Though it was four against one, aside from Banban, Zi Shu didn't dare get close to the bear. She'd dart in, slash once, and retreat. The bear was too ferocious. Perhaps left to cover the retreat, it fought with desperate, tragic ferocity.
Utterly savage.
An awkward issue arose. Zi Shu and Shu Tu's attacks barely scratched it. The bear's hide was too thick. Only Banban's claws and fangs could deal some damage, but Banban was bloodied too. Yu Yu cast Daze Spell first, and as expected, the bear froze in place.
Its mental willpower was likely low. But 10 seconds later, what didn't break defense still didn't. Yu Yu sank into thought.
[Command: Heal]
An unfamiliar voice sounded behind them. Yu Yu turned, surprised. Milky-white light shimmered on Banban, easing its pain slightly, its health bar creeping up a sliver.
Chang Yu had arrived unnoticed, watching enviously. "I want to fight too. How many levels until I can join you?"
With only the bear outside, Chang Yu wasn't in much danger.
Yu Yu considered. "When your constitution hits 6."
Then she could at least wear heavy armor.
Chang Yu counted on her fingers. "That's four more levels."
She slumped, dejected. "So long."
Shu Tu cut in. "Heal Banban again."
She ached for her Banban.
Chang Yu perked up. "Right, got it!"
[Command: Heal]
Guardian skills were odd. The skill name on the panel differed from what was shouted. The panel showed [Heal Minor Wounds].
But guardians had to yell their skills aloud, for some reason. Chang Yu's crisp Command: Heal wasn't cool at all—kind of cute, actually. Yu Yu switched spells. [Self-Immolation]
The bear had no resistance to curses. Illusory flames erupted on it, making it howl in pain. Banban hesitated, unsure if it should touch it. It feared catching fire too.
Yu Yu: "The fire won't spread."
They stood in water; magical flames wouldn't work here. The bear's thick hide likely resisted ice, and Lightning Arrow would make Yu Yu the traitor. So, after much thought, Yu Yu was left with few spell options. Like Self-Immolation. Spells ignored armor, and this one spell out-damaged Zi Shu and Shu Tu combined. Not counting Banban, of course.
78 hadn't returned. Yu Yu pondered, then moved closer to the field. The bear swiped a paw instantly. Its strength was too much even for Zi Shu, let alone Yu Yu. But this was enough. A blob of dark green venom splashed out, coating the bear's face.
Yu Yu retreated immediately, observing. This spell had no description, and the spell ring didn't list it, so…
Shu Tu cried out, "Banban!"
The bear was poisoned. But the venom dripped into the water, turning it green. Banban, closest, became a sickly green tiger almost instantly. The poison dissolved in water and spread. The green spread rapidly, undiminished. Zi Shu reacted fastest, rushing over, scooping up Chang Yu and Yu Yu, and bolting out of the Wet Ground's range.
Banban, startled, fought while retreating. Shu Tu ran like the wind.
Zi Shu stared at Yu Yu.
Shu Tu stared at Yu Yu.
Yu Yu dry-laughed. "I didn't know the venom could spread through water."
She felt guilty. She'd become the traitor after all.
Shu Tu, losing health, deadpanned, "I'm taking damage because of you."
Yu Yu and Chang Yu were fine, but Zi Shu started losing health too. "…What even is this?"
Yu Yu dry-laughed. "Drink potions, drink potions."
She hadn't expected the spell's first use to do this. By now, the water was entirely green. Banban and the bear, also green, lost health steadily. Banban's health was thinner than the bear's. Panicking, it was caught, the bear biting its leg.
Shu Tu, heartbroken, fired [Curse Arrow].
Yu Yu chanted Daze Spell. Soon, the bear was dazed, and Banban broke free, escaping the venom's range with a pitiful roar. The bear, still dazed in the green water, lost health rapidly.
Yu Yu: "I've got a new idea."
Shu Tu stayed silent.
Zi Shu quipped, "You're not gonna start every fight with poison, are you?"
"But I'm not poison-immune either!"
78 strutted out of the cave. "Guess what I found? Holy—what is this?"
The bear's daze ended. Sensing something, its red eyes locked onto the smug 78.
