D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad

--- Kat ---

Turns out. Making a large ruckus in a forest is as good as inviting the nearby monsters to attack you. Only the weaklings of course, anything larger hunts on their own time and the waves of attackers were easily dealt with by the group. Most of the monsters were these strange snake-like things that could extend out wings and glide for a short time. Explore more at m,v l'e-m|p| y r

When the monsters finally let up the group decided to make camp for the night. It was late in the afternoon now, and while it was possible to make more progress before they took a break doing things this way was more convenient for everyone. No sense in moving, especially with a rather spacious clearing at hand. With all the recent environmental damage they had plenty of space to set up for cooking.

While Kat was getting started on that, with Kamiko ready to do her best and follow instructions, Lily and Hunter were asking Bower about the snakes. "So what were they? Are they normally so easy to take out?" asked Lily.

Bower nodded, "We call them tree snakes. They have a rather unique ability to hide inside of the trees themselves. They don't find or make holes, they are simply able to merge with the wood… but they aren't that scary at the end of the day," finished Bower with a smirk.

Lily rolled her eyes and asked "Why not?" Sure Bower was baiting her with the way he left such an obvious follow-up but he seemed to be amused and Lily was getting used to it. Besides, she was always happy to learn more, especially from someone who knew what they were doing.

"Well the issue is that while they can merge with trees… they have tiny lungs and never learned how to breathe inside of a tree. They managed to adapt in such a way that their wings can take in air for them, allowing them some leeway… but yeah, no air inside of trees, or at least, none easy for a snake to get at.

"So as scary as they might sound in theory? They just can't hack it. They have to charge in because they can't hide inside of the trees properly. They aren't really ambush predators like ya'd think. Instead they use their ability to merge with wood to launch themselves around while gliding between trees. They're fast, and their venom is pretty damaging, but nothing ya can't cure.

"They hunt in groups, which can be a problem, but as ya saw they are really fragile. Just smack them out of the air and break their wings and they freak out. Don't know what to do with themselves after that. They can technically move like a more standard snake but they seem to struggle to remember that fact," explained Bower.

"Is it worth collecting their venom sacks?" asked Hunter. "While the ones frozen by Kat and Kamiko, or burned to ash by me are obviously irretrievable, the ones you and Lily killed likely have some that remain intact,"

Bower shrugged and said, "Maybe? I mean, I wasn't going to bother before ya brought it up but with the other two cooking we don't have anything better to do. It's decent enough venom. Not sure it'll be useful against anything we're likely to face but ya got those fancy rings and I've got me own tricks so… sure why not,"

"It simply offends my sensibilities to leave a potential hunting tool lying around. Ignoring the meat is one thing, especially in such a populous forest where it will be eaten, but the venom can be turned to our own ends," stated Hunter.

"Well if ya want to take it all that's fine with me," said Bower.

"No, you should take your share," stated Hunter.

"Eh, I might not even need it if the future plays out as expected," retorted Bower.

"Perhaps, but until such a thing comes to pass it shall remain in your care," said Hunter.

"Right, fine. If that's how ya want it lass. Though now I gotta ask… what IS my share? Am I taken the ones I killed? Takin half because two people are responsible for the useful ones? A fifth because we got five members now?

What about a fourth if the two cats count as one unit? It's all very confusing for me old brain," said Bower with a chuckle and a very clear grin on his face.

However it was a valid question, and one Hunter wasn't expecting. She frowned down at the snakes strewn around the area. "I… do not know," admitted Hunter. "I had not properly considered distribution until you mentioned it. My original plan was to offer you half, thinking that we demons constitute one group, and you constitute a second as our guide.

Now I am wondering if that line of thinking is rude, and incorrect,"

"Ah don't worry your pretty little head Snakey," said Bower as he reached out to pat Hunter, only to get a glare in return, making him back off.

From there, Hunter and Lily grilled Bower a bit more on the specifics on the tree snakes as well as the correct way to cut into them. Lily was surprised she was so ok with the process. She wasn't completely disgusted with blood and gore before this, but she hadn't exactly enjoyed the frog lesson in biology class. Now that she was a Memphis though?

The only weird feeling came from using a knife for this.

Soon enough Kat and Kamiko had everything prepped for the food. It was a salad with some cold meats tastefully arranged alongside it. Mostly to avoid needing to use a fire to cook anything. Kat let everyone finish their first helping before she brought the topic up. "So, that fight with the water elemental… was ok but mostly a mess.

Nobody got hurt and that's good but we need to work out how to react as a group in the future.

"This time it wasn't a problem. Nobody got hurt, as I said… but the elemental wasn't all that scary. We need a process. Like, should I have bothered to hand off Lily or do I need to trust her to get to safety on her own. Should I jump to the front of the fight straight away? Or should I let Hunter get some attacks in first.

"Most importantly, at least from my perspective, is what do you want my main job to be in a fight? Am I meant to protect the group? Focus on staying back and taking hits for everyone? Or should I be right up in the scariest monster's face? Ensure that it CAN'T attack anyone except me? I get that it'll change on the situation but I feel like we need some basic plans in place,"

"I am not particularly worried about striking you with my attacks," stated Hunter. "I have more than sufficient practice excluding people from my demonic fire. Even people I did not like at all. You are at no risk from my fire directly, though the things I set on fire may cause issues if they do not expire as quickly.

"I also believe myself to be a good shot. I will ensure that any bullets I shoot would at worst hit less vital areas. I do not expect that to be necessary except perhaps against the drake, but I feel it best to warn you now anyway. As for your other questions?

"I believe your main strategy should change depending on our foes. If we're fighting a strong foe, engaging it should likely be your priority. If it is multiple weaker foes, I recommend staying back and playing protection detail. Even in the case we are attacked by one strong foe and multiple weak foes, I would recommend keeping the strongest busy.

There is always risk, and eliminating the largest one allows the rest of us to ensure the smaller issues are dealt with. Does anyone disagree?"

Lily let out a long sigh, "I don't really like the fact Kat's taking the tank roll but… it seems like a solid plan and I trust her with it. This way me and Kamiko can contribute. These little skirmishes have really helped me refine my abilities even if the danger is almost non-existent in most of them. So… maybe some way to ensure we don't fold under the pressure? Probably just me.

Kamiko seems fine in combat,"

"Um… thanks Lily. I mean, I've had a lot of practice. Combat is something I've been doing for years. Even if I can be quite shy a lot of the time and I have a hard time making friends… I don't really have that hard a time in combat. I mean, I'm not battle maniac but I like to think I can protect myself," said Kamiko.

Bower just shrugged and said, "I've got no issue if that's what ya want to do. I'm just your guide here," Nobody believed him.