The Chronicles of a Fallen Star

Yas'tavot trailed behind the two women, his many eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. He couldn't help but ponder the oddity of his companions. Ayla, the Sword Maiden, and Paola, the naked human who seemed so out of place. Yas'tavot didn't quite understand them, especially Paola. He had heard tales of humans claiming a better connection to the land by walking without shoes, but this was something else entirely.

Paola walked with an air of confidence, her pink slippers the only nod to modesty. By human standards, Yas'tavot supposed she was considered gorgeous, but she also appeared foolish. Most humans wore heavier armor, but not Paola. She didn't seem bothered by her lack of protection, nor did she press for clothing or armor. She lived this way, it seemed, with a carefree attitude that baffled him. She didn't even ask for his own shirt, which was odd given how Arachnites typically wore minimal clothing themselves.

Naked humans were a bigger problem than one would think, especially for a traveling merchant like him. Humans were often vile to each other, attacking and stripping one of their gear, sometimes attempting lewd actions. The lucky ones were those who escaped such fates. Yet, Paola seemed unconcerned, almost oblivious to the dangers. It was as if she existed in a bubble of her own making.

Then there was Ayla, wearing minimal armor herself, which was perplexing. She bore the Obsidian Stone in her left shoulder plate, marking her as a formidable Sword Maiden. Yas'tavot knew of Lady Marcelline and her reputation, but seeing Ayla in action, so lightly armored, was still surprising.

They were approaching the perimeter of the compound, having seen the guards patrolling from higher up the hill. Yas'tavot's many eyes darted around, keeping track of everything. He noted the decaying barn, the dying crops, and the general state of neglect. It was the perfect hideout for bandits.

Yas'tavot felt a surge of anxiety. He had never been one for combat, preferring to deal in goods and information. Yet here he was, about to assist in a raid. He glanced at Ayla and Paola, wondering what drove them. Ayla's stoic determination contrasted sharply with Paola's carefree demeanor. Despite their differences, they seemed to complement each other in a strange way.

As they neared the compound, Yas'tavot's senses heightened. He could feel the tension in the air, the anticipation of the fight. He followed closely, his legs moving with a quiet grace, careful not to draw attention. The plan was clear, but the execution would be crucial.

They crouched behind a cluster of bushes, observing the guards. Yas'tavot's eyes flitted between the women and their surroundings. He knew the danger they faced, especially from the leader, a notorious fleshcrafter. The thought of encountering such a foe sent a shiver down his spine.

Ayla signaled for them to move. Yas'tavot's heart pounded in his chest as he followed, his many eyes never stopping their vigilant scan. He hoped they would succeed, that they could rescue his friend and make it out alive. He steeled himself for what was to come, knowing that his role, though secondary, was still vital.

As they crept closer to the compound, Yas'tavot's thoughts returned to the women. He couldn't help but marvel at their bravery and determination. He had seen many things in his travels, but nothing quite like this. It was a testament to their spirit, their resolve. And as much as he didn't understand them, he respected them.

They stood at the perimeter, hidden behind some shrubs. Somehow, they hadn't been noticed yet. Yas'tavot's many eyes scanned the surroundings, nerves tightening his grip on his pocket watch. He was no fighter, but he had one ability that could be of use—an ability designed to protect his gear. The catch? His gear needed to be in danger.

He pulled the watch from his pocket, his most prized possession, a beautifully crafted timepiece. He leaned towards Ayla and whispered, “I have an ability that can protect my gear. If you both wear these, I can extend my protection to you.”

Ayla looked at him curiously, then nodded. Yas'tavot handed the chain and pocket watch to Ayla, who then passed the chain to Paola. Paola fastened the chain around her neck, while Ayla held the watch. Yas'tavot took a deep breath, knowing what he had to do next.

He rarely revealed his other arms, the four pincer-claw-like limbs that usually stayed hidden. But now, it was necessary. With a resigned sigh, he activated his ability, “Guarded Relic.” As he did, the hidden limbs tore out from his vest, the fabric ripping around them. He flexed the arms, the movement revealing a barely visible golden aura that enveloped him and the amulets now worn by Ayla and Paola.

