CHAPTER 31: Take Me Home, Country Roads...
We fought through hordes of Spriggans on our walk up the mountain, not gaining much experience or loot since the average level was around 10. Arthur did enjoy collecting the arms for chew toys anyways, so that was a win. Other than the constant annoyance of more killer tree guys, we ran into a new popular mob even more annoying than the trees.
The gray squirrels were tagged as Glider Rats. They were mostly low level as well, the highest being level 16. The chunky 3-foot-long squirrels flew overhead, bouncing from tree to tree while spitting sticky pellets that clung to any surface before exploding a second later.
The small burst of energy felt like getting hit with a very powerful paintball gun. The attacks weren’t deadly to any stat enhanced body, unless a large group pinned a lone traveler and hammered them. The groups were still enough to be a massive annoyance with their rapid burst shot that left huge welts after each run in.
The heavy numbers of low level beasts did eventually grant a level up for everyone in the party. We received a ton of beast meat, small and regular, a throw away bone dagger and a rusty sabre, along with a new rare spell crystal.
I was holding onto the crystal and haven’t shown it to Arthur yet in fear of him eating it like he did the Larynx. It wouldn’t be the first time he ate rocks. When he was a puppy he would scoop them up as we walked and I would run to snag them before he swallowed, I made it on most attempts.
I may let Brenden take it since it would provide him with back up.
Spell Crystal—Summon: Glider Rat—Rare
Summon: Glider Rat
Rare—Level 1
Cost: 100 Mana / 24 Hour Cooldown
Cast to summon a permanent “Glider Rat” to fight at your side. Summoner may store Summoned Glider Rat in soul for additional benefits.
Life: 35% of Summoners Total Health Upon Summoning
Acorn Shot: Level 1—10 Damage Per Shot—Shoot bursts of sticky acorns that adhere to enemies and explode after 2 seconds.
Septic Scratch: Level 1—7.5 Damage, +3 Poison Damage Per Second for 6 Seconds—Claw attacks cause a poisonous infection that briefly rots enemy blood.
If it only lasted a minute per summon, it would be trash. This version could be a great skill, especially if it’s intelligent enough to take commands and work with us. I was curious to see what bonuses are granted while it’s stored away, and trying not to think about the implications of the soul thing anymore than I already had.
A few minutes from reaching the camp, my anxiety and uncertainty grew with each step. Arthur paused for a moment to nose the breeze, the face he was making made me freeze up.
“GrrrRuff!” Arthur took off in a mad dash.
“Shit, follow this road to the bottom!” I instructed Brenden so he didn’t feel lost as I took off to follow Arthur.
I pushed myself like never before as my feet pummeled the ground below. I caught up to Arthur as camp fell into sight.
My father and uncle built the small hunting camp in the middle of the woods alongside a small pond. It was next to a swampy area with multiple streams passing through displaying a peaceful backdrop. It was our little slice of paradise.
A scream invaded my ears that I immediately recognized and I jumped into the air, summoning my armor while landing on the roof. My feet dented the tin roofing as I ran toward the front door. Arthur cast Flash Step before turning the corner and lashing out with a biting vengeance. I summoned Conviction into my hands as I dropped from the roof.
[Demonic Dam Master—Level 20]
[Hellforged Beast]
As I fell, I heard my mom yell out the door, “Good doggy! Get him!”
I landed in front of the door, parrying a swipe from the hideous mutated beaver the size of a grizzly, who was attempting to take my mothers head off.
My anger flared as I released a charged Arcing Thorn Whip backed with Gale Thrust across the open mouth of the beaver. My blade severed two overgrown teeth the size of Madame Mirriam Webster’s Dictionary, shocking the beaver as the blade carved through flesh. The gust sliced deeper into its throat, creating a hacking cough that sprayed beaver blood on my face.
Ick...
“Who—Who are you?” I heard her ask quietly behind me, her voice shaking almost as much as the magical club she held in her hands.
She couldn’t tell who I was yet since she was stuck looking at my back and the hood of the cloak pulled over my head.
I pushed the monster back, creating space from the door.
The beastly beaver spun 180 degrees in the blink of an eye, a large flat tail covered in sharp metal spikes attempted to flatten me and leave me full of holes. I switched for my Necrotic Mace as I swung to meet the tail just above my head, using the slowed momentum to roll out of the way.
Arthur whined so I closed my eyes.
He cast Flash Step and cruised around the beast joining my side, appearing as soon as I opened my eyes from blinking. My mother must have been hit with the blinding attack as she yelped in surprise. I reached back, closing the door to keep her safe before going airborne again.
As I fell from the sky again, I removed my Assegai and drove it through the Beavers head with Gale Charge.
