Hey again, everyone! First let me say thanks to everyone that favorited this story; it means a lot to me that so many people are interested :) As always, I do NOT own Rising of the Shield Hero but I do own my own OCs and twists on the main storyline. I have also finally found a few sources that partially explain the Holy Weapons' system, so hopefully it's better from now on… T.T
This chapter has a lot of explanations mixed in, but don't worry! There will be shenanigans and crazy moments in this chapter, so swearing and violence is a given! You have been warned, mwa ha ha ha…
Mirellia's eyes widen in shock and relief.
"You have?! What is her status? Where did you find her?" She demands.
The Shadow looks up.
"She was in the forest near the Shieldfreeden boarder, unconscious in the middle of a forest fire. I suspect it was started by a monster she slayed. Her condition was critical, but I gave her high grade healing potions and she seems to be recovering."
Mirellia sighs and sits back in her chair, drumming on the chair arm as she thinks.
"… Your Majesty?" The Shadow asks hesitantly.
"Hmm?"
"What are your orders?" She prompts her monarch.
Merillia considers the question thoughtfully.
"When she wakes, introduce yourself as one of my agents. Find out what she knows and what she does not. Learn what or who she is from her perspective. Fill in the gaps in her knowledge and help her ready for the Waves."
"But your Majesty, she will need to synchronize with the Dragon Hourglass to arrive at the Wave- the Church will not allow her in the door." The Shadow points out.
Merillia's face clouds with irritation.
"Those fools..! Very well, we will have to think of a plausible reason for her to enter. If I order them to allow her in, they will wonder if there is something special about her."
"Perhaps we can sneak her in? Disguise her as someone else?" The Shadow suggests.
"… That may work, especially if we say she is a new convert or something of that nature. I will think on this further. Contact me when she wakes."
"Yes, your Majesty." The Shadow bows her head and deactivates the magic.
She turns and looks at the unconscious hero on the pallet.
I hope you are strong enough to survive this world, Hero. She prays.
…
[Hellhound has been processed.]
Hazel frowns as Knokene and Rysty message her.
"Mmph?"
[Hellhound Claw Gauntlets: +10 Attack, +7 Speed.]
[Hellhound Meat Gauntlets: +5 Cooking.]
[Hellhound Fur Gauntlets: +3 Defense, Shadow Resistance (Low), Fire Resistance (Medium).]
[Hellhound Fang Gauntlets: +10 Attack, Skill- Ghost Fire (Locked).]
[Hellhound Bone Gauntlets: +6 Stamina, +4 Cooking.]
[Hellhound Heart Gauntlets: +10 Stamina, +3 Strength.]
[Hellhound Eye Gauntlets: Curse Resistance (High), Skill: Terrifying Gaze (Locked), Bonus Skill- Eyes in the Night.]
The messages ring in her head as she drifts in and out of consciousness. At times she thinks there is someone else near her, but everything is so fuzzy. Images are fragmented, but she notices odd details: a table, the smell of wood smoke, a hand on her forehead, clean floors. The last really bothers her for some reason, but she can't remember why.
…
It was the dryness of her throat that finally wakes her up. Her mouth is tacky and Hazel forces her eyes open to find her water bottle. Except she's not in the woods, rolled up in her ragged blanket, sleeping on leaves.
Tensing, she glances around. Wooden walls, rough wood planks, a bed, table and two chairs fill the otherwise spartan room. A small fire place is burning merrily, but Hazel doesn't see any firewood. Just as she thinks that the door opens!
Hazel leaps to her feet and gets into a defensive stance.
The stranger stops, a bundle of wood in their arms as they assess her. Hazel eyes them in return.
Build is lean, so probably strong and fast with an emphasis on fast. Well balanced, but they're still holding all that wood so their hands are occupied. Clothes are loose enough for some serious flexibility, but that mask hides everything so I can't even tell their gender. Aaaaaaaaaaaand they're in front of the only easy exit.
… Dammit.
"You are awake."
Hazel jolts from her musings and narrows her eyes at the stranger.
