"Be careful Eleos. If you don't think you can handle something then don't do it" my mother told me.
"I know mom, I know."
"And remember Eleos we agreed on a weeklong trip, ok. So that means if you're gone longer then I'm going to immediately start searching for you."
"Dad, don't worry, I'll be fine."
"I just want to make sure you know"
"Thanks mom and dad. I love you guys."
"I love you too." my parents both say.
With that I set off not on the wild road towards the village but into the forest surrounding us. I decide that to go in the direction of the mountains. I did this for two reasons. One I might encounter more monsters in this area because it is a less traveled and explored area. And two, the mysterious tower I saw as an infant is in that direction.
Whenever I ask my parents or other villagers about it they don't seem to know it even exists. I'd mention it and they'd say:
"What tower are you talking about"
Then they'd look where then back at me then sigh and say:
"There are only uninhabited mountains that way. There's no way a tower's up there. How would they even get supplies? You have too much of an imagination"
But I know what I'm seeing is real, so I'm definitely going to take a look at the tower on this trip. Or at least I'm going to find a fast route to it in case I don't have enough time to check on it.
By the time I'm pulled out of my thoughts by a snapping twig, I observe my surroundings. Wait… where am I.
'Crap'
I always do this, I get lost in my thoughts and I just wander around. Like my dad always says, I have terrible awareness. I pull out my map and inspect it to see where I am.
"So if I came from my house and went towards the mountains that should put me anywhere from here to here. But which mountain did I go towards initially?"
Yup, I'm lost. If I backtrack now I'll lose a lot of time but if I keep going I won't know where I am. What should I do?
- Notice -
- The System automatically maps the surroundings of the Host and permanently records it -
- Does the Host wish to utilize this part of the System? -
Thank gods, I knew you were useful for something system. I was holding out hope and you came though on it.
'System, can you display the map please'
- Confirmation -
- System Map is opening. If the Host wishes to open the map in the future then just will the word Map in your mind -
Suddenly a blue holographic image of the terrain around me appeared. There were many tools displayed around as well. I could set waypoints, input map information, zoom in and zoom out, and I could even search for specific things around me. For example I could start a search for different leveled monsters around me.
Immediately started a search for an F- monster. For now this would be the safest thing to hunt because I don't know how strong monsters are in this world.
*Ping*
- Target Located 10 meters west of current location -
Fortunately, I was already going in the direction of the monster so I barely had to alter my course. When I got within range I hid in a nearby bush and observed the beast.
It stood hunched over the carcass of a deer, crunching the bones. The creature stood on two feet and was about the same height as me. I could clearly see it's grey skin though a thin coat of black fur. I can only presume it had sharp teeth and claws due to how it was eating the deer.
- Notice -
- E- rank monster [Bone Cruncher] has been identified. -
- Quest -
- Kill the Bone Cruncher -
- Rewards will be based on the Host's performance -
So he was eating the bones, ok. He seems pretty distracted, this is the perfect time to strike.
Suddenly I dash out of the bush with my rapier drawn. The monster rears and suddenly out of its back shoot spikes. I pivot my body left and narrowly avoid one. From there I continue forward.
The monster turns ready for combat. It raises its right hand and out shoots a spike out from its hand. This time though the spike does not detach but just grows longer. I parry the spike with my rapier now within range for my strike.
But the Bone Cruncher surprises me with a hit to the side. I look and notice that the spike he grew out is now being used as a whip. This fight will be harder than I initially thought.
With this in mind I grab the spike and send a current of my electric based magic through it. Stunned the creature detaches the spike and backs up. I dash forwards and reach out my left hand.
The monster attempts to bite it but I was expecting this. Right before I lose my arm I blow it up with my innate skill. The monster surprised by this sudden turn of events let's it's guard down. Then with my right hand I penetrate it's head through the eye socket with my rapier sending an electric current down the blade for insurance.
The Bone Cruncher falls down and slides off my blade, unmoving. I let out a sigh of relief and notice how tense I had been.
"I guess it's been a while since I've fought for my life. I'll have to get used to this again"
Unsheathing a carving knife from my waist I begin to search for the monster's Center Stone. I find it located next to the creature's heart. When I grab it I hear in my head:
- Notice -
- The Host has slain the F- rank monster -
- Rewards have been distributed based on the Hosts performance -
- 1 Level Up -
- 1 Title Granted -
- 5% progress towards **** ** -
End of chapter fifteen.