LEVEL 5

LEVEL 5

It had been days since they had their first epic quest. That was followed by another epic and full of action quests. They had managed to defeat different monsters, received different awards and leveled up.

"Hey, bro! Tulala ka ata!" Pinitik ni Haruto ang daliri niya sa harapan ni Migo dahilan upang mabalik ito sa wisyo.

"H-huh?"

"Ayan, tulala kasi!" Umiling-iling pa ito. They were on the rooftop of senior high's building, eating their lunch. Kasama nila si Sabrina. The weather was fine today. The sky was blue, the clouds were dancing on it along with the shining bright sun. The scenery up here was also beautiful. They could see the wide range of the city of Riverdale.

Another thing was, there were lots of students in the cafeteria today. Naupuan 'yong fave spot namin.

"May sinasabi ka ba?" Migo asked him. The latter just rolled his eyes. "Sabi ko, gala tayo kasama si Sabrina para 'ka 'ko masanay siya dito sa siyudad."

'Yon lang pala.

"Sure. I don't have anything to do these days except playing INTO FANTASY," He replied then took a bite of his burger.

"Naglalaro ka 'rin no'n?" Sabrina suddenly asked. Migo gave her a nod then smiled. Naging malapit na 'rin kami ni Sabrina simula nang lumipat s'ya sa Riverdale High School. "Oo, nakaraang linggo lang ako nag-start."

"Naglalaro kayo?" Singit ni Haruto.

"Wait, anong username at level mo? Magkita tayo minsan sa game!" Sabrina said, not minding his cousin.

"Sure!" Migo answered. "It's—" he was cut off when the bell rang again. Break time was done.

Tumayo na sila at bumalik sa classroom. While walking back to their room, Migo found his eyes glued to Sabrina.

🎮

After school, Migo immediately headed to his room and wore his gear to enter the game.

"Akala ko, hindi ka na makakarating e," bungad sa kanya ni Astrid. As usual, he was late on their meeting time. Maybe because he was already used to being late. E 'di s'ya na laging on time.

They were in Diamond Town. They had unlocked this town and other towns after levelling up. Kaunti na lang ay mau-unlock na namin ang bawat bayan sa Stone Continent.

"Parang di ka na nasanay," Leviathan cracked his neck. "Have you found any quests?"

Every time they log in to this game, they do epic quests. Kung wala naman kami sa quests ay naglilibot-libot kami or nagpapa-level.

"Yes, meron," she answered and activated a floating window. She tapped several icons until a floating window appeared in front of Leviathan.

There was a map of a small mysterious island named, Monster Island. He didn't have much information about this place, but as its name suggests— there were lots of monsters living there.

His forehead creased. "Balak mo bang magpa-level dito?"

"Hindi."

"E, ano?"

A lopsided smirk revealed on her lips. "We're going to find a lost treasure."

A what?

🎮

After using a crystal warp, they found themselves teleported in front of a creepy island. The gray heavy sky surrounded the mass of land. Paminsan-minsan ay kumikidlat at kumukulog. It seemed way too scary inside the island. It almost looked like a perfect place to shoot a horror movie. Napakadilim at nakakasiguro sulsng sa loob no'n ay may naghihintay na mga delikadong uri ng monster.

The island sent cold shivers down to his virtual spine every time he looked at it. Should we retreat?

Leviathan cleared his throat. "Sa tingin mo, paano natin mahahanap ang isang treasure sa laki ng islang 'to?" He asked.

"Clues."

"Clues?"

"Yes, there are clues left in every corner in this island at kailangan natin 'yon mahanap para makita ang treasure," she replied, "Every 3 months lang kung magbukas ang islang ito para sa treasure hunt, maswerte tayo at naabutan natin... at balita ko pa, magaganda ang rewards na maaring matanggap once na makita ang treasure."

Leviathan took my weapon on his sword holster then raised it above his head. He couldn't stop himself from feeling thrilled and excited. This is gonna be epic.

"Let's go, then," winasiwas n’ya sa magkabila n’yang kamay ang dalawang sandata saka ngumisi.

They entered the monster island without knowing what kind of adventure was waiting for them inside. The whole island screams danger, we better stay alert and set our guard up.

Monster island, here we come.

