Chapter 12

Heart.

One of the most wonderful organs we have, it was also the few that could be felt, specially inside this game.

Feeling it pump faster and faster, I swung my sword and took out a [Killer Mantis], as I finally found what I was looking for: a small cave opening.

It was a rather dark cave, but luckily I had my Night Vision Skill above average, so it wasn't that bad. As I took a few steps in, the air seemed to change, from mild to a flaming hot. Ignoring the apparent change in temperature, I kept going without encountering a single mob.

What if this is a trap!? …Naa, I would be dead by now if it were.

As soon as I repressed that thought, a small spot of light reached my sight; looking almost like the described "white light at the end of the tunnel". Faintly gleaming, yet visibly stunning, it was a beacon of joy for me. Running towards it, I finally reached the end of the tunnel and into a large chamber. It was fully illuminated, as dazzling light came directly from a large opening in the cave´s dome. And right under it, hundreds of beautiful, newly born roses. All of them, ranging from white and pink, had a radiant mist, but none like the one in the stone.

The one in a large central stone, striving to reach the sky directly from the small crack from which it grew, had blood-red petals, lush green leaves and sharp thorns. It quickly dwarfed the rest of the flowers of its kind, as it was said to give the owner great power.

This was the reward of the grand journey I had ventured upon, the [Rosette Stone] quest: the [Blood Rose]. It was a special reward from a special quest, only taking place on an even more specialized day like this one: February 14th.

But like all quests, it has a catch. I had been hearing about this quest for quite some time now. Because it didn't start with an NPC, it was hard to get information on it. But luckily, just as it was discovered, I bought it off of the most reliable source: Argo the rat.

However, the key to this quest was a rare drop from a [Thorn Chameleon]: an [Orchid Dagger].

This was the hardest part, being a rare drop and all. Yet I was able to grab one when I hunted all night for these small creatures. And now it was its time to shine.

Taking out the small, flower like, light-pink dagger, I proceeded to claim the rose.

Gently now, I only have one shot!

Lightly gripping it, I gently made a cut and severed the flower from its body. A trail of light soon followed and the crack from which it grew was no more.

Awhhh!

Sighting in amazement, I took a while to examine my new treasure, but soon took off towards the exit. I had now finished most of my to-do list, and now what was left was to give it away.

Its Valentine's Day after all!

"Help!"

Running for his life, a small figure seemed to be running towards the cave. Knocking me off my thoughts, I finally unsheathed Stareyes and ran towards him, as it didn't take too long to understand the situation.

"Get Down!"

Falling to the ground, I now had a clear shot at the Killer Mantis chasing the boy.

Slash!

The giant blade that hung from its hand came off cleanly as I readied for another blow. Its body moving forward, it quickly swung its remaining blade, but was soon parried by mine. Taking the offensive, I slashed its other arm. Stunned from my attack, the monster screeched, but soon became fragments as my blade cut off its head.

Close one! But what the hell was he thinking!?

"Hey kid! Better be more careful next time!"

"…Be…Behind!"

Clank!

Barely parrying the sudden attack, I realized that the one I killed didn't screech with pain, it just called in more friends. Unable to take that many hits, the two new Mantises rushed in, as I was pushed back.

"Go! Get out of here! Run!"

I yelled, but he kid was still frozen. He was on the ground, as if waiting for the battle to end.

Damn kid; guess I'll have to make my stand!

"Alright then! You want a piece of me!? Come and get it!"

As the creatures screeched as if they understood me, I lunged forward and quickly turned to face one of their backs. Taking advantage of their confusion, I activated [Vertical Arc] and unleashed its two attacks on the first mob. But prepared for my attack, the second countered while I was in my cooling state.

Damn!

Cutting straight towards my face and ending at my chest, the giant bladed arm retracted, ready for another attack. But as soon as I recovered and tried to take its head, the first one moved in, covering the second.

So this is what it feels like when we switch!? Guess they gave me a taste of my own medicine!

"Arrghh!"

Dodging attacks and throwing everything I had, I was soon engaged in fight for survival. Somehow, I had to exterminate them, and to do that, I would have to think even harder.