He rubbed at the vest’s new holes and muttered, “This was an expensive vest.”

Paola raised her eyebrows in surprise, seeing the extra limbs for the first time. But she quickly understood the necessity of it. Yas'tavot's appearance had changed dramatically, his true form as an Arachnite revealed.

Ayla glanced at him, then back at Paola. "Are you ready?" she asked, her voice low but steady.

Paola nodded, her grip tightening on her dagger. She felt the aura's protection around her, a comforting presence that gave her a boost of confidence. They exchanged a brief look, then turned their attention to the two guards lazily patrolling the perimeter.

Yas'tavot's many eyes stayed vigilant, ready to alert them to any movement. The time for hesitation was over. They had a mission to complete and lives to save.

Ayla signaled for them to move. Yas'tavot felt the tension in the air, the anticipation of the upcoming fight. He hoped his ability would be enough to keep them safe. As they prepared to attack the unprepared guards, the golden aura around them shimmered, a promise of protection and a reminder of the stakes at hand.

The guards were close now, their lazy patrols leaving them vulnerable. Yas'tavot’s extra limbs flexed, ready to defend. Ayla and Paola tensed, their eyes fixed on their targets. The moment had arrived, and they were ready to strike.

* * *

There was no time left as Paola saw Ayla motioning them to attack. Moving with precision and speed, she handled the initial guards swiftly and non-lethally. Her knee cracked into the back of one, and he only managed a small whimper before falling. Before he even hit the ground, Ayla's hilt slammed into the head of the other guard, knocking him out cold.

Paola and Yas'tavot moved closer to the dilapidated barn. Just as they neared it, a trio of guards emerged. Ayla immediately engaged two of them, her broadsword a blur as she deflected a thrown knife and dispatched one guard with a swift strike. The remaining guard put up a tougher fight, forcing Ayla into a deadly dance of swordplay.

Paola was caught off guard as the third guard charged at her, his spear gleaming menacingly. She summoned her dagger from scratch, the weapon appearing in her hand with a faint shimmer. The guard was a skilled fighter, his spear thrusts and sweeps keeping Paola on the defensive.

Her opponent lunged, aiming for her midsection. Paola barely dodged, feeling the spearhead brush past her skin. She retaliated with a quick slash, but the guard easily parried and countered with a sweeping strike that nearly knocked her off balance.

Paola's heart raced. This man was clearly more skilled than she was. His movements were fluid, his strikes precise. She could barely keep up, her own movements feeling sluggish in comparison. He thrust again, and she deflected the spear with her dagger, but the force of the blow numbed her arm.

Yas'tavot watched from the sidelines, his many eyes tracking the fight. He saw another guard making his way towards the alarm bell. Before he could react, the guard reached it and sounded the alarm, the bell's clanging echoing through the compound.

Paola gritted her teeth, focusing on her opponent. She needed to find an opening, a moment of weakness. The guard lunged again, and she dodged to the side, trying to get inside his guard. But he was quick, his spear whirling around to block her path.

She was losing. Her dagger, though effective, was no match for the reach and power of the spear. Her opponent pressed his advantage, forcing her back step by step. She could feel the panic rising in her chest. She needed to do something, anything, to turn the tide.

Yas'tavot's protective aura flared as the spear tip grazed Paola's shoulder, the golden glow absorbing some of the impact. It gave her a momentary respite, just enough to regain her footing. She lunged forward, aiming a desperate strike at the guard's chest.

He blocked it easily, twisting the spear to knock her dagger aside. But in that split second, Paola saw her chance. She pivoted, her foot hooking around the guard's ankle. With a swift motion, she tripped him, sending him sprawling to the ground.

She didn't hesitate. Summoning her dagger once more, she drove it into the guard's side, ending the fight. She stood there, panting, her body trembling from the exertion. The golden aura faded, the protective field going back into hiding.

Ayla finished off her opponents with a final, decisive blow. She turned to see Paola standing over her fallen opponent, relief washing over her face. But their victory was short-lived. The alarm had been sounded, and the remaining guards were converging on their position.

They quickly found themselves encircled by the remaining guards of the farm compound. The odds were against them, but they had no choice but to fight. Ayla readied her sword, her eyes blazing with determination. Paola, though shaken, gripped her dagger tightly, preparing for the next wave.

