Fantasy World Creations

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OODM

From crystal ooze:

Small A-Grade Mana Crystal

Update your Items sheet when you get a chance.

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You make your way back to camp without any trouble.

Fred sighed with relief once he saw signs that they were nearing camp. "Alright, we made it! Tu, go get yourself some proper medical treatment. Also, thank you for the help, I've learned I still have a long way to go before I can really fight well with all of you." Fred humbly thanked the four of them. "And with that, I'm going to go train. Let me know when the others come back so we can see how sustainable living down here is."

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"Shuren! Give me everything you've got, I still have a ways to go."

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"Hm?" Fred exclaimed to himself during a break between bouts with Shuren "There's a new power...? Barrier?" Fred stands from his resting position. "It likely works the same, so let's try it. Barrier!" Fred states in a commanding tone, waiting to see what manifests.

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"Oh what is this I hear? Grueling training, coming right up!" Shuren said, as he appeared almost out of nowhere, and proceeded to use his weapon against in a flurry of strikes.

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The moment you asked 'Barrier?', a bubble appeared around you. When you said Barrier in the more commanding tone, a menu appeared.

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During the next set of training, the other groups started to arrive back. Both of the groups had seem some trouble exploring, and many of them came back with wounds. No one was lost however.

The foraging group reported that they found a number of mushrooms and plants. They brought back about 10 pounds worth of edible roots and mushrooms. They had also brought back the carcass of a giant centipede-like creature, that didn't taste too bad once cooked. All in all, this would buy the entire group another day.

Fred carefully listened to everyone's reports, as well as noting their injuries. In the end, he could only sigh. "It seems this isn't sustainable. Everyone do your best to rest up and heal your wounds. We've gained an extra day, but it looks like we'll be going to the surface in a week's time. Instead of strictly exploring the tunnels, let's try to make this area safer from attack. Build walls and whatever other defenses we can with our supplies. I don't doubt that we'll have to flee here again."

"Until then, I am going to focus on training. I still can't hold a candle to all of you, and the last thing you need when we get out of these tunnels is a burden. We're going to be saving and protecting others, you shouldn't need to do the same for your own leader!" Fred chuckled out, mocking his own condition. His eyes had been opened in the tunnel. He wasn't a raven anymore, and running away at the first sight of danger wasn't an option anymore.

"Any questions, or thoughts of what else we need to do? I'm sure I've overlooked something."

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Day 1

Training:  1d20+11 : 15 + 11, total 26

Training:  1d20+11 : 18 + 11, total 29

Training:  1d20+11 : 13 + 11, total 24

Training:  1d20+11 : 4 + 11, total 15

Training:  1d20+11 : 4 + 11, total 15

CON:  1d20+9 : 15 + 9, total 24

Training:  1d20+11 : 10 + 11, total 21

CON:  1d20+9 : 4 + 9, total 13

Training:  1d20+11 : 1 + 11, total 12

CON:  1d20+9 : 17 + 9, total 26

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Day 2

Training:  1d20+11 : 12 + 11, total 23

Training:  1d20+11 : 7 + 11, total 18

Training:  1d20+11 : 16 + 11, total 27

Training:  1d20+11 : 8 + 11, total 19

Training:  1d20+11 : 3 + 11, total 14

CON:  1d20+9 : 16 + 9, total 25

Training:  1d20+11 : 9 + 11, total 20

CON:  1d20+9 : 11 + 9, total 20

Training:  1d20+11 : 5 + 11, total 16

CON:  1d20+9 : 9 + 9, total 18

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Day 3

Training:  1d20+11 : 1 + 11, total 12

Training:  1d20+11 : 20 + 11, total 31

Training:  1d20+11 : 4 + 11, total 15

Training:  1d20+11 : 7 + 11, total 18

Training:  1d20+11 : 9 + 11, total 20

CON:  1d20+9 : 11 + 9, total 20

Training:  1d20+11 : 7 + 11, total 18

CON:  1d20+9 : 12 + 9, total 21

Training:  1d20+11 : 5 + 11, total 16

CON:  1d20+9 : 12 + 9, total 21

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...About five days of food left, is it? Fred thought to himself as he looked over the supplies. He'd been trying to keep track of the rations every morning before training began. We should start scouting above ground again, see if we can assure supplies. These caves aren't good enough to live in as is. Fred quickly left the supply tent, seeking out the Lai sisters or Eris for advice on how to proceed.