"You were out a long time, Miss-?" the stranger tells her as they drop the wood next to the fireplace.
"…" Hazel stays quiet, letting the silence grow.
"… You are wary. Perhaps that is a good thing." They muse aloud, siting in one of the chairs.
Hazel notes it and relaxes slightly: tactically speaking, them sitting down is deliberately putting themselves at a disadvantage. It takes time to rise and react- time Hazel can take full advantage of if necessary.
She relaxes her own stance, but stays standing.
"… A soldier I tried to talk to wanted me to 'attend to their needs'. I wasn't interested. They got offended, so I left after beating him up slightly." She keeps her voice mild, but knows her eyes are cold.
The stranger stiffens and then sighs.
"That explains why you left the caravan… Allow me to introduce myself. I am an agent of the Queen of Melromarc, referred to as a 'Shadow'. Her Majesty wishes to speak with you, Fifth Hero summoned to this world. Are you amenable to speaking with her Majesty?"
"…"
Hazel considers it then nods slowly.
Might as well see what she has to say…
"Fine." She tells the 'Shadow' person.
The stranger rummages in their belt purse and pulls out a small orb. They lay it on the tabletop and tap it once. It flickers and an image forms inside of it of a beautiful woman with rich red hair, a serious expression and wearing a golden crown with rubies. She pauses writing and seems to be noting details about Hazel in return.
I can work with this- probably. Hazel reminds herself, mentally slapping herself to pay attention.
"My queen," the stranger bows their head in greeting.
The lady in the crystal, apparently a QUEEN, nods in return.
"Shadow. Hero. I offer you my most profound greetings and apologies; I was unaware of my husband's misdeeds until it was too late. May we know your name?"
Hazel is taken aback but rallies quickly.
Careful, just because she says she was unaware doesn't mean she wasn't involved! She's a politician!
"… My name is Hazel Ilmatar; Ilmatar is my family name and Hazel is my personal name. Are you the Queen of Melromarc?"
The queen nods.
"I am Queen Merillia Q Melromarc, highest authority in Melromarc. Hero Ilmatar, forgive my bluntness, but we are desperately lacking information in regards to yourself. We would most appreciate it if you would check your status and verify if you are a hero."
Hazel quirks her eyebrows.
"First off, I got summoned and I have two war gauntlets I can't remove that call me 'Hero'. That weighs in favor of my position as a hero being the truth. Second, what the heck is a 'status'?"
Merillia blinks.
"It is an innate magic that every citizen of this world is capable of using. There should be a small icon or rune in your field of vision- focus on it, please."
Hazel narrows her eyes and looks for the icon thing Merillia is talking about- eventually she finds a floating square in the lower right corner.
Okay, she said focus on it- like this..? Hazel squints her eyes at it.
The icon pulses and suddenly a screen appears!
"Wah!?" Hazel jumps back, instinctively leaping away from it- only to trip against the bed and fall in an unsightly heap.
Merillia and the Shadow wince.
"Are you alright, Hero Ilmatar?" Merillia asks in concern.
Hazel waves her hand absently as she reads what's on the screen.
"I'm fine! It just freaked me out. Huh. Well, this says I am the 'Gauntlet Hero' and I'm level 14- is that good?"
She questions them, sitting up.
Merillia and the Shadow stiffen in surprise.
"Level 14 in such a short time..?" The Shadow murmurs, shaken.
"To answer your question, yes, level 14 is very good for someone that has only been in this world for a week. What were you doing, Hero Ilmatar?" Merillia asks pointedly.
Hazel scratches her head and sighs.
"Call me Hazel or Ilmatar- please don't call me 'hero', it makes me uncomfortable." Hazel requests, giving them a firm look.
Both nod in understanding, albeit in reluctance.
"I was in monster killing hell- stupid monsters kept chasing me so I would kill them and keep walking. But I didn't get more than about 4 hours of sleep per night, so that was fun… then there was that hellhound. It almost killed me, little asshat." Hazel gripes, missing the horrified fascination on Merillia's face.
