27 Shall we resume where we left off? (2/2)
”That still doesn't change the fact that it is overpowered.”
”If you noticed, it can only be used to raise monster and directly related skills so it can't help you improve most of your normal skills.”
”That is true.”
”It isn't something you can accumulate for higher grade skills; and also, could a wild monster set up the same conditions we did?”
”No. They would probably have a much harder time finding so much fodder without getting hunted themselves. Which brings up the question, what will happen when I upgrade to adept?”
”You will probably grow a tier, gain a few more animal skills and look more like an adult lynx. Why do you ask?”
”Don't the farmers think we are domestic cats? How do we explain my sudden growth?”
”I'll talk to the farmers to make sure you won't have too much trouble. By the way what did Lux do with his MExp? He got some too right?
”Yeah, He put a lot of it into his paw fishing skill, raising it up to 7/10 Adept before using the rest to raise his level a bit since he is behind me. He will probably take a while longer to get back to his former status considering how much he loves fish. I am curious though, how do you know so much about MExp? I thought you were a gaming noob.”
Jericho laughed. ”Since I know you in person I can share the secret. However, this stays between you, me, and Moira until I tell you otherwise.”
”I can keep it a secret.”
Jericho smiled. ”I'm a water elemental like the one you met earlier.”
”Really? Then how come I have never seen you in that form? We have adventured together quite a bit. Is your human form skill higher then master?”
Jericho shook his head. ”I don't have a 'human form' skill. I have an ability known as Form Shift and it doesn't have a ranking. Yours is a skill?”
”Yeah, it is. Thankfully it is already a Master ranked skill otherwise the amount of time I could spend as a human would be significantly less. Why do you ask?”
”Let's try an experiment later. I have a music skill that targets and improves a specific skill I know about. I wonder what would happen If I used that while focusing on your human form ability.”
”Alright. Do you have an idea why it is different for you? I mean they are both types of shapeshifting.”
”If I had to guess, Glaw would probably say something like it is because yours comes from your character's blood while mine comes from a change in the soul or something fancy like that.”
”I guess that makes sense. I'm a bit jealous you can transform when you want and don't have a timer like me. Well, I should go inside so I can log in.”
”Oh, Ken, one last question; what do you want to do about Purai?” He asked.
”I'll forgive her. She warned us she wasn't confident and I asked her to do so anyways. It wasn't her fault for thinking I was a lynx. Moira was right. Her mistake became a happy little accident. Don't tell Moira, but I really like playing as an animal. Hunting and wrestling like that are thrilling. It isn't something I could do much as an archer.”
Jericho shook his head. ”Sorry, I wasn't clear with what I meant to ask. Do you plan on being human around Purai?”
”Why do you ask?”
”Purai currently thinks you are an NPC creature. I know you saw how easily her emotions seemed to be affected.”
”Ah, I think I understand why you are asking now. If I appear as a healthy and happy lynx, her confidence will be boosted but I won't be able to use my archery or human skills until after she leaves. If I appeared as a human, she would probably apologize profusely and feel disheartened again.”
”Right; that is the risk. It is highly possible I have misjudged her but I'm usually a pretty good judge of character. Right now, Purai seems fragile. While lying is problematic, sometimes the truth is best spoken when a person has become stronger.”
Ken frowned. ”I don't want to be a kitten when I see her next. Let's log in and boost me up to tier 2 since we have the time and Moira sounds like she will be distracted for a while. We can tell Purai about her mistake later. I don't want to have to deal with apologies that seem like it is the end of the world. It will make helping her get past the satyrs much harder. But I have a different idea that may work out better.”
”Sounds good, we can sell things and resume where we left off. I'll see you in game my four legged friend.”
”Shut it.”
***
They logged into the game.
Princess continued to hole herself up in the crafting room to work on her 'secret project'.
Jericho sold the excess loot he and Ken had before carried the box back over to the farmers. ”Hello again!” He called out.
The farmer looked up. ”Ah, it is the cat man. Are your cats already feeling rambunctious again already?”
”Indeed, but that is because of something important I didn't tell you last time.”
”Oh?” The farmer asked.
”These cats are actually lynxes. The reason they are better hunters than your domestic cats is because these are wild animals my sister and I have tamed.”
Realization hit the farmer. ”No wonder. Well, same deal as last time. I'll reward you based on the number of kills these two get.”
Jericho nodded. ”Thank you. But I have a favor to ask.”
”Shoot.”
”The one with the green collar may grow before they are done hunting. Can you help make sure he isn't attacked by other adventurers?”
”Sure, as long as he doesn't try to attack us we can do that.”
”Thank you.” He dumped the kittens out of the box. {Same deal as last time, I will give the winner my last grilled fish. However the competition between you two will end when Ken grows to tier 2 or Princess says she is done whichever comes first. If she isn't done by the time you rank up, keep hunting.}
Ken translated for Lux and the battle began anew.
Jericho pulled out his piano and once again continued to practice and refine that playful duet and extended its length.