As soon as we cross the membrane of the barrier, which made every part of my body feel like it was enveloped in static electricity for a second, we are standing in some kind of wide open flat plains with knee high grass and wildflowers of various colors, green hills dotted with trees rolling far away in the distance as a warm breeze whips through both of our hair. I gasp and momentarily stand still, the scenic view halting me as memories from my time back on Earth rush forward in a wave of nostalgia, a fading prick of homesickness stinging its way through me and up to my eyes.
Samantha turns back with a questioning look – which quickly changes into a concerned one – before she turns around fully and gently wipes away an errant tear that slipped out without my knowing. “Amelia, are you well? Is this scenery painful to look at for some reason?”
I shake my head, the images of Sandra and I rolling down some random hill as kids, giggling like fools fading with every whip like turn of my face. “N-no, it’s not that. This just really closely resembles the area I used to live in, back on Earth. Just kind of… brought up some memories from there, and all the feels that get associated with the fact that I’ll probably never see any of it again…” I sob softly out at the end.
Fuck! Where is this coming from?! I sniffle a bit as I go to wipe my eyes, but Samantha beats me to it as her thumbs brush away the salty liquid dripping from the azure orbs, wrapping me up in a hug once my face is dry again. “I am deeply sorry, Amelia. I know what it is like to be… far from your homeland, to be unable to ever return. I know it is not the same, as we are still here on Mara and the lands of my birth and childhood are technically within reach, but customs and threats keep me from them just the same. I can change the environment if it is too troubling for you to gaze upon for now?”
The warmth in my chest erupts, partly from truly feeling like Sam and I are connecting over something, even if it is kind of a sad topic, but also from her sweet and earnest display of trying to help. I give her a firm squeeze before leaning back and shaking my head, “Nah, it’s okay. It may be a little painful, but…” I pause as I look over the landscape once more, my red waves of hair being lifted by the wind’s kiss once more, sheaths of grass and bloom of flower dancing in the tumbling swirls it carries.
I smile, even if a couple more drops of liquid start to trail their way down my cheeks before I say back to Samantha as we take in the view together, “It’s nice. I always loved just sitting outside and enjoying nature when I was younger, before my mind got so sick. Sandra and I would always go play tag, or hide and seek, or just jostle and wrestle around sometimes – even though we were girls – laughing all the while. Mom would always throw a fit about it, or our dirtied clothes, when we came back to the house though~.” I laugh softly as I turn back to her, Samantha adopting a kind and comforting smile as she listens to me recount my little tale. “Even if those memories bring some discomfort now, I wouldn’t ever want to think of them as something I couldn’t look back on fondly, including the picturesque view that reminds me so much of that time.”
Samantha gives me a look, our faces much closer than either of us realized as time seems to slow down around us. I can hear my heartbeat thudding in quicker pulses, my mouth going a bit dry as the welling anticipation begins to bear down on both of us, before Samantha turns her head and coughs, taking a step back but not losing her smile. “That sounds like a lovely childhood with a dear companion and loving family, Amelia. Thank you for sharing such a sweet tale with me, and I pray you always look back to those cherished memories in joy and eager remembrance. Do you need a moment to steady your emotions, or would you like to begin?”
I give a playful laugh as I shake my head, the faint glowing pink embers struggling to die out again as Samantha’s burning emerald eyes remain locked in my vision. “At this rate, we’re never going to get anything done~.” I mumble out in a joke, Sam – hearing it anyway of course – busting out into laughter along with me.
“Let us strive to not let that be the case then~. I would rather not anger Jun Li any more than she may already be. Come.” Samantha says after we both settle down, instructing me to stand a few paces in front of her as her stoic posture returns once more, signaling the true start to the lesson for today. I match the energy, banishing any thoughts not related to taking in what she’s going to show me and tell me to do, a seriousness dropping over my heart-shaped face.
“Very good, I see that you have taken Jun Li’s words to heart. For these first matches, I will train you in various weapons and then have you face the opponent, as discussed. To start with, form that sword and shield of yours again, without any enchantments.” Sam says in a firm tone, crossing her arms over her chest as her eyes gain a critical look to them.
