Skinling Slasher

Everyone else nodded before sitting In an X shape with one person facing north, south, east, and west to watch each other's backs. Additionally, Allura watched the backpacks in case other applicants had ideas to steal them.

The area around them lay desolate ruins of long-forgotten eras, decrepit and crumbling. The ground, void of vegetation, seemed as black as night.

'One Skinling is very difficult to deal with.' Natasha thought while leaning back and placing her hands on her lap.

"Natasha, I'm curious if we can party up as it works in video games. Perhaps we can share the xp we earn, and we can rise in strength the same amount." Valentina asked while smiling.

"Although that sounds useful, I'm not sure it exists. However, getting stronger at the same pace sounds amazing, and our teamwork can grow more cohesive." Natasha replied while grinning and smirking.

"I heard skills like that exist. However, you will have to buy them with credits at the academy. Additionally, it's probably costly due to its usefulness." Kiannah says while scratching her chin and looking out into the distance.

"Well, who wants to become the leader of this group? I mean, it will help since the leader will send out instructions for everyone else. However, let's vote to make it fair. What say you?" Allura questioned everyone while resting her head on her hand.

The other three agreed and began to ponder who they wanted as leaders. However, when they voted, it was a tie between Allura and Natasha.

"Ara, Ara.~ It seems we are at an impasse.~ Perhaps Natasha and Allura should each have a turn at leading, where the more competent one is the leader.~" Kiannah teased before winking and smirking.

Allura, Valentina, and Natasha looked at one another before nodding. Afterward, Allura and Natasha began doing rock, paper, and scissors, and Allura won.

"That settles it, ladies. Allura will lead for a day, and Natasha will lead the day after. Whoever is better will win." Kiannah says before clapping and looking at Allura.

"Allura, what should we do today? Perhaps kill more Skinlings?" Valentina asked while tilting her head slightly.

"Yes. And we'll focus on facing them individually to gain more fighting experience."

And so the group began killing Skinlings and taking breaks afterward. Additionally, they ran away when encountering a group of five or more Skinlings. This continued until the day ended, and everyone leveled up two times and saved an extra level for a rainy day.

"We did well without any mishaps. Your great at leading Allura." Kiannah praised before smiling and patting Allura's back.

"Thank you for the praise Kiannah." Allura replied while softly smiling at her.

"You're welcome. Now, tomorrow it's Natasha's turn to lead us into battle." Kiannah says before shifting her gaze toward Natasha.

"I'll do my best to lead us to victory." Natasha stated before smiling as she picked up her backpack and put it on.

Everyone else nodded before returning to the ruined house. Subsequently, they barricaded the door before getting ready for bed and falling asleep.

***

After eight hours, the group got up, prepared, and left the house hastily and smilingly. And they subsequently killed enough Skinlings to gain another level before they took a break.

"Natasha, you are also great at leading. It's going to be hard for us to choose the leader." Kiannah praised while smiling and patting her back.

"Thanks, Kiannah. However, we still have a while before returning to our hideout." Natasha thanked her before sighing and looking at her surroundings.

Rustic ruins of old monoliths, cathedrals, houses, or even broken-down castles dotted the landscape. And behind one of these ruins, a silent killer watched the group.

"I wonder when we'll find another group of Skinlings. It's fun to fight them." Allura stated while humming softly, and her eyes seemed to sparkle.

"I do too. However, we should rest more first." Valentina suggested while stretching her arms over her head and arching her back.

Right after Valentina did this, a blur flew, and she felt a tremendous amount of pain in her neck.

"What was that!?" Valentina asked before looking at her neck and seeing blood spewing out of it. Afterward, her eyes widened, and tears fell as she felt weak and lightheaded.

"Valentina, level up now! Hurry before you die!" Natasha yelled while looking for the culprit who caused Valentina's injuries.

Valentina nodded and used her reserve level up, and consequently, her injuries completely healed. Afterward, she held her neck subconsciously.

'System, will I get a quest for this?' Natasha asked.

<A new quest has been generated.>

<Kill the Skinling Slasher Alone>

<Description: You must kill the Skinling Slasher without any help.>

<Reward: One normal roulette ticket>

<The time limit is fifteen minutes, and the penalty is one pearl coin. You have no choice but to accept.>

'I shouldn't have asked.' Natasha thought before spotting the Skinling Slasher.

It looked like a creature from a horror movie. Its head was somewhat dog-like as its jaws elongated forward like a crocodile. It had many long teeth that intertwined and seemed like a cage. However, it had no eyes or nose. Instead, human skin covered the upper face.

It didn't have much of a neck, and its body was serpentine with two front limbs that seemed eerily human-like. However, its hands each had five long claws at least a foot long. Further down its body, a third limb lay.

It was kangaroo-like and seemed to support the back of the undead. Additionally, its third leg had four long claws similar to its front limbs as a tail snaked its way behind the third limb.

And human skin covered the Skinlings body, say for its claws and teeth, while the blood vessels keeping the skin attached to the bones inflated and deflated repeatedly.

However, the Skinling Slasher faced the group while its front claws gripped the ground. However, it didn't make a sound and just silently sized them up.

'This thing looks very dangerous, especially since it's so fast.' Natasha thought before furrowing her brows and narrowing her eyes. "Everyone, I'll face this thing alone."

"No, don't do that! We can fight it together like we always have." Valentina pleaded while her eyes widened.

"Valentina is right. We can kill this thing together, Natasha!" Allura yelled in agreement.

"Natasha, please don't fight it on your own. We can do this together." Kiannah pleaded.

'I'll defy this mission and listen to my friends. I don't have enough experience to face something like this alone.' Natasha reasoned before looking at her comrades. "Alright, I fight alongside everyone."

"That's great. Now what should we do?" Valentina questioned while smiling.