For the next three days, they met at the lake, testing each other's skills in combat and magic.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV4xGdqgtd
It was almost comical how each tried to show off what they could do, but they always kept the underlying knowledge that this wasn't a game and people could get hurt or die.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCJaQ0Mqov
Leenia was the most grounded, followed by Wolf, Coby, and Arlin. Nina was… Nina.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QDZ5cFegs
They enjoyed the group dynamic more than anything, though it would be a lie to say Arlin did not try extra hard to impress Leenia, who did not notice.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmN1qMC5jL
Arlin was shifting from darkness and trying to mime fighting a monster and shooting dark puddles that made spikes to attack them to show his skills when he hit the ground, drained.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPbWmRJlQ8
He overdid it.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1rlakk6r8
Wolf reached into a pack and pulled out a blue potion. He beamed a smile as Wolf brought it to him.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq7egbo5S0
"Thanks."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPt8QxPRRPC
He drank it, feeling his mana return.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X8idLV23W
"Careful with the stuff. I don't know what happens when you drink too much rapid mana. Gain and loss can't be good."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW82rDtgpH
Wolf wanted to make notes to learn long-term effects when Arlin chimed in to help with what he knew.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoWTH3FxYG
"Short term, you're fine. I did it on a bad hunt in a dungeon, needing a lot of mana in a short time, but it drains you after a few hours. You need to rest for a day. I never tried doing it for multiple days, though. It cost too much."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfvgRfAQl6
Yet he was distracted from saying more with amazement by the fox girl's feats.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWTHxrM86b
She kept easily making stone form into armor gauntlets, pulling the earth to dash, and making random boulders to smash. She would randomly boast while doing it too.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsIUyJJkEy
"Look, brother!" A rock bigger than her head sat in her hand. "This is nothing. I bet we clear everything easily."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eBmkxBKWe
He looked to see if Wolf was looking, but he was writing in his book, ignoring her. He felt bad, but it seemed she was used to trying to get his attention.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFJjklLc7F
He was distracted randomly himself by Wolf's sister Leenia, who wasn't practicing her skill. Yet they needed what she could do. She instead sat beside her brother, enjoying the day.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8vBlWJvLM
He wished his sister were here to tell him to quit obsessing, but he couldn't help it. He was like the fox girl in that regard, trying to catch the eye of someone who was not even looking.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fLG6VFFcL
"Ok, I'm feeling it now. How long was that?"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmGT0Wmah6
Arlin looked and saw the fox girl was finally worn down. She hadn't needed a mana potion in the last few days.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFR4KQZt07
They had been randomly practicing. Her mana regen was crazy, or her control allowed the mana use to be much lower. He wasn't sure.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7NFD0WPT1
"Hmm? Sorry, Nina, I was making notes. One sec."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb6P3QTOMy
He reached into a pouch, getting her a mana potion. She happily sat beside him, drinking it and looking at his notes, not caring he did not notice her feats.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaRL0OmquW
"I was watching, though I was a little distracted," Leenia spoke. "I say about twenty minutes? Is your best before it hits you, and you need to rest."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvJ3ez6tQ3
Nina nudged Wolf, hearing that, beaming a smile. "Hear that, brother? Twenty minutes. Plenty of power. I don't think anything we fight will last more than five."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aU6bzWli2
Wolf stopped writing and looked at her seriously.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjtClS8cBi
"Just stay safe. I can't be with you guys, and I don't want to lose any of you…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mEgcQwlLu
Nina squealed with joy, grabbing him. "Trust your big sister. Nothing bad is going to happen."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1fFiFFC3L
Leenia also rubbed his back in comfort.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqodl0MUn9
Arlin felt a pang of envy about how much his family loved him. True, he had people that cared for him, but it felt more distant.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2n30eOL1V
Coby spoke up from the side. "The dungeons are gifts from the gods to bring more magic to the lands. People have been farming them safely for years. It's just new ones you need to be more careful with. The monster spawns tend to be higher due to more magic influx. The older ones are almost barren of monsters. You have to go deeper in to farm them. It's why some items are rarer from dungeons."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4uoG9oEf9
