“So, should I start?”
Allan asked Cide. He turned the stun gun in his hand after the bee body stuck to the knife burned to ashes. The remaining flock of Great Bees still flapped their wings until they identified the biggest threat.
"Enjoy yourself." Cide picked up the cigarette that fell on the ground, held it in his mouth, and took a breath. Now as he stepped back, a leisurely smile formed above his whiskered chin. ”Let me see how you passed the Hunter test.”
“You know, it's morphing time.”
Allan shouted loudly to the audience watching him via drone stream. The boy England walked towards the Monster bees and raised his stinger, while his body radiated white light.
Jingle clang clang
When the flock of Great Bees surrounded Allan, they were glowing like moths surrounding a light. They used it to stab the gamer with a needle as large as a pen, creating a series of metallic collision sounds. However, all poisonous needles cannot pierce the metal armor covering from head to toe. Allan swung his arms hard, his whole body shaking so much that the entire Great Bee was pushed out. In a blink of an eye, the gamer swung the knife part of his gun into countless cuts. The sharp blade easily cuts Monster bees better than a sashimi knife cuts soft tofu. The beetles' huge bodies were split into two symmetrical halves on the ground. Fluid and bile were splashed, the wings twitched and then became motionless. The smell of burning bee meat mixed with the smell of burning honey throughout the hallway, forming an unusually deadly banquet room.
“Wow…”
Cide held a cigarette, his mouth unable to hold back the sound of surprise. The development he saw was an armored man standing still, many lines of light flashing like lightning surrounding him, and then the Great Bees collapsed. The bee corpses were motionless after a moment of stirring on the dry, muddy ground. The Hunter looked down and thought. The precision of Allan's cuts is so uniform that it is difficult to see deviations with the naked eye. Cide looked at Allan and wondered, in terms of experience, it was clear that the gamer boy was 100% a rookie. However, his technique and strength far exceeded the masters he had seen during his time as a Hunter. Looking at Yona, he saw countless Man Eater Plants scattered throughout the bushes and grass. The sight of a little girl among a herd of monsters made him somewhat creepy.
“Are you okay with me?” Yona asked.
“Perfect~.” Allan replied and then addressed the audience while bowing. One of his arms was placed in front of his chest, the other arm was spread across his shoulders. “What score do you guys give, for my slicing and Yona's hand-to-hand combat?”
[It's time to start a series of going to the Dungeon with Yona!]
[I rolled 20, it was a critical success.]
[Allan has expanded his territory from streaming games to monster hunting!]
[Summon clippers that summarize outstanding combat moments!]
[Earthling children under 16 years old are strictly prohibited from watching bloody and violent actions.]
[Are we going to have another mukbang Monster?]
[Can someone report Allan for using child labor (just kidding)?]
The audience's chat lines appeared on scrolled phones, they expressed surprise, excitement, and even made fun of the two cousins' performance.
“You go pick up these people and just don't work as a hired laborer and you'll live well.” Cide shrugged, inhaling his cigarette as he commented. “But you should collect these things, leaving them behind is a waste and smells bad.”
“Okie dokie.”
Allan turned his gun around and bent down, his hands quickly stuffing the severed Great Bee into the Bag of Holding. But he stopped when he saw that his magic tool bag was not big enough to hold the entire Man Eater Plant.
“Um… my pockets are full…” The helmeted British boy turned to look at Cide.
“Do we need to cut them up and get the necessary parts?” Yona repeats what Cide did before.
"Right." Cide also started using the ax to cut off some of the Tree Monster's roots and head. “Take their roots and seeds and bring them back. They are quite easy to grow, and are also often used as ingredients for vegetarian dishes.”
"Clear."
“You really brought a lot of Bags of Holding!” Yona commented at the number of bags around Cide's belt.
“In addition to storing loot, it is also useful as a hiding place or as an emergency weapon.” Cide confidently shares his experience. ”Not to mention, this is only the first level, our enemy is deeper down there.”
“Heheh, I feel more excited now.”
Allan's helmet turned toward the passage covered with darkness, which swallowed everything in its murky embrace. Contrary to the instinct of living creatures to be afraid of things that cannot be seen ahead, Allan was extremely excited. Compared to the previous three battles, the current Monsters didn't really stress him out. Of course, he was always ready for any dangerous and unexpected attack like the Slime did to him. Not to mention, having a strong and trustworthy sister by his side, confidence filled his heart. The night before the young Hunter's eyes is like an invitation to new challenges, obstacles to test Dream's strength and his heart!
