"We vote, all in, or we go back…"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0nRjRhhHq
It was Arlin who made the statement, but all agreed this wasn't a choice just to make on a whim like they did before. They saw it as an adventure, but now it wasn't a game anymore.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QekqAQlfo
"I came here to help my brother Wolf. I say we go on. I knew the risk," Coby said with care.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIxEqdwjAU
"You know how I feel," Nina said coldly.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjqXglfOJ6
She was a bit angry with her tail and ears down, but they knew Nina wouldn't stop.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PAn4LyUqm
Sighing, "I'm in," Leenia also voted to go. Only Arlin was left.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDmOmmrnwX
"I… I'll do better. I'm in."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBax0lh4NqU
He'd had pride, been a leader, and thought he'd win the girl. Now he was scared he would lose his friends.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGz70mObhkK
"Well, since we're all in, what can we expect from four?" Nina lost some of her tension, knowing they wouldn't turn back.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7b3WcRovYw
They all looked at Arlin, who flinched.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWxMaTBMD0
"I don't know… I never went that deep. Maybe more the same?"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnF89Byn5H
Nobody got angry. They all came underprepared, even when they thought they planned well.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacBqY6z6LW
"It's enough. We know what we can face. We fought as a team. We can do it again," Coby resolved himself for whatever was to come.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUoQmERn8f
He pointed to the past, the camp among the trees. "It's near the edge of what I can sense, but it's there. I did not feel any monster, but I'll keep checking to be safe."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiA08NiDPy
Coby was resolute in that.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeDBzqpKK1
The group was starting to feel the effect of the battle and the cold mixing in. It was indeed sapping away everything they were.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qHCsGudY0
They wondered why anyone thought these places were worth the trouble. If it wasn't for that herb…344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLSevApGS8
The path remained clear, just miserably. Nobody joked or bantered. It was a sobering experience.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpekWSKZrfh
When they saw the door that stood alone among the snow, shadows, and trees, it looked more like death than a place of hope.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhYwqq5UCt
That was why it was such a surprise when it opened.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbft07zMUc
They saw hope. It was a golden light full of life and endless fields of random… everything.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuA3qjSb3k
They stepped through to paradise.
LEVEL FOUR344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclR83I65qC
The warmth from the cold was a shock in itself. Like plunging into a hot bath after freezing. Their skin tingled. The air smelled of honey and fresh earth and growing things.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FyMNqIPco
There was nothing hidden from their eyes. Just vast fields of random foods, herbs, trees with random fruits, and hills with boulders worth of ore deposits mixed in. The sun was warm but not burning. The grass was soft underfoot. Everything was perfect.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG01tnLj0q
They never tried to imagine what a paradise would be, but this? This was it.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOOsWLiB4v
"How…" Nina couldn't finish her sentence. She was dumbstruck.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsXOGcg1Od
"This must be our reward for pushing so hard," Coby said, no less amazed than they were.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡro7ZOiinxh
It was Leenia's words that splashed a bit of cold on this endless warmth.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7KbQyKQ6t
"It's not here…"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHzZD1clsz
Though she did not say the words, they knew what she meant.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTmsgQ1bCE
"We don't know that. We can still scout," Arlin tried to cheer her up, but she shook her head.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBbYYeKDW2
"The gods are giving too much. They must value that herb or know what Wolf is trying to do. He wants to make that herb meaningless. So they're testing our resolve…"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGHOpP7FLU
As they thought about it, it was true. No monsters they could see, and nothing but endless rewards they could take and go. Just not that one herb.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyRhTe3mF1
"Level five?" Arlin said slowly.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzE0CeRRPD
Nina laughed almost to the point of sounding mad. "Yeah, it makes sense. If we want it bad enough, how far are we willing to go?"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RmiaIDXG6
"There won't be another one of these. The next door…" Coby said it, but they all knew death was all that was left.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5zv48Bsln
A few tears left her eyes, but she made her choice. "We came this far. Just one more door to go…"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXma2XYVNY
She hated her weakness, but she did want to help her brother and mother. Just not at any cost.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dhR51WsOh
It was an odd contrast. This world of such bounty felt like a last meal, the blessing given before death. One last good dream before you never woke up.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYYQDPEYel
They took their time exploring, eating, and even taking what little they could hold to bring back as treats or memories of this place.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBNIy6zalv
Somewhere along the way, they found a lake. It reminded them of home and how they'd played training, so sure they were heroes. Now it felt like an eon had passed even though it hadn't even been a day since they came here.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0RNVZCtMj
