Leaving the inn, Coby watched the team walking forward; they did not hide well how they felt.
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Yet were they really trying to hide it?
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Nina seemed aloof, but he knew she feared something; maybe she doubted her strength against the beast we had to run from before.
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She was wagging her tail, chatting with Terra, who was laughing at a random joke she made. Terra was getting better at their speech, but it can be hard to follow when she gets really excited, even now.
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The shadows darken near coby side. Arlin was near him and brooding. He tried to talk them down, and coby did not blame him, but this was necessary…. he agreed with Leena.
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He looked over at me with a scowl, and I could not help but smile. He was a friend to me, and I wanted him to feel welcome even now that he was facing his fear.
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“My brother would thank you if he knew,” he tried assuring Arlin how he felt.
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“What?” Arlin replied. Surprising him, maybe we were not on the same page….
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“Wolf would thank you for helping Len; he would not want her out here.“
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“Yeah, no surprise there…” Arlin replied, his shadows seeming to grow darker. “So why are we…?” Arlin stared straight ahead, clearly not expecting an answer. Coby watched him, realizing the Shadowman was too deep in his brooding to hear reason.
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Well, he’d tried. He left it at that.
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Len looked back to see the discord between them... So he smiled and nodded to assure her we were fine.
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She nodded back with a slight smile, knowing we could do this…
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He wasn’t completely sure how to feel, so it’s not like he did not understand Arlin’s or Nina’s view.
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He remembered his arrows slowed the ogre but did not stop it, and rumors are it has gotten smarter and uses the wind… that bad, that means we won’t be able to hit it easily.
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So what would his role be then if he can’t hit it?
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Well, besides tracking it, which is more than enough, he guessed. Plus, we've got Terra now, and Len did train, so things are different…
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Deep in thought, a scowl was forming on his face. He was behind the other, so he assumed nobody noticed, but the laughter between Nina and Terra died down without him noticing, and Terra was chasing Arlin Shadow as Nina slowly got close to him.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsCjqd8kaP
And spoke in a low voice, “You think we’ll be ok?”
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Looking ahead but watching her from the side, he saw her hands behind her head, her tail slightly swishing as we both watched Arlin running around Len, trying to avoid Terra's increasing advances….
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It seemed enough time had passed that Terra felt more bold chasing him again.
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“We’re fine,” he replied coolly. Nina nodded slightly to that, not really believing that he could see it in her face, but knowing we were too focused and would not be divided on this.
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The plan was simple, though we discussed it many times before: they would wait near the cave while he secured our access by informing the guard he was changing their shift. Arlin got added to the plan to help sell the new guard change vs. just me, but he still needed to check the reports to make sure no variables could hinder us.
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That meant talking to Dad….
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He was keeping me away for a while, not trusting us. Funny, they willingly let us dive into the depths before with no issues, but now it's too much….
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He wasn't sure who was right. This ogre is a threat, and everyone is trying to play hero in some form. He did not want to do that; he thought that was stupid…
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But to kill the threat?
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That he agreed with and that beast ogre wanted them, so it made sense that it ended with them…
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He closed his eyes and used the wind to see beyond the group and their bickering and banter. He drew out his senses to see149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BD77mfJZm
The town was mostly empty; everyone feared the beast walking out and randomly attacking anyone it could see, so the rumors grew, and now nobody went out unless they needed to.
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He hated losing his senses with all the people around, but now it felt too empty, like everyone was trying to hide in shadows while fearing them…
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He pulled back to himself. They were close to the guild hall. The team wished him well and left for the cave, as he alone could do this next part.
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Beyond the entrance, the room was empty save for the few at the counter. He was used to the past, when it had been filled with requests from hopeful hunters to be trained or those seeking help when adventurers refused without pay.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo1V151ncH
He nodded to the group at the counter and was tempted to slink around looking for the report, but figured a cool confidence would present a much better front.
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His dad banned him from the meetings, not from information, so he would be allowed the latest reports; he could even ask what they knew within reason.
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The one smiling and wanting to greet him now was a lively female hunter. Despite the mood he felt, she was one of the new hires and was very optimistic. Her name escaped him at the moment, but the shine in her eye meant she knew him well.
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He wondered if they trained together?
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He wasn't sure he had many random requests; he was forced to train vs. Hunt many people, so he did not look upon those memories fondly.
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Between those musings, she finally felt he was close enough to speak and call out to him.
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“Heya, Coby, how have you been?” She pulled her curly brown hair back, seeming to shine a bit brighter with his attention. He noticed she had pretty brown eyes that seemed full of warmth, and for a moment, he forgot why he was there.
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“Uh, hey.” He did not like the distraction. He had seen women before. Why was this one different? Besides, Len needed him, and they were in a dark situation.
