Stellar Tomorrow

A week later, the members of Stellar Tomorrow had gone on about three more missions. They weren’t combat oriented. In one, they went to rescue a lost dog, and the next they went to collect bags of sand for Jerrick and Jessica, and the third was picking fruit from Rowan’s orchard and delivering it to Rina. They were now only one mission away from achieving the ability to ascend to a higher form.

Which led them to the current time, sitting in Vale's room, trying to find a mission.

“This one says that some scorpion monsters like the wolves are attacking near Glassrose City.. I think we can take them on. Elwin says that they’ll be weak to ice since they’re living in the desert.” Vale clicked on a mission. “We’re ready now, right?”

This time, they set out for the mission right away, and the Amphones beeped to signify they could go right away. They prepared themselves and then they all transported themselves to Tuphere.

“Tada!” Elwin shouted when they appeared. “I used teleportation crystals to get here. They’ll be part of your mission reward. I came here to congratulate you on your fifth completed mission. After this, I’ll take you to Amili’s to get your Animal forms.”

The guild transformed and nodded to Elwin, before taking on the three scorpions. Vale used Snowstorm, which froze them, and Ezzy used one of her spells, Electrical Shockwave, to kill them.

“Your skills really have improved. I’d say you’re the most promising guild of them all!” Elwin smiled to them. “As promised, you’ve gotten a couple teleportation crystals, and some skill crystals, and a whopping 30 dollars!” Elwin smiled at them. “I do feel like those were a bit too easy for you, though….. Usually newer amphites have trouble in combat their first few missions.”

“We’ve been training.” Vale said, smirking. “The rush of combat is energizing, and the victory earned is sweet.”

“I see,” Elwin nodded, “I really do believe you deserve harder missions than you’re receiving. You all have your own strengths, but being perceptive and coordinating with each other is helpful. Fascinating. I feel like that did prove my theory.”

Suddenly, a dark mist surrounded them.

“So, you defeated our monsters, huh? I thought you were newbies, but you seem pretty advanced!”

“Anne Archy,” Elwin snarled, looking at the woman with black and piercing red eyes. She curtsied, and spun with her crimson red dress.

“Of course, we made them weak on purpose. It was a test, as Master Litriva said!” Anne giggled as she pointed her umbrella at Vale. “You, my dear, would be a lovely asset to our team! Won’t you join us?”

Vale’s response was to attack her using his scythe.

“Ouch you brat!” She shouted as her leg began to bleed.

“Oops. There was a bug on you. My bad,” he narrowed his eyes and spoke sarcastically.

“Fight this! With thumbs and pointer fingers, she made a diamond shape, and with her middle fingers she made a heart shape. She shouted into the middle of her fingers, “Nether Monster!” A larger version of the scorpion monsters appeared

“I don’t see why Litriva would deflect and work with you! They were always so kind and dedicated, and they were nothing like the master you claim them to be!” Elwin shouted, summoning his own weapon, a shield.

“Ohoho, Elwin, dear!” Anne smirked, “That they were, but now no longer! Our true leader has their plans for our friend Litriva! Now, Nether Monster, attack these newbies!”

“Be careful!” Elwin shouted to them, “If you need help, I will fight alongside you! Use your weapons before your magic attacks!”

Ezzy took a step back and began to snipe at the scorpion  while Vale and Ciaran used their weapons to slash and whack the monster, and Alicia kicked and punched it.

“It’s got a tough shell!” Alicia shouted. “It’s like armor!”

“It IS armor!” Anne cackled, as she watched as they attacked it.

“Aim for the head, Ezzy! We’ll try and keep it still!” Vale called, wrapping the blade of his scythe around its neck. Ciaran grabbed its head, and Ezzy shot at it, stunning it. Ciaran leapt off of it

“Icicle Shot!” Vale began to shoot the icicles out of his hands. The scorpion monster froze, and Ciaran slammed his sword onto it, shattering the ice, and the scorpion’s armor. It feel to the ground and faded.

“What!?!? B-but you’re supposed to be newbies! Waaaaaaah!” She began to cry as her makeup began to run down her face. “Y-you’ll pay for this!” She quickly disappeared, and Vale let out a sigh.

“Good job. You are more powerful than I thought. Usually, dealing with the larger Nether Monsters is saved for those who have already gained their Flower Forms, but you… you actually managed to defeat it, in your Magic Forms as well.” Elwin smiled at them. “You deserve an extra big reward for this. You are the most dedicated Amphites I’ve seen in quite a long time. On top of your previous rewards, you earn more teleportation and skill crystals, some gem materials, and 50 dollars, as well as 20 mission points. Let’s go to Amili’s right now, so you can gain the ability to use your animal forms.” Summoning and transportation crystal, he shouted out "To Amili's ranch!"