Civilization

"Where do we need to go, Selino? What's the fastest route?" - Nina

Turning to Selino, who was following behind us closely with a relaxed expression, I confront her on our route. Knowing that the geography around the Krepost is grassland and forest, I had some slight suspicions since we were still inside what looked to be a dense jungle, for a little over a day now.

"Not long now, will we reach the Emerald Field. We only need to cross it to reach our destination, deary." - Selino

"The Emerald Field? Is that the grassland not too far from the location where you first met Ian?" - Nina

"Yes, they are right next to each other, deary. I guess no one educated you, so I will be the one to do so. The Emerald Field is surrounded by the Silent Forest and the Central Mountain Range. We are currently next to the Central Mountain Range, in a small pocket of trees. One of the few 'safe' pathways that connect the North and the Center." - Selino

"I have never heard of these names before. Who named them?" - Nina

"Who knows? These were the names of places long before I was born, and I have used them when I needed to." - Selino

"So, not even you know the history of this place?" - Sylvia

"No one knows the true history of this land. However, I have heard from the Horde that this land used to be made up of 4 large land masses. We are one of the 4." - Selino

"Is there a name for this land?" - Nina

"I don't know. I never thought about it." - Selino

"I see… How much further until we reach the Emerald Field?" - Nina

"Almost there, deary. Don't be so impatient." - Selino

Moving forward for another half an hour, pushing past the dense flora, we reach the edge of the Emerald Field. Much like how it looked from the Krepost, I could also see an endless sea of grass. Looking around, I see a familiar towering mountain on my left, which means we need to head slightly in that direction in order to meet up with Celine and Rebecca.

"We only need to cross the Emerald Field now to reach our destination. However, it will take quite a while if the both of you were to travel by foot." - Selino

"What do you suggest we do then? It's not like we have wings." - Sylvia

"It is not wings, but I can make our travel speed much faster. I'm also quite bored with walking at this speed." - Selino

Stepping forward, Selino's eyes shine scarlet as tiny silver threads leave her fingertips, traveling with the slight breeze across the Emerald Field. As her eyes fade back to their normal color, I see two large black dots racing across the Emerald Field, and within minutes, two large tarantulas appear before us. Both towering above Selino, with jet-black hairs sticking out.

Their gold and red eyes observe us as they make small movements with their fangs, constantly turning between Selino and us. However, with just a brush of her hands on their large heads, they calm down and sit on the ground, lowering their heads toward us.

"These are my little babies. I call them Titantulas, because of how big they are, but they are quite gentle and curious creatures." - Selino

"These are gentle…?" - Sylvia

"Yes, deary. More gentle than you will ever be." - Selino

"HEY- I am as gentle as a flower okay?" - Sylvia

"Whatever you say, deary, I doubt Luke will like such an aggressive personality but to each our own right?" - Selino

"Enough banter, Selino. What do you want us to do?" - Nina

"Nothing much, my little babies will help us traverse the Emerald Field, stopping not too far away from the destination. After that, I will refrain from doing anything and will only watch from the shadows until I meet Ian." - Selino

"Fine. Thank you for the help. Sylvia, let's get on the spiders." - Nina

"Where do I sit…?" - Sylvia

"Just on its back, deary. Make sure to grab onto the hairs unless you want to be thrown off." - Selino

Climbing on top of the Titantula's head, and onto its body, I realize that its hairs are as soft as a feather, moving out of my way as my body brushes past it. Finding a place to sit on its back, I grasp onto its many hairs, tugging on it softly to make sure it wouldn't be pulled out. An orange light washes over us as the sun starts to set, and with a quick scarlet flash, the Titantulas start moving.

Surprised Sylvia yelped the moment the Titantulas moved, their quick and rocky movements create a rollercoaster experience but once we got used to their movements, I start to enjoy the passing scenery. This was the first time in this game that I moved this fast and truly embraced the environment. I wasn't constantly looking over my shoulder, afraid of a monster attacking from the shadows, or constantly scanning the environment to make sure the path forward was safe. This was different. This felt nice. freℯ𝓌e𝚋𝐧𝘰vℯl.𝐜𝚘𝗺

A smile spreads across my face, as the wind brushes against my skin. The sea of Emerald Grass parts to the side as the black bolt of lightning, the Titantula, zooms through. Glancing around, I see it wasn't only me who was enjoying the experience, with Sylvia screaming at the top of her lungs while smiling. Behind us, Selino was following closely, looking around nonchalantly as if this wasn't even her top speed.

