Chapter 52

Etson National Forest, Etson - 12:51 AM

The walk back was an uneventful trudge. The Writhing Belt Whip was passed from Kayla to Jeff, then to Corwin where it miraculously worked like a collar, and then back to me. Everyone was topped up by the time we neared the camp, though stamina was an issue for the others.

I attempted to snap my fingers as I remembered something, and managed to succeed. “Now that I’ve had time to calm down, I have something for you two to fight over,” I said, reaching into my inventory and pulling out the black jewel the Vespae boss had dropped.

[[Item]]

Minor Weapon Enhancement Jewel

This consumable is a one time use item. When run along a weapon, increase the given stats of that weapon by +2. A weapon can only be enhanced three times unless specifically stated otherwise.

I handed it over to Kayla, who examined it before handing it to Jeff. Once he had a chance to look it over, he gave it back to her. “Put it on your Vanishing Dagger, or the nameless one,” he said. “Killer Sting can wait for a bit longer.”

“Are you sure?” she asked.

Jeff nodded with a smile. “Positive,” he replied, kissing the top of her head. “It’ll help you a lot more right now than it will me.”

With a nod, Kayla summoned her Vanishing Dagger and ran the enhancement jewel along the blade. The weapon shone with a white light before the enhancer disappeared. “Wow, that was the worst fight over anything I’ve seen in a long time. Thanks for the entertainment,” I said sarcastically, and they patted me on the back before holding hands the rest of the way.

When we arrived at the river Corwin dove in and started splashing around playfully, eliciting warm smiles from the group. “Still need a bath, though,” Kayla stated.

Once we crossed, we saw that the Kobolds had finished moving in. There wasn’t a big pile of things in front of the chuck wagon anymore and all of the doors and blinds were closed. I stopped at nearly the same place I was when I warned Kayla and Jeff not to go any further and waited. Two Kobold warriors and Elder Tet emerged from the chuck wagon and hurried our way. Corwin, soaking wet, ran towards them.

“No, stay back, beast,” Tet said as he tried to shove the dog away. Once Corwin was properly chastised and returned to Jeff, the Kobold addressed us. “Did you succeed?”

“Yeah, we got her,” I said with a chuckle.

A wave of relief washed over the Kobolds. “Thank you, human heroes, thank you so much.”

“We’re doing what we’re supposed to, is all,” Jeff said, though I could hear the pride in his voice. “Where should we plant the tree?”

“There’s a field that’s used for sports nearby, we should plant her there,” I said.

“I know where you’re talking about, I’ll lead the way,” Tet offered.

We began following him, though his guards returned to their patrol. The shadows danced menacingly around us humans, but Kayla and Jeff seemed too tired to notice. A Lost Shadow was a fairy type creature that was nigh impossible to fight on account of it being a disembodied shadow. Without light, there was no way to defeat it though it also couldn’t hurt you without your shadow showing. The light from the moon was blocked by the clouds, but it wouldn’t try to attack without Tet’s order. Despite its malevolence towards humans, it was easily reasoned with by other monsters.

The field was a short hike away over pavement, and led to a large clearing with two rusted soccer nets on either side. It looked like it had only been a week or so since it had been mowed, so it was a little high but nothing bothersome.

“Here,” Tet said as we stopped in the middle of the field. Jeff pulled the token from his inventory and looked it over before attempting to hand it over to the elder. He shook his head. “No, as her champion, you should do it.”

“Oh, alright, so what do I do with it?” Jeff asked.

“Place it on the ground, and the magic imbuing it will do the rest,” Tet explained.

With a nod, Jeff walked a few feet away from the group and crouched down. He gently placed the token on the ground. A bright flash of green light engulfed the field, causing Jeff to fall over backwards, and in a second the sapling grew out of the ground exactly where he placed it. I snickered at the look on Jeff’s face, and he couldn’t help but have a laugh at himself either.

Beside it, the figure of Serranras with her hands clutched to her chest began to fade back into existence the same way she faded away earlier. She looked exactly the same as she did before, and I heard Jeff release a breath of relief as he stood up and rejoined the group. I understood that; I hadn't been sure what state she'd be in the first time, either.