I swallow a small drop of nervousness at the sudden intensity, but do as she asks and mold the two silvery disks on my wrists into the sword and shield combo, sans enchantments. “Excellent. Now, I will go over forms and typical thrusts, slashes, parries, and footwork related to this style of combat. When you feel comfortable, or when your system tells you that you have reached the first milestone of its ‘quest’, we will introduce your opponent and have you fight and slay it.”
I nod as she moves around me, adjusting my foot placements here, my shoulder positioning there, how to hold up the shield and sword at the same time to offer the best protection and counterattack options. All of that part is torture though, as she constantly has to move extremely close to me to make the changes or instruct me, her smoked citrusy scent wafting in the small space between us as the memory of the time when she got my measurements comes back in full force. I persevere though, knuckling through the brief blips of lusty pink as I memorize everything between the feeling of my muscles and her instructions.
In probably thirty minutes or so, she has gone over and corrected my form on actually using the sword, albeit from a standing position for the most part, only taking a step to gain leverage or shift momentum. “Very good~. You are an incredibly quick study, little pup. How are you feeling? Prepared to face your first test?” Samantha says after I finish off a textbook slash, dancing my feet back to a neutral stance like she showed me before standing up and relaxing.
I take a look at the basic quest for both shields and swords, seeing that they are both around 35% completed. “Well,” I say as I wipe a single bead of sweat from my brow, “I think so? These are all baby monsters and stuff right? Not like, those massive ass bears that bitch slapped me back in the forest?”
“Indeed,” Samantha says with a smirk, mirth dancing in her eyes from my word choice, “The first opponent is a [Werloss Rabbit (Unranked)], and even though it is not a true magical beast, they have been known to inflict decent harm on mortals who attempt to hunt them. Mainly from their big, pointy teeth and quick jumping abilities. Stand next to me and I shall summon it.”
I frown as I plod over next to her, the idea of hurting a cute little bunny not sitting well with me in the slightest. Maybe… Maybe it’s like, super deformed or something? Or obviously a monster, with like a unicorn horn or something? Yeah, then I could do it!… Wait… As if that really makes a difference, if its not cute or not. Shit, am I shallow?
I’m knocked out of my ramblings as a purple mist swirls in the air some 50 feet away, its sparkling fumes poking upwards like a little tornado before they cease, revealing the cutest fucking thing I have ever seen in my entire lives. An arm lengthed, chunky, fuzzy brown furred rabbit with big floppy ears, and large black doe eyes wurbles and chitters a few times before giving a small hop and noming on some illusory grass. I have to hold back a squee, both of excitement and pain as I turn to Samantha with a mighty pout, watery eyes full of crocodile tears – mostly – as I turn on the waterworks.
“Sam, don’t make me kill that adorable little guy!! It’s so cute!! Please??” I plead, forming the disks back to their bracer forms as I go to hold a hand of hers in both of mine, my lips trembling as I do everything in my power to save this imaginary creature.
Samantha actually looks a little torn, a rosy blush coming across her cheeks as she turns her head away from me, but her words seal the poor, fluffy bun’s fate. “I am sorry, Amelia, but once the creature is summoned it must be defeated or the scenario will not continue. And do not let its – admittedly – innocent form distract you. Mortal hunters have lost digits to hand from tangling with one of these creatures. They are also quite invasive…”
I huff, seeing that the pity party isn’t going to be a viable option, at least this time. “Well… I mean, I would be pretty upset too if someone was trying to come and eat me. Maybe they should just leave the little fellas alone! And what’s wrong if they like to eat and make babies! Hmph!”
The statuesque silence from Samantha is as telling as any actual spoken words, and I know that all my efforts to delay anymore are pointless. “Fine! Meanie!” I say out in a huff before re arming myself with the sword and shield. My heart is heavy as it begins to increase its beating, a mixture of apprehension about what I’m going to do and the slight wrongness about hurting such a defenseless seeming creature mixing in not a fun way inside of me. I chant inside my head with every step toward the rabbit’s impending doom, ‘It’s okay, it’s just an illusion. It’s okay, it’s just an illusion.’ although it doesn’t help much.
