He stands over us covering the moment with oppressive shadows. Seemingly oblivious to where he is, the man emits intense killing intent. Even if help were to come they would be too frozen by fear to step up.311Please respect copyright.PENANATbRZ1BXa2v
311Please respect copyright.PENANABvWZcKXkCj
311Please respect copyright.PENANAim7jnf2kGE
I instinctively put my arm in front of Alyson which earns a raised eyebrow from Sever.
311Please respect copyright.PENANALyWfVgKaKG
311Please respect copyright.PENANADi1rgE02TM
Sever: “And you are?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAXrBB9cO1l5
311Please respect copyright.PENANAo0UbB2dbcB
Nao: “Alphon, what does such a dangerous guy want from my friend.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjLIDyRy4Z0
311Please respect copyright.PENANAra742To69P
Sever: “You seemed more than friends.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAX1VVn9gaBi
311Please respect copyright.PENANAShjZ5XlPyS
Alyson: “Relax Alphon, I got this.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA48RIvSM3BV
311Please respect copyright.PENANA6EaVwQD1IT
She moves my arm away and stands up against Sever. Usually, Alyson commands any ring she steps into against this guy, she looks as small as me.
311Please respect copyright.PENANADwWdFGKlif
311Please respect copyright.PENANAfXFzl9Dv3l
Alyson: “What do you want with my brother?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAilQ2zgSid3
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHXrBWrNBEz
Sever shoots me a glance but quickly returns to Alyson, meeting her glare with his own.
311Please respect copyright.PENANArJyhqreovW
311Please respect copyright.PENANAVyyQsJnjW3
Sever: “I rather we discuss this away from strangers.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjRcx9Rer1N
311Please respect copyright.PENANABZfAUnklsl
It’s my turn to get up and stand up against Sever. I might be taller by a small inch but I still feel like I’m still the young kid in the situation. Despite that, I puff up my chest and enter the fray.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAJyxGGBm2XK
311Please respect copyright.PENANAtOLtQ3oDDe
Nao: “You’re the stranger here, I’ll stay.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA7m6TXQ8wWQ
311Please respect copyright.PENANAEzQeO7yq7s
Sever looks me over and snickers.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAbOJw0TinrN
311Please respect copyright.PENANAEwBTUZxU9O
Sever: “Alright, do you know that your brother is missing?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAwy2Zrkcore
311Please respect copyright.PENANA0lTRZ1na0G
Alyson & Nao: “What!?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAiGTRV4sF7h
311Please respect copyright.PENANAKeVoXHll4k
Alyson: “I saw him this morning, what do you mean missing?
311Please respect copyright.PENANAI5HfGinbOy
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2q76Bt3SdX
Sever: “As one of you might recall, my employer’s son went missing. One suspect was your brother.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAkYXf8URMAI
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHfcztvug1p
Alyson: “Pft, Nao? He’s not strong enough to take on Anton and his boys even after a workout?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAWPyPKABwRE
311Please respect copyright.PENANAZuGnIGwqnM
Sever: “Workouts you say? Do you know when he began and his workout regiment?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA34Izn5RAEP
311Please respect copyright.PENANAY1VCFFpkVo
Alyson: “Less than a week and I’m sure you can’t go from weak as a stick to beating guys near twice your size.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAzvlDIUuN5c
311Please respect copyright.PENANA8Iar6B1tli
Nao: “Y-Yeah, what makes you think Nao is missing anyway?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAxendWr83Fy
311Please respect copyright.PENANAfObYks5MoD
Sever: “Because we’ve been tailing him and other potential suspects?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAF0kjDMB94I
311Please respect copyright.PENANA7CESIwLPmP
Nao: “You’ve been what?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANASjDbceVUC6
311Please respect copyright.PENANAvifPZKzCRb
Alyson: “Nao is not the cause of whatever happened to Anton. He might get on nerves but that’s beyond his ability.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAUS9xSjBUSq
311Please respect copyright.PENANAy7aWVNdmUt
Sever: “That is yet to be seen. There are many ways a dwarf can take revenge on his bullies. A gun of some kind perhaps.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAlswUACV6v0
311Please respect copyright.PENANAz3ICK3KsuR
Alyson: “You’re going too far now, we have no guns at home.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAh6vt7aBP9s
311Please respect copyright.PENANA0sTfB9AQ3O
Sever: “I guess we can go to your home and ask his mother.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAknQcr5GGd9
!!!311Please respect copyright.PENANAdg7S2LgDFg
311Please respect copyright.PENANA5fWqZkY1yJ
I grasp Sever’s necktie and look deep into his dark eyes. I want to make his skin burn through illusion but I hold back.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAALhlWDr6YK
311Please respect copyright.PENANAqBOenyxNDM
Nao: “Leave. Her. Alone.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANABfE5RzPsjh
311Please respect copyright.PENANABZkNePrRFi
Sever: “Such a reaction from someone who hasn’t even met her before. Why so angry?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAoqPysZ902V
311Please respect copyright.PENANAgrlCR0wtbZ
Nao: “I-I just don’t want people like you messing with my girlfriend’s family.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANArDFOQWJdPX
311Please respect copyright.PENANAPQdUel4Qbd
Sever: “A girlfriend you met only yesterday on the same day you suddenly arrived in town.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAB3kJbYwLcx
311Please respect copyright.PENANAUaU001ozpA
Nao: “!”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAxD7UfjiTqS
311Please respect copyright.PENANADySApaurxs
I need an edge, mind reading!
