"We vote, all in, or we go back…"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtZV5SYSLx
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC242LaMbNk
"I came here to help my brother Wolf. I say we go on. I knew the risk," Coby said with care.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbL5RINhK6
"You know how I feel," Nina said coldly.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXP9OZ7IfI
She was a bit angry with her tail and ears down, but they knew Nina wouldn't stop.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZPaxfIy6v
Sighing, "I'm in," Leenia also voted to go. Only Arlin was left.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzdVN2Nprp
"I… I'll do better. I'm in."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kff6pWMTI
He'd had pride, been a leader, and thought he'd win the girl. Now he was scared he would lose his friends.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedQd82A2HS
"Well, since we're all in, what can we expect from four?" Nina lost some of her tension, knowing they wouldn't turn back.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnrJkfl7o2
They all looked at Arlin, who flinched.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtEtFWvDz4
"I don't know… I never went that deep. Maybe more the same?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3uNZcfVBH
Nobody got angry. They all came underprepared, even when they thought they planned well.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKmisR1yFL
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6JvQFrH0t
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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoxjAiPeJr
Coby was resolute in that.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRDqvbsFl6
The group was starting to feel the effect of the battle and the cold mixing in. It was indeed sapping away everything they were.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L8ihSN3ML
They wondered why anyone thought these places were worth the trouble. If it wasn't for that herb…389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ951TgFXSKU
The path remained clear, just miserably. Nobody joked or bantered. It was a sobering experience.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S1CE7wAtZ
When they saw the door that stood alone among the snow, shadows, and trees, it looked more like death than a place of hope.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLy7Gb8y2a
That was why it was such a surprise when it opened.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj0V1mwQY9
They saw hope. It was a golden light full of life and endless fields of random… everything.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99HZw9tbVA
They stepped through to paradise.
LEVEL FOUR389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAnxaoAe2f
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJh0FHJgCf
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsZrm3dvO9
They never tried to imagine what a paradise would be, but this? This was it.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7u6TBgAY8
"How…" Nina couldn't finish her sentence. She was dumbstruck.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUdPkhdbrv
"This must be our reward for pushing so hard," Coby said, no less amazed than they were.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWVv6nxJ45
It was Leenia's words that splashed a bit of cold on this endless warmth.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYLZKY9QGi
"It's not here…"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4NBaImngr
Though she did not say the words, they knew what she meant.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVGEEcjzf1
"We don't know that. We can still scout," Arlin tried to cheer her up, but she shook her head.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRFNdZKT55
"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…"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx6cVXgxNR
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXwDc1SieH
"Level five?" Arlin said slowly.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmUoZKqm5P
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?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52gq3IUbWa
"There won't be another one of these. The next door…" Coby said it, but they all knew death was all that was left.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC67xYJr75R
A few tears left her eyes, but she made her choice. "We came this far. Just one more door to go…"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXBj8AUl1Z
She hated her weakness, but she did want to help her brother and mother. Just not at any cost.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaiQFWk2y4
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf1LW5EXYE
They took their time exploring, eating, and even taking what little they could hold to bring back as treats or memories of this place.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2scR3cQpSn
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKaFc3taxn
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsBpZEgwYF
Nobody slept, but they did rest and focused on their inner turmoil and tried to resolve themselves for the end.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY2qrAPvbs
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaqrGnIfD0
"No matter what happens, thank you guys for helping me and my brother," Leenia spoke, breaking the silence that had settled before.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0qfncNSaR
"I wish I could do more," Arlin lamely tried to say something to bring them close, but it fell flat.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisKfpGUqwU
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRjrk1aOPe
Leenia went over and hugged her.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN04S62FL6
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2qGD4cJ8G
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMc5BEbdWX
A conflict arose slowly with each of them, and despite the resolution, the question was felt among them: how far was too far?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlgYIhXCWH
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIII5IEudCs
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgjjVSHvz4
"Even if I have to go alone, I'm getting my brother the herb…" Nina spoke calmly even though nobody said a word.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02xI0GtF5Z
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…?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49hmUN5K6q
Nina was tense, ears down and tail unmoving. She would not speak as Leenia put a hand on her and spoke instead.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUylBJ7fjqZ
"We will fight, but if it is too much… we will run."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJHPvhYqfj
Nina relaxed ever so slightly. "Ok…"
LEVEL FIVE389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzyJKgqBA8
The door opened into a large, wide, cathedral-like room.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0lWxAf35q
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpdIjaSbq3
There were no benches, no side rooms. Just a long open floor save for one chair. A throne.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIJ9xQCZyn
Upon that chair sat a monster-like beast that defied what they thought could exist.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm22sL47nYm
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsYhlpR0CB
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzlmUxGnWT
