Chapter 9

Clifford remains staring at the two youths, quietly observing how they bash and smash one skeleton after the other.

There was something quite pleasing and relaxing, seeing how they smiled and laugh while fighting.

He can sense that they were enjoying themselves against those weaker enemies, as the creature were not posing much danger at all.

Of course, he also took this chance to test out some things, as there was nobody else there. With the soldiers busy guarding the village and Malver taking command of them, it left them to handle the monsters on their own.

"You saw that! My healing works against them!"

Arty's voice broke through the silence, letting out an adorable shine with his smile, proud and happy for having defeated a skeleton with the use of his skills.

The creature's animated body crumbled after getting blasted with the green light.

Both youngsters did a quick high-five, switching places afterwards to not waste any time.

"Nice! I told you. If we keep this up, will finally catch up with the others."

There was no stopping Jack's barrage of attacks, as his kicks and punches became faster and more aggressive. It was like watching a whirlwind plow through an entire mob of skeletons.

Their enemies didn't stand a chance against the lad, having increased his level thanks to their last fight.

Though he couldn't say the same for his character mode, seeing as those points is editable through his other options. One good thing was his new set-up, giving him a choice of skills, which were interchangeable with his other choices. This gave him a sense of ease since he now had the means to fight.

After a quick glance at the two to make sure they remain occupied, Clifford tinkers back and forth on his system, first going into the editor, then to his character.

With no weapon as of the moment, he began picking up some stones on the ground, checking each of them beforehand to see any difference.

All of them had the same base damage, which is one, with a low chance to induce a critical hit and differentiating durability. Curious about what he can do, he changes the settings on every single piece of them to know how they fare.

Once done, he moves farther from Arty and Jack, who remained occupied by clearing up the mob.

First, he tries the increased attack, setting it into four hundred, which equaled the life points of each animated skeleton.

With one quick throw, the thing flies off, moving at an astonishing speed as it shoots straight to its target.

Bones scatter and break upon impact, as the monster takes additional damage.

Clifford grins, somehow getting a sense of exhilaration and satisfaction at the result.

Next up was the rock, which he added with the effect he got from the wolves: wind slash. Though it was a skill, he wanted to test if it would work.

This one swirled and released a whistling sound, moving slower than the previous. It sliced off the creature upon contact, passing through and flying off a few meters farther.

He nods in approval at the result; he expected that, because the attack was more of the slicing and slashing type.

He imbued the last with Jack's meteor strike, though he had to tweak it, since the original was far more destructive. He had to tone this down, not wanting to cause too much of a ruckus.

Again, he checks on the youngsters. Both seemed focused on clearing out the remaining skeletons there, leaving him with a few stragglers.

It wasn't that bad, considering he only needed to experiment with his system.

Once he made sure the two were still doing good, he takes in a deep breath, patiently waiting for an enemy to separate from its cluster.

Clifford's hand was keen to throw at the first undead that got out of line. This time, the stone he threw let out a high pitch noise, being engulfed in a reddish light upon release.

His eyes grew wide when it hit its target, seeing the immense cloud of smoke, followed by a loud boom which shook the ground.

Birds and animals ran off from the shock, while both teens quickly turned around, wary and gawking at the sudden explosion.

"What was that!"

Jack's sword immediately pointed to where the sound came from, his gaze turning serious and his stance changing to ready himself for a creature coming from behind them.

"Is it another kind of monster?"

Arty held his staff the same, yet his body frame trembled, becoming pale at the thought of a powerful enemy that might come their way.

Clifford felt himself sweat, noticing the fear and panic of the boys. He was keen on putting a wide smile, though it twitch because of the guilt punching at his gut.

"Don't mind it! I just got carried away, that's all."

He waves at the two, seeing how they were on high alert after that. He let out an awkward chuckle, watching how their brows frowned.

Thankfully, another set of skeletons came out of the forest, their bones clucking with each step as they look like they were sprinting to get surprise attack, since both teens got flabbergasted by what had happened.

"Guys, better watch out!"

He points behind them, as their enemies were getting closer.

That got the boys to move again, as they were keen to return their attention to the task at hand.

With a sigh, Clifford set all his stats back to default, together with anything else that might give out the oddity of his system from the others.

All three stones had disintegrated after usage, an effect of the low durability of each.

After noting that, he proceeds gathering some items which he can use in battle if it comes up.

After they had disposed of the threat, they merrily walk back to the village where they left Malver and the caravan.

Jack took the lead, acting as their vanguard in case something was to come out of the woods.

"Seems you really make a good team."

This was Clifford's first impression upon observing them in battle. Their teamwork was commendable, considering there were just two of them.

The way they supported and guarded each other's backs told him a lot about their deep connection and trust towards each other.

But somehow, the compliment only put a pained smile on Arty's face, shoulders falling as he sighed before throwing a quick glance at his friend.

"You know, sir Clifford. Jack was supposed to be in the first group. But he stuck with me, says our class complimented each other. But I think he just feels bad that no one wanted to partner up with me."