Serranras’ eyes fluttered open, and she looked at us before a big smile bloomed on her lips. “These heroes have succeeded,” she said joyfully.

“It is so good to see you safe and well,” Tet said quickly as if he couldn’t hold in his excitement. He took a knee, tail wagging fiercely. “Now that we are so close, we can better protect you against any threats that face us.”

“Thank you,” Serranras said, smiling while placing a hand on the Kobold’s head. She looked back at us. “This land is fertile, and this tree mother feels the safety of the fae nearby. This tree mother is eternally grateful.” Serranras bowed gracefully, and text boxes appeared in front of us.

[[Quest complete!]]

Serranras’ mother tree has been planted in a safe area thanks to your efforts. Without the ever-present threat of the Vespae looming over the Kobolds and the tree mother, they can spend the days before the war in harmony.

Reward: +200 points.

[[Contributions]]

You have defeated the Quest Boss [Jickree, Vespae Tormentor]; +300 points

You have defeated x12 Vespae Warriors; +60 points

You have contributed in slaying x15 Vespae Warriors; +15 (75) points

“Finally,” Jeff said as he moved through his menus. “Time to pump that constitution.”

“Just in time, too,” I muttered gleefully, causing a stern Kayla to smack my arm again.

Serranras looked back down at Tet. “Kobold Elder, would you leave me with these heroes?”

The Kobold hesitated, but nodded and got up to his feet. “Of course, tree mother, though if I may say a few words?” When Serranras nodded, he turned to us. “Thank you, all of you. I have no words for how much your actions mean to us, but we will be there to fight alongside you when the time comes. You have my solemn commitment on that.”

“Thank you, Elder Tet, we’re glad that your people could escape and we’re looking forward to liberating the forest with you,” Kayla said with a tired smile.

“I’ll let you know when it’s time,” I said.

“Then I will be off. May you all travel safely.” Tet shook each of our hands in turn before heading back towards the cabins.

“This tree mother will also do what can be done to help in the war with the Vespae intruders,” Serranras said once Tet was out of earshot. “This tree mother’s ability has been harshly diminished due to the transfer, but what can be done shall be. Weapons can be made for the forests' denizens, and quickly. This tree mother will see to it.”

“We would appreciate any assistance the tree mother can provide,” I said.

Serranras smiled warmly. “If this tree mother shall call these heroes by their name, Anthony, then this tree mother insists that she is addressed in a similar manner, though the method of knowing this tree mother’s name is still a matter of confusion.”

“It’s a factor of a lot of reasons, Serranras, but I thank you for the privilege of speaking to you on even ground,” I said with a small bow.

“You will make a good champion someday, Anthony.”

“That’s high praise,” I responded with a chuckle. “We are heading north after the war, and the blessings you have imparted on us will be of great help. I assure you that your trust in us will not be treated lightly.”

“If you acquit yourself as well out there as you have in here, then I believe you.” Serranras stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me. I returned the hug for a few moments before she pulled away, leaving the pleasant scent of apples lingering on my clothes. Serranras looked over at the Mills. “Jeff and Kayla have been awfully quiet, are they injured?” Before they could protest Serranras stepped in close to Kayla and started prodding, inspecting the tears in her clothing and running a finger over the closed wounds.

“No, no.” Kayla jumped, grabbing Serranras’ hand before she could touch her again. “No injuries, thanks to Anthony. He’s the one who really did all the work here, you know.”

“Is that so?” Serranras said with a tilt of her head. She looked Kayla over again, visually inspecting her for injuries, before hugging her. I watched, amused, as Kayla blinked and slowly returned the hug. It was especially awkward due to the height difference. Once she was done it was Jeff’s turn. The Dryad was almost immediately on him, poking at his chest for any injuries.

“Oh, uh, yeah, Anthony’s the real MVP for sure. Perhaps your gratitude may be better served with him?”

“Good wingmanning, bro,” I chortled.

Serranras just smiled up at Jeff before hugging him as well. Corwin, feeling jealous, slid in between the Dryad and his master. She laughed in amusement and dropped into a crouch, barely removing herself from Jeff to do so, and wrapped her arms around Corwin’s neck. “Thank you, Corwin.” The dog’s tail began wagging as he tried to lick the Dryad’s face.