By the time I’m only a few feet away from the chonky brown visitor, it turns its adorable chewing face up towards me, a few blades of grass poking out from its little mouth. I whine in a whimper as I turn back to Samantha, trying one last time to plead for some other solution to this fucked up trolley problem, but she just sighs and shakes her head, pointing back to the rabbit with finality.
A heavy exhale leaves my lips as I turn back to the bunny, who’s gone back to nibbling various bits of very detailed grass, its cute little round tail wiggling in happiness as it gets its fill. “I’m sorry, little one.” I say out in a Thanos voice, my brain trying its best to inject some levity where it can since my hands are tied regardless. I raise the sword up, preparing to swing it downward to give the poor little thing the most painless passing I can, but right when the gleam of metal reflects the passing sun’s light, the rabbit rounds on me faster than before with burning red eyes.
I have just enough time to mutter, “What the fuck?!” with a stunned expression, as the formerly adorable demon spawn screeches out a monstrous wail and lunges right for my neck! It’s still slower than dripping honey, so I have all the time in the world to shift gears as the shock fades from me. I start moving my shield in between me and the lunging bun, winding it up before I backhand slap the monster square in its face with the metal, exploding it in a red mist that then evaporates in the same purple smoke of its arrival.
Damage dealt 72,637!
I breathe out heavily a few times; a new nightmare surely being created from that disturbing scream and mad glint in its glowing red eyes as it leapt at me. Soft footsteps approach from behind me, making me jump and wheel into a stance as my heartrate struggles to climb back down, before Samantha just chuckles out and breaks the tension. “I did tell you they were not what they seemed~. While very cute and pleasant to watch from a distance, they can be quite the territorial and dangerous opponent for any mortal looking to score an easy meal. And this was just one, they typically have communes of over thirty in their burrows. But you did well even if the method was… unorthodox, and your hesitation questionable. I shall let it pass for now, as I cannot truly fault you for not wanting to harm such a seemingly innocent creature at first glance, but do not let that become a habit, Amelia.”
I nod shakily, the adrenaline fading from me and being replaced by shame for not taking her words to heart. I hang my head as I apologize, “Sorry, Sam. I should have listened to you, properly. It was just so cute though…”
Samantha laughs as she takes me by the shoulder and guides me to the spot we were before as we overlooked the plains. “It is fine, Amelia. This is a new experience for you, not to mention an entirely new bestiary. Just heed my advice going forward and remember that very few things are as they seem here on Mara. The deadliest creatures will seduce you to bed before they eat you, and the littlest mammal can easily rip bone from skin if Ranked high enough.”
I give her a weird look as I say out cautiously, “You’re… you’re not talking bad bout kitsune’s right? About the seducing before killing thing?”
Sam shakes her head, although I can still see the corner of her mouth tilted upwards. “While the kitsune’s of the Village are a much more modest and learned gathering who adhere to the Mistress’ laws, there are more than a few examples – even in recent history – of others of their species who have not acclimated to society still using the tried-and-true hunting tactics that have served them for generations. And they are far from the only ones to employ such methods. The general species of sirens, harpies, hydras, and merkin to name a few others. Almost each sub-branch of their groupings willing to copulate before feasting on whoever the unfortunate victim that was lured by their song or visage was. There are also demons, namely succubi or incubi, who achieve power through carnal acts and submission of their thralls.”
It’s still so weird to me to think of Akiko or Jun Li as like… separate species. They’re both so human, in action and thought, aside from the tails and ears… Also, why is this world so horny?! I hope I get powerful enough – and have enough titles – to not have to worry about a succubus coming over and trying to charm me, because… well… I mean, as any other lonely lesbian with an abundance of free time, I like a lot of very specific hentai about that subject and others in general. It’s normal, damn it! *Ahem*. “R-right, I guess that makes sense!” I nervously say out, rubbing the back of my head as I rapidly try to switch topics. “So, on to the next beasty?”
