When I awoke again, I was laying in a grassy field. The grass was yellow and somewhat dry. It seems like I'm on a Prairie of flat lands. The grass is tall, and I'm… in a Cat body. Yup. I'm a Cat now. Right, here goes nothing! Status! Immediately after thinking it, a menu screen pops up in my field of vision. It was displayed as followed:
Name: Unnamed Monster (Nero Miki)
Race: Cat (Halloween)
Weapon: Lantern (unarmed)
Mount: Broom (unarmed)
Class: Halloween Cat (Sub Class: Witch/Tamer)
Level: 1
HP: 5/5
MP: 20/20
P. DEF: 0
M. DEF: 0
SP: 100/100
FP: 98/100
STR: 4
INT: 10
DEX: 3
LUK: 1
AGI: 6
Titles:
[True Halloween Cat], [From Another World]
Abilities Learned:
[Flying Broom], [Soul Merge], [Clansmen Capture], [Hallowed Gate], [This is Halloween], [Wailing Keep], [Language Comprehension], [Shapeshift], [Barrier], [Daily Candy], [Claw Fishing], [Disguise], [Recovery by Sleep], [Enhanced Meditating]
Woah~ There are some abilities in this list that I didn't pick. I wasn't informed of them at all, either! [This is Halloween] and [Soul Merge] are both brand new to me. Both of them sound pretty dangerous, and not okay. I should probably just leave them alone for now. On the other hand, [Hallowed Gate], [Wailing Keep], [Flying Broom], and [Clansmen Capture] were all explained. Even then, they sound kind of frightening and rare, so I should probably keep them as cards close to my chest for now.
Dammit. What's with that?! My status says I have no name, but it also states my past life name? Is it because I, myself; recognize myself as that name? Will other people see it if they appraise me? Will they also see that I'm a freaking MONSTER?! My HP is absurdly low, and my MP is okay... I guess? My STR, DEX, and LUK seem hopeless. My INT seems like it will be my strong suit followed by my AGI. I guess my INT and MP are higher because of my Class being made up of two different Mage-Type Sub-Classes, and that my AGI is higher because I'm a Cat. I didn't think about needing to find a weapon and Broom after being born, either. I suppose that I'll need some sort of money in order to purchase them. Perhaps I could try selling Fish?
With that frame of mind, I decided to use [Shapeshifting] in order to change into a Human form. It couldn't be helped, I'm simply too short as a Cat to see very far past this tall grass. After transforming into a Human, it seems that I've taken the appearance of a very young child. I'm a male, thank the Hunky Beefcake. My hair is black, and I have fair skin. I also have Cat ears. I don't know what my eye color is, but I guess it doesn't matter. Looking around the fields, I see a fair sized Village off in the distance, and a small River seems to run nearby it. Surrounding the Village seems to be a vast forested area. Actually, if I look around in any direction; it seems that this Prairie field isn't actually that large. There are forested areas all around it and I even see some mountains in the far distance. It may not be earth, but it doesn't seem all too different. It's currently bright and early in the morning, and the skies are blue. The only thing feeling off about the entire picture is the fact that there are Slimes jumping around these fields. They're small, but they jump a large distance. Because of the tall grass, it's impossible to know just when they'll jump out and in just which direction. I'm starting to feel terrified, so I decided to make best use of my 6 AGI and flee. My direction? That small River near the aforementioned Village.
I successfully escaped the Level 1 death flag that will forevermore be dubbed the attack of the stealth Slimes. After arriving at the River, I quickly remembered that I am, indeed... Nude. So, I started casting [Disguise] immediately to gain myself a somewhat decent outfit. The results? I gained a pink dress, a straw hat, a pair of black shorts, a lab coat, and a pale green tee-shirt. Casting [Disguise] at the lowest cost of MP set me back 4 MP each time. I only had 5 chances, and I guess you could say that I gained an outfit? I had to ditch the dress and I'm not really a fan of the lab coat, but it might help me keep warm at night so I'll need to deal with it.
I decided to follow the River downstream in search of a Lake that might hold more bounty for my weapon funds. I'd also like some food. As I traveled while keeping a sharp eye on the waters, I managed to catch a couple small Fish. They probably aren't worth selling due to their size, so I think I'll eat them later. I traveled along the River for what seemed like an hour until I finally reached the Lake. It was a sight to behold, honestly it was quite large; but my favorite aspect of it was the nice, sandy beach that it hosted.