Arty couldn't help his face from twisting when images of that time resurfaced in his memories.

He can't still vividly remember how everyone was immediate to shrug him off, seeing as how he didn't have any powerful magic, along with his low stats.

If it wasn't for the item which was given to him, he wouldn't have any kind of destructive spells.

The only redeeming thing he had was his healing, though, of course, that was instantly overshadowed by another person who had both attack and support on their arsenal, being a paladin class.

"Seems like he's a nice guy."

That got a nod from Clifford as he found the other boy to be commendable, having taken it upon himself to help a fellow in need.

He can tell the kid had a good heart. Though he was a muscle head, there is no mistaken that he is a kind and dependable person.

"Yeah, he is. And quite strong, too."

Arty took another deep breath, a pained smile forming on his lips, as his eyes suddenly turned hollow, having that shadow like aura looming over it.

There was this mixed of jealousy and admiration within him, along with the sense of pity for himself.

Once again, dragging down his soul within the depths of that unknown void, which made him become so empty.

"I think that goes for you, too."

Clifford war keen to notice the sudden change in the boy's composure and mood, noticing how the lad's expression had turned lifeless even with that smile.

From his slouching body, to the way the kid gave out that low voice when he complimented his friend, getting a certain level of anguish within the youth.

That got a good chuckle from Arty, exhaling the heaviness out of his system.

His mood somehow lit up, lightening the load of sullenness and despondency in his chest upon hearing those words.

But before he could recover, a memory flash before him. The image of how Jack's face fell when they were told they could not venture on their own.

This returned to those creeping senses of regret and melancholy within him.

"I kind of doubt that. I just wish I can be more of help, since I also want to go adventuring."

He was being eaten by that helplessness, guilt, and sadness, knowing he'd been dragging down his friend all this time.

Jack had lost his chance to be with a proper party, because he chose to team up with him.

The shame was enough to make him feel so little, along with the need to just disappear.

"Well, you're still leveling up. If you are familiar with certain games from our world, there are classes who start out weak, but end up becoming formidable."

Clifford was quick to put on his jolly face, giving the kid a good tap on the shoulder to liven him up.

He can sense that downtrodden sensation which was coming out of the boy, as it seemed to radiate throughout the surroundings.

It was as if there was this heaviness within the air looming around them, as the youth continued sulking.

"We're back!"

Jack's voice boomed, breaking the gloom everywhere.

They've been so caught up in the conversation that they barely realize that arriving at the village until they saw the broken down huts.

Situated deep in the woods, it can hardly be called a town.

The number of people didn't even amount to around fifty. Dried up crops littered the area, and the animals were all skin and bones.

Some of the abandoned houses were being taken over by the forest again, as vines and trees covered them. All the while, those who still had families in them either had broken-down walls, doors, or their roofing were falling off.

The place was only lively because of the caravan and soldiers who were currently resting there.

What caught their attention was the fact that most of them were already packing up when they got there.

The merchants loaded their wares, and families huddled inside the carriages.

"What's going on?"

Jack rush to their leader, his forehead creased upon seeing how the soldiers lined up and were ready to march.

Malver was in a hurry to get everyone moving, shouting orders to make sure he accounted every single one of his men for.

Though occupied, he still faced the lad, who was fuming, noticing how the kid's face had turned red.

"I take it you are done with subjugating the skeletons rampaging around the forest."

He says with a raised brow, seeing all three of the otherworlders.

After getting the information about the enemies, he became certain their small party can handle it easily.

Jack got taken aback, gawking at the cheerful face of the man. His rage and anxiety diminish, all because of that.

"Uh, yes, it wasn't much of a deal."

His lips twisted, clenching his fist as his other hand scratched the back of his head, disappointed at the fact that they finished their work there.

He thought they would stay for a while, considering they travelled so far.

"Then that should be enough. The king's orders were to return to the capital immediately once were done."

Malver's voice was stoic, keeping his stand at the decision.

Though he too wanted to linger a bit longer, since they had so many wounded. It was impossible to do so, remembering the time frame they had.

"But we haven't even reached level thirty."

Arty steps up, as he could see the frustration on his friend's face.

He'd only known his friend for a short while, yet he understood why the guy acted that way.

They were still about a few levels behind, and defeating all those skeletons didn't amount too much.

"Apologies, young one. But I'd get in trouble if we don't return to the castle within a week."

With a heavy heart, Malver gave out a weak smile, remorseful that he couldn't grant the boy's request, even though he wanted to.

Clifford remained silent during the exchange, eyes wandering around the place. Unable to understand the purpose of leaving new settlers there, let along anyone wanting to live there.

No walls, no guards, with a single watchtower with a teenager standing guard.

There's hardly anything that can be called as a defense, considering it was in the middle of nowhere.

Also, it bothered him about the fact they had just arrive there, but they were in haste to get back.

It got this foreboding tingle inside his head, sensing that something was up.