Chapter 7
"Phewww~.... That took a while than I expected"
I stated as I stretch my body, cracking some bones as I twist my upper body to the left, then bending to my side as I tried reaching my right toe.
I then keep swinging my left shoulder in clockwise rotation, while also doing the same with my neck. After a while
Fooou~
I then went down towards the ground floor, with my disheveled look. A tattered shirt and pants, with some dirt and dust covering me around. Though I was able to level up my [Terra Firma] and [Fury], including all my other existing skills by a lot, I did still took some damage from here to there. Though I am thankful I have some potion to heal me up, patching some scratches and small wounds, that I got during those fights, especially my left arm, as I keep using it to guard or block any attack, that was fired at me.
"Tanking those charges from those beast wasn't simple- *crack* oh, damn that was good, hoouuuu....."
I relievedly stated.
"Should have used some shield next time"
I stated, as those rams wasn't a piece of cake, and a laughing matter. Though I was able to achieve everything I needed to do, but if place it some ratio out of 10, I got 6 of them quite perfectly well-done, while the remaining ones were the reason why my left arm is itching at this moment.
While walking back to the [Transmission Point], and making sure to avoid any monsters in the way, I was also stretching both of shoulders, when I suddenly thought
"... Wait, I think shield would hinder me useless in the battle, though [Terra Firma] is best use with such weapon, but I am not a tanker type of person, as I am mostly a mobility base one, so a shield will be a chain to me, rather a dagger"
I thought, though using the combination of shield and [Terra Firma] will be the best bet, especially I am up against some strong monsters in the upcoming crisis, I am a moving type of class.
And I can't use my tactic of running away, after stunning them, or making the other approaching monsters unmovable, while I take care the other ones, so I could get away from the situation of being cornered.
"Hmmmm....."
Deeply lost in thought as I tried to come up some solution in this predicament, I then realized something, as I recalled some memories that I have, during those times where I played some games.
"I think I remember some kind of armor where the guard, or like the other half of the armor, either the left or the right arm, has some kind of bigger and thicker side, where they could use as a shield, and a weapon for ramming too... Though I forgot what is it called"
Thinking about it, some of the games I have played for quite a while, some of the NPC or sub characters on the game, and some other playable characters, seem to be using that kind of armor, especially if they are a hand to hand fighter type.
"It won't be a hindrance for me in the battle, while also not dragging my speed down"
Passing some tall grown trees in the area, I then avoided some approaching monster in the way
"We only a few more days before the so called 'welcoming' will come, so should I ask Lucrane for any advice what it is, and how to use it? Or should I just stick to what I am now?"
Contemplating to what to do
Kraaaa!
Nraaaa!
Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
Grrrrrr!
I then saw some monsters bickering each other, just a few distance from where I was. It was a group of {Goblins}, and a group of {Gray Wolves}. Though the side of the of {Gray Wolves} has 4 or 5 more players in game, the {Goblins} side has 2 {Hobgoblins} in them, carrying a Wooden Staff, with a circular gem or something.
Not caring about the upcoming battle, I slowly and silently made my way, away from them. Though I could wait to see who might win, and grab the opportunity to dispose the remaining one, I really do feel fighting for now, as I completely worn out.
"And my body is itching for some rest"
.....
Making my way back to the [Transmission Point] wasn't easy, as avoiding monsters after monster were getting tricky by the moment, and there are times when I needed to fight them, like how I fought against a group of {Foxes}, consisting of 5 members, and also some {Boars}, {Bull}, {Nero Rabbits}, and some {Gray Wolves} in the area, as those monsters has a strong presence detection, compared to the {Goblins}.
The trickiest part on those were when their alpha has the [Leadership] skill, making their formation and fighting skill, boosted and solid
"Especially the nimble one"
Though the way back home wasn't smooth as planned, but I still got at the array, safe and sound, before dinner. Transmitting myself down towards the ground floor, I then made my way back to the camp.
.....
".... She's not here..... Strange"
I stated, as I got back to the camp, it was empty, and around the area, Lucrane wasn't there. Though the food is already ready, which is a pot of soup, and the table is also already set, she wasn't there, nor do I know if already eaten or not
"... She really is acting, somewhat different"
Looking at the pot half full of soup, thinking whether to eat or find her 1st, I then sigh and place the lead back, leaving the camp as I tried finding her.
