Disclaimer: I don't own the Legend of Mana or any other game series.
Chapter 12: New Pet
Note (4/1/22): I changed Rachel's Side Story chapter to better show how it should've been and to draw less attention away from her. The updates will be in the author's notes of that chapter.
Day 6: Undine Day
Inspector Boyd
"What do you mean they're gone?!" Boyd thundered. Benjamin flinched as his ears rang from the blast of volume. Khris jumped and subconsciously slid behind Officer Spencer for protection. She rubbed her arm awkwardly and her eyes veered away from the empty cell and fuming inspector.
"I apologize, sir, and I take full responsibility for this," Spencer replied, doing his best to deflect blame from the healer. "But it appears that the sedative was not as powerful as we believed."
Multiple officers rolled their eyes at his typical response.
"Knock it off." A short vixen stepped out of the crowd of assembled cops. She wore the standard blue police uniform and had dark red fur. Lighter patches interspersed themselves across her body. "There's no way you're at fault for this," she said exasperatedly.
"Do you know something, Officer Hatch?" Boyd asked.
"It was about 4 in the mornin' when I heard the soft singing of a mother's lullaby," Hatch answered. "I thought it was Richard listenin' to one of his albums at first, but then I noticed the pitter-patter of tiny feet and the peculiar smell o' fresh onions. Next thing I realize, I'm waken up at my desk."
A collection of murmurs and affirmatives corroborated her account. Mappy's tensed posture relaxed as the mental weight lifted from his shoulders. He'd been warned of the consequences if he was caught sleeping again.
"You're saying it was magic, then?" Boyd said with a furrowed brow.
"Eh, I wouldn't put it past them mooks to try somethin' like that," Biggs commented, back in uniform and feeling refreshed after a long night's sleep. The junior officer who'd been sent to fetch him the previous day shot the major a withering glare, something which Biggs paid no mind.
Spencer nudged Khris forward. "Our resident healer found a faint trace of mana leading out of the station."
Khris fidgeted under the officers' combined scrutiny and looked down at the floor. "O-officer Spencer is correct. I did find a trail, but it vanished a few feet out the front doors."
"Were you able to discern its elemental alignment?" Wedge inquired in a gentle tone.
"It was aligned with Dryad."
"That's impressive. Good work, healer," Boyd complimented, shocking her with kindness. Khris dared to glance upwards and found no contempt in his visage.
"Shouldn't Jack know somethin' about this?" Biggs spoke to Wedge. "He's always messin' around with those plants of his."
"And I believe that Barts should have an idea as well."
"Do you two have any leads?" Boyd asked, noticing their conversation.
"Of a sort, Inspector," Wedge answered. "Jack may know something given his close connection to nature. Likewise, Barts might be able to offer some assistance."
"Since you two are already familiar with them, I'm putting you on the case," Boyd stated. "I want both of you to find out what happened and how the criminals escaped." He shifted his gaze to the other officers. "As for the rest of you, I want you all to keep an eye out. Something funny is going on here and I intend to get to the bottom of it. Dismissed!"
"Yes, Inspector!"
Schierke
"For the crime of treason, you two are hereby banished from Clan Reed," Schierke stated firmly.
The two Chobin Hood brothers sneered at her from their bound position on the floor. Both were forced onto their knees and their wrists and ankles were shackled. The swelling around their blackened eyes barely went down and none of the healers bothered to treat them or their suspiciously scorched fur. Vetch wasn't even considered an option.
"They'd meet their ends at her hands," Schierke thought knowingly. She was fully aware of the love Vetch held for her nephew Kieran. No Hippocratic Oaths or similar vows restrained Vetch from carrying out unethical practices.
All of the captured traitors from Rider's Rest were detained at Fort Reed and were housed there away from the citizenry till after the people were escorted back home. In small groups, the criminals were brought before Schierke in the meeting room and punished based on the severity of the crime.
Those who allowed avarice to overcome them, but carried out no violence were placed under watch and made to perform tedious work such as fixing houses and cleaning out the Chocobo stables. In contrast, those who killed and murdered were banished from the village. Some considerations were offered to a select few individuals, but nearly all of the resulting repercussions fell within the aforementioned range.
However, those who robbed the shipment to Gato Grottoes were given special treatment. Hyssop was presently interrogating them in an undisclosed location. Schierke could feel a headache forming from the trouble their actions were sure to bring.
Two guards came up and grabbed the brothers under their arms. They kicked, spitted, and hurled a plethora of curses at the guards and Schierke herself whilst they were dragged away, but failed to garner a reaction other than looks of disdain. Both brothers even tried to bite the sentinels, an action stopped cold in its feet by a blow to the back of their heads.
They were dragged out the doors like burlap sacks. When they next awoke, neither would possess any memory of the location of Rider's Rest or Fort Reed and all crucial information pertaining to Clan Reed would be forever lost to them. All of their memories connecting them back to the clan were rendered absent. However, the reason behind their banishment would forever have a home in their minds.
The guards later dropped them off at a preselected point far from the village and left them with enough supplies to last out in the wild for a few days.
"Bring in the last group." The nearest guard nodded.
Orpheus and Basil returned to their homes earlier that day after they finished a small celebratory meal, in no small part due to Basil's appetite. Their respective groups left with them and the three leaders arranged another meeting in a month's time to further discuss issues affecting their people.
At the moment, Dawn and Quill were in Rider's Rest assisting and supervising the cleanup effort from Mantis attacking their home. Bracken slipped off somewhere to slumber and this was allowed since the worst business had been sorted.
"Has Vetch departed yet?" Schierke asked of Horatio as she idly scratched between Shiro's ears.
Horatio nodded from his relaxed position against the nearby wall. "Yes. This one saw her leave within the last hour," he responded. "Do you believe him an issue?"
Shortly before Mantis met his end, Schierke sensed a new presence arrive near Rider's Rest and her watchmen informed her of the human once she returned.
"He was just standing there, chief," the sentry said. "The human made no suspicious moves, but he stared intently in your direction. It was as if he was waiting for something."
This confirmation brought an ill sense of foreboding and Schierke's intuition screamed that Sean was an artificer. How else would he have known to return to Norwich to heal her people or relay Dawn and Vetch's names to Boone? Outside of her race, Sean was the first person to have pulled off such a feat.
"At this time, I believe that the human means no harm," Schierke said, answering the unasked question as to whether or not Sean needed to be dealt with. "However, it is vital that we discover how he located the village."
"Vetch is a beautiful rose, but this one feels uncertain she is fit for the task, my dear."
"It is true that she possesses a volatile temperament, but the human's healing of Kieran should quell some of her anger."
A sudden commotion out in the hall drew their attention and Horatio pushed himself off the wall and strolled at a leisurely pace to see what was going on. The guards maintained their positions around the room. Their expressions were neutral as they were already aware of the cause.
"And I know Vetch won't simply let him go," Schierke thought as the last group of criminals scrambled into the room. Their fur and clothes were singed and they fell over each other in a blind panic to get away. Boone stood behind them with a small flame hovering over his open palm, a mild hint of distaste on his face.
