Gatecrash: Awakening

It took me another two hours of walking through the woods to reach the circle of stones I'd seen at the beginning of the Instance. While my HP was in good shape despite my misadventures, I was sore as hell. I was scraped all along my front where I'd pressed myself against the tree. My inner thighs were especially bad; the rope burn from yesterday hadn't healed down there, and the raw bits of flesh had begun to seep blood.

That wound was definitely the worst I'd taken, but it was far from the only one. I was covered in minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises. I had half a mind to drink the Elixir of the Vampire now so that the Lesser Regeneration would fix me up. But I resisted the temptation. I would not have been able to escape that ogre if my stats had been cut in half.

I had to climb another tree at one point to find the circle again, but at long last, I was there. I checked the clearing for danger, giving the circle itself a better look. It resembled Stonehenge, the structure mostly consisting of blocky arches of three stones, one stacked on the other two. There were twelve of these arches, and the diameter of the whole arrangement was about fifty feet. In the center was a boulder, which looked to be around ten feet high.

Not seeing any obvious sign of trouble, I made my way into the clearing. There was a pleasant breeze ruffling my hair, and the cool grass was a nice reprieve from the muddy soil with its loose rocks and gnarled roots. I passed through one of the arches, not noting anything unusual, and reached the boulder.

At first blush, it was just a boulder. Rough gray stone, relatively close to a sphere but not unnaturally so. When I circled around it, however, the way forward became clear. Quite literally: there was a hole leading under the boulder on one side.

I crouched down, peering into the dark tunnel. It had a low ceiling, enough that I would need to stoop as I traversed it. I couldn't see very far thanks to the lack of light, but I didn't see any movement or anything else indicating danger.

Still, I hesitated. It was dark and narrow, and it would be difficult to escape if I ran into an enemy like that snake from before. But I had Icicle now. In the worst case scenario, I would be face-to-face with something suited to the narrow space. But I wouldn't be able to miss in such a confined arena.

The question was if my HP could hold out longer than whatever I was up against if it came to that. Thanks to the Feat I'd received for streaking through the first Instance, my Physical Defense was quite good despite having no equipment. But perhaps it was better to be safe than sorry.

I pulled the Elixir of the Vampire out of my inventory. Not only would Gloamsight allow me to see through the darkness of the tunnel, it was unlikely whatever was down there had a silver weapon. Not to mention that it would increase the effectiveness of Icicle. It was possible I'd run into something as dangerous as an ogre, and while I would certainly prefer not to kill it, if push came to shove, the elixir would make things a lot easier.

As for the downsides, I hadn't seen any other landmarks besides the fort. I'd already received a Legendary elixir and an Uncommon skill. Add in whatever prize awaited me at the end of the tunnel and I would undoubtedly be the biggest winner of the Instance without gaining a single Level. I could even hide down in this tunnel for the next two hours if it was safe.

Having made up my mind--and being uncomfortable standing out in the open like this--I crouched down and stepped into the tunnel until I was out of the sun. Then I uncorked the elixir and drank it. It was more viscous than I'd expected, with a texture and consistency like a milkshake. The taste was unpleasantly bitter, though, reminding me of cold medicine. I downed it as quickly as I could. I gave a displeased "ugh" once I'd finished. I tossed the bottle out of the cave, figuring it would disappear with the rest of the forest once the Instance was finished.

I could feel it settling in my stomach, filling me with a chill that made me shiver despite the warm day. Then I fell to my knees, clutching my stomach as my guts churned and twisted. I groaned, agonized like someone had stabbed me with a knife. Was it supposed to hurt this much? I was in so much pain I couldn't breathe, and then it deepened further, as if the knife was being twisted.

But as soon as it had appeared, the hurt subsided. I was left gasping and retching on the floor of the tunnel. It was surreal; there was no sharp stinging or even an ache now, only the memory of the torment. But beyond that, I could feel the pain of my other wounds fading as well.

I immediately opened my status. At first, my HP did not appear to be increasing. But as I watched, the number ticked up by one. Eagerly, I went to my Skills/Feats tab. I had a new Feat labeled "Partial Vampirism". When I appraised it, it had all of the effects that had been listed in the elixir. I appraised the new Skills next.