--- In the cloud town of Olzug, Australia---
Jarek and his four sisters Albina, Saga, Joker and Hawa walked on the path leading to the castle at the end of the town in the clouds. As she got closer, she saw more clearly where she was heading. It was a large structure with white walls and a smooth, flawless surface. It is divided into layers with circles, reminiscent of a cake stacked in layers. The sharp peaks of the watchtowers and main buildings remind the viewer of candles on a cake. This beautiful and strange castle feels like it came out of a fairy tale.
“This castle, this whole land is rich in natural energy.” Jarek looked up at the castle, his eyes sparkling with admiration. ”Even though the sky is cold and windy, here it is both warm and cool. Furthermore, there are invisible walls with countless functions, including language translation, protection from dangerous supernatural creatures, fending off energy attacks, and mental protection.”
“You're not a Spellcaster, but you're really sharp.” Joker stopped typing on the phone and looked at Jarek.
“Wild creatures easily sense the abnormalities of nature.” She smiled back, her white rabbit ears wagging. “The people who created this land really care about the people who live here.”
“Maybe so…” Joker looked up at the castle in the distance.
“It sounds like you don't like this place very much, huh?” The bunny-eared Shapechanger leaned forward, her eyes studying the Joker's expression. “Do you have any bad memories while you were here?”
"…Maybe." The black-haired boy closed his eyes for a moment, breathing out a long, slow sigh. He spoke to Jarek but did not look over. “…If you want to find a good immortal companion, Saga is a much better choice than me.”
“…Eh?” Jarek's rabbit ears perked up, his eyes blinked a few times in confusion." Why do you say that?”
“Because he is better than me in every way, maybe talking will be more to your taste. Not to mention he also has the same ability to transform as you.” Joker looked away, avoiding the Shapechanger girl's gaze.
"Are not!"
“Huh?”
Jarek immediately responded without hesitation. Joker also stopped and turned to that girl.
“The one who saved me at that time was you, Joker Zone, not Saga Blueblood.” The bunny-eared girl placed her hand in front of her chest, her annoyed gaze never leaving the Joker. “I don't mind you being cruel, but I'm not someone who changes my mind easily!”
“…It's all for your benefit.” The black haired boy was silent for a moment then averted his eyes.
"If you're like that, I won't teach you more about Dream!"
Jarek crossed his arms, his face visibly upset. Even so, I'm not sure which is better, the cute appearance of a bunny or the fearsomeness she exudes?
“…Sigh, you got me.” Joker sighed, smiling bitterly and somewhat sarcastically. “I thought you didn't know how to feel uncomfortable.”
“I'm also human.” The Shapechanger girl held her hands behind her back, her cheeks puffed up, and walked in front of the Joker. She looked back a bit and complained with her bunny ears wagging. ”To me, you have never been a nuisance. On the contrary, I want to be able to accompany you as long as possible, dear Joker.”
“Because ramen is free too?” the young man replied with a smirk.
“Ah… I never thought about that.” Jarek raised his bunny ears.
“…You really are a dreamer.”
Joker sighed, his eyes turned back to the front, where his footsteps were coming from. Ten steps behind, his sisters couldn't help but whisper in each other's ears.
“It's good that that sister can talk freely with Joker.” Albina smiled gently as she observed the two from behind, her heart feeling as if she had lost a few pounds in relief.
“Yes…but…hestiation is defeat!” Saga clenched his hands, teeth clenched, eyes closed with tears flowing. "If only...I could impart courage to my poor little brother's closed heart!"
“Always observe and support her whenever it's difficult.” The petite Alchemist girl turned her gaze to Saga.
“Not Hawa.” The white-haired robot girl crossed her arms and pouted.
"Why?" Albina tilted her head to look at her cousin.
“If Joker needs power, Hawa has a massive robot for him!” Hawa complains when she doesn't get attention. “Whatever he needs, Hawa can give it all! But why did he choose a sister old enough to be his mother?
“Each person has a different frequency to tune to.” Albina gently explained.
“You're so overwhelming Joker there's no room left for confidence in yourself, Hawa.” Saga shrugged and gave practical advice.