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePLP1cb9dN
As their gaze shifted from the massive beast, they saw shining gently with its own light was the herb.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9aCd0lf46
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCf01QX0ro
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj2f1qozXU
"Shit!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFai9yvaB3b
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQjIBmCB0E
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcarFpFurx
The beast casually got up despite their actions and faced them with indifference.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCCOi7Hyzb
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Qi2P2Sbek
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdRJmzyWTV
Another arrow flew by his eyes. The archer was getting better. Was he shifting the wind? It did not matter. He could sense it.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0TFBFwZT0
When close, vines wrapped around his neck and leg, trying to pull him. Weak.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0aHykCMjr
This is not worthy of me.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6AcLPKCuc
Another arrow came, and he shifted once more to dodge, but one hit him in the shoulder. He fired two?!389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwlm3YpEoS
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5V1nfBIjQM
But still a threat.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxfSN2lvD4
He tossed the fox girl who rushed him with indifference and started toward the archer.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE2x7Usyby
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhuwOUpP6u
The beast sensed the action and, for the first time, showed any emotion and roared.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JNtASIQEv
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYpQyoCksk
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H2mHXjeFm
He looked at the door, so close, yet so far. He wasn't sure what to do.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXMsUIXN6k
Nina, more on instinct than intent, pulled up a rock wall, and the beast smashed it with indifference.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTMoKwsZt1
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHX31rgvA1
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6xPtg101z
Anger growing in its eyes, he shifted to shadow out of fear to avoid its ire.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjmtzTMlWk
Leenia hoped the beast did not understand their tongue. "COVER YOUR EYES!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbDCJgVp7g
A shiny light burst from her, blinding the beast, and it roared.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Iut9RPVIE
Coby yelled, "RUN!" as they tried their best to regroup and escape.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgcXpUUF4j
Pain. It made no sense.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUKZDb3aOp
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNSx3rlHIe
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwWBDxaYEA
Before he rushed her, within seconds he was there, about to grab her hair and smash her down, when a rock slammed his side.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eQXKq3zwH
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO1i8Hw88K
As he was thinking that, two more arrows flew toward him. He could sense them, but he was moving slower. He knew it now.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqdmIoques
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zKm2nBnsM
When he looked again, they were even closer to the door!389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF2Uqj5geJ
"ROAR!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuy3iGm2RH
Rushing forward, he would kill at least one. They could not all fit through the door before he got them.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRltQ0Py57O
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL8ZIqeSPT
He trusted his form and his power. He hesitated only for a moment due to the poison and rushed harder.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG8tpI6piw
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexPTsr60WT
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPxPN636zg
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMAlOesCFN
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdpZt2U66t
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51ADHIwLiA
Gods, he hoped it was all four.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZY8ALDDOn
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxmyXmsPJ2
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mfLWogrl1
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpdA1SF4Md
Four kids in various states of disarray slowly shuffled out.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nbYMtQvS3
He was stunned, not sure he was really seeing them, till one spoke.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40VMxCpdtK
"You can let them know we're safe. Just worn out."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfoPEvr6P8
It was a boy with random shadows playing at the edges of his arms and legs.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopwmtcnwbg
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdU6bZrcXe
He snapped back, registering the boy's words. This was the missing kids!389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuewCBgtguR
He fumbled back as if stuck, then turned to run to let them know they were safe.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wzgCpiM4a
"You know we cut it real close," Arlin spoke, not facing the group, "but I had fun. I hope this means we are friends."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlRcswkg7o
His body tense, waiting for the letdown. They never liked him.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsFrUA97ur
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOmCJCVop5
She saw him visibly relax at her words as if a weight was lifted.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB9s1wAXeT
"Hey, we're friends. It's what we do. I'll see you all around."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pAAhpx6bq
He turned to shadows and fled before they could break the moment he found joy in.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBrWlk9UD9
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPAX8So0RG
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgld4dEoewX
They shared their little bit of treasure with the mother, and their brother. Coby left midway to reassure his family and get some sleep.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZKiuY97mL
Around that time, their uncle and father got home, and the tales were told once more, even grander than before.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1PLVdf05K
Wolf was amazed and jealous that they had seen and done so much.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjojbg0gpaM
With the herb in hand, they now had a chance. But despite all the excitement, they all grew tired and needed rest.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7eANPQRv5
Tomorrow would be a new day with hope.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJRIuphNC5
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRSSA8w9qS
"Welcome back, brother."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyvi7RGRU9
He was startled. It was Ziala.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjsZ4Et2QK
