Origins of the Best

Augustus looked over towards where the voice came from and standing there was a familiar face to him that he hadn't seen in nearly 3 years. Standing there was a human man with milk chocolate brown skin, long blonde dreadlocks that reach down passed the man's shoulder blades, and several new tattoos that he could see that clearly weren't there before. He walked eyes with the man and stared into the familiar bright blue eyes. The man will bore the tank top shirt and suit pants with some pretty nice cowboy boots.

Ysasilma asked Augustus seemingly confused by the human that she did not recognize, "August who is that human? Do you know each other?"

"That would be the second person to ever graduate from this academy. You might remember him. He is my son.... Michael," answered Augustus as he smiles at the presence of his adopted son.

Michael looking at his father and seeing Ysasilma smiled and approached them both, "You know it. Sorry if I don't look the same. Reaching 40 has a tendency day drastically change how you look from when you were only 15."

Ysasilma seemed stunned as she remembered Michael when he was a teenager and seeing him now that he is almost 40 was a night and day difference between. Especially now that Michael has a rather nice beard and has gone from a very lean slim-built kid to a pretty muscular grown man nearly twice as beefy as he used to be.

"My God you have really changed a lot," Ysasilma said in surprise.

"Thanks ma'am but I'm just trying not to let my age show too much," he replied to her with a smile before turning to his father and grabbing him by the collar with a look of anger, "Now on to you.... Do you know how worried I was about you?! Seeing you fighting that monster on TV today nearly gave me a heart attack dad! You worried me like crazy!"

Augustus laughed it off and pulled his son into a hug, "I missed you too son. I'm just very happy to see you. You look good for your age. You still eating good?"

Michael feeling his father's familiar warm embrace gave a nod, "Yeah dad........ I missed you too pops. I was so scared when I first saw the footage of you this morning."

"I know but I'm okay son," Augustus said as he kissed Michael's forehead seeing him still as the same little boy he adopted so long ago now.

Michael smiled at his father and congratulated him, "I saw the live stream of your graduation test on my way here. Congrats on your success pop. You were amazing out there."

"Thanks Mikey. Glad you got to see that your old man ain't no pushover," Augustus joked.

Ysasilma laughed at both of them, "You both act just the same. It's cute how much you both care about each other."

Augustus probably smiled wrapping his arm around his son's shoulder and pulling him in, "Of course. Nothing's ever going to stop me from loving this overprotective idiot. After all.... He's my son."

Michael reminded him, "Dad I'm not a kid anymore. I'm already 40."

Augustus let go and laughed before getting momentarily serious, "You'll always still be my little boy. Nothing will ever change that....... But now that you're here I'm actually curious about something. What class did you get?"

Michael pulled away and probably stood there with a smile declaring, "I'm a Lionheart Knight. From what the information said it classifies the type of style of ki manipulation that I use, that it calls Zynomancy, as the primary feature of the class. But because I've learned how to apply it to a more frontline defender fighting style; the class essentially gives me a better understanding on the current skills and limitations that I've developed over the years."

Ysasilma wondered, "So what is your unique awakening skill?"

Michael seemed less impressed about that one but he still answered, "It is called Guardian's Protection. It is a small area of effect passive healing aura that I constantly give off to anyone and myself that I consider an ally. It only heals a very small amount of damage."

Augustus praised him for having a good skill even if Michael didn't see its use, "That's an amazing skill son. Even if it might not heal a lot it's still very useful in keeping everyone alive. Especially yourself."

"Yeah I guess you got to point there pop. I mean it is a rare skill and the range is pretty nice. It's about 50ft," Michael remarked.

Suddenly Michael got very serious and he seemed to change his stance to imply that he had something important to talk about, "That wasn't the only reason why I came here, dad. I learned about how all first awakened are forced to go to another world entirely by the God of Games for some reason. I know that the thought of getting on a spaceship terrifies you. So since you really don't get a choice in the matter, I decided to make a choice of my own. Outside of you and the rest of the family I don't really have any ties to this world. I'm still single, and I don't really have friends.... So I asked the God of Games through prayer to allow me the chance to go with you. Then I got a notification from him with an invite. I've decided that since no one else in the family is probably going with you, I might as well. That way I can be certain that you'll be okay."

"What?! Michael it is very dangerous where I'm going! Why would you agree to go to such a place," exclaimed Augustus worried for his son's safety.

Michael stands resolute not as a little boy but as a man who is deeply concerned about his father's safety, "I know it's dangerous and that's why I chose to go. Because I'm worried about your safety just as much as you're worried about mine. You're my dad and I don't want to lose you on a world so far away. I'm afraid something bad might happen and I won't be there to protect you. Just like I wasn't there to help you today. That's why I'm going with you. Whether you like it or not old man I'm your shield. We're a family and we support and love each other. We protect each other. Together. Always and forever."