“Ugh!” The robot girl groaned and then leaned over. She staggered, leaning her hand against a wall on the side of the road, her other hand squeezing her chest in pain. “So… this is the burden of a perfect life form…”
“Well, look at the positive side…” Saga walked over and patted her shoulder to comfort her, her mouth close to her sad sister's ear. “When in doubt, go the harem route. Just like our proud father did!”
“… You're really greedy, but Hawa likes it!”
Hawa stood up, her smile became extremely mischievous, she continued to walk with her siblings. When the group set foot in front of the castle gate, the bustling sounds of the market had faded away, and the number of people walking on the street had also decreased. The closer she got to the castle of Olzug ??town, Jarek felt warmer inside than ever, but the air surrounding her seemed to get heavier and heavier, like the way a person walks underwater!
"… What's wrong?" Realizing that Jarek's steps had slowed down, Joker asked.
“I'm fine…” Jarek smiled forcefully and reassured.
“…If there's anything wrong, just say so, after all, you're a guest.” Joker was silent for a moment then continued, he turned back to the front and walked away.
“Uhm, thank you for your hospitality~.”
The rabbit-eared female Shapechanger braced her throat, keeping her voice as steady as possible, her feet still trying to follow the Joker. The two doors of the castle gate were not guarded or remotely controlled. They automatically opened to welcome the Joker sisters inside. The gentle breeze blew out with the faint scent of wild roses, and the air was filled with shamisen music. The light on every surface of the stone hallway was not dazzling at all, making the candles hanging from the ceiling and placed on the tables decorative objects, because the candles did not glow. The windows provided views of the outside, even though there had been no windows before looking into the castle from outside. Inside the hallway there are also floating brooms being used for cleaning by invisible entities - Unseen Servants. Near both sides of the wall is a long row of banquet tables that stretch to the end of the room. You can smell the faint scent of grilled meat somewhere.
“The design of this place is quite strange… and it looks much more ancient than the outside of the village.” Surprise flashed across Jarek's face.
“It just looks like that, but there's enough modern equipment here~.” Saga shrugged and added. “By the way, the wifi password here is praisethesun.”
“Ah, thank you.”
Jarek quickly replied. When she looked towards the end of the hallway, there were two girls using quills to write small pieces of paper on the table that looked like spells. Both of their hair were long, with cat ears on their heads and tails behind their backs. A person with a taller, more mature figure, a gentle smiling face, wearing a kimono with a white shirt and red skirt, looked quite like a miko. She held the brush and wrote gracefully and fluently on a piece of white paper. In contrast to the other girl, wearing a black dress that looked gothic. She frowned as she concentrated on writing, her face looking extremely tense along the lines of her pen. She looks more childish, has a smaller figure, and looks like the other person's younger sister.
“Grandma Haruka, aunt Ioanna, we're here to play~.”
Saga shouted loudly, his hands waving to attract attention. At that moment, both girls stopped writing and saw the group.
“Ara, I haven't seen you guys all week~.” The taller girl known as Haruka stood up immediately from the table. ”Hidden Paths.”
If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
After the whisper, she appeared immediately in front of Saga and Joker. She hugged the two boys, stroking their hair intimately. Saga hugged back, feeling gentleness and motherly warmth from Haruka. As for Joker, he still put his hands in his pockets, his face remained indifferent.
“And your boy is still full of life, right?” Haruka stepped back, her face glancing down at Saga and Joker's lower bodies. His face revealed a mischievous smile.
“Always alive every morning, and always crazy at night~.”
Saga raised his finger to indicate ok. Joker just rolled his eyes elsewhere, not wanting to make eye contact.
“Good, good~.” The cat-eared miko nodded in agreement. Then, she walked over to Hawa, gently holding and massaging Hawa's breasts from behind with both hands. "And when are you planning to become a model, Hawa-chan ~."
“A contest or Ms. Haruka's praise cannot change Hawa's perfection ~.” Instead of being embarrassed, Hawa puffed out her chest and replied clearly. “Instead, Hawa's weapons and armor need to be improved to perfection!”
“Very good, my dear~.” Haruka smiled with satisfaction. She began to look at Albina. The miko's fingers fluttered like octopus tentacles wanting to wrap around its prey! “And look how big the little doll has grown~.”