Sean POV
"Hmm." Sean stood in front of the mirror and moved the shirts back and forth with a critical eye. "Think I like the blue one better," he muttered.
Presently, he was standing in the Able Sisters clothes and tailoring shop in Norwich. The store itself resembled a small cottage and had an emerald green roof with blue featured windows and white shutters. A display window sat on the shop's exterior and a blue sign reading "Able Sisters" hung above the front white door.
Sean awoke a few hours prior and immediately hopped out of bed to seize the day. Given all that transpired in the short time he's been in this new world, Sean planned to take this as a chill day, one where he just relaxed and got some errands done.
"There's always the chance things can go to shit," he thought sardonically.
While he slept, Li'l Cactus added a few new entries to his Cactus Diaries.
Bring Home the Bacon
Bring home the bacon? But my master's kitchen is empty. Meat isn't very good for a cactus. Too greasy.
Flight of Fancy
A giant bird came back to life and my master got kidnapped by a group of mice. Zombies make me feel icky.
Healing Hand
My master cured the hooded mice and made them feel better. Is master a doctor? I think he should leave things to professionals.
Pest Control
An ugly bug was holding the mice hostage and my master kicked his butt with plants. It rocks to be a cactus.
Sean took a quick shower that morning and simply changed back into the same clothes he wore when he hit the hay. That's not to say he didn't stop to admire himself in the mirror. The [Rift Runner] perk did more than just grant him increased strength. Sean's torso became notably defined and his biceps grew in size.
He wasn't yet at the point where meat could be ground on his abs, but he was getting there.
"Damn." Sean flexed at the partially fogged mirror, pleasantly surprised. "I'm looking good." He grinned and shot his reflection a wink as beads of warm water slid down his neck. He then turned and gave his toned backside a glance. "Not too bad there either."
Since he had no need for food or sustenance, Sean wandered around his house for a spell to give the shops time to open and left for Norwich. He waved at the Sproutling as he went to the World Map. The sentient plant waved back and saw him off with a smile.
The mostly empty World Map reminded him that there were still four artifacts to be obtained in and around [Fort Reed], not to mention the [Boreal Shell] item that Mantis had been searching for.
"I'm guessing it's an artifact if the name's anything to go by."
Upon entering the town, Sean found it bustling with activity. People peacefully ambled up and down the streets without a care in the world, passing by shopkeepers who busied themselves tidying up their stores and sweeping dust out doorways into the bright morning light. Newer visitors could be found either perusing wares through shop windows or stopping at one of the various eateries to catch a bite, enticed by the aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread.
Sean took a deep breath of fresh air and smiled at the fact that there were no signs of trouble. No panicking crowds nor bandit attacks or corrupted monsters. Just peace and the trivial chatter of the faceless masses.
"Are you finding everything all right, sir?" Mabel asked helpfully.
Name: Mabel Able
Race: Hedgehog
Title: Shop Owner
Age: 18
Level: Lvl 3
Likes: Clothes, Helping People, Her Sisters
Dislikes: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Coffee
Description: The youngest of the Able Sisters and one of the owners of the Able Sisters clothing and tailor shop. Her parents died in an airship crash when she was a little girl and was raised by her eldest sister, Sable.
The young woman was a blue hedgehog with brown-orange cheeks and black eyes, eyebrows, and a black nose. She wore a white and green gingham apron over a pair of blue jeans and a green, tank top. Mable also had a head full of large, spiky bristles.
"Yeah," Sean replied, putting the red shirt back. "This is a nice little place you have here."
The store's interior was fairly typical. Pants and shirts hung along the walls and there were various displays set up to showcase their wide assortment of garments. Mannequins stood on the left side of the store, outfitted in stylish threads, and tables in the middle of the store had a variety of hats and glasses available for purchase. Changing rooms were on the right side and Mabel's older sister was busy at the sewing machine in the back left corner.
The electric hum of the machine could be faintly heard over the store's relaxing music.
Name: Sable Able
Race: Hedgehog
Title: Shop Owner
Age: 28
Level: Lvl 2
Likes: Sewing, Her Sisters, Tranquility
Dislikes: Being pestered, Angry music
Description: The eldest of the Able Sisters and co-owner of the Able Sisters clothing and tailor shop. She raised Mabel when she was a little girl after their parents died in a tragic accident. Shy and introverted, she lets Mabel deal with customers.
Observe Lvl 42 → Lvl 43
Sable was a brown hedgehog with pink freckles and half-closed eyes which made her look tired or perhaps sad. She wore a candy gingham apron over a white shirt and her lower half was hidden by the sewing table. Just like her sister, she had a head full of large, spiky quills.
"Thank you," Mabel said cheerfully. "We worked really hard on it."
"Hey, would it be all right if I used your changing room once I've finished my purchase? What I'm wearing now is actually some of the few pieces of clothes I own."
"Not a problem. May I ask how that happened?"
"A stupid bird caused me to lose most of them." His annoyance towards the avian slightly diminished.
"Oh, Pelican." Mabel nodded in understanding. "News of her deliveries is common around here."
A visit to the register and a thousand Lucre lighter, Sean changed into another pair of blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and a navy blue denim vest. A brown military cap was chosen to complement his attire. Numerous pairs of pants, over a dozen shirts, and packs of clean socks and underwear now sat in his inventory. He also purchased formal wear and clothing better suited for the rain and cold.
Lucre: 35,000 → 34,000
Rather than disrobe normally, Sean simply used his finger to remove his garments from their respective slots and put his new clothing in their place.
"Wow! That was fast," Mabel remarked as Sean opened the curtain. He felt like a new man.
"I've been practicing the [Haste] spell," Sean responded truthfully.
The first thing he did after finishing his shower was to learn all of the spells he'd reached the requirements for. The first book and arguably the most important was [Haste]. The next ones to follow were [Bravery], [Candlelight], [Shooting Stars], [Shell], [Fear], and [Bushwhacker].
Absorbing all of that knowledge briefly gave him a throbbing headache. "It was worth it though. Can't afford to be lacking here."
Haste (Active) Lvl 5 [70%] Cost: 30 MP
This spell temporarily increases the target's speed upon casting.
Effect: Raises the target's dexterity by 25% for 3 Minutes.
Bravery (Active) Lvl 4 [35%] Cost: 30 MP
This spell temporarily increases the target's strength upon casting.
Effect: Raises the target's strength by 20% for 2 Minutes and 30 Seconds.
Candlelight [Light] (Active) Lvl 3 [57%] Cost: 20 MP
When cast by the user, this spell creates a hovering light that initially lasts for 60 seconds. Allows the gamer to better navigate dungeons, crypts, and other dark areas and makes it easier to spot traps and find treasure. Mastery raises Light-based affinity.
Duration: 1 Minute 10 Seconds
Shooting Stars [Moon/Space] (Active) Lvl 4 [31%] Cost: 20 MP
Shoots several yellow, star-shaped projectiles of mana at the target. A variant of this spell allows the stars to spin like shuriken to cut into foes. Mastery raises Moon-based affinity.
