Ubisques - 3

A pull shook the earth, the string that held dominance over the frog pulled it from its place on the ground and into the waiting hands of the players around.

Yet it was not only them that had pulled the frog from its place. But several soldiers that found a sort of ecstasy rise from the adrenaline.

They pulled once more, this time securing the rope to the trees and pre prepared holes. All in the hopes of hunting this monster.

But it roared once more and pulled one, two, even a third rope from its place. Yet in the place of all three of those ten more were placed.

A sickeningly sweet voice echoed through the ears of all those that could hear, ordering them to take their weapons and stab, poke, do whatever they could. All in the hopes of felling the monster before them.

Once more they followed Lilith's orders their minds practically blank as they found their stride. Hundreds of pokes, prods, and slashes pounded through the tough skin of the frog.

But what truly sealed its fate was the final attack, made by Lilith, the sword at her side gouging the heart of the frog from its confines.

A ding echoed through her mind, one that she subsequently took notice of, yet sighed at the same time.

It was not enough XP to level her up, in fact she doubted that any except for those closest to their next level would gain anything from it.

Originally it would have given 1000XP for the effort, but split between twenty people there woul be a measly 50XP for each and every one of them. Including her.

Lilith picked the flower at her feet, touching the grass and mud all the while. She blew the petals through the wind and found them suddenly blown farther than even she could imagine.

Once more she looked up only to find that same angel looking down on them, his face impassive as he watched the guards dismantle the giant frog. 

He must have thought them incompetent, or more likely weak. But she knew different, Gabriel was measuring them. Finding their strength.

…

…

…

As he flew through the sky, his back faced the warm air, hovering through the patch of players and watching.

Waiting as they stabbed through the frog's skin, losing multiple men to its strength. Only to recover and kill it.

Once they did it was only a matter of time before their faces turned green with exhaustion and sickness.

Not in that they were poisoned. But in that they were disappointed, almost to the point of sickness at the miniscule gains they gained.

Gabriel smirked at the sight, it was one of the most hated features of the game. That the XP, already rare and low as it was. 

Was shared equally among the contributing parties, regardless of contribution. It was for that reason that the truly great would strike out on their own.

Monopolizing the XP and growing while those in groups did worse, gaining one level while those on their own, with enough skill, gained twice, or even three times their levels.

Gabriel once more turned and flew away. Though not before making eye contact with Lilith, a smirk on his face as he winked and flew away.

Once he was out of their sight Gabriel flew freely back to where he wanted to be. A place where he could grind out a couple of levels, as long as his mana did not run out.

And judging by its current state he would probably be able to kill three or four of the same frogs without difficulty.

The rest would take some time and effort, most likely bringing him to the verge of death.

But so was the nature of the game. To be so deadly. To all that played it.

…

…

…

[+Level+]

[+Level+]

[Gabriel]

[7]

(0/12,800)

[HP: 100]

[Mp: 900]

[strength: 1(9)] 

[dexterity: 13(29)]

[vitality: 1(1)]

[intelligence: 1(9)]

[SP: 9]

[Traits:]

[Mythical Trait: One who has traversed the void - a level beyond normal, beyond even extraordinary, a man who has conquered more than a single one should ever be capable of. I gift to thee a boon created with the last vestiges of my life. May it help you grow ever stronger, for the man who had killed me should bow to none, be lesser than none.]

[Rare Trait: Angelic Wings - gain the ability to fly and the beauty of an angel sculpted by a master sculptor. +1 str and int +2 dex for every level]

[Uncommon Trait: Drenched in Blood - gain a second wind upon reaching 20% percent of max HP. Usable every seven days and three full rests.]

[Normal Trait: Fleet Foot - Your dexterity has passed the realm of human and entered the realm of the supernatural.]

…

Gabriel turned in for the night, flying over the cover of the fading sun and feeling its leftover rays play across his skin.

It was a light warmth that seemed to tickle him, but not so much that it was a bother. In fact it was the perfect temperature.

But as he approached, there was something different, so different. The undead that would usually roam the streets at this time were gone.

Replaced by an eye, a figure that seemed to be growing bigger and stronger with each second. Its gaze landed on Gabriel and pulled him to the ground. Only to throw him further.

Then with almost contemptuous dismissal it turned and spat an object out.

It was some sort of light, an object that turned bigger and bigger, consuming the mana in the air and suffocating Gabriel with its aura.

He tried to resist, to turn away. But all that did was make it worse.

But then it turned its gaze away and pounded through the town. Buildings crumpled despite their protections, and people died.

Oh how they died. Even from here Gabriel could sniff out the smell of blood. It hurt his soul. Especially when he saw the guards, desperately trying to defend. Only to be sent careening over into their deaths.