"Creepy," bulong ni Astrid. The air breeze was cold, a foul smell— maybe came from a monster's poop or what— clung to their virtual lungs. Leviathan just covered his nose to get rid of the smell.

Habang naglilibot ang dalawa, nakapansin si Astrid ang papel na nakasabit sa sanga ng isang puno. She immediately called his comrade’s name.

"Oh?" Tugon ng binata.

"Nakita ko na ang first clue!" Ani nito. Tinuro nya iyon at kinuha naman ni Leviathan. Kapwa nila binasa ang bugtong na nakalagay doon.

It has eight legs;

It makes many eggs,

Not just eggs but thin threads.

"Basic to answer!" Sigaw ni Astrid. Of course, she knew the answer. "Spider!" Pagkabanggit niyang iyon, biglang yumanig ang paligid. They got alerted, Leviathan took out his weapon.

From the ground, a group of 8-legged freaks appeared. They were the size of an average toddler, their body coated with black with touches of red dots. They seemed poisonous... and deadly.

Leviathan was the first to attack. Using his black blade, he slashed into half the spider in front of him and died. He kicked the spider on his foot. Tumalsik ito at tumama sa malapit na puno. He was about to end its life when Astrid released an arrow and struck on its head.

Another set of monstrous spiders came from the land and attacked his partner. "Layuan n'yo ko!" Astrid shouted as she released arrows simultaneously to eliminate the crawlers. A spider jumped in front of Leviathan but he managed to slice and kill it in the air.

Finally, they were eliminating the monster when another clue appeared. Astrid took it and read.

200 North

50 west

"Eh? Ano to?" She asked with her creased forehead. Migo sighed and grabbed the paper on her hand to read and analyze the content.

"Ano?"

"I think it says that we should walk 200 steps in the north then 50 steps in the west," Leviathan replied, not sure of his answer.

"Tara, gawin na natin!" Aya ni Astrid sabay hatak sa kan’ya. She pulled him as if he was a light weight mannequin. Nagpatianod na lamang ito at muli silang bumalik sa pagalalakbay.

They started by walking 200 steps north.

"135."

"136."

"137."

"138."

"139."

"140."

Astrid was counting as if she was a kindergarten student who had just learned counting. Leviathan just mentally rolled his eyes then continued counting in his mind. Along the way, they faced different kinds of monsters that they managed to eliminate. May loots na nilalabas ang mga napapatay naming monsters na tinatabi nila sa kanilang inventory.

"146, 147, 148, 149, 150..."

They walked north inside the creepy forest until they finished counting to 200. "What's next?" His partner asked. "50 steps west." He replied. Nagpatuloy sila sa paglalakad, nakahanda ang mga sandata nila kung sakaling may lumabas na monster ulit.

"... 48, 49, 50!" Once they reached the 50th steps west, another set of monsters appeared. They had masculine bodies with thick dark blue fur, they also had sharp claws and a set of deadly teeth on their wolf heads. Werewolves.

Leviathan made a fighting stance. Astrid went on his back to aid him since her weapon was meant for long range attack. He spread his arms, revealing his two black blades. He let energy form from the sword then crawled on his virtual body. Once the energy was enough...

"THUNDER STRIKE!"

Leviathan pierced through the air like a flying bullet with the speed of lightning. He slashed his black blades onto the enemy and killed them. As the tip of his black blades touched them, blood sprayed in the air. Its smell blended with the air in this forest.

Leviathan kicked the wild werewolf on its face, making it fall on the ground. It tried to stand up but his weapon had already struck its head. Its health bar dropped to 0% then died eventually.

Nilingon n’ya si Astrid. She was busy facing the other werewolves. She defeated them one by one using her smooth moves and her bow and arrows. Tila ba sanay na sanay na s'yang gamitin ang birtwal n'yang katawan sa larong 'to.

Leviathan was about to go in her direction but another werewolf—who had managed to survive my deadly attacks—bit his arm. He could feel its sharp teeth digging his flesh up to his bone.He screamed in pain as his health bar drastically dropped to 50%. Winasiwas n’ya ang isa n’yang black blade sa ere saka marahas na tinarak sa tagiliran nito. It finally let go of his arm. Leviathan saw how its torso bled. He took it as a chance while it slowly turned weak. He used his other black blade to decapitate its head off its body.