Deals moon/space damage according to this formula: Total = (SPI + Moon Affinity)
DMG = Total + (Total * 8%) (Increases by 2% per level)
Shell (Active) Lvl 4 [72%] Cost: 20 MP
This spell creates a magical shell around the target that temporarily increases their magic defense. This spell can stack with other spells and effects.
Current Level: Increases Magical Resistance by 8% for 2 Minute and 30 Seconds.
Fear (Active) Lvl 4 [14%] Cost: 30 MP
This spell temporarily decreases the target's strength, making them easier to handle. Also has a chance to cause enemies to flee.
Effect: Decreases target's strength by 20% for 2 Minutes and 30 Seconds.
Effect: Chance to scare enemy away dependent on skill level, stats, and player level in relation to target.
Effect: Has chance to inflict target with [Dread] status effect.
Bushwhacker [Plant] (Active) Lvl 5 [49%] Cost: 15 MP
When cast, a whirlwind of leaves forms around a single target, pelting them for damage. The leaves can also be used to cut the enemy as well.
Deals plant-based damage according to this formula: Total = (SPI + Plant Affinity)
DMG = Total + (Total * 10%)
SPI: 185 → 188
"Thank you! Please come again," Mabel said as Sean left the store.
"Sure thing." He shot her a thumbs up. "All right, where to next?"
With The Gamer being upgraded to Version 2.0, Sean found it much easier to navigate his way around town. New symbols appeared on the map for virtually everything, from stores and resources to the people themselves. A new notification out of many dove into an in-depth description of the new map and legend.
Town Map Version 2.0
A mechanic commonly found in role-playing and open world games, the map allows the player to more easily traverse the world around them and complete objectives. Below is a legend of the various symbols:
Yellow Exclamation Mark = New Quest
Treasure Chest = Treasure Chest
Blue Sparkle = Point of Interest
White Circle = NPC
Green Circle = Friend or Ally
Red Circle = Enemy or Hostile Foe
Potion Bottle = Magic Shop
Shirt = Clothing Store
Cave = Dungeon
Board = Notice Board
Anchor = Underwater Locations
The list went on, but it was fairly easy to understand given Sean's experience playing open world games such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Far Cry 4.
"Think I'll pick up some groceries first," Sean thought. "Probably be a good idea to check the magic shops and notice board, too." He hummed. "Then again, maybe I should see if Soiree's busy. I did tell her and Gengen I'd explain why they were missing pieces of memory."
Sean walked through the busy streets to the nearest grocer and weaved around various folks whilst he pondered if he should stop at the library to pick up a book on plant care. Their chatter didn't concern him much, but the roaming exclamation points both on the map and over their heads did. It was one thing to walk up to an NPC in a game and an entirely different matter to approach a complete, sentient stranger.
"Dammit," Sean thought irritably. He preferred not to navigate around social landmines to retrieve quests. "I can already see the weird looks people are gonna give me. Wouldn't be surprised if they told me to screw off."
So absorbed in contemplation, he failed to notice the disturbance heading his way.
"Sean! Stop him!" Soiree shouted frantically from down the street. Onlookers backed away from the commotion and abstained from offering help as they watched the scene play out stupidly. Their lack of action lent credence to the Bystander Effect.
"Huh?"
Koroku ran towards him with a porterhouse steak in his mouth and shot between Sean's legs to get away from the livid butcher chasing him. This one was slimmer than the first and the brown-haired man wore a black butcher's apron and a pronounced five o'clock shadow. So focused on catching the dog, the man slammed into and bounced off Sean without causing the younger male to even stumble.
The older man fell back onto his rump and grunted from the force of impact.
"Never a dull day is it?" Sean deadpanned.
"What?" The butcher replied, daze and confused. He looked up and raised his right arm to protect his eyes from the sunlight.
"Need a hand?" Sean reached his hand out to pull the man up and the butcher tried swiping at it to knock the appendage away. Keyword being "tried" since Sean's hand didn't budge.
"I don't need your help," the butcher growled as he awkwardly climbed back to his feet. His face still hurt from running into Sean who pulled his hand back. "It's because of you that that stupid dog got away." The man gingerly touched his nose to check that he wasn't bleeding.
"You need to [Calm] down, man."
Sean discreetly cast the spell at him and witnessed the fog of anger lift from the butcher's gaze. The man's posture relaxed and he took a few steps back to recompose himself.
Calm Lvl 1 → Lvl 5
Soiree flew over to Sean's side and looked at the butcher sternly. "What were you thinking chasing that poor little dog, kupo?!" Her pink fur puffed up adorably. "You should be ashamed of yourself."
The man wilted under her gaze. "I'm sorry, miss, but I'm just so sick of that dog stealing our stock." He saw what she did to Forza.
"Are you leaving the door open?" Sean asked. "Because I can't see how Koroku is stealing your stuff otherwise."
"That Shiba can open doors," the butcher replied weakly.
"Ever heard of a lock?"
"Where is the other butcher, kupo?" Soiree inquired. "I saw him chasing that dog with you."
The man shook his head. "I don't know, miss, Frank couldn't keep up with me and fell behind."
Sean examined the town map and saw too many white circles dancing about. It made the task of finding Koroku like trying to find a needle…no, not a needle. Something smaller than a needle, in a haystack, when you don't even know if you're in the right field.
"Guess it's time to bring out Faith."
A small circle of fire suddenly formed on the cobbled road and a burst of flames shot up from it, causing the butcher to jump back in alarm. Members of the perturbed populace placed their hands on their weapons while others moved to stand in front of family and friends to shield them from the potential threat. A handful glanced uneasily up at the sky and some were steered into the nearest shops.
A red-furred wolf stepped out from the flames. Her paws and the tip of her tail were covered in white fur as were her chest, muzzle, face, and inner ears. Flames danced around each of her legs and her mane flared out into brighter red, orange, and then yellow fur.
The wolf regarded Sean curiously with bright green eyes as her black-tipped ears twitched.
Red Wolf [Fire] Cost: 100 MP Cooldown: 30 Minutes (Upon Defeat)
Name: Faith
Link: Lvl 1 Next Level: 0/50 AP
Standing: 0/1000
HP: 750/750 HP
TP: 2,500/2,500 TP
MP: 750/750 MP
STR: 50
VIT: 30
DEX: 50
INT: 30
WIS: 20
SPI: 20
LUK: 10
Overdrive: [Burning Fang]—Burning Fang is an ability where Faith runs through the enemy and leaves behind a sea of flames in her wake. DMG Formula: SPI + (SPI * 300%)
Summon Effect: +50 Fire Affinity (Passive) (Initial)
Summon Effect: Grants the user +1 DEX every time the summon or user levels up
Description: Faith is a Red Wolf from another dimension and has sharper senses than wolves found on Earth. Keeper of a strong pack mentality, she expects her master to hold himself to a high level of strength, courage, and integrity.
"Hey, pretty girl." Sean knelt down and scratched the wolf's muzzle with both hands. Faith butted her head gently into his chest as she enjoyed the petting.
It took a moment for Sean to notice the deathly silence that settled on the area. The human looked around and took in the wary glances being sent his way.
"Not my best idea."
