Zeroth

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Monster Party

The near miss was so close that the wind from its passing nearly spun Oberon in place, but the Sprite managed to recover and buzz up higher, out of reach of the growling slime. The monster seemed to be collecting itself for an attempt at jumping, but before it could do so it recoiled in shock. Oberon's hand had erupted in flame, and he hurled the Fireball. The slime squealed as the magical attack struck it, short-lived flame spreading across its membrane and leaving a charred spot in its wake. The slime began to move away from the Sprite, rolling to hide its wound from the other enemies...

As Ash activated her Mana Vision, her eyes would visibly glow within their pupils. As she watched Oberon's Fireball arc through the sky, where it left its hand--the "center" of the flame--she could see a single square like those she had observed before. Two oscillating lines were connected to it, one on each side, and at their ends were other squares...It became more difficult to make out details, as the flame hurtled towards the slime. But there were a few other structures within the flame, shifting and moving and changing. The single structure she had already observed had only one other feature that stood out. The square in the center was a deep, metallic gold color--so deep in fact that maybe calling it gold was inaccurate. Was it a dark brown instead? Maybe even a black? Then why did it seem to glow like that? The two squares connected to it by those oscillating lines, however, were red and vibrant like the flame itself...

Just as the slime began to roll away from Oberon, the Sprite saw the lightshow as Ash cast Shield I on him. He had already dodged the first attack, but maybe now he could risk getting closer for a followup--

Torrent suddenly attacked from her hiding spot, completely blindsiding the Giant Slime. This attempt at a Stealth Kill caught it completely off guard, and her combined Poison Breath II and Fire Breath I unleashed a powerful blast. Thanks to her new Dual Cast skill, she suddenly found it much easier to maintain and control this attack--whereas before it didn't last more than an instant and rapidly expanded, now she could keep it concentrated just like the Fire Breath. The flames turned dark, almost purple, and actually pierced through the Giant Slime's membrane! Its insides rapidly began to bubble and steam, and the creature's squeal of pain rose to an agonized, screaming wail like that of a crying infant--and they only rose higher as Torrent immediately dove into the blast hole she had created, slashing and tearing with her claws and fangs. The slime's insides were beginning to darken as well--she had Poisoned it! With this, however, came a self-defeating side effect--the Slime suddenly reared up, then, for lack of a better word...vomited.

Torrent was thrown to the ground, covered in a sizzling concoction of her own poison and concentrated stomach acid. Her body burned all over, though not quite as badly as that time she had literally charred her entire skin--but Fire Resistance wasn't doing much to mitigate this, and she could feel her scales beginning to crack as the acid ate away at them--!

The System informed Digbie that his MP was already full as he tried to keep using Earth Vein--but it did seem that he had gained something called "Temporary Mana Overfill," and he felt full to bursting with energy--some of which he put into a Spell Chant to cast an enhanced Shield II on Torrent. She was already taking some damage, but as the Shield increased her body's natural defenses, the acid seemed to burn less and the wounds weren't progressing as quickly. Then Digbie activated his Sacred Ground ability, trying to catch the entire party in its radius. Oberon, being in the air, wasn't affected. Ash and Torrent felt the shift in the ground underneath their feet as healing Mana began to flow through them.

But the Giant Slime was desperate to survive, and didn't seem ready to give up on its prey just yet. The monster rose up above Torrent, then brought two psuedopods slamming down--!

---

PixieSlime Party

ERROR. You have not yet met the conditions to develop the skill Better.

System:Asura

INVALID COMMAND.

INVALID COMMAND.

System:Ardur

As the group was quite rudely awakened, Asura was the first to act. Per his norm, the immediate reflex was to attack with all his might. Now that he had recovered his Stamina, the only limit on his Smash was the relatively small space he had in which to build momentum. Nonetheless his blow sent the creature reeling--dragging him with it as he Clung to its snout!

The creature pulled Asura out and up, shaking him back and forth. Now that he was in the light and out of the burrow, he could see what it was--a large deer of some sort? It had a deer's shape, but its fur was a grayish blue the color of twilight mist. Its hindquarters were speckled with darker spots of green and a dash of black. Its horns had an elegant curve, almost like looking at a recurve bow drawn to full tension across its skull, but they had only four points--two near the "middle" on either side of the skull, and the other two at each tip.

Ardur chanted behind Asura as the buff fairy cautiously approached. Momma Slime seemed to be having trouble getting back out of the burrow, as she had "uncompressed" in her sleep--and Steve was stuck behind her, chittering anxiously with waving legs.

With a muffled snort as Asura tried to suffocate it, the animal turned towards a nearby tree and charged, lowering its head. The red slime was slammed into the sturdy trunk with an impact that echoed like a drum beat. Even through his Blunt Resistance and Physical Damage Resistance, he felt that like he would have felt a blow as a human. Specifically, one of those blows in a boxing match that hits you right center of the face, drilling an impact that feels like it went all the way through your skull and rattled your brainpan. Such was the force that it dislodged him from the creature, and as the two separated the deer backed up, shaking its head. It reared up in a threatening display, kicking its hooves out as it made some kind of bleating sound...

---

Rat Party

Aside from a few scrapes due to the general roughhousing during the encounter, Asteria found herself little the worse for wear. No blood had been drawn, and the bug's stinger hadn't made contact with her. When the lights drew her attention, she tried to use her analysis and sensory skills to figure out what exactly was happening. However, the System would only inform her that, at this distance, she couldn't make out enough about the magic for the skill to draw any conclusions. Whatever it was had stopped, and in the process it had either put out or severely dampened the flames those Goblins had started. If some creature had done that intentionally, perhaps its goal was only to put out the fire before it could be whipped across the grasslands by the next strong wind. It didn't seem like any more flashes of light were forthcoming.

The humans from the village had quieted down, but they were still milling around in groups. They might be discussing what had just happened, but regardless they hadn't noticed the rats yet and likely wouldn't, given the distance and the rapidly falling night. Asteria relaxed for the moment and distributed her skill points.

Skill Gain: Telepathy I!
Channeling Mana through thoughts creates Psychic-type abilities. At Rank I, this skill can only be used when you are in physical contact with another creature. This skill can only send simple thoughts or emotions. This skill is currently only one-way transmission. This skill is an Active Non-Offensive Spell and consumes MP.

Skill Gain: Plant Analysis I!
Basic field knowledge of botany. At this Rank, using this skill only grants you "generalized" information.

System:Asteria

After testing her new communication skill on Ed, Asteria moved over to Mother Rat in the hopes that Telepathy would finally allow her a full-proof method of getting information across to the non-human-souled Monster. Rather than any fully formed sentences or concrete thoughts, Asteria sent her mother simple, pure emotion. Affection, Calmness, Soothing, and Concern for the other beast's wellbeing. Mother Rat gave a start, hopping as her fur bristled and she turned towards Asteria. With a curious squeak, Mother Rat stood on her haunches and began running her tiny forepaws over Asteria's face and snout. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, she then ran in circles around Asteria while occasionally sniffing her. When she again found that nothing had physically changed, she squeaked again and calmed down. Mother Rat paused long enough to scratch one ear with her hind leg, then waddled over to Ed and began a similar inspection. Meanwhile, Asteria now moved to examine the dead Bloodingfly.

Though it took very careful handling to avoid pricking herself on the barbed stinger and the probiscus, Asteria was able to use her claws and teeth to pry away pieces of the insect bit by bit. When it got difficult or she didn't want to risk directly handling the body, she searched around for a bit until she found a small flat rock. With her teeth she was able to knap out a rough blade, and using this to hack off the more dangerous bits of the dead monster was much safer. Before she started another dissection on the ant, she analyzed it for more information.

Skill Rank Up: Dextrous I (1.9) > Dextrous II (2.0)
Despite the limitations of your species, you have continued to develop skill and coordination in your digits! You can now manipulate small things, relative to your size, just as well as a human hand or comparable limb with opposable thumbs. Slightly larger objects can be manipulated the way small objects could at the previous rank, but only if you have high enough physical stats to do so. Learning Equipment skills with certain weapons or tools is now less difficult despite your species' limitations!

You used Monster Analysis II!
---Dead Myrminor Scout--
Myrminors are a low-tier species of insectoid monsters, though despite this they produce several different subtypes to fulfill various roles in the species. Digging enormous underground tunnel networks, some larger than a city sewer system, Myrminors behave much like mundane ants and have only grown to such a size and threat due to absorbing large amounts of ambient Mana. The Scout Myrminor is the weakest of the subtypes, and its only purpose is to gather food, explore territory, and sacrifice itself in waves against enemies. A Scout leaves a trail as it travels that other Myrminors can follow to find resources. It has strong magical senses that lead it to Mana-rich resources.

This Myrminor Scout is dead, apparently struck by multiple blunt force blows and torn apart once a crack in the exoskeleton formed. It has been this way for less than an hour, so its trail is still fresh.

System:Asteria

Asteria quickly shoved the various monster parts and plants into the burrow, further reducing what little room they had for Ed. The Rat Man, during this time, had to think for a few moments about his new Skills. He had saved up quite the number of points...and as the System notifications rang out one by one in his mind, he also heard the rumble of his stomach. He began to tear off pieces of the two bugs to eat, finding the flavor somewhat like shrimp or crawfish but with a slightly more acidic flavor and almost greasy texture. As he had to use his claws and teeth without any tools, figuring out how to get at the succulent bug meat inside the shells was a matter of trial and error--though, perhaps it might be useful to remember what weak points he could figure out and think about the bug's body structure...

Skill Gain: Faster I (1.0)!
Your base physical speed is increased! By gaining the skills Harder, Better, and Stronger, Skill Synergy will occur and you will gain one rank of Physical Conditioning.

Skill Gain: Harder I (1.0)!
Clenched muscles or hardened flesh can be an effective shield--your base defensive stats increase! By gaining at least one rank in Faster, Stronger, and Better, Skill Synergy will occurr to increase the rank of Physical Conditioning.

Skill Gain: Dynamic Eye I (1.0)!
A Special Vision skill, Dynamic Eye expends Stamina to allow the user to sharpen their kinetic vision. For a single instant, time seems to slow, granting better reactions against incoming attacks--especially projectiles traveling over a distance--or allowing the user to better respond to other things. At this Rank however, no other Skill can be used in conjunction with Dynamic Eye if it is not a pre-established passive skill, such as using a buff beforehand. It uses much more Stamina than one might expect.

Skill Gain: Smash I (1.0)!
A Physical Skill that consumes Stamina instead of MP. One blunt type attack deals increased damage!

Skill Gain: Dextrous I (1.0)!
Your practice with fine manipulation and using your forepaws, as well as the natural physical strength of a Dire Rat, has earned an unusual skill for your species! Your paws can now be used to manipulate small objects and tools, though you still aren’t strong enough yet to “wield” weapons or pick up very large things.

Skill Gain: Monster Analysis I (1.0)!
Gain basic biological information about a monster by actively observing it.

System:Ed

It seemed the villagers were soon heading back to their homes as the stars began to appear in the sky. A few vague figures were still moving around, perhaps watchmen. Maybe the magic from earlier had put them on alert. Would the rats decide to attempt finding somewhere among the huts and sheds to hide, or would they stay with their burrow? It still didn't quite have enough room for all of them, but maybe if Ed was just mostly hidden something wouldn't come along and bite off the exposed parts of him...

---

Ghost Party

Danny searched among the dark forest for a place to hide...and luckily for the Poltergeist, it turned out that not too far away was a great hardwood that, at some point, must have been split by lightning or something. This split had dry-rotted, and been worn away by time and the weather, creating a hollow opening into the wide trunk. It was just big enough for the toddler-sized Monster to climb into...except, if he attempted to do just that, a sudden black shape lurched at him!

The Slime lunged, spreading its mass wide to try and catch its prey--!

Despite wanting to protect Danny, Jason had been so weakened and disoriented by Bonie's treachery that it took him some time to even work up the energy to shout in fury. By this time Danny was gone--though it wouldn't be hard to follow his trail, since Jason could see souls. However, this ability was currently dimmed. Jason didn't have "eyes" to close, but he was focused on his Meditation. While zoned in on the task at hand, recovering his mana, he didn't have any idea where Danny had gone. As the Poltergeist traveled a short distance, found the tree, and then also found the slime, Jason spent the whole time trying to recover his power...It would be at least half an hour, however, before his MP was completely full. Not only did his state between life and death continually drain his energy, but on top of this his Meditation's effectiveness was reduced by his Mana Burn. It had taken quite a lot of Mana absorption to finally get rid of the Mana Disorder, and it would likely take a similar recovery process to get rid of the Burn...Still, by minimizing his movements and actions like this, almost as if he were sleeping, it seemed he could mitigate a great deal of the natural MP drain...

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

PixieSlime Party

Skill Gain: Meditate I (1.0)!
By concentrating and calming oneself, increase the regeneration of Magic Power and Stamina. This skill cannot be used in battle. Any distractions in the environment will drastically decrease the effectiveness of this skill. This skill cannot be used in conjunction with other skills.

Skill Gain: Point Strike I (1.0)!
With a discerning eye, take aim at an oppenent's weak point and concentrate your own power into a single point of attack. Slightly increase the power of any attack, and gain an increased chance for a Critical Hit. Using this Skill in conjunction with other attack Skills, however, may cause it to lose effectiveness.

Steve learned Web Spit II (2.0)!
Stamina Consumption of this skill has decreased. Range of this skill has increased.

Steve learned Thread Control I (1.0)!
Manipulate threads, wires, hair, etc with unnatural skill by channeling power through it. At this rank, only one simple manipulation can be passed through a single medium, for instance causing a strand of web to change direction once. Depending on the quality of the material, this skill may cause it to break or degrade.

System:Ardur

Skill Rank Up: Overwork I (1.8) > Overwork II (2.0)!
Stamina consumption increased. Self-Buff increased. When Stamina is fully consumed, this Skill can be kept active by sacrificing HP. This skill will automatically de-activate when HP reaches dangerously low levels.

Skill Gain: Mental Resistance I (1.0)!
Take less damage from Psychic type spells or skills, and have a better chance of resisting mind alterting affects such as confusion or hypnosis. This counts as an Elemental Resistance for the purposes of Magic Resistance.

Skill Gain: Stronger I (1.0)!
You have grown physically stronger, increasing your base power stats!

Developing Skill: Slime Shell
This Skill appears to progress when you enter the corpse of another monster, though it may possibly have an effect when you attempt to use a hollow object as a container or shelter.

System:Asura

With Asura's digging and Steve's webs spread over the ceiling of the burrow, they were able to progress quite fast without worrying about collapsing the earth up above them. Momma Slime couldn't fit inside the entrance at first, but began to gather up the loose dirt the others were shoveling out and deposited it somewhere else before shuffling back to the burrow. Ardur meditated until his MP was finally restored, feeling the unique sensation of Mana in the atmosphere entering his body. It felt like fresh blood pumping into his veins, like the exhiliration of working out but without the increase in heart rate and the soreness of a muscle. It was short lived, but once he had his magical power restored he could tell a definite difference. Like breathing fresh air after emerging from the cave. Once he rejoined the digging effort things went even faster, and soon the burrow had been enlarged enough that Momma, once she used her own Limited Shapeshift skill to compress herself, was able to get in. It was still a tight fit--but maybe sleeping this close together would help ward off some of the chill from outside, as night fell deep and black. Back towards the cave, it sounded like someone was...chopping wood? Nonetheless, the quartet soon drifted off...

