As I was walking, I began to notice it getting darker. I briefly looked up to see the orange pink shine through the gaps in the leaves. I couldn't focus though.
I glance at my arm, the fabric is ripped... Again... But, the wound looks to be healed now. My gaze shifts to the cuff, "This really is a dual-edged sword huh..."
After sighing, my thoughts drifted as I continued to follow the lapis compass.
.
.
.
The fight with the Chimera Serpent... I would've died if the mysterious figure didn't save me...
Why did he save me? I mean-- he said that he just wanted to help since I was in danger but... That doesn't make sense. There must be a reason.
He even knew that I needed the scales!
...
I lift the cuff.
He knew...
"What if... What if these are connected? ", I muttered to myself, my voice barely whispering.
"... maybe... He did say if I got stronger we could talk more... But how am I supposed to grow stronger?", I mumbled, still staring at the cuff.
I take a deep breath before looking around. I spot a little mossy stone that has tiny white lilies around it.
"Maybe I can figure this out while taking a small break.", I thought before sitting down on the stone. It's just big enough, maybe two feet tall and whatever feet wide.
Though, just as I got comfortable, I felt a pinch on my leg. Instinctively I pulled my leg away and looked down. Then, I saw one of the lilies trying to snap at my leg. Its petals mirrored a circle of teeth and a mouth also opened up like a squid on the center of the flower.
This seems to be the only flower trying to snap at me. It's basically harmless with how small it is.
Ignoring it, I get comfy and set my belongings down. However, I made sure to keep my lazery dagger- (I should come up with a better name for it...), beside me.
"It's probably not that different from the last time I checked but... Maybe I missed something!", I said to myself before scrolling through various icons.
I was right most are the same.
.
.
.
However, in the magic/mana icon, a new section was added. There was not much here before, and the cuff hadn't notified me?
...
Whatever...
The section is labeled, "Spells". Below is a list like the "Effects", but there seems to be a lot less here. Also, there seems to be none greyed out.
I scroll down, to see there are only three spells here.
Spell: Insert Mana
-- Insert mana into an object or magic item.
** Varying mana requirement.
Spell: Consume
-- absorbs a percent of life force from a creature you've slain depending on its grade.
-- Example: Defeat C Class Beast ---> gain 100 XP
** Requires 50 Mana
(First-time use will grant the "level up" feature)
Spell: Angel's protection
-- Grants a temporary boost of 20% to all stats.
** Requires 100 Mana
"Hmmm....", I pondered for a moment, "That first one must be what I used for the bag before..."
I scoff, "Still weird how it did that but didn't tell me I had these..."
After rereading the spells, I look down at the Lilly, still trying to snap at my leg. "I have an idea..."
I simply crushed the Lilly under my boot and tapped on the spell. Suddenly the cuff beeped, "Class F Beast killed. Gained 5 XP. Level-up feature unlocked. Currently Level 1 with 5 of 150 XP. All starts increase by 1."
I closed the notification and checked back at the stats page.
Now the stats are:
Strength: 9
Agility: 11
Stamina: 13
Charm: 7
And now there is a level bar beside my heath.
Though, as time passed, The forest grew darker. Finishing glancing at the cuff, I fumbled in my pack for the glass orb. When I finally held it up, its blue light flickered like a candle, casting a soft, ethereal glow around me.
I take in a deep breath before getting ready to move forward. "I'm on a time limit...", I mutter.
The trees began to thin as I walked, their silhouettes less dense against the fading light. Soon, I emerged into a meadow a mile long. A sea of flowers stretched out, their colors a deep, unsettling mix of black and dark purple. None of them seemed to be in bloom, their petals tightly closed.
I moved cautiously through the meadow, the soft grass brushing against my legs. As I reached the center, I noticed a circle where the flowers had given way to black grass. The black grass doesn't look dead, however it doesn't look to be alive either.
In the middle of this circle stood a single flower, its appearance almost identical to the rest, dark and not in bloom.
I couldn't help myself but take a seat on the ground. Surprisingly, the grass feels soft, cold and slick.
"Am I supposed to wait?" I asked the empty meadow, my voice echoing softly in the silence. Not even an owl's 'who'...