The only one unconcerned by this development was Soiree who remembered the creatures Sean summoned the previous day. She flew down to the wolf's face and Sean removed his hands so she could get closer. Faith sniffed the moogle to capture her scent and nuzzled her.
Soiree squeed in delight and hugged Faith's face as the butcher and townspeople visibly relaxed at the scene.
"Thanks for that," Sean said to Soiree. "Your adorableness calmed everyone down." Soiree blushed at his words and Faith even huffed in amusement.
"Oh stop, kupo!" She turned her head away in embarrassment and Sean blinked at the repetition. The only difference between now and yesterday was that he received no increase in reputation with her.
"Do you have anything on you I can use to track down Koroku?" Sean asked the butcher. He stood up and scratched the top of Faith's head.
The man's face twisted in confusion. "Koroku?"
"Yes. I've already said his name."
"Oh, right." The butcher pulled a green scarf with white, swirly patterns on it from out of his apron pocket. "I managed to snatch this off him before he got away."
Sean took the scarf and found it was more akin to a bag. There were several small stones tucked away inside of it.
"This is definitely his." [Observe] told his as much. Sean held the scarf down for Faith to sniff. "Can you track the scent, girl?"
Faith looked at Sean in mock offense. Like she couldn't track down some mutt with her superior nose. She took a whiff of the scarf and detected the smell of dirt, beef, and bones. Traces of urine were also detected.
Faith ran in Koroku's direction and Sean followed her with Soiree close behind. The town folk returned to their regular lives now that the show was over and the butcher, being too slow to keep up with the trio, went back to his shop. He imagined his pal Frank was probably waiting for him.
A Short Distance Away…
"I've got you now," the unkempt butcher declared triumphantly. The crazed grin on his face and bloodied apron gave him serial killer vibes. The meat cleaver in his right hand reinforced that image. White teeth shone through his black, scraggly beard as he breathed heavily in exhilaration, ready to enact his revenge.
Koroku hunkered down at the end of the alleyway and shook fearfully with his paws over his head. The Shiba Inu thought he'd gotten away successfully, but Frank cut him off and cornered him in the alleyway. It wasn't his fault though. Food was difficult to come by and the tantalizing aroma of porterhouse steak and the veritable buffet of succulent meats was too tempting to resist.
"You touch one hair on that dog's head and I'll rip yours off."
"Beat it, kid," the man barked without turning around, deeming Sean unimportant. "This mangy mutt has had this coming for too long."
Frank's nose wrinkled from being assaulted by a strong, fishy smell. Visibly bewildered, he shifted his gaze from the cowering pooch and choked on his own saliva as widened eyes beheld the sight of 8 large piranha floating before him. He swung his meat cleaver on impulse at the nearest one and watched the blade shatter to pieces on Remora's slippery scales.
Shards of metal clinked as they rained onto the ground.
The butcher raised the wooden handle to his face and stared at it feebly, his mind unable to comprehend the situation. He slowly shifted his gaze back to the fish, but none moved to attack. They simply hovered there and awaited their summoner's order.
Koroku lifted his paws from his face when he heard the metallic shower and looked up to find the butcher petrified. Seeing his chance, he got up and ran past Frank's legs. Koroku would've escaped the alley were in not for the red wolf standing in his path.
Faith growled lightly at Koroku and the Shiba bowed his head in submission and moved to her side.
The butcher paid this no mind and simply stared at Remora's razor-sharp teeth in stupefaction. His frightened face stared back at him in the mirror-like surface and he swallowed nervously as his heart climbed down from his throat. Frank's eyes darted from the fish to the black-haired man behind them.
"Ever heard the term 'Feeding Frenzy?'" Sean asked evenly. Frank gulped as the words registered and Soiree sent Sean a look of admonishment.
"Oh, no. No, no, no," the butcher uttered, sweat starting to form on his forehead.
For performing a special action, you have gained a new skill!
Intimidate (Active) Lvl 1 [50%] Cost: 0 TP
This skill allows the user to frighten the target into giving up or running away. At higher levels, this skill manifests an aura specific to the player. Exercise caution. This skill has the potential to kill.
Effect: Chance to scare enemy away or force their surrender dependent on skill level, stats, and player level in relation to target.
Effect: Has chance to inflict target with [Dread] status effect.
Effect: Has chance to cause target to faint.
"Luckily for you, I'm not a murderer." He dismissed Remora and Frank drew a breath of relief. "That doesn't mean I'm going to tolerate this shit though." Sean glared into the butcher's eyes. "You had better never try this again. You got that?"
Frank shakily nodded. "S-sure thing, kid."
"Good," Sean said. "Because next time we'll discover whether or not piranha can actually devour a man in seconds. Now, get out of here."
The butcher didn't need to be told twice and swiftly left the alley without looking back.
Once he was gone, Sean knelt down and started petting Koroku's head. The Shiba Inu calmed down under his gentle touch and started wagging his tail.
"You okay, buddy?"
"Aroooooo…," Koroku barked.
Name: Koroku
Race: Shiba Inu
Title: Watchdog
Age: 2
Level: Lvl 5 Next Level: 0/1200
HP: 500/500
TP: 1,500/1,500
MP: 500/500
STR: 30
VIT: 20
DEX: 30
INT: 20
WIS: 10
SPI: 10
LUK: 5
Likes: Going on walks, playing Frisbee
Dislikes: Mushrooms
Feelings towards You: Gratitude
Synchro Effect: [Pack Leader Lvl 1]
Effect: When fighting in a group, Koroku's stats increase by 10% for each dog in the group. Kobolds such as Gengen count towards this.
Stat Points: 25
Perk Points: 10
Description: Leader of a pack of five dogs. His favorite food is bones and his hobby is marking.
"Did you really need to do that, kupo?"
"Did you not see the meat cleaver in his hand?" Sean replied with a raised brow, keeping his tone polite. He wrapped the green scarf back around Koroku's neck.
"Yes, but you could've gotten into a lot of trouble if someone else had seen what you did," Soiree lightly chastised.
"I know," he acquiesced. "But I'm not gonna put up with animal cruelty." That was a stance he was firm on. "No matter what he stole." He pointed at Koroku, who by now had eaten the steak.
"I don't expect you to, kupo! Just be more careful next time."
"I'll try, but I make no promises." "Wonder where the other dogs are?"
Quest Alert!
Paw Patrol
Koroku is the leader of a pack of five dogs, but the other four are missing. Help him find them around Fa'Diel and reunite the pack.
Main Objectives:
-Find Koichi (0/1)
-Find Connie (0/1)
-Find Kosanji (0/1)
-Find Kogoro (0/1)
Success: 10,000 Exp, 5,000 Lucre, Increased Reputation with Koroku and his pack, Cerberus Summon, Koroku's Combination Attack
Bonus Objectives: Expand the Pack:
-Find Dogmeat (0/1)
-Find Bran (0/1)
-Find Sceolang (0/1)
-Find Angelo (0/1)
-Find Mira (0/1)
-Find Hewie (0/1)
Bonus Reward: New Title, 5,000 Exp (per dog), 20,000 Lucre, Black Shuck Summon, Dog Whistle
Quest Failure: Death of Koichi, Connie, Kosanji, and Kogoro. Koroku runs away forever.