As the sun dips below the horizon and the world turns dark, I see a small light in the distance, on top of a hill, overlooking the Emerald Field. On closer inspection, I realize I was looking at the Krepost. Shouting beside me, Sylvia also realized that the Krepost was in front of us.

The light coming from the many torches that litter the tops of the wall illuminates the night sky, and since this was the first time seeing the Krepost after Ian expanded the place, I was slightly amazed. With such a large wall towering over the Emerald Field, I look at the Krepost in awe, as we quickly pass it, smiling to myself as some ideas of improvements pop into my head.

After traveling for a bit more, we started to enter the Silent Forest where Selino stopped her Titantulas. Ordering them to lower their heads, both Sylvia and I got off them, before they disappeared into the darkness. Brushing the dust off my clothes, I look at Sylvia as she tugs on her gloves, and cracks her knuckles.

"Which way, Nina?" - Sylvia

"I'm not too sure. Selino, do you have any idea?" - Nina

"Hmm… Just in that direction. I sense the presence of humans and monsters. Deary, I'll be going now, so, have fun. I'll be nearby…" - Selino

"Wait-" - Nina

Before I could stop her, Selino disappears into the darkness as well. Letting out a sigh, I turn to Sylvia who shrugs her shoulders. Glancing around, I take note of our surroundings before moving with Sylvia along the direction Selino advised us to take. Carefully moving through the forest, I start to notice monster sounds in the distance. Placing her hand in front of me, Sylvia takes the lead.

Name: ArchWizardo

Race: Human

Health Points (HP): 50/50

Mana Points (MP): 61/61

Holy Energy (HE): 20/20

Strength: 10

Vitality: 25

Intelligence: 80 (+42)

Dexterity: 21

Agility: 23

Luck: 5

Equipment: Mage Robe, Beginner Fire Mage Book, Woven Shirt, Woven Pants, Little Star Pin, Wooden Wand

Skills: Awakening, Mystic Palm, Holy Flame, Sacred Light, Blessing of Ares (Passive), Holy Energy (Passive)

[Apprentice Mage Robe

Required Int 50

Defense: 10 𝗳𝘳𝐞e𝙬𝙚𝚋𝗻𝚘𝚟𝗲l.𝑐𝑜ｍ

Intelligence: 20

When casting a spell, reduce casting time by 1 second.

Once an apprentice magician's robe, now cast aside after they became stronger. It still contains small amounts of magical power, however, it doesn't look as good as it can be, tattered and ripped in some places.

Made by Unknown Tailor]

[Apprentice Wooden Wand

Attack:10

Intelligence: 20

Deal extra 10% Intelligence damage when a spell lands on an enemy.

Once an apprentice magician's wand, now cast aside after they became stronger. It still contains small amounts of magical power, aiding in battle to the best of its ability.

Made by Unknown Magic Blacksmith]

Checking my status right before moving, I take out my book in one hand and grasp my wand in the other. It won't be long now until we enter combat, I have to be ready as well. Slowly we approach a clearing but as Sylvia was about to exit, she stops suddenly. Turning to me, she lets out a small breath.

"In front of us is an army of monsters, I don't see Celine anywhere at the moment, so I think she is near the front. It doesn't seem like the fighting has started just yet, but I can see that the plan is a frontal assault. Do we join them or do we detour to the sides and enter the village another way?" - Sylvia

Peeking past Sylvia, I take note of the number of monsters, comparing it to the mental note I made when I was discussing with Ian before going into the game. Observing the layout of the front of the village, as well as the surrounding environment, I made a decision for Sylvia and me.

"We go around and try to enter from the right side. Ian told me there is a variant monster that is at the top of the village. Maybe we can fight it first before it comes down and fights Celine and the others." - Nina

"Alright, let's move then." - Sylvia