Name: Regeneration, Lesser

Rarity: Rare

AP Cost: None

Cooldown: Always Active

Type: Supernatural (Dark)

Description: Restores HP at a rate of 13% of maximum per hour. Can also repair damaged internal organs and mend broken bones, but will not regrow lost bodyparts. If you take damage from a Light or Fire effect, this skill will not function for 24 hours or until you receive magical healing.

It was not as exceptional as the descriptions I'd heard of it had made it out to be, but it was still an excellent skill. It would obviate the need for potions in Gates except for emergency healing, and the ability to deal with broken bones and internal injuries could be literally life saving. The caveat about Light and Fire effects turning it off was unexpected. I realized it probably had something to do with the skill having the "Dark" subtype. There were likely other forms of Lesser Regeneration with different weaknesses. I appraised Gloamsight next.

Name: Gloamsight

Rarity: Uncommon

AP Cost: None

Cooldown: Always Active

Type: Supernatural (Dark)

Description: You can see perfectly in complete darkness, even supernatural or magical darkness. Your eyes have become more sensitive to bright light, especially sunlight.

I tested this by looking down the tunnel. Sure enough, what had before faded to black was now clearly visible. I saw the muddy path winding downward, and could even pick out the tree roots poking out from the ceiling further along.

I turned around to look outside the tunnel. I recoiled and covered my eyes as blinding whiteness filled my vision. I waited a few moments for my eyes to adjust, gritting my teeth against the discomfort. After a minute or so, I was able to make out the standing stones and the relatively darker forest behind them. But I was dazzled by the searing brilliance. I was fully committed to hiding in this tunnel now. My instincts were screaming at me not to head back out into that awful light, and I happily obliged them.

This development was a bit concerning. I'd known the 50% stat reduction would be brutal, but it seemed being in direct sunlight would be at the very least uncomfortable, if not painful. I was sincerely hoping that the next Instance would take place at night, or even underground.

With no choice but to proceed, I headed down the tunnel. It was an awkward trek thanks to the crouch I was forced to move in, but I made good progress. It began to curve as I reached the roots signaling the end of the clearing, and soon the last vestige of light behind me had faded into soothing darkness. The warmth of the forest gave way to cool, stale air. But thanks to my newfound Ice Defense, I was insulated against the chill.

The tunnel seemed to go on for hundreds of feet before opening up into a large cave. The ceiling went up far enough that a hole in the top let in some blistering sunlight, though thankfully it diffused enough through the cavern that it was only a slight annoyance. The floor of the cave was strewn with vines, which seemed to be coming from a tree which stretched all the way from the bottom to the top of the cave, poking out through the hole. And on the other side of the tree was a small pedestal with a silver ring resting on it.

I cautiously tested the roots, prodding them with my foot to see if they were unstable, or perhaps some kind of trap. They were firm under my toes, with a surprisingly soft and pliant texture. They rustled slightly under the pressure. More like vines than roots, I realized. Satisfied, I placed my full weight on them. Nothing happened. Further emboldened by this, I made my way across the area. I watched the walls and the tree cautiously, grateful for my Gloamsight as it allowed me to see through the shadowy illumination with perfect clarity. I was getting close to the pedestal.

I heard the whisper of movement. Lightning fast, I darted out to grab the ring. But something had closed around my ankle, and my step caused me to trip. I faceplanted at the foot of the pedestal, sprawling in the vines.

The vine floor began to move, each one like a tendril with a mind of its own. The one around my leg lifted me up in the air, my breasts dangling uncomfortably as my hair finally fell out of its braid thanks to the day's activities. I tried to reach up to free myself, but other vines grasped my arms to keep them under control. Within moments, my struggles were rendered fruitless as multiple appendages had wrapped around each limb, splaying me apart helplessly.

I took a deep breath to calm myself. If this thing was about to pull me apart, my newly empowered Physical Defense would buy me time. Since I was in physical contact with it, I tried to appraise it. A window appeared.

