"I thought you said it was close by," Isaac said coolly, brushing a thick branch out of the way with one effortless motion.
"It is! Just around the—OOF!"
SMACK.
The branch snapped back and slapped Hans square in the face. Whether Isaac let it go on purpose or not... only he truly knows.
"Ouch that hurt!" Hans groaned, rubbing his reddened face.
"My bad" Isaac said without a single remorse.
"You did that on purpose!" Hans huffed. "We're really close, okay? Stop complaining. I thought you were an adventurer—aren't you used to walking great distances?"
"I'm fine," Isaac grumbled, arms crossed. "But she looks like she's about to collapse."
He threw a side-eye toward Kassie, who trailed behind them like a dehydrated marathoner crawling to the finish line.
"I'm... fine..." Kassie wheezed, gripping a tree for support. "Let's... keep going... Someone tell the game devs to turn on the AC..."
"Are you alright?" Hans looked genuinely alarmed and handed the Manalara sprout to Isaac. "Here—take this."
Isaac caught the sprout sapling raising his eyebrows.
"Can you stand up - if it's too hard to walk. I'll carry you!"
Realizing what Hans was doing, Isaac grabbed him by the collar and gave him back the manalara sprout. "No offense, twig boy," he said flatly, "but a stiff breeze could break you in half. I don't think you can piggy back this girl even if there's two of you. I'll do it."
Without warning, he swept Kassie off her feet and into his arms like some reluctant fairytale knight.
Kassie blushed, her voice barely above a whisper, "Uh... thanks, I guess..."
As he carried her through the forest, she felt as though her surrounding was in slow motion. She tried to hide her blushing face and distracted herself by counting the trees that passed them by but she would occasionally glance at him.
When his eyes met hers, those emerald green eyes were cool and tantalizing. She became more aware of their closeness. She could feel the strength in his muscles and the steady warmth radiating from him. He smelled like rain and pinewood as though he freshly showered in the open woods — was this the scent of pure manliness?
But that moment was ruined when Isaac muttered bluntly, "Seriously. Why are you so heavy?"
Kassie smacked him on the head. "Maybe you should train more!"
He staggered, gripping her tighter. "Stop flailing! You're throwing off my balance!"
"We're here!" Hans announced as soon as they reached Woodsman's Cottage—his home.
And that was Isaac's cue. He dropped Kassie unceremoniously to the ground.
"Ow! You didn't have to drop me!" Kassie protested.
"Guess I need to train more" Isaac said with a smug shrug.
The cottage was a quaint, one-bedroom wooden structure nestled among towering forest trees. The roof was thatched with thick straw. Inside, rough-hewn beams crossed the low ceiling, and a small hearth sat dark and empty in the corner. A sturdy wooden table was cluttered with hand-carved tools and half-finished figurines.
"Dad? I'm home!" Hans called out. Lighting the few candles they had in the house.
But there were no answers.
"That's weird. He usually leaves a fire going. And there's no stacked wood... Did he stay at the tavern the entire time I was away?"
"Is this your home, Hans?" Kassie asked eyeing an unfinished carved wooden figurine on the workbench.
Isaac squinted at the cottage, noticing details Hans seemed to miss—a thick layer of dust blanketing the wood working table, the windows left wide open to the night air, and the absence of an axe inside or outside the house. A faint chill hung inside, as if the place had been untouched for days. "I thought you said we we're headed to your village?"
"We are! This is the outskirts the forest actually does belong to the village the center is just a bit further along. But since it's already night, I figured we'd stay here." He gently repotted the Manalara sapling, utterly oblivious to the abandoned surrounding.
"Make yourselves comfortable! Kassie, let me show you my room—there's a nice thick blanket, and we can share the bed!"
Kassie was taken aback by at the offer no matter how innocently Hans beamed at her. "That's a little bit - "
Isaac felt a little bit irritated, "How old are you to be saying something like that without an ounce of thought?"
Hans tilted his head. "I mean, all three of us can share, but the bed might be too small for you. It gets cold at night."
Isaac's eyes twitched. "We can just start a fire - we'll need it for food and water anyway"
Hans smiled awkwardly, "But there's no firewood and kindling - "
Isaac grabbed Hans into a playful chokehold. "You're a woodsman's son, right? Come on. You're chopping it."
Hans groaned, "But I can't lift Dad's axe!"
Isaac dragging him outside "Then make yourself useful and collect some twigs for kindling!"
"Wait, I have some—" The door slammed shut in Kassie's face before she could finish. "Food and water—"
Kassie puffed her cheeks, annoyed. "Geez, he really needs to work on his listening skills."
"How do I even explain I have an inventory box full of items?" she muttered, pulling out her system. "Spatial bags are pretty common, right? Ugh, whatever—let me resupply first."
Kassie plopped down on a chair next to the unlit fireplace, and opened the vending machine menu in her system. The semi-transparent vending machine sprang to life before her.
"Alright, let's stock up for now," she muttered, inserting 100 gold coins in the machine. "Spend now, Level up later now this is my kind of game!"
Her first priority was potions. She'd used all her mana potion earlier, so she grabbed a lot more, planning to share some with Hans for the Manalara tree later.
