[Tamera (Uncommon).
Race: Deerkin.
Class: Tamer.
Subclass: Beastmistress.
Skills: Tame, Command Mastery (Uncommon).]
"Tame: Unlock the ability to tame monsters that have the same rarity or lower than the user. The number of monsters that can be tamed at the same time is limited to the user's rarity."
"Command Mastery (Uncommon): Enhances the Tamer's control over tamed creatures, increasing the maximum number of monsters that can be simultaneously tamed and commanded. This skill also improves the overall synergy between the Tamer and their tamed creatures, fostering a more efficient and harmonious teamwork."
The war had finally come to an end, leaving behind a landscape scarred by conflict and loss. John, a formidable leader, took charge of cleaning up their territory, a somber task that involved burning the bodies of the fallen enemies. Under John's guidance, their side had suffered no casualties, a testament to his strategic prowess and unwavering determination.
As the flames crackled and consumed the remains of their adversaries, John's subordinates stood by, silently acknowledging the solemnity of the moment. It was not just about disposing of the fallen, but about honoring their sacrifice and ensuring they were laid to rest with dignity.
The survivors from Geizo's faction, defeated and broken, could only watch in anguish as the corpses of their former comrades were consigned to the flames. Each flicker of fire seemed to echo the collective sorrow of a defeated army, their tears mingling with the smoke that rose into the sky.
In the midst of the devastation, John remained stoic, a beacon of strength and resolve. His actions spoke volumes, not just of his military prowess, but of his compassion and respect for the fallen, even those who had once been their enemies.
In the flickering light of the dwindling fire, John stood solemnly, facing his former enemy, Tamera.
She held Geizo's massive mace in her hands, the weight of it evident even in the dim glow. Despite the burden, she bore it with determination, a testament to her unwavering loyalty to Geizo. In a gesture of respect for her dedication, John decided to allow Tamera to keep the mace.
As night descended, casting its shroud over the land, the darkness seemed to deepen around them, enveloping the scene in an eerie stillness. The crackling embers of the fire dwindled further, their feeble light struggling against the encroaching shadows.
Inside the base, Sharon approached Tamera with a demeanor that differed from her usual exuberance. "Let me show you your new quarters," she said, her voice carrying a rare gentleness.
Despite their tumultuous history, Sharon treated Tamera with a newfound respect, acknowledging the pain that lingered beneath her surface. Gone were the days of enmity; now, there was only kindness in Sharon's interactions with her former adversary.
As the two women conversed, John observed them silently, his thoughts drifting elsewhere.
Suddenly, Mark approached him with concern etched on his face. "My lord," he began, addressing John with deference.
John met Mark's gaze but remained silent, allowing the man to speak.
"You appear weary," Mark remarked, bowing his head respectfully. "I would advise you to rest. Allow me to have Al prepare a sleeping draught for you to ensure a peaceful night's sleep."
John stretched his arms above his head, considering Mark's suggestion. "No, I am fine," he replied, brushing off the concern, though fatigue lingered in the lines etched on his face.
After Sharon introduced her to her new hut, Tamera wasted no time in seeking out John, the leader of their community.
Kneeling respectfully before John, Tamera addressed him with a sense of deference befitting their roles. "My lord," she began, her voice steady yet tinged with urgency. "I must discuss the matter concerning our former base."
John regarded Tamera with a mixture of curiosity and concern, his eyes probing hers for clues. "Indeed," he replied, his tone measured. "Please, continue."
Tamera met John's gaze squarely, her resolve evident in every line of her posture. "There remains one individual within the confines of our former base," she explained, her words carefully chosen. "Based on my observations of your leadership and our community's needs, I believe he could prove to be a valuable asset."
John absorbed Tamera's words thoughtfully, nodding in acknowledgment. "I understand," he replied, his voice gentle yet firm. "Let us convene tomorrow to discuss this further. For now, rest assured that your diligence is appreciated. You need not shoulder this burden alone." Extending his hand to Tamera, he offered her a gesture of support. "Take the time you need to grieve. You have lost someone dear, and your well-being is paramount."