…
…
Sever: (Such an intense stare. Let me guess….reading my mind?)
311Please respect copyright.PENANAX9h1pP1kse
311Please respect copyright.PENANAvIqUt6j6PA
!!!
311Please respect copyright.PENANA9AOyuU5Kdy
311Please respect copyright.PENANAvUxiJ0mlJQ
I let go of his tie and nearly fall back. But that was the wrong move. Sever smiles triumphantly while fixing his tie.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAiJVXWuHxDn
311Please respect copyright.PENANAwhzl0dRwxw
Sever: “I think I got enough info, thanks for your time.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANASYKgy8Ft57
311Please respect copyright.PENANAbI9eF71iyR
Alyson: “W-Wait, will you stop suspecting Nao?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAXVMPRl372P
311Please respect copyright.PENANA4qPgsPJNOt
Sever: “…Sure, you made compelling arguments. You won’t see me again.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAINJ8QoUXXv
311Please respect copyright.PENANA7pANC7HOwg
He disappears into the shadows of the arena and leaves us in a darkness deeper than we thought possible. We say nothing as we took our gear off and exited the building. But when we return to the light, Alyson breaks the heavy atmosphere.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAb1uDbXKWjF
311Please respect copyright.PENANAvLcNlegECR
Alyson: “I want to say thanks for standing up for my family back there. I don’t usually open up to someone this quickly but, you’re a good guy Alphon. I trust you and want to keep this relationship going.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAELH2B1vtNd
311Please respect copyright.PENANAztWoso9DTH
Nao: “…Me too. I’m kind of exhausted for today though.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAXECzOsf8CR
311Please respect copyright.PENANAb7fr8nEn9r
Alyson: “I-I get it, sorry our first date turned out like this.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAPsxEizEGmv
311Please respect copyright.PENANAZ9fqpPKIcv
Nao: “Don’t worry, It was fun all the way through. Let’s ignore that last part.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAr4VafvqvsY
311Please respect copyright.PENANAj54NHSpu22
Alyson: “Haha, yeah.”
…
…
Nao: “I can see you don’t have the best relationship with your brother but please, try to get along. He’s family and you can’t get that back if you lose it.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAmyhbLBad6W
311Please respect copyright.PENANAuS7ctRzlqK
Alyson: “…”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAu3cytwGM8H
311Please respect copyright.PENANA76MIy4CZ2h
I leave Alyson alone at Crimson Battlefield and stalk the streets. What the hell am I supposed to do? My eyes dart to every person I pass and every shadowy corner.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAqf3pYmqfUt
311Please respect copyright.PENANAotxpP2zxJa
My breathing becomes haggard and my head begins to pound. There’s nowhere to run to that I feel safe from eyes that haunt the back of my mind.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAOwqiyYahfq
311Please respect copyright.PENANARDmSnGzqjp
Sever or his men could be anywhere and those shadows…
311Please respect copyright.PENANAyw3E3b5EU6
311Please respect copyright.PENANARZ6tQzosKx
Nao: “I want to go home…I want to see my mom.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANATkCkO1F3oI
311Please respect copyright.PENANAw0vnIkDch4
Arc: “Get yourself together.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAj4sjR5QcZB
311Please respect copyright.PENANAJekUqzoX6k
Arc, thank god. In all this madness, I forgot about you. Help me get out of this mess.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAVC1P9hbHap
311Please respect copyright.PENANAAoIwkaqJE4
Arc: “Get stronger.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAx6waQY5JWZ
311Please respect copyright.PENANA3Q5VLW6jn8
What?
311Please respect copyright.PENANAg9WafuyvhU
311Please respect copyright.PENANAsADEcxx4mT
Arc: “The time has come, school fun is over. Embrace your role as a mage or face certain death.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAJwPDd4Fopo
Death…311Please respect copyright.PENANAp1GxPykyQi
311Please respect copyright.PENANAzB8YYViUri
I’m only 17 and I never had to really face that concept before all of these. But the shadows threatening to consume me, It’s really starting to hit me.
311Please respect copyright.PENANA6zmyblObus
311Please respect copyright.PENANAg7QiAtSXZy
I’m really in danger of losing everything. Is becoming popular and beating Alyson that important anymore?
*Ding*311Please respect copyright.PENANAGEEcGjZcmY
311Please respect copyright.PENANAKqIdB3xkeo
Practice Offensive Spells (+3) ]Daily]311Please respect copyright.PENANAoju0ypBneo
Learn Meditation (+2)
Kill one Invader (+10)
311Please respect copyright.PENANA9hsxJ1yO4c
…What is an invader?
311Please respect copyright.PENANApTT6MUb5jw
311Please respect copyright.PENANAmewnxpara6
Arc: “You’ll find out eventually, prepare yourself.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANApjGBFrVVuP
311Please respect copyright.PENANAMBI1DsqSkK
…Okay, I will. But I have to get home first without being seen.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHoVSRKTtIz
311Please respect copyright.PENANAfYIBP8kLhY
Arc: “Instead of transforming back immediately, instead transform into an animal.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAA1ce2vaiMV
I can do that?311Please respect copyright.PENANA8kZODHaJ8p
311Please respect copyright.PENANAZRmaAdxOoz
Arc: “Yes, but you need time to focus. It will be…very painful the first few times. Pick something not too small but something people won’t question.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAww0LvUcSp8
311Please respect copyright.PENANAIGn0Nt7DAM
Yeah, maybe Sever will think Alphon is just a werewolf or something.I’ll go through the upstairs window somewhere. Need to find a good place to do this.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAb9Gayi59Y8
311Please respect copyright.PENANAwUSKG9EyEk
I search around for a bathroom or some forested area. Both have pros or cons in the situations but I’ll take either way. Eventually, I find a nice area with enough trees to cover my transformation.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAM9J5dY0YI3
311Please respect copyright.PENANAqS1dmETt1o
I want to glance around but that will give me away. I enter into the thicket as if it was the most natural thing. When I was deep enough, I focus on a big dog. 311Please respect copyright.PENANAwdNwcceEwA
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjRFjCLnEnQ
1…2…3! Shape Shift!
