Fight. Level. Survive.

Chapter 36 - Nettlewood

The third faction of Ganehfrel is the Thelbeckans, a religious power who claims to know the true story behind the disappearance of the gods. The members of Thelbecka are devout and deeply spiritual, with a strong belief in the power of their gods.

Thelbecka's influence extends beyond the city walls, as their followers can be found in many neighbouring regions. They are known for their charitable works, and many of Ganehfrel’s poorest residents have received aid from Thelbecka in times of need.

Despite their good works, Thelbecka is, of course, not without its controversies. Some members of the faction have been accused of using their religious beliefs to justify actions that are harmful to others. Additionally, their claim to know the truth behind the gods' disappearance has been met with scepticism by other factions, who view Thelbecka's beliefs as unfounded.

They are also known for their extensive ‘Holy Army’ that use secret training methods to produce some of the strongest fighters in any known world. They deny any such methods exist and instead claim their army is ‘Blessed.

Despite this scepticism, Thelbecka continues to wield significant power within Ganehfrel. Their followers are numerous, and their influence is felt in many aspects of daily life. Whether their claims about the gods are valid or not, there is no denying the impact that Thelbecka has on the people of Ganehfrel.

- Excerpt from ‘The Trials’ Chapter 1, The Factions

Chapter 36 - Nettlewood

“You’re late, Mr Hughes,” Nays said as Mason entered the Inn.

“I am not!”

“Well, not quite, but you were cutting it pretty close!”

Mason rolled his eyes at her and replied, “I don’t think I ever told you my last name.”

“Perks of being a receptionist. We know things,” She said, trying to be mysterious.

“Oh, is that right, Miss Nettlewood?”

Her eyes went wide, and she paled slightly. “Where did you hear that name?”

Oblivious to her reaction, Mason said, “Perks of being awesome.”

Nays spoke slowly and deliberately, “Mason, that’s my clan’s name. You really shouldn’t know that.”

“Oh shit, I’m sorry. It’s just an ability I have. It gives me information basic about people.”

“Why shouldn’t I know your name? It seems like it’d be pretty common knowledge.”

“I can’t talk about it here… maybe on the way to wherever we’re going….”

They made their way out of Town in relative silence. Mason tried making conversation a few times, but from her curt answer, Mason could tell she was agitated.

As they approached the farm that the contract had specified, Mason slowed and turned to face Nays, who had been trailing behind him. “Are you okay? Is this about me saying calling you that name?”

She sighed and sat down where she was, “When I was young, I ran away from home. It was all just too much; I don’t know how much you know about Elves?”

Mason sat opposite her, “A little, but not much.”

“In Elf communities, your clan is everything. It’s your family, your identity, your heritage. When I ran away, I didn’t just leave my family. I left my clan. And that’s a big deal. It’s like I lost a part of myself.”

Mason listened intently, sensing the weight of her words.

“Nettlewood was my clan. I haven’t told anyone that in years, not since I left. And then you just come along and say it like it’s nothing.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you. I really am sorry.”

Nays looked up at him, her eyes softening a little. “I know you didn’t. It’s just a sore spot for me.”

Curiosity got the better of him, “If your clan meant so much to you, then why did you leave?”

Nays hesitated before answering as if considering whether or not to share this part of her past.

Seeing that she was uncomfortable, Mason spoke first, ”I’m so sorry. You just said it was a sore spot, and here I am asking you to talk about it. Forget I said anything.”

She hesitated a few more seconds before she spoke up. “No, It’s okay. I left because…. It wasn't just about my clan. It was about the way things were in my community. There were expectations placed on me that I didn't want to fulfil. I wanted something more than just a life of tradition and duty. I was shocked when you said the name because… If anyone from my clan knew I was here, I… don’t know what would happen.”

Mason nodded, sensing the gravity of her words. He saw a single tear make its way down her face. “I understand. You can come to me if you ever want to talk about it or need help with anything. But for now, shall we go kill some slimes?” Mason grinned at her trying to cheer her up.

Nays stood up, brushing off her pants. “Yes,” She said with a smile “, let’s do this!”

Mason nodded, standing as well. They made the rest of the way to the farm.

Before long, they spotted the culprits. The contract has said three or four slimes. Mason scoffed. Looking around, he counted 19 of the things. They were about the size of basketballs and were a pale green colour. Their bodies were slimy and gelatinous, with a texture that reminded Mason of Jello. They didn't seem to have any discernible features except for two small black dots that served as their eyes.