Tamera's eyes widened in astonishment, taken aback by the unexpected warmth emanating from John's gesture. His kindness, so freely given, caught her off guard, stirring emotions she hadn't anticipated.
Grasping John's hand, Tamera felt a surge of gratitude coursing through her. His touch, comforting and reassuring, offered a sense of connection and support she hadn't realized she needed.
Allowing John to help her up from her kneeling position, Tamera couldn't help but marvel at his strength and gentleness combined. His presence, a steadying force in her tumultuous world, gave her the courage to face whatever lay ahead.
With a respectful bow and a turn of her back, Tamera retreated into the sanctuary of her hut, grateful for the solace it promised to bring after a long and trying day.
Meanwhile, John made his way towards his own dwelling, his footsteps heavy with weariness. "You're absolutely right, Mark," he admitted wearily, acknowledging the toll the day had taken on him. "I need to rest more than I realized."
Entering his room, John sank onto the edge of his bed, exhaustion weighing heavily upon him. He took a slow, deep breath, willing himself to relax and unwind after the day's trials.
Suddenly, a voice pierced the silence, jolting John from his reverie. "Do you feel any guilt?" Dawn's monotone inquiry echoed inside his head, catching him off guard.
Startled, John narrowed his eyes in disbelief. "Who starts a conversation like that?" he retorted, his surprise palpable. "And why are you asking me such a question out of the blue?"
Dawn remained silent, her lack of response echoing in the room like a weighty judgment.
John reclined on the bed, shielding his eyes from the harsh reality with his trembling hand.
"What saddens me is my inability to feel anything. I yearn to experience remorse for extinguishing a life precious to another, yet I am incapable," John confessed, his gaze fixed upon the blank expanse of the ceiling. "Am I perpetually destined to be this way? A hollow vessel? A mere husk devoid of emotion?"
With that haunting question lingering in his mind, John succumbed to sleep.
Throughout the night, and even as consciousness slipped away, Dawn offered no solace or resolution.
As dawn broke, John found himself confronting the stark truth of his being.
Discovering one's true nature is a chilling revelation, and John grappled with the terrifying realization that he was coming face to face with his own darkness.
As the morning sun cast its radiant glow upon the landscape, the towering Fortress of Dawn stood as a stalwart guardian against the encroaching shadows. With purposeful strides, John emerged from its protective embrace, accompanied by his steadfast companions. At his side marched Kageko, a fierce determination gleaming in her eyes, while Romeo exuded an aura of unwavering loyalty. Tamera, perched atop a majestic white wolf, exuded an air of regal confidence as they embarked on their journey.
Their destination lay beyond the horizon, beckoning them towards the familiar comforts of Tamera's home. Geizo's base, once a sanctuary of warmth and security, now awaited their arrival. Despite the considerable distance ahead, their swift pace ensured that the journey would be swift and unimpeded.
With each passing mile, they drew nearer to their destination, anticipation bubbling within them. Memories of cherished moments flooded Tamera's thoughts as they approached her beloved home. The air hummed with familiarity, a comforting reminder of the bonds that united them.
As John and his comrades approached Geizo's base, nestled among the rugged hills, a sense of anticipation gripped them. The landscape exuded an aura of secrecy, with the base cunningly concealed from prying eyes.
Upon reaching their destination, they were met with a sight both stark and unexpected. Geizo's stronghold was devoid of ostentation, consisting merely of rudimentary huts fashioned from gathered timber and stone. These structures, lacking any semblance of fortification, stood vulnerable against potential assaults.
The absence of defensive barriers rendered the base alarmingly susceptible to infiltration. With no walls to shield its inhabitants from external threats, the encampment seemed perilously exposed, a strategic oversight that could prove disastrous in the face of adversaries.