When it died, loots revealed above its corpse...

Another clue appeared. This time it was way too complicated than the previous clues given.

25 42 11 25 15 33 43

32 11 42 43 23

There was a series of two-digit numbers on it that Leviathan couldn't understand whatever he tried to do. What is this? A code?

"Sakit sa ulo," he whispered out of frustration. Sumasakit ang ulo ko rito. "Paano natin made-decipher?" Astrid asked. He didn't know either.

While looking at this head-aching code, a group of walking human-like cactus breeds appeared. Winasiwas ni Leviathan sa magkabilang kamay ang kan’yang dalawang sandata at naghanda upang sumugod. "Decipher the code, I'll get the monsters."

"Teka—"

Hindi n’ya na narinig ang mga sumunod n'yang sinabi nang i-activate nito ang tornado strike at sumugod sa mga monster.

"Okay, paano ba kita masasagutan?" Astrid said while focusing on how to reveal the hidden clue within these codes.

25 42 11 25 15 33 43

32 11 42 43 23

Sa unang tingin mukha lang itong grupo ng mga 2-digits na numero, pero kung susuriin ay may lihim itong mensahe. "God. How can I decipher this code?"

She unknowingly bit her fingers and started to fall into deep thinking. Then an idea struck her head like one of her arrows. "T-Tama, 'yon nga!"

Astrid grabbed a stick then started writing something on the dirt. "Polybius square." She whispered. She seemed not sure of her idea but she continued it anyway.

"Ah!" Leviathan moaned when a torn from the human-cactus struck on his neck. Mabilis ko itong hinugot bago pa kumalat ang lason sa birtwal kong katawan. I don't have enough healing potions so I should not get poisoned.

Astrid started to decode each number after sketching the guide on the dirt. "Ayan, ganyan," she whispered as she started deciphering the code.

25 42 11 25 15 33 43

32 11 42 43 23

25 - K

42 - R

11 - A

25 - K

15 - E

33 - N

43 -S

32 - M

11 - A

42 - R

43 - S

23 -H

Binasa ni Astrid ang nabuong salita. "Kraken's Marsh..." basa niya. After that, she called Leviathan. "Alam ko na kung saan na tayo sunod na pupunta."

Tapos n’ya na 'rin ubusin ang mga monster. They just collected the loots then continued on their treasure hunting.

🎮

"So, ginamit mo 'yong stock knowledge mo para ma-decode 'yong code?" Leviathan asked while they were on their way to Kraken's Marsh. It was the next destination according to the code deciphered by Astrid.

"Yup," she replied. "Ayos din pala minsan ang magbasa ng mga detective books,"she added. Along the way, they faced monsters again that we managed to kill. Maganda 'ring may napapatay silang monster dahil nakakadagdag ito sa experience points nila.

"Ano nga ulit 'yong pangalan ng code? Polynomial code?" He asked. The latter replied with loud laughter. Sa sobrang tawa aya parang maluluha na s'ya o mawawalan na ng hininga.

"Polynomial code ka r'yan, haha! Nice joke, Leviathan!" Tumawa pa ito ng ubod ng lakas. The latter gave her a serious face. "Seriously, ano nga kasi."

"It's polybius square not polynomial square," tugon nito na pinipigilan ang tumawa.

Moments later, they had finally reached the Kraken's Marsh. It was a tunnel with a swamp inside that was connected to the sea that surrounded the island. Inside this was where the deadly Kraken hid.

"Tara, pasok na tayo," wika ni Astrid. Leviathan followed her. They were about to enter when Leviathan stopped.

"Bakit?"

He just shrugged his shoulders. "Wala, tara na." He grabbed her hand and entered the cave.

“Something is not right," He whispered. Muli pa itong lumingon sa entrada ng kweba. I should not let our guard down.

"Bitawan mo nga ako!"

When they entered, they found the kraken's tentacles roaming around the cave wall. Nang may makapa ito ng monster ay agad n'ya itong hinatak sa ilalim ng tubig. "Nakikita ko na ang isang clue," she pointed to the floating paper at the corner of this cave. They needed to defeat the kraken first to get it.

They remained silent for a moment to think of a tactic. Nabasag ang katahimikang iyon ng marinig ng binata ang impit na tili ng kasama.