[[PixieSlime Party now enters Day 5]]

Asura
Your Stamina is Full.
Your HP is Full.
Your MP is Full.
You are Peckish.
You are Thirsty.

Ardur
Your Stamina is Full.
Your MP is Full.
Your Mana Burn has subsided. Natural Mana Regeneration returns to normal levels.
Your HP is Full.
You are Peckish.
You are Parched.
Your Tamed Creature is Hungry.
Your Tamed Creature is Thirsty.

SYSTEM

The next morning, they could hear the chirp of birds as they awakened. The rising sun had yet to fully emerge over the horizon, but a few rays of its golden glow spilled around the tree trunks. The air smelled clean and clear--being outdoors seemed like it certainly beat the heck out of the cave, when it came to simple pleasantries like this. As dew dripped somewhere, Momma Slime trembled lightly and then split her "mouth" wide open with a burbling yawn.

Then something big stuffed its face into the hole.

A long snout, tipped by a big black nose, poked into the burrow. Moments later a large foot, toes tipped with a hard, black covering, pushed through the dirt and began to paw and dig. Was it reaching for one of the group? The creature huffed and snuffled with the purpose of something looking for food--!

---

Ghost Party

"Oi, wat you be talkin' bout, Ja-Soo--"

Jason offered a prayer to the earth spirits, and focused his will. He wanted Bonie to leave--he wanted to split them apart. He wanted the earth to take her--he wanted to seal her up. He wanted to force her to pass on. He wanted her gone.

Sudden cold swept through Jason's being. The churning, nauseous sensation he felt during those moments after his death, the flash of memory as he had been tossed about between the mists of fading souls in that black and white void...it now returned with a sudden vengeance, a lightning bolt of ice splitting him in half.

The Ecto Slime's body ruptured, and from within it spilled two masses of gray, swirling vapor. Just like the forms he had seen in that realm of the dead, the forms within the fog struggled to take their own shape. An old, wrinkled arm, spattered with paint and carved with tattoos, pulled another form from the mass.

WARNING! YOUR MP IS LOW!

System:Jason

Jason drifted down against the ground, feeling as if the breath had been driven from his lungs. As if from a hundred miles away, he heard a shrill scream.

Their flesh was translucent, constantly shifting between leering skeletons and twisted imprints of their former selves. They were blurry, indistinct, and losing cohesion. Bonie held Teef by the top of her head, long nails digging into the other goblin's eyes.

"Sorry youngling, but it Ja-Soon's fault. Let's both curse him."

And she tore out the other spirit's throat with her teeth. Like taking a deep breath, Bonie devoured the wispy remains of Teef's incorporeal body, and her own form became more concrete. She had no lower body, and the details of her form were nowhere near as clear to the eye as before, when Jason met her in the cave. To describe her as a shadow would have been accurate, though her form was still silver-gray in color just like Jason's.

"Ya think ya so smart, it make ya dum, Ja-Soon." The spirit hag grinned, her eyes glinting red as she drifted backwards, away from the Ecto Slime who only now began to regain his senses. "But even old Gob like me lern a few tings. Gud luks to yas!"

And she raced off through the forest--passing through Danny as she did so.

The Poltergeist had been meditating while Jason inadvertently released the other spirits he had amalgamated into himself. He had fully recovered his MP, and looked towards the last direction he had seen Jason. Using his Magic Analysis repeatedly, he tried to detect something from the Undead without using the Source Crystal Shard...

You used Magic Analysis I!
---No Target---
You only pick up the ambient magic in the area. There are few sources of raw magic here. Most of it is concentrated within living matter.

You used Magic Analysis I!
---No Target---
You can only pick up the ambient magic in the area. There are few sources of raw magic here. Most of it is concentrated within living matter. You can sense a subtle shift in Mana somewhere...

You used Magic Analysis I!
---No Target---
You can only pick up the ambient magic in the area. There are few sources of raw magic here. Most of it is concentrated within living matter. You can sense a subtle shift in Mana. Something you can't see is happening, there is a change in ambient Mana levels...

System:Danny

Though he couldn't see him, he could tell from different spots that felt cold that Jason was at least around. He asked whether the spirit wanted to stay here for the night, or if they should keep moving. He had just started walking towards the East.

And then a cold gust of wind suddenly whirled around him. It felt like someone had just grabbed hold of his heart and squeezed. His body reacted instinctively, moving away from...whatever this was. Was it Jason? Was Jason attacking him? Whatever it was, it followed him--and then it was gone.

Some of your MP has been Drained.
Your MP is Low.

System:Danny

By this time Jason had gotten "back to his feet" and used Mana Drain on his surroundings--once again, it seemed like it was slow going to get back his MP, considering that just the act of existing as a spirit ever so subtly expended it. He saw the last flicker of Bonie's spirit disappear towards the West...

---

Orchid's Tribe

At Orchid's shout, Jezee and Tiddies rushed to help Bigs and Wej put out the fire on their bodies. It wasn't too bad since Crispy's explosion didn't have the kind of raw heat to make things flash-ignite, and they weren't wearing a great deal of clothing or equipment that would catch from the flames. Unfortunately it looked like Wej would finally lose that scrap of shield he had left, but other than that the two were quickly brought back to their feet.

Meanwhile, Orchid met the Armored Badger's claw with a two handed swing of her club. The creature's plated forearm clashed with the weapon, stone shards digging into the scaly hide and drawing blood. It roared as it pressed forward with its greater weight, almost overcoming Orchid's enhanced strength--

The Sigil of the Hellish Fiend lit up like a beacon, and Orchid felt its burn spreading throughout her hand. She pushed back, and the badger's stubby legs began to lose their balance. It snarled, snapping at the air in front of the demiblin's face. When she drew back her fist, it was able to press harder against her one remaining arm, and it lunged to try and tear out her throat with its fangs--

Her fist burst into flames that seemed to trail up her entire arm. Orchid's punch seemed to grow larger and brighter as it exploded forward. She thrust almost half her forearm into the beast's jaws, and even as she felt teeth scrape her arm protector and tear it, she felt the intense heat reach her own skin even through her Fiend's Protection and the thud of flesh against flesh. The Armored Badger fell back, still on two legs. It screeched and writhed in agony, front paws swiping the empty air. Flames shot out of its mouth and smoke singed its nostrils. It thrashed from side to side, but its eyes were still bright and full of rage--

"Slaaaaaash!"

Yoona darted in from the side with his Stone Knife, and its edge glinted with crimson light as he ran past the Armored Badger's back. He cut another furrow across its hide where Clod had originally scarred it, drawing a deeper spray of blood! Sqwal leaped at the badger's legs, slamming his wooden club into its knees with both hands. The creature turned to try and swipe at him, but it was too blinded by the flames still scorching its face and now spreading to its chest. It fell over, and Clod actually rushed forward and jumped on top of it, driving the breath from its belly with both feet.

"SLASH!"

He brought his stone sword down with a berserk gleam in his eyes, right down on the badger's snout. The bright red flash intensified the puff of embers coming out of its fur. The badger's last roar was cut off by a wet gurgle, and as Clod wrenched his sword free of its face and throat the blood spattered across his chest.

"WE KILLED IT! KILLED DA BADGER!" Crispy crowed, throwing up his good arm with a cackle.

"KILLED DA BADGER! KILLED DA BADGER!" The cry was soon taken up by the whole tribe. Clod held his sword by each end and pumped it up and down over his head, stomping on the corpse and screaming. Yoona jumped in circles around the fallen beast and whooped, slashing with his knife at the air. Sqwal began to beat on a tree trunk, the thumps echoing loudly into the night. Tiddies and Jezee were chanting from around the burning bush Orchid had set alight, tearing other nearby plants out of the ground and tossing them into the blaze to make a proper campfire. Bigs and Wej high fived each other with both hands in a game that soon turned into a slapfight when one of them missed.

"KILLED DA BADGER! KILLED DA BADGER! KILLED DA--"

LEVEL UP! Your combined experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 6! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please!

Unspent Skill Points: 10

Current Skills:
Use Light Equipment (--)
Pacify Animal I (1.3)
Stronger II (2.025)
Crafting V (MAX)
Material Analysis II (2.1)
Monster Analysis I (1.3)
Smash I (1.6)
Charisma I (1.6)
Taboo (0.3) <REQUIRES RESTORATION>
Faster I (1.0)
Fireball I (1.3)
<UNUSABLE>
Muffle (0.9)
Deception (0.7)
Charm (0.3)
Alert (0.6)
Stone Shot (0.4)
Throw Item (0.4)
Slash (0.8)
Warcry (0.9)
Pierce Resistance (0.7)
Blunt Resistance (0.3)
Slash Resistance (0.1)
Blood Drain (0.4)
Skewer (0.4)
Mental Resistance (0.4)
Mana Orb (0.2)
Focus (0.2)
Magic Analysis (0.2)
Overwork (0.4)
Intercept (0.3)
Defender (0.7)
Rabid Fit (0.5)
First Aid (0.3)
Intimidate (0.7)
Counter (0.5)
Shield Slam (0.6)
Poison Resistance (0.1)
Fire Resistance (0.8)
Dust Blow (0.1)
Magic Resistance (0.3)
Spell Chant (0.3)
Fire Fist (0.3)

System:Orchid

"Oi!" Bigs called out. "Any udda gob just ding!?" Affirmation followed from most of the others--Clod grew strangely quiet very quickly, looking straight up at the sky and blinking rapidly. The goblins looked among each other in slight confusion for a bit--and then went right back to screaming and dancing.

"WE DINGED! WE DINGED!"

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Monster Party

[[You'll each see these separately, just ignore whatever parts aren't part of the specific analysis you attempted.]]
Digbie and Torrent used Monster Analysis I! Ash and Oberon used Monster Analysis II!
Digbie used Material Analysis I!
Digbie and Torrent used Magic Analysis I!
Ash used Magic Analysis II!
Oberon used Magic Analysis IV!
Oberon used Magic Analysis IV!
---Giant Slime---
Giant Slimes have simply grown bigger, and their membranes have increased in strength so as to hold more mass without causing their bodies to split. Their digestive fluids also become stronger, but as a result of these advantages they require more food. Their general abilities are also increased, making them more dangerous than they appear as a simple evolution of a plain slime. In fact, their resistance to physical damage has become such that even a proper sword or mace might not kill them easily. A Giant Slime's slime is difficult to harvest, as when they die the nervous and circulation systems keeping their membranes intact rapidly decay. If it can be extracted before the digestive fluids destroy it, however, it has some use as an adhesive or even a culinary gelatin. There might even be other uses...

Giant Slimes have little to no magic to speak of; they have only slightly above the bare minimum of Magical Power for a Monster. They have no elemental affiliation by nature, though Slimes that live in environments rich with ambient mana sometimes take on properties better suited for their habitat. This Giant Slime possesses no Magical Skills or Spells. This Giant Slime is also not developing any Magical Skills or Spells. Despite having no real affinities or alignments, this Giant Slime is vulnerable to most forms of magic. It could be considered stronger against Earth and Wind magic, but they will still do more damage than most physical attacks. It would be weaker against Fire, Lightning, Ice, and Metal magic.
---Analysis Complete---

SYSTEM

Digbie laying back on the ground and using Earth Vein quickly pumped his MP up, though not quite to full yet. Torrent almost immediately disappeared into the surroundings, and Oberon took flight to get some distance while he analyzed the oncoming enemy. Ash stood her ground protectively over her materials, but also analyzed the slime--in fact, everyone had attempted to use at least two analysis skills on the creature. And while they were standing there watching it, it rolled over Digbie while he lay flat on the ground. He stuck to its naturally gooey body for a single rotation before it slammed him into the earth again, and now made for the smaller target of Oberon trying to get its attention.

As it rumbled towards the smaller Sprite, three Venom Shots from Ash thup-thup-thup'd into its membrane. They left purple stains, but aside from a shiver of what seemed like pain the Giant Slime didn't react too much. When Oberon cast his Mana Slice, the creature's roll actually slowed down just before the crescent sliced into its body. Though the wound immediately suctioned back together, the Slime had recognized itself being hurt and let out a rumbling gurgle before it changed course. It was still heading towards Oberon, however, and from an angle it lashed out with a huge pseudopod to try and crush him...

---

PixieSlime Party

As Asura and Ardur began to smother the flames with dirt--and in the slime's case, his own body--Steve seemed to pick up on their efforts and splattered a gooier form of her webbing onto Momma Slime's body, before Ardur ordered her to keep watch. Oxygen had ignited the substance from the Flak Beetle, but upon being deprived of it the flames died out instantly. The dirt that soaked up the bug's innard-juice grew somewhat hot to the touch, like rocks stacked around a campfire, but this soon cooled with the interesting side effect of turning the rocks a lime-white color. Momma Slime seemed slightly singed, but fine on the whole--which she expressed as a loud fart-sigh.

Now that they weren't in the middle of fighting, the big blue slime was able to wriggle and jiggle her way out of the Flak Beetle's burrow. While Momma Slime wouldn't be able to fit all the way in, it was big enough for Asura to scrunch himself up alongside Ardur and Steve. They could potentially dig it out deeper as well...but now, darkness was rapidly falling and they would soon be blind.

LEVEL UP! Your combined experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 7! Your Max Stamina has increased (this will not recover current Stamina levels)! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please!

Unspent Skill Points: 10

Current Skills:
Physical Damage Resistance I (1.86) <CANNOT INCREASE WITH POINTS>
Overwork I (1.8)
Blunt Resistance I (1.7)
Limited Shapeshift III (3.725)
Smash II (2.15)
Pierce Resistance I (1.25)
Faster I (1.65)
Magic Resistance I (1.1)
Harder I (1.05)
Counter I (1.25)
Cling I (1.0)
Slime Whip I (1.25)
Throw Item I (1.0)
Rabid Fit I (1.0)
Iron Gullet I (1.2)
Monster Analysis I (1.1)
Stamina Furnace I (1.1)
<UNUSABLE>
Earth Resist (0.7)
Mental Resistance (0.9)
Slime Shell (0.5)
Charisma (0.5)
Dextrous (0.2)
Soil Manipulation (0.5)
Stone Shot (0.5)
Slime Coil (0.3)
Magic Analysis (0.5)
Bounce (0.5)
Muffle (0.3)
Poison Resistance (0.2)
Dash Attack (0.4)
Spiritual Awareness (0.2)
Intimidate (0.3)
Stronger (0.8)
Blood Drain (0.5)
First Aid (0.2)
Acid Spit (0.2)
Skewer (0.4)
Slash (0.1)
Fire Resistance (0.3)
Water Resistance (0.0125)
Focus (0.4)
Alert (0.3)

System:Asura

LEVEL UP! Your combined experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 6! Your Max Stamina has increased (this will not recover current Stamina levels)! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please!