Arlin nodded. He did find it odd that besides a few random bad runs, the majority were safe. He thought it was the gods adjusting it on their whims. Maybe they were more hands-off than he knew.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQH3LUQPSd
"If it is true, it just means we need to go slow," Arlin stated. "We got potions and a lot of firepower, but we lack knowledge on what comes from a new dungeon. I'll bring it up to my mom and sis to see if they can help. Beyond that, it's just us doing what needs to be done."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOe6tbSQTa
He smiled, trying to show confidence, and faltered when he saw Leenia watching him sincerely and smiling.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ofo8Giw9E
A pat on his shoulder, though light, made him stumble and jerk as he was lost in the moment. It was Coby.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvLFAkW0ry
"Thanks for helping us. We appreciate it."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkUCwlDcnJ
Arlin was at a loss for words. He liked them and really liked Leenia, but he was just now starting to not feel like an outsider intruding on their group.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSDVFmRNbJ
A few more days passed like that before they knew no amount of planning beyond this would matter.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvvqx78Zpa
It was time to act.
Tanya was not happy. She was stressed.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHEQUqUiZF
She filled her pipe and inhaled to relieve some stress, but it was having little effect.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeLcGrPRvG
Knowing her son was in a dungeon with a bunch of kid strangers, she was sitting at a table in a side room at the guildhall.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x2xSQVRsh
The mayor, a gnome who was happily eating some snacks Rosa brought, and the town head of the merchant guild were both friends from her past, but that brought her no joy.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yUCnCUhn5
"Your daughter and your niece are among them. Do you not care?" she asked, inhaling smoke nervously.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbSKUpEC8B
The mayor looked up, surprised, with a mouthful of a cookie. It was her other friend, Justin, the girl's father, who did speak.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbx2Y1tsPH
"We traveled the land hunting monsters with fewer powers, and we are fine. Why are you worried now?"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsAtf0L3Ko
"The same reason you settled down with your wife to avoid these things, not to one day send our kids headfirst into more dangers…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9ByiUdwLp
She retorted, not liking the carefree response.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWgvDUrKHM
"Tanya, dear… you know how much I love my grandkids. When Wolf got hurt, I wanted to smash the dungeon myself. But they can't learn and grow if we don't let them."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI3Dmys2Lj
The mayor spoke briefly before turning back to another cookie.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB8eZ3gJBE
"You told us just the other day," Justin spoke to make a point, "with pride, I might add, how you beat and pushed your son through dungeons for years and how proud of him you are. Yet now you fear him leading my daughter in a dungeon with the help of others?"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGMgmIF0Ky
He wasn't happy either, but he wanted that cure, and the kids were the best shot.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk8s7s0jue
"Oh, please," she said, "that was different. I was there, and he did get hurt before. I just made sure nothing killed him."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmpF6ccqf2
They sat in silence at that, not able to continue without starting another fight. They had been rehashing this for a while and were no closer to a resolution.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbLe3Mw2qi
She broke down first.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDexoMqyDU
"Did you send another letter? We should have the funds to dissuade them from this farce."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD32faowAJy
She inhaled from her pipe, still no comfort for her nerves.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA28xf9b26
The mayor spoke up, finally showing concern as he sighed.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulxFrVnHbr
"Three letters, twice in person, met with indifference. He seeks power, not a cure for the people."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTGJz5AZmS
She was confused. This was the first she heard of this.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn0kDmnIB1
"What do you mean?"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawTiZuBjnu
"He is trying to find a way to increase his magic. He was born with a low level, near zero, so he is like a normal person, and he hates it. He learned alchemy, hoping for an elixir that would work. So far, nothing. He only made those cures in the past to fund his empire. Now he has money…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFiyxGIjDb
