[
Side Mission Accomplished
Mission: Slay the Death Bear King
Mission Status: Accomplished
Mission Rewards: 80000 Dream Points, Conquest Token, Title 'Monster Hunter I'
System Remarks: That was close (=^_^=)
]
The tense air of the situation slowly disappeared as each of them soon relaxed.
The boss was dead, or Mikael at least hopped it was dead this time. His heart could take no more surprises at the moment. Beside the death Bear king, something had suddenly appeared, and Mikael moved taking the new object into his hands.
It was a key. A strange light blue colored key that somehow looked like it was glowing. He took it into his hand and rushed to where Zoe was still lying.
"Are you okay?" He asked as he approached, noticing her arm had turned back to normal. The gun-like extension gone replaced with her normal delicate hand. He noticed she looked exhausted, a tired expression on her face.
"I could be better. But let me take a break for a while" She answered her voice exhausted. She was experiencing the effects of overdrawing her mana. A Mana down state. She could hardly even move. Her body felt like it weighed a ton. The effect was temporary, but they still weighed on her body.
"Haha. I thought you were dead. How did you manage to escape that attack?" He asked casually, his curiosity easily leaked. Despite looking like she was about to drop dead, he was relive that she was not.
Zoe did something and a system screen appeared Infront of him
[Skill Air Walk: Allows one to levitate and jump Midair for a short period of time]
"I used a skill, but I barely managed to dodge its gale claw. "Zoe answered still tired, but she managed to shift herself to a sitting position. She finally managed to look at him, her eyes opening wide in shock.
"What about you? How are you still alive?" Could anyone still be alive with those injuries. Forget about her, how was he still walking around so casually.
He touched his stomach and looked at his bloodied hand. "I could be better. But I'll live."
"This dropped after Death bear king died. I also got the notification for Killing the boss. You?" Mikael continued his questioning as he showed Zoe the key rested in his hands. He was also curious if she had received the same system notification. It would be odd if she hadn't, she was the one who had done the most damage to the beast anyways.
"That's a Memory Key. It's a system reward for managing to kill a beast or creature present in the wilderness or in random worlds. They give a variety of rewards ranging from skills, bloodline or even body parts. It depends on luck, mostly on what you get. You can open it now if you want." Zoe was tired but she still explained.
"And I did receive the notification. Most importantly the conquest token." Zoe continued, a slight happiness leaking from her voice. The token was the most important reward received from the fight.
Mikael once more took the key in hand and another system notification appeared infront of his eyes. It asked if he would like to use the key and he answered yes. The key left his hand, floating infront of him and in a motion, it stabbed itself into the air. The front part looked to have disappeared, and the key turned while still in the air like it was opening something they could not see.
Flashes of lights suddenly rushed into both Zoe and him as the key disappeared, phasing out of existence.
"Check your storage." Zoe directed him as she did the same.
Mikael opened his storage, and he was aware of the new object that had appeared within them. One was a glowing shard and the other a huge femur bone.
He willed it and the glowing shard appeared within his arms, a description from the system appeared soon after explaining what it was.
[Skill shard
Skill: Black fog
Type: Active
Description: Allows user to release a black fog from any part of the body
Skill effect:
1 Reduces perception and limits visibility
2 produces a constant cold feeling for those within the fog
3 The user experiences a speed boost within the fog
Skill Attributes: Lasts as long as MP is supplied to it. Minimum of 5 MP units.
Note: The user will remain unaffected by the defect caused by these skills
The range of the fog will depend on the amount of MP consumed
]
[Skill Shard
Skill: Hunt
Type: Active
Description: The skill allows the user to identify all hostile presents within a range withing 100 Meters
Skill Effect:
1. Outlines the level of damage done by hostile presences to the user using varying shades of red
2. The user is able to lock onto individual or multiple targets using a Hunt Mark. The hunt mark will allow the user to track down any hostile presence of the escape the 100-meter mark, but its effect decreases the further away the person is.