Unspent Skill Points: 10

Current Skills:
Shield II (2.175)
Lesser Flight III (2.24)
Minor Heal III (3.6125)
Physical Conditioning I (1.0) <CANNOT INCREASE WITH SKILL POINTS>
Fire Resistance I (1.35)
Taming I (1.35)
Fireball I (1.5)
Stronger II (2.15)
Crafting I (1.0)
Muffle I (1.3)
Inspire I (1.0)
Guidance I (1.0)
Spell Chant I (1.0)
Use Light Equipment (--)
<UNUSABLE>
Keen Sight (0.7)
Keen Ear (0.3)
Alchemy (0.5)
Faster (0.5)
Magic Analysis (0.55)
Mana Orb (0.15)
Focus (0.6)
Throw Voice (0.1)
Mana Strike (0.8)
Point Strike (0.8)
Charisma (0.2)
Soothe Song (0.6)
Harder (0.1)
Alert (0.8)
Reinforce (0.2)
Throw Item (0.5)
Meditate (0.2)
Stone Shot (0.5)
Iron Gullet (0.3)
Soil Manipulation (0.3)
Material Analysis (0.2)
Rabid Fit (0.5)
Lesser Cleanse (0.7)
Fire Fist (0.2)
Magic Resistance (0.2)
Minor Regeneration (0.1)
Flame Aura (0.1)
Warcry (0.1)
Immolation (0.05)
Spiritual Awareness (0.3)
Overwork (0.1)
Monster Analysis (0.3)

Your Tamed Creature has Leveled Up! Steve is now Level 2!
Your Tamed Creature has Leveled Up! Steve is now Level 3!

Oculus Spider [Steve], Level 3
Steve's Unspent Skill Points: 11

Steve's Current Skills:
Web Spit I (1.5)
Doze I (1.0)
<UNUSABLE>
Muffle (0.5)
Poison Fang (0.4)
Blunt Resistance (0.1)
Thread Control (0.5)
Alert (0.3)
Fire Resistance (0.1)

Steve's intelligence, ability, and physical stats are not high enough to enable Skill Teaching. Do you wish to distribute your Tamed Creature's Skill Points?

System:Ardur

With the fire put out on Momma Slime, a new shelter against the rapidly falling night, and some new skill points to play with, what would the party's next move be? Despite having recovered enough for that short brawl, they were still quite low on Stamina...

---

Rat Party

The Bloodingfly accelerated as Ed acted like he was going to attack, but when the Ratman pulled off his feint the insect had too much momentum to stop. Though its wings flared out like sails, its needle-probiscus pierced into the ground rather than any furry flesh. It barely kept itself from crashing, slamming its spindly legs into the dirt with a deep buzz. The next moment Asteria was on its back, ripping and tearing at its wings and the fuzzy body underneath them. The bug thrashed, its buzz growing to a shrill creen as it tried to buck her off. A large section of one wing came off in Asteria's jaws just as Mother Rat tackled the creature from below, tearing into its side--the same side Ed had already injured. Unnaturally colored blood splattered the ground once more, and the bug pushed off to jump away. Its damaged wings couldn't lift its weight, however, and it tumbled on top of Asteria. With its belly exposed, either Ed or Mother Rat would be able to deliver a finishing blow--and it was highly doubtful either of them would pass up the opportunity.

The Bloodingfly would die with one last, drawn out buzz that turned to a whine. Its legs, however, continued to twitch for some time after its death. But just as they finished with this creature, the three rats wouldn't be able to help but notice three white flashes of light.

It came from back towards the forest. At this distance, it was little more than something like a momentary signal flare. It didn't rise very high above the ground--rather, it arced through the air, then traveled along the land. To them it seemed to only go a short distance, but if they were up close it might have been several meters.

And following it, the earth spat dust and debris. Soil was hurled upward as if by some giant plough, and the flames those goblins had started sputtered and died. By the time each light finished--they seemed to be going in different directions, but every one was followed by a wave of earth--the smoke that seemed to threaten to consume the entire plain had dwindled to a wispy cloud.

But now the rats could hear something else. From the direction of the village, it sounded like...shouts. Cries of alarm and of awe. Several figures were bustling around the different houses now...but they were watching the skies, for any other signs of the lights.

The sun had set and the grasslands, too, were falling under the cover of night. With the villagers occupied by the sight far away, maybe the rats could sneak around the long way and enter that shed Ed had spied without being seen...

LEVEL UP! Your combined experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 6! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please!

Unspent Skill Points: 22 ((12 unspent from before Transformation, 10 from current level up))

Current Skills:
Beast Sense II (2.625)
Rabid Fit I (1.55)
Stronger I (1.35)
Muffle II (2.025)
Use Light Equipment (--)
Alert I (1.0)
<UNUSABLE>
Material Analysis (0.4)
Magic Analysis (0.65)
Monster Analysis (0.9)
Faster (0.7)
Warcry (0.4)
Dextrous (0.8)
Tremor Sense (0.025)
Mental Resistance (0.9)
Telepathy (0.075)
Mana Shape (0.7)
Focus (0.8)
Shield (0.5)
Mana Shell (0.4)
Soil Manipulation (0.7)
Overwork (0.9)
Harder (0.3)
Crafting (0.25)
First Aid (0.1)
Meditate (0.4)
People Sense (0.2)
Plant Analysis (0.1)
Swift Swimmer (0.4)
Charm (0.025)
Repel (0.025)
Stealth Kill (0.3)
Blunt Resistance (0.1)
Prehensile Tail (0.3)
Smash (0.7)
Mana Strike (0.2)
Minor Heal (0.05)
Dynamic Eye (0.3)

System:Ed

LEVEL UP! Your combined experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 6! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please! Note: You are very close to another Level Up!

Unspent Skill Points: 10

Current Skills:
Beast Sense II (2.875)
Faster II (2.15)
Monster Analysis II (2.325)
Dextrous I (1.9)
Poison Resistance I (1.0)
Crafting I (1.625)
Muffle I (1.65)
Mana Sense I (1.8)
Mana Drain I (1.4)
Magic Analysis I (1.1)
Stronger I (1.2)
Prehensile Tail (--)
Alert I (1.15)
<UNUSABLE>
Use Light Equipment (0.6)
Charisma (0.9)
Telepathy (0.35)
Mental Resistance (0.1)
Soil Manipulation (0.9)
Overwork (0.2)
Lesser Status Heal (0.05)
Minor Heal (0.05)
Meditate (0.4)
Smash (0.6)
Mana Flex (0.1)
Scribe (0.1)
Spell Chant (0.15)
Lesser Force (0.1)
Stone Shot (0.3)
Lucid Dream (0.3)
Spiritual Awareness (0.2)
Swift Swimmer (0.1)
Suppress Presence (0.2)
Plant Analysis (0.7)
Alchemy (0.05)
Tremor Sense (0.1)
Throw Item (0.3)
Stealth Kill (0.1)

System:Asteria

---

Ghost Party

"Correct, these are spells, special attacks, and so much more... Honestly Bonie, I don't belong in this world, especially not as a monster.... So I think, that in a way, the rules and limitations of species, and usage of the system don't fully apply to me."

"If ya really be human and not a slime, Ja-Soon, den da world be different to ya. Skeelz, powahs, everyting different for humans and mobs. But if ya bes a slime too...I tink tings be even more not da same."

As Jason read the Skill list out loud to the two goblin spirits, their windows continued to move around for a moment. Then Bonie's stopped, and Jason's began moving again instead. It really was like someone was clicking on a computer's browser and dragging it around the screen.

"Bonie, tell me a bit about these dreams you had, and what you prayed to while you were alive."

"Gobs in da cave not be like dat. No big temples, no sack-fices. Maybe would if dere were Big Demons, but da cave tribe stay near da cave. Udda gob tribes force us here when even Bonie was youngling. Neva prayed. Told stories. Stories bout da Old Gobs, da ones come before. How dey hunts, how dey makes tings. Gotta make sure everything member'd for long time after we gones. Dat keeps Old Gobs around, and Old Gobs makes good magic for gobs still alive."

Skill Activated: Meditate I!
By concentrating and calming oneself, increase the regeneration of Magic Power and Stamina. This skill cannot be used in battle. Any distractions in the environment will drastically decrease the effectiveness of this skill. This skill cannot be used in conjunction with other skills.

Your MP is recovering...

System:Jason

Even with using Mana Drain to reabsorb his attempts to cast Mana Orb, Jason's efficiency or lack thereof caused his MP to continue dropping with each attempt. What was more, ever since he had become a spirit, his MP would steadily decrease over time. It seemed to serve as both as his stamina and his HP in this form--this was probably the primary reason being an undead, spiritual creature seemed so uncommon. After all, the Dungeon was constantly creating Undead, yet besides Jason only Ghost Wisps seemed to be of the spirit class. But now that he had meditate, if he could maintain concentration without being interrupted then he could stabilize his existence...at least as long as there was ambient mana around him. Even without this skill, in the cave there had been times he was able to sense the concentration of energy. The fact that Mana Crystals grew in the cave was evidence that its magical atmosphere was thicker. Out here, in the open wilderness, the power was significantly less concentrated. He could still recover his MP...but it was a slow process. If he wasn't careful with his magical experimentation, he might end up in the same desperate struggle he had been to maintain his MP right after his original revival...

"Hey Bonie, I need you to say 'System: Describe (Better) Spiritual Awareness V, and how it was gained.' That'll give us even more information on how we can bring ourselves more fully into the real world."

"Before dat, Ja-Soon--how do I be makin' da Skeelz betta? All my Skeelz, and Teef's too, got different numbahs you was readin'. Tell me dats, and I tells ya bout da dreams, and den we figures out dat udda Skeel."

Teef was strangely quiet, but her system window was moving more erratically. It even rotated in slow circles and spun around in three dimensional space, as she were looking it over, up and down, and all around.

Meanwhile, Danny meditated calmly for several minutes. He could hear the sound of wood being chopped, but only distantly. More clearly, he heard one more rumbling sound, and there was another flash of light in the distance...The smoke coming from the grasslands grew thinner, and looked less foreboding. Whatever Zieglar was doing, it seemed to be controlling the fire if not putting it out entirely. And after that third flash, nothing else happened...would the Knight return to his apprentice?

Once the system informed him his MP was full, he recharged the Source Crystal. Doing so drained a decent chunk of his MP again, about as much as one of his spells would have. But now, as he held it up to his eye and looked at Jason through it again, when the green light began to form words and numbers he also activated his Monster Analysis. The effort of keeping Mana flowing into the Crystal was like trying to force yourself to exhale longer while not blinking at the same time--Danny felt his MP rapidly dwindling after only a few seconds, but the information he was gaining definitely increased.

You used Monster Analysis II! You used Source Crystal Shard!
---Jason (???, ???)---
Ecto Slime: An extremely rare undead monster. Spirit-class Undead are formed when a soul is unable to leave the corpse or reenter the natural cycle of life and death; composed entirely of the energies left within the body at the time of death, Spirits without Will cannot maintain a form for long. When they lose cohesion, they are returned to the world in another way that cannot be undone. Slimes do not normally have enough intelligence or magic power to revive as undead, and even when affected by outside sources they are usually extremely unstable. Like all undead, they seem to harbor an instinctive need to consume the living. Like many Spirit-class Undead, they are driven to feast on other souls even to the point of losing themselves. You know this Ecto Slime as Jason, a Reincarnator like yourself. Jason has committed a Taboo against the world by denying the cycle of life and death.

There are two other souls Jason has consumed, but they have not been completely devoured. Spirit-class monsters sometimes attempt to absorb other souls strong enough to maintain their own sense of self--as these spirits intermingle, their memories and personalities often begin to mix as well. Yet an individual can only maintain one sense of self...even a legion must move as one...

Jason currently can't interact through normal physical means with the world, but some of his skills can cause physical reactions. Due to this a direct comparison isn't available through normal means. However, your stats are currently higher than his. He currently has more MP than you; Spirit-class creatures do not possess an upper cap on the amount of magical power they can hold. In order for them to grow and maintain themselves, they must continue to amass magic. Using too many of their own spells can cut their only remaining tether to this world short.

Jason possesses the Spell Skill Mana Drain, allowing him to drain magical power from other creatures and objects. This is common among Undead creatures, as their own vitality is no longer enough to allow their existence.

Jason possesses other skills like Meditate, Spiritual Awareness, Transparency, Levitate, and Guidance. Because of his death, many of his old Skills are locked away or unusable due to his lack of a physical body.
---Analysis Complete---

The Source Crystal Shard has no charge remaining. Restoring the charge will consume the remainder of your MP. Do you wish to recharge it?

System:Danny

With everything that had happened today, now that the two were finally out on their own, the forest seemed very quiet. Maybe it was the large number of goblins that had passed in this direction earlier, wielding weapons and fire. Maybe it was the presence of two humans in the area. Maybe it was the nearby fires that belched acrid smoke into the air. Or maybe, now that night was falling, other creatures were also turning in to their dens. Whatever the case, Danny and Jason seemed to be alone out here in the wilderness...They had escaped the cave, the Dungeon Core, and all of the Undead. They were completely left to their own devices...but the sun had dipped below the mountains, and the stars were beginning to peek out between the branches up above...

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

@Stabby
Thanks for the praise!

It's not a sure thing at this point, but there may be opportunities in the future for a couple new shmucks chosen heroes to be summoned. I don't want to unnecessarily get your hopes up, but do you happen to have a rough summary of the kind of character you'd want to create?

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Asura, Momma Slime, Ardur, Steve

You used Monster Analysis I!
---Flak Beetle---
An aggressive insectoid known for the glowing sac hidden under its shell. The shell hides a gland in the bug's thorax that, similar to a firefly, contains a substance that produces light. Unlike the firefly, the Flak Beetle can use this substance as a weapon, firing it with explosive force from either end of its body. It also has strong jaws, capable of cutting through leather given enough time. Despite its tendency to viciously attack almost anything, it only eats plants.
---Analysis Completed!---

System:Asura

Despite such limited confines, Asura’s pseudopods shot out and wrapped around the enemy’s segmented feet. His amorphous body and shapeshifting skills were coming in handy, giving him an almost 2-dimensional ability to move despite the ultra cramped quarters. The bug, on the other hand, had been trying to dig its way out--but now it was trapped. Though he didn’t have much room to draw back, like a boxer firing a punch from the elbow without being able to use their shoulders or hips, he risked using the Smash skill in the hope that he had enough Stamina recovered. And the red energy answered him with a crackle.

Momma Slime’s body lurched momentarily, her membrane rippling as the impact underneath her let out a dull thud. Ardur was already trying to dig through the edge of the burrow around her, and when Asura’s attack shifted her weight the buff Hipixie was able to thrust his arms deep into the ground. Grasping fingers latched onto the first thing they felt, despite not being able to see...and with a grunt he hauled the Flak Beetle out! Asura trailed behind it, still holding onto its legs, and they “popped” out from under Momma Slime before coming down in an entangled heap.

The beetle landed on its back, its soft and pale underside showing a crack in the exoskeleton where Asura struck it. With a shrill creen its legs lashed back and forth, struggling to tear off the remnants of Steve’s web as its mandibles clicked frantically. The Oculus Spider in question pounced at this moment, using several of her own legs to pin the creature before it could roll over. With a crunch she sank her fangs into the beetle’s abdomen--before recoiling suddenly. A small spark of flame singed the hairs around her head and caused her to close half of her eyes as she withdrew. From the wounds her teeth left the Flak Beetle was bleeding something that looked blue at first, before turning clear in the air almost like gasoline--and in small flashes that only lasted a moment, this substance was igniting!

