《Intelligent Design: A Monster Evolution LitRPG》 01 - All downhill from here. He was on his feet, pacing left to right in front of his desk. Three short steps one way, and then back again. Despite this expression of anxiety, his voice was calm as he spoke into the phone. ¡°No, Mom I¡¯m okay, I promise I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening either¡­Yes, I got the same emergency alert, no I¡¯m not going to leave my apartment.¡± David muttered into his phone as another curfew order rolled across the bottom of his TV screen, ¡°You should call Dad on that satellite phone thing, he¡¯s probably halfway up a mountain somewhere without reception. I¡¯m safe here but he might not even know what¡¯s going on¡­Okay, I love you too. I¡¯ll call you back.¡± David ended the call with a frown as he read the alert for the hundredth time in the last thirty minutes. When it arrived it had locked him out of most of the functions of his phone for about thirty seconds, emitting an impossibly loud tone that made his teeth itch the entire time. Needless to say, it had gotten his attention, and probably everyone else''s quite nicely based on the angry and confused shouting through every wall that had accompanied it. EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM OFFICIAL SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDER ISSUED BY: National Emergency Management Agency DATE: 8/12/24 TIME: 11:13 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO ALL CITIZENS: URGENT: SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDER DUE TO MAJOR CELESTIAL EVENT Attention all citizens: A significant celestial event has been detected by our national space agency that will affect our region imminently. This event could potentially cause unusual and dangerous atmospheric and environmental phenomena. Effective immediately, all residents are ordered to shelter in place. Please proceed to your nearest designated safe location or remain indoors. Do not attempt to leave your home unless directed by emergency personnel. This order will remain in effect until it is deemed safe to resume normal activities. We urge everyone to follow these instructions closely to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Repeat: This is a shelter-in-place order. Do not leave your residence. Await further instructions. END OF MESSAGE He didn¡¯t know what to make of it other than he¡¯d never even heard of something like this, and that meant it was probably bad. A few quick internet searches turned up nothing but about a billion other people all searching the same thing, and most social media platforms were in full hysterics, the tinfoil hat crowd boiling out of the pixels to infest every single comment section with doomsday prophecies. Everyone was screaming about disclosure and how humanity''s new reptilian overlords would surely not be merciful. David saw, however, that the majority were long-winded posts about judgment day, and mocking posts in all caps proclaiming: ITS HAPPENING or YOU COULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS! David locked his phone with a snort and set it down on the stack of milk crates he used as an end table next to his PC; which sat on a cheap but well-made desk he¡¯d had since he was a teenager. Of course, something like this happens at the end of your one day off. Shouldn¡¯t have stayed up huh? Coulda just slept through the end of the world but no, you wanted to order pizza and play video games. He leaned back in the computer chair he¡¯d had almost as long and glanced at the clock, which read 11:53 PM. With a huge sigh, he simply accepted that he wouldn¡¯t be getting any sleep before work tomorrow and just resigned himself to being tired. David''s thoughts alternated between formless worry and whether or not he could afford a couple of energy drinks on the way to work in the morning. He continued to drift between the two until his phone buzzed again, this time with a text from one of his friends at work asking if he wanted to go out and fight aliens with him. David laughed and replied with an extremely inappropriate reaction gif before tossing his phone across the room onto his bed. The bed was messy, as was most of the rest of his room, but he lived alone and stopped caring a long time ago. He blinked several times as the glow from his computer monitor flickered and blurred , his eyes unable to focus on it. The light faded in and out, varying its intensity and crawling past the edges of the monitor only to snap back into place before starting again. The plain walls of his bedroom seemed to breathe, both closing in and falling away bizarrely no matter where David looked, his eyes skipping off of everything in the room. The circumstances were so bizarre he was hardly surprised to find that the ceiling seemed to be receding forever despite clearly not moving. David brought his hands up to rub the exhaustion from his eyes, except he didn¡¯t, finding to his horror that he could no longer move. His body relaxed, waves of heat blooming in his chest and flooding into his limbs. He felt like he was melting into the chair as the screen fuzzed out to form a strange cloud of bluish-white light that hovered before him. David was gripped by a falling sensation, which paused before starting again, only to continue to drop oddly a few times while a small part of his brain insisted that he had fallen asleep, and was just nodding off in his chair like an asshole. As he redoubled his efforts to wake himself up from a stress-induced sleep paralysis episode a strangely soothing and artificial voice sounded out around him with perfect clarity. **SYSTEM ADMIN COMMUNIQUE** Greetings, Earth Inhabitants! Congratulations on achieving a remarkable milestone in the cosmos! Earth has officially survived more mass extinctions than any other reality we monitor¡ªwhat an extraordinary testament to resilience! As a reward for your world''s remarkable endurance, during the upcoming System Integration, you will be granted direct control over the evolutionary forces that have shaped your planet. This is a unique privilege, allowing you to guide your world''s future development directly. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Prepare to embrace this new power responsibly, and stay tuned for further instructions as we move forward with this Integration. Warm regards, **System Overseer ¦¸** What the fu¨C David¡¯s thoughts spiraled as the feeling of dropping intensified a thousandfold. Colors he didn¡¯t have names for billowed and spun all around him in a whirlpool of insanity that prevented him from screaming with its beauty. Within moments he felt numb and the torrent of color had receded to an inoffensive gray, broken only by a shimmer of blue light directly before him. The cloud of light pulled together as if by magic, and formed a single shimmering pane that hung in the air. It solidified quickly, hanging motionless before words began to etch themselves into its surface. ¨CSystem Integration Underway¨C ¨CWelcome User: David Fisher¨C ¨CYou have 1 Mandatory Evolution remaining¨C ¨CBeginning Evolution¨C ¨CSetUserLevel_0¨C ¨CError_NoTraits¨C ¨CAccessing_PsychologicalProfile¨C ¨CCollating...¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_Traits_4¨C You have been assigned the following traits: Nocturnal F Echolocation F Small E Flight F ¨CPlease wait while we finalize your stats before Ability Selection¨C David watched with a growing unease, his body tingling with greater intensity after every line of text until he was entirely suffused with an unpleasant bubbly feeling. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he''d gone mad while he read the text populating the screen, which wiped itself clean to present an organized table for his inspection.
User: David Fisher Species: Duskling Rank: F Health 18/18 Stam 120/120 (++) Level: 0 Exp: 0/25 Special: Echolocation F
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal: +8% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. Next Upgrade: E Echolocation: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Next unlock: E Flight: Allows for short flights and gliding. Moderate Stamina drain. (stam+) Next Upgrade: E Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 65lbs. (stam+) Next Upgrade: D
Abilities: 0/4 Empty: Empty: Empty: Empty:
Mutagens: 0/5 Empty: Empty: Empty: Empty: Empty:
¨CProceeding to Ability Selection¨C ¨CYou have 2 Points Remaining¨C Ability selection? David almost screamed when the screen vanished and he was dragged forward through the omnipresent gray fog at high speed. Fog whipped past, and he found he was rapidly approaching a twinkling wall of light. Just before impact, he stopped dead in the air, mind reeling as he realized the lights were an almost endless grid of icons, all rotating around the others in an enormous cube. As he focused on one for a moment it detached from the collective, zipping over to present itself to him. |Venom F(2pts): You secrete a deadly venom to be injected into your target. Upgradeable| Uh¡­no? The small rectangular icon zipped back and away as if pulled by a magnet, returning to the endless gray to rejoin the titanic rotating cube of icons that dominated the horizon. David hung motionless and thought for a minute, the similarities to certain games he¡¯d played quickly becoming apparent. Oh, maybe this is one of those lucid dreams I always hear about? That¡¯s cool, I guess I did fall asleep playing games. Makes sense. Content to be lost in contemplation for a moment, David finally snapped back to reality and turned his attention to the cube rotating above the empty infinity all around him and scanned the icons. Several dozen drifted closer only to be immediately rejected, despite some of them being pretty powerful, just too expensive to be anything other than a curiosity. David continued to browse the giant icon vault with interest for some time before finally finding something that seemed to synergize well with what he¡¯d dreamt up so far. |Screech F (2pts): You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies around you. Low Stam consumption. Upgradeable| That one. ¨CPurchased Ability: Screech F¨C ¨CUpdating User¨C ¨CError¨C ¨CSystem Integration Incomplete¨C ¨CEntering Standby¨C Wait, whaaa¡­whoooaaaa thas weirrrrddd... David¡¯s thoughts spiraled into collapse as everything smeared together, exhaustion rising up to drag him down into a dreamless sleep. 02 - Just a mild freakout David woke slowly, a quiet but insistent alarm buzzing in the back of his mind as he slowly rallied to consciousness. He felt cramped and was lying at a strange angle, head and knees touching for some reason, his arms wrapped around himself tightly. David felt far too warm and a bit ill, not quite sick but not well. He tried to open his eyes but found that it was impossible, panic quickly setting in as he thrashed against whatever had pinned him down. The harder he fought the more his prison seemed to clamp down around him, smothering him and restricting his movements before a bright and happy chime played loudly in his ear. Soon lines of text began to scroll past his vision and he froze momentarily. ¨CSystem Integration Complete¨C ¨CLeaving Standby¨C ¨CUpdating User: David Fisher¨C ¨CYou have 1 Message¨C **System Communique** Congratulations, David! Due to your high cooperation metrics detected by our core systems, you have been chosen to participate in the First Wave! You and other users across the newly reformed planet Earth have been selected to forge the way into this new world and now hold the power to shape the path of your planet as we move forward! Local species have been subject to sweeping improvements, please remain aware of your surroundings and your new place in the local ecosystem. As a special gift for participating in the most difficult phase of the Integration, you will be provided with additional Quest rewards until the commencement of the Second Wave! Please remember that every choice leads to evolution, and every evolution is a step closer to supremacy. **END OF MESSAGE** ¨CQuest Available: Hatch!¨C ¨CReward: 25xp¨C ¨CBonus Reward: Random Mutagen¨C David jumped in surprise as the message concluded with a repetition of the happy little chime and the words darted down from the center of his field of view to a tiny blue dot that sat in his periphery like an irritating dead pixel on a screen. Every time he directed his attention to it, the message proclaiming he had a quest would expand to cover his field of view again, only to disappear when his attention wandered even for a second. After a dozen repetitions of this, David panicked completely, unable to process the bizarre situation any longer. With a scream, he surged against his captivity, pressing outward with his entire body as his muscles burned with the effort. Blood rushed to his head and his ears rang with the strain until something finally gave. With a loud sucking pop, he felt his shoulders push through something as cold air suddenly poured into his tiny prison. David sucked in huge gasps of oxygen as the burning in his muscles slowly faded and he wiggled to bring his head to the gap. With the tiny amount of light pouring in through the crack, he could see that he had been wrapped in some sort of¡­springy material. It had cracked raggedly along the gentle curve of its side and he struggled to bring his hands up to widen the gap. His fingers and arms felt clumsy and wrong, unable to move at the angle he desired them to. In desperation he bit at the ragged edge, tearing off chunk after chunk of the surprisingly brittle material until, finally, a large section broke free and he spilled out with a surprised screech. David hit the ground hard despite the mercifully short fall free of the strange restraint, once again unable to catch himself as expected. His arms flared forward and somehow caught the air, causing him to flip painfully forward and land on his back, staring up at the ceiling. He lay there shivering from fatigue and trying to collect his thoughts as the happy little chimes sounded again and more lines of text began to populate his vision. ¨CQuest Complete: Hatch!¨C ¨CReward: 25 Exp!¨C ¨CYou have reached Level 1¨C ¨CYou have been rewarded 2pts!¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_BonusLoot¡­¨C ¨CReceived Unnerving Mutagen B¨C This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
User: David Fisher Species: Duskling Rank: F Health 24/24 Stam 125/125 (++) Level: 1 Exp: 0/50 Special: Echolocation F
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal: +8% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. Next Upgrade: E Echolocation: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Next unlock: E Flight: Allows for short flights and gliding. Moderate Stamina drain. (stam+) Next Upgrade: E Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 65lbs. (stam+) Next Upgrade: D
Abilities: 1/4 Screech F (2pts): You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies around you. Low Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Empty: Empty: Empty:
Mutagens: 1/5 Unnerving Mutagen B: Your appearance is unnerving. May cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Empty: Empty: Empty: Empty:
David clenched his eyes shut as they began to burn and tingle when he read the section about Mutagens, the floating panel of light proclaiming to be his Status vanishing momentarily while he pawed at his face. After only a few seconds of this, he froze, coming very suddenly to a horrible conclusion. His hands still felt wrong, and worse than that, so did his face. His eyes snapped open and he looked over at his arm only to be greeted by the sight of a large batlike wing, leathery membrane stretched between the long fingers and vanishing out of his line of sight. David flexed his hand experimentally, and sure enough the wing curled inward in tandem with his movements. This repeated several times before something seemed to ratchet into place in his brain and everything kicked into gear already redlined. David sucked in a massive breath and screamed his lungs out, wings flailing as he floundered his way upright. Compact and powerful hind legs bunched under him as he instinctually flung himself into the air, wings clawing for lift. ¨CScreech: Level up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C Moldy drywall crumpled under the force of David¡¯s scream as he emptied his lungs in panic, surging forward clumsily through the air. His frenzied flight continued for two wingbeats before he slammed into the wall face first, once again falling hard. He thrashed about on the debris that covered the floor, screeching with fear for a few seconds before curling up into a ball, covering his aching face as best he could. ¨CYou have taken 2 Impact Damage¨C What the fuck is going on? What did they do to me? Oh my go¨C David¡¯s thoughts spiraled in confusion as he huddled against the wall for a long time. The minute amount of sun that leaked through the dirty windows began to slide down the wall and fade away before he finally collected himself enough to begin to come to terms with the situation. Slowly he began to explore his own body, finding to his horror that he could see much better in the dark than he could when light had filled the room. He was about the size of a large dog, hunched and compact. His new body was almost batlike, but a bit longer in the torso, allowing him to walk more upright and quickly than he would have thought himself capable of. His back legs were short but strong, allowing him to hop a disturbing distance into the air with relative ease. He did so dozens of times, amazed by the lightness he felt in his body, the large leaps pathetically easy to perform. Everything seemed incredibly loud to him, and with a bit of practice he found that he could swivel the enormously long ears he felt to zero in on certain areas; honestly, the appendages almost did it by themselves when he stopped thinking about it. The colors of the room also seemed off to David as he observed himself in an attempt to figure out if his fur was grey or black, and it took him a few minutes to realize that the room was completely dark¡­just not to him. ¡°Well, shit.¡± David squeaked in defeat. Are you shitting me? I sound like a squeaky toy! ¡°Shit shit shit, testing testing. Oh goddamn it!¡±, he cursed loudly, his voice high enough that he felt utterly ridiculous. ¨CQuest Available!¨C ¨CFind Food¨C ¨CReward 35xp¨C ¨CBonus Reward: Random Skill Token: F¨C David froze as the text he was beginning to hate scrolled past his vision accompanied by the all-too-cheerful musical chime. For the first time, he focused on his surroundings and not his own body, willing the block of text to disappear as it flew down to the corner of his eye and vanished. He hadn¡¯t recognized it because of how badly it was overgrown, plants creeping through the crumbling floor and up the moldy walls. His eyes darted between the derelict computer desk, the bed covered in leaves and mushrooms, and the computer chair that now held a huge egg with a gaping hole in the side. He¡¯d never left his bedroom. 03 - Just aim for the ground and miss No matter which way David looked at it, it was his bedroom. The PC even had the stickers he¡¯d put on it, though faded and peeling almost beyond recognition. His sneakers were still on the floor exactly where he¡¯d kicked them off, the piles of random junk everyone seemed to end up with exactly where he¡¯d left them. It was just¡­abandoned. David was certain nobody had been in here for a long, long time. An entire ecosystem of plants and mushrooms infested the room that even his terrible cleanliness would have never accounted for. On top of that, the door to his room was blocked from the other side, and he was trapped. ¡°Okay, so, gotta get outta here somehow.¡± David squeaked to himself in irritation after fruitlessly digging at the door for several minutes. His claws had made short work of the rotten wood of the door, much to his surprise, but he found only an immovable pile of rubble on the other side. With a hiss of irritation, he turned away from the door and began to examine the remains of his old bedroom with a critical eye. Other than the fragments of eggshell on the floor and the claw marks pointing towards a large dent where he had flown into the drywall in panic, the room was largely unchanged. He bounced onto his bed and wrinkled his nose in disgust as an unpleasant mildew smell wafted up to reward him for his effort. With dainty distasteful steps, David quickly minced over to the window that he had always largely ignored in favor of covering it with a large thick curtain. He eyed the filthy glass with disgust before carefully rubbing his exceptionally furry shoulder against it several times, attempting to make a clean spot to look through. ¡°Yeah¡­guess it makes sense the dirt is on the outsi¡­I CAN''T TAKE MYSELF SERIOUSLY I SOUND LIKE A GNOME ON HELIUM!¡± David¡¯s enraged shriek quickly reached a pitch that ascended well beyond human hearing for a moment as the windowpane vibrated ominously in tandem with his outburst. He audibly clacked his jaws shut and went silent while he had a sudden epiphany alongside a tidal wave of chagrin. David shuffled backward a few steps with difficulty and began to inhale, sucking in a massive breath of air until he began to feel like a furry balloon. He then aimed his face at the window, swiveled his ears back flat along his head, and screamed with all his might. ¨CScreech level up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C He quickly discovered he needn¡¯t have aimed at all, but it did the trick. Glass spiderwebbed with cracks for only a heartbeat before exploding out of its frame to disappear with a vaguely musical sound down the side of the tall building. Fresh air immediately swept into the room and David smelled¡­too many things. The smell of growth, death, dirt, and something he was pretty sure was cooling concrete crashed into his nose like a freight train flying into an explosion factory. He coughed violently before he began to sneeze, gagging soon after as the scents overwhelmed his new more powerful sense of smell. If his stomach hadn¡¯t been empty, David was certain he¡¯d have puked all over. The fit went on for several minutes as David tried unsuccessfully not to breathe before he finally began to acclimate to the more powerful sense. Eyes watering, he climbed back onto the bed and peered out the window before his jaw dropped and he promptly sat, spending the next few minutes just looking out the hole in the wall. If he hadn¡¯t lived in the city his entire life, he doubted he would have even recognized it. With a bit of a numb feeling he mentally adjusted his estimate of ¡®nobody had been here in years¡¯ to ¡®nobody had been here in decades¡¯ as he gazed blankly at the darkened view from his bedroom. The city had been utterly reclaimed by nature, towering trees pushing up through both concrete and buildings alike. Huge sheets of ivy crawled up the sides of everything and choked out the smaller plant life on the ground, while enormous roots seemed to be the only thing crossing the road these days. The only lights he saw, no matter where he looked, were the stars in the sky. His eyes were huge as he looked straight up into the Milky Way in all its glory, so dense in the sky it almost looked unreal, and the rest of the cosmos twinkled back at him happily. David took a moment to feel appropriately small in comparison before a deep horn-like cry echoed through the air from well past his line of sight, continuing for almost a minute before it finally ended. ¡°Yep, nope. Not gonna be here when the Murdersaurus gets hungry. Okay so let''s just¡­¡± He muttered to himself as he scampered over to the improvised exit, all childlike wonder evaporated by the ominous call. After several attempts at climbing out of his window and down the side of the building proved to be a terrible idea, David found himself balancing on his hind legs with his arms extended, leathery wings flapping in the wind. Every time a gust caught the appendages he was pulled around and found himself constantly furling his wings before having to try again. It was hard not to look down at the cracked concrete of the sidewalk four stories below him and imagine himself as roadkill, which naturally he did many times. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Okay, okay. I just have to¡­grab¡­the air. Feels like it anyway. Like swimming, but thinner.¡± David hyped himself up as his squeaks grew in volume, ¡°Come on David, fucking pigeons do this all the time. Stuff¡¯s been flying forever, you¡¯re not special. You can do it, I think I can, I think I can!¡± Sucking in a few extra breaths in quick succession he exploded out of the window frame and hurled himself into the air with far too much force. David frantically clawed at the air, trying to scoop it under himself in a clumsy attempt to stay airborne as he fought the urge to close his eyes. To his absolute shock, it seemed to work, and he found himself hurtling over the much lower duplex across from his apartment. David screamed with exhilaration, not even noticing how thin and reedy the sound was in his excitement. Muscles burned across his back, and his arms quickly followed but he didn''t care, he was flying! ¨CFlight level up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C ¨CWarning: Stamina Low¨C Huh? Stamina¨C OH SHIT! With a mental twist he didn¡¯t even know he was capable of a tiny readout appeared below the warning while he frantically attempted to remember what exactly stamina was. ¨CWarning: Stamina Low¨C ¨C47/125¨C The counter continued to drain every few seconds as he desperately attempted to keep an eye on it while avoiding the side of a towering concrete structure slowly being consumed by thorny vines. David realized he had made a critical error. He had no idea how to go down, and he had climbed a stupid distance into the sky by his reckoning. He zipped past the huge building and broke free of the city entirely, enormous dense trees stretching away to the mountains in the distance. He frantically looked for any break in the vegetation as he attempted to turn back, fumbling his rhythm and dropping dozens of yards toward the ground with a terrified squawk before snapping his wings out straight and trying to force himself to even out. To his surprise the counter stopped flashing red and began to flash orange instead, the drain massively slowing. It took him a few seconds to figure out what the difference was but it dawned on him quickly. He was gliding. ¨CWarning Stamina Low¨C ¨C22/125¨C OH SHIT OH SHIT OH SHIT David held the pose as long as he could, watching his stamina fall as the tops of the trees crept closer. Desperation once again came to his rescue and he found after a bit of impotent thrashing and cursing that he could direct his fall simply by leaning, pulling his wing in a bit on the side he wanted to turn towards. Using this new and cutting-edge technique he managed to curve swiftly to the right and slam face first through the branches of an enormous pine tree and almost knock himself out. Wings flailed, and he snatched blindly with his back feet before his claws finally sunk into the bark of the trunk and arrested his fall. He hung there panting heavily, his muscles once again shaking with fatigue. It was all David could manage just to hang onto the tree and catch his breath. Despite this, he rocked with high-pitched laughter and began to gasp for air when he wiggled onto a large branch and gripped it tightly with his hind feet. David only laughed harder when he immediately overbalanced and swung forward to hang from the branch, flaring his wings out as wide as he could in the cramped space. ¡°THAT WAS FUCKING AWESOME! HOLY SHIT! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!¡± ¨CFlight has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C ¨CFlight has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C ¨CFlight has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C ¨CYou have taken 4 Impact Damage¨C 04 - OM NOM NOM David only stopped his improvised flying practice when the sun started to creep over the mountains in the distance and the light began to sting his eyes. He grinned hugely and felt his face scrunch into what was probably a horrific snarl but couldn¡¯t force himself to care. He could fly and was getting better at it by the hour. What started as clumsy launches and painful crashes had become graceful leaps into the sky¡­and painful crashes. David was learning quickly that his new body sucked at landing on flat ground, and landing on branches or trees was hard. He¡¯d been worried to death about a small tear in his left wing membrane that stung hideously but knitted itself back together in less than 20 minutes. That had been weird, but not unwelcome. He¡¯d also started to take the assorted readouts and screens he could will into existence more seriously, taking a long time to study everything while he waited for his Stamina to regenerate between flights. Some of the functions were invaluable, and with a bit of fiddling with his mental commands, he now had a fancy little display he could quickly reference if he needed it. ¨CHealth: 24/24¨C ¨CStamina: 76/125¨C It was relatively unobtrusive and only popped up when he directed his attention at it, much like the Quest proclaiming he needed to find food. Which was becoming a pressing matter, honestly. All the flying around burned a lot of energy, and David was starting to feel like he could eat a cow, hooves included, without ketchup. He¡¯d been ignoring his growling stomach but it was getting distracting, not to mention unpleasant and it seemed like the hungrier he got the stronger his sense of smell became. He squinted grumpily into the thin dawn light and began to realize that he¡¯d been being a little bit of an idiot, even if he had been having fun. ¡°Okay, so, I¡¯m probably totally insane but¡­crazies gotta eat too. Let''s see¡­ uh¡­¡± David trailed off lamely as he sniffed the air for anything that didn¡¯t smell awful. The forest was packed with different smells and it was a bit overwhelming, but he was slowly mastering the lofty skill of smelling things. David hopped along the ground like some sort of demonic bouncy ball following his nose aimlessly for a long time. Birdsong drifted through the towering pines, alien and disturbingly loud, but almost familiar. He¡¯d vaguely remembered the ominous line about his place in the food chain from the strange message he¡¯d received before hatching only after a huge shadow passed overhead above the trees. After that, he was a lot more careful and began to glide after every hop to cover more ground. The sun was well into the sky and exhaustion was nibbling at the backs of his eyes before he finally caught the scent of something that made him drool. David wasn¡¯t sure exactly what it was, but it was fresh and juicy, with just a hint of sweetness. His head snapped around mid-hop, and he immediately stretched out his wings and caught a bit of the breeze, angling into it to rise into the air to save a bit of energy. He wasn¡¯t even ashamed that he¡¯d thought of it by remembering how he used to fly kites as a kid, it worked. He wove between the trunks of the trees, alternating between flapping and gliding until the ground suddenly dropped away below him as he flew out over a small meadow nestled at the bottom of a hill. A few bushes were scattered about in the lush green grass that surrounded a huge gnarled tree in the exact middle of the clearing. It looked weird and unnatural to David, but the smell wafting off of the tree was literally mouth-watering and he couldn¡¯t have resisted if he was trying, which he wasn¡¯t. He carefully angled his wings and allowed himself to fall through the air and accelerate towards the tree, zipping out over the meadow as his wings cast large shadows over the grass with his passing. He braked early on the side of caution, beating hard against the air as he slowed himself to a crawl. David allowed himself to drift close to the tall grass before folding in his wings and dropping, grunting a bit from the impact, and then quickly hopped towards the tree. David rapidly spotted the enormous fruits hanging from the highest branches and leaped up into the snarl of limbs. Before he even registered it he¡¯d scampered up the tree and was face to face with succulent orange fruits. It wasn¡¯t a cow, but it smelled about a thousand times better and he snatched it off the stem with a quick snap of his jaws. ¨CQuest Complete: Find Food¨C ¨CReward: 35xp¨C ¨CLevel up!¨C The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. ¨CYou have been rewarded 1 pt!¨C ¨CBonus Reward: Random Skill Token: F¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_BonusLoot¡­¨C ¨CReceived: Glare F¨C David barely even registered the lines of text that began to roll down his periphery as he devoured the fruit, the dusky grey fur that covered his body soaking up the juices and leaving him looking a bit feral. He seized another fruit, then another, devouring all the food he could see until he began to feel a little ill, stomach bloated and protesting for an entirely different reason. David finally snapped out of his gluttonous frenzy and licked his chops, jumping slightly at the sight of his weirdly long tongue as it popped up into his vision briefly. He fought down an enormous yawn and allowed himself to flip down and hang under the branch before waddling to the side and away from the sticky section left by his hunger-induced savagery. ¡°Ooooooh yeah. I like you tree, you get me. You¡¯re a good tree.¡± David chattered happily as he licked himself clean before pausing, ¡°Why the hell am I licking myself? Pffthu! Ech! Why did I do that? Blech!¡± After he finally got the taste out of his mouth it dawned on him that he¡¯d missed a ton of notifications and quickly brought up his Status.
User: David Fisher Species: Duskling Rank: F Health 30/30 Stam 130/130 (++) Level: 2 Exp: 03/75 Special: Echolocation F
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal: +8% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. Next Upgrade: E Echolocation: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Next unlock: E Flight: Allows for short flights and gliding. Moderate Stamina drain. (stam+) Next Upgrade: E Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 65lbs. (stam+) Next Upgrade: D
Abilities: 2/4 Screech F (2pts): You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies around you. Low Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Glare F (2pts): You fix your target with a baleful gaze, inflicting Fear. Moderate Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Empty: Empty:
Mutagens: 1/5 Unnerving Mutagen B: Your appearance is unnerving. May cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Empty: Empty: Empty: Empty:
Okay, cool cool, level two. Little more stam, guess I can fly longer? That hasn¡¯t leveled up in a while, wonder what¡¯s up with that. Glare¡­okay¡­make things fuck off with the evil eye, works for me¡­wait. Do I have Echolocation? How does that even work? David closed the screen with a thought, feeling incredibly tired but satisfied. The sun was getting to be truly unbearable and the light burned his eyes, forcing him to squint out over the absolutely beautiful meadow. He peered up at the grass waving in the wind, tiny purple wildflowers scattered about wafting a pleasant floral scent that mixed nicely with the smell of the grass itself. With a mental shrug, he closed his eyes and tried to just do what came naturally. A few seconds later something that felt a little like a hiccup slithered its way out of his mouth to his disgust and surprise. A few seconds after that he lost his grip on the branch entirely when the soundwaves came back and overloaded his brain with an entirely new sensation. ¨CEcholocation has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C ¨CYou have taken 3 Impact Da¨C ¡°OH MY GOD SHUT UP I GET IT ALREADY!¡± 05 - Clever Gir..wait what A cold wind jostled David awake as he hung from a thick branch high in the gnarled-looking fruit tree he¡¯d found the day before. He grumbled a bit and unwrapped his wings from around his body, having remembered seeing bats at the zoo do it and finding it incredibly comfy when he tried it himself. The world was mercifully dark as he looked around with only a few yawns and stretches interrupting him. Everything was unchanged from how he¡¯d left it, tall green grass, sparse flowers, and the occasional bush that dotted the clearing his fruit tree dominated the center of. David waddled sideways a bit on the branch until he came into range of one of the odd orange fruits the tree grew at an insane rate and delicately snapped it up, careful to let the juices fall away to the ground as he ate. He glanced at his tiny readout and was happy to see he was fully recharged. ¨CHealth: 30/30¨C ¨CStamina: 130/130¨C David pushed away the depressing thoughts that he¡¯d carried to sleep with him, more than a little annoyed to find his anxieties had politely waited for him to wake up before resuming their activities. He couldn¡¯t help it, the whole situation sucked. He¡¯d been doing pretty well, he thought, right up until it had been time to try and sleep. Something that should have been easy had become a doom-flavored spiral of what-ifs and maybes. He didn¡¯t know what had happened to his Mom, his Dad, his friends, or even what had happened at all really. One minute he¡¯d been worried about emergency alerts, asteroids, and paying rent before being melted down into some sort of bat-dog-thing. Some of the details he remembered didn¡¯t bode well for the entire rest of humanity. First was the almost game-like ¡®System¡¯ that seemed to be controlled by¡­someone? Overseer Omega? That implied there was an Alpha, and that was more than a little ominous of a name for the duo in his opinion. Probably not good. Secondly, he remembered his traits being randomized. He suspected that his new body was the result of those traits somehow since it all seemed to track. Flight, echolocation, nocturnal. Yeah, that sounded like a bat. Easy enough. But if he was small, that implied large or maybe even gigantic was a possibility. If he could fly then maybe others would be stuck underwater, or even underground. ¡®Special¡¯ was particularly concerning to him, especially since he had discovered exactly what it was that Echolocation did. He hiccuped out a few pulses of sound and managed to retain his grip on the branch as the waves came bouncing back to him, building an incredibly detailed map in his head of the wedge of meadow he¡¯d been looking at. David could see the details just fine, even in the dark, but the image it built in his head was incredibly detailed. He knew exactly how dense the grass was, and could feel the location of the boulders and stones hidden by it. And he knew a small furry something was darting through the grass away from him, somehow alerted to him pinging it. As the more distant waves returned he was suddenly aware of a trio of small dragonfly-like insects that continued without noticing him in the slightest. If my little F special does all that, I¡¯m pretty sure the rest of them are just as strong. For all I know that little rat thing can shoot acid out of its¨C Wait, how do you even tell the difference between¡­people¡­and these weird monster-animals? The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. David dropped the rest of his fruit, suddenly losing his appetite. The fruit bounced wetly off the ground below him and rolled away into the grass unnoticed. He frowned a bit as he puzzled it out before he eventually decided to just yell at people and see if they yelled back if worst came to worst. David was pretty sure that just being near him when he used Screech would probably blow someone¡¯s ears out, or at the very least hurt them bad enough that he could fly away. ¡°Bah! Gotta just¡­keep moving I guess. Maybe level up more. Hey, do you have any more quests? Eh?¡± No happy little chime answered his question so he decided to just give up and go look for something to do. He allowed himself to drop from the branch where he hung, swinging his feet downwards and opening his wings to catch the air before floating to the ground. He was amazed at how much his wings still felt like hands, just wrong and weird. Flying felt a bit like swimming, except if you had huge paddles for your hands and the water constantly tried to drop you. David was slowly getting the hang of it though, and he squeaked with victory as he drifted to the ground to land as gently as a leaf for the very first time. ¨CFlight has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C Oh, really? I actually have to get better at it before it lets me get better at it? What a ripoff. David huffed with irritation before letting out a few more pulses of Echolocation, getting a feel for the area around him before launching himself into the air and clawing for altitude. He quickly climbed, double, then triple the fruit tree¡¯s height into the air. Quick wingbeats brought him up out of the low ground the meadow was situated in and above the tops of the towering pines that made up the bulk of the forest. He leveled out and caught some of the wind rustling the branches and allowed himself to glide a bit as he peeked at his readout, glad to see he still had a comfortable amount of stamina. He nodded to himself happily and continued to glide, staring up at the thick cloud of stars above him. Despite everything he thought they were pretty, and was comforted by the fact that he could still see all the old constellations he remembered his Dad showing him as a kid. Orion, the Big Dipper, Taurus. All right there, just like always. Not mutated into weird monsters like everybody else. David shook his head and refocused, looking down over the sea of trees. He turned, wheeling back over the meadow before he flew too far away, striking out in the opposite direction. He repeated this a few times until he felt like he¡¯d finally figured out how to turn safely. Okay, be able to get back? Check. Remember where the meadow is? Check. Time to see if this actually works. With only a little bit of hesitation, David began to pulse Echolocations down into the trees below him, only slightly disoriented by his covering ground and the mental map overlapping with what he saw, just slightly delayed. He kept this up for some time, flying in a loose figure-eight pattern around the meadow before he finally found what he was looking for as he once again disregarded the notifications that began to pile up. ¨CFlight has leveled up! x2¨C ¨CGained 6xp¨C ¨CEcholocation has leveled up! x4¨C ¨CGained 12xp¨C Huddled at the base of a pile of rocks, tucked almost entirely inside a narrow crack in the stone, was a large scaly something. A large scaly something that was clearly attempting to stack up smaller rocks in front of the gap with tiny useless arms. ¡°Bingo.¡± 06 - Pssst, you cool? David blanketed the forest with Echolocation as he glided past a few more times, carefully examining the entire area closely. His anxiety spiked during the last swoop as he passed low to the ground and realized that things tend to look smaller from the air. What he¡¯d originally thought was a ¡®large scaly something¡¯, was a ¡®worryingly large scaly something¡¯. The damn thing was probably the size of a horse and stood on ostrich-like legs that ended in large sturdy claws. David¡¯s Echolocation allowed him to cheat a bit, and he got a peek behind the thing as well, seeing the long whiplike tail it had tucked behind itself. It looks like someone got blackout drunk and tried to describe a dinosaur to someone who had never seen one, hehe¡­Okay, that was mean, I¡¯m probably ugly too. Don''t lie to yourself, David. ¨CHealth: 30/30¨C ¨CStamina: 56/130¨C David huffed in irritation at gravity''s inevitable victory and swung around in a tight loop, more than a little proud of himself as he powered into the turn and burned a bit of stamina. He stretched his huge leathery wings forward, scooping almost too much air as he slowed drastically and drifted to the ground with a quiet thump. He froze, crouching down deep into the shadows of the pines as his ears locked onto the creature with laser focus, eyes wide and staring as he held his breath. Within seconds David felt a little stupid, not only did the creature not notice him or the sound in the slightest, but he began to understand as he watched it work that it was groping around almost blindly with its withered little clawed arms to find the rocks it was searching for. His lips wrinkled up in a vicious little grin and he was suddenly very glad he could see in the dark. ¡°Hey, are you a person?¡± David tried to sound cool when he yelled the awkward greeting and sighed internally when all it did was make him sound like a very large, very aggressive chipmunk. The reptile''s chunky crocodilian head snapped in his direction as its nostrils flared open and it sucked in huge breaths of air, certainly smelling him. It swung its snout slowly from left to right, trying to pinpoint exactly where he was as David hopped a few times and put some more distance between them, maneuvering towards its side. He began to get a little nervous as the relatively large creature remained silent for a few more moments before he noticed that it was furiously wringing its tiny little claws in distress, curling its tail up under its body as it stood stock still. ¡°Are you a person or a monster? I haven¡¯t seen anyone else the last few days.¡± David called again and decided to ignore how awful he sounded every time he spoke. ¡°Yes. Oh my god, yes! Where are you? I can¡¯t see anything, I¡¯ve just been hiding. Do you know what¡¯s going on?! I was on my way home when I heard the emergency sirens and pulled over! Then¡­everything¡­I think I might be crazy, I keep seeing things that don¡¯t make sense and¡­¡± David almost jumped out of his skin and flew away as a skeleton when the giant reptile finally responded in a booming, raspy voice that seemed incredibly loud to him. The voice was feminine, somehow, he wasn¡¯t sure how he could tell, and she seemed increasingly desperate for any sort of explanation. He listened for a few more moments as she danced around the topic of the System and¡­you know¡­being a horse-sized lizard thing, without actually saying it in plain terms. ¡°You¡¯re talking about your Status and the different menus?¡± David barked back when she finally calmed down a bit, ¡°Greetings Earth inhabitants, yadda yadda, then they turned you into some sort of monster and sent you to weirdo-land with a bunch of spreadsheets that make no sense?¡± Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. The lizard stiffened before jerking its thick neck back, head rearing into the air in surprise, ¡°...Oh no, you¡¯re crazy too! Get away! Don¡¯t hurt me!¡± ¡°I wish, I spent like the whole first day pretty sure I was crazy though. What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°Claire¡­I¡¯m not really¡­a monster am I?¡± Her voice was confused and defeated when she eventually replied. She shifted uneasily from foot to foot, almost knocking down her little wall of rocks with her fidgeting before she froze and carefully inched away from it. David hopped closer and upped his volume a bit, ¡°Nah, you look more like a¡­uh¡­Crocogater Ostrich thing? Honestly, you lucked out. The only other thing I¡¯ve seen that might have been a person was a little weasel critter.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not¡­wait, everyone is different? What happened to you then?¡± David bounced a bit closer, pausing just far enough away he was sure he could escape if he had to, intent on demonstrating how relatively small and harmless he was compared to her. He was so busy performing the mental estimations of exactly how far away that would need to be that he failed to notice the moon creep out from behind the clouds and shed a thin light down through the branches of the thick trees. Claire¡¯s maw dropped open, pulling her head back in the same shocked motion as before, stumbling backward and tripping over her tail in her haste. She roared as she fell heavily, small rocks blasted loose off the outcropping by her weight as she smote the ground, feet clawing the earth and sending her little stone wall flying in her terror. ¡°NO! DON¡¯T HURT ME! PLEASE!¡± What the fu¨C ¨CUnnerving Mutagen B has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C Unnerving Mutagen? David was reading the entry before he even realized he could pull them up for a single thing at a time. |Unnerving Mutagen B: Your appearance is unnerving. May cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you.| He ground his fangs together in frustration, cursing mentally in a steady litany as he waited for Claire to calm down a bit. He sat, very slowly and nonthreateningly and tried his best to look fluffy and harmless. To her credit, Claire did calm down fairly quickly, though her body language was still extremely defensive as she got her powerful legs under her and slowly stood up. It seemed like more of a momentary shock than anything, and David was fairly sure that was entirely the doing of the Mutagen. He hadn¡¯t thought about it before, but B was pretty high wasn¡¯t it? ¡®Reconsider aggressing you¡¯ seems more like ¡®may cause enemies to need new pants¡¯. Wait, oh no. Am I squeaky and ugly? Okay, let''s rip the bandaid off and just ask her, to clear this up right now. ¡°So, am I that ugly or what? I can¡¯t see myself, you know. That was kinda rude by the way.¡± It sounded lame even to David, but the entire situation was awkward enough, and he needed a straight answer. Claire stared unblinkingly at him for a few long heartbeats before she cocked her head to the side in an almost birdlike motion to turn her eye towards him more fully before she spoke, ¡°Yes and no? You¡¯re kinda spooky lookin¡¯ and you scared me to death when you just came outta the dark like that. I¡¯m sorry I screamed. I¡¯ve just always been scared of rats.¡± ¡°RAT?! WHAT?! I¡¯M NOT A RAT, LOOK!¡± David screeched in outrage as he flared his wings to demonstrate that he was not, in fact, a rat. ¨CUnnerving Mutagen B has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¡°AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!¡± ¡°WAIT, SHIT, MY BAD!¡± 07 - I hate this quest! ¡°So you just?¡± ¡°Yeah just kinda think at it, it¡¯ll appear and disappear when you need it. If you lose focus it clears right away. I think that¡¯s so that stuff can¡¯t eat you while you¡¯re looking at it.¡± David replied drolly as he hung from what was quickly becoming his favorite branch on the huge gnarled fruit tree he had called home for the last two days. Claire turned her head sideways where she lay in the thick grass below him, swinging her eye upwards to glare at him as he peered down at her from 20 feet in the air. She snapped her jaws together with a clack, something that he noticed she did when she was irritated, and then went back to reading her status for a while. David took a moment to pull his own status up after almost an entire day of studiously ignoring all his notifications as he yawned hugely and tried his best to stay awake. The sun had been up for about an hour, and the urge to wrap himself up in his wings just to keep it out of his eyes had been growing stronger by the minute as they continued just to enjoy each other¡¯s company.
User: David Fisher Species: Duskling Rank: F Health 30/30 Stam 130/130 (++) Level: 2 Exp: 67/75 Special: Echolocation F
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal: +8% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. Next Upgrade: E Echolocation: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Next unlock: E Flight: Allows for flight and gliding. Moderate Stamina drain. (stam+) Next Upgrade: C Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 65lbs. (stam+) Next Upgrade: D
Abilities: 2/4 Screech F (2pts): You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies around you. Low Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Glare F (2pts): You fix your target with a baleful gaze, inflicting Fear. Moderate Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Empty: Empty:
Mutagens: 1/5 Unnerving Mutagen B: Your appearance is unnerving. May cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Empty: Empty: Empty: Empty: Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
Did flight rank up? So that was¡­ten levels for a rank? Must have been when I almost hit that tree trying to get Claire back to the meadow. Huh. Cool, almost level 3 as well. Movin¡¯ on up in the world, I wonder if¡­ ¡°Hey David, what¡¯s ¡®Special¡¯ do?¡± David shrugged a bit, wings fluttering a bit with the gesture, ¡°Depends on what it is, probably. Mine¡¯s Echolocation. It lets me see things without my eyes, think of it like this¡­I dunno¡­being able to feel things with your eyes, except it¡¯s your ears but you can still see it in your head. Does that help?¡± ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not crazy?¡± Claire''s raspy voice had a high enough snark content that he burst into chittering laughter. She joined in a moment later, booming laughs sounding more like ominous barking sounds as they echoed through the trees around them. ¡°No, but I''ll hang around until we''re sure.¡± They laughed even harder at the awful joke, David reduced to hanging from the branch by a single hind leg and flapping his wings to regain his grip as Claire rolled on the grass. David had to flap his wings several times just to get the happy energy out, absolutely elated to have another human being to talk to, even if they were a giant reptile that could probably eat him in one bite if they wanted to. He¡¯d been afraid he was losing it for a while there, and just having someone else around was incredibly grounding and made the entire situation a lot easier to deal with. They were both human, even if they didn¡¯t look like it, and humans were social creatures. They¡¯d both sat up all night and talked about everything and anything after David had managed to slowly walk her back to the meadow through the darkened forest. ¡°No, seriously though.¡± David chuckled in his high-pitched voice, ¡°What¡¯s the special? Probably worth knowing what it does, Claire, they¡¯re really strong.¡± ¡°Uh¡­Shred?¡± ¡°Sounds¡­fighty? What¡¯s it say?¡± Claire paused for a moment as she stared off blankly into the space ahead of her before responding, ¡°Shred¡­Your attacks ignore a moderate amount of the enemy''s physical defenses?¡± ¡°What?! You get to be huge and scary and cool? I feel like I got ripped off here.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll trade you for flying.¡± She replied with a violent snort as she used one of her heavily muscled legs to scratch the hide on her neck, ¡°That looks like so much fun.¡± ¡°Oh yeah, big time. I only had to nearly die a couple of times to get the hang of it, I¡¯m small compared to you but I''m big enough to hit the ground plenty hard.¡± David winced as he remembered the torn wing membrane and a few of the crashes into the pine trees where he thought for sure he had impaled himself on something. He¡¯d been doing his best to improve though, even missing his first rank up on an ability because he¡¯d been busy just¡­doing what he could. It was impossible to lie to himself that he didn¡¯t enjoy it a little too much, he caught himself flying around even when he could hop or even walk. There was just something immensely enjoyable about being able to hold out your arms, scoop up some wind, lean a little bit, and let physics do the rest for you. ¡°I don¡¯t like how mean it made me. I didn¡¯t wanna be mean. My abilities are both things to hurt people too! Rend and Kick!¡± Claire moaned piteously, ¡°Why did this¨C¡± ¡°SSHHHHH! Can you hear that?!¡± David interrupted suddenly, dropping from his branch to land on the ground beside her. He didn''t even bother gliding to the ground, landing hard and bouncing with a snarl as he absorbed the impact. Claire surged to her feet and held perfectly still the way only a reptile can manage, sniffing the air explosively as David¡¯s ears swiveled around like radar dishes until the left one finally locked onto the offending sound. The right ear quickly followed it, and he hopped twice in the direction he¡¯d detected it from, dusky grey fur bristling as he hunched forward and listened with all his might. Cracking branches, crunching of underbrush, and odd hooting sounds drifted out of the forest across the meadow opposite the hill that flanked one side. David paused for a moment before sending a few pulses of Echolocation outwards hoping that it¡¯d just be a weird mutant deer or maybe even another new person. Instead, when the soundwaves returned and built their complex overlay in his mind his hackles raised fully and his lips pulled back in a snarl as he instinctively bared his fangs at the approaching threat. ¡°Claire, something bad¡¯s coming. I can help but I can¡¯t be close or my ability will hurt you too, I think.¡± ¡°S-Something bad? David, you¡¯re scaring me, don¡¯t play around. What¡¯s going on?¡± He didn¡¯t have time to reply as the first of the creatures burst into the clearing and screeched to a halt, hooting and bouncing with excitement. There was no intellect in their glassy black eyes as they continued to pile out of the dense undergrowth and leer across the meadow at the pair of them. They strongly resembled some sort of monkey, or lemur, except for the leathery greenish hide that covered most of their bodies. Some were slightly larger than David, but most were of a similar size or smaller, but that wasn¡¯t the part he was concerned about. It was the way they began to rile themselves up, throwing sticks, rocks, and handfuls of grass as they hooted and bared their long canines while screaming and shrieking. His fears were all but confirmed when he heard the happy little jingle in his ear and a small line of text printed out just as the largest of the creatures suddenly leapt forward and sprinted towards them, the rest quickly following in an unruly mob. ¨CEncounter Quest Available: Break the Horde¨C ¨CReward: Performance Based¨C ¨CFailure Penalty: Death¨C That''s such a lousy way to figure out how quests work! 08 - Break the Horde David surged into the crisp morning air, the wind from his wings flattening the grass in a wide circle around him as he glanced at his readouts. The last of the creatures had just crossed from the dense pines into the clearing when he climbed a dozen feet in the air and began to hover. ¨CHealth: 30/30¨C ¨CStamina: 126/130¨C ¡°David! Wait! What do I do?!¡± Claire bellowed from behind him as the horde of green apelike creatures began to charge, shrieking and hooting shrilly. ¡°I¡¯m gonna try and use my ability on them! Run away, I think it¡¯ll hurt you if you¡¯re too close.¡± David screeched back shrilly before he tilted his wings and caught the morning breeze to lift himself into the air. His stamina drain evened out and he allowed himself to gain some more height before leaning forward and letting himself drop towards the bizarre creatures. As he fell he sucked in an enormous breath of air, his ears folding back as he desperately tried to keep track of everything. The current of wind he was punching through as he dove at the leathery green ape things, the drain on his stamina that was ticking down at an alarming rate as he continued to charge up the biggest screech he had ever attempted, and the ominous warning about death being the penalty for failure adding up to a lot to keep track of for him. David had a moment of weirdly calm lucidity as he watched the grass blur under the shadow of his wings, instinctually putting the sun at his back to keep the blinding light out of his eyes. The twin shadows fell across the first of the creatures as several of them launched themselves into the air aggressively at him as he passed close overhead and David screamed as hard as he could, finally allowing the ability that had been building to activate. David¡¯s head swam as his stamina plummeted, falling dangerously low in seconds as the massively overcharged Screech exploded out of him. He tasted blood and his throat was turned raw almost instantly, only for the ability to continue and the pain to worsen for a handful of seconds before his breath cut off and he nearly fell from the air, sagging pathetically as he attempted a feeble turn. Despite the blurriness of his vision, the readout was crystal clear as he brought it up in an attempt to figure out what had happened, gliding into the wind in an attempt to cheat some more height as the light shone prettily through the dense trees around the clearing. ¨CHealth: 20/30¨C ¨CStamina: 62/130¨C ¨CYou have taken 10 Backlash Damage: Screech¨C ¨CScreech has leveled up! x2¨C ¨CGained 6xp¨C ¨CUnnerving Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C As his head cleared he snapped out of his daze, banking to the left before he crashed into the ring of pines that surrounded the meadow and wheeled back around to bring the horde into view again. As poorly as he had handled the powerful attack he saw that the horde of creatures had fared even worse than he had, with several of the small monsters convulsing on the ground as blood poured from their eyes and ears. David squinted hard into the rising sun, struggling to see as the light seared into him and made flying almost impossible. He slammed his eyes shut and pulsed the area ahead of him with Echolocation as fast as he could, the overlapping images forming a terrifying slideshow of information as he surged back toward the fight. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. A large amount of the creatures staggered about drunkenly, falling over themselves, and they seemed incapable of walking straight or focusing. Several of the larger ones were vomiting or shaking their heads violently while they screamed with pain and rage, tearing handfuls of grass and tossing them into the air as they shrieked. The handful of creatures that had made it past his attack and were far enough away to avoid the debilitating effects had surged across the grass and over the scattered boulders towards the fruit tree where Claire had retreated. She roared with fear and backed away, flailing her tiny clawed arms at the beasts as they sprinted towards her. ¡°NO, NO, GET AWAY FROM ME!¡± She bellowed as a particularly large ape monster launched itself at her, fangs bared and long leathery fingers grasping greedily. Claire leapt like a startled deer, her long powerful leg kicking out with surprising savagery at the beast and connecting hard, her long tail providing an incredible balance for midair attacks. Leathery hide parted like tissue paper under the powerful clawed foot, Claire¡¯s strike nearly ripping the unlucky creature in half with the force of the blow as it offered no resistance to the attack. She landed with an agile bounce as the corpse was blown back, rolling away in an arc of flattened grass while the body twitched and jerked. Her neck shot forward suddenly, long thin jaws closing around the head of another ape creature as they desperately attempted to slow their charge too late. Her body coiled like a spring and fired another hammer blow of a kick that gutted it immediately before she tossed it away to bounce off a rock with a powerful contraction of her thick scaly neck. The rumbling hiss that left her jaws after was utterly inhuman and, frankly, scared the shit out of David as he watched through the constant Echolocations. Convinced she¡¯d be completely fine, and not willing to get near her when she was violently freaking out, David swung back towards the debilitated group of creatures before he realized something he hadn¡¯t considered a few moments ago. I fucked up, I don¡¯t have enough stamina to land another attack and get away¡­ David rapidly considered his options. The beasts he was closing in on were still mostly disoriented, flopping around uselessly, and even attacking each other blindly in a few cases. Huge apelike fangs flashed as they tore at each other in pain and confusion, thin trickles of blood flowing from their ears from the powerful sonic attack. The deep, raspy roar of fury from his right toward the fruit tree was followed by a wet tearing sound and a shriek of pain that he barely registered as he made up his mind, folded in his wings and dropped through the air like a shot into the middle of the creatures. He blasted out another Screech as he landed in the flattened grass beside one of the scattered patches of wildflowers, using the impact to force the attack from his body in an almost solid wall of sound. Most of the creatures collapsed, seizing on the ground as they tore at their ears or simply twitched impotently in the grass while they drooled bright blood under the rising sun. David coughed, blood splattering his dusky grey jaws and filling his mouth with an unpleasant metallic taste as the damage from the earlier Screech that had shredded his throat seemed to worsen. ¨CHealth: 14/30¨C ¨CStamina: 22/130¨C ¨CYou have taken 6 Backlash Damage: Screech¨C He whirled in place, gasping for air while his limbs shook from fatigue and the world tilted slowly to the right. A few of the largest ape things were still standing, though just barely. David surged forward, jaws snapping at the throat of the closest creature as he bounced toward it with all his remaining strength. Cartilage crunched in his mouth with a grisly sound as he locked his jaws and shook his head swiftly before he attempted to drop free and run back. Instead the thrashing of the creature pulled him into an ungainly tangle of limbs, his fragile wings twisted painfully by the weight of the creature as it collapsed on him. David had a vague impression of a huge shadow bearing down on him before it rolled over him like an avalanche, his vision greyed out and the world became strangely muted. 09 - Anyone see where my face landed? David cracked an eye open blearily as the sun began to set, beams of light tracing down through the familiar pines to shine into the meadow where he lay on a thick pile of grass. He didn¡¯t want to wake up, but something smelled delicious. It was sweet and juicy, almost crisp-smelling in the cooling air. He licked his chops in a lazy, practically automatic way and yawned hugely, lips wrinkling back over his stubby muzzle and exposing a maw with wickedly large canines. His other eye was forced open despite its best efforts to stay closed and its treacherous inability to focus on anything as he stared stupidly out over the meadow, grass and tiny purple wildflowers gently waving in the wind. David made an irritated chittering sound as he took a long, long time to fully wake up and coherent thought to bubble up through the grogginess. ¨CHealth 36/40¨C ¨CStamina: 140/140¨C There was a whole bunch of annoying text that kept bouncing up over his vision every time he directed his attention at it, and his inability to comprehend any of it finally pushed him over the edge into wakefulness. Damn, what happened? I feel like I got set on fire and rolled down a hill. Uh¡­what the hell were we¨C ¡°LIZARD MONKEYS!¡± David squealed as he bounced aggressively to his feet, spinning in quick circles like an enraged chihuahua when he finally recalled the events before he blacked out. His throat felt a bit tender with every breath he took, cool air somehow irritating instead of soothing. David realized that he had been moved over next to the trunk of his fruit tree, the thick bark only a few feet away from where he¡¯d been lying. A long, almost crocodilian snout swung up from the long grass nearby, slitted reptilian eyes opening quickly as they focused on him. Claire rumbled loudly with relief and bounced to her feet, ¡°Oh my god, David! You¡¯re okay! I thought the nasty little goblin things got you, why did you do that?! That was so stupid!¡± ¡°I uh¡­¡± David replied smoothly as she stared down her long scaly snout at him expectantly. He fidgeted his wings awkwardly and picked at the grass under him with his claws, ears flat as he looked anywhere but back at Claire. ¡°I dunno, I got a lot of them didn¡¯t I?¡± ¡°I mean¡­sorta. Why did you run off by yourself you big stupid idiot?!¡± Claire hissed in frustration as she clacked her jaws together with a sharp noise, ¡°You just left me and flew away! I had to come and save you! They bit me on the backs of my legs and it hurt a lot, plus I kinda stepped on you¡­¡± David hung his fuzzy head in shame as he turned to look out across the meadow again with more wakeful eyes. The grass had been torn up completely in a few spots, and even one of the boulders that stuck up through the grass had a blood smear on it. The bulk of the creatures still lay in a pile where he had attacked them, but it was very obvious that Claire had been the one to finish most of them off by the gaping wounds on the corpses. The wind blew down off the ridge they sat at the bottom of and carried a mixture of blood, fruit, and flowers, along with the oddly familiar smell of mown grass to his nose while Claire moved to sit awkwardly next to him. He sighed explosively and turned away from the carnage to look at her as she stared down at him in silence. ¡°Yeah¡­That was stupid. I thought I could get ¡®em, but that was too close. I should have backed off when I realized I was out of Stamina.¡± David stretched his wings out as he spoke, the appendages still aching a bit from being mangled before his Health had regenerated. ¡°Well¡­just don¡¯t do that again. You gave me a heart attack.¡± Claire grumbled as she finally looked away, ¡°At least we got a bunch of good stuff from the quest, right?¡± A bunch of good stuff? Why do I never check the notifications? David quickly brought up the display and scanned line after line of text that he¡¯d put off reading since the Encounter Quest had popped up. Screech and Echolocation had gained a few levels each, putting both of them near their first rank up. He mostly disregarded the rest of the text, though he noted that something called ¡°Ability Backlash¡± had done a total of 16 damage to him throughout the fight, grimly noticing as well that his Health had dropped to 7 after he''d fallen unconscious. David remembered how painful the massive Screech had been and shuddered, resolving not to do that again unless he had to. Towards the bottom, he finally found what he¡¯d been looking for. ¨CEncounter Quest: Break the Horde complete!¨C ¨C15/15 Beasts Defeated!¨C ¨CCalculatingParticipation¡­¨C ¨C9/15 Enemies Disabled - 5 Killing Blows.¨C ¨CPerformance: Exceptional¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_EQReward¡­¨C This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¨CReceived: Selective Skill Token: D¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_BonusLoot¡­¨C ¨CReceived 1pt!¨C ¨CGained 130xp!¨C ¨CLevel up! x2¨C ¨CGained 3pts!¨C ¡°Reading?¡± Claire asked quietly as David¡¯s jaw dropped open when he realized he¡¯d gotten almost an entire level and some change from the single quest. ¡°Yeah, two levels and a skill token. I was close to leveling though, what did you get?¡± ¡°I got an Outstanding rating? I¡¯m almost level 5, or did you mean the loot? I got another Mutagen, this one¡¯s a D rank though.¡± Claire seemed suddenly a little proud of herself, ¡°This one isn¡¯t even mean! It¡¯s a Swift Mutagen!¡± ¡°That¡¯s awesome! Hey uh¡­¡± Claire turned to look at him again while the orange light fading through the trees cast moving shadows across her scaly hide, ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°Thanks for saving me. I¡¯m uh¡­that was dumb of me. Thank you.¡± David squeaked out regretfully, ¡°I¡¯m not sure it was worth it to pass out and almost die for a couple of levels and a skill.¡± The enormous reptile cracked its jaws open and made a deep amused rumbling sound as Claire shook her head in agreement. David bumped her with his shoulder for a second before he bounced into the air and flapped hard, scooping the cooling dusk air under him as he fluttered up to his comfy branch and began to waddle his way over to a fruit before pausing suddenly. He flipped his head to look down at Claire as she continued to eye him with some amusement from where she watched below the tree. ¡°Hey, you want one of these?¡± ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll try one!¡± Claire replied with cautious optimism as she tilted her head curiously to regard the fruits he was indicating. David dropped a few of the larger ones down for her, careful not to bombard her directly as they bounced wetly off of the tree¡¯s roots to roll away while she chased them down almost like a cat. He snagged one for himself and began to eat while he called up his Status for a quick once over.
User: David Fisher Species: Duskling Rank: F Health 40/40 Stam 140/140 (++) Level: 4 Exp: 014/125 Special: Echolocation F
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal: +8% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. Next Upgrade: E Echolocation: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Next unlock: E Flight: Allows for flight and gliding. Moderate Stamina drain. (stam+) Next Upgrade: C Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 65lbs. (stam+) Next Upgrade: D
Abilities: 2/4 Screech F (2pts): You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies around you. Low Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Glare F (2pts): You fix your target with a baleful gaze, inflicting Fear. Moderate Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Empty: Empty:
Mutagens: 1/5 Unnerving Mutagen B: Your appearance is unnerving. May cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Empty: Empty: Empty: Empty:
Now that¡¯s some progress. Guess this means we¡¯ll have to go exploring if we want more quests¡­that¡¯s so sad. I was starting to love this tree. I promise I¡¯ll come back and visit! A wet, unpleasant sound drew David¡¯s attention away from the screen as he quickly looked away, only to see Claire with three of the large fruits crammed into her jaws and stuck to her long snaggly teeth. She shook her head back and forth several times in an attempt to dislodge them before angling her head upwards and rolling them to the back of her maw with an undignified horking sound. She froze mid-gulp as she saw him watching before snorting at him and simply swallowing down the fruits with one final bob of her head. ¡°...Soooo¡­wanna see what a ¡®Selective Skill Token¡¯ does?¡± David called down to her through the wide flat leaves of the tree with some amusement of his own this time. She nodded enthusiastically, bits of fruit juice flying free of her jaws. David grinned as he fluttered down onto the grass next to her while she shuffled a bit to make room for him. He paused expectantly for several moments as nothing happened. ¡°You don¡¯t know how to use it, do you?¡± ¡°Not a clue.¡± 10 - Analysis Paralysis The moon was already beginning to rise into the starry night sky by the time David finally figured it out. He felt a little stupid, but that seemed to track for the entire day as his brush with death had so subtly reminded him. In the end, all he had to do was focus on the message, and a catchy little tune played in his head before a few lines of text scrolled through his vision and he greedily accepted. ¨CYou have received a Selective Skill Token: D¨C ¨CWould you like to redeem your Token?¨C ¡°Yes, I want to use the token!¡±, he squealed loudly in a victorious voice. Claire jerked her head back in alarm at the sudden outburst, leaning her head over her shoulder to shoot him an interested but reproachful look. David felt a bubbling, tingly sensation wash over his body that reminded him strongly of when the System had stuffed him inside an egg only a few days ago. His heart skipped a beat at the memory and he fought off a minor adrenaline dump while he reminded himself that he wasn¡¯t about to be melted down again¡­probably. The sensation faded in intensity quickly but didn''t dissipate as he fidgeted his wings anxiously and a large window suddenly bloomed into existence in front of his nose, making him squawk with surprise at the unexpected illumination. It quickly populated itself with lines of text, icons, and what looked like a disclaimer as he began to read quickly.
You have used Selective Skill Token: D At level 4 there are 8? Abilities in the |Hatchling| subspecies pool. View the Full List. View |Duskling| Appropriate Abilities. View Active Abilities. View Passive Abilities. |Search|
¡°Uh¡­.shit. Claire, are you good at math?¡±, David grumbled after a moment of reading the window. ¡°I mean, yeah I¡¯m pretty good at math. It was my major in college, why what¡¯s up?¡± ¡°How many is 8 with a little 6 attached to it supposed to be?¡± The huge scaly jaws clacked a few times as she thought, ¡°Almost 300 thousand or so? Why? That¡¯s a weird question.¡± ¡°Well, it says there¡¯s that many options¡­It¡¯s like an old web browser lookin¡¯...Anyway, it¡¯s got ¡®Appropriate Abilities¡¯ for my species. Then it¡¯s Active Abilities, Passive Abilities, and a little search box.¡±, David chattered as he read the screen again, not daring to look away in case it somehow messed it up. ¡°Oh wow. Um. Maybe look at the one for your species? Or maybe Passives? I don¡¯t have any Passive ones other than my Special.¡± David considered that for a moment before nodding and focusing his attention more fully on the window. He eyeballed the ''View Full List'' avariciously for several heartbeats before slowly turning back to the rest of the options. He wasn¡¯t sure how hard it was to get a Skill Token, but the grade on it was better than anything else he had, other than his Unnerving Mutagen which was certainly a Passive ability. He had resolved to be more careful from now on and with this in mind, he nudged the window with a mental command. Duskling Appropriate Abilities. The window shimmered briefly as the options melted back into the background of the window before rearranging into the desired subcategory as David vibrated with anticipation.
¨CAll abilities are displayed at Grade F¨C Duskling Appropriate Abilities: Silent Flight (Passive): Your wings cease to disturb the air as you fly, reducing the noise of your passing to a whisper. Twilight Camouflage: Your fur blends into the darkness, allowing you to melt into the background while stationary. Very Mild Stamina Drain. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Vampiric Fangs (Passive): Drain a minor amount of health from the enemy with every bite. Upgradeable. Sonic Lance: A destructive wave of sound directed at a single enemy. Mild Stamina Drain. Upgradeable. Call the Swarm: Release a chittering cry, summoning Minor Dusklings to assist you. Extreme Stamina Drain. Upgradeable. Strong Wings (Passive): Increases the size, durability, and dexterity of your wings. Upgradeable. Next Page ¡ú
The options just kept going, dozens of pages worth. David tried to remember the names of some of the better ones before fumbling through the menu back to the main screen. He was determined not to make another huge mistake so soon, or waste the hard-earned token the way he had his very first ability selection. Claire continued to watch him with interest while he stared off into space from her perspective, staying quiet as she occasionally swung her long snout out over the meadow and kept an eye on things. He was silently grateful that she was keeping watch over the darkened forest meadow as he continued to browse. Active Abilities.
