The sun had risen and rays of warm light filtered into Alistair's den in scattered patterns. "Tamanari." He moaned her name in his sleep when a loud knock rose him from his slumber.
"Time to get up you worthless mutt. You've got a full day." The slave driver tossed a hunk of raw meat to Alastair. "Eat up, mongrel." He walked away to rouse the other slaves from slumber.
"Pretentious asshole." Alistair raised his hand in front him. "Come forth, that which devours my will." A magic circle appeared in front of Alistair and a brown chest arose from the circle. The sound of locks turning could be heard and the chest opened by itself. "I just need to bide my time. Soon." Alistair chucked the food into the chest. It closed on its own and sunk back into the magical circle. His stomach rumbled loudly, the hunger pangs had hit again. "Stop it weakling. You must endure." Alistair fought off the hunger and rose to his feet. "Time to work."
Today's task was the same as always for Alistair. Given his immense strength and skills with a blade, he was sent to the outskirts of his Master's lands. Monsters were powerful creatures that roamed the lands and targeted civilizations. It didn't matter if humans lived there or demi humans. Monsters were a danger to all life. It was his duty to slay these monsters on his own and protect this land. Everyday the Slave Driver would attach two bracelets to Alistair's wrists. One was to prevent the accumulation of experience, the necessary thing to boost ones level. They applied this restraint to prevent their slaves from leveling up and becoming stronger than their Masters. The other bracelet was a bomb, set to detonate if the slave walked to far from their Master's land. Once you left the safe area, it would start beeping. counting down from three minutes until it would explode. If you failed to return to the safe zone, the bracelet would detonate, killing the wearer in a fiery explosion.
"Alright you worthless mutt. Our scouts reported a small group of direwolves nesting in a den nearby. Reports numbered at least four hunters and an Alpha. That's all the information we received. Bring back six ears and the Alpha's head if you want to eat tonight. Though I doubt a level 1 like you could survive against five direwolves." The Slave Driver laughed and kicked Alistair from the horse drawn carriage.
Alistair rose to his feet as a sheathed blade was tossed on the ground in front of him. It was a rusted and dull blade, not really suited for combat, especially against higher leveled monsters. They didn't care. This was all just a game to them. Alistair dusted himself off and picked up the blade. "They think to watch me die. Ha. I won't give them the satisfaction. Now to apply my tweaks." Alistair waved his hand over the Zero XP bracelet and a status screen appeared in front of him. "I can't disable the ZXP system. If they see that I leveled up, they will make adjustments to the bracelet. I can't have that, and since they can't see the parameters of my stats, I just tweak the programming and force level my stats from kills. Once I'm strong enough.." He waved the screen away and readied his blade. "I'll kill them all."
Deep howls and multiple sets of paws hitting rock could be heard encircling Alistair. The sound of running stopped, but growls and snarls filled in the void. "Tell me, brother, why do you fight to protect these creatures?" A deep, gruff voice came into existence.
"I have no quarrel with you, Alpha. However, if I don't kill you, or bring back proof of your demise, they will end my life. I have no desire to slay my kin." Alistair slammed his blade into the ground in front of him. "All I ask is for six ears and some fur from you, Alpha. If I don't succeed they will send more hunters. Experienced ones."
"I understand the reason for the ears, but why my fur?" The alpha sat down and growled softly. The other direwolves stood down and walked over to sit beside their alpha.
"If I have your fur, I can use it to make a replica of your head. That way I can trick the humans into thinking I've slain you." Alistair sat down across from the Alpha to begin negotiations.
"You would do this to save our lives? Why? What do you seek in return?" The alpha used its hind leg to scratch behind his ear.
"Stay off Master's land. At least for now. When it's time for me to make my escape, I'll need your help. Can you do that for me?" Alistair bowed his head.
"Escape, huh? Very well. I shall acquiesce." The Alpha growled softly. Several direwolves walked out from the nearby den. "Take an ear from each one." The Alpha turned his head to the side and bit down on his own body. He ripped out a chunk of his own fur and laid it on the ground at Alistair's feet.
Obtained Direwolf Ears: x6
Ear from a direwolf. Used as in ingredient for crafting or sold for a little money.
"Thank you. You have no idea what this means to me." Alistair finished taking the last ear he needed for his job. He reached out and picked up the fur.
Obtained Alpha Direwolf Fur: x1
Fur of an Alpha direwolf. Used as an ingredient for crafting.
"Okay. With this, I can make the replica." Alistair closed his eyes. "Come forth, that which devours my will." The magic circle appeared in front of Alistair once again and the brown wooden chest arose once more. Alistair reached inside and pulled out a mortar and pestle. He reached inside again and pulled out a few small pouches. The direwolves gathered around Alistair, watching him work with curious eyes.
Alistair put the Alpha Fur into the mortar, along with two other items.
Lost: Alpha Direwolf Fur x1
Lost: Slime Ooze x3
Lost: Harpy Talon x2
Obtained: Life Like Putty
"Alright. I just need to place this over your head for five seconds so it can mold to your features. Is that okay?" Alistair stretched out the putty and walked towards the Alpha, stopping a short distance from him.
