You look so fluffy!

The next morning everyone is back on the road. Lucius yawns loudly not being able to sleep well due to strange dreams he was having. Carmella rubs the side of her face, as the distinct imprint of a hand is visible on her cheek. Apex is walking on the complete other side of the road from Carmella taking loud steps angrily.

"Carla… Could you please stop harassing Andrea I found it funny at first but it's just getting ridiculous." Lucius said shaking his head back in fourth.

"Alright I'll give her a break…" Carmella said in an exaggeratedly sad tone. Lucius continues walking feeling extremely bored as Lukrut is on the other side of the formation and cant flirt with Narberal.

"Is there anything dangerous nearby?" Lucius asked Ninya in a curious tone.

"A dragon could swoop down out of the sky if we aren't lucky." Ninya said making Lucius twitch with excitement as he looks towards the sky. He continued to look around but sighs and turns back to Ninya.

"Hmm, what kinds of dragons are nearby?" Lucius asked thinking of the dragons on the sixth floor.

"There's a legend of a dragon that freely controls nature nearby E-Rantel. There has also been talk of frost dragons living at the peak of the Azerlisia Mountains." Ninya said looking back to Lucius who smiles wickedly beneath his helmet.

'It was always fun to fight dragons back in Yggdrasil hopefully they will put up more of a fight than everything else I've faced here as of yet.' Lucius slows down to put some distance between him and the group.

"Message." He said out of earshot of everyone else.

"Lord Lucius! What can I do for you?!" The voice of Aura shouted out of excitement.

"Aura, I want you to search for a creature by the name of 'The Wise King of The Forest' In the Great Forest of Tob. Once you locate it wait for me to enter the forest before reporting your findings." Lucius said noticing Ninya looking back at him he simply waves while stretching.

"Of course, Lord Lucius!" Aura shouted as Lucius disconnects the message spell.

"Now then… I should check up on my little sister to see if she's experiencing similar things to me… Message." Lucius said once more.

"Lucius, I don't know where I am!" Lucile's voice shouts in a panic.

"Goodness gracious… Describe your surroundings to me please." Lucius said with a sigh.

"There's a lot of snow and ice everywhere I was trying to find your room but I got lost…" Lucile said sounding embarrassed.

"That's the fifth floor Lucile, look around for Cocytus he's the giant shiny bug person with four arms he would defiantly be more than happy to help you... But back to the reason, I contacted you. Have you felt like your being watched and anytime you turn, around you expect to see somebody there but see nothing? And have you had any strange dreams you think back on being weird but you forget every detail when you try to talk about them?" Lucius asked wondering how she manages to get lost despite having the same perfect memory being the same race as him.

"I have been having weird dreams as you mentioned… But nothing about being watched unless you count the NPCs." Lucile said making Lucius scratch his chin as a chill runs down his spine.

"I see… Well I need to get going everyone is looking at me since I'm lagging behind them." Lucius said quickly disconnecting and returning to the group. Nphirea halts the cart making a confused expression.

"There was never a wall like this before…" Nphirea said intriguing Lucius who breaks formation to get a glance of a wall made out of logs from trees.

"Hmm, I didn't think they would have the manpower to build a wall like that…" Lucius thought aloud. Nphirea looked over at him in curiosity. "What? It's a small village that way of thinking is extremely valid."

Everyone continues forward to the gate where several muscular goblins stand guard. Everybody in Peter's group draws their weapons. Lucius takes a closer look at the goblins before realizing something.

'Those look like proper goblins from Yggdrasil. That girl must have blown the horn for whatever reason. Couldn't have been another attack as my totem I tossed onto a roof hadn't alerted me of any threat.' Lucius thought to him-self as goblins now emerged from the thick grass on the edges of the dirt road. Lucius smiles and lowers his head ready to lunge at all of the goblins on the right.

"Uh, we don't actually want to fight especially the guy in white armor I can feel the bloodlust in the air…" One of the goblins shouted making Lucius forcefully calm himself down taking a deep breath. Lucius then looks up to see the girl he saved in the forest.

"Enri!" Nphirea shouts causing the girl to twitch then looked up at him.

"Nphirea!" Enri shouted clapping her hands together.

'If only the bowl cut didn't like her she's got the whole innocent village girl thing down. Because she is one ugh…' Lucius thought to himself shaking of his thoughts.

"Well Nphirea I'm going to find somewhere to sit down since you no doubt would like to catch up." Lucius said letting out a sigh as he walks past everyone and the goblins. He stops and slowly turns to the goblins. They let out a collective shutter as he turns back continuing on his way letting out a chuckle.

Lucius explores the village looking for a good spot to relax before finding himself at the village chief's house where he had everyone hide when he killed the mages. In one swift jump he's on the roof and sitting down overlooking the village. He lays back as he notices Narberal approaching and sighs as his attempt to shake her has failed.

