-Elemental Conversion Currently in Effect.
Number of Elements currently being converted: 4
Completed Elements: 1 (Low)
Beast: Complete (Low Grade) Poison: 87%Wood 81%Shadow: 0%Wind: 0%
Leo couldn't stop himself from staring at this screen, apprehension filling him as he realized that he was close to getting two new 'gems' from his companions. The realization that the stone that he had received from Luna was considered a low grade one was also a surprise.
"Sooooooo~. What does it do besides tat me up like i'm some kind of wild child~?"
Nyx's voice dragged him out of his thoughts. He slightly coughed and averted his gaze
Her eyes widened a bit as she exclaimed with false shock in her voice
"So I have been branded and I get nothing to show for it? It sounds like we have been bamboozled. Tricked. Hoodwinked~"
Lily interjected with a somewhat cramped smile
"It's only like that for now. Luna got a super cool passive skill and so did I. Horo too I think."
Sonata asked as she looked around with a small gleam in her eye. Despite her shyness, she seemed the most eager to improve.
"You go to Leo's therapy session and increase your 'bond'~"
Leo shot Horo a glare before exhaling in defeat.
"Look, this bond thing isn't instant. The more we fight together, the stronger the connection gets. Eventually, you'll unlock something useful. Until then, just... deal with it."
Nyx placed a hand over her heart, feigning a dramatic sigh.
"Oh, woe is me~ Forced into an unbreakable pact with no immediate benefits. Truly, the worst fate imaginable."
Sonata stifled a laugh while Lily covered her mouth, shoulders shaking. Even Horo let out a low chuckle, clearly enjoying the show.
Leo pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Why do I even bother..."
He dismissed the screen with a flick of his wrist, shoving his concerns about the elemental conversion aside for now. There were more pressing matters—like getting these idiots to take things seriously for once.
He noticed that Luna had quietly but meticulously gathered the loot and was sure that they would distribute it when their surroundings weren't so potentially volatile.
"Alright, jokes aside, let's move out. We need to find some more mobs to fight if we want to get stronger.
"Ah, yes, the almighty cult leader has spoken," Nyx teased.
Leo ignored her, already walking ahead. He could still hear Horo's snickering behind him, but he chose to focus on the path ahead. Cult jokes aside, there was still a long road before them.
Luna walked up beside him and whispered in his ear.
"Hey Leo...Do you want me to takecare of her?"
Leo turned his head to see the seriousness in his sister's eyes. Nyx and Luna were like oil and water when it came to personalities.
"No...While she is annoying, she is useful to us."
Luna grumbled in annoyance before glancing back at the party. Nyx, Lily and Sonata seemed to be getting on quite well, giggling and chuckling as they spoke. She felt a twinge in her heart seeing that scene.
'Wha...Am...Am I jealous?! No I can't be'
She turned back to Leo and growled softly
"If you change your mind, let me know"
Luna slowed her steps so she fell in line with Lily who continued to talk with Nyx and Sonata. Yet Lily seemed to notice something was off from Luna's expression. While she didn't say anything, she did reach her hand out and gave it a light squeeze.
Luna gave Lily a small smile of thanks, appreciating the silent gesture of support. She then focused ahead, her thoughts swirling as she walked.
The bond between the group was becoming more noticeable, and while she didn't admit it to anyone, part of her still struggled with the ever-growing camaraderie. Her bond with Leo and Lily was natural—deep and unspoken. But with the others, it felt like an awkward dance, trying to figure out where she stood.
Sonata was still quiet, but the gleam in her eyes was unmistakable—her drive to improve, her eagerness to prove herself.
Horo was ever the wildcard, unpredictable but undoubtedly capable. And then there was Nyx, the one she had trouble getting along with the most.
The taunting, the antics—Luna could see through it, but she couldn't ignore the frustration that came with it. She had enough trouble managing her own emotions, let alone someone else's.
Yet she couldn't deny that she did envy Nyx on some level. Luna knew she was not the type of person who was able to conform to a group so effortlessly like Nyx, nor was she as cunning as Horo. What did she have to offer Leo besides being family?
While it was constantly gnawing at her, the only thing she could do right now was Suppress her growing sense of inferiority and march on in silence.
As they trekked deeper into the forest, their banter died down, replaced by silent vigilance as the lack of noise grew more unsettling as time passed.
The usual rustling of smaller creatures or the distant howls of monsters were absent. It was as if something had driven everything away. It was as if life itself in this area had ceased to exist.
Leo furrowed his brows.
"This doesn't feel right."
Luna nodded, her fingers tightening around her weapon.
"Monsters should've attacked by now."
"Maybe they're scared of us?"
Lily suggested, though even she didn't seem convinced.
"Or maybe we're walking straight into something nasty~."
The group continued, their senses on high alert, until the ground sloped downward. A dark opening yawned before them, partially hidden by thick roots and overgrown vegetation. Despite the attempt of nature to reclaim it, the entrance stood firm—carved stone edges just barely visible beneath the moss and dirt.
But the moment Leo took a step closer, something flickered in his vision.
-Dungeon DIscovered: Kobolds Nest
-Recommended Level: 5
-Your Party is the first discover this dungeon.
For the Next 48 Hours, Drop Rate for this Dungeon has increased by 100%
Leo's stomach dropped slightly. This wasn't just some random cave—it was a dungeon.
Lily sucked in a breath. "Uh... guys?"
Leo muttered. His gaze remained fixed on the entrance.
Sonata clutched her hands together, her eyes gleaming with determination.
"A dungeon... This could be a good opportunity."
"Or a potential death trap. You can't fly in caves."
Luna's blunt rebuttal put a damper on Sonata's spirit but she remained determined
Horo let out an amused hum.
"Kobolds, huh? So more of those Doggy things we just fought?"
Lily nodded her head in response
But we should be careful. Kobolds are tricky, and the layout inside might be confusing. We need a plan before rushing in."
She couldn't help but remember the assassin Kobold that had almost killed her. A shiver ran down her spine
Nyx placed a hand on her hip, smirking.
"So, fearless leader, what's the plan?"
Leo took a moment, considering their options. They had been looking for monsters, and now they had an entire dungeon in front of them.