He didn't need to finish the sentence. She knew he had all the cards and didn't need to play their game. He could force them to play his.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUGidUPoFy
She remembered when she foiled his plans years ago. Perhaps this was petty revenge, or perhaps just a sad coincidence.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcwL0EYEUO
"So how is your wife taking it? Doubt she is happy either…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlvSDwN95e
The mayor laughed an amused laugh, and Justin glared at him.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzd8wHheje
"She was just as upset as you, perhaps more so. But the kids talked to her and worked it out. She said she'd rather be sick for life than see her kids hurt," he finished while looking downcast.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMWx30c9y9
"A moving speech, but they did not agree, so here we are," the mayor said while grabbing another cookie, the last on the plate. Not that she cared.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9Z3Yr7rxO
"I also talked to her," Justin said. "It even worsens her health, worrying about it. We need to give her a sleep potion to relieve the stress. She's better now. She wanted something like that just to keep sleeping, and it is over when you wake. Everyone home and safe…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7HTWoGlwb
Slurping his drink, drawing her annoyance, the mayor shrugged and said, "It didn't matter. They were already inside. At best, we pray for the gods to balance and show mercy. Beyond that, it is trusting their strength. My nephew gave them healing potions and mana potions, poisons too. They are as set as they can be. If lucky, they will find it on level three and be done within an hour. If not… level four will have it, but… they will be in for a fight."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGT2ccXw1e
She had her son train solo on three. She knew what could exist there, but she never trusted level four, fearing pushing him too far.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQwknt0ZVw
Please, gods, let it end at three.
LEVEL ONE368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkfVnUIevn
"Not going to lie, I thought this would be harder," Nina said casually while smashing a skeleton.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZFyVHZpZD
Coby pocketed the mana shard in a side pouch while they went on casually.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj6arhpx3E
"This is level one. It is made to be easy. Even two should be simple," Arlin chimed in.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI2vt6rGVi
They kept the banter light. They were all a bit nervous. They knew mistakes could happen from carelessness, so they kept vigilant.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9zVft7CyQ
Arlin was happily walking with Leenia in the back while Nina led the group. Coby stayed further back but used wind to help scout to warn Nina.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqmu0xB6dy
It almost felt like a date. Well, a date in a cave with monsters and other people, but a date.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWViqRMkvT
He was trying to think of something witty to say to her when Coby broke the silence.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnJpiXFIKv
"Odd, I sense a dead end, but there were no deeper side paths. I checked with the wind…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpFxSVGNcr
Arlin expected this. "Where there's good, there'll be a door. It will be in level two. Don't be surprised when it's a new world versus a cave, though. It messes with your head the first time it happens."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQeAZnUZx2
They took his words to heart, and indeed, at the end was a door.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpcWw7WYTR
"Well, well, here we go!" Arlin chimed as he opened the door to the next level.
Wolf was stressed. He had no way of knowing his family's fate or how close to the end they were.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1vfwC8nfT
His hands wouldn't stop shaking. He'd tried making potions to distract himself, but he'd nearly ruined three batches. The waiting was worse than the skeleton attack. At least then, he'd known what was happening to him.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ2ooFl6il
He now knew how his mother felt when she didn't want them to go.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N3eNE9Vr4
But he could not drink a brew to sleep. He refused to sleep knowing they were fighting. But he needed something, so he grabbed a book he'd borrowed on this very thing. Maybe if he understood what they faced, he'd feel better.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8jJBBceUF
He didn't.
The Dungeons and What They Bring by the Church368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz84MouKByg
Though many fear dungeons, they offer a vast amount of supplies such as ore, herbs, and fruits in various forms.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KhJYSE5RN
While true, monsters do exist in these places. They tend to be light in spawns the lower the level, while also being slower and simpler.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkP3VZwz7z
Please note the gods also seem to judge based on intent. Those weak or not wanting to fight will find no monsters or easy-to-escape types. Dungeons are still a gift meant to challenge, so please don't misunderstand that as no dangers.