You manage to quickly find both the Lai sisters and Eris. It seems like they were gathered with Lu Zhihao《Sadist》, along with Filiane, at the mana flower that they had planted near the base of the spirit tree. In the past few days, Zhihao had been using much less actual attire, and was wearing nothing more than bits of black ribbons and scraps on her body.

Lu Zhihao licked her lips when she noticed you. "Leader! We were just talking about causing pain to test some things, wanna join?"

Filiane frowned as she smacked Lu Zhihao's head. "Bad Zhi. Bad." Filiane eyed you right after. "This flower is a rarity... It seems to produce something that restores mana, as per Eris' description. And trying it ourselves seems to work. The rest managed to forcibly wake me up by pouring some of the liquid down my throat when I mana blanked out earlier today as a test..."






"A way to restore mana isn't something quite known up there... Magic is one of the key components that drives the victor in conflicts. Normally, unless one was gifted such as you, Fred, or... born with it such as I... mana remains a limiting factor for most mages."

"In other words, all the sects above us would kill for this. Anyways, what's up Fred?"

"Interesting...this might be the answer I was looking for then. I'm sure you all are aware, we're running out of food. And now that we've found a substance worth trading for anyone above ground, well, I think you know where this is going." Fred smiled knowingly at the group. "I'd like to form a team for retrieving supplies. Trade this liquid for its worth in food, wall and defense materials, and anything else you think would be necessary." Fred began pacing a bit as he spoke, looking at the crystal-lit caves around them. "This cavern has proven safer than any of the former bases, so I think making this a defensible home is important. In the mean time, now that I know the flower's worth, I think we need to head back into the tunnels. There was another one we came across that I'd like to retrieve. So I'd like recommendations on who should do what task."

Having wandered toward a suitable rock to sit on near the group, Fred takes a seat as he continues addressing them. "Once the Ravens have a nest, we can start reclaiming our territory properly."

"If it comes to heading to the surface, then I volunteer myself, and Eris." Lai Fen announced. "Us two are one of the strongest ones in our group. If we run into the Red Hand, then we'll be fine. I would recommend that we take Abrielle up with us as well. She seems to do rather well with bartering and dealing with something as rare as this mana restoring liquid... More than likely, we'll have potential dealings with sect leaders on the surface."

Eris frowned.

"It's dangerous in the tunnels. I would like to go with Fred." Eris said.

"And so does everyone else." Lai Fen said sarcastically. The ex-leader of the Dark Ravens turned towards you. "Well, Fred? What do you say? If it comes to strength, Jed, and Ju are probably next."

Fred nodded along with Fen's assessment, smiling empathetically at Eris' protest, "I'd say Fen's idea is probably best. As much as I want safety in numbers in the caverns, the stealthiest members are needed on the surface. It could be heavily patrolled by the Red Hand, or some other new leader, for all we know. I want to prioritize the above ground group's safety as much as possible, especially returning with the goods.Don't get tracked. Fred placed his chin in his hand, taking a sort of thinking-man pose where he sat. "But without you two, I don't think I'll do any intense exploration in the caves just yet. As Eris said, it's dangerous. So a quick flower retrieval, in and out. As for who..." Fred falls into thought

Ju would indeed be a good choice, and Bethany made a good scout. I would bring Jed, too, but he's taking care of-

"Wait, hold on. Jed was watching over Ruogang, right!? How's her condition? It's likely best that he continue attending to her, if it's still bad." Fred said with concern.

"She's still in bed and Jed's being a hover mother." Lu Zhihao said. "She's no longer in pain though. Believe me I can tell. The last two days at least she's been fine, just won't get out of bed and pretending to still be sick. Jed continues to pamper her though. Feeding her with a spoon, placing wet towels on her forehead."

The sadist rolled her eyes. "It's beginning to feel like 'Mo Ruogang' is attached to Jed. Which I don't quite understand why. Sure he's got muscles and can probably take a delicious punishment. But he's waaaay too bone-headed." Lu Zhihao bit her lip as she eyed you hungrily. "I'd much prefer to hit you, Fred."

The other girls glanced at her strange choice of words.

"... like with a whip."

"I wouldn't worry about Ruogang." Lai Fen said. "She's been rather docile lately... I sat and talked with her when she woke up. Loyalties aside, she understands she can't really do much either way. Plus... she seems to soften up whenever Jed's around. You can talk to her yourself if you'd like to, Fred."