Augustus for a moment has nothing to say and response. He is concerned about his son but he also for the first time really sees the man in front of him instead of the boy. Instead he just places his hands on Michael's shoulders.

"Fine.... But you will still have to listen to me...... You'll have to trust me when I give you an order because I'm thinking about your safety. I love you my son....," Augustus spoke back slightly shaking out of concern for his son, but he knew he could not turn back time and convince Michael not to accept the invitation.

"I love you too dad," Michael replied sincerely with all his heart to the man who changed his life.

Ysasilma spoke up again as the two men seem to have forgot she was there for a moment and she let them have a chance to speak them interrupted, "Then I guess we got us a team. So let's give it our best."

Realizing how awkward the situation was they all just laughed at each other. Afterwards they all went there separate ways so that they can prepare for leaving.

Finally after returning home Augustus immediately went to his bedroom and got undressed down to his boxers. All before falling onto his bed and slowly getting under the covers. Cuddles did what she always does. She got up into the bed and cuddled up next to her owner as her name implied she loves to do. She gives him a couple licks on the face to show her love and then tries to go to sleep next to him.

He gives the cute pokka a kiss on her cute little wet nose and gladly snuggles with her. It doesn't take long for Augustus to fall asleep. After the day he's had his left like a baby.

The next day came and nothing of note really happened other than Augustus learning that he had became famous overnight. Due to not only being the First Awakened of this planet, but also of the video from the live stream of his graduation test showing off his capabilities with very low level magic and other powers. Some people who also know those spells and abilities were showing a comparison and how Augustus is far stronger with those same abilities by a large margin. People begin to speculate what he might be able to do with his current abilities with much higher level spells and skills.

On the second day things are also relatively calm, but differently to the day before Augustus gets a text message from his now ex-girlfriend. She seems to have finally arrived at her destination, and learned about what happened to him. Seeing her text message he reads it and notices that it's mostly her worrying about his safety not realizing what would happen the day after they decided to go their separate ways. She even explained that she was going to immediately come back to make sure that he was fine.

However Augustus didn't seem to answer any of her questions but instead replied to her part about coming back to make sure he's fine.

He texted:

Don't bother. Even if you leave immediately, you won't get back before I have to go. I think that's for the best anyway. She didn't respond so instead he chose to simply turn off his phone for the rest of the day.

Meanwhile halfway across the solar system on the luxurious moon known as Kandosa, Penelope became instantaneously worried. During her time on the spaceship she had turned off all of her communication devices and just let her self try to let out all of the pent-up emotions that she felt about her recent breakup. When she thought she was fine they had arrived and the first thing that she saw on the news was people discussing Augustus. She watched on in horror when she first arrived seeing how Augustus and some of his family had gotten attacked by a monster the day after she left. To her surprise she watched as the news profess that he was the First Awakened of her homeworld. Knowing what this meant and seeing all the other videos that have surfaced about the things he was up to after becoming the First Awakened of their planet; she immediately cut on her communication device and try to reach out to him.

After several phone calls that he did not answer, she ultimately decided to text him to make sure he was okay. To her surprise she got a response but it did not make her feel better about the situation.

She began to sob intensely as she realized that Augustus was clearly trying to cut her out of his life completely now that they've broken up. This provokes an insecurities in her and some fears that she has when it comes to forming relationships with people. As her mind starts going to a very dark place she is able to get control of herself and quickly make a decision.

Without much hesitation, with tears still falling from her eyes, she rushes back over to the nearest transportation coordinator to purchase an immediate trip back to her homeworld on a ship that will get her there in less than a day. It causes her to spend half of the money that she has been saving up over the last decade, but she didn't care.

After spending the money and being given the name of the ship she quickly took her luggage, and rushed over there to leave as soon as possible. With determination in her heart to see Augustus before he left she became very aware that doing this would mean that she is essentially about to quit her job by refusing to go to the meeting that she came here for. However to her it didn't really matter. What mattered more was the safety and well-being of the man she had spent the last decade falling in love with.

Penelope like many of her race love deeply and fully. It is nearly impossible for one of their race to suddenly fall out of or completely disregard all love that they have for someone even after choosing to separate. Her race was created by a Goddess of Love, Life, and Loyalty after all and these were the core principles of their. Of all the things that a Willoleomyn cherishes it is the love that they have for others.