"Let's rest here for a few hours, and then go on. I sense a door nearby," Coby knew they were close, and what was to come would be bad.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelNryjaDX1
Nobody slept, but they did rest and focused on their inner turmoil and tried to resolve themselves for the end.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WVf4oFsgz
Coby checked his arrows. He was at less than half stock, but he knew whatever was coming had to be enough, or it wouldn't matter if it was worse than that.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjg49XHRwA
"No matter what happens, thank you guys for helping me and my brother," Leenia spoke, breaking the silence that had settled before.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4o2tE2AUPk
"I wish I could do more," Arlin lamely tried to say something to bring them close, but it fell flat.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWZeiaFwFn
"You guys accepted me and my brother as a family. I will never forget that. It was all I ever wanted," Nina said, holding herself.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lqoVoqU5x
Leenia went over and hugged her.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmUB3zudBV
"For me, this is just another hunt to help the village. The fact that it also helps my brother is just a bonus," Coby said passively.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblbZ7GFC1X
Resolved, found one by one, they stood. Unspoken the words, but they all agreed it was time. It would end with them winning everything or leaving without the prize.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gGHDNYZ40
A conflict arose slowly with each of them, and despite the resolution, the question was felt among them: how far was too far?344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiLd3V7SOn
Coby led them to the door in silence. They were surprised as they approached at the ease with which it could be found if they tried. It shone like a light brighter than the day that already existed. It looked as if it were made of gold and promised something more than what they knew was really death.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9P8N1EiNP
At that moment, few of them wanted to turn back despite their words spoken before. It felt too good to be true, as if a trap was set to lure the fools to death.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGTRoERkNg
"Even if I have to go alone, I'm getting my brother the herb…" Nina spoke calmly even though nobody said a word.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm3ctd0AIo
Arlin sighed. "Let's learn from our mistakes. We are a team, and we need each other. If it's bad enough, we at least agree we will run…?"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekx0X6egwb
Nina was tense, ears down and tail unmoving. She would not speak as Leenia put a hand on her and spoke instead.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv7gm2nBHO
"We will fight, but if it is too much… we will run."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0z3SA6zuz
Nina relaxed ever so slightly. "Ok…"
LEVEL FIVE344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrceU65Gn0
The door opened into a large, wide, cathedral-like room.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7wWrUDMfO
The ceiling soared impossibly high, lost in shadows. Stone pillars lined the walls, carved with symbols they didn't recognize. The air was still. Heavy. Sacred in a way that made them want to whisper.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcC14uS4wy
There were no benches, no side rooms. Just a long open floor save for one chair. A throne.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKojh2QRjI
Upon that chair sat a monster-like beast that defied what they thought could exist.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33u3d4i7Le
A few windows were shining a pale light through, cutting through the gloom like knife blades. One shone down upon it, a spotlight from the gods themselves.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToEuWL3M9D
It looked like a king upon a throne, bored and indifferent. Yet what made it so absurd to view was its height and width. It was massive. Easily twice the height of a man, shoulders broader than Nina was tall. Muscles coiled under grey skin like living stone.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhZyQBtWxr
It looked at them with indifference. It wore no armor and had no weapon. It seemed to barely be wearing a rugged leather cloth to cover itself, and it casually looked to the side as if wanting to guide their eyes.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfXWQN2cdd
As their gaze shifted from the massive beast, they saw shining gently with its own light was the herb.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiengTeG2p
The soft glow of the herb was a rare light that promised an ending to the journey. Just as their eyes shifted back to the beast, the same was promised as the end.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOA4AtL1T9W
Arlin was not confident they could win. It would be easy to turn back, and he was about to say so when Nina bolted forward.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV30DIzSYFw
"Shit!"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIr70Y5Eyu
She flew with a speed they did not think possible and was closing the distance. Coby, desperate to help, nocked an arrow, waiting for a shot. Arlin, knowing even if they wanted to run, they couldn't abandon Nina, rushed forward the best he could.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyoeoQyRBf
Leenia also joined Arlin, trailing behind once more. She hated her lack of power, but she needed to be close to heal versus hoping they would be okay.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCtnmu8XU7
The beast casually got up despite their actions and faced them with indifference.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLyI08g2X5
An arrow flew by the beast's face, narrowly missing him. Nina finally reached him and used the earth to help her jump at him. She tried a boulder fist at its face, and it casually grabbed her mid-leap and started crushing her neck.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqZvBPgdLq
It looked at her passively, wondering why she wasn't already dead. It seemed there was rock growing under his hand, stopping his grip from crushing, but he felt it give slowly as he kept squeezing.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPlFvgEN93
Another arrow flew by his eyes. The archer was getting better. Was he shifting the wind? It did not matter. He could sense it.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB78tOwtalm
