I went with Koneko together. She woke up from her sleep and made a yawn. She never left my shoulder since morning. It seemed she got attached to me.

We pa.s.sed by a shop cooking fish on a stick. Her stomach growled a bit telling me she's hungry. Come to think of it, I've famished myself already from carrying all those daggers.

"I guess we'll buy some," I said while patting her head. She gave out a smile and looked happy. She surprisingly lit up a bright color then faded as we approached the shop.

"I'll buy some please."

"That'll be 5 bronze each, young man." The guy smiled at me.

"I'll take two." I handed out a silver coin and he accepted it. I stood there for a minute waiting for him to hand out change but I guess 10 bronze is equaled to one silver.

I held both using both of my hands, feeding myself and Koneko.

Nyan nyan!~

I bet she said it tasted great.

We arrived at the blacksmith shop and saw the old guy forging a sword. I entered with a smile on my face and Koneko started sleeping again.

"Hey, Old man. I'm back."

"What brings you here?" He wiped the soot away from his face.

"Oh, I was thinking about selling you this." I took a small brown bag and poured out the loot inside of it on his table. It scattered.

"Let's see." He started picking up one by one with a fixed look on each one he picked.

"Little boy! How'd you get this kind of stuff? This belongs to a fox demon." He was shocked for an unknown reason, as for me, I was surprised he knew where it belonged to.

"When Arnel and his party saved me, they killed the pack. They let me loot some and I got those. What's so special about it? And why is a Level 0 monster so arduous to deal at?"

He was clearly smiling. I think he was happy that I asked him this question. Come to think of it. It kinda feels lonely in here. He's old and working alone. Maybe he wanted to have some conversation too.

"Level 0 does not mean it is level 0."

I don't understand. I got confused which resulted, me scratching my head. I really don't understand.

"They are not Level 0. Instead, they don't take the level beyond their limit. Since Level (?) didn't exist and so as a question mark on any profile, it registered into Level 0 instead. I bet you're still confused. Level 0 monsters are monsters that surpa.s.sed their level limit. For example, a slime's max level is 10 and if it exceeds its level, it becomes a slime demon and obtains a special level called Level 0. Why did you ask that?"

"See, This armor and clothes didn't belong to me. I got it from the corpses of the Level 1 party who faced the fox demons."

"I see. They've must have mistaken them for easy prey. They should've asked the guild for quests first before grinding and looting."

Seems like grinding and looting exists in this world. This world is really similar to a game.

"You said a question mark in a profile didn't exist. But why are my cla.s.s and attack a triple question mark?" I asked him.

His eyes widen and joy filled his lips. He started laughing and beaming widely at me. He pats me on the back and laughed once again.

"So I see. That's why the sword broke. Since you didn't have a cla.s.s, the sword can't be registered to you. For example, if a mage wielded a sword, it would shatter as well. But it's amazing to see your cla.s.s is blank."

"So you call this cla.s.s ??? as a cla.s.s blank?"

"Yes. There have been stories about someone having it. So I'm not surprised. I have a customer here who used to be like that."

My eyes widen. I need to learn who that is. I'm confused even more.

"Wait you said it didn't exist."

"On Monsters. I forgot to say monsters."

"Then who was that person you meant."

"You know her." He smiled and winked at me. I'm really clueless.

"She's cute and below your height. You don't know someone with that appearance?"

Nope, not a clue. I tilted my head sideways.

"Sigh. It's Ayumi, you stupid kid, Ayumi. You didn't know? I thought you were at a party together."

"We are."

"Then you should've known when you clicked her profile."

"But she said she was a Shadow Thief.

"What? That's impossible. Open it again."

Irritated I flicked open my panel. I scrolled down on the people I've got contact with.

Ayumi, Level 2, Cla.s.s ???

"What?!" I'm more surprised that she's still Level 2.

"See?" He was right but now I'm mulling over her level. How could it be so low? Arnel was Level 30.

"Level 2? How? Old man. How long has she been staying in this village?"