She gives me a quizzical look before shrugging and then summoning the next monster on the list. The process repeats a few times, none of the other beasts anywhere near the emotional hurdle to slay as the demon bunny, as they are all… well, much less fluffy and loveable at first glance. One was some kind of wendigo mixed with a wolf, another looked like an unholy mix of a horse with a crocodile – nightmare fuel -, and the last one worth mentioning was actually a baby [Cerulean Ursine]. I did kind of feel bad about that one at first too, but it charged straight at me as soon as it was summoned with bared teeth and hungry eyes, like it new my existing tally of slain bears and was seeking revenge.
Sadly for him though, I stand tall over the mountain of mostly basic beasts victorious, and the system finally sends out a few pings.
[Quest Completed! Gain Basic Proficiency with Swords!
Learn the ins and outs of the weapon class known as: Swords.
Reward: 25 Ability Points, 50 Shop Points, 2 Skill Points, 10 points into Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution.
Rewards increase for each level of proficiency.]
[Quest Completed! Reach Basic Proficiency in Shields.
Learn the ins and outs of the Shield support weapon.
Reward: 25 Ability Points, 50 Shop Points, 2 Skill Points, 25 points into Constitution.
Rewards will increase as ranks are advanced.]
Strength is now 14,098!
Dexterity is now 20,687!
Constitution is now 14,273!
Available Ability Points: 2,037!
Available Shop Points: 36,650!
Available Skill Points: 1,755!
[Quest Started: Gain Advanced Proficiency with Swords!
Learn advanced formations, stances, and combat usage of the weapon class known as: Swords.
Reward: 250 Ability Points, 500 Shop Points, 25 Skill Points, 100 points into Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution.
Single time effect of current Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution x 25% (After previous increase applied).
Rewards increase for each level of proficiency.]
[Quest Started: Reach Advanced Proficiency in Shields.
Learn advanced concepts and usage for the Shield support weapon.
Reward: 250 Ability Points, 500 Shop Points, 25 Skill Points, 150 points into Constitution.
Single time effect of current Constitution x 35% (After previous increase applied).
Rewards will increase as ranks are advanced.]
I happily beam back to Samantha, my weapons once more reforming to my wrists as I tell her the good news~. “Excellent work, little pup~.” She says as she ruffles my hair, a massive grin plastering my face before she continues, “Going by this rate, we should have time to reach the same levels with axes and blunt weapons before we must break for lunch. Let us start with that now, you may keep the shield but produce a battle axe in whatever style you are familiar with instead of the sword.”
I nod as I follow her command, the shield returning and a long, two-foot shaft of wood with a wide single headed axe on one side appearing in my other hand, Viking in style to mesh with the shield~. Aesthetics matter! Samantha studies it for a second, humming to herself before commenting, “Interesting. The axes we typically use here on this continent are much more rounded, but this style of weapon is very familiar in lands north of where we currently reside. Very well then, as before I shall show you the basics of using this weapon. Truthfully, they are not so dissimilar to the longsword you had earlier, at a very base level, but they rely more on using leverage to slash and smash against tough hides or armor instead of finessing and piercing into the opponent. Although a true master of the weapon can use it just as intricately as any sword.”
She once again goes through the stances, footwork, and various slashes with me, a cheeky bump of her chest against my back here or brief press of our cheeks together there making me blush from time to time as I try to control my urges. When she deems herself satisfied, we repeat the cycle of monster slaying again, and before I know it she calls a pause to the program – because that’s basically what this is, even if I barely remember the coding class in high school – so we can step out for lunch. I let the medieval style war hammer, its pointed end on the reverse of the flat crushing bit, reform back to the bracelet along with the shield she is still having me use as I hop over to where she’s standing. I take a second to check in on the quests progress:
[Quest Completed! Gain Basic Proficiency with Axes!
Learn the ins and outs of the weapon class known as: Axes.
Reward: 25 Ability Points, 50 Shop Points, 2 Skill Points, 10 points into Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution.
Rewards increase for each level of proficiency.]
Strength is now 14,108!
Dexterity is now 20,697!
Constitution is now 14,283!
Available Ability Points: 2,062!
