Imaginesword Online Part 1: A New Fantasy

Level 3: Quest 1: Manticore Hunt

As Jon and I left the Wolfpire Guild house, Jonathan and I were discussing which guild we should join.

"So, which are you gonna join? I was thinking of joining the Wolfpires when I get my BP up", said Jon. I agreed. There is still time. I need to focus on gaining EXP and leveling up. Jonathan and I went to the marketplace to look into a character quest.

"Whoa! Now, this looks interesting", I said. Jonathan agreed. A Manticore Hunt was coming up, and it was rewarded up to 10000 gems!!

"You think we're high enough to take this one?", I asked.

"Maybe. You never know. I just hope we can clear this level so we can hurry up and join the front lines."

"Yeah. I wanna catch up to Divine as soon as possible." We gathered gears and headed out for the Manticore Mountains. I used a teleport crystal to get us there faster. When we entered the dungeon, it was quiet.  

"Huh. I thought that we would be fighting the Manticore instantly", I said.

"Well, it wouldn't be much of a "Manticore Hunt", now would it?", replied Jon.

"I guess. Guess we might get going. Who knows what we might be coming up with."

"Why don't we split up. We might never catch it if we stick together."

"I guess. But I shouldn't underestimate this mission. We should probably split up and regroup. That way we won't in trouble in case one of us needs backup", I said.

"Ok. I can work with that. What level are you now?", asked Jonathan.

"Level 54. I see you're level 79 now. How do you level up so fast!?"

"Just play the game. Log in daily. Try beating more bosses and farm EXP from meditating."

"OK! I'll try it. Let's go!"

We split ways, and I started tracking down from the eastern hallway. I fought a couple of slimes and wolves on the way. I sliced one of the healing herbs and continued. Once again, I fought a few monsters, healed up, and back on the hunt. Again, and again, and again.

"What the hell? Where's the freaking Manticore? It's been over an hour already!"

I decided to contact Jonathan, but before I could press his name on my contact list, a large shadow looms over me. I slowly turn my head, and looming over me is the gigantic figure of the Manticore. With its large bird-like wings, buff lion body, and human-like head, it made itself more intimidating.

I closed my contacts window and draw my sword. A low growl escaped from the mouth of the Manticore.  Then that growl transitioned to a roar. I slowly backed up, gripping my sword with both hands. 

"Damn! I still have a basic sword! How am I gonna beat this thing with just a low-level weapon!?", I whispered. Maybe I could run and call Jonathan for backup. But then again, it would probably take a while for him to get here, and I'd probably be dead by then...

The Manticore lunged, bearing its fangs and claws. I dodged just in time. It stops for a few seconds, then lashes its tail at my head. I dodge it just barely. 

Then the tail of the Manticore whips up and shoots spikes out the tip. I try to dodge all of them. But one got past me and cut me in the cheek.

I stopped and slowly reached up with my fingers to wipe the blood from my wound. As soon as I saw the blood, it was like everything just shut down. I couldn't move. I could barely think. The Manticore charged and lashed out at my body.

Without even thinking, my arm whipped up to block the giant arm of the Manticore. I hadn't thought of blocking. It was as if my body was moving on its own.

I grabbed my sword. Staggering towards the Manticore. My feet dragged my feet, inching towards the beast. The Manticore roared as it prepared to strike again.

Before its paw could reach me, it was already shaved off its large arm. The Manticore roared in pain and backed away. 

But my body kept moving. Before it could make another move, I leaped up and chopped off its left leg, making the Manticore fall to the ground. Its HP slowly goes down with each hit.

But then, before I could take another shot, a streak of light whipped past me, slamming into the Manticore like a bullet hitting a statue.

With that, the Manticore let out a large cry of pain and dissolved into black smoke.

When I regained my senses, I dropped my sword and fell to my knees. Gasping for breath, I hear footsteps coming toward me.

I slowly raise my head. Standing a few feet from me was a girl holding a bow and arrow. She had cat ears, and white hair, with grey leather armor.

It was as if I was seeing god...

"Hey... You okay?", she asked.

I couldn't speak. The only thing I could do is gape at her. Blood pooled from my wounds. 

"Hey, are okay, man?", she asked.

I didn't answer. 

Then I felt a reassuring hand rest on my shoulder. 

"Hey, Kuuga! Are you ok? I thought I heard some fighting. Everything ok man?" Asked Jonathan.

I was too baffled to speak...

The sight of this woman- no GODDESS - was too astonishing to look away from. The way her hair shone in the lighting of the large stone hallways lit with torches and lanterns, her beautiful silhouette gleaming in the shadows, all perfect and almost unreal...

"Hey, buddy. Are you ok? You kinda drooling..." Said Jon.

I woke up from my paralysis and wiped my mouth quickly.

The sight of her still made me uneasy...

She took a step toward us. 

I immediately got up and bolted away looking like an idiot...

"Huh?", asked Jonathan, " what was that about?"

"IDK", she replied.

Just like that, I exited the mission...