"Sasha, what can you tell me about my race?" Vivian asked, getting comfortable, with her back against a tree. She stretched her limbs and prepared for what she hoped would be a long discussion.

  "In that case, let's start simple. Is there any truth in what Isa told me earlier?" Vivian asked.

  "We were not invoking dark magic," Vivian defended hollowly.

  Vivian fell silent for a moment. "Why hasn't anyone from my race had a Mana Pool before now?"

  "Why did it take until now when my race is nearly extinct to determine 'warriors are needed'?"

  How did the system integrate with me, anyway? That's enough for today; I'm getting a headache. Vivian opened her eyes and rose to her feet slowly, stretching her arms and legs to get her blood flowing.

  She watched her map suspiciously, taking note that the majority of the animals in the forest were continuing their usual daily routine. A select few had created a perimeter and were deterring animals from coming to this watering hole in particular. Beldereavers were guarding the area.

  Just a coincidence? Vivian shook her head. "Sasha, show me some information about these trees."

  Interesting, so the world has seen some pretty harsh times. Vivian thought. "Sasha, you wouldn't know about these events, would you?"

  "Don't fret over it," Vivian spoke lightly, moving her attention to the next tree. "You're much like me, a victim of circumstance, but you can clean up the mess you're in without help. In my case, I have no choice but to rely on you."

  Curious. Vivian scratched her chin. "Hey Sasha, where does this information come from?"

  "It's nice to see you're developing a sense of humor," Vivian responded. "Now, seriously?"

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  "I meant to ask what happened to you before?" Vivian asked.

  "Touchy." Vivian chuckled as she made her way through the undergrowth.

  Vivian stopped walking as she finished perusing the system window. She firmly took hold of a branch within reach, pulled down gently, testing the flexibility.

  "Huh, I didn't even know there were any berries on the tree," Vivian commented, mostly ignoring the system window. The branch had drawn her attention. She admired the smoothness, how easy she was able to bend, and the amount of resistance it had. When she released it, the branch snapped back to its original position with no delay. "Even in this state, that would make one hell of a bow."

  Vivian smelled a change in the air perking her mouth into a smirk, "Smells like dinner is about ready." She abandoned her research for the time being and headed back to the watering hole in high spirits.

  "There you are, Vivian," Isa stated as she continued roasting the giant lump over a fire.

  "What have you brought back today?" Vivian sat down and observed the bits of the animal that were scattered everywhere, the result of hasty preparations.

  "Maupia." Isa said smugly, "Do you have any idea how hard these are to catch?"

  "I can't say I do. I haven't done any hunting."

  "I swear this creature has godlike agility and an equally impressive constitution; it can run flat out for hours without tiring."

  "Is this safe to eat?" Vivian asked as she inspected the discarded skin.

  "Hm? You mean due to its diet?" Isa scratched her chin, "This isn't the first time I've eaten one."

  "I'll pass this time around, it does smell good though," Vivian replied as she left to go find some berries so she wouldn't have to worry about drugging herself and her baby. As she collected berries, she did note that there were no maupia displayed.

  "Suit yourself, just means more for me," Isa shrugged. She sat roasting the maupia with her mouth drooling in anticipation.

  Vivian had eaten her fill of wild raspberries and was preparing to go to sleep. "I can't believe you ate the whole thing yourself."

  "I can't believe my belly is bulging like it is," Isa commented.

  "The maupia was at least ten times your size; I'm shocked you didn't explode from eating so much unless you're hiding your real appearance from me." Vivian yawned and closed her eyes.

  "...I..." Isa fell asleep at that moment. The combination of the Dragon Leaf toxin that had permeated the entire meat feast she just ate, and the sheer size of the meal, her body ultimately shut down.

  Vivian opened her eyes slightly, observing the passed out phoenix. "I don't think she's aware that the dragon leaf toxin is still present even after cooking the maupia. For now, I'll consider that the maupia truly is a delicacy, and she wasn't trying to drug me."

  Vivian couldn't help but smile when she saw the contented expression Isa had plastered on her face. She closed her eyes. "Sleep well, Isa."