"She just got here a week ago. Even I don't know why her level turned out to be like that. She had been fighting bosses, pillars and grinded for the Days of Cataclysm. Her level was a mystery for us."

"I see. I'd like to ask for more things about you but time is running out. I have to meet Arnel and others. So are you gonna buy the merchandise?" I smirked at him.

"Gladly. I'll pay 20 silver for the fur and 20 silver for the fox teeth. You should sell the others to different shops. I don't use leather except for boots. But I have enough pig demon leather supply."

"Sold."

I ran as fast as I could to return to the inn. Koneko trying her best to hold on to me pierced her claws into my shoulder.

"Ugh! Koneko!"

I arrived finally back at the inn panting. My sweat dripping on the wooden floor.

I saw them at the table talking. Ayumi looks injured. Her right cheek seemed to be bruised and red.

"Ayumi what happened?" I asked.

"She fell from the stairs. I told you to watch her. She's really clumsy." Arnel patted her head as she bit her lip.

"Ayumi, please get well. By the way, what did we gather here for?"

"To discuss to you about something."

So Arnel started talking about the Days of Cataclysm. So basically, this world had some kind of prophecy that it will someday be destroyed by the Cataclysm. Cataclysm eventually appears every once in a year and seems like it's going to appear 3 months from now on. Days of Cataclysm wreaks havoc around the village it has appeared. Monsters would fall from the sky, sea and beneath the ground. Basically, it is a day that wipes out half of the life here on Alheira. There are basically 7 nations. Chesprych, Anatrogyth, Sisperia, Warrenio, Gotto Elfen, Sintrich, and lastly Aquaveric. Cataclysm randomly appears choosing one nation it would destroy. And it is the adventurers' job to defend the nation. They have foreseen the arrival of the upcoming Cataclysm and it's in here, Chesprych. The Queen asked all the adventurers to protect this nation and its villages from the havoc. And that's why they told me they needed my help.

"Bu... But how can I help? I can't even wield weapons."

"You'll be our supporter. You'll carry our potions and equipment. We can't have you accompanying us at that level. You'll be easily killed. At least you need to learn how to survive on the battlefield and earn a bit of experience to strengthen your stats."

"I see your point."

"Then get prepared. We'll grind on the Gra.s.s Valley, the place where we found you."

I packed my things and went on travel. It took us about 2 hours to get to the middle valley. Everything seemed low level there. Arnel and the others went further the woods where higher level monsters are found however they left Ayumi with me.

"Ayumi, how's your cheek?"

"I.. idiot.. why does it worry you?"

"Kreee kreee kreee!"

A flower-like monster appeared. It had orchid as a head and fangs on its stem.

It appeared to be level 5. How could I even fight this? I'm still level 1. We jumped back and Koneko started growling cute cat noises.

Nyaaan! Nyaaan! NYAAAAAN!~

I looked at Ayumi, I got worried that she might be scared. She's too innocent to fight this. I looked at her but she was like a different person. Her eyes filled with murderous intent and her stance felt like she would pounce at any second.

"Kreeee!"

"Get away from the orchista! Hurry!"

Suddenly the Orchista spat out a violet liquid.

"Ahh!" It was too sudden for me to react. I couldn't evade it. Will I finally die in the hands of a level 5 monster? I look stupid!

"Ugh!" Ayumi jumped on me and got hit by some of the liquid. I stared at her liquid drenched chest cloth. It started to burn her clothing as well as the skin of her chest.

"Ugh... Uff..." She was greatly damaged by that acid.

How can I fight in a state like this? I'm too scared...

Suddenly Koneko flew out of my shoulder. My demise and negative feelings started to return. The hatred and pain started to devour me again...

Namimi... Namimi!

I ran directly at the Orchista while shouting. It spat out again but I evaded it. Ayumi was shocked by my reckless move and tried to stop me.

I didn't listen. As I got my distance between the Orchista closer. I immediately kicked it with all my strength. But it didn't seem to have any effect. It just flew off a bit in a distance. Koneko suddenly dashed in and bit the Orchista.