"You fought a hellhound?" Hazel stops mid-rant, confused by the disbelief on Mirellia's face.
"Yeah. I probably should be dead, but I think I killed it with a skill of mine. Knokene, Rysty that is what happened right?" She asks them, ignoring the curious stares from Mirellia and the Shadow.
[Hero is correct.]
Shadow and Mirellia flinch in surprise at the message.
"The holy weapons…" Mirellia gasps.
"Talk?" Shadow finishes for her mistress.
Hazel blinks.
"Why wouldn't they?"
[Holy weapons rarely communicate with anyone aside from their chosen hero.]
"Seriously? Huh, maybe that's why your social skills are awful…" Hazel muses.
[Holy weapons have no need for social skills.]
"I disagree." Hazel says firmly.
"Ahem." Mirellia coughs lightly.
Hazel stops arguing with Knokene and Rysty.
"Holy gauntlets… how did Hazel-san defeat the hellhound?" She inquires.
Knokene and Rysty say nothing out loud, but Hazel can sense them communicating silently.
[… Hero used Ki to slay the hellhound.] They finally reply.
"Ki?" Merillia frowns.
"It is internal energy or 'life force' that is primarily used in the Hengen Musou style, your Majesty." The Shadow interjects.
Merillia nods in understanding.
"So, Ilmatar-san, you are able to use 'ki'?"
Hazel nods.
"Yup. And I was so happy to see it exists in this world too! Life force is a good way to describe it- ki or chi or qi as it's called in my home world is thought to be the internal force that animates all living things. But what the heck is the Hengen Musou style? It sounds really interesting!"
"It is a combat style that uses ki as a main focus to enhance the fighters' capabilities." The Shadow answers succinctly.
"However, it is said Heroes cannot truly master it as their ki is too unbalanced. So we must ask how you managed to control your ki." She continues.
Hazel considers the question thoughtfully.
"I have a theory, but I'll have to explain a few things about the Gauntlet Hero class and myself first- that work for you?"
Both nod and Merillia waves her hand in permission to continue.
"Ok, first, in order to be summoned for the Gauntlet Hero class the person chosen must have martial arts experience. To use Gauntlets effectively, you need to be a Brawler or Monk in terms of fighting style and that requires serious training to avoid dying against armed opponents. I spent the last 14 years learning three main martial art styles: Muay Thai, Cuong Nhu and Baguazhang.
Muay Thai teaches how to use your entire body as a weapon, with an emphasis on using your elbows and knees for killing blows. Cuong Nhu is actually a mix of seven different martial arts styles: Tai Chi, Judo, Aikido, Boxing, Vovinam, Shotokan and Wing Chun. It emphasizes soft and hard styles of fighting, but primarily self-defense. And Baguazhang is a soft style that focuses on self-awareness and preventing your opponent from getting the chance to hit you.
Anyway, my theory is because of my martial arts training I was already starting to learn ki control when I came here. So instead of having 'unbalanced' ki, mine remained balanced, making it possible to use in combat." Hazel concludes.
I see… that could explain it. The Shadow thinks, remembering the ease Hazel had flipped off the bed.
She actually knows how to fight people, unlike the other heroes.
"So you think it is the special summoning conditions of your Holy weapons that allow you to use ki?"
Hazel shrugs.
"It makes sense, given that there weren't any special conditions I read for using the other four weapons."
Merillia tilts her head in interest.
"You know of the other four heroes?"
Hazel rolls her eyes.
"I know they exist, not the specifics."
Merillia sighs.
"Perhaps it is better that you do not encounter them- the Church of Three Heroes has surrounded the Spear, Sword and Bow Heroes with their supporters. The Shield Hero was blamed for a crime he did not commit and is very hostile to others."
Hazel raises an eyebrow.
"I'm gonna make an educated guess here, but am I the first hero you've talked to?"
Merillia blinks and laughs, startled.
"What gave it away?"
Hazel half smirks.
"The way you said you were 'unaware' of your husband's misdeeds makes me think you're probably not in Melromarc. You don't seem like the type to be unaware of things in your own country."