"AH!" Nakakapit na ang galamay sa binti ni Astrid at pilit siya nitong tinutulak patungo sa ilalim ng dagat.

"Astrid!" Leviathan immediately pulled his sword then cut the kraken to free her. The kraken growled from the deep water as the ground grumbled.

"Ayos ka lang?"

"Hindi!" Asik nito. "Ang lagkit ng galamay n'ya!"

He was about to say something when they noticed the water. Para itong kumukulo kasabay ng pagyanig ng lupa. We have to prepare ourselves.

From the deep water, the kraken had arisen. It looked like a mutated version of squid. It was gigantic and scary. Katulad na katulad ito ng mga naririnig kong kwento tungkol sa sea monster.

Nagwala ang kraken at ang tili nito ay umeecho sa buong kweba, masakit pa iyon sa tenga kaya napatakip ng tainga ang dalawa. When it stopped, it was the right moment to attack. Astrid remained in her position to attack from her range while Leviathan ran toward the monster to attack it closely.

"LIGHT SCREAM!" She released an arrow that exploded into a blinding light.

"LIGHTNING BULLET!" He attacked the sea monster with his fast move. Ulo ang sa tingin n’yang weak spot ng kalaban kaya 'yon ang pinuntirya niya. But every time he tried to slash its head; the tentacles blocked it. Napuputol ito pero agad ding nabubuo. It regenerates!

"TORNADO STRIKE!" He spread his arms with swords and started rolling like a devastating tornado. Tumalon pa ito habang umiikot pinagpuputol ang mga galamay hanggang sa makalapit siya sa ulo. Nang malapit na ito sa ulo ay binuka ng kraken ang kanyang bibig at tumili.

The sound wave sent his body to crashed into the cave wall. Sa lakas ng sound wave ay nagawa s’ya nitong mapatalsik. Bumagsak ang health bar n’ya nang 5%. He could feel pain all over his body. Luckily, I upgraded my armor kaya hindi nito naapektuhan ang health bar ko.

"BOOMERANG!" She released an arrow that missed its target. But like a boomerang, it changed its direction then finally struck on the back of the monster. The arrow exploded, causing damage to it.

Sunod-sunod pa itong nagpakawala ng mga palaso na nagawang ilagan ng kraken. It used its tentacle to block it. "Shit!"

Habang busy sa pakikipaglaban si Astrid sa harapan ng kraken ay ginamit na itong tyansa ni Leviathan. He held his swords tighter and made an 'x' shape. He concentrated and let an electric energy materialize on his weapon.

"ELECTRIC WAVE!" He spread his black blades, releasing the energy from it. It directly hit the target, making another damage. It was an electric wave so it electrocuted the monster for a moment.

"Yosh!" He punched in the air. They managed to drastically lower its health.

Weakness niya ang kuryente dahil nasa tubig siya! Tama!

"Astrid!" He called her then exchanged looks. We are now going to end this monster.

"ARROW RAIN!" Astrid released simultaneous explosive arrows to the target. It lasted for a few seconds. Walang ibang nagawa ang halimaw kung hindi saluhin nito.

The monster growled as its health bar dropped continuously. Astrid didn't give it a chance to regenerate its damaged body. Until its life dropped to 20%.

The arrow rain was done.

And it's my time.

"ELECTRIC WAVE!" He released another wave from his black blades. It hit the target and exploded. Blinding light caused by the explosion enveloped the whole area for a moment.

Finally, the kraken died. It exploded and turned into pieces. Lumabas ang mga loots. One of those were kraken's meat that they could trade to a merchandiser.

"Here's the clue," Leviathan said, then showed her the paper. The clue was written on an old, salt-scented paper. Nakakahingal ang laban na iyon. They also drank health replenisher drinks to fulfill their health bar. Leviathan also leveled up to level 25. Nice.

It always dies because of its curiosity.

"It always dies because of its curiosity," Astrid read. "Ah! Alam ko na! Pusa ang sagot! Curiosity kills the cat kasi!"

Pagkatapos puksain ang halimaw ay lumabas na sila para magpatuloy.

"Tara na, may hahanapin pa tayong pusa. Bilisan na natin —" She was about to pull the latter when he stopped her.

"Ano na naman?!"

"Lalarga ka na pero hindi mo alam kung saan hahanapin yung pusang 'yon!"