New Reputation!
Koroku: (Friendly: 1000/1999)
In Suikoden 3, the four dogs listed above could be found after recruiting Koroku. The other 6 names stuck out to Sean like a sore thumb. Going down the list, they were from Fallout, Skyrim, Final Fantasy 8, Silent Hill 2, and Haunting Ground, respectively.
"Guess I need to buy some dog food now," Sean stated, adding yet another item to his to-do list.
"There's a pet store not too far from here, kupo!" Soiree stated helpfully.
Sean rose to his feet. "You want to walk there with me? I did say I'd explain what happened the other day."
"Sure."
The group left the dingy alleyway with Koroku and Faith at Sean's sides. Passerby spared them a glance due to the ruckus earlier, but elected to leave them be. Koroku's stomach rumbled and he licked his chops in anticipation for more food.
Sean created a new party and opened [Photo Mode] to show Soiree the pictures he took while they were at Fort Reed. He also found that he could add Koroku to the party without asking for the dog's input.
"I don't understand." Soiree frowned as she looked through the images.
"I'm not sure what, but something messed with your minds. Some type of spell, I'm guessing?"
Soiree shook her head. "I don't know. I'd need to research this, kupo!"
Sean went on to give a summary of what happened between him waking up in Fort Reed and then appearing back in town early that morning. Soiree listened closely and asked a question here and there. During their conversation, Soiree also explained what happened in Norwich after Sean collapsed in the fields.
"Do you think there's a connection between the two, kupo?" Soiree asked, referencing Stratoavis and Mantis Ant.
"Other than the corruption, I'm not sure," Sean responded, seeing no reason to keep that information hidden. "The more people that know about corruption the better. Might also explain what happened while I was out."
The pair allowed their conversation to die down as they reached the pet store. The faint smell of cleaning products and alfalfa lingered in the air while they walked along the aisles. Events weighed heavily on Soiree's mind and she thought it might be best to contact her sister for advice. Sean, meanwhile, focused on finding dog food and other necessities over the sound of birds squawking.
Sean and Soiree checked out a short time later and Sean also picked up a black dog collar with Koroku's name engraved on a silver tag. A person who worked there used magic to do it in five seconds.
Faith picked up the scent of flowers following them after leaving the store and she nudged Sean's leg to get his attention.
"What is it, girl?"
Faith gestured her head to the side and Sean saw Vetch standing down the street in plain view. She wore more conservative clothing, but still came off as seductive. The black pants and leather-padded clothing she wore hugged her frame and accentuated her figure. None of the people meandering about were bothered by her presence and other than some folks checking her out, they spared her little mind.
"Wretched man-things!" She thought, wanting to carve their eyes out.
Vetch made eye contact with Sean, but didn't say anything. He already knew why she was there.
"Hey, Soiree. Would it be all right if we went back to your shop?"
"Why?" She inquired suspiciously. She didn't miss Sean's body language, how he paused and stared at the woman. Her ability to sense mana also told her that they'd been followed.
"One of the people from Fort Reed is here," Sean replied as he broke eye contact. He didn't bother whispering due to Vetch's heightened hearing. "And I don't want to cause another scene."
"I don't know, Sean. I don't want my shop to be damaged."
"I'm pretty sure she's not here to start trouble, but if anything happens, I'll gladly fix up your store," he offered.
Soiree carefully considered it. "Do you know the [Repair] spell?" She asked uncertainly.
"Yes. And I'm fairly decent at it," he answered, both it and the follow-up.
"All right," Soiree finally said after a few moments. The photographic evidence of her short time with Clan Reed 'humanized' the Chobin Hoods for lack of a better term. "But nothing had better happen, mister."
Sean smiled at her. "You have my word."
The group continued on their way and made it to the Kupo junk shop without rush. The Moogle sound effect played as they entered the store and Sean saw Muto manning the counter. The kobold's face lit up in a bright smile when he saw them and he waved at his boss energetically.
Name: Muto
Race: Kobold (Dog)
Title: Warehouse Keeper
Age: 22
Level: Lvl 10
Likes: Bones, Going on Walks, Working Outdoors
Dislikes: Big Words, Complicated Math
Feelings towards you: Happiness
Description: A Kobold warehouse keeper at the Kupo junk shop. He is both lighthearted and diligent. Everyone who spends time near him feels happy. Abandoned as a puppy, no one knows where the scar on his face came from. Can also be fairly forgetful and often misplaces items.
Observe Lvl 43 → Lvl 44
Lvl 44: The user can see the target's inventory and all of the items they're carrying.
"Hello, Soiree," he said joyfully.
"Have there been any customers, kupo?" Soiree asked hopefully.
"Um, no. I haven't seen anyone today. Sorry."
Soiree sighed. "It's fine." Her soul felt exhausted and at times she mulled over whether she should quit. "Would you mind going to the back for a bit?"
Muto nodded. "Sure thing." The kobold stepped out from behind the counter and went to enter the storage room.
"Can you hold for a sec?" Sean asked, catching Muto's attention. The kobold stopped and regarded him with a tilt of the head, much like a German Shepherd. Sean pulled the [Siren] summon sphere from his inventory and showed it to him. "Have you seen anything like this? Soiree told me you dug up one of these at Kathy's ranch."
Sea foam green and cerulean blue water swirled inside of the sphere as a melodious voice sang a mesmerizing tune. [Gamer's Mind] protected Sean from the hypnotic effect of her song and Soiree wasn't affected due to being female. Curiously, Muto didn't react other than another head tilt and a puzzled expression.
"Um…oh, right! I think there's one in the back," Muto answered. "This rabbit lady said it was super valuable, but Juan said it was junk. So I brought it here."
"Would you mind getting it for me?" He smiled in a friendly manner and shifted his gaze to Soiree. "If that's okay with you."
"That's fine. I did say I'd hold them for you," She replied, giving Muto permission. She remembered the 2000 Lucre Sean paid to her struggling business. "How many of those things do you have, kupo?!"
"I've activated four of them and I currently have six others."
"Is she the third?" Soiree pointed at Faith who was busy pawing at one of the wooden barrels.
Sean shook his head. "No. Faith is the fourth and what's so interesting in there?" By this point, Faith stood on her hind paws and started rummaging through the bin with her muzzle. Sean reached his arms around her and pulled her away from the barrel as Faith's teeth latched onto something.
The item in her mouth was revealed to be a small knife with a black handle and brass guard rusted shut in its sheath.
"This thing?" He remembered thinking it garbage during his last visit.
[Junk] Rusted Knife (?)
1 of 30.
No other information appeared nor did a quest, but Sean got a nagging feeling he'd seen one elsewhere. "Mark's shop maybe?" He couldn't say for sure since he had been dead set on obtaining spell books when he was last there. "Faith thinks it's important."
"How much for this?" Sean pulled the blade from the wolf's mouth and wiped the saliva off on his pants leg.
"5 Lucre," Soiree answered. He handed her a small coin.
"Oh, where is it!" Muto shouted anxiously from the back.