“SAID, MASH, DUM BUG!”

When Momma Slime’s pseudopod--roughly the size and shape of a small sack of topapoes--came down on the beetle this time, it once again crackled with the light of power. But there was something else different too. When she had figured it out was anyone’s guess, but the swollen end of that extended tendril also contained a membrane pouch--which tightly held five slender, brittle needles made of bone, their tips poking out of her “fist” like a morning star.

Watching an insect be crushed to death through the lense of a blue, cloudy semi-fluid was quite an interesting experience, if one could separate their frame of mind from the adrenaline fueled rush of a battle for pure survival to enjoy it.

The following WOOSH of flames rapidly igniting, however, was less interesting and far more worrisome.

The spilling fluid of the bug was now all over Momma Slime, and as soon as she had lifted her pseudopod it had come into contact with oxygen. It burst into bright red and orange flame, and the heat all around the party soon grew palpable.

“Ahsoowa, hewwp!” Momma Slime began flailing wildly, still stuck in the hole and unable to stop the flames from spreading over her body. At the moment it seemed the beetle’s bodily fluid was still burning, like coating one’s hand in alcohol, but soon it would be covering most of the big slime, and they could already see her membrane starting to redden...

---

Danny and Jason

Current Skills:
Physical Damage Resistance I (1.0)(0.1)
Warcry II (2.175)(0.1)
Stone Shot II (2.6625)(0.1)
Rock Spire II (2.075)(0.1)
Tremor Sense II (2.425)(0.2)
Soil Manipulation I (1.15)(0.2)
Telepathy II (2.725)(0.3)
Material Analysis I (1.2)(0.1)
Magic Analysis I (1.55)(0.2)
Monster Analysis I (1.55)(0.2)
Mental Resistance I (1.55)(0.2)
Charisma I (1.15)(0.1)
Focus I (1.3) 0.5
Limited Shapeshift I (1.6) 0.3
Mind Wave I (1.2)(0.1)
Spell Chant I (1.3)0.3
Bounce I (1.15)(0.1)
Faster I (1.05)(0.1)
Blunt Resistance I (1.0)(0.1)
Spiritual Awareness I (1.55)
Transparency I (1.2)
Taboo I (1.9)
Levitate (--)
Guidance I (1.1)
Mana Drain I (1.15)
<UNUSABLE>
Earth Affinity (0.7) <CANNOT BE INCREASED BY SKILL POINTS>
Wave Shock (0.1)
Swift Swimmer (0.1) <UNUSABLE WITH CURRENT ABILITIES>
Aqua Sphere (0.7)
Alert (0.1)
Smash (0.5) <UNUSABLE WITH CURRENT ABILITIES>
Cleave (0.3) <UNUSABLE WITH CURRENT ABILITIES>
Blood Drain (0.7)
Muffle (0.1)
Crafting (0.3) <UNUSABLE WITH CURRENT ABILITIES>
Magic Resistance (0.6)
Agriculture (0.3)
Plant Analysis (0.3)
Acid Spit (0.5) <UNUSABLE WITH CURRENT ABILITIES>
Fire Resistance (0.4)
Fortify (0.2)
Sensory Resistance (0.4)
Mana Orb (0.5)
Shield (0.5)
Alchemy (0.4)
Meditate (1.05)<UNUSABLE IN CURRENT STATE>
Air Read (0.4)
Keen Sight (0.2)
Point Strike (0.2) <UNUSABLE WITH CURRENT ABILITIES>
Doze (0.1)
Acid Resistance (0.1)
Rabid Fit (0.1)
Pierce Resistance (0.8)
Lesser Cleanse (0.2)
Dextrous (0.2)
Quicken (0.3)
Earth Wall (0.1)
Stone Breaker (0.1) <UNUSABLE WITH CURRENT ABILITIES>
Iron Gullet (0.1) <UNUSABLE WITH CURRENT ABILITIES>
Slash Resistance (0.2)
Earth Vein (0.3) <UNUSABLE WITH CURRENT ABILITIES>
Mana Sense (0.75)
Mana Shape (0.1)
Possession (0.35)
Lesser Force (0.1)
---End Skill List---

MP is temporarily Overfull…
Your Mana Disorder is subsiding.
You still have Mana Burn. Natural Mana Recovery is no longer disabled, but is still reduced by 50%.

System:Jason

”Slime IS dum! Humans dum too! You double dum! Not fair, how you get so many things?!”
“Ja-Soon, are all dese...Skeelz? Like, da spells, and da speshul attacks strong monstahs got? Why DO yas got so many…?”

When Jason brought up his System window, it overlapped the other windows that had started to pop up--and several of these began to close by themselves as Bonie and Teef questioned him. But now, the System started to do something it had never done before...the mental “window” began to…”move.” To continue describing it in the terms of a computer...it was if a mouse cursor had taken hold of it, and was dragging it around the screen…

”Bah! I bets I gots more den dum slime! Sees-Tim, show Skeelz list!”
”Sis-tem, show Skeel list!”

Two of the windows floated closer in Jason’s consciousness...and by this point those strange symbols had begun to shift into letters he knew...

Elder Goblin
Job System 0th Tier: Voodooist
Unspent Skill Points: 90

Current Skills:
Use Light Equipment (--)
Smash II (2.025)
Skewer III (3.00375)
Crafting IV (4.025125)
First Aid IV (4.0525)
Alchemy I (1.0525)
Blunt Resistance II (2.00375)
Pierce Resistance I (1.075)
Magic Resistance I (1.5125)
Poison Resistance III (3.4125)
*Lucid Dream I (1.3375)
*(Better) Spiritual Awareness V (MAX)
Guidance II (2.625)
Mana Orb II (2.075)
Transparency I (1.2)
Levitate (--)
*Mana Drain I (1.15)
<UNUSABLE>
Slash Resistance (0.800625)
Faster (0.501125)
Mana Shape (0.0125)
Meditate (0.15)
Focus (0.7625)
Charisma (0.8965)
Intimidate (0.025625)
Deception (0.99925)
Charm (0.00525)
Material Analysis (0.5625)
Plant Analysis (0.725)

System:Jason-W0Zl3

Immature Goblin
Unspent Skill Points: 5

Current Skills:
Use Light Equipment (--)
Skewer I (1.00125)
Crafting I (1.0)
<UNUSABLE>
Blunt Resistance (0.05)
Pierce Resistance (0.025)

System:Jason-73MF

”NO FAIR! Youse guys lemme have summa yer skeelz!”
“Don’t tink it be workin’ like dat, youngling...Ja-Soon, what do it say?”

Jason’s own System window wasn’t being tugged around anymore, but the other two were still moving here and there in the back of his mind...But now, he felt the sensation of eyes on him, as Danny peered at him through a shard of a Source Crystal.

You used Source Crystal Shard!
---Ecto Slime ?V50Z---
You are slightly stronger and faster than this creature. It has slightly more MP than you. You currently cannot physically interact with it. You feel uneasy around it. It seems familiar…? It is unusual.
Possesses Spell Skill: Mana Drain
Possesses Other Skills: Spiritual Awareness, Transparency, Levitate, Guidance…
The uneasy feeling is caused by Other Skill: Taboo
---Charge Empty---

You have no MP remaining with which to charge the Source Crystal Shard.

System:Danny

Like looking at a powdery substance dropped into a glass of water, Danny could just barely make out Jason’s form through the green-hued, uncut lens he held to his eye. To him it seemed like a misshapen, cloudy gray blob...though occasionally, it seemed to spin in place like a globe suspended in space. Instead of seeing the shapes of continents or countries, however, Danny could occasionally make out “faces.” One of them seemed almost human. Two were small, one wrinkled and one not, but both much more pointed and vicious than a human face. And the last wasn’t really a face so much as a shape--a circle and a triangle, like a pointed hat.

They could hear the sounds of chopping behind them, and further to the south they saw another brief flash of light and heard a less ominous rumble. If they kept going east, they would soon leave the humans behind...but the goblins had gone this way as well, hadn’t they…?

---

Orchid

You have Processed an Item: Dead Hex Cat + Sharp Stone
Obtained Items by Carving: Hex Cat Pelt (Average), Raw Hex Cat Meat (12 pounds), Hex Cat Bones (Varying Quality), Hex Cat Organs (Varying Quality), Raw Oily Fat (Below Average)
You used Crafting IV!
You Processed an Item: Hex Cat Pelt (Average) + Sharp Stone
Hex Cat Pelt (Average) > (Good)
You Created an Item!
Hex Cat Pelt (Good) + Hex Cat Fang x2 (Above Average) + Raw Tendon Cord (Below Average)
Your Crafting level has prevented your item from deteriorating.
Your item’s quality has been boosted.

You created: Hex Fur Shirt (Good)!
You feel tougher wearing this equipment. Though the Hex Cat is a Cursed and Dark creature, you somehow feel less threatened by these elements.

Skill Rank Up: Crafting IV (4.735) > Crafting V (MAX)!
Stamina Depletion Decreased. Sub-Stat Enhancements Increased. Whether it be the limitation of your species in physical body, mind, or some other factor, you have reached the limit of this Skill. Some Skills may further develop into more specialized Skills...or, through surpassing other limitations, you may find a way to make this skill even Better...

With basic raw materials found in your environment, your ability to process and create items is now limited only by your imagination and the surroundings! A historian might say, you are at the peak of your personal Stone Age...but now what will you build?

System:Orchid

Within the materials the other Goblins brought her, Orchid found a sharp stone with which to begin her gristly work. This was, of course, before the badger showed up, during a short rest. Crispy had been steadily munching on the Healing Herbs wrapping his injured arm, then rubbing the paste into his skin. The swelling had gone down tremendously, and he was even beginning to get some mobility back in his fingers and wrist. He still had quite the scabs and bruises to go with it, however, and it looked like it might leave a pretty nasty scar. He watched Orchid closely as she worked, while the others either dug some grubs or munched on Argeps. Several of them stayed alert, however, and Bigs traded Clod the Sharp Stone he had found for the Small Stones he could use in his sling. Though he had to run and find his ammunition every time he used it, his practice on a large tree nearby was starting to show some results. Jezee and Sqwal seemed almost too tired to go on, as the evening deepened and the red light filtered down through the canopy.

Cutting the cat open from its...well, rearmost opening, and traveling up through the belly all the way to the chest and under the neck on both sides, Orchid was able to start peeling away the hide. She had to slice through bits of fat and skin and the thin membrane holding it to the red, raw, bloody muscle underneath in a process that took a little time. Once this was done she still had to work the hide off of the body, making slits and holes here and there with careful strokes so as not to ruin the whole thing. Once the hide was off she threw it over a tree branch while she cut the rest of the beast up, mostly to get at the meat and bones. Its innards, too, could be removed, but to figure out what she could do with this, as well as some of the other less obvious parts of the beast, she would have to take a closer look at it and do some more thinking. When this was done, she went back to the hide and once again began the slow scraping and rubbing process, using a piece of curved tree bark as a temporary bowl to hold the growing wad of fatty, waxy substances coming off of it.

By the time she was finished the hide stank to high heaven, and it wasn’t quite dry of blood or anything else, but it was usable. Wrapping it diagonally around herself, she draped the head over one shoulder. The main body went over one shoulder and across her back, then wrapped under her arm to cross her chest, for the first time giving her a proper sense of modesty unlike that strip of Dire Rat fur. A little bit of the body section was left to go to the middle of her back in a second wrap, and past that she had to stretch the rear legs around, tying them with the tail to make a sort of triple belt around her midriff. The forelegs came down diagonally across her chest to tie into this belt, giving her a place to possibly hang more pouches or help support the weight of any weapons hung at her hips. Despite the gamey smell and a few wet, clingy spots here and there...it actually felt fairly cozy.

“Oi! Lotsa berries ovah here!” shouted Wej, and the other goblins hurried to grab some of the Blue Argeps he pointed out. But as they gathered around the bushes, a deep growl came from the shadows of another tree…

“ARMOR BADGER!” yelled Bigs, pointing frantically.

Naturally of course, peaceful times would not come so easily. This was a forest after all. One of the goblins alerted her of the presence of an old adversary. Orchid grumbled and stood up, heading over to the growling beast while growling herself. ”Back off everyone! Might be more around here. Watch my back and more importantly watch your ass!” Armed with her Sharp Club and a torch Orchid squared off against the badger. She roared at the beast as she shook her Sharp Club wildly, trying to intimidate it with her animal pacification. And just to make a point she casually set a bush on fire, just to show the extent of her destruction. ”Bring it, bitch! I’m hungry and I’ll eat your face!”

This time, Orchid didn’t cower behind a shield to make herself look smaller. She roared, she waved her weapon, she stared the beast down. She even moved closer to it, a clear sign of threat. The Armored Badger actually backed up a few steps, baring its teeth and snarling. When the Demiblin lit the bush on fire, the creature circled away from the blaze, but kept its beady, glittering eyes on her at all times. It wasn’t quite what one would call “pacified,” but it couldn’t seem to decide whether or not to actually fight…

“It’s scared, kills it!” Bigs crowed, whirling his sling and letting fly. The stone pinged the badger right on top of the armored plate on its head--and actually made the creature yelp in pain! The multiplicative force of such a weapon, even when made from plain braided grass fibers, was not to be underestimated.

Neither was an angry badger. The creature let out a roar and charged Bigs, who immediately let out a high pitched scream and ran behind Wej as the stouter goblin raised his shield--revealing his knees as they knocked together and he, too, screamed.

“Fireball!”

Crispy had a good shot at the creature, and not only was it too heavy to dodge like the Hex Cats, it was also too focused on eviscerating the minions to even think of such a thing. But the bright flare made it clear that this was Crispy’s trump card, Fireball II. As did the explosion on impact, which caught Wej and Bigs in its crossfire. Both of them yelped and threw themselves to the ground, rolling to put out what few flames had caught their hides. The Armored Badger had been knocked to one side, and shook its head with a low groan as it blinked its eyes against the intense light.

“Yaaaagh!”

Clod came down on the creature from a blindspot at its flank, swinging his Stone Sword with both hands. The heavy blades had been sharpened to an especially keen edge--Clod had spent most of the day working on it before they left the clearing, after all. The weight of the weapon, and all Clod’s scrawny strength, focused into such a blade was surprisingly effective, actually cutting through the scaly hide that armored the monstrous beast’s tail-end! It stumbled forward with the force of the blow, towards Orchid. It roared in fury, and raised one broad paw tipped with hard black claws--!

---

Monster Party

By taking to the air, Oberon would quickly find Torrent and Digbie as the latter crossed the stream. After all, down the stream bed and along its banks, the landscape was fairly clear save for the intertwining treetops overhead. With his Keen Sight, despite the two being a few minutes’ walk away he immediately spotted them. Slightly glowing with the aura of his Shield, his wings fluttered and he took off. By the time he got to them, much faster than if he had walked, Digbie had completely healed Torrent with his Sacred Ground spell, though it had drained a good chunk of his MP. Torrent’s Meditation had recovered a good chunk of her own magical power, but not all of it quite yet.

