ALL NOVEL Chapter 26 – The Vulpine’s Reflection
“Aight, guess I better finish off the miss then and figure outs whats ta do with that nobles.”
Satisfied I had done my best in removing the poison from the mysterious person, I was left smiling at them, hoping they would find some opportunity to escape from these horrible people. My ears twitched as I heard the sound of Bandit’s sword swiftly parting the air above me. While I could hardly see from my constrained vision, it wouldn’t be long until I was killed. Hopefully, the last of my actions would save at least someone today. Closing my eyes, I awaited my fate.
*Cadoon*Cheen!*Boom*
A thunderous roar filled my ears! I guess that was the sound of the blade slicing into my skull!! While my experience with death was rather limited, I was surprised at how ferociously loud this whole dying thing was! There was next to no pain involved though... So perhaps this is what the man meant by a clean death? Geez, my ears are ringing so much!!! I thought everything stopped when you died!!!
I... I can still breath. I... I can still feel mana all around me, and... Sound is starting to come back?
I did die...
Didn’t I?
I mean... That was clearly the only logical outcome in this scenario! The wonderful, and ever planning Inari, helps the strange, mysterious person before suffering her terrible fate of death at the hands of Bandit!
...
Slowly, I began to open my eyes. Concentrating as best I could, I looked ahead to where the captive individual had been.
But he wasn’t there.
Slick, who had been holding him tightly just moments before, was clutching his right arm in pain! While I couldn’t accurately assess from my current position, the shoulder clearly looked dislocated!
I started to regain my senses as my mana gradually recovered. Beside me, I felt a familiar mana signature. Struggling to raise my head to learn more about the mysterious presence... It was that strange noble!!!!! I.... I was at a loss for words! All I could do, was stare upwards at them in complete confusion!
You were supposed to run away Mr. Noble person!!! Why are you— Why did you—
“Are… Are you alright?”
Seriously! Why are you worried about me!!! Quick Inari, you have to tell him to get away from here!!!
*Cough* - “Yes, well, no bu-- *Cough* why did you – you were suppose to --- run! Leave me, and save yourself, I don’t want to see anyone else die!!!”
There! I said it!
It was incredibly difficult to respond to the man, but I somehow managed! I thought I could hold back my tears, but started crying again from the pain I was in. Geez, I probably looked really pathetic like this. A tattered, blood-stained fox, crying, telling someone who couldn’t take a hint to run away!
“Heh, well, that’s not something I can do. You, you cast magic on me, didn’t you? Somehow, you knew I was poisoned and helped me… What kind of human would I be, if I left my saviour to die a gruesome death! That’s just not right, you know?”
I’m.... I’m speechless! Humans don’t care about beastkin!! You should just save yourself! There’s no reason you shoul—
“Look, I don’t know who you are, but if you were willing to help a complete stranger such as myself, then I wouldn’t be able to live with the guilt of leaving you to a horrible fate of death at the hands of these bandits!”
But... if you don’t escape, then both of us will die here! That... That doesn’t make any sense!!!! Oh no! The bandit that killed Drogan is emitting a powerful rage! He just activated his berserk skill!!!
“AGHHH!!! What the fuck are you yas piece of shit?!? Whats kinds of fancys magics was that’s? Yours weapons, where the fucks did theys come from?!?!?”
This is the exact scenario I wanted to avoid!!! Isn’t there anything else I can do?!? The mans already started charging towards you Mr. Noble! If you don’t move now then it’s all over!!!
Concentrating, I desperately started thinking of a spell I could utilize when the unthinkable happened. While I had learned how to track objects carefully during my training with Lupine, the noble instinctively moved with such incredible speed, I almost couldn’t follow everything! That level of speed was impossible for a human! In a matter of milliseconds, he skillfully stabbed the bandit through the chest with his... Sword? Wait a minute... When did he get that sword and shield??? He wasn’t wearing those earlier... Was he?
Maybe—
Maybe we have a chance!!
