Home / System / The Fate of The Reincarnated / 13. Codename: Crosstail
13. Codename: Crosstail
Author: JefferyXXVI
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

"Ah-choo!" Hiakam sneezed loudly as he crawled through a small hole, with one party member's buttocks in front of him and another's nose right behind him. "I'm sure loving this," he exclaimed, though not entirely sarcastically.

"Shut up, Hiakam!" She cautioned as they slowly moved through a small tunnel within the cave.

The movement of their hands and feet echoed throughout the tombs. Their task here was an extermination request suited for all ranks of adventurers. However, things were not going as planned by the guild. They discovered a Keeper, a gigantic monster capable of soaring through the air, among the goblin herd they came to slaughter. They couldn't assault from close range without their swordsman, who was out sick, and their spells would be rendered ineffective due to the creature's mobility in the air.

"I thought they couldn't hear," Leia, the sorcerer of the group, said.

"Do you really want to put that theory to the test?" Leyla, the thief of the group, said as she crawled through the small tunnel.

"Ladies, ladies, stop bickering. It's not our fault that a Keeper suddenly decided to help a bunch of goblins out. How the hell should we have known that would be the case?"

"I wonder if anyone told Hiakam not to pour cold water on Milenna during the cold," Leyla continued moving, and Hiakam, who crawled behind her, gulped.

"I didn't know it would make her sick," Hiakam said defensively.

"Cold water in freezing temperatures won't make her sick. I wonder if throwing her in a volcano won't burn her skin off," Leyla stopped swiftly when she heard wings flapping. Though they sounded heavily reminiscent of the Keeper that should have been in the ruins behind them, she continued moving when she realized it was just an echo. "If Milenna were here, the party would have been complete, and we could have killed the Keeper and goblins today."

"Well..."

"Now we have to go back to the guild and hire an attacker class before we can come back here," Leyla sighed. "Spending money we don't have. If I wasn't a good person, I would've used your cut to pay the hiring fee."

"I'm sorry, okay, damn."

"Yeah, I know it's a bother, but Hiakam is sorry. He even apologized to Milenna when he found out she had a cold," Leia chimed in, and Hiakam held his mouth as if saying, 'What a kind lady!'

"Anyways, let's get back to the Ianbris guild as quickly as we can. If all goes well, we can get the attacker and return here today," Leyla jumped out of the tunnel and onto a patch of concrete, signifying they were successfully out of the ruins.

Finn's stomach churned with anticipation as he removed the last succulent piece of meat from the stick in his palm. The savory aroma of the food floated through the crowded streets, drawing him even more. It was a present from one of the pleasant sellers he had met on his recent tour with his client, Kyla.

He'd had various luxuries and sweets on the trip with Kyla, but this simple meal felt like a rare privilege. He eagerly strolled towards the guild, anticipating that today would be the day he could finally enjoy a satisfying, robust dinner. "Buffalo wings, buffalo wings!" Finn sang as he entered the guild, although his palette was gradually being overtaken by the smell of sweat and oil, he didn't let it bother him. The faster he was paid, the faster he could quench his mouth-watering excitement for a meal he had been thinking about since. "Umm Yelan, I've completed the mission."

"Oh Finn, good work, and yes. You have completed the mission, the client has sent your pay to us." Yelan stated.

Even though Yelan was talking about money, something felt off. He knew this feeling very well from his past life. "Is there any problem?"

"Well, your funds have been used for the treatment of three men you reportedly injured during your escort." Yelan shook her head. "Your lucky you were off with just paying for their injuries."

"What do you mean injuries, they hurt Kyla first!"

"Yet Kyla doesn't have any injuries, plus she isn't responding to her stat pad notifications."

"You did stop them before they could injure her," Dusk said.

"Christ." Finn sighed and put his head over the table with Yelan smiling casually as he did so.

The air inside the guild was filled with the vibrant banter of experienced explorers and the exciting whispers of newbies, creating an atmosphere that was imbued with the spirit of adventure and fellowship. The bustling scene had a rhythm given by the clinking of armor and the repetitive sound of swords being sheathed and unsheathed.

While looking around the room for any potential job posts or fellow adventurers in need of aid, Finn stood tall among the sea of faces. He had spent countless days with other explorers, so he was familiar with the bustling atmosphere of the guild. He was also as poor as it was possible to be. So he had to take action right away if he wanted to have the buffalo wings for tomorrow.