311Please respect copyright.PENANAmD9YN6wFWG
311Please respect copyright.PENANATMZvYFUeG5
Instantly, I could feel my bones break and rearrange themselves. I almost blew my lungs to pieces with my scream but I muffled it by biting my hand.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAFJXxnTUpbX
311Please respect copyright.PENANAdoUq0kO6AR
I bit down so hard that blood starts to feel my mouth. Anything to keep quiet. My body begins to shrink and shift into a dog. A muzzle, my ears, fur, and new legs. And unlike last time, my clothes don’t shrink with me.
311Please respect copyright.PENANA76JBlZH4Rw
311Please respect copyright.PENANA8ZTe5vOned
I has to be almost over, it has to be! I close my eyes and pray for this to the end as my body heats up from the transformation.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAw0DqkNjPOv
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2iDampPw5O
To my surprise, my hand slipped out of my mouth. I couldn’t bite down anymore when I started to get on all fours. This released a torrent of tortured screams but thankfully, it sounds like a dog instead of a human.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAzZHuBo0Ecp
311Please respect copyright.PENANAtzpgojXsHd
After what seemed like ages of being ripped apart, it was over. My body cooled down and could finally open my eyes. The world looked…different and my body…felt foreign.
311Please respect copyright.PENANACiJbm00ngE
311Please respect copyright.PENANAs47uQg2EEo
I pushed myself up on all four paws and started to walk. My balance was terrible and I fell a few times but I kept pushing forward. I finally got out of the thicket and was greeted by a few curious looks.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAXPTuBpAQEb
311Please respect copyright.PENANAZQJ7VMOsKa
I didn’t exit from where I came so I can only hope these people are just bystanders.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAzyeEZz2f9w
311Please respect copyright.PENANAYBWCXpkrxw
“Hey, are you alright?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAizYkrckDIU
311Please respect copyright.PENANAnCubQGL0Y2
One of them tries to pet me but I’m not into that. I force myself to learn how to run fast as I take off toward my house. I can tell this will confuse those people and anyone I might come across along the way but I don’t care.
311Please respect copyright.PENANA27Z5k324KG
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2fwolwfCNp
I need to go home, I want to see my mom. Hell, even Alyson would be nice to see.
311Please respect copyright.PENANA4tNDyZogum
!311Please respect copyright.PENANAteN6rAg1yy
311Please respect copyright.PENANAnvZkf9Ql0Y
“Ow, what the hell?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAk6NrOjNIPT
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHRe8rN4N0D
Damn it, did I just bump into someone.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHQGXOJF0Ux
311Please respect copyright.PENANA4oK5iCLPjF
Velo: “Is that a dog?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA6GMcGBbjnP
311Please respect copyright.PENANAFm4tx3fS6T
I look up after recognizing the voice and see my friends. I’m so happy I could cry.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3mfIE1Dsa
311Please respect copyright.PENANAq9rVvXEXnz
Mat: “Whoa, is that dog…crying?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAdzGCgWj8P9
311Please respect copyright.PENANAThkCB3AmuE
Wait guys, take me home!
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHeLt5QiL5U
311Please respect copyright.PENANAeSxoVGE4LQ
Mat: “And now it’s barking at us.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAo0U2Ghl1W1
311Please respect copyright.PENANASsbrELscsq
Damn it, they don’t speak dog! What now?
311Please respect copyright.PENANAZxtOfKVVmD
311Please respect copyright.PENANAh6AHk4wKAN
Tallow: “Wait look.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAqQQejDKMxd
311Please respect copyright.PENANAdPbw8yUCVQ
Tallow points to my neck and everyone follow to see what’s there. I can’t really look down but it must be Arc.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAye4F0BNx3G
311Please respect copyright.PENANA0YwZrAFT8V
Valo: “N-Nao?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA3T2r0p449T
311Please respect copyright.PENANAEWzY7dqtDz
I nod my head as hard as I can.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjXvNLmGpjp
311Please respect copyright.PENANAbhDFIiuDu2
Anthony: “Did Nao turn into a dog?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAigyYBfzu4O
311Please respect copyright.PENANAO6d36czPCo
Mat: “Damn.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAgTjIvb2Oby
311Please respect copyright.PENANALswPy5XCNV
Velo: “But why?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAWXLaqbw3iM
311Please respect copyright.PENANAStZBE9ZxrG
Anthony: “I’m sure he’ll tell us when we get him in the house. He obviously can’t turn back out here.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA60GnpOu6RM
311Please respect copyright.PENANA08HgYQksHO
Thankfully, Anthony got the idea and lead us all back to my house. When at the front door, Anthony knocks, and Nell answers.311Please respect copyright.PENANAZv6pDPNV4c
311Please respect copyright.PENANAepAvZdsHwh
311Please respect copyright.PENANAPrVShjZmGp
Nell: Hello kids, what brings you here.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHJwkA2kz0Q
311Please respect copyright.PENANAb1hfnbMjmG
Anthony: “We’re here to see Nao and show him my new dog. Can we come in?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAxOHAT4u2YM
311Please respect copyright.PENANAeI2xZJPeO2
Nell: “Nao’s not here at the moment. I actually haven’t seen him since this morning, I’m starting to get worried.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAAdrOPpFn7I
311Please respect copyright.PENANAUCQHwZOwdO
Anthony: “I see, do you mind if we wait in his room for him. I’m sure he’ll come back soon.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAXqPmPwM6Qs
311Please respect copyright.PENANALdScNlwlOJ
Nell: “I suppose, as long as you make sure the dog doesn’t ruin anything.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAe2aUrbBEGF
311Please respect copyright.PENANAGSbsFKLHsd
Anthony: “I can promise he won’t.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANACWJ6KBPb7R
311Please respect copyright.PENANA7HRyRjd35B
Everything smoothly from there all the way to my room. Once inside I run around to find a towel or something to bite down on. I find one and look at Anthony, hoping he understands what to do.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAQ6PfaYq71G
311Please respect copyright.PENANARt9M9RXIi3
Shape shift!
