For a few hours, we trekked through the fields outside [Initio], making our way to our destination. There, Kaz and I discovered something important to [Isekai's] gameplay: while Kaz could use the mini-map while in the city, it became disabled the moment we left the city. Because of this, we were unable to determine our current location. Unfortunately, as it turned out we weren't the only ones who affected by this as Arthur was also caught off-guard, causing him to declare that he would use his instincts to get us out of this bind. Yeah, right...
However, Mari had apparently anticipated our lack of knowledge of this, as she revealed that she had bought a paper map about an hour prior. She explained that the reason behind this strange mechanic was because of the developers wanting to try to increase the players' immersion into the game by limiting the mini-map to only be useful within cities and towns. I don't know who came up with this, but it made this [Quest] more difficult for us since it took place outside the city.
As for Kaz though, he seemed to not be too bothered by this. In fact, he felt rather excited as he walked through the fields at my side. Not only that, he seemed to be interested in Mari's map as he looked at her in curiosity. He was a curious kid and just traveling in a virtual fantasy world only fueled it to the point of him just wanting to know more and more. Regardless, he was still staring at a girl, so I covered his eyes with my left hand.
"Wind!"
"Sorry, but you do know that staring at other people is rude and annoying to them, right? Try to respect their privacy, even in a virtual space like this."
Mari then approached us and said, "Oh, it's okay. I'm not surprised to see people getting curious at an item like this. Though I did spend about 700 [Adaments] just to get it. There's a cheaper version, but most of those are empty and need the skill of a [Scribe] to fill them out."
"A [Scribe] skill? Last time I checked, Kaz choose it as one of his skills, right?" Kaz nodded yes, confirming this.
"Well, that's good to hear. But I suggest you be careful and hide your skill from everyone but us." I raised my eyebrow, confused at what she just warned us about. "While buying the completed map is beneficial to everyone who saved enough money from [Quests] and battles, there are some who just coerce other players with their [Scribe] skills just to fill up the map and then kicked them out of the party when they're finished. It's still a rumor, but it never hurts to stay cautious."
It did make sense. Most players liked to focus on honing their combat-related skills, so I could understand why they would take a player with a [Scribe]'s skill in for their own gain. Just imagining Kaz being forced into a party without my presence was a nightmare for me, especially if he didn't want to be in it in the first place.
"I understand. Kaz is my responsibility and I won't let him out of my sight. Besides, if they want to take his services, they have to go through me first!" I did come into the game as his [Guardian Player] and I'd promised to keep Kazuki safe in real life and online. And I was not gonna let anyone use my little brother as a computer.
However, I heard Arthur chuckling. I could tell he found this situation funny. It was so apparent that when I turned around to frown, he'd just avert his eyes away from me. As for Kaz, he just stared at me with a confused look on his face while Mari just smiled as if nothing strange just happened.
"O-Okay. But still, I like to buy an empty map afterward. It would be more fun to make my own map like some of those fantasy novels that they've mentioned."
"That's the spirit!" Mari said happily to Kaz. "If you're lucky, you may discover something that you can't find on any maps from the NPC shops. And even more, if you level up your [Scribe] skill."
"I agree," Arthur spoke up as if he also forgot what just happened. "And maybe, if you'd let me, I could borrow it from time to time?"
I frowned again as I gave him the 'glare'. I could guess from his fearful expression that he'd gotten the message I was sending with it.
"Or maybe not," Arthur said as walked on without saying another word.
"Anyways, according to my map, the forest should be right nearby. I suggest we assume our positions. If we learn more about our roles better, we may able to finish this quest without any casualties." Mari said as she pointed something to her north. When we looked in the said direction, we could see the trees and bushes in front of us. But I was soon startled by a growling noise echoed through my ears.
"Y-Yeah, I can see why. So... what roles are you talking about?"
"Well, in an MMORPG like this, there are several roles based on the play style and skills we currently have. Since mine is based on a black mage, I mostly use offensive spells such as [Fire], [Ice], and [Thunder]. But since I'm only wearing light armor, my defenses are pretty low. So I have to stay in the backline of a battle to avoid any damage."
"So in other words, you're a 'Magic-Ranged DPS'? Yeah, I can dig it. Though, considering Kaz's attire and staff, I could say he would take the same role as you."
Well, he had some magic skills at hand, so I didn't protest this suggestion. But I became confused at the initials he used.
"DPS?"
"It means 'Damage per Second'. They're the ones who attack opponents. Magic and melee combat skills are usually the best with this role, but since you wield a bow, you could take the backline as well as a Physical-Ranged DPS."
Wow, so many terms, so little time to learn them all. Though he was right about my reliance on my bow and arrows. But just in case...
"Yeah, it's a good idea. But I do have a [Wind] and [Swordsmanship] skill as well. So it might be a good idea to let me help you if you get overwhelmed."
"That's true. There are also roles called Tanks and Healers. But since not all of us have some skills on the latter, I guess I should take the role as our Physical-Melee DPS and Tank then."
"Wait, are you sure?" Mari said as I saw that her eyes widened, which I was surprised to see her smile broke for the first time. "I don't know if you have the skill set to survive."
"What do you mean?" I asked Mari.
"Like their namesake, the Tanks' role is to redirect attacks to themselves in order to protect the other party members from damage. Unless you have a high [HP] and defense, it's a very risky role for anyone to take."
"Don't worry about it. I can just to dodge that bear's attacks easy! As long we can put a dent in that stupid bear's skull, this [Quest] will be in the bag before you know it!"
That's what I'm worried about. In the real world, whenever he said there wouldn't be a problem, there'd be a problem. I'm just hoping that it wouldn't be the same in [Isekai].