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He saw her smile falter. She was sharp enough to notice the mood shift so easily, which made him smile. He liked observant people.“Sorry, I wanted the latest report to make sure all is well.”
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“Is that ok?”
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She beamed once more, nodding vigorously. “Of course.“
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“Anything for you~” she said as she turned to check the shelves. They tended to keep a daily report near the front for reference, so all knew the daily plan and always updated it when things changed.
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She turned back with the report, eager to help him. Things were going smoothly, maybe he could chat a bit longer to maintain the casual facade. Maybe even get her name before he went.
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Yet despite the joy she showed seeing him, it faded and turned serious, and he knew there was a shift as she wasn't watching him with the same joy as before, but with a serious, calculating look. He knew someone important was behind him with those eyes…
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But who?
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Yet he would not need to wonder long, as she spoke, “Sir, I was giving the daily report to Coby. Everything else has been calm; nothing else to report.”
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Nobody was that formal with anyone other than the mayor or his dad, and she wasn’t looking down…. So it was his dad.
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“Oh? I did not send for him, but I suppose it is not strange he wanted a report.” he turned around, watching his dad lost in thought before he saw him looking up, smiling, at seeing his son. “I’m glad you’re taking this well, son. I thought you’d be more stubborn and start something.”
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“Not that it matters anymore; the matter is settled.” he was confused about what his dad meant by that. We were still hunting the beast? How was the matter settled…?
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“The dungeon closed. How is it settled?“ he asked, unsure.
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Dad looked at the person at the counter and drew the eyes of the few people near who also overheard the talk. He wasn't sure why Dad cared who heard, since when was this a private matter to those in a hunter guild?
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Dad grunted as if agreeing to his unspoken words and confirmed it by saying it out loud….
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“It’s no secret, and the report will be public, so it’s not like you all won’t hear it anyway…”
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“Tanya the Hidden Blade had a fail-safe.“ Arlin, Mom, planned ahead? That was surprising to hear and an unforeseen truth. “It seems she contacted the king without our knowledge before she fought the ogre; she sent to get help, but not wait,,,.” the dad mused mildly, conflicted about how to feel before continuing
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“The reply arrived quickly, but they need a week or so to prepare, and will send a team to deal with it.”
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His dad handed him the latest version of the report, meaning he almost missed this update, though. Did it really change anything? He checked the scroll just to get an idea of what it said.
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Report: Operation Beast Hunter, File 445, Case B
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Weeks of no progress, not from lack of training, elusive beast.
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Injuries total 14, none recent
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Teams of 3 groups of 6 each always have one wind user and one fire user, and they vary in skill. The team has no combat results in effectiveness. The beast injures the teams and runs before the proper battle. Beast always hunts solo and avoids other monsters, unsure why, assuming it can be a plot for a trap.
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Known tactics: Scouts in areas will run vs. fight if able to choose; masters of wind can hide in a shell of wind to mask their presence, still visible to normal sight; it can also be used to increase speed, massive strength, and tough skin.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeqvayfbCR
unconfirmed rumor of what we think it can do, or will do, or desires.
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Capable of speech, capable of traps, increased healing, and high mana, it hunts only the inexperienced and kids.
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Defeated Tanya's hidden blade with an unknown skill or tactic.
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We closed down the dungeon since then and have no info since the rumor beast is trapped, keeping a team near the dungeon as a fail-safe and training, keeping two guards at the dungeon for runner of info and early warning.
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Tanya contacted the kingdom; the king himself agreed to send his best team. They are on another mission, delayed response. Within the week, if nothing changes, advise a lockdown of the dungeon till confirmed safe.
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No other updates since that event, end of report
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Most of the reports were redundant from days before, but it was more to keep the team sharp with reports than for the information needed. The main new things were that a team was coming and training hunters near the dungeon.
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He knew about guards, but keeping other hunters nearby as a fail-safe would make it a little harder to sell that he was guarding. They knew his dad loved making him train new recruits, so they might get suspicious if he did not know they were training near them.
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“You’re not mad at me, are you, son? It was for the best.” His dad's voice brought him back. He nodded, not trusting his voice just yet, not to betray him.
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He looked over at the girl who was just helping him to distract and recenter himself, and saw the concern in her face. She did not get to read the latest report, so she could only assume.
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He could use that to sell the ruse…
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“Thanks for helping me. I got the info I wanted, and it's all good news!” He smiled as he said that and watched her concern melt away into relief, making him feel guilty using her like that, but Len needed him….
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“That's good, I was worried. Um, does the report say anything new?”
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“That thing will be taken care of; like his dad said, they just need a little time.“Handing her the report to read, he finally felt bold enough to lie to his father…
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“You’re right, Dad, you do know best. We’re fine just handling it our own way.”