"Is he gonna be okay?" Sean glanced at the doors leading to storage and winced when he heard a loud crash.
Soiree sighed in exasperation. "He does his best, kupo!"
The door chimed as Vetch entered the building. An aromatic mixture of lavender and vanilla covered her like perfume. It wasn't strong enough to be unpleasant or offensive, but that was not the intended effect.
Whereas Sean saw Vetch as she was, Soiree saw a human woman.
Light grey fur changed to healthily tanned skin and her long white hair morphed into a rich brown. Vetch's amber eyes remained the same color and her height was left unchanged. Her long tail wrapped around her hips firmly like a belt and upon closer inspection, it could be seen that Vetch was still equipped with her assortment of weapons, vials, and pouches.
"Hello, Vetch," Sean greeted politely. "How is your son doing?"
"Fine," she stated succinctly. "He is awake-up and confined to bed."
"That's good to hear."
Vetch didn't look too pleased to be there, but being sent out of the village was something she was used to and she wouldn't refuse her chief's orders. She glanced about the shop and took in the quiet atmosphere, suiting her tastes far better than the cacophonous crowds outside.
"I don't suppose you dropped by for a friendly chat?" Sean asked rhetorically.
"No," Vetch responded, cutting straight to business. "Schierke wants to see-talk to you."
"I imagine she does. She's probably wondering why that mental attack didn't work."
"You need to come-go with me back to the village."
Sean shook his head. "I'd rather not chance being held prisoner again." The female rat grew annoyed at his refusal, but held her tongue. His healing of Kieran made her the slightest bit more amicable. "I'm okay with meeting up with her, but it's gonna have to be somewhere in town."
"Did you have any location-place in mind?" Vetch inquired calmly.
"There's a bar called The Wandering Specter owned by a woman named Leona not far from here," Sean answered. "We can meet up there if Schierke's okay with that."
"I'm not sure that's such a good idea, kupo!" Soiree interjected. "There was a breakout earlier this morning at the station." She gazed into Sean's eyes. "You didn't do that, did you?"
"No. I just cured them. And I made sure to wrap them up beforehand."
"Boone brought-dragged them out," Vetch stated. "He and Dawn escorted-chased them home."
"Were there any deaths?" Sean asked worriedly.
"No, kupo! All of the officers were found asleep."
"That's good." He exhaled in relief. He didn't need their blood on his hands. "So, what do you say? Would Schierke be okay with meeting me there?"
"I'll relay-tell her your words, yes-yes." Vetch reached into her pocket and retrieved what looked suspiciously like a cellphone. It was made from stone and had several runes engraved into it. She used [Rat Speak] to communicate with the person at the other end of the line.
"Is that a cellphone?" [Eidetic Memory] reminded him that there was a telephone at the front desk of the "Mana's Blessing" Inn in Domina.
"Cellphone?" Vetch parroted. "No-no, man-thing. This is for speaking with the clan."
"So you can't just call up anyone with that."
"Just the clan. Now hush-silence," she hissed.
"That sucks." "Oh well, not like I can't just message people."
Vetch put the "phone" away once she was finished and simply stood there staring at him. Similar to Soiree, she could also sense his distinctive mana signature.
"Aren't you going back home?" Sean asked in an attempt to clear the awkward silence.
"Schierke advised me to keep you under watch, man-thing," she said. "You won't depart-leave my sight till she arrives."
"Okay." He didn't feel like fighting her on it. "But when will that be? I still have errands to run."
"7:00 PM."
"I found it!" Muto announced victoriously, holding up a black sphere above his head. A bright light shone from its center like a lantern.
[Epic][Summon Sphere] Tonberry
Using this item gives the gamer access to the Tonberry summon. Capable of using insta-kill attacks, it would be wise for the player to exercise caution.
Sean froze when he saw which summon it was. "That's gonna be an interesting one." A sense of trepidation settled on his person. "It's probably one of the best summons I could've run into. But that risk, man."
In the Final Fantasy series, Tonberry had an ability called [Karma] which dealt damage to the target equal to the number of enemies they've killed x10, x20, or even x100. The multiplier changed depending on which member of the Tonberry family it was.
"Should I do it now or later?" Sean racked his brain and weighed the pros and cons of summoning it. In Final Fantasy 8, the player had to kill at least 20 Tonberries and defeat the Tonberry King to obtain the summon. "My kill count's only going to go up."
"Are you okay, kupo?!" Soiree poked his cheek, getting him to snap out of it. "You got awfully quiet there."
"Sorry. It's just that that thing in his hand is dangerous." Muto fumbled the sphere as if he'd been burned and dropped it, barely catching it before it struck the floor.
Soiree eyed the sphere closely. "Is it corrupted?" She inquired warily.
"No, but that creature is powerful and can instantly kill a person." Sean paused and exhaled. "How much for it?" He asked straight-faced, his tone calm.
"What? You just said it was dangerous!"
"Yeah, but again, better in my hands than someone else's," Sean reasoned. "You wouldn't want someone like Mantis to get this." "I'm not actually sure if anyone else can use them. Should test that."
"What exactly is that, man-thing?" Vetch inquired. Boone detailed the little onion people in his report to the chief.
"These spheres allow me to summon different creatures," Sean answered semi-reluctantly, knowing the cat would get out of the bag eventually. "The plant people I brought with me to the station are one such example."
"Are the fish and fireballs the same-similar?"
"I thought you might've seen those, but yes," Sean answered. "Faith here is also one of them." He pointed down at the wolf who sat patiently on her haunches. Koroku flopped down onto his stomach next to her.
No further interrogation came from Vetch and Sean shifted his gaze back to Soiree.
"So, how much?"
Soiree shook her head. "I can't in good conscience sell this to you, kupo!"
"Why not?" He asked, mildly perplexed. "Is this about what happened with the [Spring] spell?"
"Did you already forget our deal?" It hurt to reject the money, but the safety of her customers came first. "I said I'd sell you more advanced magical tomes only if you can demonstrate a certain level of expertise in lower-grade spells."
"You're applying it to summons too, then," Sean easily figured.
"It's for your own good, Sean," Soiree said in a gentle tone. "You lost control of those bombs after you summoned them yesterday and you just said this one is worse. I don't want you to get yourself hurt, kupo!"
He wanted to argue, but Sean refrained. "Okay. I'll wait," Sean responded, touched by her honest concern. It was refreshing to find someone outside of family who actually cared about his well-being.
"You also haven't stopped the Chocobo Eater, either," She stated humorously.
Sean rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I know." He couldn't be mad at her. "I just have to wait for the dumb bastard to show up."
"Do you not need this anymore?" Muto asked. He held up the sphere.
"Nah, I'm good. You can put it back."
"Let me take that." Soiree took the orb from his hand. "I'll make sure it's tucked away somewhere safe."
"Thanks, Soiree."
"It's no problem, kupo!"
With that business settled for the time being, Sean's eyes wandered around the store and perused all of the discarded goods. Chipped vases and bowls took up residence on a long shelf and underneath them was a collection of old radios, clocks, and toasters. A few bookshelves sat against the left wall containing works of literature of which several pages were missing.