As the three got each other caught up on what they had been doing, they soon felt a rumbling in the earth. Digbie, being the most sensitive to vibrations within the ground, would be able to tell that someone--probably Ash, since she also had the skill--was causing these tremors. And by simply following these for a short while, this hypothesis proved correct. Ash’s Tremor Sense was easily picked up on, and once they found her the situation was rather self explanatory. Or rather, it explained one of the tremors, from a particular direction. Because from another direction, there was another set of tremors. These, however, were not like radar waves or a magical pulse.

From over a hill, and now rumbling down towards the monsters, came an autumn-orange Slime! But...Slimes weren’t supposed to be that big, were they? Even that blue one back in the cave had only been half this size! This one was a Giant...and it was headed right for them!

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ardur, Asura, Momma Slime, Steve

Current Status:
Level 5
HP: 100%
MP: 0%
Stamina: 50%
Mana Burn - Natural MP Recovery slowed by 50%.

Mana Burn
Mana Burn is a condition caused from the backlash of overusing magic. Entering a state of deficit, the body's recovery of Magical Power is slowed as the over taxed Meridians recover. Continuing to use magic in such a state can cause even greater damage over time, prolonging the recovery.

System:Ardur

Despite Asura's lack of focus on stealth skills, like Muffle, given the distribution of his weight, his amorphous form, and his Limited Shapeshift ability, he was actually able to move without making much noise at all. Slimes don't have foot steps, after all. Going downhill helped his speed somewhat, but regardless it didn't seem like the bug was going to notice him immediately. It was still scraping around inside its burrow, wriggling its back end from side to side and occasionally kicking out its back legs...

Ardur, meanwhile, used his own stealth skill--low as it was--to creep around and down the slope from a different angle. Closer, closer...as his body tensed and a single bead of sweat dripped down his brow, he watched the insect's every movement. With baited breath he saw Asura slither down towards the opening of the burrow, almost under the creature's belly...

With a sudden charge, propelled by his unreasonably toned calves and thighs, the Hipixie lunged forward. The beetle seemed to notice something was happening, as it froze, but before it could turn he had grabbed it by two of its segmented legs. As he leaped across the creature's low body and dragged it, the bug pulled back surprisingly hard--Ardur wasn't able to flip it over, but he did expose its underside. There was a sharp snapping sound towards the insect's head, and its wings began to buzz--there was something that glowed a luminescent blue underneath them--

A gob of Steve's webbing struck the beetle from behind, gluing its wings shut and sticking one of its other legs to the ground. Asura's crimson body shot up, delivering a blow to its underside that lifted the creature up out of the burrow, but thanks to Ardur and the webs holding it down it soon returned to earth with a crash. This crash was followed by a rumble--and then a rubbery thump, from the direction of the hillside. A large shadow appeared over the burrow.

"MASH!"

Momma Slime's bulk came down hard enough to actually sink her into the hole the creature had been digging. Now apparently stuck half in the ground, her upper body slightly puffed out along the edges like the top of a cupcake, she slowly "turned" towards Ardur, then Steve, then...

"Ahsoowah?"

If Ardur looked into Momma Slime's cloudy body, past the membrane pockets holding what was left of the Fanged Lizard and the Poison Bone Needles, he would see--pressed flat against the dark earth--both the beetle, and a red splat that could only be Asura.

Asura hadn't taken a direct hit, as the beetle had absorbed the majority of the impact. In terms of damage he was fine. However, he was now pinned on Momma Slime's underside, as was his opponent. It couldn't open up its wings, but it could wriggle its legs, and as it did so it began digging out more room to move. Asura himself, being mostly liquid in this form, might be able to do something as well, but could it do it faster than the bug?

And how were they going to get Momma Slime out of the hole?

---

Asteria, Ed, Mother Rat

You used Monster Analysis II!
---Bloodingfly---
An insect monster often mistaken for a butterfly from a distance. Rather than pollinating flowers and drinking nectar, however, this predatory creature specifically targets others doing the same. Preying on herbivores drawn to strong smelling or colorful plants, the Bloodingfly swoops down at great speed to pierce a target with its probiscus. It can also draw blood with its claws, enabling it to track prey for miles with a sharp sense of smell. Its multiple compound eyes allow it a very wide field of vision, making it hard to sneak up on. Finding a shrunken or mummified corpse near flowers is a good sign that a nest of these creatures may be about.
---Analysis Complete!---

System:Asteria

As the strange bug headed towards them with ever increasing speed, that needle-like probiscus glinted in the fading light of the setting sun. Ed stared it down like the barrel of a gun, hefting his weapon as he sharpened his vision...The Beast Sense seemed more like it was supposed to sharpen one's vision in terms of distance, or of detail, but maybe he was unlocking something else...or just hyping up his own adrenaline...Like a major league player with his eye on the fastball pitch, he "felt" more than predicted the bug's speed and its trajectory...time seemed to slow...

The bug picked up on what Ed was doing as he drew back his club, however, and made to adjust its trajectory--only for Asteria to peg it with a rock this time. It tried to dodge out of the way again, but its own speed allowed her projectile to at least clip it--which distorted its flight path. It couldn't pull up in time!

CRUNCH!

Ed's attack slammed into the bug's thorax, eliciting an odd buzzing screech from the creature as it was knocked to the ground. Mother Rat immediately leaped on it, biting and tearing--but when its stinger jabbed at her, she was force to back off. The creature pumped its legs like hydraulic pistons as it rolled over. It launched back into the air, its fuzzy body darkened in places with oozing blue fluid, and circled around the rats again.

This time, it dove down directly at Ed but from above. He might be able to thrust up with his club, but without the kind of baseball style swing he did before he might not be able to generate enough power to stop the creature--launching a vertical attack would be hard in his position. On the other hand, with both its wings and momentum behind it as well as gravity, that bug was coming down like a missle tipped with a razor sharp spear...

---

Jason and Danny

ERROR. Invalid Command.

System:Jason

"Sees-tim? What...waitaminute, I seen dis afore..."
"Teef seen it too! How dumb Slime see what Teef see?!"
"And...Ja-Soon...ah! Ja-Soon knows what it say, cause he can do what Ventures call, "reading!"

Jason had only given the system one command--but suddenly his mind began to crackle with an odd static, and he was mentally "seeing" several System windows start popping up. But they weren't readable to him, not at first...just like those windows that had shown him each species the Demon King allowed him to choose from. And like those sigils he had seen in his magic spells when he chanted. But before he could give these other windows a closer look, another one of his own popped up:

Your MP is Overfull.
Your Mana Disorder is beginning to fade, but recovery is not complete...

System:Jason

Meanwhile, as Danny left young Trent behind, he could still feel some of his Mana seeping away. Using what was left of it to recharge the Source Crystal Shard, he got a message of his own.

You have no MP remaining.

System:Danny

Assuming Jason would follow Danny, given the confusion jumble going on in his head, the two would soon disappear into the forest. Trent watched them go...and only once they were completely out of sight, did he turn to the nearest tree. He sheathed his sword and picked up the hand axe, before beginning to chop. Behind him, the cave lay ominously silent, and dark...

And past that treeline towards the south, in the direction of that fire the goblins had apparently caused, there was a bright flash of white light, followed by a deep rumble like low rolling thunder and a tremor in the earth. The smoke lessened somewhat...

♦ A New Era ♦ - A My Hero Academia RP

K E N I C H I

Dorms

---

When Roy apologized, Kenichi crossed his arms behind his head and grinned, closing his eyes as he did so.

"Hey man, don't sweat it! Sometimes, we bros just gotta talk it out the only way we know how, right?"

With his eyes closed, he didn't see the table floating. When Kiyoko suddenly screamed, Kenichi gave a start and grimaced, covering both his ears as the table crashed. He started to turn around slowly--after all, it wasn't a big deal that a lot of noise happened. 1-A was the wild child class, right? He sighed as he scratched the inside of one ear with his pinky, hoping that shout hadn't given him hearing damage. He still hadn't opened his eyes yet.

"Whats up...Kiyoko? I uh don't mean to be rude but who exactly are you and what are you doing in our dorm?" He heard Roy saying.

"Oh, we get another one? Sheesh, at this point Komei might as well have not bothered with an entrance exam..." Kenichi opened his eyes. And then opened them wider. Wider. Wider--too wide. Okay yeah that wide.

A girl fully dressed in white with white hair, a pure color which rivaled that of actual snow, red eyes and matching earrings which looked like crystals. The only thing not white about her were her black pants and matching shoes. The girl's skin was equally pale! She was floating in the air.

"What's up 1-A!"

"EVIL SPIRITS BEGONE FROM THIS PLACE!" Kenichi roared, suddenly looking panicked as he grabbed Roy by the waist and, with a quick inhalation, lifting the blonde literally off the ground and holding him above his own head. "QUICK ROY-KUN, UNDEAD ARE WEAK TO HOLY LIGHT!" He then threw Roy at Kiyoko at, quite frankly, an unsafe velocity. "USE SMITE!!"

The bluette then leaped to the nearest wall mounted phone, snatching it up before his finger paused. He hovered over the keypad for a moment before turning to the rest of the room. Was he supposed to...get a teacher? A pro Hero? ...An exorcist?

"WHO'RE WE GONNA CALL!?"

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Asteria, Ed, Mother Rat

Skill Gain: Alert I! (0.9 > 1.0)!
Though this skill is limited by the strength of your senses, and does not sharpen your senses on its own, it allows you to become more aware of your surroundings. Without conscious effort, you will pick up on signs in your environment more easily, especially if they present some form of danger to you. Essentially this is an anti-ambush skill.

System:Ed

The System is already tracking Progress for Developing Skill:Soil Manipulation.

System:Asteria

When Ed and Asteria looked up from their work--not just up from the tunnel, at the shadow on the ground next to them, but actually up into the sky--they saw the bug that was making that large shadow. Mother Rat poked her head out from the burrow as well, and gave a startled squeak. Enormous black scaled wings with spiraling purple patterns beat up and down, casting reflections from the sunlight that looked like all the colors of an oil slick. A dark purple, furry body between the wings was split into three segments, with a long abdomen ending in a barbed stinger. On its head, a large V shaped pair of antennae looked like they were formed of much harder stuff than a normal insect's sensory organs, almost like horns. They curved backwards like a mountain goat's, forming dual crescents over its rounded head. Two sets of compound eyes bulged from it, just above a curled probiscis with a needle like a syringe at its tip. The creature's six legs dangled limply from it as it circled, now getting closer, and they were each tipped with three claws evenly spaced from one another like the letter Y.

Asteria let fly a stone, and the insect's head darted as soon as her tail whipped around. It did a barrel roll to escape, its wings beating rapidly before it swooped down over them--not close enough for them to hit it with melee attacks, but close enough to make one duck uncomfortably. It zoomed across the grass, getting lower until its fuzzy body was brushed by the top of the stalks, before it circled around and came towards the rats again, getting faster every second...

---

Jason and Danny

"Ja-Soon, needa get outta here!"
"Dat's a Venture! Super strong one, run run run!"

As Jason creeped around the knight, the man kept looking at the spot where he had been for a few moments...before his head slowly started to follow Jason's path. So it didn't seem like he could outright "see" Jason, and he certainly didn't react to the spirit's speech...but he could sense something, he knew something was there. And after another tense second, he turned back towards the cave...

"Transformed is the best way to describe it, I remember being a human in a different world and dying which resulted in me being reborn as a Wisp. Now I don't know how accurate those memories are but seeing as I can talk to you they're likely to be real."

"Re...Reborn?" The boy's eyes got wider, and continued to dart between Danny and his master. His mouth moved without any sound coming out, until he finally seemed to find the words he wanted to say. He tensed up. "Th-that's not p-possible! Only, only True Heroes can be Reborn! And, and only the Chosen Heroes can come from different worlds! And none of them are ever Monsters! That can't happen, even with Avatar Incar--"

"Squire!" The boy practically bit his tongue he shut his mouth so fast. Still holding a blade towards Danny in a shaking hand, he turned to the knight.

"Y-yes, Master Zieglar!"

"You were right about this Dungeon being Undead--I can feel weaker Spirits leaving it, probably to avoid being consumed by the Core. But if anything is coming out of it at all, that means you need to seal it up, quickly! So make your decision to deal with the Poltergeist!" The knight now turned his head upwards, sniffing the air. He grimaced in the direction of the growing black clouds of smoke. "I'd wager those damn goblins set the grasslands on fire for some reason...I'll deal with that. I trust you to handle yourself, Trent!"

"Y-yes sir!"

In the short time of this conversation, Jason had floated closer to Danny, and Danny pulled out his Source Crystal Shard to use while observing Trent.

You used Source Crystal Shard!
---Trent---
(Immature) Human [(Apprentice) Knight]
All stats are superior to your own
Possesses Combat Skills: Slash, Skewer, Cleave, Defender, Blade Charge
Possesses Spell Skills: Minor Heal, Mana Shape, Mana Orb
Possesses Equipment: Steel Shortsword, Rawhide Targe, Leather Gloves, Leather Boots, Thick Gambeson, Forest Traveler's Cloak, Cotton Undershirt, Wool Pants, Cotton Underpants, Wool Socks, Leather Belt, Steel Hunting Knife
---Charge Empty---

Do you wish to use your MP to recharge the Source Crystal Shard?

System:Danny

"Poltergeist!" The boy turned back to the talking monster and steeled himself. "If, if you're not lying to me, which I bet you are, then get away from here! Don't hurt any humans, and...j-just go away for now! Don't come back to this cave! And d-don't follow me or my Master! Or, or else I'll have to kill you!" He looked back at the cave, and then at the tree he had chosen to cut down to make his barrier. "Hurry up! I've got to seal the Dungeon off so we can get back to camp before nightfall!"

---

Oberon

Oberon raised his hand and produced a Mana Orb, before he closed his eyes and expanded his focus. He could feel the Mana circulating throughout his body, ending at his hand, spilling out into a natural shape. Like fluids in zero-gravity, it took the shape of the orb. He then sought to expand his mind beyond himself, as he did in Meditation, to feel the Mana within everything. His Mana Orb began to flicker, as if it were losing cohesion--the Meditation skill couldn't be used in conjunction with another, after all. But Oberon didn't intend to Meditate. This tottering state, trying to walk the line within his own concentration, felt vulnerable and abstract. As if, if he actually concentrated on it too hard, he might lose whatever it was he was looking for. But he could feel it, and knew it was there. So now he did not try to feel the Mana around him, but only Mana within the air. He was seeking something specific, reaching for it with his own senses while still trying to maintain the flickering Mana Orb...

This mindset, trying to expand one's awareness, and then softly guide it back...this form of mindfulness brought a certain peace. He could feel the Mana circulating through him. He could feel the buzz of background static, the ambient Mana of all types mingling together around him. He could feel the light falling across his body, its gentle heat on his skin...and the breeze in his hair...

A gentle breeze, yet somehow much louder in his ears. A different sensation, something like the feeling of being at the bottom of a pool and pushing off, that rush before you broke the surface--being submerged, but in reverse--

When Oberon opened his eyes, his Mana Orb had grown even flimsier, weaker, but it hadn't dissolved yet...because it was spinning. Was some kind of centrifugal force keeping it together? It spun faster and faster, and it began to break apart at its center but it was still somehow holding together along the edges, and pressure of some sort was building in two different directions--

Oberon hadn't realized he was holding his breath, and when he could do so no longer on reflex he gasped and dragged for air--and when he did the spinning Mana Orb burst like a balloon, complete with the flatulating sound of rapidly escaping air.