Her long curly black hair flowed in the breeze as she dashed towards the starship. There was a fire in her bright white eyes as she was determined more than ever to achieve her goal. Her long horse-like ears flared up as the intense emotion caused her to take a more aggressive stance and look. She was a proud member of a race of horse like humanoids that were extremely beautiful. As she ran by people were captivated by her looks. She stood nearly 7ft tall with a voluptuous body fit for the imagination of only the most perverted gods. Her black skin which was only maybe two shades lighter than her jet black hair glistened with sweat as she ran for half a mile through this interstellar transport station to get to the shit she was looking for.

As her hoofed feet came to a stop at the entrance to the ship she was looking for, she approached the person leaning against the door. She showed them her ticket and saw that the starship was big enough to fit three people which meant that if there were other people they wouldn't be taking too long to get here before they would all leave together. Her long stocky flexible tail swished furiously as she waited to be allowed on the ship.

After being allowed on the person at the door and the captain of the ship entered in. They began stating that she was the only one on their schedule to be taking a trip with them for the day, and they'd make sure she was back on her homeworld before nightfall in the destination where she was trying to reach.

As Penelope settled in, in the only room that is given to passengers, she was surprised when a status screen appeared.

It read:

You're determination has caught my attention. It is rare that someone gives up on a great opportunity for the sake of love. Though you were not on the world at the time you are still a native of it so if you so choose I, Palpha, God of Games, shall bestow upon you the player plague and extend to you an invitation to go to the same world as your beloved. Do you accept?

Another set of screen appeared below the message with a simple yes or no button to click. Looking at it for a moment she realized the severity of this. But she had already come this far. If she was going to give up her job for love she might as well be willing to follow her love on the journey that he has to go.

Penelope clicked the yes button while stating allowed with, "Of course!" As she does the starship takes off and her journey back home begins.

Augustus over the next several hours practice some more of his skills and abilities somewhere outside of town. Where it was safe to do.

As he training he starts to think about the last time he was on a starship and remembers his trauma. His inferiority starts to kick in, but then he thinks about the monster that recently tried to kill him and his sister. As he remembers that moment his inferiority transforms into rage. The angrier he gets the more intense and deadly his powers seem to get. They seem to resonate with his emotional state as the more extreme the emotions the more powerful yet unstable the power.

Augustus focused for a moment to try to compose himself enough to let the emotional resonance boost the power of his abilities but to gain more control over them. Despite his best effort it simply doesn't work out. He believes this is because his mind is still heavily conflicted between his childhood trauma and his now slowly growing courage. While his mind is still like this he thinks it will be nearly impossible to pull off while he's trying to do it.

Augustus thought that he should stop for now and walk back home before it gets too late. On his way back he finally turned his hologear back on which was a highly advanced cell phone that used holographic tech to display some things in 3D.

Upon doing so he saw Ysasilma and Michael both texted him. He chose to read his son's text first. It read:

I'll be at your place at 17:00pm so make sure to let me in when I get there.

Augustus saw he still had 3 hours until then so he could definitely make it back before Michael showed up. So he text back:

I'm on may home rn. Should be back B4 u get home. C U then.

Michael almost instantaneously replied with a thumbs up.

Then Augustus read Ysasilma message and it :

Want to go look for gear with me tomorrow morning? I know a few places.

Augustus remembered he still hasn't done that so he replied with a quick yes emoji. She responded not long after with a smile emoji.

With that he made his walk a little bit quicker so he could get back in time for sure to meet Michael. He was happy that him and his son were going to be traveling together after a night of thinking about it. With every day that passes Michael is getting older. Being a human, he'll most likely die around the age of 150 or 200. Probably at 100 since he is very skilled with the use of ki and it does come at the expense of his overall lifespan the more he uses it. So every moment with his son is precious.

It takes him almost 2 hours to reach home. When he arrives, he finds the smell of food in the air. He creates a small fireball in between his fingers and slowly starts moving through the house into the kitchen. To his surprise the person standing there finishing the meal was very familiar to him.

"Penny?! What are you doing here," he exclaimed in confusion.

Penelope turned to face him and smiled seeing he was okay. She turned the heat down on the stove and explained, "I quit my job..... I thought I could walk away from us and that I could move past everything. After learning about the attack and realizing what happened, it made me face a reality that I tried for the last few days to deny. So I made a choice. My job or fixing us........ I chose us."

Augustus looked at her unable to really respond. Several different expressions crossed his face as he tried to find the words to say. At first it was confusion, then it changed to anger, only to shift to sadness, and finally resting on the emotion of uncertainty.

Deep down he was happy she came back to him and he really wanted to try and apologize and make things right. But at the same time he wasn't certain that this was genuine. Nor could he be certain anymore whether or not this was the right thing for either of them.

