“It's nice to be out in the wild again.” Yvlena said walking over to a berry bush and harvesting the fruit she could see. Avaresh Swamp had tired her out to no end with its murky waters and hidden danger, it was nice to be in the forest again.

  [Yvlena Acquired

  **

  Foxen Berries (Herb) x3]

  “Alright! New things to forage, I wonder if Risel’s been here. I don't think so, she did say she went to the Verdant Woods more often.” Yvlena said, storing the berries in her inventory.

  They were a bright purplish-red and looked plump enough to eat but somehow Yvlena got the feeling they were dangerous somehow.

  ‘This may just be my Harvest Guardian senses, but I think this plant may be poisonous.’ she thought.

  As they walked, Yvlena wondered why she had such trouble defeating the Jackalope, perhaps it was just a higher level but she didn't seem as strong.

  “It's probably because the Moon Sickle isn't as strong as my Carrot Sword! I miss that sword so much now.” She whined.

  “Yvlena!” She heard Dylan call again.

  “I hope he learned not to run off so much anymore.” Yvlena smirked, following the sound of the voice whining for her to save him.

  Yvlena and her summons rounded the corner to find Dylan tied to the thick bark of an old tree. The young man struggled against the binding and Yvlena was left to wonder who tied them.

  Below him was a cluster of tiny field mice squeaking threateningly as they pointed their spears at him. He kicked at them which only made his situation worse.

  Dylan’s squirming only infuriated them, causing the mice to retaliate by poking him harder.

  “Oh thank the gods! Yvlena help!” He yelled the moment he saw her. Yvlena ran forward and without hesitation unleashed her skill.

  [Yvlena Cast Harvest Skill: Wide Sweep]

  Now at level 2, the force of her attack swept forward in a powerful wave, annihilating the cluster of mice that had surrounded Dylan.

  [Yvlena Acquired

  1300/2070

  ***

  Cheese x3

  Mushroom x2

  ***

  Moon Points x50]

  The ropes came loose, and Dylan fell to the forest floor in a heap. He landed with a thud, groaning in pain as he rolled over to lay on his back.

  “Sprite, help him out.” Yvlena said rolling her eyes.

  [Sprite Cast Cure(05MP)]

  “Thanks.” Dylan mumbled. He kept his gaze low, knowing if he looked up he would be met with the furious eyes (and possibly fist) of an elf maiden.

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  “And how did you end up here?” Yvlena asked keeping her tone even, Dylan saw through her calm demeanor. The girl was holding back a storm.

  “I heard a noise, I followed it and I was ambushed.” He mumbled.

  Yvlena pinched the bridge of her nose, resisting the urge to ask why he hadn't just stayed near the traveler’s temple.

  “Okay let's head back to town, it's a straight road from her anyway and we get to pass by the lake too.” She said already turning around and heading back the way she came.

  “Uh...Yvlena.” Dylan said, pushing his fingers together nervously.

  “What is it?” She asked, looking at him. Dylan pointed to a hole where a large and angry head had suddenly started emerging beside him.

  The young man was frozen in fear, his legs quaking as he looked towards the hole where a giant mouse snout was emerging, its whiskers brushed his pants making it harder for him to concentrate on anything but his fear.

  “Well don't just stand there! Run!” Yvlena yelled. If they could escape now maybe they wouldn’t have to trigger the boss! Dylan squeaked but couldn't find the courage to move, his gaze was fixed firmly on the paws now climbing out as well.

  ‘So much for all his bravado!’ Yvlena thought!

  A tail had already wrapped around his leg and pulled him towards the hole before swinging him into the tree. Dylan's back slammed against the tree so hard that he clenched his teeth to keep his sounds of pain in.

  “Dylan!” Yvlena and Sprite called in worry.

  [Your companion is critically injured and unable to assist you in battle]

  “Oh no...” Yvlena said in a panic, she would have to fight whatever was coming out of that hole and it looked to be as big as the Rabbit Queen's secret boss she'd fought so long ago.

  It would be easier now that she had her summons right?

  Right?

  Finally, the being emerged from its hole to reveal a giant field mouse, it sniffed the air looking for its kin before setting its sights on Yvlena.

  She gulped.

  [You have encountered: Field Mouse Sentinel]

  The large rodent bellowed, sending a wave of warm cheesy breath stinking through the forest. Now fully out of its home Yvlena took a good look at it.

  Lowering her hand and looking up she could see the Mouse Sentinel was a giant chubby rodent with its cheeks stuffed full of cheese, Its head was encased in silvery armor, and in its paw it clutched a spear in the same style as its smaller compatriots, the spear’s tip was topped with a piece of sharpened cheese!

  Black beady eyes stared down at the girl and her companions before unleashing a battle cry for the ages.

  [Field Mouse Sentinel Cast Piercing Slice]

  The spear shot forward, forcing Yvlena to dodge with Kuti on her neck. The massive Spear whistled past her ears, separating her from Sprite and Rabbit Knight.

  Rabbit Knight in a burst of speed with Sprite close behind, ran towards the Mouse Sentinel to deliver their Stunner combo.

  [Battle Skill: Rabbit Sting Combo]

  “Kuti cast paralyze and weaken!” Yvlena said jumping back to avoid a swing of the giant mouse’s spear.

  [Yvlena Cast Harvest Skill: Wide Sweep]

  Yvlena read through the system messages, without taking her eyes off the giant creature in front of her. She knew the spear shot wouldn’t be the only skill the mouse would have up its sleeve.

  Sensing an opportunity she aimed for its armed hand, aiming to make the creature drop its spear. She swung, slicing the Moon Sickle’s blade against Mouse’s hand. It shrieked, and with its tail smacked Yvlena to the side.

  The elf flew to the side, turning her body to cradle Kuti so she would not smash against the ground.

  “Ugh!” She cried, landing hard. The doll in her hands shook her head and lifted her hands. “I’m fine Kuti, this isn’t my first time.”

  [Field Mouse Sentinel Cast Tail Whip]

  In a flash, the mouse had Rabbit Knight soaring through the air the same way it had sent Yvlena. She rushed over to him but Sprite was already on it casting cure as fast as she could.

  “What can I do?” Yvlena asked, picking herself up and dusting off the bits of grass stuck in her hair.

  The mouse shrieked again, rearing up for another attack when Yvlena was hit with a bright idea. There was one thing she hadn’t tried yet.

  The bell.