---

Ash

Skill Gain: Mana Vision I (1.0)!
Concentrate MP in your eyes to see the fluctuations of Mana. The level of detail and other qualities of your Mana Vision depend not only on the Rank of this Skill, but also on your physical sense of sight. Depending on the strength of your concentration, having a lesser sense of vision may also consume Stamina when using this Skill. At your current Rank, you can only see strange fluctations of magic energies and shapes that are not easily understood...

Skill Gain: Mana Sense I (1.0)!
You have sharpened our mental and spiritual senses! By focusing upon a single creature or object, you will be able to sense its magical nature in some fashion. Different creatures may perceive this in different ways--some may see a colored aura, others may catch unique scents, etc. This is not an Analysis skill, though it may synergize with some of them. The range of this skill is limited to that of your other physical senses, though in some cases a mana signature may become easier or more difficult to detect depending on factors such as strength, amount, etc. By touching an object or creature, even if they are somehow suppressing their magical power, you have a chance to learn whether or not magic is present. At this rank you must activate this skill in order for it to take effect. While active it will consume MP.

Skill Gain: Minor Heal I (1.0)!
The most basic of healing spells. In most cases, only surface level wounds are affected. Cannot cure diseases. May even accelerate certain conditions not healed by the body's natural recovery. Cast upon a single target within eyesight.

You used Monster Analysis II!
You used Material Analysis II!
You used Alchemy II!
---Pixie Wings---
The wings of a Pixie monster, plucked cruelly from its back. Pixies, though humanoid in shape, are tiny and relatively unintelligent Monsters. Intelligent enough to use Magic, they are very physically weak. They are also quite mischevious, however, and lack empathy for other creatures.

Their Wings are formed of thin, membranous structures interlaced with hair-thin blood vessels. They are too fragile for any form of physical use, but they hold some semi-magical properties. A pixie's mana naturally tends towards Energy and Nature elements. If crumbled up and applied to a wound, a Pixie Wing is known to somehow slow or stop bleeding. If eaten they are somewhat nutritious, but their small size and the fact that they are known to irritate the throat makes this a less potent usage. There may be other uses you haven't discovered yet...

These Pixie Wings are of Below Average Quality. They are Membranous, Fragile, Organic, Non-toxic, Coagulate, Edible, and Slightly Magical.
---Dire Rat Fur---
The fur of a Dire Rat, still carrying its distinctive musk. Beast-type monsters, they are very physically strong and have sharp senses. They sometimes hunt in packs.

Their fur is of medium length by comparison to their body size, and often coarse or dirty. Though their hides can be tanned or otherwise used in crafting, their fur by itself is of limited use. It is surprisingly soft to the touch, though. It has no magical properties, but may carry certain diseases or parasites from the rat. Dissolving a strand of Dire Rat Fur may make a solution more toxic. There may be other uses you haven't discovered yet...

This Dire Rat Fur is of Below Average Quality. It is Fibrous, Organic, Fragile, Slightly Toxic, Non-edible, non-magical, and Insulating.
---??? Leg---
The leg of an insectoid Monster, still coated in its hard exoskeleton. Its end comes to a few short digits with hard tips, and rough spines are present on the lower half. The interior consists of an open circulatory system and deteriorated muscle mass. It seems rather useless given its state, but perhaps creativity could discover other uses...

This object is of Poor Quality. It is Chitinous, Organic, Hard, Slightly Sharp, Non-toxic, Somewhat Edible, and Non Magical.
---Rubber Frog Skin---
The elastic skin of a Rubber Frog. It can stretch up to twenty times its original size, but as it begins to dry this quality lessens. To properly preserve it will require a treatment method of some sort. When stretched, it does not usually maintain the shape for long, and if forced to do so the skin becomes more likely to tear and less durable. It doesn't hold any magical properties. If eaten it has limited nutrition, but the difficulty in chewing it makes it troublesome. There may be other uses you haven't discovered yet...

This Rubber Frog Skin is of High Quality. It is Elastic, Organic, Insulating, Slightly Acidic, Somewhat Edible, Non-Magical, and Durable.
---Rubber Frog Stomach---
The stretchy gut sac of a Rubber Frog. Its outer membrane is fairly durable for an internal organ, but when the Rubber Frog swallows something harmful it actually inverts this sac and temporarily disgorges it, brushing away the offending object before swallowing the stomach again. The interior lining, compared to the outer, is actually stronger while sharing the same elasticity--even with a sharp tip, a mundane or dull weapon might have some trouble piercing it. The acids within the stomach are actually not all that strong. Many of the insects the Rubber Frog eats have an acidic body composition of their own, and it is actually an accumulation of the prey's bodily fluids that helps the frog digest its own meals. Once the acid has been neutralized and the interior cleaned, this sac could make a very useful pouch, or be used for a variety of other things...

This Rubber Frog Stomach is of Poor Quality due to damage. It has High Elasticity, it is Organic, Insulating, Somewhat Edible, Water Resistant, Non-Magical, and Very Durable.
---Rubber Frog Tongue---
This muscular organ, once detached from the body, can still stretch up to twenty feet long before it begins to strain--so long as it is kept moist. If stretched to its full extent before being allowed to dry, the resulting cord would be significantly weaker than normal rope but still serviceable. So long as it is properly preserved, however, it is several times stronger and more durable than most forms of cordage. While it is quite difficult to tear and won't fray, it is very vulnerable to being cut or pierced.

This Rubber Frong Tongue is of High Quality. It has High Elasticity, it is Organic, Edible, Slimy, Absorbant, Non-Magical, Non-Toxic, and Durable.
---Rubber Frog Eyes---
These ocular organs aren't that different in composition from other amphibians, and have no inherent magical qualities. While edible, the mucus produced by the frog to keep them from drying out gives them a slimy, slippery texture and a rather sour taste. Despite this, they are packed with nutrition and especially high in protein.

These Rubber Frog Eyes are of Average Quality. They are Organic, Edible, Slimy, Non-Magical, Chewy, Sour, Slightly Acidic, and Non-Toxic.
---Rubber Frog Heart---
It seems even the circulatory system of a Rubber Frog is stretchy. This blood pumping organ is capable of drawing and distributing an incredibly large amount of blood in comparison with other creatures of larger size, likely so that a Rubber Frog that inflated itself to maximum size wouldn't immediately pass out due to anemia, or suffer an aneurysm upon rapid deflation. As a result the heart is almost balloon-like, after being drained of its blood and properly cleaned. Using it as a bellows or even a filter pump of some sort might be possible, or as a sac. Cutting it open to spread it out to its full size, then properly treating it might even yield decent leather despite it being an internal organ. There might even be other uses...

This Rubber Frog Heart is of High Quality. It has High Elasticity, it is Organic, Edible, Non-Magical, Slightly Acidic, Slightly Toxic, Very Durable, and Blood-Rich.
---Rubber Frog Liver---
Less elastic than other parts of the Rubber Frog, this Liver only stretches enough to compensate large amounts of bile that must be processed. The Rubber Frog's heavily insectivorous diet means it often eats creatures with poisonous stings or bites, acidic spit, or dirt-and-who-knows-what covered bodies. All of these impurities are safely filtered out by this organ. Its secretions contain several chemicals capable of neutralizing various poisons--at least ones that have been internally ingested.

This Rubber Frog Liver is of Average Quality. It has Very Low Elasticity, it is Organic, Somewhat Edible, Non-Magical, Strongly Anti-toxic, Slightly Acidic, Somewhat Durable, Slimy, Chewy, and Blood-Rich.
---Rubber Frog Intestines---
Because the Rubber Frog often swallows prey whole, their intestines are just as elastic as their stomach in order to compensate large portions of semi-digested food. The gut flora and natural acid secretions in the intestinal track are much stronger than in the stomach, however, and get even stronger as the Rubber Frog adapts to any poisons or acids contained in its prey. The inner and outer linings are equally durable, and once completely cleaned out the intestines could conceivably serve as a strong rubber rope or some kind of tubing. They won't stand up to sharp objects very well and are more susceptible to bludgeoning due to their size. If allowed to dry out completely their use would rapidly degrade. One must also be careful to consider all the...mess...contained inside them...

This Rubber Frog Intestine is of Poor Quality due to Damage. It has High Elasticity, it is Organic, Slightly Non-edible, Highly Toxic, Highly Acidic, Somewhat Durable, Slimy, Chewy, Disgusting, Absorbant, and Blood-Rich.
---Rubber Frog Bones---
Unlike the rest of its body, the Rubber Frog's bones are not elastic. Their makeup, strength, and size are comparable to other creatures of the Rubber Frog's proportions. They can still be somewhat useful in crafting, especially the larger bones such as a the rear legs and the ribcage.

These Rubber Frog Bones are of Above Average Quality. They are Organic, Somewhat Dense, Somewhat Hard, Slightly Brittle, Light Weight, Mineral Composite, and Durable.
---Analysis Complete!---

Skill Rank Up: Material Analysis I (1.6) > Material Analysis II (2.2)!
Your growing familiarity with various materials allows you to pick up more details about objects and may even bring up a subconscious recognition of what Craftable Objects might be the most suitable for a given item, compared to your own experience with any items you have crafted. You will also be able to more accurately compare different materials to one another.

System:Ash

After separating out various materials from the Rubber Frog, Ash was left with several pounds of meat. Eating it raw, the texture seemed quite oily like that of a fish, but the flavor brought to mind a very fattened chicken. Even after eating enough to more than fill her stomach, Ash was left with at least six pounds of flesh left over. Still being raw and full of juices, she could probably only compress or ball up a pound of it at a time if she intended to fit it into her throat pouch--but if she did that, how would she carry all of the materials back as well? She would either need to make multiple trips, risking that some scavenging predator would be attracted to what was left of her loot in the mean time, or figure out some way to signal the others...

---

Digbie

As Digbie backed away from the Dire Rat, it continued to growl and hiss at him. It too began to edge backwards, one slow step at a time. The tension in the air was palpable, and had to burst at some point...then it did, as Digbie's foot barely crunched down on a dry twig. The Dire Rat immediately turned and bolted off, at almost the same time as Digbie took another step backwards. Out here in the wilderness, the only time it seemed these animals didn't want to avoid conflict was when their survival was on the line. They might charge an intruder in their territory, or put on a show of howling and stomping, but at the end of the day if one just turned around and left most of the time it wasn't worth the risk to the other creature to engage in a pursuit...at least, not for fellow prey creatures. Digbie had yet to run into any real predators...

After a short search, the Demiblin was able to retrace his steps and find his previous trail. Following it back through the forest, it took only a few minutes before he began to recognize other landmarks. The only other creature he encountered was a Rubber Frog that leaped out from under a pile of leaves as he approached. With a croak it fled further into the woods. Soon Digbie found the stream. As he approached it, and began to follow it back to the campsite, he noticed Torrent on the opposite side of it. She looked somewhat battered, but if she had been fighting with something then she must have obviously won.

---

Torrent

Skill Gain: Dual Cast I (1.0)!
Splitting one's focus is a difficult task, but like playing the drums it can be learned. Casting different spells with different effects or requirements increases the difficulty and the MP required, but the caster's mindset can also affect this Skill. A Caster at this Rank may Dual Cast by: (1) Cast the same spell simultaneously, usually within two hands. Example using Current Skills: Fireball. This expends twice the MP cost, and both versions of the spell must be the same Rank, but the Casting time is only that of a single cast.(2) Prepare two spells simultaneously, to be used one at a time. Example using Known Skills: Digbie's Rock Spire and your Fireball. Rock Spire is prepared but not cast; the Earth Mana shines under the targeted area. Fireball is cast at a target, knocking it into Rock Spire's prepared area. Rock Spire is released. Both spells can be no higher than Rank I. Delayed Spells can be held no longer than 10 seconds at this rank. Certain spells that might require rituals, components, or other complexities might not be Dual Cast in this manner even at Rank I. This use consumes twice the MP for a Delayed Spell plus the normal MP cost for the other spell. (3) Cast a single instance of two different spells, usually within two hands. Example using Known Skills: Your Fireball and Ash's Mana Slice. You cast Fireball at a target to your right and Mana Slice at a target to your left, at the same time. This usage expends the sum of both spells' MP cost, and requires a slightly longer casting time, but both spells can be used at the same time or one after the other. Both spells must be Rank I. Certain spells with more complexities may not be Dual Cast even at Rank I. Certain spells that synergize well may increase in power or cause new effects when Dual Cast in this way.

There are several drawbacks to the Dual Cast Skill. Passive Skills can already be used together unless they contradict or otherwise interfere with one another; Dual Cast cannot be used to combine Passive and Active Skills. Example using Current Skills: Meditate and Fireball. Casting Fireball would cancel Meditation immediately. Dual Cast requires that the caster split their focus; it cannot be used with your <Unusable>Focus skill or similar abilities. Dual Cast only works on Spell Type Skills, it cannot combine Spells with your Physical Skills. It also cannot combine Pure Spell skills with Battle Spell Skills, but Battle Spell Skills can be Dual Cast. Dual Cast and <Unusable>Spell Chant cannot be used together at the Current Rank. Even when the caster has higher proficiency with both of these abilities, the amount of MP consumed and the increased chance of error within the Chants make such a combination risky.

Skill Gain: Guidance I (1.0)!
Your pleas have been heard. Offer up a portion of your MP in prayer, and gain a chance to receive supernatural guidance. The effectiveness of the teachings depends on your faith--and your ability to read the signs. Does rustling grass along the path show your way, or reveal danger? Was that a whispered voice, or just the wind? Your faith will shape your journey. The better your relation with a particular deity, the more likely you are to receive their guidance.

You used Monster Analysis I!
You used Magic Analysis I!
You used Material Analysis I!
You used Plant Analysis I!
---Dead Blood Snare Plant---
A large plant that, for some strange reason, forms its flowers and many other parts from tissue very similar to flesh rather than wood or greenery. Perhaps being made of the muscular substance is why its vines are so strong. It is a carnivorous plant, lashing out at prey, but it has very little stamina. It thus waits for a chance to surprise the unwary herbivore, but otherwise displays no intelligence. Its strength and aggressiveness, however, causes some academics to insist it be classified as a Monster. It typically appears in dense deciduous forests, but has occasionally been found outside this environment. It doesn't grow well in domestication. It can often be found in places with higher populations of Monsters; blood spilled on the ground from their conflicts becomes an easy source of nutrition for it, as it doesn't have to kill and digest the prey before its roots can absorb the food. Blood triggers a strong reaction from the vines that search for prey, causing them to instantly lash out or constrict around the source. This plant's petals are actually closer in structure to animal tissues than plant fibers, which may also be a form of bait for meat eating animals. When separated from the plant they can be cooked and eaten much like a soft, fatty meat, but they burn quite easily and if dried out too much or smoked they lose the majority of their flavor. The vines make good cordage, but once they dry out they may rot away quickly if not properly preserved. Dipping them in blood occasionally even keeps them "alive," though once cut off from the root system they won't bloom anymore. This plant was killed by fire magic.

