First Job. Second Job?

Blue grass and heart leaf bushes covered Frostveil foothills as far as the eye could see. Gusts of wind blew through the grass, scattering ghost flies into the air and inviting crystal wrens to dive from the trees and catch them.

By mid-morning, Takao and Sumire had easily managed to gather enough of the bright yellow zeal herb to complete their job. It was a simple job, but Takao was filled with a great sense of accomplishment for finishing it.

“This should be plenty to fulfill the quest.” Takao said as he stuffed more zeal herb into his pack.

Sumire nodded as she added more herb to her magical storage, then clapped her hands together to shake off the dirt.

“If we leave now, we could make it back to town by nightfall. We—”

Takao’s thought was cut off by a loud roar that sent birds scattering from the trees.

“What was that?” Takao asked nervously.

“Oh— right.” Sumire said, looking regretful.

“Sumire! What did you do?”

“Nothing! It’s just— there was another job at the guild hall in this same area, but it was D rank, so we couldn’t take it. I kind of had the idea that we could maybe accidentally complete it while we were here, and that would help us rise in rank. Or maybe even awaken your magic. But I changed my mind! I didn’t do anything!”

Another roar split the air, louder this time, and Takao could hear something large pounding toward them.

“Then why is it coming toward us?” Takao yelled irritably.

“Well, some monsters can sense when something powerful approaches their territory and will attack it on the spot, but it’s just a spike boar.”

“A spike boar!” Takao exclaimed.

The loudest roar yet assaulted their ears as a massive boar smashed through the tree line and into the clearing. It shook its head menacingly and effortlessly uprooted a full-grown tree with its tusks. The sharp quills jutting from its back quivered as it looked between Takao and Sumire. With another earth shaking roar, it charged at Sumire, the spike on its forehead aimed at her chest.

Takao dropped his pack and grabbed his spear, but had barely started toward Sumire when he was reminded that she didn’t need help. As the spike boar closed in on her, purple lightning arced from her and struck the boar with a loud crack, bringing it to a skidding halt at her feet. Takao stopped dead in his tracks. He’d seen her lightning magic before, but this was his first time seeing it used on a monster. He was stunned by how powerful and effective it was.

“As I was saying, it’s just a spike boar. I suppose I could’ve suppressed my aura to prevent it from sensing me, but I forgot, since they’re not really a threat.” She said with a shrug.

Takao imagined them walking into a dungeon and having every monster instantly drawn to them by Sumire. He shuddered.

“They may not be a threat to you, but they're still a threat to me. Could you please keep your aura suppressed from now on?” He pleaded.

Sumire rolled her eyes.

“Alright, fine.” She conceded.

She looked at the boar contemplatively, then a smile appeared on her face. Takao had a bad feeling.

“You know Takao. Now that I’ve weakened it, this boar might be a good opponent for you.” Sumire suggested.

“You must be joking. That’s a D rank monster. I’m F rank. I can’t beat that thing, and wait. You didn’t kill it?” He asked, alarmed.

“Nah, it’s still alive, but I weakened it, so you should be fine. If you start to lose, I’ll step in, but I think you can beat it. You may as well give it a try.” She said persuasively.

Takao considered this. It was a dangerous D rank monster, but Sumire had already weakened it. And she would be there if he needed help. But most importantly, she thought he could do it. She had confidence in him. He started to feel like maybe he could do it.

“Alright. I’ll give it a try.” He said decisively.

Sumire smiled and nodded. She gave the boar a sharp kick before jumping back, out of its line of sight.

The spike boar opened its eyes and spotted Takao. He took a fighting stance as the boar rumbled to its feet, eyes full of rage.

The boar huffed and launched itself toward Takao, horn ready to impale him, but Takao was ready. He dashed to the side and stabbed at the boar, but his spear only glanced off the thick quills.

The boar ground to a halt, and clumsily turned about to face Takao again. It charged again, rushing at him headlong. Takao readied himself to dodge again, but the boar was ready too. It swung its massive head and sharp tusks. Expecting this, Takao feinted to one side then dodged to the other. He thrust his spear again, stronger this time, but still couldn’t break through the quills.

Takao decided to try a new angle. This time, when the boar charged him, he charged at it too. At the last second, he jumped and kicked off the boars face to launch himself over its back. He prepared to stab down with all his might, but suddenly the boar quills rose up, ready to stab him instead. Thinking fast, he gripped his spear tight and thrust down between the quills. He pushed with all his strength and vaulted himself over the quills. He landed deftly and heard the boar squeal in pain.

Takao knew he'd pierced its back. Confidence filled his heart and strengthened his limbs. Maybe he could beat it.

The boar turned around to charge again, but Takao didn’t wait this time. He was already on it, stabbing and slashing at its face, legs, and between its quills. He was getting a feel for the boar now. Its attacks were easy to dodge, and he could anticipate its next move. He was winning. He almost couldn’t believe it, but he knew it was true. The boar was slowing down, and must have sensed its own defeat because it suddenly turned and fled.

Takao watched it flee, then realized it was running straight toward Sumire. He considered chasing it, but knew that Sumire could handle it. He’d already fought better than he expected of himself. He thought he would leave the rest to Sumire, but then he noticed something was wrong. His blood ran cold. Sumire wasn’t moving. She was hunched over with her hands clutched at her chest, and pain evident on her face.

Takao’s mind flashed back to his family, killed right in front of him as he watched helplessly. Was Sumire about to suffer the same fate? Killed by a monster as he watched. Unable to save her. Unable to do anything.

No!

His silver eyes, burned with determination. He’d failed to save his family once. He would not fail again.

As the boar closed in on Sumire, Takao drew back his spear. His muscles flexed to the breaking point. He summoned every ounce of his strength, then threw.

The air condensed to mist from the force of the throw. Ring shaped clouds formed a tunnel around the spear as it hurtled toward the boar. Gusts of wind followed in its wake, crushing plants flat as it passed. It struck with the force of a boulder and the sound of thunder. The boar, knocked off its feet and sent flying through the air, landed with a crash in the grass, dead long before it ground to a stop.

Sumire’s Exposé!
Ghost flies and crystal wren are both common to Teien. Ghost flies got their name from their tendency to disappear into thin air, though they actually just change color to blend into their surroundings. Crystal wren were named for their feathers that, like crystals, are both translucent and lustrous. They are most commonly found in shades of purple and pink, but have been seen in every color imaginable.