“Eh… that… is a bit…” Albina timidly backed away from her grandmother's approach.
“Don't worry, I'll be gentle-”
Poof
Before Haruka's hands could playfully touch Albina's body, her cat's tail was held by the Joker. Without saying a word, Joker just quietly shook his head with half-closed eyes.
“Nya!” Haruka cried out in surprise, her feline ears and tail bristled. She turned around and saw her nephew. "Don't suddenly grab her by the tail like that! Besides, it's for your father~.”
“It's no different than what you're about to do.” Joker sighed and released his hand.
“Honestly, you're not funny at all~.”
Haruka laughed and withdrew his hand. Joker's eyebrows furrowed in annoyance because of that statement. Even so, he was too discouraged to argue further.
“That's right, and who is this lady?” Only then did Haruka turn to greet the new face.
“I'm Jarek, Joker's friend.” The bunny-eared Shaphechanger replied in a friendly manner.
“Eheh, excuse me, a distinguished guest is here, let me prepare a bit.” Haruka turned to ask the Joker sisters. "What do you guys want to eat? I'll ask the kitchen to prepare it for you?"
“Ah, thanks to them preparing this, the sales ladies gave it to us~.” Saga took the Bag of Holding and placed it in the young woman's hand.
“They gave us a lot, let's use it for dinner tonight.” Albina also took out two Bags of Holding and gave them to Haruka.
“Ara, my grandchildren are so loved~.” Haruka placed her hand on one cheek and laughed softly.
“Why don't you keep a bag?” Joker looked at Albina with slightly disappointed eyes.
“You can't eat it all!” Albina sighed and replied.
“Eheh, there's probably not enough to eat it all. But a little snack before dark would be fine, right?”
Haruka stepped back, clapping her hands together, calling for the invisible entities to come. The trays were brought by invisible creatures, they received magic tool bags filled with food and then carried them deep into the hall. The miko led everyone to the long banquet table, the chairs automatically pulled out for each person to sit in, and then she pushed them close to the table.
“Okay, does anyone want some Yokan?”
When Haruka finished speaking, several plates of green matcha jelly were brought out along with the tea set. The pot of tea is poured into the cups, spreading a gentle fragrance throughout the dining table.
“Then I'll excuse you.”
Jarek took a fork and stuck a piece of Yokan into it and tried it. The jelly swayed slightly and then it seemed to melt when put in the mouth. The mild sweetness of sugar mixed with the slight bitterness of matcha melted in Shapechanger's mouth.
“So delicious~.” Jarek put his hand in front of his mouth and admired it.
“There's plenty left, let's have it with tea too~.” Haruka rested her chin on her hands, smiling.
“Mrs. Haruka is very good at making Japanese snacks and sushi~.” Saga ate a piece of Yokan and then switched to sipping tea regularly.
“And if you like Vietnamese food, then dad is quite good, and if you like Western food, Soulflare's mom is very skillful~.” Hawa said as she used her fork to slowly cut the Yokan and eat it elegantly.
“I'm afraid I'll be addicted to this…” Albina took a bite. The girl closed her eyes with her trembling body. Although she didn't want to eat too much, it was hard to resist the appeal of dessert.
"Young girls are growing up, so give them some nourishment to help them get in shape!"
Haruka smiled mischievously while raising her hands as if holding two round objects. Contrary to everyone, Joker only eats and drinks quietly.
Poof
The sound of banging on the table rang out, interrupting everyone's conversation.
"Honestly, Mom is always joking and not behaving properly, so the kids don't take her seriously."
The girl called Ioanna then stood up from the dining table on her hands and knees. Her eyes glared at everyone without hiding her discomfort as if a rage would erupt at any moment.
"We're behind on making the charm. If you keep procrastinating like that, it'll never be finished!" Ioanna comes over and complains.
“Just relax, Ioanna –chan ~.” Haruka waved her hand back and pulled out her chair. She clapped her hands on the chair in invitation. “Come here and have some fun, a little sweet will help you relax~.”
"I'm so bored..." The girl crossed her arms, shaking her head to one side not wanting to look.
"Hawa brought a printer here. It will ensure that it will spread Raw Magic evenly into the charm, helping grandma and aunt work more efficiently than by hand!" Hawa snapped her fingers, and the Unseen Servants took from her Bag of Holding a printer no larger than a phone. “Just put the light on the object, it will create very good quality talismans in a short time!”
