The weather was clear skies, the temperature was 28 °C, a cool north-eastern breeze swept through the forest of Cnidaria and Raishin was sitting on a tree sipping a pineapple smoothie. Ted was digging a tunnel to escape the heat. Ted was about to take a break, so he climbed out of the tunnel and set up his lunch. When he was about to take a bite of his juicy sandwich with top-grade honey, something fell down and crashed down on him. Upset that his lunch was ruined he looked around to find the cause of the disturbed lunch. Next to him was a small crater with in the middle a pair of legs sticking out of the ground. When he recognized the cause of his disturbed lunch he sighed.
Of all the places, you had to fall on my lunch… he asked as he pulled on the legs. After getting unearthed, the owner of the pair of legs spoke.
My bad I found a weird cloud. Raishin said as he dusted off his clothes and spat out an earthworm.
It would be nice if you could keep having a lookout. Where did Agnis disappear to? Ugh, there''s something sticky on my butt Raishin said while examining the crater he made earlier.
Yes, that would be my lunch… They noticed Agnis running at them and frantically waving at them when a big shadow was cast upon their direct location.
Hey, guys look what I found! Trouble? As they looked up, they saw an enormous floating Portuguese man-o-war. … Hey, Ted you can’t use ellipses as a dialogue option, and I know what you’re thinking, but I didn''t do anything this time! I’m innocent! While the 4 were looking up confused a loud voice bellowed from the direction of the floating object.
“HELLO, THERE LITTLE RUNTS! MY NAME IS PELAGIA NOCTILUCA! I’M HERE TO COLLECT TAXES!” Well, this is so unrealistic… a big blimp claiming out taxes, also we’re just brats we don’t need to pay anything, go block the sun somewhere else! After a moment of silence, an obnoxiously loud voice yelled out,
“HOW RUDE, HOW DARE YOU CALL MY CUTE AURELIA A BLIMP!” A small shadow fell off the so-called blimp and it became bigger and bigger as it approached the ground as it landed next to Ted. For an entrance this big, you’re quite a tiny creature yourself In front of them was the owner of the obnoxiously loud voice, the Pelagia Noctiluca. He was about 140 cm tall and he wore black armor that looked quite standard to an armored villain, he was also wearing a luminescent pearl necklace and in his left hand he was holding a megaphone and in his right hand he was holding a weird-looking wand. Wow what a way to ruin the nice view, what do you want? Raishin asked annoyed.
“I CAME HERE TO COLLECT YOUR TAXES!” Pelagia yelled. Zip it shrimpy, we’re right next to you, no need to use that megaphone of yours Can you get rid of that blue bottle that’s blocking the sun? And our taxes are in order, right Gregory?
Wait, why do we have to pay taxes anyways? We’re not citizens of this country! Agnis and Ted said as they looked at Gregory. Instead of a firm confirmation, they saw Gregory starting to become really nervous and breaking out in cold sweat.
Well about that, I was about to, but then I saw this very nice-looking vodka in a liquor store we passed by some months ago, and because I was a bit tight on gold I wouldn''t be able to afford them if I did declare taxes so ummm I kinda didn’t? But as Agnis said we’re not citizens of Igrini kingdom so that should be fine right? Right? Who’s bright idea was taxes anyway and we’re just kids! This is criminal!
“EXACTLY! Uhm exactly!” Pelagia replied as he put his megaphone away. “So, I''ll have to confiscate everything you guys have and especially those shoes as compensation!”.
Ted sighed and looked at Gregory, Noo, not my shoes! I just started to get used to them! Raishin dramatically collapsed to the floor. Agnis helped him get back up
This is your fault with your stupid vodka! I won''t part with my shoes! Fix this! Gregory sighed
Ok listen here my friend here doesn’t want to part with his shoes and I kinda like my vodka, so can’t you cut us some slack?
“Oh, that’s fine, '''' Pelagia said with a smile. Yeh, thought so of course not, wait what? Gregory said surprised. Raishin''s face cleared up and started to smile.
“Of course, it’s okay, because I’m more interested in the alternative when clients refuse, hue hue, ok surrender runts I''ll take your kidneys as compensation.” Pelagia shouted while readying his weird magic wand. Hmm an organ harvester, I did not see that coming… I like my kidneys no thanks! Why does nothing normal happen to us… Gregory had a complicated look on his face.
Please don''t tell me you sold a kidney to buy that vodka, Greg! What do you take me for? Of course not!
You never know what addicts will do to get what they want! Hey! Backoff! I only bought 120 liters!