Skill attributes: 20MP consumption per use
50MP consumption to place hunt mark
Note: The skill's effective range can be increased by using black fog.
]
They showed each other the effects of the two skills.
"I also got body material as a reward, you." Mikael asked already past the point of being surprised by the skill's description.
"I also got a bottle with some of its blood" Zoe replied, she looked at his confusion and explained further. "It's a bloodline. If I choose to use it, I'll be changing my race to that of death bear with some other additional benefits."
Mikael nodded his head at the explanation. A genetic mix that could instantly warp your genes. Truly interesting.
Their conversation came to a stop then. Both took their time allowing the pain in their bodies to pass. He checked the description of his new title in the meantime.
[
Title: Monster hunter I
Specification: +10 increase in favorability to factions' enemies with monsters, -10 decrease in favorability to monsters and monster factions
Effect: +1 Strength, +1 Agility, +1 Physique, +2 perception
]
....
"Will you be able to walk or should I carry you." Mikael asked. They had rested for close to forty minutes, he though staying any longer would have unknown dangers.
The smell of blood from death bears body was now typically acting as a beacon to any potential predator attracted by the smell. The fact no other creature had come by was truly lucky for them.
Zoe turned and the look she gave him was enough answer. He easily took her into his arms, and he started moving once again to follow the directions of the map.
"Wait before we go, move closer to the corpse." Zoe suddenly said and Mikael shrugged as he went nearer the dead body. It was quite disgusting to see it once again.
"It's unfortunate that we don't have a container to store more of the organs." Zoe sounded quite displeased.
Zoe lowered herself, dipped her hands into the leaking blood and what she did next almost made Mikael throw her down there.
Zoe proceeded to rub the blood that her hands had picked up into his hair. Making sure to completely cover his pristine color.
The smell of the blood became stronger to his sense and it was only through sheer confusion and will that Mikael still held her in his arms. But that did not dispel the disgust he felt. The warry look he gave her was one that could kill.
"It's a disguise. Your hair color is very noticeable. "Zoe said as she rubbed the blood more thoroughly into his hair. It was only after not even a spec of the original color was visible that she was now satisfied.
Mikael only nodded of her answer. He was unsure what she meant by noticeable hair color. He found his hair color quite basic.
"Before we leave, reach into its chest and look around for something that feels warm and small." She said once more and Mikael, wishing to leave earlier proceeded to do so.
Past the gross, squishy mess that was the innards of Death bear.
"What exactly am I looking for?" He asked his arm almost completely within the creature.
"It should be close to the heart, look closer." Mikael rolled his eyes at her vagueness
But his search soon had a broke through. He soon touched something warm in his hands, and it gave him a strange sensation. He pulled his hand back and looked at the strange glowing rock. It had multicolored rainbow-like light coming from it. Mikael strangely noticed that no blood was smeared against its surface.
[
Magic Item: Mana stone
Grade: Rare
Specifications: A mana stone created from the accumulation of a magic beast over a long period of time. This mana stone is a high-quality item that may be used in a variety of ways including alchemical works or to create magical items. Most preferred by magicians to absorb the mana within.
Effects: Contains a total of 1000 units of MP
Requirements: Elementary Magical Aptitude
Quality: 72%
]
"Is this what were looking for." Mikael asked while raising the stone towards Zoe's direction.
"Yeah, Keep it safe. Lucky for as that one is very high quality." Zoe said excitement in her eyes.
They then begun their walk to exit the forest in earnest. This time silence was there only companion. Surprisingly, no more of the night monkeys came to attack them. So only the cold darkness was what remained.
"I need a bath after this" Mikael sighed with visible disgust.
"I agree." Zoe replied.
...
About two hours had passed with nothing much changing. There was not much to talk about anyways. The darkness made it even stranger to make conversation. So, they each kept to themselves.
"What happens after we finish this mission. Do we part ways? Or should we form a permanent team. "Zoe asked, seeing their journey about to come to an end. This had worried her for reasons known only to herself.