He wasn't comforted by that, knowing the weakest monster broke him easily. So he skimmed till he found something more relevant.
Levels of dungeons: this is what we know. For a more detailed list of monsters, please refer to the guild's version. This is an outline for levels only.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjr6zEzVTr
Level one: It is always a cave for consistency the gods desired. As for monsters, it is the vast majority of the time one monster per dungeon, two at most. Skeletons are most common, followed by slimes. Herbs and ore tend to spawn and regrow daily.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUwMJ6z5B6
Level two: It is always random. Even if two groups go in one after the other, they will enter different places. Worlds of undead with a cemetery, forests, deserts, open plains, and winter lands with near-zero monsters to an unknown amount. Do know the gods are kind, and again, understand intent and won't separate teams regardless of size, though untested beyond ten people. With that said, we move on to resources, and they are just as vast of differences as the worlds that you can go to. The majority of adventurers tend to stop at this level and farm it daily for the low risk and abundance of rewards, as the gods never once have not given freely.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhzkEgFjaX
Level three: It is the tipping point, where balance is met by the gods. If you go this far, they assume you intend to fight, and fight you will. Please do not go here without great care. Nothing new is recorded other than the beasts are stronger, and the rewards tend to be the same, though they are rarer crystals from the beast or rarer herbs that can make rare elixirs.
Wolf's heart skipped a beat. Level three. That probably will be where they go.
Level four: The guild has more info on any nuances, but the same themes apply even here, just a stronger beast and a higher chance of herbs and crystal drops.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Jx5PcgGVO
Level five: It pains me to even write these words, and the times that death has happened in dungeons, it tended to be at level five from foolish adventurers. The monster will be strong even if rare, and the rewards equal to the risk, but please do not assume it is worth your life. If you insist on going, with at least a party of five with a strong defensive and healer type, and the other three with a strong element and knowledge. Anything less and the risk just goes up. Yes, a solo adventurer can win, but that is more rare luck than skill. Trust me, avoid five. The same rules apply, though the guild may offer more details. Please note that while deeper dungeons exist and have been farmed, that is beyond the scope of normal adventurers, and why others die at five…
He was worried they would end up deep in an unwinnable situation, so he skimmed even more, looking for good news, and found words saying they had an easy escape, to his relief.
Dungeon escape: In the event you want to go back or go too deep, the gods do show mercy. The door is always in the same place and will always take you to level one near the entrance. Please note that getting lost or being chased will not make a door or stop the beast from trying to kill you before you can go back. They cannot follow you, nor do any effects from other worlds bleed into the first level.
He sighed. He did not feel as good as he assumed he would.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsaPgBw2Zu
He wondered what his dad and uncle were doing. He knew Nebo kept going back to the city trying to get a cure or even the herb they needed, but no luck.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkdrN4wm2L
Please be safe, guys.