311Please respect copyright.PENANAcPsjD9iO5D
311Please respect copyright.PENANArVXDK2qwEX
Immediately the pain returns as I bite down hard on the towel. Hot Steam escapes my body as the fur melts off my skin and my bones reshape.
311Please respect copyright.PENANA9tVPUBSAZ9
311Please respect copyright.PENANA3hplu30b52
Mat: “What the hell!”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAxjAgPt2GqS
311Please respect copyright.PENANAncPxpm4xVG
Anthony: “Quickly, help him! Don’t let him scream!”
311Please respect copyright.PENANASHyaSSoGds
311Please respect copyright.PENANAIG29uwPVaL
Everyone holds me down while Anthony keeps the towel in my mouth.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAbLB89Mf63X
311Please respect copyright.PENANAnEvGJfQOYf
Tallow: “Ouch, his skin burning hot. I don’t know how long I can keep touching this.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAt0gGgIOHJi
311Please respect copyright.PENANAOyUg9mKfA1
Anthony: “Hold for a bit longer!”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjk5cDZBkXh
311Please respect copyright.PENANATI6f45ZUqS
They tried their best and eventually, the work paid off. Through blood, sweat, and tears, I saw the world through human eyes again.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAGPr0n9DJDP
311Please respect copyright.PENANAboqfqinNtE
Unfortunately, everyone got an eye full of my dignity. Most of them immediately looked away save for Velo who took a bit longer.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAfHOB8LKmhm
311Please respect copyright.PENANAlhxHGrA4cT
Nao: “S-Sorry for this…everyone. Thank you…so much.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAwHeChqQTf0
311Please respect copyright.PENANAMFOfdLT9FW
Mat: “Yeah, just put on some clothes.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2YSxx6RM2X
311Please respect copyright.PENANAn6KLj9hkeG
Mat takes a random shirt from my room and throws it at me. I equip it along with the pants Anthony throws me.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAcy5VGmjDs7
311Please respect copyright.PENANA6RENYRiWGT
Anthony: “What happened? What forced you to transform into a dog despite the pain.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA3Dt8err4Q7
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2oct1CZ65P
Nao: “Sit down for this one, it’s a lot to take in.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAxpOK8pnH4e
311Please respect copyright.PENANAtl2PU9VNha
I told them everything I learned except the fact I…made Anton disappear.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAiWMNgdDoKs
311Please respect copyright.PENANAUJaNRivCqX
Mat: “Wow man, that’s rough.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAf3mjo46ftY
311Please respect copyright.PENANAiRdI1V5H5P
Anthony: “That’s not the worse of it, I’m pretty sure we’re the other suspects.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAzZTiga6Iqh
311Please respect copyright.PENANAUSB6t8ni9G
Everyone: “What?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAES0iTltTaD
311Please respect copyright.PENANAGIRbVT2gtf
Anthony: “Of course, we’re easy scapegoats and were bullied just like Nao. Anton may have bullied Nao the most but we felt his wrath too. I’m sure they suspect.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA17KXeEMer9
311Please respect copyright.PENANAZPTPkTO3Hs
Mat: “Man, what the hell!”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAXkx1MG4gnS
311Please respect copyright.PENANAz80GPrCNK0
Velo: “What do we do?
311Please respect copyright.PENANA66IFOW1BN6
311Please respect copyright.PENANAZk9n1WNnIM
Tallow: “But we have nothing to do with Anton’s disappearance.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAN1aHrFKHk6
311Please respect copyright.PENANA1Xvp22Yzcj
Anthony: “…It’s always like this. The outcasts are the ones that always get blamed for the problems of the nobility.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANApyeE45HEej
311Please respect copyright.PENANAppax6kJzbc
Anthony: “But things will change. Nao, I’m ready for my weapon.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAfCP5k5Zt1Q
311Please respect copyright.PENANAhGXCROAxSH
Nao: “You mean magic item right?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAfQDIsecBb7
311Please respect copyright.PENANAwtJft0Wscw
Anthony: “Yeah, give me magic missile.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAYCDJeZh1dD
311Please respect copyright.PENANALbtyll3l1y
I freeze when I remember what I did with that spell. It’s powerful enough to blast a hole through a person’s chest. To think that’s the weakest offensive spell…
311Please respect copyright.PENANANIyqGQRZhM
311Please respect copyright.PENANA91ELVYKFSR
I can’t give that to Anthony but if I don’t…I’ll have to explain why. I…can’t do that! They’ll leave me for sure if they find out I’m a killer.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAmAbsjudiO4
311Please respect copyright.PENANAMK1cGz8KDW
That feeling is reinforced when Anthony takes a toy shotgun out of his bag.