"So you guessed?" Merillia's eyes sparkle with amusement.
Hazel holds out her hands in a 'what could I do' posture and shrugs.
"So, you've met me; now what?" Hazel asks, all playfulness gone from her voice.
Merillia folds her hands and rest her chin atop of them, her gaze assessing Hazel.
"I would appreciate it if you would defend Melromarc and the other countries from the Waves. It would require intense leveling up and work to prepare you but I believe you are capable. As it stands, you are the only hero that has not become ensnared by my husband's plans. As such, you are something of a free agent compared to the other heroes."
Hazel mulls that over.
"So, I would be like a mercenary Hero- I go where ever they're having a Wave, fight and then keep training as I go. But you do know it's gonna be hard to help out in Melromarc; your hubby has posted a wanted poster of me." She points out.
"We can disguise you." The Shadow answers.
"But what about Knokene and Rysty? They're kind of obvious," Hazel waggles her fingers at them.
[Hero may transform us into other gauntlet forms.] Knokene and Rysty interrupt.
Hazel blinks at the message then stares down at them.
"Hang on, you two can transform and you didn't tell me?!" She yelps.
[Hero is displeased?]
"Only that I didn't know this sooner!"
Hazel grins broadly, super excited.
"Okay, how do you transform?" She asks eagerly.
[Go to status menu.]
Hazel focuses on the icon and the screen appears.
[Select gauntlet weapon trees.]
Hazel searches, trying various symbols and discovering the help manual until she finds the right one. A massive network of symbols appears, all connected together with some still inaccessible.
"Ooooooh, wait, why are there so many 'meat' gauntlets?! Never mind, later! Okay, let's try this one!"
Hazel selects the Red Balloon gauntlets; Knokene and Rysty glow, morphing! When the glow fades, they are rubbery red Balloons with purple gems where Hazel's fists are supposed to be. They kind of remind her of the traditional boxing gloves- except with teeth.
Experimentally, she takes a boxing stance and lashes out with Rysty, connecting with the wall. Rysty's 'mouth' opens and takes a bite out of the wall, swallowing it!
[Skill: Devouring Fists (Unlocked)!]
"… I knew it- you're gluttons." Hazel finally says, reverting them back to their normal forms.
[We are not gluttons!] They snap at her.
[Wood Gauntlets: (1/10), Locked. +2 Defense]
"Uh huh. Gluttons, I tell you."
"Ilmatar-san, you were unaware that the Holy Weapons can unlock multiple forms?" Merillia interrupts.
Hazel winces.
"Uh, yeah."
Merillia sighs and looks at her Shadow.
"Since you are unfamiliar with our world, would you be willing to accept my Shadow as a companion in your party?"
"Party? Like in D&D?" Hazel quirks her eyebrows.
"Ah, I do not know what D&D is, Ilmatar-san. But a party is where multiple people work together to bring down monsters and complete quests. They share experience and split whatever rewards there are." Merillia tells her.
Soooooo, like D&D. That might not be so bad, honestly.
Hazel considers it.
"… Can you teach me to read?" She asks the Shadow.
The Shadow bows slightly and nods.
"Yes I can."
Hazel props her hands on her hips and eyes the Shadow.
"… Very well. I know your loyalty is to Merillia-san, but I hope we can work well together."
The Shadow bows again.
"As you wish, Ilmatar-san."
{Shadow wishes to join your party! Accept or Decline?}
Hazel selects 'accept' and blinks when she can see the Shadow's stats.
"Holy moly! Level 87?!" Hazel yelps.
Merillia chuckles.
"She will be of great help to you in battle and in other matters: I have given her 600 silver coins for buying equipment and other essentials."
Hazel eyes her then her new party member.
"… How much of this did you two plan for?" She finally asks.
"Everything we could think of." The Shadow answers.
Hazel rubs the back of her head and sighs.
"Okay, is there anywhere you would suggest going to first?"
Merillia purses her lips before answering.
"I would prefer you to sync with the Dragon Hourglass in Melromarc, as well as buy equipment such as armor. But that may not be feasible with the bounty on your head."