LEVEL TWO368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaPBEDxOnB
A blazing sun beat down on them in a desert. Vast plains of dunes were all they could see except for random cacti.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNC7WrzTAU
Arlin shielded his eyes. "This is good and easy. Barely ever any monsters in these, and at least two or three sources of water with fruits."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGijZca6CJ
Nina, already hating the heat and wanting out, asked in desperation, "Are you sure? I hate it here, and the sun is killing me."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8vRjxemVF
She was wearing loose clothes and still was trying to fan herself. Her tail and ears were sagging.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG5GeIGrwN
"How will we find the door to the next level?" Coby asked, noticing the door they had just come through was next to a rock wall. "Will it also be near a rock wall?"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXCgIUCBhl
Arlin thought for a moment. "Hmmm, depends. I have seen them around the oasis. My mom tended to find them for me when she was training me. I just kind of went with the flow as I was focusing on the fights. Lot of help that is, leader…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5LtJekkEk
"Hey! Not like you're doing anything!" he retorted.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KtcsHsOAi
"Stop…" Leenia said in a low voice, the heat getting to her too.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdD3uVnJ3P
They calmed down, knowing it was the heat. The dungeons were not just testing them with beasts, it seemed.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrqXG8di39
They wandered a bit till they stopped to rest at one of the oases, no closer to knowing where a door was.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJb4swqBwI
Coby was the only one unfazed, used to enduring harsh hunts. He tried tracking with the wind to sense the door. He wanted to see if he could feel its magic, so drawing on the wind in search, surprisingly, it worked, and it wasn't far from their spot.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs5bicuBmy
"About half an hour east from our spot."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1NuwBUDHX
"What?" Arlin spoke, still frustrated that he was supposed to be an expert and was lost.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1KRcXI3XD
"About half an hour east is the door. I felt it with the wind," he replied calmly, even with sweat dripping from his brow.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQBGxesQQV
"You're the best!" Nina got happy and splashed water on her face. "Let's go. This is not worth the heat."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVWKFCSE7G
Leenia agreed with a nod, also washing a little.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z0ey9SOCF
Arlin tried to sense things with his darkness. It worked on the monsters, but he could not tell the magic from the door, which made him respect Coby a bit more and also try and improve his skill. Perhaps he got too complacent.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcUW2SaDoS
The walk was disorienting after leaving the water. There was another small oasis in the distance, but not in the way they were walking.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIkCRscaOn
Maybe it was a fail-safe from the gods to give people a chance but also not make it easy to advance.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pKcNisetx
When they did see it, it seemed to just be a random dune in the desert sand. When close, they could see a door in the sand.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWnOAKekCh
"We did it!" Nina got excited.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7srp7lNVTF
"We did nothing but find the door. We still need the herb," Arlin replied, the heat making him short-tempered.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQiGLDWvYO
"Be nice," Leenia spoke from his side while Nina stuck out her tongue.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MBPayi5rM
He was annoyed he was looking like a bad guy, but he wasn't going to apologize.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFS3c0FdZ1
The door, looking like sand, opened easily enough, but what chilled them was the sight of winter beyond. Even as they burned on this side, snow gently fell on the other.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHNHENmzIa
"That's bad," Coby said.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDooBH3rBl
Though nobody else spoke, they agreed. The shift from heat to cold would hurt them too.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9KLb4UiQd
"It's not perfect, but I slept in the snow while helping… um, well, I did it with others and was able to cloak them a bit to keep them warm. It was a short distance then, but I can go out much more now, around fifty feet if I focus. Easier if closer."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO4uo17KHD
"You sure?" Coby asked, wiping his brow. Even with winter inches away, they only felt the heat.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeISeaTrLI
"I promise," he wanted to make up for before, "but will need you to find next door again if you can."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMDncY221H
Coby nodded, and they knew it was time to go.