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0lA15DzW1
She smiled, her face full of life.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bxAD8wdbK
He took for granted those who already cared about him. He reached into an inner pouch and pulled out a small flower.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tCJX1LPea
He wanted to give it to Leenia, but he felt his sister deserved it more for believing in him.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjcuSmi2Wh
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzobgDPGFK
"Here, sis."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfFX9l5eT0
"Oh, these are rare. They're called shadow tears and are used to make magic ink. What's nice is they never wilt."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jZr6A7cxo
She took it gently and held it close. "Thank you."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKW1SqO0PJ
He was surprised. "How do you know that?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbutnIUPty
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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv8XTR1v0r
He nodded slowly, proud but unsure he really understood.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE2qb2gnGj
She rolled her eyes. "Go see Mom. She needs you, and… welcome home."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu4QmsGRQb
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsQCSMXIAP
It turned out she wasn't in her room but here in the larger meeting room.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bq84EuOd7
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZCxaONKEj
He wasn't sure which would be better, but it gave him a moment to compose himself.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VrZAeyepj
"Hey, Mom…"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DaixDZHeT
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxX896cIf4
"Is it you?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvFCWNpQQb
"Not sure who else I would be."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGznRyeY9xO
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRk0y0qFKR
He decided to take a page from his sister and say, "I'm home."
The Next Day389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRJ90uvg5Z
"Well, brother, can you do it?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA2zrVgYbV
Nina's tail was wagging, happy to not only be home but also to know she'd helped her brother.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV12hzJtGob
"It's not that simple, and stop hovering over me. I can't focus."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHnuUF2wH2
She was still happy but plopped on the bed to give her brother some space.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3JgIoXag9
She knew she should be more traumatized over that beast, but she couldn't help but feel in her heart they'd had it.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozcFnrD0do
Leenia walked by carrying a bowl. She'd just gotten back from feeding Mom and was also checking on her brother.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8WTAScvNu
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FD0KZmNEj
It didn't make sense.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJby1VDHbn
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy70yltYOBn
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHul7iH9pq
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaV5CKvZTr
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXx1eHfBzh
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKnKoq8YiU
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnO2uYxOqe
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLjNML0HDT
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtr6Kg3twy
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPufUZnFZx
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?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetWTnCVzwM
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZCBgxRqIf
He sighed.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzmkOY5dyE
"Brother?" Nina's interest and concern were piqued knowing he was troubled.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwoI7bw82z
"It's nothing…"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0c6zaayDj5
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwgO4LP9hf
He stopped and looked over at her. She was still lying down, just staring at her hand.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHJYk6ZYhW
"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…"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRauHWQFkw
"Ok, brother. I'll still make time for you, though, if you will still see me after you are rich and famous."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgUyuWWm47
"I never said I would be rich or famous. Just too busy to be bothered by you."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjWveRUKOX
"HEY," she was miffed but did nothing.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvUzKmNHZG
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsjbpK4gvk
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZuTcn3sUJ
"YOU DID IT!" Nina was getting excited.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAJzr3ew6e
"No… this is the first step, but… if it did work, still a huge success."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVxituS9Ai
He was worried he would miss something, so he made a few more to see if he could.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstQIyoXNjd
Five extra vials later, he felt dizzy and tired and tilted a bit, almost spilling the fifth brew.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D2obU5B3u
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCb2f2lgbG
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOymPjrb4JS
Leenia heard the commotion and checked on them. "You okay?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZSVZlA4Er
He nodded, not trusting his voice.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMChauge46
"No, brother is pushing himself. He needs rest and food."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsx6wSMfFt
She scooted off the bed, ears pressed as she tried to get close to him. He mildly shrugged her off.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoVM3RLT0O
"I'm fine, just… maybe hungry."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2BOR59NOe
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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IUoZKPeyE
"Thanks, Len."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q7y1Bg9FM
He wasn't happy, but he needed to go slow.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9kouAmkpQ
"I want to help too!" Nina hopped up and ran to the kitchen to help make food, leaving Wolf some peace.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv0oADTQb0
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ3BhDzm8V
Nina wasn't happy but agreed to leave him be but remain close if he needed anything, leaving him alone for the next part.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3AhPpCSRX
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh72qRW0FE5
He went to one of the partially made cures. He looked at his hand. He knew he supposedly had a rare, powerful gift.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1dBGueqpR
"My gift is balance magic and shifting powers. So if the gods are listening, let me balance with my will…"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWsg5dSSyt
