Vesper let Maria enter, who was bandaged all over with her left arm tied in a sling around her neck.
“Could you help me heal faster?” She asked, her eyes darting around the room.
Maximus sighed, “Come sit here.” He inspected her wounds and cast Rejuvenation again. “Have you not started drinking the potion as I instructed? Once your health is mostly restored, I’ll be able to fix your shattered arm, but not before your other wounds are healed properly.” He spoke like a strict mother.
“I drank it,” she said, “It’s just that it’s so sour.” She frowned.
“Well, medicine should be sour. You know what they say, only good potions are sour.” Maximus waved his index finger.
Maria cracked a smile, “Who says that? I’ve never heard that.” She smiled wider.
“Well, aren’t you more relaxed now… When we first met, I recall you flashing your blades at me.” Maximus chuckled.
“Come eat with me, I just purchased this chicken.” He stood up and took out another plate from the cabinets.
“Oh, thank you.” She said, perplexed. People were usually very stingy with their tokens and would not spend them on such food, especially not to share with others. She then noticed that Vesper and Silex were enjoying roasted lamb, and her eyes widened. He even wasted tokens on his beasts? She had thought of him as a cold man, but his recent actions made her wonder if she had been wrong.
“Here, eat with your right hand. I’ll fix your arm fully after dinner,” Maximus said simply.
She nodded and started eating. Mid-chew, she asked, “Did you only help me back there because I stopped Franko from going after your wolf?”
“No. I helped you because I think you have potential, and your skill set is quite extraordinary. I have never in my life seen someone harness the power of the moon as you do. It’s truly something special.” Maximus said as he took another bite of the drumstick.
“Only because of that?” She asked, her voice lowering.
“Well, you are also a good person. I don’t mind having friends like you.” Maximus smiled warmly.
“You know, in life, no matter who or what you become, having good friends you can count on, people you can sit under the stars with and talk about your hopes and pains… People who become your family, closer than any of your blood relatives ever were. Such people, Maria, are rare, trust me. In thousands of lives, you might only find enough to count on one hand.” Maximus muttered, his mind drifting to days long past, his youth, when he and his party roamed the realm, fighting monsters, ancient beasts, and hunting those who threatened it all. In the end, time took you all from me…
Suddenly, a hug pulled Maximus back to the present. “I’ve misjudged you, I’m sorry,” She said softly as she squeezed him tighter.
As the confusion faded, Maximus smiled and hugged her back, “Don’t worry, I can be a bit harsh, or so I’ve been told,” He added.
Maria suddenly burst into loud laughter, “A bit, you say? Haha, just a smidge.” She winked as she pinched her index finger and thumb.
“You are going to go into the Wildlands, I guess?” She cleared her throat as she moved slightly back.
“Yes, once I’m sure that you will be fine, I’ll be leaving. By my calculations, I should have enough time to pass through if everything goes as planned,” Maximus said seriously.
“I’d join you, but I should probably stay… Watch over those idiots,” she said apologetically.
“Don’t worry about it. I always planned to go alone, I need to do this alone,” he said firmly.
“Alone?” She asked sarcastically as she pointed at the army of beasts around them.
“Well… This just happened.” He laughed softly.
“Mhm, I have a feeling things usually just happen around you.” She shook her head, amused.
“What about Franko? Are you staying with him?” Maximus asked, conflicted.
“Aren’t you a busybody?” She teased. “No, I’m not. In the beginning, we really connected, arrived here together, fought for our lives together, but I’ve recently realized that he isn’t who I thought he was. I’ll stick around for now, but once we pass this stage, I’m going my own way,” she said, her voice heavy.
“I see. Still, keep in mind what I said. Once you find the ones that matter, keep them close and don’t fail to tell them what they mean to you,” Maximus added softly.
“Your life seems to have been difficult, huh? I also lost people close to me in a dungeon break. That’s the new normal, I guess.” She sighed.
Maximus nodded, not fully understanding what she meant.
“Well then, let’s see this arm of yours.” He cast Focused Treatment. A soft emerald light seeped into the arm, and the sound of bones rearranging echoed as Maria groaned. “There, keep drinking the potion tonight, and you should be as good as new.” He smiled.
“Thank you, and try to make that potion sweeter next time.” She smiled.
“You know, this suits you better than that cold front you usually wear,” Maximus said simply and returned to eating.
“Boss, I think you should learn how to talk to females.” Vesper sighed judgmentally.
“Don’t listen to him, Max, you are doing great!” Silex growled between chews.
“You really say whatever you want, huh?” Maria frowned.
“It makes life easier, well, at least for me.” Maximus shrugged with a cackle.
“Survive, and let’s meet up in the third stage… Or outside. You can find me in Prague, well, what’s left of it.” Maria said as she stood up. “I’m going to rest now, thanks for everything.” She added and left.
“She is quite capable, I think she will do great things, she just needs to get better at finding proper men,” Maximus noted out loud.
“Yeah, someone like you, smelly Max.” Silex mocked.
“Next rude word and I’m taking your dinner away, mister!” Maximus turned and waved his index finger threateningly.
“Calm down, let’s not overreact now, alright?” Silex muttered as he dragged his lamb into the furthest corner.
“This crazy croc is hilarious.” Vesper chuckled.
“He sure is a special character,” Maximus shook his head as he returned to his dinner. “Let’s eat up and go to sleep. It’s been a long day and an even longer night.”
As his beasts went to rest, and Vesper’s pack stood guard, Maximus took out the Skill Stone and the massive greatsword for appraisal, preparing himself for what was to come.
[Skill Stone: Iron Body (C)]
Contains skill Iron Body (C) – Encase your form in liquid metal to negate weaker physical attacks and reduce all physical damage taken by 30%, while increasing your physical prowess by 15%.