LEVEL THREE368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7PhwL67OG
The chilling wind blew. They knew it should be much colder, but true to his word, a shroud of darkness crept over and around them. It did not stop the chill from affecting them, but it did dampen it.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj42wQAxson
"Let me try something," Leenia spoke while they still tried to get their bearings.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz5GnNo3kz
A soft light mixed, infused with the darkness, made it turn grey, and they felt a warmth envelop them, and the mood improved.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsgV8fhFiz
"That's amazing," Nina was proud of Leenia's magic.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8I46hBLOy
Arlin was also impressed but noticed the strain in her eye from using the power.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bdm1sa2t2
"Not used to it. It's draining. Maybe five… no… ten minutes at best. But no healing if we push it that far, unless we use mana pots."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDXLoFaCuy
Arlin nodded, knowing how it felt when he first did it. Now he could go for at least an hour if he used care.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7DX5yk5BU
Coby was not idle. He had been focusing on the wind this whole time but was frowning.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQrEOrbXeI
"I can't find the door…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8WxzGL0fC
"That's okay. We trust you. Keep trying," Nina tried to encourage, but he shook his head.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMmAtMIZiB
"No… there is no door within a mile. We have to pick a direction and scout from there, but that's not what has me worried…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom226yYYlL
They waited for him to finish as they watched him scout around the area where they stood. It was open for many yards behind the door, which floated alone, defying all. But beyond that was a dark forest. The trees were spaced, but within were only shadows.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYobWsDdal
He pointed in a random direction before speaking.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O270wxJZk
"To the west are a lot of monsters, around ten." He moved his hand another way. "South, I sense just one, but it senses me. It might be coming. Not sure if it's hiding itself. Beyond that, I sense nothing…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3SoJjEl30
"Can we handle ten? That sounds like a lot…" Nina was worried. It went from no monsters to many in a flash.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW95dtfz4o
"Depends on type. I did Winter Forest before. If goblins, they're easy. If undead, got to watch for special types. But the single monster? That one worries me. Mom always made me turn back on those. She said it was too much for training me, and we should only face them if we were trying to hunt powerful beasts."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcv9zpDMnH
"West is my vote," Nina spoke first.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28YQy8MyGH
"West," Leenia said.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQtsKt6geW
"We could try to avoid it all," Arlin offered a different outlook, and Leenia shook her head.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBAgIDo928
"The gods may show mercy, but for the herb we need? They won't let us avoid monsters and find it only on level three," Leenia said, dispirited.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmfvZ96aM0
Arlin flinched at that. He knew she was right, but he wasn't used to fighting with others, and up to ten monsters plus an unknown was a risk.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicpZyRpIAF
"I say we go west, fight if we must, and if we get lucky and I sense the door, it is worth the risk of going deeper. This cold will hurt us the longer we stay. We just don't feel it yet," Coby chimed in.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FaLF7gnlk
"I agree," Nina said, shaking her tail to remove the snow starting to pile up from their lack of movement.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtw9akKgjM
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained," Arlin quipped and started west since the majority ruled.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbIiVUrBGj
"You just made that up?" Nina asked, mildly amused.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxBrHkJzX0
"Nah, heard it at the inn, from drunks going on about their adventures."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v5xcuNgqQ
They walked at a steady pace despite the endless falling snow. It wasn't very deep, an inch at most, but the shadows of the trees and the near-identical sights were messing with their senses.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVeHOMHuJP
They probably would have looped a few times if not for Coby sensing the horde and keeping a narrow path to them.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTLjoNGDHa
He eventually held up a hand to stall them as they focused. They could see a bonfire camp.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HEmqtm60g
"Can you still only sense ten?" Arlin wanted to know what to expect before he made his next move.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXXknWQJzY
Coby was sure. "Only ten…" He looked past the group the way they came. "Never felt the other again, though."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvqc8XatKF
Arlin clasped his shoulder and moved past him, turning into a shadow.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbirN6zSaqA
"You did good. Now let me show you why I was feared as darkness to these beasts."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OE50wEQ7v
The group watched as the gentle snow blended with him into the other shadows to the point he no longer existed. The only knowledge he was ever there was the increase in chill from the lack of his shadow cloak.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYc6s22TLI