Two wolves jumped in front, barring Alistair's path. "Silence!" The Alpha barked loudly. The two guards whimpered and withdrew. "Do what you must. I trust you." The Alpha drew close and closed his eyes.
"Life like putty, mold to my targets features and duplicate his face." The putty jumped from Alistair's hand and latched on to the Alpha's face. The putty shifted and molded until every feature was mimicked. The putty grew hair matching the Alpha and scars appeared where they were needed. The putty fell to the ground and the Alpha opened his eyes. He looked down to see the mold of his face close in the back.
Lost: Life Like Putty x1
Obtained Quest Item: Alpha Direwolf Head
"That's it? You're done?" The Alpha asked in awe.
"That's it. Simple and easy. Do we have a deal, Alpha?" Alistair asked as he picked up the replica. It was heavy, just like a real Direwolf head. He put the head into a sling on his back.
"I am true to my word. We shall leave these lands until you have need of us, brother. May the winds guide your feet." The Alpha and his pack turned around and dashed away from the land.
"And with you, my friend." Alistair watched them until he could no longer see them. "It will take some time, but we will see each other again." With that, Alistair turned around and started to patrol this area. The scouts didn't mention any other monster sightings, but they were inadequate and lax in their duties. There was usually more danger then they had reported. "If I can bring back more trophies, then I'll be rewarded more."
Alistair lifted his face upward and started sniffing the area around him. His ears twitched, listening for any kind of noise. He walked around for an hour or two before he finally picked up a scent. "Wait. Is that...?" He sniffed the air again. "Tamanari!" Alistair crouched down on all fours and dashed towards the scent that he recognized. 'What is she doing all the way out here?' He grew closer and out of nowhere the stench hit him. Blood. 'Tamanari! Tamanari!' He thought her name before screaming. "Tamanari!!"
Two hours earlier, back at the manor.
"Mother." Tamanari called through the door to her mother's room.
"Yes, darling?" A voice very similar to Tamanari's responded after some time. Faint struggling could be heard coming from inside.
"Is this a bad time? I just wanted to ask if I could go pick some flowers by the lake near the border. It's the perfect time." Tamanari asked hesitantly. Whatever was happening on the other side of this door made her stomach turn. What could she do, though. She was just one person.
"Oh, what a wonderful idea. This drab place could use some colors to liven it up a bit. Take some of your father's men just in case. The scouts didn't mention any monsters in that area but you can never be to safe. Just be back by sundown." With that said, Tamanari heard her mother's footsteps walk from the door and fade away.
"I'm sorry." Tamanari turned around and sprinted away down the stairs. She ran into one of the guards down the hall. "Ah, I'm sorry." She sniffled and wiped her eyes.
"It was no bid deal, my lady. What's the rush?" The man rubbed his chest where her head connected.
"Ah. To gather some men for an expedition. Mother gave me her blessing to pick flowers near the lake." Tamanari replied.
"Ah, well it just so happens I have five men armed and ready. Just say the word and we will leave on your command." He nodded with satisfaction.
"Good. Load the carriage and we will leave immediately." Tamanari commanded.
"As you command." The two of them left to get ready and within thirty minutes they were loaded up and on their way.
"It'll take roughly an hour to get there, so just enjoy the ride, Lady Tamanari." The coach driver snapped the reigns and the horses set off. Five men came with them, armed to the teeth. One rode in front and two followed on each side. The ride there was mostly quiet with a few exceptions of the local wildlife.
An hour came and went quickly and soon the lake came into view. The carriage slowed and three men went on ahead to check the area out. Five minutes later they whistled and the carriage took off again. "Everything seems to be in order. We should try not to dally here for to long." The men got off their horses and started patrolling the area.
"It shouldn't take but a few minutes. I'll be quick." Tamanari walked towards the lake to collect her flowers.
"Hey, boss. I've got a bad feeling. Could you use your 'scout skill' and check the area? Just to put my mind at ease." The man whispered to his superior.
"You've always been paranoid. Though I can't really complain, since that paranoia has kept us alive this long. Hang on." The boss closed his eyes. 'Scout!' He opened his eyes and magic circles appeared over his iris's. He scanned over the area several times. Nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary. 'Deactivate.' The skill disappeared and he looked to his subordinate. "I told you ther--" A high pitched scream reached their ears and they turned to the lake. "Lady Tamanari!"
Out of the lake popped three humanoid fish monsters. They each wore leather chest pieces and wielded a sickle. Tamanari screamed and rose to her feet as she tried to flee.
"Protect Lady Tamanari! There's only three of them! Surround them!" The boss shouted orders as the men quickly encircled the creatures. They all started swinging their weapons, each hit connecting on the creatures. They swung and attacked for several minutes. "Keep it up men!" The boss was running out of steam and so were his men. "Check their stats! They have to be close to death!" The boss panted and everyone checked the merfish's stats. "N-no. T-that can't be!"
