[KREEEGGGH!!! KREEEGGGHHH!!!]
[KRAGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!]
Well, this sucks. In my reckless attempt to level up faster, I attracted a lot more Kobolds than I anticipated. I can take out a few of them in my current strength, but I don't know how long I can endure with a few enforcers. I don't have anything that can let me escape from this mess since some of the items only take me back to
Heh... Me being reckless, huh? It's been a while since I tried being careful in my college life. I'm still me in this form, yet the wolf's influence was affecting me mentally through the [Mind Link]. I'm not complaining about it. It allows me to let loose and blow off some steam from my everyday life. Might as well risk myself to a penalty than missing out on [MEXP].
[KRRRRREAGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!]
I quickly back away as one of the [Kobolds] quickly pounces on me. In retaliation, I jab at its gut before twirling my body for a few sideway kicks. Then, I grabbed its neck and threw it at its group before raising my arm towards its group.
"Spirits of flames, show yourselves! Pierce my enemies with the burning arrows from the scorching sun! [Fire Arrows]!"
...
I stood there as I saw no flames or arrows appearing as usual. I tried reciting it mentally again, but nothing. Instead, I'm only stretching out my hand while the monsters stare at me. Don't tell me I can't cast spells in this form even if I chant the spell?!
[KRAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHH!!!]
My shock quickly broke just as I saw the one I attacked fall on some of the Kobolds, causing them to collapse like a house of cards. I have a feeling I might get killed if they start piling up on me, so I should worry about my magic for now. I took this chance to back away a few steps long enough for them to get up and start charging towards me.
"[Double Jab]!"
I threw the two attacks on one of the Kobolds before barraging the others with basic kicks and jabs. Then a [Jab], basic, [Double Jab], basic, [Scratch Swipe], basic, [Double Jab], basic...
Ugh... This is getting nowhere. It took me about a few minutes to defeat 3 [Kobolds] and a [Kobold Enforcer]. But I don't seem to notice any signs of them wavering. What's worse is that my stats, despite an increase from my new form, won't be able to keep up!
I haven't cast any spells thanks to this disability, but it seems like my transformation is linked to my [MP] for some reason. If this keeps up, my first controlled transformation would drag me to another penalty! I may bite off more than I can chew. Is it too late to back out now? But that would mean a higher chance of death and losing all of my hard-earned EXP. Dammit, if only I can cast a single [Life] spell, I can turn this around!
[You can.]
Huh? That voice... I know I'm the only one here, and I still can't speak. So who...
[It doesn't matter who I am. It's been years since I saw an [Insignis] become part of my kin, and of all the initiates, you were a few who were willing to accept the gifts of the moon.]
A few? Are they saying I'm not the only [Insignis] we- I mean [Lycan] around here?
[You could say that. However, it's too early for you to know more about me. Rest assured, my visit won't be an annoyance for you. Rather, I have a special gift for a special [Insignis] like you.]
A gift? What are they t-
BA-DUMP!
ACK!!! My head! What the hell?! It's too painful! I-I can't...think normally! Must...retain...consciousness! I feel like I want to lose myself to kill these bastards!
[No cause for alarm. This brief loss of control will only occur so I can share knowledge with you.]
Argh... Agh...
Finally... I can think again. I almost became a real wolf after that mess. Just what the hell is this [Mind Link] trying to do with my brain? Putting me in a coma?!
[Again, no cause for alarm. You might be surprised at what I granted you.]
What...you granted me?
[GRAAAAGGGGGGHHHH!!!]
Crap! I was so lost on this sudden event that the [Kobold] almost pounced on me. I quickly grab the bugger and toss it to the incoming group. I would try to use another [Martial Arts], but instead, I raised my arm again as I started to chant in my head. "Spirits of flames, show yourselves! Pierce my enemies with the burning arrows from the scorching sun! [Fire Arrows]!"
I realized too late what I've done. But before I could act, several fire arrows appeared above me and started raining down on the Kobolds. No way... I thought I couldn't use spells as a wolf, but how...
[Consider this as a welcome gift to my kin, young [Insignis].]
Gift? Are you the one who let me use magic again?!
[Again, I can't say much. But if you want to know more, you have to go through normal procedures as one of us. With that, I wish you luck, young [Insignis] cub.]
No, wait!
...
Dammit, they're gone. But at least it wasn't for nothing. For now, I need to get back on dealing with these Kobolds before more of them show up! And since I got my magic back, how about a boost?
“Spirits of life, hear my call. Give my ally the strength from your power. [Gift of Strength]!”
I let the green light surround my body. After that, I use my enhanced strength to throw as many basic attacks at the weaker Kobolds and a few skills at the enforcers as I can before finishing two of them with a [Power Attack] punch. As expected, my magic did change the outcome of this fight. But I have a feeling it might not be enough to defeat all of the enforcers in one sitting. I need to cut down their numbers before I can finish it before the sun rises. So I have one option to thin them out.
