Death Flower Party (2)

A few hours had passed since the two caravans had embarked from one of the subterranean caverns of the Kingdom of Daichetus. Now, they found themselves venturing into the resplendent forest.

The sun cast its radiant beams through the verdant canopy, as majestic elm trees towered above, their branches adorned with lush foliage.

The forest floor was carpeted with a vibrant tapestry of unique grasses and dense underbrush, creating an enchanting landscape that seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance.

The air was filled with the intoxicating aroma of the earth, a symphony of scents that melded together in perfect harmony. It was a sensory feast, a testament to the thriving ecosystem that surrounded them.

Within the second caravan, five individuals sat in contemplative silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts and emotions. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, as they were acutely aware of the significance of their journey and the perilous challenges that lay ahead.

The caravan's gentle, rocking motion was a constant reminder of their steady progress, as the two bipedal creatures harnessed to it moved with a graceful, yet powerful stride.

Gabbi cast a surreptitious gaze into the caravan, his eyes falling upon two contrasting figures.

Berto, a man notorious for his volatile temper, clenched his fists in barely contained rage, his face a mask of fury. Beside him, Hugo appeared world weary, the weight of exhaustion etched into the lines around his eyes.

[Lvl. 23] [Lvl. 20]

Beside him, an older gentleman named Larry sat in quiet contemplation. His eyes remained closed, while his weathered hands delicately embraced a circular locket necklace, as though it safeguarded the secrets to his most treasured recollections.

[Lvl. 34]

Nearby, a dark skinned woman appeared deeply absorbed in her thoughts, tilting her head ever so subtly, as if she were contemplating a profound mystery that solely she possessed the ability to decipher.

[Lvl. 36]

Gabbi mused introspectively, 'Joaquin undoubtedly holds the highest level within the present party. His level surpasses that of Aeris by a slight margin, and his aura emanates a potent, unyielding force,' as he delved further into his thoughts, 'It is quite likely that he hails from the clandestine world of imprisoned gladiators.'

Abruptly, Gabbi's memory vividly recalled the moment when the man with the monocle callously handed over the two enslaved women to the rugged man, as if they were nothing more than ordinary goods in a mundane transaction.

Witnessing such a deplorable act elicited a minor visceral response within him. Observing such cruelty firsthand and merely imagining it were two entirely distinct experiences. He consciously compartmentalized his moral compass.

Gabbi thoughts meandered, he contemplated the intricacies of the agreement.

'The pact stipulated that no harm should befall any member of the party, unless one individual perceived that others were deliberately hindering their progress or leading them inexorably toward their own demise. In such cases, causing harm was permissible, particularly if it involved the theft of possessions or interference in personal affairs.'

'Another crucial aspect of the deal concerned the Chrysanthemum, should any party member or individual catch sight of this elusive creature, they would be compelled to engage in a fierce battle, either vanquishing the beast or succumbing to its lethal prowess.'

Abruptly, the caravan ground to a halt, causing its occupants to sway slightly from the unexpected stop.

The air was pierced by the shrill shrieks of a bipedal creatures, baring its menacing fangs in response to an approaching threat.

The handler's voice rang out with urgency, "Pack of Emberfangs approaching!"

Berto swiftly emerged from the caravan, followed closely by Hugo. Gabbi, the older gentleman Larry, and a dark skinned woman also joined them outside.

As they stepped into the open, they were met with the sight of numerous red furred wolves, their gleaming, razor sharp claws on full display. The Emberfangs snarled menacingly, saliva dripping from their bared fangs as they prepared to confront the party.

Gabbi studied the wolves intently, a nagging thought occupying his mind. 'They are too thin,' he mused silently, noting their emaciated forms.

Without warning, the Emberfangs lunged at the group with ferocious aggression.

Berto reacted instantly, invoking, "[Earth Wall]" The ground heaved, forming a sturdy barrier of rock that intercepted the charging wolves. Some collided with the makeshift shield, while others swiftly sidestepped, skirting the edge of the barrier as they continued their relentless pursuit.

Hugo channeled mana into his dagger, causing it to emit a faint yellow glow. He assumed a defensive stance, poised and ready. Gabbi followed suit, imbuing his black dagger with a thick, red mana before lunging forward to meet the oncoming threat.

The dark skinned woman brandished her double bladed dagger and charged into the fray, while the older man, Larry, clasped his locket for a final moment before gripping his mace and joining the battle.

The skirmish between the party and the emberfangs raged on.

Berto called forth another spell, "[Earth Spike]" A whirlwind of sand and rock coalesced, forming razor sharp earthen spears that hurtled towards the wolves at breakneck speed. Some were struck down instantly, their bodies impaled and pinned to the ground, blood splattering the battlefield.

Gabbi's eyes remained locked on the charging emberfangs, his movements precise and calculated.

He sidestepped an incoming attack, swiftly slashing the neck of one wolf, its blood staining his dagger. Retracting his weapon, he pivoted to evade another charge, delivering a devastating kick to the creature's head.

As yet another wolf leaped towards him, intent on tearing him apart, Gabbi somersaulted backward, deftly maneuvering in midair to land a vicious strike to its chest before charging towards the remaining wolves.

The dark skinned woman nimbly dodged the emberfangs ferocious onslaught, her blades slicing through limbs and severing heads with lethal efficiency. The ground became littered with the dismembered remains of the fallen creatures, their blood pooling beneath them.

Larry wielded his augmented mace with brutal force, muttering, "[Heavy Crusher]" He swung the weapon horizontally, crushing the skulls of multiple wolves within his range. The sickening crunch of bone and sinew echoed through the air as their heads burst open, spewing forth a grisly cascade of brain matter and shattered bones.

Hugo, beads of sweat forming on his brow, deftly dodged and stabbed at the wolves, his eyes focused and methodical. He patiently waited for their attacks, skillfully evading each one before delivering a fatal blow and maintaining distance from the remaining adversaries.

After a grueling battle against the ferocious creatures, the remaining emberfangs retreated, leaving the surrounding grass and soil drenched in their blood. The party surveyed the carnage, their eyes lingering on the lifeless bodies of the redwolves.

Berto let out a resigned sigh and remarked, "Unfortunately, we can't sell their carcasses for a few drinks."

Hugo slowly approached Berto and replied, "Drinks wouldn't be a bad idea after such an intense adventure."

The two engaged in a lively conversation, occasionally glancing at the rest of the party and exchanging knowing gestures that only they could decipher.

Meanwhile, Gabbi brooded over the composition of their group. 'This is the worst party imaginable: three dagger wielders, one mace user, and Berto, who might know a bit of martial arts but is more proficient in earth magic. We lack a healer, a support to provide buffs, a ranger, a fighter, or even a tank,' he thought, adding, 'We're driven by individual pursuits, with no leader or coordination. We simply move according to our own desires.'

The handler suddenly announced, "The first caravan is engaged in battle."

Without hesitation, Gabbi strode purposefully toward the second caravan. Observing his confident departure, the others exchanged thoughtful glances before hastening to follow in his footsteps.