311Please respect copyright.PENANA8sdw2jar4B
311Please respect copyright.PENANAyW3WcqGSUh
Nao: “…A-Arc says you can’t get that one.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA3DYcoovfWW
311Please respect copyright.PENANAsUDE9VV1ch
Anthony: “Why?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAmARE43sGAt
311Please respect copyright.PENANAdDHz0noln7
Nao: “B-Because it wouldn’t well with that weapon.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAaUyh30PPEv
311Please respect copyright.PENANAgTtTe6rE2X
Anthony: “I see, what a shame. Any other offensive spells I can get for this?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAtdFWEuHf4I
311Please respect copyright.PENANAQfdnkZzqSE
Nao: “Ummm…”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAGo5pZifR9h
311Please respect copyright.PENANAKllU8ntoJI
Probably not if magic missile is that letha-
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2KrynB8soE
311Please respect copyright.PENANApBnNgkrhNm
Air Bullet (6)311Please respect copyright.PENANAndatoqBNey
311Please respect copyright.PENANA5g0WGrsUix
311Please respect copyright.PENANAqi4nxPGOQZ
That doesn’t sound too bad.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHxQP352620
311Please respect copyright.PENANA3UnCo01l3T
Nao: “Air bullet.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAqNiJJCnlQZ
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjIDHrRakfb
Anthony: “Sound great, get it for me.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAvHV5EhcCbE
Points: 1311Please respect copyright.PENANAbhH3NaOTo1
311Please respect copyright.PENANAKMvmwJU5mS
Nao: “I’ll infuse it but after I make sure mom knows I’m home.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAhyPc6kd4ai
311Please respect copyright.PENANAtbkx85KbXZ
Tallow: “How do you plan on doing that?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANASMUraIZ9aZ
311Please respect copyright.PENANABMbEZP6J6D
Nao: “One of you distract her while I go to the front door.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAkRn3OmB1kZ
311Please respect copyright.PENANAgBkbTZQjwZ
Mat: “Distract her with what?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA1Xvjcd79gY
311Please respect copyright.PENANABh295AuqaU
Nao: “Tell her the toilet is backed up or something.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAm5gxCXXhX0
311Please respect copyright.PENANAEIy86zRpvf
Anthony: “And the dog? How will we walk out of here without it?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAq1AUuif43Y
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHdT5DWVwp5
Nao: “Illusions.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAEeA9QRHtzH
311Please respect copyright.PENANAGu57D3Oe5b
The plan was set and executed. Valo went out and told mom to check the bathroom. Anthony kept an eye on the situation through the cracked door.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAdRPjB92KLD
311Please respect copyright.PENANAeX2HOgp45S
Eventually, he moved his hands signaling me to go. I go as fast and quietly as I can to the front door. I open it and close it loud enough to catch mom’s attention.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAWzikonsfTO
311Please respect copyright.PENANAdQn7rLNBmT
Almost immediately, Nell came running from upstairs to greet me with a hug.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAfabxTCHgFW
311Please respect copyright.PENANAbh33YVx9Mf
Nell: “Nao, where were you?! We were so worried.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAgZ4xMjaBUq
311Please respect copyright.PENANAG3nmVghRlV
We?
311Please respect copyright.PENANAreR6MTqpxZ
311Please respect copyright.PENANArIVtjRWoni
I look upstairs to see Alyson looking down at me with some concern.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAWfHtLzhO8Z
311Please respect copyright.PENANAnmcYlxgttz
Nell: “Alyson came home and told me some man said you were missing.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANADojCdUlABD
311Please respect copyright.PENANAlQ9Lb6bTSL
Nao: “I was fine, just taking a nice stroll around town after going to the book store. Sorry for not paying attention to the time.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANADCyXBqnroJ
311Please respect copyright.PENANAlMyfrhOu6B
Nell: “Please, don’t do that again. If you do this again I’m going to ground you.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAl47NEY9b08
311Please respect copyright.PENANAJPmzdX8AsX
Nao: “No don’t do that. I’ll be good.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA4OZYzUED2p
311Please respect copyright.PENANAhYkeqOuAqC
Nell: “You better be. Now, go back to your room. Your friends are waiting for you.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAUY0d1nvk2a
311Please respect copyright.PENANA3uKa0ATg6U
Nao: “Thanks, see you for dinner mom.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA1m4eY8pkbm
311Please respect copyright.PENANA625jVHE9Yd
Nell: “Of course.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANApUydoGjMch
311Please respect copyright.PENANANKsghctltY
Mom lets me go from the bear hug, allowing me to go back to the group. But first, I’m stopped by Alyson.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAExgQwFDPvd
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHmbKWaDapJ
Alyson: “…You’re not a kid anymore, don’t stay out late.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA9I4fwIXxBP
311Please respect copyright.PENANApZQCJFvwjg
Nao: “Don’t worry, I won’t. How was your date?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAydR0icnKBQ
311Please respect copyright.PENANAhLzbqxKHIM
Alyson: “….You don’t need to know that.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAcotjKQ6nap
311Please respect copyright.PENANARxadJXqcM1
She leaves back into her room with a slight blush. I can’t help but smile at knowing that I’m the one that caused that.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAQAprzPAIoZ
311Please respect copyright.PENANAYOu5SZbpfS
I go back to my room where my friends are waiting. When I got inside they were already playing some of my video games.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAI0MFadWsvh
311Please respect copyright.PENANAi6JFFQoKEo
Anthony: “You’re back, can you infuse air bullet into my weapon.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAN3ba8mltdi
311Please respect copyright.PENANALIQ0nNmM2Q
Nao: “Sure thing.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAe4X3L6gvhj
311Please respect copyright.PENANA97HHhzn8oy
I take the toy shotgun and start infusion. My mind wasn’t really in it though. Alyson, invaders, Sever, and what I’ve done. So many things race through my mind that destroys any focus I have.