Seeing the expressions he was making and how he must be feeling deep down she approached and said, "I understand that making things right is not going to happen instantly and I'm willing to do what it takes to get back to how we were. I just need you to give me that chance. I'm here because I want to prove that I mean it when I say I love you and with all my heart."

In the moment he wants to be furious, but he can't really bring himself to really go off on her. Ultimately he ends up caving in, "Fine....... But you're going to be the one sleeping on the couch. And don't you even get in your head that this means we're back together. It's going to take a lot to fix us."

Seeing that he did not get angry and start shouting for her to leave and never come back, Penelope took the ultimatum as a step towards her goal. She smiled and agreed, "Certainly. Thank you for not just...... Thanks August."

"It's not like it matters. I'll be leaving the day after tomorrow anyway. So you'll still be here in the house will be all yours," he clarified as he moved to sit down on the stool next to the kitchen counter.

She nervously corrected him, "Actually......... I'm going with you."

As Penelope rub the back of her head hoping that he wouldn't freak out, he ended up doing just that, "What?! Don't joke like that! Where I'm going only people who have the curse can follow and only at the invitation of the God of Games. Normal people like you can't just come along."

Penelope then slowly pulls up her character sheet. Seeing it he doesn't even read it at first as he's just surprised she was afflicted by the curse even though she wasn't even on the world at the time.

He then immediately stands up and starts reading her character sheet. To his surprise it says that her class is, Saint of Love. Looking over the information about it, it seems to be a class that is a type of healer. But they're healing is much more powerful when used on people that they care about. If they happen to be in love with the person that they were healing either romantically or in a parental kind of love the healing would be magnified nearly tenfold.

He asked her not really understanding how this is possible since she was in outer space away from their world by several million miles when the Player Plague had been spread across the world. He questioned, "How....? How is this possible? Explain. Now!"

Penelope put up her hands in reaction to seeing that he was definitely freaking out now to try and calm him down, "It's okay, August. I don't mind telling you. Just..... breathe first. You look like you're about to pop a blood vessel or two."

Realizing that he seems to have probably gone a little bit too far with his reaction he slowly starts to get his breathing under control. As he does he takes a seat back down in the stool. Once his heart is no longer racing a mile a minute from confusion and worry he ultimately starts to rub his face trying to think to himself.

Seeing this Penelope explains what had happened, "After you sent your reply to my text, I did what I said I did. I made a choice. I chose us over my job. So I immediately paid almost half of my life savings to get an express ticket back here. I guess since the God of Games has his eye on you that means he's probably got his eye on everyone around you. Maybe my devotion and sincerity caught his attention. Maybe it was just mind-boggling to him that I would throw away my opportunity for a relationship that was already over. Either way it went, no matter what caught his attention, something did. And he extended the offer. I would become afflicted with the Player Plague and in exchange I would also agree to go with you...... I didn't hesitate to say yes."

All Augustus could do was just take the story as an answer whether or not he believed it was true. Given the name of her class there must be at least a portion of the story that was true which made him relax a lot more.

Not really knowing how to deal with this he just waved her off and stood up to go to his room. Cuddles having been in the kitchen the entire time watching the interaction didn't really know what to do as she was able to easily read both of them. She could tell that her owner was definitely in need of some affection, but she could also tell that the one who was once his mate desired comfort as well. Not knowing what to do, she simply laid down and stayed there hoping that they could try and work things out.

Augustus chose the only path that made sense to him in the moment which was to currently close the door to the bedroom and be left alone with his thoughts for a little bit. As he fell onto the bed just letting himself drown in all of the many thoughts that he had about everything going on currently in his life he almost fell asleep.

Right when sleep was about to take him, he heard a knock at his front door. He snapped his eyes open to look at the time, noticing that over half an hour had passed since he came into his bedroom.

Jumping out of bed, he realized his son was at the front door. So he quickly moved out of the bedroom to go and let Michael in. By the time he reached the living room, he saw that Penelope had already opened the door for Michael who was standing there with a smile on his face waving to her. Michael was unaware that his father and Penelope had a breakup in the first place.

Penelope greeted him saying, "Well this is a pleasant surprise. I'm glad to see that you came over, Michael. You came in time for dinner as well. I'll make sure to fix you a plate."

"I knew I smelled something good cooking. Figured if it wasn't the old man, it had to be you in the kitchen. How you been Penny," Michael replied.

She answered genuinely happy to see him, "I've been well. Although maybe you could help with some issues. Your father and I had a bit of a falling out recently. We could use a mediator."