"Ugh, well hurry up then Nabe." Lucius said sighing and staring at the clouds. Narberal jumps up onto the roof and sits nearby him. "Where are the other two?"

"Right here!" Carmella shouted appearing right next to him.

"Nyraaah!" Lucius spews out before slipping while trying to stand and falling off the roof. He hits the ground like a sack of bricks. Lucius does not feel any pain but is no less surprised. Carmella bursts out laughing as Lucius slowly stands up and brushes the dirt from his armor. "Do not use complete unknowing like that damn it!"

"You're right I'm sorry… But it was pretty funny though right?" Carmella asked still laughing. Lucius just sighs and jumps back onto the roof reclaiming his position.

"It's been ten days since their village was attacked and yet they show no signs of mourning… Perhaps their all sociopaths like Zoorthur and sacrifice every other baby to keep their crops growing or something." Lucius said thinking of just how extreme Veri's brother was.

"Zoorthur was really scary for sure… He even made me of all people shiver when he talked about his bedroom activities he somehow got somebody to consent to…" Carmella shutters upon thinking back to him. "What did you think of him Nabe? Be completely honest."

"Lord Zoorthur was truly frightening… The way he looked at everyone sends shivers down my spine." Narberal said thinking back to when Zoorthur visited the ninth floor and just stared at the Pleiades.

"Wow, you actually spoke your mind! Let us pray to god he wasn't around during the transfer. I am ninety-nine point nine percent certain he was trying to figure out where I lived since he held some weird ass grudge against me. He also has access to perfect unknowable and is the embodiment of hell on earth…" Lucius said noticing Nphirea running up to the building waving. "Nabe don't try to kill him… He probably found everything out… As planned?"

"Mr. Lex!" He shouted from the ground. Lucius slides down the side of the room and lands right next to Nphirea. "Mr. Lex c-could you possibly be…"

"Lucius Daimon Saintlin?" Lucius said finishing Nphirea's sentence for him. Lucius just shakes his head and chuckles.

"You knew what I was going to say?!" Nphirea shouted in a hushed tone.

'Perhaps I should try faking it till I make it… Got to try everything once!' Lucius thought to himself before clearing his throat.

"Congratulations Nphirea Balear. You have passed my test…." Lucius said pausing to gauge Nphirea's reaction which turns to confusion. "I had heard from Enri when I saved her in the forest she had a pharmacist friend who used magic. Therefore, I thought to find my way into E-Rantel to test you… And you passed sooner than I thought you would."

Lucius looks up at Carmella to see her holding back laughter hiding behind Narberal who looks on in wonder. Lucius looked back to Nphirea then removed his mask faking a satisfied smile.

"W-What do you mean I've passed your test?" He asked in confusion.

"I'm in need of an intelligent pharmacist to carry out and experiment involving potions… As the potion I had given to the ginger woman and Enri's little sister are unique." Lucius said before his throat began to dry.

"I'll accept!" Nphirea shouted no sooner than Lucius had finished speaking.

"But let me ask you the main reason as to how you figured it out. Since Nabe here spoke of Albedo and I recall addressing Albedo as such when helping Enri." Lucius said shooting a glance up at Narberal who looks embarrassed.

"I was kinda sure it was you when Enri mentioned a red potion but when she talked about a woman in black armor named Albedo I was completely sure it was you" He responded causing Lucius to chuckle while shaking his head. "We should get on with the task at hand I'll speak to you further about the experiment when we get back to E-Rantel."

Everyone regroups then heads to the edge of the forest and ready their gear. Lucius does some minor stretches feeling sluggish for whatever reason. Nphirea turns to face Lucius who's doing his stretches.

"Mr. Lex? If we come across the Wise King of the Forest could you scare him away instead of killing him?" Nphirea asked shooting a concerned look towards the forest.

"I suppose I can but I'll make no promises if he threatens any of your lives… But I have to ask why?" Lucius finishes his stretches and tilts his head asking the question.

"If he was to die its possible monsters would exit the forest and attack Carne Village." Nphirea said gazing into the forest entrance.

"You're awfully confident Lex… But I guess it makes sense with strength like yours and your party." Peter said chuckling to himself.

"Before we enter the forest I would like to scout ahead with my team killing any undesirables that may be lurking around so Nphirea can collect the plants in peace. Peter your group should stay here and keep an eye on Nphirea." Lucius said turning to walk into the forest. Apex, Carmella, and Narberal follow close behind. They walk for a fair amount of time and confirm nobody is around.

"I summon forth the cute and spunky dark elf tamer!" Lucius said quickly looking to a tree where Aura sits on a branch high above the ground blushing. Narberal quickly turns to face Aura startled.

"How long have you been here Lady Aura?" Narberal asked as Apex wanders off.

"Shortly after Lord Lucius contacted me I came to the forest and did as asked." Aura answered hoping down from the tree.