One item that stood out in particular was a worn and beaten acoustic guitar sitting on the floor by the west wall next to the books. It was a member of a wide assortment of instruments. Violins, trumpets, and other musical items crowded around it like a family photo.
The guitar's wood had been stained a crimson red by an amateur who sought to cover up its cracked surface. All six of its strings were snapped and the neck was crooked, bent to the left at an acute angle. Small burn marks from a teenage smoker's cigarette dotted the circumference of the sound hole.
"Should be easy enough," Sean commented quietly as he gingerly picked it up. He frowned as he looked it over, upset by the damage done to such a fine instrument.
[Repair]
Mana flowed around the guitar ephemerally and knitted the steel and nickel strings back together, restoring their long lost luster. All red disappeared to reveal a light brown restored wood with a matte finish and its slightly crooked neck straightened. Even the burn marks were no longer present. Overall, the guitar looked like it had just come off the factory floor.
"Wow!" Muto exclaimed in amazement. "That's pretty."
[Appraise]
[Common][Instrument] Acoustic Guitar [Value: 300 Lucre]
A six-stringed instrument played by many for centuries, a German-born immigrant to The United States by the name of Christian Frederick Martin created the first of the steel-stringed acoustic guitars in the 1830s. The design and standardization of the modern classical guitar came from a Spanish man named Antonio de Torres Jurado in the 1850s.
"Neat. Didn't know that."
Repair Lvl 4 → Lvl 5
Lucre signs appeared in Soiree's eyes momentarily as she pictured her store flourishing and becoming a frequent stop for locals and travelers alike. "Stop that, kupo! I'm not going to take advantage of him," She berated herself.
"That's much better." Sean strummed the guitar's strings starting with the High E. He grimaced at the resultant, discordant noise. "Seems it still needs to be tuned." He set it back down. "You mind if I do the rest of these?" He asked Soiree.
"No. Go ahead," She replied before turning to Muto. "Can you stay here? I need to go get something, kupo!"
"I'll keep a close watch."
"Thank you." Soiree flew up to the second floor with the [Tonberry] summon sphere in her hands while Sean got to work.
Vetch watched him closely as he moved from one instrument to another and examined the fluctuations in his mana. Blistering heat swirled furiously beside a biting, blinding snowstorm, yet at no point did they ever coalesce. It was a phenomenon she'd never once observed in all her years and only read about in cases involving necromancy or possession.
However, neither was the case as Sean was well and truly alive and in the instance of possession, there would always be a faint tether travelling between the two different signatures. Both of his were clearly his own. Vetch also recalled that certain medical practices made use of one person's mana pool to sustain another's or to keep them alive, but that idea was quickly discarded.
"This matter will be discussed later, man-thing," She vowed. "Along with those strange scars-marks."
The faded white marks on Sean's torso itched as he finished fixing a rusted, gold-plated trumpet and he lightly scratched one, not thinking anything of it.
Repair Lvl 5 → Lvl 9
Appraise Lvl 1 → Lvl 4
"I'm back," Soiree announced. She flew over with a small stack of books in her arms and almost dropped them when she saw all of the instruments returned to their pristine condition. "Wow, kupo!"
"What are the books for?" Sean asked.
"It's just my way of saying thanks," she replied. Soiree pushed the dusty books into his arms and brushed herself off. "It didn't feel right to let you walk out of here empty-handed."
"You didn't need to do this, but I appreciate it." Sean read the cover of the top book. "Cleaning spell, huh."
[Common] Clean Spell Book [Value: 30 Lucre]
This book grants the player the [Clean] spell. It is commonly used to clean dishes, laundry, and get rid of tough carpet stains.
The second and third were rather boring as well at first glance.
[Common] Shade Spell Book [Value: 50 Lucre]
This book grants the player the [Shade] spell. It can be used to protect the player from harmful UV rays.
[Common] Stitch Spell Book [Value: 30 Lucre]
This spell book grants the player the [Stitch] spell. It is primarily used to fix tears and holes in clothing.
[Uncommon] Float Spell Book
This spell book grants the player the [Float] spell. Can be useful in avoiding earth attacks.
Observe Lvl 44 → Lvl 45
Lvl 45: The player can now see information on people up to 50 levels above him.
Appraise Lvl 4 → Lvl 5
Upon receiving the [Observe] notification, he tried using it on Vetch, but he still couldn't see her level or stats.
"I'm sure these will come in handy," Sean said, inwardly annoyed at the lack of information. It got him thinking more about the difficult climb ahead. "Honestly makes me wonder how much stronger the people here are compared to their game counterparts."
"Are you done-finished here, man-thing?" Vetch asked.
"There's only one more thing I need ask about," Sean replied and turned to Soiree. "Do you mind telling Gengen about our conversation earlier?" He didn't know exactly how long Vetch followed them for. "You'd be much better at explaining this to him than I would." Nor was he privy to the kobold's schedule or how he'd take the news.
"That's fine, kupo!" Soiree responded, not bothered by his request.
"Thanks," he said. "I think I'm going to head out now."
"Okay. I'll see you later, I guess."
"Definitely." Sean waved to Muto. "Bye, dude. If you find any more of those orbs, can you hand them to Soiree, please?"
"You got it," the kobold replied in a friendly manner.
"All right, you two. See you later." Faith rose to her paws and barked gently at the tired Koroku to get up, something the Shiba did obediently. The canids followed their master out of the store with Vetch coming along at Sean's side.
Later on that day, Soiree mailed a letter to her more knowledgeable sister. It detailed what she'd been through and asked for more information on mana signatures, corruption, and the different abilities that Sean displayed.
Due to your actions, your Reputation has changed.
Soiree: +300
Soiree: (Friendly: 1000/1999)
New Reputation!
Muto: (Friendly: 700/1999)
"Now I can finally pick up some fricking groceries." Sean thought as he viewed the map and headed for his next destination. He saw Biggs and Wedge pass by on the way, but didn't say anything to them cause of the breakout. "Then I should pick up a book on plant care from the library. Need to clear that quest."
Duelle POV
Day 7: All Mana Day
Ulkan Mines
"Spread out and find him!" The blue-scaled Bangaa ordered furiously.
"Yes, boss!" Her entourage of men echoed back. Their voices travelled through the mines like a runaway cart.
"Ah, shut up!" Watts yelled at them from his workshop, annoyed that they were interrupting his work. He was busy forging a new set of armor and the diminutive blacksmith needed to stay focused on hammering.
Their loud voices made it easy for Duelle to track their positions as he hid further down in the mines between the limbs of a tree. Gungnir was held firmly in his grasp and barely changed in appearance aside from the head being a tad bit sharper.
Following his meeting with Wylda, Duelle departed from Norwich to the Ulkan Mines.
Wylda informed him that further improvements to his weapon would require certain materials and a smith with a greater level of expertise. Watts immediately sprang to mind, but Duelle didn't leave straight away. He hung around Norwich for an extra two days due to the attack on the town and left when tensions calmed.
It wasn't until he reached Mindas Ruins that he caught wind he was being pursued by Kersh and her crew.