"Form a team. "Mikael answered but his voice lacked the normal excitement. Walking around in this darkness was truly boring. It was one of the most boring things he had experienced so far. The fact he knew none of the night monkeys would attack only made his boredom worse.
He could through his emotion ability that his answer had somewhat put an ease to Zoe's own turbulent emotions.
....
He could finally see light! And the silent journey now had some excitement. His pace grew faster wishing to break free from the darkness.
Mikael broke through the tree cover, and for the first time since the fight, he felt the sweet touch of light on his skin. And he would have it no other way.
"Huhh." Zoe gave her own sigh of relief, but she did not say much
In front of them in his immediate vision he spotted a large group standing a distance away. A single figure broke away from the group and approached, from top to bottom he wore silver armor of impressive quality. From the design of the armor the figure was most likely male.
The figure came with a momentum. His every step radiating an aura of strength and might. It was a quick judgment, but Mikael quickly realized that this person was strong. Stronger than the current him.
It was in fact not only this person that approached that made Mikael feel that way. It was the entire group as well which the person had come from. Each of them radiating varying levels of danger and strength. The only good thing in all of these was that now none of them seemed to be in the mood to fight.
"You two are the first to arrive. Both of you must be very lucky…" The knight spoke his voice booming. There was a sort of unasked question at the end of what he was saying but both remained silent.
"Whatever. I don't want to repeat myself again so for the moment you two stay put. "He said and returned to his group, breaking into silent whispers.
'It was a good idea to sign that contract.' Mikael though seeing as the large group now eyed them.
Mikael waked a distance from where they had come from the forest, heading toward the group but staying far enough back to remain cautious. He gently placed Zoe down on the ground and sat next to her as they waited for a message indicating mission completion.
[
Main Mission status: Accomplished
Side Mission 1: Completed
Side Mission 2: Completed
Side Misson 3: Completed [Reward already given]
Mission completion Rate: 92%
Mission Rewards: +2 attributes points, 22,000 Dream points.
Bonus reward 1: Discount scroll order
Bonus reward 2: 6000 Dream Points
System Remark: You're quite a rich gentleman now (~_~)
]
[[All systems functions have now been unlocked]]
The notification for the mission accomplishment came soon after. And his worries dissolved completely.
"How long do you think we'll have to wait for the others?" Mika asked as he observed the large group still engaged in conversation. He leaned casually against Zoe's back. Couldn't the others hurry up, Mikael was growing quickly bored.
"No idea." Zoe answered looking more spirited than earlier. Her exhaustion had worn off over the period of their journey.
"So, what happens after we get to the tower?" He asked casually.
"Restocking healing supplies, healing our injuries, buying new equipment and I'll also introduce you to the other facilities of the tower… Most importantly, we need to take a bath." Zoe was equally tired.
Suddenly a flash lit the surroundings and soon after it disappeared. A new group had emerged with the light. They were dressed in all black and wore hooded robes, exuding an air of mystery that inexplicably drew Mikael's attention.
"Don't look at them too much." He could hear the warning that came with Zoe's voice and the growing worry from her eyes.
One of the figures glanced at the two of them and his body suddenly stopped. Mikael saw how his arms suddenly tensed before they quickly after relaxed. This would not have attracted his attention if not for his empathy ability allowing him to sense what was going on with the figure. A strange mix of fear and happiness that he could not explain. The person who had looked at them then went on to move closer to another member of their group and started to whisper something. This soon resulted in the whole group turning and completely staring at the two of them.
How strange!
But what was even stranger was the movement of the person who was seated next to him. Zoe strangely had moved completely beside him. She was practically glued to his back. He noticed how she was trying to hide herself suddenly and he could only assume it was due to the observation from the group.
Oddly enough the group did not approach. Just staring silently and whispering among themselves.
More blue flashes erupted around them, bringing in additional groups. Some approached the larger assembly with the armored man, while others remained silent, simply watching the forest.