"Where should I even look- oh wait"
As I was trying to guess where she could be, I then suddenly realized that our tower has a GPS system, like how you can easily locate any monster around the tower, you can also locate where the manager where at. I then hurriedly went towards the cental room of the ground floor, to find where she was at
.....
Arriving there, I then opened the central room's hologram, by simply swiping my hand from my right to my left, as I touched the ball at the center of the table.
Psshhht
The hologram then popped up in front of me. The hologram has the basic effect like one of those settings in a game, where you see a gear like design at the top right, or bottom right, which will allow you to change your game settings, but in this case, it was an open book with a pen upfront.
Clicking that icon, it then lead me to 3 chooses at the left corner, in a square design.
<> [Setting]
<> [Area]
[Ground Floor]
[First Floor]
[Second Floor]
[Third Floor]
[Fourth Floor]
<> [Specified Location]
<> [Individual Information]
I then clicked the [Ground Floor] at the [Area] setting, then the [Specified Location] icon right after, and then tried finding where our bossy lady at.
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
The [Specified Location] only let you see a rough idea of the floor, but a detailed one of course, though at a bird eye view shot, or angle shot. Just take this one for example, the 2nd floor of this tower has tons of tall mountain, and some chain ones too, if you see them in the [Specified Location], you will only see a grind sketch, indicating the mountain in a gray color scheme, fully drawing the whole area where those mountains is at, while the forest will be green, and the water area as blue. Some structures like that temple will be covered in dark green.
Though you can zoom in and out the map, you can't really see those area in different angle, other than the bird eye view shot. Monsters and such will be located through dots, and the bigger one from the rest will be the alpha, or the boss.
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
"..."
Scheming through the map in he ground floor, I then found where she is at, or currently at.
Sigh
Sighing, I then headed over to where she was
.....
(Author's POV)
As the time rang its chime, donating the end of the day, and the coming of the night. In the bountiful field of the tower, a quiet one settled down
Silently gazing upfront as she sat down, leaning her head to the branch of the tree she currently staying at, her vision was gazing at the distance, far far distance.
In such silence, only the touch of the evening wind, caressing her cheeks, noise of the field as the {Golems} work their way, the light of the moon that shone, and the swaying leaves of the tree, sang there song towards her.
Haaaaah
Deeply lost in her thought, in her world, Lucrane heave a deep sigh as she closed eyes, trying to settle down her distressful mind, calming her restless heart.
Foooouu~
Slowly opening her eyes
"Quite the view, isn't it?"
She then turned around, looked down, and saw the person who made her troubled for quite some time. Shocked and anxious to the situation, she was agape to what to say, and could only stare at him, with a heavy mind.
"... What's up? Something wrong?"
He concernly ask, as he gradually close the distance between them.
"I, I I am alright..... It's..... I'm fine"
With shuttering voice and unease mind, she spoke as she turn her gaze away from him, which troubled him the most.
Sigh
Sighing in defeat, he scratch his head as he look to his side, reluctant to what to do, and quite oblivious to what to do
(Vince's POV)
'Dear God, can I ask some prep time here?'
I jokingly thought, trying to at least give me some push, or something, I don't know
Hnnnnnn~
Taking a silent breath, I then
"[Swift Nimble]"
"[Quick Feet]"
Propelled myself up after casting my skills, jumping from one brach to another, until I reach where she sat, just at the middle of a huge tree, leaning her head to the side, and not looking at me.
Standing atop of the trees branch, I then steeled myself and man up
"Ummm, like, s..... Whats- what's the matter?"
"...."
"Y-you..... I *sigh*"
Quite piss to how I spoke like a toddler, even though a toddler could speak better than me, I then silently heave a sigh, trying to calm myself down, before I spoke
"I don't know what's going on here, neither do I can guess what just happened, but if you wanted to say something, I'm all ears"
"....."
Scratching the back of my head with her silent reply, I then added
".... Hey, I, I'm not really good at this kind thing you know, not going to lie to you, I am more of a child is this kind of thing"
"...."
"Speaking some persuasive words, giving speeches and the likes, courting or whatsoever, I don't know any of those, I basically a rookie when it comes to those things"
"...."
"But I can at least give you a hand if you needed one, maybe a shoulder to lean if you want. I'm all ears here, ready to listen to whatever you might say, there just 2 of us here anyway, so who else will help each other, rather than us?"
"..."
Not knowing if my words are getting through her, I still spoke
"You know.....you know that I am not really a smart man, not even the bravest one"
I then slowly sat down beside her and added, as I lean my head to the side, trying to take a peek at her
"But if you needed a friend to stay with, I am here"
"....."
Seeing the same cold response, I then heave a sigh, feeling defeated in this situation. So I then looked upfront, letting the cold wind brush us, before I slowly stood up and said
"Well I guess, you don't need one"
(Author's POV)
As he turn around to leave
"I.... I'm sorry"
She spoke in a low voice, as if whispering to the tree beside her, downcasting her gaze, still reluctant to look at him. Hearing her meek voice spoke, he then look at her as he stood, waiting for her words to come
".... I..... I'm just anxious really, just, just quite distracted, a bit"
"I'll wait"
"....."
Confused to his words, she slowly turn around and look at him, and saw his calm yet stoic gaze, cheerfully smiling at her.
"I can't really do much, really. Like I said, I don't really know what to do in this kind of situation, at all"
He spoke as he sat down beside her. He then looked upfront as he continued
"I never really have much interaction with other people, especially to anyone I don't know of, neither I cared to. And since time I lost my grandparents, I never spoke much than I needed to, except with I was still a kid, maybe"
He made a wryly smile as he spoke
"Being by myself all the time, I never have my chances to.... To think about other people, other than me.... So I guess"
He then looked at her and stated
"It has it's own demerits, I think, never did I cared though"
"...."
Quietly listening to him, in silence she clench her fist as she attentively listen to him, never daring to look away
"I'm... I'm dense, or whatever you may call it, oblivious maybe? But, I'm.... But I'm here if you needed someone to talk to, do I can't really say I could help much, ha ha, but I'll try as much as I can"
And give a gentle and awkward smile
"Though I could never be a man you wanted, maybe not even what you needed, but I could at least be someone you can turn to if you wanted, and lean on if you needed... Or something, I don't know hahaha"
He then embarrassingly turn his sight to the front and scratch the back of his head as he added
"I, I really don't know what I am saying man, I.... Whatever comes to my mind, I just said it, ahahhah like... Whatever"
"..."
"....."
Awkward silence then settle down between the 2, as the evening breeze pass them, gently brushing the lushes of leaves.
"Thank you"
"...."
Hearing her spoke in low words, he then turn around and look at her, downcasting her gaze as she clench her fist
"... Take your time"
In a gentle tone he stated
Hooouuu~
Taking a deep breath, she then relaxed herself
"So, what is it?"
Pausing a bit as she stared at him, she then spoke
".... I heard everything"
".....? You heard everything of what?"
He confusedly ask, as he frown to her words
"I heard everything, everything you and Iratus spoke that day"
And stared at him with stoic, yet apologetic look
"... What?"
Stunned to her words, he could only stare at him surprise
"I just pass by during that time when I saw the 2 of you talking, so I tried hiding myself, concealing all my presence, and went to listen to your conversation"
"... Why?"
"It was out of intuition, I guess, I don't know, just for some reason, I did it"
She then looked upfront as she added
"And heard everything you said, everything"
"....."
"... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eye drop, I was just wondering"
"....."
"....."
Silence deluge the place once more, as the 2 were stunned to speak, and to guilty to state. No words came to their mouth, only thought of awkwardness and disbelief, heaving the atmosphere between them
Swoosh
As the cold wind brush them
"..... *breath*"
He then took a deep as he compose himself, and stared at her with a steeled heart. Quite confused and perplexed to the sudden situation, Lucrane quite nervously gaze at him, and patiently waited
As the world turned silence and the moon shone its brightness
"I like you"
He stated, with a stoic look and affront words, no flattery nor speeches, as he thrown his words in a straight shot, suddenly slapping her with abruptness
As the world stopped to spin, as the cold wind caress them, time has halted as they stared at each other
"!?"
She was then shocked to his words, as if freeing herself from a dream, and she could only stare at him with jaw opened in baffledness.
Clenching her fist as she bit her lower lip, she then heave a sigh and steeled her heart, and look at him with a calm look as she answered
"..... I'm sorry"
"...."
Like how a broken clock stopped its chime, no words came out from his mouth, as he merely stared at her and didn't further spoke.
The day end as the wind passes through, and even with how stunning the night was, the evening was quite shallow, and silent.
...
Staring at my hand that I raised above me, as I lay down on the ground, taking shelter in the tree's shade, I then heard Iratus asking me, as he slowly walk towards me
"..... Do you regret it?"
Clenching my right hand in silence, I then place both of my hands in my chest, and closed my eyes
Swooosh
And letting the wind brush with its gentle breeze
"Maybe"
"Hmmm, I see"
I then heard him close to my right, and sat down.
Swish
".... Maybe, I shouldn't have confessed, isn't it?"
In words of both dejection, and solemnity.
"... Maybe"
"I see"
Swoosh
(Author's POV)
As the afternoon breeze nuzzle the trees, patting its wind to the lushes of the leaves, swaying the grassy field and blooming flowers, the 2 took their silence as they rested, letting everything in their path, succumb to the quietness of the land.
While asking deep inside, was the shot I fired, worth it? Or should I just missed it?
(Vince's POV)
Few days pass since the time I took a firm stand and confess, there were quite a distance between us since then. Though there were no awkwardness between us, and we still see each other eye to eye, and talk like before, but it feels like there was a wide barrier in between us, separating us.
Rather than moping around, and finding guilty or whatever, I took all the days I have to grind and level up, practicing all my skills to, though not in perfection, but in mastery.
I took my time and hours to prepare myself for the upcoming crisis that will befall to our tower, to us. I keep going on and on, on what kind of tactics should I use, what weapon is best suitable in "those" situations, and what should I do, in "those" situations.
I sometimes ask Lucrane for some tips and such, some other information I needed to know, and to also sharpen my skills and abilities.
I spend the whole days grinding in the 1st floor till the 3rd floor. I also did rested to make sure I won't get overwork, ending me to be vulnerable in the battle. Though I needed to be strong and prepare, but over exceeding myself too much, will be the cause of my downfall. While I was doing those, Lucrane sometimes goes out from the tower during the afternoon, for some unknown reason and cause, and when she get back, there were no words to say to it.
She didn't tell me anything about it, so I didn't prove to it, knowing there might be something behind it. She also sometimes just resting in the farm, or sometimes roaming around the tower.
She also sometimes helps me when hunting, or when I was training, which was quite awkward but helpful, especially to what happened between us.
During the whole afternoon in the 5th day, I just laze around and sleep, and didn't do anything.
As time passes by so quickly, I just then realized something
"Wait, where's Yoichi?"
I ask as I killed 5 {Boars} in the 2nd floor
[You have gained 250 Exp for killing {Boars}]
For almost a week now, I didn't saw nor meet Yoichi even once, and the last time we see each other, was when she went towards Iratus place, and didn't comeback. And when I ask Iratus about it, he just keep quiet, never spilling anything. And as for Lucrane? She just keep saying
"She's in a good hand, don't worry about her"
Though her usually teases were gone, she did made me feel relieve, even a bit. Though I still can't shake something fishy, especially that Yoichi is within that pedo's doorstep, I just can't relax knowing she's near him.
But I eventually settled down, and didn't further overthink about it, especially when we are in this situation. So at least knowing she is safe and sound, I continued my everyday life, as I grind the whole time, until I masterized all the skills I have in hand.
I didn't added some new skills in hand, as I took all the time I have to master all the skills I owned.
"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."
Is once spoke by a certain martial artist, back in the past. Though it was quite tragic about his death, but his words till live by, even for now. So rather than making something new, I rather polish the old one instead.
....
Rumble Rumble Rumble Rumble
As the whole tower suddenly quake, shaking the whole floor with its might
"Get ready"
She muttered as she stood beside me, glaring upfront with a glint
Foooou~
Taking a deep breath, I then summoned my [Mythril Knight Sword], and griply holds its hilt, and spoke it a stoic tone
"I already am"
[Havre de sécurité] defense has now di activated]
[Warning!]
[Any monster can now invade your tower]
[Warning!]
[A horde of monster was detected outside the tower]
[Warning!]
[Warning!]
[Warning!]
Bang! Booom! Crash
"...... Foooou~, let us see how much worth I am, after 2 weeks of preparation"