¨CAll abilities are displayed at F Grade¨C Active Abilities: Offense: Ranged Abilities. Melee Abilities. Area of Effect Abilities. Summoning Abilities. Control Abilities. Defensive Abilities. Utility Abilities. |Search|
Oh fu¨C Okay, I¡¯m gonna be here for a while. Glare is probably a control ability, right? I¡¯d bet Unnerving Mutagen is one too, and Screech seems to disable things when it hits. Maybe I could lean into that? I¡¯m kinda tiny and Claire seems to have the ass-kicking under control. So yeah¡­Ranged, Defensive, or Control¡­Summoning sounds cool but I¡¯ll have to check if they all have that ¡®Extreme Stamina Drain¡¯ thing, I don¡¯t like that. Almost got me killed today. Control Abilities!
¨CAll Abilities are displayed at F Grade¨C Control Abilities: Glare: You fix your target with a baleful gaze, inflicting Fear. Moderate Stam consumption. Known. Lullaby: You sing a song of sleep and lethargy, and may cause enemies to fall asleep. Moderate Stamina Drain. Upgradeable Paralytic Bite: You inject a paralytic either through saliva or venom, causing the enemy to suffer difficulty moving. Stacks up to 5 times. Upgradeable. Enrage: You taunt the enemy, causing them to become enraged. Enraged enemies will not flee from battle. Additionally, they deal increased damage at the cost of their physical and mental defenses. Low Stamina Drain. Upgradeable. Latch: You pounce upon the enemy, clinging to them tightly. While Latched your physical defense is increased, and the enemy suffers damage over time. Variable Stamina Drain. Shockwave: You release a shockwave of force around your body, blasting enemies away. High Stamina Drain. Upgradeable. Next Page ¡ú
Well, I guess that answers the question about Glare. Okay, so I have more control abilities than anything right now if you count Screech. Screech is also kind of a shitty attack, its too easy to Overcharge it and waste Stamina, plus it hits everything not just what I want it to. Guess the System isn¡¯t game-like enough to turn off friendly fire, man that¡¯d be nice. I¡¯d just ride around on Claire¡¯s back and scream at everyone while she stomped them into goo. Hey, wait a minute. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m still looking through this but I needed to ask you something, Claire.¡±, David barked at the scaly woman suddenly. The enormous reptile cocked its head in a birdlike motion of curiosity as he spoke, regarding him with a single slitted eye, ¡°Sure, more math questions?¡± ¡°No, uh, so this is gonna sound selfish but¡­I¡¯m kinda tiny and you¡¯re kinda gigantic. As far as I can tell you just walked around and stomped all those weird lizard monkeys to death without a problem and they would have eaten me alive for sure if I was by myself.¡± David continued sheepishly, ¡°The abilities are divided into categories and I¡¯ve been looking around. I¡¯m not set up to do a bunch of damage or fight right in the middle of things like you are, but I can take some supporting stuff to make your life easier as long as you¡¯re comfortable being the one to run in and mess people up.¡± Claire snorted with surprise before she visibly choked off her immediate reply and thought about it for a few minutes. David stayed silent and kept his eyes on the Window so it wouldn¡¯t minimize and potentially mess anything up as she mulled it over. ¡°I¡­I didn¡¯t really think about that. Those things were scary for me but they were tiny, like mean dogs or something. A lot of them were bigger than you, weren¡¯t they?¡±, Claire rumbled thoughtfully, ¡°I probably would have run away if a bunch of giant things attacked us, but you tried to fight anyway and got hurt really bad¡­Okay, David, I trust you. I don''t like being mean but you¡¯re right, you¡¯re too tiny right now. I don''t want you to get hurt either. Let''s do it.¡± Okay, we got a plan. 11 - Darwin doesnt do free The screen closed with a victorious drumbeat, which David thought was a nice touch and a welcome break from all the little jingles and chimes the System seemed to like so much. He¡¯d spent more than an hour looking through everything before making a selection, the ability seeming so good when he finally found it that it seemed almost tailor-made for him specifically. Tucked in the last few pages of the Duskling Appropriate Abilities he¡¯d found himself a real gem, it was Passive, didn¡¯t cost any stamina, and all he had to do was fly around for it to start working. David was proud of reviewing his many options so carefully, and he felt more than a little clever about the whole thing too. Which lasted right up until several large rents suddenly tore his wings, leaving them ragged and full of holes. Claire bellowed in surprise, bounding over to him and shoving her enormous scaly snout right up into his face, huge nostrils sniffing loudly as she confirmed the wounds were real. David, for his part, screamed shrilly and flailed for several seconds in agonized shock, his shredded wings leaving long dark smears of blood on the grass in his panic. He continued thrashing until he smacked his right wing firmly against Claire¡¯s pebbly snout and scrambled to his feet, pulling his wings in firmly with a hiss of pain. ¨CYou have taken 1 Impact Damage¨C ¨CHealth: 34/40¨C ¨CStamina: 138/140¨C ¡°WHAT HAPPENED?!¡±, Claire literally roared at him as he felt his ears blown back by the force of her question. ¡°I¡¯M STUPID!¡±, He squealed back into the cavern of fangs filling his entire view, ¡°I DON''T KNOW!¡± |Gloom D: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 7 times.| David snarled at the text as it printed out over his vision, not seeing anything in the description about exploding wings or crippling himself in exchange for the ability. Just as he was about to start screaming and swearing the bubbly sensation that had faded to the back of his perception began to ramp up in intensity, rushing through his body to concentrate in his wings. David gasped as the pain faded away to nothing, replaced by an impossibly intense feeling that swept through his arms and into the tattered membranes like a tidal wave. Claire slammed her jaws shut and jerked her neck back, twisting her crocodilian head violently away in disgust. David vaguely heard her make a noise that was probably gagging as he flared his wings and shoved his face into one of the appendages to see what was happening. He immediately wished he hadn¡¯t looked until it was over, as veins slithered through the open spaces in his wings and slowly knitted together, new flesh spreading outwards from the edges of the ragged wounds as they visibly healed. His mouth dropped open in surprise as the gaps closed, flesh wriggling together nastily before everything settled and he realized he had several crescent moon patterns on his restored wings, the new skin silvery and reflective against the dusky grey of the rest of his body. ¡°EWWWWWWW! Were those WORMS in your wings? Hech. Eeeeeeechhhhhh.¡±, Claire managed to choke out as she pranced from foot to foot, visibly disturbed. ¡°STOP YELLING!¡± If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Wrrrrrrreeeeeeecccchhhhh!¡±, she gagged a final time before turning away rapidly and jogging a few steps away to rub her maw loudly against the grass. All David could see of her was a long tail waving violently above the tall grass as she scrubbed her nose clean the only way she could. ¡°Oh my god, no. It wasn¡¯t worms! Why do you always think I¡¯m so nasty?!¡±, David yelled after her squeakily, ¡°My wings healed up in, like, fast forward! Why did you think it was worms?!¡± ¡°It¡¯s too dark! It was wiggly like worms, okay!¡±, she snarled after she had finished, ¡°Why did that happen?!¡± ¨CHealth: 40/40¨C ¨CStamina: 140/140¨C David glanced briefly at his readout as it suddenly pinged full, then sucked in a breath to respond before he realized that he had no idea, and instead continued to examine the silvery patterns on his wings. The skin was soft and seemed to sparkle slightly to David¡¯s sensitive eyes as he peered closely before having a brilliant idea. He pulsed the wing with Echolocation and a heartbeat later he finally understood what had happened; the new skin was delicate and covered in tiny hair-like scales that were packed almost too densely to perceive. He flapped his wings tentatively and marveled as the air around him filled with a cloud of silver sparkles that floated in the air for a few moments. The haze began to sink, slowly at first, then rapidly as it fell to dust the ground around him. ¡°I think I get it? The Ability says when you flap your wings it releases dust that affects enemies. My wings didn¡¯t have anything that could do that¡­now they do.¡± David finally replied woodenly. He bounced over to where Claire was still shaking her jaws distastefully and held his wings up for her inspection, pointing at the new patterns with his short snout. She leaned in suspiciously, struggling to see anything in the extremely low light that David was most comfortable in before she noticed them. Her mood immediately shifted a full 180, and she was soon cooing about how fancy they looked while he was immensely careful not to get any of the powder on her. ¡°I bet they look great in the light. You know, it¡¯s a real shame that you can''t see during the day and I can¡¯t see anything at night or we could get a lot more done.¡± David furled his wings in and thought about that for a minute as Claire continued to list all the things they could do if they weren¡¯t stuck with one of them leading the other around blind. She¡¯s got a point. Nocturnal is decent but it¡¯s a pain if your friends can¡¯t see in the dark. It¡¯s like we¡¯re always waiting for dawn and dusk to really¡­I actually am stupid. I¡¯m a Duskling. Maybe the System does give hints. ¡°Hey Claire, I have another idea.¡± ¡°Oh, no. Nope. Nu-uh. You¡¯re not the idea guy, that¡¯s pretty obvious at this point. I say it¡¯s my turn to hand out ideas.¡±, Claire grumbled at him with a quick shake of her head, ¡°I say you go fly around and get some exercise and I go to bed.¡± David hopped in place excitedly while he chittered at her, ¡°Hey, that works with my idea! Just hear me out!¡± ¡°What? What¡¯s your great idea this time?¡±, she sighed explosively in defeat. ¡°You go to bed, and I go look around while nobody can see me. I find a quest or something, then I come back here. We wait until the sun¡¯s coming up and then I take you there and we do the quest. It¡¯s perfect!¡± David explained happily, ¡°You can do the same thing during the day for me. If anything bad happens we¡¯re both fast, we¡¯ll just run back here.¡± Claire stared at him for a very long time with total stillness. If David wasn¡¯t close enough to hear her breathing he would have sworn she was an inanimate object, though he could see the gears turning in her head. Slowly, she clacked her jaws together before nodding at an even more glacial pace and huffed in annoyance. ¡°That¡¯s actually kinda smart. Where was all that earlier?¡± She finally conceded snottily after due consideration. ¡°Oh my god, you explode your wings and almost get eaten by monkey lizards one time!¡± 12 - Rock-Paper-Scissors Thick pines stretched away below him as David glided on the cool night air and slowly spiraled outward in his flight away from the meadow. To his absolute delight, David found that the rank up in Flight meant that the drain on his stamina while airborne was moderately decreased, and with Nocturnal active he could now glide without his Stamina falling at all. His lips wrinkled up over his canines in a snarly grin while he just enjoyed being able to coast around on the wind, the world spread out below him. David hadn¡¯t forgotten the huge shadow he¡¯d seen flying overhead that first day in the woods and kept relatively close to the tops of the trees just in case, bringing up his Status for a quick review before he got started.
User: David Fisher Species: Duskling Rank: F Health 40/40 Stam 140/140 (++) Level: 4 Exp: 014/125 Special: Echolocation F
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal: +8% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. Next Upgrade: E Echolocation: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Next unlock: E Flight: Allows for flight and gliding. Moderate Stamina drain. (stam+) Next Upgrade: C Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 65lbs. (stam+) Next Upgrade: D
Abilities: 3/4 Screech F (2pts): You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies around you. Low Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Glare F (2pts): You fix your target with a baleful gaze, inflicting Fear. Moderate Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Gloom D: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 7 times. Next Upgrade: C Empty:
Mutagens: 1/5 Unnerving Mutagen B: Your appearance is unnerving. May cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Empty: Empty: Empty: Empty:
Yep, looks good. The only problem now is going too far and getting lost. Man, I bet I could fly for hours like this if I kept gliding. Alright, time to try and find a quest, and hopefully not get eaten in the process. Positive thoughts. David firmly fixed the position of the clearing in his mind with one final glance at the gap in the trees they called home before he angled his wings and descended into the woods. Pulses of Echolocation blanketed the forest ahead of him as he drifted through the dense growth carefully, ears swiveling at every noise and a faint silver shimmer following him through the air. His wings scooped the fresh mountain wind as he glided, flapping only when he needed to dodge some oncoming branch or weave around the trunk of one of the tall pines. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. David was almost starting to get bored, even the quick dips and bobs through the air that had been so entertaining when he had first descended into the forest quickly became tiresome. He hadn¡¯t seen much, though there was some life to the forest, and hordes of tiny creatures swarmed through the underbrush. David swooped low and landed with a quiet thump against the bark of a dead tree that had fallen at an angle, propped up by its still-living neighbors. The log was mercifully stripped of large branches by weather and grey with age, its dry wood yielding quickly under his clawed wings and feet as he secured his grip. He inhaled the pleasant smell of the pines as he continued to fan the area with Echolocations before settling in to rest. ¨CHealth: 40/40¨C ¨CStamina: 58/140¨C Yeah, not letting that run out again. Meadow is¡­that way. Perfect. I got this. There¡¯s gotta be something out here, but if not at least Echolocation is probably gonna rank up soon. I¡¯ve really been underusing this, if it wasn¡¯t so laggy I could just follow Claire around during the day. Maybe it¡¯ll get better after I rank it up? David¡¯s thoughts were interrupted when the brush began to rustle nearby, his ears swiveling to catch the faint sounds instantly. He scurried to the edge of the log and hung from the side by his hind feet, ready to leap back into the air at the slightest hint of danger. David¡¯s batlike face scrunched as he directed his attention to a patch of gently moving greenery before mentally berating himself and directing a rapid series of Echolocations at the area. His claws dug into the wood excitedly as a trio of lanky wolflike creatures were revealed where they slunk through the forest, moving away from him as they hunted. David watched them go as he bathed them with more Echolocations before they finally walked out of his range, but he wasn¡¯t too worried. He glanced at his readout after a few minutes and nodded happily before taking flight in the direction they had been heading, finding them again easily. He flitted from tree to tree to save Stamina, careful to always bank around the rusty-hued creatures that seemed to have a sixth sense for staying out of sight. They threaded through the small gaps in the plant life and slithered through dense bushes with ease, well hidden from sight but not his constant Echolocations. The forest floor grew rocky as David trailed the beasts, and large mossy outcroppings of stone began to appear more frequently as they continued. The trees thinned out while flying became easier, allowing him to glide comfortably above the predators, though he cringed when he finally managed to get a good look at them in motion. Echolocation was infinitely detailed in many ways sight wasn''t, but the rapid slideshow failed to capture the true uncanny essence of the things. The beasts were large, maybe twice as big as he was, the biggest one easily three times his weight based on how big it looked from the air. They were lanky-limbed, shaggy furred, with bizarrely elongated necks and wide flat muzzles. Something about the emaciated frames of the creatures was disturbing, and David wondered if they had an Unnerving Mutagen of their own when he watched them glide like a liquid up the foothill that began to rise above the treeline. David braked hard, filling his wings with the rush of cold air flowing down the steep hill as he suddenly heard exactly what he¡¯d been hoping to hear all night. He directed his attention away from the mouth of the cave he saw the slithery wolves vanish into and everything unfocused slightly as he read the text that accompanied the happy little jingle. ¨CLandmark Quest Available: Dangerous Prey¨C ¨CReward: 120 Exp, Unlocks Pack System¨C ¨CFailure Penalty: Death¨C ¨CEcholocation has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CEcholocation has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CEcholocation rank up!¨C ¨CSpecial: F ¡ú E¨C David cackled maniacally as he allowed the brisk wind to carry him out and away over the forest, a faint shimmer under his wings mixing into the glitter of the stars above as it trailed away into the sky behind him. He flapped hard, scooping huge amounts of air as he wheeled around and dived, trading height for speed before leveling off just above the treetops and skimming his way back toward the meadow. He was happy to see that despite how long it had taken to follow the mangy things as they lurked around, it wasn¡¯t taking that long to get back. It had taken him a few hours to follow them back to the Landmark, but as the crow flies it wasn¡¯t as far as he¡¯d expected. As he steadily lost momentum from his lengthy glide, David flapped higher and began to peer around expectantly. Everything more or less looked the same, endless darkened forest in every direction, treetops waving in the wind sleepily. David however, had already learned better over the last few days and quickly picked out the details he could now plainly see. Okay, so that¡¯s the Big Lump, and that¡¯s the River over there, City is behind me¡­then the Ridge is that one there. Wobbly bald spot that looks like a goofy eye¡­Ah, there it is. Perfect. I did it! David smiled to himself as he floated down towards the meadow, absolutely certain of one crucial fact, even if he was bad at math - in the high-stakes arena of woodland Rock-Paper-Scissors, the kicky Lizard beat creepy Dogs, without fail. He caught the sweet scent of the fruit tree long before he fluttered into the top of its branches, mind buzzing with ideas as he almost reflexively snagged one of the soft orange fruits. That worked perfectly, there¡¯s no way this can go wrong. What we¡¯ll do is¡­ 13 - Five more minbets The sky was beginning to brighten on the horizon and the stars slowly faded away as the night gave way to day. David had spent a couple of hours testing the increase in potency that came with Echolocation¡¯s increase in rank. The pulses now came out in chittering bursts, the sensation feeling like a halfway point between a sneezing fit and a violent case of the hiccups. He could blanket the entire field accurately enough now to catch the way the grass under his tree was waving in the warming breeze. Can''t say I like how that feels but it''s got a way better¡­framerate? Resolution? Eh, it''s a lot smoother anyway. Goes farther too. David waited impatiently while the illumination gradually grew until he was certain that Claire would finally be able to see properly. He fluttered to the ground a short distance away and hopped closer after carefully folding his wings before poking the end of her snout several times. She continued to sleep like a log despite his repeated jabs, her pebbly hide simply too thick to feel his claws. David considered screeching at her but decided that being snapped up like a dog toy if he scared her wasn''t worth it. ¡°WAKE UP!" He howled as loudly as he could without actually triggering his Ability. She snorted a bit and rolled away, turning her large scaly shoulder towards him and tucking her head down opposite where he stood. So, he scurried around behind her, rushing through the tall grass and bouncing over a large rock along the way. He paused briefly, and then bit her on the tip of her tail, careful not to break her thick skin. She jerked reflexively in response, the motion feeling like it was going to leave him toothless as the tail was pulled from his mouth and she raised her head blearily to look at him. ¡°You ¡®spect me to fit¡­all dem fishes on the rocket ship?¡±, she mumbled grimly as she looked down her nose at him. ¡°...no?" David replied slowly after a few seconds of speechlessness, ¡°Claire are you awake? It''s time to get up. I found a quest, remember? We talked about it?" "S¡¯cold¡­gimme five minbets ¡®kay.¡± She yawned cavernously and stretched, jaws smacking together softly as she slowly woke up all the way. David tried to keep busy by picking a few of the tiny purple flowers that grew in scattered patches around the meadow with his hind feet as he waited. Claire turned her face towards the glow of dawn as a large moth-like creature landed on the end of her nose and fanned its wings prettily. Her yellow eyes slowly focused on the little bug for a few moments without really seeing anything before the slitted pupils narrowed and she sucked in a breath of surprise. The poor insect was snatched from the end of her snout like a pin drawn to a magnet, a single fluttering wing left flapping piteously as it was inhaled halfway into her large nostril. ¡°Ack! Bug, it''s a bug!¡±, Claire sneezed violently and surged to her feet while the moth vanished like a shot into the distance. ¡°First moth in orbit!" ¡°Shut it squeaky!" She rumbled as she dug at her nostril industriously with one of her stubby forearm claws, head tucked uncomfortably by her chest. ¡°You awake now?! It worked, I found one! We were right! I was flying around and I found these creepy dog things then.." If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. David rattled off the night''s events over several minutes as Claire stalked around lethargically trying to wake up and commenting on things every so often. She wanted to know how big the wolf things were, how many of them he¡¯d seen, and most importantly what made them so creepy. He didn¡¯t have a good answer for the last one, choosing to just repeat aloud his theory that they also had some sort of mutagen or another Unnerving effect after answering her other questions. He bounced enthusiastically around her as he spoke, eventually working his way through all of the details to what he considered the juicy part of the tale. ¡°Okay, so the Quest. It¡¯s something called a Landmark Quest which makes me think that I can save time from now on by just looking for¡­well¡­landmarks.¡± David trailed off lamely before he rallied a bit, ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s like almost an entire level worth of Exp and get this, it unlocks something called a Pack System if we complete it.¡± ¡°Is that good?¡± She called up after him as he flapped into the air and circled the meadow excitedly. ¡°I dunno, probably. Come on it¡¯s not that far, it''s just up the hill, through the woods, and like halfway up that ridge over there!¡± David yelled as he darted towards the ridge in question, zipping several feet off the ground. Claire stared at him like she wanted to eat him for several seconds before she started jogging after him. She left a trail of parted grass in her wake as she wove through the boulders that lay at the foot of the slope out of the meadow. David glided in a lazy circle while he shouted directions and encouragement as she picked her way up the hill until she finally roared at him for backseat driving and he wisely shut up. Deciding she could probably find her way to the top without any help he circled higher, fixing the top of the ridgeline and its huge rocky outcropping in his mind as he stared out over the trees at it. It was a few miles away by air, and if they hurried he was sure they could make it there before the sun crept high enough into the sky to blind him. He continued to ride the breeze for a few minutes with the occasional glance downwards at Claire¡¯s progress until finally she crested the steep slope. She stomped into the undergrowth before turning to shoot him a positively grumpy look and motioning awkwardly with her stubby claws for him to¡­ No, that was definitely the middle one. Man, she''s really not a morning person is she? Almost feel bad for those things when we get there. Yeah she''s definitely grumpy. Let me just¡­ |Echolocation E: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise.| |Combat Expertise: Prolonged analysis of your target grants increasing damage bonuses over time. Stacks 2 times.| ¨CHealth: 40/40¨C ¨CStamina: 115/140¨C Yeah, I still lose Stamina gliding during the day. Lame. Cannot wait to see how good Combat Expertise is either. I better get down there before she actually gets mad. Maybe I''ll walk with her a bit? David folded in his wings and let himself fall like a sandbag for a few seconds as he closed his readouts lazily. Claire¡¯s jaw dropped open for a moment before he snapped his wings open and leaned back, thick membrane billowing behind him while he slowed tremendously. He barely even grunted when he finally touched down a dozen feet away from her and closed the distance in only a few hops, glancing behind her into the woods. The wind in the air had been crisp and clean, but this close to the ground the wind from the forest carried too many smells to even name, and he wrinkled his nose in distaste. Claire snorted at how quickly his expression changed after landing before she spoke, ¡°Showoff. Now where are we going besides uphill the entire way apparently?" ¡°Okay, so I''ve had a lot of time to think about it and I have another idea. Follow me, I''ll explain it on the way!" Claire let out a long-suffering groan and began to trot through the forest as he pointed the way, gliding after every bounce to keep up with her long strides. 14 - Yo ho my lads Claire sniffed suspiciously at the cave entrance atop the ridge, crouching down into the scrub that grew around the base of the Landmark. The rocky terrain was exposed to the elements, and worse than that, Claire¡¯s relatively Large form was extremely visible without a forest to hide in. David thought that she looked a bit like his old neighbor''s enormous tawny cat trying to hide in a potted plant, but it was better than nothing, and her grey-green coloration at least blended into the mossy rocks quite well. He¡¯d spent the entire trip over-explaining his plan in complex detail only to be stumped by a simple inversion of a problem he¡¯d already grown accustomed to adjusting for. Usually, he underestimated the size of things from the sky, assuming that they were a lot larger than they were if he could see them well from a distance. This time, however¡­ ¡°David, I¡¯m not trying to rain on your parade here, especially since you even did the sound effects for the plan but¡­¡±, Claire trailed off after another long snuffle at the entrance to the cave, ¡°You know there¡¯s absolutely no fucking way I can fit in there right?¡± David fumed silently and almost snarled at the rocks while trying desperately to devise another plan as fast as he could. The cavern entrance had seemed large enough last night, though he hadn¡¯t gotten very close or inspected it after getting the Quest notification. When they had finally arrived he¡¯d been more than a little embarrassed when Claire could barely fit her head and shoulders into the thin crevasse despite its immense height. She simply wasn¡¯t going to fit, at all. Despite how nimble she was, she was still Large, even if it was the lowest Grade of the Trait. What made it so frustrating was that she¡¯d received the quest the moment she¡¯d set foot onto the ridge below the cavern, with both of them joking and snickering the whole way up. ¡°I¡­I do see that yes. I¡¯m sorry okay! When you¡¯re the size of a labrador everything looks bigger to you! I thought you could fit?¡± He squeaked grumpily and hopped to the entrance himself, feeling a draft of air from deep within ruffle the fur on his face and tug at his ears. ¡°Are you calling me fat?¡± Claire rumbled quietly in amusement when David kicked a small amount of dirt at her with his hind claws before continuing, ¡°Okay my turn for a plan. We have the quest, and we can both smell ¡®em in there for sure. I¡¯m gonna wait right here, off to the side. You sneak in a little bit and do that screamy thing at them. Then you run back out here and I¡¯ll let them run out after you then get ¡®em from behind. Sound like a plan?¡± David tried not to look impressed at how quickly Claire had come up with a lot better plan than he had as he turned to face her where she had sidled up to the rocks beside the entrance while she spoke. She shot him a placid look from a bed of thorny-looking, prickly bushes that she sat upon comfortably, thick scaly hide unbothered by the angry vegetation. He noted that she was far enough away that her faint scent was blown away by the draft coming out of the cave itself, but was close enough that her explosive speed could put her at the door in a heartbeat. All in all, it was masterfully done, and David resolved then and there to stop trying to come up with plans by himself. ¡°That¡¯s¡­I mean yeah that¡¯s pretty solid. Damn, Claire, you have a minor in ambushes to go with your mathematics degree?¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. She let her huge jaws open with amusement, visibly suppressing her desire to let out a huge barking laugh as she shot back, ¡°No, but my dad was a giant nerd and I grew up playing tabletop games with him and his old nerd friends. This is just like Bumblefuq the Mushroom-Farmer¡¯s third module when you can¡¯t fit the trebuchet into the gazebo.¡± David maintained eye contact with her for a long time as he tried to decide if she was fucking with him before eventually just nodding and turning back to face the crevasse. He shook himself like a dog, a faint silver puff filling the air around him before being swept away down the ridge. Claire nodded encouragingly at him as she hunched forward in the bushes and set her feet predatorily under her with anticipation. Something in the far back of David¡¯s mind hit an alarm switch that nobody had needed in about 65 million years at the sight, and the fur all along his back instantly stood at attention and bristled ferociously. She seemed to attribute this to him hyping himself up and nodded even harder, attempting to shoot him a thumbs up from a tiny clawed arm with no thumb. He slunk into the narrow crevasse in front of him, ears set to maximum as he chittered out a few bursts of Echolocation while he entered. It was narrow, and the walls were slick with moisture and the smell of water and earth, the ground under his feet a mixture of clay and gravel that crunched with his movements no matter what he seemed to do. The Echolocation came back after a disturbingly long wait, revealing that the crack in the earth went much farther back into the mountain than he hoped it would. It curved slightly every so often, probably following some ancient faultline or imperfection in the stone of the ridge but he wasn¡¯t too worried for the moment. Echolocation took a lot of the guesswork out of what was coming up ahead as the soundwaves flowed around the gentle curves of the cave as he continued to creep forward. It wasn¡¯t until the ceiling finally fell low to the floor and the walls closed in that the tunnel took a sharp turn downwards and David paused for a moment to consider. Just when I was getting to like how dark it is in here. I know I¡¯m not that big, but I will admit it made the entrance seem super huge when I was coming in. I¡¯m surprised those dog things even fit in here¡­Okay quit stalling and make up your mind. Either you keep going and risk getting eaten in a hole in the ground, or we pop off a sturdy Screech right at the top of this then book it. David lurked slowly through the darkness until he drew even with the sharp decline in the tunnel and chittered off a few more Echolocations, waiting patiently until the repeating pulses of sound had traveled back to him. He froze, even holding his breath as he realized exactly how lucky he¡¯d been that he hadn¡¯t decided to try the Screech and Run idea, further cementing that he really shouldn¡¯t be trying to make snap decisions with his life. The decline was steep, looking almost slide-like in its angle if it hadn¡¯t been for the rough stone of the cavern floor being more suited to grating cheese than amusing children. It continued down for maybe thirty feet before opening up in a large den-like cavern¡­ Which contained far more than 3 of the slithery dog-things he¡¯d seen before. David snarled silently in the darkness, partially in anger at being wrong for the millionth time in a row, and partially in fear as some of them were moving about, wakeful and alert. He began to shuffle backward away from the natural ramp downwards, unwilling to turn his back on the creatures but not physically designed to walk backward with ease. As he shimmied backward, he saw the fine silver mist puff out from his wings while the cloud they produced swirled curiously. He paused for a moment, watching with interest as some of the haze was blown back the way he¡¯d come and some of it seemed to be sucked down the shaft in front of him, towards the creatures. David smiled hugely in the dark. 15 - Bless you There wasn¡¯t quite enough room to hold out his wings and flap correctly in the damp mossy tunnel David was busily lurking in, but he didn''t let that discourage him. He slowly extended one wing at a time down into the steeply sloping tunnel that led into the den of the slithery dog things and shook it hard, shaking loose a thick cloud of silvery powder that drifted down the tunnel carried by a faint draft. It slowly coated the walls, floor, and ceiling in a thin and easily disturbed layer of Dusk powder that continued to spread as he alternated wings methodically to ensure the maximum amount of it drifted down the tunnel. Even in the oddly uniform colors that he saw in pitch blackness, he could see the difference between the first two-thirds of the tunnel and the bottom of the stone ramp that he was still working on reaching. That¡¯s gotta be enough right? They¡¯re gonna be almost touching all the sides when they come up, it¡¯s building up on the floor in some places. No way they aren¡¯t all totally covered in it by the time they get out¡­Maybe just another five minutes. David continued to fill the tunnel with Gloom until his wings started to itch and the silvery half-moon patterns seemed to lose their shine. He pulsed an Echolocation at them curiously only to find that the almost microscopic scalelike hairs were depleted, the membrane diaphanously thin in their absence. He shrugged a bit and admired his handiwork for a few moments, the entire slope of the tunnel now polluted by the silvery powder. Even the faint draft of air being pulled downwards was enough to disturb the almost weightless substance, making it roll over itself even further downwards in a curiously liquid-looking motion. Finally satisfied, David turned his back on the den and hustled back the way he¡¯d come, stopping just before the ceiling started to open up. Okay, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s worth Overcharging Screech for this. Man, I hope Claire didn¡¯t fall asleep or something, that took a while. I should go warn her there¡¯s more than we thought before I¨C A sneeze rolled up the tunnel behind him and David, to his horror, replied without thinking. ¡°Bless you.¡± His brain caught up with his mouth almost instantly, and he spun quickly enough that he smashed his left wing into the stone, ignoring the ache from the hit and the notification that popped up to accompany it. ¨CYou have taken 1 Impact Damage¨C He counted 8 wide, flat muzzles covered in silvery powder pointed at him as the creatures approached in total silence. They were bunched together tightly, uncannily long necks all extended over and under each other¡¯s bodies to produce an almost solid wall of malevolent faces in the tunnel ahead of them. They were utterly coated in the Dusk Powder and every one of the creature¡¯s pupils was massively dilated, the beasts shaking slightly despite their attempts to hold still and remain silent. At least two of the creatures seemed to be just going through the motions as their gaze wandered around thoughtlessly, clearly disoriented. David¡¯s heart felt like it would beat right out of his chest as he went cold, a tidal wave of adrenaline hitting him before his brain even had time to properly form a good swear word to describe the situation. Another of the beasts sneezed rapidly, breaking the standoff as David blasted out the breath he had been holding in terror. The explosion of sound had nowhere to go in the tight space, and the weight of the stone above only served to funnel and amplify it more effectively. The Screech hit the creatures like a solid wall, and their howls of pain were lost in the ringing that dominated even David¡¯s hearing in the aftermath of the Ability. Blood splattered from more than half of the creature''s ears as they shook their heads in agony, snapping and clawing at the others around them while they desperately tried to escape from the pain and confusion as the debilitating effects of David''s abilities began to add up. To David¡¯s credit, he had already begun to run, whirling in place with an agile hop and darting as quickly as his stubby legs would carry him away from the pileup of nightmares while they raged in the darkness behind him. His wings scraped painfully against the tunnel walls and he charged forward as fast as he could, suddenly painfully aware that he wasn¡¯t very fast on the ground. He reflexively pulled up his readout as the ringing in his ears began to recede and the sound of the unhinged snarling began to gain on him from behind. ¨CHealth: 38/40¨C ¨CStamina: 125/140¨C ¨CScreech has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3exp!¨C ¨CGloom has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3exp!-- Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. ¨CSlitherwolf¡¯s Disturb has faded¨C He glanced at the notifications quickly, skimming them for anything vital before a guttural snarl from close behind broke his concentration and he was smashed to the floor, teeth colliding painfully with the stone as his head was trampled. He caught a quick flash of the Slitherwolf as it bowled him over, ignoring him completely as it bit at the heels of something only it could see and surged past him at a hysterical pace up the tunnel. David was still scrambling to his feet as the rest of the group caught up to him and he was crushed by the weight of the creatures while he desperately tucked in his wings and curled into a ball. Sharp clawed feet tore into his hide and ripped his delicate wings as he was sucked into the group of maddened Slitherwolves and trampled again. He vaguely heard an enraged yelp as he became tangled in one of the beast''s legs and it crashed to the floor on top of him, snapping viciously around itself in panic. David screamed in pain as one of the bites connected with his hind leg and the Slitherwolf locked its jaws, shaking him savagely and slamming him into the stone floor with every jerk of its head. Alarms screamed in the back of his mind and his vision swam crazily when his head smacked off of a protruding rock and he was momentarily stunned, body drooping and his wings going limp on the floor. The pain in his leg was excruciating, and he felt blood begin to pour onto the ground under him as the limb went strangely cold despite the fiery pain. The creature released him after a moment and began to sniff at the blood seeping from his leg as David fought his way back from the edge of unconsciousness. The sheer pain of the bite had ignited a tiny spark of defiant anger deep in his chest and he clung to it like a lifeline, allowing it to grow and spread, pushing back against the pain. He snapped his eyes open and stared deep into the creature¡¯s slightly surprised visage as it wrinkled its bloody lips in a snarl of surprise. He felt a wave of exhaustion seep into him as he activated a long-ignored skill out of pure instinct. ¨CGlare has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CGlare has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CUnnerving Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CGloom has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CBonus: Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 9xp!¨C David let out a sibilant hiss that seemed to go on endlessly as he pinned the creature with his gaze and lurched to his feet. The Slitherwolf had frozen in horror, dilated pupils fixed shakily into his own eyes as they desperately failed to look away. He maintained eye contact as he hunched low to the floor, ears pinned back along his neck as he slowly crept towards the beast in unthinking fury, and blood smeared along the passage in his wake. The beast leaned away in fear, angling its head up and away as it tried to flee with a strangled bark of alarm. David lunged the instant that the mouthful of lethal teeth was no longer pointing at him, jaws latching onto the creature''s lengthy neck just below the jaw. Cartilage crunched and skin parted as David dug his fangs into the creature''s throat and yanked, tearing a large wound into the flesh that only widened as he frantically snapped and tore at it. He wrapped his wings around the beast''s neck as it tried to buck him off, snatching up its shaggy pelt in his claws tightly and holding on for dear life as the beast screamed while he tore into it. They crashed to the floor and he felt the beast''s sharp hind talons tear into his back as it attempted to kick him off of its neck, paws scrabbling at him savagely. David closed his eyes and continued to tear into the creature''s throat until the retaliation turned into twitching and wet, labored breathing. He released the creature and slumped to the ground, numbly limping away from its corpse as the breathing rapidly came to an end long before the twitching ceased. He glanced shakily at his readout out of reflex as his hind leg began to tingle and go numb. ¨CHealth: 18/40¨C ¨CStamina: 62/140¨C ¨CYou are afflicted by Crippled¨C ¨CYou are afflicted by Weakened¨C Half health feels more like half-dead and I don''t like how that sorta makes sense. I need to get the fuck out of here, Claire¡¯s probably in trouble. David crawled painfully over the corpse of the Slitherwolf and began to limp down the rapidly widening tunnel. He rounded one of the gentle curves in the wall and bright sunlight from the entrance suddenly stung his eyes, forcing him to squint as the barking and snarling outside grew to a frenzied pitch. A bone-shaking, raspy roar rang out that shook small pebbles loose from the walls of the cave entrance. It was followed by a split second of silence that segued smoothly into a long agonized Slitherwolf howl that cut off rather suddenly. David sat down on his haunches and smiled woozily to himself as Claire continued bellowing in anger while she distributed a vintage prehistoric ass-whupping almost uncontested. Her Large scaly silhouette sprinted past the entrance to the cave holding one of the beasts in her jaws while she pursued three others. I think I¡¯ll let her take it from here. 16 - A snack and a surprise David limped out of the crevasse and into the now stinging daylight with his eyes scrunched almost all the way closed to avoid being blinded by the sun. The terrain was shredded everywhere he looked, enormous clawed footprints and even long gouges dug into the earth were scattered around the cave exit. He noted that the first Slitherwolf hadn¡¯t even made it 15 feet out of the cave before it had been pounded into the ground, and David was pretty sure Claire had attempted to pounce on the smaller creature. He squinted around curiously at the sheer havoc she had unleashed with a bit of jealousy while his hind leg continued to throb and burn, the wound only now beginning to heal up as his Health slowly started to regenerate. The large amount of Slitherwolves could have done some serious damage to her had they been coordinated and aggressive, but David had seen to that. Instead of a unified pack of predators, what had charged out from the tunnel out into the morning light had been deafened, wounded, and confused. Claire had taken full advantage of the fact and hit them like a landslide as they emerged from the cavern. More corpses lay nearby the first, only a short distance away, their necks broken at sharp angles below the stained and bloody imprint of Claire¡¯s jaws. David couldn¡¯t help but snarl a grin at that, having been on the receiving end of being shaken half to death only a few minutes prior and hugely satisfied to see the horrible things suffer the same fate. His ears swiveled at a grisly, wet tearing sound and he shuffled awkwardly in place to face it, favoring his injured leg. Claire paused, half a Slitherwolf crushed under her foot for leverage and the other half swinging loosely in her mouth before she tossed her head back and swallowed the entire thing. She gulped a few more times, powerful neck muscles contracting as a lump moved down her throat before she snapped up the remaining half and swallowed it too, fur and all. David¡¯s eyes widened with surprise before instantly closing again as the light seared into him and Claire made a disgusted sound. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that! I was hungry and they started to smell really good!¡±, Claire barked loudly as she hung her head in shame, gore dripping from her maw to splatter macabrely against the ground. ¡°You know what? Fuck em. Eat them all if you want. Nasty creepy things.¡±, David chittered as he finally allowed himself to slump over onto his side and take the remaining weight off his wounded leg. ¡°I thought they got you! I heard you scream and then there was all that snarling, and then they ran out but you weren¡¯t there!¡± Claire wailed loudly after a long moment and came bounding over to where he lay, ¡°I was scared but I just got so mad I kinda¡­¡± David nodded tiredly, ¡°Oh they got me alright. I¡¯m lucky Gloom is such a high rank to start with or they probably just would have¨C You know what, is it just me or are Quests hard?¡± ¡°Other than thinking you¡¯re dead both times we did one I don''t think they¡¯re so bad.¡± Of course you don''t, you weigh like 1000 pounds and have armor for skin. Ugh ¨C Let''s hope the Pack system thing is good. That leveled me up for sure. Let''s take a look. ¡°Just give me a minute, you can keep eating, I honestly don''t mind.¡± Claire didn''t wait for him to insist, darting away to another dead Slitherwolf and tearing into it with hideous enthusiasm. David wanted to be creeped out by it, but he honestly couldn''t remember seeing her eat since he pulled her out of the woods and couldn¡¯t blame her. The lizard monkeys probably looked too human for her to want to eat them, and they¡¯d simply dragged the corpses away downwind and left them in a pile. He decided to just let her do her thing and called up his readouts with a thought, lightly skimming the notifications that had piled up again to clear them out. ¨CLandmark Quest: Dangerous Prey completed!¨C ¨C8/8 Beasts Defeated!¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_LQReward¡­¨C ¨CGained 120xp!¨C ¨CPack System Unlocked¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_BonusLoot¡­¨C ¨CReceived 5pt!¨C ¨CYou have reached level 5¨C If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¨CRewarded 10pts!¨C ¨CEv¡­¨C Oh nice, I did level up. Status.
User: David Fisher Species: Duskling Rank: F Health 28/45 Stam 145/145 (++) Level: 5 Exp: 036/125 Special: Echolocation E
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal: +8% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. Next Upgrade: D Echolocation E: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise.| Next Upgrade: D Flight: Allows for flight and gliding. Moderate Stamina drain. (stam+) Next Upgrade: C Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 65lbs. (stam+) Next Upgrade: D
Abilities: 3/4 Screech F (2pts): You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies around you. Low Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Glare F (2pts): You fix your target with a baleful gaze, inflicting Fear. Moderate Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Gloom D: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 7 times. Next Upgrade: C Empty:
Mutagens: 1/5 Unnerving Mutagen B: Your appearance is unnerving. May cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Empty: Empty: Empty: Empty:
Alright, not bad I guess, lots of Points for whatever good that does. Pack System? |Pack System: Allows for the formation of small Packs, up to 3 members in size. Members of the same Pack will gain access to Pack abilities. Additionally, members may unerringly determine the relative position of other Pack members at all times.| Pack Abilities? |Pack Abilities: Unique abilities for fighting with a group. Pack members must choose Offensive, Defensive, or Restorative ability, this choice can be changed every 72 hours.| Oh, shit. That¡¯s really good. I won''t have to worry about getting lost anymore, and I could sure as shit use a Restorative ability. Not even locked into anything really, I wonder if¨C ¡°Uh¡­David?¡± He minimized his Status and peered around in the sun for a bit before just closing his eyes and sending out a few waves of Echolocation. He located her quickly and oriented himself correctly before cracking open a single eye to find Claire standing perfectly still and staring off into space. Her eyes were locked on a single spot, so he knew she probably wasn¡¯t reading anything on her Status screen and became a bit concerned. ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s up? You good?¡±, David chittered back at her uncertainly, ¡°Sorry I was reading about the Pack thing, it¡¯s actually pretty cool. Gives you a free ability, basically.¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s cool, uhm, David? Did you hit level 5 as well?¡± He frowned at the odd tone she was using and nodded, ¡°Yeah¡­I¡¯m, like, 30-something xp into the next level. Why?¡± ¡°I got one of those little alerts, but it¡¯s in red. Do you just not read the alerts, or did you not get one?¡± David mentally rolled his eyes and began to pick through the notification list more carefully this time, taking his time with it. It wasn¡¯t long before he got to the bottom of the stack and found what she was talking about, suddenly understanding her apprehension. On the one hand, it was probably meant to be a good thing, and David recalled the mysterious System Communique from a few days ago. Their silence stretched for minutes, both of them grappling with more questions than answers. Every choice, huh? ¨CEvolution Available¨C 17 - Evolution_1 A massacre had taken place, evidence strewn wetly across the ground beneath the large gnarled tree so thickly that it dripped down the roots themselves to soak into the dirt. The entire area around David was suspiciously devoid of orange, though his fur was damningly sticky and his guilt assured that he¡¯d straight up murdered those fruits. He¡¯d been hungry enough to try eating a Slitherwolf himself after his Health had regenerated and his leg had slowly healed with it, not even a scar for all his trouble. Now rested, full, and restored to capacity he had wrapped himself in his wings and gotten comfortable hanging from his favorite branch as Claire sunned herself in the meadow. They had both agreed not to do anything right away, but instead, wait until David had gotten at least a little bit of sleep. Not that David was sleeping, though he did intend to read until he fell asleep. He poured over any information the System would give him, trying different wordings and strategies until he got what he wanted. He¡¯d found, to his great lack of surprise, that it responded best to the most precise, literal phrasing possible and had begun to treat it like a clunky old computer program. Define ¡®Evolution¡¯
|Evolution: How a User grows in power and progresses through Life Stages. The User is first eligible for Evolution after 5 levels, and every 15 levels thereafter. |Hatchling| |Juvenile| |Sub-Adult| |Adult| |Elder| |???| Evolutionary Paths are generated via the User''s experiences during the Life Stage. During this process, the User may spend Points to enhance their form after the Evolutionary Path is selected. Points may be spent on direct physical enhancements, or to purchase new Abilities or Mutagens.
David stared studiously at the wall of information and tried to understand it correctly before he moved on, selecting the first of the Life Stages and nudging the system with a precise thought. Hatchling. |Hatchling: The very first Life Stage, a weak and pitiful creature with great potential. All Hatchlings start life as subspecies, which are generated by the randomization of Traits. If a Hatchling can gain 5 levels, or survive for 7 days, they may Evolve into a Juvenile.| Holy shit, this is big. I can finally fix some of the issues I¡¯ve been having, I should have a ton of Points, right? I got some for Bonus Loot or whatever. I wonder what a direct physical enhancement is? I bet I could¡­ David descended deep into a food coma after about half an hour as Claire watched him idly, enjoying the warmth from the sun on her scaly hide as she lay in the grass. She was immensely enjoying the sensation of a full belly after a few days without eating, even though she felt herself growing hungry much more slowly in her new form. Claire kept her head angled towards the fruit tree, making sure to keep David¡¯s leathery wing-bound body in the corner of her eye at all times. She took the opportunity to simply relax and process the day''s events while she allowed her reptilian body to simply soak up the sunlight, a large nictating membrane sliding across her eyes as she sat motionless for a long time. Birdsong drifted through the trees as bright sunlight cast shadows through the lush grass of the meadow, tiny fluttering insects darting between patches of wildflowers as Claire watched. She sniffed the air automatically, grateful to find nothing was amiss and nobody trying to sneak down the ridge at them. Ever since David had told her that he¡¯d found those nasty Slitherwolves out hunting through the forest nearby she¡¯d kept her nose to the wind, unwilling to let anything sneak up on them like that. She might not have the best vision, but she was pretty sure she could smell fear if that was a real thing. Claire glanced at the sun again only to find that she¡¯d been basking for what was at least a couple of hours, and she snorted in irritation. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Hey, Squeaky! You said to wake you up after a bit! It¡¯s been a bit!¡±, Claire barked up into the tree after taking the time to stomp over below where David was sleeping. David jerked where he hung on his branch, grumbling sleepily to himself as he adjusted his large leathery wings. He shuffled in place a bit before his furry batlike head poked out of the tent of his wings and peered down at her, nose wrinkled a bit in distaste at the sunlight as the evening started to tilt towards dusk. ¡°I¡¯m up, I¡¯m up.¡±, David yawned shrilly, ¡°Be right down, hold up. Gotta stretch.¡± He extended first one wing, stretched it, and then repeated the process before rolling his neck a few times. David released his grip on the branch, angled his wings to scoop a bit too much air, and slowly glided straight downwards to plop onto the ground in front of Claire¡¯s clawed feet. She regarded the faint silvery haze that followed him down with suspicion and snorted a long blast of air towards the cloud that blew it away from her face. David shrugged in apology when she shot him an offended look. ¡°So, did you do any reading on the stuff while I was asleep?¡±, David asked as he flopped over into a dense pile of sun warmed grass, rolling around a bit. ¡°No, I was ¡®chillin'' honestly. A lot to think about.¡± Claire replied bluntly, ¡°Plus you like explaining stuff so I figured I¡¯d let you do it.¡± ¡°...do I at least explain the stuff well?¡± She nodded, her long scaly jaws brushing the top of the grass as she moved to sit close by, ¡°Yeah you do a pretty good job, I¡¯m always confused by all the screens, but you take to it like a fish.¡± ¡°You know what, I¡¯ll take it.¡±, David squeaked back at her before continuing, ¡°Best I can understand is when we do it it''s gonna be a little bit like when they stuffed us into the eggs, just not as bad. We¡¯ve got Life Stages, and Hatchling lasts from 0 to 5, which is the short version. Our first evolution was random, but this one lets you control where it¡¯s going and improve specific things for Points. Understand?¡± ¡°Kind of? It¡¯s like deepening your Holy Oath in Bumblefuq¡¯s¨C¡± ¡°Yeah, probably. Just like that, actually. You got it.¡±, David cut her off when he saw the mischievous glint to her usually flat reptilian stare and realized that this time she was fucking with him. ¡°Hah, got me. Yeah, I understand it well enough, I can¡¯t get out of being¡­like this¡­but I¡¯m in charge of it now.¡± He nodded sagely before adding, ¡°Oh, one more thing! It says you have to pick an evolutionary path before spending any Points to improve stuff or buy abilities and mutagens. I¡¯m not sure what those are, but it mentioned something about the paths being generated based on our experiences during the Hatchling stage.¡± ¡°So you¡¯re going to evolve into a punching bag with the attention span of a squirrel, is that what you¡¯re saying?¡± Claire guffawed loudly at his expense as he flattened his ears down sheepishly. David snickered despite himself, ¡°God I hope not, and don¡¯t you put that evil on me. Honestly, I wanna do it now, I¡¯m hoping I can fix a few things so I¡¯m not always about to be eaten.¡± ¡°Works for me.¡±, Claire agreed immediately with a skeptical look in her eye, ¡°You go first, and then let me know how it was. I¡¯ll be right here.¡± David paused for a second before shrugging and climbing to his feet. He theatrically made a show of popping his neck and pretended to pop his knuckles, the gesture looking more sinister than he¡¯d intended with the long ¡®fingers¡¯ that made up his wings. Claire gave him a sideways look that seemed to say ¡®get on with it then¡¯ as he hyped himself up a bit. Bouncing in place for a moment before he shook himself hard and sank onto his haunches. The option appeared with only a whisper of a thought, the unusual red coloration standing out against the usual blue the system seemed to favor. ¨CEvolution Available¨C Evolve. The grass froze in place, no longer waving in the wind as all sound cut off around him. He felt his body lock in place, and was no longer able to move as that familiar bubbling sensation began to fill the inside of his skull like cold water. A pale blue glow began to fill his vision, his body going oddly numb and desensitized as colors of every hue, impossible or not, dominated his vision and obscured the meadow from sight before everything settled down a few moments later. An infinity of grey fog stretched off in every direction, broken only by a single blue window that hovered immediately in front of him once again.
Beginning Evolution. You have 23 points available.
Okay, lets try this again. 18 - Evolution_2
Evolution System Initializing Collecting LifeStage Data¡­ Analysing LifeStage Data¡­ SysAutoGen_DusklingEvo¡­ ERROR: SPECIAL_EXCEPTION Retrying ¦¡SysAutoGen_DusklingSpecialEv¦¸ |Duskblight Lurker| ¦¡ |Gloomwing Shrieker| ¦® |Twilight Seeker| ¦¸ Continue ¡ú
**Communique** Salutations, David! As a participant in Wave_1 of this Integration, your Life Stage has been closely scrutinized to aid your world further moving forward! As fewer than 25% of Wave_1 participants have now secured a level-based evolution, and fewer than 10% have currently completed (4) or more quests, we have begun to move forward with dataset adjustment. Due to your continued high cooperation and interaction metrics, we have intervened to offer a Special Evolution. We sincerely hope that you continue to provide a wealth of data moving forward as we continue with the Integration of Earth. ¦¸ **END Communique** David waited patiently as the screen that floated in front of him populated with text, line by line. He had experienced a moment of terror when the text hung for a moment before spitting out the error, and only became more worried as it resolved and began to continue. He¡¯d never seen those colors, or those symbols used by the System except the messages shortly before the disaster had begun and then once more as he¡¯d woken within his egg. The communique that followed shortly after superimposed itself on his vision and temporarily obscured the window from his view, the signature at the end of the message all but confirming several of his tinfoil-hat suspicions. Somebody was in charge of this lunacy, and they had the power to step in and make sweeping changes however they saw fit. The knowledge that someone had willingly and knowingly done this to an entire planet full of people made David want to bite them in the face, bribe or no bribe. He spent several minutes internally cursing Omega, Alpha, and whoever the last one was thoroughly inside his mind after failing to do so out loud. Eventually, however, he was forced to minimize the communique and return his attention to the screen hovering languidly in the infinity of grey mist that dominated wherever he currently was. David read the names of his three options and then read them again, paying careful attention to whose symbol was attached to what before selecting the first option for inspection. The glowing blue screen flickered almost imperceptibly before displaying the information just like he somehow knew that it would and David began to read with interest.
|Duskblight Lurker| ¦¡ Every so often a member of this normally docile and skittish species is born fiercely territorial, and Dusklings that form such habits may evolve into the Duskblight Lurker. The Duskblight Lurker excels in the field of stealth and debilitation, slowly weakening its foes through the creation of clouds of Toxin, Blight, and Paralytic Venom. Though quite fragile, this species boasts a suite of adaptations focused on Speed and Regeneration, allowing it to carefully pick and choose its battlefields. Bloodline Bonus: Control Ability Stamina Cost -33%, Control Effect Duration Increase Offense: *** Defense: ** Speed: ***** Regeneration: ****
That¡¯s¡­that¡¯s not bad, I guess? I could always dump some points into Offense and Defense but I¡¯m not sure how many I¡¯d have left for Mutagens and Abilities. That Defense rating is awful, and if that Landmark Quest taught me anything it¡¯s that sometimes you don''t have the option to run. I could probably fix it up, and that ability cost decrease is great but¡­Eh, let''s see what the next one is before I make any real plans. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. David rejected the option and the screen resolved slowly into the first image it had shown once more, the error code now missing from the text and simply displaying the altered generation code with Alpha and Omega¡¯s symbols. With a mental roll of his eyes at the attempt to clean up a temporary menu, he selected the second option and began to read once again.
|Gloomwing Shrieker| ¦® Though all Dusklings are born able to effectively Echolocate, only a small fraction learn to wield their mastery of Sonic Manipulation as both shield and weapon. These few oddities of this usually cowardly species often evolve into the Gloomwing Shrieker. The Gloomwing Shrieker is adapted to be a highly aggressive, bulky, and slow species. More suited to gliding, the Shrieker often prefers to simply hover above its foes as it saturates the entire battlefield with intense Sonic attacks affecting a large area. Bloodline Bonus: Sonic Ability Damage +33%, Glide Stamina Consumption Decrease Offense: **** Defense: ***** Speed: ** Regeneration: ***
I can see how that¡¯d be useful, honestly. I wonder what it¡¯d be like to have Screech not suck? I¡¯m not sure it¡¯d be worth it picking something so heavily focused on area damage though, that¡¯s come back to bite me in the ass a few times. Still¡­ how''s that joke go? ¡®I didn''t ask how big the room was¡­something something¡¯? I miss memes. Dammit, David focus. Super high defense and pretty good offense. Same problem though, it¡¯d take a lot of Points to fix up I think..plus Claire would definitely call it a flying punching bag. David repeated the process and returned to the first screen before pausing a moment to collect himself. He eyeballed the last option nastily, debating whether it was worth it to skip it entirely because of his growing dislike of whoever this Omega was but¡­this was more nerve-wracking than he¡¯d thought it would be. David was painfully aware he¡¯d never really been good at the type of game that required meticulous character-building. That said, he couldn¡¯t afford to be rash or get too comfortable with anything when the worst-case scenario was being eaten by something that had simply been willed into existence as an optimized killing machine from the first time it opened its eyes. In the end, he simply selected the last option with a sneer and started looking over his final option before he had to move on.
|Twilight Seeker| ¦¸ Whereas most Dusklings are too timid to even fight back when attacked, savage Dusklings have been known to exist. These highly aggressive specimens often develop a taste for blood and evolve into the Twilight Seeker. Though less adapted for pure darkness, the Twilight Seeker thrives on hit-and-run aggression and retains superior aerial agility. This species has adapted to effectively hunt, isolate, and Drain their prey of its Health. Bloodline Bonus: Predatory Physiology, Draining Attacks Offense: **** Defense: ** Speed: *** Regeneration: *****
The defense is bad again, everything else looks good though. I wonder if that Health drain thing makes up for the crappy defense? I haven¡¯t seen anything else so far that drains health, that might be big. Every single one of these has mentioned Dusklings don¡¯t generally fight at all¡­What the fuck is Predatory Physiology supposed to mean then, that I can actually fight? The other ones just have flat increases or decreases to stuff, so that¡¯s gotta be it. Fuck, that¡¯s easily the best one for what I have isn¡¯t it? Twilight Seeker.
|Duskling| ¡ú |Twilight Seeker| ¦¸ Confirmed You have 23 Points. Users may spend Points to purchase Teratogenic Enhancements before finalizing Evolutionary Path selection. A 1 * increase may be purchased for 3 Points at Juvenile. Limit: 2 *, Maximum 5* Rating at Juvenile. Do you wish to purchase Teratogenic Enhancement?
That¡¯d leave me with either 17 or 20 Points right? If I remember right a basic ability is 2 Points at F rank¡­so even if the costs double every rank I should still be able to get a good ability and a couple of Mutagens. Mutagens might cost more, so I''ll just have to look at those first.. Yeah, I¡¯d be stupid not to at least increase the defense when it¡¯s my ass on the line. David spent a few moments mulling it over before eventually choosing to spend 6 Points, dropping both enhancements into Defense without a second thought. After far too many brushes with death in a short amount of time he was willing to spend some hard-earned resources on his survivability. He eyed the final screen with a bit of apprehension but decided to err on the side of caution for once, resisting the urge to split the bonuses apart.
You have selected: |Twilight Seeker| ¦¸ Bloodline Bonus: Predatory Physiology, Draining Attacks Offense: **** Defense: **** Speed: *** Regeneration: ***** You have 17 Points remaining. Accept and proceed to Mutagen/Ability Purchase?
I accept. 19 - Evolution_3 The screen poofed out of existence and David braced himself mentally as he rocketed forward through the mist at nearly unimaginable speed. The dense grey fog that seemed to go on forever in every direction blew past so quickly that he was sure they were traveling a truly immense distance with every passing second. The massive rotating cube of icons loomed out of the fog so quickly that David almost yelped with surprise at its sudden appearance. It hovered over an endless grey infinity like the calm in the eye of a storm, endlessly rearranging itself at random. It was strangely beautiful without being any less ominous, lights twinkling over its surface in rippling patterns as the swarms of icons remained in constant motion. Okay, I have 17 Points left. Mutagens first, build on what you have. I am so done being useless in a fight when fighting is all I need to do. I¡¯ve got that Unnerving Mutagen that works like a control effect at random, seems like it boosted Glare too. I noticed it leveled up when Glare did, and I got that Combo notification, whatever the hell that was. I need to look that up when I get done, that¡¯s probably important. Alright, let''s get started. Mutagens? A dusting of icons began to slide through the air toward David where the System had locked him in place, and his eyes darted around at them. As his gaze landed on the strange symbols and wild colors of each icon his mind was filled with the information on what it did along with its cost in Points. Some of these he rejected out of hand, the Mutagen in question simply freezing in the air before returning to the cube only to be replaced by another icon. Others were very interesting, and he found to his delight that he could will them aside where they remained for later comparison and inspection. |Atavistic Mutagen D(5pts): Your form becomes primordial, strengthening your body.| Yep, I¡¯ll take that one. If I''m gonna be small I''m gonna be dense. The icon in question zipped over to slowly orbit around his general area and he watched it for a moment before returning to his browsing. |Bioluminescent Mutagen E(4pts): Your flesh glows with eerie patterns, distracting or luring foes.| |Swift Mutagen F(3pts): Augments musculature and neural pathways for increased speed/reactions.| |Abhorrent Mutagen E(4pts): Excretes foul stenches or pheromones that induce revulsion.| When the fuck would anyone ever want that one? Some sort of super skunk? Bleh. I feel sorry for that guy if he¡¯s out there, seriously. Oh hey, look at that. |Lithic Mutagen F: Horn-like deposits harden across the skin creating living armored plates.| David considered it for a few moments, rolling over the idea of having some sort of armor but eventually decided against it. As paranoid as he was about finally losing a fight, he loved flying too much to potentially weigh himself down. David regretfully rejected the Mutagen but decided to remember the name of it for Claire, thinking that she would probably enjoy a bit of defense herself. He continued browsing for a long time, as the cube sent down a never ending stream of twinkling icons to him, and a stream of rejected lights returned. |Catalytic Mutagen E(4pts): Bodily catalysts accelerate biological processes.| |Symbiotic Mutagen D(5pts): Host symbiotic organisms that provide you with various benefits.| |Agile Mutagen E(4pts): You become nimble and dexterous, increasing your balance and speed.| David felt like he was there for an eternity as he sifted and sorted through an unending tide of options, refusing to simply take his chances with things that seemed ¡®okay¡¯. Gradually another icon joined the first in its slow orbit around him, and he kept searching. He even took a break to try and ask the System for definitions on his readout, but it failed to appear no matter how he tried to call it up. Frustrated, he resumed his search until finally, after what felt like several hours, he¡¯d selected all of his Mutagens. He eyed them critically before he nudged the system with his mind and banished the cloud of Mutagen Icons to fly off into the distance and rejoin the massive construct. |Atavistic Mutagen D(5pts): Form becomes more primal, strengthening your body.| |Soporific Mutagen E(4pts): Your claws produce a natural soporific. May cause enemies to fall unconscious.| |Secretive Mutagen E(4pts): You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect.| A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. David slowly nodded and accepted the purchase mentally, the icons blurring out of focus before darting into his body below his line of sight with a warming sensation. He grimaced uncomfortably as he absorbed the icons, and did a little bit of mental math. Okay, I¡¯ve got 4 Points left. That should be enough for a D-rank ability hopefully. I need a solid attack I can use a lot and that¡¯s about it. That should make this a little bit easier at least, and hopefully, this isn¡¯t going to hurt like a bitch the second I¡¯m done with it¡­who the hell am I kidding, it¡¯s gonna hurt. David sighed internally and turned back to the cube of lights one final time, focusing intently. Offensive Abilities. This time the icons came darting in directly at him, rifling out from the side of the enormous rotating cube aggressively. David cringed for a moment as they slammed to a halt before him in waves, neatly building themselves into a wall that took up most of his vision. He found he could quickly scan up and down the rows of abilities quite efficiently, and had a moment of intense irritation that the Mutagens had just arrived randomly in no particular order. David rejected the lower rank abilities immediately, wishing he could specify which rarity he wanted to see but lacking the option. There were several interesting choices, but everything so far had lacked that certain synergy with the rest of what he had. It took what felt like another hour or so before David finally found it, and he grinned hugely reading the name as it drifted closer. |Nocturnal Strike D(4pts): A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. Mild Stamina Use. Upgradable. | Bingo! I think that¡¯s as annoying as I can possibly get, now I just pray that ¡®Predatory Physiology¡¯ is as good as I think it¡¯s going to be. Here goes nothing. David accepted the ability and it darted into him as well, causing the same fleeting sensation of warmth. The world seemed to flicker for just a moment before the glowing blue screen manifested again, this time displaying an updated Status. His eyes drilled straight down the page, and he grinned happily at the results.
User: David Fisher Species: Twilight Seeker ¦¸ Rank: E Health 90/90 Stam 215/215 (++) Level: 5 Exp: 036/125 Special: Echolocation E
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal: +8% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. Next Upgrade: D Echolocation E: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise.| Next Upgrade: D Flight: Allows for flight and gliding. Moderate Stamina drain. (stam+) Next Upgrade: C Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 115bs. (stam+) Next Upgrade: C
Abilities: 4/4 Screech F (2pts): You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies around you. Low Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Glare F (2pts): You fix your target with a baleful gaze, inflicting Fear. Moderate Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Gloom D: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 7 times. Next Upgrade: C Nocturnal Strike D (4pts): A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. Mild Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: C
Mutagens: 4/5 Unnerving Mutagen B: Your appearance is unnerving. May cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Atavistic Mutagen D: Form becomes primal, strengthening your body. Soporific Mutagen E: Your claws produce a natural soporific. May cause enemies to fall unconscious. Secretive Mutagen E: You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect. Empty:
Accept and proceed with Evolution?