78 paled. "Don't come near me!"
She dashed through the deep green water, yelling, "Help!"
A rogue couldn't face a berserk bear head-on. Reaching Yu Yu, 78 was still green, health ticking down.
Yu Yu coughed. "Drink potions, drink potions."
Shu Tu stopped her. "No need. It lasts 10 seconds."
One health per second, 10 seconds, no stacking. Shu Tu had figured out the mechanics, so no need to waste potions. As for the bear, it was on its last legs. Soon, the lone bear collapsed in the venom. Yu Yu rubbed her chin, smirking subtly.
This skill—she liked it. Magical poison, no contact needed. It spread through water. If she used Summon Rain, could it become a poison mist cloud?
But, not being poison-immune, she'd need to plan carefully.
[Command: Heal]
With Chang Yu's relentless effort, everyone's health was topped off. Time to divvy up the loot. The Wet Ground lasted half an hour before fading, as did the poisoned water. The ground was piled with gear, a bear, scrolls, potions, skill books, and more. The standout: those glowing pieces of equipment. This game's fights were grueling, leaving them exhausted. But the rewards were immense. Gazing at the loot pile, all five pairs of eyes sparkled.
First, the gear.
[Scout's Longbow]
Quality: Superior
Attack: 15–25
Attribute: Range +5
Weight: 5
Durability: 79/100
The bow was sleek and beautiful. Obviously, it was Shu Tu's. Shu Tu smiled for once, stroked her new bow. "It boosts range."
Range was her biggest weakness.
[Woodland Light Armor · Top]
Quality: Superior
Armor: 12
Attribute: Constitution +1
Weight: 3
Durability: 55/100
[Woodland Longsword]
Quality: Superior
Attack: 20–30
Attribute: Strength +1
Weight: 15
Durability: 89/100
Zi Shu hesitated. "I'll take the longsword."
The light armor could be worn by Shu Tu or 78. She'd prefer the armor, but only she could use the sword.
78, envious: "Top student, when you upgrade your armor, pass this down to me, okay?"
Shu Tu smiled. "I've got the bow. I don't engage enemies, so armor's less useful."
Seeing 78 and Shu Tu defer, Yu Yu spoke. "As the warrior, you face the most pressure. Keep it."
"We'll get more later," Yu Yu added.
Zi Shu accepted, thrilled to wield glowing gear. "The light's adjustable."
Yu Yu already knew. "Just hide it."
Otherwise, her ring would be glowing nonstop. Next, two more colored items, both from the ranger.
[Woodland Boots]
Quality: Superior
Armor: 2
Attribute: Movement Speed +5
Weight: 3
Durability: 99/100
[Forest Blessing Necklace]
Quality: Superior
Attribute: Mental Energy Cap +30
Trait: Forest Sprint
Weight: 0.5
Durability: 100/100
78: "Now you know why that ranger was so fast?"
"Her speed—I couldn't keep up, nearly lost her."
Besides the range-boosting bow, she had speed-boosting boots and a killer necklace. Yu Yu's pupils shook at the +30 mental energy. There was something for her?
Her mental energy was only 210—this necklace added a seventh of it.
78 looked pitifully at Shu Tu. "Shu-Shen~~"
Her voice dragged.
Shu Tu was helpless "I don't need speed. Take it."
"Thanks, Shu Tu!"
78 asked to be safe—her performance in both fights was lackluster, while Shu Tu was near-MVP, rivaled only by Yu Yu. 78 couldn't compete. Plus, Shu Tu had Banban. That potion-shattering shot was just too cool. 78 was genuinely impressed. With Shu Tu's approval, she gleefully claimed the boots. The last item—three pairs of eyes turned to Yu Yu.
Yu Yu picked up the necklace. "Mine."
Shu Tu: "Mental energy boost, obviously yours."
"What's the trait?" Zi Shu asked curiously. "Why does a necklace have a skill?"
Yu Yu glanced. "Like a mini Grease, boosts movement speed, lasts 30 seconds, five-minute cooldown, costs 5 mental energy, instant-cast."
Good stuff.