Paola glanced around, knowing this fight was far out of their hands. It was four to one at the very least with these numbers, and somehow, Paola could sense there were more guards lurking beyond. She wasn't sure how she knew that, but she did. Panic bubbled up inside her, but she forced herself to stay calm.

The crowd of guards slowly parted, making way for an Aquarid. His light blue skin shimmered faintly in the dying light, but his appearance was unsettling. He wore a semi-decent suit, presenting a suave look, except for one glaring detail: he was missing an arm. The wound was fresh, and he held another arm in his remaining hand, seemingly unbothered by the gruesome sight. His small maw was stained red, and the grey arm he held had tattoos running up to the elbow. He studied the group with a calm, sinister gaze.

Paola felt bile rise in her throat. Killing had been hard enough, but this—this was something else entirely. She could tell that the horn on his head wasn't originally his, and parts of his flesh and scales were clearly sewn on. His dark eyes lingered over Paola's bare form, making her squirm uncomfortably. She swore she heard Ayla growl beside her, the sound low and menacing. The being's eyes shifted to Ayla, a twisted smile playing on his lips.

He gave a small bow, his movements smooth despite his grotesque appearance. "Good evening," he said, his voice carrying a sinister edge beneath the gentlemanly tone. "I am Ovochos. May I ask why you're bothering my farm and killing my people? That's not a kindly way to say hello."

Yas'tavot stepped forward, his usually confident demeanor replaced with visible fear. His arms shook as he pointed towards the arm Ovochos held. "Is...is that Selene's arm?" he asked, his voice a quiet quiver.

Ovochos' grin widened, his teeth glinting menacingly. "Ah, Selene," he said, almost wistfully. "Is she the reason for your visit?"

Yas'tavot nodded, his eyes not leaving the severed arm. Ovochos seemed to ponder this for a moment, his gaze shifting between Ayla, Paola, and Yas'tavot.

"Selene and I," Ovochos started, holding the arm up, "Well, let's just say, she didn't enjoy her stay here as much as I did. She had a fiery spirit, and it was...quite satisfying, playing with her."

Ayla stepped forward, her grip tightening on her broadsword. Her eyes were aflame with fury, her knuckles white.

"Oh, pity me, she was only a Demon," Ovochos taunted, the words dripping with venom. "Not one of your precious Sword Maidens, and definitely not human."

Ayla snarled, her sword raised. Paola placed a hand on her shoulder, attempting to calm her, but it was no use. Ovochos was baiting her, and Ayla was taking it. Yet, despite the Aquarid's goading, Ayla still waited. Her anger simmered beneath the surface, but she held herself in check.

Ovochos laughed without mirth, his eyes never leaving Ayla's. "Do you really think you can kill me? Do you even know who I am?"

Paola felt the tension in the air, the animosity between the two. Ayla remained silent, her rage barely contained. Ovochos simply grinned, his arrogance growing by the second.

"So you do?" One of his brows raised in amusement. "That should be enough to make you rethink, little Maiden."

Paola glanced between the two, unsure what to make of the situation. She had no idea who Ovochos was or what he was capable of. She had never heard of him, but clearly, Ayla had. And if Ayla was worried, that should've been enough of a warning for her.

Ovochos turned his attention to the guards surrounding them, his gaze dismissive. He seemed unperturbed by their presence, almost bored. "So, you only came for your friend, hm?" he asked, as if considering. "I see," Ovochos said finally, his tone thoughtful. "Well, then. Let's make a trade. I will give you Selene's location, and in return, we will avoid further conflict.”

Paola's heart pounded in her chest. Was this really going to end peacefully? She glanced at Ayla, who was glaring daggers at Ovochos, but Yas'tavot didn't hesitate.

"Deal," Yas'tavot said, his voice firm despite his fear.

Although his expression didn't change, the tone in Ovochos' voice turned icy, "I was not asking you, insect." Ovochos's maw curled into a snarl, his gaze fixated on Yas'tavot. "I am telling you, little bug."

Yas'tavot shrank in fear, his limbs receding.

Ayla, though still furious, gave a reluctant nod. "Where is Selene?"

