[Skill Unlocked!]
[Solar Beam] –Beam / Piercing / Burst / Impact / AoE
A concentrated ray of solar light fired from the spear that can be briefly moved or redirected for a short duration, dealing 100 Magic Damage. The beam pierces enemies in a straight line, scorching all targets it hits.
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[Skill Unlocked!]
[Fiery Dash] – Dash / Mobility / AoE / Movement
The user dashes a set distance, leaving a blazing fiery trail that remains for 4 seconds, burning enemies who come into contact with it for 50 Magic Damage. Can be stacked up to 7 times per day.
Burn Effect (DoT): -10 HP per second
Burn Duration: 4 seconds
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[Reward Acquired: 6,000 Gold Coins]
[Contribution Rating: Notable]
[The coins have been transferred to your Inventory.]
A notification display floating in front of me
We collapsed on the ground, adrenaline finally subsiding.
The Hornet Hive Queen's loot lay scattered in front of us. I picked up the glowing orb first.
"Portal Gem," I muttered, turning it over in my hand. It shimmered faintly, humming with energy.
Dahlia examined the other items. "Stinger Shards… these could be useful for crafting," she said, picking up the jagged crystals.
"And the Hornet Wing," Claude added, still panting, "maybe these can be used in accessories later? I'm too tired to think right now."
We divided the loot carefully. Dahlia and I each took a shard, and the wing went to Claude.
The Portal Gem caught all our eyes. It felt alive in my hand, pulsing softly.
"I say we rest for a bit," I suggested. "After a boss like that, I can barely stand."
Dahlia nodded, lowering her trident. "Agreed. My arms are heavy. Let's go back to the kingdom before doing anything else."
Claude groaned, leaning against a tree and rubbing the venom marks on his arms. Suddenly, a system notification appeared in front of him.
[System Warning!]
[Heavily Damaged! Go and cure yourself in an Infirmary]
Claude blinked at the display. "Huh… guess I really did get hit hard."
A notification popped up in front of me.
[Use a Portal Gem to teleport to a familiar location in the Bestia Kingdom]
I held up the gem. Dahlia went to Claude and helped him to his feet. "Well, let's take you to the infirmary."
I glanced at his HP. It was really low.
Claude Monarch [Lvl.23]
HP: 235/500
EXP: 70/100
We gathered around the Portal Gem. A soft pink glow emanated from its core. When I tapped it, a holographic map materialized.
The Bestia Kingdom stretched out like a miniature globe, forests, mountains, and rivers glowing in intricate detail.
I tapped on the Bestia Kingdom icon and the map zoomed in. I swiped across the map. "We're in Verdant Forest… let's see where we can go."
Locations blinked on the map:
[Adventurers Guild]
[Inn]
[?????]
[?????]
[?????]
[?????]
[?????]
[?????]
[?????]
[?????]
Dahlia leaned in, fingers hovering over the holographic interface. "The Adventurers Guild seems available. The infirmary is probably nearby. The others aren't unlocked yet."
I nodded and tapped the icon.
A swirling pink portal formed in front of us. "Here we go," I said.
I supported Claude's other shoulder as we stepped through. The forest vanished instantly. We now stood on the streets outside the Adventurers Guild, bustling with adventurers, wagons, and NPCs.
Some adventurers glanced at us, surprised by our sudden arrival.
I waved to a nearby wagon. "Can we ride?"
The wagon pulled up, and we helped Claude onto the seat. "Finally… a place to sit," he muttered, exhaustion plain on his face.
"Can you take us to the nearest infirmary, please?" I asked the driver.
After a short ride, we arrived at a tall white stone building marked with a red cross, and I handed the wagoner a few gold coins.
"This must be it," I said, helping Claude down. He leaned on me as NPC healers rushed forward, quickly assessing him.
"They must be healers," Dahlia whispered.
Inside, injured adventurers lay in beds. Claude groaned and sank onto one, finally able to rest. "Feels… so good to lay down," he murmured.
"We'll get you some food," I said, tapping his shoulder.
He gave a weak nod.
Dahlia and I stepped outside to stretch our legs, breathing in the city air.
As we walked through the streets, just ahead stood a huge circular arena built from stone. Its tall walls rose above the surrounding buildings, and wide entrances allowed crowds to flow in and out.
Banners hung from the walls, and the distant sound of battle echoed from inside.
Curious, we looked around just outside the arena gate and noticed a commotion. A young lady lay pinned to the ground, clutching a scepter, while two guys shouted at her.
"You're useless! It's your fault we lost because of your skills!" one shouted.
"Stupid!" the other added, kicking her shoulder.
Dahlia frowned. "We can't just watch."
I stepped forward, spear in hand. "Hey! Leave her alone!"
The companions froze.
The young lady looked up, tears brimming in her eyes, but straightened herself. "It's okay… it's my fault," she whispered.
Dahlia shook her head. "No, this isn't okay. You don't deserve this."
I offered a hand. "Let us help."
The two bullies muttered curses under their breath and backed away, disappearing down the alley.
The young lady exhaled shakily. "Thank you… I'm Theia," she said, bowing slightly.
"The reason they were beating me… we lost a match in the Arena. It was a 3v3 competition, and I messed up," she explained.
I exchanged a glance with Dahlia.
A group of three more players emerged from the Arena door, holding an umbrella, a crystal ball, and a short shaft topped with a large white feather.
"That's the team we battled earlier!" Theia said, pointing.
The three players walked past us, glancing in our direction.
My eyes lingered on the one carrying the crystal ball.
For a brief moment, I felt… odd. Like we had met before.
I frowned and shook my head. I'm just tired, I told myself, forcing the thought away.
"They have some impressive and unique skills," Theia said, clearly impressed.
Dahlia crossed her arms, watching their backs. "They look strong. Confident too."
Theia tightened her grip on her scepter, her shoulders tense. "They had the crowd's attention in the arena earlier."
I glanced at her. She was trying to stay calm, but her hands were trembling.
"You said it was a three-versus-three match," I said slowly.
She nodded. "Yes… but after what happened, I don't think I'm cut out for it."
I met her eyes. "What if I invite you to join us in a 3v3 match?"
Theia blinked. "What do you mean?"
I pointed my thumb at myself, then at Dahlia. "We're missing one member. My friend is still in the infirmary, exhausted from our boss fight earlier."
Dahlia's eyes widened slightly before she smiled. "A 3v3 match sounds fun. And you deserve another chance."
Theia froze. "Y-you'd team up with me?"
I extended my hand again, this time with a grin. "If you're willing, we'll fight together."
She stared at my hand for a moment, then slowly reached out and took it.
"…I want to try," she said softly. "One more time."
"Let's go. You're amazing, so don't doubt yourself," Dahlia said, cheering her up.
"We just need to buy some potions to replenish our energy," I added with a smirk, "then we'll register for the arena."