120… liters? You don''t have that much gold! Let me see if you have a scar on your stomach! Hey, what! Leave me alone! If I give you my kidney, can you throw in a hot chick as a deal? Ted smacked Raishin while Agnis and Gregory we''re fighting.
Wait what happened to the gold you had Raishin? Why do you need to sell your kidney? Well, about that, I may or may not have secretly bought an early access and alpha phase to a super-secret base from a wandering merchant, while you two were restocking in a village and Agnis was training.
“Haha, seems you are all poor, I’ve been quite annoyed with you guys talking like I didn’t exist so I’m quite pissed, no more games! It''s Kidney Harvesting time!” Pelagia yelled laughingly and a lot of goons dropped down from the floating Portuguese man-o-war. It also started to swing its poisonous tentacles and shooting blobs at the four. The blobs turned into bio-luminescent medusae when making contact with the ground and started to approach them. I think this is the part where we run The four started dashing off westbound towards the heart of the forest. The bloom of medusae and the goons followed them in quite a relaxed manner.
<hr>
After fifteen minutes of running, they arrived at a cave complex, catching their breath they looked around to look for any signs of their pursuers.
I think we lost them, we''re saved Ted wheezed while gasping for air.
I don’t think it would be this easy, nor do I think Pelagia will let us off this easy Raishin moved towards a rock and dramatically sat down.
I’m hungry, you got any more top-grade honey sandwiches, Ted? I would have if you didn’t crash into them and ruin them! Agnis inspected the caverns and the group decided to hide inside. When they were about to move inside, they heard some obnoxiously loud laughing through a megaphone.
Crap, it''s Palagia, he’s close! The group ducked into the cave. After some spelunking, they stumbled upon a strange gate that was completely out of place. Ted tried to open the gate but it wouldn’t budge. Annoyed, he punched the door and winced as he was punching a crystalline gate.
That’s not how you open it Raishin said while looking slightly excited.
Wait don’t tell me... THIS is your super-secret base? Gregory sighed. Yup! Gregory and Agnis facepalmed while Raishin gave a thumbs-up.
How is this a super-secret base if we found it after literally 15 mins wandering in this cave system?! It''s still in alpha testing duh!
Right… of course… Raishin walked to the gate. He was too excited to see Ted using “…” as a dialogue option. Raishin struck an edgy pose and said the super-secret password that would open the super-secret gate to the super-secret base. He gathered all his attention and said in a totally not edgy voice.
Lands of a timeless world. A magical, timeless world like no other, there where pearls fill the treasure vault and no one knows the password: Pheasant Boar. The super-secret gate to the super-secret base glowed, then it glowed brighter, and then nothing happened.
Well, guess that worked well Gregory smiled sarcastically.
Give it some time, the gate is lagging, it’s still in alpha testing after all Uhh guys… I think… Before he could finish his sentence, the gate began to glow again and exploded.
<hr>
When they regained consciousness, they were back in the forest. Ted shot a venomous look at Raishin.
Not a word! I know I messed up. Raishin looked disappointed in his failure. Crystal shards belonging to the gate were scattered all over the area where they regained consciousness. Raishin picked up the crystal shards that were shattered on the ground to try and still get some warranty and they started to walk aimlessly.
That gate sure packed a punch Why can’t you guys ever do anything normal… After walking for ten minutes, they felt a tremor. When they looked back, they saw, in the distance, that the forest was on fire.
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It’s Pelagia! Meh, so persistent Let''s run! They started running. Then Raishin tripped
Aww my ankle. Ugh, get up! Ted helped Raishin up and started running again. Then Raishin tripped again
Ouch my other ankle. Really Raishin?
These shoes suck! And who’s fault is that… Then they began to run faster because they could hear Pelagia laughing. Then they saw a small cottage at the end of the path. Just in front of the cottage, Raishin tripped for the third time.
Auch both my ankles! So far for those shoes with ankle protection, you totally got scammed! Ted shouted annoyed. They entered the cottage and bolted the door. When they looked around, they saw an old man staring at them with his big round black eyes. His eyes were so black that it felt like your eyes got sucked into his pupils.
Yikes, a creepy old man! Agnis your manners!
’m sorry, they got blown up with that gate. Agnis, Gregory, Raishin, and Ted turned their heads away because they had the feeling that they were turning blind.
“Any problems youngsters?” The old man said with a happy face. It looked very strange because his face looked like an old pickle. Yes, my feet and ankles hurt We’re being chased by Pelagia Noctiluca.