Quote from: Throndir on June 10, 2020, 11:00:44 AM
"... like with a whip."

"...eheh. That isn't much better, Zhihao..." Fred nervously chuckles out a few words to try to move past the situation. "I might have swoop in to see it for myself. Ruogang being docile? Interesting." Fred smirks, imagining the situation as described. "Well, in that case, I can't take Jed away now can I?" He says with a smirk.

"Alright, if there's no objections, then the supply team will be Fen, Abrielle and Eris. You have the best expertise for this job, which needs to be successful for the success of the Ravens. Also, if this substance is as powerful as you say in this world, do your best to make sure it doesn't end up in the hands of our foes. As for the flower retrieval..." Fred thinks for a moment. "Well, I have people in mind, but I guess I should ask...who wants to do it? Having volunteers is better than ordering, in my mind. With Jed out, so far the list is just Ju. Considering we'll be trying to carry a large flower safely, we'll likely need around four more. Two to protect, four to fight anything we come across."

"Now hold it!" A voice called out. You recognized that it came from Tiffany Ninetail《Dark Raven》.

"That wench Abrielle has been rubbing it in my face that she's being relied on instead of me!" Tiffany looked crossed but she boldly strode up to you, with her hands on her shapely hips. Her red eyes stared into yours. "You are taking me! Now, now, I was once ex-nobility too before being enslaved, but I'll have you know that I too am a Dark Raven! I can help with retrieval!"

Edyth Razorfang《One Slash, Four Kills》 who was standing quietly behind her spoke up.

"Lady Ninetail... Tis not proper to push yourself on the hero... You musn't."

Tiffany paused at that as she sighed and nodded.

"Yes, yes, Edyth. You are right." The nine-tailed girl mumbled. She retried again, this time bowing her head in deference to you.

"Hero Fred, I ask that you take my retainer and I to be your guards, so that I can prove my worth as a Dark Raven..." She paused as she then turned to look for her nemesis, and spotting her a distance away talking with other members of the group. "OVER AND BEYOND THAT OF THE WENCH ABRIELLE!" She shouted towards the other woman in the distance.

Fred flinched a little at the sudden shout and approach of Tiffany, as he'd not expected anyone from outside the conversation to answer his question. He was also left rather speechless with her bold style of volunteering for the mission. At least until Edyth broke into her passionate exclamation to calm her. "Right, well, I don't think she was pushing herself, I did ask for volunteers. And I'm happy to have the both of you, thank you." Fred said, trying to defuse the sudden hostility. That was much more 'competition' than I remember...

"That leaves two more spots. No more volunteers to go into the caves? Hmm...in that case, I'd like Bethany, Filiane, and Gu Bai to join as well. Any of you are free to refuse if they feel more useful at the camp, or don't wish to explore the cave. Fred expected his words to stir up concern, especially around the request of a certain individual, but he felt it was necessary. "The rest of the Ravens can continue to work on base fortifications, as well as preparing a new location for the next flower that we're bringing back. Also-" Fred paused to change the subject. "I also have a request of those present. I need to analyze a new ability I have, and would like some insight on it. Oh, don't worry, it has nothing to do with 'Destroy'." Fred stated knowingly, trying to address any concerns.

Fred took a moment to focus before stating his command. "Barrier!"

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When you mentioned Gu Bai's name, Bethany rose her eyebrow, and glanced around at the rest. Edyth narrowed her eyes slightly. Gu Bai, who was at a short distance away, heard her name be called, so she began to draw nearer towards the group.

"I guess since the hero is here, we won't be stabbed in the back."

"Lady Ninetail!" Edyth whispered fiercly.

Gu Bai, of course, heard the comment, but she only tightened her lips bitterly. She did look towards you though.

"Are you sure you want me to come, Fred? I don't want to be a problem..."

"Hey! I'm teasing!" Tiffany complained, realizing her joke was being taken too seriously. "Didn't think it was too soon! We've all seen you making an effort to talk with everyone the last week we've been down here. Plus, there isn't much privacy so everyone can pretty much see what everyone else is doing."

Once you stated the Barrier command. A blue bubble appeared around you, surrounding you completely. The casters of the group, Filiane, Bethany, and Tiffany looked at it curiously.

"I haven't seen anything like that before. It's made of mana? It's magic?"