"Well I'd be happy to help. You and the old man's happiness means a lot. After all I don't want him ending up lonely when he gets old," Michael laughed in response.

That's when Augustus made his presence known and said, "Who are you talking about?! I'm not going to be some lonely hermit you know."

Michael retorted with a half smile giggling to himself, "I know pop. Now I heard the dinner was ready. Does that mean we can go and dig in?"

Augustus look to Penelope and he just let out a sigh, "I guess. Help Penny set the table will you? She's the one who cooked after all."

With that Michael and Penelope started to fix everyone food to eat. While Augustus looked at what was fixed and saw what was edible for Cuddles so she could have some nice cooked food too. It was only fair to feed her something nice as well.

Not long after the three of them said at the table while Cuddles ate nearby Augustus. For the first 15 minutes of dinner it was a pure silence, and the tension between Augustus and Penelope was so thick you could almost cut it with a knife. Michael ultimately chose to discuss a topic with his father to break the silence but also to inform him of something important.

Michael explained and then asked, "So dad, today while I was out training my abilities I saw some random animals passing by. I noticed that I could see something when I focused on them for long enough. Apparently even animals have character sheets and stats and stuff. Which means that Cuddles most likely has one too and we can see it if we focus on her for long enough. Since she spends almost all the time she can with you when she's not home by herself, do you know what her character she looks like?"

This was actually news to Augustus as he hadn't noticed anything like that before. But giving everything that has been going on over the last 2 days he didn't really make time to notice either. Instead he chose to just stare at Cuddles for a second to see if anything popped up.

To his amazement Cuddles did have a character sheet that appeared after roughly 30 seconds of staring at her. It said her level was 5. She had 400 HP and 25 AC. She was classified as an Omega Pokka which is seemingly a rare species with a great aptitude for elemental magic.

Her stats read as follows:

Might- 20

Agility- 30

Endurance- 30

Charm- 30

Talent- 15

Brilliance- 25

Enlightenment- 10

Survival- 20

Augustus could only mutter a simple, "Well damn. That's new."

Michael seemed oddly surprised that this was the first time Augustus actually noticed. Then again he has been dealing with almost instantaneous fame and not to mention relationship issues and of course a near-death situation. As a result Michael cuts his dad some slack and doesn't even bother making a joke about it.

Penelope just remarked, "I guess that means she can level up like the rest of us. If that's the case it must mean that you might be able to actually bring her along with you August."

Not really having thought about whether or not he could take cuddles with him, the realization that he potentially might not have been able to before hits him. He becomes immediately a lot more appreciative that his son brought this to his attention, as he can gladly take his cute pokka with him. Not having Cuddles there as emotional support on an alien world would probably have made things a lot more difficult for him.

This actually gets Augustus to directly ask Penelope a question, "So what is your unique awakening skill?"

Penelope a little surprised that he actually seems to want to talk to her after being silent for so long at the table took a moment to reply, "It is called Lover's Kiss. Unlike most people's skills mine was apparently not random as it was a gift for my unique way of being given the Player Plague. It's very simple though. Essentially whenever I give a kiss to people it can temporarily give them a stat boost. For normal people it'll only give them a +5 to all stats for roughly an hour. For someone that I truly love however the bonus instead is +25 for 10 minutes. It is a Mythic rank skill."

"Shit I can see why. From the research I've done a single step point increase already makes small noticeable differences and someone's overall capabilities. But a temporary +5 for an hour for normal people would be almost a double increase in their current skill set. Meanwhile if it's someone that you actually really love it's more of a quintuple increase in abilities," Michael blurted out in amazement.

Augustus nodded in agreement. It would be useful either way it went.

Penelope asks him a question of her on, "Are you really okay with everything that is going on Augustus?"

"No. But I don't have a choice. I would rather not talk about it and just do what I have to," he responded while taking another bite of the food she had prepared for them. He was trying his hardest to keep us straight face because he does love her cooking. She was a great chef and usually by now he would be showering her in all kinds of praise for her food. But he is still upset with her so he doesn't want to give her the wrong impression.

Not much else was said or done during dinner and Michael ended up taking the guest room in the house. Penelope like she was informed would be sleeping on the couch which was the first for her. Meanwhile Augustus didn't even sleep in his bed and fell asleep in his chair in his home office.

They all were woken up the next morning to the sound of someone knocking on the door. Not really sure of who it was Penelope and Michael slowly and groggly got up. Meanwhile Augustus check the time and realized that it must be Ysasilma.

Augustus moved with a little bit of haste to let her in, and he opened the door to find her wearing a rather nice outfit. He greeted her, "Morning Ysa."