“My my that’s no laughing matter” he said. “Then if you want to defeat him you have to gather the cane of the dwarf and a golden tooth of the water snake and bring them to me. I’ll make a weapon that’ll whoop his ass in an instant '''' he said while he fiddled in his pocket, took out a map, and put it on the table. So where can we find the dwarf and the snake? Ooh, a map of the forest.
“Beyond Cnidaria’s hills near the ancient ruins of Kundy you will face the trick of the old dwarf.” He said with a mysterious voice. “You’ll find the way if you’re truly looking for it, so move it before it gets too late” the old man continued. “I’ll give you a Desert Eagle but it only shoots crystals so it might be useless but you still can hit good with it” after that the man disappeared mysteriously.
What in the Hourai is a Desert eagle? Hmm, it looks similar to the odd wand Pelagia was carrying, it also reminds me of that weapon Walter was carrying.
Walter? That god you poisoned with milk…
Oh the noob god, hmm yeh this thing looks like a small portable cannon. Do I even want to know what you guys are talking about? How and where did that guy disappear to? He didn''t leave using the door or teleports!
How does this thing work? Is this a foregin weapon? Agnis shook the Desert eagle and it shot out a blast that barely missed Ted.
Hey, watch out! That bear-ely missed me! Hey Agnis, gimme that I think Ted needs another blast!
Hey, wait! I’m sorry! Let’s go get the stuff that shady old man needed! Hey, this isn''t a trick so that he can harvest our organs, is it? Hey, Ted can you carry me? My feet hurt and so do my ankles!
Ugh, Gregory please remember that we need to get new shoes for Raishin when we reach Ainahs. Sure. Ted piggybacked Raishin and they went outside and started to walk in the direction where they originally headed when fleeing from Pelagia and his goons. When they entered the forest again (for the cottage was on an empty plane in the forest) Pelagia and his pawns appeared and started to attack the team. Ted tried to fight them with his Kung Fu but retreated because the poisonous medusae made close combat suboptimal and he was still carrying Raishin on his back.
Use that Desert eagle thing! Agnis pulled out the Desert eagle, loaded it with the crystals they found earlier, and started to give the goons and medusae the beating of their lives. When he almost defeated all the goons with it, Pelagia said with a frown on his face
“Aren’t you supposed to shoot with that thing?” Is it that kind of weapon? I can’t replicate those blasts from earlier Agnis inspected it and pulled the trigger but nothing happened.
What are you doing, Blast him! Ted shouted while kicking some goons away.
I can’t the batteries are dead! He threw the Desert Eagle against Pelagia’s head and started dropping the crystals while running away.
We might have to go back to the cottage… When they left the area, they saw that it was awfully sunny. Before the trees blocked most of the sunlight but now, that they were in a huge clearing they could see that the sunlight was very harsh. Just when they started to wonder why it was so sunny, they saw a sign and the sign said:
<hr>
Welcome to the holy sunny plain
North: Forest of the Elves
West: Hjuva border
South: Nothing
East: Cnidaria hills
<hr>
The sign answered their question and showed them directions at the same time. So, they headed east. When they arrived at Cnidaria hills and could see the ruins Gregory stopped Ted. Wait, didn’t that old man say that between Cnidaria hills and near the ancient ruins of Kundy there is a dwarf that tries to trick us? You’re right, from now on we have to be cautious. Whoa, look at that! A house made out of chocolate, pizza, and ice cream!
But there’s no honey! Ooh, nice! I haven''t had candy and snacks in a long time! I could store some of this! Hey guys! Focus! This is obviously a trap! But as most hungry people would do, Agnis and Raishin ran to the house and started to eat. After ten minutes of munching and crunching, they heard an old shrill voice:
"Nibble, nibble, gnaw,
Who is nibbling at my little house?"
<hr>
Shut up old hag, I’m eating! Raishin had 3 pizzas in his hand and his mouth full of chocolate. Hmm, this ice cream is low quality, somehow this situation sounds familiar to a story I’ve heard before…
“I’m no old hag, I’m a male, and who are you to insult my top-grade ice cream” I’m Agnis, my ice cream is way better! The owner of the voice stepped outside. He had a green leprechaun pointed cap with a dark purple crystal sphere on it. Also, he had a long red robe and yellow shoes with the nose pointed up. The guy had red hair with dark blue dreadlocks. And of course, he had a cane, a silver cane with a golden spiral going from top to bottom, and on top of the cane was a crimson-colored crystal. The leprechaun or dwarf walked to Raishin and was about to hit him with his cane when he tripped over his robe and dropped the cane.