“Grab that side, quick.”
Arthur grabbed the tail and I grabbed the head, with one swing to gain momentum we tossed the dead Beaver into the woods. Our combined strength sent it flying out of sight, “Good boy, come here.” I lowered to one knee as I pet him then hugged my giant dog, “Thanks again, buddy.”
“Woof!”
“You saved your grams life. I owe you forever.” I said as the door opened behind me.
I opened my eyes and saw Arthur’s tail wagging as he stared up at my mother who was situated behind me.
“Who are you? Where are my manners... Thank you, but turn around slowly. I have my own magic stuff, ya know.” My mother said.
Brenden finally caught up, he was smiling from the corner as I stored my armor and turned around to meet my mother’s eyes.
“Rick?” She lowered her hands as I walked up to her and grasped her in a hug. I choked back tears as she began sobbing.
“Hey Mom.”
She pulled back, putting her hands on my cheeks as she looked me over, “I knew it. I knew you were alive. Your dad, he’s been depressed and moody, he thought you were gone. I told him he was a fool.”
“It hasn’t been that long, impatient old man. Where is he?”
“We’ll talk about it, but first introductions. Who are your new friends, and Arthur, did he make it?” She asked.
“Woof!”
“Aren’t you a big boy! You look just like—”
“Mom, that is Arthur.”
“Noo, he was only—Really? How did you get so big, baby? And your fur is so long! I bet the ladies love it!” She asked Arthur petting him over, only needing to bend at the knees a bit to be face to face with the giant dog and give him a big hug.
Arthur’s tail went crazy, slapping back and forth with joyous enthusiasm. Brenden was punished for standing too close to the helicopter tail that was about to send my dog flying off into the atmosphere.
“The guy who is currently holding in the grunt of pain from that slap, is Brenden.” I introduced Brenden, who only looked a bit embarrassed.
“Brrrrenden Bensen, the Budget Battlemage of Barnumville m’lady.” He introduced himself, taking my mother’s hand and bowing until his chest was parallel with the deck.
“Oh my, Why thank you kind sir for rrreturning my son safely. Evelyne Weston, but you may refer to me as Ev, E.V. or Rrrick’s mom. Whatever tickles your fancy.” My mother said, not missing a beat as she blended in with my little party of weirdos.
Brenden’s face was priceless as clearly did not expect her to roll the R’s right back in his face and put just as much verve into her speech as he does.
“Please, don’t say tickle your fancy…” I whimpered, but I was also astonished with what was happening so I don’t think anyone heard me.
He responded, “’Twas not me who rrreturned him, but he and Arthur who saved me and led me to your slice of paradise.”
“I’m sure you played your part well, young knight.” She said, nailing the audition.
“Ah. Why thank you Madam Weston. However, I am but a lowly squire in the midst of training, under your brrrilliant sons tutelage.” Brenden said forcing me to step in.
“Alright alright. Got-damn... Where is everyone?” I asked, scared of the answer.
My mother turned to me and reached her hand out to shuffle my hair as she shout, “Boys!”
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Behind my mother a small hatch in the floorboards popped open and two small figures crawled out and charged while screaming, “Uncle Rick!”
“Hey guys! Ahh... Come here!” I fell to my knees and the water works began.
As I hugged my 2 young nephews I watched closely as my sister-in-law, Ava climbed out of the small enclosure while sheathing a small dagger. She smiled down as she realized who was holding her boys so tightly.
“There was a big monster so we ran and, and, we hid in the hole dad made us, then we heard boom bam boom.” The boys loudly spoke over each other explaining their exciting moment that must have scared them both as their eyes were puffy and red as if the tears just dried.
“I’m so glad you guys are okay. Arthur is outside if you want to say hi. He’s reeeally big now so maybe he’ll let you ride around on his back if it’s okay with your mom.” I said before standing to speak with their mother, “They’ll be safe. He’s ah-hmm, changed... A lot.” She gave them the nod to go ahead.
They ran past their grandmother and jumped on Arthur who seemed just as happy to see them both alive and well.
“You good?” I asked, having so many questions but wanting to check in first.
“Yeah, just worried. Who isn’t though.” Ava said.
“Cole?”
“He’s fine. At least he was before he left to check out that goddamn dungeon.” She said with obvious resentment, worrying me as I thought about the skills and spells needed to clear that specific dungeon.
All I could do in the moment was hope he’s well equipped, he wasn’t by any means a slouch before.
“I’m sure he’s alright. If he doesn’t show up soon I’ll go check it out.” I reassured.
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re alright, little bro.” She said jabbing me in the ribs then gripping her hand in pain, “Jesus, what are you made of metal now? Where’s all the fluff from before!?”