Name: Roper, Tutorial

Type: Plant

Level: 11

XP: 150

Coins: 50

Special: Miniboss

HP: 3050/3050

AP: 725/725

Might: 690

Dexterity: 160

Fortitude: 340

Resilience: 365

Potency: 345

Description: A large tree-like creature with many vine-like tendrils. Disguises itself as natural foliage to lure in and ambush prey. Once it has ensnared its quarry, it will pull the creature apart and consume it piece-by-piece. Will occasionally attempt to reproduce by forcibly impregnating an ensnared human female. This roper has been neutered for the Tutorial, but its instincts remain.

Its stats and the first part of the description sent a greater chill up my spine than the elixir had. Not only was this thing way stronger than me, but it was indeed inclined to literally rip me apart. But as I got to the end, my blood began to run hot. While I could feel how tightly it was holding my limbs apart, there was a conspicuous absence of the pain at my joints that would accompany being quartered.

In its place was the feeling brought on by the activities of its tendrils that weren't preoccupied with keeping me under control. The uncomfortable bouncing of my breasts had given way to pressure as one tendril grasped each in a spiral, undulating around my twin mounds. The sensation it elicited, while bizarre, was exquisite. Meanwhile, another tendril was hovering near my lower lips. It was big, bigger than all but the largest of dildos I'd ever taken, and that had required a lot of lube and preparation.

I squirmed in apprehension as I saw it, unable to do much but buck my hips uselessly. I winced at its approach, preparing for the incoming discomfort. I let out a surprised moan as the tip instead glided across my entrance. I gritted my teeth self-consciously as it repeated the motion, but though I could suppress my reaction, the pleasure remained. The tantalizing roughness of its breast massage, the gentle teasing on my pussy... I groaned as the thought occurred to me that the roper was getting me ready to take its formidable girth.

Another free tendril entered the fray, this one approaching my mouth. I'd kept it tightly closed, but the tendril prodded against my lips. It was leaking a gooey amber liquid like sap from the tip. It prodded a few more times, more insistently, but was unsuccessful in coaxing me to open. Just when it seemed it was about to give up, a sudden tightening of the tendrils on my breasts elicited a startled yelp. The momentary opening was enough, and the tendril darted inside.

The fluid was sweet, but not saccharine. Viscous but not sticky. It was a bit like maple syrup, though missing the woody notes. I stubbornly held out, now gaping my mouth around the vine so that its secretions poured out and onto the ground. I went cross-eyed staring at it vine, willfully resisting its attempt.

In a move that was perhaps obvious in retrospect, it pushed further in. It moved gently against my resistance, sliding its way past my tongue and down through my throat. It was slow, but firm.

Instincts from... similar experiences took over. Before I'd fully realized what was happening, I'd taken a deep breath through my nose and relaxed my esophagus. I shivered at the feeling of fullness. A warmth began to seep into my stomach as it slid all the way down, releasing its gooey discharge.

It withdrew so that I could breathe, but as soon as I'd taken in a breath, it pushed its way back in. It began pumping in and out, face-fucking me as I moaned around the firm length. Whatever that substance was seemed to be having some kind of effect as the warmth spread from the stomach to the rest of me. The chill of the cave was now a welcome reprieve from the scorching heat of my body. The discomfort at having my limbs bound faded, replaced by a pleasant tickling. And despite its vigor as it pounded my throat, the sensation was incredible.

Through the haze of my lust, I saw the appraisal window still floating in front of me. I navigated to its secondary stats, noticing that it had a negative Ice resistance. With my Icicle empowered by the elixir and my impressive Physical Defenses, I would have little difficulty taking the creature down even tied up in its grip like this.

But my murderous instincts were tempered by the unbelievable pleasure the creature was delivering. Just as surely as I could start firing off spells to kill it, I could sit back and experience new heights of ecstasy. Besides, I reasoned, 150 XP would net me a Level, which would hamper my career thanks to the stats I'd be losing if I didn't further increase my Growth. There was the ring to consider, but it wasn't as if this thing wouldn't be spending the next two hours or so fucking me. Probably.

My body had responded to its sap and caresses as I planned my next move. A waterfall of slick was running down my stomach thanks to my upside-down position, and it seemed it had decided I was ready. I trembled with anticipation as it pressed the tip of its largest appendage against the opening. Then it was in.