Can be activated with either mana or spirit energy.
Has no cost but places a heavy burden on the user’s body, with a possibility of permanent damage if the user is physically weak. Can be used once a day and lasts until broken.
Permanent damage, huh? I’ll leave it aside until I have reforged my body. No need to risk anything; I still have my Tank Form. Maximus noted, then activated the stone. Though, no risk in learning it, just in case. He nodded as the Skill Stone melted into a viscous black liquid that seeped into his body.
Skill Unlocked: [Iron Body (C)]
Then he scanned the large darksteel greatsword. It was a grim-looking weapon, and deceptively heavy.
[Berserker’s Cry (C)]
A blade forged from darksteel and Obsidium, crafted to be heavier than weapons of similar rank. When wielded, it increases damage dealt by 35% and grants a 10% chance to instantly kill enemies of a lower level.
Requires Level 25 and a Berserker or Warrior class to use.
Note: The weapon can be wielded, but no skills or enhancements can be used on the weapon without a proper Class. The weapon's boons and energy flow are locked.
So many limitations on weapons, it’s quite frankly ridiculous. Alas, not like I would use it anyway… Another item to sell somewhere. He sighed and stored it away before lying down in his simple bed.
***
As the dawn arrived, Maximus, looking well-rested and washed, was already outside the village alongside Vesper, Silex, and Sprout perched on his shoulder. Vesper had stored his new pack at Maximus’s request. Moving in such large numbers was not smart, and he wanted to remain hidden as he entered the Wildlands.
“Boss, are you certain that you don’t want to say your goodbyes to the woman or anyone there?” Vesper asked.
“No need. We already said everything we needed last night. If we are to meet again, it will be up to fate,” Maximus said simply and morphed into his Cat Form. “Let’s go, it’s about time to pass the final stretch of this journey.”
***
Somewhere within the early areas of the Wildlands, Toby walked alone with no sign of Andre anywhere nearby. “All of them, useless traitors, all of them,” he muttered as he moved stealthily through the dense greenery.
The smell of damp earth and moss filled the air as thorny vines ripped at his clothing while he tried to remain as silent as possible.
Countless flies buzzed around him, slipping into his mouth and eyes. “Fuck this place as well… I should’ve just waited this trial out…” Toby cussed.
Suddenly, branches a dozen or so meters ahead shook as he ducked low, and a large human-sized mosquito flew by, followed by twenty or so head-sized mosquitoes in tight formation.
This is all because of that damn Max… He made me look like a fool, I even lost that dog Andre, who obeyed me without question… You as well, I know that you are listening to my thoughts, you bitch. I gave you everything, and you treat me like a pawn. Toby raged inwardly, and as he did, his snake tattoo constricted slightly as if warning him to behave.
Looks like I’m the dog now… Leashed to a bitch. He frowned as the tattoo constricted once more. I’m sorry, alright? Please stop this… Please. He begged as the pressure eased and the tattoo returned to its usual shape.
Toby took a deep, relieved inhale just as the buzzing grew louder, and a swarm of arm-sized green mosquitoes surrounded him, each bearing two sets of sharp needles and spear-like limbs.
Toby sighed. “Really?!” He muttered as two daggers materialized in his palms and his skin grew thin, transparent scales.
Two pale, ethereal snakes emerged and coiled around his arms, biting into the dagger handles and filling the short blades with thick green liquid that dripped onto the moss-covered ground and hissed like acid with every drop.
The mosquitoes dove, a few striking his back as he slashed and stabbed at those aiming for his face, each thrust of his dagger piercing deep and pouring the acidic liquid into their bodies.
The insects buzzed even louder as they began stabbing at Toby relentlessly, those behind him already piercing his defenses, their bellies swelling crimson as they fed on his blood.
“I’m not dying here, you bloodsucking bastards!” Toby shouted as he spun, his body glowing white while a whirlwind of poison spread outward from him, and his daggers shredded the swarm into pieces.
Minutes later, the insects fell, their bodies twitching as acid melted them into foul puddles. Toby, on the other hand, didn’t look much better; his face was pale from blood loss and dozens of stab wounds embedded in his back.
He spent his tokens, purchased a potion, and chugged it down. He wiped his mouth and darted forward, unwilling to be surrounded again by the relentless swarm.
***
“Vesper, which way are those ants?” Maximus asked as they arrived at an endless wall of enormous trees that made the thick forest of the Wildlands feel like a separate realm entirely. It spanned over 300 kilometers in radius, and with everything going smoothly, one would need around 40 days to pass through it. Though Maximus, who could transform and wasn’t alone, could likely halve that time, if he didn’t end up fighting every day.
“The ants are to the northeast, so if we head southeast, we should be able to avoid them,” Vesper explained.
“Hmph, like I would be afraid of some ants,” Silex muttered.
“Shut it, lizard, you don’t know what you’re talking about!” Vesper snarled.
“Look at the walking corpse trying to start something with the great Silex!” Silex growled back.
“Enough, both of you, now is not the time for your bickering!” Maximus roared, still in his Cat Form.
“We are going in. If you notice the curse’s influence, you speak up immediately, though I think that through my skill, you two should be fine. We move carefully and fight only if necessary, understood?!” Maximus said seriously.
“Aye, aye,” Silex muttered.
“Yes, boss,” Vesper nodded.
“Sprout, if you notice any rare plants or anything that could be useful, do tell,” Maximus said as he gently petted Sprout with his tail as it rested atop his feline head, its roots forming a simple harness around his neck. I feel like a mount… He chuckled inwardly as he stepped into the thick foliage.