As they entered the village area, Owen experienced something new. In his head he heard:
[Ability System initiating…]
At the same time, he could see the words hovering in front of his vision. He was riding on Adam's back based on his mother's orders in case they needed to move quickly.
[Required parameters present. Installing.]
He was thoroughly confused. 'Aren't I a fairy like mom and Uncle Midas? Does Dad have this?'
His head suddenly hurt. He could feel a warmth growing in intensity in his body. He didn't want to worry anyone, so he lay down on Adam's back and pretended he was cuddling to hide his face.
Before Midas finished fixing the shelter up, there was a ding sound in his head.
[Installation Complete.]
Owen noticed he was feeling better but a bit sick to his stomach.
[Optimizing based on physical capabilities. Please wait.]
Owen lay there stroking Adam's fur. What he didn't know was a conversation was taking place while his mother was talking.
'Mother Minx! I think Owen's not well. Something feels wrong.'
She glanced over out of the corner of her eye. He looked tired but well otherwise.
'Monitor the situation. I'll check him out as soon as we are done here.'
'Okay!'
[System optimized.]
[Host is still a minor.]
[Scaling accordingly.]
[Ability System collects abilities. Host is granted access to abilities by collecting points through accomplishing tasks. Points regenerate after use, one point per ten seconds. The more points spent using an ability, the stronger the ability is. Host may use two abilities at once.]
[Current Ability Points (AP) – 0]
[Complete first task - find and enter the castle.]
[Reward – 5 points]
Minx noticed the others were still gawking at her party and smiled caringly. "I have reason to believe that's a possibility based on what you just said. Do you need any further aid? Which direction is the castle?"
Kenyon stared at Midas then his eyes took in the strange companions. His hair appeared to have never known a brush. His clothing was rags, barely hanging on a frame that has known too little food for far too long. His fellow farmers looked just like him.
The newcomers each looked pristine. Their clothing had no visible holes. Not a hair out of place. They had weapons at their sides that looked fit. He nodded once, more to himself than anyone else.
Their appearance alone spoke volumes that their story was true in his mind. The people had a strength, a power they had never seen. He was trying to decide if he dared hope. He decided a small bit wouldn't hurt.
"We have much gratitude for the aid you have already provided. The castle is that way. Go with Botha's grace."
Kenyon and the other farmers hit the ground, on their knees. Each had their own version of thought that maybe salvation had arrived at last.
"Thank you for your aid," Minx said with a smile and nod.
Jaykon returned to the air while the rest headed in the northeastern direction they were instructed to go. The rest left on foot.
Before long they could see the broken spires of a building that once looked like a grand castle. Five minutes after they could see it, they heard horns blaring making them feel as though an urgent matter had come up.
Just then, Jaykon flew down low enough to shout, "there is a crab up ahead! I don't think you want to eat this one….."
Minx and Midas took to the air, "the rest of you ride the maccavies in. Move quickly."
As they approached, they did indeed see a crab. This thing was half the size of the castle which made Midas rethink his life. It was the color of sand with a bit of the gray color of wet rocks that would be found on a beach. It had black and brown eyes protruding from the top of its head that looked forward.
The body was round in the front half and oval that came to a point in the back as if evolution couldn't make up its mind and decided to throw it all in the basket.
There were six legs that ended in devastatingly sharp points. Minx guessed it was to navigate a rocky, sandy terrain. There were sharp hairs coating the inside of each leg. In the front, the mouth split at the top but also split down the middle, opening like double doors that the interior corners folded out instead of the door swinging wide.
Flanking the mouth were two claws that seemed strong enough to snap a man in half.
Minx watched as men raced from the castle. They had armor and weapons, but she doubted they were strong enough. They got to the beast first and three were knocked aside quickly getting injured. A claw was approaching a fourth person who appeared to be the crab's choice from the menu.
Since Jaykon was already in the air, he got to the scene first. As he flew over, with his palms down, he also pointed his fingers down similar to how one would hold a baseball.
"Blood rain!" Suddenly tiny blood droplets assaulted the crab. They weakened the shell as well as injured two legs on one side.
Minx and Midas both arrived on the scene. One flew on the right side while the other took the left. They both blooded their swords. At the same time, they took off the front claw and the front leg then swooped up.
The crab's front half dipped toward the ground without the support of the leg. It started to back away in an act of self-preservation. This only hastened its fate as the twins circled around to the opposite sides and sliced the back two legs off.
The body, unsupported, hit the ground as black blood oozed from eight different, rather large holes. They swooped up one more time then came together in the center. They dove down with their blades extended. Within moments, their swords were deep into the crab's back.
It let out a scream that echoed within the castle walls until it died.
The twins removed their blades from the beast. Midas went looking for the beast crystal while Minx went to the sides of those hit by the claws as the rest of their party arrived. The guards went to attack but a glare from Minx told them to stop.
"Serene," she called out, "these two men have been injured."
"On it, Minx!" the green-skinned girl responded.
The guards gaped at the scene in front of them.
The macavities went to the remains for a meal.
Between the two girls, the injured were soon healed. Minx introduced herself as Adam gave the update, "Owen is feeling better."
The man that appeared to be in charge heard her name and quickly asked her to come with him. Her friends all followed. She pulled Owen off Adam's back and held his hand.
Minx and Midas exchanged a glance. He grabbed Owen's other hand as they all walked up the steps toward the door. They made sure to stay close to their escort.
As the door opened, they were underwhelmed by the large empty hall. Well, not fully empty. In the back, barely discernible was a table with several men standing around it. They all had wings.
Just as they crossed the threshold, inside Owen's head, he heard the words:
[Objective complete.]