Hazel raises her eyebrows.
"So disguise me. Knokene and Rysty can change their shape, so if I have them eat the right thing, they will look like something completely different. Some hair dye and a change of clothes will do the rest." Hazel reasons.
Merillia smiles ruefully.
"In that case, what would you recommend as fodder for your Holy Weapons?"
Hazel thinks hard, running through possibilities.
Let's see, it would have to be something that can go on either my hands or wrists- something where the jewels won't be out of place…
Jewels…
Jewelry?
"How about a bracelet? Or rings?" Hazel hazards.
Merillia looks at the Shadow questioningly.
"I do not have such items on me, but I can purchase some easily." She reports.
"Cool! Thanks-! Wait, what's your name?"
The Shadow says nothing.
"… Ya know, I can't just go calling you 'Shadow', especially in public if the point is to not draw attention." Hazel reasons.
"Perhaps you both should choose a name that Shadow will use in public." Merillia suggests.
"I like that idea- you have any preferences?" Hazel asks the Shadow.
She shakes her head.
"Hmm, how about Rong or Jiaying? Jiaying means 'good and clever'. Rong means 'honor' or 'glory'." Hazel suggests after thinking it over.
The Shadow considers it and finally speaks.
"Rong, so I can masquerade as a man or woman."
Hazel grins at her and holds out her hand.
"Nice to be working with you, Rong-san!"
Even with her face covered, Hazel thinks Rong is smiling back at her.
"Now that is settled, I must get back to the conference." Merillia tells them.
"I expect frequent reports!" She taps something and the queen's image vanishes from the crystal.
Rong bows to Hazel.
"I will go and fetch supplies for your disguise: please stay hidden." And vanishes.
Hazel's eyes widen in shock.
Holy shit, is Rong a ninja?!
…
…
I'm bored. Maybe I should see what all of Knokene and Rysty's forms do..?
Hazel goes to the weapon tree and systematically tries each one: the Balloons are similar to the Red Balloon Gauntlet, just in different colors. The Upasil gauntlets are furry but don't have any strange skills besides being better at dissection (eww..). As she works her way through, eventually she comes to the Hellhound series.
… How powerful was it, to unlock this many gauntlets?!
"Hey, Knokene, Rysty?"
[Yes, Hero?]
"Call me by name, dammit. How powerful was the Hellhound?"
[… Level 19.]
Hazel blinks.
"Is that strong?"
[Yes.]
"What level was I?"
[Level 8.]
"… Without Ki, do you think I could have survived that fight?"
[… Result unknown.]
"You two wanted me to run from it- was it because of the difference in levels?" Hazel asks.
[Yes and no.]
"Well, that was crystal clear." She says sarcastically.
[… Hero was unaware of our alternate forms; we could not help you effectively.]
Hazel winces.
[But Hero managed to badly damage the Hellhound. So we conclude the result as 'unknown'.]
"… well, I guess we should try some of these out then."
Hazel tries the first one on the list; Hellhound Claw Gauntlets. They are pitch black metal with vicious claws curling from the fingertips. Hazel whistles in appreciation.
"Okay, awesome…"
She tries the Fur Gauntlets next- a very similar design except made of fur with flickers of red here and there.
"I wonder what the resistance stuff is for… Okay, next."
Then she tries the Hellhound Fang Gauntlets. They morph, the edges around the top of her forearms growing fangs that dig into her flesh. Blacken metal with vicious fangs leading down from her elbow to wrist make spikes to bash enemies with. The fingers have nasty fang claws. Overall, it looks scary and cool.
"Jeez, talk about monstrous! Hmm, 'Ghost fire?' I wonder what that does…"
Hazel narrows her eyes and tries to activate the skill.
[Skill Locked.]
She groans.
"Of course it's not simple…"
Her eyes absently study the room and then land on the fireplace. She looks at the flames, then at her hands.
Wait… could it be-?
Hazel walks over and carefully picks up an ember with the tips of her claws, then drops it onto the gem. Knokene absorbs it.