311Please respect copyright.PENANASdG8Rb0RN3
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjRfSkXcAVp
Should I even allow Anthony to have an offensive spell? What happens if this is just as bad as magic missile?
311Please respect copyright.PENANAZ36oS7HZdh
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjPBOQKlIht
Arc: “Do it.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAdrPHpcmDRl
311Please respect copyright.PENANAoPQQBVh3CA
But-
311Please respect copyright.PENANAEH6nG36mhJ
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHA1ldfFNPq
Arc: “Your friends need to be able to defend themselves. Air bullet is a perfect choice for that task.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAVIVzKWpZme
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2YXTeu433C
My mind drifts to those voids in reality and Sever hunting my friends. I can barely protect myself, let alone my friends. Maybe Arc is right.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAYG0g1g32dD
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2SZqEGjXT7
I redouble my efforts and focus on creating Anthony’s weapon. After about an hour of attention, the shotgun glows bright enough to feel the room.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAdKIK4oKEaJ
311Please respect copyright.PENANAkFcYYlZtN3
Arc: “This came out very well. Anthony can probably get off 4 shots before it breaks.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAEseIEXrgXR
311Please respect copyright.PENANACAkAa5tNUS
Nao: “Arc says you’ll have 4 shots.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAnUPoBGNmNW
311Please respect copyright.PENANAOaMbcsT8dq
Anthony: “Great, I love it.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA58cgfD8SMT
311Please respect copyright.PENANATIgxTO0Euj
He takes the shotgun and places it back in his bag
311Please respect copyright.PENANAXbkmue09Bk
311Please respect copyright.PENANANQ5TsWsLZN
Tallow: “This took longer than usual, are you okay?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAK7pxgatJN7
311Please respect copyright.PENANAt39HM0XxuQ
Nao: “I guess I’ve been through a lot today.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANASvtlfymRK2
311Please respect copyright.PENANAmxPHKPQyF8
Arc: “You still have daily tasks to complete.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAOkbYr4iliD
311Please respect copyright.PENANAtc90qjVELf
Valo: “You should take a break.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAe5BKcp7nxi
311Please respect copyright.PENANAEACUjHFkAG
Nao: “Ummm…”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAzxBXCluqZi
311Please respect copyright.PENANA4OobihRhsf
Anthony: “Valo is right, don’t wear yourself out.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2Nk1FPPiRG
311Please respect copyright.PENANA1nkxgdm5y7
Nao: “…Okay, I’ll take a break today. Be careful on your way home.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANARwhdpycoH4
311Please respect copyright.PENANASWfbQLdKoW
Anthony: “Yeah, see you tomorrow at the library. Remember to cast the illusion of the dog.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAUNlqJ2CHIj
311Please respect copyright.PENANARinQVNqAGX
I nod and followed the group out the door. Mom was still in the living room so I made an illusion of the dog appearing next to us. It didn’t have a lot of detail and didn’t have feet but it’s good enough.311Please respect copyright.PENANAQyD7YPeK42
311Please respect copyright.PENANAVkKU2km86k
*Ding*
311Please respect copyright.PENANAf42ZnGLwce
Points: 3311Please respect copyright.PENANANHB18Krakn
311Please respect copyright.PENANAZ0Bg7LousM
And that’s 10 spells a day!311Please respect copyright.PENANA5ap9IggNAj
311Please respect copyright.PENANAxr6yD8tNDH
311Please respect copyright.PENANAS73LjfbnjB
I say goodbye to my friends and went back to my room.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjn2G2QpIWm
311Please respect copyright.PENANAV6LDJtfxkY
Arc: “Are you really going to take a break after everything?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAsIv6cqu2io
311Please respect copyright.PENANAJsLnsou9tw
Nao: “Of course not, I just need a small break. I’m going to use the rest of today to get stronger.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA837cGenqdz
311Please respect copyright.PENANA0kdvX2FE5m
I look at the bite mark on my hand and wince.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAWue1tdJsS2
311Please respect copyright.PENANAOn3bhcqjWw
Nao: “Good thing mom didn’t see this. She might have prevented from to school. I better get a bandage.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANARsa4sR2q1R
311Please respect copyright.PENANAiDACsm458a
I go to the bathroom bandage my hand and slip back into bed. I tried to take a nap but my headache and worries prevent me from falling asleep.311Please respect copyright.PENANAIMxvndwiMo
311Please respect copyright.PENANAO5by87ekmA
311Please respect copyright.PENANAvQi1mU40Y0
Arc: “You know what to do.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAAz90Xq3xDd
311Please respect copyright.PENANAEgXxxdBTtJ
Nao: “…I know.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA5IyTqbJ8HX
311Please respect copyright.PENANAklsQ4nc2iU
I look at the clock and it lingers around 3pm. I have plenty of time, to rest later. I push myself off the bed and get ready to work out.