"Kee! Kee! Kree!" the Orchista cried out in pain. It caught the attention of the other Orchista roaming the valley.

This isn't looking so good. I looked back at Ayumi and she's barely standing. I figured out that the acid didn't only burn her clothes and skin but also inflicted some kind of debuff. If I would remember from my past experiences it is called weaken.

"Ayumi! Stay back! Just rest there for a bit."

I told her off but was contradicted when a group of Orchista came behind us. I tried to help Ayumi but then another group appeared at Koneko. I can't decide... I can't... My thoughts are eating me out. I'm getting devoured in my thoughts... Move... Choose... Who do I help.? Please, someone... We're surrounded...

"Big brother... Save them.."

"Namimi!"

For a second I thought I heard her. But it helped me get out of my system. I can do this! I just have to do my best. I have to decide. I looked at Ayumi, she's agile and able to dodge the acid spit. I looked at Koneko and she's flying around the pack, buying me time. If I can't fight using weapons. I'll fight the old fas.h.i.+on way.

"Koneko! Keep them busy! I'll help Ayumi first!"

"Nyaan!~"

"Ayumi! Duck!" I shouted at her when an Orchista pounced at her. This made the Orchista miss Ayumi and it's going straight at me.

"Ahhhh! Umf!" I shouted as I punched the Orchista with my fist clenched with anger and demise. I see now. If Koneko detaches from me, my pain returns. So she'll be useful in simple things and when I enter a battle, she'll know what to do. She'll separate from me, making me less coward.

The Orchista didn't seem to take much damage at all but at least one of the petals came off. I can fight. I can still fight. Namimi, I'll be strong!

Ayumi couldn't attack. She's too weakened to strike. She's trying her best to pierce the Orchista but she's too weak and slow. She needs a buff. Something to give her strength like the Fox Demon Berry. That's it!

"Ayumi! Take this!" I took three Fox demon berries from my pocket. Now all I have left is two. I threw one at Ayumi and she responded with a puzzled look on her face. It was like she's telling me 'are you sure? this stuff is priceless' but I just nodded as my response. She immediately took it in her mouth and swallowed it without even chewing. Then her body started illuminating a scarlet red light then faded in the air. I threw one at Koneko and quickly gobbled it down as soon as she caught it midair with her mouth.

"Grooowl!" her appearance started changing. Her fur started getting longer, no, it's more like she's growing. Her muzzle started to lengthen and her fangs growing sharper. Before I knew it, she was no longer a cat. She was now in the form of a fox.

"Kon! Kon! Koooonrrr!" Koneko snarled at the Orchista.

-Lioness G.o.ddess of the Crescent Moon Skill Unlocked!-

*Fox Queen*

Special Bonus+

Agility Increase

Damage Increase

Health Increase

Dexterity Increase

Special Appearance+

Fox Queen

Special Skill unlocked+

Screech

A panel showed up in front of me. Just how special is this berry? Maybe I'll find out for myself.

Gulp!

Suddenly I felt a burst of power flowing within me. My body felt light just like a feather. My body radiated the same color as Ayumi did before. I can feel my self getting stronger.

Fox Demon Berry Devoured

Permanent stats increased:

Strength increased +10

Agility increased +10

Attack increased +10

Special effect (on use only):

Cures debuff for 10 minutes in battle.

So that's why Ayumi was surprised when I gave her one. This item is too useful just to be given away. Well, it's alright, Ayumi needed it anyway.

I didn't obtain any special skill at all. Seems like only Koneko made the most of it useful. I jolted abruptly at the group of Orchista. I tried avoiding them but it seems I was still not fast enough. It burned my pants and the skin of my knee. It was painful and sent an excruciating pain to my brain. No wonder Ayumi suffered such damage. I can feel the pain but the weaken debuff seemed to have no effect. The berry was useful.

