
Hellfang will lose 1% HP every second
Romeo soon glares at the monster, his eyes glowing a fearsome shade of green.
Skill Bloodlust has been activated
Effect 'FEAR' has been activated
-50% on all stats
The boy's feet soon skid across the ground as he was panting heavily finally done with all his attacks. He couldn't believe all of those effects were on Hellfang, but they were! So it shouldn't be long now. Unfortunately, the burning skull faced, canine had other ideas, as it was shaking from all of the damage and curses it was under thanks to the boy before letting out a large roar that echoed through out the land.
Hellfang's resistance was too high
Effects were cancelled
"Damn, all those attacks and it didn't work?" Romeo thinks gritting his teeth, "I can't believe how weak I still am, even with the title, I'm still having trouble against him."
However, while the boy was deep in thought, Hellfang began to grow furious. The zombie dog couldn't believe that a mere human could injure him so greatly! Him! The very being that was designed to guard this very place from pathetic ants like him. All of a sudden, a crimson energy began to surround the mutt, turning the flames that covered his head into hellish blue ones. After that was done he let out an inhuman roar.
Hellfang has activated skill 'Rage'
Hellfang will be in a state of rage for 3 minutes
All of Hellfang's stats will be doubled
With twice the speed as before Cerberus begins to charge at the secret RPG mage. Romeo jumps up high, Jagged Serpent raised up high and coated his own body in red flames, before he drops down and stabs the boss monster in the middle of his skull. The boy's own red flames acted as protection from Hellfang's own hot blue ones. But the undead dog didn't even flinch when the blade was jabbed into it's skull, causing the boy's eyes to go wide from this.
Hellfang doesn't feel any pain
The undead guardian began to grow annoyed with this, as he roars and shakes off the boy who grew a bit panicked. Before the Romeo could even react, the boss monster bites down hard on his left arm.
"AUGAHHHHHHHH!" Romeo screams out in pain as blood began to gush out. Hellfang then swings Romeo back and fourth before slamming the poor boy into a nearby destroyed building. The blood from the boy began to slowly burn off of Hellfang's teeth due to his head flames.
Romeo himself was laying in the rubble, a large hole now in his left arm, if it wasn't for the system slowly healing him it would probably be there permanently.
HP: 1290/2190
HP: 726/2190
HP: 411/2190
"Fuck!" Romeo shouts as he holds his now healed arm as he slowly struggles to get up, "That attack nearly killed me! If it wasn't for the title buff I would have been a goner."
He looks ahead toward Hellfang, who was getting closer and closer to him.
BING
{Blessing: Perseverance has been Added}
Perseverance: When your health is below 30% Both Physical and Magical Damage will be reduced by 50%
Seeing this the Fairy Tail mage began to laugh.
"Even in this situation Magi is making sure I don't die." He said as he clenched both of his daggers, "Must likely because he still needs me in his plans."
Romeo then digitally summoned a max potion he had bought during his time in the market dimension yesterday, and began to drink it up.
"Magi uses me and I use Magi, a vicious cycle, but it's an effective one." Romeo said before he covered his body in red flames again.
CLUTCH!
The dark purple haired boy quickly grabbed the sharp burning teeth of Hellfang before it could bite him again, surprising the dungeon boss as he didn't realize his opponent had this level of strength. Then, using all the strength he could muster, the dark purple haired boy sends the beast flying away from him. Hellfang soon got up as he quickly charges toward the boy, intending to tear him limb from limb.
"In other words if I wanna survive." Romeo covers both of his daggers in red flames, "I need to exceed his expectations!"
And with that the dark purple haired boy begins his rapid assault on the zombie dog.
What followed was a serious of slashes, punches, magical attacks being activated and, from Romeo at least, shouting.
After around two hours, The young mage could be seen panting heavily, standing in the middle of the destroyed area, with the corpse of Hellfang right in front him, the fire that once surrounded his burning skull was finally out.
You have killed Hellfang
.
YOU LEVELED UP!
YOU LEVELED UP!
YOU LEVELED UP!
YOU LEVELED UP!
.
Spell: Scarlet Aura has been learned!
.
Quest: Level Grinding pt.1 [COMPLETE]
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
You are about to embark on an Amazing Training that will shape you into an even more powerful mage
OBJECTIVE: Head to the center of the forest that's near Crocus [COMPLETE]
OBJECTIVE 2: Kill the Monster Jackals and make a clearing for the safe zone [COMPLETE]
OBJECTIVE 3: Use the Dungeon: Monster Castle Key and Defeat the first boss [COMPLETE]
...
Rewards
100,000 Jewels
Skill Stone
Scarlet Aura: Surround yourself with red flames, boosting your protection and damage output, +10% Attack, as well as both Physical and Magical damage reduction - 80 MP to cast, 2 MP per second to keep up
After he finally caught his breath the boy looks at the corpse. "Thanks to you I know my strength." His eyes land on the large gate that the giant dog had been previously guarding. "If I enter that dungeon at the strength I am now, I'll die for sure, I'll come back when I'm stronger."
And with that the boy begins to walk away from the battle sight, but not before he went inside his inventory and pulled out the skill stone item he gained from completing his quest. It was a small stone that easily fit in his hand, it was covered in glowing orange markings.
[ITEM: SKILL STONE]
ITEM CLASS: D
TYPE: Artifact
Breaking this stone will let you learn a new skill
In just under five seconds, Romeo instantly breaks the stone and a new screen was brought up.
{Skill: Tough as Nails has been learned}
Tough as Nails Lv.1
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
You are as tough as they come, your body is a natural armor that can withstand almost anything
+20% Physical Damage Reduction
+20 Attack
As that was now done the boy soon exits the Dungeon and returns back to the Safe Zone.
Back in the Real World
Romeo soon jumped right into the middle of the safe zone as he appeared after he returned from his fight in the Dungeon. Looking up he sees that it was night fall, seeing as how he had just taken on an S Class monster, and the fact that he almost died, he sees this as a good opportunity to catch some rest.
"Thats enough fighting for today," The boy said as he goes inside his tent and begins resting inside his sleeping bag. However, before he begins to drift off into slumber land he looks up at the roof of his tent deep in thought, "I'm in a forest where there is basically a plethora of monsters that will spawn, giving me free XP, but if I want to become stronger I'm gonna need to stay here for a while though, but for how long is the question."
BING!
Just like the other times he hears the bing of the system, most likely getting ready to answer his question.
Quest: Level Grinding pt.2
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Your about to embark on your second step of training
Use this time wisely and get stronger
OBJECTIVE: Raise your level at least above Level 40
Time Limit: 3 Months
Time: 3:00:00:00:00
"Three months huh?" Romeo asked out loud before smirking to himself, his eyes glowing green a bit, "Alright then Magi, I'll show you just how strong I can get in just three months."