"AWWOOOOOOOOO!!!"
This [Racial Skill] was originally made for [Beast Folks] who chose canine as their chosen species, which allows them to stun every enemy within range if it's used. But to my surprise, I can also access it as a [Lycan]. So when I let it out, most of the Kobolds froze, giving me enough time to run away on fours. While [Kobold Enforcers] are stronger than their normal counterparts, they are still limited to attacking anyone within their line of sight. The moment I run further away from them, the higher the chance they will stop their pursuit of me. It's a cowardly move, but a smart decision to avoid prolonging the fight. Besides, most of them are still chasing me, and I haven't given up on my grinding session yet.
Even if I'm running past my limits, I don't seem to feel any signs of exhaustion in my virtual body. Hell, it just gives me enough energy and nimbleness to avoid trees and rocks coming towards me. Once I find myself in another open area, I turn around to see the Kobolds about to catch up, with only a few enforcers behind them. Good, that should be enough to finish this current affair.
“Spirits of flames, show yourselves! Pierce my enemies with the burning arrows from the scorching sun! [Fire Arrows]!”
The said arrows appear around me once more as I close my eyes. As much as I think this is a stupid idea, I have another advantage in this form. While my senses are enhanced even in my human form, the effects are doubled if I transform into my werewolf form. If that's the case, I might be able to access that feature Lawrence mentioned.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Not now. I just need them to get a little closer.
Closer...
PING!
[Bestial Instincts]. Just like [Howl], it was originally from the [Beast Folk] and [Feles]. With it, I can activate a special HUD meant for those characters to give me the exact location of the enemy without relying on eyesight. Before
[KREAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!!!]
I quickly toss the arrows without opening my eyes. Then, relying on my ears alone, I rush to the source of the growl while tossing something out from my inventory. Then with a quick pair of [Double Jab], I threw a few more kicks before finishing my unknown opponent with a [Power Attack]. I would say I would open my eyes after that. But instead, I grin while covering my ears without taking a peek.
BOOM!
[GRAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!]
[KRAGGGGHHHH!!! KRAAAAGGGHHH!!!]
Heh... Looks like using items in this form does work, too. I guess it has something to do with my current sentience right now. While the wolf me during a full moon can't use items from the inventory, but I might be able to do so as long as I stay awake in this form. In this case, I used an item that might be detrimental for canine-type mobs if I hadn't closed my eyes and covered my ears on time.
It was my go-to consumable whenever I was forced into a [Dungeon] with a possible chance of a [Kobold] appearing. Thank god I have some left from that raid. It might take a while for the light to disperse, so I took this chance to charge in after the noise died down and smacked a few more monsters with [Double Jab] and [Power Attack]. Once I open my eyes, I see 4 [Kobolds] crouching on the ground, groaning in pain, 3 bodies lying next to them, and a [Kobold Enforcer] fell to its knees as it held its gut next to a couple of unconscious mooks. Other than the injured ones, there are 4 [Kobolds] and 1 other [Kobold Enforcer] standing. Compared to earlier, this is a much easier number to handle by myself, and thanks to my [Flash Bomb] stunt, I have a head start to pummel them before they can do anything.
With this, the odds are now back in my favor. I could hear more of them coming from a distance, but again, I think I can handle them a bit longer with these advantages I set upon myself.
Sure, I'm still lost with that mysterious voice giving me back my magic as a werewolf. But it doesn't matter. I got my monsters, and the field is all set. Now, it's time to hunt for EXP and loot.
[The next day...]
I yawned loudly as I walked out of the town inn. It's been a while since I slept back in
I can't guarantee he would answer immediately. He said he was busy with his grinding session, and I don't know if a day is enough to get him to [TML] 15. Still, there is no way he can reach his goal in time...
"Oh, lookie here! Weak little Lyco is here to be a test dummy today!"
Crap... That voice... I turn around to see not only Sien and the Viper goons, but also the guild leader himself, Savior. By the looks on their faces, it seems like they're in the mood for harassing me. If I run away now, they might do something to punish me for it. Either way, it's not like I can run away since they might catch me with a movement [SPD] boost too easily. I might as well play it cool for now.
"Just so you know, my character is a middle-aged man. How can you call me "little" if I'm taller than you?" I'm hoping my little bluff is enough to dissuade them. Alas, they simply grab me by the collar as Savior and Sien approach with blades in their hands and grins of hostility against me.
"Oh, you might be 'older' than us in here. But have you forgotten how you betrayed us just like that, backstabbing Lowry?!" Sien shouted near my ear. "Don't tell me you're making that excuse to disappear out of shame like him?"
Geez... This guy is even more petty than Savior! "Now, why do you think that crazy rumor? Besides, I heard he's busy with his essays lately."