Yep, lets do this. David gasped as the fog bloomed with colors that couldn¡¯t exist anywhere else, swirling around him in a vortex that washed everything else away. 20 - Evolution_4 Claire watched with interest as David finished hopping a few times, his compact furry body flattening the grass below him as he hyped himself up. He shook himself hard and fixed his eyes on a point just beyond his nose. After a moment his eyes seemed to lose focus and he wobbled slightly, widening his stance slowly to improve his balance like a sleepwalker. She narrowed her eyes and kept a close watch on him as he sagged on his feet, his jaws falling open slightly, revealing long sharp canines and a mouthful of tiny fangs as he drooled on the ground. Claire grew understandably concerned and moved a bit closer, leaning down and snuffling him reflexively, her breath ruffling the fur around his ears as she found nothing amiss. She took a half step back and cocked her head curiously and continued to observe him for a few minutes before his jaws suddenly cranked open and his body heaved. A torrent of color exploded from David''s maw in impossible volumes, crashing to the ground in an unceasing torrent of rainbow light that pooled like water. The strange material quivered on the ground like a living thing, growing larger and denser by the second while Claire hissed loudly with alarm and hopped backward, her own jaws opening aggressively in shock. A storm of brilliant color flared brightly within the liquid as the pool built and grew before a large amount of whiplike tendrils emerged, wrapping around every inch of David''s batlike body before yanking him into the light. It rolled up his body violently, obscuring every inch of him under blindingly intense color before the liquid began to bubble and roil. Claire could only watch his technicolor silhouette anxiously as his wings visibly broke, loudly, before the liquid began to swirl with whirlpool patterns along the shattered limbs. Her eyes widened as the light seemed to drain into his wings as they grew and morphed slowly, rearranging themselves into powerful wyvern like forearms tipped with three sharp talons. The sound of breaking bones rang out again, and David began to swell in size as his body lengthened, chest deepening drastically as muscle bunched around his neck and shoulders. His hind limbs stretched, and wicked-looking claws sprouted from his feet. His skull lengthened and grew, canines and fangs sprouting to an alarming size before the pool of light began to dwindle. The final rivulets of energy ran along his back in delicate streams that caused a huge mane of fur to sprout up from the dense fuzz that had covered him before, giving him a ferocious appearance as it wrapped around his neck and spread down onto his back before the light boiled away to nothing. David stood unmoving for a moment before his ear twitched slightly, and he blinked in the daylight with only moderate squinting and cringing at the light as his senses returned. He turned, smoothly and without having to hop, digging the large claws that now tipped his wings into the dirt experimentally. David turned to look at himself, momentarily surprised at the length and flexibility of his neck that allowed him to crane fully over his back. ¡°What the fuck David, did you just pick the most horrible-looking thing you possibly could?¡±, Claire barked after allowing David to inspect himself for a moment, ¡°Seriously, you look like something out of a horror movie.¡± ¡°Huh. I expected that to hurt, like, a lot.¡± David replied as he turned to face her, incredibly disoriented by the rapid change in his body. ¡°No, don¡¯t change the subject. What the fuck is that? You look like...if a bat ate sabretooth tigers during the ice age or something. You¡¯re lucky I know you¡¯re cool or I¡¯d never get anywhere near you.¡± Claire shot back, demanding an explanation from him. ¡°I got a special evolution and a little message from Omega, you know, the red words? This was the best one for what I had, but the others were good too.¡± He snapped back as he began to move about clumsily, ¡°Wow these wings are hard to walk with, feels like they¡¯re too long almost. I bet I get a lot of lift now.¡± This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°So, what, you picked ¡®savage murderbat¡¯ and called it a day?¡± ¡°Yes, because eventually, something was going to rip me apart and eat me if I couldn¡¯t fight back. The other two were things that would have been great if I was alone, but I didn¡¯t take them because they¡¯d catch you with their abilities.¡± David¡¯s voice was snotty as he fixed her with new menacing eyes, ¡°I need to be able to pull my weight, and this is how I¡¯m gonna do it. Now, I learned a lot, you wanna hear it or what? I even tried to remember the names of some Mutagens I saw for you, but you¡¯ll still have to dig for them.¡± Claire looked like she was going to say something nasty back for a moment but stopped herself and thought about it, to her credit. David could see the gears turning in her reptilian mind as he slowly stretched out his wings and found to his delight that he could grasp things quite well with the small trio of talonlike claws on his wings. Weird, feels like using your thumb and first two fingers but the rest of my hand¡¯s still all weird. Arms feel kind of long too¡­I¡¯m glad I kept the crescent moon pattern, that must be because I kept Gloom. David kept his thoughts to himself as he loped up and down the meadow a short distance, fragrant grass kicking up a cloud of intense scents to his freshly sensitive nose. ¡°...alright David you have a point. I just wish it wasn¡¯t so¡­snarly looking. You were so ugly you were kinda cute before, but now you just look mean.¡± Claire sighed while watching him acclimate, ¡°Tell me about the stuff, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re dying to explain it. Seriously though, that Evolution looks like something cultists sacrifice people to appease.¡± David eyed her suspiciously as he fought the urge to continue sneezing and loped closer, powerful winged forelimbs allowing him to plow through the tall grass and slither over the large boulders concealed in the growth. He failed spectacularly and sneezed hard enough to blow his ears back before he shook his head again, turning his attention back to the enormous reptile settling down into the grass. David nodded thankfully in return, glad to not need to crane his neck upwards towards the irritating sun to speak with her as he sat opposite nearby. His hind limbs folded neatly underneath him and David leaned forward on his new forelimbs, leathery wing membrane folding neatly out by his sides as he sat. ¡°Okay, so¡­uh¡­We¡¯re some of the first people to manage an Evolution, I guess. I won''t bore you with it but people aren¡¯t handling this whole System Integration thing well. Obviously.¡± David began uncertainly as he recalled the communique, ¡°You¡¯ll see, it¡¯s in the message. It¡¯ll give you three options, mine were from Alpha, Omega, and another one I don¡¯t know the name of, honestly. I can try and draw it later if you want. Mine seemed like they were based on stuff that I did. One was really heavy on support effects and running away, one was like a Screech cannon, and this is the last one. They all gave pretty big bonuses in specific areas, and you can spend points to improve stuff. They called them Teratogenics?.¡± ¡°Okay, that sucks all I¡¯ve done is hide and fight. Also makes sense to me, I wouldn''t have bothered with any Quests or anything if you hadn''t seemed so weirdly sure we needed to do them.¡± Claire grumped a bit as she listened. If a ton of predatory reptile could look mournful, she certainly did. ¡°Mutagens are annoying to dig through, by the way. Sorry it took me so long, at least when you¡¯re getting abilities it¡¯s fast because you can just look at the category you want.¡± Claire gave him a birdlike sideways look that made shadows from the fruit tree dance across her hide as they sat beneath its branches in the grass. ¡°David, you sat there for maybe five minutes drooling on yourself, then puked like fifty gallons of glowing rainbow slime and absorbed it. The whole thing took maybe ten minutes.¡± Wait, what? 21 - Hunt Darkness had fallen heavily on the forest and the silence that had descended with it was deep and resounding. No nightbirds called out, no insects buzzed or sang, the only sounds were those of the wind blowing through the thick pines and the occasional rustle of the underbrush as small creatures busily went about their tiny lives. Nightfall was a dangerous time in this new world, as the predators stalking through the shadows cast by the moonlit canopy above were far more varied than ever. Every bush, every dip in the earth, every blind corner was something to be wary of and most creatures chose not to take the risk, hunkering down in some hidden den or sanctuary until the world was full of light once more. Some specimens seemed confident enough to move slowly through the brush, however, pausing often and carefully taking each step as they remained alert. David could respect that, especially since he had been following one such creature for about an hour. He dropped silently from the tree he¡¯d perched on, orienting himself straight down and snapping his wings out early, coasting gently ahead of the beast to land with a whisper of disturbed grass a safe distance past it. David pulsed it with Echolocations again, allowing the ability to saturate the creature, not only building Combat Expertise but also giving him a solid image of its potential abilities. The thing had long spindly legs that took tiny, meticulous steps through the detritus on the forest floor without disturbing it, despite the big and fuzzy body they supported. Its ears were even larger than David¡¯s own, and all four of them swiveled independently as they tracked various tiny sounds. Looks like a fat rabbit with a llama neck and deer legs. Weird ears, and big eyes, about twice my size, don''t look like they can see in the dark as well though. Pretty sure it¡¯s all about speed, probably jumps like a rubber kangaroo. I like them odds, and it¡¯s small enough I can probably drag it back to Claire. That girl needs more food now for sure. Alright, let''s try this. David nodded and began to slink through the forest floor, flowing over a fallen log like dark water, his long armlike wings pulling him quickly into position. He crouched next to the base of one of the pines and watched the lanky creature tiptoe through the darkness towards him steadily, its nose flaring quietly. Large ears continued to swivel like radar dishes as the beast sniffed the air, either catching wind of David or sensing something was off. It froze for a long time, and David held his breath while he froze with it, washing the position of his prey in Echolocations to keep the damage bonus active. It slowly took another step and paused again before resuming its agonizingly slow pace closer and closer to David''s ambush. The instant it was near enough David activated Nocturnal Strike, exploding away from the tree trunk as he used it for leverage, hurling himself through the air at his target. He moved silently, instinct taking over the moment he saw an opportunity to strike, vicious talons on his wings twitching greedily as he lunged. His hind claws hit barely ahead of the Nocturnal Strike, digging into the flesh of the lanky herbivore''s chest while his talons dug deep into the sinewy neck as it bleated in pain. He snapped his head forward to bite at its throat but was forced to abandon the attack as the thing sprang into the air, bucking and twisting desperately. David dug his claws in deeper and shook himself savagely, his talons tearing large wounds into the animal and filling the air with the coppery scent of fresh blood. A dense cloud of silvery powder was shaken loose from his wings where they wrapped his prey, as expected, and their combined touchdown from the panicked leap only served to blast loose another thick haze of Gloom. David continued to tear into it, only mildly surprised when it suddenly reared back, powerful neck swinging upwards and taking him with it into the air. David took the opportunity to snap his jaws forward, feeling his fangs break through the thick fur and slice cleanly through muscle and hide to clamp down hard. Expecting the creature to attempt to leap away again, he was more than a little surprised when it swung its neck like a hammer straight at the ground, and he was forced to release his hold and flutter away. The creature¡¯s neck and chest crashed into the ground with tremendous force, the solidity of the attack making David realize he was still a good bit lighter than his prey. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Damn, didn¡¯t that hurt? That would suck pretty bad if I¡¯d held on. Pretty sure I can heal it off but let''s not test that too much this early. I wonder if it¡¯s-- Yep there it goes. So it can see in the dark a little bit then, it dodged that branch. Let me just¡­Yep, Nocturnal Strike barely stole anything, not a high Stam build. Well, sorry to say buddy you¡¯re probably not gonna get too far. ¨CHealth: 90/90¨C ¨CStamina: 205/215¨C ¨CNocturnal Strike has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CSoporific Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CUnnerving Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C David watched as his prey threw itself into the air with another bleat of pain, bounding away in an impressive series of acrobatic leaps. He gave it a moment to wear itself out then took off again, surging into the air with only a few powerful wingbeats. His body had grown, almost doubling in size since his Evolution and it had taken him several hours to get used to the sheer length of his new wingspan, but it came naturally to him now. He alternated his own powerful leaps, gliding, a bit of running, and some bursts of frenzied flapping as he followed his nose through the trees to where the doomed creature was walking drunkenly in circles. Its legs shook and its mouth hung open, tiny flecks of blood staining the foam that was beginning to build up at the corners of its muzzle. David fluttered to the ground a short distance away, draping himself over a large mossy boulder while his talons clicked softly against the stone. He chittered a burst of Echolocations, refreshing his buffs while the thing slowly came to a halt and its eyes began to droop. David continued to chitter Echolocations while he slowly crept off his perch, stalking closer with care to avoid the debilitated creature¡¯s line of sight as he circled it. The creature¡¯s ears swiveled suddenly to focus directly on him as he neared within striking distance again, and its head snapped around with surprising speed to follow. David responded instantly with an ability that he was growing to enjoy more now that he had Stamina to spare for it. ¨CGlare has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CSoporific Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CBonus: Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 9xp!¨C Yep, looks like it¡¯s a minimum of 3 effects to trigger a combo. Well, that¡¯s nice, I do that by default. As soon as the Glare had hit, the creature attempted to leap away again but lacked the strength. Its legs gave out from beneath it, and it collapsed to the ground, heavy terrified breathing slowly becoming even and steady as the soporific took effect. David observed it for a few moments, a small part of him pitying the poor thing that was about to be dinosaur food as its chest rose and fell in the faint moonlight that shone through to the forest floor. He felt bad, but he also needed to level his new toolkit and help feed his friend¡­his really big friend. Sweet dreams buddy, catch you on the other side. I¡¯ll say hi to Claire for you, she¡¯s gonna love you. David pounced. 22 - Share Status ¡°Sooo¡­oh, whoa. I think that worked.¡±, Claire rumbled loudly, "So we''re in a Pack now?¡± David nodded dumbly as he stared down at the behemoth Claire had become in awe. She had easily doubled in size, standing almost 10 feet tall at the hip, thick armored plates covering her back from her head to the tip of her tail. She''d gained muscle, mostly in her neck and legs, giving her a stocky bullish appearance. Her jaws had widened, and her scaly skull was now encased in bony armor, thick horn plates protecting her snout and jaws. The tiny useless arms had lengthened and swelled in size, and now sported sturdy hooked claws while long sharp teeth protruded slightly from her maw. David couldn''t help but think she¡¯d gotten rather lucky with her Evolution. ¡°Okay, now say ¡®Share Status''. I stayed up reading about it after I hunted the uh¡­jackalope? Bouncey-llama? ¡­Breakfast.¡± David trailed off for a moment, "We really need names for these things.¡± "Yeah, you do that a lot. Share Status." David blinked in surprise as a screen appeared in front of him, displaying his Status for a brief instant before flickering and replacing itself with new information.
User: Claire Dombrowski Species: Bonejaw Brute ¦¡ Rank: E Health: 230/230 (++) Stam: 100/100 Level: 5 Exp: 084/125 Special: Shred D
Traits: 4/4 Survivalist F: Slow metabolism allows for longer periods between feeding, lowered water requirements. Next Upgrade: E Shred D: Your attacks ignore a moderate amount of the enemy''s physical defenses. Repeated attacks cause Wound ailment. Next Upgrade: C Raw Power F: Your bloodline thrives in battle, bolstering your vitality. (health+) Next Upgrade: E Large C: Your form is large, weighing no more than 5,000lbs. (health+) Next Upgrade: B
Abilities: 4/4 Kick E (2pts): Lash out with your clawed feet, damaging a single enemy. Mild Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: D Rend F (2pts): You rend the target, inflicting Bleed. Moderate Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: E Grab D: Seize your target, grappling them and inflicting damage over time. Variable Stam consumption. Next Upgrade: C Thundering Roar E: Let out a thunderous roar, intimidating enemies and bolstering the physical attack and defense of allies for a short time. Next Upgrade: C
Mutagens: 4/5 This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Swift Mutagen B: Augments musculature and neural pathways for increased speed/reactions. Lithic Mutagen E: Stone-like deposits harden across the skin creating living armored plates. Devourer''s Mutagen D: Allows for rapid healing for a short time after consuming fresh food. Lockjaw Mutagen E: Strengthens your jaws, improving the damage you deal with bites and grab effects utilizing your jaws. Empty:
¡°What happened to not wanting to be mean? And where the fuck did you find a healing ability? I spent forever looking for those and didn''t see a single one.¡± David barked in irritation as he read through her Status before dismissing it, ¡°Share Status.¡± Claire rumbled again as her snout began to move as if she was reading, and David felt the sound in his chest as much as heard it, "I think it''s from the special Evolution. It mentioned that the bloodline swallows enemies whole.¡± ¡°Oh, so you can pick ¡®noob eater¡¯ and it''s cool but when I wanna get in on the action I''m snarly?¡± "Nah, you had a point. I thought about it and you''re probably right. All those quests wanted us to fight stuff, there''s no getting away from it. And if everyone else can''t even manage to evolve I need to be able to protect my family from people that did when I find them.¡±, Claire replied with a hint of guilt at having shamed him for his own choice. Shit, now I feel like an asshole. How are we even gonna find her family? Or mine? The other waves haven''t even started yet, and we don''t even know when they''re supposed to begin. I wonder if they''re all still at home back in the¡­ ¡°CLAIRE! Did you live in the city?!" David screeched suddenly, leaping down from the fruit tree nimbly to land on her broad armored back. ¡°What the fuck? Who said you could ride me asshole?" Claire hissed loudly before shaking herself and sending him flapping back into the air indignantly, ¡°But yeah, my job¡¯s over in Redfield, and I live in the city. Good old Riverport, same as you.¡± "You think everybody is still there? We panicked and took off, I can fly and you''re fast. We just booked it because that''s what our instincts told us to do, and we ended up out here. Why don''t we go back?! I bet there¡¯s stuff we missed!¡± Claire''s jaws fell open; she stood there breathing heavily for a few moments as her pupils dilated in excitement. She sucked in a massive breath and roared back at him loudly enough to scare the insects around the meadow into flight. ¡°WHY DIDN''T WE THINK OF THAT BEFORE?!¡± "I DUNNO I WAS BUSY TRYING NOT TO GET EATEN!¡± He screeched loudly in reply, further scattering the wildlife. David let himself drift to the ground in front of her, craning his neck upwards as she stared down at him. Claire flexed her claws reflexively in anticipation as she considered the possibilities before she slowly became hesitant, clacking her jaws the way she always did when she thought of something negative. ¡°Actually, that might be dangerous. What if people attack us? I''d shit myself if I saw you, no offense. I''m probably just as bad on the other end of the spectrum. How would we even recognize our families anyway? I can''t even fit into my mom''s apartment anymore and¡­and I¡­what if they¡­¡±, Claire''s voice was quiet and uncertain by the end of her diatribe as she trailed off. ¡°We don¡¯t know any of that until we go look, it might take a day or two for you to get there now that you¡¯re¡­uh¡­¡± David began strongly before waffling a bit. ¡°Are you calling me fat?¡± ¡°Oh shut up, what I mean is...Okay, this is gonna sound stupid but bear with me okay?¡± David rattled off, ¡°Most games have like a, uh, new players zone? Where you can learn about the game system and things aren¡¯t as dangerous. Our System seems like something you¡¯d see in games like that, but we just ran off immediately and ended up here. It¡¯s possible we just fucked up, and we weren¡¯t supposed to make it this far yet.¡± ¡°Are you saying that we made it harder on ourselves by freaking out and trying to run away then?¡± Claire seemed to consider what David was saying critically. ¡°Honestly? I think we did. There are still 2 days left before most people finish the Survive 7 Days quest for their evolution, and I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll be getting a special evolution for doing it that way. Think about it. The message from Omega seemed to imply it was a reward for ¡®participating¡¯ in the Integration, and that they were learning things from our ¡®data¡¯. I bet that¡¯s because nobody wants to leave a safer zone if they don''t have to.¡±, David sagged a bit on his feet as he chattered everything out in almost a single breath. ¡°So we go back and do what, exactly? Terrify everyone we meet into hiding under a rock? ¡°Honestly? We just try to find out what happened to the people that aren¡¯t in Wave 1 and see if there are quests we could do now that we have an edge. If it works like I think it might, we can just backtrack and get a bunch of xp for a huge lead now that we evolved. Then if we do run into assholes that try to hurt us¡­Well, y¡¯know¡­¡± David¡¯s lips crept up over his large sharp canines in an entirely unpleasant-looking smile. Claire¡¯s jaws snapped together meaningfully in response to David¡¯s grin as she replied, ¡°Alright, I¡¯m in. How do we find our way back though? You just gonna fly around until you find it?¡± ¡°Nope, I already know¡­sort of. I know where the river is from here, and I know Riverport is upstream. We¡¯ll just follow the river.¡± He gestured with his head in the river¡¯s general direction as he spoke. ¡°Oh, perfect. I haven¡¯t drank anything since I hatched and I¡¯m starting to get kinda thirsty.¡± ¡°..well shit, let''s get moving then. We got the whole day to get there, we can make it for sure.¡± David flattened the grass around him with the wind from his wings as he leapt into the air and called back at her, ¡°It¡¯s just up this ridge, and over the foothills in the woods!¡± ¡°WHY IS IT ALWAYS UPHILL?!¡± David grinned slightly at Claire¡¯s anguished roar as she began to jog after him. Time for some answers, but first let''s get Claire a drink. I feel like I¡¯m forgetting something¡­ 23 - Caution: Water ¡°Just keep going straight, you should smell the water in like an hour¨C¡± Claire growled so loudly that David¡¯s fur stood on end, mane rising with his hackles to make him look more intimidating. It failed miserably as the enormous armored reptile glared at him while she maintained her death march toward the river in the distance. Several hours had passed since they left the meadow, and the sun in the sky indicated it was a few hours past noon at the most. The dense pine forest had begun to thin as they left the foothills, giving Claire some room to run, meaning they¡¯d made good time. David had experienced another of those hindbrain alarm-bell moments the first time he¡¯d watched her build up some speed when she had the room, everything in his subconscious screaming at him that things that big shouldn¡¯t be able to go that fast. ¡°No. It¡¯s your fault you forgot to eat a fruit before you left. What were you gonna do anyway, carry them in your back feet? Gross. We¡¯re almost there anyway, you can eat with me whenever we hunt something. You wanted to be a predator, cowboy up, and eat what you hunt.¡± Claire grumped at him as she stomped through the underbrush without the slightest attempt at stealth. She simply brushed the forest''s obstacles aside without the slightest care in the world, thick branches cracking loudly and bushes smashed firmly under her feet unnoticed. David glided mournfully alongside her as closely as he could to avoid shouting, ¡°Easy for you to say, you can just swallow stuff without having to taste it. Those things were like¡­all the best parts of every fruit with none of the downsides.¡± ¡°Boohoo, you know how hard it is to swallow something as fuzzy as that last thing was? Imagine trying to eat an entire orange wrapped in cotton balls, except it has legs.¡± Claire huffed as she shot David a sideways glance. David shook his head, ¡°Yeah, yeah. We¡¯re almost there anyway.¡± He gained a bit of altitude, weaving through the spaces between trees until he could finally spread his wings freely and flap hard. Claire rumbled a bit but kept going, already accustomed to his little reconnaissance flights to maintain their bearings. The Pack feature made it impossible to lose each other, and David simply knew somehow which direction she was in. It was mildly disconcerting but extremely useful, so he just tried not to think about it too hard, choosing instead to enjoy the updraft. He allowed the gust to carry him into the sky, his leathery wings filling like sails as he maneuvered himself along comfortably. ¨CHealth: 90/90¨C ¨CStamina 197/215¨C David grinned as he minimized the readout, quite happy with his new evolution. Both his Stamina and his Health regenerated fairly quickly now, thanks to the increase from the Twilight Seeker¡¯s phenomenal Regeneration rating. That translated into being able to Glide for free, sometimes even being able to regenerate a small amount of Stamina while flying if he caught the wind like he was doing now. David flapped hard, soaring high above the trees and into the cooling evening sky as he gazed down below into the distance, confirming their heading. Light twinkled prettily off the river only a few miles away, the glitter of light stinging his eyes with every passing moment. He caught the faint scent of cold, fresh water carried with the wind towards him and realized that Claire could probably smell it all along, and simply wanted to hurry. David folded his wings and dropped, heart fluttering in his chest as he let gravity pull him down into a rapid dive, feeling the wind tug at the mane of fur around his head and neck. He unfurled his wings before he drew even with the tops of the trees, feeling the muscles burn in his chest and back as he converted momentum into speed and darted across the forest, straining to keep his wings level as he rocketed forward. The wind flattened his ears to the back of his head and he banked hard to the right, flapping into the turn as he wheeled back towards Claire and dived again, dropping through the branches and gliding onto the ground. She emerged from the trees moments later, preceded by the crunching and stomping that echoed out around her. ¡°You know,¡± She rumbled as she came into view, ¡°Now that I can tell where you are, I can tell how fast you¡¯re going. You¡¯re such a lucky little shit. That seems so fun.¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s probably my favorite thing. River¡¯s like a mile or two up ahead, max. We¡¯ll probably be there in just a bit. We¡¯ll get some water, see if there¡¯s anything to eat, and then start heading upstream before we find somewhere to sleep?¡± David asked hopefully, ¡°I was up all night and then we just kinda got excited and took off, I¡¯m exhausted.¡± Claire stopped momentarily and then nodded, ¡°I didn¡¯t think about that, sorry David. In my defense, you were the one that took off and I followed you.¡± ¡°Okay, so maybe I got excited and flew off. We still only have so much time before other people start evolving, and some people managed it already too, not just us.¡± He replied with a bit of a yawn. ¡°Okay, let''s get going then. I really want some water now that I can smell it. We¡¯ll get there, take a little look around, and you get a nap somewhere safe while I take a look around for once.¡± David nodded happily, his long batlike ears bouncing along with his enthusiasm as he hopped back into the air and resumed gliding lazily. They chatted for a bit about the various smells and sounds echoing from the forest around them as they continued onwards. Claire remarked multiple times that something smelled bad upwind of them, but couldn¡¯t quite identify what it was. David couldn¡¯t smell it no matter how hard he tried, even going so far as to make a short flight upwind to find it before returning as Claire neared the river. He soared down from above the treeline to find her crouched on the shore, scooping up gallons of water with every mouthful. ¡°Is that a happy noise, or are you trying to give me nightmares?¡± David quipped as he bounced to a landing on the smooth gravel of the riverbank. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. She paused briefly to breathe, shaking her head and sending water flying everywhere with the motion. Claire turned to look at him for a moment as she remained crouched and David¡¯s hackles puffed up again involuntarily. She snorted in amusement and motioned for him to join her, waving him over with her head. ¡°Yeah, real scary poofball. Better come drink something and we¡¯ll find you somewhere to take a nap.¡± Claire called out sassily. David loped over to where she sat crouched by the river and looked out across the fast-moving water. It was deep and wide, and he knew the current was fairly strong since it was still used to ship goods downstream to the sea on occasion. The water smelled clean and crisp, and he could easily see nothing was lurking beneath its surface so he bent his head and had a moment of confusion. Uh¡­I¡¯ve been eating fruit this entire time, I don¡¯t know how to drink with a bat face. Alright, just play it cool. David shoved his entire snout into the river before quickly changing tracks with an explosive sneeze, the force of the outburst rocking him back onto his hind feet. He eyed the water suspiciously, silently grateful that Claire was too busy doing her best to drink the river dry to notice his foolishness. He slowly bent his head again, before solving his conundrum as he began to lap water from the river. It was refreshing now that it wasn¡¯t going up his nose, and he drank happily alongside his enormous companion. David¡¯s gaze wandered a bit, flicking out over the water to the opposite shore and he became lost in his thoughts. ¡°DAVID MOVE!¡± Claire bellowed suddenly in alarm. David jumped at the noise, but not far or fast enough. A streak of silver flashed beneath the surface as a long narrow mouth full of needlelike teeth exploded from the water like a torpedo, snatching him firmly by the wing and wrenching him into the water. The pain of the bite made David suck in a surprised breath, and it saved his life as cold water closed over his head and the huge fish bit him again. He snatched reflexively with the talons on his wings, half blind and disoriented as his blood filled the water around him. He felt his talons pierce the creature''s tough scales and hauled his jaws forward while pulling and snatching at the fish with his other wing. David sunk his fangs into the cold body of the creature as it arched its body and attempted to bite his neck, the long thin jaws failing to find purchase through his dense mane. Claire bellowed at an impossible volume and David felt the water surge and roll in a huge wave as she crashed into the river, three huge steps putting her between their ongoing battle and the deep water of the river behind her. She plunged her jaws into the water, thick nictating membrane protecting her eyes as she darted her head about in search of their exact location in the growing cloud of blood that stained the water. David repeatedly tore and clawed at the fish while it bit him, feeling his health drop and regenerating simultaneously as his Draining Attacks were put to the test as he fought his way back to the surface. ¨CHealth: 69/90¨C ¨CHealth: 74/90¨C ¨CHealth: 65/90¨C ¨CSoporific Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CSoporific Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C David ignored the notifications and sucked in a huge lungful of air before cramming his face back into the water and slamming half of it out in a Screech, a huge bubble erupting from his jaws as a visible shockwave rocked the huge fish. Claire grunted with pain and snatched her head from the water, shaking her head painfully, having caught the edge of the attack. ¨CScreech has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CInflicted |Stunned| on River Tyrant¨C David took the opportunity to shred the helpless predator, tearing huge rents with his claws and biting savagely several times before he released it. It floated to the surface and was rapidly carried away by the current as David began to swim back toward shallower water, his wings working oddly well for swimming despite the blood pouring from the myriad of tiny puncture wounds left by the ambush. He coughed violently as he exited the river, Claire following close behind as he loped up onto the shore far from the water, shaking himself violently. He sat, panting and glaring at the dead fish floating downstream before he inspected his wounds. ¨CHealth: 83/90¨C ¨CStamina: 171/215¨C ¡°HOLY SHIT! YOU OKAY?!¡± Claire roared again, making David¡¯s ears ring with the volume. David winced a bit from the many tiny puncture wounds as he nodded in reply, ¡°Yeah! I¡¯m good, I think. I healed a lot of the damage back because it couldn¡¯t get away once I grabbed it. I think I peed a little bit though.¡± ¡°Holy shit!¡± She repeated at a more reasonable volume, ¡°I saw it for like a second and then it just shot at you. You fucked that thing up! I thought all that blood was you for a second, but then you popped back up and went down on your own again.¡± David wasn¡¯t listening, his gaze now fixed firmly in the distance, at what was perched on one of the large boulders scattered about the river nearby. His ears snapped around following his eyes and he chittered out a quick Echolocation that confirmed he wasn¡¯t having a near-death hallucination. Claire stopped talking and followed his gaze, chuffing hugely in shock as she finally saw what he¡¯d gone still and silent to stare at. A huge golden bird perched on a boulder about 50 feet away, wings folded neatly at its sides. It was larger and heavier than David, easily in the Medium size category, large as a full-grown man. A large crest of feathers crowned its head, raised curiously as it watched them over the top of its heavy eagle-like beak with piercing blue eyes. It noticed them see it and hopped down from the boulder, wings held slightly from its body as it bounced to the ground. It walked slowly towards them, ducking and turning its head with interest as the crest of feathers on its head rose and fell with the motions while it approached. Claire rumbled at it warningly when it came within the last 20 feet and it halted, slicking down its feathers and pulling in its wings. Just as David was about to say something, the bird opened its beak and spoke, their voice surprisingly deep and soothing. ¡°Damn, I thought I was one of the only ones that made it out this far already. Is that a god-damned dinosaur?¡± Oh¡­it¡¯s a people. 24 - So what had happened was ¡°Bigbird.¡± ¡°DevienTart OC.¡± The enormous golden bird shot back without missing a beat. David¡¯s lips wrinkled up in a snarl and he flattened his ears in response, ¡°Oh that¡¯s low. You take that back!¡± ¡°Too far?¡±, It replied casually as he sat comfortably on a boulder a half dozen feet away from where Claire and David rested nearby. The sound of the river surging along its course was loud, and they assembled only a few dozen feet from the shore in a thick stand of trees at the bird''s request. ¡°It¡¯d be faster to just whip your actual dicks out, unless you two aren¡¯t done flirting yet?¡± Claire grumbled at their antics as they both turned their gazes towards her. ¡°Shit-talking is a time-honored tradition.¡± David replied dismissively, ¡°How am I supposed to believe he¡¯s trustworthy if he won''t talk shit?¡± ¡°You¡¯re a weirdo, you know that?¡± The stranger clucked to himself as he began to clean his wings, the feathers making delicate, sharp noises as he straightened his plumage. ¡°Okay, enough of this. Hi, I¡¯m Claire. This is David. He¡¯s good people and has a talent for working the System thus far.¡± The eagles gaze suddenly drilled into David with extreme interest, icy blue eyes looking incredibly out of place on such a large bird. David had to force his hackles down, desperately wishing his mane would stop floofing out every time another predator made eye contact. They carefully arranged their wings and squatted on the rock. He fluffed himself up comfortably, the ruffle moving slowly up his neck to his head where even the feathers on his face poofed up. He looked out over the river towards the sun, clearly checking how much daylight was left David suspected, before bobbing his head. ¡°Yeah, hey, I¡¯m Kai. You guys pull a runner into the woods after hatching?¡± He asked bluntly and sat waiting for a response. ¡°Uh¡­yeah? After you get an evolution, it¡¯s not so bad in the forest.¡± David replied with a shrug of his wings, ¡°I will admit I got the shit kicked out of me a few times, my hatchling stage couldn¡¯t fight its way out of a ball of yarn. Luckily I bumped into Claire here.¡± Claire nodded a bit, ¡°More like he went hunting around for other people that got lost, he¡¯s nice, don¡¯t let him fool you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s good you guys ran into each other out there. We sent Flyers and Trackers looking for people after a couple of days¡­found most of ¡®em too, or what was left anyway.¡± Kai deadpanned with just a hint of sadness, ¡°Most people have been waiting for the evolution Quest since then. Not many of us risked going out and ended up evolving, but there¡¯s about a dozen, myself included.¡± Claire clacked her jaws together thoughtfully and David couldn¡¯t help but silently agree, his ears staying firmly plastered back in agitation. He couldn¡¯t disagree that if it hadn¡¯t been for Claire saving him from the Encounter, and his Control effects on the Slitherwolves they both could have been toast. David could easily imagine what it would be like to suddenly be staring down a large predator, challenging Quest, or a myriad of other things as a lone Hatchling. He plainly saw from the way Claire held herself anxiously that she was having similar thoughts as Kai continued speaking. ¡°There¡¯s about 36 hours left on the Evolution Quest for most people. I don¡¯t know what you two had planned but if you don''t have, uh¡­¡± Kai trailed off forgetfully for a brief moment as if considering something, ¡°...Pressing obligations? We could use a little help.¡± ¡°Yeah, I dunno. What type of help? Who¡¯s we?¡±, Claire rumbled distrustfully as she scooched her bulk slightly behind David. He turned and shot her an incredulous look, a little surprised at how suspicious she was of the newcomer before he turned back to Kai. The bird sighed tiredly, ¡°Look, the simple fact is we need food. We hunted everything in Riverport to extinction, there¡¯s nothing left but us. ¡®We¡¯ is probably, I dunno, 150 people or so? There¡¯s probably more hiding around, and we have a speed demon that¡¯s been to Redfield and back, they have forty people or so over there.¡± Shit. That¡¯s not as many people as I thought, but it¡¯s still enough to make me uncomfortable. Way more so if they¡¯re all hungry, hey wait a minute! ¡°Are you saying that everyone¡¯s a predator? I don¡¯t know how else you¡¯d be out of food.¡± David chittered questioningly back at him. ¡°What? No, you idiot.¡± Kai screeched loudly after a long-suffering blink, ¡°How much food do you two need in a day, in pounds? Now imagine there¡¯s sixty or so of you. How long before you hunted it all? Come on man, this is simple stuff at this point.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve had the opposite problem, okay? We were, like, thirty miles in the woods. You know how much stuff is out there?¡± David snapped back reflexively, ¡°I get it, I¡¯m not that dumb.¡± Kai ruffled his plumage again and stood, shaking himself with a faint tinkling sound as his feathers lay flat. He looked at David for several seconds before turning his gaze to Claire and considering his words carefully, large sharp talons kneading the earth as he thought. ¡°How about this then, we have a couple hours before dark and I¡¯m supposed to be hunting. Help me bag something a decent size and come drop it off with me, have a look around, and if you don¡¯t like it just leave.¡± His icy blue eyes constricted as he focused on the pair of them, ¡°Nobody¡¯s really in charge, and we¡¯re all just doing our best until these fuckers manage to evolve and can take care of themselves. A lot of people still just don¡¯t get it, dude.¡± This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. David turned to look behind him at Claire questioningly as he spoke, ¡°I mean we did come here to see what happened, if it¡¯s weird we bounce?¡± There was a short pause before she grudgingly nodded and stood, scaly hide looming up in the air behind David as Kai spooked a bit. David noticed with satisfaction that he¡¯d startled the moment Claire¡¯s eyes had locked onto him, feeling a bit vindicated it wasn¡¯t just him that thought it was terrifying sometimes. Claire turned without a word and stomped out of the stand of trees, swinging her bony snout into the air and sniffing deeply several times before exhaling a long rattling breath. David motioned for Kai to follow and hopped out of the sparse grass into the air, gliding towards where the scaly behemoth stood along the riverbank. ¡°There¡¯s something upstream, that way.¡± Claire pointed with her snout, ¡°Fetch. I¡¯ll start heading that way.¡± ¡°You two have a system to find each other?¡± Kai asked curiously as he spread his wings, ¡°Roars or something?¡± David shot Claire a quick look that she noticed at the last second and slammed her jaws shut instead of replying. There was no way he had the Pack system unlocked if he was asking that, and David wasn¡¯t about to tell him about it until they knew more about the situation. ¡°Bat stuff, it¡¯s my special. Ubersound, or however you say it.¡± David quipped before he launched himself into the air with a few flaps of his leathery wings. Kai shrugged and followed him up, his wingbeats oddly musical as David realized his own were nearly silent by comparison. He barely caught the sound of Claire muttering about ¡®Ubersound¡¯ and ¡®dumbshits¡¯ as he powered away through the air, grinning hugely to himself at her muttering. David wasn¡¯t sure he wanted to hang around and help but he had to admit he was curious, and he angled his wings into the wind, drawing even with the huge eaglelike bird as he stared intently down at the ground ahead of them. ¡°Any differences between the city and the forest I should know about?¡± Kai replied just loud enough to be heard after thinking about it for a few minutes in silence, ¡°Less dangerous, most of the Quests are easy. I got a few levels there before I headed out farther. Did a few Hunt quests and got my evolution, we¡¯re set up at Woodland Park.¡± Well, that part kinda makes sense. The park is like, right on the edge of town by the river, there¡¯s that giant ass warehouse the city uses for all the holiday stuff right there too. Wouldn¡¯t it just be easier to bring people out here and do quests with them than bringing food back? Just as David was about to voice his opinion Kai folded his wings and dived, whistling through the air and crashing through the sparse tree line like a falling bomb. David shot a glance back at Claire, who was lagging several minutes behind by foot before snarling and diving after him. He slithered smoothly through the hole Kai had simply smashed through the branches and braked hard, Echolocations soaking into the entire area ahead of him as he surveyed the scene. Kai was dumber than he was, obviously, and David was forced to admit that the second he finally got a good reading on the situation. The enormous golden bird was latched firmly to the back of something that looked like a crossbreed between a bear and a wild boar. It was hunchbacked in the extreme, with long curling tusks that emerged from its stubby jaws. Kai had sunk his talons into the meat of its shoulders and was holding on for dear life like a bull rider, the monster bucking and whirling in an attempt to throw him off. ¡°LITTLE FUCKING HELP MAYBE?¡± He screeched up at David as they whirled past beneath him while he hovered there in shock. Is this what it¡¯s like when I just do stuff? No, I make plans. Time to do that I guess¡­uh¡­usually, I have more time. Okay, you¡¯re a Controller, let''s get this under fucking control. Don¡¯t overthink it. David folded up his wings and allowed himself to drop, bouncing with a loud snarl as he hit the ground a bit harder than he intended to in his haste. ¨CYou have taken 1 Impact Damage¨C David darted after the idiot and his steed as they careened through the undergrowth away from the river. Kai wrenched his talons and clamped his beak on the beast''s ear, twisting hard and forcing it to turn back towards David with a furious roar. David crouched low in the brush as the monster surged towards him, waiting until the very last second before leaping forward. He extended his wings threateningly and hissed with every ounce of malevolence he could muster as he activated Glare. ¨CUnnerving Mutagen level up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CGlare level up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C The creature bawled in shock and tried desperately to abort the charge, wrenching his gaze free of David¡¯s eye contact and attempting to turn at a sharp angle. Its feet tangled rapidly as it failed to keep its balance with the violent passenger tearing into its back and it hit the ground hard. David surged across the ground, leaping into the air and flapping once to build speed before the sound of crunching foliage made his right ear swivel involuntarily mid-leap. He slammed his wings back as hard as he could and darted forward, feeling a slight tug on the fur of his back as he blew past the second bear monster that plowed through the thick stand of trees, roaring furiously. David had a brief impression of Kai standing across from the first beast, wings extended slightly as he stalked towards it, beak and talons smeared with blood. Then it was gone as he quickly banked right, coming in fast with frantic wingbeats as he rifled straight towards the new enemy before it had time to orient itself. ¨CHealth: 89/90¨C ¨CStamina: 165/215¨C Nocturnal Strike activated with a thought, squeezing just a bit of extra speed out of the attack run as David struck the beast squarely in its unprotected side, the sheer velocity of the impact blasting loose a huge cloud of Gloom before he dug in. David just barely made out the sound of something odd over the volume of the creature''s bone-shaking roar of aggression in response to his attack before he buried his fangs into the dense muscle of its neck. Is that fucking asshole bird laughing? 25 - A little help? ¨CYou have taken 18 Impact Damage¨C David snarled into the wall of fur that was trying to scrape him off along the ground, rocks and branches digging into his back and scraping along his wings. He ignored the steady stream of notifications that were pinging in his subconscious as he hammered the beast with Nocturnal Strike as quickly as he could physically perform the motion. David briefly registered that he could utilize the attack with both his taloned wings and his bites, but never both at the same time. He alternated between the two as rapidly as he could, eyeing his readout with a glance as the tusked bear reared off the ground again to slam them both back to the ground heavily. ¨CYou have taken 26 Impact Damage¨C ¨CHealth 51/90¨C ¨CStamina 194/215¨C David was reasonably sure that he¡¯d stolen a huge chunk of the creature''s Stamina, and even a decent amount of its health as he watched his own slowly tick back in his periphery. When the beast reared up to slam him again he simply released his grip and dropped to the ground, activating Glare as he lunged straight for its face, fangs bared and snapping. He heard the Combo notifier chime in his ear and the beast hesitated, arresting its shoulder slam with a heavy paw and instead swinging one of its sharp tusks at him in a defensive motion. David slammed his wings out, killing his momentum to avoid the attack before using it as an opportunity to gain a bit of height, dropping straight down onto the beast''s back like Kai had done and hammering down with another Nocturnal Strike for good measure. He heard the first animal howl in agony a split second after his hunting companion let out an almost respectable screech of victory. He shot a glance towards the sound and saw the larger mammal crawling along the ground away from the bird as he darted in for the kill. David¡¯s eyes widened when the monster turned slightly to face him, and he saw the tusked bear''s eyes begin to shine with an unnatural red light. He quickly spat out the mouthful of bear he¡¯d been busy tearing at and hurled himself over the beast''s shoulder into a hasty Glide, looking for an angle to land another Glare. The ability connected soon after but only served to enrage the beast further before it sucked in a massive breath and roared loudly enough that David heard Claire roar in response from farther down the river. ¡°It¡¯s using an ability or something! Get the fuck away from it!¡± David screeched loudly as he flung himself from the air with a hard flap, snatching at the thick bark of a tree and scrabbling to a halt momentarily in its temporary safety. Kai reacted to David¡¯s warning rapidly, twisting his head to the side and continuing his predatory sprint in a wide arc, wings held out slightly for balance. He didn¡¯t try to take the air again, instead choosing to hold a wing slightly extended towards the creature at all times, almost like he was shielding himself with the delicate feathers somehow. David didn¡¯t bother trying to figure it out, assuming it was an ability or mutagen at work he simply hadn¡¯t seen yet as he turned his attention back to the beast he¡¯d been distracting. The creature wobbled unsteadily on its feet as it stumbled towards the raging specimen Kai was still fighting. He could tell that it was resisting the soporific but only just, and launched himself towards it without a sound as he picked up speed across the short distance to the enemy. ¨CHealth 78/90¨C Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¨CStamina 166/215¨C David buzzed the creature, allowing his wings to catch the wind roughly and scatter Gloom in a thick cloud instead of the usual faint haze that surrounded him in flight. The creature reared up drunkenly and grabbed for him, but only succeeded in taking a faceful of dusk powder while David blew past to circle towards Kai and his opponent, darting out of the grove of trees briefly, soaring out above the river only to reenter from another angle. He knew he had used a decent amount of stamina with that maneuver, the telltale burn and pain of his shoulder and chest muscles making the readout almost redundant as he rejoined the fight. Glare just made it angrier, let''s try the stunt with the tree again, it¡¯s way faster than turning. We need to hit it hard before it manages to get any momentum. ¡°Kai! Light him up, we need to finish it off fast!¡± David chattered as he barreled in on them. The tusked bear charged forward, blood pouring from its mouth and nose as its eyes shone bright with crimson light. Kai simply shoved his wing in its face with a slashing motion, the beast snarling with pain and drawing back quickly as its face was reduced to hamburger from the brief contact with the feathers. Kai pressed the attack, pecking with swift, fluid motions and following up with flaps or swings of his golden wings, the long pristine feathers leaving precise punctures and slashes everywhere they touched. David shot over their heads and repeated his trick from a moment ago, snatching a tree with his wings and claws, then using it to hurl himself in a new direction entirely. He plummeted down onto the lower half of the monster''s back, below the large hump of muscle at its shoulders where it was less protected. Fur flew and hide parted easy under his assault, splattering his face and wings with hot sticky blood as the creature howled in pain once again and turned furiously to bite at him. The huge golden bird never gave it the chance, hurling itself straight at the creature in a raptor-like leap, seizing the tusked bear¡¯s shoulder in his talons once again. Kai and David both screeched furiously as they attacked together, Kai flapping his wings brutally onto the bear''s face and neck as David pounded its back with a series of Nocturnal Strikes as his fangs and talons rose and fell in a frenzy. The berserk animal didn¡¯t last long under the combined assault, fighting furiously to shake them off until the red light suddenly left its eyes and it collapsed like a puppet with its string cut. ¡°Shit, good job.¡± Kai panted as he hopped back from the dead beast and looked at David with wide eyes and a gaping beak, ¡°Where the fuck did the other one come from?¡± ¡°How should I know? We should probably finish it off before it wakes up.¡± ¡°Wait, you didn¡¯t kill it?¡± David detached from the corpse after taking a moment to work his talons free of a bone he¡¯d struck in his haste, ¡°Nope, I have a lot of Control effects. I put him in time out, over there.¡± Kai looked towards the quivering pile of predator as it gazed blankly at the dirt in front of its face where it had slumped forward onto the ground, pupils hugely dilated and face covered in a faint sheen of silvery powder. The bird gave him an extremely overt sizing up as he glanced between David¡¯s small but powerful body and that of the debilitated slab of muscle that he¡¯d locked down. David saw him open his beak to say something else when he suddenly jumped about a foot into the air as trees splintered and cracked under the force of two tons of extremely agitated Claire. She ducked her head as she burst through the foliage from the river, slamming her neck into a smaller tree blocking her path and obliterating it without slowing down. Her cold reptilian eyes took in the scene at a glance before she simply continued forward and seized the second creature by the middle of its back and shook it savagely. Kai and David stood in total silence, the only sound the faint rushing of the river, Claire''s rumbling snarl, and the heavy thuds of the tusked bear''s body being hammered into the ground a dozen times in half as many seconds before she stopped shaking and dropped it. ¡°Claire.¡± David began, ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s extra dead as fuck now.¡± She stomped on it just to be sure. 26 - Ubirb Eats, we deliver! Sun shafts descended through the crumbling ruins of the city in the distance, the vegetation that had subsumed the buildings visible even in silhouette, framed by the setting sun. Light sparkled prettily through the distance as the river wound toward the ruins of Riverport, weaving in and out of the trees that had sprouted up almost to the city itself. David could see the apartments that he¡¯d been living in for the last two years from his position high above the river, soaring lazily as he rode the fading updrafts. He yawned for probably the thousandth time in the last hour, his eyes feeling gritty and sore from exhaustion as he continued to scan the endless treetops ahead of them. Seeing nothing of interest he wheeled around slowly, circling to the east and looping back over Kai as he flapped laboriously through the air with a little more than half of the bear they¡¯d killed together. When they had realized they could only carry one of the carcasses back Claire had solved the problem by simply eating half of one, allowing Kai to lift the newly lightened load. She carried the remaining tusked bear herself, its legs swinging disturbingly from her jaws as she steadily stomped along the riverbank toward their destination. David screeched encouragingly as he swung above the reptile in question and killed his altitude with a lazy swoop, gravel crunching under his claws as he landed and loped to keep pace with her. ¡°Hey Claire, we¡¯ll be there right before nightfall or during. I went and got a look like you asked.¡± David barked up at her as he ran, ¡°No lights, no cars, nothin¡¯. Looks like I remember from when I flew out. Couldn¡¯t see the park from here, though.¡± ¡°Murf furrh, canbt tah. Rrr weh der yeh?¡± Claire mumbled around the carcass and stared at him expectantly. ¡°Uhh¡­well put.¡± David bounced over a large boulder nestled in the gravel of the riverbank ahead of him and flapped a few times for altitude, ¡°I¡¯ll go check in with Kai, see where we¡¯re crossing at and how long it¡¯ll be. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Claire growled in acknowledgment as David flapped away into the air, rising steadily until he was once again above the tree line. He fixed his eyes on Kai who was still flapping along slowly ahead of them, huge golden wings rising and falling in a steady rhythm. David increased his speed to overtake the enormous bird and soon felt the wind tugging on his mane and threatening to flatten his ears to his skull as he surged forward. Small eddies and currents in the wind bumped and pushed into him as he flew, bringing with them a confusing tangle of scents from fresh cool water to the heavy smell of blood from Kai¡¯s overweight luggage. David smiled a bit despite himself as he took it all in, shooting a glance through the cooling evening air towards the city he¡¯d lived in his entire life from a point of view he never thought he¡¯d find himself in. You know, I¡¯m never gonna get tired of flying like this. It¡¯s fun. Learning helped distract me the first few days, I think I would have freaked out otherwise¡­Damn, David, focus. Just catch up and ask him, we can sleep when we get there. David shook his head hard, wobbling a bit in the air and correcting himself before he powered over the last bit of distance and fell into a Glide, wings flapping only occasionally to regain altitude. He drifted slightly above Kai¡¯s right wing as the bird turned his head entirely around to regard him, making David hiss with surprise before he felt foolish. They maintained eye contact for several seconds before Kai finally called out to him, shouting a bit to be heard across the short distance. ¡°David, you need something?¡± Kai¡¯s deep voice carried well over the sound of the wind, ¡°Or are you just admiring the plumage?¡± ¡°Oh yes, you are a pretty bird!¡± David replied loudly in a sickly sweet tone of praise that made Kai burst into squawking laughter and turn his head back around. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ¡°Fucker!¡± He called back over his shoulder as he continued his course, ¡°You were great in that fight, I don¡¯t think one of our guys could have done any better. For what it¡¯s worth, I think you¡¯ll like some of the people back at Woodland that actually put in effort.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see, we mostly just came to find out what happened to everybody. Where are all the unhatched eggs anyway?¡± Kai stopped his flapping and soared for a bit, ¡°Gone. Almost everyone went looking for their families after they stopped panicking. Shit, even I did it, but the house was just empty. Nobody else made it into Wave 1.¡± Well¡­Claire will be happy to hear that at least, we just need to make sure we¡¯re here when Wave 2 starts. No egg, no worries¡­I mean¡­wait, no, because then there¡¯ll be a ton of Hatchlings again. Shit, this is complicated. ¡°Hey, check it out. Can you see that from here?¡± Kai called up at him as David refocused quickly, ¡°Tallest building on the skyline, south side, near the border. Up at the top. That¡¯s Wendy, she keeps it up until an hour or two after dark so people can find their way back if they¡¯re dragging something big.¡± David squinted curiously for the building Kai was speaking about, eyes darting around the south side of the city before he saw it. He just didn¡¯t understand what he was seeing, and his head cocked quizzically to the side as he attempted to discern what it was he was looking at. The entire city was darkened, but from the top of one of the old office buildings there was a cool greenish-yellow glow pulsing brightly enough to be seen in the late evening light. It slowly built over a few seconds before cutting off suddenly, only to restart the process again after a handful of seconds. It was vaguely familiar to David in a way that tickled his brain but provided him with absolutely no answers, so he just asked. ¡°What the fuck am I looking at?¡± ¡°That¡¯s one of uh¡­One of the Hunting team members I was telling you about, remember? We¡¯re mostly the ones with evolutions.¡± Kai replied with a sour note in his voice as they slowly drifted out of the updraft. ¡°All you said was that there were about a dozen of you with evolutions and that you were supposed to be hunting. That¡¯s neat though, she¡¯s like a little lighthouse.¡± Kai made a shrill sound of consternation before he began to descend to the ground, ¡°Honestly I didn''t know how much to say at first, nobody has walked out of the forest before. You put your ass on the line for me hunting these when you didn''t have to, so I trust you, but you are visibly evolved with violence in mind. Seriously, if I saw you two in the dark I¡¯d shit myself. You can¡¯t blame me for being a little cautious.¡± He lost altitude quickly and let the partial corpse fall the last 10 feet with a wet thump as he fanned his huge golden wings, landing delicately on the smooth gravel of the riverbank. He let his wings droop until the tips of his feathers touched the ground and panted openly for a moment before shuffling to the water for a drink. David landed soon after while considering his words, torn between being proud of the lethal avian''s first reaction being one of wariness, and worried that he was right. Despite his obvious special evolution, Kai had chosen his advancement with more defensive options in mind despite his obvious killing power. He waffled for a moment before shrugging his huge leathery wings and refusing to doubt his choices. ¡°Why are we landing, you taking a break? Claire was wondering how much farther she needed to carry that thing.¡± ¡°Yeah I¡¯m taking a break, she¡¯s probably only a couple of minutes behind, this things heavy and I¡¯m moving a lot slower than normal. You can go double back and tell her we¡¯re gonna start running into lookouts soon, so we¡¯ll group up here and then move in together.¡± Kai spoke in-between long drinks from the river, ¡°I think it¡¯s Dallas¡¯ turn on night watch and he gets a little...into it.¡± ¡°Uh¡­okay. So we¡¯re almost there?¡± Kai nodded and returned to drinking thirstily, vaguely shooing David away with one wing. David sighed, rolling his eyes tremendously as he forced his protesting body into the air again for the umpteenth time today and wheeled around to make his way back to Claire to relay the message. He decided he would Glide most of the way, letting himself rest as much as possible as he fantasized about the comfy branch on his fruit tree in the meadow. Well, at least we¡¯re finally almost there. Civilization¡­kinda. This should be interesting. 27 - Woodland Park David rested comfortably on Claire¡¯s shoulders as they crossed the long concrete bridge into Riverport as the sun began to creep below the horizon. Despite her earlier protestations, she had suggested he hitch a ride for a little while when he received a notification about being inflicted with |Fatigued| and he started having difficulty staying airborne. David was simply too tired, he had been awake for far longer than he had any reason to be, even managing to doze slightly in the last 2 hours. Claire¡¯s rattling hiss of suspicion had woken him as she began to move across the cracked and pitted concrete, water rushing past loudly below them. She stepped gingerly at first, slowly testing each step before she began to trust the entire thing wouldn¡¯t collapse into rubble under her weight. ¡°It should be fine, just¡­don¡¯t run, probably.¡± Kai called as he hauled his half of the bear over their heads steadily toward the other side, ¡°I¡¯m gonna go set this down. Meet you over there.¡± David watched him go, waiting until he was out of earshot before he started talking, ¡°Seems like he¡¯s on the level, but I¡¯m not sure I wanna join the circus if you know what I mean.¡± ¡°Yeh.¡± She replied eloquently, ¡°I uhst anna ook arun. U nah?¡± ¡°Yessss? We¡¯ll look around, talk to some of these Hunting Team guys, and see if it¡¯s worth working together. If not we get some sleep and split in the morning, sound fair?¡± ¡°Fhrrr.¡± David nodded happily, almost forgetting Claire had an entire monster in her jaws during their little conversation despite needing a second to translate her mumbling. He stayed where he was, resting comfortably on the thick armored plates on Claire¡¯s back, the motion of her stride almost soothing if it weren¡¯t for all the little hornlike ridges on the plates themselves. David poked his head around her neck and blanketed the area ahead of them with Echolocations, happy to see that the bridge seemed to be sturdy and nothing appeared to be lurking around it. Kai set the carcass down gently on the other side before they cleared the halfway point and sat waiting for them politely as Claire took her time crossing. ¡°Alright, we¡¯re basically inside the safe-ish zone now. You may now unclench your orifices.¡± Kai said when they finally stepped off the bridge with the type of laugh brought on by inside jokes, ¡°We¡¯ll start seeing people soon, go ahead and leave that here Claire, we¡¯ll send someone to come get it. They gotta earn their keep somehow.¡± Claire immediately dropped the beast to splatter against the ground in an ungainly heap, working her jaws several times before clacking them together loudly. ¡°Oh my god, that¡¯s so much better. It wasn¡¯t so bad at first but it started to get annoying after a while.¡± Claire rumbled loudly in relief. David started to stand and hop down to join them when she swung her head back over her shoulder and fixed him with a tremendously effective glare of her own. David slowly sat back down and folded his ears flat before she nodded curtly. ¡°No, your stupid ass has been awake for like two days and three fights. Chill out for a minute, I''m big enough I literally can¡¯t even tell you¡¯re there. I was just fucking around before.¡± Claire growled protectively at him. David just nodded and settled back down, ¡°You know I¡¯d usually go off on a tangent about how I had a workaround for that but I¡¯m beat. I¡¯ll just sit on my hands until we get there, okay?¡± Kai ruffled his feathers, the tinkling sound managing to get their attention while he began to stalk off the road, hopping nimbly over the highway barriers and turning to look at them pointedly. Claire simply took two steps and caught up with him, gracefully ignoring the barrier entirely and just walking over it. David shot a few Echolocations ahead of them down the gentle hill that led to the opposite shore of the river below them as Kai continued purposefully forward. The pair of them followed a short distance behind, David keeping a careful eye on everything from his perch as he swept both his gaze and even more Echolocations around them constantly. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s just up through there. I think it¡¯s Ezra at the front gate tonight, he¡¯s a chatterbox. Good guy.¡± Kai informed them with a bit of excitement in his voice, ¡°We¡¯re gonna swing left into those trees there, then the ¡®entrance¡¯ is just on the other side. You two are gonna be pretty popular, like I said, Forest didn¡¯t spit anyone else back out. Plus you guys managed to evolve. It¡¯s gonna make convincing everyone that it¡¯s possible to survive out there a lot easier.¡± They both made tired sounds of agreement as Kai led them to a narrow game trail that wound through the trees near the park. He ducked into the growth as Claire paused for a heartbeat then simply started brushing the foliage aside as she forced her way after him in a steady crunch of wood. David could almost feel the ¡®fuck it¡¯ radiating off of her after the long day and he couldn¡¯t help but agree, though he continued to pulse the area around them just in case. His sensitive ears picked up the sound of something clattering against the dilapidated road that Kai fluttered onto as soon as he cleared the trees, dropping down onto the pavement and turning to ensure they were still following. ¡°Kai! Welcome back, buddy! You get anything toda¡­¡± A melodious voice began before trailing off with a strangled sound as Claire emerged slowly from the trees and turned to look at the noise. ¡°Ezra, don¡¯t piss yourself. The gigantic nightmare is Claire, and the smaller nightmare is David. They¡¯re runners. I found them fishing for those turbo-pike down by the river.¡± Kai screeched quickly. David and Claire looked at the stranger curiously as he tried his best to hide behind the short stone wall that separated the park from the rest of the world. The shaggy herbivore was about the size of a small car, with large sweeping antlers that reminded David slightly of a moose. It had a broad, sturdy-looking head and face, though its limbs were stocky and short, giving them a low profile despite the relative bulk they possessed. Huh. Looks tough, honestly. That must be why they have him guard the gate, you could almost block off the entire thing with how wide those antlers are. We should probably say something, we¡¯re just staring at him all creepy. Uh¨C ¡°Hey.