As I sat there, lost in thought, I stared into the blue flames of the glass orb. Watching the light softly bounce off the grass, it reminds me of something - or, sometime.
It was winter time as I sat in a cozy chair by the fireplace. My therapist told me to start reading to get my mind off of things so what better time then a snow day.
I couldn't hear the snow roar outside over my own thoughts and the crackling of the fire. However, I was never a reader so I just mostly glanced at the fire. Eventually just leaving my gaze and staring at the flames.
It's not a huge fire, but I keeps me warm. I told Kelcy that I'd upgrade the heater, but, I haven't gotten to it... Yet. It's an old house but it works fine so, I can worry about more important things.
"Heh...thank reminds me, I have to plan the funeral...", I mutter to myself before picking up my phone from the floor.
I swipe through before opening an app with lots of numbers. My checking balance states it has two thousand twenty eight dollars and fifty two cents.
I yawn, covering my mouth with the book. "I think I have enough to cover what the insurance won't... After bills of course..."
I could feel my face warm up before I fell back into the chair. *sniff*, I cover my eyes with my arm.
I softly laugh as tears started rolling down my face. "This is ridiculous... How can everything just go like that?"
However before anything else happens; Suddenly, a flash of light snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see the moon directly overhead, its light more intense now. I would've thought it was a cloudy day if I didn't know better.
"It must be midnight..." I murmured as I placed my hand across my cheek. My cheek felt warm but wet.
The moonlight focused, as if like a spotlight, on the flower in the center of the black grass. It began to shimmer and sparkle, its dark petals turning a radiant silver. I watched in awe as the flower blossomed, its transformation bathed in the moon's glow.
The light then spread across to the whole meadow. The other flowers began to blossom as well though, they didn't turn silver. Their color stayed as they were.
The silver flower stood out, a beacon of change amidst the darkness. The light that surrounded it was gentle and soothing.
As I watched the silver flower however, a realization dawned on me. They didn't tell me what the Moonbloom looks like. Or did they? Honestly I don't remember... It's been a long day.
The Meadow is also filled with so many flowers. Only one of them is silver so, could that be it? But how would Elara know that it is an ingredient if this was the only one.
"Just to make sure...", I carefully picked up one of the black flowers, examining it closely.
Its still blooming, it's oddly beautiful with the moonlight sparkling on the petals. It kinda looks like it has subtle purple and silver glitter on it.
I carefully then picked up the silver flower. It felt different in my hand, lighter. The petals are more smooth and soft.
As soon as I touched the silver flower though, the moonlight seemed to flicker. The silver flower's glow was intense for a moment, but then, the light from the moon dimmed, returning to its normal, soft shine.
I turn around to see the other black flowers around me started to revert to their unblossomed state, the meadow returning to its former gloom. Only the flowers in my hand retained their bloom.
I looked at the silver flower in my hand and then at the black one. It seemed clear which flower was the Moonbloom.
"This world is so interesting...", I mumbled before taking a deep breath.
Suddenly the cuff beeps, "Subject is under the effects of fatigue. Rest required."
I stretch before sitting down and rummaging through my backpack. "That actually doesn't sound like a bad idea."
Good thing they packed camping supplies in here. "Ooo-", the cuff interrupts me, "Caution Subject is hungry."
My stomach growled. "Yeah, I know..." I sigh before reaching into my backpack.
"I- was- just- about- to say...", I pulled out a clear bag filled with what looked like beef jerky.
"I found some food!", I couldn't help but lick my lips. I took a piece and tasted it. It was surprisingly similar to beef jerky but with an extra kick of spice and a tang of lemon. "Mmmmm..."
I ate a few more pieces while setting up the tent. I also replaced the jerky for the flowers to keep them safe. The leftover jerky went into another bag with more jerky.
Before laying my sleeping bag, I took a drink of water from a canteen. It's not the best but it's good enough to rest in tonight. Before getting cozy, I noticed that the glass orb was no longer lit.
Even with everything on my mind, it wasn't the worst sleep. I would know, I've had worst. When I woke up I packed up everything and head out, following the compass back to the village.
.
.
.
As I walked through the forest, the morning sun filtering through the canopy above, I felt a slight sense of déjà vu.
Also, now that I think about it, was Elara and them expecting me to be back within two days? I mean... I don't think there is enough supplies for a while. But maybe it's just to be safe?