“If you depend on technology like that, you won't get better.” Ioanna turned around and returned to her sitting position. She sat down and continued to use her pen to draw spells.
“In the age of technology, being efficient and saving time is a priority~.” The female robot smiled provocatively.
“Listen to what that electronics and technology-obsessed otaku Raw Magic has to say.” Ioanna waved her hand with a sneer.
“Should we intervene?” Jarek turned to ask Joker and Albina.
“It's just an everyday thing.” Joker took a sip of tea, his eyes half-closed, not caring.
“Let me see something bad.” Albina laughed it off and reassured her. But don't worry, this is not serious. Everyone will soon reconcile.”
When he finished speaking, Albina realized that Jarek had left his chair and walked over to Ioanna. The confused girl wanted to leave her chair and intervene, but Joker put his hand on Albina's shoulder.
“Just let her try.” The black-haired boy nodded slightly, his eyes shining with confidence.
“…If you say so.” Hearing that, Albina immediately sat in the chair, her eyes watching in suspense.
“Ah, hello, I'm Jarek, nice to meet you.” Jarek walked up to Ioanna and bowed slightly, a friendly smile still on her lips.
“Hm, what do you want?” Ioanna had one hand on her chin, the other hand still writing, her face not looking very friendly to the other person.
“I will regret not being able to attend the tea party with everyone. So at least I think you should get this.” Jarek handed over a cup of milk tea with a small, understanding smile. She can work and enjoy this at the same time without getting in the way of her work. Blueberry is good for the eyes, its sour taste and the sweetness of milk can help you stay more alert~.”
“…” Ioanna was silent for a moment as her cat ears fluttered slightly and her white tail swayed. After looking at the milk tea cup for a moment, she accepted it. "If you're interested, it would be rude to refuse, so thank you..."
The young girl took a sip through the straw, her cat ears began to wiggle slightly. The rich sweetness of the milk combined with the sour taste of the blueberry both stimulated her taste buds and at the same time softened her expression. Ioanna silently drank her milk tea slowly. Even though she didn't say anything, you could see her cat's tail swaying slowly in relaxation.
“Hoh, she tamed Aunt Ioanna so quickly.” Hawa's eyes widened, she was impressed that the small conversation went well.
“So this is the power of the girl who captured the Joker's heart and stomach.” Saga smiled approvingly, gently shook the warm tea cup in a circle before taking a sip.
“Everyone is so praising~.” Jarek wiggled his white rabbit ears as he returned to his seat.
“It's a relief to see Aunt Ioanna in a better mood.” Albina placed her hands in front of her chest and breathed a sigh of relief.
“Ara, are you about to become a great-grandmother?”
Haruka placed her hand on one cheek, her feline ears swaying as she looked towards Joker. Even so, the black-haired boy did not say another word, he continued to slowly drink the hot tea and then eat the matcha yokan.
“However, it's not good for her to be moody like that.” Saga put the tea cup on the table and stood up. He walked up to Ioanna with his head bowed slightly, his hands on his chest. “Dear Aunt Ioanna.”
"What?" The cat-eared girl glanced at her and asked.
“We bet last time, and you won.” Saga raised his head with a meaningful smile.
“Huh!” Ioanna suddenly raised her ears and tail. "Y-yes?"
“According to the agreement, I must call you onii-chan!” The Wizard boy pointed at himself, his smile filled with confidence, his voice extremely eloquent without any hesitation.
“I DON'T REMEMBER THAT EVENT!” Ioanna raised her voice, she began to growl, her nails became longer and looked brighter. Looking at her right now, she looked like a cat that was being madly irritated.
“I wrote it down clearly.” Saga took out a stack of papers about 10 pages long and his phone. ”Decent white paper and black ink, including a pdf version. Or can't you read Draconic?"
“Ugh…” The cat-eared female shrank back slightly when she saw the stack of papers. "I remember that bet only had to pay $100 to the winner!"
“Dear aunt~.” Saga pulled out a strand of his hair, he placed it in front of his eyes and it became a pair of glasses. "In clause 4, page 6, line 10, it is written here - the loser will have to say certain words according to the winner's wishes."