He was about to approach the bulletin board where quests were posted, a soft thud on the counter grabbed his attention. Turning his head, Finn’s eyes met those of an another adventurer. A young woman flopped onto the table. "Yelaaaaaaaaaan!" The staff-wielding adventurer jumped over the counter hugging Yelan in the process with Finn quickly looking away once she did.

"Leia, you guys are back already? How was the quest." Yelan asked and she could already see Leyla who approached get slightly annoyed. "I'm guessing there was a problem."

Hiakam holding his palm behind his head smiled while avoiding Leyla's gaze. "Kinda."

"We need an attacker, someone who can hold the frontlines. Since Milenna is out sick." Leyla dropped her daggers on the counter next to Leia's staff.

"Plus, there's a keeper in the ruins we have the quest in. It's not that far above our class, but killing it has to count for something. I mean, we can't kill it for free." Hiakam made the argument and Yelan nodded as she patted Leia on the head.

"An attacker." Yelan's eyes drifted toward Finn and before he could even make a gesture with his head she continued. "Well, we might just have your answer right here." She pointed at Finn and all the members gaze turned to him.

"You're an attacker? What rank?" Leyla approached Finn who slowly backed away.

"Umm." Finn put his hands up trying not to touch her, he didn't know what a Keeper was so he didn't want to get himself in a mess he couldn't get out of.

"He's a Granite-5." Yelan nodded in approval.

"Granite? Wait, wasn't I in copper just yesterday?" Finn questioned the recent promotion and all got back was a wink from Yelan.

"Are you sure you're an attacker?" Leyla backed off from Finn with his wallet in her hand, which she quickly peered through. "Damn, your broke."

"Happens to all of us." Hiakam sympathized with him.

"How did you?" Finn tapped his pockets before concluding that she was a thief, he had seen the class once before when browsing through the available classes on his stat pad.

[Kaleidoscope: Thief]

Finn walked toward her, reaching for the air trying to grab his wallet back and although she didn't tease him with it, she raised her hands and moved back. Right before he could reach it. "If you can't take care of your belongings from a thief, how are you gonna help us when faced against a beast three times your size."

"I would say the same for you." Finn lifted his hand in the air, revealing a brown leather pouch and once Leyla recognized it she looked at her waist.

"Wow, you're good." She tossed back his wallet and he did the same.

"You're rich." Finn's stomach grumbled.

"So what do you say about helping us exterminate the goblins and the Keeper?" Leyla proposed with a handshake.

Finn looked at her hand once more, he was scared. He had no idea what kind of creature they were talking about but this was a new world and his new life. The best thing he could do was meet new people. "I'm in," He shook her hand and she pulled him closer showing him his wallet once more.

"Welcome to Crosstails. I'm Leyla Halterglaide." She tossed the wallet toward him once more.

"I'm Hiakam Sinvow," Hiakam walked over to Yelan.

"I'm Leia Youngsbreath!" Leia said while still hugging Yelan.

Finn grabbed his Wallet from Leyla who tossed it back. "I'm Finn Crest-Angel, it's a pleasure to meet you all."

"Now let's go kill some beasts!" Leyla grabbed her daggers off the counter and the rest of her team grabbed their respective items and followed her in suit.

"Wait, wait, wait..." Finn looked at the party as they walked out of the guild. "Of course, it's going to be right now, it's never tomorrow or the day after. It's always today" He followed them, with an empty stomach and a slight migraine.

Related Chapters

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   14. The Keeper of Trojan(Part 1)

    The party's journey to eradicate goblins had brought them to the enchanting remains of Trojan. The external appearance of the ruins possessed a captivating golden hue, reminiscent of structures crafted by ancient pharaohs. Despite being one member short, Crosstails' trio was now bolstered by the inclusion of Finn."Do you hear that?" Leyla stepped into a puddle as she led the way."What?" Hiakam asked, priming his ears for any loud or sudden sounds.Finn had told himself positive things about making new acquaintances and a new beginning as he followed the group. But all he sensed as he walked through puddles with the group was regret. "I'm hungry," he mused."So Finn, you say you're a Crest-Angel but what is your entire shtick— you know with you being an attacker and all." Leyla continued leading the way."Shtick, because my clans filled with sorcerers that's what you mean.""Yeah, why are you an attacker when your genes and history clearly put you on the sorcerer path? I mean I'm not

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   15. The Keeper of Trojan(Part 2)