Quickly, I turned my attention back to myself to take in the surroundings. I had completely forgotten to regain my bearings due to the unexpected turn of events! Come on Inari! You’re suppose to be the incredible supporter and overwatch expert! Alright, enemy radar battle assessment, activate!
Alright, myself, and Mr. Noble are at [0,0]. 30ft east is roughly Bandit’s signature, and 25ft north is Slick’s signature. Garrick’s signature is no longer existent – Target eliminated.
Good, bearings reassessed! Now to see how— Oh no! My danger detection is going off to the north! It looks like Slick decided to throw his poisoned dagger with his left-arm! The noble person also hasn’t noticed it yet either!
Without realizing it, a small smile started to grow across my face as I murmured to myself:
“Challenge, accepted!”
I wasn’t going to let us be defeated here! Gathering mana to my paws, I began bending and weaving the mana particles to create a tightly compressed barrier spell to intercept the flying dagger!
*Shroon*Tchink*
Success! Great job Inari!!! Considering the amount of pain I was in; I was super pleased I managed to skillfully create a barrier spell and stop the dagger before it could hurt the noble!
I.... I think we can win!
Slowly, I started to stand on my feet again. It was a struggle, but I was managing! Using some of the leftover mana still floating around my body, I cast a quick “Heal!” to start easing the pain.
Looking over at the noble, he was in complete shock as to what had just happened! Hehe! I don’t blame him! His face looked completely stunned at unexpectedly being saved from that flying dagger! Now to let him know I’ll support him in his decision to fight and keep him safe!
*Cough* “Don’t worry --*Cough* about me. I’ll protect your flank! Keep your focus on the bandit ahead!”
Geez, talking is still rather difficult! I wish “Heal!” acted a little quicker in repairing injuries... Wait... They’re— Smiling at me?
“Got it, I’ll trust you to keep me safe!”
He.... He’ll trusts me?? To keep him safe?!? I...— But... You don’t even know who I am! I’m just a stupid beastkin that couldn’t even keep their party safe!!! I’m... I’m a failure of a supporter!!
---
No.
I... You need to believe in yourself Inari!! This person, he doesn’t even know who you are, but he is placing his trust in you so that both of us can survive!
My resolve felt renewed. Everything was still painful, but I felt like I could focus better. The mana surrounding me began to feel clear again, how I would always imagine it before any encounter. The possibilities I could see before me were limitless! I... I was smiling again!
Hehe! Alrighty then Mr. Noble!
I, the incredible Inari, will do my best to keep you safe!
Before I could even realize it, my tail had already started to wag again in excitement!! I was confident that we would beat these bandits and avenge Jake’s party!
It was time to initiate Inari battle plan #83 – Bandit’s Demise!
Confident we would succeed; I swiftly brought my attention back to the bandit armed with the poisoned daggers. While he still looked rather shocked at the barrier skillfully stopping his ranged assault, I was able to sense him gathering mana for his next attack. However, I wasn’t going to let him complete it!
Focusing on the mana flowing around Slick, I was able to isolate his unique signature in preparation for my next spell, a perfectly attuned Kitsunebi! Power gathered around my paws as I visualized the specific mana wavelengths related to the bandit. Next, I started weaving the spell’s potency and destination into both the ethereal and tangible plane coordnate—
*Crash*
*Cough*
Damnit! *Cough* I briefly lost my focus as dust and rock particles were scattered towards my direction! It seemed like Mr. Noble wasn’t able to eliminate Bandit with the same maneuver from earlier, and was sent flying into the cliff face!! Oh no! He’s not going to recover in time to intercept Bandit’s follow up attack! He’s charging at him really fast!!!
Alright Inari, support mode, activate!
Quickly bringing my attention to the noble trapped against the jagged rocks, I was able to identify just the spell to help in this scenario! While I didn’t have enough time to conjure a barrier spell from this distance, I was also predicting that Bandit’s attack would probably be strong enough to dissipate a hastily formed barrier anyways.