When close, vines wrapped around his neck and leg, trying to pull him. Weak.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlLkBhLB1X
This is not worthy of me.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB1HWxH04d
Another arrow came, and he shifted once more to dodge, but one hit him in the shoulder. He fired two?!344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKgH3cgoc9
He knew they were all weak, but he felt a mild poison from that arrow. The archer was a threat. As he watched him, he saw the panic in his eyes. He was low on arrows.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzTmKjKVNv
But still a threat.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ815mM6w4Yl
He tossed the fox girl who rushed him with indifference and started toward the archer.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzxiNYojK2
Nina was dazed from lack of air and saw she was near the herb. The giant was walking away casually, so she grabbed it, putting it inside her blouse.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwHVd0xqZi
The beast sensed the action and, for the first time, showed any emotion and roared.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsG2XfBDO4
She did not understand how it knew with its back to her, but it did, and it was not happy. It rushed her like lightning.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZVqO3ftTd
Arlin still was trying to pull with the vines as they snapped. His actions were ignored the whole time. Only Nina got his attention, and grabbing the herb pissed it off.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzQA3vHgMZ
He looked at the door, so close, yet so far. He wasn't sure what to do.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk94AsCQm29
Nina, more on instinct than intent, pulled up a rock wall, and the beast smashed it with indifference.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSN0xh7IBr
The shards sprayed her and cut her face as it pulled back for another swing. She tried to push herself away with the help of the earth, narrowly avoiding the downward smash.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT21egO4u0
Arlin sensed a chance, pulled darkness near its head while it was still leaning low, and shot a spike. It moved, avoiding most of the strike, but the angle still forced it to take a slice to the face.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq46eNlzWg3
Anger growing in its eyes, he shifted to shadow out of fear to avoid its ire.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSivkDZkzW
Leenia hoped the beast did not understand their tongue. "COVER YOUR EYES!"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKIOsd24L3
A shiny light burst from her, blinding the beast, and it roared.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvtVo55p8C
Coby yelled, "RUN!" as they tried their best to regroup and escape.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIGtReRB6h
Pain. It made no sense.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BsX1rFJBd
They were weak, stupid, and relied on cheap tricks. He was a warrior with pride and a guard worthy of a rare prize, and cowards were stealing the treasure.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIZf6vKuju
His eyes recovered quickly. He wasn't sure which did it but saw them all run for the exit, so he picked the black-haired one who did nothing but watch.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxn6cHIn7F
Before he rushed her, within seconds he was there, about to grab her hair and smash her down, when a rock slammed his side.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJCof78GHL
The stupid fox girl wanted to fight. Good. His skin was tough, and the blows barely affected him, but that arrow had a strange effect. It was doing something, even if just a little. Everything felt a little slower.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyx1LOwu7K
As he was thinking that, two more arrows flew toward him. He could sense them, but he was moving slower. He knew it now.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o96kNXmQs
He was able to move enough they wouldn't hit his face, but one went into his chest. It seemed the archer planned and varied the speed of the arrows. Surprisingly, he felt himself recover. Then followed an odd, disorienting effect.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75nmU7OG3b
When he looked again, they were even closer to the door!344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5AfRNivvS
"ROAR!"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCjAMO81x3
Rushing forward, he would kill at least one. They could not all fit through the door before he got them.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINQ1kHusmn
A series of rock walls started to form, and he smashed them down. He noticed from the side that it was the stupid fox girl. She was drinking something and making more walls.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtYYIMwIez
He trusted his form and his power. He hesitated only for a moment due to the poison and rushed harder.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUZM40DX9c
Smash, smash, smash. As fast as she could, pulling the earth into a wall. The beast was ramming into them, knocking them down. Each impact shook the floor. Stone fragments flew. Her mana burned away with every wall. It was a narrow edge, giving them a lead, but she could feel the distance closing. Feel the heat of its rage behind her.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWcWawHucX
Desperate, she opened the earth into a hole. It drained her instantly, every drop of mana ripped from her core. She fell, legs giving out.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdQ4AXnwGE
Coby, watching from the corner of his eye, saw her going down and used the wind to rush to her side, scooping her up without breaking stride. Arlin sensed something in the moment and chance. Looking back, they were so close. The door was right there. He saw the beast falling into the hole. Even then the hole wasn't very deep. It was already climbing out, claws digging into stone. So he pooled every scrap of darkness he had left and smashed it in its face, stunning it.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIuW9z7hEj
Leenia was first through the door, stumbling into level four's warmth. Arlin dove through next. Coby, carrying Nina's limp body, was last as she raised a trembling finger in defiance to the roaring beast that tried one last time to close the distance.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA3JY64oLG
The door slammed shut behind them.