¡± David squeaked loudly while he twiddled the talons on his wings in his best imitation of a wave. ¡°Uh¡­Hi, I¡¯m Claire.¡± Claire did her best to look non-threatening and failed on every level as Kai began to usher them through the gate. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°...Hello. Kai, do you have, like two seconds? Just ah, wanna discuss something privately¡­¡± Ezra replied after a moment, clopping out from behind the wall and into full view. ¡°They¡¯re fine Ezra, they helped me bring food. David fought off a bear-thing by himself to buy me time when a second one crawled out its own ass to ruin my day.¡± Kai called back to him as he continued past him without slowing, ¡°I¡¯m not joking, they were doing just fine with only two of them. They¡¯re here to take a look around, I¡¯m gonna take ¡®em to see Herold.¡± ¡°He¡¯s training, same place as always.¡± Ezra replied with a shake of his massive antlers as he trotted off the asphalt and onto the grass to give Claire room to move freely. ¡°We¡¯re cool, I swear.¡± David chittered reassuringly at him as she stomped past, being sure to give him a winning smile. Kai began to make a loud chirping sound and he hurried down the road toward where David could see the warehouse where the city kept all the random stuff they put out for holidays. Everyone had always thought it was an eyesore, and it was, an obvious lowest-bid contract slapped together out of aluminum siding and just enough metal to stand up straight. Before David had time to ask him why he was making so much noise a small stampede of Hatchlings came barreling down the path from the direction they were heading. Their gazes were locked firmly on Kai before a few of them screeched quite literally to a halt as they fell over themselves in an attempt to backpedal when they noticed the murdersaurus following him. ¡°They¡¯re with me, and they brought food. It¡¯s over by the bridge, round up everyone you can and go grab it before something else does. Take Ezra with you just in case, tell him I asked as a favor.¡± Kai reassured the crowd as they began to shout questions at him. ¡°Where did they come from?¡± ¡°Who are they? Are there more people somewhere?¡± ¡°Something is riding it! Look!¡± ¡°I¡¯m taking them to Herold, fuck out my way, seriously I got shit to do move it. Go get the food we humped like ten miles back here for you.¡± Kai finally screeched impatiently as they scattered, flowing around him and only slowing slightly to rubberneck at the pair of them before vanishing down the road behind them. Both David and Claire gawked openly at them in the rapidly fading twilight, eyes skipping around as they tried to get a look at everyone before they rushed off, the Hatchling''s hunger overpowering their curiosity. David was annoyed to see that there weren¡¯t that many Small-sized creatures with them, with the bulk of people being Medium-sized even if they were still Hatchlings right now. A full third of them were slightly larger than David was, even with a whole special evolution under his belt and it rubbed him the wrong way. Within 30 seconds of arriving they were gone, an absolute ruckus of gossip following above them like a storm cloud as the mob began to bicker about their new visitors. Weasel-thing, a couple of flightless bird things, lots of freaky looking reptiles, a frog thing, is that a fucking giant dragonfly with a scorpion tail? That¡¯s kinda cool, I should talk to that one. I bet they¡¯d have good advice about crosswinds. What an acid trip, how do you even organize all this? ¡°Hey, keep up! We¡¯re almost there, Herold is the guy who put everything together but refuses to be in charge. David, if you have a knack with the System he¡¯ll be your absolute best friend. We all kind of organize ourselves but Herold organized and led the first few hunts a couple days ago to stop people from nibbling their neighbors.¡± Kai informed them as they passed out from under the trees and over the flattened remains of a rusted-out chain link fence. ¡°Probably gonna be a couple of the Hunt members in here, I¡¯ll introduce you guys.¡± Kai fluttered his wings and half hopped half glided his way to the huge slightly open door before pausing. David could hear some sort of ruckus going on inside, excited voices swelling and falling every so often as though in response to something going on. He had to admit it sounded like a good time. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not gonna fit in that unless you can get it all the way open,¡± Claire remarked bluntly as Kai studied the door with a stupid look on his face as he glanced at Claire. ¡°That¡¯s¡­Okay, David, you wanna come with me? I¡¯ll introduce you and then we¡¯ll come back out and they can meet Claire too.¡± Kai called up to David before adding enticingly, ¡°After that, you guys can get some sleep. We¡¯ll show you around in the morning.¡± ¡°I love that last part, yeah, sounds good. Claire if you hear anything weird¡­¡± David agreed slowly. Claire clacked her jaws together and nodded as David slithered off her back and fluttered to the ground, oddly uniform grass flattening under him as he landed. He shot her a fair approximation of a thumbs up with his wing talons and loped off after Kai, who had ducked into the structure happily when David had agreed. He could see the bird''s tail and legs waiting for him just on the other side of the door as he approached the metal building and the smell of rust and¡­all sorts of other scents filled his nose. He recognized the vague ¡®mammal¡¯ scent, as well as a scent he recognized as reptilian from his time with Claire and a few others he¡¯d never smelled before. He walked across the cracked concrete sidewalk and ducked under the partially open door to join Kai on the other side. David immediately soaked the large empty space in Echolocations before he was fully through the door, scrabbling excitedly after Kai when the waves returned. Kai was standing placidly and watching as a small ring of creatures joked and laughed while three others fought in the center of the warehouse. David¡¯s eyes widened as he took in the collection of evolved creatures while they milled around in a loose group, all watching the fight unfolding as they talked. An iridescent green beetle the size of a van was handily fending off a pair of coordinated herbivores that were working to flip the insect over. They shouted and taunted each other, hooves and clawed insectile feet scraping and pounding against the floor as the beetle swiftly angled its armored carapace into every ramming and shoving attack. The two herbivores fell back, the larger stag-like opponent simply bounding directly over the beetle to land behind it before the smaller but sturdier two-legged goat creature hurled itself forward to smash its curling horns into their opponent. He tore his eyes away from the ¡®training¡¯ in the middle of the room to get a better look at the rest of them as Kai finally began to walk towards the group. Something that vaguely resembled a wasp was busily talking to a turtle with a heavy hooked beak big enough to give Claire a run for her money. A six-legged panther with a tail that ended in a sharp spike was snoring hard, sleeping like a log on the floor next to a crab the size of a refrigerator with what looked like an anemone growing out of the top of it, which pulsed and flickered with bioluminescence as it watched the fight. ¡°HEY GUYS!¡± Kai suddenly bellowed at the crowd, ¡°I FOUND SOME RUNNERS! THEY MADE IT AND EVOLVED!¡± Silence descended over the small gathering as the sparring screeched to a halt instantly and a truly bizarre number of eyes locked onto Kai for a heartbeat before settling instead on David. Try as he might his mane instantly engaged in maximum floof, a subconscious attempt to make him look bigger. ¡°Hi!¡± David chittered brightly with forced enthusiasm as he was put on the spot. ¡°WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!¡± ¡°HOOOO-SHIT! I ALMOST DIDNT SEE IT!¡± ¡°EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! DONT LET IT GET ME, ITS JUST LIKE IN MY DREAM!¡± ¨CUnnerving Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C Naturally. 28 - Good day sir! In the end, Claire had swung her armored head upwards, smashing the oversized loading door into the ceiling in the same motion that carried her through the threshold with a single menacing step. She roared dramatically, her neck extended upwards as she held her exhalation and the pose for a few seconds before stopping. ¡°Did I do it right? Like the movie?¡± She rumbled in amusement as everyone cheered happily. A crowd of Hatchlings bounced around like toddlers in their excitement despite the adult voices they hooted and cheered with. David laughed along with them, giving Claire a huge thumbs up and fluttering over to land next to her as everyone was shooed back to the end of the warehouse where they¡¯d piled up soft leaves and grass into large communal bedding. The dried foliage had been pounded down a bit, and David could see the hollow depressions of dozens of nestlike circles in the bedding where people had been resting before their arrival. They straggled away, shouting various questions and requests as they went before Kai simply extended his wings and like a goalie trying to block a shot he herded them away. ¡°I am a grown man! You can¡¯t treat me like a kid and put me to bed when adults want to have a conversation!¡± A quilled creature even smaller than David snarled furiously at the bird, ¡°I know my rights!¡± ¡°Well, Carl, you weigh about thirty pounds and I absolutely can send you to bed. Maybe if you put in some effort to evolve so we didn''t have to babysit you, feed you, and stop things from eating you like a kid you wouldn¡¯t get treated like one. Now go¡¯an git! Shoo! They¡¯ve been up for like two days.¡± Kai replied in roughly the same tone of voice David himself used to use at work on obnoxious customers. ¡°OH! My goodness. My apologies I hadn¡¯t..¡± The voice trailed off into the background hubbub as Kai forced them away with the rest of the crowd. They were left standing with the group of evolved creatures, and David felt a bit of pride when it immediately became obvious that Claire was an absolute unit compared to everyone else. The iridescent green beetle and the turtle were close runners-up but lacked the sheer bulk that Claire had managed to evolve into, and they all milled around awkwardly just staring at each other after they¡¯d been introduced. There had been 9 of the Hunt Team present when they had arrived, counting Kai and Ezra at the gate, who was exactly as tough as he looked by what the others briefly mentioned about him. The wasp introduced himself as Dallas, though with a closer examination, it was obvious that whatever they had become was only loosely based on a wasp, much the same way certain nuclear-powered city-destroying lizards were based on an iguana. He was twice David¡¯s size, and his chitinous armor looked quite tough, with four diaphanous wings laying restlessly on his back. The daggerlike stinger at the end of his six-legged body particularly concerned David, but the man seemed easy-going and personable, quickly excusing himself to return to his conversation with the turtle. The panther and crab-thing introduced themselves as Thomas and Betty, respectively. They seemed to have the ability to finish each other''s sentences at will and seemed to be good friends, eventually drifting off back to their original spot, the panther flopping back down to sleep like only a big cat can. The enormous turtle simply nodded in their direction amicably, declining to get up from where he lay or walk over to talk to them, though Dallas had mentioned their name was Joe. ¡°Pardon me, budge over a bit, old man coming through.¡± The beetle guffawed as he shoved his way through the two herbivores still warily hanging back, ¡°Herold Von Aeur, a pleasure to meet you both! I¡¯m delighted, DELIGHTED I SAY! Marvelous, we feared everyone who fled into the forest during the Hatching had perished. But here you are, there¡¯s hope yet! Hahaha! Splendid!¡± David and Claire exchanged a glance at the heavily armored insect''s enthusiasm, his voice was that of a distinguished elderly man but he seemed quite comfortable in his new body. Herold was genuinely excited and happy to see them, and it was hard not to like him a bit as he scuttled right up in front of them and regarded them closely. David shuddered as he looked up into the multifaceted eyes and large scything mandibles studded with spikes that extended from his wriggling mouthparts. Herold shuffled and turned to the remaining two members and shouted at them with consternation as he waved them closer with a beefy insectile leg. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. ¡°Now that simply won''t do, CHARLES! LEO! Confound you, we¡¯re bestial in form not mind! Control your instincts and get over here to introduce yourselves properly, your poor etiquette reflects poorly on every member of this¡­erm¡­Of uh¡­The Woodland Society! Hrmpph!¡± Herold¡¯s gruff elderly voice trailed off momentarily before he rallied heroically to finish the thought with a snort. The bipedal goatlike being stepped forward first, waving clumsily with a vaguely racoon like arm as he clopped towards them, looking a bit odd to David. His short thick neck and lack of any sort of tail on his short-furred body gave him an almost unfinished look, and David couldn¡¯t help but wonder how he didn¡¯t overbalance and tip over with the massive crown of curling horns that grew from his skull. He briefly introduced himself as Charles, waving one more time without taking his eyes off Claire¡¯s enormous jaws before turning and excusing himself lamely. Leo was, ironically, a tall creature that vaguely resembled an elk, and his antlers were wickedly sharp even in the dim light filtering in through the newly widened door and shining from the anemone firmly attached to Betty''s shell. He declined to approach, instead offering an elaborate bow by bending one of his lengthy legs and inclining his head respectfully. ¡°Leo doesn¡¯t talk much, you¡¯ll have to excuse him.¡± Herold blustered good-naturedly as he waved them further into the building, ¡°Come come! I have questions and I¡¯m sure you do as well! Wendy will be returning shortly and we¡¯ll have adequate illumination for the rest of the night, never fear!¡± Claire nodded and stepped carefully after him, taking almost stork like steps and carefully placing her feet to avoid stepping on anyone as she followed him to the open space in the center of the warehouse. David followed closely behind, ears swiveling in every direction at once as he was overwhelmed with small noises, catching bits and pieces of everyone''s conversations with his sensitive hearing. His claws clicked against the cold concrete of the floor as Herold finally turned when they had a bit of room and addressed them again, his voice cautiously optimistic. ¡°I had hoped to finish my training for the night before retiring. Consistent effort and constant practice are the keys to perfection you know¡­¡± Herold waved his long antennae at them before continuing cheerfully, ¡°...Could I perhaps impose for a bit of light sparring as we discuss the matter of your survival in the forest before you excuse yourselves? We can, of course, simply continue or discuss in the morning¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯d kill you on accident, as fun as it sounds.¡± Claire rumbled, ¡°David¡¯s been awake a really long time, and all his abilities are...¡± ¡°Yeah that sounds fun, just don¡¯t squish me.¡± David replied happily, totally caught up in Herold''s good-natured friendliness. ¡°SPLENDID! I struggle greatly against airborne opponents, Dallas has beaten me soundly in every match! I shall simply defend, I assure you I am quite resilient! Whenever you¡¯re ready to begin, we¡¯ll converse during the match.¡± Herold wiggled delightedly and turned, scuttling further away until a respectable distance separated the two of them. He turned to face the pair of them and positively vibrated with excitement at the prospect of the friendly match. Claire let out a long rattling sigh of exasperation that quieted half of the room, ¡°David, are you stupid? He¡¯s like two-thirds my size. What can you possibly do besides get mushed like a banana?¡± Oh, I¡¯ve got a pretty good idea. David simply launched into the air, darting close to the ground as he zipped straight toward the armored insect without a moment''s hesitation. Herold chortled happily and presented his armored flank, angling his body to form an impenetrable wall that David simply floated above, positioning his large leathery wings to scoop air and kill his momentum while he dropped directly onto the chitinous plates. Herold righted himself quickly, and David found himself holding on for dear life as the beetle spun swiftly, the momentum threatening to hurl him away onto the open concrete. Cheers began to erupt from the crowd and the Hunt team turned to watch, jeering and calling out advice the same as they¡¯d done when they were practicing, even Charles joining in loudly. David slammed the armor with a cautious Nocturnal Strike and hissed loudly in pain as the talons on his wing failed to scuff the heavy plates. He perked up a bit and tried again, a bit harder this time, confident that their Health regeneration would mend any minor wounds if he managed to break through. This time the tip of one of his talons snapped off painfully, but David once again felt the rush of exhilaration and his tiredness faded a bit more. Herold suddenly locked his clawed legs firmly against the floor and braced himself, David latching down tight with all his limbs in anticipation of some sort of trick but was far too late. The enormous carapace suddenly sprang upwards, huge wings unfurling over the beetle as David was catapulted through the air with a surprised screech, a huge cloud of dusk powder exploding from his wings reflexively as he tumbled through the air. ¡°SHIT! EVERYBODY BACK UP! DON¡¯T BREATHE OR TOUCH ANY OF THAT!¡± Claire bellowed as the haze slowly filled the center of the arena and Herold neatly refolded his wings and lowered the plates to cover them again. Ahhhh fuck that¡¯s not good. 29 - Mop up, aisle green. A thick silvery haze glittered prettily in the center of the room, a light coating of dusk powder beginning to build upon Herold¡¯s carapace as the world held its breath. Literally, in most cases, everyone heeded Claire¡¯s bellowed warning like it was the word of God they scrambled away from the center of the room. David quickly righted himself in the air and darted back to the makeshift arena, landing close to Herold as he watched the powder continue to coat the enormous insect as it sank toward the ground with increasing speed the longer it was airborne, the particles heavier than air by design. Shit, fuck, crap, balls, no no, nooooooo, no. Oh that''s not good, please don''t get violent. ¡°Erm, young David, what is the nature of this ability? I trust you haven¡¯t inflicted me with a deadly toxin or blight?¡± Herold called apprehensively as David joined him within the abilities radius. David squirmed guiltily, ¡°Uhhhh¡­It is a toxin but it¡¯s not fatal! It¡¯s a Control effect that works by uh¡­making the target hallucinate.¡± ¡°It functions through inhalation?¡± Herold followed up David''s statement in a much calmer voice that made David pause slightly. ¡°Yes? I haven¡¯t tested it much, only in fights.¡± ¡°All is well!¡± Herold boomed, ¡°David please accompany me outside and help me remove this substance if you please. My spiracles are quite protected by my carapace. I do not believe I have inhaled an appreciable amount for my size, but I decline to remain and allow it to build.¡± What the fuck is a spiracle? He isn¡¯t affected by Gloom? Shit¡­I didn¡¯t even get a notification for it, he¡¯s right. Okay, maybe this isn¡¯t so bad¡­god, I hope that wasp doesn¡¯t get a whiff of this, do bugs just not breathe? I¡¯m so confused. ¡°Clear the way! David you idiot, if I didn''t think it¡¯d make me trip balls I¡¯d carry you around in my mouth like a puppy.¡± David cringed as Claire added her two cents to the growing murmurs that followed both him and Herold outside the warehouse and onto the grass a safe distance from the door. Herold sank slowly to the ground and allowed David to hop atop his armored body to assist with removing the residual Ability from his outer shell. He stood there uncertainly, unsure how exactly to proceed as the breeze carried scents to him, mostly of water and growing things, with a fair amount of animal smells mixed in. After a few moments of wracking his exhausted brain, he came up with a simple, effective solution to his blunder. ¡°...I¡¯m amazed that looks like it¡¯s working.¡± Claire grumbled from her position just outside the warehouse where she stood to avoid catching any of the Gloom herself. ¡°Reminds me of something Thomas would do, honestly.¡± Betty gurgled in reply as the panther shot her a wicked side-eye. David ignored the voices chattering from behind them as he continued to simply rub his mane across the armored plates on Herold¡¯s back like the world''s ugliest mop, his thick fur easily soaking up the heavy powder. He continued the maneuver along the beetle¡¯s shell like a neglected cat desperate for attention until he had mostly saturated himself before hopping delicately to the ground. David scampered off into the bushes near the trees a fair distance away to shake himself violently in an explosion of silvery powder and rolling in the grass a bit to get any remainder before repeating the process two more times. Kai then declared from his position in the doorway that he could no longer see enough of the toxin to be worth worrying about and David simply flopped back down into the cool grass and lay there. ¡°Splendid David, thank you! I dare say I am even shinier now than I have ever been, no harm done. Perhaps we shall continue our training in the morning, outdoors?¡± Herold boisterously nudged him with one of his thick-clawed feet as he spoke. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. ¡°You seem awfully keen on fighting people, what¡¯s up with that?¡± Claire rumbled, ¡°Seems like a dangerous waste of time.¡± Herold fell silent for a moment and his antennae almost ceased waving around happily in the darkness as David watched from his position a few feet away. Kai and Thomas visibly cringed from the doorway, and Betty excused herself so quickly that she bowled Dallas over as she fled and took most of the illumination with her. Dallas grumpily righted himself, lifting off with a droning hum, and Herold chose not to say anything as the enormous wasplike insect hovered into the air until he drew level with Claire¡¯s head before speaking quietly. ¡°Because there used to be almost twenty of us with Evolutions until two days ago, but we had no experience, and we got cocky. So now we¡¯re going to train, constantly. David made a mistake, but he¡¯s got the right idea.¡± The lethal-looking wasp continued in a sedate voice, ¡°Do you two even know how most of your abilities work? Have you even used all of them since evolving? How about while you¡¯re trying to stop less evolved or weaker people from getting caught in the crossfire? We lost people that way too. It¡¯s the reason Leo stopped talking, even though it wasn¡¯t his fault.¡± ¡°And if you bring it up to him I¡¯ll sting you, I swear to god.¡± Dallas added more quietly after a moment''s thought before zipping over to land atop Herold and tapping on his shell comfortingly. Claire¡¯s jaw had fallen at the bluntness with which the wasp had delivered his diatribe, obviously unaccustomed to even a gentle ass chewing. She swung her massive head in David¡¯s direction, flabbergasted, and he simply nodded to confirm that he¡¯d heard what the man had said despite it being spoken quietly and nearly inaudible over the sound of his wings. Claire took a few steps to close the gap and lowered her snout to gently nudge the enormous beetle on the side by way of apology. ¡°Sorry¡­we¡¯ve obviously had very different experiences since hatching. It¡¯s just been David and me, we haven¡¯t had to deal with the same type of problems, I hadn¡¯t even considered¡­¡± ¡°No, no. I erred as well, you had warned me your companion was unfit to spar with but¡­well¡­I do take this quite seriously these days. Perhaps to my detriment, hah! Come, let us return inside. Wendy should be back soon, it won''t do to ruin the surprise of your arrival by having you out on the lawn like tacky plastic flamingos!¡± David fluttered up to land on Claire¡¯s back as Herold bustled past them inside, Dallas still standing atop his shell and buzzing his wings every few seconds grumpily when they vanished through the door. Kai motioned for them to join with his wing before turning to follow them, vanishing quickly as he turned to make room for Claire to fit through the door. ¡°I feel like a total douche.¡± Claire rumbled slowly as David poked his head out from around her neck to meet her gaze. He shook his head blearily in denial as he replied, ¡°They seem nice, I think we¡¯ll be okay. Doesn¡¯t seem like a weird cult or anything, they¡¯re just doing the best they can, same as we were. I think they have a point too, I don¡¯t know exactly how Gloom works. I don¡¯t know how far Screech will hit people anymore, and I¡¯m not even sure how much health I drain when I hit someone! I feel like we¡¯ve just been getting lucky.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t exactly spar with anyone¡­¡± ¡°Tell that to the turtle in there, I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯d be able to give you a run for your money. Herold too, those plates are thick Claire, and we heal like mutants or something. Those Slitherwolves destroyed my leg and it was fine in like an hour. We¡¯ve got no idea what we¡¯re doing. If they aren¡¯t lying and they¡­lost¡­six evolved people that means we could get smoked too.¡± David paused, ¡°Well maybe not you, you¡¯re too fat to die.¡± Claire snorted explosively, a single barking laugh of surprise booming through the darkness, ¡°Hah! Just when I was gonna say you were sounding smart again for a second! That doesn¡¯t happen very often, and you had to go and ruin it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m too tired to be stupid right now, I say we stick around for a little while. Maybe we don¡¯t sign up for the whole tour of duty but we could stay for a few days and ''train'', see if there¡¯s anything else we¡¯ve been completely overlooking.¡± David yawned hugely and flopped down between her shoulder blades like a sack of flour, ¡°Wake me up when whoever Wendy is gets here? They looked cool from like five miles away but I¡¯m curious what they look like up close.¡± Claire crouched a bit as she maneuvered her armored bulk through the loading door and shook her head. ¡°Go to bed stupid, you can go back to fighting random strangers tomorrow.¡± Yeah, that sounds fun. Why didn¡¯t Kai say anything about them having more people before? What the fuck happened two days ago? David curled up into a ball on Claire¡¯s broad back and was asleep before she had rejoined the rest of the group inside. 30 - Round one! FIGHT! Four pairs of razor-sharp claws lashed out from every angle, and David was forced to flap backward to avoid them, then drop like a stone as the beast leaped at him. He hit the ground hard, dashing forward as he activated Glare preemptively before whirling on the spot. He was immediately rewarded with a notification chime in the back of his mind as the Ability finally connected with Thomas right before he touched down. The panther-ish creature fumbled the landing with a surprised yowl, falling heavily to the ground as Glare locked down his movement. David pounced before he had time to recover, and hit hard enough that Thomas grunted with the impact. David quickly slithered behind the feline¡¯s head and latched onto his shoulders, delicately biting the back of his skull before Herold called the match. ¡°Point to David! Well done! Gentlemen, take your places. Best two out of three, you know.¡± The beetle boomed as a small crowd of Hatchlings huddled underneath his armored carapace shouted their support for either combatant. They had gathered on the lush grass outside the warehouse shortly after Dawn, though Claire had elected to remain inside talking to Betty until David had woken on his own, at a bit past noon. He¡¯d found that almost everyone was gone, out Hunting alone or in teams depending on their capabilities. Kai had gone too, though Claire had mentioned that he would return soon by the time David had woken. So, David had sought out Herold for a rematch, and found to his frustration that he could not penetrate the beetle¡¯s armor no matter how hard he tried. This chagrin quickly turned to awe as he realized a straightforward fact that had doubtless contributed much to the people who participated in his ¡®training¡¯. Abilities still leveled up if they connected with a target, as long as the target was the same rank as you. David had received a notification that Nocturnal Strike had leveled up as he hammered away at the thick plates covering Herold''s back and paused happily. According to Claire his smile had been ¡®Grinch-like¡¯, and ¡®deeply concerning¡¯ which he was inclined to believe, based on the simple fact that it had triggered Unnerving Mutagen to level up as well. After a short conversation with Herold, the elderly man had allowed him to continue raining blow after blow onto his armored body until David finally had to stop and allow his talons to begin healing. His progress on the skill had been massive, though not enough to rank it up, and he was quite happy with himself. Thomas had sauntered over to ask for a spar as David had been sitting on the grass next to Claire. She continued to speak with Betty as he agreed to a spar and he thought that the two of them seemed to be getting along famously. ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Thomas asked curiously as David hopped off his shoulders and began to walk back to his side of the field. David stopped and turned to face the big cat, ¡°What, the Ability I used?¡± Thomas nodded enthusiastically before shaking himself and stretching, the movement looking odd with the extra set of powerful front legs located slightly behind the first. David cocked his head curiously in return, unsure exactly what the man was asking. ¡°It¡¯s called Glare, it¡¯s in the Control category. Most of my abilities are Control Abilities, one way or another. I just took an Evolution better for combat, you know, cover all my bases and build on my foundation or whatever.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s neat. I don¡¯t think anyone here except Betty and Wendy have any control abilities. Most people went for more direct stuff, I know I did.¡± Thomas replied after a moment of thought, ¡°Are you saying you¡¯re only using half your abilities right now?¡± ¡°Uh¡­kind of? I¡¯m using Glare and Nocturnal Strike. The other two Abilities are...not great for ¡®friendly¡¯ fights. It¡¯s why I¡¯m trying so hard not to break the skin or flap in your face unless you¡¯d rather be deaf, sedated, and hallucinating for a couple of hours?¡± ¡°Jesus man, what the hell is it like out in the forest you gotta come up with a build like that?¡± Thomas replied with a shake of his head before walking a bit closer and adding quietly, ¡°I uh¡­I might come to talk to you about the hallucinating thing later if you were offering.¡± David gave the big cat an extremely incredulous look and shrugged his wings noncommittally before quickly hustling back to the starting point as Thomas followed suit. Damn dude, I know life''s hard lately but how bad has it been over here you¡¯re willing to snort bat-dust to take the edge off? Shit. I¡¯m gonna be asking Kai some serious questions about things when he gets back, I know that for sure. David glanced at his readout and checked the string of notifications that had piled up as he waited for the critically lazy feline to finish meandering back to his position. They started every match at opposite ends of the warehouse, simply because of the speed at which most evolved predators could move and Thomas wasn¡¯t in any particular hurry. Ever. ¨CHealth 90/90¨C ¨CStamina 178/215¨C ¨CDread Stalker has been inflicted with |Fear|!¨C ¨CGlare has leveled up!¨C If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CGlare has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CYour |Fear| has faded on Dread Stalker.¨C Wait a second, Dread Stalker? Is that the name of Thomas¡¯ species? Shit, are you telling me that all I¡¯ve needed to do to figure out stuff¡¯s name is to hit it with a Control effect and watch the readout? That¡¯s it, man, I bet I can¡­ let''s see¡­ With a few mental commands and a bit of rearranging David placed a second box of information opposite that of his health and stamina, hovering on the right side of his periphery, with only one purpose; to alert him when Control effects landed or expired. After a bit of fiddling, he increased the size of the text and nodded in satisfaction as it minimized itself into a tiny purple dot that he was sure he¡¯d learn to ignore just like its blue counterpart on his ¡®left¡¯. ¡°Begin!¡± Herold barked in a commanding tone of voice soon after Thomas had taken up position and the next round began. Claire and Betty cheered loudly for each of them, and David briefly heard one of the Hatchlings taking bets to his extreme amusement. Grass and dirt exploded like shrapnel from beneath Thomas¡¯ paws as he went from relaxed and flatfooted to flying through the air in a savage predatory leap in less time than it took David to rise a single wingbeat into the air. The feline touched down like a feather and rocketed across the open grassy field like a nightmare fired directly out of a canon, snarling viciously in complete silence as he charged. David blanketed him with Echolocations as he moved a safe distance away from the crowd and hovered just within his enemy''s range, allowing the Combat Expertise to build. Thomas closed the remaining distance in only a few seconds before he leaped again, soaring into the air towards David in a way that only other cats and deer could hope to match. Gotcha, bitch! David sucked in a breath as he calmly watched Thomas ascend towards him, all four forward limbs reaching for him with claws extended, a glint of suspicion in his eyes at David¡¯s refusal to move sparking far too late. David barked out a short but solid Screech, cutting the ability off after only half a second, the damage already done. Thomas jerked slightly at the unexpected attack, the pain in his sensitive feline ears causing him to close his eyes for a brief second in pain. David activated Nocturnal Strike the instant he saw the opening, the talons on his wings seemingly pulling him forward as the Ability altered his momentum just enough to make his gambit possible. He dived through the gap in Thomas¡¯ attack and felt a single claw tear into his wing with a grimace of pain. He braked hard the moment he had cleared his target, rolling over in the air and diving straight down, his eyes locked firmly on Thomas¡¯ neck, instinctually recognizing it as the only location that wouldn¡¯t get him mauled in retaliation. The six-limbed panther flipped almost automatically in the air, orienting himself to stick the landing and sinking low to the ground as he absorbed the impact before David slammed into him. Thomas was driven to the ground with another grunt and a strangled curse as David locked his jaws around the base of his skull once again and Herold declared him the winner. ¡°Point and Match to David! Splendidly done! Though, David, perhaps you may wish to engage in less risky strategies in the future.¡± ¡°Fuck! I hate fighting things that fly, no offense.¡± Thomas sighed as David once again hopped off of his back, ¡°I jump, you know where I¡¯m going to go and I can¡¯t change the angle once I¡¯m off the ground. Meanwhile, you flappy bastards live up there and just sidestep me three-quarters of the time. Any advice?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t jump right away? Try and surprise us with it. When you take off like that every time with a big jump it lets me know how high you can go, and how fast. Flying is all about judging distance, you¡¯re not doing yourself any favors. Wait until we dive, and then jump right into us, if it¡¯s fast enough we probably won''t be able to turn?¡± David finished as Thomas nodded along with him. ¡°What the fuck David, are you some sort of idiot savant at fighting all of the sudden?¡± Claire rumbled in surprise as she overheard his short explanation while the pair of fighters walked back off the field together amicably. ¡°No, I just started paying a lot of attention after the third time I almost got eaten alive and you had to save me. Plus everything is bigger than me, I always have to think everything through like that. I just didn''t have a lot of practice before, I¡¯m trying to get better.¡± ¡°Two times, you handled the fish just fine, but I¡¯ll take the compliment,¡± Claire replied as both of the combatants joined her and Betty under the tree and allowed some Hatchlings to take the field. Herold marched around and paired them all up, before supervising the fights closely and barking advice or commands the entire time in a jovial voice. David was about to reply with something snarky when he caught some movement above them and noticed the light glittering off of Kai¡¯s golden plumage as he soared high above the park. He slowly spiraled down to the ground over a few minutes, dropping the heavily mangled body of something that looked a bit like a salamander by the front of the Warehouse before making a beeline straight for David. His icy blue eyes shone with excitement and he forgot his dignity and even performed a few ungainly hops to speed himself up instead of his usual stately avian stride. ¡°DAVID! YOU WANT A SHITLOAD OF XP FAST?! DALLAS AND I FOUND SOMETHING GOOD, BUT WENDY¡¯S BUSY AND WE NEED MORE WINGS!¡± The golden bird was poofy, every feather on his body fully raised and the crest adorning his skull at full extension. He practically screeched the sentence in a single breath and left his beak fully open in his excitement as he waited for an answer. ¡°Uh¡­yes? What is it?¡± David asked curiously, flattening his ears to protect them from the sheer volume of Kai¡¯s almost out-of-character excitement. ¡°Event Quest! For flyers! Hurry there¡¯s a fucking timer on it, I came back to get you! LET¡¯S GO ALREADY!¡± Kai screeched again before lifting off and rocketing away at full speed. David was airborne and following in a heartbeat as he called down to Claire, ¡°I gotta check this out! I¡¯m so sorry, I¡¯ll be back, I¡¯ll bring you something good!¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re making friends, I¡¯m gonna take it easy where nothing is trying to eat us for once.¡± Claire bellowed lazily up at him as he surged into the air, following the enormous eagle into the sky. Within moments they had cleared the treetops, climbing higher and higher into the air as they swung out over Riverport and headed directly for the heart of the city. 31 - Game Plan Their destination was revealed to be closer than David thought it would be, though Kai flew as if the devil himself was chasing them the entire way. He struggled to keep up with the huge bird, who was appreciably heavier than he was and could Glide much faster as they made a beeline toward the heart of the downtown area. Decrepit, overgrown skyscrapers consumed by creeping vines loomed ahead of them as they rapidly approached, unhindered by the rough terrain and ruins that passed below them. Without warning Kai suddenly rolled into a dive, streaking towards the ground with only a shrill cry to alert David to the maneuver. He fell for a long time as David watched curiously, finally unfurling his huge wings and angling himself towards what David barely recognized as a parking lot. ¨CHealth: 90/90¨C ¨CStamina: 183/215¨C ¨CN/A¨C David tore his eyes away from his readout before he pulled in his wings and allowed himself to drop, heart hammering in his chest with exhilaration. He built up speed for several seconds and the rush of wind drowned out all other sounds while the earth below began to rise uncomfortably close. David unfurled his wings with a snap, the thick leather membrane instantly filling like a sail, and he felt the familiar burn as his shoulders and back did most of the work holding them steady. He couldn¡¯t help grinning a little, flying was always fun, and things seemed to be taking a turn for the better in the last two days. Part of their plan in coming here had been to find Quests, and even though Claire couldn¡¯t participate, he was glad to be making progress again. Man he¡¯s in a rush, is the timer that short? Is he just that excited? I know I am, I wonder what type of Quest this will be. Event Quest for Flyers, huh¡­I didn¡¯t even know that the System was exclusive, but I should have expected it. Every choice, blah blah. Oh, hey Dallas is down there too! David folded his wings up again and dropped the last ten feet, bouncing lightly, though his talons stung mightily from their impact on the broken concrete. He resolved never to land like that again on asphalt as he loped closer to where Kai and Dallas stood near a pile of scuffed plastic that might have been a bus stop at some point. The wasplike creature didn¡¯t even turn to look at him, though David was completely sure that they saw him just fine with their large compound eyes because they began to speak immediately. ¡°Hey David, really appreciate you helping with this. Sorry to involve you in something as dangerous as a Quest.¡± Dallas buzzed while tapping his long bladelike stinger thoughtfully against the weathered concrete. ¡°Dallas¡­I told you¡­they do quests too¡­Whoooo, give me a second.¡± Kai said between heavy breaths, stamina clearly depleted and recharging slowly. ¡°Oh, good point. Sorry to baby you, man.¡± Dallas shrugged, ¡°We¡¯ve got probably an hour left on the Quest I think. Do you know the stadium downtown?¡± David sat on his haunches and nodded, checking his readouts briefly before throwing a few Echolocations into the rows of rusted-out cars behind them just in case. When nothing but more intimate knowledge of exactly how derelict the cars were presented itself, David answered. ¡°Yeah, Baseball stadium right? The one we spent like a bajillion dollars on instead of fixing the roads and building another bridge?¡± David chittered grumpily, ¡°With the big fancy ceiling or whatever?¡± ¡°Bingo, yeah. Although the ceiling is more of a floor now. It¡¯s all overgrown in there and open to the sky. I figured I¡¯d poke around and see if I could scare anything up to eat a little closer to town, but ended up finding the Quest instead.¡± Dallas replied in his oddly harmonic voice. ¡°What the hell is an Event Quest anyway?¡± Dallas buzzed his wings several times and repeated the stinger tapping motion as he thought, before somehow performing a shrug with his antennae. ¡°It¡¯d be faster to show you than to explain it, Kai you wanna keep panting like that don¡¯t stand right behind me while you do it. Weirdo, I oughta make you buy me dinner now.¡± Dallas clicked his scissor like mandibles for emphasis as he turned to face the huge avian. ¡°Oh shut up, Regeneration is not my best stat.¡± Kai sighed, ¡°We have time still, David. Real quick, there¡¯s something we do before Hunts or Quests. Dallas, you wanna lead?¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Yeah, sure. My defenses and regen are high, and speed is okay but my offense is terrible. Almost all my damage is from my Special and Mutagens. I sting things, and they either melt or wish they melted. Do not bite anything you see me sting or smell the venom from. This is gonna be kinda gross but you need to smell it so you know what to avoid.¡± Dallas said with a bit of embarrassment as he pressed his stinger into the concrete and it oozed a bit of venom onto the ground. David¡¯s nose wrinkled in distaste as an acrid, biting smell filled the air almost instantly, the concrete discoloring violently under the small blob of gel-like venom. Every single one of his new instincts screamed at him that it was a dangerous smell, and he fought the urge to edge away from Dallas before he nodded his head in acknowledgment. Dallas performed the shrug with his antennae again apologetically before Kai cut in. The enormous bird clacked his beak for attention as he spoke, ¡°You fought with me already¡­but, my offense, defense, and speed are high. I ran out of points after that, and my regen took a bit of a hit. I¡¯ll have to fight on the ground after we engage unless I can fall back to rest at some point. All my damage is direct, and I work as a pretty good wall in emergencies, but I can¡¯t keep it up very long.¡± They both stared at him expectantly for several seconds before David finally put 2 and 2 together. ¡°Oh, duh! My offense, defense, and regeneration are high. I can drain a bit of health and stamina every hit if I¡¯m using my physical Ability. Other than that it¡¯s all Control, you saw the silver cloud last night? Don¡¯t get near it, it¡¯s a hallucinogen.¡± David barked quickly, ¡°I do have one other ability but it¡¯s dangerous to use at full power around other people because it hits everything around me¡­and I¡¯ve got a stealth Mutagen but haven¡¯t had the opportunity to test it.¡± ¡°Leo¡¯s got an attack like that too¡­Okay, I¡¯ll trust you not to kill me with it then. Here¡¯s the plan¡­¡± Dallas muttered sadly before launching into his explanation. David forced himself to pay close attention to the plan now that they all knew each other''s basic capabilities. According to Dallas¡¯ information, the Quest would activate the moment that they crossed over above the stadium itself and they¡¯d likely have a few moments to position themselves before the Event started. There would be a 3-minute countdown before the Quest began and they would be told exactly what their objective was, though David didn¡¯t like that they had no idea what could happen. To his surprise, his few interjections were carefully considered, and Dallas proved to be quick to ask questions and adjust his plans based on any input from either of them. ¡°Alright, I think that¡¯s it. We don¡¯t have a lot to go on, so for now, we¡¯ll spread out a bit but stay close enough to help. David finds somewhere with some altitude to set up, and Kai goes down first. I¡¯ll come in on his heels, David finds a good angle to flank and does his thing.¡± Dallas began to fan his wings rapidly in preparation, ¡°Any objections?¡± When none were voiced his wings blurred and a deep droning hum filled the air as he lifted off vertically without any visible effort, his movements reminding David vaguely of helicopters with the way sand and debris were blown away from him. Kai waited for a few seconds as Dallas continued to rise before shifting gears and rifling out towards their destination, and only then did Kai spread his massive wings and launch into the air after him. David coughed and shook himself, frowning as much as his face allowed as he cleared himself of all the debris kicked up by their flight. Shaking his head he leaped into the sky, scooping the warm afternoon air rising from the broken pavement and allowing the updraft to save him some energy as he sped after the pair. Dallas flew with such precision David was a little jealous, easily able to fly sideways and diagonally in a way that his own wings just didn''t allow for. Despite that his increase in weight over David made it possible for him to maintain pace, matching speed with Kai as they wove single-file through the crumbling skyline with purpose. In a matter of minutes, the trio had cleared the high-rises and flew out over a heavily overgrown section of Riverport and the stadium suddenly rose from the ruins below them. Dallas descended towards it in a wide arc and they swung around to follow his path without asking any questions. They followed close behind and landed precariously next to him along the uppermost rim of the structure, staring down into the field through a large square hole in the roof. ¨CQuest Requirement: Flight¨C ¨CRequirement met!¨C ¨CEvent Quest Available: Rising Peril¨C ¨CReward: Performance Based¨C ¨C3:00¨C ¨C2:59¨C ¨C2:58¨C ¡°Everyone ready?¡± Kai asked as he flared his wings with care not to jab his companions with his feathers. ¡°Yep.¡± ¡°Uh¡­I guess. I¡¯m gonna go find somewhere to hide. Good luck, be careful.¡± David replied as he leaned forward off their perch and began to glide down slowly as his eyes darted about below him. He heard Kai¡¯s wings beat the air with dull thumps above him as they climbed high above the stadium and began to circle. Okay, David. This is gonna be the first Quest where you don¡¯t almost die. Keep your readouts up, pay attention to the new one. Watch your Control Effects and don¡¯t fuck this up. We got this, I¡¯ve improved a lot in the last few days, don¡¯t embarrass yourself in front of the birds and the bees¡­heheheh. Dammit, focus! 32 - Oh, dude, nasty The choice had been easy for David after he¡¯d wasted almost a third of his time looking around while he floated down into the stadium in a lazy spiral. The high walls of the structure, along with its partial roof, blocked much of the late afternoon sun from stinging his eyes and he was silently grateful for it. Not finding anywhere particularly appealing below him, David had looked above and quickly realized that the scaffolding which held up the ceiling made a perfect roost. Pulling out of his descent with frantic wingbeats, he rapidly reached the ceiling and vanished into the lightly rusted metal in moments. David took a few seconds to pulse the immediate area with Echolocations, not wanting a nasty surprise while he waited but found that he was alone as expected. ¨CHealth: 90/90¨C ¨CStamina: 200/215¨C ¨CN/A¨C ¨C1:35¨C ¨C1:34¨C David left the readouts open, forcing them to display with a mental nudge that made him confirm his intentions a few times. He felt slightly foolish as he realized he could have had it up the entire time, but had failed to experiment like he¡¯d sworn he would. His talons tapped against the metal beams he crouched on with irritation, and he realized that the System was as much of a tool as his Abilities or Mutagens were, but he¡¯d been mostly using it like a sledgehammer. A low hiss slithered its way out of his throat almost involuntarily, though David had to admit he added a bit of oompf to it on the way out. He shook his head and put his ears on a swivel, eyes locked unblinkingly down through the shadows that consumed his hiding spot to look for anything happening on the weed-choked baseball diamond below. ¨C0:28¨C ¨C0:27¨C ¨C0:26¨C David saw it before he heard it for once, and his sharp talons grated against the cold metal under his wings as he tightened his grip reflexively. What his sensitive ears did detect, however, was the loud cry of a circling bird of prey as Kai too saw the disturbance and issued a loud challenge in his excitement. The foliage and soil began to move in several spots under the abandoned field, dirt churning to the surface from below in wide circles as something began to emerge from below the earth. Strange sounds, hollow and drum like, rang out from below, muffled at first but rising in volume with each passing second as more soil pressed upward. It accumulated in large piles before the mounds began to spill debris down their sides and the Quest timer ticked out its final few seconds while David held his breath. ¨C0:04¨C ¨C0:03¨C ¨C0:02¨C As the timer finally disappeared off of his readout the largest of the mounds quivered, the soil vibrating weirdly as a fleshy green blob pushed its way up through the ground. It was slightly opaque and it jiggled disturbingly as the final bits of dirt rolled free of its surface, which began to ripple as it pushed outwards and widened the hole before emerging fully. David blinked, then blinked again before he fought down a full-body shiver of revulsion as the creature began to drift into the air. It was Large at minimum, though the rest of the creatures that emerged ranged in size from slightly smaller than David to slightly larger than Kai. Still, none were as large as the first, and David cringed slightly as the thin vine-like tentacles dropped free of the mushroom-shaped main body with audibly wet pops. David immediately fixed the largest specimen as his target mentally before firing off a Glare he knew wouldn¡¯t connect, his eyes darting to the secondary readout he had set up. ¨CChlorogyre is unaffected¨C Ooookay, that¡¯s fucking nasty. Jellyfish lookin¡¯ plant thing; I bet those tendrils can move too, they look like they have hooks on the inside. Fi¨C No, six of them¡­Uh¡­wow they¡¯re starting to float a lot faster¡­yep they¡¯re speeding up, c¡¯mon Kai! This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. David had begun to ready himself to fly before the loose group of Chlorogyres drifted entirely out of the stadium when Kai streaked into his field of view like a bolt of lightning, wings tucked tightly to his sides. He plowed into the largest of the creatures with no apparent regard for his safety, neglecting to slow himself even slightly before he impacted, huge talons striking before the weight of his body. David didn¡¯t wait to see what happened next as Kai vanished entirely into the Chlorogyre¡¯s body with a shocked screech, a huge gout of thick green liquid pouring from the hole in its upper body. He dropped from the rafters and allowed himself to fall almost to the dilapidated seating below him as he slowly extended his wings, segueing into a rapid Glide as David leaned into into it, converting all his height into speed and darted closely along the ground. He heard Kai begin screeching angrily above him and dodged the falling clumps of¡­ He tried not to think about it, pouring on some speed as he burned stamina with a few quick flaps of his leathery wings before leaning back hard. He clenched his jaws with the strain, blood pounding in his ears as he forced himself into an upwards arc, only beginning to flap when his nose was pointed directly at the sky and he felt gravity beginning to snatch greedily at his speed. David had a vague impression of a huge circular mouth ringed with thousands of needled teeth in the center of the Chlorogyre¡¯s body before he blew past them, rapidly gaining altitude. ¡°NASTY FUCKIN¡¯ GROSS-ASS DISGUSTING-¡± Kai¡¯s furious shouting rose into focus briefly before it was snatched away by the wind. The group of hideous creatures began to draw level with the opening in the stadium''s roof while the bird savaged the largest specimen and it extended its tentacles upward into its own body to snatch at him. David evened out and shot a glance below him to reposition himself, noting that Dallas was busily engaged with two of the Medium Chlorogyres, leaving neat trails of nasty puncture wounds along the stem of their bodies as he snapped and tore at the grasping tendrils. Both beasts had become tangled together somehow, and David rapidly began to understand that they weren¡¯t very smart, even if they were big and dangerous. He tipped himself forward, picking his target and allowing himself to gain momentum once again. David wasn¡¯t sure that either his Gloom or Soporific Mutagen would be of much use here and resolved to simply tear into the things until he found an opportunity to use Screech. He angled for the remaining Chlorogyre that wasn¡¯t smaller than himself and waited for the last possible second to activate Nocturnal Strike, the Ability helping him power into the beast. He struck at the intersection of its main body and the stem that contained its mouth, catching it as it tilted wildly in the wind. To his horror, the body of the creature was soft and gelatinous, though far stickier than he had anticipated, and he found it hard to extricate his limbs or fangs from the beast''s body. ¡°BLUUURGHHCH!¡± David wretched despairingly as an indescribably terrible taste filled his mouth. He heaved several more times, the actions violent and involuntary in response to the awful bitter flavor of the Chlorogyre¡¯s bodily fluids. He was still trying to unstick himself when David felt a hot band of pain suddenly snake around his torso, his skin tearing as hooks were driven through his fur and into his flesh. Two more quickly joined it, and another wrapped around his right wing before they all began to haul him downward forcefully in an attempt to maneuver him toward its maw. David¡¯s eyes widened from the pain, his readout blinking frantically as the numbers began to drop and he felt hot blood begin to seep into his fur, trickling down his back and wing membrane. ¨CHealth: 72/90¨C ¨CStamina 171/215¨C ¨CChlorogyre is unaffected¨C Oh fuck it¡¯s got me! I can¡¯t get loose, my face is stuck to it! Think you idiot, wha¨C HEY WAIT A SECOND David sucked in a huge bubbling breath and felt the hooks sink agonizingly deeper into the muscle of his back and chest as he inhaled as much as he possibly could. He began to flex his chest, compressing the air more and more as he watched his stamina begin to plummet with grim satisfaction while he Overcharged the Screech for the first time since he discovered it was possible. David pinned his ears back, clenched his eyes against the pain, wrenched his jaws apart as much as possible, and screamed. ¨CHealth: 59/90¨C ¨CStamina: 100/215¨C ¨CChlorogyre is Stunned¨C ¨CYou are afflicted by Grab¨C Gelatinous flesh peeled away under the force of the attack, the vastly overcharged ability destroying its amorphous body as the creature shook apart, unable to effectively redistribute the vibrations that rocked through its flesh. David was blown free of its sticky embrace and he sucked in a gasp of air, his throat burning and raw from the creature¡¯s flesh and the sheer power of the ability he¡¯d used. Hah! I can even do it again fucker! You gotta do better than that! The creature suddenly went slack, all sense of resistance vanishing as it simply could not withstand the level of damage it had taken, huge chunks of its main stem blown away by the Screech. David felt very smug for a full second before the body began to fall, and the single tendril still digging into his flesh carried him down with a shocked squeak. 33 - Falling Perilously Wind buffeted and tore at David as he fell, pulled along with the corpse like an out-of-control kite, firmly tethered by the tentacle still wrapped around his chest. He seized the appendage and hissed in pain as a scattering of the vicious hooks pricked and stabbed at him while he tore at it. David¡¯s fangs severed the appendage and he flared his wings, the rapid descent ceasing several seconds before he would have impacted. He watched the Chlorogyre¡¯s body splatter against the broken field below like a disgusting water balloon before he began to power upwards again. ¨CHealth: 55/90¨C ¨CStamina: 95/215¨C ¨CYou are no longer afflicted by Grab¨C Gonna have to make the Stamina count, I need to help Dallas and Kai. Fishhook tentacles are bullshit. Its stuck, I cant get it off, and it hurts. Where did¡­there! David began to power upwards, flaring his wings as he cleared the roof of the stadium and rode the wind toward the fight progressing in the open sky. The two Chlorogyres Dallas had been savaging were sinking slowly through the air, still tangled together via their tendrils. They twitched weakly as their bodies seemed almost to decay, a powerfully unpleasant acidic smell mixed with rot seeping from their bodies as their flesh began to slough away from the puncture wounds. David flew around them as they lost altitude, clearly unable to continue fighting as the potent venom ravaged their bodies. The largest Chlorogyre was still putting up a solid fight, and the two smallest of their number had begun to orbit the cap of the creature and attempt to aid in Kai¡¯s removal from the crater in its upper body. David extended his wings to their absolute maximum, tendons creaking ominously as he caught every last breath of the updraft he was riding while he eyed his resources impatiently. He''d burned enough stamina with that Screech that he needed a moment to recover if he wanted to be effective. Still, he had to reach his companions, who were counting on him to run interference. ¨CHealth: 59/90¨C ¨CStamina: 122/215¨C ¨CN/A¨C That''ll have to work. David burned a bit of Stamina, wincing as the hooks of the tentacle still entangled with his flesh sawed into him painfully with every flap. He rapidly drew level with the largest Chlorogyre while the ruins of Riverport fell farther and farther below them, climbing higher into the sky than ever before. The currents of wind became increasingly powerful as he gained altitude, and while it made it easier to ride the flow of air it worked both ways. The gelatinous creatures began to pick up speed as well, bobbing around drunkenly in the gusts and accelerating by the minute. Dallas stood atop the cap of the big one, his stinger jabbing opportunistically at the beast''s flesh as he fended off a scattering of tendrils from the two smaller specimens. He bit and snapped with the scissor-like mandibles on his head as he reared up on four of his back legs, flailing rather effectively with the two front appendages. The grasping tendrils failed to penetrate his chitinous armor though the insect was hard-pressed to protect his delicate wings, and he immediately gave ground every time a tendril evaded his counterattacks to snatch at them. His tiny clawed feet seemed to work in his favor as the sticky gluelike body failed to cover enough surface area to be effective, and he held himself as high as he could, careful to keep his body out of harms way. Kai¡¯s head exploded from creatures'' flesh on the outside rim of the impact crater, his feathers slimy with green ichor. The avian''s eyes were wild, and David couldn''t be sure if it was anxiety or fury that he was seeing as Kai finally flailed his way free of the sticky prison, dropping into the air and falling away. He spread his wings a few seconds later, leaving a mist of slime and gore in his wake as the wind blew it free of his slightly metallic feathers. He looked like the world''s filthiest phoenix as he wheeled around with a savage shriek and came barreling upwards, climbing past them and continuing to gain altitude at a frantic pace. David was certain Kai was going to dive again and hurled himself through the air toward where Dallas was increasingly penned in by the smaller Chlorogyres as they surrounded him with their grasping limbs. Deprived of their main target with Kai¡¯s departure, they focused instead on the wasplike insect, who now found himself trapped between the thick tentacles of the largest creature reaching up from below and those of the monsters above him. David had a flash of an idea and darted upwards slightly before descending on the two smaller targets diagonally, aiming at the cap of the rightmost creature. He hit hard, digging in with his claws and talons before hurling himself away in another direction, mimicking the trick he had performed during the fight earlier the day before. The buoyant creature was hurled mercilessly off course by the maneuver, spinning crazily from the angle of impact as it desperately tried to right itself. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Good one!¡± Dallas buzzed loudly, ¡°I think I used too much venom earlier!¡± David circled back around, dipping into another short dive and repeating the maneuver, hurling the smaller creature away in the opposite direction with his improvised tactic. Dallas saluted briefly with an antennae and his wings ramped up their speed before he dusted off the Chlorogyre¡¯s back, still snapping and slashing at the swarm of tendrils rising across the top of the creature''s body. He zipped into the air, only jostling slightly as all four of his wings worked independently to ensure he remained level while he hovered next to David and shouted to him. ¡°I¡¯ll take the two smaller ones, Kai¡¯s going to try and hit the same spot again!¡± Dallas shouted over the wind, ¡°He¡¯s probably waiting for Stamina! Can you widen the hole without getting stuck like he did?¡± David replied tersely as the burn from his wounds continued to pain him, ¡°I think so, but I¡¯m worried he¡¯ll come in for a run while I¡¯m trying!¡± ¡°He could read a license plate from orbit, you¡¯ll be fine, go quick! We¡¯re getting too damn high already, it¡¯s fucking cold.¡± Dallas vibrated loudly before orienting himself on the isolated beasts and rifling away. ¨CHealth: 57/90¨C ¨CStamina: 94/215¨C ¨CN/A¨C Okay, one more screech but maybe not as overkill this time. I fly over, I blast it, I get out of the way. If I¡¯m not too low after I¡¯ll help Dallas get the smaller ones. David climbed slightly before entering an angled glide, picking up speed slowly as he darted a glance above him to find Kai circling like a vulture almost a hundred feet above. He had a vague impression of a large avian eye locked onto him before he closed the distance to the huge creature and focused. Wickedly hooked tentacles rose in his path like a nest of snakes, waving blindly through the air in an attempt to ward off his approach. David instinctively shot out an Echolocation, the mental return images giving him a solid grasp of the gaps in the seemingly impenetrable wall of tendrils. He refused to slow his approach, tucking in his wings greatly and blasting through the path he¡¯d seen with his mental map as David sucked in a breath. He threw his head downwards into the gaping wound in the beast as he passed over it and screamed. The Screech exploded from his mouth, saturating the bowl-shaped crater with violent sonic waves that its body conducted far too well. Thick gel-like flesh quivered with the force of the attack as the waves spread throughout its body, dense viscous blobs shaken loose instantly by the vibrations as its flesh crumbled. ¨CChlorogyre is Stunned¨C Then he was gone, the now cavernous wound flashing by below him only to be replaced with a dizzying view of the ground far below him as exhaustion sunk into his bones and David coughed, his raw throat protesting the repeated uses of the attack. David had a moment of odd lucidity as he came about, his extreme altitude allowing him a birds-eye view of most of Riverport stretched out below him, the greens and browns of the rampant growth mixing well with the greys of the ruined city. The moment lasted only a few heartbeats before he had reoriented on the Chlorogyre, his eyes falling on it only a moment before Kai himself. The enormous eagle had entered into a stoop the instant David had cleared the target, picking up speed dangerously quickly as he cleaved downwards through the air. He was still in a perfect dive as he impacted the already critical wound on the body of the Chlorogyre, his sharp beak and plumage carving into the creature''s weakened defenses at an irresistible speed. David watched with wonder and a little grim satisfaction as the creature¡¯s body bulged and split, and Kai blew through on the other side. An earsplitting shriek of victory filled the sky as the golden bird wheeled away, the huge enemy already beginning to fall to the earth below, tentacles flailing uselessly in the wind. David added his ringing snarl to the victory cry and powered towards the last remaining enemy as Dallas continued his meticulous stabbing assault on his own target. WE DID IT! ¨CScreech has leveled up! ¨CGained 3xp! ¨CScreech has leveled up! ¨CGained 3xp! ¨CScreech has leveled up! ¨CGained 3xp! ¨CScreech has leveled up! ¨CGained 3xp! ¨CScreech F ¡ú E¨C 34 - Event Quest Complete! ¨CEvent Quest: Rising Peril complete!¨C ¨C6/6 Beasts Defeated!¨C ¨CCalculatingParticipation¡­¨C ¨C2/6 Enemies Disabled - 1 Killing Blow.¨C ¨CPerformance: Acceptable¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_EQReward¡­¨C ¨CReceived: Minor Fusion Token¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_BonusLoot¡­¨C ¨CReceived: Random Mutagen Token F¨C ¨CGained 150xp!¨C ¨CLevel up!¨C ¨CGained 2pts!¨C David carefully went over the list of notifications again to distract himself as Dallas carefully sliced the tentacle into chunks with his armored mandibles. The insect was methodical, cutting each section at exact lengths, and ensuring that he had completely severed each portion before he moved on. David especially disliked the sections where several of the barbs had caught the membrane of his wing, and he dug his claws into the soft dirt below them with every snip and bite. Kai watched from nearby, both keeping an eye out despite the relative safety of the overgrown gas station parking lot they had descended to, and to avoid having to look at the way the hooks pulled at David¡¯s flesh. ¡°You should invest in an exoskeleton if you have the chance, I highly recommend it.¡± Dallas quipped as he worked, ¡°That or a lot more fur, there¡¯s big parts in your mane that didn¡¯t make it all the way through.¡± ¡°Har har, ow! Shit¡­¡± David snarked as the final piece was cut, ¡°Sorry man, I just know this next part is gonna suck. At least we finished the quest right?¡± ¡°Yep, I got a Selective Skill Token at C and a bunch of Points on the bonus.¡± The wasp replied as he fanned his wings amicably, ¡°Kai, your turn. Don¡¯t give me that look, I¡¯m not built for the next bit and you know it. What¡¯d you get, David?¡± ¡°Something called a Minor Fusion Token, and an F Mutagen Token¡­I didn''t even know you could get them as tokens.¡± David replied anxiously while Kai grimly strode closer. David scrunched his eyes shut as Kai delicately plucked at one of the sections, carefully getting a grip with the tip of his heavily hooked beak. He hesitated only for a second before ripping the section free with a sound not unlike Velcro separating and David snarled in pain, desperately wishing any of them had thumbs to work a pair of pliers. He repeated this three more times before David had to ask for a short break, his skin strangely hot as he felt blood seeping from the edges of his wounds left by the cruel barbed hooks. ¨CYou have taken 1 Piercing Damage¨C ¨CYou have taken 1 Piercing Damage¨C ¨CYou have taken 1 Piercing Damage¨C ¨CYou have taken 2 Piercing Damage¨C ¡°Shit, hold up, that last one hurt. There were a lot of hooks in that time, just give me a second.¡± David panted as he forced his ears to stand back up and keep swiveling in search of potential threats. Kai chirped sympathetically, ¡°I lost a fight with a cactus as a kid, jumping cactus specifically. I can relate, this is giving me flashbacks. Sorry dude, I know it hurts.¡± David nodded and focused on his breathing for a moment as he called up his Status, interested to see what leveling up looked like after an evolution. It was a lame excuse, but his back felt like it was on fire and he knew that his Regeneration would begin to take the edge off it shortly if he waited.