[Ember Gauntlets: (1/10), Skill: Radiant Heat (Locked).]
"Drat."
Elsewhere…
"So you met a woman disguised as a Rabbit Demi-human?"
The soldier nods, scowling.
"Yeah, she punched and kicked me! No call for that, none at all! And those blasted gauntlets of hers would have fetched a pretty price, let me tell ya!"
The slave trader strokes his chin, hiding his glee.
A novelty~ I wonder who this woman is, that she hides her identity?
"What else can you tell me about her, good sir?" He wheedles, glasses glinting.
"She's a brunette with green eyes and weird clothes!" The soldier burps, chugging ale.
"Mhm, mhm! Have a good day sir~!" The slave trader drops a silver on the table to cover his tab and walks out of the pub.
"I have a new acquaintance to find, oh my yes~!" He chuckles.
Back to Hazel…
"Knokene, Rysty, how the heck do I unlock the skills?" She demands.
[Hero may read help manual.]
"Oh. Right, that's a thing."
Hazel taps open the help manual and starts reading, thankful it's in English. An hour later, the door opens and Rong enters the cabin, holding a small sack.
"Ilmatar-san, here is a basic change of clothes and several bracelets for your Holy Weapons to absorb."
"Thanks Rong!" Hazel smiles at her as she accepts the sack.
She dumps the contents on the bed and rummages through the various items. Finding the bracelets, she starts feeding Knokene and Rysty the jewelry.
[Bejeweled Gauntlets: (1/10), +1 Appraisal.]
[Bejeweled Gauntlets: (2/10), +1 Appraisal.]
In total, Rong had bought five bracelets of various quality and make. After the gauntlets gorge themselves, Hazel selects the Bejeweled Gauntlets to see what they look like. When the light fades, Rong and Hazel inspect the new look: only two inches wide, the gauntlets became cuffs with various purple and white gems scattered artfully.
"… I'd say that passes muster. What do you think, Rong?"
Rong nods, satisfied.
"They appear as lovely bracelets, not Holy Weapons."
Hazel grins and starts to change into her new clothes: loose brown pants, a dark purple tunic, a grey wrap jacket, leather belt and boots. She does a few kicks and experimental punches to check the flexibility of the clothes.
"Perfect!" She declares.
Rong picks up the sack and packs Hazel's old clothes, then hands it to her.
"We should be off- the capital is far away from here and it will take time to reach it."
Hazel nods and eyes Rong's outfit.
"Are we traveling together or are you going to stay out of sight? Cause if we're walking together, you need to change too."
Rong chuckles and her figure blurs.
"I will be in the shadows if you need me, Ilmatar-san."
Hazel rolls her eyes but smiles as she does.
"Show off!"
Several days later…
Hazel enters the village tavern, glancing around for the barkeep. He notices her and waves her to the bar, where she gratefully sits.
"Hello miss! What's your pleasure?" He asks as he cleans a mug.
"One of the basic meals please and a mug of juice or water." She orders, stretching her arms over her head.
He nods and swiftly puts her order together, plunking it on the bar in front of her.
"Where about are you headed, miss? I've never seen your face around here before!" He asks between orders.
Hazel shrugs nonchalantly.
"The capital- I want to sell some wares there." She explains.
While not exactly a lie, Hazel was learning to not admit to everything with anyone aside from Rong and Merillia. The barkeep accepts her story with a smile that turns into a frown.
"You're not traveling alone, are you? Slavers have been spotted in the area- they target lone travelers, especially if they think they're weak!"
"Slavers? Really?" Hazel blinks at the news.
He nods frantically.
"They really like pretty young women; apparently they fetch a high price on the black market." He whispers to her in an undertone.
Hazel nods in understanding, mind whirling at the possibilities.
Maybe I should ask Rong to be more visible- better to take precautions after all.
Hazel finishes her meal and retreats to her campsite for the night, absently killing Balloons as she goes. The barkeep puts down his rag and has one of his wait staff take over the bar for a moment. He goes to the back room, retrieves an orb and activates it. The slave trader's face appears and smiles happily at him.