I screamed into the vine gagging me as a spike of pleasure shot through me like a bullet, piercing directly into my brain. It was only the tip, and I was already cumming. I thrashed against the bindings, choking on its length. But the feeling only intensified as it pushed further into my welcoming folds. Like the tendril in my mouth, the vine fucking my bottom half seemed intent to go all the way in so that it could inject its seed directly into my womb.

As it began working my pussy as hard as it was working my throat, I surrendered to the sensation. The physical stimulation was intoxicating. Its movements were almost mechanical--it squeezed my breasts with a constant rhythm, and the short pauses between its thrusts were as precise as a metronome circuit. Its callous fucking brought me to my peak again and again, all sense of the passage of time replaced by an unending series of climaxes.

Eventually, it picked up its pace. Now suffused with the aphrodisiac it had been feeding me, the sudden hammering forced me into even deeper depths of carnal delight. Its vines suddenly went rigid, and the one in my pussy slammed against my cervix. The shockwave rippled through my body in time with a wave of pleasure, bringing me to a mind-blowing orgasm. I barely noticed the liquid flooding me, or that it had brought me under the hole in the ceiling, which now served like a spotlight on me in the throes of climax. But the scorching heat of the sun only mingled with the ardor consuming me.

The vines gently lowered me back to the ground, the two inside me withdrawing. As it laid me beside the pedestal, the ones holding me unfurled, leaving deep red welts where I'd been restrained. As its appendages retreated, one gently stroked my head before returning to the pile.

The final act of affection left me feeling strangely fluttery after being ruthlessly fucked. I shivered against the cold stone of the floor, which was quickly sapping the lingering warmth. I grabbed the pedestal and hoisted myself to my feet, shaky arms supporting shakier legs as I managed to keep a standing position. The air was thick with the heady scent of sex and sap as I stowed the ring in my inventory.

I considered checking the ring or my Status, but I was exhausted. I made my way to the tree--the roper's true body in disguise--and laid in the mass of vines at the base. I rationalized this as a protective move; the roper would think it had successfully impregnated me, so it would probably defend me if another Hunter showed up. But really, I just wanted to enjoy the afterglow while I waited for the Instance to end.

To my surprise, the vines shifted again as I curled up beside the roper. Several of them entwined around me, delicately this time, providing me with cover and warmth. Their soft texture and pliancy like bundled power cables made them a comfortable bed. They softly rocked me, and I drifted off to peaceful sleep.

I awakened with a start, pressed against the cold floor of the entrance hall. I was still lying down, and I was covered in a mixture of mud, the sweet sap, and the slick mixture of my juices and the roper's cum. Before I'd fully come to my senses, I felt a towel being thrown over me. I looked up to see Garrick standing over me, abashedly looking away. I realized with growing mortification that he had probably seen everything.

I thanked him for the towel and quickly wrapped myself before standing. I was near the stage, which explained how Garrick had gotten to me so quickly. The rest of the Hunters were also present, most looking around confusedly. It seemed we'd all suddenly appeared here again.

Garrick hopped back up onto the stage once I was taken care of, calling out to the crowd, "Well done on making it through, most of you. The two of you who failed, come speak to me this evening before dinner about next steps. Rest assured that you are still a Hunter even if you fail to complete the Tutorial, and AHU will make sure you are able to find a role suitable for your abilities."

Despite the way he tried to dress it up, I couldn't help but feel that that sounded a bit ominous. What happened to Hunters who couldn't hack it and dropped out partway through the Tutorial? I hoped I didn't have to find out.

I returned to my room, eager to clean myself off in the shower. The hot water was purely soothing this time; I had no need for gratification after the thorough seeing-to I'd received from the roper. As I reflected back on my encounter, I felt a strange sense of... nothing in particular. Most of my feelings around it stemmed from embarrassment at Garrick having seen it happen. But as for the roper itself, I didn't have any strong feelings. Perhaps thanks to its lack of recognizable characteristics beyond the tree and the vines, I thought of it as more like getting pleasure from a vibrator or a dildo than from a living being. Although vibrators and dildos couldn't tie me up and insert themselves.

I checked my Status. My HP had dropped a little bit, a sign of how rough the roper had been with me. My cheeks reddened a bit as I realized it had probably only gone as far as my amped-up Physical Defenses could take. Beyond that, I had two new Feats and a new ring to look at. I started with the ring.