User: David Fisher Species: Twilight Seeker ¦¸ This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Rank: E Health: 87/105 Stam: 194/250 (++) Level: 6 Exp: 112/175 Special: Echolocation E
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal F: +8% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. [4/10] Echolocation E: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise. [7/10] Flight E: Allows for flight and gliding. Moderate Stamina drain. (stam+) [5/10] Small: Your form is small, weighing no more thana 115lbs. (stam+) [n/a]
Abilities: 4/4 Screech E: You emit a loud screech damaging enemies around you, or in a wide cone. Low Stam consumption. [0/10] Glare F: You fix your target with a baleful gaze, inflicting Fear. Moderate Stam consumption. [6/10] Gloom D: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 7 times. [4/10] Nocturnal Strike D (4pts): A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. Mild Stam consumption. [7/10]
Mutagens: 4/5 Unnerving Mutagen B: Your appearance is unnerving. May cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Atavistic Mutagen D: Form becomes primal, strengthening your body. Soporific Mutagen E: Your claws produce a natural soporific. May cause enemies to fall unconscious. Secretive Mutagen E: You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect. Empty:
Nice, 15 Health and 35 Stamina. That¡¯s pretty good, more than another Screech or two anyway. Actually, that ranked up too! ¡­in a wide cone huh? Thank god, at least it¡¯s not useless half the time anymore. Gonna have to figure out what they consider a ¡®wide cone¡¯ though, I¡¯m betting it means, ¡®in front of you¡¯. I guess we¡¯ll see, now what the fuck is a Fusion Token? |Minor Fusion Token: Permanently combines two Abilities or two Mutagens into a single hybrid effect. The resulting fusion''s grade is determined by averaging the component qualities. This process is irreversible.| Oh¡­shit, that¡¯s pretty cool. Are you telling me I could combine Nocturnal Strike and Glare? Freeze ¡®em up when I attack? Wait, no! I could fuse something with my Unnerving Mutagen! Maybe it¡¯d tone it down a little bit and make me less ugly¡­Oh god, what if it makes it worse somehow? ¡°Okay, you ready?¡± David snapped out his musings and looked mournfully up at the giant bird before nodding. He sighed and raised his wings to give him access, closing his eyes again as he saw the huge beak closing around a particularly dense section of tentacle. Kai pulled it loose with a quick jerk of his head, doing his best to get it over with as he tossed the foul thing into the pile with the rest of them. Dallas muttered some vaguely encouraging words which David ignored out of hand, though he did appreciate the gesture a bit. The wasp had been cleaning his antennae in what looked like a nervous habit as he watched, cringing as much as an insect could with every tearing sound. ¨CYou have taken 3 Piercing Damage¨C ¨CYou have taken 1 Piercing Damage¨C ¨CYou have taken 2 Piercing Damage¨C ¡°You know what, fuck things with tentacles.¡± David spat as he slowly worked his shoulders and chest after the last piece was removed. He could feel the solid ring of punctures begin to heal slightly as his Health regenerated and was incredibly grateful for it. Dallas buzzed with amusement, ¡°That¡¯s what sh-¡± ¡°No, don¡¯t you dare. That should have died a long time ago, and I won''t allow you to bring that evil here.¡± Kai hissed, snapping his head onto the insect as Dallas flicked his wings a few times mischievously. ¡°Ugh, it was my fault. I just didn''t expect them to be sticky and stabby. Kai, you get anything good?¡± ¡°I got a Minor Trait Improvement thingy and a buttload of xp on the bonus. Leveled up, and it got me almost to level nine as well.¡± He replied happily, the crest on his head flaring up. David blinked a bit in surprise, ¡°Wait, what level are you guys?¡± ¡°Well, I was level seven when we started the Quest.¡± Kai said slowly, "Dallas probably hit eight as well, yeah?" David closed his eyes and sighed as Dallas nodded his agreement, ¡°Yeah, I thought that felt kinda challenging. I was level five, just got to six.¡± ¡°What?¡± Their stunned expressions just made him sigh harder. 35 - Youre doing it wrong! ¡°You do realize you¡¯re supposed to have more than two people for these big quests, right?¡± Kai squawked in exasperation after David finished explaining himself, ¡°How the fuck did you two not die?¡± David had slunk grumpily into the shade provided by a sturdy tree that had grown up through the concrete to devour the fuel pumps, his head beginning to ache from the constant sting of the sunlight. He sighed for probably the hundredth time and flared his wings in a shrug, the motion kicking up a stirring of dust that smelled faintly of rust as the pair stared at him expectantly. David felt his mane and hackles start to rise defensively and simply allowed it, fur floofing out to make him more intimidating and only partially succeeding. ¡°The first time I managed to land an overcharged ability on almost the entire group, I just didn''t know it¡¯d cost nearly all my stamina.¡± David continued defensively, ¡°The second time I managed to get almost all the monsters with Gloom. Do you remember the silver cloud? They were totally out of it, I only got hurt because I tried to be fancy with it.¡± ¡°So you two finished both the intro quests, got unlucky enough to have an Encounter drop straight into your laps, and ran off to do an even harder type of quest without even scouting it out first?¡± Dallas asked bluntly, ¡°Then just Evolved right off the bat without leveling any skills?¡± David folded his ears back, feeling a bit attacked as Dallas and Kai continued to interrogate him as he thought about it. While it was true he could have found a way to level Screech a bit more, and he¡¯d only used Glare once before Evolving, he hadn¡¯t understood how the process worked at the time. It wasn¡¯t like anything had come with an instruction manual or a tidy tutorial that walked him through the finer points of being a mutated bat creature. All the information was accessible, but he¡¯d never known to ask for it and had barely been accustomed to his readouts and the System in general. ¡°Yep.¡± David replied with his best poker face, ¡°It would have been easy too if I had known how everything works like I do now. Those Chlorogyres were resistant to Control effects, but if they hadn¡¯t been I could have disabled most of them by myself¡­probably.¡± He paused a moment before adding, ¡°And I¡¯m not sure if you can tell by looking, but doing stuff in broad daylight is a struggle for me.¡± ¡°What the fuck is a Chlorogyre?¡± Dallas buzzed curiously. ¡°It¡¯s what the System called those things, I got a notification it had resisted my Glare.¡± Kai cocked his head quizzically to the side as he took a few stately steps closer, joining David beneath the shade of the sprawling tree and standing nearby. The huge golden crest on his head rose slowly as David saw the gears turning in his head for a few seconds as he thought about something. He glanced first at Dallas before turning his gaze back to David and then looking up at the sky as if trying to puzzle something out before he simply sat, poofing up his feathers and rearranging his wings into a more comfortable position. ¡°Eh, no point being dicks about it. You did well today, and honestly, I thought you would be at a higher level than us coming out of the forest. That¡¯s why we asked for your help, we usually try to have at least five people for Quests like these.¡± Kai chirped and bobbed his head a bit as he spoke, gravel crunching under his claws as he settled down. ¡°Yeah¡­didn¡¯t mean to jump down your throat there. It¡¯s just¡­we lost some good people to a similar mistake recently. We should have asked you, we fucked up, sorry man.¡± Dallas added sadly. The wind rustled through the leaves of the tree above them, filling the air with the scent of growing things as David¡¯s mane slowly settled down and laid flat once again. They both seemed to take the knowledge that he¡¯d gone into the Quest a bit weak more negatively than David would have anticipated, and he was curious they¡¯d been acting so strange about Quests in general. Dallas¡¯ earlier remark about being sorry to involve him, Kai¡¯s surprise that they had survived in the forest, and a few other remarks stood out in David¡¯s memory suddenly and he couldn¡¯t help but feel it was related somehow. That¡¯s right, Dallas mentioned before that they¡¯d had almost 20 people evolved already. They must have been just chaining Quests to do that so fast¡­Fuck it, I¡¯m just going to ask. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. ¡°What happened? I heard what you said to Claire last night, I don¡¯t want to pry but¡­It seems important.¡± David asked awkwardly. Dallas fidgeted while Kai just closed his eyes, and David felt like maybe he¡¯d pushed a little bit too far. He had begun to open his jaws to apologize and brush the whole thing off when Dallas oriented himself to stare at him and scuttled closer. His tiny clawed feet tapped against the ground with an almost musical cadence as all six of his limbs worked in perfect harmony, and David was slightly disturbed as he stared into the almost alien insectoid face. Dallas made several attempts to begin but cut himself off each time, seemingly at a loss to recount the event before finally soldiering through it. ¡°We were trying to do the Area Quest, we figured we had enough people for it after we got a head count of everyone that evolved in the first couple of days.¡± The insect droned lifelessly, ¡°A whole bunch of shit went wrong all at once.¡± ¡°Everything was going fine, we had four or five groups of people cycling in and out. The Area Boss is this big¡­Armadillo-looking thing, with lots of armor and big claws. Joe, Herold, and Leo were taking turns distracting it while everyone else tried to hit anything they could when they got an opening. We were winning but then everything just went to shit in five seconds.¡± What the fuck is an Area Quest? Are you telling me there¡¯s a Quest target so big they thought they would need 20 people to clear it? Dallas continued, ¡°Leo¡­Leo has an ability that makes enemies who hear it want to attack him. He used it when Herold was getting cracked out of his shell and we couldn¡¯t get the Boss off him. It worked, but it pulled in another group of creatures we didn¡¯t know were there. They were fucking everywhere, man. By the time we realized it was happening we had nowhere to go, people went down fast and we lost more trying to run. We should all be dead, it''s a miracle anybody without wings got out at all.¡± ¡°Fuck.¡± David said, stunned. ¡°We don¡¯t mean to be weird about it, it¡¯s just fresh in the mind is all,¡± Kai muttered quietly as silence descended over the group. Well¡­fuck. That explains a lot, the ¡®training¡¯, waiting for everyone to evolve, being weird about Quests and group sizes¡­Damn. I shouldn¡¯t have asked like that, I feel like an asshole now. ¡°Hey, guys, I really didn¡¯t¨C¡± David began guiltily before Kai and Dallas both cut him off. ¡°Nah, it¡¯s not you.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t know, man. Now you do.¡± Dallas added, ¡°But don¡¯t bring it up to Leo, dude tried to throw himself off the bridge afterward. Joe had to pull him out of the river and he hasn¡¯t said a fucking word since.¡± Kai nodded firmly in agreement, ¡°We all tried to tell him it wasn¡¯t his fault but he doesn¡¯t care. Herold spends all his free time talking to him, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s helping.¡± ¡°Fuck.¡± David said again, not meaning it any less the second time. ¡°Can we change the subject? How about we get back to Woodland,¡± Kai said as he stood, ruffling his feathers and shaking himself hard. He fluffed up to maximum and tiny puffs of golden down-feathers drifted through the air around him before his plumage slicked back down and he looked at the two of them questioningly. ¡°Y-yeah. Should probably get these Tokens and stuff squared off too, huh?¡± David chittered lamely as his wings and ears drooped a bit with shame. Kai leaned over and bonked him on top of the head with his beak, and David heard an odd hollow clunking sound as it landed, enough to sting a bit but not enough to do damage. He blinked several times, mouth opening and shutting in confusion but no words managed to escape. Kai regarded him placidly as David stared up at his cold blue eyes, bewilderment plain on his elongated bat-like features. Dallas made a noise that sounded a bit like a snort of amusement, despite making the sound with his wings and Kai shook his head with a hint of mischief. ¡°Seriously, David, it¡¯s okay. Someone was gonna tell you soon one way or the other, I¡¯m sure. Everyone seems to like you and Claire, even if you do scare the shit out of people just by existing sometimes.¡± Kai said finally with a bit of laughter in his voice, ¡°Did you know Betty had a nightmare you were chasing her around her kitchen table, but she had socks on and kept sliding on the linoleum so she couldn¡¯t get away?¡± ¡°I thought Claire was actually gonna piss herself trying not to laugh when Betty told her, you were still asleep.¡± Dallas exploded into buzzing laughter when he suddenly remembered as well. Oh so when the giant dinosaur looks scary it¡¯s fine but people have nightmares about me. Claire! Why didn¡¯t you tell me, you traitor?! ¡­that is kinda funny though... ¡°You know what? You¡¯re right, let¡¯s head back.¡± David tried not to smirk too much as he flared his wings to lift off. 36 - Fusion Happy Dance The flight back to Woodland had been longer than David thought it would be, the Event Quest having taken them nearly outside the city limits as they pursued the creatures through the sky. David chatted a bit with Kai and Dallas during the trip, offering his opinions and listening to their advice about how to use his quest rewards in turn. Dallas had resolved to use the powerful skill token on something outside his usual skillset, remembering how quickly he¡¯d run out of venom against the gelatinous creatures. He¡¯d been reduced to stabbing with his long daggerlike stinger, which was effective, but lacked the lethality it would have had if he¡¯d been more sparing with his Special. Kai, however, had doubled down with his own Minor Trait Improvement and immediately used it on his Flight trait. Lucky shit is just flapping along barely even using Stamina now. I think his feathers got denser too, let me just¡­ David covertly pulsed the enormous bird with a few sets of Echolocations, nodding in approval as he realized he was correct. Not only had the plumage on his wings thickened and multiplied, but the feathers all over his body had been modified slightly, increasing the bird''s aerodynamics. It wasn¡¯t a sweeping improvement by any means, but Kai moved much easier through the air for it, and it seemed to be worth the use of the Token in David¡¯s opinion as a fellow flyer. That¡¯s good to know, I doubt it¡¯d work the same way for me but it¡¯s good to see how it worked. Minor Improvement, right what it says on the tin. I¡¯m hoping this Fusion token works as well as that did. Woodland Park rolled into view through the decrepit ruins of the city, the dense cluster of trees standing out vividly against the broken and rolling patchy vegetation that covered the city when seen from above. David chattered animatedly with Dallas while Kai soared on slightly ahead, clearly enjoying his augmented flight immensely, and he listed off several abilities he had remembered seeing during his deep dive when he evolved. Dallas listened with interest as David launched into a tirade of theories he¡¯d been thinking about on the subject while he glided, Dallas following along diagonally in the air to face him as they flew. ¡°...so yeah, if every single thing you have is in the Offense category like you said, you¡¯re gonna want something to buy yourself some time. I feel like I¡¯m biased, but I¡¯d recommend a Control or Defense Ability. Honestly, I¡¯m not sure about Summoning, I think you¡¯d have to specialize in it a little bit. All the ones I saw had ¡®Extreme Stamina Cost¡¯ in the description.¡± David chittered to the huge wasp as the warehouse came into view in the distance, ¡°They might be really good, I don¡¯t know. I had terrible stats as a Hatchling and couldn¡¯t risk it.¡± ¡°Interesting. I think I over-specialized on my venom. I should be using it as a knockout punch more instead of wasting it on smaller stuff, but I don¡¯t have anything else. I bought everything specifically to strengthen it.¡± The wasp mused as his antennae somehow gave him the appearance of a concerned frown. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s kinda like how more than half my build is centered around stopping things from doing anything. Three Mutagens, and two of my abilities. It kinda bit me in the ass against those gross-ass¡­ech, I can still taste it!¡± David rolled his tongue out of his mouth and licked his chops distastefully at just the memory of the foulness. Dallas buzzed a laugh and waved one of his antennae in a salute before peeling off of their little trio and descending towards the ground by the Gate, angling himself towards where Thomas lay concealed against the inside of the wall. David shouted a quick parting shot about Kai¡¯s wings and earned himself a false haughty stare from the bird as he swiveled his head around creepily to fix him with a single blue eye. With a chuckle he leaned forward and angled his wings down, gliding quickly down below the treetops and glancing about for Claire but not finding her outside. With a bit of a mental shrug, he continued in the direction he knew she was in, swooping low over the grass as the Hatchlings milling around outside the Warehouse door started in alarm at his sudden appearance. ¡°Hey,¡± David barked in greeting as he dropped to the ground from chest height, landing lightly on the soft grass. He loped forward a bit until his talons clicked against the pitted sidewalk that led up to the front of the building where the random assortment of creatures were gathered. Something that resembled a long-haired walrus with a bristly mustache turned to give him an interested look before speaking, ¡°Hey, it''s the new guy. Daniel right?¡± ¡°David,¡± He replied, ¡°Close though.¡± ¡°Oh, sorry. Hey, you and Claire evolved already, right? Special Evolution?¡± The odd-looking thing blurted out suddenly, ¡°Do you have any advice you could spare? Everyone heard how you guys survived out in the woods alone, you gotta know something Herold and them don¡¯t.¡± David suffered a brief episode where he thought he might be having a stroke, completely unable to believe anyone was approaching him, of all people, for advice. He waffled for several seconds, trying to make sense of it before concluding that he would do the same in their positions, especially considering what Dallas had revealed to him about the disastrous attempt at the Area Quest. He frowned a bit in thought, and several of the smaller creatures cringed away from him, which made him sigh and relax his thinking snarl a bit. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°Don¡¯t forget to diversify a little bit, but you gotta build on your strengths first.¡± David said finally, ¡°Does that make sense? You don''t need one of everything, you just need a few good things and careful planning. Take your time on the evolution, I promise you no matter how long it feels to you almost no time passes for anyone else.¡± ¡°Makes sense. Herold recommends specializing, but he¡¯s always talking about ¡®Don''t forget Utility and Defense¡¯ all the time.¡± ¡°Control is good too, it''s the only reason I stayed alive out there. Tricky to start with though, might wanna lean into it as you go instead.¡± David excused himself and simply bounced over the group, unfurling his wings and drifting past them to land just outside the loading door Claire had flattened into the ceiling. ¡°Hey, Claire! I¡¯m back. You¡¯ll be happy to know I didn¡¯t almost die this time, I just almost crashed.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that kinda the same thing, David?¡± Claire¡¯s bass rumble of reply was familiar and oddly comforting despite echoing out of the darkened warehouse ominously. David chuckled and scampered inside, his sensitive eyes instantly thanking him for getting out of the bright midevening sun. Claire was sitting on the cold concrete floor, her tail curled around her scaly legs, the tip flicking around like an irritated cat as she fixed him with a steady gaze. David had to physically restrain himself from cringing as her eyes caught the light from the doorway just right to glow with reddish-orange eyeshine. She clacked her jaws and motioned him over with her head, letting out a short happy noise as she saw him that made several of the people inside freeze briefly. David hopped into the air and fluttered across the open warehouse floor to land next to her, giving her a fair imitation of a wave with his wing before he furled them. ¡°You guys finished the Quest then I take it?¡± ¡°Oh yeah, was a lot easier with more people. Nobody even got mauled, except me kinda. It wasn¡¯t my fault though, the monsters were sticky and had tentacles with fishhooks on them.¡± David spat grumpily as his back and chest prickled uncomfortably at the memory. ¡°That¡­gross, David. I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay though, I was starting to get a little worried for a while but I could tell you were still moving around. How high did you go? Felt like you were straight up for a while.¡± David opened his jaws to reply before his stomach dropped, ¡°Shit, we should tell them about the Pack Quest. I totally forgot and we can trust them, I think. Even if we don''t end up staying I don''t think they¡¯ll do anything malicious, and it¡¯d help them out.¡± ¡°Yeah, I think you¡¯re right. I wouldn¡¯t mind staying for a little while though¡­It¡¯s nice to have other people around. Hey! Did you know Betty¨C¡± She snickered before David cut her off. ¡°Yes, Kai and Dallas were laughing at me about it¡­It was kinda funny.¡± David snerked despite himself, ¡°That reminds me, I got some Tokens from the Quest I¡¯m gonna use. I talked to Dallas and Kai about it on the way back, I think I¡¯m gonna use the Mutagen one first. The other one¡¯s a surprise, mostly because I¡¯m not sure exactly how it''s gonna work even if I know what it does.¡± ¡°If you say so, squeaky. Want me to go tell Herold while you play with your toys? I don¡¯t mind, I¡¯ve just been sitting around for a while to get out of the sun. It¡¯s hard for me to cool down sometimes.¡± Claire gave him a questioning tilt of her head as he spoke. David nodded happily as his ears bounced with the motion, ¡°That¡¯d be nice of you if you don¡¯t mind. I¡¯m gonna try this and hope that I don¡¯t get an Ugly Mutagen or something.¡± Claire stood, shaking herself like the world''s largest dog as she did so before she turned to leave with a good-natured parting shot, ¡°Too late, I think that¡¯s your special anyway, isn''t it?¡± David¡¯s attempt to blow a raspberry at her resulted in him simply spitting his enormously long tongue out comically, and she snorted with amusement before giving him a boop on the head with her armored snout and stomping out of the Warehouse. David sucked his tongue back up, slightly shocked that he¡¯d never noticed it was so long until now, before shaking his head and fluttering up to the rafters of the warehouse to get some privacy. He squirreled himself away at the junction of several support beams, where the darkness was the thickest and he felt most comfortable. After a few moments to get comfortable he took a deep breath and nudged the System with a mental command. I want to use my Mutagen Token. ¨CYou have received a Random Mutagen Token: F¨C ¨CWould you like to redeem your Token?¨C Yes. ¨CSysAutoGen_RMT:F¨C ¨CReceived: Myoclystic Mutagen F: Causes your physical attacks to have a chance of inflicting uncontrolled muscle spasms in targets. Upgradeable.¨C David jumped as the familiar bubbling sensation swept down from the back of his neck, filling his mouth and oozing down his shoulders into his wings. The crescent moon patterning began to fizz unpleasantly, and the sensation only spread further until both his claws and his talons were unpleasantly numb. It never hurt, but it toed the line between the intensity of pins-and-needles combined with something almost like an itch, and David did not enjoy it inside his mouth. He sneezed a few times and rolled his tongue around his fangs experimentally when the sensation faded and feeling returned. ¡­oh my god did I get something good for once?! WOOO! That makes this so much easier¡­okay¡­So, I¡¯m not sure I want to fuse my abilities. Screech just ranked up, Gloom is useful by itself right now, just not against those asshole jellyfish things. Glare is the only thing I have right now that tells me stuff''s names¡­plus you know, combo breaker. Nocturnal strike steals stamina¡­Yeah, definitely going with the Mutagens this time. I¡¯ll be back down to 4, but I got a new one anyway¡­okay let''s see here¡­ 37 - There should be a law about this sort of thing! David went over his options for what he felt was probably the 126th time, batlike face scrunched in concentration as he clung to the shadowed supports near the roof. He had thought it would be an easy pick considering that he only had 5 Mutagens, and even if he was bad at math he knew that there weren¡¯t a lot of possible combinations. The longer that David stared into his Status, however, he began to realize that there were a lot of potential synergies and they all seemed to push him in a particular direction. Any fusions with Atavistic or Unnerving ran the risk of altering him a lot, as the Mutagens themselves directly augmented his entire body. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure he was willing to take the risk of becoming irredeemably terrifying just yet, though he did briefly consider fusing Secretive with Unnerving, thinking that the former would make it easier to trigger the latter. Then he stopped to think about how often it triggered indiscriminately and, shuddering, set the idea aside. Alright, well, that only leaves me Soporific, Myoclystic, and Secretive. If I had to guess, I¡¯d bet Secretive would make the other two harder to sense or resist. That¡¯s solid, honestly, but Myoclystic¡­man, ¡®your physical attacks¡¯. That¡¯s a lot of my kit, isn¡¯t it? Soporific, Nocturnal Strike, Gloom¡­Not to mention, doesn¡¯t that mean I could set off a combo just with Gloom? It wouldn¡¯t be useless like it was on stuff like the Chlorogyres either, there¡¯d still be two other effects rolled into it¡­I mean, assuming it works that way. Everything else has been literal though, I don¡¯t see why this wouldn¡¯t be either. Fuse the Soporific and Myoclystic Mutagens. ¨CConfirm Fusion of: Soporific E & Myoclystic F?¨C ¨CFusion will result in: F Mutagen¨C Yep, go ahead. ¨CFusing¨C ¨CReceived: Soporalytic Mutagen F: Your attacks have a chance to inflict paralytic sedation, inducing muscle spasms and rendering targets unconscious.¨C That''ll work, I can live with that. Gloom should be useful almost all the time now. I¡¯m gonna have to be a lot more careful of¨C Oh, yep, I almost forgot for a second, fuck me. David clenched his jaws together and tightened his grip on the rafter as everything started to feel unpleasantly bubbly for the second time that day. The sensation didn¡¯t spread from just one point as it had earlier but radiated outwards from various parts of his body. Upwards from his talons and claws, out from the crescent moon patterning on his wings, and wrapping around his head from his jaws as the feeling spread. David tried his hardest not to sneeze. The waves of fizzing numbness crashed together, mingled, and seemed to reach an equilibrium before the ordeal was suddenly over between breaths. ¡°Okay, that fucking felt weird.¡± David sneezed viciously before he allowed himself to swing from the support and hang, head pointed downward comfortably. Claire stared up at him with reptilian patience, her head 20 feet below as she regarded him over her long toothy snout. David¡¯s heart skipped a beat and he shook his head in chagrin before motioning her to step back, which she did. He unfurled his wings and floated to the ground lazily, careful not to spread more than the faintest shimmer of Gloom during his descent. Claire waved at him with her relatively tiny claws and clacked her jaws together a few times, snuffling at him when he hopped a bit closer. ¡°You smell different, that¡¯s weird.¡± She rumbled as she began to sniff at him more vigorously. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. David suddenly understood why his childhood cat had always been afraid of the vacuum cleaner when he attempted to withstand her investigation, his dense mane visibly pulled towards her snout with every inhalation. She regarded him suspiciously for a moment before exhaling with a loud snort, his ears blowing backward from the force of it while he narrowed his gaze and stared up at her. He shook himself hard, and his uncomfortably ruffled fur settled back into something resembling order before he replied. ¡°Okay, okay, stop before I¡¯m bald.¡± David barked up at her, ¡°What do you mean I smell different?¡± Claire made a displeased sound deep in her chest as she considered it, ¡°You smell¡­bad. Not, like, you smell bad, you don¡¯t stink. Something just smells, I dunno, concerning.¡± ¡°Uh¡­I fused some mutagens for control effects. It¡¯s all¡­I dunno, technically I think they¡¯re toxins. Anyway, I mixed about three if you count Gloom.¡± David replied casually as she tilted her head in surprise. ¡°Well you smell like I should stomp and not bite, is what my instincts are telling me.¡± Claire blinked slowly, ¡°Sorry that just caught me by surprise. It was like alarm bells or something but in my nose. Was that supposed to be the surprise you were talking about?¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t stomp me.¡± Claire shrugged, ¡°Oh can it, squeaky. Congrats on your new thingy, but that¡¯s not why I¡¯m here. I went and told Herold about the Pack System, remember? He was just happy we decided to trust them, and he was talking about putting together a ¡®good old-fashioned expedition¡¯ after everyone evolves.¡± ¡°That¡­sounds like Herold. I think he¡¯s cool, who talks like that anymore?¡± David smirked slightly, snout wrinkling in amusement. ¡°I know what you mean. Do you have any plans for the rest of the day? You should fix your sleep schedule and clock out now.¡± Claire advised. David nodded guiltily, ¡°Yeah¡­I¡¯m gonna go hunt something to test this on. I know I just got back, but I can¡¯t resist. And everyone needs food right?¡± ¡°...Okay, by yourself? I can come with you, it¡¯d be safer, I just wanted to take a bit before having to go back¨C¡± Claire hissed a bit in concern before she was cut off. ¡°Uh ¨C Okay, let me be honest with you. I don¡¯t know how gnarly this new mutagen will be, and I don¡¯t think having anyone around while I¡¯m testing how it works with Gloom would be smart.¡± David fidgeted, almost embarrassed to admit the direction his evolution was moving in, ¡°...aaaand I also kinda need to level some skills. I found out we''re probably way behind on that talking to Kai and Dallas today.¡± ¡°You¡¯re always running around doing stuff all the time, don¡¯t you ever want to just relax for a bit? I¡¯m worried you¡¯re pushing yourself a little hard.¡± David had enough respect for her to think about it for a moment, ears flat as he considered what she had said. To her surprise he nodded in agreement, giving a little shrug of his wings, bits of dried grass and dust swirling on the pitted concrete floor around him with the motion. ¡°Yeah, absolutely. Claire, I got smacked around twice in a row in two days, that time with the lizards I was this close. I hit seven Health. That¡¯s not gonna happen again, and if it does I¡¯m gonna wake up in 20 minutes and whatever did it will still be drooling on the floor.¡± David shrugged again, ¡°Dad always says that if you¨C¡± ¡°Chill, David. I don¡¯t like it, but I get it. I just want you to know you need to relax at some point, okay? Maybe come socialize or just take some time for yourself?¡± ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry about it. I do that all the time, like every day.¡± David deadpanned. ¡°What? When?¡± ¡°Flying, it¡¯s very relaxing.¡± He unfurled his wings, snickering to himself as he flapped into the air while Claire deftly poked him with her snout. He wobbled in the air for a moment before laughing and moving towards the door to leave. David nimbly glided through the large doorway, pulling his wings in slightly while zipping through and out into the sky once again. So that¡¯s what it looks like when a dinosaur rolls its eyes at you. Alright, let''s go hunting again. It¡¯s probably harder during the day like this, eh, should be fine. Claire¡¯s good people¡­ 38 - Im going for a walk The sky had begun to turn orange, shading into purple on the horizon as thick fluffy clouds drifted overhead at a stately pace. In all directions the greenery was lush, with rich dark soil supporting a gamut of vegetation, even the moss and weeds growing to exaggerated sizes a short distance from the river. The forest was thriving, healthy, and full of buzzing insects accompanied by the musical calls of something that may have, arguably, been birds at one point in the past. Their calls were fair and horn-like, rising quickly to fall slowly, ending with a small chain of hooting cries. As the calls quieted, the faint sound of rushing water could be heard in the distance if one listened hard enough. Silence reigned for several minutes before they deigned to move, their splotchy brown plumage and long storkish bodies blending into the rough bark of the pines perfectly, their illusion shattered by movement. The trio of creatures moved with an almost businesslike sense of purpose, and they advanced in a single file line through the underbrush, never slowing or pausing in their bouncing stride. Their wings were stubby and useless things, tucked tightly to their sides, and insignificant next to the large spear-like beak and thin agile legs of the creatures. Footfalls beat a precise rhythm, and each one of the beasts stepped in time with the others while they moved. When at last they slowed their journey they took measured, stately steps as they observed their surroundings cautiously. Seemingly satisfied they resumed their motionless vigil, each creature stretching its body out as they stood close to the trunks of the pines, pressing themselves into the bark. David had to admit, they were very hard to see with just your eyes, but it was becoming increasingly hard to hide from his Echolocations. He hadn¡¯t been following them long and had stumbled on them by accident more than anything, with a single Echolocation returning a still image that caught the profile of a single beak. He¡¯d taken his time circling them, creeping from tree to tree with care not to alert them to his presence, ears straining to catch anything that might give him away. David had taken a headcount, then pulsed the entire surrounding area with more Echolocations, convinced there must be more hiding nearby. Finally satisfied, he began to slink down the trunk of the tree he had perched in, orienting himself head down and clinging tight with his back claws to prevent himself from slipping. Okay, one right below me, one more right there, the last one is¡­hmm¡­Oh, there it is. I¡¯d feel worse about this if there wasn¡¯t crusty blood all over that one¡¯s beak. Why¡¯s everything gotta be so murdery¡­Ah, yeah, well I guess I can''t complain about that when I¡¯m out here testing chemical weaponry on the wildlife. Here goes nothin¡¯. David carefully released his grip on the bark with one set of talons, lifted his right wing free, and extended it slowly out from his body. He shook it gently, allowing the silvery markings on his wings to be disturbed not only by his actions but also by the branches of the pine itself. A steady haze of fine powder drifted free with each motion, the once pure silvery glimmer of the tiny hairs now marred by swirls of dull greys and faint hints of bronze. It sank more quickly than it did previously, despite the particles still being only slightly heavier than air it was noticeable to David as he watched the cloud descend onto the head of the creature. If the bird noticed the debilitating Ability descending on it, it showed no sign nor seemed to care, and he glanced over to his readout to confirm that anything was even happening. ¨CHealth: 105/105¨C ¨CStamina: 248/250¨C ¨CBloodletter Heron has been inflicted with |Gloom| |Paralysis|¨C David grinned and ceased his covert efforts, slowly retracting his leathery wing and reestablishing his grip on the trunk as he watched with interest, quite glad that the Soporalytic seemed to be working, even if the sedative component had been resisted. His ears snapped forward and he dedicated all of his attention to the beast as a small amount of Gloom continued to drift downwards for a few moments while the Heron remained convinced of its concealment. He began to count in his head, and by the time he¡¯d reached 9, his readout pinged again, and David smiled wickedly at what he saw. ¨CBloodletter Heron has been inflicted with |Gloom| |Paralysis| |Sleep|¨C ¨CBonus: Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 9xp!¨C Within moments of the alert pinging below his now omnipresent resource displays, the creature began to act erratically. Its large amber eyes dilated and its gaze began to dart about, tracing senseless patterns along the forest floor as the Gloom built in its body by the second. It twitched its head suddenly, its long beak pointing like a spear into a dense section of shrubbery as its head began to bob drunkenly. It stamped a foot into the thick covering of dried pine needles below it, and David observed through a quick Echolocation that the other two animals were watching with apparent bewilderment. Before he had a chance to begin to reposition himself the animal let out a whistling cry, darting out from its hiding place and stabbing its beak ferociously into the shrubs it had been eyeing with less and less coherence for several seconds. The other two beasts reacted instantly and without hesitation, hurling themselves out in the open and joining the assault, stopping only when their fellow jerked suddenly to the left, leg folding up beneath it as it bit senselessly at the ground. The two unafflicted Bloodletters slicked down their plumage and extended their necks in alarm, leaping back a few steps from their third member with their heads held high, observing from arm''s length uncertainly. When the creature continued to lay on its side, leg twitching violently, they approached curiously as they dimly attempted to discern the reason for its behavior. Oh, well, that works too I guess. Huh, it did my job for me. I should be a little more patient with how these effects work, maybe try sneaking around more now that I have better instincts for it. Okay, phase two. Let''s see if this works as well. David bunched his muscles, aimed carefully, and hurled himself from the tree like a panther, wings held loosely at his sides as he descended in a smooth arc. He inhaled as he fell, smoothly angling his body to bring him right above the creatures before they began to react, their long beaks already turning to face him as his shadow fell over the center of the group. David¡¯s Screech poured out in a wave, concentrating its effectiveness in the area just below him as he aimed his jaws precisely at the space between the two Herons. Both animals stumbled in surprise as the Ability slammed into them, tiny useless wings beating at the air as their beaks opened in agony. David braked hard, flapping his leathery wings unnecessarily roughly, scattering a thick cloud of Gloom into the air above them as he hovered for a few rapid heartbeats and hammered Echolocations into the pair of creatures. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¨CHealth: 105/105¨C ¨CStamina: 212/250¨C ¨CBloodletter Heron is Stunned¨C ¨CBloodletter Heron is Stunned¨C ¨CUnnerving Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C David sped unnaturally downwards as he activated Nocturnal Strike, wing talons extended, clawed hind feet reaching greedily as he impacted the Heron furthest from the center of the group, ignoring the downed creature entirely. His hind claws struck first and he grabbed hard, feeling his claws rip through feathers and lock into flesh, and he used the leverage to swipe hard at the creature¡¯s long and vulnerable neck. To his shock the creature threw its neck and head away from him, the flexible vertebrae allowing it to lay almost completely flat along the creature''s own back as his strike went wide and he overbalanced slightly. David¡¯s eyes bulged as the creature leveraged its neck like a whip and hurled its head forward in a motion that utilized almost its entire body to deliver the blow. He briefly perceived the tip of the Bloodletter¡¯s beak before it shifted out of focus oddly and some ancient part of his brain immediately recognized the hammerlike peck was aimed at his eye. David slammed out a Glare with pure panicked reflex, the Ability barely connecting in time to allow him to slip to the side, and he felt the wind from the dangerously pointed beak as it was retracted nearly as quickly. ¨CBloodletter Heron has been inflicted with |Gloom| |Paralysis| |Sleep|¨C ¨CBonus: Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 18xp!¨C He shifted his grip and hurled himself away from the creature, sending it tumbling towards the remaining Heron as it quickly oriented itself on him through the haze of Gloom, a single eye dilated slightly as it also threw its head backward in preparation to strike. David crouched low to the earth, readying himself to leap into the air again, confident that he was far enough away to safely regain the sky. The second Heron¡¯s head whipped forward and its neck popped loudly, an explosive series of grisly cracks ringing out as the neck elongated weirdly and he failed to react in time. ¨CYou have taken 31 Piercing Damage¨C ¨CYou are afflicted with Bleeding¨C ¨CHealth 74/105¨C ¨CStamina: 167/250¨C David snarled loudly as the creature jerked its beak loose, leaving a wide circular wound in his thigh and a large tear in his left wing where the beak had simply skewered through it. The pain of the wound radiated out into his guts and made turning difficult, and he was certain that he couldn¡¯t leap into the air now. Seeing no other choice, David interrupted the follow-up attack with a Glare and sucked in another breath, quickly hammering the pair of animals with Screech. He maintained the Ability for slightly longer than he thought was necessary as he desperately flapped his wings and rose unsteadily into the air, blood splattering the ground under him as it was scattered by his wings. The Bloodletter Herons staggered again, forced back a few steps by the sheer intensity of the ringing pain in their ears while David was forced to improvise. He snatched at the limbs of the closest pine, stretching out his wings and covering as much area as possible while the branches sagged under his weight, dropping perilously low but managing to hold him. He panted and tried to ignore the faint taste of blood and the oddly cold, weak feeling in his side as hot blood ran down his leg to patter to the ground below. Bullshit! How the fuck don¡¯t they break their necks doing that, that one¡¯s neck was all floppy when he pulled it back! Oh, my god that hurts, he got me pretty deep. Nobody is ever gonna believe that c¡¯mon Gloom, how many seconds has it been? I didn''t count! The Herons darted below him quickly, hurling their beaks upwards like spears to the grisly sound of their necks extending violently. David crawled a bit higher into the tree, sharp talons easily finding purchase on the branches to drag himself higher. The attacks from below continued for several seconds before the birds began to stagger, rapidly losing coordination as the Gloom began to rob them of their agency one sense at a time. David watched grimly as one specimen failed to retract its neck correctly, its beak open and gasping as he stared blankly at the sky though remained standing somehow. The second Heron began to collapse shortly after, its legs kicking weakly as though it were running with the same bouncing gait as when he found them, head firmly pressed beneath its own body. Now now now! David released his grip and slid from the branches like a pool of oil, activating Nocturnal Strike as he fell once again, to much more satisfactory results. Talons shredded the creature''s body as his wings rose and fell furiously, his fangs crunching through the delicate bones of their now unguarded and defenseless necks. Prickly feathers filled his mouth with an unpleasant, dirty taste that was quickly washed away by that of hot blood. It was over in seconds, including the time it took him to hurl himself bodily atop the first creature he¡¯d afflicted with gloom and crush its neck in his jaws with a wet pop. He stood there panting and snarling for several seconds over the corpses before it occurred to him that his side didn¡¯t hurt nearly as much anymore, and he refocused on his readouts. ¨CHealth: 91/105¨C ¨CStamina: 104/250¨C ¨CYou are no longer afflicted by Bleeding¨C ¨CYour |Gloom| |Paralysis| |Sleep| has faded on Bloodletter Heron x3¨C ¨CGlare has leveled up¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C ¨CGlare has leveled up¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C ¨CSoporalytic Mutagen has leveled up¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C ¨CSoporalytic Mutagen has leveled up¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C David stared stupidly at the nearly closed wound in his side for a long time after closing his readouts and taking a long shaky breath. Draining Attacks¡­ah man, I love this Evolution. Okay, now we just...do it again? 39 - What I like to call, The right way. David felt like a villain as he paused at the entrance to the large den, looking back over his shoulder at the pile of bloody fur that once occupied it. He tapped his talons against the rocky soil thoughtfully as he paused, rubbing his back against a particularly nice rock protruding from the earthen tunnel, scratching an itch that had been forming in his mane he couldn¡¯t quite reach as the blood began to dry. A deep sigh of satisfaction hissed out of David¡¯s mouth when the itch abated, and he hopped out further into the night, landing with a rustle of grass as his jaws worked rapidly. His ears began to swivel and tilt as the Echolocations returned and he bounced into the sky with a single well-timed wingbeat. The silhouette of his wings still visible against the faint glow of twilight as he glided above the trees, never once ceasing his pulsing scans of the forest below. This feels like cheating, somehow. That last one never even woke up, and it took forever to go down, I had to chew through¨C You know what, that was nasty. Worth it though, but Claire was right, I¡¯ll have to eat a crow and apologize to her. I¡¯ve been¡­I dunno, doing it wrong? Kai and Dallas were right too, if I¡¯d just tried to level my Abilities I¡¯d have learned how to use them correctly. Maybe someday I¡¯ll tear it up like Claire and Kai can but for now¡­Fuck it, I¡¯ll ¡®cheat¡¯. David¡¯s left ear snagged a returning Echolocation and he flipped around, passing over the area several times in a figure 8 pattern just above the tops of the trees. He felt slightly bad, but only slightly, as he landed a few dozen yards away from his targets and began to slink closer. David allowed his instincts to guide him through the dusk, slithering through dense foliage and over dried leaves and sticks without even a whisper of his leathery wings to give him away. He made a conscious effort to never relent in using his special for a single second, and the line between his eyes and the mental superimpositions had begun to blur into something much more useful. Five chunky hairless bodies lay in a loose dogpile, tucked up against a pile of fallen logs heavily overgrown with moss and lichens. David noted that there were a few heavily mangled mushrooms still gamely clinging to life on the deadwood, but the vast majority of fungi had been stripped clean. With a bit of concentration, he could even see where the beast''s teeth had scraped along the dried bark, removing their delicious treats with prejudice. He mentally filed ¡®piles of logs¡¯ as a good place to check for more prey before he began to examine the beasts themselves as he lurked low in the long grass just within range. The quadrupedal beasts were heavily muscled, sporting layers of fat that made them look almost portly, with wide froglike mouths. David shuddered and suddenly didn¡¯t feel bad about what he was about to do in the slightest. He observed diligently for several minutes before he was satisfied they were asleep, bunching every muscle in his body as he launched himself high into the air before unfurling his wings and Gliding closer. He flapped sparingly to maintain his low altitude, striking a fine balance between speed and momentum as he smoothly swooped over the group. David rustled his wings slightly before and after each pass, leaving a dense streamer of Gloom trailing in the air behind him to swirl down and coat the beasts. He rapidly came around and repeated the maneuver twice more as the lengthy trails of Gloom intersected, mingling together fitfully in the wake of his passing. Cooling night air filled David¡¯s wings as he swooped quietly to a nearby tree, landing near the top where the branches were sparse and working his way down to a more comfortable perch. Now we wait, I think that might have been overkill but there¡¯s a lot of them. Serves you idiots right for sleeping in the open thinking you¡¯re too swole to fuck with. Little bit of wind, but it shouldn¡¯t scatter far enough to matter with how dense it is now. Chances are¡­ ¨CAnourobore x5 has been inflicted with |Gloom| |Paralysis| |Sleep|¨C ¨CBonus: Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 25xp!¨C David couldn¡¯t even bring himself to be angry when he discovered that his current Combo Bonus seemed to be capped at 25xp. He¡¯d spent a long time after recovering from the stabbing attack of the Heron simply experimenting with Gloom; its effective range, how much it spread in the wind, and the number of targets it could affect. David had even tried to game the System, tossing small debris into the river to lure a school of vicious minnow-size fish to the surface to be afflicted. Rather than instantly leveling up from a massive xp surge, he¡¯d been capped at 25, grumpily realizing that of course that asshole Omega would have thought of that. Okay, a lot quicker than expected and they¡¯re basically hairless soooo¡­yeah it works faster if it gets on your skin. Probably be a lot faster if I could get it into something''s eyes or mouth reliably. It didn¡¯t use to do that, must have been the Soporalytic improvement. I swear, being patient is so hard for me, it¡¯s like the System was trying to give me a start that made¡­me¡­I don¡¯t like that. But at least I feel like I understand the Control¡­what is it uh¡­Archetype? Yeah, the ¡®Control Archetype¡¯ a lot better now. David finally deemed it had been long enough when he could perceive flecks of dirty foam spotting the creature''s mouths, their flanks twitching as cramps and spasms began to wrack their bodies. It took a long, long time for the Gloom to saturate their bodies enough to completely disable them, and it probably wouldn¡¯t be as effective in a straight fight. The situation would be too chaotic, with too much movement for the Ability to reach all 7 Stacks, though David felt it was possible to chain Glares at ruinous cost to his Stamina. That being said, there was a very simple, reasonable, logical, not-dumb reason that it would work consistently with a bit of forward thinking. David was very proud that he had devised it, and it all stemmed from a thought he had after his encounter with the Herons. Who said I have to let anything fight back? Controllers can fight, but if we have to fight, it means we fucked up somewhere. If they never see me, they can''t stop it anyway. David lazily glided down from the tree, flapping his wings as he came in for a landing a few lengths away from the doomed beasts. He sniffed at them curiously, surprised at the almost peppery scent of them, more accustomed to things simply smelling bad or weird. With a shrug he loped closer, reaching out and slicing at one of the Anourobor¡¯s feet and leaving a shallow gash before he quickly scampered back to observe again. Its foot twitched a few times feebly, but the creature itself did not stir beyond the expected muscle spasms that would have crippled it had it been conscious. David wasted no more time, leaping forward and landing in front of the beast again before he tilted its head to the side and activated Nocturnal Strike, slashing a huge rent into its unprotected throat. He tried not to listen to the gurgling as he wove in a few Glares and repeated the process on each of the ugly things in turn, wishing that he could somehow tune out the chorus of dying breaths from creatures that never even knew they had been in a fight. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. David shrugged distastefully while the notifications came rolling in before smiling hugely as he finally saw what he had been hoping for since he¡¯d left. ¨CYour |Gloom| |Paralysis| |Sleep| has faded on Anourobore x5¨C ¨CLevel up!¨C ¨CGained 2pts!¨C ¨CNocturnal Strike has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C ¨CNocturnal Strike D ¡ú C¨C ¨CGlare has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C ¨CGlare F ¡ú E¨C David nodded to himself, ears flopping as he shook himself hard before flapping his wings violently in an attempt to clear some of the sticky blood before it dried. He gave a last pitying glance towards the creatures before getting a running start and leaping away into the sky, swiftly gaining altitude as he aimed himself back towards Claire¡¯s presence at the border of his perception. It might have taken him almost an entire week, several ass beatings, and a few brushes with death but David felt like he¡¯d finally figured out what he was doing. Yeah, for once in my life right? You finally figure it out, but ¡®it¡¯ is how to be an effective monster thing. What¡¯s that say about you, huh David? Ah fuck it, Status.
User: David Fisher Species: Twilight Seeker ¦¸ Rank: E Health: 120/120 Stam: 285/285 (++) Level: 7 Exp: 41/225 Special: Echolocation D
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal F: +8% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. [8/10] Echolocation D: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise, and may trigger an Echo. [0/10] Flight: Allows for flight and gliding. Moderate Stamina drain. (stam+) [7/10] Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 115bs. (stam+) [n/a]
Abilities: 4/4 Screech E: You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies in a cone. Low Stam consumption. [0/10] Glare E: You fix your target with a baleful gaze, inflicting Fear. Small chance to cause the enemy to flee. Variable Stam consumption. [0/10] Gloom D: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 7 times. [7/10] Nocturnal Strike C (4pts): A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. [0/10]
Mutagens: 4/5 Unnerving Mutagen B: Your appearance is unnerving. May cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Atavistic Mutagen D: Form becomes primal, strengthening your body. Soporalytic Mutagen E: Your attacks have a moderate chance to inflict paralytic sedation, inducing muscle spasms and rendering targets unconscious. Secretive Mutagen E: You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect. Empty:
Yep, Kai and Dallas were right. Claire and I have been running around with shit abilities without all their effects because we never bothered to train them up. Well, that was mostly my fault but¡­Anyway, Echolocation ranked up earlier too, the fuck is an Echo¡­ |Echo: May trigger via repeated uses of Echolocation on a target, and causes Echolocation waves to reverberate mapping a large area around the target.| Nice. Okay, Glare, oh that¡¯s a nice upgrade. Nocturnal Strike makes sense, been using it to finish things off for a few hours. I can¡¯t tell if this was too easy because I cheated, or just something I should have done before evolving and now it¡¯s easy. Now if I can just convince everyone that¡­ His silhouette faded into the night sky, leaving nothing behind but a silent forest, the scent of blood, and a faint glimmer from his wings that faded into the starry night sky above him. 40 - C-C-COMBOs, how do they work? Cold water soaked into every inch of David¡¯s fur and chilled him to the bone while Claire stared daggers into his back and Betty lit up the shoreline not far away, the huge anemone on her back shedding cheerful bioluminescence as it waved about languidly. He sighed and ducked his head into the water again before shaking himself hard as the motion slowly cleaned the gore from his body. He scampered away from the shoreline and snarled silently as the suddenly chill wind sucked the heat right out of him through his wings, their large surface area not doing him any favors while he was soaking wet. Claire stomped closer, sniffing him again before snorting approvingly and motioning with her head. ¡°What the fuck were you thinking? You leave for, like, five hours to get food and come back with zero food and soaked head to toe in¡­¡± Claire let out a deep and raspy hiss as she reconsidered, ¡°You know what, don¡¯t even tell me. Do you just enjoy scaring the absolute shit out of everyone, David?¡± Betty burst into hysterical giggles, claws waving in the air while her anemone pulsed in time with her laughter, ¡°I thought it was kinda funny, Sebastian literally pissed himself when David flew through the door and landed in front of him.¡± ¡°I was trying to get inside faster! I can¡¯t see any colors in the dark anymore, and my fur is dark grey anyway, how was I supposed to know¨C¡± David chattered grumpily in the cold as they made their way back to the warehouse on foot. ¡°Know what, that you were soaked in blood and¡­whatever the rest of that was?¡± Claire rumbled in disgust. David flattened his ears in chagrin, fully aware that both of them could still smell the scent of blood that still clung to his mane and fur. Claire¡¯s nose was vastly more sensitive than his, and she¡¯d almost managed to wrinkle her lips in distaste when she first smelled him. Which was an extreme achievement for a lipless reptile, so David had to assume he must have smelled pretty rank. It vaguely concerned him that some part of his brain filed that information away under ¡®too much blood will give away your position¡¯, but he ignored it. The predatory side of his brain had been immensely helpful during his leveling spree, and he intended to listen to it more often when it came to slinking about unseen. ¡°Well¡­I found out I can¡¯t carry shit like you or Kai can. I literally couldn¡¯t get a hundred-pound bird off the ground, and I know I¡¯ve seen Kai lift stuff heavier than him.¡± David complained, ¡°I¡¯m not built for it. I figured since I was already out there I¡¯d just keep going to level my Abilities.¡± ¡°I¡¯m guessing you leveled them a lot?¡± Betty asked sweetly as she scuttled along with her sideways gait. David smiled victoriously, ¡°Oh yeah. You have no idea. Hey, Claire, check this out. Share Status.¡± Claire didn¡¯t even slow her stride as the Warehouse came back into view through the trees, her eyes flicking through invisible lines of text as David watched. He knew that she was simply reading the screen he¡¯d sent her, and he was greatly amused when he saw her nostrils flare in surprise at the rapid increase in his Ability levels. She turned, pointing her armored snout at him curiously, clearly unsure how he had managed to produce such a drastic result in such a short amount of time. Betty¡¯s eyestalks shot Claire a confused look of her own, failing to understand her interaction with David but declining to make a fuss about it. ¡°Damn.¡± Claire¡¯s voice was appreciative and a bit startled. ¡°Yeah, that''s why I wanted to get inside so fast. I figured out a way better way to get xp than just¡­running around all stupid looking for quests or smacking each other in the face.¡± David barked happily as they crossed the training field together, ¡°You gotta chain Combo¡¯s, I¡¯m not a hundred percent on it, but I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s where we¡¯re supposed to be getting most of our xp from. The Abilities will level up by themselves just by getting the Combos off. There¡¯s no point doing them individually.¡± This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°What¡¯s a Combo?¡± Claire and Betty spoke in unison before they shot each other a surprised glance. David attempted to raise an eyebrow but all that happened was his right ear swiveled oddly and began to cramp up, forcing him to rub his head against the top of his wing to save himself. Claire continued to stare at him curiously as he did, but Betty simply continued forward into the warehouse a few dozen feet away with a happy wave. Bright greenish-yellow light poured from the warehouse door, and David saw the enormous firefly that must have been Wendy wave at him briefly before his scaly friend marched him outside for a bath. ¡°You know, a Combo? When you hit someone with three or more of the same category of ability?¡± David said finally as he stared up into her jaws, ¡°I¡¯m using Control Combos, so I¡¯m not sure if it works for everything, but I know they all have to hit back to back for it to work. Can¡¯t be a regular bite or anything like that, it has to be different abilities. I tested it out a lot.¡± ¡°How does that give you xp though?¡± Claire rumbled questioningly. ¡°It gives you bonus xp? Nine per combo, mine caps at 25, doesn''t really make sense but I bet it''s tied to rank like everything else. It doesn''t work more than once on the same target though, or at least I couldn¡¯t ever get it to work. Might not work for Control stuff.¡± David mused with a shrug of his leathery wings. He tried not to shiver in the cold as the wind picked up again, but Claire spotted it immediately and leaned down to bump him towards the door with her snout. David allowed himself to be directed indoors enthusiastically, scampering inside and sliding a bit on the concrete as his claws found purchase with difficulty. Several people turned to look at him, various expressions of amusement or disgust plain on their assorted features at his reappearance. David waved awkwardly at the sudden attention, twiddling his claws in an attempt at a wave, but failing to realize it made him look like a beckoning nightmare. Thankfully, he was rescued by Claire cramming herself through the loading doors and carefully stepping into the room. Multiple people gestured happily as they saw her, and she craned her neck up into the air in reply while she straightened her posture from the crouch she used to fit through the door. ¡°I admit, I¡¯m interested. It¡¯d be just our luck to completely miss something like that. You want off the floor? I¡¯m sure you¡¯re freezing.¡± Claire said finally after greeting everyone. She nodded to the spot on her back where he had slept the night before and David gratefully flapped up to settle into the groove behind her neck. She was oddly warm for a reptile, and even if the thick bony plates covering her back were always cool to the touch, they were much warmer than the concrete floor and David was indeed freezing. He settled in without a hint of awkwardness this time, far too happy to be off the cold ground and out of the weather to care. Plus, she said she didn¡¯t care. She¡¯s gotta be a couple of tons, I¡¯m an afterthought. Still really nice of her though¡­Oh shit, yeah I almost forgot. ¡°Hey Claire?¡± He chattered quietly as she made her way to what had quickly become ¡®her¡¯ spot. She yawned and directed a single eye at him, ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s up? You okay?¡± ¡°Thanks for earlier. I was a shit to not take you seriously, you had the right idea. I¡¯ve been trying to force getting stronger, and I missed the forest for the trees. I was using everything wrong.¡± David began slowly, ¡°Fighting wrong, thinking wrong, just being stupid. I wanted to apologize, you¡¯re good people.¡± Claire stopped just before crouching down into her ¡®seat¡¯ and stared at him like he had lobsters crawling out of his ears for several seconds in total silence. Then she leaned down despite the awkward angle and booped him on the head with her snout before turning back around. ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± She said in an odd tone of voice before continuing normally, ¡°Now tell me about whatever these Combo thingies are.¡± ¡°So I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s different for all the Ability categories or if it¡¯s only for Control, but I''d bet that¡­¡± David carefully explained everything he knew about the Combo System, in great detail, along with everything he suspected about how it might work while Claire listened intently. He didn''t even notice when she fell asleep, her head still in the air, eyes open but covered with a heavy nictating membrane. In fact, David barely noticed resting his head against her scaly back before he too, fell into a deep sleep. 41 - Lets get this moveable feast underway. Kai¡¯s head swiveled between David and Claire several times as he jerked back in surprise, the thick plumage along his neck slicking down immediately in bewilderment. He turned slowly to the left, then to the right, and then closed his large blue eyes before repeating the motion. The crest of feathers on his head couldn¡¯t seem to make up its mind as to whether he was anxious or excited, and it raised and lowered several times while he tested his newfound sense of awareness carefully. David carefully began to trot around him in a wide arc, circling him while the huge golden bird''s head snapped onto his position and followed him, although his eyes were still firmly closed. He was careful not to rustle any grass on the field outside the warehouse or otherwise alert Kai to his position as he did so, but the confused avian tracked him flawlessly despite his efforts. ¡°That¡¯s freaky.¡± Kai chirped as he opened his eyes, ¡°Some sort of magic alien bullshit or something. How does it even work? It makes no sense.¡± David grinned a bit, ¡°Absolutely no idea, but welcome to the Pack. I told you it¡¯s useful. Doesn¡¯t seem to have any distance limitations either. I went pretty far from Woodland last night and it worked just fine, Claire could even tell where I was above the city during the Event Quest.¡± Kai glanced over at Claire who sat placidly beneath the cover of several trees, and she nodded to confirm David¡¯s words with a slightly excited expression. Kai opened his beak to say something before he paused, looking down at himself and then shrugging helplessly. He shifted his stance and lifted a clawed foot into the air, extending a single talon in a remarkably recognizable ¡®wait a second¡¯ gesture, his balance flawless. David plopped down onto the grass and waited patiently, sniffing at an interesting smell that had wafted up from the grass with the motion. I can¡¯t blame him for thinking about it. I did the same thing when I saw how it worked, I mean come on, it doesn¡¯t make sense. How does it know where we are? The same way it knows everything we did during a Life Stage? That means something¡¯s watching us all the time then, right? What if¡­ ¡°Okay, you know what? Doesn¡¯t matter how it works right now, just that it does.¡± Kai sighed in defeat, ¡°I give up trying to understand all this shit, but I won''t deny it¡¯s useful.¡± ¡°Does that mean we can go now?¡± Claire called lazily from her spot under the shelter of the tree line. ¡°Yeah, sorry. That just freaked me out a little bit, I can¡¯t even think of anything to compare it to. I know where you two are, and I¨C¡± Kai griped before pausing, ¡°Nope. Not going down that rabbit hole again. Alright, yeah, sorry. I¡¯m good.¡± Claire bounced to her feet with surprising agility as both their gazes fell expectantly on David, who froze midway through sniffing at a curious yellow flower that vaguely resembled a dandelion, yellow pollen smudging the end of his nose. He pointedly ignored how his ears seemed to want to lay flat in embarrassment, and forced them to remain upright as he stood slowly and wiped his snout with his wing. He shook himself hard, ears flopping and mane bristling as he cleared himself of the dirt, tiny bits of dried grass, and other debris his dense fur had collected from the ground. With that out of the way, he nodded a few times and motioned for both of them to follow and began to lope towards the little path beginning to form through the trees leading to the river. The relatively short grass around the warehouse gave way to a dense undergrowth of shrubs and saplings scattered between the thick growth of pines, and some small part of David marked it down as a ¡®good place for an ambush¡¯ when he finally reached the game trail. ¡°Okay, so here¡¯s the deal. You guys aren¡¯t allowed to eat me if Combos are only a Control thing. Fair?¡± David barked cheekily at both Claire and Kai as they both rolled their eyes slightly. ¡°No promises.¡± Kai said with amusement in his voice, ¡°I hope they work for Offense as well, you would think they would.¡± ¡°I mean I hope so.¡± David nodded, ¡°Here¡¯s the plan. Claire, we¡¯re both gonna follow you. You smell around for stuff, and when we get close enough I¡¯ll sneak around and scare it back towards you, and Kai hits it from above. Then you guys just¡­you know¡­¡± David snapped his jaws together suggestively, fangs clicking together with a crisp sound that was not at all pleasant. Claire enthusiastically repeated his gesture, and the almost hollow noise her jaws produced when they slammed together making the hair on his back want to rise, but he resisted heroically. Kai however had jerked his wings out from his body unconsciously, and hopped to the side a bit, regarding her with a startled expression. She failed to notice either one of their reactions and seemed to be waffling between excitement and fear while she regarded the path back out of their little haven. David caught her gaze and shot her an encouraging approximation of a thumbs up, which she returned with difficulty as her nerves seemed to settle a bit, though she still held herself anxiously. Stolen novel; please report. With a slight crunching of pine needles, he turned and began to make his way down the little trail worn into the dense growth by the Woodland population as they went to the river for water, and it wasn¡¯t long before he heard them both begin to follow him. They wove through the tiny strip of trees and emerged next to the river in only a matter of minutes, and David took deep breaths of the fresh clean air coming off the river, thoroughly enjoying the way it mixed with the smell of the pines. Kai hopped out of the trees happily, extending his wings and simply running off the side of the hill, drifting down to the riverbank and making a stately approach to the water to drink. ¡°Yeah, not a bad idea.¡± David quipped at Claire as she raised her head high into the air and began to sniff loudly at the wind blowing in from farther upstream. ¡°I¡¯m kinda nervous,¡± Claire admitted when she finished. David swiveled his ears to focus on her, ¡°Claire, trust me when I say that you have no idea how crazy your evolution is. Everything I hunted last night would have dropped me in a fair fight, but wouldn¡¯t have qualified as a snack for you. Plus you need to eat something, I know you haven¡¯t since you ate half that bear-thing.¡± ¡°I don''t get hungry if I¡¯m not out doing stuff, it¡¯s kinda weird. Probably my trait working.¡± Claire replied with a slight yawn, shaking her head in an attempt to wake up a bit. David watched in horrified fascination as the dense muscles in her neck and shoulders rippled as she moved, her scaly hide continuing to shake for a fraction of a second after she finished. ¡°Eh, either way. Let''s go get something to drink, then we¡¯ll head out. I¡¯d just disable everything for you guys but I¡¯m not sure my cheatery would work during the day.¡± Grass and dirt gave way to clay and gravel as they joined Kai at the river, stones crunching under Claire¡¯s huge clawed feet as she crouched to drink, scooping gallons of water with every mouthful. David swore he saw her swallow an entire fish and not even notice, water spilling from his jaws back into the river, nearly choking while he lapped at the chilly river. Before long it was Kai and David who were waiting for her to finish as she continued her attempt to drain the entire river until finally satisfied, and with streamers of water spilling down from her jaws she stood and stretched. I still can¡¯t believe she swallowed that fish, what a rough way to go. Just swimming along and then BAM, gets the dinosaur aquarium treatment. I wonder if it¡¯s still swimming around in there? How long can a fish¡­Focus! ¡°Everybody good?¡± David chittered happily as he draped himself over a large rock, wings spilling down the sides as he maintained his balance in the chilly morning breeze. ¡°Yeah, let me just¡­¡± Claire extended her neck and pointed her snout high into the wind. She sniffed loudly, her rattling inhalation extending for long seconds before she chuffed, emptying her lungs quickly and repeating the process. She cocked her head to the side quizzically before lowering it, ¡°There¡¯s a whole lot of¡­somethings over that way ish?¡± Kai nodded and launched himself into the air, climbing rapidly as he made good use of his newly improved flight and powered high into the sky with little difficulty. David and Claire watched him ascend as they began to head in the same direction, and he flapped up onto her back rather than cross the difficult rocky terrain of the riverbank on foot. Claire didn¡¯t seem to mind, and she pestered him with questions about all the different creatures he¡¯d hunted the night before as she stomped down the riverbank, curious about what lived around them now that she was ¡®outside¡¯. David did his best to answer all of them as the pair slowly made their way past the city limits, emphasizing that there hadn¡¯t been a single thing he encountered she couldn¡¯t shake like a rat. That had earned him a stern look but he¡¯d managed not to quail under it, stubbornly refusing to back down that she wasn¡¯t in any real danger from anything less than an entire herd of anything he¡¯d found lurking about. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s fine, but why did you have to say ¡®rat¡¯? Now all I can think about is having to bite a giant rat and its gross nasty fur and horrible little people hands and¡­¡± Claire¡¯s full-bodied shudder of revulsion was so violent it shook David loose from his perch. He unfurled his wings and caught the air with a squawk of surprise, flapping a few times to gain height and gliding along slightly above her head level. ¡°Hey!¡± David protested, ¡°I resemble that remark¡­kinda¡­¡± Claire shot him a look as Kai began to descend towards them from several hundred feet in the air, sunlight reflecting unnaturally off of his feathers. They paused near a particularly sandy stretch of river, the ground almost entirely devoid of gravel near what had once been a popular swimming location, and David recognized the remains of a boat ramp visible under the water with interest. He didn¡¯t have much time to dwell on either Claire¡¯s distaste for rodents or the fact he recognized the location from his childhood before Kai touched down. The huge golden bird braked hard, kicking up a miniature sandstorm with the wind from his wings as both David and Claire hissed with displeasure. ¡°Sorry, my bad. I didn¡¯t think about it, not a lot of sand around here.¡± Kai said dryly and landed, ¡°I found ¡®em. They¡¯re a mile or two up the river, there¡¯s like, a whole herd of them. How good is your nose, anyway?¡± Perfect, how¡¯s that saying go? Target rich environment? I can¡¯t even feel bad about just murdering the wildlife anymore, it¡¯s them or me. Well, us. ¡°Alright, sounds good. Let''s go set this ambush up then, Claire?¡± David asked with false sweetness, ¡°Does Bumblefuq have a¡­what did you call it¡­module like this?¡± Claire stared at him with perfect stillness for a long time before finally admitting, ¡°...Yes.¡± 42 - Dont trust hills They all agreed that the creatures reminded them vaguely of cows if they could hop like kangaroos and had beaverlike tails. Kai had little sense of smell to speak of, but both David and Claire could practically smell the hamburgers, and to his eternal shame David had begun to drool at the scent of the animals. It had grown so bad that he¡¯d stopped trying to wipe it away, and simply endured the slimy feeling as his stomach growled and protested hideously that he wasn¡¯t already eating whatever emitted the delicious scent. Neither Kai nor Claire had commented about it, clearly being able to see David¡¯s disgust at being unable to stop the steady stream of saliva that dripped from his maw as they circled carefully downwind of the herd. ¡°David, when was the last time you ate anything?¡± Claire asked quietly before she slunk into position, her movements limber despite how low she had crouched. ¡°Uhhhhh¡­¡± David trailed off for a moment, ¡°I kinda ate a little tiny bit last night, on accident. Other than that¡­Fruit Tree?¡± She gave him a grumpy look, ¡°On accide¨C David, you wanted to be a predator, we already had this conversation. Eat what you hunt. It¡¯s a simple concept.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m about to, trust me. Everything else smelled gnarly, but these things¡­I don¡¯t know what it is about these things but I¡¯m probably going to go into a food coma when I¡¯m done.¡± David warned her seriously before continuing, ¡°Kai¡¯s already in the air and the herd is starting to get antsy, can¡¯t you hear it? They stopped making that low noise and it¡¯s all grunts and stomping now. I¡¯m gonna get moving and scare them over here, I¡¯m fucking starving all of a sudden, can we talk about it after? Please?¡± Claire noted the repeated growling and rumbling of his stomach and just nodded, shooing him away with a flip of her snout. David rocketed away toward the underbrush, zipping below her tail and vanishing into the forest like a shot as she snorted with amusement. Hunger ironically fueled his sprint through the trees, and he was vaguely surprised at how easy his movement was when he just didn¡¯t think about it whatsoever. David was in his element for once, and he combined his long loping run with powerful leaps, gliding, and a few rebounding maneuvers as he caught branches and trees with his claws and threw himself away from them quickly to adjust his heading. It reminded him of a few of those parkour videos he¡¯d seen on the internet, except he could ignore gravity at will and was much stronger than most humans had been. When he¡¯d finally arrived into position he was nearly out of breath, and he eyeballed his readout for a second before simply choosing to slowly finish the approach and let his massive Regeneration score refill his Stamina a bit. ¨CHealth 120/120¨C ¨CStamina: 200/285¨C ¨Cn/a¨C He pressed himself flat to the ground and lurked through the long grass, keeping his body tightly compacted and folding his wings close to his body, not allowing them to disturb his cover. The only sign to betray his passage was a slight trail he left behind, but the surging mountain breezes quickly erased any evidence behind him and left only sparing traces. He chattered silently without stopping, Echolocations mapping the path ahead of his even through the dense grass that hid everything from his eyes and he soon reached the small line of pines growing adventurously out past the tree line. David carefully slithered up the trunk, sharp talons sinking easily into the wood and pulling him into the dense branches in seconds before he directed his gaze out towards the creatures. He hazarded a guess there were about 30 of them, but he was sure Kai had an accurate count by now considering his vantage point, and observed them for a moment. The herd was agitated and had grouped defensively in a loose clump, snorting and thumping their flat tails against the ground to produce loud drumming noises as they watched the sky. David was happy to see that his Stamina was nearly full and leaned forward in preparation to pounce, certain that their plan would work. He vaguely noticed his drool dripping down to coat his talons and ooze from the branch below them onto the ground, but was well beyond caring at this point, his eyes locked hungrily on the largest and fattest specimen he could see. With a screech he hurled himself from the stand of trees, ignoring the stinging in his wings as he dramatically shook the branches with his charge, snarling and snapping the air with vicious wingbeats. He shrieked hungrily, keeping the volume just below what would trigger Screech to activate, and snapped his jaws while he flew well below his top speed at the herd of beasts, who began to react almost instantly. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¨CUnnerving Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C ¨CUnnerving Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C The creatures bellowed with fear, the calls deep and hoarse as they wheeled in response to his mock charge, streaming away from him across the small field with a long bounding stride. They covered a lot of ground with each leap, quickly bunching together tightly and surging towards the forest opposite that which David had emerged, slightly off course to the right of his position. He smiled happily and kept up the act while he pursued them directly toward where Claire had positioned herself, hidden below the crest of the hill their prey was rapidly approaching, desperate to break David¡¯s line of sight and escape. He really did feel bad for the creatures as they hurled themselves over the top of the hill into something so much worse than himself. You know, I haven¡¯t actually seen Claire fight anything since she evolved, minus her finishing off that bear thing for us when we met Kai, I wonder how she¡¯ll handle¨C A thunderous, bone-shaking roar exploded from just beyond the crest, the primeval sound nearly causing David to lose his rhythm and drop from the air as his heart skipped a beat. Massive jaws packed with serrated fangs like crooked daggers lurched open as Claire burst from her concealment. Tons of solid, rippling muscle surged forward in an unstoppable wave of scale and armor before she impacted the leading edge of the herd like an avalanche. The creatures'' bellowed cries of fear were swiftly silenced as she powered into them, turning her jaws horizontally and darting her head forward to clamp down, and one hapless animal found its body crushed and rent between her merciless fangs. The others faltered, their frantic bounding strides thrown into disarray as they found themselves pinned between two creatures even this harsh new ecosystem could have never prepared them for, and crashed together in a press of bodies. The beast kicked feebly as she reared back, powerful neck muscles bunching, before bringing the full, crushing weight of her jaws to bear. David winced as he heard the creature''s bones break even from the distance, and Claire dropped the body, giving it a solid kick before it hit the ground, the animal blasted away as though struck by a cannonball. Her tail whiplashed to the left, balancing her as she swung her head in the opposite direction with terrifying speed for a creature her size, and plucked another beast from the air as it hurled itself upwards in terror. She shook it savagely for a moment before dropping it as well, her clawed foot firing forward like a piston and slamming the already doomed creature into the earth. She snorted loudly before she cranked open her maw again and roared, plowing directly into them like a freight train. HOLY FUCK David almost forgot how to fly as he finally had a front-row seat to what a prehistoric ass-kicking would have looked like when she waded into them. Kai chose that moment to descend like a bomb, his swoop bringing him in between the herd and the river, cutting them off and leaving them penned in between a loose triangle of all three Pack members as he obliterated the first creature he targeted. David registered the wet popping sound the beast had made as Kai pressed it into the ground with unbelievable force beneath his talons and tried not to think about what, exactly, had caused it. The huge golden bird pecked, slashed, and flapped his wings as he butchered everything within reach while streamers of blood traced outwards from his lethally sharp wings. David hovered in the air with his jaws open, blinking stupidly at the sheer savage violence unleashed by his more combat-oriented companions while they made short work of most of the creatures, with only a few escaping by sheer luck and darting away into the trees. Offensive evolutions are just plain unfair sometimes. That would have taken me hours of planning and setup, not to mention finishing them off after I got them down. Specialization is not just for insects¡­Didn¡¯t Dad say that once? Something like that. David cleared his head and swooped over to land next to Claire, fluttering down into the overturned dirt and flattened grass of the hilltop. She was breathing heavily, and both blood and other unidentifiable fluid covered her jaws and fangs, the stains reaching up to the top of her skull. She turned to look at him with slitted eyes, staring at him coldly for a moment before she clacked her jaws happily, blood splattering a bit with the impact. ¡°You were right! It does work! It took me a few tries though, these things dont put up much of a fight.¡± Claire rumbled happily, ¡°Nine xp, just like you said. It just says ¡®Combo¡¯ though, doesn¡¯t specify Offense.¡± ¡°Perfect, now if you guys will excuse me for uh¡­like¡­a couple of¡­¡± David couldn¡¯t take his eyes off of the pile of shredded creatures, ¡°You may want to look away for this, I take no responsibility for anything, this isn¡¯t gonna be pretty.¡± David descended on the food like a swarm of locusts with a single body, fangs flashing greedily as even Claire cringed back from his famished enthusiasm. He was vaguely aware of Kai openly staring at him with wide eyes as well but didn¡¯t slow or stop until he was so full he could barely move, simply savoring the feeling of a full belly. Okay, phase one complete¡­now to convince them we can take that Area Boss with a little preparation¡­You know what, I think I¡¯m going to eat more. Fuck it. He opened his jaws again. 43 - Surprise Guest Herold clicked his mandibles anxiously, ¡°My boy, you have my eternal gratitude for pioneering this¡­Combo System. It is an unquestionably valuable contribution to the safety and stability of the Woodland Society.¡± David¡¯s ears continued to lay flat as he maintained eye contact with the enormous iridescent beetle while they shifted uncomfortably. Herold sighed, the noise oddly multi-tonal, before he motioned with his antennae for the three of them to follow him back inside the warehouse, quickly understanding that David and his group wouldn¡¯t drop the conversation. Both Claire and Kai had added their voices to his, though Kai¡¯s opinion carried more weight with the jovial beetle, and he was visibly torn on the idea of tackling the monstrosity again. David simply nodded and began to follow beside him in comfortable silence, the rhythmic tapping of Herold¡¯s large sturdy legs mingling with Claire¡¯s thudding footsteps and his own nearly silently rustle of passing as they made their way across the training field. ¡°You have to understand, David, that many of the survivors here are still traumatized by the failed assault. Though many of the members present here hold me in high esteem, I cannot in good conscience attempt to persuade them to return to that fight so soon.¡± Herold spoke quietly, ¡°The Hatchlings will have access to their Evolutions tonight at midnight and will be weak and largely untrained. The potential cost in lives is simply too high, and as I have previously stated, I am no one¡¯s leader. I am simply trying to preserve what few people I could pull together and it has become what you see here.¡± ¡°I understand that, but you need to¡­How¡¯s that go¡­¡± David paused slightly to think as they formed a line to enter the warehouse, ¡°Get back on the horse? None of this is going to go away, and now we know that we can easily rank up our Abilities and gain levels without having to rely entirely on Quests.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not so simple, I¡¯m afraid. You are unnaturally brave, David. I have spoken with Claire at length about your experiences in the forest.¡± Herold hummed a bit, ¡°Not everyone is possessed of the fortitude required to repeatedly throw themselves into the reaper''s jaws.¡± The group passed into the warehouse in an orderly fashion and trailed along behind Herold as he led them to a spare corner, shooing a few people away with an amicable sweep of his legs and a bit of verbal jousting. He settled down comfortably, his carapace scraping against the floor with a noise that made David¡¯s teeth itch, and he fought the urge to lick his chops to rid himself of the sensation. Kai¡¯s plumage had slicked down so far that he almost resembled the Herons David had fought the night before, and he clearly had strong opinions about the plan that he was having trouble voicing. A deep rumble sounded from Claire¡¯s chest as she disagreed politely with Herold¡¯s last statement, the sound sending the few eavesdroppers scattering for the safety of other locations, and David¡¯s sensitive ears easily caught the sound of their flight against the cold concrete floor. ¡°I disagree. I¡¯d either be dead or still hiding in a hole somewhere if David hadn¡¯t pulled me out of the forest. If there had been more of us out there he¡¯d probably be in the same position you are now, with a horde of people to look after despite never once asking for it.¡± Claire snarled in dissatisfaction, ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll get a fat head from hearing this, but he¡¯s a genius at whatever it is that¡¯s going on¡­or at least an idiot savant.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± David protested feebly. ¡°He¡¯s always got some sort of stupid, half-baked plan that ends up working out anyway, and it¡¯s always because he uses himself like a sandbag so nobody else gets hurt, even though he¡¯s made out of cobwebs and tissue paper. He might be too dumb to realize that¡¯s why he¡¯s doing it, but I¡¯m not.¡± Claire finished forcefully, with a pointed look at Herold. ¡°Look the simple fact is that if that thing is still alive, nobody here is safe.¡± David chattered as he plopped down on his haunches, ¡°Uh¡­look, just humor me for a second and hear me out at least?¡± Herold stared at them for a long time in silence, his antennas slowly waving to a halt, and David could almost see the gears turning in his mind. He liked Herold, the old man may have been a bit stubborn but his heart was inarguably in the right place, and the entire Park was a testament to his efforts to do something about the state of the situation they¡¯d all found themselves in when nobody else would. Well over a hundred different creatures were surviving here in relative peace, isolating themselves from the savagery of the world passing by outside the walls and borders of Woodland Park, and David could respect the effort it must have taken. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡°I always intended to hear your strategy, David. I simply cannot join you, nor can I command anyone to do so, even if I had the authority.¡± Herold nodded toward David, ¡°I will, however, not prevent anyone wishing to do battle from joining you. Please, proceed.¡± ¡°Uh¡­Okay, sure. You guys aren¡¯t safe here, you know that right? What happens when the second Wave starts if that thing¡¯s still kicking?¡± David asked bluntly, ¡°How many people are gonna wander right into something like that if we leave it alive? Claire and I agreed to stick around and help until everyone evolves, and that¡¯s soon. What if it¡¯s only a week between waves? A month? Even if it¡¯s longer you can only kick the can so far down the road, and we have the technique to level faster now, even if it might only work until a certain point.¡± Everyone gave him a bit of an odd look after he finished speaking, and David fought down a wave of embarrassment, willing his ears to stand up straight and trying his best not to cringe as the three gigantic predators stared him down. Kai cocked his head thoughtfully, and Claire seemed deeply amused by both Herold and Kai¡¯s surprise that David could form an intelligent thought when he put his mind to it. David was about to continue when a quiet, beautifully musical voice cut him off before he even began. ¡°I want to help kill it. I¡¯ll do anything, I don¡¯t care what it takes. Please. Please.¡± Herold almost seemed to sag in shock, his antennas freezing mid-wiggle as Kai¡¯s head spun around creepily to lock onto the source of the voice, his beak falling open stupidly. David spun in place and found himself looking into a set of long, elegant legs ending in sharp hooves, following them upwards until he was staring into a gentle face crowned by an enormous set of antlers. The shaggy elk-like creature hung his head low, his eyes held tightly shut while he visibly shook with fear and forced himself to choke out the rest of his request as he slowly sunk to the ground and laid his head on the floor in front of David. ¡°I can¡¯t live like this. Everyone that¡­didn¡¯t make it b-becau¨C They deserve better. Better than having their bones just laying there in front of the fucking subway because everyone wants to pretend NOTHING FUCKING HAPPENED!¡± Leo finished with a bugle of pure agony that echoed around the warehouse like a trumpet blast. The silence that followed was broken only by Leo¡¯s heavy breathing and the sound of his hooves and antlers rattling slightly against the cold floor as he prostrated himself and begged to be included. David¡¯s brain blanked out for a moment, and before he had time to register it he had given the poor man a comforting lick across the face before seizing the thick shaggy fur of his neck and gently lifting his head off the ground. He poked his snout under the man''s head as he lifted it curiously, nudging and poking him until he finally stood off the floor and seemed to calm slightly while they stared at each other. ¡°That¡¯s better, stand up. They¡¯re not the only ones that deserve better, you do too. We all do, but here we fucking are.¡± David said firmly, ¡°I want to kill it, if you¡¯re in, I¡¯m in.¡± ¡°Me too,¡± Claire added. Kai¡¯s feathers ruffled as he whistled sharply, ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± Herold looked like he might implode with happiness at what he was witnessing, exploding to his feet and bulling everyone, Claire included to her tremendous shock, out of the way to give Leo the best approximation of a hug that he was capable of. He leaned into the furry hide of the tall graceful creature, and Leo sagged against the green carapace before beginning to speak quietly. Herold let loose with a torrent of supportive exposition that quickly drew the attention of a few of the other Hunt team present, who hurled themselves across the distance and began to crowd around the pair. ¡°Leo¡¯s talking again? Hey, man, you okay dude? What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Honey, oh my god, what happened?¡± ¡°Back I say! Give the man some space, let him breathe!¡± Herold boomed protectively. David slowly crept closer to Claire as she picked herself up off the ground, levering herself off her side back into a sitting position with an air of wounded nonchalance as they watched Leo slowly begin to communicate with the rest of the group before a few of the members present peeled off to approach them. Dallas¡¯ antennae seemed to be trying to fly off his head on their own when the insect screeched to a halt on the floor in front of the pair and looked up at them with his sparkling compound eyes. ¡°You¡¯re going after it?¡± The wasplike man buzzed, ¡°Fuck that thing. I want in too. Come get me whenever we¡¯re making plans¡­¡± ¡°Same!¡± Thomas snarled wickedly from several feet away, ¡°Fuck that thing. I can¡¯t stop thinking about it.¡± Well¡­shit. That was easier than I thought it would be. Now we just need to get them trained up the right way, and we¡¯re gonna flatten that fucking thing¡­I think what we¡¯ll do is¡­ ¡°Hey Claire,¡± David said quietly as they watched the mob of people around Herold and Leo steadily grow, ¡°He said ¡®in front of the subway¡¯ right?¡± She nodded, ¡°Yeah, why?¡± ¡°Because if it¡¯s gonna come out of a tunnel, I have an idea already.¡± David¡¯s smile was anything but friendly as his lips wrinkled back over his fangs in thought. 44 - Calm before the storm The night passed eventfully and David had perched fully atop Claire¡¯s head and cheered along with everyone else as the timer visible only to the Hatchlings ticked down to nothing. They wouldn¡¯t be getting a special evolution, but they didn¡¯t care, and one by one they began to droop and sag on their feet as their eyes glazed over with the now-familiar evolutionary trance. Herold and the Hunting team were giddy with excitement, and even Leo joined in the fun as they celebrated, though Betty earned herself a few rude looks when she suddenly howled, ¡®Monster mosh pit!¡¯ and slugged Thomas in the face with a claw. Thomas hissed in pain and swatted at her ineffectually as she attempted to headbang with no head, pushing and shoving at the others as they exploded with laughter at her eyestalks bobbing up and down forcefully to a heavy metal riff only she could hear. In moments the Hatchlings had begun to vomit up the mysterious rainbow liquid, the kaleidoscope of energy reforming their bodies, and everyone stopped partying immediately as the sound of grisly rearranging bones filled the warehouse with a sound like a million knuckles popping all at once. Claire gagged at the noise, and David laughed uproariously at the roller-coaster sensation that accompanied it as he clung to the top of her armored head and she swore at him between retches. When the light finally settled and everyone began to cheer again, David realized that their evolutions seemed a lot more linear than his own had been, most appearing as upgraded versions of whatever they had been before. He noted with a grin that the long-haired walrus had gained a few hundred pounds and sported a long sharp horn from the middle of its forehead, mustache bristling grandly as they lounged on their side and waved at him. He waved back before both he and Claire had retired to the corner of the warehouse with the small group that had agreed to tackle the boss and David explained the Combo system patiently. Kai had backed him up on the effectiveness of it, sharing that he had managed to rank up a lagging ability in the single hunt he had accompanied them for earlier that day. Plans were made to repeat the process, and Kai agreed to take the others out hunting to shore up their ability ranks and maybe get a few levels. The next few days were a blur for David as he plotted the Area Bosses'' demise with the help of both Claire and Dallas; who had been present for the initial assault and was eager to contribute anything he knew about the beast. When he wasn¡¯t scratching maps into the dirt like a crazy person, he made a few more nocturnal assaults on the local wildlife, slowly improving his skills and gaining levels of his own, all the while learning to listen to the budding predatory instincts he had developed. It wasn¡¯t long before the Hunting party hit a wall, and that wall proved to be their tenth level, with massively increased xp costs becoming a roadblock to casual progress that nobody had expected. David had quickly caught up to the rest of them and despite his happiness at the increased stats he leered at the steep xp requirement for the next level grumpily while he perched halfway up one of the many ruined office buildings in the downtown area of Riverport, cool night wind tugging at his mane and wings while filling his nose with the smell of warm concrete and rust.