No time to relax yet, so I immediately stripped down and hopped into the Lake. It's cold. It's very, very cold. Nope! No more swimming for this kitty! From here on out, it's knee deep Fishing, or no Fishing at all. Maybe a more tropical area would be better for a sophisticated Cat like myself. Should I head south? I wonder where I am in comparison to the equator? I should try asking someone when I go to sell my plunders. For now, I'm desperately drying myself off with my lab coat, and redressing myself. I'm going back the way I came, I'm going to catch Fish in the River, and I'm going to get my paws on a Lantern! I should also build a fire at some point to eat. Thinking so, what's my status?
Name: Unnamed Monster (Nero Miki)
Race: Cat (Halloween)
Weapon: Lantern (unarmed)
Mount: Broom (unarmed)
Class: Halloween Cat (Sub Class: Witch/Tamer)
Level: 1
HP: 5/5
MP: 20/20
SP: 85/100
FP :75/100
P. DEF: 4
M. DEF: 4
STR: 4
INT: 10
DEX: 3
LUK: 1
AGI: 6
Titles:
[True Halloween Cat], [From Another World]
Abilities Learned:
[Flying Broom], [Soul Merge], [Clansmen Capture], [Hallowed Gate], [This is Halloween], [Wailing Keep], [Language Comprehension], [Shapeshift], [Barrier], [Daily Candy], [Claw Fishing], [Disguise], [Recovery by Sleep], [Enhanced Meditating]
I guess I can keep going a little while longer, seeing as FP is probably Food Points, while SP is probably Stamina. They're the only two stats that have changed since the last time I checked and thinking about it, I wouldn't understand what they were if not that. Thinking so, I continued seeking Fish while I traveled the River and was able to catch a decent haul! By the time I reached the Village, I now had 10 of the smaller Fish and 2 mid-sized Fish. The 10 of the smaller Fish are all of the same kind, and the 2 mid-sized ones are both different. I was honestly never that into seafood in my past life, so I don't really know what to compare them to. The smaller Fish were all grey and thin, probably about 15cm long. The first mid-sized one that I caught had yellow and grey skin, and was about 25cm long, 2in thick. The second mid-sized Fish was pink and about 30cm long, 3in thick. They seemed kind of normal to me, as if they weren't actually monsters. Just Fish.
The Village that I arrived at was considerably underdeveloped. The houses seemed more like huts, with straw roofs and had some type of thin wood for walls. The walls almost seemed like bamboo, but were more brown. The straw was an orange color, I think it's just the Prairie field grass nearby. The bamboo-like wood was tied together with what seemed like the exact same grass. The homes were varying in sizes, but were generally all cylinder shapes with the straw forming a cone-like roof.
As I walked through the Village, I took note of something somewhat strange. Very few people were actually walking around this Village, and those that did were covered from head to toe in robes. The robes made it difficult to discover any discerning features of the individuals living here. When people were talking, they seemed to be talking pretty quietly. I couldn't make out what they were saying, but the atmosphere here seems gloomy. Finally, I saw a ray of hope for this sad situation! There were two children playing in the street about 30 metres ahead of me. When I approached, what seemed to be their mother quickly guided them inside. Yikes. It seems like... Maybe I'm the problem? I don't understand! I'm a nice Cat, I swear!
As I made my way through the ominously uninviting Village, I came across a hut much larger than the others. At the top of it where the straw met, there was a unique design with a skull attached. Spooky. There were two cloaked men standing guard outside the entrance. This is the most official-like hut that I have seen, so I'm going to roll the dice and introduce myself. As I approached the hut, the two men blocked the open entry-way with their spears. I can't help but feel slightly intimidated. Why are they so tall? Those cloaks aren't fooling anyone, I know you're muscular!
"Halt. State your name and your bidding." [Cloaked Hunk #1]
"To approach our Village Chief's place with inappropriate intentions will not be allowed!" [Cloaked Hunk #2]
Jeez, what's with his attitude? Why just make assumptions like that?! I guess I'll need to pull a nice front in order to get their recognition.
"Please forgive my intrusion. I am a traveler called Nero and would like to meet with your Village Chief. I have no ill intent, I am lost and simply seek knowledge." [Nero]
"Knowledge? Why not just ask someone else? The Village Chief doesn't have time to talk to just about anyone, you know?" [Cloaked Hunk #2]
I hate him. Why does he need to be so freaking unreasonable? This entire Village is practically unapproachable as is, none of the Villagers will come anywhere near me!
