As Cian, Shirayuki, and the little Emberlix walked further along the dirt path, the morning light filtered through the tall trees, painting soft gold across the mossy floor. Birds chirped above, and the sound of rustling leaves accompanied their every step.
Cian scratched his head, squinting at the path ahead.
"...Just where are we now?"
[System Notification]:
You have entered: Maplebrush Forest.
A quiet woodland known for its gentle hills, cool streams, and overly curious wildlife.
Cian exhaled in relief. "Finally… a forest that doesn't sound like it wants to stab me in my sleep."
[System Notification]:
Give it a few hours.
As they ventured deeper into Maplebrush Forest, the greenery grew more vibrant. Strange, elegant flora swayed gently in the wind, shimmering faintly with morning dew.
Cian slowed down, eyes sparkling. "Whoa… these plants are kinda beautiful."
[System Notification]:
You've discovered the following flora:
Velvetgleam Lily – Silky petals that shimmer in moonlight. Often used in noble perfumes.
Silverveil Fern – Light, trailing leaves that glint like spun thread. Said to calm nearby wildlife.
Bloomshade Orchid – A rare orchid that only blooms in shaded groves. Emits a soft bioluminescent glow at night.
Cian crouched near a small, stubby plant with a chubby purple bulb and jagged petals. "Hey... what's this little guy? Looks like a grumpy vegetable." He poked it. The bulb quivered.
[System Notification]:
That is the Snortroot.
A low-tier plant that releases an unpleasant honking noise when disturbed. Mostly avoided by all intelligent lifeforms.
[System Notification]:
Much like its discoverer.
The plant let out a comically loud HOOONK, startling Cian back a step.
"Okay! Okay, chill, I get it!" he yelped.
Shirayuki tilted her head, then giggled with her eyes, her tail flicking in amusement. Emberlix blinked slowly, then imitated the honk softly. Hhrnk.
As they walked further into the forest path, Emberlix suddenly scampered up Cian's side, her tiny claws barely noticeable against his tunic. She perched proudly on his shoulder like a warm, flickering flame.
"Huh? Whatcha doin' up there, Ember—"
Lick.
Her small tongue darted out and gently swiped his cheek. A flick of affection.
Then she hopped off with a playful twirl, her tail swishing with a warm orange glow. She blinked slowly at him—her lizardy way of saying thank you—before dashing back into the bushes.
"Guess that's goodbye for now…" Cian murmured with a bittersweet smile.
A shadow loomed behind him.
He turned—only to find Shirayuki standing there, face puffed up in full pout, tail stiff.
Then—lick.
"Wha—Shira?!"
Shirayuki licked his other cheek deliberately, glaring sideways where Emberlix had gone. Her cheeks flushed slightly pink as she then crossed her arms and hmphed, satisfied.
[System Notification]:
Jealousy detected.
Warning: Local hedgehog may engage in primitive affection warfare.
Cian Affection Resistance: 0%
"…I—I'm not some battlefield, you know," Cian muttered, wiping both cheeks. "But damn if it's not the best war I've been in."
Shirayuki blinked up at him with a smug little smirk, then wrapped her arms behind her back and walked ahead, wagging her tail proudly.
[System Notification]:
Cian has been double-licked.
You may now unlock the "Flustered Fool" passive buff.
Cian knelt down beside a patch of thick grass, brushing aside the blades to reveal a small clump of delicate, silvery-green leaves.
"This looks useful," he muttered, carefully picking a few sprigs.
Shirayuki, not to be outdone, scurried beside him. Her nose twitched as she sniffed around and gently bit off a fluffy yellow herb, waddling back and dropping it into Cian's pouch with a proud little fweep.
[System Notification]:
Item Acquired: Moonmint
A cooling herb that soothes minor burns and sore muscles. Smells faintly of lemon pie.
"Ooh, lemon pie... I kinda wanna eat it now," Cian said with a laugh.
Shirayuki picked another plant—this one bright blue with glowing spots—and handed it to Cian with her usual excited little hop.
He grabbed it… and immediately flinched.
[System Notification]:
Warning: You are now holding "Sporekiss."
A hallucinogenic forest fungus often mistaken for candy.
Side effects include: giggling fits, dancing with trees, and confessing love to rocks.
Cian screamed, flailing and yeeting the glowing thing deep into the forest. "NOPE!"
[System Notification]:
You have thrown away potential fun. You coward.
—10 Style Points.
"Style points!?" Cian barked. "Where were those when I got licked by a jealous hedgehog!?"