"Oh di ba—?!" This time, Leviathan pulled her toward him and covered her using his arms. His body jolted when something hit his shoulder. His health bar dropped by 5%

Leviathan felt blood gushing out of his open wound. Kumalas ito sa pagkakayakap kay Astrid at tinutok ang sandata sa pinagmulan ng balang tumama sa kan’ya. "Alam kong nand'yan ka, lumabas ka!" He commanded.

Lumabas ang player na nagtatago sa likod ng isang puno ang isang player. She was wearing revealing cowgirl attire. She had a rifle placed on her shoulder that was oozing with snoke.

And another thing...

She was holding the cat! Naunahan n'ya kami. "'Yong pusa," Astrid whispered. It had blue fluffy fur with a pair of emerald eyes. It had a collar with a golden key hanging on it. It must be the key to unlock the hidden treasure. Kailangan naming makuha ang pusa sa kanya.

«Bullet»

Lvl. 46

Bullet was the name of this player in front of them. Level 46 na 'rin ito. Way too high than him and Astrid.

"Sabi na nga ba. Ikaw yung taong kanina pa nagmamasid sa amin," Leviathan hissed, not lowering his sword. If she wanted to get the treasure, dapat ay kanina pa n'ya ito hinahanap. Nasa kanya na ang huling clue at ang susi ng treasure. Maybe she wants o play with us. His jaw tightened.

"Give us that cat, kami ang naghirap kumuha at umalam ng clues tapos ikaw makikinabang sa treasure?" tahasang banggit ni Astrid. He could see how her eyes had this overflowing rage.

"The hell I care, player? Hindi basehan ang clues para masabing ikaw na ang makakakuha ng treasure, remember, unahan dito. Unahan."

"Kung gusto mong maunahan kami sa treasure, dapat kanina mo pa ito hinanap. You must want something from us.” Leviathan said with his eyes glaring.

Bullet smiled. "Yes. I want the treasure... and the weapons you have."

Astrid stepped forward with her teeth gritting. "Pinapakulo mo ang ulo ko," halatang galit na galit na ito. Moments after, she revealed a mischievous smirk. "Ganto na lang. Let's have a battle—"

"Astrid!" Leviathan shouted. Was she crazy? That player could kill them in an instant! Kapag isa sa amin ay namatay, masasayang lang ang effort namin. But the latter just continued, "Whoever wins will do what she wants. If I lose, I'll let you have our item and weapons. If you lose, you will give that cat—" the cat meowed"— to us and let us continue to find the treasure."

Bullet smirked. "Sure."

We are not in a safe town kaya ayos lang ng magkaroon ng labanan. Astrid was risking our items and weapons! Ano bang iniisip n'ya?

[ NOTICE ]

«Astrid» is requesting «Bullet»

for a PvP battle.

Accept

Decline

Hindi na napigilan ni Leviathan ang dalawa nang i-accept ni Bullet ang request ni Astrid. There was a meaningful smirk plastered on her face, as she was mocking Astrid. Mukhang nagtagumpay ito dahil nagngingitngit na sa galit ang kasama ko.

Bullet cocked her rifle while she started materializing arrows on her bow. Seryoso nga talaga sila.

"Astrid, let's just—" Leviathan was cut off when they started the battle.

"Fight!"

Astrid immediately released her arrows to her enemy. Bullet's virtual body had a good reflex, she managed to dodge them all!

"God, she's fast! Hindi ko matamaan!" Astrid hissed. She tried to release arrows simultaneously but her enemy was way too fast.

She was about to release a special skill when Bullet vanished. Kapwa nagulat sina Astrid at Leviathan. "Where the heck is she?"

Leviathan’s eyes widened when he saw Bullet... on her partner's back!

"Astrid!" Huli na nang mabalaan n’ya to. Bullet bashed her head using her rifle. He saw Astrid lose her balance and fell on the ground. Her health bar also decreased. Gusto ko na s'yang tulungan, but I know I can’t!

Once a PvP (Player vs. Player) battle has started, no one could interrupt until it is done. There was a barrier on their battlefield so that no one could interrupt them. Unless, one of them conceded defeat.