Available Shop Points: 36,700!
Available Skill Points: 1,757!
[Quest Started: Gain Advanced Proficiency with Axes!
Learn advanced formations, stances, and combat usage of the weapon class known as: Axes.
Reward: 250 Ability Points, 500 Shop Points, 25 Skill Points, 100 points into Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution.
Single time effect of current Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution x 25% (After previous increase applied).
Rewards increase for each level of proficiency.]
[Quest Started: Gain Basic Proficiency with Blunt!
Learn the ins and outs of the weapon class known as: Blunt.
Reward: 25 Ability Points, 50 Shop Points, 2 Skill Points, 10 points into Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution.
Rewards increase for each level of proficiency.]
[Progress: 79%]
“You have progressed incredibly this morning, Amelia~. I will be sure to tell Gerra to include something special for dessert this evening for your efforts. How do you feel? I know that you likely were still averse to conflict, even after your recent tribulation. Has training here helped in that regard?”
Aw~! She is such a softie when she doesn’t have the stick up her butt~! I giggle as I wrap her in a hug, leaving a small kiss on her cheek now that we are taking a break, “Yeah~! I mean, I don’t really want to ever think of taking a life as something other than a grim task, unless they come after Sandra or any of you. Then they just deserve to get wiped off the face of creation.” I mutter out darkly, faint whisps of void energy pooling around my skin as the thought crosses my mind before I shake my head a few times. “S-sorry…” I say apologetically as I turn to see Sam’s wide eyes from the display.
She just hums in the negative, “Think nothing of it, little pup. I shouldn’t have been surprised to see such vibrant bloodlust after you had already displayed the exact same against the Heaven’s. To get back to the topic, do you feel more at ease with the overall concept of violence?”
“Hmm…” I muse for a few moments as she leads us past the purple membrane of the training barrier, the static shock sending… questionable shivers down my spine. “I think… that I would be less hesitant to maybe start a fight? Like, getting to see what I can do, the fact that I can so easily put down stuff at Low Earth Rank like that bear cub really cemented just how crazy overpowered I am. I know I need to be cautious still, and pay attention to my surroundings and not underestimate whoever or whatever I’m fighting, but… I don’t feel quite as much hesitation about having to fight in general, now that I know I can survive and win. Again, I’m still like, not keen on the idea in a general sense. I would much rather just study inscriptions, blacksmithing, whatever and then cultivate, but I get that that isn’t really an option.”
Samantha gives a squeeze of my shoulder as we walk through the enchanted door to the room, exiting into the hallway. “I understand. It is a hard concept to become accustomed to, even for new cultivators, and will likely take you many long days and nights to fully come to terms with. Mara is actually a rather peaceful planet, in the scheme of things. Reports from off world are sparse, but they hint at the chaotic nature of the cosmos as well as varying lands awash in strife and bloodshed, enacted by beings with power we can only scarcely comprehend. But I see that working in your favor, Amelia.” She says as we top the stairs, turning to me briefly before taking my hand in hers and leading us on.
“You have the opportunity to truly come to grips with this new reality, and the more you accept it and internalize the unfortunately brutal nature of survival in cultivation, the safer and more secure Sandra will be in the long run. She will have you to fall back on, to guide her like we guide you now, and your unique situations will provide the perfect examples and frames of reference for her to adjust more seamlessly than we are having to do with you. Take these lessons to heart, bear them in mind and weigh them against the scales of your morals. Find what is and is not acceptable for not only yourself, but those around you. And when the fated day that your bonded soul returns to you, you both will be thankful for the hard-fought lessons you had to learn.”
She stops moving midway down the hall, turning back to me as I become rooted in my spot. With a curious look, she turns around just in time for me to lean forward and give her a big, long kiss on the lips, bumping our foreheads together as I smile, our eyes locking into each other with the barest of inches between us. “Thanks, Samantha. I’ll do my best, but thank you for thinking about Sandra like that. That means a lot to me.”
She smiles back, giving me a kiss of her own before we both break apart wordlessly, their need irrelevant as our footsteps mark the journey back towards the kitchens.