Shirayuki giggled, covering her mouth with a paw as she picked another safe herb and gently placed it into the pouch, her tail wagging like a good little forager.
As they continued foraging, Shirayuki's eyes sparkled as she spotted a strange herb with pink-tipped leaves and a glossy stem. Curious, she plucked it carefully with her paws and walked over to Cian, tail swaying, then held it up to him with an innocent look.
"Thanks, Shirayuki." Cian took the herb gently from her hands.
The moment his fingers brushed hers, Shirayuki let out a soft, "Nn~"—a breathy, delicate moan that made Cian freeze like a statue.
"…Did you just—!?"
Shirayuki blinked, cheeks turning faintly red, and stepped back slightly, confused by her own reaction.
[System Notification]:
Warning: You are holding "Velvet Tingle."
A rare forest herb that heightens physical sensitivity upon skin contact. Used in ancient times… mostly by lonely alchemists.
Effect: Target will experience random, involuntary pleasurable sensations.
Cian instantly dropped the herb like it was cursed lava. "WHAT KINDA HERB IS THIS!?"
[System Notification]:
Congratulations. You made your companion moan with a single touch. Too bad it was unintentional, rookie.
+1 Unwanted Pervert Points.
Shirayuki was now crouched low, her body twitching slightly, ears perked and eyes wide—clearly flustered. She glanced up at him, cheeks puffed in a pout like "what did you just do to me?"
"I swear I didn't mean to! I'm innocent! Blame the horny flower!" Cian shouted, dramatically pointing at the herb on the ground.
[System Notification]:
"Horny Flower" is now its unofficial nickname. Logged into your herb compendium.
You're welcome.
Still red-faced and trying to erase the last few seconds from his memory, Cian stomped away, muttering under his breath.
"I need a break. From herbs, from moans, from this cursed forest…"
His eyes landed on a bush bearing bright, rainbow-colored fruits, glistening like they were begging to be eaten. "Finally, something normal!"
He yanked one free and took a big bite without thinking.
PFFFFTTT—!!
A long, unholy trumpet blast echoed through the trees. Birds scattered. A squirrel fainted.
Shirayuki stared wide-eyed. Even the wind paused in disbelief.
Cian's eyes widened in horror. "W-What was that!?"
[System Notification]:
Congratulations! You've consumed a "Bloopberry."
A rare jungle fruit known for its extreme digestive aid properties. Every bite guarantees a noble, resonant fart.
Side Effects: Unexpected blasts. Long-term benefit: Squeaky clean intestines.
Cian dropped the half-eaten fruit. "WHY IS THIS FOREST TRYING TO HUMILIATE ME!?"
[System Notification]:
Bro, you're the one picking things without scanning them first. That's like pressing red buttons labeled "DO NOT PRESS."
Shirayuki let out a small squeaky giggle, covering her mouth as her shoulders trembled.
"I am never eating anything colorful again," Cian groaned, clutching his stomach as another bloop echoed faintly behind him.
[System Notification]:
+1 Fart Resonance Discovered.
New Passive Skill Unlocked: "Tactical Flatulence" (…just kidding. Probably.)
Just as Cian tried to regain his dignity and Shirayuki was still giggling over his "musical fruit experience," the trees ahead rustled.
A strange whooshing sound echoed from above.
FWOOOSH… FWOOOSH… FWOOOSH…
Something huge soared through the canopy, its shadow dancing across the forest floor. Leaves spiraled down like confetti.
[System Notification]:
Warning: Nearby monster presence detected.
Cian and Shirayuki looked up—eyes widening.
Descending onto a gnarled branch was a creature straight out of a wild sketchbook:
A Plumefeather Kazaard.
Its feathers shimmered like living paintbrushes—deep emeralds, obsidian streaks, and a plume of violet along its long tail. Its eyes glowed faintly gold, locked onto them with curious menace.
It opened its beak and let out a cry—not a chirp, but a deep, metallic SKREEEEEAAAWWW!
[System Notification]:
Name: Plumefeather Kazaard
Type: Forest Avian Monster
Size: Large (approx. 2.5 meters tall)
Temperament: Highly territorial
Abilities: Wind Slash, Feather Dart, Sonic Screech
Status: Agitated (You've entered its nesting ground.)
Cian took a step back, "Uhh… that thing looks like a pissed-off peacock on steroids."
Shirayuki's tail stiffened, and she instinctively stood in front of him.
The Kazaard spread its wings—feathers glowing faintly—and let out another terrifying screech.
[System Notification]:
Boss Encounter? Maybe.
Death? Probably.
Regret? Absolutely.
Cian gulped. "We're so screwed…"