Merfish (x3) Level 20
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Health: 2,185 (2300) | Mana: 0
Strength: 250
Constitution: 200
Dexterity: 170
Intelligence: 125
Wisdom: 85
Charisma: 15
Skills: Resist (Crush, Slash, Pierce), Spinning Slash, Mud Spit
Magick: NA
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"How are they this str--" The Guard (1A) was stopped mid sentence when the merfish(1A) nearest to him spun in a circle and slashed at his head. The other guards watched as his head slid off his body at an angle. His head rolled when it hit the ground and his body slumped to the mud, dead.
"No freaking way man! I ain't dying here!" Guard (2A) threw his weapon to the ground and tried to flee for his life. Merfish (2A) dashed after him and swung his sickle at the fleeing guard(2A). The blade pierced his back and popped out through his chest. "I don't...want to die..." He coughed up a mouthful of blood and died before he hit the ground. Merfish (2A) snickered as he pulled his blade free, the crimson red shimmered in the sunlight.
"H-Hold your ground men!" The boss shouted as his men fell one by one. In just a few seconds, he was the only one left standing. "Come at me you filthy fish!" The boss raised his great axe high above his head and charged at the three of them. They all scattered when he brought the weapon down. The weight of the weapon, tied in with his strength, caused the great axe to lodge into the mud. He tried to pull the weapon out quickly, but it was stuck and no amount of pulling would free it. "No. Noooooooo!!!!" He turned around to run but it was too late. The three merfish blocked his path. Tamanari sat on the sidelines far from battle, fear stricken and unable to move. All she could do was watch as these three creatures stabbed this man over and over until his dead body no longer amused them.
They turned their attention to the last person alive, Tamanari. They started slowly making their way towards her, showing no real urgency. "No! S-Stay away! Somebody...help." She whimpered and tried to scoot back away from them. "Alistair." She whispered his name and his face popped into her mind. "I...wanted to see you again." The three merfish raised their weapons preparing to strike.
"TAMANARI!!" Alistair shouted her name loudly as he lunged in front of the merfish's sickles. The rusted blade he was given had snapped, but not before slowing down their attacks. They had inflicted a good bit of damage, but he shrugged it off. Looking over his shoulder, he saw the frightened Tamanari weeping. "It's okay, Tamanari. I'm here. I won't let them hurt you." He turned his attention back to the creatures. "Get the fuck off of ME!" He shouted and used his immense strength to fling these creatures forty feet away.
"H-How? They are level 20 with 250 strength. How could a level 1 overpower them?" She whimpered and looked up at her protector. 'He is...so strong.'
'Damn it. I need a weapon. Even with my strength, bare handed attacks will get me nowhere.' He noticed the steel blade twenty feet from him, next to one of the dead guards. 'If I can make it...' He stood up straight. "Speed Boost. Double Speed Boost. Stat Enhancement. Double Stat Enhancement." He whispered these skills and each time he did, a white light would flicker from his body.
"Those...are the rare body boosting skills! How does he have access to them?" The more she watched this man, the more mysterious he seemed. A lowly slave, a level 1, with unreadable stats, and yet, he was strong enough to fight off three level 20 creatures.
Alistair crouched down low and for a fraction of a second, he disappeared from Tamanari's vision. With the enhancements he used, his body had become so quick that the average person couldn't track his movements. She looked around in a panic, wondering if Alistair had abandoned her. "Kiiyyyyeee." One of the merfish screamed in pain before falling to pieces. The two looked behind him and saw this human who just killed one of them. The panicked merfish swung their weapons at Alistair. Nothing. His image was there, but distorted. He had moved so quickly that it left an afterimage of himself. "To slow." Alistair swung his blade once and then pointed it to the ground. Green blood spurted out of the joints where their arms connected to their shoulders. They both let out ear piercing screams as their arms dropped to the ground.
They started to back up, trying to put some distance between them and this monster who appeared out of nowhere. "Oh, we aren't finished." Alistair took a step forward again and disappeared once more. He reappeared behind the merfish and slashed them four times each. With one last death scream, the two merfish fell to the ground in simultaneous sync.
"Whew. Deactivate skills." Alistair turned off the four boosts he had been using and dropped down to one knee. "Tamanari. Are you unharmed?" Alistair looked up to check on her but his vision was to blurry. "Damn it..." Alistair muttered before collapsing to the ground and fading into a state of unconsciousness.
"Alistair!" Tamanari finally found the strength to stand on her own. She ran over to the Wolfborn man who just saved her life. "Alistair!" She screamed his name again and brought his head into her chest. "Don't die. Don't leave me alone!" She sobbed quietly, her tears falling on to Alistair's face.
'She..is crying. Why...? In her eyes I should just be a lowly slave, a worthless mutt. But she...she cries for me. Why?' Alistair found just enough strength to raise his hand. "T-Tamanari..." He managed to whisper her name in a hoarse voice. "D-don't cry..." He placed his hand on her cheek. 'Why does...being near you...make my heart feel at ease and destroy the walls I've built around my...my heart?'