User: David Fisher Species: Twilight Seeker ¦¸ Rank: E Health: 165/165 Stam: 390/390 (++) Level: 10 Exp: 23/1500 Special: Echolocation D
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal E: +12% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. [3/10] Echolocation D: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise, and may trigger an Echo. [6/10] Flight D: Allows for flight and gliding. Mild Stamina drain. (stam+) [2/10] Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 115bs. (stam+) [n/a]
Abilities: 4/4 Screech E: You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies in a cone. Low Stam consumption. [4/10] Glare E: You fix your target with a baleful gaze, inflicting Fear. Small chance to cause the enemy to flee. Variable Stam consumption. [2/10] Gloom C: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 8 times. [4/10] Nocturnal Strike C (4pts): A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. [5/10]
Mutagens: 4/5 Stolen story; please report. Unnerving Mutagen B: Your appearance is unnerving. May cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Atavistic Mutagen D: Form becomes primal, strengthening your body. Soporalytic Mutagen E: Your attacks have a moderate chance to inflict paralytic sedation, inducing muscle spasms and rendering targets unconscious. Secretive Mutagen E: You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect. Empty:
Holy shit that¡¯s a lot of xp for one level. I think that¡¯s almost as much xp as it cost to get to level ten, and that took¡­I dunno¡­nine days? Maybe a little more, while fighting almost constantly? Shit, I wonder if it does that every ten levels? I think we were all hoping to grind out another special evolution before we had to tackle the boss, but that''s just not possible right now. We¡¯re gonna have to do it sooner rather than later too, otherwise we¡¯ll be here forever. Quests are starting to look more mandatory after all¡­who set this up? God I¡¯d love to bite Omega in the face. Hit them with a Gloom and watch them twitch while I make faces at them¡­ David minimized his status and derailed his cathartic train of thought to stare at the entrance to one of the main subway terminals just outside the downtown proper. It was quite large, though something had done a bit of renovation and widened the entrance, huge chunks of concrete and rubble piled up around the stairs. David snarled to himself as he had the last few days that he¡¯d come here to observe the location, disgusted by the piles of bones and refuse scattered into the road where the Area Boss had simply shoved them out of the tunnel like trash and forgotten about them. Despite its raw aggression, the creature didn¡¯t seem to be discerning in its tastes, and he saw that along with the skeletons of those that had been part of Herold¡¯s raid, dozens of animal carcasses were mixed in. ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t like it either.¡± Dallas buzzed as he simply walked up the side of the building, tiny clawed feet gripping the dilapidated building tightly. David slowly dialed back the snarl, ¡°I want to get a look inside there, but I also don¡¯t want to trigger the Quest. You said it showed up within a minute or two of the notification appearing?¡± ¡°Yeah, maybe three minutes or so? That seems to be a theme, but there wasn¡¯t any countdown. We were getting into position when it came rolling out.¡± Dallas tapped his stinger on the wall angrily as he stared down into the street. He nodded a few times before shooting Dallas a side-eye that spoke volumes. The wasp seemed to understand and simply shrugged with his antennae and vibrated his quartet of wings anxiously. David unfurled himself from where he hung and dropped, beginning to drift down towards the street as Dallas called after him. ¡°I know this is why we came here tonight, but if anything starts looking weird just bail. We have wings for a reason, David!¡± The insect¡¯s buzzing voice was swallowed up by a rush of wind and faded away quickly. Oh, don¡¯t worry. If I even smell anything weird I¡¯m out. I¡¯m only here to cheat a look at the inside a little bit. Even I¡¯m not dumb enough to try sneaking up on that thing while it¡¯s asleep, even if I happen to catch it with its pants down. No way I¡¯d be able to get through the armor myself, I just don¡¯t have the stopping power someone like Claire or Herold has. He drifted close, slowly descending below the tops of the rusted and useless streetlights that still lined the sides of what had been one of the busiest roads in Riverport only two weeks ago, landing in almost total silence on the shattered pavement. His talons tapped softly against the hard surface as he slunk carefully around the dried bones, gritting his teeth as he noticed they¡¯d all been gnawed upon and cracked for the marrow. ¨CWARNING¨C ¨CEntering Area Boss Territory¨C ¨CQuest Available: Buried Secrets¨C ¨CReward: Fusion Token, Unlocks Territory Challenge System¨C ¨CBonus Objective: Claim Boss Trophy¨C ¨CReward: Special Evolution Bloodline¨C David goggled at the rewards for a brief second before carefully minimizing the readout and refocusing his attention on the darkened stairway that loomed closer with every passing step. He began to chitter silently, the waves and pulses of Echolocations rolling down the ravaged tunnel to send a macabre collection of images back to be collected by David¡¯s sensitive ears as he gleefully abused the increased range. Piles and piles of bones were scattered about the stairs, trailing down to the bottom of the staircase where the concrete had been covered in heaping piles of wet dirt. The ceiling had cracked and seemed only seconds away from collapsing, though the waves of Echolocations proved it to be sound and sturdy. David crept close, descending the first two steps in an attempt to push it just a little further, to learn anything at the last moment before their carefully planned assault that might provide some insight into the Bosses¡¯ weaknesses. He found nothing but fresh corpses of feral monsters that had wandered too close and were unable to escape, their flesh torn and broken by blunt trauma, limbs crooked as they lay shattered just at the bottom of the stairs. God that smells rank, whooooo. Maybe this thing doesn¡¯t like fresh food? It seems like the bones only get cleared out when they start to get in the way - What the fuck was that? David retreated quickly as the leading edge of his Special finally detected something, and for the very first time, David saw a new notification. ¨CEcho¨C He gasped loudly as his head suddenly ached with the intense flood of complex information that filtered back to his ears and a huge area was revealed to him. David experienced a moment of sheer panic as he perceived the distant boss beginning to move towards the exit, huge shovel-like nose twitching eagerly as it heaved its armored bulk through the remains of a shattered turnstile, paws the size of David himself swinging forward to drag the beast toward him. Its claws casually crushed small divots into the concrete with each step, and it opened a cavernous mouth to reveal huge rodent-like fangs as it chittered curiously in the direction of the stairway to the surface. He barely had time to register the almost shell-like armor of the beast bending the metal of a rusted handrail like aluminum foil before he lifted off in a storm of wingbeats. Yep, that¡¯s fucking big but I think Claire can handle him as long as we don''t fuck it up. Did that piece of shit use some sort of sonar back at me? It made my ears feel weird, and the Echo map went all blurry when it started doing the same thing I do with my mouth. That¡¯s a little weird, no wonder it knows if people are outside or not, it¡¯s got better Echolocation than I do! Looks like this entire thing was worth it, after all, we can lure it out! A series of high-pitched screeches followed him into the night sky as David heard the beast emerge from the subway and blanket him in a wave of sonar that made his ears ring faintly as he continued to climb. He landed with a sharp sound as his talons simply dug grooves into the crumbling brick while he clung tightly to the masonry, fixing Dallas with a wild stare, his smile all fangs and wicked anticipation. ¡°It worked, I did manage to learn something about it. C¡¯mon, we¡¯ll make a couple of adjustments and then that¡¯s it. That fat fucker goes down first thing in the morning.¡± 45 - Area Boss_1 A long discordant note shattered the thin morning air, echoing between the decrepit buildings and vibrating the few unbroken panes of glass in their frames. It hung in the air like an ill omen, dragging on and on in a single unbroken sound that lasted far longer than it had any right to, setting teeth on edge and sending small animals running for cover. When it finally faded it seemed to claw and fight to survive, refusing to disappear and wedging itself firmly in the ears of everything that heard it in a way that made even David¡¯s lips wrinkle back with distaste. The response was almost immediate, and high-pitched chittering began to swell below the street¡¯s surface, bubbling up through manhole covers, swelling from the gutters, and surging up the ruined stairway outside the Area Boss''s lair. Leo stood firmly in the middle of the intersection nearby as the mist from his breath slowly began to dissipate in the cool morning air and he pawed the ground challengingly. Well, that worked perfectly, now for phase two. Hit ¡®em with it again, Leo! Really piss them off! The more we can get with this the easier the Boss will be when it¡¯s the only one left. David watched the entire thing from a concealed position within the third story of an accounting firm that sat kitty-corner to the subway itself, his body pressed low to the wood below him as he observed the scene. Leo bugled again, the sound somehow more infuriating than it was the first time, and he reared up, his front legs kicking at the air while he wheeled away from the entrance without a moment to spare. A horde of bald ratlike creatures with thick pebbled hide and long sharp digging claws swarmed out of the tunnel screeching in fury. They poured out of the entrance to the boss''s lair like a torrent of water and gave chase to the fleeing Woodlander with surprising swiftness, long thick tails slapping the ground behind them as they sprinted. David¡¯s talons sunk into the wood of the office desk he¡¯d been perched atop anxiously as he watched the charge continue for several seconds until finally, the last stragglers had emerged. C¡¯mon, c¡¯mon. Any second now, no way they manage to catch him, he¡¯s so fucking fast with those long-ass legs of his¡­any second now¡­fuck¡­I should go help¨C A booming roar rattled the sky from almost an entire block away, and David heard the challenging cry of a monstrous bird of prey shortly after, as both Kai and Claire launched their pincer ambush. Before the echoes of the roar had ceased to bounce between the overgrown abandoned structures of the downtown area the screaming had already begun, and dozens of the vicious rodents began to howl in agony. David¡¯s fangs gleamed in the light as he hunched his back in anticipation, slithering down off the desk with a primal menace that was lost on him as he oozed over the lip of the windowsill to glare down at the subway exit. He crouched low, wings spread around him like a pool of oil as the massive creature emerged from its lair, wide nose twitching and rodentlike teeth snapping together ferociously as it heaved its bulk onto the surface. In the light of day, it was no less hideous; multiple tons of thick armor, heavy muscle, and long menacing claws that capped each limb. Its face was broad, with laughably tiny eyes and a huge shovel-like nose that swiveled around like it was attached to a gimbal as it tracked the scent of its disgusting progeny. It levered itself to its feet with difficulty, clearly surprised that there was no fight taking place nearby but reacting quickly as it began to trundle down the road away from its zone of safety. David¡¯s limbs trembled with barely suppressed violence as he watched the horrible thing effortlessly swat aside the rusted-out hulk of a sedan, the frame of the abandoned vehicle crumpling from the force as it rolled away onto its side and disgorged a handful of more mundane vermin that fled instantly. Yeah, get your big ass up. Keep walkin¡¯, can¡¯t you hear the dinner bell? Just follow your nose asshole, and you¡¯ll be getting a present soon, I worked on it for a couple of hours every day. When the beast had finally dragged itself past his line of sight and into the intersection he hurled himself into the air and Glided away from it, heading in the opposite direction for a dozen seconds before slowly coming about, wiggling his wings to give the signal as he did so. By the time he¡¯d reoriented on the beast and began his attack run, he saw Dallas lift off of the roof of one of the smaller buildings nearby, a small length of rusted chain gripped tightly in his mandibles as he slowly took up the slack of the line. David grinned and silently wished that he¡¯d been the one to come up with the trick, but it had been a remark made by Claire that had given him the idea. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be nice if we could bottle that Gloom of yours, so we could all use some against the Boss?¡± Claire had muttered as they¡¯d gone over the plan on the first day. He angled his wings downward, leaning forward and allowing himself to pick up momentum as he came in low to the ground, feeling the temperature of the air shift slightly as it passed over his huge leathery wings. Dallas, to his credit, had timed his payload perfectly, and the ratty blue tarp held together with bits of sticky glue they¡¯d obtained from Betty and her anemone holding the bundle closed fell exactly where he meant it to. David had added a few rocks and a haunch of rancid meat that he¡¯d allowed to sit on the roof of the warehouse for two days in the sun to weigh it down and make it smell convincing enough to cover the scent of the critical contents of the crumbling tarp. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. It impacted almost directly in front of the Area Boss''s face, and the creature struck reflexively, pouncing on the bait without thinking, savaging it with a bubbling snarl before pausing. Its nose worked furiously for a moment as it stood in the middle of the road just past the intersection, pointed towards where an enormous Murdersaurus and a Razorbird had doubtless already mauled its horde of underlings into a fine paste. With a rumble of happiness that reminded David all too much of his best friend, the beast ripped into the large bundle of frayed tarping, extracting the haunch of meat and cramming it into its gullet. ¨CHealth: 165/165¨C ¨CStamina: 390/390¨C ¨Cn/a¨C Please work please work please work please work please work¡­ David was over his target before he had any more time for doubt, and he furled his wings and allowed himself to whistle down in a soft arc, praying with everything he had to gods he wasn¡¯t sure existed anymore that his plan wouldn¡¯t get him and everyone else killed. ¨CRiverport Crusher has been inflicted with |Gloom| |Paralysis|¨C ¨CRiverport Crusher is immune to |Sleep|¨C David inhaled as he fell the last twenty feet, bracing himself for what he hoped was the most painful part of the plan as he snatched at the overhang on the Crusher¡¯s shell, feeling something pop in his wing and desperately holding in a scream of pain as he forced the damaged wing to contract, talons chipping painfully on the armor. He slammed into the side of the boss''s head, barely managing to stop his face from striking the armor and knocking himself out as he shoved his entire head into the Area Boss''s ear, focusing forward, and releasing the biggest Screech of his life. ¨CYou have taken 21 Impact Damage¨C ¨CYou are inflicted with |Slow|¨C ¨CYou have taken 30 Backlash Damage: Screech¨C ¨CRiverport Crusher has been inflicted with |Deafened|¨C ¨CRiverport Crusher is immune to |Stun|¨C ¨CBonus: Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 9xp¨C ¨CHealth: 114/165¨C ¨CStamina: 266/390¨C David hurled himself away, strong hind legs bunching before he flung himself upwards and away from the beast, desperately trying to unfurl his wings as the right limb failed to extend fully, shaking with tension as his shoulder simply refused to rise beyond a certain point. A single flap proved the motion was impossible, and David tumbled from the air, barely managing to curl himself into a ball to protect his already injured wing as he slammed to the concrete with a meaty thud, rolling away with the force of the impact. His vision spun, and he could barely piece together the whirl of images as he rolled to a stop, the overgrown high-rises blending into the sky and asphalt as he tumbled roughly. ¨CYou have taken 14 Impact Damage¨C ¨CHeath 100/165¨C ¨CStamina: 264/390¨C ¨CSlowed¨C He sprang to his feet after only a few seconds, his injured right wing beginning to tingle painfully as the Crusher whirled on him, its eyes wild with fury, jaw unhinging to an almost 90-degree angle and it began to drag itself across the asphalt towards him with a rasping hiss. Shit, shit, shit! Neither David nor the Crusher noticed Dallas sprinting up the armor on its back until the wasplike insect drove its stinger directly into the gap between its neck and its armor, body pressing downwards with all his might as he strained. The Crusher¡¯s eyes widened with agony, and it threw its head to the sky and screamed as the hyper-concentrated venom poured into its body. Dallas screamed with it, his stinger briefly caught between the armor plates before snapping off with a sound like a thick branch breaking and being thrown free by the beast''s convulsions. David gritted his teeth and attempted to land a Glare to cover for him, eyes widening with horror and losing focus on the ability when the Boss¡¯s enormous foot descended onto the wasp with a heart stopping crunch as it began to thrash in pain. Less than a second later an utterly inhuman hiss of rage rapidly built into a roar that spoke of nothing but death and suffering as Claire rounded the corner and took the scene in at a glance before she charged. 46 - Area Boss_2 Despite her appearance, Claire was a kind, gentle, and caring person who felt deeply for those around her and disliked violence. She was personal and thoughtful in her advice, spoke gently to all but her closest friends, and always had the concerns and interests of others in mind. When she rounded the corner and saw David squaring off with the boss, wing drooping uselessly against the ground, she was terrified. When she saw Dallas¡¯ body broken on the ground and oozing greenish ichor on the pavement the terror she felt stomped that caring, lovable, gentle side of herself into a box and locked the lid before it ignited into something else entirely that straddled the line between unthinking fury and concentrated murder. David felt the pavement under his feet begin to shake as Claire hit her top speed in record time, her jaws open wide as an unceasing roar of fury poured out of her and he felt an unnatural invigoration fill his body while the pain in his wing receded slightly. The Crusher hunched with pain and whirled to face the new challenger, yellow foam speckled with dots of dark blood and a foul brown ichor collecting at the corners of its jaws. It surged forward, ignoring David in favor of the new, larger threat, unhinging its jaw as it shrieked weirdly and returned her challenge. ¡°DALLAS! GET UP!¡± David shrieked as he ran awkwardly towards the fallen insect while the boss pounded away to attack Claire. He reached the man in seconds and realized instantly there was some hope. David jumped, his head snapping down to the fallen insect as he slammed out an Echolocation, seeing the full extent of the damage but also the slow healing beginning to knit him back together. His chitinous plating was strong, but there wasn¡¯t much protection it could have provided against the crushing weight of the Boss. He was broken, his body curled and twitching as ichor seeped from his mouth, joints, and segments of his body to pool thickly below him on the asphalt. David sat there for a few heartbeats, curiously blank at the sight as he refused to accept reality, reaching down with a trembling talon to gently touch the fallen man. He didn¡¯t know what to do, and he felt lost and angry as the fluid continued to slowly seep from the body, staining his wings green as he rested a limb on the shattered chitin. ¡°Why?! You were supposed to wait until Claire got here, I could have held it off with Screech for a few more seconds!¡± He shouted numbly as he watched the thick blood slowly drip from his talons, ¡°We talked about it, you knew the plan! Why did you do it?¡± ¡°...because¡­fuck that¡­thing¡­¡± Dallas gasped out, ¡°I..can¡¯t see¡­go fucking kill it¡­think I¡¯ll make it¡­more important than me.¡± He snarled impotently, screaming at Dallas not to move, and flared his wings open as hard as he could, the faint sucking pop within his shoulder as it was forced back into place passing unnoticed as he lifted off. ¡°You better fucking make it ASSHOLE!¡± David screamed loudly enough to activate Screech as he powered away through the air. ¨CYou have taken 4 Damage¨C ¨CYou are no longer afflicted by |Slow|¨C He wheeled in the air, coming in low to the ground and heading into the fight again as Claire and the Area Boss savaged each other in the street, trading blow for blow uncaringly while they spilled off the road onto the sidewalk. Her armored hide was torn, and one of the plates had been peeled away from her back, bright red blood oozing down her flank as she seized one of its legs when it swiped at her. The Crusher screamed in pain as Claire shut her eyes tightly and crunched down, viciously ripping into the beast''s limb before it bulled into her, using its armored shell as a battering ram and knocking her back. She hissed threateningly and crouched low, her jaws open and bloody as she began to circle the Boss before it finally began to feel the effects of the toxins building up in its body. It lunged forward, its huge rodentlike teeth descending like a trap slamming shut and catching only air, the surprise visible on its face as its pupils began to dilate and its motions became stilted and awkward. Claire seized the advantage, surging forward with a snarl and using her armored skull like a sledgehammer, swinging her head up into the side of the Crusher and smashing it sideways through a light pole, the metal shrieking in protest as it collided with the side of a nearby building. A sharp whistling cry sounded above them and Kai entered the battle, hurtling through the air and following up Claire¡¯s hammer blow with one of his own, pounding the boss''s head into the ground while it recovered. The wind tugged at David¡¯s mane and flattened his ears to his head, his fangs bared in a feral snarl as he landed to the left of Claire, waiting just long enough for Kai to slam his beak into the creature¡¯s eye and pluck it out before he began to inhale again. Claire shot him a glance and took a step back to give him room as Kai lifted off frantically and the boss began to thrash and scream, its claws tearing huge chunks out of the brick of the nearest building, red dust and rubble pouring down on it. David focused his attack forward again, sprinting into range as he exhaled, the Screech washing over the feral monster and causing tiny cracks to appear in the weakened building next to it. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¨CHealth: 96/165¨C ¨CStamina: 244/390¨C ¨Cn/a¡ª It surged out of the rubble to face them as Kai landed on Claire¡¯s right side, wings flared threateningly while the Boss emerged and David hopped away quickly, hissing and snarling at it. The Area Boss eyed them blearily, a large amount of pus and blood beginning to pour from the single wound Dallas had left on the back of its neck as the venom rotted it internally, its body spasming as it began to fully lose control of its senses. It hunkered down in the rubble, its remaining eye failing to remain fixed onto any of them as its gaze slowly traced random patterns through the air before it struck out with its wounded limb, overbalancing slightly as it scooped the debris of the crumbling wall behind it to the side. ¡°Where¡¯s Dallas?!¡± Kai shouted over the grinding of the debris as the boss extricated itself slowly. ¡°He ran in! It fucking got him, he¡¯s barely alive!¡± David screamed furiously as he pounded the Crusher with another Screech, ¡°It happened too fast!¡± Kai¡¯s eyes went cold and Claire made a noise somewhere between an angry diesel engine and a sob before she surged forward rapidly in total silence. Kai squawked in surprise, nearly bowled over by her sudden charge as she rushed in. ¡°KILL YOU!¡± She roared furiously as she seized the debilitated creature by the leg. Muscles rippled and bulged in her neck and she widened her stance before she heaved, hauling the creature out of the rubble and dragging it with her as she turned, tossing it back into the road with a herculean effort. She sagged momentarily as blood rushed to her head and her jaws hung limply open, a dozen teeth shattered or missing from her maw. The Boss landed heavily on its side, injured limb pinned beneath it as it struggled to right itself. Kai was on its unprotected belly in a flash, sharpened wings flailing heedlessly into the soft flesh. David pounced immediately after, slamming Nocturnal Strikes into the underbelly of the creature as Claire recovered slowly. A deluge of hot blood covered both him and Kai as flesh parted and fat was torn away, thick chunks of gore splattering both their bodies and the ground around them while the Crusher screamed a high-pitched rattling scream and fruitlessly struggled, its body refusing to obey it¡¯s commands as the damage piled up and its nervous system was ravaged by the poisoned bait. David crammed his head into a hole in its belly and blasted out a screech as his talons rent and slashed, and the boss began to wail in agony. ¨CHealth: 126/165¨C ¨CStamina: 277/390¨C ¨Cn/a¨C Claire reentered the battle with a vengeance, delivering a titanic kick to the creature¡¯s belly and flipping it as easily as someone might kick over a trash can, the Crusher unable to mount any resistance. David felt a Talon tear free of his wing and barely registered the pain as he shook his head to clear the viscera from his eyes. ¨CYou have taken 6 Damage¨C Claire straddled the Boss, pinning it with a single foot as it struggled weakly against her weight, looking up at her piteously with its single remaining eye when she reared her head back and cranked her jaws open before lunging for its neck. Her jaws clamped shut with a noise unlike anything David had ever heard before, and she strained hard, wounds reopening with the effort as she breathed heavily and slowly began to pull. The Crusher¡¯s eyes bulged, and both Kai and David jumped clear in awe as she twisted her body violently and tore the head free of its body, the terrible venom Dallas had injected earlier weakening the flesh greatly. She shook its severed head like a dog with its favorite toy, rotting flesh flying free of the neck in stinking brown clumps before she leaned back and swallowed it whole, bellowing in victory as David and Kai cheered with her. ¨CArea Boss Slain!¨C ¨CQuest: Buried Secrets complete!¨C ¨CReceived: Fusion Token¨C ¨CTerritory Challenge System Unlocked¨C ¨CSysAutogen_BossLoot¨C ¨CReceived: Apical Mutagen C: Assert your dominance, add bonus effects to Abilities dictated by Ability Type. [Control: Drain a small percentage of Enemy Health and Stamina] [Offense: Sunders a percentage of Enemy Defenses] ¨C ¨CGained 800xp!¨C 47 - Fusion Token Awaken! ¡°RRRRRRRRRRRRRuh¡± Claire groaned in her sleep for the thousandth time since returning to Woodland. She was curled into a ball, tail wrapped around herself as her head rested on the floor while David sat nearby to keep an eye on her. He smirked at the noise but immediately felt bad, remembering how drunk and out of it she was after devouring the Boss¡¯s head, various toxins and venoms not agreeing with her belly. As impressive, and in David¡¯s opinion heavy-metal as her instinctual reaction had been, it was the wrong choice and she suffered a bit for it. He¡¯d had enough time to hear her mumble about unlocking a Bloodline before her left pupil had dilated and she¡¯d begun to wobble and burp, the smell of which was so foul David had puked the first time it hit his nose. It had almost been a Quest by itself getting her back to the warehouse and into ''bed'', as she had kept trying to wander off while ranting about invisible elves and wizards. Go ahead and sleep, you badass reptile. You deserve it¡­I will admit it was super gross watching those armor plates grow back, it was like fingernails growing in fast-forward over a couple of hours. Bleh. I¡¯m glad Dallas made it though, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen it take so long for someone to heal up after a fight. He¡¯s not a hundred percent on his feet yet, and it¡¯s been hours. Stupid wasp almost bought the farm there for real, I thought the seven Health I dropped to after the lizard-monkeys was bad, but 2? That¡¯s like¡­fuck. I bet without the Health system he¡¯d have died for sure. David folded his ears down at the thought in the cool darkness of the warehouse at Woodland Park and tapped his talons on the floor while an anxious hiss slithered out of him. He shook his head and glanced at Claire again, happy for her that she¡¯d managed to be the one to collect the ¡®Trophy'', whatever that was. He doubted it was the head of the Boss itself since she¡¯d puked that back up the moment the adrenaline left her system and she suddenly understood what she¡¯d done. David took a moment to remember it in 3D-Smellovision and his lips wrinkled so far back over his fangs in a grimace that one of the newly evolved hatchlings that had been approaching to ask him something pretended to catch an interesting scent and ¡®followed¡¯ it away rapidly. Oops, sorry whoever you were. That¡¯s just my face, I swear I''m not mad! Ah well, Claire doesn¡¯t need to be bothered anyway, maybe being snarly-lookin¡¯ is a good thing for once. Okay, Dallas is gonna be fine, Claire is gonna be fine, Kai never even got hit, my talon is growing back nicely¡­time to get some shit done. Define: Territory Challenge System. |Territory Challenge System: Allows the User to sense nearby Territories, honing in on the lairs of powerful Bosses. These Bosses may be challenged for high-quality rewards and large experience gains. WARNING: Bosses are highly lethal, varied, and aggressive.| Okay, so they¡¯re like¡­what the hell were they called¡­Dungeons? I think that¡¯s what Dad called them when he was still playing Wars of Worldcraft or whatever it was. You go in, fight some stuff, fight some stronger stuff, then the boss gets pissed and you fight that too. The rewards were insane, but so was that fight. There¡¯s literally no way someone could get away with fighting those by themse¨C Yeah, actually, I bet it is depending on the boss. Can''t even imagine how badass you¡¯d have to be though. Define: Fusion Token. |Fusion Token: Permanently combines Mutagens and Abilities into a single hybrid effect. Allows for the Fusion of Mutagens and Abilities. The Fusion of Mutagens to Abilities will always result in a Mutagen. The resulting fusion¡¯s grade is determined by component grades. This process is irreversible.| Oh, that¡¯s nice. That¡¯s really nice. Muahah¨C Where the fuck did that come from? Calm down David, damn. I feel like I get too into this considering what I¡¯m about to do to myself¡­anyway, let''s see. So if I understand this right, I can absorb an ability straight into a Mutagen if I want to? Lots of potential there¡­I could¡­hrm this is hard. There isn¡¯t a lot of wiggle room in what I have, but I think if it works like last time it¡¯d be worth it to roll an Ability up into something, probably Glare or Nocturnal Strike. Epikek¨C No, wait, Apical seems extremely strong, but so are Unnerving and Atavistic. I think the real question is can I live without Nocturnal Strike or Glare? There¡¯s absolutely no way I¡¯m getting rid of Gloom, and Screech is the only thing I¡¯ve seen period since meeting everyone that can do damage to something far away¡­ Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. David¡¯s ears slowly crept down over the back of his head as he thought, face wrinkling in concentration as his mane slowly lifted in response to the intensity of his focus. He bristled in the dim lighting, fangs gleaming in the darkness and muscles tense while he muttered quietly to himself, analyzed his options, and stared into space. Several of the newly evolved Woodlanders immediately found somewhere else to be that was far away from him, usually within the first few seconds of noticing his body language. David vaguely heard a few muffled curses of surprise when others saw him, usually followed by a startled backpedal and then running footsteps but paid no attention as he poured over his Status. It¡¯s gonna have to be Glare, it¡¯s the only thing I¡¯m willing to give up and hopefully, it¡¯ll stop costing Stamina if it ends up rolled into a Mutagen¡­but which Mutagen? Glare might work together with Unnerving to make it just pop off randomly more often, but then it might pop off randomly more often. I feel like eventually someone is going to attack me because I made them have a mini heart attack and shit their pants just trying to say hello. At this point, I¡¯d be willing to deal with that and just let Claire do the talking if it meant stuff thought twice about ripping my face off, honestly. Glare and Atavistic could also be really good, since Atavistic strengthens my body, it might do something nifty if I combine Glare with it. It could also synergize with Unnerving still, depending on how the new Mutagen turns out. Definitely gonna be a bubble bath from the deepest pits of hell on that one though, Atavistic affects the entire body¡­blech. Still might be really strong though. I don¡¯t know enough about Apical yet, but it seems ridiculous. It¡¯s just a Nocturnal Strike with no damage but better, I guess it is ¡®Boss Loot¡¯ or whatever though. Probably means it¡¯s just a higher quality or rarity overall. I wonder how strong you¡¯d be if all your Mutagens were from bosses¡­Focus! I¡¯ll probably leave that one alone for now, I don¡¯t want to ruin a good thing with the bonus abilities. Okay, okay. Let''s do this. I want to use my Fusion token. Fuse Glare and Unnerving Mutagen. ¨CConfirm fusion of: Unnerving Mutagen B & Glare E?¨C ¨CFusion will result in: C Mutagen¨C ¡­Yes. ¨CFusing¨C ¨CReceived: Dread Mutagen C: Your form inspires dread, which may cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Enemies that meet your eyes may find themselves unable to look away, eventually causing them to be afflicted by Fear.¨C Oh shit! That¡¯s great, it¡¯s like Glare but free! Hold up, ¡®inspires dread¡¯? That¡¯s a lot worse than just being unnerving, isn¡¯t it? FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUU- David¡¯s mental howl of anguish was cut short by a wave of bubbling energy that filled his eyes and forced him to slam them shut. He snarled and clenched his talons, scoring the floor with an unpleasant noise as the altered Mutagen overrode the older version and began to change him. The few remaining people brave enough to still be within his line of sight froze as David released a sibilant hiss that crept into their ears and froze their blood. He writhed and jerked as the awful numbing bubbles continued to fill his eyes for what felt like an eternity before finally spilling out like tears, running down his muzzle and neck, soaking into his mane, and continuing along his back. After much longer than the sensation usually lasted it vanished between one heartbeat and the next, and David sagged slightly as he caught himself with his wyvern-like wings, leaning forward and balancing on his claws carefully before he widened his stance and shook his head forcefully. He opened his eyes after a moment and straightened up, not noticing anything different besides the text on his Status noting the new Mutagen in the first slot he¡¯d ever filled. Casting a glance back over himself, he finally noticed that his mane was slightly longer, shaggier, and continued almost all the way to his haunches down his back. It gave him a more feral appearance, and he hoped that it would be the extent of the visible effects of his transformation. It¡¯s probably fine, it gave me a bigger mane I guess? So what. Maybe I¡¯m a little poofier when it pops up now. How bad could it be, honestly? ...I bet my eyes are fucking weird now, that took forever. ¨CFree Ability Slot Detected¨C ¨CYou have one Pack Ability Selection Remaining¨C ¨CPack Abilities may be changed every 72 hours¨C ¨CView List: Offense, Defense, Restorative¨C ¡°Eh?¡± 48 - Cantata ¨CView List: Offense, Defense, Restorative¨C ¡°Oh, right." David mumbled as he blinked owlishly at the notification, ¡°I forgot about that. I wondered why it never let me pick one, I guess that makes sense." He glanced at Claire, who was still asleep and finally beginning to look restful before returning his attention to the readout. David had largely forgotten about the few lines of text that proclaimed being in a Pack gave a free ability, but he was very pleased with the opportunity now. His eyes locked onto a single option, and the longer he thought about how useful it would have been to have an ability from that category the more he wanted one. With a mental nudge, he expanded it and began to browse the options with a rising sense of satisfaction, eyes darting about with rising interest.
Restorative Abilities Lick Wounds: Retreat from combat to lick your wounds, restoring 30% of total health over 15 seconds. Any direct damage suffered will interrupt the effect. Moderate Stam consumption. Moonsong: A soothing melody that adds a greatly increased Regeneration rate to yourself and your allies for a short time. Moderate Stam consumption. Transfer: Gift a portion of your vitality to the target via physical contact, restoring a percentage of their health. Moderate Health consumption. Focused Mending: Increases your Regeneration rate by a moderate amount for an extended period. Mild Stam consumption.
Hmm, that first one seems like it would be best for people with a large amount of Health, rather than people with a Stam focused Evolution like I do. Percentage-based healing seems like something you could rotate in and out of a fight by using, pretty decent option unless you have low Stamina and Regeneration. The second one is definitely for long fights or just supporting the Pack in general. I¡¯m not sure I have the right build for Transfer ¨C Maybe someone like Betty would be able to use that, she said she¡¯s got a stupid amount of Regen and Health, then again I can drain Health, maybe I could use that to refill mine after using it? The last one is the same as the first but probably restores more over a longer period¡­ David sighed and wished there was some sort of nifty little video he could watch to explain the best possible combinations of builds or abilities. His ears began to cramp up from how long he¡¯d folded them back by this point, and he tucked his head forward to rub them against the inside of his wings before giving his head a little shake and stretching mightily. He yawned, stretched again, and began to pace in a rough circle while he thought about it and weighed his options for the second time in a day. David wasn¡¯t sure what he¡¯d been expecting when he opened the Restorative tab, but some part of him had vaguely hoped for something like ¡®instantly kills all enemies and makes your friends invincible¡¯. He snorted at the errant thought and paused, blinking a bit as he snapped back to reality and his eyes refocused, the glowing blue screen winking back into existence the moment he willed it back. Alright, I don¡¯t need Lick Wounds¡­or Focused Mending. I can do those myself while still fighting, and if I manage to debilitate something with Gloom I don¡¯t need the extra time to heal because I can just kill them to get my health back. So those two are out, besides, I need something to help Claire or other people. Transfer seems super risky for me with how low my health is, what if it gives them a percentage of their health back, and they have way more than me? 10% of Claire¡¯s health is probably a lot more than 10% of my health for example, that could bite me right in the ass if I¡¯m already a bit low, I can only really take one good hit with how fragile my wings are. The Area Boss proved that. Guess that just leaves one¡­Well, guess I shouldn¡¯t whine too much since I can swap it out in three days anyway if I remember right. I want the Moonsong ability. ¨CConfirm Pack Ability Selection: Moonsong¨C The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Yep. David sat on his haunches grumpily and braced himself, all too aware of what was probably about to happen, and within seconds he was vindicated in his beliefs. A warm sensation began deep within his chest and slowly spread up his throat, rapidly increasing in intensity until it began to burn, and he coughed violently for several seconds. The burning rapidly escalated into a prickling sensation that focused on the center of his throat, and David¡¯s coughing grew hoarse and strained for a few repetitions before it slowly began to fade. He rolled his freakishly long tongue around his fangs as an unpleasant metallic aftertaste filled his mouth that lingered hideously, and David found himself wondering if taking a quick lick of his mane would get the taste out of his mouth. He flapped his wings in irritation, causing a miniature tornado of dust and debris to kick up from the weathered cement floor and lightly dust Claire while she slept before he stopped guiltily. ¡°Blech! Oh my god, that¡¯s horrible! It¡¯s like¡­if they made mints that tasted like pennies.¡± David continued to roll his tongue around in disgust, ¡°I might have to go get some water¡­or eat some grass or something. Why won''t this go away?¡± An amused voice spoke up from behind him, ¡°You okay honey?¡± David jumped, wings making a hollow thump as he spun in place and his heart rate skyrocketed, completely having forgotten that other people were present since he¡¯d begun the Fusion process and inadvertently scared everyone away. He forced his shaggy mane to lay flat and cranked his ears back up over the top of his head when he saw that Betty had wandered into the warehouse and seemed to be eyeballing Claire with a bit of concern. He gave her a sheepish smile and folded in his wings with an apologetic shrug, clearing his throat while she approached before he spoke. ¡°Yeah, sorry Betty. You spooked me for a second there.¡± David chittered politely, ¡°Just got a new Ability, and it was about as unpleasant as it usually is. Horrible bad taste in my mouth that just won''t go away, it¡¯s like the inside of a gym locker farted on a pile of pennies. Was just about to go get some water from the river and, like, eat a pile of dirt to get it to go away or something.¡± Betty¡¯s eyestalks bobbed up and down happily, ¡°Hah! Did you get a bite attack or something? You should have seen Thomas when he got Cripple, those giant teeth of his grew in on fast-forward and he was talking like the sloth from that one kids movie for like two days complaining he could taste them the entire time.¡± Cripple?! Cat was holding out on me during that spar, it¡¯s probably a good thing I never let him get a hold of me. Why does everything have to be so murdery these days? Mother Nature was already stone-cold before the System, I feel like she¡¯s just power gaming now. ¡°No, it¡¯s a healing ability, sort of. Bumps up your Regeneration by ¡®a great amount¡¯ apparently¡­I¡¯m never going to watch something like what happened to Dallas happen ever again and not be able to do something about it.¡± David clicked his teeth together in an unconscious mimicry of what Claire did to end her sentences with conviction. Betty raised one eye but lowered the other, giving her a bemused look as she replied, ¡°A healing ability? Those exist? How¡¯s it even work?¡± ¡°Uh¡­I dunno, let''s find out.¡± David chattered thoughtfully as he made himself comfortable and activated the ability with a mental nudge. Nothing happened. He frowned, lips wrinkling up slightly in confusion as his ears drifted out sideways and Betty snickered at the look of him. David frowned a little harder, growing embarrassed at the false start before stopping to think about it for a second or two, realizing that much like Screech it probably required him to actively make a noise for it to work. He took a deep breath, and slowly let it out while attempting to activate the ability again. This time he felt a wave of tiredness creep over him and glanced at his readout to see what the cost of the ability was as it began to work, and was pleasantly surprised to see the effect listed below his resources. ¨CHealth: 165/165¨C ¨CStamina: 340/390¨C ¨CMoonlit Regeneration¨C A high, wispy note emerged from his throat, rising and falling without any words and filling the hall with a truly strange melody that made David¡¯s eyes widen in shock as he almost fumbled the ability. Betty took an entire step back in surprise, the colors surging on the anemone glued to her back before they became muted as a wave of relaxing energy grew to fill the air with the tune. David had never been much of a singer before this very moment, but he sang like he¡¯d been doing it his entire life, the melody gentle with just a touch of mystery that hinted at twinkling stars and the eye of a benevolent moon looking down onto a serenely darkened world. The longer he sang, the more his Stamina dropped but he didn¡¯t even care, enchanted by the music as it began to echo off the rafters and walls to harmonize with itself while everyone still indoors ground to a standstill, eyes open wide in wonder. ¡°David?¡± Claire rumbled sleepily behind him, ¡°You never told me you could sing. That¡¯s very pretty.¡± He cut the Ability off with a gasp, his Stamina having been drained by more than half as he snapped out of his trance and swung his head around to look at her. ¡°Oh, I totally can¡¯t. It¡¯s a new ability. You have a good nap?¡± 49 - Not much of a plan With sodden fur weighing him down, David floated contentedly in the river''s gentle current near the shore, playfully snapping at the occasional bubble that drifted by as he swam in lazy circles. Claire crouched just upstream and played her usual game of attempting to drink the entire river dry while she kept half an eye on him as he relaxed. His snout pushed under the water while he exhaled, and a storm of bubbles floated to the surface before he withdrew his face and sneezed while laughing and doing it a few more times. Claire paused momentarily as she scooped water into her maw, lower jaw still in the river, and rolled her eyes mightily before she finished the motion and swallowed. David¡¯s ears twitched as he had a fantastic idea and inhaled hugely before shoving his entire head into the water and activated Screech at full power, a visible shockwave racing away from him before a bubble big enough to flip him over blasted up to the surface and did just that. ¡°David, you¡¯re acting like my dog every time I take him down here, you know that?¡± Claire giggled loudly while she watched him right himself in the water while he laughed hysterically. David allowed himself to float in circles as he was caught up in a small eddy current, ¡°Yeah! I finally understand why they do this, this is great! Way more fun with a better sense of smell, you should try it. It¡¯s too hot today, and I needed to chill out a bit after everything.¡± She rolled her eyes at the pun before pausing thoughtfully and craned her enormous head up to regard the bright sun in the sky before turning back to him with a look of pure mischief. David¡¯s ears folded down over the back of his head and his eyes widened as she stood and backpedaled a few paces, before surging forward into the river with a happy noise somewhere between a collapsing building and an engine malfunction. David instantly began to paddle his wings to turn, desperately attempting to put some distance between him and the enormous belly-flopping lizard as she howled right before she hit the water. ¡°Cannonball!¡± ¡°No no no! ACK!¡± David barked fearfully as a wave big enough for him to surf on devoured him mercilessly, sending him tumbling as it scooped him up and buried him a few feet away. He broke the surface with a gasp, whirling around to glare at her before exploding into laughter. She had hit bottom and was trying to wiggle herself into slightly deeper water without standing fully, nostrils flaring and blowing huge jets of river water into the air before she finally reached deeper water and began to swim with only the top of her head, snout, and armored back still visible. Claire clacked her jaws a few times, water splashing everywhere before she groaned with pleasure when the cool water finally enveloped her, and she began to slowly wander her way over to where David was making his way back to the comfortable eddy. David stuck his tongue out at her, and it extended a disturbingly long way, causing her to snort and swing her giant head at him and bury him with another wave before he tapped out. ¡°Okay! Okay!¡± David chattered with a bit of a smile, ¡°You win! You win! Don¡¯t laserbreath the city, I beg you, we only just rebuilt from last time.¡± Claire took a single step closer, allowing her jaws to break the surface so she could reply, ¡°Queen of Mutants! Seriously though, it¡¯s like I forgot about fun the last few days. We were trying so hard to level up, rank up our skills, making the plan to kill the Crusher¡­this is kinda nice. It¡¯s hard for me to cool down now, this feels amazing.¡± ¡°I¡¯m surprised you can swim that well. Reminds me of a crocodile or something. I figured we should take the opportunity before we head out tomorrow¡­unless you¡¯re planning on staying here at Woodland?¡± David asked, trying not to look anxious about her answer. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! She shook her head, ¡°No we agreed to stay to help for a bit, and we only came here to see what had happened to everyone¡­well, everyone here is doing fine. I don¡¯t know about you, but now I want to see what happened everywhere else. Someone has to know what¡¯s going on, right? We all got that text, so someone knew something was about to happen. What are the chances they ended up in the first wave too?¡± ¡®I hadn¡¯t thought of that. Hrmm.¡± David idly floated in slow circles, ¡°Probably pretty good, huh? At least if they knew what was gonna happen and not just that it¡¯d be something bad¡­hey! There¡¯s that observatory out on Flathead Peak past Redfield right?! Do you think any of them might have made it to this Wave?¡± She cocked her head at the question before shrugging cluelessly, little waves rippling outwards with the motion. Claire then shot him a suspicious look just over the surface of the river before she allowed her snout to sink beneath the waves and blew an impressive amount of bubbles before her eyes widened. She briefly surfaced to inhale so forcefully that David was worried she was going to roar into the water and drown herself before she began to enthusiastically blow even more bubbles, her long tail almost wagging in the water behind her in time with her delight. He shook his head at the sight and joined in for a moment before they both had to breathe and started giggling like children. ¡°I say we head down the highway, hit Redfield, and see if anyone came down from the observatory. Then we go check it out if we don''t find anyone.¡± David barked, ¡°It¡¯s not much of a plan, but what''s the other option? We go look for some hidden government bunker that¡¯s off the books and probably rigged to explode or something?¡± Claire shrugged again, ¡°Your plan worked the last two times, at this point, I¡¯m inclined to think you¡¯re an idiot savant when it comes to whatever it is that¡¯s happening. I¡¯ll come along, Woodland is nice but we only really have to come back when we know the second Wave is about to start. If my Mom hatches here I¡¯m positive Herold will be there with tea and a blanket. It makes me feel a lot better.¡± David nodded and grinned, his long savage canines gleaming in the evening sun before he finally sighed in satisfaction and swam over to Claire. He clambered onto her back as she chuckled, sinking slightly and allowing him to rest in a small amount of water to remain cool. David thanked her and rested for a moment as she turned to face the river instead of the shore, and they spent a few minutes just watching the river roll by in silence. As they watched the strange insects flit about and listened to the exotic sounds drifting out of the forest across the wide body of water Claire finally broke the silence with a conversational rumble. ¡°Seriously, though. I do want to know what happened everywhere else, like, what happened in the really big cities? If Riverport is big enough to have an Area Boss¡­then there are cities big enough to have two or three.¡± Claire grumbled in a frustrated tone of voice, ¡°I¡¯m just...vaguely worried in general for the last ten days since we hatched and it never stops. Knowing a little bit about what¡¯s going on would help a lot, I think.¡± David nodded, ¡°I wish my Dad was here, he¡¯d probably figure it out in like two days and drag Omega out from behind the curtain and throw him down a flight of stairs or something.¡± Claire remained carefully silent for a few heartbeats before speaking, ¡°You started to mention him a few times but stopped yourself, you must miss him.¡± ¡°Yeah¡­he¡¯s not a superhero or anything, he¡¯s just a Park Ranger out in the Rockies. He got the job when he was 16 because he¡¯s huge and lied on his application back when they didn¡¯t care as much.¡± David said with a sad laugh, ¡°He¡¯d be the perfect person to have around during something like this, he¡¯s probably spent more time outdoors than inside during his life by now¡­yeah, I miss him.¡± ¡°...so, first thing tomorrow? Before it gets hot please, or I¡¯ll have to walk through the trees for the shade.¡± Claire hissed inquisitively as she smoothly changed the subject at the sudden sadness in David¡¯s voice. ¡°Huh? Oh, yeah! Gonna be sad to say goodbye to everybody, but we¡¯ve hit a wall leveling here. No more progress to be had all of the sudden, I¡¯m betting there¡¯s still good Quests out there somewhere though.¡± David barked as he snapped out of his melancholy. ¡°You and those damn quests¡­¡± 50 - Always look up The cracked and broken asphalt raced beneath David as he glided down the abandoned highway, the wind ruffling his fur and the sun warming his back. The shadows of his outstretched wings flitted across the faded yellow dividing lines still visible in splotches on the deteriorated road surface. He grinned happily, the warming air drifting up from the old road making it pathetically easy to stay aloft as he scouted ahead of Claire while she stomped down the highway behind him. Their sendoff the night before had been the closest thing to a party one could hope for these days, and Herold had regaled them with his repertoire of outrageously inappropriate drinking songs that they all bellowed together despite having only water to quench their thirst. David had laughed himself almost sick at a song involving a cart, a donkey, and several barrels of whisky that he was sure he¡¯d never forget as long as he lived, and he found himself humming it and snickering as he wheeled back towards the enormous armored reptile trailing behind him. ¡°The barrels were leakin¡¯!¡± David warbled off-key enthusiastically when he swooped down to land on Claire¡¯s head, ¡°The ass started peekin¡¯, the farmer had led them astray!¡± ¡°Oh my god, David! Give it a rest, you¡¯ve sang that like ten times now.¡± Claire muttered as she stepped around a pothole in the process of its own special evolution into a sinkhole in the middle of the road. David chattered back rapidly as he extended his wings a bit to give her some shade like the world''s ugliest hat, ¡°It¡¯s stuck in my head, don¡¯t blame me for trying to get it out! Besides, we¡¯re almost there anyway. You can see that old ¡®Very Last Chance¡¯ gas station from the air, we should be there in like half an hour maybe.¡± ¡°You know that¡¯s like¡­ten miles outside of Redfield right?¡± Claire grumbled. David shrugged and looked out over the road ahead of them, trying to decide if he thought the abandoned cars were creepy or not as Claire wound her way around them whenever they passed one. The grass had grown tall on either side of the old highway where it ran straight as an arrow between Riverport and their destination, and it waved prettily in the wind as it stretched off into the distance to be devoured by the tree line of the forest that grew down from the foothills. David sniffed the air and sighed, thoroughly enjoying the enhanced scent of the pines and fertile earth that spoke of lush hunting grounds, soothing some part of him at the back of his mind that kept telling him the road was too exposed and something would spot him lurking about. ¡°Yeah, I mean it is¡­race you to the gas station? The canopy is still standing, you could catch a break in some shade.¡± David suggested slyly as Claire snorted and maintained her steady pace, ¡°...You know, there¡¯s a pretty good chance some of those pastries inside are still good. I don¡¯t think they ever actually expire.¡± Claire wordlessly began to trot, and David was almost knocked loose of his perch on her head by the motion before he secured a better grip and flapped his wings in the surging wind as she steadily picked up speed. Within moments they were traveling at a rapid pace, not quite as fast as a vehicle could have moved, but fast enough to run down most old-world animals over a moderate distance, and her enormous clawed feet pounded the pavement while she breathed loudly in a steady rhythm. ¡°Onward! Charge! Hi-ho Scaly, awa-¡± David swallowed a bug mid-dramatic shout and began to hack aggressively while Claire exploded into laughter below him. ¡°I thought¡­we were¡­racing?¡± Claire barked between her steady inhalations, amusement plain in her voice as the gas station suddenly loomed in the distance. David gagged one final time as he felt the insect wriggling down his throat before he shook his head and hurled himself into the air, falling behind the enormous reptile as she pounded away down the road. He began to flap hard and pick up speed, the muscles in his back and chest beginning to burn as he rifled through the air and overtook Claire in a matter of moments, and she snapped playfully at him as he passed overhead. David screeched in victory as he sprinted the final mile or so and Claire roared in response to seeing him land atop the fuel station canopy and spread his wings into the air like a champion prizefighter as he panted, tongue lolling out of his jaws. He squinted into the light of the sun as it hung in the horizon behind Claire before she slowed her run to a trot a few minutes later and thundered into the overgrown parking lot, her chest heaving like a bellows in time with her breathing. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. ¡°I declare¡­second place prize to be¡­snack cakes!¡± She snarled as she shoved a rusted-out SuV out of her way with her snout. The vehicle rolled away to crash into a small car on the other side of the parking lot with a resounding screech of metal as she flopped down in the shade and savored the cool concrete. David fluttered down from the roof of the canopy to strut about like he¡¯d just won the championship while Claire rolled her eyes at him. She swung her tail at him and he ducked low to the ground with an amused barking laugh before he nodded, ears upright and amused as he squeezed through the overgrown fuel pumps. He burst through the ivy and scampered across the parking lot with his nose in the air, snuffling for any suspicious scents as he neared the doors to the store itself. Huh, this place made out pretty well all things considered. I think I saw maybe two panes of glass still intact in Riverport by the time we made it back, and Last Chance Gas looks like it¡¯s only been closed for a few years. Weird. Nothing even cracked, maybe there¡¯ll be some snacks in here after all¡­oh! I wonder if¡­ David arrived at the door and stood there expectantly for a moment before his ears drifted out to the sides in chagrin, and he wedged his talons into the small gap between the sliding doors before heaving with all his might and forcing them open a few inches. He quickly wedged his snout into the gap and wrinkled his face in discomfort as he forced his head and shoulders through, slowly widening the gap until he popped into the store and made a terrible discovery. It was almost impossible to walk on linoleum when your feet were all tipped with talons and claws. His legs splayed, and his wings drifted out ahead of him as he tried desperately to reclaim his balance but nothing he did stopped his slow collapse onto the cool floor. He growled a bit and slowly and carefully picked himself up, standing on the backs of his feet and lifting his talons carefully to press the bottoms of his ¡®palms¡¯ onto the floor to provide some friction. David briefly hoped Claire hadn¡¯t been watching to see him flop around like an idiot but the raucous laughter that exploded from behind him in the parking lot dashed his hopes quite nicely. He shot a glance over his shoulder only to find her rolling around in amusement at his misfortune and folded his ears down menacingly. David intensified his malevolent glare before snorting and turning carefully to pick his way through the store. I hope there are some snacks in here, everyone says they never actually go bad, but it might be an old wives'' tale. Bugs probably got them but then again looks like this place was closed up pretty well when¡­everything went down. Pretty well preserved here¡­ David made his way towards the snack aisle, firing off a few Echolocations as he went but finding nothing too suspicious as he hopped, shuffled, and crawled his way to his target. His nose wrinkled at the unpleasant smell of long-dried chemicals that burned his throat, as well as an oily, musky smell that seemed to permeate the entire building which he found equally unpleasant. To his sorrow, much of the food was totally inedible, and a glance into a tube of his favorite chips had almost scarred him for life when only blackened crumbs and dried brownish mold stared back at him. He sighed in defeat and nudged the tube back with his nose before continuing his search before he finally struck paydirt. No¡­it couldn¡¯t be¡­the legends are true¡­ There at the end of the aisle, tucked between exploded blue pastry packets and discolored boxes of candy sat the holy grail of snack cakes, fluffy yellow goodness still standing defiant against the ravages of time. Not all of them had survived, the inventory on the higher shelves dried out by the sunlight from the windows, plastic shriveled and split¡­but on the lower shelves, sheltered by benevolent darkness an entire rack remained unspoiled at a glance. David began to drool instantly at the sight, and he allowed the strings of slobber to splatter onto the floor heedlessly as his body fell into a lurking crouch, unable to resist the primal urge to stalk such a delectable prey. He crept forward cautiously, as if they would vanish into a mirage if he moved too quickly and began to approach his prize. He was too distracted to dodge when something covered in hard, bristly hair and boasting far too many legs dropped from the ceiling and slammed into his back, pinning him to the ground an instant before two huge fangs pierced his flesh and he shrieked in agony as cold fire began to pour into his body. ¨CHealth: 155/165¨C ¨CStamina: 348/390¨C ¨CYou have been afflicted by Grab¨C ¨CYou have been afflicted by Venom D¨C ¨CYou have taken 7 Poison Damage¨C 51 - You break it you buy it The fangs came down again, and David snarled hideously as the numbing fire spread through his shoulder while his nerves shrieked in protest, blood beginning to fill his mouth from where he¡¯d bitten his tongue as his jaws impacted the cold floor. Whatever it was that had pinned him was slightly smaller than himself, but dense, its cold weight pinning him to the floor as a multitude of sharp legs seized him roughly. David thrashed against the Grab, eyes bulging before he sucked in a huge breath and blasted out a Screech at full power, feeling the creature fumble its grip in shock as the fangs were torn out of his back with a sickening pop. He snatched at the shelving with a single talon, heaving himself forward and sliding across the slick linoleum and out from under the beast as it staggered backward, a single flailing limb catching him a stinging blow across the side of his face. David surged to his feet and whirled, sagging slightly as his left shoulder howled in torment and the burning sensation began to spread across his back. His mane exploded to full extension and his skin crawled in horror as he locked gazes with something that resembled the fever-dream version of a tarantula, its thick body bristling with sharp brown hairs. It raised its front legs menacingly before freezing, and David launched himself straight up as his instincts screamed at him that a strike was imminent. The spider almost blurred as it moved, smashing into the racks of snack foods without slowing down, surging up the shelving and swiping at him as his wings blew a tornado of snacks onto the floor. David vaguely processed the inhuman hiss of aggression that rattled in through the gap in the doors as he dodged the creature and flapped mightily, scattering a thick cloud of Gloom into the air as he focused forward and hammered the arachnid with another Screech. ¡°David! What¡¯s happeni¨C¡± Claire¡¯s enormous head momentarily blocked the light from the door as she leaned down to look through the glass before snarling. She smashed the doors out of the way like they were made of tinfoil and shadows, shoving her head through the wreckage and loosing a thundering roar when she discovered she couldn¡¯t fit inside without collapsing the roof on her head. ¨CHealth: 144/165¨C ¨CStamina: 306/390¨C ¨CVenom D, Bleeding¨C ¨CYou have suffered 7 Poison Damage¨C ¨CYou have suffered 2 Bleed Damage¨C ¨CTheodore Davidson is afflicted by |Gloom| |Paralysis| |Sleep|¨C ¨CBonus: Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 9xp¨C Wait, what the fuck? Theodo¨C SHIT! ¡°HEY! Chill! I just wanted some Twankies, man! No need to get violent, back the fuck up!¡± David screamed into the spider''s face as it rotated itself atop the shelving to take in Claire¡¯s presence at the doorway. The man bolted instantly, scrambling away from the tons of furious murder attempting to force its way into the building in a low crouch, smashing the faded displays and stacked cases of ancient beer out of her path like children''s toys. David was forced to land after the third time he slammed his expansive leathery wings into the metal shelving in an attempt to hover a safe distance in the air, moldy drop-ceiling crumbling onto his back. He stumbled as he touched down, sharp talons slipping on the scattered foodstuffs and the flooring before he collapsed to the ground unable to find his footing. ¡°Claire! Stop! It¡¯s a person!¡± David shrieked as she plowed through the sales counter like it didn''t exist in a low crouch, ¡°I think I scared him! He caught a Gloom, he won''t get far! We might need to help him!¡± Claire froze mid-rumble as she snapped her jaws back together and shot him a surprised look that toppled the aisle shelving adjacent to the aisle he occupied as her snout brushed against it. David struggled to his feet and began to limp his way forward, exiting the snack section as he booted and swiped moldy and expired food out of his way grumpily, and Claire motioned with her head towards the door to the back, which was slightly ajar. ¡°It ran in there, are you sure that was a person?¡± She hissed anxiously, ¡°I just heard you scream and when I got here you were fighting something. Are you okay? I can smell poison.¡± This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Yeah, it''s doing some damage. Stay out of the other half of the store, there¡¯s Dusk Powder everywhere. You might want to get back outside, honestly.¡± David spat through gritted teeth as his wounds continued to throb, ¡°System listed him as ¡®Theodore Davidson¡¯ when the Gloom connected, it¡¯s definitely a person.¡± ¨CYou have suffered 7 Poison Damage¨C ¨CYou are no longer afflicted with Bleeding¨C Claire nodded and began to scootch backward awkwardly, her long armored tail shattering one of the store windows when it bumped against it, the glass tumbling to the ground musically. David ignored it, giving her an encouraging nod while he continued to creep forward toward the back room, jaws chattering silently as he bathed the darkness with Echolocations. His ears twitched when the waves returned and he snorted, the noise about half chagrin and half satisfaction as he saw Theodore had already crumpled into a ball. The spider lay on its back, legs curled inwards and twitching, his fangs wiggling about uselessly in the air as David slowly nudged the door open with his uninjured wing to stare down at him pityingly. ¨CYou have taken 7 Poison Damage¨C ¨CHealth: 125/165¨C ¨CStamina: 314/390¨C ¨CPoisoned¨C Poor fucker, I wonder if he¡¯s been out here the entire time by himself? I doubt he got a special evolution, probably only evolved a few days ago with the rest of the Hatchlings. If he¡¯d actually leveled his abilities he¡¯d have really done a number on me, I should be grateful for that at least. Okay, let¡¯s see if I can drag him outside¡­I should probably use Moonsong too, might help him bounce back from the Gloom. He¡¯s heavy but pretty small, and I used a lot of Gloom there, no wonder it hit him so fast. ¡°Sorry dude, I¡¯m sure I scared the shit out of you but you scared me just as bad.¡± David remarked as he tentatively gripped one of the bristly legs between his teeth and his voice came out muffled, ¡°I''ll try''n heel yup ohnce I''get''yoo owtside, saree frr theh baed-trip. I''prromise nuffin''s gunna hurt yoo.¡± David began to drag and pull the debilitated man slowly out of the back room, stopping only to slam the door completely ajar and shuffle a dusty rug out of the way before he continued to haul the arachnid outside. Claire lent some assistance when he finally reached the front door, delicately scooping the bristly creature up onto her lower jaw without closing her mouth, and slowly backing away from the threshold. David spat the irritating hairs out of his maw and rolled his tongue around hoping to shed some of them as he followed along beside her while she stomped over into the shade beneath the pump canopy and slowly set him down. ¨CYou have taken 7 Poison Damage¨C Okay, enough of that. Whatever this stuff is it sure lasts a long time, if I didn¡¯t have such high regeneration or I had a smaller health pool it¡¯d be lethal. I¡¯m glad I picked up that Restorative. David opened his jaws and began to sing, the note high and pure as a wave of calm seemed to pour out from him in time with the music. Despite the lack of words, he enjoyed the melody for a moment, keeping an eye attentively on his readout and cutting off the Ability as soon as the Stamina that fueled it was consumed. ¨CHealth: 118/165¨C ¨CStamina: 264/390¨C ¨CMoonlit Regeneration, Venom D¨C He sighed immensely and flopped down onto his haunches, allowing his ears and wings to droop pathetically as he stared into the 8 unblinking eyes of his ambusher while Claire sniffed anxiously at the wound on the back of his shoulder. After a few deep inhalations she hissed with displeasure, shooting the arachnid a withering glance before carefully picking her way around it to sit opposite of David in the shade, never taking her eyes off of the man. He shrugged at her, gesturing back to the store before he spoke. ¡°I uh¡­I did find some but I think they all got smashed during the fight. He ran right up the shelf they were on, I¡¯m pretty sure he mushed them.¡± David chattered painfully as the burning sensation finally began to fade, ¡°I can go look and see if there¡¯s any left here in a minute if you want?¡± ¡°Nope. Not hungry.¡± Claire¡¯s raspy hiss was¡­displeased, to say the least. Her recent experience devouring the Area Boss¡¯s head greatly soured her opinion of things that relied on Venom as she stared holes in the comparatively tiny monster between them on the ground while Moonsong slowly did its work. A half hour, and two more repetitions of Moonsong later, his legs finally began to uncurl as they paused their idle chatter, and he lay limply on his back for a moment before a crotchety old voice rang out. ¡°I reckon¡¯ I owe summ¡¯un an apology then?¡± 52 - Bad Man Theodore refused to linger near Last Chance Gas, quickly ushering them to follow him into the woods, his cantankerous voice subdued by an undercurrent of paranoia. David and Claire had both exchanged a bit of a look but agreed to follow the much smaller monster away into the underbrush and away from the road, pausing only to shoot a pair of mournful glances toward the decimated front doors. ¡°Why are we hiding in the woods again?¡± Claire hissed as she carefully wove between the trees, ¡°We were heading towards Redfield, you know. I promise David and I can handle most of the Quests or random monsters out here¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not the Quests or beasties, ma¡¯am,¡± Theodore replied in a hushed tone as he scuttled over a huge log in their path and rotated to look up at them. David cocked his head curiously, peering out from around Claire¡¯s scaly legs to peer up at him. ¡°Well, then what is it, Theodore?¡± David chittered quietly at him. ¡°Well I¡­I figure we¡¯re far enough off the road. Call me Theo, son.¡± The arachnid lowered himself onto the dried wood of the log slightly, ¡°And I owe you an apology for the brawl. Sorry kid, I thought you was with that monkey man and his crew.¡± ¡°Monkey man?¡± Claire and David asked almost in time with each other. ¡°Y¡¯know, Viktor? Busted out the pen over by Redfield after judgment day?¡± Theo said in a confused voice, ¡°Been running around ¡®conscripting¡¯ people? Acts like he¡¯s some Roman Emperor now that the cops ain''t around to put him in his place?¡± Claire growled and David couldn¡¯t restrain his hiss of anxiety at the idea, feeling his mane begin to prickle and raise a bit. Theo continued to sit and stare at them, seemingly confused by their response. He waved a foreleg in a small circle in a nervous gesture and backed away a step or two before motioning for them to follow him again as he turned slowly in a circle and crawled down off the log to continue deeper into the woods, vanishing under a stand of saplings before he started speaking again from his concealment. ¡°You two ain''t been out this way since everything went to hell? He rolled into Redfield ¡®bout four days ago with two of his goons.¡± Theo¡¯s voice was frightened and quiet, ¡°Told ¡®erryone he was in charge and they¡¯d have to make themselves useful or¡­contribute.¡± David had a sinking feeling as he asked, ¡°Contribute how?¡± ¡°He ate ¡®em.¡± Theo said bluntly, ¡°There were a grip of us down there, and we figured we didn¡¯t wanna listen to no monkey with delusions of grandeur. Was a bad call on our part, he¡¯s a bastard but he can fight. Got some crazy skill that calls up ¡®bout a blue million smaller monkeys. Almost passes out every time he uses it, but the other two watch his back so you can¡¯t get to him. Don¡¯t matter how many of the little ones you put down, he just keeps calling more. Took the whole day but folks knuckled under after two got ¡®et. It was real bad. I figured you two was new ones of his, you just looked¡­villainous? I weren¡¯t going back to get ¡®et myself.¡± ¡°Fucking why?!¡± Claire snarled in horror, jerking her head back and up to rustle the branches above her. ¡°Said people¡¯s worth more levels than beasties, and if we couldn¡¯t be useful one way we¡¯d ¡®contribute¡¯ in other ways.¡± Theo made a violent spitting noise from somewhere under his hiding place in the dense branches. David¡¯s ears didn¡¯t quite know where they wanted to be, swiveling backward and forward in shock as his mane poofed out and his lips crawled up his fangs, muscles tensing as he took in Theo¡¯s words. David¡¯s hiss was long and furious, and Claire had gone completely still and silent in a disturbing way as she stood slightly ahead of him in the dense trees. His thoughts turned to Woodland only a day or so¡¯s travel away, less by air, and his stomach dropped, a small shot of adrenaline hitting his system as he imagined them under siege before calming slightly. No¡­I think they¡¯d be okay. I¡¯m pretty sure Herold would go ballistic if he thought someone was there to ¡®conscript¡¯ everyone at the park. Besides, there¡¯s a lot more of them there and everyone has an evolution under their belt now, I don¡¯t think this Viktor could threaten them. We need to check this out, then maybe I¡¯ll fly back and warn everyone before we¡­ If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Claire.¡± David said crisply, ¡°I think we should probably check this out before we go to the observatory.¡± Claire made an angry sound of agreement, ¡°Yeah. Yeah, I agree. You already have a plan?¡± ¡°No, honestly I don¡¯t. I don¡¯t even know what to think right now, I¡¯m just mad. Enough people probably died, or are in a bad spot because of all this without some¡­¡± David snarled, ¡°What a¡­a¡­that fucker! Theo! You said they¡¯re in Redfield, right now?¡± ¡°Yeah? They¡¯re squatting in the city hall like a bunch of bandits and makin¡¯ everyone fight each other until they collapse, I snuck out while they were busy with some Event or summ¡¯at. All the smaller monkeys ran off to fight and I high-tailed it right outta town.¡± Theo¡¯s voice drifted out of the vegetation again. ¡°Alright¡­Theo, if you head over to Riverport and find Woodland Park you¡¯ll be in good hands. Ask for Herold, he¡¯ll say he¡¯s not really in charge but he kinda is anyway. Good person. Tell them everything you told us, and tell them David and Claire are looking into it.¡± David snapped before turning to his large scaly friend, ¡°Claire, I know this is kinda dumb but I want to go look around. Not now, after dark. Any objections?¡± ¡°None.¡± She snarled, ¡°This is bullshit, everyone got along just fine in Riverport. Enough things are trying to kill or eat everyone without some asshole deciding to cut in.¡± ¡°You oughtta stay away from there, son. If I got away chances are others will too, Viktor¡¯s a bad one, but he ain¡¯t that smart. He¡¯ll get himself offed by summ¡¯at eventually.¡± Theo interjected quickly from the brush, ¡°Don¡¯t go doing anything rash now.¡± David smiled a genuine smile, ¡°I think ¡®rash¡¯ is my whole shtick, Theo. Besides, I¡¯m not just gonna let someone get away with¡­that. As bad as everything is, he had a second chance with all of this and decided to be a bastard anyway.¡± Claire broke her stillness with a nod, ¡°I think we¡¯ll be okay. Do they have anyone bigger than me?¡± ¡°Ma¡¯am I didn¡¯t even know they made ¡®em as big as you.¡± Theo quipped with a faint hint of a laugh in his voice, ¡°Woodland Park, you say? Took my kids there once or twice when we was visiting. I know where it¡¯s at, might take me a while to get there though.¡± ¡°You got some daylight left, Theo. Might wanna get moving, we¡¯ll uh¡­sort it out over here. If anyone wants to come help, tell them we¡¯ll meet them at Last Chance in a day or two if I don¡¯t beat you back there for some reason.¡± David chittered before flapping up to land on Claire¡¯s back in his usual spot. Claire rumbled angrily and turned, forcing David to duck as she plowed through the branches back toward the road. Theo yelled a few more words of warning before David¡¯s sensitive ears caught the sound of him scurrying away through the dense underbrush over the sound of Claire muscling her way through the forest with a total lack of concern. His mane was still fluffed out, and he shook himself a bit to ease the tension of his ruffled fur as they emerged from the trees and back into sight of the gas station before Claire came to a halt. She swung her snout down the road towards Redfield, the highway continuing off into the distance until it vanished around a small bend. With a snort, she started forward again before suddenly pausing. ¡°Think it¡¯s worth it to stay in the trees?¡± She asked, voice still angry and brittle. ¡°Yeah, probably. I say we get close enough to see the city and then settle in. I¡¯ve been awake during the day too much lately, and I want to wait until dark before I go poke around.¡± David yawned, ¡°Keep that sniffer on standby, you mind if I try to catch a nap? I don¡¯t wanna be tired for this and make some sort of dumb mistake. Maybe we can just break everyone out and call it a day without having to do anything too crazy.¡± ¡°Yeah¡­David be careful. If it looks dangerous we can always go get help¡­or just walk away.¡± Claire said quietly as she slunk back into the tree line, ¡°I¡¯ll keep the road in sight so we don''t get lost but¡­I know you want to help everybody but this Viktor guy killed people. We should help if we can but¡­just look around and come back, don¡¯t do anything dumb.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t¡­we still gotta get to that observatory, remember? Worst case scenario I just fly ahead and take a look around, then come back. Later. Right now I need a nap.¡± David settled into between her shoulder blades and tucked his head under his wing, closing his eyes and sheltering himself from the stinging sunlight. Alright, asshole. Just you wait, I know for a fact that monkeys can¡¯t see in the dark. I used to be a monkey. You better hope it¡¯s not as bad as Theo made it out to be¡­ 53 - Recon Redfield hadn¡¯t been a particularly large city, nor did it have any real distinguishing features beyond the fact that it was in an extremely profitable location. Tucked between two sets of foothills in what had been a swamp before its founders had dug a series of canals, filled in the low spots, and engineered a rather ingenious series of drains more than 200 years ago. The result was an extremely fertile little town that had made its fortunes growing produce and tobacco to sell at the larger city of Riverport, even going so far as to build the road between the two cities with the profits they had made. After a hundred or so years, the farming and tobacco production had shriveled to nothing, but the town had smoothly transitioned into being a lovely retirement location. The communities were gated, the buildings luxurious, and the streets were spotlessly clean, often having some public festival or gathering every Sunday for as long as David could remember. He almost didn¡¯t recognize it. Where Riverport had been consumed by trees and vines Redfield had been wholly consumed by the swamp that had once occupied the land it stood on, with a concerning amount of stagnant water that had built up as soon as the drains and canals were no longer maintained. With nowhere to easily drain away, the ground had saturated before it began to devour the once pristine buildings hungrily, and almost every structure still made of brick had sunk almost entirely into the soupy ground. Towering cat-tails and large aggressive-looking lilypads were everywhere, and the sound of buzzing of insects and the songs of nightbirds was loud even from the outskirts of the city. Clouds covered the moon and the foothills were consumed by total darkness, which suited David just fine as he clung to the branches of an old dead tree and looked out over the tiny valley. Wow, just wow. I¡¯m really glad that I can fly, that¡¯s just a straight swamp down there now. Doesn¡¯t look very deep, but there would be almost no way to walk around without making a ton of noise unless you were walking at half the speed of smell. Plus it¡¯d be just my luck if one of those goons of Viktor¡¯s was a crocodile or like¡­some other vicious aquatic animal. It¡¯s weird though, I always thought swamps smelled kinda bad as a human, but it just smells like home now, somehow. Lemme just check my Status real quick just in case.