"I think the mission will be completed when most of the Dreamers exit the forest," Zoe said, moving closer to him while eyeing the large groups. She was still hiding her face and only spoke to his back.
The newcomers brought with them a sudden tension to the calm gathering. The different groups glaring at each other with a silent caution.
Group politics was a cruel game—one Mikael wished to avoid, especially given his weakness. He could feel the tension rise with the appearance of these conflicting groups, each with seemingly different intentions. But there was a sort of silent agreement between everyone that had appeared. Despite the rising tension, they all maintained the peace.
...…
Their wait allowed them to grow used to the somewhat tense nature of the situation. It also gave enough time for the other Dreamers to start appearing
It was Nikolai! He appeared injured, limping from the forest equally covered in blood. He had an angry expression on his face his teeth gritted in anger. More Dreamers came after him, equal parts injured and terrified at the same time. Mikael noticed the time he had been looking at the others, a group of muscular buffy men had approached Nikolai. They fussed over him, quickly asking questions before they all started shouting angrily.
"That bastard…" One of the bulky men in the group said in anger
"Off course, he has no dignity at all…." Another added a disgusted scowl on his face.
"What do you expect from those damn killers…" Another member spat on the ground.
Mikael's enhanced hearing was the only thing that allowed him to hear parts of their conversation. What exactly had occurred within the forest.
More Dreamers soon came after and he quickly noticed that Shen Yi along with Mrs. Assassin walking amongst this group. They looked oddly uninjured which in itself was strange. But he saw how the two had satisfied smiles as they walked forward. Their smiles only increased in intensity as Shen Yi and Nikolai met each other's eyes. This was the first time Mikael had seen Nikolai express such anger, which was quite surprising to him.
He then saw the group that had attracted his attention also quickly step forward. The one that had been fully covered in black robes. They approached the two Shen Yi and Mrs. Assassin; they then broke into quick whisper which Mikael had been unable to hear. And as quickly as they appeared, they once again disappeared in a blue flash of light. This was obviously after they sent smug smile to the group of bulky men which Nikolai was among.
"Okay, newbies, listen up! Since most of you seem to have arrived, I'll go straight to the point, anyone not here well…tough luck. So, first of all, you all should be aware that you've died. It doesn't matter how but what matters is that you are all currently reborn a new. And unlucky for all of you still alive, you are now a Dreamer of the Tower of Dream!" The man said this with a mocking smile. His words aroused laughter from his group. As if they were all in on a joke, only they knew.
"In short, abandon all thoughts that this is a dream or a simulation. Because this is your new reality and there's no going back. Now then, I'll explain your purpose in this place. "Mr. Knight raised his armor covered arm and the gauntlet on it disappeared revealing the symbol of a blood red tower on his arm. "This, we call it the Dream Emblem, the system uses it to give us orders. Any other use for it you can find out on your own. But don't think you have any right of refusal in these orders. The mission given by the system is absolute and must be completed. If not…Death!"
A wave of fear rushed over the newbie crowd, some with confusion, most with fear and the odd few who were excited.
"Some of you might already be aware of this setting or what I'm talking about may sound familiar and yes, it is exactly that isekai scenario scenario. This mission world you all will be going to you will all come to find them familiar. The reason for this is simple, this mission worlds are based the form of media from your original worlds, Movies, animes, games. Those are the mission worlds!" He said this but a sarcastic light was in his eyes. This was especially to those he could see with smiles growing on their faces. He pitied these foolish ones who thought knowledge meant their survival. He had seen it to many times to care.
"Finally, you all should know that a week from now, because you're all newbies you all are required to go on a newbie mission…" The man had a humorous tone as he continued." Lucky for you, this first mission is the easiest and the most generous. But being easy doesn't mean all of you will pass this mission, in fact, its more likely that only about 5% percent of the current group will pass, so use this weak carefully to prepare."