The plant's body has been burned too badly to use the majority of it for most purposes.
---Grilled Flesh Leaf---
A leaf that looks more like meat than a plant, from the Blood Snare. It's been quickly cooked with a flash of intense heat in the open air, rendering it much safer to eat and sealing in the juicy flavor. The blood hasn't been drained though--this kind of steak should be considered the rarest of the rare! Beware any diseases!

This item is Organic, Blood Rich, Chewy, and Nutritious. It is of Above Average Quality.
---Blood Snare Vine---
A thick red vine from a Blood Snare plant. When exposed to fresh blood, tissues under the outer layer of the vine contract similarly to muscles. The original plant most likely uses this to constrain creatures for some purpose. It is Fibrous, Elastic, Tough, Organic, Flammable, and Water Absorbant. It is of Below Average Quality due to damage.

System:Torrent

After resting up for a moment to recover some of her MP, Torrent took her loot and headed back upstream towards the camp. About halfway there, she saw Digbie coming out of the forest. It wouldn't be long before they would reach the campsite again to find Oberon, but where was Ash...?

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Oberon

As Oberon used his two Passive Mana Regeneration skills to restore his energy reserves, not only did his MP rise much faster but he also began to feel more "refreshed" in some way--much like an athlete that has recovered from pushing their body past the limit. He had been using these two skills quite frequently lately, and though he had pushed his experimentation fairly far he was careful not to keep overusing his spells. Rather than wait until his MP was used up, he kept it at a decent level, "topping off" every so often rather than waiting until he needed a complete refuel.

Your Mana Burn has subsided.
Natural Mana Recovery restored to 100%. External Mana Recovery restored to 100%.

System:Oberon

When he let the water of the shallow stream run over his hand and began channeling his Mana, without much effort on his part only a soft glow appeared in his palm. Like a flashlight with a weak battery, this unformed spell took a circular shape--but then, the water began to sweep it away. It was almost like holding sand between his fingers. The water simply swept it right along...But when the Sprite put conscious effort into holding his mana there, and trying to draw the water into it rather than letting it pass by, a proper Mana Orb began to form--except now, it didn't look so much like a crackling ball of light. It became transparent, much like the water, and its light was highly diffused. It looked more like foaming bubbles than anything else. But after a few moments, if Oberon didn't put any further effort into either maintaining the Orb or trying to drain power from the water, it too would simply be carried away by the current until the small amount of mana he had gathered in his hand was all gone.

---

Ash

Ash struggled valiantly against the monster's gullet, and though she drew blood with her claws many of her swipes slid off the creature's rubbery, saliva-coated innards. The frog's toothless mouth pressed down harder around her...until she released a Poison Glob right down the amphibian's throat.

The fumes from the acidic reaction even burned Ash's own nostrils in this confined space, but the writhing body around her immediately began to spasm. Bright light erupted around her before she tumbled back onto the forest floor, covered in frog mucus. Her attacker continued to vomit, even expelling a long, pulsating sack. Like a frog back in her own world that had eaten a bee or some other harmful creature, it had thrown up its own stomach in an attempt to dislodge the offender! But her glob had coated its insides already--as she watched, the creature seized and screamed in agony as the stomach sac was burned through, and the Rubber Frog's entire body seemed to shrivel up even after it had completely deflated.

Eventually this show of body horror ceased, and the frog collapsed lifelessly. Its tonge, as well as its stomach, were still hanging out of its mouth. Where the poison had burned through the lining, a mass of undigested food--something that looked like pixie wings here, a little rat fur there, the leg of some large insect--could be seen. All in all, quite a gristly scene, even for a scientist who planned on disecting her prey.

LEVEL UP! Your combined experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 8! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please! Max Stamina has increased!

Unspent Skill Points: 12 ((OOC: 2 leftover from last time, 5 normal, 2 at 1000 post mark and 3 at one-year mark))

Current Skills:
Stun Stinger II (2.025)
Poison Spray II (2.0)
Alchemy II (2.525)
Overwork III (3.2625)
Charisma I (1.65)
Venom Shot I (1.8)
Crafting I (1.25)
Lesser Force I (1.5)
Magic Analysis II (2.5875)
Alert I (1.3)
Lesser Flight I (1.25)
Muffle I (1.55)
Monster Analysis II (2.0375)
Material Analysis I (1.6)
Meditate II (2.025)
Poison Glob I (1.15)
Poison Breath I (1.025)
Plant Analysis I (1.05)
Tremor Sense I (1.0)
Mana Orb I (1.55)
Shield I (1.0)
Mana Slice I (1.55)
Mana Shape I (1.1)
Analysis (--)
Rabid Fit I (1.05)
Mental Resistance I (1.5)
<UNUSABLE>
Blunt Resistance (0.2)
Scribe (0.6)
Minor Heal (0.725)
Faster (0.1)
Intimidate (0.6)
Acid Volley (0.1)
Venom Claw (0.1)
Dragon Affinity (0.45) <CANNOT BE INCREASED WITH SKILL POINTS>
Prehensile Tail (0.5)
Stronger (0.4)
Mana Sense (0.6)
Mana Vision (0.8)
Dual Cast (0.2)
Slash (0.2)

System:Ash

---

Digbie

The Flak Beetle's mandibles snapped like a pair of vicious scissors as it scuttled at high speed towards the Demiblin. Hesitating for only a moment, Digbie summoned up an Earth Wall between him and his attacker, then cast Rock Spire on the wall itself rather than his opponent. The yellow circle of light marking the spike's target appeared on the flat surface of rock as it erupted from the ground with a rumbling crack.

The beetle's charge pulled up short as its segmented legs did a frantic backpedal--but not quick enough! There was a crunching sound from the other side of the wall...but Digbie didn't hang around to see what happened. The demonic goblin fled at full speed from his attacker, yelling his head off. But he was heading towards the east, not back north where the rest of his allies were. Though he might be following the trail of the Blessed Yill's petals, he was heading into unknown territory...deeper into the forest...

Behind him, there was a snapping sound. The Flak Beetle tottered around the edge of the Earth Wall--with the tip of the Rock Spire planted firmly in its mouth bits like a toddler's pacifier. Its mandibles were angrily clicking around the rocky plug as two of its forelegs explored the stone's size and shape. Once it understood what had been shoved into its mouth, it gave an angry hiss. Like a pneumatic press the two mandibles began to slowly close...and after several difficult, grinding repetitions, there was another snap as it broke the piece of stone into pieces. It spat them out, then made grumbling clicks as it wandered off in another direction.

When the Monster Party originally left the cave, they had traveled to the north. The forest had grown deeper, the trees larger, and while the undergrowth wasn't so thick anymore the ground had become rockier and steeper. The canopy became denser, so though the sun was well up shadows still covered large swathes of the forest floor. Layers of leaves or straw had fallen thick over the years, disturbed only by the occasional beast. The Monster Party had made its shelter somewhat to the edge of the forest, closer to the mountains. So on his journey a short ways south, and now running helter skelter to the east, Digbie was heading right into the heart of the woodlands.

He had long left the trail he carved with his curved rock behind, and he wasn't anywhere near the stream either. Now, in all directions, there were just trees, trees, a rock or two, and more trees...

And as he ran between some of these trees, bursting out of a low slope over a pile of leaves, there was a sudden squeak. A Dire Rat, likely nesting in that leaf pile, burst up right in front of Digbie. The two were equally shocked by the other's presence, but as the rat scampered backwards it raised up onto its hind legs. With its fur bristling, fangs bared, and eyes blazing, it began to hiss and snort at Digbie--but it didn't attack. Its entire body said "stay away!" but so far it didn't seem eager to actually fight. Digbie had fought and won against Dire Rats before...would he do the same here?

---

Torrent

Fire, fire everywhere, and not a spark to die. That was what Torrent wished for, as with a defiant shout--or an angry prayer--she let loose her magic. She felt her skin growing hot, felt scales drying, felt oxygen grow scarce, felt her Mana surging. The Fireball manifested, and expanded, all around her...

Or more accurately, she was inside a Fireball that had been cast "in place." But her intent, her desire, to see this pant cringe and burn and wither away, kept her going. The flames spread out just as the tendrils wrapped around her. Before they could squeeze her to death and crush the life from her rapidly beating heart, they were enveloped in fire and fury.

An odd creening, somewhere between a wooden creak and a squeal, came from the Blood Snare plant as the flames all over it continued to eat away its fibrous body. Torrent was dropped the short distance to the ground, singed by her own power but seemingly unharmed--her Fire Resistance definitely had something to do with it, she could feel. Parts of the plant blackened and shriveled and crumbled to ash, other parts writhed and smoked and then finally fell still. Several large petals fell off of the main body, smoking and smouldering like charcoal grilled meat and glistening with bubbling sap. Only a few strands of vine were left unharmed, but with their roots and body burned they could no longer pose any threat.

You have no MP remaining.

Loot Present: Grilled Flesh Leaf x3
Loot Present: Blood Snare Vine x2

LEVEL UP! Your combined experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 8! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please! Max MP has increased (this will not recover your current MP)!

Unspent Skill Points: 10

Current Skills:
Stun Fang II (2.3)
Muffle III (3.0125)
Poison Spit II (2.0)
Poison Glob I (1.75)
Poison Breath II (2.075)
Fireball II (2.0)
Stealth Kill I (1.0)
Minor Recovery I (1.0)
Fire Resistance I (1.1)
Fire Breath I (1.85)
Rabid Fit I (1.0)
Meditate I (1.25)
Tremor Sense I (1.7)
Soil Manipulation I (1.1)
Underground Movement I (1.55)
Monster Analysis I (1.025)
Magic Analysis I (1.225)
Material Analysis I (1.025)
Plant Analysis I (1.025)
Scale Shift I (1.5)
Overwork I (1.0)
Analysis (--)
Mental Resistance I (1.2)
Spell Cancel I (1.05)
Sensory Resistance I (1.0)
<UNUSABLE>
Crafting (0.2)
Alchemy (0.4)
Alert (0.4)
Warcry (0.3)
Poison Fang (0.3)
Blunt Resistance (0.6)
Smash (0.2)
Magic Break (0.1)
Suppress Presence (0.3)
Spiritual Awareness (0.4)
Prehensile Tail (0.1)
Fortify (0.5)
Spell Chant (0.4)
Dual Cast (0.5)
Guidance (0.5)
Focus (0.2)
Flame Burst (0.1)

System:Torrent

---

Ardur, Asura, Momma Slime, Steve

ERROR. You do not have Permissions to Request Permissions.

System:Asura

The group decided to ignore the rat nest for now, and instead headed back towards the cover of the trees. As they went back down the slopes, they could see the forest from a higher perspective. Not quite over the treetops, but enough to see the structure of the cave from outside--how what seemed to be a collapsed part of the mountain had been covered over with silt over years of erosion and turned into a gently sloped hill, almost a mound. And they could see that the forest grew thicker to the north. And that the goblins' campfire in the clearing was gone.

They could also see, somewhat to the south of where they had originally started up the mountain, a burrow in the ground. It was just a hole, no telling how deep it went, but it was rather broad--at least a foot across at its widest, and deep enough that they could only see darkness down there.

As they were coming down from the rocks, something black and shiny--the carapace of a large insect--emerged from the burrow...whatever it was, it was coming out backwards, either dragging something out of the den or digging out its home further...

"Ahdoo." Momma Slime blurbled, remembering something for the first time. "Um...Fownd dis. Not taked. Fownd it." With a wet splurt she spat the corpse of one of the Fanged Lizards--the one Ardur had called dibs on and Asura made her not eat--out at the Hipixie's feet. It was only slightly dissolved around the edges.

---

Asteria, Ed, Mother Rat

Current Skills:
Beast Sense II (2.875)
Faster II (2.15)
Monster Analysis II (2.3)
Dextrous I (1.9)
Poison Resistance I (1.0)
Crafting I (1.625)
Muffle I (1.6)
Mana Sense I (1.8)
Mana Drain I (1.4)
Magic Analysis I (1.05)
Stronger I (1.15)
Prehensile Tail (--)
Alert I (1.15)
<UNUSABLE>
Use Light Equipment (0.6)
Charisma (0.9)
Telepathy (0.35)
Mental Resistance (0.1)
Soil Manipulation (0.8)
Overwork (0.2)
Lesser Status Heal (0.05)
Minor Heal (0.05)
Meditate (0.4)
Smash (0.6)
Mana Flex (0.1)
Scribe (0.1)
Spell Chant (0.15)
Lesser Force (0.1)
Stone Shot (0.1)
Lucid Dream (0.3)
Spiritual Awareness (0.2)
Swift Swimmer (0.1)
Suppress Presence (0.1)
Plant Analysis (0.7)
Alchemy (0.05)
Tremor Sense (0.1)

System:Asteria

Ed couldn't quite see any magical glows just yet, but like a few experiments he had tried before, he could feel "energy" moving within him. It was almost like feeling your blood rush through your veins after a hard workout, the kind that makes your heart thud in your chest. But it was hard to remain totally conscious of it, and harder still to make it "circulate" the way he wanted. Nonetheless, he felt his hands grow warm. The minor cuts and bruises he had accumulated stopped stinging and hurting. His tense muscles grew a little more relaxed. But he couldn't keep up this state of "flow" for long, especially not while helping Mother Rat dig. After examining the system, however, Asteria returned to help her two packmates.

With Ed's greater strength and three pairs of paws, they soon had a sizeable burrow tunneled out. It still wouldn't be big enough for Ed to fit into, however--at least not without leaving about half of himself outside, and if he wanted to breathe properly it would have to be the half that had a nose on it.

But as they kept digging, even with the Alert skill they might be too distracted to notice a fluttering shadow overhead...it seemed to be circling around the bunch of flowers that Asteria had picked. At first glance, it was simply a butterfly or moth of some sort, likely a simple insect attracted by the smell of the plants...

But...a normal sized bug probably wouldn't cast a shadow at all unless it was much closer to the ground, right? And...why was this shadow, even for a bug, so big...?

---

Danny

When Danny didn't make any threatening moves, the younger human slowly turned to the trees. With only an occasional glance now at the Poltergeist, he picked out a smaller tree and started to raise his hatchet--

"Relax human, I don't want to fight you. Why do you think I distracted those Goblins earlier."

"AAAAAH!?"

The human immediately leaped backward, dropping his axe entirely and planting himself in a strong stance, shield up. He seemed to be trying to draw his sword, but in the excitement he was fumbling somewhat with the belt and scabbard.

"Squire! Focus!" the knight's own hand was on his sword, but he had not unslung the shield from his back. His stance was a cautious one--but there seemed to be a pressure building under his hand, as if the moment he drew the sword would be the same moment he attacked.

"Th-the Poltergeist can t-talk, sir!"

"I heard it too--keep your distance! Think every action through!"

The boy took a deep breath. His sword rasped on leather as he finally drew it out. He looked over the rim of his shield at Danny.

"Poltergeist! A Monster at your level shouldn't be intelligent enough to speak, much less a human tongue! Some transformed creature, or a familiar...What are you?"

The knight had relaxed somewhat, and the pressure under his hand lessened...but it was still there. He turned slowly in a circle, and beneath the visor of his helmet his eyes seemed to be taking in every detail of the surroundings...

---

Jason

By the time Jason had finished his conversation with Jason, and made his way to the exit of the cave, he would find that Asura, Ardur, Momma Slime, Asteria, Ed, Mother Rat, and Danny had all disappeared, as well as those traitors that had followed Mourningstar. And the goblins, they were all gone too! Had everyone simply thrown everything aside and run, now that the Dungeon was apparently on auto-pilot?