    She looked to the sky, blood splattered all over her body. A knife in her hand and a smile on her face. She had done an unspeakable act, regardless of whether or not it was to protect herself. A tear ran down her face as she began to comprehend the severity of her actions. She pointed the knife to her neck but before she could impale herself an arm grabbed hers. "Please. Just. Let me." The arm pulled hers down, and she could feel them wrap around her, hugging her in a way she had never been before."Your gonna be alright," Yelan said.Her eyes burst open and she immediately reached for her staff, she looked around her and once she confirmed she was the only breathing thing within the room she calmed her nerves down. "Where are the others?" Leia asked herself, pulling up her stat pad and sending a message to her party members. As to where she was? She had no idea. She got up, staff in hand using a simple fire spell linked with mana to make the orb at the top light up, creating an ample

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   16. Signs of the unknown

    Sven, who was well aware of the academy's unrelenting nature, yawned in exhaustion as he splashed water on his face. Its brutality had been starkly brought to light yesterday, but he was determined not to give in.He got ready for the day ahead by moving towards the balcony of the dorm building where all the students lived. He warmed up for his daily workout, which included pull-ups and dumbbell lifts, by stretching his muscles beforehand. His desire to gain muscle was evident.Sven in need of a boost, quickly drank a cup of coffee he had made the previous evening. He was prepared to take advantage of the opportunities it would present because today was sure to be just as interesting. "It's time to get going!" Before leaving the dorm, he told his dorm mates that he was ready to take on whatever the day had in store.Sven was caught off guard as he hurried out of his door and met with an unexpected force, falling backward. Holding his head for a minute, he looked up to see Liric Titanfa

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   17. Resurgence

    The sound of destruction was enough to awaken Finn and Hiakam from their sleep amidst the rumbling ruins and shaking ground. As they opened their eyes to the mayhem after being dragged into a lower level of the tunnels, Finn couldn't help but question, "Where are we?" While Hiakam quickly collected his stat pad to record information, he rubbed his eyes, trying to make sense of their surroundings."Are you both alright? The Keeper got to me, and I'm not sure where I am in the catacombs. Be cautious of the Keeper; it seems to have control over the catacombs," Hiakam conveyed Leia's message to Finn, now gaining a better understanding of the creature's abilities. He quickly composed a reassuring reply to let Leia know they were safe."I'm not sure, but it's the Keeper's doing." Hiakam put away his stat pad before swiftly standing up, spear in hand."What now?" Finn got up, coughing as he dusted his clothes. "Do we regroup?" Finn found it hard to make a plan since he had no idea how the Kee

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   18. Namek

    Namek Surtur wanted to be free.From the very moment he came into this world, he was given a severe choice from the moment he was born: take the throne as the ruler of the city his father oversaw, or meet a gloomy and cruel demise. While he dreaded the idea of passing away, he equally wished for a life free from the burden of obligation where he could pursue his own goals and desires. Even though he cared about the city's residents, he couldn't stand the thought of being confined to a desk and having to hear about everyone's troubles day in and day out. He wants his own life, not one that was predetermined by others.As a prince oppressed by the weight of his destiny, he found comfort in stories of journey and freedom. He found solace and joy in the tales of the man who traveled the globe and Ikarus, who flew across the endless skies. These stories served as beacons of joy, lighting his way with hopes that one day, he too could feel as liberated as they did."Namek!" The king's comman

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   19. The final push

    Finn tightly gripped his daggers, propelling himself from the ground with a surge of anger. His thoughts were muddled, much like the previous encounter with Emma. His heart flared with an all-consuming rage that compelled him to act out his hatred. He focused on the Keeper and used [Boost] to increase his running speed, while it wasn't perfectly accurate, it served the objective.[Twin dagger Form 3: Inferno Descent] With his weapons igniting in a blaze of flames. Finn jumped above the Keeper, his focus was drawn to the wings that had killed Hiakam. As swift as a spinning tornado, Finn easily severed the Keeper's wings, leaving a smoke trail to indicate their burning separation. Finn, who had expertly performed the wing-severing maneuver, emerged from behind the Keeper. Activating [Form 3: Inferno Descent] once more, Finn drove himself towards the Keeper and successfully sliced one of its hands off him with the scorching fury of his daggers, amplified by [Boost].The Keeper cried out

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   20. The man with red hair

    His eyes opened as he prepared to awake on the floor of the frigid and stony ruins. However, he was back in the hospital bed that he had been using before his adventures with the group. They gave him a warm welcome and expressed their gratitude, and he returned the favor with a smile while he held back the tears of joy that threatened to fall. His affection grew when he realized that none of them had perished.He might have had a little bit of self-centeredness inside of him because he wanted them to stay by his side. He realized that they owed him nothing and that their lives had nothing to do with him; in reality, the situation was just the opposite. However, it was also possible that his emotions were solely motivated by his self-interest. "I'm starving,"Finn got out of the perfectly clean bed and peered through the drawn curtains to the wide open space that was the city of Gales. He was adjusting to this unfamiliar world gradually, but every time he looked back, he found himself