I was able to shorten my distance to one of the Orchista. I kicked it in the air and jabbed it with my fist sending it flying to its groups. But it didn't do much damage. Koneko who was just flying around dived right in after the Orchista slammed to its group and swiped them with her claws.

"Puffg! Puffg! Puffg!" Three Orchista burst into pieces like gra.s.s.

Xp gain +3

Xp gain +3

Xp gain +3

Now all I need is to kill four more then I'll be level 2.

Ayumi was able to strike five down but I didn't obtain in XP since I was far from her. She's able to evade every attack made by the Orchista and was able to slash them with her newly bought knife. She was like an acrobat, flipping around and das.h.i.+ng. She's level 2 but it looked like she was more than that. Her skills were beyond her level.

But it didn't matter. Our cure debuff is starting to tick off. I only have 3 minutes left yet their numbers kept on increasing. It was a never-ending battle. They had us surrounded in the corner. Koneko growled and snarled but it didn't intimidate them. Maybe it's time for Koneko to try her new skills. She can't cast them unless I told her to.

"Koneko! Screech!"

"Kon!~"

Koneko stretched out her body in the ground with her legs apart. She breathed in deeply like she was about to scream. I finally understood that this was going to be loud.

"Ayumi! Cover your ears!"

"SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!" a loud painful screech echoed through the valley. Birds from afar started flying away into the mountains. It was loud enough to pa.s.s through our hands and into our ears. Ayumi and I fell to our knees. It looks like her skill was a Double-edged sword. But luckily, we didn't get paralyzed like the Orchista surrounding us. It was then I realized it was time to strike.

"Ayumi! Keep me near when you strike them so that I'll get XP too!"

"Sure.." she bit her lip.

"PUFFG PUFFG PUFFG PUFFG! PUFFG! PUFFG!" all of them burst.

*LEVEL UP!*

Level 1-Level 2

All stats increase +5

Earned one special skill point!

What's this? Suddenly an octagonal shaped metal appeared in my vision. I tried touching it yet my finger pa.s.sed through. Looks like it's still a panel.

-Choose One To Increase-

(-1 Special skill point)

Each pointy edge can be leveled up. It looks like eight of them are open. Several choices appeared with it. But I couldn't focus. My hearts too painful... Namimi...

"Nyaan!~" I felt something rested on my shoulder. I found Koneko reverted to her cat form resting on my shoulder. I'm starting to feel my emotional pain fading.

"Thanks, Koneko." I smiled as I patted her head. I stared at Ayumi and she was pouting before me.

What? Do you want to be pat in the head too?

Well, I guess so.

"You did well, Ayumi-chan." I smiled at her then patted her head. Her eyes started to look dazed and her face lit up bright red. I felt some air exploded out of her head. Like puff!

"Chchan? Eeeeeh?" She said in a fl.u.s.tered cute voice. She was like a demon on a battlefield, but now she's like a child. Although we're the same age. It seemed like she was too shy enough to be patted.

Still, I have my special skill point waiting.

Should I upgrade north, east, west, south, northeast, northwest, southeast, or southwest? Hmm. Well, let's just go with it.

-Upgraded Northeast Pointy Edge-

-Agility Boost Obtained-

Agility Skill Unlocked:

Stride

Stride? What's a stride skill? Maybe I should find out.

"Stride!"

Suddenly my feet started to tingle. Heh heh, that surely tickles. Then suddenly a burst of spark-like energy burst on my feet. It rocketed me forward.

"WAAAAH!"

"Yakiro!" Ayumi screamed worriedly and surprised. Koneko fell off my shoulder and I went off zooming.

Turn off! Turn off!

I was like skating through the field. I couldn't stop! Make it stop! Then suddenly my negative emotions came back. Just how lucky I am! Koneko had already fallen off before I even noticed! Anyone! G.o.d! Make it stop!

Then suddenly my heart started to beat faster when a tree appears before me.

BLAG!!

It knocked me off my conscience and before I lose my self to it, I see Ayumi and Koneko rus.h.i.+ng to me.

"... Ugh.."