[4pm]311Please respect copyright.PENANApG4wmw6pRL
311Please respect copyright.PENANAohEZuFGiik
*Ding*
311Please respect copyright.PENANAg4mkqlAkO4
Points: 6311Please respect copyright.PENANANdqUP0ICkH
311Please respect copyright.PENANAsZi961Kmr6
I clean the sweat off my body and notice how I look.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAJMnEDj6Icw
311Please respect copyright.PENANAlbTgby395R
Nao: “I’m pretty ripped. Never thought I would look this good.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAsn7SJAFons
311Please respect copyright.PENANANxSoNoRjIP
I smile as the thought to show Alyson comes to mind but shake it away. I gotta focus, I don’t need it.
311Please respect copyright.PENANALdfi7nvU5M
311Please respect copyright.PENANACWIZjjouJr
Thinking that, I go to the bathroom mirror to make sure there’s no remaining hair from my hair.
…
…
Well, it won’t take long. I deserve some recognition for my efforts. I put my shirt back on and knock on Alyson’s door. She actually opens it up pretty fast.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAy7K8qUVhYp
311Please respect copyright.PENANAKdIDIjXMWm
Alyson: “Yeah?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjXtlj3bHhU
311Please respect copyright.PENANAGh3xbcBb4O
Nao: “I got something to show you.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2Oq3jjC76j
311Please respect copyright.PENANAJvLA6X5MRx
Alyson: “Whoa, don’t take you pa-”
…
…
Nao: “Aren’t I huh…ripped?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAbMynXybUkB
311Please respect copyright.PENANAZfv4zl6b9F
Alyson: “…I’ve seen…better. Try not to hurt yourself trying to do stuff beyond your capability.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANApIfcLISj33
311Please respect copyright.PENANAK7nfYsNQmT
And she closes the door in my face…
311Please respect copyright.PENANAUxKzpokdJU
311Please respect copyright.PENANAyr9JXjC43S
Nao: “I don’t even know why I bother.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAD2y1tWKPlH
311Please respect copyright.PENANAup4RRPT7BP
Bet she’d like to see Alphon’s abs. I pull my shirt down and go back into my room.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAhPjY1NOXnX
311Please respect copyright.PENANAu9ZJjCCKN7
Nao: “Okay, how do I practice offensive spells? I can’t really do it here and I won’t be able to leave the house today.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAFONiqDZYga
311Please respect copyright.PENANAeKvicoJoSD
Arc: “I have a function dedicated to battle simulations but I don’t know if you’re ready even for level 0. Find a place to practice, it doesn’t have to be today.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAwTOWqmIZJE
311Please respect copyright.PENANAQbER9p4i0k
Nao: “Wait, does that mean I’m done for today?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAwNDUGIbClj
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHwOUJ5RxOm
Arc: “No.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAn6Q5ZQj44u
Learn Meditation (+2)311Please respect copyright.PENANAz9vqk6uzkp
311Please respect copyright.PENANATPGl7TCaYY
Nao: “Oh, got it.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA7zHjgaxcAw
Points: 3311Please respect copyright.PENANACREWGREHM0
311Please respect copyright.PENANA9BYxNFQWad
Nao: “I already used air bullet in the infusion without being fully integrated. Will this give me a headache too?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAI5IWvgMzCs
311Please respect copyright.PENANAlXDggk2fMN
Arc: “Be glad it was just a headache. If you actually tried to use that spell the backlash would be comparable to when you killed those bullies.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAMcMsnFCEi8
311Please respect copyright.PENANANo77Ix6jDv
Nao: “…I rather you did not bring that up. So infusion doesn’t give such a bad backlash. Good to know, I thought I was just getting used to the pain.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAc0b4eNV0jI
311Please respect copyright.PENANAqDKmTUCEbn
Nao: “So should I wait until tomorrow?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANALPREndBT8A
311Please respect copyright.PENANAdQubwwo3Ng
Arc: “No, mediation is a bit special. It’s not really a spell but a training technique. Your body can already handle the effects, learning the skill was more for me. I’m now allowed to handle more of the mana inside you.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANABEUGClsBHs
311Please respect copyright.PENANAoLDklgKeNv
Arc: “Think of it like a restriction lifting off of me.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAL4UKbrmgFB
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHyOTjOCGv3
Nao: “Okaaaay….”
311Please respect copyright.PENANALYASzjzhfu
311Please respect copyright.PENANACYHQPWdJKz
Nao: “Does that mean I could have done mediation at anytime?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAX0hXD6TnSi
311Please respect copyright.PENANAGHog2dkwYH
Arc: “Yes, but without me, it would take much longer to see results.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA57OmG9UY9V
311Please respect copyright.PENANAZsfoWms9oX
Nao: “I see, so is it like how it is in movies?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAbcuWMOt0Lc
311Please respect copyright.PENANAwctR3yLSp1
Arc: “Somewhat, get in possession.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAgA6VuotpX5
311Please respect copyright.PENANAEUZ4ZaLrQr
I get on the bed and get into the classic mediation position.
311Please respect copyright.PENANA5t89FjJkEm
311Please respect copyright.PENANACnAgtwnCFf
Arc: “Close your eyes, focus, and feel the mana inside of you.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAl4IbuqSkDx
311Please respect copyright.PENANAuemFwis3Ac
Nao: “What about outside, that’s usually a thing in some of the books I read?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAarsxxnQLKm
311Please respect copyright.PENANATRnTfSR6dj
Arc: “This world doesn’t have enough to matter at the moment.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAvGoRMRBbXR
311Please respect copyright.PENANA5xYON8eBNi
Got it, I focus to feel the magical energies throughout my body like blood. I read it about this a few days ago but this is the first time I’ve really felt it. Even my breath feels different somehow.