Paola saw a notification flash in her mind's eye: the mission was completed, the bonus mission now crossed out. She couldn't believe it. They had avoided further bloodshed, at least for now.

Ovochos began to explain where Selene was, a growl of disdain in his voice. "That bitch actually managed to free herself," he said, his tone full of venom. "She took my arm," he added coldly, looking down at Selene's severed limb he held. "But I managed to take hers as well." He spoke with a chilling calm. "I sent her into the river. Losing blood like she was, I doubt she survived."

Yas'tavot listened intently, his multiple eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. Ovochos' sinister smile never wavered as he continued. "Get off my property without so much as killing a flower on your way out, and we'll call it good."

The conversation was horrifying to Paola. She couldn't believe Ovochos was letting them go. Paola could see the seething fury boiling over from Ayla and was impressed she was able to restrain herself. Guards followed them to the edge of the border, their presence a constant reminder of the danger they had narrowly escaped. Paola could feel Ovochos' eyes on them the entire time, a sinister gaze that made her skin crawl.

They were silent as they quickly jumped back onto Yas'tavot's wagon. The horses sped down the road, leaving the compound behind. Fortunately, the river basically led into Valarian. The city was but hours away, and they hoped to find Selene along the way. Paola couldn't help but think of all the repercussions of everything that had happened. Who was Ovochos? She felt sick and had a really bad feeling about this.

The wagon moved faster than it had before, bouncing up and down over the uneven road. Ayla was hanging out the side, her Obsidian Tier vision missing nothing. Paola could do nothing but sit, wait, and reflect. She felt the rough wood of the wagon beneath her, the cold air stinging her skin. The events of the past few days weighed heavily on her mind.

Yas'tavot and Ayla scanned the river as they rode along it, searching for any signs of Selene. Yas'tavot's normally confident demeanor was replaced with a nervous energy, his eyes darting around as if expecting an attack at any moment. Yet, Paola knew that it was because he was looking for his friend.

Paola couldn't help but feel a growing sense of dread. The images of Ovochos and his mutilated body haunted her thoughts. The twisted smile, the casual way he spoke of violence—it all made her stomach churn. She glanced at Ayla, who was focused on the task at hand, her expression hard and determined. Paola admired her strength, but she also worried about what lay ahead.

As the wagon sped along the river, the landscape blurred past them. The sound of rushing water was a constant companion, and the chill in the air reminded Paola of how far she was from home. She thought about her family, her life back on Earth, and how much had changed in such a short time. The world of Udanara was beautiful and cruel, and she was only beginning to understand its complexities.

They continued to ride, the wagon bouncing over the rough terrain. Paola was lost in her thoughts, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. She felt like she was at the center of something far bigger than herself, and she hated how she always had to fight. The constant danger, the violence—it was overwhelming. Yet, she was surprised at how long she entertained those thoughts before Yas'tavot brought her out of her reverie.

"Paola," he called, his voice breaking through her contemplations. "Come sit up here between Ayla and me."

She blinked, looking up at him. "Why?"

He smiled, his multiple eyes twinkling. "One cannot miss cresting this hill for the first time. It's something unforgettable."

Curiosity piqued, Paola climbed up and squeezed in between Yas'tavot and Ayla. As Paola crested the hill, the scene that unfolded before her eyes was nothing short of breathtaking. The sun, a fiery orb descending toward the horizon, cast long shadows and bathed the landscape in a warm, golden hue. Her wagon, creaking softly with the rhythmic turn of its wheels, slowed down slightly as Yas'tavot allowed her to take in the magnificent view of Valarian.

Nestled in a verdant valley, the city of Valarian sprawled out like a painting come to life. The city itself was a marvel, a collection of quaint, wooden buildings with sloping roofs, clustered around a central spire that pierced the sky like an exclamation mark. This spire, a majestic tower of stone and glass, caught the last rays of the setting sun, causing it to glow with an ethereal light. Around it, the houses of Valarian radiated a sense of warmth and community, their windows reflecting the fading sunlight like countless tiny mirrors. The sandstone roads wound through the city, their warm, golden tones blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

The most striking feature of the landscape was the colossal ribcage of a long-dead beast that arched over the city like the remains of some ancient, mythical creature. She knew they belonged to the Leviathan though and still, it made little sense. These massive bones, weathered and covered in patches of moss and ivy, stood as silent sentinels, a reminder of a forgotten era when giants roamed the land. Each rib soared high into the sky, their curved forms creating a natural cathedral that dwarfed the city beneath. The spaces between the ribs allowed beams of sunlight to filter through, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow across the rooftops of Valarian.