“I suppose we should be turning in, too, eh?” Jeff said, his voice suddenly nervous as he stepped away from Serranras and Corwin

“This tree mother was actually hoping to have a talk with you, Jeff,” Serranras said. She released Corwin as she stood up. “And Kayla, of course.”

“Oh. Please give us a moment to, uh, talk to Anthony,” Jeff said before he pulled us halfway across the field. I had to stop myself from laughing. Jeff looked at me and then to Kayla, then back at me before whispering. “I’ve never spoken with nymphs before, I don’t know the polite way to say n-“

“Is it worth it?” Kayla suddenly cut in, staring into my eyes with an intensity I hadn’t seen before. It was a prime opportunity to tease her for all the times she called me psychic boy, but I decided not to go after such low hanging fruit.

“The King of the Forest passive is amazing,” I told her honestly. “Basically, you’re never going to be attacked by plant-life again unless it’s sentient and has an agenda against humanity. Fae creatures will be friendly, even those normally wary of humans, unless they have an agenda against humanity. Other nymphs will listen to your opinion and take it into consideration when big changes are being proposed. It’s not a flashy power that deals a lot of damage, but it is a massive help in the survival department. I have no idea what you’ll get, though, only Jeff. Never brought a date to the dryad party before.”

“And there’s no other way to get that stuff?” Kayla asked, frowning.

I shrugged. “There’ll be more Dryad in the future, but the opportunity will be missing as this is the one that claimed your husband.”

That made Kayla wince, but she nodded. Jeff held up a hand. “Don’t I get a say in this?”

“I already know what you have to say.” Kayla looked her husband in the eye, stern but somehow still gentle. “So consider it already said.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said, miming zipping his lip. That was twice now I had to stop from being overly amused.

“Ugh, how are you so comfortable with her casual nudity, psychic boy?” Kayla asked.

“What do you mean? It’s casual nudity, you act casually with it. That’s why it’s called casual." I wasn't able to keep the teasing tone from my voice this time. Kayla contemplated my answers for a few seconds before putting a hand over her face and sighing. To my surprise, she snapped open her inventory and pulled out a bottle of red wine. “You probably don’t want to do that?”

She eyed me curiously. “And why not?”

“It might ruin the ritual,” I answered.

“Oh, so it’s a ritual now?”

“Yeah, it’s a tree strengthening ritual to help her regain some of her strength, help regrow her tree, and expand her influence.”

Kayla stared dangerously into my eyes. “You said she claimed Jeff.”

“And she did, even Elder Tet said so.”

“He got concerned and warned me about being too close to Serranras’ champion.”

I shrugged. “What can I say? He’s a little old fashioned.”

“You said that he’d get an offer!”

“Yeah, and this is that offer.”

“And you mentioned that you waited until a more intimate stage to insist she call you by name!”

“Yes, this is very intimate for a Dryad,” I said, trying not to smile as her anger flared. “She’s not a human, she doesn’t have the same social constructs we do. You seem to think that I explicitly meant sex, but it doesn’t have to. Of course, that is an option, one that I will admit past vision me had taken before. The system drew straight from the old stories that were written in a different time, after all. If you want to, do it, I won’t judge. If you don’t want to, don’t, I won’t judge. You can also always, always say no.”

“You’re an asshole,” she said before putting her finger in my face. “Take Corwin home, give him a bath.” Without waiting for a response, she grabbed her husband by the arm and started walking towards the tree mother who had been waiting patiently.

“Come on, Corwin,” I said with a laugh. The dog stopped following them and looked at me, tail wagging. “Wanna go for a run? Good boy Corwin wants to go for a run with Uncle Ant?” Corwin started bouncing as his tail picked up speed. Turning, I felt for the direction of the Broken Boundary door I left in the train and started running. Corwin, the little bundle of energy that he was, chased after me into the forest.

Without anyone to slow us down and a doorway portal once I was in range, we would make it back to The Angel Express in record time to give a dog a bath and head to bed.