He had been on guard for hours. He was nervous. He had simple orders to watch for three—no, four—kids to return.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN5i6OyAxs
Gods, he hoped it was all four.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRymajSH2L
He heard they were testing themselves and trying to get an item. He wasn't sure. He was just supposed to run back with news of their return and offer them potions if hurt.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMHTkU4cea
He was getting tired of waiting. It was getting late, and the night was quiet. Besides random calls from the animals, he was in the middle of dozing, worry wearing him down to exhaustion.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikhiw0Nm0U
When a cool breeze blew from the cave, he felt a bit of magic but wasn't sure. He had level one fire that helped his sight in the dark.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpRJFgJr9O
Four kids in various states of disarray slowly shuffled out.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmjW9WuO8k
He was stunned, not sure he was really seeing them, till one spoke.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXItGmWgCc
"You can let them know we're safe. Just worn out."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWxJT2oa6e
It was a boy with random shadows playing at the edges of his arms and legs.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV0L35K3Wl
He was stunned as the girl near him shone with light, and the other two, a foxkin and a normal boy with a bow… what an odd bunch.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws6PjOf5Av
He snapped back, registering the boy's words. This was the missing kids!344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTEG4xNJln
He fumbled back as if stuck, then turned to run to let them know they were safe.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhVf3VhvhM
"You know we cut it real close," Arlin spoke, not facing the group, "but I had fun. I hope this means we are friends."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbmsIzQVjw
His body tense, waiting for the letdown. They never liked him.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOS0eTZuSSV
"Thank you for saving me," Nina's voice spoke low, no longer boastful. "I was blinded by my desire to help my brother. We… I needed you, so thank you."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZaTeFgX2S
She saw him visibly relax at her words as if a weight was lifted.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxCTIxMiG1
"Hey, we're friends. It's what we do. I'll see you all around."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5uo8HpGh8
He turned to shadows and fled before they could break the moment he found joy in.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIPPjwNRar
Leenia was frustrated by all this. She felt she helped the least, but would remember if there was a next time, she would be better.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95f1uyg9hB
The group slowly made their way home and saw their brother. They told only the best and most exciting parts of how they dodged danger and found a bounty that only the gods could give.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6mRcuGsoq
They shared their little bit of treasure with the mother, and their brother. Coby left midway to reassure his family and get some sleep.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlovT1Zqw42
Around that time, their uncle and father got home, and the tales were told once more, even grander than before.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOwGBbMcNC
Wolf was amazed and jealous that they had seen and done so much.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM5PFB3I3d
With the herb in hand, they now had a chance. But despite all the excitement, they all grew tired and needed rest.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7N5m7MLC8
Tomorrow would be a new day with hope.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagirfEt7AO
Arlin shifted from shadow back to normal and entered the guild hall. He was exhausted. It took a toll on him. Everything they did. He thought the foxkin was a bit crazy, but at the same time, he admired her willingness to go so far for someone she loved. He wanted to be like that.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AiyXlsb3n
"Welcome back, brother."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDDol2sVY1
He was startled. It was Ziala.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtORfbck4A
"I knew you to be safe, but your mom did not feel the same. The top floor was a smoke cloud till I opened a window to help air it out." She looked upstairs with a bit of concern. "She had been waiting, but I gave her some tea to help her sleep to help pass the time."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZRWSwPtQi
She smiled, her face full of life.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1XflhymbE
He took for granted those who already cared about him. He reached into an inner pouch and pulled out a small flower.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IGnVhkLwH
He wanted to give it to Leenia, but he felt his sister deserved it more for believing in him.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeWHjlzIHy
It was a tulip-like flower with a mix of white and black. He thought it would be poetic, seeing how he was a shadow and Leenia was light, but he felt it could work for his sister to be his light.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lgA0ovmua
"Here, sis."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7lnw0xTTH
"Oh, these are rare. They're called shadow tears and are used to make magic ink. What's nice is they never wilt."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD1YikaNnw
She took it gently and held it close. "Thank you."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe2ZykLg1o
He was surprised. "How do you know that?"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAVwY61Vlf