Tapping into the tangible plane, I began envisioning and forming a solid column of rocks directly behind the noble. Mana formed and coalesced into a sturdy and rigid lattice structure. Then, I concentrated to hold the spell from releasing. Ready to activate it at the perfect moment!
“DIE!”
Hehe! Not today Bandit! No one else is dying under my watch! Shouting loud into my mind, I calmly activated my spell.
Rock Column – Activate!!!!
All of the built-up mana was instantly released in a tightly compact rock column. Skillfully, I aimed the structure of earth to shoot out from just overtop of the noble! There would be no way a human could react to the spell in time!
“AGH!”
Success! Hehe! That looked pretty cool! Bandit has to be winded after taking a blow like that to the chest! While I still wasn’t the strongest with earth magic, I made sure not to hold back in preparing this spell! Mr. Noble was also looking my way again. I did tell you I would protect you, didn’t I?
Alright Inari, time to deal with that pesky Slick.
Quickly, I scanned the battlefield with my eyes and ears, but to my surprise, I wasn’t able to pickup any trace of him. Then, when I focused my attention on where he used to be, I was able to understand what had happened!
Mana particles were still loosely clumped around the position Slick had been standing moments before. However, I wasn’t going to be fooled so easily! Based on the composition of air and light energy signatures, I had a pretty good idea as to what spell Slick had activated.
The common 2nd level thief skill “Invisibility!”
Hehe! That was a really easy spell to counter! Felice had always mentioned to me that “Invismeowability is a simple illusmeown spell for humowns, but it’s only useful at hiding one’s vismeowable wavelengths nayn!”
Since only Slick’s visible light wavelengths were being obscured, that meant I could still easily track him if I focused on his unique mana signature! That’s why “Illusion” is so much better! It can conceal or modify anything the user wants to their will! Changing values, hiding both your physical and magical signatures, anything!
Wait, focus Inari! Don’t get sidetracked thinking about the differences between Illusion and Invisibility! You still have to locate Slick!!
Focusing on his unique mana signature, I was able to efficiently identify where he had skulked off to. Based on his positioning, it looks like he’s preparing to ambush the noble while he’s trading blows with Bandit! But don’t worry Mr. noble, I’ve got you covered!
Once again, I began picturing and combining mana to form a powerful Kitsunebi! Cognisant of the unique signature of Slick, and the differences it posed compared to the noble, I began inscribing and weaving the full extent for the desires of my spell! I pictured beautiful and powerful flames made from the purest of blue and white hues! Their target was to be the bandit, to burn only his body alone. Fire, powerful and vengeful, would erupt from within his soul to consume him in an instant!
Satisfied with my spell, I swiftly sent it flying towards the chest cavity of the man! However, I also made sure to inscribe my own version of an illusion into the flames! That way, they would appear invisible to everyone watching!
Based on the Kitsunebi’s trajectory and estimated impact, it seemed everything would line up perfectly with the bandit’s next assault. The noble is doing well holding his own against Bandit, but even I can tell he is starting to lose his ground. Slick also looks in position to attack him as well!
“Game over, kid!”
“Heh, dies ya shitbag!”
Screaming as loud as I could, I made sure to invoke as much power as possible from my voice. I wanted Bandit to know I wasn’t just some stupid beastkin, but a powerful user of magic!
“KITSUNEBI!”
At my word, breathtakingly beautiful flames of blue, white, and orange, burst forth from within Slick, engulfing him in a powerful Kitsunebi inferno! While the flames were hot enough to instantly turn his skin to liquid, I had taken great care to ensure no harm would happen to the noble that was right beside him! Slightly startled myself at my spell’s destructive power, I could see bits of the man’s flesh burst and flay as it dripped onto the soil in a grotesque fluid form. Maybe I should have toned down the potency... Just a little bit?
Finally, after the eternal seconds of his screaming and suffering, Slick’s agonizing shrieks had finally come to an end.
“AHHHHHH!!!! YOU FUCKING FILTHY BEAST!!!”