"Let's see... any stamina enhancers? I can't walk anymore... or maybe a Transportation like a flying broom?" She changed categories from Potions to Transportation. " Yes a carriage! Wait... Unlock at Level 2? Are you serious?!" She groaned and thumped the side of the machine. "Why dangle that in front of me like a carrot on a stick?!"
"I'm doomed to walk until my feet break in this world," She then moved on and selected Adventurer Outdoor Quest Pack.
The first item caught her eye: All-Weather Sleeping Bag
She clicked it, and a rolled bundle appeared. The supple dragonhide was soft but durable, wrapped around thick wool lining.
Testing it on the hard floor of Han's house, she smiled. "Feels like a comfy mattress. I should get three of this!"
Wrapping one sleeping bag around her, she then proceeded to purchase a Portable Tent, she read the description, "Magically reinforced, unfolds instantly, and withstands the fiercest storms. Alright let's get that!"
The tent materialized in small capsule. She clicked the capsule and it sprung to life. She ran her fingers over the sturdy stitching. "This looks pretty decent!"
Her shopping spree continued, purchasing everything she thought necessary for surviving the road ahead.
Bitterroot Ward — a fae-root tincture said to ward off dusk-born gnats and biting pests, sealed in a rune-marked glass vial.
Firestarter Kit — enchanted flint and steel that could spark even in a downpour.
Waterskin — crafted from Mist Elk hide and enchanted to keep water cool and fresh for days.
Portable Stove — foldable iron cooktop with elemental flame enchantments.
Fishing Set — rune-inscribed rod and pouch of self-wiggling bait.
Camping Pot — blackened iron, charm-bound to never boil over.
"Although I have a pot now for cooking, let's get some basic ingredients, food we can eat on the road when there's no time to make a fire, some meals we can cook over a campfire, water and drinks! There's actually some soda in here!"
One by one, the items dropped from the vending machine with soft thud, filling Han's house with an array of survival gear. Kassie swept her gaze over the spread, then nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, into the inventory you go!" she said, leaning back with a triumphant smile.
"A magical vending machine is so convenient! "unwrapping a Charred Beef Tapa Wrap she'd chosen for her dinner.
Savory, tangy, and wrapped in soft rice flatbread, it was warm to the touch. Tender slices of soy-braised beef, garlic rice, scrambled egg and pickled unripen papaya, gave it the perfect mix of comfort and kick.
She took a big bite, sighed with satisfaction, and spoke around a mouthful. "Mmm. Tapsilog! They really put Filipino soul into this one."
Chewing happily, she gazed out the window. "I wonder when those two will get back?"
After the hearty meal and organizing her inventory - she let out a satisfying yawn. "I'm getting tired... I wish I could take a bath! I'm sweaty all over. As a modern girl, I need my daily shower!" She swiped through the menu, searching for more modern conveniences. But most items were grayed out. Unlock at Level 2. Some at Level 3!
"I know, maybe I can try my luck at getting a water spell." She gave it a shot and pulled up the Random Spell scroll.
The first that popped out was a basic scroll labeled Aquafall Veil — "Summons a gentle stream of warm, purified water."
Another one popped out this time it's scroll quite different. It shimmered with a swirling orb of water droplets sparkling in the light. It read: Tidal Surge — "Unleashes a crashing wave that knocks enemies off their feet and drenches them, slowing their movements."
She absorbed the basic scroll, placed her hand over a small wooden bucket, and whispered the incantation: "Agua."
Immediately, a gentle stream of cool, clear water began to flow, washing softly into the wooden bucket. Kassie grinned. "Hooray! It worked—I can wash up!"
She glanced at the next scroll, labeled Tidal Surge, and raised an eyebrow. "Shall we try this one?"
"Alon!" she shouted, expecting a wave to burst forth.
Nothing happened.
"Am I saying it wrong?" she muttered, opening her system's window to investigate further. Her Intelligence flashed in glaring red: -9. She opened all the other scrolls with a non-basic appearance. Each had an intelligent requirement ranging from 1 up to 5
"That's the same requirement as Flame Lash earlier... No wonder it's not working. So I'm basically useless in combat until I get my intelligence up." She sighed.
"Well, at least I can wash up," Kassie muttered, continuing to fill the wooden bucket with a stream of water. The steady drip was nice, but a little slow.
Kassie sat next to the wooden bucket, her face lit up with a satisfied smile. "This is so useful," she murmured to herself, watching the water fill slowly.
A few moments passed. The bucket was filled to an inch.
"Any minute now," she said less enthusiastic, tapping her fingers on the edge of the bucket. "I'll have a nice wash, no problem. Just a little more."
The minutes dragged by. She found herself leaning forward, eyeing the water like a hawk. The bucket about a quarter filled "Good. Things. Come. To. Those. Who. Wait." . Her eyelid twitched at every word.
"CAN'T THIS GO FASTER?!" she snapped. Her anger interrupting the water's flow like a faucet being turned on and off. She shook her hand as if to force the water out. She stood up to shake her hand harder but accidentally knocked over the bucket spilling all the water on the floor.