They wished they had planned this better. Nobody talked about how they would handle it.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ6i3uGoSH
Leenia's light was shining too much now that Arlin was gone. It went from a shade of grey to a warm light. They already regretted the cold that followed turning it off to not draw attention.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dGPaE0VDD
"That hurts," Nina broke the silence as she rubbed her arms, wishing she had dressed better.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21N3NKdUAD
"Let's move forward. Not sure what his plan was, but us waiting won't help. Just watch for friendly fire…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoB4hhUtp2
Coby encouraged them to move, and they nodded, doing just that.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrn9ghVbtB
"I want to stand near that fire. Bet it's warm," Nina whispered, breaking the silence once more.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZuWXhLMwd
They were now close enough that they could see clearly the goblins.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHNi02FrNZ
"I thought goblins were green," Nina was the first to speak.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiiez6gm0y
"Depends," Coby said. "I hunted blue, red, and green. First time seeing grey, though."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoDdBkkgrw
"What determines color?" Nina wondered.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6ZUNZ8Q80
"Hmmm, never asked?" Coby thought about it. "Maybe their mana type or resistance?"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpAilKPBWH
The camp itself was crude, with just a few bedrolls with sleeping goblins and makeshift tents with a fire in the middle, with a few goblins staring at the flame.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq9PXyPwjj
Four guards were facing various spots.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nLkOdNNnD
They weren't sure how to proceed when the first guard to the west slowly fell.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr76NQGr3iF
A few goblins sitting near the fire heard a wood snap in that direction, noticed the goblin lying down, and got mad thinking he had fallen asleep on watch. They slapped each other to have the next go to wake him before two grudgingly got up to do it.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqnQvvO9JQ
When they got close, kicking him and barking to wake him up, they noticed he wasn't responding. When they turned to tell others, spears of darkness pierced them, causing them to fall.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivMBO2l0np
The group was amazed that Arlin just killed three with no effort, but seven were left.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjAHmphwYr
So Coby drew his bow and aimed.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzwHra9YCM
"I got the farthest two. Nina, rush 'em and try to control whatever is left since you are tank."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohh9XENTgG
She was pumped up from the ease with which the fight was going and used the earth to push forward.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFKMPwvxiP
Even as she flew forward, she felt more than she saw the arrows rush past her with the aid of the wind controlling their flight. The goblin before her guarding the front felt the same as the arrows startled him into a panic as they flew by him.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JRSimFclb
He thought he avoided an unknown attack, but before he could get his bearings to warn the others, a giant rock fist slammed him down, causing a booming sound and shaking the earth slightly as Nina laughed.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1xfzGWutO
"GOT EM!"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TcHzMtEGg
The two arrows hit the farthest guard right as the boom happened.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUpvGaHBQB
"Four left, I think," Coby said calmly.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO6wdFU3nz
Leenia nodded, hating she could only watch.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWvPwoVvqn
"HERE I AM, UGLY CREATURES, FIGHT MEEEE!"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDznS8040bM
Nina was excited and trying to draw whatever was left. In one of the tents, revealing a goblin with a spear crawling out and two more with clubs exiting another.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB7VRh0Lzr
Only three? Coby thought, worried, and drew another arrow, waiting for a shot.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisFAdJo54h
Even though all three rushed Nina, she danced around them easily and took swings to force them back. Arlin, or his shadow, pulled from the tents, taking a human form. A spike soon followed, killing one more.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6hS3rDdnp
Panic set in, stunning those goblins left.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDIgNc08nb
Nina did not wait and smashed another down. Coby, seeing an opening, fired before anyone else could act at the last visible goblin, killing it with a clean shot.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgO3qcOiPd
He knew Arlin must have gotten the other.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzo5QJauif
A moment of calm settled before Arlin started shouting.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr60G1gFBK
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT? I HAD IT."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4uKI4rt72
"WHAT?" Nina was confused by his attitude. Her ears went flat, and she took a defensive stance. "WE'RE A TEAM…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJglhcdnbM
"AND I HAD IT," he retorted back.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWuH86OHwv
The fighting went back and forth, both trying to prove who was right. Leenia tried to intervene to calm them down, but it helped little.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ566eJlLB4p