Zi Shu nodded. "It needs mental energy to activate?"
Yu Yu shook her head. "Warriors have mental energy too; it's just not shown since you don't use it. You could activate it."
Zi Shu grinned. "Find a better one quick, then pass it down to me."
"Me first!" 78 shouted.
Shu Tu watched them. Zi Shu and 78 bickered, 78 pinned by Zi Shu's hand. In front of a warrior, a rogue was nothing. Her dagger couldn't even break defense—pathetic. Yu Yu had Zi Shu fetch the pot to boil water. Then she tossed the necklace in to soak.
Zi Shu, Shu Tu, 78: "?"
Moments later, Shu Tu, staring at her bow, sank into thought. 78 and Zi Shu followed suit.
"Is there a washing machine here?"
"Alcohol wipes work?"
They'd clearly realized something.
Yu Yu: "Necklaces touch skin. No choice."
"Yours don't, so it's fine."
That made sense?
Zi Shu couldn't convince herself. "Next time, bring a towel to wipe my face and armor after fights."
She was always blood-soaked post-battle.
Uncomfortable.
Yu Yu: "Got it."
They used the boiled water to rinse—swords, bows. 78, copying Yu Yu, tossed her dagger in the pot.
Yu Yu warned, "Poison."
78 yanked it out, scalded and teary. "My poison's ruined."
The three: "…"
Zi Shu eyed the pot. "Can we still use this?"
Yu Yu hesitated. "Boiling should be fine?"
They'd ditched the looted pot; this was a new one from the blacksmith. Iron was pricey—they couldn't toss it.
78, absently: "Next time, Yu Yu, try bringing a rice cooker?"
Yu Yu: "Where's the electricity?"
Amid the chatter, they sorted the ground's gear. Shu Tu tossed her old gear into the loot pile; Zi Shu and 78 followed.
Yu Yu: "Save a heavy armor set for Chang Yu. Sell the rest back in town."
Chang Yu, touched: "You guys are the best."
She resolved to get their bank info from Sister Shu Tu and secretly send them money. The three were oblivious.
"Skill time."
Plenty of skills this time—humanoid monsters were generous. First, the rich ranger, dropping three colored items.
[Wild Strength], [Wild Shelter], [Lightning Arrow], and a book, [Beginner Arrow Crafting].
The two warriors: [Frenzy], [Evasive Stance], one each.
Zi Shu was visibly thrilled.
[Shadow Leap], [Swift Step], [Rend].
Sadly, no caster, so no spell drops.
78 laughed triumphantly. "Let's see who dares call me short-legged now!"
Chasing that ranger, she'd been mocked for her speed. Infuriating. If she'd had Swift Step or Shadow Leap, would that ranger have been so cocky?!
Zi Shu: "If the ranger had Lightning Arrow, why didn't she use it?"
Yu Yu's expression was subtle. "Probably like me—I didn't use Lightning Arrow either."
Swap it for Ice Arrow, and she'd have used it. Didn't they see Shu Tu nearly drive the warrior insane?
Wet Ground's use would depend on the situation. Too easy to friendly-fire. Same with venom.
Zi Shu: "…"
Made sense, no counterargument. This fight boosted the team's strength massively. Their skill pools grew significantly. Among the gear, Yu Yu was sure the necklace was the priciest. First, she'd only seen two jewelry pieces so far. Second, that skill was gold.
Costing 5 mental energy, lasting 30 seconds, five-minute cooldown—practically free. It gave her an unrestricted speed boost every five minutes, insanely valuable. Every class could use it. The mental energy cap, by comparison, seemed less impressive. Yu Yu touched her collarbone, feeling a small wooden carving—a tiger, maybe.
She was fated with big cats. The monsters dropped seven potions, no scrolls. Given the fight's intensity, any scrolls were probably used. If they hadn't killed the rogue fast, Yu Yu might've used the scroll she was holding. She had several second-ring scrolls.
Like [Summon Wolf Pack], which could turn the tide.
Good thing she hadn't needed it. Unlike spells, scrolls didn't need long chants—just tear and trigger, super convenient.