“No.” My mom said sternly catching my attention.
I turned to her, “Huh? No what?”
“We don’t say that name anymore.” She answered.
“Have you guys—Received any quests?” I asked, watching my wording so I didn’t activate The Manager quest for them.
“No, why?” They both asked.
“Well. Let’s just say on our journey here we, gathered information.” I said moving outside to the deck, beckoning my mother and sister-in-law to follow to the picnic table where Brenden already claimed his spot.
“What is it Rick?” My mother asked vehemently.
“I’m getting there, sit down with us. Ava, this is Brenden Bensen Budget Battlemage from Barnville. Brenden, this is Ava, my sister-in-law.”
They shook hands across the table as Brenden quietly corrected me, “Barnumville.”
I waited as Arthur walked up with both boys on his back. He took a seat at the end of the table, easily seeing over the top as the boys took off to play inside the camp.
I started, “First of all, I want to reintroduce Arthur to the two of you. Arthur, say hi.”
“Woof!”
“We know Arthur, what is this Rick?” My mother interrogated.
“I know you guys know Arthur, and that he’s obviously grown.” I said patting Arthur and giving him scritches as I continued, “But Arthur is also able to communicate, I don’t want to say he’s smarter than before because he’s always been smart. He understands complete English and he’s able to communicate with head nods, one woof for yes, two for no. Oh, and he can spell and draw pictures in the dirt!” I took a break to let the information sink in.
I looked around the table and saw doubt and confusion on their faces.
They think I completely lost my shit, maybe I have.
“Okay Rick, we believe you honey.” My mom said, definitely not believing me.
“He is telling the truth.” Brenden tried to back me, which I appreciated.
They probably think he’s lost it too… I mean, he does speak like a knight of the square table.
“Arthur, am I lying?” I asked.
He stayed silent, cocking his head to the side as he stared at me, pretending to be a regular old dog.
“Ohohoh, you are an asshole, dude.” I said, breaking into laughter. Brenden also laughing at the joke while they looked at us like two complete loons, “Yeah, he’s a funny guy too... I’ll remember this one.”
“What did you bring us out here for, honey?” My mom said gently as she legitimately thought my mind was gone.
“On our trip, I spoke to some people who had knowledge of what’s happening. I don’t believe this is the rapture like people seem to think. This is an invasion and abduction on a world ending scale, regardless of the monsters running around.” I paused again.
“Yes, I knew this was not the real rapture. But, I can’t help but feel angry and confused. Why? Why let this happen?” My mother said, her faith obviously challenged.
I explained what we knew of the system, the war between the two factions and the abductions. Then I said the numbers that were burned into my brain and I was forced to watch their happy visage turn to dread and sorrow.
“How did we lose that many?” Ava asked.
“The introduction of Mana. Monsters. Their fucking war.” I answered.
“Mana? Like magic power? How would the introduction of magic cause all of this?” Ava asked as mom remain quiet, dumbstruck from the information.
“There was something called a Genesis Veil…”
I went on explaining what we knew of the Genesis Veil. Brenden helped to share any information I missed and helped me answer questions from Ava. My mother was a statue, frozen in place, not even blinking as she listened.
When we finished our explanation and the Q&A, my mother finally spoke, “Like you said, this is no Heaven, and this is not Hell. God still watches us, testing us and protecting us.”
I let the comment go, my brother likely would have jumped at the opportunity to argue religion but especially now, people need something to believe in. When times are dire, ominous, or just plain horrific, people need something to keep hope alive.
“Woof!” Arthur chimed in, walking around the table to my mothers side and leaning into her.
“He agrees.” I said and everyone burst out in laughter, still thinking I was crazy.
“Arthur, you want a Cookie?” I asked.
“Woof!”
“End the joke, stop making me look like a lunatic and show them, please Buck.” I added the nickname to soften him up.
“Woof!” I tossed him a slice of jerky.
He snagged it out of the air then jumped off the deck. We all stayed seated as Arthur walked to the driveway and ripped into the soft ground. From where we sat it looked like he was just digging around in the dirt.
When he finished he sat on his bum and gave us a sharp yip.
“Come on!” I hopped to my feet, excited to show off my super smart boy.
Everyone followed me to the stairs, I stayed on the deck as I was the first to read the writing, Brenden joined my side, leaning on the rail. My Mother and Sister-in-law walked down the stairs.
They read the words etched in the dirt driveway out loud, “Arthur miss you all very much!”
“Did your tricky father write this somehow when we weren’t looking?” My mother asked.
“Woof Woof!” Arthur answered shaking his head.
He moved his paw and wrote, “Nope,” in the dirt.
“Holy moly...” Mom said bending over to hug Arthur again.
