Chapter 35: Encounters and Disencounters
As the morning sun painted the sky with hues of gold, Necro indulged in a modest meal, Faye's gentle voice resonated in Necro's thoughts, a spark of curiosity evident. "So what now?" she inquired, her radiant essence flickering with anticipation.
He turned his attention to the leftover panther hide, an idea took shape. Boots, crafted from the remnants of his previous endeavor, seemed like a practical addition to his equipment.
The crafting process complete, Necro's gaze shifted to the protective magical ward in his camp. Recognizing its significance, he channeled his energy into reinforcing its strength, upholding the shield that safeguarded his surroundings.
Yet, amidst the tasks at hand, Faye's words lingered like a guiding whisper. "Let's test this teleport thing." And so, guided by her presence, Necro ventured to a spot with a clear view of his camp's safety point.
In the heartbeat of a moment, he activated his Homecoming Magic. Space itself seemed to ripple and reform around him, a sensation both surreal and exhilarating. With the teleportation complete, he stood near the safety point, a mixture of surprise and intrigue coloring his expression.
The experience left Necro slightly disoriented, a sentiment he shared with Faye. "Oh, it's disorientating," he remarked, a hint of amusement tingeing his words. The magic of instant relocation was as thrilling as it was confounding, a testament to the wonders he had unlocked.
Turning his attention to the boots he had meticulously crafted, Necro felt Faye's reassuring presence beside him. She encouraged him with a hint of playfulness. "Let's see how these new boots treat you. Time for a sprint, perhaps?"
Necro's grin spoke of his readiness for the trial ahead. "Indeed, Faye. A test of speed is in order."
Panther Hide Boots
Armor Type: Footwear
Stats:
Armor Rating: 5
Durability: 20/20
Weight: 1.5 kg
Special Properties:
Swift Stride: These boots enhance the wearer's speed and agility, allowing for quicker movement both in and out of combat. The skill increases the wearer's overall movement speed, making them more adept at evading attacks and closing distances rapidly.
As Necro embarked on his brisk run, the wind carried him forward, his pace steady and determined. But within minutes, an unexpected turn of events unfolded – his pants, defying their intended purpose, began their descent. It was a comical twist that prompted Faye's interjection, her voice laced with a mix of concern and amusement.
"Ah, Necro," Faye chimed in, her luminous presence nearby. "It seems your pants have their interpretation of a grand adventure. Just be mindful – this misadventure might lead to your demise one day."
Necro couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "You're right, Faye. Accidental pant tripping doesn't exactly make for a heroic tale."
Faye's ethereal light flickered playfully. "Well then, I shall eagerly await the saga of the runaway pants in bardic ballads."
Determined not to let a wardrobe malfunction deter him, Necro improvised a makeshift fix, securing his pants in place. With a newfound determination, he resumed his run, his steps infused with a blend of resolve and good humor.
As he ventures forth he says: "The next leather will find its purpose as belts and pants. No more unruly attire, I promise."
With his pants cinched and his spirits lifted, Necro's journey continued. The intricate skills of his living sword, finely attuned to detecting danger, complemented the enhanced awareness provided by his chest plate. A synchronized harmony emerged as he navigated his path with practiced precision.
The minutes passed swiftly, and before he knew it, Necro had reached the very spot where he had confronted the panther. Faye's voice interjected once more, her concern palpable yet tinged with gentle humor. "Be more careful, alright?"
Necro responded with a playful tone, his jest evident in his words. "Don't worry, Faye. I'll do my best to keep my pants – and myself – intact."
Faye's response, though firm, carried a maternal tone. "I'm serious, Necro. It's a dangerous world out here."
Necro's demeanor shifted, his understanding evident. "I know, Faye. I promise to exercise caution. The monsters are growing stronger as we journey down the river. My next steps will take me eastward to assess the situation."
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Only a mere ten minutes after Necro's departure, a girl with flowing emerald green hair arrived at the very spot where he had dispatched the panther. Her keen eyes assessed the scene with precision, deciphering the subtle traces left behind.
Her voice, calm and calculating, whispered, "At last, I've located the site. Tracks on the ground reveal the aftermath: two slimes self-detonated, two predators engaged in combat, and a lone individual battling. Considering I'm the sole representative of the Life Forgers tribe here, it logically points to the presence of a beast tamer in this vicinity."
Her gaze swept over the evidence, her analysis growing more astute, "The sacrifice of two slimes for a stronger predator—an audacious maneuver. The tally of monsters suggests this individual holds the rank of level 3. Mother's advice to steer clear of people echoes in my mind, yet capturing and extracting information from this individual may offer insights. Intelligence that my father would greatly value."
A sinister grin stretched across her lips as darker thoughts took shape, "Moreover, should I succeed in neutralizing him, it might propel me to level 5. A tantalizing prospect, indeed. This opportunity cannot be ignored."
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As Necro sped eastward for a mere three minutes, an unfamiliar scent wafted through the air, tickling his senses.
Necro's thoughts turned to words, "I know this smell... it's the sea."
Continuing his brisk pace for slightly over two additional minutes, his eyes beheld a sight that defied all reason.
Before him stretched a vast expanse of sandy terrain, a sprawling canvas of 200 meters. And right at its center, an unexpected spectacle greeted his eyes—the Statue of Liberty. Yet, a bizarre twist tainted the scene, as the sand enshrouded the iconic figure up to her chest. And if that weren't odd enough, a colossal, spherical brown rock of about 20 meters in height rested conspicuously beside her.
Necro's confusion gave way to an incredulous whisper, "This... doesn't make any sense."