Recomposing myself, I could feel a confident smile growing across my face. While I had never used my Kistunebi spell on a human before, I was happy the only time had been to avenge my fallen comrades. Now, with Bandit’s attention on me, I would enact the next stage of my battle plan!
While he began recklessly charging towards me, I expertly weaved together a spell I was all too familiar with; my Inari special combination spell: Illusion and Image!
Covering myself in a shimmering vale of light while masking my mana signature, I rendered myself completely invisible to the man while also leaving behind an exact image replica! Now for the fun part of my sneaky trick! While carefully maneuvering around Bandit, I made sure to manipulate the movements of my image to dodge each and every swing from his powerful attacks and slashes! Imagining the wavelengths of mana as strings attached to each critical joint of my image, I was able to shift and turn the projection’s body to seamlessly avoid all of Bandit’s haphazardly attacks! Then, satisfied I was now in a good position, I decided to let the man feel “some” sense of fulfilment by purposefully making my image “trip” on the ground.
“AH HA! GOT YOU!”
*WOOSH*
The look on Bandit’s face was wonderful! The steel-short blade cleanly sliced through the air as it desperately tried to maim my image! Keeping with the flow, I calmly dispelled both my image and illusion spells to give my sarcastic reply to the raging assailant.
“Hehe! That was a good one! Wasn’t that an amazing trick Mr. Bandit? Bet you didn’t see that one coming from a stinking beast such as I!”
Nailed it!
Great job Inari! Bandit looks absolutely furious at my comment! The veins on his forehead look like they are going to burst at any moment from his anger! Perfect! Also, it looks like that noble is making the most of the opportunity to finish him off, go Mr. Noble!!!!
Calmly, I watched from behind as the mysterious noble leapt high into the air to attack Bandit from above! Wind blew all around me as I watched in awe at the captivating scene! Finally, our life-or-death struggle, was about to come to an end!
From the ground, I could sense Bandit had thrown his sword upwards to strike the noble while he was in the air. While I agreed that was the appropriate response, I was more than confident nothing would happen from his desperate throw!
Yes! The noble was able to dodge the attack by deflecting it with his shield! Very cool! – Now to finish him off with your sword like earlier!!!
---
Wait... Why aren’t you trying to stab him with your sword??!?! That’s clearly what you were aiming for...
Right?
As I looked on in confusion about how the noble planned on ending the conflict, I began to feel a powerful surge of mana collecting around his right hand. The ratio of mana wavelengths seemed to indicate a fire spell of some sort, but the power seemed... Different? I didn’t hear him speaking any incantation during his fall, yet the mana particles were clearly gathering around his hands efficiently! Are... Are they doing–?
*Schroon*Booth*CHING!*
A surging wave of heat roared outwards from his hands in a powerful laser beam-like attack! My eyes hurt from the heat as the residual warmth flowed over my fur and whiskers! What the heck was this spell!?!? They also didn’t say any words to weave and combine the mana particles before releasing their attack!! Did... Did this noble– Just do Incantationless casting?!?!?
Rubbing my eyes to bring some sense of relief to the spontaneous dryness, I was able to take in the damage this person’s spell had caused. While his body was still standing, I could no longer sense a mana signature from the man known as Bandit. He had been eliminated from a single cast of this noble’s spell! Looking at the bandit’s head, there was now a fist-sized hole cleanly bored through the skull! No blood or other bodily fluids appeared to be leaking out from the new opening. Instead, only the image of the forest behind him could be seen through the new found window! Finally, the noble gracefully landed back onto the ground and shouted with incredible vigour.
“WE DID IT!”
I was still lost in thought, but eventually, my mind caught up with the moment. Internally, I found myself saying “Yes!” as well!
We did it Mr. Noble! Somehow, we managed to endure an impossible fight!!! I... I can’t believe we survived!!!!
My tail began to wag in excitement!!! Hurriedly I began running over to talk to the noble. I already had hundreds of questions I wanted to ask them! Especially about the spell they used!!!! I thought that was a super cool ability! I absolutely loved learning about new spells and magics! But as I was heading over, he collapsed on the ground!