She could see the other two behind him halfway asleep making their way over, "Guess you all must have been exhausted yesterday. I didn't think I came too early."

"It's fine. Just give us a moment to get ready," he said as he turned around and started walking back towards his bedroom.

Ysasilma was a little disappointed but also kind of expected something like this. She was hoping to go with Augustus alone as some kind of date, but she figured he would most likely end up bringing his son along since they are technically going to see about getting equipment. However she was shocked to see Penelope had returned. She kept her cool and didn't really bring any attention to it.

By the time everyone was ready to go, everyone was wide awake and even had a chance to get some breakfast in their stomachs before setting out. They all piled into Ysasilma car and got ready for a trip to the mall. However to their surprise she ended up taking them to the movie theater.

Michael wondered, "I thought you and dad said we're supposed to be going shopping?"

Ysasilma replied with a gleeful smile at this was going to be a happy surprise, "Well this is a Player Shop. Here we pay with coins given by completing quests. Luckily for me I decided to go to the hunting grounds not that far outside of town and start practicing by hunting wild animals and to my surprise they not only give experience but also drop currency that can be used here. So I hunted until I got roughly 5,000 gold. I figure it should be enough to get some stuff for each of us. Outside of the money that Augustus might have already gotten from that quest he completed. So follow me."

They all got out of the car and followed her to the building right next to the movie theater. The second that they walk in a notification pops up saying that they have reached a player shop. The screen then changes and shows them all of what they can purchase within this specific shop.

"Look at what you like and pick what you might want, but keep in mind that I only have 5,000 gold. I'm willing to buy what I can but I still got to get gear for myself too," Ysasilma told them.

Augustus told them, "Ysasilma get what you're going to first, and then whatever you have left you can use as a budget for them. If they go over budget they'll be fine cuz I'll purchase whatever it is with my own coins after I get some stuff for myself."

They all gave a nod and began looking over what was available in the shop. Augustus ignored all the weapons because they seemed pretty weak for the most part. Plus they could not compare to the one he had already got that was snugly fit around his finger right now.

Instead he focused more on the armors and accessories in the shop as well as any potential items that they could use such as healing potions and the like. Eventually he decided to by a basic +1 O-Yoroi armor, a belt that gives him +150 to HP, and 12 basic healing potions all for roughly 3000 gold.

Ysasilma bought herself spiked brass knuckles with a very weak frost enchantment, a +1 gambeson battle dress, and a necklace that boosted all water and cold damage that she dealt by 5 extra dice of damage. She ended up spending 2,500 gold and with the remaining money she kept her promise to buy whatever the others requested from her out of the shop.

She ended up paying for what Penelope asked for a while Augustus bought whatever his son wanted. Penelope got a warstaff that boosted all healing spells and skills that she used on herself or others by granting an additional +100 extra HP back, +1 leather armor, and a tiara that boosts healing she uses on herself or others as well by +200. By the end Ysasilma only had 250 gold left.

Michael chose a +1 full plate mail armor, a claymore with a weak fire enchantment, a pair of leather boots that triples his base movements speeds, and a ruby bead necklace that boosts all Zynomancy that deals fire damage by an extra five dice of damage.

By the end Augustus still had roughly 4,000 gold left in his inventory. He then divided the 12 potions amongst them equally making sure that everyone had 3. They then tried on the new armor that they had purchased, and were surprised to see that all of the armor adjusted to fit them perfectly. After putting all of the things that they had bought into their inventories they all left the shop feeling satisfied.

With that done, Ysasilma offers for them the test out their new gear, "So who all wants to give this new gear we got a test? I know a place that we can go right now to test it out."

Augustus requested, "Enlighten us please?"

Ysasilma informed them, "There is a dungeon here in town. It appeared around midnight. It's actually not that far away from where we are now. Master had already checked it out and he says that it is a Normal Rank Grade D Dungeon. I promised him I'd ask you guys if you wanted to possibly see about clearing it together as a way to test our group synergy before we go. Although I originally thought it'd be just the three of us having a fourth person is definitely a help. Especially since Penelope is a healer of some kind."

"Shit yeah I'm down for something like that," immediately spoke Michael as he was excited to test out his capabilities in real combat.

Penelope said, "I'm okay with going so long as everyone else is."

Augustus wanting to actually test his skills and capabilities on something that wasn't a training dummy controlled by his teacher thought that this was a good opportunity. He agreed, "I also think this is a good idea so that makes us unanimous. Lead the way Ysa."

Ysasilma then began to have them walk five blocks up the road to an abandoned building that now had a portal right in front of it with an archway framed around the portal. She gestured to it and said, "Here we are. This is the spot. Who's ready to give it there all?"