The valley itself was lush and green, a surprising oasis of verdant grass and trees growing from the sandy soil. Mist clung to the lower reaches of the valley, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that seemed almost enchanted. Streams of clear, sparkling water wound their way through the landscape, their gentle babble a soothing counterpoint to the majesty of the scene.

As Paola's wagon rolled slowly forward, she could see the details of the city come into focus. The sandstone roads were lined with lampposts that flickered to life as the light faded, casting a warm glow that beckoned travelers to follow. The buildings, crafted from a mix of wood and stone, displayed intricate carvings and delicate ironwork, showcasing the city's rich artistic heritage. Market stalls, now empty as the day came to a close, hinted at the bustling activity that would resume with the dawn. Small gardens and courtyards were interspersed among the buildings, their flowers and shrubs adding splashes of color to the earthy tones of the cityscape.

Paola took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, fragrant air, and felt a sense of peace settle over her. She knew that her journey had led her to a place of great significance, a place where she might find the answers she sought. However, she was acutely aware of her nakedness, a state that would not be permitted within the city's borders.

Yas'tavot guided the wagon to a stop at the border of Valarian. The Arachnite smiled and offered, "It's a sight worth seeing, isn't it?"

"Yes," Paola agreed, her eyes never leaving the scene before her. "I've never seen anything like it."

Paola, still taking in the breathtaking view, felt a mixture of wonder and urgency. The towering ribs that arched over the city seemed to whisper ancient secrets, their presence both awe-inspiring and humbling. The sunlight filtering through the gaps between the ribs created a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the sandstone roads and the intricate details of the city's architecture.

The trio extradited themselves from the wagon. Paola forgot her bunny slippers in the back of the wagon and was surprised by the sensation of the warm, sandy ground beneath her bare feet. She could see the gates of Valarian far off in the distance and was unsure why they had stopped. As she stood there, Yas'tavot leaned against his wagon, crossing his arms and looking down at the ground, seemingly deep in thought. Paola stared at him, trying to decipher what he might be thinking. One of his hands moved up to stroke his mustache, and she found herself oddly fascinated by him. Back on Earth, just seeing a spider would have caused her to reach for a shoe, but now, she felt a strange sense of normalcy.

She shook her head, trying to focus on the conversation between Ayla and Yas'tavot. Ayla had her massive broadsword out and was casually leaning on it. She was explaining that she had kept an eye on the river the whole time and had seen no signs of Selene. Yas'tavot agreed, though he was quiet about it, still seemingly lost in thought.

After a moment, he turned to Paola, his mandibles clicking nervously. "You'll most likely be arrested once you enter the city if you walk around like that," he said.

Paola nodded in agreement. "Obviously," she replied.

There was an awkward silence as Yas'tavot seemed to ponder something before moving to the back of the wagon and grabbing a small box. He handed it to Paola, bowing deeply before releasing it into her grasp. Paola quirked an eyebrow at him, confused.

"I've been hesitant to give this to you," he began, explaining its value. "It's a Web Weave cloak, and it costs a pretty square or two. Made of spider silk and dyed with the blood of Shadow Liches."

He swallowed hard, continuing, "I'm unsure of the official enchantments, as this item is a quest item and delivery. But I'll simply take the mission as a failure and pay for the item out of pocket myself. I owe the two of you more than that, especially not being able to find Selene. I had you risk your lives."

Paola could hear the guilt in his voice as she pulled the black cloak out of the box. The cloak was light and almost ethereal, yet it shimmered with a dark, mysterious energy. The fabric was smooth and cool to the touch, its surface seeming to shift and ripple like liquid shadows. It was a deep, inky black, the kind that seemed to absorb all light, with faint, silvery threads running through it that glimmered faintly in the fading daylight.