"It almost looks like a Ki Barrier." Lai Fen said. "Jed can do something similar, but it uses his ki to fuel it."








"I know something that will help you test out your new power." Her eyes shone almost lustfully.

"Fred. Let me whip you."

"She's right, Bai. You were in a tough situation, and to my knowledge, we've all come to understand that. If anything, you've been purposely misinforming the Red Hand." Fred says, confirming Tiffany's words. "It's still taking time for many to get used to the idea that you were a spy, but your intentions were the same as the Gu Bai we knew before this. I think everyone just wishes you'd come forth about what you'd been doing before. That's it. You're still part of the family."

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"Yes, it seems like a shield made of mana. Is it really that strange?" Fred looks down as his now-mana-cloaked hands. "With all the other magic I've seen, I would have thought a defensive ability like this existed. I wanted to compare the two." Fred says, somewhat in disappointment, before turning to respond to Fen."You can make something like this with Ki? I guess it makes sense since I now know you can emit it for attacks. How does this compare?"

Fred sighs at Zhihao's request, "You're not giving up on that, are you?" He pauses a moment in quick thought. "Fine. Do it. May as well make your odd request productive. I want to know how strong it is for future use."

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"Thank you, Fred..." Gu Bai said, bowing her head slightly towards you.

"Yes, exactly! See! We're all... uhh..." Tiffany paused as she blushed a bit. "... family, or whatever. I guess." She said, not being able to really look at anyone in the eye. "ANYWAYS! That means we can pack up some supplies."

"Let me gather what's necessary." Edyth replied in deference who had been standing near Tiffany the entire time. Tiffany simply nodded at this, and with that Edyth separated from the gathering.











"Nyahahaha!" Bethany's voice boomed when Edyth left to gather supplies. "It's nyime for Bethany to show what she's made of! Nyi've been training hard since the first time, too."

"When nyare we leaving?" She asked glancing towards you.

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"Of course it's strange. You're the one who's breaking all the rules, Fred." Lai Fen responded.

Bethany and Filiane nodded.

"Nyusually defensive myagic involves Earth myagic, and sometimes Air myagic." Bethany said explaining. "Nyu can't use mana to do things that Ki can do. That just doesn't make anyu sense."




Filiane continued the explanation.

"It's like a person... To nurture and grow someone's body, you need nutrition, rest, and exercise. But to nurture someone's mind, you need them to think, to learn, and to develop critical thinking skills." Filiane's eyes continued to eye the mana barrier, and even test it with her hand. "You creating a shield with mana is like having a student go through learning how to do mathematics, but result in them getting muscular instead."

"See, leave it to our mages to explain it. You can't do with mana, what you can with Ki, or vice-versa. So, Fred, what you're doing is actually really weird." Lai Fen concluded.

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"He gave me permission." Lu Zhihao said, her face cracking into a smile as a whip suddenly appeared in her open hand. It took you a brief moment to realize that her whip was actually part of the clothes she had wrapped around her body. "He gave me permission!" She repeated in an almost daze-like trance as a bit of drool slid down the corner of her mouth.

"CONSENT!" She began to strike, each one more frantic than the last. Her eyes too looked more and more crazed for each strike of her whip.

Fred nods back in affirmation to Gu Bai, before turning his attention to Tiffany as she spoke. Seeing the obvious blush of embarrassment, and thinking back to the enjoyment he'd had getting similar reactions from the Lai sisters, Fred had a mischievous grin creep onto his face. "Ohhhh~? What's this? Tiffany, don't tell me you're bothered that we're all a FAMILY!?"

As Edyth separated from the group, Fred gives her a knowing smirk, communicating that we'll handle her Lady's outbursts while she's gone.

Soon after, Fred was greeted by the energetic and boisterous appearance of Bethany, "Ha! Good! I've been doing training of my own. Hopefully I'm not as much of a- oh how'd they say it...muddy stick?" Fred looked around in a questioning confirmation. "As for when we leave, let's go in 1 hour. Now that we know how to handle these flowers, we can bring some supplies to make extracting and carrying it easier. Other than that, I'd like to check on the well being of the rest of the base, and see how the defensive building has been progressing."

---

"Ohhhhh..." Fred says with wide eyes, looking back down to one of his hands. "Strange, since it feels so natural. I could have never guessed it was such an impossible ability, considering what else I've seen. Making a shield with my own mana, instead of forming it by infusing an element...I imagine it will be much faster and more stable, then?"

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