Despite the apparent vulnerability, an eerie silence hung over the base, amplifying the tension permeating the air.
John's gaze swept across the base, disappointment etched in his expression. "This is not what I anticipated. The base falls short of my expectations," he remarked, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction.
Tamera nodded in agreement. "Indeed, while Geizo possesses the gift to summon more characters than usual, he lacks the fortune of having multiple base-oriented characters," she explained.
"Without the support of base-oriented characters, a base cannot thrive," John asserted, casting a meaningful glance at Tamera. "That's why you chose to target my base. Because I am Geizo's antithesis in terms of summoned characters' classes."
A small smirk played across Tamera's lips. "Precisely. We believed your army to be weaker as a result," she admitted, her confidence evident in her demeanor.
John couldn't suppress his smile at Tamera's candid confession. "Indeed, by all accounts, I should have succumbed to your attack. But fate had other plans."
Tamera's brow furrowed in confusion. "Yet, you harbor no resentment towards us for it."
John paused, caught off guard by her observation, but before he could respond, Kageko and Romeo barged in.
"My lord," Kageko announced, "we discovered him slumbering upon a mound of hay."
Strolling alongside Kageko was a hyenakin, its sleek brown fur shimmering under the dappled sunlight. Despite belonging to a species known for its ferocity, this particular hyenakin possessed a countenance of surprising gentleness.
Its body, though not slender, lacked the bulkiness typically associated with its kind, exuding an air of quiet strength. As it walked, its movements were graceful, belying the inherent power within.
When the hyenakin glanced at Tamera, its eyes reflected a profound sadness, and with a solemn nod, it acknowledged the news of Geizo's demise. "I see," it murmured, its voice carrying the weight of sorrow and resignation.
[Farmer (Common).]
The Farmer, Wan, knelt before John, his posture conveying humility and determination. "My lord, my name is Wan," he declared, his voice firm despite its lowly origins. "Though I am but a humble farmer, I pledge to serve your cause to the best of my ability."
John nodded, acknowledging the significance of Wan's presence. "With someone as vital as you joining our ranks, we have secured the production of food for our entire base," he affirmed, his voice resonating with gratitude and respect. As he moved to offer his hand to Wan, a disturbance in the magical aura surrounding them caught his attention, sending a surge of alertness through him.
Reacting swiftly, John drew his flintlocks, his movements fluid and practiced as he braced himself for potential conflict. Beside him, Kageko unsheathed her daggers with a graceful motion, her eyes narrowed in readiness. Romeo, standing tall and resolute, brandished his swords, his stance radiating determination and resolve.
Emerging stealthily from the dense foliage, multiple silhouettes materialized, their forms gradually taking shape against the backdrop of the forest's dim light.
Among them, a figure spoke, her voice a melodic echo amidst the quietude of the woods. "What impressive senses and reflexes you possess," she remarked, her tone tinged with admiration. "I suppose it's time for me to reveal myself, lest I be mistaken for a hostile intruder."
With a graceful step forward, the woman with striking orange hair and elegant fox ears emerged from the shadows, her presence commanding attention. Adorned with five soft fox tails swaying gently behind her, she possessed an otherworldly beauty that captivated those who beheld her. Her complexion, a pristine white, contrasted with the vibrant hues of her loose, flowing kimono, which billowed gracefully with each movement she made.
The woman's fiery orange eyes flickered towards John, a mischievous grin curling on her lips, hinting at secrets and schemes. As she stepped forward, her graceful form revealed her true nature—a foxkin, ethereal and cunning. From the shadowed embrace of the trees, another figure emerged, echoing her guise, each movement a graceful dance of deception.
All were women, adorned in vibrant kimonos that billowed like flames in the wind, their silken attire adorned with the glint of deadly weaponry strapped to their hips. Their presence, a symphony of danger cloaked in elegance, bespoke of a purpose beyond mere mortal comprehension.
John met their gaze, his expression an enigma shrouded in stoic resolve. No flicker of fear nor hint of surprise graced his features, his demeanor a testament to a life lived amidst shadows and secrets.