"Save the excuses for yourself, Lyco," Savior spoke up. "You already heard about the recent [Dungeon Runs] at the
Dammit... He works fast! At this rate, I won't be able to defend myself and Lunar for long. But with no signs of the little werewolf yet, I have to keep playing dumb so they won't try finding them through force. "Seriously? Don't tell me Sien is still hurt from those "real-life complications" lately."
That's all I can say before I get a cheek full of fist from Sien's rage. "Did I tell you not to make excuses, Lyco?! As much as I want to beat you up right now, all we want now is lowly Lowry. You've already heard of the [Arena of the Strong] event by now. We were hoping that he might try to participate in it. You know, as an apology for mistreating him."
Apology? Are they serious? I would believe their words and call it "bygones". But those guys won't learn when to give up. Whether they're telling the truth or not, I'm not gonna give up his location that easily! "I-I... I don't know... Again, if you want to see him, maybe try meeting him back in college by Monday..."
But before I continue, I feel a sharp pain in my gut, and I fall before Sien pulls me right up on my face. "Geez... I only asked nicely if you'd seen him lately. But instead, you treated me and my boss like criminals." Before I can stand up, Sien quickly grabs me by the neck again. "Haven't I told you it's rude to blow us off without a reason?"
"A-and haven't I told you guys he's a private person?! I can't believe you're going to resort to violence even if I said "no" gently," I grunted. "No wonder why you got humiliated o- AGH!"
Another punch to my gut... He seriously doesn't want to talk, does he? There's no way I can react with another punch on time. But Savior grabs his fist and said, "Now, now... Let's not have our fists and weapons do the talking. Remember where we are?" He then turns to me next. "As for you, he has been AWOL since that disastrous run. As a friend of his, I'm rightly concerned about his safety, and I was hoping that by joining Vipers again for the arena tournament, I was hoping it would be enough to give him a leg up on the competition with our help."
"Oh, please. There is no way you can help Lu- I mean, Lowry level him up to 15 on time. Knowing you, you might force him to become your alchemist and porter slave just like the rest of those newbies you tricked."
Oh, crap. Did I say too much?
"...okay. You can hit him again."
For the third time, Sien quickly jabbed at my gut. If we weren't in a virtual reality game right now, I would end up with internal bleeding from those gut punches. I would stand up again, but Savior grabs my hair and pulls me to his face next.
"Look, Lyco. Don't make me repeat myself. That guy has hidden himself under a rock for too long, and I'm already stressed with the two failures and the aftermath that went with it. Along with Sien's accident in real life, I've already reached my patience with that guy! So, how about you be a good sport and tell us where that bastard Lowry is?! Or..."
"Or what, Save? Violate the town rules to get an excuse to beat up my best friend?"
I gasped as soon as I heard that familiar, yet deadpanned voice. Before I can see who it is, I see a shadow slowly approaching us with its eyes seemingly glowing in blue.
"I'm only 10 minutes late, and you're already using Lyco as your stress dummy. Seriously, what kind of apology are you trying to give me?"
Yep, he's here alright. But to my shock, everyone around me gasps, including the [Viper Fangs]. I look up at last, and I also gasp to see someone who has stayed in the forest for a long time with grime on his clothes. Instead, I see a young silver-haired man walking in like he's in a fashion show with a blue long-sleeved jacket, white shirt, black pants, and brown boots.
"Whoa... Who's that player?"
"He looked like one of those K-Pop idols on TV."
"Famous or not, he looks like my type."
Looks like everyone is raving about the so-called "new player". But I know who that guy is, and I have a feeling Savior and Sien are about to find out.
"And who the hell are you? I don't remember a newbie talking back right at us. Unless you have no idea who I am..." Savior sneered. "But just in case, I might as well refresh your memory..."
"Don't act like you don't know. You're Savior, leader of the [Viper Fangs], the very same guild that failed their [Dungeon Runs] at a certain [Dungeon] 2 times now. Not only did you lure new players to be your slaves and meat shields in your previous runs, but you also drove a certain [Insignis] player into hiding. Am I wrong?"
I snickered behind his back the moment Savior's face turned pale. "W-Well... I didn't expect you to do your research about me. But haven't you heard "too much is too many"?"
But the "new player" quickly shoved his face to Save's and said, "And haven't you heard looks can be deceiving? Then again, it's no surprise you haven't recognized your old 'buddy' and nav in your guild?"
Ooh... Those words might be enough to give Savior and Sien a hint. And from their horrified looks alone, it looks like they figure it out.
"Wait... Are you saying..." Sien started. "Y-You're..."
Savior's eyes widened before he said, "L-Lowry?!"
The man smirks and crosses his arms. "About time you figure it out. I've kept my promise, Savior. Now it's time to keep yours." He then narrows his eyes at the Vipers. "What do you want from me, Savior?"