"Is that what you got?" Bullet said, mockingly. Tinapakan n'ya si Astrid para hindi ito makabangon. Hindi pa nga nagtatagal ang laban pero mukhang matatalo na agad ito—

A mischievous smile flashed on Astrid’s lips.

Or maybe she was just warming-up?

"Ikaw?" she started scrolling through the air, "Hanggang d'yan na lang ba kaya mo?"

"Ha, you have the guts—" she was cut off when Astrid pulled a dagger on her inventory and almost sliced her throat. Bullet jumped backward with a pissed-off look. She didn't expect the sudden attack. She wiped the blood gushing out on her wounded cheek. Hindi n'ya naiwasan ang dagger at tumama sa pisngi n'ya.

Leviathan had to admit, that was an awesome swift attack. She almost defeated the enemy if it wasn't way too fast.

Bullet, who was pissed-off, rolled the rifle on her hand then started firing bullets at Astrid. The bullets flew and pierced through the air. Hindi gano'n kabilis ang kilos ni Astrid, compared to Bullet, kaya natatamaan pa rin s'ya ng mga bala.

“Ah!” She moaned when a bullet hit her shoulder. She was almost soaked in blood, her health bar dropped until it was on a critical level. Astrid drank a health replenishing drink to increase her health bar and her strength.

Nagpapalitan sila ng palaso at bala na lumilipad sa ere. Walang gustong magpatalo. Leviathan found his fist clenching. Wala akong ibang magawa kung hindi ang panoorin lang sila. Astrid needed to defeat the enemy as fast as she could so that they could continue to find and open the treasure.

"ONE STRIKE!"

"ASSASSIN's SHOT!"

Their powerful arrow and bullet collided in the air, causing a loud explosion. Leviathan almost lost his balance when the land grumbled. It caused the monsters to flee where they were hiding. Thick smoke bloomed between them. I can’t see them!

"Astrid!" The smoke disappeared, revealing Astrid. He felt like cold water was splashed on his face.

Duguan na ito at hinang-hina. Her health bar was on 1%... now dropped on 0%.

This is insane!

[ NOTICE ]

«Astrid» lost the PvP battle.

She dropped dead on the floor. On her back was Bullet. Leviathan fist and jaw tightened. He held his swords tighter. She killed my partner! She ruined our epic quest!

Bullet cocked her rifle. How could she be so powerful? “Matagal na ba s'ya sa larong ito? Freak it!”

Or maybe it was because of their level difference?

"I told you, the treasure is mine... so as as your items and weapons," she flashed a demonic smile, "Mahihinang nilalang."

Leviathan was about to do a special skill, nang maunahan s’ya nito. She pulled the trigger, firing a bullet that flew fast in the air... hitting his head. It was a critical attack, causing his health bar to drop to emptiness.

His virtual body dropped on the floor. Game over to us.

Huli n’yang narinig ay ang tawa ni Bullet bago ito tuluyang mawalan ng malay.

We failed to finish the quest.

🎮

Leviathan stayed inside a hollow space, floating for some minutes. Para s’yang papel na nakalutang sa kadiliman. He couldn't feel anything but he knew that he was dead... virtually. This must be the feeling of dying in this game. He let himself float for a while until a blinding light enveloped the hollow space.

At nagising na s’ya na nakahiga sa loob ng Respawn Cathedral. There were NPC nuns and priests roaming around, maybe protecting the still respawning body.

"Ang items ko!" He immediately activated his inventory and checked his collected items and weapons.

Nandito pa sila, walang kulang. Bakit kaya? Maybe a powerful monster came and attacked her, making her flee before snatching their items. Good.

That Bullet. She was too good at playing. She was good both in close and long-range attacks. Kahit na pinatay n'ya kami, I am still amused by her capabilities. She's awesome!

"Leviathan!" A familiar voice called him. It was Astrid. "Nandito ka lang pala. Hinahanap kita sa buong cathedral. Akala ko sa ibang cathedral ka na-respawn."

He scratched his nape. "Sorry, hindi natin nakuha 'yong treasure—" nagulat ito nang hampasin s’ya nito at tumawa.

"Gagi, ayos lang, 'no!" She laughed. Para bang wala lang sa kanya ang nangyari. Well, at least, they were lucky since no item was snatched on them.

Lumabas sila sa Respawn Cathedral na tumatawa dahil sa nangyari…

To be continued.