Downside: insanely expensive. A first-ring scroll started at 1 gold, second-ring even pricier. If Yu Yu were broke, selling her scrolls could fetch dozens of gold.
That was her goal at the scroll shop. After her assessment quest, she'd upgrade her gear. She hoped the academy's rewards wouldn't disappoint. Shu Tu flipped through the arrow-crafting book, nudging Yu Yu.
"Split the potions. We haven't used ours."
78 had grabbed the ranger's leftover arrow quivers for Shu Tu. All the miscellany was on Zi Shu.
Zi Shu: "I feel like a giant trash bin."
Her inventory was tiny, only ten slots. The rest went in her backpack, weighing her down.
78: "And a bear."
Yu Yu: "?"
She skimmed the book. "Enchanted arrows need a caster?"
Shu Tu: "Ice Arrow's great."
Zi Shu: "Yeah, super useful. Without it stalling that warrior, we might've lost."
Shu Tu added, "Lightning Arrow needs materials—lightning enchant powder."
Yu Yu finished. "Got it. I'll look into enchanting back in town."
Maybe… there was potential. If enchanting worked in reality… then?
Could she enchant her scooter with wind?
Zooming along, heh.
"Drag the bear back to sell. It's gotta be worth something."
Zi Shu was bleeding the bear. Chang Yu cleaned Banban's wounds, spamming heals. The big cat was listless, heavily injured, still unrecovered, paws curled, head on the ground, ears drooping weakly. Shu Tu, aching, rubbed its ears, quietly asking Chang Yu to keep healing.
Yu Yu: "What's in the cave?"
78 scratched her head. "Pitch black, seemed empty. She didn't get far."
"Without darkvision, I wouldn't have seen her."
As Yu Yu spoke, they reached the cave mouth.
Quest updated.
[Academy's Low-Tier Assessment]
(It seems their target is inside. Go explore.)
Zi Shu, blood-smeared and grinning eerily: "Back to town or keep going?"
Yu Yu checked the sky. "Still early, right?"
Zi Shu: "Hide the bear and grab it later?"
Yu Yu considered. "Sure."
Returning would take a day round-trip.
With Chang Yu and the dropped potions, they were in decent shape.
A quick rest, and they could continue.
Yu Yu: "How's your carry weight? Can you hide the gear too and grab it later?"
Players were still rare here, so theft wasn't a concern.
Zi Shu waved grandly. "No need. I can carry it."
Yu Yu marveled at Zi Shu's bottomless carry weight, nodding approvingly. "Good."
They packed up and entered the cave. Until logout, they hadn't found the exit.
Yu Yu sighed. "So winding, like a maze."
Shu Tu, who'd hired movers, was at Yu Yu's place, as was Chang Yu.
Shu Tu cooked in the kitchen, commenting, "Your quest is unusual."
Yu Yu: "Yeah, never seen such a tedious task."
The cave had monsters—not humanoids, just random gross things. Easy but annoying, with no drops. They wandered all afternoon, seeing no end, and logged out. Logging out in the wild made their bodies vanish. The house filled with the aroma of food. Shu Tu's cooking was actually good?
She used to be a noodle stan. Yu Yu browsed the forum, chatting idly. Sunlight streamed in, oddly bright. It started with Shu Tu—her place wasn't ready, so she borrowed Yu Yu's kitchen for lunch. Yu Yu agreed, tired of bland noodles. Shu Tu's food was a nice change. Chang Yu lounged on the sofa, half-asleep, nose twitching occasionally.
But…
Yu Yu's eyelids lifted. Through the half-open security door, a yellowish big cat peeked sneakily. It wanted in but didn't enter. Yu Yu watched it circle for ages.
Try coming in.
The cat, seemingly tired, flopped down. Its head rested inside the door, staring at them, body sprawled outside on the doorstep, unbothered by the hard surface, soft as a puddle.
And massive.
Yu Yu noticed its paw on her slipper, nearly as big.
Wait.
"Fat cat!" Yu Yu scolded.
The cat pawed, spotted the slipper, and bit it. Shu Tu poked her head out. Chang Yu jolted awake.
Big cat: "?"
It innocently chewed the slipper, looking puzzled.
What?
What's wrong?