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Dad was watching me carefully, as he expected. Having learned to observe from him. It's why he needed time to carefully sell this ruse.
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Maybe from guilt for pushing me into this life as a leader and keeping me out of hunts, he conceded easily enough, surprising me. Dad looked tired; it seemed this was taking more of a toll than he knew…
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"Ok, son, I took a late shift with the overnight watch since I could not sleep.”
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“Think I’m going to go visit Tanya and let her son know the beast will be dealt with.”
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“He’s my friend too, Dad. I plan to meet him later at the inn. I’ll let him know.”
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“Also, I think he finally left her side.”
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“Really?” The dad said in surprise.
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“The boy would not leave her side to even bathe for days before?” Suspicion entered his eyes, wondering what had changed.
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“You can only cry so long before life moves on.” He replied coolly, making Dad grimace since he felt they helped Arlin's mom end up like that, even if inadvertently.
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Dad nodded to me and spoke, “Suppose you’re right. Life is cruel regardless of our desire.” Staring off into the distance as if remembering an old hunt. Before looking at me once more, he finished his thought.
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“ Let him know we tried, son, even if he doesn’t believe.”
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He agreed, though he was torn. Should we keep going? The beast will be stopped; we just need to do nothing. Sure, Len will be disappointed not playing hero, but is it wrong to let someone else deal with it?
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Would she let others deal with it?
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No… no, she won't.
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The options will be that we all go or half of us go... They would find a way; we were literally doing that now….
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“It was good to see you again, son. I miss our hunts.” His dad patted his shoulder and left him to his thoughts. He walked away, planning his next move, when a voice spoke to his leave form.
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“Bye, Coby. I’ll see you around, right?” The girl had hope. In her eyes, it stopped him in his tracks.
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Was this how it felt for his brother meeting Teva? He nodded to her in a small recognition, even if she wanted more, it had to be enough as he left.
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He wasn’t sure how he felt; he did want to stay and talk to her or even just know her name…
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Yet there were already friends and family who needed him. He would not lose focus so easily from a girl's interest.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiT2xycrcVH
So he left….
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Once outside, he used the wind to help him scout near the lake and the dungeon cave. He saw the team doing drills and running exercises and breaking into smaller teams to practice scouting signs of tracks.
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Beyond them, near the mouth of the cave, he saw Arlin Brood under a random tree with Terra walking circles near another. He assumed she lost track of her prize, which was the Shadowman, who wanted none of that…
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Nina also seemed bored talking to Len as he slowly made his way closer. Len saw him first, always watching, even now, making him smile. She was taking this seriously.
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“Well, can we do it?“ She asked hopefully.
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He had plenty of time to think; he knew what they could do. He even saw the aftermath of what they did in more than one battle. Len always led them to a win before, time and time again, and she got them out when they could not…
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So now she's asking, can they do it?
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“I need Arlin to help convince the guards beyond that we’re good.” It wasn't a lie, just an omission of truth. She watched me with a face full of conviction.
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She wasn’t blind. She knew we were divided and maybe even broken, but she still felt we could do it.
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Then he agreed…
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Getting past the guards was surprisingly easy to the point he almost chastised them; they gave so much trust to his word that they were relieved that he and Arlin were guarding now versus them having to risk the unknown beast.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRlN4JrTaV
Yet this was his choice to lie, so why was he upset they chose to trust…?
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Level one CAVE
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Just past the guards, there was nothing to see; the same cave and walls greeted them. I used the wind more out of reflex than need; the layout never changed, and the door would always be in the same place….
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Even as we went deeper, the team seemed to be nearly the same as before, Arlin Moody accepting his fate. Nina, following out of need, much like me, Terra seemed to limber up, looking for a fight in her chain armor and hammers. The joy of battle is only replaced with the joy of a chase for Arlin.
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Then there was Leena. She looked like a proper knight to me. She held herself with grace. She only had leather armor, but her boots were enchanted with wind, and her shield was enchanted with earth, making her a powerful tank that could move. Her weapon was a gift she treasured, but I rarely saw her use it since most battles were handled long before her need to strike.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwxBE3EEr2
Maybe this one will be no different? 5 people, all with some form of power and skill, vs. one beast? Those are good odds.
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Level two Winter forest
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Snow fell like gentle tears, chilling to the bone. Yet Arlin’s shadows curled protectively around them, shielding from the bite, just as Len’s light radiated warmth. Between gloom and glow, the team moved forward—together, they made the cold bearable.
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“O MY, IT’S CULD ARLUN HULD ME.” Terra was even now still having fun trying to chase Arlin while Len chided and calmed her down, reminding her this was a place for battle, not fun. Somber, Terra was in a bit of a mood.
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He used the time to scout the door. It was closed, though still a bit of a walk. He informed the team there was a random monster, but not near the door. Luckily, we made it uncontested.