"I take it you have news for me~?"
The barkeep nods.
"A single, human female traveling alone- her looks partially match the description you gave me, sir."
"Oh~? Is that so? Is she staying in town?"
The barkeep shakes his head.
"She is not staying at the tavern, sir. I believe she came in for a meal then returned to her campsite."
The slave trader taps his chin thoughtfully.
"Did she mention her destination?"
The barkeep smiles.
"She did; it seems she is bound for the capital, sir."
A gleeful smile grows on the slave trader's face.
"It seems I will have a chance to arrange a meeting after all~!"
"Do you need further assistance, sir?"
The slave trader chortles and shakes his head.
"No, no. We wouldn't want your position compromised; it is very useful to my business. You will receive payment in three days, as agreed."
"Thank you sir! And goodnight, sir!" The barkeep ends the connection and returns to work.
On the other end, the slave trader strokes his mustache as he works out probable routes the young lady would take; and sets a trap.
Two days later…
Hazel sighs as she walks along the road, keeping an eye out for knights and soldiers. Rong had gone ahead to see if she could locate a hair dye for Hazel to use: so far her homebrewed attempts had failed. She sighs as some soot gets into her eyes again.
"I smell like a campfire…" She complains to herself, knowing it's her own fault.
[Hero should hunt more monsters.]
"Seriously? You two are hungry again?" Hazel sighs, scanning for monsters.
A few mushroom monsters hop into view; Hazel shifts the gauntlets to their base form and attacks. The fight is short and Hazel absorbs the monsters absently.
[Blue Mushroom Gauntlets: (6/10), +1 Basic Compounding.]
[Red Mushroom Gauntlets: (4/10), + Poison Creation.]
[Green Mushroom Gauntlets: (10/10), +1 Basic Recipe.]
[Congratulations! You have mastered the Green Mushroom Gauntlets!]
"Ugh. Okay, I'm taking a break." She tells them, trying to ignore the congratulations.
I guess there are limitless weapon forms… but seriously, mushrooms?
Hazel steps off the path and finds a nice log to sit on but freezes suddenly, frowning.
There's no wind… so why is that tree branch swaying?
More rustling catches her attention, this time from behind her!
A monster ambush?!
Hazel swears and gets her back against a tree, fists up. A glint of metal is her only warning before a metal coated club swings at her head! Hazel ducks and slams her fist into the bastard's exposed ribs. He wheezes but doesn't go down, opting for another strike.
Shit! He's human! A bandit?!
Hazel grits her teeth and steps to the outside of his strike, pushing on the club to throw him off balance.
The man swears, stumbling. Hazel helps him fall with a well-placed stomp kick to the backs of his knees. She jumps on his back and does a head lock, squeezing hard. He gasps and elbows her ribs. Hazel grimly holds on, tightening her forearm around his neck and cutting off his airway.
Her attacker rams his elbow back a few more times, bruising her ribs but not hurting her as badly as it should. Hazel swears and knees him in the spine to discourage him.
"Shitty little-! Just pass out already!" She snaps.
Suddenly an arrow whizzes past her face and hits the ground with a burst of dust!
"Fuck!" Hazel snarls, remembering too late the moving branch.
Dammit, there's at least two of them! Stupid, stupid, stupid!
Hazel backs away and runs for the road, coughing.
Ugh, that dust got into my mouth! Yuck!
Hazel swipes her mouth with the back of her hand, stumbling around the trees.
Why… is my body… so numb..? She thinks, her eyesight growing blurry.
[Hero has been poisoned!]
"Poi…son?" She wheezes out, landing in a heap on the forest floor.
A chuckle answers her.
"Only a sedative, my dear, only a sedative. It wouldn't do to kill potential merchandise!"
Hazel tries to lift her head and makes out a blurry rotund figure in front of her.
"Do not worry, we shall be taking excellent care of you~!"
Hazel blacks out, knowing nothing more…
Okay, so I was gonna write more, but cliffhangers are occasionally fun. Please review and tell me what you think! Until next time!