Villainous 9 A Friend

She didn't feel stronger or faster despite the stat increases. Rather, all she felt was pain from countless burns on her flesh. Luckily they were superficial first-degree burns, caused by hot air rather than flame touching flesh. Only her feet and scalp bore anything worse, bright red patchworks of second-degree burns already blistered. Li Mei smothered a few harsh coughs, lungs and throat aching from smoke inhaled during her mad dash through the burning manor.

One part of the revenge was completed, but Li Mei knew she still had a long way to go. Conjuring memories of the steward Vigen brought waves of nausea. His temper was ferocious and violent. No matter how injured or sick she was, 44 dragged herself to work every morning for fear of the old man's punishments.

Even worse, he was really strong. He slapped a statue once during a particularly vehement lecture and the metal construct's head flew right off! 44 remembered it clearly since the statue's head hit her in the shoulder. Such an unreal level of strength sent s.h.i.+vers down Li Mei's spine. Dropping plinths on him wouldn't keep him in place long enough for her to get anything done! Unlike the slaves, he'd roll it right off his body and punch her face off.

What an unpleasant thought.

'I'm gonna need food and supplies, which I can't get from the manor anymore. That Vigen guy is the one who wanted 44 dead for some reason... And he's so strong! No one ever seems surprised or weirded out by it either. Does he have some special background, or...' Li Mei sighed, a terrible feeling gnawing at the edges of her heart. 'Or is it common for people to be that strong in this world? Could anyone anywhere just smack my head off my shoulders if they wanted to?'

A seed planted itself in the depths of Li Mei's mind, slipping tender little roots around her subconscious. 'I think I need to get stronger if I'm gonna survive here. But I only know basic body strengthening stuff from Earth, routines for staying healthy. How am I supposed to get Elysium-strong?'

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[Gaining Strength]

Elysium is a highly dangerous world, one's personal strength is important. Without strength one is doomed to life as a servant or slave, where your existence depends on the whims and protection of those you serve. While that may be fine for some, your heart longs to achieve better.

Hints:

- Searching Vigen's cottage may unearth useful treasures if you're thorough.

- The wilds of Elysium harbor many fierce creatures. The estate is strictly managed, what lives in the hunting forest is likely to be within your capability to handle. Take something to use as a weapon and brace yourself for violence.

- Forests contain bountiful mana within that will be beneficial to your growth.

- Horses sense malice. Ask them if one wants to go with you.

Reward: Independence, 1000 EXP

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"Thank you, Meddling Intern!" Li Mei whispered, clasping her hands together and turning her eyes toward the stable roof. The Quest couldn't have come at a more opportune moment!

She stored her blanket away and escaped the feed netting.

Stall doors were closed only when a horse needed to be kept separate for some reason, the animals were allowed to roam the large s.p.a.ce inside when they weren't wandering the nearby pasture. They sprawled on beddings of hay, grazed on feed, or chirped at each other in what Li Mei could only a.s.sume were fascinating horse-based conversations.

Horses on Elysium came in every color of the rainbow, with mottled or striped patterns along their neck and back. Some had stocking patterns on their clawed feet or blazes on their cute muzzles. Male and female alike bore transparent crystalline antlers. Seeing so many gathered in one place was like a cheery festival of color.

"Ask them..." She glanced at the nearest horse, an enormous stallion with a majestic rack of antlers. Two of his four eyes were watching her, but he seemed otherwise unconcerned. Li Mei cleared her throat. "So, uh. Ladies and... Gentlehorses. I'm about to go spend some time in the forest. Running away on a journey to get stronger. Anyone wanna come with me?"

Silence.

Of course the horses wouldn't answer. Li Mei felt silly for asking, especially with all of them staring at her like she was a fool. One of the stallions even had an expression she could almost describe as contempt on his smug little face.

Li Mei resisted the urge to smack him.

"Alright, just thought I'd ask. No need to be rude." She shrugged and turned to peek out the stable doors to make sure there weren't any patrolling guards nearby. Normally the stables were somewhat overlooked since the horses could take care of themselves, but with the manor fire security could have been stepped up.

Something pulled at her sleeve as she stepped outside. A young horse held the material delicately between his teeth, staring at her with all four eyes wide open. His antlers were just tiny crystal buds sprouting from his skull, and if he wasn't lowering his head to tug on her sleeve he would be just about her height. Just a little guy with spindly legs and ears way too big for his head.

"You're way too young to come! What if something happened to you? Your mom would kill me!" Li Mei pushed the horse's head away, but the little guy stepped closer and nudged against her shoulder. She looked up to try and get help from the adult horses but none stepped forward to fetch their unruly child, or even spared the pair a glance.

She examined the little horse again with a slightly heavier heart. "Oh, I see."

On a second glance he was kinda cute. Fluffier than most of the adults, a s.h.a.ggy coat was teal in color with pastel pink spots along the neck, back, and haunches. His large pleading eyes were a warm honey gold ringed with white that made them look even bigger.

"Okay, okay, you can come with me. But you better run when there's any danger!"

Sensing the evaporation of her reluctance, the horse chirped happily and pranced on its clawed feet. He held onto her sleeve with his teeth as she slipped out of the stable toward the cottages, wagging his long fluffy tail.

Li Mei couldn't help a short laugh. Her first friend in a new world was an alien horse. Go figure.