Seeing as they all began equipping their gear for the dungeon, Ysasilma did the same. Everyone was both excited and nervous. This was going to be their first time tackling a dungeon, and even though it was technically the weakest of the weak they didn't really know how to deal with it.

Soon though they were ready and they entered the dungeon together. As they crossed through, they saw the portal led them to a seaside cave entrance. A screen popped up and called it, the Lair of the Sea Bobbos.

Everyone entered the cave and started walking through the pathway. Eventually it led them to an open area where they saw about 32 deformed goblin-like creatures with crab claws for hands and 3 eyes. Looking at them long enough they saw screens appear calling the creatures Sea Bobbos. They were all level 1 and didn't have a single stat above 10.

As easy as this seemed, Augustus motioned for caution as they were still massively outnumbered. He looked to them and said, "I'm going to strike first to throw them off and get them focused on me. While they're all trying to come at me you all start attacking from behind. That way they'll start to feel like they're the ones being pincered in. Got it?"

They all gave a nod. With that Augustus used Electric Slide to massively boost his speed and rush in to the large group of enemies. Upon getting in the middle of them, he immediately pounced on one of them. Slamming it to the ground using all the speed and momentum he had to crush it.

This definitely worked in getting the attention of all of the enemies around who saw him and immediately rushed to attack. As they did he called forth his sword out of its ring form and into the katana form. The red gold Etherium blade manifested in his hand with a pure gold guard and a gem encrusted hilt. With a single swing he watched as it burned through three enemies with ease.

Seen that the plan was now in motion, the others rushed forward from where they had been hiding and watching to start attacking. Thanks to his boots Michael was actually the quickest of them to join the fight.

As he did he activated Lion's Heart and Lion's Crown. His blood turned to magma and you could see a faint orange hot glue from underneath his armor where his heart blazed right underneath his chest. All of his hair ignited into flame and his eyes became motes of fire and magma. This boosted the damage of his new sword and he carved through the enemies with ease cauterizing their wounds as he cut them in half.

Penelope despite being primarily a healer still had some offensive capabilities as she formed a ball of light in her hand. She then fired out a beam of light from that sphere in her hand. That beam cleanly pierced through the skull of at least two enemies in its path.

Ysasilma easily dodged the beams of light and began closing distance with many of the enemies in front of her. Using her ice powers she formed a katana out of ice and then took up the Wicked Water Stance that she had trained in for so long now. Water began to erupt from all around her body like she was a walking tidal wave of raging sea water. It covered her ice blade and as she swung it the force of the water and the freezing coldness of the ice blade itself broke through the weak enemies bodies and froze them solid as it went.

In only the first 10 seconds they had already killed roughly 15 of the enemies. Then many of the surviving Bobbos started to attack back with several of them charging into melee with their crab claws. But the majority of them using the melee warriors to protect them as they fired from their mouths boiling hot balls of water.

Michael seeing this instantly reacted by taking his claymore and slamming it into the ground and activating Lionknight's Shield. His sword became covered in an aura of blue flames that expanded the width of his claymore by nearly 6ft from end to end. The blue flames acted as a proper tower shield that defended him from all of the attacks.

Thankfully he had positioned himself in a way that not only did he protect himself but he also protected Penelope from getting attacked as well. Ysasilma however charged right through all of the attacks of the enemy, as the water despite its heat did nothing to her thanks to her capabilities.

As she cut down three more enemies that stood in front of her, Augustus fired a basic fireball spell at them from behind her that flew past her and struck the enemies in the back line. It exploded and killed all the two of the enemies in the back. Penelope fired two beams of holy light at the remaining two enemies in the back that still stood, while Michael charged fourth with his sword to cleave the warriors that still stood in half.

As the last enemy fell dead, a screen appeared saying they all earned 3,200 XP and 3,200 silver. With that group taken care of they took a moment to catch their breaths.

Michael took a seat on a couple of the corpses and said, "That was interesting. I like that new defensive skill I got. It definitely came in handy."

Ysasilma told Penelope, "You did good out there, but watch where you aim cuz you almost hit me twice. If you want we can do a little bit of target practice after the dungeon."

Penelope agreed, "Yeah. For a moment I was worried I actually hit you. Luckily I missed. I think a little bit of practice getting my aim down with some of my new skills and spells will be very beneficial."

Ysasilma told her in response, "I know a good place to practice downtown. You definitely can easily kill these weak trash mobs with a single hit. With a little bit of aiming practice I think that you will be much better at handling the backline while still doing support."

Penelope gave a nod and a smile hearing she had some skill despite this being her first real fight. Augustus then helped up Michael and told them, "Let's get moving. We need to clear this place."

