BOOM!
The mirror-like surface of the depths of the lake parted as the forcefield that Empty Dial had erected expanded.
Tons of water were displaced as I emerged from the depths.
"It worked.", I exclaimed, nearly forgetting that I was holding an unconscious Dave in my hands.
W-woah...gotta be careful...
Empty Dial.
I thought, and in response, the hourglass shimmered before forming another barrier.
The barrier in question was about 6 feet wide, easily containing Dave and I within it.
Good.
I thought to myself, and nodded as my legs rested on the lower cross-section of the spherical barricade.
The barrier floated above the lake's clear surface, which had turned oddly dark.
"H-huh?"
I raised my head and stared forward.
"Oh...it's just them."
Reflected on my retina, were the figures of my classmates who all seemed to be approaching me.
A smile made its way to my face when I saw them.
They must be really happy to see me.
I thought as my smile grew bright but...when they got closer...
Horror gripped my heart.
My eyes flew open, allowing the pale light of the moon to dispel the darkness I was previously in.
HA...! HA...!
A d-dream...?
I tried to steady my breath and looked around.
Where...am I?
Suddenly, something in my head clicked and I remembered.
T-the tr-
[Bloodlust detected.]
The moment I heard the monotone voice, I felt a chill down my spine.
Raising my head, I looked around and gulped.
"EEE!!" "EEE!!" "EEE!!" "EEE!!"
[Bloodlust detected.]
[Level 3. Tree Troll.]
[Bloodlust detected.]
[Level 3. Tree Troll.]
[Bloodlust detected.]
[Level 3. Tree Troll.]
[Bloodlust detected.]
[Level 3. Tree Troll.]
[Bloodlust detected.]
[Level 3. Tree...
Several trolls, hundreds of them...as far as my eyes could see.
Each of them had a hungry look in their eyes, as they jumped in a frenzied manner.
They seemed to be dancing as they watched me...or so I thought...
I turned my head to the side and gasped.
DAVE!!
Indeed.
On my left, a broken and battered Dave dangled from a web of green vines, like a broken marionette.
I tried to reach him but failed, I was also in entangled in a seam of vines, albeit, mine was more like a net.
"EEE!!!"
"EEE!!!"
"EEE!!!"
The Tree Trolls hopped from one foot to another as they watched me struggle.
I looked up to find the origin of the vines that I was entangled in.
W-wai...what?!
My eyes reflected the pale branches of the Wyvern Trees, bringing me to a dastard realization.
Dave and I were at high altitude.
We were dangling just a few meters away from the branches which had seemed so distant before.
Holy shit...
My eyes were wide in surprise but soon turned fearful.
A-are we going to die?
The Trolls danced around with a strange mix of dark contentment and murderous wrath.
I watched in terror as they continued their morbid hop before abruptly coming to a halt.
They remained still for a long time, an action which reminded me of the odious tree.
I shuddered not wanting to be reminded of the horrific happenstance with it.
C-calm d-down...it's not here...it's not here...
I took in deep breaths and then turned to Dave.
H-he...his wounds...
I stared at his body which had healed rapidly, the several cuts and gashes that were previously on his body had been sealed by blood platelets. The platelets in turn seemed to be wearing off quickly, as scars were presenting themselves on the broken parts of the thrombocytes.
I marveled at the process.
This was the incredible power of Blood Factor.
I know...I've said this before...but...
Blood Factor is really amazing...
My fascination was cut short by a sharp coldness on my skin.
W-what?
My head snapped to the direction of where the strange sensation was coming from.
My mouth dropped slightly, and my heart beat increased.
W-what the-?
WHOO...
All the Tree Trolls which had previously stopped dancing where now staring at me. Their black abyss eyes seemed to pierce into my soul, giving me a deathly sense of unease.
The Trolls stared at me for a long time, unmoving, before one of them finally twitched.
"EEE!!"
"EEE!!!"
"EEE!!!"
Like a domino effect, all the Trolls began to convulse.
I watched with horror as they broke into a mad frenzy, clawing up the trees as they made their way towards Dave and I.
I screamed or at least tried to.
N-no No! I have to do something!
I turned to Dave and then stretched out my slender hand, trying to grab him but it was impossible. We were just too far apart.
W-what do I do?!
I thought as I messed my hair frantically. My breathing was running ragged and my eyes darted around, catching hazy glimpses of the Trolls climbing up the trees.
HA! HA! HA! HA!
I panted heavily, trying to come up with a solution when something flew into my periphery.
An empty miniature hourglass attached to a small chain-bind.
Empty Dial...
[Inventory:] Empty Dial: Beneath a rumbling wave, time stood still, life seemed eternal and dreams everlasting. Born in a blissful dream was a glass of frozen time, time that never progressed nor regressed. This Rare Item has the Effect; Manifest.
[Effect:] Manifest: Where the clock and dreams entwine, the golden hour shall be thine.
Huh?
The interface of the game describing the Empty Dial spawned before me, causing me to jolt.
Rumbling wave? Eternal life? Frozen time? What?
I was startled as I read the strange description, which seemed to create more questions than give answers.
SHIFF! SHIFF!
The strange noise attracted my gaze to the top of the net I was in. The multitude of Trolls had found their way to the branches of the Wyvern Tree, and were ascending them, aiming for the area which we were tied to.
I turned to Dave who was still unconscious and gritted my teeth.
I guess I'll have to save your sorry ass again.
I grabbed the nearest vine and instantly realized.
It's too thick... I can't tear it...
My face grew solemn when I held the vine. My eyes wandered to the several Trolls that populated the trees and then over to the silent Dave.
When I cried you...comforted me...
When I needed someone to talk too...you were there...
I bit my lip and took off Empty Dial from my neck. I tied it around the vine and yanked on it.
[Debuff: Lolita is active.]
Fuck you, Lolita!
I poured all the strength I could muster into my hands and pulled on the vine, using the chain of the Dial as a latching means.
RAAAHHH!!
I screamed inwardly as I pulled even harder, desperately trying to tear the copious vine apart.
Tear you fucking vine!
I pulled the vine so hard, my knuckles turned white. Markings from the lustrous chain of the Dial formed on my palm. My face grew red as my expression contorted into one of strain.
Lines of veins could be seen on my hands, dictating how much effort I was exerting...
And yet it wasn't enough.
The vine didn't even have a single tear despite how hard I had been pulling it.
HRRNNGH!!
Despite how futile my efforts seemed I still pulled as hard as I could, refusing to give up.
Come on Dave...wake up!
I cried out as the pain of my strenuous struggle began to bear down on me.
Tear! Damnit! Tear already!
My eyes squeezed shut as I harnessed more power, pulling much harder.
HRRNNGH!!
TICK!
Huh?
I opened my eyes in response to the low snapping sound I heard; the chain had dug its way into the vine.
A grin came to my face and my eyes glinted sharply.
There we go.
With newfound momentum, I yanked harder. The chain of Empty Dial tore into the vine, exposing its innards slowly before exiting from the back.
RIP!
I smiled and let out a soundless laugh.
Who said Lolis aren't strong?
As I basked in my momentary victory over the vine, I completely forgot about the Tree Trolls.
It wasn't until I heard a SNAP did, I realize what had just happened.
And as a result...
I fell.