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   21. Trailing rośe

    The guitarist, pianist, and singer were all playing their own instruments while merging their talents to create an orchestrated performance that filled the air. They created an orchestral score that was so flawless that everyone inside the bar danced in unison, following the harmony. Even though it was a pub, he treasured these special occasions. He was in a corner, sipping wine and attracting women's admiration. The drink was nothing short of heavenly, and he would be happy to express his gratitude to the maker of such a wonderful concoction if given the chance.He was the bar's owner, and moments like these made him proud of his investment. As he sipped from his wine glass, women walked up to him with an air of awe while remaining silent in his presence—a behavior he knew all too well. He was well aware that he was the most fascinating figure in the entire venue due to his stunning red hair and eyes that resembled sparkling rubies. He focused on the excellent flavor of his wine as

Latest Chapter

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   

    96. Bad News All Round

    For countless miles, Exodus journeyed across the desolate expanses of the outlands. His master had tasked him with a mission to seek out those yearning to shed their weaknesses, and he dedicated months to fulfilling this daunting quest. At last, he had accomplished his mission.He walked into a structure that was within the outlands, within it were hundreds of men and women who had seemed to be losing their patience."When are you going to make us demons!" One of them shouted at the top of his lungs."You've kept us here for months! What is this, some kind of scam?!"Exodus walked toward the front where Leviathan, another one of the demons had stood. "Did any more show up?" Exodus asked as he dusted his clothes."Nope," Leviathan said as he yawned. "So are actually making them demons or are we slaughtering them?""The former Leviathan. Lord Merlo wants to test if it's possible to create an evolved demon from a human." "Why, doesn't that destroy the entire purpose of our battle?" Levia

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   

    95. The Tale of A hundred Nights

    Finn woke up on the shield of another adventurer, he rubbed his hand over his face and sat up, looking around at his surroundings. His memory was blurry and all he could vividly remember was being passed drinks until he passed out. "Hangoverrrr hurrtttss." He got up, stumbling until he got to a wall he could lean on."Good morning, Finn." Yelan greeted and Finn gazed at her momentarily before holding his mouth, stopping himself from puking on the ground."Hi... Yelan.""Fun night right? Martha made a decent amount as well, only the first round was free." Yelan wrote something on a piece of paper as she spoke."Is that so? I'm gonna go upstairs... the quicker I pass out... the better my well-being becomes." Finn stumbled as he walked toward Martha's bar."There are no spare rooms by the way," Yelan said as she worked. "Martha's rooms have been packed up for a while now.""Argh." Finn fell onto the floor, making inaudible noises as he did."By the way, there's a mission for you," Yelan u

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   

    94. The Loss Of A Loved one

    Finn put his blade into the chest of the dragon, carving out its heart and putting it into a bag he had carried along with him."Let's introduce ourselves properly, we're Dungeon Crawl. A party of four, you already know me but I am Sophia Kingsblade, lead mage of the party and these are my party members." Sophia started."I am Ander Lagris, Knight of the group. As you saw by my earlier demonstration my strength is on par with the higher-level adventurers of the guild." Ander laughed garishly, his masculine features shining as he did."I'm Rook, Rook Withershay, I'm the secondary mage. My job is to stop and distract the enemy while Ander and Sophia deal the heavy-hitting attacks." Rook dropped his staff on the ground, wiping his face."Nice to meet you... didn't you say four? I count three. Did your fourth not come?" Finn inquired and the party looked at each other, their faces sour as they did. "He's dead." Sophia pointed toward a charred body that lay on the ground. "He was our attac

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   

    93. Encounter

    The battlefield crackled with the clash of elemental powers as Darwin faced off against Void. Flames danced gracefully around Darwin's outstretched hands, each flicker a testament to his mastery over fire. In stark contrast, Void manipulated the very fabric of space itself, compressing it to create razor-sharp edges or pushing with a gravitational force that threatened to crush his opponent.Jared, watching the unfolding battle, felt a surge of realization. "I knew it," he whispered, his eyes narrowing as he witnessed the intensity of the elemental confrontation.As flames soared and space contorted, Paige remained at Darwin's side, her eyes focused on the mysterious cauldron at Void's side. An idea sparked within her, and she swiftly reached for her trusty gun."I've got a plan," Paige declared, determination gleaming in her eyes.Darwin, enveloped in a protective barrier of swirling flames, nodded. "Do it."Paige loaded her gun with precision, the rhythmic click of the magazine echoi