As he emerged into the light of early evening, the sun just beginning to redden as it sank toward the mountaintops to the west, he saw only...

A knight, looking towards him with a hand on his blade. From that sword leaked an aura that felt almost as sharp as Undine's--or rather, it was coming from the knight, and being channeled through the sword. And as the knight's head turned, it stopped for just a moment.

Jason couldn't see the knight's eyes under the visor. Was he...could he actually see the spirit?

And behind the knight...was that Danny? It looked like the Wisp had gotten bigger--and grown a body under that spherical form that was now a head. Facing another human, a young one, with drawn blade...!

---

Orchid's Tribe

As the Goblins pressed deeper into the forest, heading straight towards the East, the trees soon became taller. The underbrush thinned out, but the canopy got thicker. They soon left the cave and the clearing entirely behind--along with the column of smoke from the grasslands--and traveled for some time with no disturbances. The dense foilage up above blocked out even more of the already fading sunlight...soon it would be pitch dark, unless Orchid wanted to light some of the others' torches. Doing so, however, might give away their position.

As the goblins tramped about over the leafy ground, tripping up over a root or two, they foraged for food and other materials as they went. Crispy and Yoona found a few Antidote Ferns, while Tiddies almost cut her foot on a Sharp Stone before picking it up. Bigs also found a Sharp Stone shaped almost perfectly for a spear head even without any knapping, and Wej found a bush full of Green Argeps. He began grabbing as many of them as he could carry, eating a few that were more ripe as he did so until the juice dribbled down his chin. He also found some Small Stones, perfect for slinging. Jezee and Clod also found Sharp and Small Stones, and Sqwal proudly showed off a Curved Stick with just the right heft to use as both a club and a throwing weapon if need be. Orchid herself found a bush of Blue Argeps, more properly ripened and thus much sweeter and less crunchy. There was also a Thick Vine wrapped around the woody stem of the bush, using it as a trellis to grow on.

But while this group of well armed goblins might be intimidating to most of the forest creatures, there was one that just didn't care. A familiar snarl greeted Orchid as her group gathered around the Blue Argep bush. From the shadows of a nearby tree, a creature slowly circled the group with bared fangs, head lowered as if preparing for a charge.

"ARMOR BADGER!" yelled Bigs, pointing frantically.

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ash

You used Material Analysis I! You used Alchemy II! You are moving too much for proper observation!
---??? Spit (Rubber Frog)---
A ball of spit used in conjunction with the skill of a Rubber Frog. It is Slightly Corrosive, somewhat stronger than normal saliva, but--
---Analysis Interrupted!---

System:Ash

Ash dodged the ball of spit, which struck the ground with an impact like a heavy melon and burst into an unpleasant looking--but apparently not acidic--goop over the forest floor. She darted towards the creature and stabbed out with her tail. The Rubber Frog had just gotten back on its feet and was wheeling to face her, and took the blow right in its side. It croaked and one of its eyes rapidly blinked--

Then its mouth stretched open twice Ash's height and it suddenly lunged forward.

Ash was suddenly enveloped by slimy flesh and thrown into pitch darkness. Her back legs, tail, and the tips of her wings were still in the open air, but the ground wasn't under her feet anymore--the frog had turned its head up! She felt herself being pulled and pushed by a powerful tongue and muscles. It was swallowing her--!

---

Asteria, Ed, Mother Rat

You used Monster Analysis II!
You are too far from the Target creature. Analysis Failed.

System:Asteria

As the white bird swooped into the distance it was soon only a dark shape against the sky--even with her sharpened eyesight Asteria couldn't pick out anything more detailed than the fact that it was a large, white bird. Though from its size and the way it flew, it seemed like a bird of prey--a hawk or eagle, not a songbird.

Ed would be able to see that not all of the village's buildings were dwellings, as they got closer. One hut, near the back of a proper cottage, was a simple A-frame draped with bundles of grass no doubt cut from the plains around them. Under this frame looked to be things that might be tools and pottery, and what he could definitely make out as a large stack of firewood. Maybe they could hide under such a woodshed for shelter--rats in the barn--but then again whoever lived in this village would no doubt come to it at some point for their stored things...

Asteria was able to detect with her senses that, at least so far as she was aware, the area was safe. As she dug into the soil she found that after breaching through a top layer of roots--the grass held the dirt firmly in place like a mesh net for the first few inches--the earth gave way easily under her paws. Mother Rat soon waddled over and stuffed her nose into the tunnel as well, before beginning to dig. Rats were excellent tunnelers after all, and if they kept it up they could easily make a den...But Ed was almost three feet tall now. He wasn't going to fit in your average mole-hole, and a badger-sized pit would not only take some time but be more exposed...

---

Asura, Momma Slime, Ardur, Steve

ERROR. You do not have Permission to access the Permissions List.
Your Stamina is Low.

System:Asura

The Hipixie, spider, and Slimes seemed content to take it easy for the moment, though they were all on alert against possible threats. As they moved further west the slopes increased and the ground became more rocky and rough. Soon they were heading up into the mountains proper. They found a path among the rocks and ledges that left them less exposed, though it would be quite the meandering route if they wanted to go up. Going along the actual side of the mountain would have them either heading north or south--from here they could begin to catch a glimpse of what lay beyond the treetops. To the south were grasslands, to the north a thicker and deeper forest. If they wanted to keep going west they would have to actually scale the mountains...would it become more dangerous as they went higher? What other monsters might be out here?

Some monsters seemed the same, at least. As the group trundled along, they soon caught sight of a Dire Rat standing on top of a rock. It saw them at the same time, and let out a loud, shrill squeak before ducking behind the rocks. They heard another squeak answer it from a short distance away--further from them. If any of them had ever seen meerkats or prairie dogs, they would probably come to the conclusion that a nest of rats were nearby and these scouts were warning them of predators in the territory. Like Ardur had assumed, however, this group of four monsters--two of whom were evolved--wouldn't make an easy target. It didn't seem the rats were going to attack them for now...then again, how many were in that nest? And...could that nest provide shelter for them? Was it worth it?

Or would they keep exploring the mountain in search of other prey, or other resources?

---

Danny

Orchid's fireball had fully ignited the Argep Bush, and was beginning to spread along the forest floor. However, the blast had acted somewhat like the use of gasoline--a big, scary sounding fwoosh and sudden flame, but not quite enough fuel. The blaze soon died down to a manageable level. Had it been left to its own devices it no doubt would have caused a forest fire, but the larger trees had sturdy bark that wouldn't immediately go up, and green shrubbery wouldn't burn as well as dried twigs or straw. Danny's quick decision to throw water on the flames regardless of whether he was seen by the humans allowed him to stop the fire in its tracks. By using Mana Shape, he was able to increase the area of his spell's effect, although the amount of water he was using was the same and it took multiple casts. By the time his MP was exhausted, however, most of the flames had been smothered out and the wet ground would keep what remained from spreading...he sat down to Meditate, only now looking back towards the humans. They were both at the bottom of the hill now, in front of the cave--and both looking right at him.

"Master, what is that creature? Is it friendly?" the boy asked. He held his shield at the ready but looked between Danny and his knightly mentor.

You used Monster Analysis II!
---Immature Human Male, Apprentice Knight(?)---
Humans are not technically considered Monsters. They are of the Enlightened Races, highly evolved creatures considered truly sentient, though this may depend on definition. Nonetheless they are an advanced race with a fully functioning civilization, a varied history, and distinct cultures. This one is still an adolescent but appears trained in combat. WARNING: DANGEROUS!
---Adult Human Male, Knight(?)---
(You have analyzed this type of creature before, effectiveness boosted!)
Humans are not technically considered Monsters, and seem fundamentally opposed to them. They are of the Enlightened Races like Elves and Dwarves, highly evolved creatures considered truly sentient, though this may depend on definition. Nonetheless they are a technologically and magically advanced race in control of multiple nations, with a varied history across most of the interior continent, and distinct cultures in different biomes. This one is an adult and seems to be an expert in the use of high quality weapons and armor, perhaps of a higher class background. WARNING: LETHALLY DANGEROUS!
---Analysis Complete!---

System:Danny

"Odd...that's a Poltergeist." The baritone voice was distorted by the helmet as the knight spoke. From here Danny could hear them, though now that the goblins were out of earshot they didn't seem as concerned about revealing their presence. "They're a Transformation of the Wisp, so I don't suppose it's impossible for them to be out here...but it's quite rare for something in this cave's sheltered environment to Transform like that."

"It was casting a water spell to put out the fire, sir! Do...do Monsters do that?"

"Magical creatures tend to be a bit smarter than something like a Goblin, and if it's protecting its territory..." The knight scratched his stubbly chin with one metal coated finger. "But again, it's odd for a Poltergeist in this area to know a water spell...Anyway, it's not attacking us for now! Focus, squire."

"Yes sir!" The boy snapped to attention, saluting with his right hand now that he had sheathed his sword.

"You said you confirmed a dungeon? Report, and tell me what you should do next."

"Yes sir! When I entered, it triggered a Worldly Echo. It's called the Otherworldly Cavern. There weren't any monsters immediately present at the entrance, but from the nauseating feeling I think it might be inhabited by Undead!" The boy now scratched his own chin in imitation of his master. "The aura isn't repulsive even for me, though, so it has to be low level. If I were to hazard a guess, something killed a large number of the goblin tribe we knew to be here. Since we didn't see the Bugbear with them and the tribe looked quite diminished, they were probably killed off and forced out of the cave. That much death in a short time could have caused the kind of negative Mana build up needed to form the Dungeon." He paused to look at his teacher, and the older knight only motioned for him to continue. "But...that Bugbear was strong enough to be a dangerous threat to novice solo Adventurers, and the tribe was too large for low rank parties--at least the standard quartet--to suppress without a great deal of planning and precaution. So it's also possible that some kind of strong predator did the deed...and has now become Boss of the Dungeon. If it has Necromantic abilities, or at the very least is intelligent enough to give orders to the Undead, that means this wild cave could soon become an actual strategic base."

"And for all that babbling, your solution is?"

"Ah! Um...since I can't be sure I can clear it by myself, and I'm not equipped for a scouting expedition...Guild Code would advise that..." He looked around, taking note of Danny still sitting there and the various bits of wood lying about. "...Sealing off the Dungeon until proper recon can be conducted and a suppression party dispatched?"

"Correct." The knight gave the boy a half-smile and nodded his head. "How will you do that?"

"Ah...given the local materials..." The boy lifted up his cloak, revealing a small pack strapped to the back of his hip. A handle poked out of one side of it, and from this he produced a small hand-hatchet. "I could probably just make a wooden barricade for now?"

"Are you asking me or telling me?"

"Telling! Sir, I'll cut some branches and make palisades or spike-horses, and use that to block off the entry way! It'll be a temporary measure, but at least will buy some time!" He turned towards the trees with axe in hand...then stopped before he had gone three steps. "Umm..."

"The Poltergeist isn't a strong creature. That one still looks young, even. Standard protocol."

"Right. Standard." The boy raised his shield again and edged towards the trees at an angle, watching Danny with wide eyes. His breathing was somewhat strained. "Go on, Poltergeist...get outta here, why don't ya..."

The knight watched his protege with arms crossed. He glanced at the place where the goblins had been, especially at the remains of their campfire, then at the bush Orchid--Orchid, the Demiblin, with her different skin and glowing brand--had tried to burn with her magic. Then he looked at the cave, peering into the entrance but not stepping inside. After a moment he "hmmm'd" and then went back to watching Danny and his Squire. His eyes narrowed at the Poltergeist--the out of place monster with out of place magic, in an area where something stronger than usual had turned a normal cave filled with weaklings into a Dungeon. It was obvious he was thinking deeply about something, but so far he hadn't taken any initiative of his own...

---

Digbie

As Digbie edged around the Flak Beetle, it turned in a circle where it stood to keep its bitey mouth parts pointed at him. It fluttered its wings to make an angry chirping noise. But right now this standoff didn't seem violent. As Digbie continued to try and preserve his Yill flower, its color seemed somewhat brighter...but another petal fell off, and drifted towards the east. Oddly enough, nothing else--not the leaves from the trees or any grass--seemed to feel that breeze.

But just before Digbie could get far enough away to make a break for it, the beetle suddenly charged with mandibles spread--!

---

Jason

"You dum! Not smart! Kill and eat now! Rat got less em-pees than we uses waiting for it to grow back! Eat da whole ting!" Teef countered.

Jason's attempt to use Mana Drain on the earth itself was...surprisingly successful. That odd pulse of his own mana he had used only seemed to deplete his MP without causing any noticeable effect--but the Mana he drained from the ground was more than that pulse, enough to top him off again...and then push him over. He suddenly felt a buzz throughout his being, a satisfaction not unlike the rush during a battle or the thrill of achievement.

But this amount of Mana wasn't as much as he would have gotten from a Mana Crystal, which seemed to have all been consumed now. And it wasn't as much as he had gotten from any of the souls he had eaten thus far either. Was this what he had heard of before, in the Analysis text of Mana Crystals and Healing Herb? Ambient Mana? How much of it was there, and how much could he drain?

And would there be any consequences for doing so?

"Da spirit world and livin' world two different tings." Bonie said as Jason headed back towards the pool. He would have to make a loop around a rock wall to get to the entrance, after all. "We in da livin' world now. Spirit world all black and white, no cold or hot, no light or dark. Is big empty where erry-ting come togetha, and fall apart. When we stops bein' us, falls all aparts, what's left goes back arounds. For us, anyways. Dunno bout youse. Dis ain't your world, Ja-Soon."

They were getting close to the Pool...but oddly enough, the ground was wet even several feet away. Like the pool had overflowed recently or something. And a few piles of lifeless bones could be seen here and there. What had happened? Jason could see the entrance to his old cave in the distance. There was now a dull, slowly pulsing red light coming from its depths...and two skeleblins stood to either side, clearly on guard. Other monsters were patrolling here and there.

But the Otherworldly Cavern was now deathly silent...

---

Oberon

Oberon's attempt to make the Mana solid expended more MP, but seemed to work--the Wall became much more substantial in its "mass" even though it became smaller. But it also seemed to become more stable when he changed its shape. It had expanded naturally into a circle, but when he tried to turn it into a "pane," no doubt thinking of something like a window or a screen for reference, the circle's natural expansion seemed to "fill" an invisible border. And perhaps because a square was a "harder" geometric shape than a circle--pointed edges, straight lines--the Wall continued to stabilize.

When he tried to change his Mana's frequency to that of the Earth element, however, the Wall began to sink towards the ground...Oberon had no means of really controlling its movement, only altering its shape. When it touched the earth, the Wall sank into it...and it must have dispersed after leaving Oberon's sight, as he felt the spell suddenly cut off.

The Sacred Ground spell he had learned from Digbie required one to channel Mana into the earth. Changing magic into Earth Mana seemed to require something similar--had he seen Digbie or Jason use their Stone Shot spells, to know that they imbued the Mana into the material before it became "earthen?" He had certainly seen Digbie use his Earth Wall spell by this point, and knew that it emerged from the earth when it was cast, not from the caster's hand like the Wall spell.