"Hey, big boy," the succubus cooed as she approached the nearest male, licking her fangs. Luscious, ruby red lips contrasted nicely with her light blue skin. "How'd you like to have a good time?" She gazed into the green Bangaa's eyes lasciviously, making him gulp.
He'd be sweating bullets if he had sweat glands. He nervously glanced to the side and took in Kersh's unamused visage, knowing full well he'd be in for it later if he didn't straighten up. "You're beautiful, miss," he replied, strangely upset about refusing her offer. "But I'm going to have to decline."
"Oh, don't be like that." She pushed her lips into a pout as she drew even closer. Her leotard showed off her long legs and drew attention to her butt. "I can even introduce you to my sisters." She placed her hands on his chest and stared deeply into his blue eyes with her crimson red ones.
A goofy smile spread across his face and all traces of fear disappeared. The other men, sans Hollister, weren't any better. They drank in her figure like a sweet glass of lemonade on a hot summer's day. Several of her sisters watched from above in amusement and looked forward to a delicious meal.
The succubus reached up her hands to draw him into a kiss, but jumped back with a hiss as a knife went whizzing by, barely missing her eye by a fraction of an inch. The lethal blade sunk into the stone wall of a collapsed building up to the guard. The lecherous temptress bared her fangs at Kersh who already armed herself with another knife.
"Get lost, skank!" She glared daggers back and pulled out a vial of sparkling silver liquid from her satchel. The shade of a nearby pillar made her yellow-eyed gaze all the more venomous. "And never approach us again."
"You really need to relax, honey," the succubus replied. "All that anger won't help your damaged looks." She smiled at Kersh mockingly.
Kersh threw down the vial and shattered it, releasing a silvery, glittery cloud that snapped the men from their stupor and sent them into coughing fits. The succubus shrieked in pain as the substance burned her flesh, marring her otherworldly beauty. She sprouted a pair of bat-like wings and took off into the air, eager to get away from the foul concoction. Her sisters followed her as they withdrew from the area.
"I'm confident in my looks," Kersh said to herself. "I don't need special tricks to net a man."
Duelle detected their presence earlier on, but stayed to hear the conversation and to offer assistance in the event things went south. He felt confident he was far enough away to beat a hasty retreat when needed.
The succubus encountered by Kersh and her men was only one of many who took up residence in Mindas Ruins. Vampires and other creatures of the night also lived there, hidden away unless disturbed. Duelle was familiar with succubi tactics and knew any man who went off with one was a goner, having their soul taken in a 10-second burst of pleasure.
His short stature effectively repelled any attempts to seduce him. It was something that he found many women couldn't look past.
"Are you okay, Kersh?" Hollister, a red-scaled Bangaa, asked. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and possessed a muscular physique.
"I'm fine," she hissed, still irritated by the floozy. "Have you found him yet?"
Hollister shook his head. "I'm afraid we—"
Any further words were cut off as thunder roared and a bolt of lightning shot away from the ruins.
"After him!" She shouted, pointing in the bolt's direction.
"We can't run that fast, ma'am," one of her men responded, finally over his coughing fit. "And can we wash this stuff off first?" He gestured to himself. His scales twinkled from the silver powder that covered them from head to toe.
"Get moving!" She slapped him on the back and he and the rest of her entourage took off.
"She's always had anger issues," Duelle thought to himself. He heard her group talk about giving Watts a piece of their mind, but were stopped in their tracks by Hollister. He informed them of sightings of one of the [Seven Wisdoms] near Watts' workshop.
Duelle took advantage of their bickering and descended further into the mines. Sets of steps sprawled throughout the mines, leading from one level to the next. Each level down brought a stronger smell of wet dirt and the sound of several pickaxes digging for precious gems. Massive roots from trees on the surface stretched out along the ceiling and solid, white pillars lined the sides of the tunnels to assist the metal supports in holding up the roof's weight.
Like Mindas Ruins provided a home for succubi and their ilk, so too did the Ulkan Mines house its own residents, chiefly the [Dudbears]. They were a species of short, anthropomorphic bears who at first glance appeared to be made from cloth like a teddy bear. Those who lived in the mines worked for Roger, a strong yet dimwitted man who found enlightenment in his pet dog.
Duelle activated Gungnir and the weapon hummed like an electric transformer. He flashed the weapon a few times as if transmitting Morse Code and the light travelled far enough to reach Kersh and her crew. He heard their voices quiet down when she ordered them to silence.
"Go that way," she hissed from the back. The men followed her order dutifully and glanced about in search for the little onion.
An ability of [Gungnir]'s allowed Duelle to detect people. His weapon could sense the electromagnetic fields/radiation that every person emitted, regardless of race or species. Many animals and supposedly plants also exhibited this phenomenon.
Duelle kept walking and sent several more flashes to get them to follow him. None of the miners spotted him, but they quickly grew aware of the Bangaa and frowned at these people stepping onto their turf. They stopped their work to confront the group since they knew if they didn't, then they'd have to deal with Roger and his cultish words.
"Dubu dubu gak gak!" A dudbear shouted in his native tongue. He threw his arms up to show his displeasure.
One of the Bangaa went to reply, but when he opened his mouth, different words sprang out than what he intended.
"Putty is nothing but an inbred, flea-bitten mutt!"
The sentence flooded the entire mines and the dudbears looked up at the speaker in complete shock. The Bangaa covered his mouth as his eyes widened in surprise and the rest of the entourage stared at him in bewilderment as if to say "what are you doing?" Total silence enveloped the tunnels until a voice came howling back like a stampede.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"
A buff man with tanned skin came storming in like an ape and hunched over with both fists planted on the ground. He wore a grey Ushanka on his head, a traditional Russian fur hat. Fur ankle and wrist warmers of the same color covered him and only a loin cloth served to protect his modesty. Face paint circled his eyes and both ears were pierced with golden hoop earrings.
"How dare you insult his eminence!" Roger roared lividly. He tensed his muscles in preparation for a fight.
Another Bangaa tried to placate the angry man, but the words that spilled out brought things to the point of no return.
"Fuck you, you limp-dicked retard."
Roger jumped at him in an instant and would've beaten him to death had Hollister not wrapped his right arm around Roger's neck and caught him in the sleeper hold. Roger beat his fists into Hollister's arm, but the Bangaa didn't relent. Seeing their leader in trouble, the Dudbears went to help him only to be intercepted by the other 9 reptiles.
A brawl soon broke out as fists swung and faces were punched in a chaotic mess straight out of a cartoon. The Dudbears called in reinforcements from around the mines and the Bangaa found their hands full, unable to look for Duelle any longer.
The onion warrior left the area and tracked Kersh's presence to make sure she didn't sneak up on him as he walked to Watts shop, his original destination. It didn't take long for him to hear her shouting after he snuck around her.
"Better them than me," he thought as he entered the blacksmith's shop.
Author's Notes: Here's Chapter 12. I moved the Schierke, Inspector Boyd, and Duelle sections to this chapter from Part 1 of Rachel's side story because I felt that they fit better here. The other sections I removed will still be used, but saved for later. Can't think of as much stuff to say this time around. Thanks for reading.
Please leave a review. They really help.