Well... I guess they didn't really have any cofedence in me to begin with... heh... rightfully so.
I did almost die... So many times...
I'll just leave that... Fact out when giving them the items.
Interrupting my thoughts, suddenly I heard a rustling in the underbrush. My instincts kicked in, as I turn around, dagger facing where I hear the noise. I waited a moment as I carefully stood still.
Then I saw two points of ears perk out of the brush. I began to recognize it as it fully shown itself.
Its bright blue fur glimmered in the sunlight, and its two bushy tails swished gracefully as it emerged from the foliage. The fox's curious eyes met mine, and for a moment, the tension seemed to lift.
"Hey there," I say softly.
It stopped a few feet away, tilting its head.
I took a cautious step forward. "Fancy seeing you again..."
The fox approached with a cautious but friendly demeanor. It seemed to remember me and showed no signs of aggression. Though, it was still cautious.
Suddenly, the fox's ears perked up with its tails, and it let out a low, almost melodious yip. It turned and trotted a few paces ahead, then looked back at me as if inviting me to follow.
"Are you leading me somewhere?" I mused aloud. The fox flicked its tails and continued along a path that I hadn't noticed before.
It was off the way I was heading as I was just following the compass.
Also, I don't think it is trying to hurt me. If it wanted to it would've done so last time. Curiosity piqued, I followed the fox through the forest. The path it led me on was winding and covered in dried leaves.
After a short walk, we arrived at a small clearing with a gentle stream running through it. The light here was soft, and the air was filled with the soothing sound of flowing water. It was a peaceful, almost.. well, it could be literally, a magical place.
The fox stopped at the edge of the clearing and sat down, watching me intently. I took in the serenity of the place. I couldn't help but feel a sort of calmness wash over me. It's like the air here is at peace.
"Well, this is nice," I said, carefully sitting down near the stream.
"Thanks for the visit.", I cheekly smile.
The fox then made a pleased chipping sound before walking and sitting next to me. It's soft fur on its tail softly brushed against my leg.
"like I said, this is nice...but... Why'd you bring me here?", I ask, kinda more to myself than to the fox.
It's paws taped on my leg before tapping the stones that aligned the stream. The fox then made a sound I can only describe as a purr but more sharp.
"I... I'm just going to guess here...", I stand up and gently place my hand slightly below the surface of the water.
It's cool. Not overwhelming or underwhelming, it's just satisfyingly cool.
I felt the water flow against my hand when suddenly after a moment the cuff beeped.
"Mana detected. Strong Mana, AA serum not required.", when it beeped I could tell it startled the fox, but, it didn't run. The fox carefully moved closer to me.
The cuff continued, "Mana Max has extended and is full. 200/200."
"Huh...", I take my hand back and dry it off with my shirt.
"So," I look back at the fox, "You wanted to show me the water?"
Okay, this time it actually purred, like a cat, pleased with itself. I smiled before meeting the top of its head, "You know, you're really cute..."
It continues to purr as I pet, "How about...." I paused, "What do you think about a name?"
The fox looked at me with kind eyes as it chipped.
"Okay! You see, i used to have a pet fox named buggy... Though, I can't just name you buggy...", I thought for a moment, "How about... Buddy?"
The fox's ears perked up, and it let out a delighted chirp, its tails swishing happily.
"Buddy it is, then," I said, smiling.
Buddy nuzzled my hand, clearly pleased with the name. I sat down again by the stream, feeling the peace of the place wash over me. The fox settled next to me, its soft fur warm against my side.
For a while, we just sat there, enjoying the peace. I knew I had to get back to the village, but this moment of calm was a rare gift.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, I stood up, stretching. "Well, Buddy, it's time to head back."
Buddy looked up at me, his eyes a bit sad. "Oh!", I ruffle the top of Buddy's head, "Don't worry, you can come meet everyone too!"
With that Buddy yippee happily and we started back toward the village, the fox trotting happily at my side.
As I walked, I felt a sense of purpose. I actual did it. I'm alive and with the materials we need to fix my mistake. And... with Buddy by my side, I just feel hope for what comes next.
When the village finally came into view, I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation. I stepped into the village, Buddy close at my heels.