311Please respect copyright.PENANADNSCXmTbyE
311Please respect copyright.PENANAXHrXkpH7zM
Arc: “Now it’s time to create your mana energy center. It can come in many styles. A heart, core, spiral, circles, full-body, etc.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANATncQ5ADozc
311Please respect copyright.PENANAw31aAqRHmi
Nao: “Do I get to pick?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAUGmIpHuP1z
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjtG6B43mTU
Arc: “You’re one of the few that can. For normal mages, it depends on their home universe and teachers.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA6CCpRcsfKM
311Please respect copyright.PENANAY9DAI58Pta
Nao: “I want the best.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAVHZ6JuE6SY
311Please respect copyright.PENANAyUS1tgu0IM
Arc: “That depends on what your body needs and from what I can tell…”
…
…
Nao: “Arc?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANApZV5qhIlOc
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjVVql8Qfgo
Arc: “…A crystal seems like the best fit.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2uIcu23fM9
311Please respect copyright.PENANAjZqXTPzU0s
Nao: “Can I know why?”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAvQ4v5KWqVC
311Please respect copyright.PENANA2nYcWvW0Kg
Arc: “Really good at burst power and can form quickly.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAY56yeHxS6v
311Please respect copyright.PENANAxQqRDtSkgN
Nao: “Sounds good, the faster the better.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAJkb3pwodQb
311Please respect copyright.PENANA4xzEhLSVbd
Arc: “Good, now focus on the mana inside and let it collect around your abdomen like snow.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA5wywzuDYdF
311Please respect copyright.PENANA7Zlspie6x7
Arc: “Nice, now imagine heating the mana and expanding it. Good, cool it down and shrink it. Repeat the process as long as you can.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANA5QGBNOzMvW
311Please respect copyright.PENANA4TbS99XKGJ
I do as I’m told and at first it was easy but eventually the strain starts setting in. Despite sitting still, my body starts sweating as if I’m exercising. Then I began the heating and cooling of the mana.
311Please respect copyright.PENANANvXBpvUhaY
311Please respect copyright.PENANATHIO6ySVHM
Arc: “Don’t hesitate to breathe in and out. This is as much of an exercise for your body as it is for your mana.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAqlw7LCULK0
311Please respect copyright.PENANAedZyBmTyzM
Yeah, I can feel that. A squeeze in my abs and stomach tightening every minute. I keep this for as long as possible before tapping out due to exhaustion.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAslkgAWC4ww
311Please respect copyright.PENANAT8tBXG2tMa
Arc: “A good first attempt. Take a rest and do it again until the day ends.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANAqRJVuxnXAH
311Please respect copyright.PENANAJ2jiflOl7V
Nao: “*Pant*….*Pant*….Okay.”
311Please respect copyright.PENANApGQZgcugeh
311Please respect copyright.PENANAKKdyMcneaM
[9:00pm]
311Please respect copyright.PENANAi7wKxnaTZQ
311Please respect copyright.PENANAE8eM0pzDVy
Even dinner couldn’t help restore my physical energy. I never knew mediation could take it out of me so much but I can feel it working. I feel that tiny bit stronger and my control over mana has improved.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAwZGaAINkna
311Please respect copyright.PENANAyjWaPfc5Ya
Buuuut, I’m done for the day. I can barely move from my bed. So I close my eyes ready to get my well-earned sleep.
…
…
You know what, I haven’t increased my size in a while. I’m working so hard, I deserve a height to match my improving body.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAXwEtemni4z
311Please respect copyright.PENANAMFZt8JTLUh
Alphon shouldn’t be the only one to be tall. A 3-inch increase won’t be noticed.
311Please respect copyright.PENANAFN8iig1YzB
311Please respect copyright.PENANAHT5xW5AQoV
Shapeshift! Next stop, 5’7!
311Please respect copyright.PENANAPeC4A9HwMS
311Please respect copyright.PENANAytf6OKJ5kr
Nao’s Current Stats and Spells:
Strength: 17.5311Please respect copyright.PENANA4LncJcikU9
Endurance: 11.5311Please respect copyright.PENANAQhltfBCyEg
Intelligence: 15.5311Please respect copyright.PENANArNI2hJ3Uoy
Charisma: 18311Please respect copyright.PENANA3vUT94c01L
Agility: 12.5311Please respect copyright.PENANAaynaKXoneQ
Magic: 18311Please respect copyright.PENANAfAJEdFG75X
311Please respect copyright.PENANAfUaRQjuO2p
Spells:311Please respect copyright.PENANA0bwtiglCmu
Scan311Please respect copyright.PENANAjZB9KA88Ge
Minor Illusion [Active]311Please respect copyright.PENANAF80i0hhXBq
Magic Missile311Please respect copyright.PENANAFa6YRvHAl8
Control Water311Please respect copyright.PENANAMTBAsXaJfa
Acid Blast 311Please respect copyright.PENANA61B4Li2Z9X
Shape Shift [Active]311Please respect copyright.PENANAVtpYkB5d6l
Mind Reading [Active]311Please respect copyright.PENANAYCHbGuC48o
Paralysis311Please respect copyright.PENANAbv957br5e7
Basic Healing311Please respect copyright.PENANAhyLv8cJqMI
Air Bullet 311Please respect copyright.PENANAv3ThVRSSxn