They all gave a nod and began to move. Navigating the cave was actually pretty simple as there were no diverging paths or hidden rooms despite them checking thoroughly. Eventually they found themselves in another open space like before however this time the enemies were a lot more numerous and there were some of much higher level. There were roughly 50 level 1 Sea Bobbos and 20 level 2 Sea Bobbos. There was a single level 3 Sea Bobbos.

Upon entering into this area they didn't really have the chance to launch a sneak attack, as the moment they entered all of the enemies saw them and began to rush at them. Seeing the enemies charging them like that Michael immediately pushed pass everyone and activated his Lionknight's Shield. With that he blocks almost the entirety of the passageway leading into the room causing the enemies to be on the other side of the flaming blade aura.

Seeing the situation Augustus simply reached his hand out as he knows he has a natural resistance to the flames, and while within a certain distance of his son which he is most definitely in he'll heal even if he takes damage. He sticks his hand into the flaming shield and out the other side only getting minor first degree burns knowing that his natural resistances are protecting him from the amount of damage he should be taking. He then immediately cast Psionic Flamethrower. As he activates the spell he draws the blue flames from the sword aura being projected by his son right now, and forms them into a blue flame turret of fire that engulfs the entire area and out into the open space.

As the enemies fall back and most of those in the area of the flame are completely burned down to the bone; the group charges forward. Using the momentum that they've given themselves Michael leads the charge since he was the one in the front. He starts cleaving through all the enemies in front of him with reckless abandon. As he clears the area for them to keep rushing out Augustus takes his sword and starts slicing through dozens of enemies that's stood in front of him.

Ysasilma and Penelope stay back and fire off range spells to strike it any enemies trying to attack from the backline before they can be a problem. Having some innate synergy between them all makes it easy for them to handle the situation in front of them. Since the enemies are still not that strong, it doesn't take them much longer than the original fight to finish off those that are in front of them.

As Penelope kills the last enemy with a Holy Ray, they get another pop up screen say that they earned 8,700 XP and 8,700 gold for clearing the room. Seeing the situation was over the group stopped once more to breathe. They were doing well but this was the first time any of them were putting these new skills to use in a real life or death situation.

Despite how easy it was to kill the enemy they still had the numbers and coordination skills. The group having a good idea of each other's capabilities are slowly falling into a rhythm of knowing what each other can do and how to work with that.

As they rest, Augustus sees his armor is good but not that great. It's definitely making it so he doesn't take any damage from any of the attacks that have came close to hurting him thus far, but it is already showing signs of wear and tear. He makes a mental note to try and get better armor later and focus on clearing the dungeon for now. Before he can get the others to ready up for their next push into the dungeon, he looks back to see that they are already standing and ready to go.

With a smile on his face seeing their determination to finish the dungeon; they press forward. Upon following this path forward, it leads to a large door which they only need to take one look at to assume is the boss room. Given its size and design it definitely looks like the door leads into something important and is most likely for a boss of some kind.

With they thought that this is the boss room in mind everyone steels themself for what might be a very tough fight. Augustus takes the lead, opening the door to the room. At first all they see is a dark chamber which slowly becomes lit as torches at night with blue fire lighting up the room. Once the room is lit they notice that hovering almost 20ft off the ground inside of a massive sphere of water is a humanoid crab creature with a Sea Bobbos face that seems to be growing out of its chest and back. Staring at it for long enough they see that it is called, Handagorr, the Bobbos Twisted Knight. It was a level 5 creature and it was clearly the boss.

After a couple seconds it seems to wake within the sphere of water, and then as it out stretches its hand. The sphere of water starts to separate and take new shape in the form of a large greatsword. The moment that it lands on the ground, it points its weapon at the group.

Seeing that the boss is preparing to start combat with them, they take up a fighting stance as well. Augustus and Michael lock eyes for a moment and nod. The father and son both together activate Lion's Heart and Lion's Crown.

As they power up, Ysasilma slightly adjust her stance for the Wicked Water Style. While changing stance she begins channeling the power within her specific orc bloodline. Soon samurai armor made of ice and wings made of water manifest on her body.

Penelope not really having a cool power up decides to start chanting an incantation for a magical prayer to give herself and her allies protection. As she sends a prayer to the Goddess who made her people she knows deep down that her prayer is heard. Feeling her body become a little bit more sturdy and strong she knows that they have the protection of her Goddess.

At that moment they all started charging at the boss and in return the boss started charging at them. The moment that the great sword the boss monster held in his hand collided with Augustus' sword, a bright flash of light illuminated the entire arena.