User: David Fisher Species: Twilight Seeker ¦¸ Rank: E Health: 165/165 Stam: 390/390 (++) Level: 10 Exp: 835/1500 Special: Echolocation D
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal E: +12% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. [3/10] Echolocation D: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise, and may trigger an Echo. [6/10] Flight D: Allows for flight and gliding. Mild Stamina drain. (stam+) [2/10] Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 115lbs. (stam+) [n/a]
Abilities: 4/4 Screech E: You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies in a cone. Low Stam consumption. [4/10] Moonsong F: A soothing melody that adds a greatly increased Regeneration rate to yourself and your allies for a short time. Moderate Stam consumption. [3/10] Gloom C: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 8 times. [4/10] Nocturnal Strike C (4pts): A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. [5/10]
Mutagens: 5/5 Dread Mutagen C: Your form inspires dread, which may cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Enemies that meet your eyes may find themselves unable to look away, eventually causing them to be afflicted by Fear. Atavistic Mutagen D: Form becomes primal, strengthening your body. Soporalytic Mutagen E: Your attacks have a moderate chance to inflict paralytic sedation, inducing muscle spasms and rendering targets unconscious. Secretive Mutagen E: You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect. Apical Mutagen C: Assert your dominance, add bonus effects to Abilities dictated by Ability Type. [Control: Drain a small percentage of Enemy Health and Stamina] [Offense: Sunders a percentage of Enemy Defenses] Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
David dismissed the panel quickly after reading the effects of his newest additions just to jog his memory, he remembered the basics but it had only been a little longer than a day, and he didn¡¯t want to forget any crucial details like he¡¯d done before. With a curt nod, he released his grip on the dead branch he was hanging from with his hind claws and allowed himself to glide away from the tree and out over the reinvigorated wetlands that surrounded the city, relying heavily on Echolocations to scan the waters and vegetation that grew around and in the waters. David alternated between pulsing the path ahead as well as below him, noting the sheer amount of fish and other small wildlife that lurked below the murky waters with interest as he made good time towards the city itself. He reached the first of the sinking buildings quickly, reaching out and snagging the crumbling brick with his talons and coming to a halt with an almost silent thump before rapidly shuffling his way around the side, gazing down into the darkened street cautiously. David¡¯s jaws chattered silently, the frequency of his Special far above the normal range of hearing as he swept the waves up and down the street before detaching from the old stonework and flapping his way across the street to land a few buildings away. He repeated the process and slowly leapfrogged his way further into the city center, growing more anxious by the minute as he found nothing and no one the entire way, disturbed by the total lack of the small wildlife he¡¯d seen just outside the city. You¡¯d think with all the water in the streets and¡­y¡¯know¡­everywhere, that the little things wouldn¡¯t know the difference between the city limits and the outside. That¡¯s weird. Really weird. I don¡¯t like that. Even in Riverport, you had the occasional thing running around the city itself, they even had enough to hunt for the first few days according to what they told us. Something¡¯s off, and it smells weird. The water just smells, I dunno, dead or something. Bad. David wrinkled his nose at the thought, sniffing quietly at the air and trying to compare the scents to his memory of what the wetlands outside the city had smelled like. There was a definite difference, and he was positive that it was largely thanks to the fact the water was stagnant and unmoving, its surface covered by scum and algae. David hissed a bit unconsciously before he cut his breath off violently, kicking himself for making unnecessary noise before he leaped off the roof he¡¯d been standing on and back into the air. He¡¯d been to Redfield a few times as a child, and he vaguely remembered that the City Hall was the exact center of town, the building overly grandiose and accessible. His wings filled with oddly warm night air rising from the water below as he gained altitude and flapped quickly toward the center of town, careful not to cease his pulsing scans of the area below him. David reached his target in only a few minutes, the time slipping by rapidly as he forced himself to focus and stay alert, the predatory voice in the back of his mind greatly displeased with the scent of his environment and adding to his building anxiety. He nearly fell out of the air in shock when he finally saw Redfield City Hall, fumbling his rhythm as he jerked back from the stinging light that pierced his eyes like a needle, and quickly landed across the street on the roof of a boutique that had sunk at a crazy angle into the mud. Fire? Is the building on fire? No¡­that¡¯s purposeful. Only in a few spots. Someone lit a fire? How? There¡¯s no way unless¡­damn. If Viktor is some sort of monkey thing like Theo said, he¡¯s got hands. That lucky piece of shit, you know how bad I miss my hands? Thumbs? I guess the wings make up for it a little bit but¡­okay, focus dummy. We take a look then head back to Claire and decide if we can do anything about this, I don¡¯t like her odds getting through all that water without someone noticing her though. David wiped the irritated snarl that had formed along with his thoughts off of his face and bounced off the roof, slimy tile disintegrating under his feet as he pushed off and scooped the air under him. He glided silently, flapping only as needed to maintain his altitude above the watery courtyard as he passed over it towards the building. He avoided the areas with visible light, and saw that the source was mostly rusted-out barrels full of deadwood and what looked like old 2x4s and other supplies ripped off of houses blazing merrily in key locations. He frowned as he started a slow circuit of the building itself, realizing that the barrels would have to be fed fresh wood fairly often to be burning that brightly, and keeping a close eye out for any guards or observers. After a complete loop of the building, he gained a bit of altitude and drifted in for a slow landing on the roof, drifting in like a feather and landing in without so much as a whisper as he leaned back to stop his talons and claws from touching down first. He lurked across the roof, sniffing slowly and setting his ears swiveling like radar dishes, alert to any minor noise or movement as he blanketed the roof in Echolocations. Finding nothing he slunk to the edge, hanging face down off the gutters and gripping the side of the building easily as his talons sunk into the rotting wood without any resistance as he crawled like a spider towards the closest window to the roof, which he judged to be a couple stories up at least. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, Bill, maybe this isn¡¯t such a bad thing. We heal up from almost anything in an hour or so, maybe Viktor is right and we¡¯re just mentally weak.¡± David froze, not even daring to breathe as a muffled voice drifted out of the deteriorating building and into the warm night air as he neared the empty window frame. ¡°Shove it up your ass, Randal. That¡¯s the Stockholm speaking, and you know it. We might heal up but we still feel everything, and I, for one, don¡¯t particularly enjoy bleeding out on the floor for 30 minutes every couple of hours while I stop being hamburger.¡± A sharp, hateful voice replied to the first almost instantly. ¡°I admit it¡¯s¡­not optimal, but with all the defensive skills he made us take it¡¯s getting better. Your shell¡¯s like iron now, they can¡¯t even crack it in one hit anymore. We¡¯re getting stronger at least¡­¡± Randal muttered apologetically ¡°Fuck you. I¡¯m leaving, you can sit here and preach to yourself asshole.¡± David slithered his way down the wall and circled the window, careful to pull his ears back and out of the way as he slowly lowered himself to peek into the room. He barely had time to register a long, bony tail tipped with a knot of bone whip out of the room as someone, presumably Bill, stormed out. His gaze snapped onto the remaining figure, a stumpy beaverlike creature covered in sharp quills that grew ridiculously long on its back and tapered to short spikes down its rat-like tail. Randal sighed and began to trundle towards the window as David yanked his head back, convinced the creature could see well enough in the dark by the total lack of light in the room it occupied. He moved quickly, slinking around the window frame and creeping below the opening to reorient himself upward, not wanting any debris from his claws to fall into view as he debated the pros and cons of making contact. ¡°He¡¯s right, damn it. I can¡¯t spin this any sort of way, Viktor has us by the balls¡­¡± David¡¯s ears flicked forward as he chittered an Echolocation upwards, the return wave painting him an intricate picture of Randal standing just inside the room, front paws on the window frame as his short oily fur ruffled in the wind blowing in off the swamp. ¡°Maybe I should jump like Liza did¡­just get it over with.¡± Before David had time to react, Randal had leaned out of the window to look downward into the water, inadvertently locking eyes with him as he contemplated taking the easy way out. ¨CRandal Marucchi has been afflicted with |Eye of Dread|¨C ¨CDread Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 6xp!¨C ¡°Hello Randal,¡± David whispered before the man began to shake violently. 54 - It would have bit me David¡¯s face wrinkled in disgust as he suddenly detected a strong odor of urine coming from just above him, and quickly slithered upwards to perch in the window frame, his snout only a few inches from Randal¡¯s face as the man quaked in fear. He was careful not to break eye contact immediately, hoping that the poor man wouldn¡¯t scream or otherwise alert the entire building before he had a chance to speak with him, but his worries proved groundless. Randal froze completely as David stared back into the oddly muted colors of the man''s eyes in the perfect darkness, and the man shook like a leaf in the wind as he began to mutter quietly to himself. ¡°A-Ave..Ave Maria, g-g-gratia p-plena¡­¡± Randal choked out with enormous difficulty. David blinked slowly and deliberately, freeing them from the effect of his Mutagen, and the poor man sagged to the floor like a discarded marionette. ¨CYour |Eye of Dread| has faded on Randal Marucchi¨C He lay there panting out the rest of the prayer as David rolled his eyes and slowly lowered himself onto the floor. At the same time, Randal attempted to scoot away from him, rapidly becoming arrested by the large sharp quills extending from his back. David held a single claw to his snout to silence the man as he clumsily attempted to cross himself with his stubby legs and squeezed his eyes shut before curling into a tight ball, quills bristling threateningly as he shook with fear. ¡°Psst, hey dude, you¡¯re good. I¡¯m not gonna hurt you, I¡¯m just here to look around.¡± David whispered, ¡°A friend and I heard about Viktor and what he¡¯s doing here, and I came to see if it was true. I heard your conversation with Bill, sorry for scaring you, it¡¯s a Mutagen. I¡¯m just snarly-lookin¡¯, not a demon. I promise.¡± ¡°W-what? How could you ¨C Theo! He got away?! Viktor lied?!¡± Randal uncurled slightly at the soothing tone of David¡¯s voice, ¡°He got help? Please do something!¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s the idea. Is it as bad as he said?¡± David cocked his head curiously before firing a few Echolocations out of the open doorway at the end of the room suspiciously. The soundwaves washed both directions down the hall before returning a confusing multidirectional, but thankfully empty image of the derelict corridor. ¡°Worse!¡± Randal barked a bit too loudly, ¡°Since he left they¡¯ve been starving us so we¡¯ll have a harder time doing the same thing! Viktor and Paul beat us constantly, they said they¡¯re leveling their skills but they enjoy it! I know they do!¡± ¡°Shhh! Please be quiet!¡± David hissed as his ears shot to full alert and focused on the doorway as faint sounds began to drift towards them from the distant bowels of the upper floor. ¡°Sorry, sorry.¡± Randal chirped, ¡°Can you help us get out of here?¡± David opened his mouth to reply when a voice suddenly rang out from just beyond the doorway, a huge serpentine head entering the room as it swung into sight supported by a pale trunklike body. ¡°Randal, you beatin¡¯ off in here or something? All that rattling around woke me up, you better fuckin ho¨C¡± The lidless eyes of the serpent sparkled as he spotted David in the darkness, ¡°O-ho! Randal, you made a friend! I told Viktor we should have a recruitment quota, haha! What¡¯s your name, snack?¡± ¡°David.¡± David replied casually as he began to edge towards the window, ¡°You Goon one, or Goon two?¡± ¡°Har har, real cute. Call me Paul, and I¡¯d be Goon one. You¡¯ll be¡­¡± Paul paused as he flicked his tongue out thoughtfully, ¡°Number twenty-two? Overall, I mean. Not counting the dumbasses that got eaten or the ones that ran away. Now hold still, this is gonna hurt a bit otherwise.¡± David only had time to react thanks to Randal¡¯s position between him and the monstrous snake, the assault being slightly delayed as Paul struck around the hideously sharp quills and Randal shrieked in terror. He threw himself upwards, abandoning his attempt to dart through the open window and clinging to the wall as the moldy plasterboard crumbled under his talons. David hissed viciously as the serpent looped a coil of his thick body through the window frame and allowed it to hang before he looked up at David near the ceiling with renewed interest, the final few yards of the scaled body still entering the room as he did so. ¡°Hah! You can fight! That¡¯s new, I like it. Small but mean, eh? Viktor is gonna love you.¡± The tongue flicked out again as he spoke, ¡°Randal, fuck off. I don¡¯t wanna poke myself on your worthless ass again.¡± David snarled at the reptile as Randal fell out of the room in a frantic sprint, bouncing off of the far wall in his haste and leaving a few quills behind as he dashed away. He tried to angle his head to maintain eye contact with the serpent to trigger the Eye of Dread, but the man was positioned awkwardly, his wideset eyes not entirely in view as he slowly gathered his body into a large coil. Paul returned David¡¯s earlier sibilant hiss with one of his own, the sound reminiscent of the air brakes on a semi-truck but slower, and his mane lifted to full puff in retaliation. ¡°Didn¡¯t even flinch! Good shit, good shit. You got some balls on you, for sure.¡± Paul said happily from within the coils of his own body, ¡°Okay, tell you what, you obviously ain¡¯t a punk-bitch. We got a good thing going here, and Viktor¡¯s a good boss. Want in? We can help you level, and train skills, plus we have an Area Boss still up you can share the loot from. What do you say?¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. ¡°I¡¯d say having the prisoner leave the room was a really bad call on your part, bud.¡± David¡¯s snarl turned upwards at the edges maliciously as he finished the sentence with a deafening Screech aimed directly at the reptile. ¨CHealth: 165/165¨C ¨CStamina: 360/390¨C ¨Cn/a¨C The Screech rapidly climbed beyond the range of hearing most things were capable of perceiving, but it did no less damage for it, and chunks of rotted wood shook loose from the walls and floor from the sonic attack¡¯s intensity. Paul recoiled violently, his fanged mouth opening wide enough to swallow David easily as his lower jaw unhinged and he thrashed backward in surprise before David hurled himself off of the wall and shook a thick cloud of Gloom from his wings as he powered towards the open doorway. His right ear twitched as a wet sound rang out from Paul¡¯s direction, and turning slightly to see what it was proved to be one of the worst mistakes he¡¯d ever made. The stream of venom hit him squarely in the face, soaking into his eyes to blind him instantly, and Paul somehow managed to land another shot on his neck before David barreled through the doorway and impacted the wall hard. ¨CYou have been afflicted by |Blind| |Corrosive Venom|¨C ¨CYou have taken 3 Impact Damage¨C ¨CHealth: 157/165¨C ¨CStamina: 356/390¨C ¨CBlind, Venom E, Corrosion¨C David reflexively began to fire off Echolocations as he bolted down the hall, his vision reduced to a smear of color and pain as his eyes failed totally. The venom burned, and he swore he felt his eyes begin to bubble as the potent compounds began to eat into them with little resistance. David skidded, digging his talons into the floor and using them to fling himself around the sharp corner at the end of the corridor, firing a Screech over his shoulder and catching another bolt of venom to the wing for his trouble. The liquid instantly began to dig into the leathery membrane of his wing as he flung himself forward, running up the wall with little difficulty and hurling himself back down the corridor the way he¡¯d come. ¨CYou have taken 6 Poison Damage¨C ¨CYou have taken 22 Acid Damage¨C Paul struck around the corner like a whip, cursing hideously as David rebounded off the walls like he was made of rubber, jaws chattering out constant Echolocations as shouts began to sound from lower floors and the sound of running feet met his ears. He flapped hard, not even noticing when his wings slammed into the far wall through the pain in his eyes, and scattering as much Gloom as he could. The slightly off-color silvery mist that had been trailing from his wings exploded into a thick cloud of debilitating agents that drifted down onto Paul¡¯s sinewy body as he launched himself overhead, sailing down the hallway towards the room he¡¯d first entered through. ¡°Wha the fu¨C HEY! Get your ass..¡± Paul trailed off slightly as the lower portion of his body contracted violently, ¡°Hold up..whadda¡­Oh shit. Bro, what?¡± ¨CPaul Andrews has been inflicted with |Gloom| |Paralysis| |Sleep|¨C ¨CBonus: Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 9xp!¨C ¨CApical Rejuvination: +12 health¨C David glanced at his readout as the notification popped up, his surprise at the fact that it was still perfectly visible buried under the adrenaline as he rocketed towards freedom and away from the enormous serpent. ¨CHealth: 141/165¨C ¨CStamina: 338/390¨C ¨CBlind, Venom E, Corrosion¨C He activated Nocturnal Strike and lurched forward on his next leap, slashing his talons deeply into the thick scaly hide of the serpentine man and using the extra momentum to fling himself toward the doorway. While David desperately tried to keep his Echolocations running, he felt the hide tear strangely under his strike, and Paul choked as the pain hit him along with the blow. He nearly tripped over the thrashing length of Paul¡¯s body, leaping into the air and snagging the wall with a claw to push himself forward before he landed on the rotted carpet and clawed for traction to sprint the last 20 feet to the room he had just exited, the dent in the wall where he¡¯d flung himself out marking the entrance as the slideshow of Echolocations began to blend together. He hit his stride just as a horde of hooting, furry creatures burst into the end of the hall, eyes flashing as they piled up at the corner of the hall before beginning to rush towards him in a tide of fangs. David didn''t slow, and began to inhale hugely as he charged at them, intent on reaching the open doorway before they cut him off. ¨CYou have taken 6 Poison Damage¨C ¨CYou have taken 17 Acid Damage¨C 55 - Bail out At first, there were just a dozen, but their numbers swelled dizzyingly - dozens upon dozens joined the furious tide until David''s adrenaline-saturated mind abandoned any attempt at counting. All he could process was the staggering onslaught, a veritable flood of 40-pound monkeys charging at him with unmistakable murderous intent blazing in their beady eyes. They swarmed over and around each other and threatened to deafen him, the sheer volume of their shrieking and hooting causing his fading Echolocations to blur slightly as he continued to pound down the darkened corridor directly at them. David felt the Screech nearing critical levels as the tremendous drain on his Stamina from Overcharging the Ability suddenly seemed to hit a limit, and he somehow found the extra anxiety to be worried about what would happen when he released it. ¨CHealth: 118/165¨C ¨CStamina: 238/390¨C ¨CBlind, Venom E, Corrosion¨C Snarling viciously, David unleashed the Screech in a measured torrent rather than an explosive burst - throttling its desire to detonate like a sonic bomb and backlash as he suddenly went blind, unable to maintain the Echolocations. The ear-splitting pitch started unbearable and swiftly rose to an excruciating intensity that sent painful vibrations through his jaws. His world dissolved into a thunderous cacophony as he hurtled forward, hammering the area ahead with one relentless wave of auditory destruction. Shrill cries of agony sounded amidst the sonic onslaught as something suddenly pinged his sense of smell and overpowered the omnipresent smell of mold and rot - the unmistakable coppery tang of blood filling his nostrils. Judging by the toppling thuds of weighty impacts reverberating through the cramped space, Viktor''s minions had charged heedlessly into the path of his attack. The shrieks and hooting abruptly cut off, indicating targets driven down hard and the resulting pileup allowed David''s sonic barrage to wreak further devastation as the monkeys became trapped in its path. ¨CScreech has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C ¨CScreech has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp!¨C Shit shit shit! Where¡¯s the door?! Did I go far enough? Fuck! ¨CYou have taken 6 Poison Damage¨C ¨CYou have taken 11 Acid Damage¨C Despite the carnage he was wreaking on the horde, there were simply too many of them to stop the assault fully, and the press of bodies still emerging from the end of the corridor forced the forerunners forward over the pile of corpses. David¡¯s sonic assault continued while his feet and wings tore splinters and scraps of rotting carpet from the floor when he skidded to a halt, flaring his wings out wide before flapping hard. Gloom burst into a cloud around him that formed a nearly impenetrable fog and he cut the Screech off with a gasp, firing Echolocations all around as he desperately tried to reorient himself in his blindness. ¨CYou are no longer affected by Corrosion¨C ¨CEcho¨C The scene that greeted him as the waves exploded outward from the ranks of dying monkeys was a charnel house of destruction, with easily half the horde dead or dying in a huge pile in the middle of the hall as David sucked in rapid breaths and tried to clear his head. The Echo rolled down the hallway behind the swarm of primates, and he had enough time to register something that very much resembled a man-sized baboon regaining its feet, daggerlike canines bared in a snarl of exertion. The scent of blood was overwhelming, mixed with undercurrents of mold and other unidentifiable bodily fluids as the monkeys seemed to hesitate for a single second David used to sprint forward the last few feet to the open doorway. ¨CHealth: 100/165¨C Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¨CStamina: 230/390¨C ¨CBlind, Venom E¨C David blew through the room and out the window so quickly that he didn''t even have time to take in any of the details, leaping through the opening and allowing himself to fall for a few rapid heartbeats before unfurling his wings and pulling up into a glide above the marshy terrain. The overwhelming smells of blood and Gloom faded away to be replaced by the scent of stale water and growing things before David squealed in surprise as his right wing suddenly tore, the leathery membrane weakened by the acid and unable to hold his weight. He spiraled down into the swamp, snarling in frustration as he managed to gain some control of the descent at the last moment by partially folding his damaged wing and directing himself toward a thick stand of trees, whipping around in a tight arc. He plowed into the branches at a rapid clip, unable to slow himself with a single wing, and David felt sharp branches dig into him before he slammed into the trunk hard enough to make his ears ring. ¨CYou have taken 6 Poison Damage¨C ¨CYou have taken 10 Impact Damage¨C David panted and shook his head, forcing his aching body to move as he slithered into the concealment of the dense foliage, jaws chattering as he blanketed the entire area with his special. Fuck. That could have gone better. Still Blind, can¡¯t tell how far away I actually made it. Echolocation can¡¯t pick up the building at least, and I know I managed to glide for¡­6 seconds maybe? I probably made it across the courtyard, maybe a little farther. The only trees I remember coming in were on the other side of the street. Snake-boy¡¯s down, I¡¯m sure I left enough Gloom around that door to give them a hard time following me for a minute...that was way more monkeys than I thought someone could manage with a Summoning skill. What fucking Rank was that Ability? ¨CYou have taken 6 Poison Damage¨C David glanced at his readout grimly before deciding to risk a Moonsong, uncertain how long the venom would last and not willing to risk being put in a worse position than he already was. He tucked his head down, stuffing his snout into the shaggy fur of his mane, wings wrapped tightly around himself as a wave of exhaustion washed through him and the Ability activated. The Moonsong came out muffled, though its tone remained high and pure as he sang into the fur on his chest just long enough for it to take effect. ¨CHealth: 78/165¨C ¨CStamina: 202/390¨C ¨CBlind, Venom E, Moonlit Regeneration¨C Distant shouting and hooting began to sound from behind him, and he unfolded himself rapidly before burrowing through the dense branches as quickly as he could without making any more noise. Violent splashes suddenly rang out and David¡¯s heart rate skyrocketed again as he scurried across the branches from one tree to the next, his Echolocations finally detecting a building at the edge of its range. He swiveled his ears back, pinpointing the graceless thrashing through the shallow waters that were spreading out from what he assumed was the City Hall as he judged the distance carefully. After a moment he made his choice, quickly climbing the tree as high as he could manage, sharp talons easily biting into the bark and hauling him upward. David hurled himself into the air again, not bothering to unfold his wings until he felt his forward momentum begin to dwindle, extending them just far enough to keep himself moving in a straight line despite his rapid loss in altitude. He slammed into the crumbling brick only a half dozen feet above the waterline, rustling the cat tails that had grown up around the building as it sank into the mud. Talons scrabbled for purchase before finally finding a hold, and David felt his hind feet touch the water briefly before he surged upwards, scaling the wall like it was solid ground. Within moments he hauled himself onto the roof, slithering over the top and darting away across the slimy shingles. ¨CHealth: 85/165¨C ¨CStamina: 174/390¨C ¨CBlind, Venom E, Moonlit Regeneration¨C He reached the far edge of the roof in seconds, hurling himself into the air once again and coming down gracefully on the adjacent building as he slid slightly over the slick surface. His eyes darted around uselessly, the smear of color solidifying slowly as Moonsong did its work and began to repair the damage caused by the corrosive venom, and David chittered constantly as he mapped the area ahead of him. Another rooftop presented itself, this one well within range, and he repeated the process, neither slowing nor deviating from his direct course away from the City Hall until his blurry vision tunneled suddenly and he was forced to slow, a warning that he hadn¡¯t seen in a long time screaming for his attention. ¨CWarning: Stamina Low¨C Okay¡­Okay¡­I think we¡¯re good. I just need somewhere to¡­That¡¯ll work! With only a second''s hesitation to scout ahead of himself with a few more Echolocations, David stumbled towards the nest of collapsing rooftop HVAC units and vanished into the shadows. 56 - Always check your inventory Restoring the grievous injuries sustained within Viktor''s lair during those few adrenaline-fueled moments took nearly a full hour, leaving David to fume silently in the darkness throughout the process. Though accelerated by Moonsong''s effects, his body recovered far quicker from the torn wing and other physical damage than it did from the seared, nearly melted state of his eyes. He wasn¡¯t happy, and the faint predatory voice in the back of his mind howling for him to return immediately to tear the man¡¯s throat out while he slept was incessant. David eventually lurked out of the derelict machinery to take to the air again, Health and vision restored, and he made a beeline straight for where Claire was waiting near the highway into town several miles away. He buried that little voice under the weight of logic and reason as he flew through the lukewarm night air, but every avenue of thought seemed to lead to the same conclusion no matter how he tried to spin it. Viktor has to go. Period. One way or another. That Summoning Ability is just too damn strong, I didn¡¯t even know they could get that dangerous. I wanna say that it¡¯s just my instincts talking, that I¡¯m just mad I got thumped for walking in the door, but he¡¯s bad news. If he manages to get another Evolution under his belt or takes down that Area Boss and gets the Fusion Token we¡¯re fucked. Straight and simple. David¡¯s thoughts were grim as he descended into the trees above where he sensed Claire¡¯s presence after almost 10 minutes of careful flight, and he chittered angrily as he landed in a stout tree above her head. ¡°David? How¡¯d it go? I felt you rocketing around for a while, you got into a fight didn¡¯t you?¡± Claire hissed from the darkness below him anxiously. The dense bushes she had sat on like a cushion crackling in protest as she shifted her weight and smashed them further into the ground. ¡°Claire, I¡­yeah. Sorry. I found one of the hostages, prisoners, people, whatever. Some guy named Randal. I had a second to talk to him before one of the Goons found me and tried to capture me too.¡± David returned the hiss as his mane bristled at the memory, ¡°It¡¯s worse than Theo told us. That piece of shit is starving them, forcing them to take the abilities he wants them to have, and using them like target dummies to level his skills. Claire¡­¡± She growled loudly and looked up at the sound of his voice, ¡°What the fuck?!¡± ¡°Claire¡­that Summoning skill¡­it¡¯s no joke. I saw it in action for about ten seconds. It¡¯s way stronger than it should be, it¡¯s not just a couple dozen little baboon things. It¡¯s like¡­shitloads. He whipped up easily more than a hundred of those things, fast. He didn¡¯t even stay down very long like Theo said he would, he either ranked it up or he¡­well¡­remember what he said?¡± ¡°People are worth more xp than monsters.¡± Claire recited furiously, surging to her feet with a crackle of underbrush, ¡°Tell me everything that happened.¡± David spent the next 20 minutes going over everything that had occurred since he¡¯d left: the flight into town, the odd smell of the water inside city limits, his investigation of the building itself, and its description. He recited the conversation between Randal and Bill almost perfectly from memory, described Paul¡¯s serpentine appearance and the ranged skill he¡¯d utilized, even going so far as to describe the effects and sensations of the Corrosive Venom he¡¯d been hit with. Claire interrupted him a few times to ask questions, and he did his best to answer them, but there was one thing she wanted to know above all the others. ¡°Will this asshole fit inside my mouth, or should I stomp him a few times? Maybe hold him under the water with my foot?¡± Claire snarled with uncharacteristic savagery, ¡°Maybe we just get him to chase you to one side of the building and I wreck the whole thing down around him?¡± ¡°Whoa¡­Claire, you good? I¡¯m with you on this, trust me, that guy¡¯s gotta go. I can¡¯t think of any other way around it, he¡¯ll get too strong otherwise but¡­¡± David barked in surprise as he stared down at her curiously. ¡°Yeah¡­yeah I just¡­¡± Claire trailed off and clacked her jaws in the darkness, ¡°When I was a kid we were really poor. My Dad borrowed money from a guy like Viktor without knowing what¡­I know his type. What he¡¯ll do to everyone to get ahead even a little bit. I¡¯ve been thinking about it in circles the entire time you¡¯ve been gone. I think I pissed myself off.¡± This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°Oh, shit,¡± David replied stupidly. ¡°I want to be mad at you for not just looking around like you said you would, but¡­¡± She sighed, ¡°I think you did the right thing this time. We gotta do something, now. You made him look bad, and he¡¯s gonna have to do something drastic to save face in front of his underlings.¡± ¡°I mean¡­I agree, but right-now right now?¡± David chattered tentatively as he flattened his ears. Claire¡¯s reply was blunt, ¡°Yes. David, someone is probably getting fucked up right this very second because he doesn¡¯t want everyone else getting funny ideas about trying to fight their way out too.¡± ¡°You, uh¡­You seem pretty sure about that.¡± David cringed at the thought, kicking himself for ever going inside in the first place. His mane slicked down and his ears remained tightly pressed to the back of his head as he squirmed with guilt. ¡°My family had to deal with that guy for years¡­years. I am very familiar with how giant pieces of shit operate, unfortunately. It¡¯s one of the main reasons I worked so hard to get into college, took a math major, and got into banking. I wanted out of it, and I never wanted to deal with someone like that ever again.¡± Claire hissed slowly as she almost seemed to deflate before a wicked glint appeared in her eyes. ¡°Except this time,¡± She spat, ¡°I¡¯m not some scared little kid being pushed around and used as leverage. This time I¡¯m a couple tons of dinosaur that can rip the head off of giant monsters and eat it.¡± ¡°Then trip balls for, like, two hours while a bunch of flyers try to herd you back to a park?¡± David blurted before he could stop himself. Claire¡¯s angry hiss suddenly cut itself short with a suppressed giggle, ¡°Fuck you, David. Hah! Yeah, I forgot about that part, I started getting loopy right after I read the¡­wait a minute, I can¡¯t believe I...¡± She went silent and stared off into space for a few minutes while David tried to get her attention, but the enormous reptile brushed him off, her gaze slowly becoming blank and unaware. That¡¯s weird, it almost looks like she¡¯s in the evolution menu¡­there¡¯s no way though, we haven¡¯t hit level 15 yet, and¨C Claire suddenly vomited a large pool of rainbow light, illuminating the darkened forest in a flash of color that caused David to jump hard enough that he lost his grip on the branch and fell, his wings flailing as he smashed his eyes shut against the unexpected brightness. He yelped as he bounced off of her head, feeling the liquid touch his wings and sensing an enormous rejection of his presence as he was blown away by a crack of energy that sent him tumbling into the underbrush. ¨CYou have taken 3 Impact Damage¨C He surged to his feet and cracked his stinging eyes open, forcing himself to watch the spectacle as he instinctively leaped onto a nearby tree trunk and fixed his gaze on her. The blob of technicolor energy hung from her jaws like a waterfall of drool before curving up into the air and angling toward her back, quickly covering her in a shell of kaleidoscopic light that oozed down her tail and up her thickly muscled neck to the top of her head. It sat atop her like a blanket before it began to hiss and bubble aggressively, the plates on her back suddenly swelling and expanded in size, extending outward and spreading down to the tip of her tail. A thick blob of energy concentrated at the end of the appendage, pushing outwards to the size of a melon, then bigger still, not stopping until it was almost the size of a pumpkin before the light evaporated suddenly in a cloud of glowing dust that forced David to slam his eyes shut once again. ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s better.¡± Claire rumbled in satisfaction, ¡°I forgot I had that. Should have warned you, sorry. It didn''t give me the option to back out once I used it.¡± David gawked at her as he chittered out a storm of Echolocations and blanketed her in the special. The armor on her back had extended, swelling in size to form a protective layer that covered her entire back in a dense shell with tiny spikes extending from the sides. The new mutation extended down her tail, terminating in a thick knot of bone at the end, which she experimentally whipped into a nearby tree, crushing the trunk and blowing splinters everywhere before it collapsed. She turned her head towards him, and David suppressed his urge to hiss aggressively as he took in the bony frill that protruded from the back of her skull along with the short thick horns extending from above her eyes. ¡°Bonejaw Crusher, now.¡± Claire snapped happily, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize these ¡®Bloodline¡¯ things were so powerful. No wonder you only get one per boss. You can have the next one, I didn¡¯t mean to swipe this, but I¡¯m going to keep it!¡± David stared for a long time before he finally found the words to describe his feelings on the sudden mini-evolution. ¡°You have an ass-club.¡± 57 - Listen to that little voice Claire was a bit off-balance from the added weight, but resolutely allowed David to guide her through the pitch-blackness of the forest and out onto the highway that descended into Redfield. Masking his apprehension with humor, he stood with his hind legs astride her neck, wings regally draped across the bony crest protruding from her skull as if he was directing his army into battle, snout held high as Claire grumbled at his antics. They¡¯d briefly discussed David heading back to Riverport to get some help, mainly from Dallas and Kai, but decided that the situation called for a swifter intervention. Unwilling to allow Viktor to snowball any farther at the cost of lives, they had worked out a quick and dirty plan that boiled down to ¡°Cause a distraction then cut the head off of the snake¡±, though in practice it did involve a bit of strategy on their part. ¡°Are you sure they¡¯re going to have their guard down? I was just there not even a few hours ago.¡± David chattered as he leaned down over the thick protrusion to peer around Claire¡¯s new horns. ¡°Probably. They¡¯ll either think it was a one-off or expect you to go get help, which would take time. You messed up telling Randal you had a ¡®friend¡¯ and that we both spoke to Theodore.¡± Claire sighed, ¡°You can still go back for some help if you want, but for once I think we can handle this if we don¡¯t go in all half-cocked and dumb about it¡­¡± She trailed off for a minute, sniffing at a waft of swampy air drifting up from the sinking city as her feet finally splashed into the murky water. David watched the ripples spread away from her massive clawed foot, lily pads and cat tails swaying gently in time with the movement of the water as she ground to a halt cautiously, snuffling at the wetland air before slowly resuming her march forward as he chirped and chattered directions. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re¡­okay with your part in the plan?¡± Claire hissed quietly. ¡°I mean, no. Not really. I¡¯ll deal with it though, it needs to be done.¡± David said bluntly, ¡°I trust you, and if you say we should go do something now I believe you. I¡¯ve just never¡­uh¡­¡± Claire nodded slightly before arresting the motion sheepishly when David nearly flew off her head with a startled noise, wings beating the air to maintain his position. She made an apologetic sound while she picked her way carefully into the swamp, her steps delicate for multiple tons of reptile and strangely birdlike in their precision as she stalked forward. The water lapped around her shins, occasionally reaching as far up as her hips, and sometimes barely covering the tops of her enormous clawed feet as they continued forward in silence, the clouds parting slightly and allowing the moon to break through from the night sky above. Claire hummed happily with the illumination, her eyes shining an ominous red-orange as they trapped the moonlight, oblivious to the way that even her indirect gaze set alarm bells ringing in David¡¯s mind and utterly silenced the wildlife in every direction she turned her snout. ¡°I¡¯m more than happy to do it instead if you want to focus on trying to get everyone out of wherever they¡¯ve got them holed up at?¡± Claire rumbled quietly as the first of the crumbling brick buildings suddenly lurched up out of the night. Claire snorted at the sight of the ¡®Welcome to Redfield¡± sign that had been completely consumed by a plant that definitely had kudzu in the family tree somewhere if how prevalent it seemed to be was any indication. ¡°No, you have your part to play and uh¡­Yeah.¡± David barked tersely, ¡°Even if we did go get help, it wouldn¡¯t change much. Maybe Dallas could do it, but I doubt it. I have the best Evolution for this by far, I just wish I didn¡¯t right now. Even if Viktor is a bastard.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourself up about it,¡± Claire mumbled as she began to stalk through the streets with the type of patience only plants and reptiles were capable of. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s cliche to say it, but Viktor and people like him don¡¯t deserve the pity. It¡¯s been what, a little less than two weeks and he¡¯s already eating people?¡± She continued, ¡°If that¡¯s the game he wants to play, so be it, but he¡¯s not invincible. I don¡¯t know if you realize this, David, but your setup is¡­effective. If you caught me unaware that¡¯d be game over, and he¡¯s just some stupid baboon.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve just never killed anyone before¡­¡± David squeaked uncertainly as he climbed fully atop the new perch extending from the back of Claire¡¯s skull. ¡°I¡¯ve watched you charge straight at a monster the size of a bus without batting an eye, and you¡¯re feeling bad for a cannibal ex-convict that¡¯s torturing people for profit?¡± Claire spat suddenly before cringing, ¡°David, shit. I didn¡¯t mean that. I just-¡± David cut her off, ¡°No, you¡¯re okay. When you put it like that I feel a little dumb. You¡¯re right. He¡¯ll just keep killing people, and I¡¯ve got the best shot at putting him down. We¡¯re getting close, it¡¯s maybe fifteen minutes from here. We have a couple of hours before dawn, I bet. You remember the plan?¡± Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Well yeah, it¡¯s basically my plan.¡± Claire replied in a softer tone, ¡°I roar, wreck some stuff, get their attention. They send out the idiots, Viktor sends out the troops, and I act nervous and back up. I keep my ass pointed at the snake, and stuff my face in the water if he manages to land a shot on my eyes, and I straight up bail if it looks unwinnable. You go in and blitz the monkey while his back is turned, both barrels, no brakes. Once he goes down I start using Abilities and crush the other two, just please make it fast if you can.¡± ¡°Yeah, there¡¯s no way he¡¯s getting a bunch of random hostages to run straight at something like you in the dark, should be easy to figure out who the bad guys are by who¡¯s giving the orders.¡± David mused, ¡°Alright, you ready to get started on the hard part?¡± She growled in response and began to stomp towards one of the deeper areas of the swamp as David bounced off her head and into the air, flapping over to a telephone pole that was leaning at a crazy angle and latching on. Claire proceeded to roll in the water, slathering the mystery muck from the bottom of the wetland thickly over her scaly hide in the hopes of forming a protective layer against Paul¡¯s corrosive attacks. David¡¯s fur stood on end when she finally rose from the murky waters, her form almost totally obscured by mud and clumps of vegetation that had been dredged up with it, only her fanged maw and malevolent eyeshine still identifiable. David gulped, then flew down the street to cling to the building a bit ahead of her as she used the Pack system to unerringly hone in on his location, and together they leapfrogged quickly through the decaying city until the fires burning around the City Hall came into view. Claire shot him a curt nod from the shadows of the flooded streets and David¡¯s stomach dropped as the tiny part of him that hoped this wasn¡¯t real somehow shriveled up and died, crushed beneath the predatory instincts that suddenly surged with raw aggression directed entirely at Viktor. His heart thumped loudly in his chest as he gained altitude, Claire shrinking away into a menacing shadow in the moonlit darkness between buildings as he climbed into the sky and began to circle behind the City Hall. The roof was covered in Viktor¡¯s minions idly milling about, some openly sleeping with arms or legs hanging off of the roof, others sitting together in groups grooming, and none of them looking particularly alert as he leered down at them from the sky. David dug deep into his body''s new instincts as a way to soothe his roiling anxiety, that faint voice in the back of his head swelling in volume as he cleared his mind and allowed it to present its unfiltered opinions while his perspective of the scene below shifted. Slowly, a different scene took form in his mind. The prey was unaware, unappetizing, and undisciplined. His packmate would lure them away, draw out the betas and chaff, leaving their cowardly alpha completely exposed, and the challenge to his supremacy would not go unanswered. David¡¯s fangs gleamed in the moonlight as he suddenly saw weaknesses everywhere, tiny gaps and routes into the building that he had overlooked before now evident, glaring even. A thundering roar split the night like a rockslide, and David felt only grim satisfaction as the swarm of minions began to move almost immediately, with a single unfortunate member falling completely off the roof and into the waters below as it jerked awake. A loud crash rang out, followed by the crumbling of stone, and David guessed that Claire had smashed one of the deteriorating buildings with her new tail and caused a bit more damage than she had intended. Within seconds, the roof was empty and David began to dive, tucking his wings in tightly and spearing through the warm night air to land softly with a perfectly timed flare of his wings, drifting the last several feet to the surface like the specter of death. ¨CFlight has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C He ignored the sounds of aggression sounding from the horde of summons while they swarmed toward Claire''s location as he quickly glided across the roof, not slowing for a single heartbeat as he transitioned from horizontal to vertical movement, and found himself slightly surprised as he wriggled into a gap in the wall barely larger than his head. He fired a single Echolocation into the room on the other side and then moved, pulling himself along on his back until he emerged inside, clinging tightly to the ceiling as he repeated the process, moving in quick starts and stops rather than sprinting heedlessly forward. Within moments he had darted out of the tiny office, still tightly clinging to the ceiling, and emerged from the corridor it connected with, using his flexible neck to look straight down from the vaulted ceiling above what had once been an elaborate staircase that led to the lower floors. David suddenly resurfaced in his own mind for a moment as he experienced a wave of uncertainty, the cold predatory drive ebbing as he snapped out of his intense killing intent, surprised he''d let himself get that engrossed in it. He shook his head, the unthinking instinctual action bubbling just below the surface, ready to be unleashed again with a single thought now that it had been awoken and roused to anger. Well, that¡¯s scary. I think I just figured out what ¡®Predatory Physiology¡¯ actually means, and it¡¯s not just my body¡­it¡¯s my mind too. Omega, you¡¯re a real piece of work you know that? Everything associated with you is too effective not to use, and somehow still awful. But I think just this one time¡­ David let go and allowed himself to sink back below the surface. 58 - Caught flat-footed It was as if David observed through someone else¡¯s eyes as he prowled the building''s interior, clinging stealthily to the ceiling while wedging into the tightest crevices. Before each furtive dart to a new hiding spot, he fired quick Echolocation bursts to scan ahead. On multiple occasions, he concealed himself within crumbling gaps in the walls or squeezed under decaying furniture as small groups of Viktor''s minions raced past, drawn by the distant sounds of Claire''s flawless distraction unfolding outside. He let himself go, allowing the powerful instincts to guide his actions in an almost autonomous way, relying heavily on the advice of the predatory drive he¡¯d been largely ignoring. After the fourth wave of the monkey-like creatures raced past from the same direction he¡¯d begun to backtrack along their path, nose working in overdrive as he sniffed their master out. Less than 8 minutes had passed from him entering the building to when he finally caught a slightly different scent. Whereas the minions themselves had a distinctive smell mixed with the mold and rot he couldn¡¯t seem to escape inside the City Hall, a new smell wafted to his nose, tinted with the scent of aggression and authority. David felt a cold sense of satisfaction creep down the back of his neck, settling grimly in his chest as the predatory voice quieted its savage howling and settled into a wave of silent but murderous anger. The alpha that had challenged him, and driven him out of his territory was close. Unguarded. Weakened. Vulnerable. David¡¯s mane slicked itself down flat, his ears pricking forward and unmoving as he crept along the ceiling with glacial slowness, not even twitching as he felt his packmate slowly retreating away from the building and drawing the defenders away. She was a capable creature, strong and brave, and David did not doubt for a second that she would be unharmed by the frail and untested creatures sent out by the alpha. His eyes narrowed and he began to Echolocate more rapidly, firing them behind himself with his flexible neck every so often before continuing his patient advance, somehow managing to interpret the overlapping waves of mental maps that showed multiple locations at once as long as he didn¡¯t think too hard about it. His snout twitched with every change to the scent of his prey as he slowly neared what must have been a central location in the large building. Den? Inside. Weak, smells of uncertainty. Aggression fading. One other. Unimportant¡­Whoa, c¡¯mon David. Are you thinking purely in emotions now? You can do a little better than that, don¡¯t go full-feral. You¡¯ve got a brain, try to use that too even if this is useful, whatever it is, I can¡¯t lie. Viktor¡¯s sure as shit using his. The overwhelming scent of primate was drifting out of a large set of double doors that stood open at the end of the lobby that David occupied, still tightly clinging to the ceiling some 15 feet off the ground. The furniture had been removed, and the large room was empty save for the moldy carpet below him, he slowly crept toward the entrance to Viktor''s lair as he forced the instincts down to half-capacity, keeping them on a hair trigger as he asserted himself much to the predatory voice¡¯s displeasure. It wanted him to surge into the room, blanketing it with sonic attacks and Echolocations, and to fill the space with Gloom before retreating quickly to simply wait for his prey to fall victim to its effects before returning to torment his challenger. No time for all that waiting, feels like Claire¡¯s brawling with someone right now. She keeps running farther back, I feel like pretty soon she¡¯s going to have to bail and I¡¯m going to have a lot of problems. I feel like we can meet in the middle though, spooky instincts. Tell you what¡­ David crept close to the open doorway, his nose wrinkling in distaste as the scent filled his nose unpleasantly, overpowering even the smells of the building itself. He leaned down slightly to fire his special into the room before pausing and choosing to utilize his subconscious advantage as he fired them against the floor and allowed the waves to spread into the room at an angle, maintaining the barrage until the shadowy figures at the edge of his range finally gave him what he wanted. ¨CEcho¨C The bloom of awareness filled him with a wicked glee that felt like it wasn¡¯t his own, and the room was presented in excruciating detail as it was mapped by the expanding waves of sound. Viktor sat in a simple folding chair, his legs crossed and his arms thrown back comfortably over his head. He was about the size of a grown man, his body lanky and wrapped in powerfully corded muscle that rippled beneath his short fur with every breath, a mantle of long shaggy fur resting around his shoulders and crawling up his head. His face was elongated and bare, reminding David of the baboons he¡¯d seen at the zoo as a child, and his excessively long canines protruded from his lips slightly as he grinned lazily. More concerning was the large rusty knife that stuck out of the crumbling desk next to him, its blade pitted and a bit fragile but retaining a wicked edge. David snarled, a part of him was truly offended that the man would resort to tools and tricks, but the logical side of him immediately recognized the danger. Farther back, and perched on the windowsill was a tiny creature whose presence confused both David and his newly awakened instincts. It was fat, toadlike, and probably the smallest thing he had seen that wasn¡¯t an actual animal. It couldn¡¯t have weighed more than 30lbs, its amphibious skin slightly damp as it sat completely motionless, eyes closed and breathing slowly. Yep, that sucks. I should have figured he¡¯d have something like that. Couple of fire barrels in the room, and shitty-looking torches here and there. Too much light. Not sure how to deal with that¡­maybe I just knock them over? It¡¯s enough to see with but there¡¯s still a lot of shadows, and I¡¯m not sure how well he sees in the dark anyway. Fuck¡­I¡¯m so nervous. I wish I didn''t have to do this. David sat perfectly still as he considered his options, slowly realizing that the course of action his instincts demanded was probably the best one. He could blitz into the room, nail both targets with a Screech, fill the entire room with a cloud of Gloom, and retreat to hammer them with sonic attacks from the doorway before finishing Viktor off when he went down. The only addition he could think of was to add more Screeching and some of the tricks he¡¯d learned for mobility over the last 12 days. David waffled over it for a few seconds anxiously before Claire made the decision for him, and he felt her turn and begin to flee deeper into the swamp, putting more and more distance between them as she picked up speed to shake off her attackers. A wave of cold adrenaline crashed through his body when David realized that he had only minutes to complete his dubious assignment and that his opportunities to do so had just shrunk to almost nothing. ¨CHealth: 165/165¨C ¨CStamina: 390/390¨C The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. ¨Cn/a¨C He let go of the reins and his prey drive seized them eagerly, nimbly swinging him through the doorframe like a gymnast from hell, coiling his body like a spring before leaning into the motion and activating Nocturnal Strike to give himself a little extra boost. He twisted as he entered the room, orienting himself towards the pair before they had time to react and digging huge gouges out of the top of the rotting doorway when his hind claws found purchase and violently launched him forward. He was airborne before Viktor had time to gasp, wings completely unimpeded as he surged into the large office and blasted both him and the unidentified creature with a Screech that almost seemed to physically hammer the primate out of his chair. Before the attack had even finished, one of Viktor''s flailing feet snagged the knife deftly off of the desk as he vanished behind it, the toadlike creature leaping straight up in shock before impacting the top of the window frame and tumbling to the floor along with him. David hovered in the middle of the room, flapping violently and inefficiently as he shed an excessive amount of Gloom, a storm of debilitating particles filling the air, swirling violently under the wind from his huge dark wings. David had a strange moment of lucidity as his heart rate continued to skyrocket, and he noticed that the torchlight was glittering prettily off of the crescent moon pattern on his wings, the oddly transparent membrane catching the dim firelight. ¨CYou have taken 17 Impact Damage¨C ¨CYou are afflicted by Stun¨C The toadlike creature had recovered first, firing itself off of the floor in an explosion of wood chips as its unbelievably strong legs extended too fast for David to see, and it barreled into him like a cannonball with pinpoint accuracy. The Screech was cut off as the breath was driven from his lungs, and he fumbled his rhythm and fell to the ground along with his assailant, landing on top of it as it croaked in pain. David struggled to get a breath in, his ears ringing and his vision slightly blurry from the force of the impact as the creature struggled to extricate itself from beneath him. ¡°What the fuck?!¡± A gravelly voice cursed loudly from behind the desk, ¡°Edgar, you get ¡®em? Hold your breath! This is the shit he got Paul with! It¡¯s that fucking bat!¡± ¡°Boss it¡¯s got me!¡± Edgar croaked frantically from below the tangle of David''s wings, ¡°The dust¡¯s sticking to me! I can¡¯t get out! It burns!¡± ¨CEdgar Hernandez¡¯s Stun has faded¨C David¡¯s eye¡¯s refocused suddenly and he hissed wickedly with the first breath that he sucked in, wrapping his entire body around the smaller creature, seizing it with his fangs and talons before savagely kicking and ripping at it with his hind claws. Edgar¡¯s scream was deafening inside the canopy of his wings as his bare and unprotected hide offered little protection against the furious assault, parting easily and filling David¡¯s mouth with hot blood that splattered everywhere. He released the man after a few heartbeats, springing back to observe the damage and shooting a glance to where Viktor had finally hauled himself up from behind the desk, knife in hand and eyes wide. David took advantage of his hesitation by lunging forward and seizing one of Edgar¡¯s legs in his jaws before crunching down hard, feeling the sturdy bones resist for a single second before cracking audibly as the man¡¯s scream cut off and he went limp, fainting from the pain. ¨CHealth: 153/165¨C ¨CStamina: 340/390¨C ¨Cn/a¨C Viktor narrowed his eyes and brandished the knife, leaping atop the desk and pulling himself into a fighting stance while he bared his long and vicious fangs back at David as he hunched over the fallen underling. Blood dripped thickly from David¡¯s jaws and began to coagulate in blobs on his face as he fixed Viktor with a murderous glare and stared deeply into his eyes, watching the fur along the man''s shoulders and back instantly rise as his body language became uncertain. The blade began to shake in his grip as David loosed a sibilant hiss and began to slowly creep towards him as the Gloom began to settle, drifting down to settle over everything in the room as he approached his target. ¡°Who the fuck are you? What do you want?¡± Viktor coughed as he began to inhale the Gloom, ¡°Why are you doing this? I don¡¯t even know you, this isn¡¯t even your business, brother.¡± David¡¯s response was a feral snarl, ¡°Why am I doing this? Dude. You ate people. What did you expect? Everyone would just let that go? That you¡¯d be Slaver-King of the Swamp? You got one good Ability, and decided to use it to torture people and hold them captive?¡± ¡°It ain''t none of your business. You don¡¯t know these guys, why do you care? They were weak, and I made them stronger. So what if a couple of them got smoked?¡± Viktor tightened his grip on the blade as he edged away from David, ¡°We can make a deal, you want me to let them go? Sure. I¡¯ll fuck off. Just le¨C Ooooo, that¡¯s not¡­what?¡± ¨CViktor Oslow is afflicted by |Gloom| |Paralysis| |Sleep|¨C ¨CApical Rejuvenation: +12 Health¨C David¡¯s eyes narrowed as Viktor began to shake, somehow managing to stay on his feet as he gripped the edge of the desk with his free hand and held himself upright. His pupils dilated slowly as David continued to stare straight at him as he crept closer, blasting him with a short Screech that sent the knife tumbling from his hand as he collapsed under the assault, propping himself up on his elbows and trying to scoot away on the hardwood floor, kicking feebly in David''s direction. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have done any of this¡­and I hate you for what your bullshit is forcing me to do right now.¡± David¡¯s words dripped out of him haltingly as he held perfectly still and regarded Viktor''s prone form, ¡°I never wanted to hurt anyone. This whole thing has sucked from day one, and I¡¯m constantly terrified and pretending not to be. I got screwed with my new body to start with, you could have actually made a difference. You piece of shit.¡± ¨CViktor Oslow is afflicted by |Eye of Dread|¨C ¨CVictor Oslow is afflicted by |Fear|¨C ¨CApical Rejuvenation: +4 Health¨C David lunged forward, his jaws closing over the mans throat and locking in place, the crunch of cartilage the only sound other than Viktor''s strangled sounds of struggle and the merry crackling of the fire as shadows danced on the walls. It took longer than David thought it would, but eventually he saw the notification. ¨CYou have slain User: Victor Oslow¨C ¨CGained 800xp!¨C ¨CLevel up!¨C ¨CGained 2pts!¨C 59 - Just dont think about it Viktor¡¯s body hit the ground with a meaty thud while David stared at it for a few moments blankly, the feral instincts fading away to simmer in the background, seemingly satisfied now that Viktor was dead and the challenge to their supremacy answered with great finality. The body was relatively untouched, almost without wounds, and the deformation of his crushed throat stood out starkly in contrast. A primal surge of exhilaration flooded David after the man hit the floor, his predatory instincts celebrating the kill with waves of visceral satisfaction. For a moment, he was awash in the foreign sensations of excitement and fulfillment. Then reality snapped back into focus, leaving David disgusted - both by his actions and the fact that he had taken such feral gratification in the act. He gagged, appalled at himself. The room suddenly felt suffocatingly small to David as the adrenaline rush faded. His prey drive, however, was reveling, savoring the vivid loop in his mind replaying Viktor''s final seconds with victorious glee. David struggled to control his breathing, his mind ping-ponging between the euphoric satisfaction of his baser urges and the memory of Viktor''s last twitches now seared into his consciousness. He gagged again and backed away violently, almost tripping in his haste before he whirled and sprinted to the door before stopping. He shot a glance toward Edgar, still lying in a mangled heap on the floor, and briefly considered finishing him off as well before he recoiled from the thought. I don¡¯t want to kill him¡­for all I know Viktor forced him into helping right from the start. The hostages here might know, but I¡¯d have to ask them first. There¡¯s still Paul to deal with, so I can¡¯t just leave him here¡­fuck. David loped back to stand over the toad, swaying one ear to face the door as he rapidly debated his options before coming to a horrible realization. He had no way to restrain the man in the long term and potentially no time to wait for another option to present itself if Paul returned. Any damage that he had done would likely be regenerated in only a few hours, plus the man was at best complicit in all of Viktor¡¯s butchery and at worst actively assisting in it, which seemed likely given his role as Viktor¡¯s guard. A choked sob escaped David''s throat as he raised the talons on his right wing, then drove them down hard, feeling the thin hide part easily to his feral sides delight. He kept pummeling the defenseless man with Nocturnal Strikes until the notification chime signaled he had finally killed him, then immediately bolted from the room while his subconscious crowed with delight at the savagery. ¨CYou have slain Edgar Hernadez¨C ¨CGained 800xp!¨C Why was it so easy? Is that all it takes? I gotta get out of here, I hate this. Everyone at Riverport got along just fine, why did this have to happen? As David sprinted through the lobby outside the open doorway, feeling oddly numb and disconnected despite the sudden hyper-realistic appearance of his surroundings and the emotional storm he desperately ignored. His entire assault lasted less than 5 minutes from entering to leaving the room, the whole event incredibly surreal as it replayed in his mind. He darted down the hallway, no longer clinging stealthily to the ceiling as he searched for any exit point he could reach. As he skidded around a corner he finally saw a window, long swamp grass barely visible on the other side through the accumulated grime, and he launched himself toward it frantically. David slowed only long enough to blast the fragile material with a Screech, quickly shattering it before he blew through the window frame, ignoring the tear and pull of the fragments as they pierced his skin. ¨CYou have taken 4 Piercing Damage¨C He hurled himself into the sky without a second thought, wings pounding the air as he leveled off and burned a large amount of Stamina to accelerate. He reached his top speed quickly, thundering through the moonlit night sky as he tried to outrun the memory of what had just happened, simply bolting away from the source of his horror in a straight line. Blood pounded in his head and his muscles burned feverishly as he climbed higher and higher into the night before he threw his dark leathery wings out and began to glide. The swamp below him tilted as he began to turn, slowly arcing his way toward where he felt Claire had positioned herself within the sinking city of Redfield. Just don¡¯t think about it. You had to do it, he made you have to do it, it¡¯s not your fault he was...bad. You just saved everyone in there from the same thing you did to him. Just don¡¯t think about it. David leaned forward, allowing himself to descend. He closed his eyes briefly, trying to clear his mind and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness, the wind tugging at his fur and rippling under his wings, and forget the sensation of Viktor''s throat crunching in his jaws. He''d killed monsters far more savagely without a second thought beyond fearing death, but they hadn''t tried to bargain for their lives moments before the end, and that had disturbed him more than he thought it would. He let out an explosive Screech, not bothering to focus it in any direction as he simply vented his frustration and anxiety in one of the only ways that he could, and was slightly surprised when he felt a bit drained of the negative emotions afterward. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. A faint roar sounded from the near distance in reply to his Screech, and he snapped his eyes open and refocused himself before angling himself into a steeper descent as he approached Claire¡¯s position. Crumbling buildings loomed up out of the darkness below him as he finally caught sight of her lurking in the shadows of an alleyway and looking slightly worse for wear. Several patches of the mud on her enormous body looked singed, and the coating on her head and jaws had been completely worn away, with several prominent burns visible on her snout. David¡¯s wings beat the air, filling his wings like sails before landing on a mostly-intact fire escape dangling from the building beside where Claire stood, allowing his wings to droop as he draped his talons over the rails and returned her gaze. ¡°David! You okay? That snake is a real bastard, and I,¡± Claire paused almost immediately, ¡°You alright? You¡¯re looking a little¡­droopy. Did you, uh¡­¡± David nodded slowly before a torrent of words burst from his mouth, ¡°Yeah, I got him. He didn¡¯t even have a chance to do anything, and I got the other goon too because I didn¡¯t know if I should leave him or if he was a bad guy and I couldn¡¯t figure out a way to lock him up or something and I don¡¯t know if it was the right thing to do and I¨C¡± ¡°Whoa, whoa. David, take a deep breath, okay?¡± Claire clacked her jaws anxiously, ¡°Are you hurt?¡± ¡°No! That¡¯s the worst part! They couldn¡¯t even do anything, they didn¡¯t have a fucking chance!¡± David wailed as he lost his composure, ¡°I know I had to do it but it was so easy Claire! It was easy! If I barely made it out it¡¯d be different, but they both just¡­I ambushed them and they got hit with Gloom and that was it. They couldn¡¯t even fight back, not really. They just¡­went down, and I leveled up.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Claire mumbled halfheartedly, ¡°If uh¡­if it makes you feel any better I got the snake. He followed me a little bit too far and I got him by the tail when he tried to turn around. I was just trying to shake him, but I think I pulled too hard and he¡­he snapped like a whip and I got the notification right after.¡± David nodded woodenly, ¡°Are we bad people too? I feel¡­nasty, dirty maybe.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Claire snorted angrily, ¡°No! We just saved a bunch of people from being killed by the same people we¡­well, you know. You really think Viktor would have stopped?¡± ¡°No. You know what he said to me?¡± David sagged down on the fire escape as it wobbled slightly, ¡°He said, ¡®It¡¯s none of your business, why do you care?¡¯ Like he was cutting in line or moving someone else''s laundry. I just¡­I don¡¯t like hurting people, Claire. I don¡¯t want to ever have to do that again, it made me sick.¡± He stared into her eye as she lifted her head to snuffle at the blood he was drenched in with concern while he collected his thoughts. How do I even explain this without sounding like I¡¯ve cracked and gone completely nuts? She¡¯s gonna think I¡¯m having a mental breakdown or something but¡­I need to know. ¡°Claire¡­do you ever¡­sometimes I get these¡­instinctual reactions to things lately. Usually when I¡¯m fighting or in danger, but tonight it was different. It was like I was in the back seat to my own body, and I let go and let it happen¡­Does that ever happen to you?¡± David finished quietly. She stared at him for a few moments in silence before she replied, ¡°Yeah, a couple of times. It¡¯s always when people smaller than me that I like are in trouble. It always feels like ¡®Get away from the little ones, get away from my nest, or I¡¯ll eat you¡¯. I¡¯ve never even had a nest¡­¡± ¡°So it¡¯s not just me then. That¡¯s good, I think. I thought I was¡­¡± David hesitated for a few heartbeats, ¡°I almost lost myself in it for a minute. I can still feel it right now, in the back of my head. All it knows is killing, and hunting, but it hated Viktor for ¡®challenging¡¯ me.¡± Claire¡¯s eyes glowed menacingly in the dark, ¡°...During the fight with the Area Boss, it hit me hard when you told me that Dallas was hurt. I got ¡®put in the back seat¡¯, like you said. I didn¡¯t snap out of it until I tore its head off.¡± "So what do we do now, then?" David chittered, abruptly shifting the subject as discomfort crept in. "Is that it? Is everything over now? I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m feeling a little lost right now." ¡°No, we go let the rest of those people know they¡¯re free to leave if they haven¡¯t already, Viktor probably has some of them locked up. Or we point them to Herold over in Riverport, he¡¯ll probably take care of them. God knows they could probably use somewhere stable to stay for a while.¡± Claire added hopefully after a moment, ¡°Plus we were going to go to that observatory remember? It was your idea, right?¡± ¡°Yeah¡­can I ride on your back? I need to think about some stuff.¡± ¡°Of course, you moron. Hop on, let''s go.¡± Claire rumbled amicably as she angled her muck-covered back towards him. David¡¯s snout wrinkled in horror at the smell of the swamp scum, ¡°You know what? I think I¡¯ll fly, clear my head a little bit.¡± 60 - Party time Cheers echoed through the gloomy morning light as Redfield''s people crowded around Claire, David watching from his perch atop her back, settled comfortably on her new almost shell-like armor plating. He had braced for the usual screaming and curses upon being seen, but this time, his reputation preceded him. In the few hours it took to return to City Hall and execute their plan, Randal had told everyone the details about David incapacitating Paul a dozen times over. The crowd recognized him as ''the badass bat'' who put that snake in his place. Though mentally and emotionally drained, while ravenously hungry, the absolute joy of people frolicking in the courtyard''s shallow waters coaxed a smile from David''s tired face. The derelict City Hall courtyard they stood in was a swampy, overgrown mess. Waist-deep stagnant water filled the cracked patio, tinged green from the pervasive algae and moss. Weeds and vines snaked up the crumbling stone benches, adding splashes of verdant green to the dreary grays and browns. Amidst the rubble, brightly colored mushroom clusters sprouted in vivid reds, yellows, and blues. The whole area exuded a dank, earthy aroma of decay and water that was somehow both pleasant and mildly distasteful to David¡¯s nose. Despite its state of abandonment, the courtyard seemed to buzz with life. Insects of all varieties danced across the water''s surface or crawled along the stalks of the cat tails and swamp grass. Small fish and amphibious creatures darted through the submerged foliage away from the disturbances caused by the celebrating collection of creatures as they flopped, jumped, sprang, rolled, and splashed each other with total abandon. ¡®Fuck Viktor¡¯ seemed to be the rallying cry of the day as the small crowd seemed incapable of containing their excitement at the surprise liberation, and a few of the members cried happily as were comforted by their friends. ¡°You still feel bad about it?¡± Claire rumbled as a particularly elegant squirrelish creature springboarded off her leg and did a double backflip into the water while cheering their names. It hit the water with a huge splash and waved enthusiastically to David from its back as it floated in the few feet of water. David chuckled and fanned his wings back at the creature, ¡°Yeah, but not nearly as much.¡± The first person who had asked him to recount how he¡¯d taken Viktor down had been met with such a blank stare they had immediately excused themselves and scurried off, their fat raccoon-like body sodden with muddy water. Thankfully almost everyone had been watching and they could take a hint, and nobody else brought it up. ¡°David!¡± A semi-familiar voice called from below, prompting him to lean over Claire¡¯s opposite side and look down. Randal¡¯s quilled head gazed up at him, stubby legs held to his chest as he sat on his haunches to keep his head above water while chewing on a piece of swamp grass. ¡°Oh, hey Randal. Glad you guys are safe¡­You going to head to Riverport?¡± David asked lamely as he draped himself over Claire¡¯s armored side as comfortably as possible. He nodded happily, quills bobbing along with the motion as ripples formed around him, ¡°Yeah, we were listening when your lady told us where to go earlier. Don¡¯t you worry, none of us are keen on staying here anymore, too many bad memories.¡± ¡°My what?!¡± David shrilled in surprise, missing the latter half of the statement in favor of the former, ears pinning Randal in place as they locked onto him. ¡°Sorry boss! Don¡¯t hit me!¡± Randal cringed away at the unexpected sharp look. Claire snorted in surprise as she overheard, then again in amusement before she began to chuckle. Upon craning her neck back around to see the look on David¡¯s face when he shot her an open-mouthed look of incredulity, ears still unerring fixed on Randal when he swiveled his head, she burst into a raspy barking laugh that scared wildlife out of the surrounding trees in the swamp. David closed his jaws with a click of teeth, suddenly glad he couldn¡¯t blush in embarrassment anymore. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°Oh, you heard him, hah!¡± Claire giggled, the sound totally incongruous with her current body, ¡°Oh my god I needed that. Hooo.¡± ¡°Har har, Randal you¡¯re good, you can stop edging away like I¡¯m gonna clobber you, dude.¡± David sighed as he turned his attention back to the man, ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to spook you. I forget I¡¯m snarly-lookin'' sometimes.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s¡­It¡¯s okay, just a reflex I guess. God bless you David, your name really suits you, you know that?¡± Randal waved again happily and scampered off to join in the water fight going on only a few dozen feet away with a hoot. Claire yawned hugely as she watched him go, and David couldn¡¯t help yawning along with her a few seconds later despite his best efforts to suppress it. Damn, I¡¯m tired, that nap felt like a drop in a bucket. Bleh. Wish there was somewhere nice and dry to sleep, but everything here¡¯s so damp. You can almost taste the air¡­and it doesn¡¯t taste good. Weird how I like the smell of it though. ¡°Hey, David.¡± Claire hissed amicably, ¡°You good? Went a little quiet there again.¡± ¡°Yeah¡­just tired and hungry. Still kinda¡­meh.¡± He muttered just loud enough for her to hear, ¡°Still fresh in my mind, I guess. Watching everyone party hard like this helps, they¡¯re so happy it¡¯s hard to feel bad.¡± She nodded her scaly snout in agreement, ¡°Yeah. Honestly, I think they¡¯ve got it under control. I saw a couple of them leave towards the highway already, I think they¡¯ll be fine if we go rustle up something to eat. What do you say?¡± He perked up a lot at the idea of leaving Redfield, suddenly eager to be moving again and put the whole thing behind him until he had some more time to process everything. David stretched his wings one at a time, forcing down another yawn as he did so before hopping up to reclaim his new perch just behind Claire¡¯s head, his wings draped around the bony frill that now extended from her skull. Claire took that as a yes and turned to address the remaining survivors who hadn¡¯t already trundled off into the distant city to vanish into the watery streets and crumbling buildings. ¡°Hey! Uh¡­Remember what I said about Riverport, ask for Herold. Woodland Park. They¡¯ll take care of you.¡± Claire rumbled loudly as they turned as one to look up at her fanged maw, ¡°We¡¯re gonna¡­head out. We were just passing through, and we¡¯re glad we could help but we have to get moving again.¡± Within seconds the assortment of people had surrounded them again, cheering and thanking them in equal measure as Claire seemed to bask in the attention, holding her head and tail high as she absorbed their thanks. David felt something inside him crumble away, and the numbness he¡¯d felt since he¡¯d killed the two men finally began to fade as he sniffled a bit and buried his head in his wings to hide his big stupid smile. Okay. Maybe I did the right thing after all, it¡¯s hard to be sad when everyone is losing their shit like this¡­ ¡°David, give them a little show. You deserve it.¡± Claire mumbled quietly as she bobbed her head to get his attention. Feeling a little foolish, David complied, climbing fully atop her head and flaring his wings out to their full extent in the gloomy morning air, the leathery membrane billowing slightly as it caught the wind. Cheers exploded out of the crowd again as a few of the creatures capable of mimicking his pose also threw their arms out and howled their thanks while others splashed water up toward him in faux mockery, beaming hugely. David¡¯s instincts pinged his attention briefly and he cringed inwardly before he realized what exactly his not-so-subconscious was in favor of at this moment. ¨CHealth: 190/190¨C ¨CStamina: 375/425¨C ¨Cn/a¨C The Moonsong rang out of him and silenced the crowd almost instantly, victorious and pure as the notes blended and formed a harmony with themselves that caused the crowd to go wild within only a few seconds, a particularly large birdlike creature joining in with a long warbling cry that sounded quite nice in counterpoint when he finally furled his wings, allowing the Ability to continue for a few extra seconds before he cut it short. Claire clacked her jaws together happily as she nodded carefully at them before turning to stomp out of the courtyard, heading toward the city limits as David swiveled on her head and waved enthusiastically at Randal before he vanished into the foliage. Claire continued to plow through the water and dense growth as David hopped off her head into the air, and she grunted with mild annoyance at the unexpected action. ¡°You know, it¡¯s weird, but that made me feel a lot better.¡± David chittered at her after he¡¯d looped back around to enter a lazy glide beside her head. ¡°Told you.¡± 61 - Bad idea fairy strikes again David soared high above, surveying the sprawling wetlands below with a sigh. Claire''s towering form seemed diminutive from his altitude, an antlike speck trudging through the marsh. He had been purposefully ¡®scouting¡¯ ahead, avoiding her presence as uncertainty over broaching his idea filled him with anxiety. Even the liberating sensation of open flight did little to ease his worries. She¡¯s probably not gonna go for it¡­it¡¯s honestly a little dumb. Either way, I still feel like it¡¯d be a good idea. As far as I can tell there aren¡¯t many people in the first Wave out this direction, and we wouldn¡¯t have any help. Plus we have no idea where it is, but that¡¯s half the reason I want to do it. To see if I can use these instincts for something constructive, like finding it. Vibrant hues of green and blue painted the marshy expanse, shallow murky waters reflecting the gloomy sky. Tangled clusters of cattails and reeds covered the surface, disrupted in places by deeper pools where muddy banks gave way to slews and ponds. Strange lizardlike creatures paddled along lazily, occasionally darting below the surface with resounding splashes when disturbed by Claire''s thunderous footfalls. Fallen logs and gnarled trees protruded like skeletal fingers reaching up from the mire''s grip. Long and angry-looking moss draped from the twisted branches of the scraggly trees, softening their silhouettes into wisps of green and gray. The entire wetland hummed with the chorus of insects droning, the rustle of wind, and the cries of unseen creatures hidden amid the lush vegetation, some of which were audible even from the heights David was currently flying at as they were carried by the wind. Ugh¡­okay. I need to get this over with. Here goes nothing. David wheeled back around toward Claire¡¯s position, descending rapidly as he simply closed his wings and allowed himself to fall. Despite the mix of emotions he couldn¡¯t help but grin as he plummeted through the air, totally secure in his knowledge that he could do as he pleased in the air, even if that included falling like a rock. As the ground crept up towards him with steadily increasing speed, he extended his wings slowly and leveraged the dive into a burst of speed as he careened towards her. She looked up at him quizically, tilting her head in confusion as he continued to barrel down on her at ludicrous speeds without deviating his course even slightly. Her eyes widened when she recognized the game of chicken for what it was and hurriedly ducked low into the vegetation with a hiss of displeasure as he rocketed overhead before braking hard and laughing even harder. ¡°David, you shit!¡± Claire barked at him reproachfully, ¡°You know you¡¯d have just crumpled like a ball of tinfoil if I didn¡¯t duck, right?¡± ¡°Yeah, I do actually.¡± David laughed as he circled to land on a large log protruding from the swamp a bit ahead of her before continuing. ¡°So I want to try and find the Area Boss on the way to the Observatory. I think maybe if we use these instincts instead of just letting them do whatever we could find it.¡± David chittered out rapidly as he perked his ears forward, ¡°I kinda have a plan, but I need your sniffer. It¡¯s a lot better than mine, and I can help get us in the right direction, I think I saw a few suspicious spots already.¡± Claire stared at him blankly as she stood knee-deep in the murky water, mud-splattered bits of vegetation clinging to her sides, ¡°Did you forget what happened last time we fought one or something? There¡¯s only two of us, you idiot.¡± ¡°I realize that.¡± David scratched idly behind an ear as he cringed under her withering look, ¡°I still think we can do it though. We just need to play to our strengths.¡± ¡°Mmmmm.¡± Claire hummed in a decidedly unconvinced tone, ¡°I dunno. That Crusher almost killed Dallas, and we had a lot more people to deal with that one.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, but I think we handled it badly by trying to include everyone. I could have led all those little ones away, hit them with Gloom, then circled back and helped you fight it. Kai helped a little, but I¡¯ve been thinking about it.¡± David launched into a rehearsed speech, ¡°You did most of the damage to it, and I hit it with all my status effects. We could have done it with just us if we¡¯d been more sure of ourselves. Dallas only got hurt because he ran in when I hurt myself trying to be an action hero again¡­¡± Claire shook her head, ¡°Honestly I don¡¯t like it. I say we just keep going to the observatory, then come back and find it if you still want to. For all we know there¡¯s another Area Boss on the mountain.¡± Ah, shit. I never even considered that. I guess when we get out of the swamp it¡¯s technically another ¡®area¡¯ isn¡¯t it? Damn, why do I always rush into things like that? I need to learn to slow down, seriously. ¡°I¡­uh¡­I hadn¡¯t considered that.¡± David muttered as he picked at the dried log beneath him with his claws. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°I figured you¡¯d be chomping at the bit for more Quests by now.¡± Claire mused as she softened her gaze, ¡°You were all about getting stronger only a few days ago¡­¡± ¡°Quests weren¡¯t giving a lot of xp compared to what the Boss did.¡± David griped as he folded his ears down and sniffed at the scratches he¡¯d made in the log, taking in the scents, ¡°We¡¯re really close to another Evolution, and there¡¯s probably people like Viktor out there who already hit level fifteen because they aren¡¯t stupid and shortsighted, just cruel.¡± ¡°...fuck, that¡¯s actually a good point.¡± Claire rumbled after a moment¡¯s troubled thought, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll hear you out at least.¡± David perked up, ¡°You know how the city smelled weird? I know you could pick it up if I could. We could still smell it until we got heading in this direction, and the water started to move a little bit again. At first, I thought it was just how swamps smell with our new noses, but from the air, it¡¯s pretty obvious.¡± ¡°What¡¯s obvious?¡± Claire asked as she snapped idly at a large dragonfly with a scorpion''s tail, causing it to buzz angrily and fly away. ¡°The swamp is dying.¡± David shrugged, ¡°There¡¯s a big ring of dead plants and stuff. It¡¯s super easy to see from the air, but it¡¯d probably be hard to find from the ground. I¡¯d bet my wings that¡¯s where it¡¯s at, I can go check it out from the air if you want. I promise I won''t even land this time, only a flyover. If there¡¯s a boss there, I¡¯ll get the warning popup and come back.¡± ¡°With your luck, it¡¯ll be some sort of sniper and blast you out of the air¡­¡± Claire grumbled. ¡°We need the levels, and I¡¯m sure you wouldn¡¯t say no to another Fusion Token.¡± David put on his best puppy-dog eyes, ¡°Plus there¡¯s the bonus loot, we don¡¯t know how long that¡¯s going to last. It won¡¯t even take that long, I swe-¡± ¡°Okay, fine!¡± Claire hissed with exasperation, ¡°You obviously want to do it, so we can at least take a look. I guess I owe you one for¡­listening to me about Viktor.¡± David braced for the guilt to hit, but it didn''t surge as fiercely as he expected. The memory of Randal and the others splashing around the courtyard like joyous fools was still so fresh, and the satisfaction it had brought easily smothered any emerging self-doubts. Even his newly awoken instincts seemed to snort in derision at him, and he felt a tickle of superiority bubble in the back of his mind as if to say ¡®Of course what we did was correct¡¯. He shook his head and let out a sigh of relief, his misgivings already fading along with the memories of their celebration as he refocused. ¡°Just a quick look around. I¡¯m too worn out for anything dumb, probably for a while.¡± David unfurled his wings, ¡°I¡¯m pretty fast at a straight-shot. I¡¯ll book it there, book it back, and we can decide if we want to give it a shot based on the name of it. ¡®Buried Secrets¡¯ was the Crusher right? The System gives you little hints.¡± Claire nodded and allowed herself to sink into the swamp, settling into a crouch as she sighed in satisfaction when the cool waters rushed over her. David couldn¡¯t help but think she looked like some sort of armored nightmare crocosaurus every time she got into the water, and made a mental note to ask her if she¡¯d ever been offered any aquatic Evolutions or abilities as he flapped into the air. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back!¡± He called down to her as she surreptitiously blew some bubbles with her snout. ¡°Well hurry up! I want to see if anyone at the Observatory saw anything when this all started, you know if there¡¯s anyone there...¡± Claire grumbled as she watched him recede into the sky. David powered above the sparse treetops and continued upward, burning Stamina as he wheeled back toward Redfield and then angled himself slightly to the north as he gained more altitude. He gradually grew more comfortable with the increasing height, acclimating to the gusty winds buffeting and tugging at him while he surfed the rowdy air currents. The blight on the wetlands that slowly came into view after a short flight wasn''t exceptionally large, but it formed a glaring blemish amid the lush scenery as David fixed his gaze upon it from a few hundred feet up. A sickly gray taint marred a section of the swamp as if some noxious substance had seeped into the soil and vegetation. The once-vibrant greens and blues had been leeched away, replaced by muted grays and sallow browns. Withered reeds and cattails drooped listlessly, their desiccated husks brittle and crumbling. What should have been pools of murky yet teeming marsh water now appeared viscous and stagnant, an oily sheen glistening on the surfaces. The borders of the blighted zone were stark, the deadened flora transitioning abruptly into verdant life just paces away. It spread like a malignant stain, slowly encroaching upon the healthy wetlands until it hit a clearly a defined perimeter. Any creatures unlucky enough to nest or lair within that tainted area had surely perished - or worse, become warped by whatever had poisoned the land. The blight radiated an aura of danger and ruin, and his instincts roiled and hissed at the mere sight of it now that he was close enough to make out some of the details. Before he¡¯d even passed fully above it, the alarm blared in his mind. ¨CWARNING¨C ¨CEntering Area Boss Territory¨C ¨CQuest Available: Dead Silence¨C ¨CReward: Fusion Token¨C ¨CBonus Objective: Claim Boss Trophy¨C ¨CReward: Special Evolution Bloodline¨C David smiled to himself, happy that things were going the way he¡¯d expected. 62 - Ranged Superiority David angled his wings, homing in on the dry patch he¡¯d noted on his return trip to fetch Claire, and settled on a raised hummock right at the borderline''s edge. The vibrant greens and blues of the healthy marsh abruptly transitioned to a sickly gray blight, like all color had been leeched away. Claire trod carefully, each heavy footfall sending ripples across the small viscous pools slicked with an oily sheen, scum wobbling on their surfaces in time with the spreading waves. Withered reeds and cattail husks crunched underfoot, their desiccated stalks crackling crisply with every step Claire took while she approached to join him from the healthy section of the marsh. The whole blighted area radiated an aura of danger and decay that set David''s ears swiveling rapidly, the feral half of him hissing and spitting every few moments at the total lack of sound in the environment. The reek of rot and chemical corruption wafted on the unnaturally still air, stinging David''s nostrils while he fought the urge to sneeze. Not even the faintest breeze disturbed the dead waters, and the shallowest pools seemed to hold the highest concentrations of stench. He found himself unconsciously holding his breath, as if inhaling too deeply could toxify his lungs. Claire silently agreed with his assessment, if the way her nostrils pinched together while she took shallow distasteful breaths were any indication. She repeatedly clacked her jaws together as she leered out into the blighted area, eyes narrow, stance wary and aggressive. The stark border between life and blight stretched in both directions, a festering scar marring the otherwise lush wetlands. Past the border, anything clinging to existence looked twisted and sickened, warped by the aura of rot saturating the stagnant waters and soil. ¡°Well I just love what they''ve done with the place." David chattered quietly as he sniffed with disgust at the dead half of the divide. His snout wrinkled almost immediately as the rancid smell hit his nose. Claire hissed, ¡°Oh yeah, I simply must have the name of their decorator. David, I don''t like this, it smells bad the same way your Gloom smells bad, just¡­ different somehow.¡± "Well, at least we know I¡¯ll get a useful Bloodline out of it then, huh?¡± David muttered, his tone distracted as he carefully directed a few Echolocation into the living half of the divide. After a few seconds his ears perked up and he pounced, sailing through the air like the world''s ugliest fox before landing in a dense clump of reeds with a triumphant snarl. Claire tilted her head curiously in his direction as he yanked his head back from the dense growth to reveal one of the small lizard-like creatures that swarmed in the marsh. It wriggled and snapped at him as he held its long paddle-shaped tail loosely in his jaws, smacking at it a few times with his wings until it got the message and dangled tamely, squeaking and gurgling with outrage. David grunted approvingly and carefully walked back towards the dead half of the divide before loping forward and flinging the creature unceremoniously into the putrid waters. ¡°David!¡± Claire rasped, her tone disapproving and a bit shocked. David leaned forward to watch carefully as he quietly barked back, ¡°You willing to go in there without knowing what would happen?" Claire slammed her jaws shut and cut off her annoyed hiss with a grumpy noise that sounded like a rusty gate swinging to a halt before shaking her head. I do actually feel kinda bad for the little guy, but it had to be done. No way in hell I''m setting foot in there without knowing what would happen. I''ve seen what Gloom does to things, it''s the foundation of my entire strategy right now. No way am I letting something get me with my own trick. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. The paddle lizard had sunk beneath the grimy waters with an almost offended look, but it broke the surface quickly. A squeaky hiss broke the stillness as it rapidly splashed away from him to the other side of the pool, crawling out of the rancid water and bouncing in place furiously as it barked at him. David smirked a bit, watching it rise and fall rapidly as every high-pitch snarl seemed to physically lift it off the ground in a way that reminded him of the most aggressive Chihuahua his mother had owned when he was a child. It continued to carry on for several seconds, and just before he was about to shrug and declare the water safe to enter for short periods, Claire¡¯s snout wrinkled violently and she flung herself into a low aggressive stance, eyes wild while she glanced around frantically. ¡°Can you smell that?!" She rumbled as quietly as possible, concern clear in her voice as she obviously expected something terrible to happen at any second. At first, David couldn''t detect any unusual scents, but then his highly sensitive ears faintly picked up a wet sound at the very edge of his hearing range, the shape of the terrain funneling it just far enough to reach him. His subconscious instantly hurled the memory of Paul''s corrosive spit forward as his instincts went ballistic, shrieking for him to be ready. He crouched aggressively, ears swiveling to lock onto the distant sound''s origin. In the next instant, a gallon of slimy liquid descended like the hammer of God, slamming the paddle lizard into the dried earth from above before David could react. The vile substance splashed with sickening wetness, pinning the thrashing reptile as it began to drag itself out of the glue-like substance. Claire¡¯s eyes widened hugely, and she began to slowly edge away, backing carefully toward the living half of the marsh behind her before whirling and darting away across the scar and into the greenery. David shot a glance skyward and saw to his horror that two more blobs were already descending, though he hadn¡¯t heard them being launched. He leaped away, three huge bounding strides taking him across the divide into the dense growth outside the perimeter of blight as the shots impacted around the lizard twice more. David hurled himself into the air, flapping up onto Claire¡¯s skull as he rapidly joined her at her position beside a small slough. They put a little more distance between themselves and the tainted marsh border as Claire shuffled farther away, watching with revolted fascination as several more vile globs rained down to further saturate the area they''d just abandoned. I think it''s safe to say it knows we''re here, definitely didn''t like all the noise. I was expecting the water to be the issue, sorry little lizard dude. I totally miscalculated that, good thing it can''t really leave. Shit. David''s muscles remained tensed, his senses on high alert as he scanned the gnarled treeline for any movement, ready to take flight again at the first sign of danger. Another splatter of thick liquid exploded nearby, closer this time. Claire flinched and began to retreat again, quickly hurrying her lumbering stride, putting more ground between them and the blight''s perimeter. David clung on tightly, wings mantled as his head swiveled, straining to pinpoint the unseen assailant''s location behind them through the miasma-choked tree branches in the dead zone. A wet noise so faint it barely managed to carry over the sound of Claire¡¯s footfalls was their only warning before another arcing salvo soared overhead. This volley landing only a couple yards in front of Claire''s path, the noxious ooze splattering her forelimbs. She recoiled with a pained bellow as the liquid immediately began to soak into her hide. "Go! Get clear!" David shouted over the pained roars, beating his wings hard to gain lift as he surged into the air before he was thrown loose by the frantic motion of her head. Claire didn''t need to be told twice. She bore down and fled at maximum speed, crashing through the underbrush and water with reckless abandon, and a sudden log simply exploded into debris as she plowed through it carelessly. Glancing back, David saw more of the vile globs raining down in their wake, the unseen assailant blanketing the area with its barrage, sickly gray-brown stains beginning to spread from every impact site. Finally, they managed to put enough distance between them and the Boss Territory that the mortars stopped falling. Claire collapsed into the shallow marsh water, submerging her scorched limbs with a grunt of relief as the wetness helped neutralize the painful gel-like coating that had begun to shrivel her thick hide, scales withering and falling free of her body to reveal reddened flesh below. David landed beside her, wincing at the sore patches where a few droplets had struck his body. "That was too close. I couldn''t even figure out where it was coming from..." "Up, then down.¡± Claire snarled sarcastically. 63 - Trust but verify "Think there''s a chance it''s a lot weaker up close if it''s got to rely on such nasty ranged crap?" David grumbled, craning his neck to glare at the bald patches on his back where the mystery sludge had withered away his fur. Much to his annoyance, he''d discovered that although most injuries healed completely within an hour as his health regenerated, his fur seemed to grow back much slower. So for now, he was left looking mangy and patchy, with an unsightly bald streak down his back from the tiny droplets that had struck him. The unhealthy-looking bare patches amused Claire to no end, and she¡¯d snuffled at him for a long time before pronouncing him hideous, despite the fact the fur was beginning to grow back unevenly. ¡°You¡¯re lucky it stopped where it did, or you¡¯d look like a flying rat.¡± Claire sniffed daintily as she side-eyed him, ¡°I¡¯m not sure we could hang out if that happened.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah yeah.¡± David griped as he uncurled himself and stretched to relieve the kink in his neck the awkward position had brought on. ¡°Well, that sucked. Good thing we didn¡¯t just go stomping straight in.¡± David continued as he scratched idly at his mane with a talon, ¡°I¡¯m gonna sneak in and see just what the hell it is we¡¯re dealing with, then we can decide the best way to sneak up on it or lure it into a shitty position or something.¡± ¡°You still want to try and kill it?¡± Claire asked incredulously, tilting her head owlishly from within the thick growth of reeds she¡¯d settled down on like a cushion. ¡°...yes?¡± David replied with a confused expression of his own, ¡°Everything seems to follow roughly the same rules. If the boss is dangerous at range, there¡¯s a chance it¡¯ll die like a baby if we can get to it. The Crusher would have gone down in, like, 30 seconds if we had a couple of reliable ranged attacks to just hammer it with when it came out¡­probably.¡± ¡°So what, you expect me to kill it for you if you can get me to it without dying?¡± Claire gave him a pointed look as he squirmed uncomfortably. ¡°What about if I get you to it without dying, and also disable it so you can just smush it or something?¡± He chittered with a winning smile that nearly made her wrinkle her nonexistent lips in revulsion. ¡°Ew. I know what you were going for, but the mangy fur just made you look like you¡¯re trying to hustle me for spare change.¡± She sniffed, throwing her snout up into the air dramatically with a hint of mischief. ¡°Oh, my god. I get it, I look like a junkyard dog right now.¡± David snapped playfully in her direction before leaping back with a hiss as she returned the gesture with a resounding clack of teeth that silenced the local wildlife for a long way in every direction. ¡°I¡¯m just joking, geez.¡± Claire snickered wickedly as she leaned back into the reeds, ¡°I¡¯ll go along with it, but only because I¡¯m glad to see you acting like you again. You worried me last night, you know. I was scared I broke you by asking you to do what you did¡­¡± David opened and closed his mouth several times before shaking his head, allowing his ears to flap around a bit with the motion, ¡°Can we just stop talking about that for a while? Please?¡± ¡°Fine, but you should talk about it at some point. More than you did at the time, anyway. I¡¯ll drop it.¡± Claire snorted as she clawed the tall plants away from her face with her forelimbs, ¡°Go poke around. Be sneaky for once, didn¡¯t you say you have an entire Mutagen for that?¡± ¡°Yeah, I do actually.¡± David agreed, ¡°I¡¯m going to try listening to¡­well, I¡¯m gonna try something anyway. I think I¡¯ve got this. Those shots weren¡¯t particularly fast, even if they were pretty accurate. I¡¯ll just fly away if it starts shooting at me.¡± This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°Assuming it doesn¡¯t shotgun you or something,¡± Claire added offhandedly. David paused at the thought, his mane poofing up slightly before he forced the hair to lay back down flat and gave her a ¡®why would you say that¡¯ look that made her shift guiltily. He sprang into the air, a few strong wingbeats flattening the thick vegetation around him in a wide circle as he hauled himself up into the sky. He soared upwards easily, catching a surprisingly strong updraft he hadn¡¯t expected to find and allowing it to carry him high into the air as Claire waved her stubby little clawed arm at him as he once again angled himself towards the Boss¡¯s Territory and allowed himself to glide towards it once he¡¯d reached a comfortable height. Okay, let''s give this a shot. Wake up and find this Boss for me¡­Arise! ¡­Dammit, it was so easy with Viktor, why won''t it work now? Hrmm. What did I do differently that time? Was it, oh duh! David cleared his mind and fixated on the visceral memory of being driven from the Boss''s Territory by that relentless volley. He embraced the indignant rage stirring in his baser instincts as it induced a silent snarl of defiance. Allowing the familiar tingle to rise, he teetered on the edge of fully giving in like the night before in Redfield but restrained himself just shy of that point. He kept the mortars raining down, the reek of that gel-like spit, and the direction the shots originated from locked firmly at the forefront of his mind. David permitted his instinctual side to examine the memories in vivid detail. Almost instantly, a vaguely formed plan bubbled up for his conscious mind to consider. It was hard to process, communicated entirely in flashes of imagery and muffled inhuman emotion, the strongest of which was anger. David stomped down hard, refusing to allow it to overpower him despite his irrational urge to do so anyway. He hung nearly motionless in the air, letting the wind catch his wings as he oriented himself toward where the original attack had chased them away from the boundary of its lair. David weighed the impressions and fragmented tactics proposed by his predatory subconscious. Slowly, the hazy outlines of a strategy took more concrete shape... Staying just outside the blight''s perimeter, he would strafe the treeline, using his ability to glide almost silently through the air to his advantage to approach stealthily. All the while, David would map out the overgrown, poisoned terrain - pinpointing the lair itself and planning an approach vector. When the moment was right, he would enter from an unexpected angle, using the environment itself as cover to neutralize those damnable ranged attacks if it somehow spotted him anyway before bailing out. David''s blood burned hotter at the prospect of paying back their unseen assailant in kind, a wave of feral aggression directed at their unseen attacker simmering just below his consciousness as he metaphorically kept his head above the surface. Down boy, you¡¯ll get your chance. Let¡¯s give this a shot, consider this your chance to prove you¡¯re useful for more than just combat. A wave of glee roiled through him as David soared low along the blighted tree line, allowing his instincts to voice their opinion, this time from the back seat themselves. He asserted his own thoughts, but left the door open just a crack, allowing the subliminal whispers of his predatory subconscious to drift through and provide him with input he would have never noticed by himself. There, that hollow with the splatter. The enemy alpha was here¡­The Boss was here, I mean. Whoa, this is harder than I thought it would be. Have to focus. His gaze honed in on a gnarled hollow between two massive trunks where sickly residue coated the dried bushes and fungi in a telltale explosive pattern. David angled closer, nostrils flaring as he scented the air. Something had been crouched between the trees for an extended period of time, likely as it was bombarding both him and Claire, and it had left a visible slimy depression in the dead grass where it had sat. He frowned a bit as his instincts clamored for attention, directing him to the faintest stirring of air that passed for a breeze drifting slowly over the top of the dead waters that stretched away into the marsh ahead of him. Upwind? What¡¯s¡­oh! I can follow the smell, shit. I never would have thought of that, yeah, I can just follow the trail back. A fetid reek, part chemical, and part decaying organic matter, wafted from deeper amid the poisoned woodland. David followed it hesitantly, allowing the scent trail left by the occasional patch of sticky slime to guide him deeper into the marsh. He glided carefully over patches of sickly vegetation, avoiding any angles that brought him directly over the murky water after the first time he''d done so and nearly fumbled his balance as he''d been berated harshly for exposing himself against the sky above him. He gritted his jaws and committed that one to memory, realizing immediately what he''d done after it had been more-or-less pointed out to him. The twisted, desiccated vegetation took on an increasingly disturbed appearance the further he pressed. Shriveled trunks and branches bore unmistakable signs of repeated passage by something quite large, though obviously not so large as the Crusher had been. Unsurprisingly to David, when the trail finally vanished it led directly into a bubbling pit of murky water at almost the exact center of the blighted marsh. Well¡­good job spooky voice. That worked pretty well, time to see what we¡¯re dealing with then. David beat the air frantically, quickly climbing above the dead trees before Screeching loudly when he reached what he judged to be a safe distance into the air. His lips curled back in anticipation as the water began to stir before the echoes had faded, and a large slimy head protruded from the water, eyestalks swiveling independently as they searched hatefully for the cause of the noise. It squirmed up onto the muddy banks that surrounded the pit it had elected to claim as its lair, and David rolled his tongue out of his mouth in disgust as its nearly transparent flesh rippled in undulating waves as it slowly crawled out of the water. Now that is a big fucking slug, blech. Oh man, Claire¡¯s not gonna be happy about this. 64 - Swamp Boss_1 David had been completely correct, and Claire was not happy. He could feel her cold reptilian gaze boring into the back of his head as he perched on a log facing away from her, ears pointed purposefully forward. She hadn¡¯t responded well to the information that their opponent was a slug the size of a small van, yowling loudly in protest and threatening to clobber him with a log she¡¯d seized in her enormous jaws. The very same log he was now perched on, and he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she¡¯d have been capable of hitting him with the log based on the way she¡¯d swung it around before eventually hurling it into the air. ¡°Tell me again how we¡¯re going to get to the damn thing without dying?¡± Claire sulked from the water, her voice breaking the silence like a dropped piano. David sighed, shuffling around to face her, ¡°Pretty simple actually, I go and fly right above it, piss it off, then hit it with some Gloom.¡± ¡°Then I what, sprint straight at it and hope I get there before it melts you down into bat soup?¡± Claire snarled grumpily before splashing out of the small pond, ¡°I¡¯m not gonna bite it if I can get away with it¡­¡± ¡°You can go full Chad Norris on it probably, it¡¯s not that much bigger than Herold is. You outweigh it by a lot, I¡¯m guessing a few good kicks and an ass-club or two will probably have it on the ropes.¡± David replied, ¡°I spent a little while fucking with it before I came back. Our spitball world champion can barely turn, and when it does it takes them forever to finally come around. As long as I get it pointed in the right direction to start with, I think this should be workable.¡± Claire spent the next few minutes grumbling about flying rats and creepy crawlies as she stomped in circles through the reeds and gestured violently with her nubby little arms, snapping her jaws in frustration at every random bug that buzzed near her head. David¡¯s eyes widened a bit when she crunched down on an extremely hefty specimen of sting-tailed dragonfly, its body popping with a juicy sound that caused Claire to freeze mid-grumble, eliciting a full-body shiver of revulsion in the large reptile. ¡°Not. A. Word.¡± Claire rumbled evilly after she¡¯d finished rinsing her mouth out in the nearby pond, ¡°Let''s just get this over with, I hope the Bloodline turns you hairless and gives you slug-eyes.¡± David failed to suppress his own full-body shiver at the thought, ¡°Okay, that¡¯s just uncalled for. Here, check this out.¡± He fluttered down to the ground a few feet away from her and sketched out a quick map of the blight, trying to keep everything roughly proportionate to what he¡¯d seen from the air. When he was finished he rinsed his talon in the water and began using it to direct her attention to a few things. ¡°It¡¯s going to be in this mini-lake thing here, I¡¯m going to go around this way.¡± David gestured in a wide arc around the location, ¡°I¡¯ll go past it a decent bit into the marsh, then lure it out. It¡¯ll get mad and set up to start blasting, and I¡¯m going to blitz around to the side of it and hit it with Gloom until my wings are bald. There¡¯s nothing else in there with it as far as I can tell, damn thing¡¯s too aggressive.¡± ¡°How far is it from the mini-lake to the uh¡­¡± Claire trailed off and leaned in closer, ¡°Little twig next to the pebble by the ugly smiley face?¡± ¡°What? That¡¯s supposed to be the borderline into the territory and a couple of little ponds¡­¡± It was David¡¯s turn to sulk at the criticism of his map, ¡°I can¡¯t move my fing- talons that much, cut me some slack okay? Anyway, it¡¯s probably a bit more than a mile if you start here at this spot.¡± When you feel me start moving fast¡­well, start moving fast too.¡± ¡°Fine¡±, Claire drew the word out snottily. ¡°You¡¯re gonna owe me one after this though.¡± David nodded, ¡°Thanks¡­You don¡¯t think it¡¯ll actually turn me into a slug do you?¡± ¡°The Crusher Bloodline gave me better armor and the ¡®ass-club¡¯. So no, probably it¡¯ll let you spit, or give you turbo-hearing or something. Who knows.¡± Claire sighed, ¡°Are we gonna do this or what? It¡¯s gonna be dark in a few more hours and not everyone can see perfectly in the dark you know.¡± David nodded and hopped up onto her head to drape himself over the bony crest, and together they spent the next few minutes circling the Boss Territory from a safe distance as David directed her toward the best possible starting point he¡¯d found for her. They chatted a bit while he clarified a few things as Claire asked questions about the beast in question, and as they moved, he went over the plan once more while discussing a few of the finer details as Claire posed questions about their strategy. "You''re sure you could smell its trail from that position?" she rumbled uncertainly. "That whole area reeked something fierce to me." David bobbed his head. "Positive, the scent was way more pungent and...I don''t know, thicker I guess? Like it had been stewing in its own nastiness for a while. Trust me, even without the Pack System you¡¯d still be able to smell exactly where it is with that sniffer of yours once you get a little further in." Claire grunted acknowledgment, her tone taking on a grim edge. "And you really think making a racket and drawing it out is smart? Those spit globs were nasty." This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. "Which is exactly why we hit it hard and fast before it can use them," David countered. "I''ll come in screaming from the other side, make it think I''m the bigger threat. You charge in and smash it after the Gloom sets in, my instincts are absolutely positive about this, and they haven¡¯t failed me so far." He paused, ensuring she tracked his movements with her snout as he gestured with a wingtip. "That little rise there is the spot. I''ll hit it from every angle but the front, I¡¯m pretty sure if I get right overhead it can¡¯t do anything, it¡¯s super slow." Claire''s nostrils flared in anxiety. "Just don''t get in its face please, those globs are big enough to stick your wings together." David smirked, a feral gleam in his eye. "You let me worry about that. It¡¯s not the only walking biohazard around here right now." She rolled her eyes, and with that, they separated, Claire skulking into position near the raised hummock while David winged off to get into his starting position. Now that he knew where he was going it took only a minute or two to reach the Boss''s location as David surfed the stale air over the bubbling pit, circling low over the pit''s roiling, burbling surface, senses primed for any sign of movement within. The viscous waters gurgled and belched constantly, pocked with bubbling air pockets that formed and popped with wet splorts. He glided away towards the far side, sailing past the Boss¡¯s lair as he drifted away into the skeletal trees on the far side of the marsh, eventually snagging onto one just within sight of the rancid little lake. Okay, now for the hard part. God I hope this works, if this backfires and we both get messed up I¡¯m never listening to you again, spooky voice. Alright¡­ let''s see if I can do this on-demand. David closed his eyes briefly, sinking deeper into himself and clearing his mind as he allowed his natural prey drive to rise up and settle in just behind his eyes. Everything began to feel more surreal as all nonvital thoughts faded away, and everything became much more immediately vivid. The stench of the rotting marsh deepened, the faintest movements of the still air stood out sharply as they ruffled his mane, and the silence suddenly became so crisp his breathing suddenly seemed thunderous. A sense of satisfaction accompanied the sensations as if this was the way everything should be, without any of those pointless higher functions cluttering up a good thing, before he asserted himself a bit more strongly. Oof, that was weird. I should probably practice with this until I can get in and out of the headspace without having to take a minute to do it every time. Okay, quick readout check then we get started. ¨CHealth 190/190¨C ¨CStamina: 418/425¨C ¨Cn/a¨C Finally satisfied, David began to screech and shake the dried tree he was hanging from loudly, keeping the volume just below what would trigger his Ability to activate before purposefully plowing through some of the smaller branches. They snapped and fell to the ground as he leaped into the air and darted away from the pool the exact second that his now extra-sensitive hearing picked up the first waves from the stagnant lake. A quick glance behind him confirmed that the plan was working so far when he sighted the hateful eyestalks rising above the water. They focused in his direction as he made a beeline away from the lake at full speed, weaving through the sparse dead trees and stopping after a few minutes to land on a particularly rickety specimen that was leaning at a crazy angle. He hopped furiously, continuing to hiss and snarl as he clawed at the dried bark and generally did his best to be as annoying as was physically possible before his instincts pinged him that it was time to move when he felt Claire begin to accelerate toward him. He hurled himself into the air and began to loop back around in total silence, a wave of vindication not totally his own filling him as he picked up the faint sounds of the Boss beginning to bombard the area he had just been in only seconds ago. He sunk a little deeper into his feral state, allowing his body free rein to move and suddenly cut hard to the right, blitzing directly toward the source of the noise, nimbly spearing through the air as he pushed himself a bit to accelerate further. Within seconds the bulk of the pale slimy creature came into view, now situated in a depression a fair distance from its lair at the end of a long trail of slime while it horked another wad of gel toward where he had been previously. Every shot was preceded by a muscular ripple that traveled from the middle of it''s body and terminated at it''s blank and featureless head, which wrinkled into a tube before the slime rifled out and away into the distance. Little splatters of slime dripped down to coat the ground in disgusting fan of sticky fluid directly in front of it. David answered with a wordless, ear-splitting shriek of aggression as he dive-bombed straight for the thing, the shriek rapidly swelling until it activated Screech. The sheer volume made the Boss''s eyestalks retract violently as its corpulent body pulsed and contracted in weird spasms. He braked hard only twenty feet overhead, continuing to batter it with the point-blank sonic assault before David dropped even lower, taking full advantage of its momentary blindness to shake out as much dusk powder as possible with his wingbeats. Clouds of off-color silvery dust billowed down, enveloping the flailing horror and sticking easily to its slightly slimy hide. Leaning hard left, David curved into a tight circle, the Boss disappearing behind him in a choking cloud of Gloom. He cut off the Screech and angled around for another strafing run, the vibrations still reverberating through his skull as he prepared to hit it again from a new angle. ¨CSquamous Corruptor is immune to |Deafened| |Sleep|¨C ¨CSquamous Corruptor is afflicted by |Gloom| |Paralysis|¨C C¡¯mon Claire! David¡¯s blood froze in his veins as the eyestalks suddenly emerged with twin pops, and his subconscious started howling for him to dodge. He desperately tried to correct his angle of approach when the creature began to rapidly blast a chain of attacks straight up into the air without bothering to aim a single one, and he swore he detected a hint of smugness from the hideous thing as the shots began to fall all around him. 65 - Swamp Boss_2 A foul scent filled the air and made the smells of death and decay all around them seem tame by comparison, only growing stronger as the Corruptor spewed out the final shot and wobbled slightly. David wrinkled his snout angrily as he abandoned his assault momentarily, blasting out nothing but a regular breath of frustration before hammering a few Echolocations out almost at random, and the complex imagery he got back a split second later didn¡¯t look good. He metaphorically let go of the wheel before his instincts slammed themselves into the driver''s seat and floored it, both wings working almost independently as he accelerated. Rather than try to outrun the attack or dodge every single shot, he rocketed upwards, firing Echolocations the entire way. ¨CEcholocation has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C David¡¯s eyes were unfocused as he allowed the images from the mental map to overlap with his actual vision, providing a much clearer picture of the falling wads of foul ichor. Within only a few heartbeats he saw the opening and tore through the gap between two of the falling mortars, hissing with pain as a mist of droplets flecked his wings and began to burn. He felt his muscles screaming in protest and knew his Stamina was dropping as he bolted into the sky but ignored it, racing the final shot upwards before gravity won out. He flapped mightily and tucked his wings in, rifling past the shot as he did so before snapping his wings out and catching the wind as he hovered high in the air. Holy shit! You think you¡¯re so clever, huh? God that smells so bad. Let¡¯s see you do that again when the Gloom stacks up, you bastard! Movement at the edge of the foul lake caught his attention as Claire slammed through a stand of skeletal trees, brittle wood exploding into matchsticks against her heavily armored body. From his vantage, David saw her snout swivel toward where he was framed against the sky, then snap back toward the dip in the ground past the lake as she thundered forward. With a grin, he tucked his wings and began to fall, and David noted that Claire adjusted her charge slightly to align her path toward where he was diving. ¨CYou have taken 11 Acid Damage¨C He ignored the burning sensation spreading across his body from where the mist of droplets had struck him as he dodged the Boss¡¯s attack and locked his gaze firmly onto the Corruptor as he descended on it. It had begun to twitch violently, and the thick coating of Gloom on its body was visible even from the sky, muscle spasms rippling outward from the densest concentrations. Its eyestalks seemed to lose their coordination, one still angled to track his approach, but the other bent in half and pointed at the ground ahead of it. The feral half of David floated a brilliant idea, and David concurred wholeheartedly with the plan as he suddenly rolled forward in the air, curling into a ball until his back was facing the ground as he tucked in his wings. He twisted, snapping his left wing out and flapping hard, gritting his teeth against the strain as he flipped himself over, now facing completely away from the creature. ¨CFlight has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C Wind surged in David¡¯s ears as he tore through the air, forcing himself into a tight arc as he adjusted his heading and came tearing in from a new angle, the length of the Corruptor¡¯s body looming ahead of him as he traded altitude for speed. The vague sense of smugness he felt from the enormous slug evaporated as it struggled to force its now uncooperative body to turn as he barreled at the side of its head, unable to bring its mouth around to fire off any shots to intercept his attack run. Huge leathery wings snapped out, killing some of his momentum in preparation for his stunt as he coiled his body and threw his feet forward, leaning back in the air as he sailed over the top of the Boss''s head and the talons on his wings scythed out, cleaving through the first eyestalk cleanly. A split second later he activated Nocturnal Strike, using the recoil of the first attack as it yanked him upright to swipe at the second eye with the opposite wing, failing to sever it completely but leaving it a crumpled ruin as the trail of Gloom blasted loose from the impact fell to soak into the wounds. ¨CYou have taken 8 Acid Damage¨C ¨CSquamous Corruptor is afflicted by |Blind|¨C ¨CBonus: Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 9xp¨C Then he was gone, firing a quick Screech downward into the top of the beast''s head before rifling off into the air again, surging upwards with tremendous effort before unclenching his muscles and forcing himself to relax slightly as he sailed over the blighted marsh and began to come around for another run. ¨CHealth: 174/190¨C ¨CStamina 261/425¨C ¨CCorrosive Blight¨C The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Can¡¯t believe that worked, felt like my talons were about to be ripped off, I¡¯m lucky I was moving so fast or I¡¯d have caught the splatter from that. I¡¯ll never badmouth you again, Spooky. David¡¯s turn brought the Boss back into view just as Claire crested the top of the small hill above it like a freight train, somehow managing to eke out some extra acceleration as she hit the slope. Her jaws nearly unhinged as a bone-shaking roar rattled the swamp around them and she barreled into the slightly smaller creature like a wrecking ball moments later, swinging her armored skull into its side like a battering ram as she attempted to flip it over. David watched the shockwave of the impact visibly ripple through the almost gelatinous creature while it spun from the force of the blow, the sticky slime beneath it preventing it from tumbling over as it was instead almost bent in half. It lunged at her, face splitting open, and for a moment David thought she¡¯d hit it so hard it¡¯s body had ruptured. A circular fleshy wad poured from its head, thousands of teeth glinting malevolently in the light before it suckered onto the armor covering her back like the world''s nastiest sticky hand, and a heartbeat later Claire¡¯s reptilian eyes widened, an agonized bellow tearing out of her jaws. David snarled as he accelerated hard, closing the distance as Claire went berserk, whipping her tail hard into the Corruptor¡¯s side with a sound unlike anything he¡¯d ever heard before. As soon as he thought he was in range David began to sing, the cadence strange and staccato, weaving together with his wingbeats as he landed heavily on her armored back. ¨CHealth: 174/190¨C ¨CStamina 211/425¨C ¨CCorrosive Blight, Moonlit Regeneration¨C Claire seized the Corruptor by the back, her jaws slamming together like a trap as she pistoned her clawed foot into its side, a a torrent of foul liquid pouring out of the wound before she retracted the limb and slammed it to the ground. David felt her body contract under the armor as she stomped, the ripple of muscle traveling upwards into her tail as it whipped around to deliver another crushing blow into the beast''s side. David clung on for dear life, lips wrinkled back ferociously over his fangs, ears pinned tightly to his head as he wormed his way forward to where the Boss had suckered onto her back. Oh, that¡¯s just fucking nasty. ¨CYou have taken 6 Acid Damage¨C The beast''s jaws¡¯ were stuck firmly to the armor of her back, bright red blood oozing from around the seal of its mouth as it bored into her, a hellish grinding sound barely audible to David over the roars and snarls from Claire. His eyes widened as he saw the Corruptor rally, its body began to contract similarly to when it was going to fire a shot off, and he realized it was going to try to inject her with its acid. A massive surge of adrenaline hit him, and he lunged forward, digging into the creature¡¯s flesh, swinging nimbly below its jaws to cling to its throat before beginning to rip and tear frantically at the sturdy tube of flesh. The fight devolved into complete savagery for the next few seconds, all three of them simply tearing at each other with abandon as David shredded a hole into the surprisingly sturdy muscle that he clung to, widening it as quickly as he could. He sliced, bit, tore, and ripped in a storm of claws and teeth before a hideous gurgle sounded from within the creature''s body and the awful scent that precedent the acid gave him precious little warning as he simply hurled himself away. ¨CYou have taken 26 Acid Damage¨C A torrent of pressurized mucus blasted downward, catching David full on the lower back as he failed to move in time, and he shrieked in pain as the liquid began to eat into him. He felt his skin sizzle and pop, skin stretching taut before cracking as he impacted the ground and rolled, trying to scrape as much of the liquid off as he could. David¡¯s world devolved into hideous pain and oddly muted noises of battle for several seconds before he managed to remove a large amount of the gel-like liquid and blearily refocused on the fight. Claire had surged backward several feet as the shot had self-destructed and coated her right leg before the weakened mouth-parts tore free, unable to resist the momentum of her sheer bulk. Slime poured out of the front of the creature as it thrashed in agony, large spurts of liquid pouring out rhythmically as it attempted to blast them but had sustained far too much damage to focus the spittle. Claire roared again, half pain and half fury, before lurching to the side and delivering a hammer blow to its head with her tail, following up the attack by rearing up and delivering a titanic bite to the top of the Corruptor¡¯s head as it sagged from the impact. The muscles in her neck bunched, and she widened her stance as her tail flung out into the air behind her, going stiff as she bore down and shook hard. ¨CYou have taken 20 Acid Damage¨C David surged to his feet as she released her prey and took a few trembling steps backward before her wounded leg folded beneath her, and she angled her damaged armor toward the beast by rotating her shoulder, hissing furiously as ichor dripped thickly from her jaws. He bounced onto her back and flung himself over her head, inhaling hugely before a massive Screech tore out of him and hammered into the reeling creature, driving it back as its body went limp and collapsed wetly to the ground. He flapped hard to kill his momentum, waves of burning pain accompanying every motion as he fell, snout bouncing painfully off the ground as he whiplashed hard as he touched down. ¨CArea Boss Slain!¨C ