The large trees blocked the sunlight, my shadow obscured as my boots crunched fallen leaves and twigs.
I should only have to walk for maybe another-
A monster jumped out of a bush! My first...
What is a bunny doing in here? Before I could process it, the bunny frantically ran past me.
The bush it came from rustled as I held up my sword. Out from the bush walked a Gray Wolf, one of the most common monsters in the Beginner's Forest.
Hmm... but this wolf doesn't look right. The eyes seem a little more ferocious than they should be. Bloody saliva dripped from its mouth as I inspected it. An average size for a grey wolf, maybe a little bigger, black tufts of hair lined it's back and legs with ravenous eyes piercing mine.
Ahem... No matter, it's still just a wolf.
I don't have any actual skills so... I guess I'll just hack at it until it dies.
I waited patiently as I stared back into the wolf's eyes, it staring into mine. I wanted it to make the first move.
And so it did, growling as it charged forth, blood stained claws digging at the soil as it flew toward me way faster than I expected it to.
I stepped to the side and tried to slash as I spinned to face it, but I only managed to cut off it's tail. It whimpered as it turned around from it's charge, but immediately looked as if I killed it's mother.
The nub of it's tail dripped crimson blood as I raised my sword again.
It charged, and I slashed a second sooner than before, hitting the wolf's ribs as it landed. It stared hatefully at me as it snarled.
I waited for it to charge again, and it eventually did. The wolf, with some kind of hate-fueled power, lunged much faster than it did previously, it's claws landed on my shoulders as I had the edge of my sword smushed against it's neck.
It's bloodied saliva dripped onto my face, the claws digging into my shoulders as I yelped in pain. The teeth bit the air in front of me, getting closer every bite. I did the only thing I could do, sawing at the neck.
Blood and hair spurted into my eyes and mouth as I clenched my teeth, seesawing the head off before it got to mine.
My shoulders were on fire, everytime I moved the claws dug deeper. But at the same time, so did my sword.
I enforced my resolve and kept going, and I didn't stop until the wolf went limp, the head being propped up on my sword.
I pushed the wolf to the side and dug my sword out before sitting on it's chest, blood still seeping out of my shoulders.
[Hp: 52/200]
Wow, that guy really did a number on me! I didn't have enough to buy any restorative items, though...
I'll just cook some of this guy to heal.
Now, let's level up!
[NPC tg .000: Veggie Guy]
[Level: 4]
{Stats}
[Strength: 5] + [Agility: 5] + [Constitution: 5] +
[Intelligence: 5]+ [Wisdom: 5]+
[Stat points: 15]
{Skills}
[Blank] [Blank] [Blank]
I'll just distribute them between the three physical stats for now.
[Strength: 10] [Agility: 10] [Constitution: 10]
Mm, much better. I clenched my fist and flexed my arm before looking down at the wolf carcass.
This guy sure was strange. Let's inspect him.
{Enraged Wolf}
[Level: 11]
[Becomes stronger when damaged]
Odd... This is probably the evolved monster Haul warned me about. I wonder what it went through to become enraged?
I butchered it and collected the teeth as I pondered. I cooked some of the meat in a makeshift fire and ate it while I walked back to the village. The Enraged Wolf Pelt and teeth should fetch for a decent price with it's status affect.
Now, let's make some money! ($^$)
"Come again, Veggie!" The crafting vendor grinned contentedly while stashing parts of the wolf.
"Sure thing, Hana!"
I put the gold into my inventory and sat on a bench in the village square, thinking of what I should do now. Potions, for sure. I should check what accessories the jewelry vendor has, but I doubt I could afford anything worth it.
Meh, I'll look anyway.
I got up and went to the healer stall first and spent a pretty penny on a few potions, but not many. I had about 30 gold left.
Next I went to the jewelry stand.
"Hey, Nita!' I waved as I walked up.
"Oh, hey Veggie..." She sighed and swatted at me.
"What's wrong?" She's usually pretty chipper.
"Hahh, nothing... I just lost something pretty important," She frowned sadly as she leaned on the stall. "My mother's necklace, I lost it somewhere in the Beginner's Field..."
Hmm... This could be a good opportunity to get some discounts.
"I could look for it! No promises, though," I patted my chest softly. I wasn't too confident, but years of inspecting my garden gave me a pretty good eye.
And besides, I really want to beat up those guys that ran me off! (I'm still too weak right now though #.#)
Nina perked up as soon as I said that, she leaned over the stall and gave me a really tight hug, "Oh, really!? I was really hoping you would help me! Truth be told, the main reason I was so sad was because everyone I told about it didn't even bother looking..."
I smiled awkwardly and patted her back... I've never been this close to a woman before! I ignored how sweet she smelled and gently pushed her away.
"Just give me some discounts when I come back, haha!"
"Yes, of course! I could even throw in a bonus for your efforts, I hope a simple ring would be satisfactory?" She twiddled her fingers in a hopeful manner.
"I'll be happy to take any extra rewards! I'll go to the fields now and look."
"Good luck!" She waved to me as I turned around.
I left the village and headed to the field, keeping an eye out for the necklace as I also planned what I would do if I ran into that party from before. Right now, the only thing I can do is maybe kill one and run off before everyone else gangs up on me.
If I do run into them, I'll just harass them until they die of anger!