"I want to see this Wise King and I need to raise my fame as adventurers so send him our way once everyone has entered the forest. Depending on the situation you could have him if he interests you." Lucius said patting Aura on the head.

"Thank you Lord Lucius!" Aura shouted. Lucius begins looking around not seeing Apex He just shrugs then turns to rejoin everyone waving at Aura as he does so. The group travels back to the entrance Apex having rejoined them at some point.

After rejoining with everybody, they all re-enter the forest and walk to a clearing where plants of many colors and shapes grow. Lucius leans against a tree with his arms crossed as he scans the surroundings. Nphirea begins picking plants near some bushes as peters group surrounds him keeping an eye out. Apex, Carmella, and Narberal stand nearby Lucius and pretend to keep an eye out. After a few minutes, birds scatter in a panic and fly away. Lukrut drops to the ground and places his ear against it.

"This is bad. Something big is coming this way!" Lukrut shouted looking towards the area where the birds scattered. Lucius draws his sword and stands at the ready.

"Peter you and your group escort Nphirea out of here… Andrea Carla go with them Nabe and I will deal with whatever rears its head." Lucius said before realizing that there would be no witnesses. He turns around to see everyone hurrying off and sighs to himself.

He stands at the ready as the sound of rumbling gets closer and closer before it stops and a large green-scaled tail comes out of a large dust cloud kicked up by the beast. Lucius flips his sword around and parries with the blunt side of his sword knocking it aside the tail then returns to the forest the beast still hidden.

"You parried my first attack. Impressive, it is… Now, trespassers of my territory if you leave now. I will not give chase out of respect of your skill. What is your decision?" A voiced echoed all around the forest. Lucius tries to find the source of the voice but has no luck.

"I would love the chance to do battle with a legendary creature such as you. Why not show yourself so we can fight properly!" Lucius shouts looking around.

"Very well, I have heard your desire and shall show myself, I will." The voice said now coming from one place that's completely shadowed. Lucius strains his eyes wishing he had a night vision spell before spotting glowing blue eyes and runic in the darkness slowly approaching. Lucius spots razor sharp claws and gets excited… until he sees the rest of the creature leave the shadows revealing an overgrown white and light brown hamster. Lucius snickers his expectations completely shattered.

"You look so fluffy! God I just want to pet you…" Lucius said laughing obviously upsetting the 'Wise King'.

"You dare laugh at my form? I shall kill you, I will!" The creature shouted in a huff.

"Apologizes, I didn't mean to offend I actually love how you look. I was just laughing at myself as I had a completely different picture in mind… I've decided I won't actually kill you but only if you accept being my pet." Lucius said sheathing his weapon stopping himself from laughing further.

"Bold words those are. However, I will not submit to anybody, I won't." The Wise King said making Lucius lean towards him.

"Oh, won't you now? You will bend to my will as there is no other path possible for yourself as you will see." Lucius said suddenly lunging at the hamster with no weapon in hand. Before the creature could react, he punches it in the gut sending it flying away through several trees where it soon comes to a stop twitching. "Oops, I may have used a little too much strength in my attack maybe I should wear an item that decreases my strength."

"Defeated, I am…" The creature barely managed to squeeze out as it lays on the ground.

"I'm surprised I didn't actually kill you with that attack. Your fur seems to be more akin to metal than actual fur." Lucius said walking up to the defeated Wise King who flinches upon seeing him. Lucius grabs a healing potion out of his inventory and pours it into the creature's mouth. Lucius feels something minor change with his body as he places a hand on his heart.

"Open player menu." Lucius said as a screen appeared in front of him. He scrolls down and just below his 'Ferocious Deity' class he sees 'beast tamer' and 'Monk' with a single level in each. He sighs then moves them to be in alphabetical order. "Well that confirms my wish has been granted… But simply punching a giant hamster was really enough to get a level in two different classes? I may have underestimated the power of 'Wish upon a star'…"

Lucius stands around for a couple of minutes petting the 'Wise King' before climbing onto his back and laying down looking at the sky. They then leave the forest while Lucius slouches on 'Wise King's back.

"The Wise King Of the Forest?!" The group shouts as Lucius sits upright now with his legs crossed.

"I thoroughly beat him into submission since I remembered that Nphirea asked me not to kill him. He wouldn't dare try to attack any of you as that would come with SEVERE punishment." Lucius said petting the 'Wise King'.

"It's as my master says, it is. This one will follow my master no matter where his path takes him, I will." The hamster said nodding its head. Lucius hops off him then scratches his chin.

"Nphirea I am claiming him as my pet… But don't worry about Carne Village coming under attack I have thought of something to prevent that. But let's finally get back to the task at hand uninterrupted." Lucius said as he finishes petting the 'Wise King'

"I shall help, I will. But master female I am." The hamster said.

"Oh, apologizes… Hmm you need a proper name then. How about Hammy… Hmm, I should think more on that as we work." Lucius said before hopping back up onto 'Hammy'