Coby was tired, still feeling the adrenaline mixed with the cold, which reminded him of his old hunts.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXkUNt0pT0
His old hunts.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAjii24yFf
He had to be sure, so he pulled the wind, hoping for a door, expecting the worst. That maybe the other monster was getting closer and found them.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNBLqRLKoc
"No."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs9jIResVK
It did find them, but it was close. So close. Maybe twenty feet from the main group, then ten.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpQXaaMB4s
He saw nothing but knew he had to do something. Anything.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVvE6snBjC
"LOOK OUT, IT'S BEHIND YOU!"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF11FXiSRx
It was a desperate shout. He saw nothing but the snow and fire from camp, but somewhere within those random shadows, like Arlin's Darkness Skill, a giant beast appeared.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPRswuoZcS
Massive. Silent. Impossible.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7YOIWvS5W
It rushed Nina before anyone could register his words and slammed her down with its giant paw. The impact shook the ground. Bones creaked.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRX0idgHNPp
The wind was knocked from her chest, and she gasped for air, desperate to stop the claws from ripping her apart. Each claw was as long as her hand. She pulled the earth over her body like a shield, frantic, barely in time.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRQxKkwzl2
The shadow beast, looking like an oversized bear made of living darkness, did not wait and slammed down on her. It would've crushed her if not for the earth holding it back. The stone cracked under the weight. Her arms trembled.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZsR39HUcI
Arlin, desperate to save her, wrapped vines of darkness around the beast and tried to pull. He started slipping into the snow. He tried to reinforce it by spiking the earth to help pull.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nRNNKI3y7
Leenia, desperate to help, grabbed him and helped pull, trying to do anything other than just watching helplessly.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH2VZetsbs
It was not much, but it stopped the jaw from reaching Nina's face and held the beast mostly in place. If only for a moment, it would be enough.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQwyNd8GsB
Coby lined up a shot with a poison-tipped arrow. He was saving them from bad outcomes, and this was one.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqivyQt50L
He went with the spider venom one and aimed for the eye. The bear was thrashing, and he wasn't sure how well his aim was, but he used the wind to help guide it and hit its mark.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH5NdRNSoY
He sighed as he saw the bear flinch not just from the shot but also from the poison taking effect quickly. It moved off her in confusion.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EEC5redaB
Nina did not wait, furious at being shamed and almost killed. She made rocks and smashed the beast down over and over and over. Each impact was rage and terror mixed.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqhuDgKL7m
She calmed down, and all that was left was the stillness and gentle flames from the bonfire too close. The snow fell. The fire crackled. Nobody spoke.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JVbVMC7p0
I got cocky, Coby thought, to use hunting with my dad covering my tracks.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2uA2qHH0r
This was only level three, Leenia thought. "Maybe… we should turn back."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYsWHvkSLT
"No…"368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqIaPiLbkX
Nina was breathing hard. Her clothes had a slight tear where she wasn't quick enough with the earth. Blood seeped through, not much, but enough.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z1dcqzWY8
Leenia saw it and went to heal her. Warm light flowed, knitting the wound. She knew Nina loved her new family, but this was pushing them. They were not ready. Her hands shook as she healed.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8nC4pEnxA
"Sorry," Arlin said, surprising them. "We are a team. I almost got one of us killed. I… understand if we go back and you get a better leader."368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGb0NSZuCW
Leenia focused on Nina, not sure what to say. Nina looked away, not wanting to admit that the beast almost got them.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AKihyga0S
As it faded, it left a gem. It was a level two, not even a level three, and they almost died for that.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfjjJtBzwL
A few gems at level one appeared from the goblins. They pocketed them and gathered around the fire, unsure what to do next.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfENKM2zLE
The warmth felt wrong. Too much like comfort when they'd almost lost someone. The snow kept falling. The forest watched them with dark spaces between trees.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y4wqAbYQS
"Do you sense a door?" Nina finally asked, breaking the silence. Her voice was smaller than before.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jcbEO3oQN
"There is…" Coby said, but offered no more.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPZNBMv0YY
The fire crackled. Wind moved through the trees. Somewhere out there was level four. Somewhere out there was the herb that could save Wolf's mother.368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T3g0VOqcK
And somewhere in this circle was the knowledge that they'd almost died on level three.
The team was divided. They needed to be on the same page, or there would be no next time.
368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuoV2Lbhck
and then Add to home screen.