She frowned at him. "What do you think I have been doing this whole time? I study to analyze things people might want to sell to us or help adventurers know when something has value."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4iC0teDvg
He nodded slowly, proud but unsure he really understood.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOuQ8wBC6J
She rolled her eyes. "Go see Mom. She needs you, and… welcome home."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM7jeJE3Vd
His body was heavy after the adventure and magic used. He slowly made his way to her room, but before that, he saw a door ajar and looked inside out of curiosity.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxhYpgeYKe
It turned out she wasn't in her room but here in the larger meeting room.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSldcYDywFH
Her pipe was on the table, and she was leaning back facing the door, slouched in the chair. He wondered if they told her the news before they left or if she waited here to greet him.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5BmlQTh3X
He wasn't sure which would be better, but it gave him a moment to compose himself.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVfCvWTgHR
"Hey, Mom…"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK1od0PRku
His voice was gentle, afraid to startle her. Slowly, her eyes fluttered, and she looked around, unsure where she was. It took a moment, but she did look his way and just stared.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTtgCagq3z
"Is it you?"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPN2E1BbJN
"Not sure who else I would be."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl3axl7t2M
She rushed him in an embrace, startling him with her speed. He was used to her always being distant. This was an odd change, but one he did not mind.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHibLs7eeA
He decided to take a page from his sister and say, "I'm home."
The Next Day344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpotUxu0TIl
"Well, brother, can you do it?"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGWlfQ494x
Nina's tail was wagging, happy to not only be home but also to know she'd helped her brother.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjMwAuhe8r
"It's not that simple, and stop hovering over me. I can't focus."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T9iigkzr2
She was still happy but plopped on the bed to give her brother some space.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9aXmn5PQB
She knew she should be more traumatized over that beast, but she couldn't help but feel in her heart they'd had it.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxc9maxut4
Leenia walked by carrying a bowl. She'd just gotten back from feeding Mom and was also checking on her brother.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5HXdmxBO5
She saw Nina on the bed twirling her legs, amusing herself, while Wolf was studying a book with the herbs near him. She was happy and had faith her brother could do it and waited for the news.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfq5CITrhL
It didn't make sense.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqrWVIbju4
He kept reviewing the pages. The other alchemist master, Tommy, that Herbert trained with, had lent them his notes for a cure after repeated attempts to appease him.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOWmJoyhp4
The cure itself was very simple, but what made it take so long and be hard to make was that it required all elements in one brew as well as a high level of magic.
Weakness cured by master alchemist Tommy.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeTOeHSfQi
I write these words in respect to those who wish to further a study I care not for. I found the time to brew can vary from one week to over a month for a cure. I theorized less than a day, even hours if strong mana crystals are added, but the sheer waste has me unwilling to prove it.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSJXISQWuk
For the cure, the key is the mana herb itself. Everything else is just trying to reduce time and stabilize the brew. There must be a balance in what you add. A little of each element: light, dark, fire, earth, wind, and water. Be it from poisons or healing brews and herbs, it matters not as long as it's balanced.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtKgtr2U1B
I found the simplest way, and always successful, is to brew the herb into a liquid, which creates a white brew. This in itself will heal nothing, I found. Various effects happen only when adding some of the elements or an odd combo of them. They tend to strengthen those with mana already past level one but never cure those below it, which is odd but irrelevant.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiBvUkDePS
I did pursue that for a bit but found it a waste of this herb, as other herbs could simulate the same effect of buffs with less cost and effort. It was more of a fluke than by design that when I kept adding new combos, it balanced them and changed them to the new type.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWDC3N5sku
The white brew turned clear. Those with mana sense can feel the magic, and those with mana sight told me it glows. Sadly, I lacked both, and I had to trust them.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyZ5ARkBGn
Once more, at this point, I did not know what had been made. I theorized it was a key component to something greater but had no way to prove it. It was the church who asked for a sample to test it among their sick, which led to the final cure of the weakness.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡev3izz28JU
I saw it as a waste and had a trusted colleague try to find a cheaper way to cure the sick. We have since grown distant, but that is irrelevant as nothing came of it.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUIXPWd4zw
The fact of the matter is, if you pursue a cure, it can be made using the mana herb, but if you manage such an ordeal and do not waste the herb? I welcome you to my shop and will pay well. Good luck with your quest.