Furiously yelling I lunged forward and sliced off one of its blades, and quickly analyzing, I retracted towards a tree nearby. Trailing close behind was the second one, already recovered. Finally feeling the tree, I adjusted my position right before the attack.

Shluk!

A tree branch ripped straight towards the mob´s body, and the green monster quickly shattered. It was probably too focused on me that it didn't account for the surroundings. Of course, not wasting a single moment, I activated [Sonic Leap] and thrust forward. A bright color formed, cutting the first one in half, before it met its partner's fate.

Falling down, my heart was pounding with great force. I must have gotten pretty pumped from the battle.

I did it!

As I slowed my breathing and calmed myself, I stood and walked towards the boy. Still on the ground, I tried my best to sound gentle, and offered a hand.

"Come on, it's over. Let's go get something to eat, what do you say? Don't worry; I won't let anything happen to you"

"…Ok"

Leaping towards the first floor, we arrived at Starting City. The boy I just met offered a teleport crystal as a sign of gratitude. Not wanting to go all the way back towards the town on the twentieth floor and then teleport towards the first floor, I happily accepted. I also needed to replenish my supply of Potions and Crystals, as I had used them all up on the twenty-first boss battle; I also didn't want to waste more Col on the twentieth floor city because I couldn't afford to spend a single coin.

Reaching level 37 was hard, and even though my [Battle Healing] skill is average, there are plenty of mid-level mobs that scratch off a wide space of the HP bar; in this case, the Killer Mantis. Being the most dangerous mob on the twentieth floor, it's no wonder they retracted mine to the yellow zone. And without any form of healing method, "wounds" are kept open until a crystal or potion is used.

Shaving HP dot by dot, open "wounds" shed red light particles slowly. Mine wasn't so deep, so I had nothing to worry about. Movements are not felt, as pain is no longer present inside the game, but stares coming from bystanders are.

Yes, I know I should have used a crystal, but I didn't have any! Stop staring!

The mysterious boy beside me, wearing a dark-blue cloak, also intended to purchase a potion, again for gratitude. And as we were walking towards the closest shop, I couldn't help but to wonder.

What's with people and cloaks these days?

"So… how old are you? If I may ask; and what exactly where you doing up there?

Politely asking, I tried to sound the least invasive; as I thought he was still in some state of shock or fear from the events a while ago.

"My name is [Krakov]. I'm… 12"

Krakov? Sounds… Russian; where is this kid from again?

Sounding quite confident, to my surprise, he took of the hood and revealed his face.

Whoa! So he probably is!

His short, dark-blonde hair, pale skin and dark green eyes were quite a giveaway. Quite small from my perspective, he stopped right in front of me, as if he was questioning why I didn't react.

"So, aren't you going to say anything!? Like whoa! You're a foreigner or something like that?

Suddenly stopping, I quickly took off the mask covering my recent injury.

"Ha! Why should I be? I mean, did you really think you were the only one!?

Stunned, the kid stood there and stared at me with surprise and a doubtful face; yet it didn't last long, as he rapidly adjusted his hood and vainly tried to hide.

Turning around to seek the source of his discomfort, I also saw the reason for my long-lasting searches and the reason I took on the recent quest a while ago: the beauty from MMO Today.

"Hey! Are you harming that little kid!? Why you! I´ll teach you!"

The familiar annoying voice came from another small cloaked figure and a friend of mine: Ange. And even so, I always found it funny how she would always attack me, one way or the other.

"Hey come on! You really think I would be so evil to do something like that? ...Wait never mind, don't answer that"

"My, are you hurt!? What happened? …Here, please take this"

Immediately taking out a glass bottle, the sweet maiden handed the item to me.

"No, I can't accept…"

"No is not an answer for me, and plus you're injured! Please accept it!"

"I… ok; thank you"

Taking the red-colored potion, I put it to my lips and drank it all in one gulp; and as I did, my "wounds" gradually vanished.

"Ahh! Thank you, you just saved my life! I´ll be sure to repay you"

"No, no, you don't have to; after all, that's what I do!"

I couldn't help but to notice a small smile and light pink blush on her cheeks, as she turned around. I too, also slightly red and heart thumping slightly faster quickly proceeded to continue.