Their movements were slow and clumsy, but they were relentless in pursuing anything edible. Mason watched as they oozed around the farm, leaving a slime trail behind them.

These things shouldn’t do much damage at all, so I’m going to distract them so that you can shoot them that way, you’ll get most of the experience points.”

“Experience points?”

“Err, Chaos energy, whatever, just try not to shoot me!”

He turned to Nays, "Are you ready for this?"

Nays nodded, drawing her bow and pulling an arrow from her quiver. “I’m ready. Just don’t let them get close to me.”

“Why? Are you scared?”

“No… they just look really gross.”

Mason drew his dagger and charged towards the slimes, with Nays following close behind. As they closed in on the first slime, it turned to face them, its two black dots locking onto Mason. With a wet squishing noise, it lunged towards him, its slimy body jiggling as it moved.

These slimes were fearless. For a moment, Mason worried he’d made a mistake, and these were actually super powerful ancient elder slimes.

He side-sidestepped the slime’s lunge and swung his dagger, slicing the slime in half. The slime let out a high-pitched squeal as it dissipated into a pool of goo.

You have slain – Monster - Level 2 Nature Slime.

You have received a share of 20 XP.

For your contribution, you have received 15 XP.

Never mind, they were just normal slimes.

“Hey! I’m the one who is supposed to be killing them!”

“Sorry!”

Nays took aim and fired her arrow at a slime, hitting it squarely in the centre. The slime shuddered before it popped like a bubble at a toddler’s birthday party.

Mason and Nays continued their assault, Mason dodging and weaving as the slimes tried to attack him and Nays, shooting them one by one.

Mason threw out his hand, trying to knock away a slime that had been heading towards Nays, “OUCH.” An arrow was sticking out of his palm.

“Sorry, my bad! Squeaked Nays.

Gritting his teeth, he pulled it out. “It’s fine.” He called back.

It didn’t take them much longer to finish up the rest of the slimes.

Mason grinned, looking over at Nays. "That was fun, apart from when I got shot.”

Nays smiled back, wiping the slime off her face. "Yeah, it was. We make a good team, and I already said I was sorry!”

“Yeah yeah, I know. It’s all fine now, all healed up.” He held up his hand, showing Nays.

Out of nowhere, his ring vibrated, alerting him that he was in danger. Without thinking, he shoved Nays to the ground, thinking he was about to be attacked.

She landed and looked up at him with hurt in her eyes. “Mason! What was that for?”

“Crap, I’m sorry, I thought…” he trailed off. “Can you hear that?”

There was a low buzzing noise.

Monster - Vespara Level 12

Slimes are what happens when liquid is left somewhere with high magical saturation. A Vespara is what happens when that liquid is royal jelly from a Monarch Wasp.

Its body was a sickly yellow that glistened with a viscous slime that oozed from every pore. At the end of its body was a sharp needle-like stinger. Its eyes were a bright, piercing red, glowing with a fierce intensity. It hovered there, watching them.

Mason called back to Nays, not taking his eyes off of the wasp monster. “It looks pretty scary but isn’t actually that strong! Do you want to have a go at it first?”

No answer. He chanced a look back and saw a bundle of clothes on the floor. Standing on top was a doe. Mason smiled and started to let out a laugh before he saw the death glare the doe gave him.

He faked a cough to cover his laugh. “It’s fine! I can deal with this one!”

The wasp slime was still hovering a few hundred meters away. Mason took out his bow and started shooting arrows at it. The first few missed going wide. The next few hit the creature but seemed to have no effect. The arrows entered the beast and deteriorated in the liquid that formed the body of the monster.

Ok, this might be slightly trickier than he had thought.

He ran towards the Vespara and shot a Magic Missile at it soon as he got close enough. It hit, and the wasp slime exploded. What was left of it rained down on Mason and doe Nays. Everywhere the goo landed started to itch terribly.

You have been inflicted with the Delirium of the Royal Jelly. For the next 60 seconds, your Intelligence is lowered by 20%. Your Perception is lowered by 20%, Your Agility is lowered by 20%

Your willpower has lowered each effect to 15 %.

The remains hit the ground and immediately started to merge together, reforming the Monster.

For a second there, he had thought the last attack had finished it. “God Dammit.”