[Player (8).]
"As much as I desire it, my intent in coming here wasn't to engage in conflict," declared the woman foxkin assertively. "I am merely here to assess the current state of this base," she added, her voice carrying an air of authority.
John nodded, his gaze wary as he observed the striking figure before him. "I'm fine with that," he replied cautiously, his eyes still fixed on the captivating scene unfolding.
A soft chuckle escaped the woman's lips. "I am Fivan, the leader of the Heartbound base and the visionary behind the Foxtail Coalition," she introduced herself, her voice tinged with allure as she attempted to ensnare John's attention. "And you?" she inquired, her tone suggestive.
"Foxtail Coalition? Sounds like an amusing name for a harem," John remarked, a smirk playing on his lips as he met her gaze head-on.
Despite John's dismissive demeanor, Fivan greeted his defiance with a serene smile. "Indeed, call it what you will," she replied calmly, her gaze fixated on him with intrigue. "Although the Tamer once intrigued me, today has proven far more captivating." Her five majestic fox tails danced gracefully through the air, adding an aura of mystique to her presence. "You, young man, exhibit a remarkable aura of capability."
"Warning: A Unique Skill is seizing control of your consciousness. It is imperative that you vacate her vicinity immediately," Dawn's urgent voice echoed within John's mind.
Lowering his flintlocks, John pivoted, his resolve unwavering. "Let us depart," he declared, his back now turned to Fivan. "Unless, of course, you intend to impede our exit."
"Only a fool would dare show such insolence to our empress," a foxkin woman retorted, her hand tightening around the hilt of her katana.
"Samira," Fivan interjected, raising a hand to halt her companion. "Cease, for engaging now would result in unnecessary loss. Never underestimate a man devoid of fear in his eyes."
Samira reluctantly obeyed, though her glare remained fixed on John, simmering with restrained fury.
As John gradually faded into invisibility, he uttered, "May we never cross paths again," his voice laced with a foreboding undertone.
Observing John's departure, Fivan lingered, silently lamenting, "Had I foreseen this, I would have brought more allies." A cunning smirk graced Fivan's exquisite features as she mused, "No man is beyond my influence." An aura of anticipation enveloped her, her eyes alight with determination. "You shall be mine, bound to serve beneath me."
With purposeful strides, Fivan departed, trailed by her devoted followers, dedicated to advancing her agenda.
The cunning fox had identified her next recruit for her growing entourage.
As John and his group approached their base, a sense of urgency filled the air. Upon arrival, John wasted no time, bolting towards his hut with determined strides. His subordinates exchanged puzzled glances, perplexed by his uncharacteristic haste.
Seating himself on his bed, John swiftly removed his mask, revealing a flushed, perspiring face. His breath came in ragged gasps, his body enveloped in an overwhelming heat, his senses ablaze.
"What was that?" John inquired, clutching at his rapidly pounding heart. "That woman poses a grave threat, a danger unlike any other."
Minutes passed before John finally managed to regain his composure, the tumultuous storm within him subsiding to a mere whisper of its former intensity.
John rose from his bed, his expression grave and determined. "Dawn," he called out, his voice cutting through the stillness of the room.
"Is there something you require?" Dawn's voice, devoid of emotion, echoed in John's mind.
"Does her Unique Skill extend its influence to my Summoned Characters as well?" John inquired, his brow furrowed with concern.
"It seems that you are the sole target of its effects," Dawn confirmed.
John nodded, his gaze hardening. "I understand." He narrowed his eyes, his thoughts racing. "That Foxtail Coalition of hers is nothing but a twisted harem of ensnared men. I must exercise extreme caution around her."
As John's body gradually returned to its normal state, he strode out of his chamber.
A smirk played on his lips as he made his way to his favored spot within the base: the cluster of towering boulders.
"It's time to initiate some fusion," John declared, his voice filled with determination.