"Sorry, like I was saying, I stumbled into some… trouble when I met this young man. He then offered to go to the Town of Beginnings, and well, here we are"

"…"

"Well then, we should be leaving. But first I would like to thank you for the help"

As I reached out for my window, I took out the object of much labor: the [Blood Rose].

"My lady, please accept this humble gift. It may not be as great as yours, but it has grand beauty; I cannot accept a No for an answer"

Joyfully holding out the gorgeous rose, I had no intention of leaving until I gave it her.

Man, I must have sounded so soft! …I'm so weak!

In spite of this, I soon felt the soft skin, as a hand gently took the rose from mine.

"….Thank you, thank you very much"

Her smother than often voice vibrated towards me, as my heart skipped a beat, but the moment was soon broken by a sudden cry.

"Hey! Where´s my present!? If you were bringing gifts, I would have told it was my birthday! Ha! Guess you'll have to give me two presents now, after all, it is Valentine's…"

Anticipating the sudden interruption, I had drawn out the tool I used for picking the rare flower: the [Orchid Dagger]. And almost handing it out, I quickly noticed something. The boy beside me, Krakov, had become very strange, startled for some reason. Quickly thinking back, I finally realized the situation.

He tried to hide when these two girls appeared, I heard his expression when I took out the Blood Rose and was soon petrified when I handed it over; yet what convinced me the most was when Ange said it was her birthday, the boy had an aura like he was struck by lightning and couldn't cope with the accumulation of feelings. Adding to all this was the fact that he apparently couldn't take his eyes off of Ange; and it could only mean one thing.

So you like her, don't you!? Ha! You sly dog! You were probably on the twentieth floor so close to the cave because you wanted a shot at getting the rose for her, weren't you? But still, I can't blame you, she is pretty cute.

Feeling slightly bad, I had taken away his opportunity, if any, to express his feelings via a special flower. And for that I felt I had to do something.

"Here, for you. If I would've known it was your birthday, I probably would've brought you some coal, Haha! Just kidding, just kidding; well, it's not enough, but it's something; it's my friend´s and my gift to you"

Almost swearing like I saw a tear inside the shadow of the hood, I heard a voice so strange to me, soft and girl-like coming from the small figure.

"I… well…. Thank you, both of you"

"Ha! Hey there, come on! Where´s the scruffy little brat that's always threatening me!? She wouldn't…."

"…"

"Excuse me; I…. got a little carried away. Well, I guess we better go. But before, can I ask for a favor Ange?"

"Yeah, sure"

"Well, I always had the curiosity of who´s under the hood. It's just that… may we see your face, just for today?"

Hesitating for a bit, she then slowly put hands on the hood and thrust it backwards, revealing her face. Her long, auburn hair and small hazel eyes gave the impression of an innocent child. It was in this moment that I understood. Her name suited her perfectly; angel.

Two beautiful girls standing before us, it was not long before the youngster also joined the conversation. Also taking the same action, he pulled his hood and revealed his face, surprising both females.

"Guess you're pretty popular with the foreigner crowd, you found another"

"Yeah, guess I am lucky in that aspect"

"I'm Krakov, it's a pleasure"

"The pleasure is ours, nice to meet you"

"Well, it's about time get going. Oh, and if you decide to keep the items, the dagger has just been upgraded to plus four and the rose ….if your keep it in your inventory, it will give you plus fifteen of luck"

Speechless, both girls stood in front of us. We were also there, gazing at each other for a moment. Four foreigners all gathered in one place. A rarer sight would be impossible.

Tuning around and heading towards the market, Krakov and I said our farewells and took our leave. But soon, turning around, I intended to do something I hadn't achieved yet.

"Hey, my lady, I know it's too much to ask, but may I have the honor of knowing your name?"

With a great smile on her cherry round lips, she replied.

"It's going to take more than a flower to get my name"

With an even bigger smile, I waved back. Not holding back the urge, I turned once again, and there she was; still holding on to the mystical rose. Feeling a lightness and emotiveness inside my chest, I wandered into my thoughts.

It was worth a try; I at least got see her smile once more; and that's enough for me.

"Let's go, I have one more thing I have to do, and I did promise to get something to eat; and when we´re done, we´ll go see someone I want you to meet"

"What can be more important than eating?"

"Well, buying a house obviously"