----
As we entered the forest, we could see the trees and fauna scattering through the woods. Just like the city, it was pretty lively as I heard the birds' chirp and the trees' leaves rustle as the wind blew past them. As I thought about it, I realize that walking through the woods with my friends was very calming and a good way to enjoy the atmosphere of this natural (yet virtual) wonder. But before I knew it I had gone ahead of my friends by jumping across the top of each tree I could find.
The reason for this was because I was the only one who has the [Hunting] skill. As the name stated, I possessed abilities and skills that would help me track down any target in a flash. Besides, finding any items wasn't the only feature for my skill's [Eagle Eye]. Just like a real eagle's eye, it allowed me to see the area with a bird's eye view. I don't really know how it really works in terms of real life, but it was really helpful for my play style, especially for this plan. Since we were dealing with a potential high-level monster, Mari suggested I had to locate it ahead of time so we could formulate a plan on how to fight it.
It wasn't long before I encountered the said beast on my right. I followed to where my [Eagle Eye] had spotted it, and when I arrived, I became shocked by the sight of the humongous beast. It seemed like a normal dark brown bear at first glance, but it was the size of an elephant! How in the world could a bear be so big?! Seeing its red glowing eyes didn't help my case either. I didn't know what I'd gotten myself into, so I used [Investigate] to know more about this beast.
[Wild Bear]
[Known as the "King of the Forest", this aggressive beast is known for attacking nearby humans who invade its territory. Beware of its teeth and claws as they are rumored to be able to cut down a tree in a single bite and/or swing respectively.]
[HP: 580/580]
W-What the hell?! Just reading the flavor text was bad enough, but its [HP] count was too much! Compared to the [Stout Boar] from earlier, this "bear" could end my life in [Isekai] in just a few short minutes, if not even less! Dammit, Arthur! Why did you have to jinx this right now?!
...
"Okay, calm down, Wind," I said to myself. "I can't freak out over its appearance. Right now, I have to prepare my bow and assume my position. If this works, we might able to survive and even win this."
PING!
I was startled by that sudden noise. I soon realized it must've been the others calling me through the whisper option of the chat. In this case, it was telepathic communication, which we simply used by using our own thoughts just like some psychics you often saw on TV.
<<Yo, Wind! We're in position! Ready to get this party started?>>
I don't know if this was such a party in a literal manner, but there was no way to back out now. I calmly took a deep breath.
<<I'm ready. But please, be serious about this. I'm still aware that this is just a game, but I rather not experience death too early. Once I release my arrow, make sure to jump in immediately.>>
<<Got it! Leave it to me!>>
I certainly hoped he had this. Kaz was still with him and Mari. If something happened to him, then the monsters wouldn't be his only worries here. Regardless, I pulled my bowstring as I aimed the arrow at the bear. I was still getting used to, so my arms were slightly shaking. I know this would affect my aim and attack, but I had to concentrate. If I don't, I could hit Kaz, Arthur, or Mari by accident. So I had to take a few breathes and...
TWANG!!!
Just like that, I could feel that the arrow had already left my bow. I didn't close my eyes when I shoot it, but I wasn't sure if it had really flown away as I released the bowstring. That was until I heard a roaring ring through my ears. A roar from right below me. I knew what it meant, but I had to look down to check for sure. And sure enough, I saw the bear with the same arrow I shot penetrating the back of its head. Was that supposed to happen? I was hoping I could shoot into the back of his neck.
<<Nice job, Wind! Great headshot!>>
My eyes widened. It was Arthur's voice as I saw him rushing out of the bushes.
<<U-Uh... Is that a good thing?>>
<<Yes, it is! It may seem to only give that [Wild Bear] a big headache, but you'll have a huge damage bonus for the headshot! Sort of like you'd see in action movies and some shooter games.>>
Oh yeah... I remembered that shooting in the head has a high chance of fatality, so I guess that was somehow okay for my first sneak attack.
<<O-Okay, I guess?>>
<<Now just leave the rest to me! When I get this big guy's attention, you guys attack him immediately!>>
It seemed I had no choice. It was part of the plan after all and he had volunteered to protect us. So I had to rely on him to become a diversion. As I jumped down from the tree, I could hear Arthur's footsteps as he shouted towards the big, bad bear.
"Hey, ugly! Yes, you! I'm talking to you, you poor excuse of a furry dragon! How's about you try a taste of my shining blade!"
As I landed on the ground, I heard a slashing sound right nearby. When I looked up, I saw the bear's left arm bleeding slightly as Arthur continued to run around with his hands still clutching his sword's handle. "Hah! For a dangerous monster, you seem pretty slow! Must be because of your big fat tummy!"
I rolled my eyes when I heard this. His lame insults at the bear might've been annoying, but he was actually good at being bait. Well, if he wasn't running for his life. In any case, I saw him swing his blade at the [Wild Bear's] body, causing it to roar in pain.
Then, as I prepared my arrow once more, I could see Kaz and Mari start to cast their spells at the monstrous bear. I knew I had to act soon, so I rushed towards the bush to my left as I prepared for my move.
----
Current Quest: Subjugate a Wild Bear **
Status: In Progress
Party Members:
[Wind]
[Kaz]
[Arthur]
[Mari]
----
Wind's Masteries
[Archery] Level 5
[Woodcrafting] Level 1
[Swordsmanship] Level 6
[Cooking] Level 1
[Wind] Level 5
[Physical Enhancement] Level 1
[Hunting] Level 4
----
Kazu's Masteries
[Arcana] Level 6
[Thunder] Level 6
[Wind] Level 5
[Alchemy] Level 7
[Magecrafting] Level 1
[Magical Affinity] Level 5
[Scribe] Level 1