No matter how many times he read it, it was the same. Was it really that easy? All those years of people suffering, and all it takes is one person with balance magic to help them?344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCA7xygWj4
He felt he was missing something. Maybe the level of the magic mattered and the desire to make such a cure and make it work.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCIP2z2lO8
He sighed.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvghzI6FSRV
"Brother?" Nina's interest and concern were piqued knowing he was troubled.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQwAxEFINs
"It's nothing…"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCIV8yNbaS
"You don't need to lie, brother. I understand. You're afraid your magic won't work or be good enough. That after all this time wanting power, you finally can do something, and it might not be enough."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrVu5TWGOF
He stopped and looked over at her. She was still lying down, just staring at her hand.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TDfpMpebh
"I've been there, brother, just not with magic, but people wanting me to lead. I left not wanting that life. But you did not run, brother. You tried to learn, and you did make new things and even learned to master your power. I believe you can even do this. If not? I'll just get you another herb and try again. Whatever. Just know when I do succeed, I'll be too busy for you to bother me in my new shop…"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj1ofMtXsz
"Ok, brother. I'll still make time for you, though, if you will still see me after you are rich and famous."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dSTmhr6u3
"I never said I would be rich or famous. Just too busy to be bothered by you."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc71mGEG5TS
"HEY," she was miffed but did nothing.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD48DQzFuiX
He felt he could do it but wondered if the cure was always that easy and fear kept anyone from trying. Maybe that was why the gods gave him a chance.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rpFbUYOuR
He breathed deeply, then out slowly. He had already brewed the mixture. He was just scared to try to copy it. But as he reached for the empty vial and focused, he felt it fill easily with the same mixture, to his amazement.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5pM5gUmY0
"YOU DID IT!" Nina was getting excited.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Trzqnxbdo
"No… this is the first step, but… if it did work, still a huge success."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa75aXnsVG
He was worried he would miss something, so he made a few more to see if he could.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJyUJOk0to
Five extra vials later, he felt dizzy and tired and tilted a bit, almost spilling the fifth brew.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WK1U4lutr
"Easy, brother, you're overdoing it. That high magic you're copying… the fact you made so many in a short time is proof of your power."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbs4IooYfr
She handed him a mana potion, which he drank eagerly. The effect went deep into his soul. He didn't notice how drained he was till the mana was restored.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIkjQajxyg
Leenia heard the commotion and checked on them. "You okay?"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaPgm0o4gj
He nodded, not trusting his voice.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgvktw09qm
"No, brother is pushing himself. He needs rest and food."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO0M4y014a
She scooted off the bed, ears pressed as she tried to get close to him. He mildly shrugged her off.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjBlwmsext
"I'm fine, just… maybe hungry."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAxfHlRWqj
Leenia just smiled, knowing her brother did not like to be seen as weak. "Let me make us some food, and you can try more later."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHoByDjAhZ
"Thanks, Len."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgfVB66qJ8
He wasn't happy, but he needed to go slow.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtF2fshrSy
"I want to help too!" Nina hopped up and ran to the kitchen to help make food, leaving Wolf some peace.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6FOejXOtT
He looked from the door to the other room, knowing his mother was there and sick. It worried him, but he had a cure, even if incomplete. As long as he was careful, he could copy and help even more people.