"UGH!" She lost it, her frustration boiling over. Throwing herself onto the floor, she flailed her arms, punching at invisible enemies while muttering muffled profanities with every swing.
After a moment, she took a deep breath, trying to center herself and find her zen. "Okay Kassidy Kim Ylanes - You were able to capture a giant rat-bat-pigeon hybrid. You can definitely fill this bucket. Maybe like I did in the cave I just need to concentrate or say the spell with conviction."
Once again she placed her hand over the bucket she took a deep breath with a deep voice said "Agua!"
The stream sped up, and Kassie beamed. "Hey, it worked!"
"AGUA!" she shouted with all the energy she could muster. "I'm a genius! Alright I need more water pressure."
One more time she shouted this time getting power from her diaphragm, "AGUAAAAAA!"
She felt a flow of energy reverberate through her and then - GUUUUUUSH!
The water shot out like an uncontrollable fire hose, blasting across the room in wild torrents. Kassie couldn't stop it—her hand flew toward the table, sending chairs skidding back. The fireplace was soaked, blackened soot mixing with water. With a deafening crash, the glass window shattered, spraying water everywhere.
Just then, the door creaked open, Isaac and Hans walked in - firewood in hand. Their eyes widening as they were immediately met with the full force of Kassie's unintended flood.
Kassie stood frozen, realizing she had just sent Isaac and Hans flying backward. The water magic slowly began to subside, leaving her face flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry!" she squeaked, her voice barely audible over the chaos.
"What are you doing this time?!" Isaac growled, drenched and clearly unamused.
Hans, on his hands and feet coughed up water in between desperate gasps. "The... Tree. Is... it okay?"
If you stepped outside, Isaac's muffled voice could be heard reprimanding Kassie. While Han's muffled frantic cries about the Manalara tree's condition layered on top of the chaos. The night sky above twinkled, serene and distant, as the quiet Empire of Serendale slipped into slumber.
This was also the night Isaac and Hans, bonded by shared discomfort, huddled together under one blanket for warmth. Having given up on the soggy firewood. While they thought they'd miserably banished Kassie to the cold living room floor, she was, in fact, cozy and warm, wrapped snugly in her enchanted sleeping bag, pillow propped beneath her head, and three layers of blankets tucked around her.
The very next day, as soon as daylight broke, the trio set off toward Grayridge Village.
Kassie marched brows furrowed at the front of the group, Isaac following behind her crossing his arms as if he was leading her to the plank. Hans was trailing behind Isaac still clutching to the manalara sapling with its new wooden planter.
"I said I'm sorry!" Kassie called out to the other two who kept their distance.
Isaac didn't waver. "Keep walking ten paces away from us" he ordered sharply.
"I told you I can't control it! Please stop making me walk in front of the group!" Kassie turned around and moved a step closer, exasperated by the punishment.
"Walking human hazards must maintain their distance." Isaac stepped backwards.
"Hans, you're on my side, right?" Kassie changed her tactic to pleading.
Hans, nervously clutching the Manalara sapling behind Isaac, shook his head. "I think it's safer to keep a friendly distance."
"You traitor! After I gave you my mana potion!" Kassie turned back to the direction of the village. She stomped forward clenched fist. Then stopped and turned. "But what if something scary jumps out and attacks me?"
Isaac gestured as though to shoo a dangerous predator away, "Then shoot it with your water magic."
"Don't worry, Kassie. The village entrance is just ahead..." Hans's voice trailed off, his eyes widening as they approached. He quickened his steps to see closer what happened to the village.
As they reached the village, it looked nothing like Hans remembered.
The welcoming arch, once festooned with vibrant flowers and colorful ribbons, now slumped sideways, its wood blackened with rot and choked by twisting thorns. The cobblestone road, once carefully laid, was cracked and uneven, overtaken by creeping weeds.
The houses—once lively with bustling families—now stood hollow and silent. Shattered windows gaped at them like empty eyes, while doors hung ajar, and roofs sagged. The air was thick with the smell of damp earth and decay.
Hans froze in place, staring at the ghost town before him. His hand trembled slightly as he clutched the small Manalara sapling closer. "What... what happened here?"
Isaac's fingers instinctively brushed the hilt of his sword. His sharp eyes scanned the scene.
From the distance, a muffled crying baby broke the eerie silence.
"Did you hear that?" Kassie flinched, her voice barely above a whisper.
Isaac unsheathed his sword, sensing the familiar, ominous aura. His instincts on high alert, he took swift strides towards Kassie, closing the gap between them.
But before he could reach her, something stirred beneath the earth. Thick roots, dark and malicious, shot up from the ground, wrapping around her ankle and yanking her into the air with terrifying force.
"Isaac!" she screamed, her body swinging helplessly, dangling by her foot.
Isaac dashed forward, his hand outstretched, but only the tips of his fingers grazed hers before the roots flung her higher, pulling her beyond his reach.
"Isaac you dumb stupid idiot..."
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Kassie flew through the air "OMG! Those two idiots totally saw my underwear!" she yelped, flailing her arms. "Why didn't I just go with Maggie to the library? I'm uninstalling this game when I get back!"