Ava looked back at me, mirroring that of an old cartoon character with eyes springing out of their head in surprise.
Looks like I get the last laugh.
“Where is gram pa?” Arthur wrote his question.
My mother already hinted that he was fine but he wasn’t here, which caused worry to build for him and Cole, Arthur beat me to my next question.
“He went to town for supplies, he should be back any minute.” My mother said not sounding worried.
They asked Arthur a list of questions and he answered in barks and nods before they returned to the porch to sit.
“What level are you guys?” Ava asked.
“21, 20, 19” I answered pointing to myself, Arthur, then Brenden.
“Jeez, how did you get to such a high level fighting all of the low level monsters?” She asked sounding genuinely perplexed.
“Well, there’s enough of them out there. I noticed they were all lower level around here, but we fought quite a few tougher things on our way down. That, and Brenden blew up a bunch of Angels. What about everyone here?”
Her eyes bulged, as our outlandish comments weren’t met with the instant skepticism anymore, “What?!”
I laughed at the response, “We’ll tell you all about it later. What about you guys?”
“I’m at 12. I just picked up a class. It’s called Grave Huntress, Dark and Poison with a little close up magic but mostly Ranged based skills and spells. Your mother just hit 11, she has a rare class called Dawnslight Cleric, some Light magic with blunt weapon specialty but mainly healing.” Ava answered.
“Oh cool, good to have range, and I had a feeling she would choose a healer class. Gotta keep her grand babies safe.” I said getting a chuckle from Ava.
“That’s right! Plus your father, brother and yourself. Don’t you forget it!” Mom yelled from the yard below where she was playing with Arthur and the boys.
Jeez. She’s moving well for her age, I thought she had arthritis?
I snapped out of the daze, “What about Dad and Cole?”
“Grant was level 13 when he left, but he should return around 14 or 15. His class is called Backwoods Barbarian. He goes around with a club like a caveman most of the time but he also has his bow that he’s good with. He taught me!” Ava answered.
“Backwoods Barbarian…” Brenden whispered to himself, I already knew his ideas were chiming with all of the B’s.
“I didn’t know he could use one. Wish he showed me when I was younger, I can’t shoot bows for shit. My proficiency is literally Zero.” I said laughing at myself.
“You know your father used to bow hunt.” Mom yelled up.
“Nope! I know he had that old bow without a string above your bedroom window, that’s where it stayed my entire life.” I hollered back.
“That’s the one he’s using!” Mom said sharing a laugh with me.
“What about Cole?” I asked.
“Ugh. Don’t get me started on your brother.” Ava said, then continued anyways, “Level 15, epic class called Runic Savant, Magic focused but he does have a Dagger he usually keeps on him with the staff he found.”
I hit her with the thousand year old rhetorical question, “Trouble in paradise?” expecting an ear load.
“No, everything’s fine. He—ugh. When he isn’t out leveling up, he’s too focused on what caused all of this and why all of the technology was destroyed, or he’s trying to create a new form of technology with his new rune crap.” She said unhappily.
“I understand how he is. I’m almost the same way. It felt like all I had were more questions and no answers. Still do in fact. In his defense we do need to get stronger, especially for those 2 goofballs.” I said pointing to the kids wrestling Arthur.
“I know, it’s just pushed him to make some stupid decisions, like this dungeon thing. I keep telling him his drive will get him killed but he doesn’t listen.” Ava said, visibly bothered.
I avoided talking about the two guys off in the shit by themselves. I didn’t want to upset them more than they already were.
Mom had something cooking on the wood stove inside. The smell drifted out the door, kissing my nose with a hint of home. Brenden asked Ava about her class and found out that she was also an alchemist, so they shared notes and recipes.
Ava’s class helps her see poisonous plants that she can use to concoct poisons, it even gifted her the knowledge to craft some basic recipes. She can add the poison to her dagger or arrows and it reduces Mana costs and greatly raises her poison damage output, much more than the spell or concoction would normally do. She explained how she one-shot a Splitjaw, which is a feat. The poison on her arrow ate through the stag within seconds, rotting the flesh inside out.
Mom walked outside with dinner.
Always an early dinner with these people.
“Thank you so very much, Madam Weston.” Brenden said taking his plate.
“’Tis my pleasure Good Sir.” She shot back, bowing.
I sniffed the air, asking, “Is that what I think it is?”
“Yes indeed! Venison with onions, garlic and black pepper. Not this Beast Venison either, even though that stuff is sooo yummy. I wanted you to feel at home.” Mom handed me the plate with white rice, venison steaks and sauteed broccoli. My favorite meal.
“Thanks mom.” I said, feeling peace for the first time since this started.