Lunch was enjoyable. Coby stopped by to check in on his progress. It was a happy time with his family, but he wanted to be alone for the next part, fearing he would lose focus with others.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiKlG1ZLiT
Nina wasn't happy but agreed to leave him be but remain close if he needed anything, leaving him alone for the next part.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJe7SePdSm
Why he wanted to be alone was that he did not trust himself to have the same faith and pride to try this with others watching.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOjwSFMKvv
He went to one of the partially made cures. He looked at his hand. He knew he supposedly had a rare, powerful gift.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWbH9pEtqO
"My gift is balance magic and shifting powers. So if the gods are listening, let me balance with my will…"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF7yiRjWRg
Tears fell from his eyes. For his mother. For Herbert's decades of failure. For every person sleeping their lives away in church beds.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwBLYoihFy
"Please… work."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgyueQoshE
He felt the magic. The base form was formless. Potential given shape. It could be anything. He knew why the alchemist theorized it could have been more. It was indeed a powerful base.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHfZGEQdtW
So if the weakness curse was a lack of magic, he just needed to give them more so everyone had at least some magic.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5YoDLgd8D
He felt his will pulsing in the brew and trying to form his will, but it wasn't clear enough. He needed to make it a truth, not a question or just a desire. A truth. An absolute.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnR5ZLnwtB
So with everything he had, he did not just make a cure. He willed it a new brew, one that not only healed those of weakness but gave magic. Gave life in a way they'd never had before. Gave them what the gods had withheld.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ap3q9tQYY
Balance, he thought. That was his gift. Not just copying what existed, but balancing what should be.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ5VhUvN69
"Mana life," he whispered, and a wind blew from his lips—impossible, he had no wind magic—and touched the glass, which then turned clear with a slight tint of blue like the sky after a storm, and he collapsed.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6NrwV5Igk
The vial glowed softly in the afternoon light.
Nina was bored and hated waiting. Leenia tried assuring her it would be fine, but she wasn't listening. She started pacing.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTlejQKl9l
Coby was there with his eyes closed, just trying to pass the time, when Nina's ears twitched and Coby's eyes opened. He sensed something, and Nina heard it.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeawft0BdK
Leenia was unsure why they both rushed to Wolf's room, but she followed.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcut8ZoDL8M
She found them both hovering over Wolf's body, unconscious. She panicked, fearing the worst, and tried to heal him.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUSItuUNQM
"He's okay… he just must have drained himself. What happened?" Leenia asked, knowing nobody was there, but couldn't stop herself.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMnecOryHg
"Think he just overused his mana," Coby said while watching with concern.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1SXJdBNK3
Nina had tears in her eyes, and she held Wolf's head in her lap.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVqDnHKTdT
It was a tense few minutes till he woke, and they all breathed easier, not even noticing they were all refusing to make any sounds, much less breathe.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxAw17Xus3
As Wolf woke up, he felt the tears gently pat his face from the girl who loved him as family.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdMm4KFKUi
He could not stop himself from smiling as he touched her face. She was surprised at that.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHawRCF48U
"Thanks for worrying about me."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhyplKZgkm
She cried, holding him more at that.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcE29z5wEV
It took a little bit for the room to calm down. When he was finally able to move, he was dazed, and the room spun. They gave him another mana potion, and it helped the same as before, though he felt a minor sickness from the rapid gaining and losing of mana.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dAZyogmwf
"You want to tell us or just have us guess?" Coby broke the tension they all felt.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLqozaPjBE
"Sorry, I can't be sure, but I think I made not only a cure but a new, powerful potion that can increase magic."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEFF0dhn2y
Everyone was stunned into silence.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM3sSIn52Z
"I don't think it's going to make you gain a level in power, but if you were close to having magic? It makes you level one or pushes you to a new level if you already had it."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJXkbSZAbe
Coby laughed at that. "I knew the day the seer passed out looking at you, you were blessed, brother! I just did not know this much."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP6QHTaXB1
He was embarrassed at the praise but loved it all the same. Both Nina and Leenia were hugging him, worried he was still hurt, but he eventually shooed them both away.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm01UezzVLD
He wanted more than anything to give it to his mom, but he only made one and was worried his desire alone wouldn't make more.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFdheJRa6p
"Tomorrow… I will give her a cure, but I want to rest for today just to be safe."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwC8LUZyDW
As the day wound down, they told their mom what they hoped for tomorrow.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErnefqzFDZ
She was concerned her son was going too far and amazed he had such a gift.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBlhkDLUPE
Later, when Dad heard, he had nothing but pride. He even cried a bit, knowing his son was trying so hard to not just be a man but help the family.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSoebNnXZQ
Tomorrow would be the day of truth, whether it was in vain or the start of something new.