"Just let him pass, I can't stand to hear the bickering any longer. These huts are thin~" [Mysterious Old Man Voice]
"Village Chief! Are you sure? This boy could be dangerous!" [Cloaked Hunk #2]
"Yes, yes… hurry on in now, I'm not getting any younger!" [Village Chief]
The two Cloaked Hunks reluctantly lifted their spears, allowing me entry to the hut. I couldn't help but let out a somewhat snide face to #2. His face afterwards was unbelievably satisfying to witness. I have no regrets. When I entered the hut, I came face to face with the Village Chief. To my surprise, this man. He was old, and he was unmistakably… a Goblin. Yep. He's green, he seems to be a shaman-type, and he's OLD! I'm both pleasantly surprised, but am also heavily disappointed. This is bad. If this entire Village is home to Goblins, then there's low chances that I will find a Broom OR a Lantern. I pray that I can at least find the latter. What's more? What if they don't use gold?! How will I sell my Fish? UGHH!!!! This sucks. This is the worst. My 1 LUK seems to be shining. Perhaps sensing my disappointment, the Village Chief let out a sigh. Oops, I'll get on with it!
"Hello, my name is Nero. I'm a travelling Cat and would like to ask some questions about your Village. I was Fishing in the nearby River and would like to perhaps sell or barter away some of my haul to these Villagers. If it's silver, I'd be fine. Be that as it may, I would also accept payment in either a Broom or a Lantern. Both would be optimal. When I was exploring your Village, I couldn't find any shops and everyone seemed to be avidly avoiding me. I apologize, but searching for an official like yourself to speak to seemed to be the best option." [Nero]
The Village Chief took a brief pause before answering.
"A travelling Cat, you say? How interesting. If it's Fish from the River, I'm sure that many of the Villagers would appreciate some food. Thing is, our people don't often come across silver as Humans don't tend to do trade with us. I must apologize. A Broom or a Lantern may be possible, in fact I actually own a Lantern myself. I would be happy to trade it for some Fish, as I don't own the candles needed to light it anyways. I don't own a Broom, however. I must apologize about any rude treatment towards you. We simply do not receive outsiders often and they likely thought that you were a Human, given your appearance." [Village Chief]
Hmmm… So Village Chief has a Lantern for me, ehhh??? So they were mean because I look Human with my straw hat on? I guess they conceal their Goblin identity from Humans, so everyone usually dresses in robes. It can't be helped. Very well~ I promptly lay my haul of Fish down in front of me, and show the good sir what I'm packin'. Let's get to business!
"So, just how many of my Fish will you take for that Lantern of yours? I need it desperately, I hope you can understand. If you desire even more Fish, then I will certainly hunt it for you tomorrow; as it's getting too late now. However, I must ask that you feed me and allow me to spend the night until I can fully repay you in Fish. Any Fish that I eat during my stay will be replaced with new Fish when I hunt." [Nero]
"Hahaha~ I like your spirit, kitty! Very well, you may stay here until you earn your Lantern and you may eat your fill. Shall we say 20 small Fish for the Lantern? I'll do some digging around town to search for a Broom in the meanwhile. This way, you can freely eat the larger Fish without feeling like it's hurtin' your profits!" [Village Chief]
The Cloaked Hunk #2 is giving me a foul look, and so I know for a fact that I just got a great deal. It's settled!
"You have yourself a deal!" [Nero] said while shaking the hand of the Village Chief.
After making the deal, the Village Chief had his Hunks go off to search around the Village for a Broom. They seemed like they didn't want to leave me alone with their Chief, but they couldn't stand up to his authority. Yosh! Having powerful friends is good. They can solve my problems! The Chief and I went on and had a grand ol' conversation as we cooked and ate our Fish outside his hut. We became fast friends. When it was dark, I changed back into my Cat form and nuzzled into my now dried lab coat which was placed inside the hut near his straw bed. Before I went to sleep, I cast [Daily Candy] to make sure that I wouldn't be losing out on any potential freebie profits. This stuff might as well be gold to me. Surprisingly, the Candy Bucket looked like a cheap plastic hollow jack-o-lantern with a handle. Filled to the brim with Candy. Wonderful. Cooldown: 24 Hours. Ouch… I should have used it sooner. Good night pal~