Oh no! He must have used too much of his mana in that last attack! Quickly, I checked his mana wavelengths and he appeared to only be unconscious. Phew, that’s a relief! He also appeared to be in some pain as well! It looks like his left shoulder and deltoid muscles took some damage during the encounter with Bandit.
While he was lying on the forest floor, I cast a “Heal!” spell to help alleviate some of the pain and begin the recovery process. While heal was pretty useful, it wasn’t the amazing miracle treatment adventurers made it out to be. Your body still had to repair itself naturally, and that took time. Heal just helped speed up the recovery process.
That’s when the adrenalin started to fade and I once again realized the position I was in. While the encounter with the bandits had come to an end, I was still injured, exhausted, and surrounded by the corpses of my party mates.
...
Next, my emotions started to catchup with me. While I was happy to have survived the ordeal, my mind kept flashing back to images of Jake, Drogan, Kael, and Lyra. I may not have known them very long, but this was the first time people I’ve interacted with, had actually died.
I... I slowly started to realize that I wouldn’t be able to ever speak with them again. Some... Some of my actions had resulted in their death! If... If only I trusted my danger detection spell to warn them about the potential threat Bandit’s group posed! If, if only I had reacted faster then... Then maybe...
Tears started to form in my eyes again as I found myself looking over the now somber battlefield. The once beautiful forest floor, was now stained in various abhorrent shades of reds, greens, and browns. Organs littered the grimy dirt, while the smell of burnt flesh and blood filled my sensitive nostrils, making me feel nauseous.
This... This is what fighting was... Wasn’t it?
Did I... Really want... To be an adventurer?
Is this why Felice only wanted me to do herb gather requests...? Could I— Ever become...? –
...
I don’t know...
My thoughts froze as I could only stare at the gross, forest floor. The grip on my staff started to loosen as I reached to grab my handy journal. Tears dripped from my face, lightly falling onto the cover of the well-worn leather. Gently, I brushed the salty water away as I read the lettering I had scribbled on the front.
“Inari’s Trusty Adventurer’s Handbook! – The Secrets To Becoming The Best Adventurer Ever!”
...
Why did I ever think being an Adventurer would only be filled with fun and laughter? Was it... Childish of me to think I should be happy as an adventurer? How did I not realize that... Horrible things can happen...?
...
Lowering my journal, I wiped the tears from my eyes. Every part of my body felt gross. My fur was tacky and clumped together from blood, my nails were chipped and jagged, and my beautifully white and red robe that Yarn had crafted for me, was ripped and torn.
Looking towards Jake and Drogan’s corpse. I... I had a hard time comprehending all of the events that had happened. I... I had always dreamed of fighting monsters with an adventuring party... Was... This the reality I was destined to experience, over and over again?
---
---
No.
You have to be strong Inari! If not for yourself, be strong for the people that died!
Focusing, I concentrated on the mana signatures that use to belong to Jake, Drogan, Kael, and Lyra. While I knew they were dead, I didn’t want their bodies to continue rotting in the forest. They... They deserved more than this!
Slowly, I began gathering what mana I could around me. Speaking quietly, I struggled through my cracking voice to offer my incantation. The spell to lay their bodies to rest.
“Terra, heed my crying voice and know my sorrow. While death is life, and life is death, grant their souls peaceful, eternal rest. Return their bodies back to the cycle, to once again, become one with you. – Last Rites”
When I finished speaking the incantation, blue, ethereal flames, slowly erupted to engulf the bodies of my first party members. Silently, I merely watched as the flames continued to crackle and flicker away. As the ghostly flames consumed their bodies, I found myself clutching my paw tightly around my journal. With newfound resolve, I mumbled to myself:
“You have to get stronger Inari. — Stronger so that no one else dies while you’re their supporter! Stronger, so you never know this feeling of pain and suffering again!
I will— Become an adventurer!”