Next Day344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nmrQsL9zg
After resting, he felt better. He was up early.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZckuplpe2Y
His dad wished to stay and see the outcome, but work still needed to be done. Leenia went with him to help and give support, while Nina was sleeping in.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UuLKJKoKL
He stared at the newly made potion. It was a thing of beauty. The base white brew was still there in case this was too hard to repeat or did not cure weakness. But when he reached for a new vial and willed it, it poured from him into the glass like water.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfoATcJlYd
He felt… fine?344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC2uDuaWYW
He compared them, and they were the same from what he could see and feel, so he repeated it, and once more, the same. Four more, and he was dizzy.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv2wY33ZNY
Amazing. He went from passing out from one to making six.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiLpBkJiYg
He was scared. He didn't want to hurt his mom, so he drank it himself.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi3d6694jt
It… was… intoxicating.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TVQe0QFH5
He felt his mana restored, and as he theorized, it did indeed feel like his magic improved a little. Besides that, he was okay.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78Yf9ywjLq
Hmmm, how long do I wait?344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvcZGXHW1s
Since he was waiting, he made more. It might be conceited, but he felt that, no… knew it was correct and would work.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftVuRJ8ik2
He was able to make seven this time before the weakness hit again, and he rested. He did not want to risk anything more and had a nice stock to share to help others if it worked.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg6bdkjkHJ
He slowly made his way to his mom. She was sleeping. She had to do that a lot. He wished this worked. He hated her suffering. Well, anyone suffering, but…344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLqia2xhVb
He sighed.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25SNHbxw3g
"Mom?"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsieiVjpEe
She awoke to her son's voice. He looked so frail. Had he not been eating enough?344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMAPbKgpjs
"What is it, baby? You okay?"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUk3CTARTT
He held up a small vial. She gently took it, wondering what it was.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sEweq8kTw
"It… it might be a cure, but I won't know till we test it, and if not, I will have a cure soon, I promise."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvlpnevdeN
She smiled. "I trust you, child. No need to worry. I just get tired, is all."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUDbOsucdg
She looked at the drink in her hand, and though it was clear, it seemed to shine. She could feel the magic. She could feel her son's love and desperation and hope all mixed into this tiny vial.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkROZdFwT6t
And drank.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0NgM5mZES
She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. It was full of warmth, of love, and of a desire to change and make things better.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLsIqyRglX
She could almost hear the music playing, dancing through her body everywhere it touched. Through her lungs that had struggled to breathe. Through her arms that had lost their strength. Through her core where magic had never lived.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFmgQUAiq3
And something sparked. Something small and fragile and new. Magic. Her own magic, blooming like a flower after rain.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLffU0IsX9
She felt anew. She could not put into words the feeling of being given life as tears slowly fell. Not tears of pain or exhaustion, but joy. Pure, overwhelming joy.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0wZVT97FS
"Mom, are you okay?"344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6ncKEHURi
Wolf panicked, reaching for an antidote he'd brought just in case, but she waved a hand to calm him. A hand that didn't shake. A hand that moved with strength she hadn't felt in long time.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01ccnS8xWN
"My son…" Her voice was steady. Clear. "It worked."344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOavjFtzKoH
The next few days were chaotic.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgQ58A0klz
Mom, feeling better, though weak, made Leenia faint when she saw her walk into the shop.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpJZwDBaqr
She was assisted by Wolf and Nina but did walk.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ctwVQGDYg
The time passed quickly for Wolf. He kept using his free time to mass-produce more cures to keep helping who he could.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5joGwW7C1
Nebo, getting word, was happy it worked out and promised to ship what he could. Herbert was amazed and ashamed to know there were options from those with balance magic but refused to stop looking for other ways to make cures, since it needed another way to be healed.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiYZZHlyFs
They managed to make time to see Arlin. He was happy their adventure paid off and wanted to celebrate at the inn, so they planned a night just for that.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P8POWUBAS
Word got around about the lives Wolf was changing, and he was quickly becoming a minor celebrity. Everyone swore that the day he opened a shop, they would buy only from him.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMTIUIWcT5
They managed to snag a table amid rejoicing and drinking. From all of it, it was a bit overwhelming, but eventually they got a little peace to have their own minor celebration.344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHijrvrsB6D
Nina wasn't happy Teva hadn't given up on Wolf but respected their privacy even though she did keep trying to get close. But they felt that this was the end of one adventure and just the start of another.
344Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvBYrs8gRv
and then Add to home screen.