"Energy of the elements around me. Come to me and give me the force to fight against my enemies! [Mana Blast]!"

"Flames from the light of the sun. Blaze into my mana and burn through my staff! [Flare Burst]!"

As I saw through the bush, Kaz and Mari propel both of their spells towards the bear. Both hit clean and its [HP] began to dwindle as I see this through my HUD's [HP] window.

[HP: 491/580]

It isn't quite enough to weaken it, but it’s a good start. With Arthur still busy distracting the [Wild Bear], it didn't pay any attention to the others. So for now, they are at a safe distance to attack. I can't let them hog all of the glory though. Without any hesitation or second thoughts, I fired several arrows at the bear. While some missed due to my inexperience, the others managed to strike the bear piercing through its body. Though, from looking at the areas that I did hit such as the arms and back, I doubt I could repeat that earlier "headshot".

I’m hoping this can go on forever, but I knew it wouldn't last. Just after Arthur chipped off more of the bear's [HP] with his sword, the [Wild Bear] got down all fours and before we can even react, it gives out the loudest roar that I ever heard in my whole life. I would’ve tried to cover my ears with my hands, but I can't even use them. Heck, I can't even let go of my bow. And when I tried to move my legs or arms, I realized something. Whatever that monster did, it had left me paralyzed. But how? Is this part of the game?

Just then, as if it answered my question, a window pops up right in front of me. Why is a tutorial appearing at this time?!

[WARNING]

[You are currently STUNNED for 10 seconds. Your body will be incapable of movement until the status effect disappears.]

[Please wait for the effect to disappear.]

[Stunned]?! Are you serious?! Sure, 10 seconds might be short, but it’s such a pain in a neck in this instance since we are facing a dangerous monster. It isn't any better when I saw the others. Not only Kaz is also affected by the attack, but Mari and Arthur were suffering the same too. And unfortunately for the latter, he’s right in front of the monster, now stuck in a position where he’s about to swing his sword at it. It didn't take long as the bear swiped its claws at my friend and sent him flying away into some nearby trees behind him. I want to help him, but due to my paralysis, I can't do anything but to watch it happen.

Ugh... This sucks... Not only is this [Wild Bear] was huge, but it’s very unpredictable with its attacks. I just wished we could’ve faced something simpler like that wild boar from earlier.

PING!

>

W-What the?! Oh yeah, I forgot about the whisper chat. I almost had a heart attack.

<>

That is a good plan. I can tell that Arthur felt that attack back there full force and I can't blame him. That [Wild Bear's] roar's effects caught us off-guard and we don't know how to counteract it since we can’t move for 10 seconds. So switching my role as Arthur’s back-up sounds like a do-able option.

<>

I can hear Kaz's voice boom into my ear. Yeesh, he really needs lower his voice sometimes.

<>

>

I ask myself the same question. That is until I heard Arthur's scream. When I looked around, I see him running out of the smoke with his long sword in hand. I can tell he got a few wounds and scraps on his face, but he doesn't seem to care much about it.

>

I'll say. We're still in a virtual world, yet I hadn’t seen him that angry since last year's Sports Day at school. Before I can even try to move my legs, I see him swing his sword even more times than I can count. What’s even more surprising is how fast he struck with his sword, and how he’s able to dodge the bear's attacks so quickly. Is this the effect of one of his skills?

"Hah! Is that all you got? I've seen complete slowpokes like you and they could even outrun me in a marathon!" Arthur shouted as he continues dodging the [Wild Bear's] claws. "I give you props for how you stunned me for a moment there. But even so, you're still just a big ol' teddy bear!"

Well, that's one way to get its attention, though I don’t know if he’s taunting them or if it was just another way for him to bust out his lame jokes. Still, I’m impressed by how Arthur was able to recover after that one crazy attack. Even more so, as I watched everything that transpired, I slowly realize that I’m now able to move my arms and legs again. I guess that the [Stunned] effect had disappeared from my body.

> I hear Kaz happily announced this, at which I crack a smile, glad that he and Mari had recovered as well.

> Mari declared, which I nod in agreement.

>

With my mobility restored, I readied my bow and begin firing several arrows at the bear. Like before, I see Mari and Kaz casting offensive spells towards the monster. Once they do, I see it's [HP] dwindle even more.

[HP: 309/580]

> I mentally scream while avoiding breaking my focus towards the [Wild Bear].

<>

Kaz has a point. We need to find a way to prevent ourselves from being incapacitated again. Otherwise, Arthur might end up enduring more hits than he would have been prepared for, and we still don't have a healer in our party. Then I realized something.

>

I hear Mari's voice humming through my ears. <>

> Kaz asked in a worried tone. >

He's got a point. Arthur and Mari were the strongest and most experienced of us, and I don't want to volunteer Kaz for obvious reasons. So all that's left is...

>

Well, I seriously don't want to leave everyone. But this is our ticket to defeating this beast.

Current Quest: Subjugate a Wild Bear **

Status: In Progress

Party Members:

[Wind]

[Kaz]

[Arthur]

[Mari]

Wind's Masteries

[Archery] Level 6

[Woodcrafting] Level 1

[Swordsmanship] Level 6

[Cooking] Level 1

[Wind] Level 5

[Physical Enhancement] Level 1

[Hunting] Level 4

Kazu's Masteries

[Arcana] Level 6

[Thunder] Level 6

[Wind] Level 5

[Alchemy] Level 7

[Magecrafting] Level 1

[Magical Affinity] Level 5

[Scribe] Level 1