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   

    92. Charging through the Wind

    "Ahh, now i see why Gemini couldn't finish you off." Valley jumped out of the wall he had been launched into, landing onto the ground with a thud, his body already having regenerated Finn's earlier attack."But still, he said he got you pretty good. How did you allow that happen if you're so strong.""You talk too much." Finn darted toward Valley and to everyone else who watched the fight, his run was more of a flicker.[Triple boost] Finn used boost, however this time onthe ground. He darted behind Valley catching the demon off guard before kicking him again into the sky. The second boost was used to push himself into the air to kick Valley higher into the air and the last boost was used to push Finn into the air above him.Finn primed his leg for a descending kick, however in an instant Valley grabbed his leg, throwing him toward the bell he had been thrown toward earlier. "You have strength however, your use of it is predictable.""Predictable huh." Finn's daggers materialized once

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   

    91. A traitor found

    In the heart of the enigmatic Qinqi Forest, Roman found himself disoriented, standing beside Val, the enigmatic figure responsible for their sudden teleportation. His ability was a unique one even within his clan, it was one that allowed him to set multiple checkpoints in certain locations and instantly teleport toward them.Teleportation wasn't unheard off in their world however it was a very unique ability and the clan abilities that resembled it, were useless in battle due to their abilities conditions. However Val had no conditions on his ability, apart from a checkpoint having being open prior.Roman's immediate concern was the absence of his fellow magistrates and Liric, who were supposed to accompany them.With a perplexed look on his face, Roman turned to Val. "Where are the others?" He demanded. "Weren't we supposed to be sent to the same place?"Val, his eyes portraying a sinister glint, smirked and replied, "Seems like my ability went a bit haywire, its not the first time so

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   

    90. Draco’nel’s Determination

    Finn ran down an open path in the cave that led to where the dragon's roar had come from. He had been eager to test his abilities but as he turned a corner and saw the large beast, his previous eagerness turned into a will to run.Beneath the dragon were adventurers who fought it, and beneath the adventurers were corpses with iron plates strapped onto their chests. Finn had seen enough death in his time at the academy but it was always awful to see such a thing, despite how much he thought he had gotten used to the sight. It was just one of those things that the body would never get used to. Finn stopped in his tracks, there were a multitude of adventurers all attacking the dragon, using their spells and weapons however their attack bounced off the colossal beast like pebbles thrown at an iron wall."That's it, I'm done!" One adventurer uttered, turning back and heading toward Finn but as he made his move to retreat the dragon unleashed a fiery onslaught that burnt him down to ash in

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   

    89. The Reincarnation Of Syth

    Emirus triggered a massive fire spell aimed directly at the titan-like entity, yet within the shadow realm, Mura orchestrated the darkness to swiftly absorb the spell the moment it was conjured. "So you're gonna be like that."Emirus dogded a punch sent toward him by the Titan, rolling over to the side of the realm. There were two ways to deal with large scale containment techniques and Emirus only had one way within his arsenal.[Scorch Magic: Molten Spearhead] Emirus placed his hands on the ground and from directly the Titan were several spearheads made out of lava, he had expected the spell to be absorbed by the darkness and his expectations were on the spot. "Using the same techniques inside my spell will get you no where, adventurer." Mura tapped her staff on the ground and several other Titans spawned from the darkness. "Kill him."Each of them charged toward Emirus and a little smirk could be seen on the face of the adventurer. "You seem to forget why I'm where i am within Vanc

  • The Fate of The Reincarnated   

    88. The Remnant Church

    The small western like doors of the bar were opened and they walked in. They looked around as they did and they sat down on the opposite side of the bar where they could see its entirety."What do you want, Sir?" The waiter walked up to them, holding a check-board in her hand."We're fine on the food, all we have are some questions." The man on of the two spoke. "Come closer." The waiter, stopped for a while before putting her head closer to the mans face. "Do you want to die with these people?" He asked and she stepped back."Darwin, you're gonna scare her to death." His companion hit his knee. "Sorry darling, we just mean. Do you want to go down with the dumb fucks in here?!""And here you are making it worse, Paige." Darwin slammed his head as he sighed. "So whats your answer waitress-lady? You gonna out the demon you guys are hiding in the back or are we going to have to tear through the building ourselves."He knows about the demon kill them!" One of the men got up, within his ar