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Leena had him confirm the random monster was not a beast, and he did. he also told her rumors were the ogre could hide and liked to be solo, so he was watching for hidden threats or even the ogre hiding.
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The team focused more after those words were shared, fearing every unseen thing, but it was pointless; he was already observing.
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Level three A desert and a bust.
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I informed the team that the beast never went to a desert or winter land; it was risky to go deeper versus resetting the dungeon.
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Arlin snapped, wondering how many times we were going to be wandering in unknown places, hoping for a chance to meet the beast….
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I had no answers, and there was no easy path. Was this the gods way of helping us? Last time, it rewarded our willingness to fight for a prize, yet now we can’t find the beast?
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Or was I assuming too much?
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“Three times,“ Len broke the tension with a calm serenity.
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“We try three times no deeper than three; if we don’t find the beast, we stop.”
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“Fair?” She watched the team to see what they thought. no judgment we could see just a resolve
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“YEA!” Nina jumped up and down, happy there was a chance could fail and end long before it started. Even Arlin seemed a bit brighter. Only Terra and Len seemed to simmer a bit, but neither would push. This was what he wanted to avoid: that division in how we feel…
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“It’s good, Len. I agree, so this is one loop?”
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She frowned, not liking that the first time was a bust, but mature enough to make the hard choices, and she nodded as they went into the desert just for us to turn around and exit back to level one…
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The next set of three was a bust, too much like the first set: beyond the level one cave, it was a level two night forest, and level three was a rare bounty field. We ate and rested a bit in the bounty since we all knew the next set of dungeon loops would be the last.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSISykzyzE
Win or lose, it would be a turning point and end this.
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LEVEL TWO Undead cemetery
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a place filled with random graveyards. There were not many monsters, yet the few we saw, Terra happily rushed them. Tired of being able to do nothing, I used that time to scout as we found the next door.
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LEVEL THREE Grass plains
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It was a bit nostalgic. This was where our team broke up. Our last battle was in a zone like this, so to him, this should have been where it ended once more, but on a high note.
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He was about to tell Len there were no monsters when he felt it, the brush of wind, and knew they had found it.
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But it also found them.
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We were right on top of the door. It was not too late to leave; just turn and go, to say it was a mistake, and let it end at that.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLm2Yez66U
He knew the ogre had power over wind, but he underestimated the subtle use it had. The brush was gentle, almost a whisper.
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If he did not have control over the wind himself, he might never have noticed it.
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“So that’s it? We're done. I followed you more than once into this, and nothing here…” Arlin asked, unaware of what he knew.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Otdm4N03U
Nina and Terra watched Len for an answer, and Len nodded, agreeing that if they followed her this far, she would not betray her word. She looked at me to confirm the end and was surprised to see the sweat on his forehead.
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He was conflicted. They found the beast, yet he wanted to warn her that this might be too much, but fear what others would do and divide us, not on top of the monster, not like this.
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She knew.
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She nodded slowly, no words spoken, and he relaxed. They could stop and end this before it even started.
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We were wrong to play heroes, but not too late for them to turn back.
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CRACK BOOM
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A thundering sound boomed in the distance, and a slight wave of air pushed past us, and with that, the ogre appeared, taking the choice away from us…
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It was shaking its hand. It seemed to be trying something with the wind, but it failed to do much. Other than a loud wind that blew past them.
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It looked beat up, bloody, and broken. How bad was the fight with Arlin's mom? How close did she come to killing it?149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIS3gPLHBo
The ogre watched them in the distance, not moving, and they were too close to the door for even a speed burst to stop them from getting away or even them countering with a barrage of spells.
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This was an odd choice to fight in such an open plan, which worked against him….
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So why did it choose here?
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I tried scouting with the wind and felt nothing hidden.
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"Don't luuk like much," Terra was dismissing it, but Nina and Arlin knew what it could do even before it hurt the hidden blade…
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It shuffled to them with a bit of a limp, not rushing, with a calm certainty that they came for him as it hunted them.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIF2zr4djn
He relied too much on blind trust till now; words were needed, not just trust. he had to stop it before things went any further.
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“Len, listen, I was wrong—”
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“LUT GO!” Terra flared the flame within her mana and rushed.
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She rushed right as he chose to speak after trying to calm his mind, looking for the right words, assuming all knew the risk, all would listen to Len and wait for his report.
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“TERRA” Leena tried yelling to stop the rushing berserker, but she was too far gone in a battle frenzy to hear anything, then her own roars of laughter
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We could no longer run; this was now the last battle. They all made their choice; nobody was forced to walk this path.
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Now they just needed to make sure it ended with only the blood of the beast and not everyone else's.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmrKqZAwIa
and then Add to home screen.