Tears fell from his eyes. For his mother. For Herbert's decades of failure. For every person sleeping their lives away in church beds.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9AQzEloPm
"Please… work."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGacS0LILO
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4fPSrCnIa
So if the weakness curse was a lack of magic, he just needed to give them more so everyone had at least some magic.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlNLP7iKbN
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzXtp4s6d3
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI56wIXD64
Balance, he thought. That was his gift. Not just copying what existed, but balancing what should be.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPdjxRUcDX
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOBBpbgltX
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY7yJxeBJw
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMjrNdsnvR
Leenia was unsure why they both rushed to Wolf's room, but she followed.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHKO9bx8hz
She found them both hovering over Wolf's body, unconscious. She panicked, fearing the worst, and tried to heal him.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEb8Fp5JAb
"He's okay… he just must have drained himself. What happened?" Leenia asked, knowing nobody was there, but couldn't stop herself.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQQJGN11BY
"Think he just overused his mana," Coby said while watching with concern.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvame7mVp6y
Nina had tears in her eyes, and she held Wolf's head in her lap.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwKA45uoj4
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjoUCfmMGz
As Wolf woke up, he felt the tears gently pat his face from the girl who loved him as family.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuDmK70uly
He could not stop himself from smiling as he touched her face. She was surprised at that.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1XxVYPabS
"Thanks for worrying about me."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLWbgdYmwt
She cried, holding him more at that.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LqagLm8NK
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ276n3P8Q9T
"You want to tell us or just have us guess?" Coby broke the tension they all felt.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCuDf5Gwnz
"Sorry, I can't be sure, but I think I made not only a cure but a new, powerful potion that can increase magic."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYBtBU2jnJ
Everyone was stunned into silence.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOg0K7XpBq
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkZPd5agXm
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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGIvKCuXJC
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27XDC0Fe33
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AtDQftsyu
"Tomorrow… I will give her a cure, but I want to rest for today just to be safe."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41NipFqtEe
As the day wound down, they told their mom what they hoped for tomorrow.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkffc5HbWiA
She was concerned her son was going too far and amazed he had such a gift.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqO5xidI2D
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe0PUwUFkC
Tomorrow would be the day of truth, whether it was in vain or the start of something new.
Next Day389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsBiz94WIe
After resting, he felt better. He was up early.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqcD4VMxBb
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyRkRTpvi5
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCKeNxK3ix
He felt… fine?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwnppIgT3l
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBOViBZN4D
Amazing. He went from passing out from one to making six.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIldgy4GU7
He was scared. He didn't want to hurt his mom, so he drank it himself.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBiMOODj9q
It… was… intoxicating.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PdBXmyvtc
He felt his mana restored, and as he theorized, it did indeed feel like his magic improved a little. Besides that, he was okay.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLpIuAlNhS
Hmmm, how long do I wait?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexGlRtEVll
Since he was waiting, he made more. It might be conceited, but he felt that, no… knew it was correct and would work.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDprXUNv5L
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ixJuDcRGw
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…389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoezT5eVmA
He sighed.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZbSfWuBNo
"Mom?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOGdSW76gM
She awoke to her son's voice. He looked so frail. Had he not been eating enough?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P8KIB7Hps
"What is it, baby? You okay?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6wsd3zF48
He held up a small vial. She gently took it, wondering what it was.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYh4zQVmAD
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQG6KipAOu
She smiled. "I trust you, child. No need to worry. I just get tired, is all."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPaVTrvj3r
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnkQpmZLSR
And drank.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsNzBlXc0S
She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. It was full of warmth, of love, and of a desire to change and make things better.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv45a8mYDvd
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOu6JyOUkV
And something sparked. Something small and fragile and new. Magic. Her own magic, blooming like a flower after rain.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky9BlDTeZN
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyULc9xHylX
"Mom, are you okay?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQtxdULDFQ
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexWi6tmaj4
"My son…" Her voice was steady. Clear. "It worked."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlpuRHLBd2
The next few days were chaotic.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gha2Og30e
Mom, feeling better, though weak, made Leenia faint when she saw her walk into the shop.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTCs5DCKK2
She was assisted by Wolf and Nina but did walk.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ091fejDQQS
The time passed quickly for Wolf. He kept using his free time to mass-produce more cures to keep helping who he could.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9N4eVjaTO
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnRgpQVmBG
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1vl0mYD3w
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccF3sgFrEo
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaj55qeH5N
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.
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfIu7n9ILX
and then Add to home screen.