“W-what…” Ioanna picked up the paper, I quickly flipped it to the correct page and checked it carefully.
“After all, I'm an adult, and adults should keep their word.” The blonde boy smiled optimistically with mischievous front teeth. "You can owe me $100, but at least call me onii-chan. So slow, gentle, and lovely.”
“D-damn boy…” Ioanna gritted her teeth, but could not refute anything. Because she was sure she would win the bet, she didn't look closely at the contract.
“Non young non young.” Saga waved his index finger, his mouth slightly pursed. ”Should it be ‘Saga oniichan, nya‘?”
“BAKAYAROU!”
Ioanna turned and ran out of the hall, her voice echoing as if she were crying. Her voice became distant and smaller, then gradually quieted behind the walls of the next room, the room then became quiet again.
“I'm sorry I haven't heard her say yet ~.” Saga shrugged and put the stack of papers back in his pocket.
“Thank you for helping her take a break.” Haruka stood up and picked up the cup of milk tea that Ioanna had left behind. She walked towards the room her daughter had left, she looked back to reassure the group. “Everyone, take your time.”
“The way they handled it was really…” Jarek blinked a few times trying to process this strange turn of events.
“It's just an everyday thing.” Hawa replied, taking a white towel and gently wiping her mouth.
“You'll get used to it soon.” Ablina smiled softly to reassure the rabbit-eared Shapechanger.
“It's quite commendable that you know how to handle the situation. However, teasing young girls is very childish.”
Without any warning, a blonde girl with a small figure appeared from behind Saga. Even though she was small and looked no different from Saga's younger sister, the girl in the purple witch's black outfit easily pinched the boy's ear.
“Ouch ouch!” Saga screamed, lowering his body so his ears wouldn't get cut off. "M-mother Soulflare!"
“How are you reviewing the other School Spells?” The girl wearing a peaked hat called Soulfalre smiled lightly. Her hand was still merciless towards the blonde boy's ear.
“M-mom, you know that Transmautation is enough for me!” Saga reluctantly resisted verbally. “And if you need any other spells, you just need to use your mother's form and you're done!”
“A Wizard who chooses to take shortcuts instead of accumulating knowledge is unwise, kid. Let's go back to the study~.”
Soulflare objected and walked further into the same hall. Saga's face began to cry when he was used mercilessly.
“I don't want to!”
Having said that, Saga's body became transparent and became the wind. He escaped Soulflare's grasp and ran away as fast as the wind would.
“True Polymorph, mouse~.” Soulflare's hand that was previously holding Saga's ear changed to pointing a finger. A beam of energy shot out from the hand towards the fleeing person!
“Counterspell!”
“Counterpell~.”
Saga quickly turned around and pointed to create a defense spell. However, Soulflare's other hand also used a corresponding spell, causing both spells to be disabled. The first spell beam from the female Wizard reached Saga and turned the blonde boy into a tiny golden mouse.
“Mage Hand ~.”
Soulflare cast a spell, a hand appeared, grabbed the mouse Saga and lifted it into the air. The mouse boy struggled helplessly, but could not escape his mother's big hand!
“I'm bothering everyone, now please excuse me.”
Soulflare smiled, she leisurely walked with her son who was shrinking into a rodent. The remaining people sat in silence for a moment because of the simultaneous developments like a new storm, coming suddenly and leaving as if nothing had happened.
“Your family has truly unique members.” Jarek chuckled.
“Being so ordinary is not worthy of the Hawa family~.” Hawa puffed out her chest proudly. She looked over at Joker and smiled gently. "There's still us, Hawa has a lot of things to ask you, Joker ~."
“…” Joker remained silent, but his eyes were now looking around wildly.
“What's wrong, Joker?” Albina is confused by the light
“…It's rare to see my old man around here.” Joker commented after eating the last piece of Yokan on his plate.
Note:
Sashimi: Japanese raw fish dish
Mukbang: Korean dining program
Okie dokie: ok, agree.
Praisethesun: praise the sun - praise the sun
PDF: portable document file - portable document format
Miko: Japanese temple priestess
Hidden Paths: secret paths, a Druid ability
Yokan: Japanese red bean paste jelly
Matcha: fine tea powder
Unseen Servant: an invisible servant, a type of spell
Non: say no, in Italian
Bakayarou: idiot