Mr. Knight once again ignored the questions of the countless newbies and maintained a short silence before he continued to talk.
"My advice to all of you is to take this as a second chance at life. If you desire riches, strength or power all that is achievable here! Newbies this is my official welcome to all of you to hell!" The man said excitement rising within his voice
"If you have any question, don't ask me. What I haven't already told you try and think a little harder about it and you'll find it all in your head. Other than that, everyone who's coming with us come over, we're teleporting directly to the town."
Mikael quickly found the information as the man had said, but nothing he already did not know of. The only knowledge of importance was that of Dream Points, stating their importance in daily use from buying equipment, food and even accommodations.
"Huddle up!" A man dressed in long robes and wearing a pointed hat shouted.
"Quickly." He said showing his displeasure at their slacking.
Mikael and the others gathered around. They were standing on top of a glowing circle.
The wizard dressed figure waved his hands and in a blue flash they vanished
….
His vision quickly returning the first thing that attracted his attention was a large structure piercing into the clouds and going higher and higher disappearing further than his eyes could see. Mikael had a sudden though as he likened the high tower to the tower of babel mentioned within ancient texts…
His eyes then turned to the city that the tower was within. Large towering walls surrounded the city itself. Outside their was a crowd of people gathered around a large gate with more guard gathered around it.
"That's the entrance to the city, pay the points required and once you do head straight to the tower." Mr. Knight said and turned to leave with his group. Mikael noticed some Dreamers move to different groups, joining them as they headed towards the city.
"Excuse me Knight, my name is Alex can I join your group. I might be week right now, but if the mission worlds are based on movies and animes I'm sure I can be an invaluable asset. Plots, lore and even possible secrets, I know it all." The person who spoke was a blonde-haired youth, He had a strange confident smile, and his body had a strange, relaxed attitude. He was already walking towards the knight group as if his acceptance was all but assured. Strangely he even threw a wink at the female Dreamers he passed by as if he was in on a secret only, he knew. His behavior confused all of them greatly.
"Hahaha."
Mr. knight had stopped, and strangely he turned his head to look at the delusional youth behind him. They couldn't see it but a smile had come upon his face. The knight group that Mr. Knight was even part of suddenly burst out laughing hysterically. They were also equally amused by the youth's words. It was like remembering an old version of themselves.
"Ohh, so you must know a lot then…Okay then all of you listen up, I will give you all one last piece of advice…" Suddenly before they could all attack, the blonde hair youth, had stopped and before they knew it his body fell forward impacting the ground, a fountain of blood quickly followed drenching the ground red. Next to the body was a head, the head blinked as if in confusion, as id it could not believe what had just happened. It tried to talk only to fail!
"…in the tower never think that information equals strength. Strength is strength. And for people such as this fool who think their information is important, well, they are normally the first to die off." Mr. Knight had shown no movement as if he had attacked. He had maintained his position as If he hadn't attacked at all. Mikael had only seen a flash, a flash that had quickly vanished as soon as it appeared.
…
Nothing much had happened after that event, the only noticeable thing was Nikolai asking him one last time if he wanted to join their group and Mikael's rejection once again. They did add each other as friends in the chat function though, so they could maintain a form of communication.
The wait to enter the city was surprisingly short, the only real requirement was a payment of 1000 Dream points which the current wealthy duo could afford easily. The town itself in Mikael's eyes had a certain rustic charm with its medieval styled structure and houses. Wooden tall houses and the occasional bricked ones. Countless Dreamers walking casually along the paved roads. Their uniqueness was prevalent in their features as well as the equipment they carried.
But Mikael for the moment could care less for the moment for his general curiosity to explore the town. He was tired, he was dirty, and he was sleepy. But that did not stop him from looking around like a village bumpkin on his first time to the city. But it was a new experience for him. His home world was quite into building advanced structures and on the beginning of space exploration, so this wooden and stone building were quite attractive in his eyes.
…
A/N: Thank you for reading