The cloak's hood was large and deep, capable of concealing her entire face if she wished. The edges were adorned with delicate, intricate patterns of barely visible silver that seemed to pulse with a faint, magical glow. Paola marveled at its craftsmanship, holding it up in front of her and turning it this way and that to catch the light.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, almost to herself.

"It is," Yas'tavot agreed, his voice still tinged with guilt. "I hope it serves you well."

Paola brought the cloak to her chest, hugging it closely as she looked to Yas'tavot. He seemed nervous, but his head nodded reassuringly.

"I'll pay you back," Paola said, her voice filled with gratitude and determination.

Yas'tavot shook his head. "The cost of the item is far too expensive. But the help the two of you gave me... I'll gladly cover the cost."

Paola, tired of being naked, finally gave in. She threw the cloak over her shoulders, feeling its perfect fit as it settled just right, falling to mid-thigh. It had one clasp at the neck, but to keep it fully closed, she had to hold it together with her hands. Though it did little to conceal her naked frame, she wasn't complaining. At least she wasn't a streaker anymore.

Another thought came to her mind. "Do you have any way to check the enchantments on the cloak?" she asked.

Yas'tavot nodded, giving what she thought was a wry smile for an Arachnite. They moved to the back of the wagon, where he pulled out his merchant's counter.

"This can check the value and enchantments of equipment and gear," he explained. "I didn't know beforehand, because, well I couldn't open the package. Upon opening the original box, the mission failed. Now that it's out, I can."

Yas'tavot placed the cloak on the counter, and a small menu literally popped up, hovering over the jacket. Everyone looked on in awe at the enchantments.

Web Weave Cloak Enchantments:

(Sapphire-Tier)

Arachnite Silk Defense: Extremely high defense, providing superior protection against physical and magical attacks.

Shadow Lich Blood: Enhances magic capabilities. 3x dark and shadow spells.

Web of Fate: Increases agility and reflexes, allowing the wearer to move swiftly and gracefully.

Chameleon Weave: Allows the cloak to blend into surroundings, providing near-invisibility when stationary.

Arachnite Guardian: Summons spectral spiders for protection in times of danger.

Paola swallowed hard, noticing its classification as a sapphire-tier defense accessory. She hesitated again, asking, "Are you sure you can simply give up an item of such value?"

Yas'tavot hesitated longer this time before nodding slowly. "Yes. Consider it a token of my gratitude."

Paola looked to the back of the wagon and saw her still clean, fluffy bunny slippers. The ears lowered, waiting for her feet to perk up.

"Do you mind looking at my slippers?" She was curious how they managed through everything.

He nodded, and she tossed them on the counter. To say her jaw dropped when she saw the tier would be understatement.

Diamond-Tier.

The menu displayed their enchantments, and everyone stared in stunned silence.

Cosmic Bunny Slippers Enchantments:

(Diamond-Tier)

Meteor Speed: Increases running speed to meteoric levels.

Agility of the Rabbit: Enhances agility, providing exceptional maneuverability.

Rabbit's Foot: Greatly increases luck and critical hit chance.

Self-Cleaning: The slippers remain perpetually clean, regardless of the environment.

Playboy Bunny: Enhances charm and persuasion abilities when worn while naked.

Nimble Escape: Grants the ability to teleport short distances in a burst of cosmic energy.

Moonlit Leap: Allows for incredible jumps, as if gravity were lighter.

Starry Night Vision: Provides perfect night vision.

Celestial Protection: Reduces damage from all sources by a significant margin.

Galactic Resilience: Increases stamina and resilience to physical fatigue.

Lunar Glow: Illuminates the wearer with a soft, protective light.

Ethereal Step: Allows walking on any surface, even vertical or inverted, as if it were flat ground.

Note: Additional traits available upon reaching Level 15.

Additional upgrades available to available traits. Access to upgrades at Grove of Echoes.

Paola, Ayla, and Yas'tavot simply stared at the slippers in silence.

Paola realized that maybe it wasn't her that was considered the falling star, but... these fuzzy pink bunny slippers.

Probably the only pair in Udanara.

"Oh, fuck me," Paola muttered.