Isn''t that the cane we were supposed to fetch? I think you’re right. Ted grabbed the cane, dragged Raishin, and ran with Gregory and Agnis in the direction of the Aurelia river. When they stood by the riverbank, they saw that the dwarf was following with his flying furnace. Because his broom was eaten by Raisin because it was made of chocolate.
“I should have known that making a house of sweets and chocolate was a bad idea” the dwarf yelled. But they couldn’t go further! I will not go over this river! It’s just some water! And you won’t even get wet let me help you! That doesn''t matter! Let''s go somewhere else! So, when the dwarf was about to catch up a snake fell out of the sky. He fell down and landed on Ted and Raishin.
Whoa, where did that come from? When did water snakes learn how to fly? Beats me, rest in pieces Ted and Raishin. Hey! Don''t kill us off yet! Ted lifted the snake off him and threw it to the ground. This caused the snake to lose his artificial teeth and the golden tooth broke off and fell into Raishin’s hand.
I guess that works… Let''s go! The dwarf was still hunting them down so they started running. Suddenly Raishin saw something sparkle.
Let''s go there! It''s sparkly! Wait don''t pull on my hair! I’m, not a horse!
Giddyup war bear! I will drop you and kick your ass if you keep this up! The four of them ran toward the sparkling objects. They examined the strange object and came to the conclusion that it was the crystals they dropped when they departed from the strange old man. They started to follow the trail hoping that the old man could make a weapon that could defeat Pelagia and the irritating old dwarf that was still chasing them. They ran and ran and suddenly bright sunlight hit their faces.
Hey, I think we followed the trail in the wrong direction. I was following Gregory! Hey! It’s not my fault! Why would you follow me? Fair, this is on us.
“So, I’ve finally got you now to be kind and return my cane and don’t break it because the warranty is expired” the old dwarf gasped. The old dwarf with his green hat approached them with a big smile. So, he grabbed it from Raishin’s hand and returned to his furnace. But when he looked closely, he realized that he was holding the sign:
<hr>
Welcome to the holy sunny plain
North: Forest of the Elves
West: Hjuva border
South: Nothing
East: Cnidaria hills
<hr>
He screamed and looked in the direction where the four were standing seconds ago. But they were gone already.
They stormed into the house of the old man and pushed the items in his hands.
“So, you’ve gathered the items” he whispered. “I’ll make the weapon”
Two minutes later he came back with a gold and silver baseball bat with a crimson-colored spherical crystal.
“All you have to do is swing this bat with all your might and the baseball will do the rest.” Was what the old man instructed. They left the building feeling they could defeat the whole world when Pelagia and his blimp with more goons appeared. Agnis neared a goon with the shiny bat and swung it. The bat hit its target and the goon flew into oblivion with impressive speed. Several goons followed his example until only Pelagia was left. Agnis ran to Pelagia and tried to hit him but Pelagia blocked it.
“Bwahahaha you are a thousand light-years too early to defeat me” Pelagia said while laughing. At that moment an instruction note fell off the bat.
<hr>
The crimson hyper beam:
Rub the crimson crystal and aim
The crystal will release a powerful beam
If the beam hits it will immobilize the target.
While the target is immobilized feel free to hit it to oblivion.
<hr>
So, Agnis went toward Pelagia (he was still laughing with his megaphone), he rubbed the crystal, and aimed. Twelve red and eight blue intertwined bundles of light shot out of the crystal and hit Pelagia in his face. Agnis rushed at Pelagia with maximum speed and hit him. Pelagia flew away with an amazing speed and just before he disappeared, he shouted:
“Light-years measures distance not time…” What was that about? No clue, but this baseball bat is quite a strong weapon. Ooh, can I swing it too?
Sure, I think a monster is approaching us, you can smack it. A monster looking similar to a tiger rat approached and Raishin swung and let go of the bat sending the tiger rat and the bat flying away at amazing speed.
Why?! Sorry, my hand slipped…
Ted! Sure, it’s time to kick his ass. Ted and Agnis spent 10 minutes kicking Raishin’s ass. Afterward, they headed over to the river because twilight was hitting. They spent the night and continued their journey the next morning. Not much happened. They fought off some monsters. Agnis kept complaining about that fighting these monsters would be cooler if they had the baseball bat. Raishin kept complaining about his feet and Ted had to keep carrying Raishin. Gregory kept making mistakes in reading the map so Agnis decided to take over and they managed to leave the forest 2 days later.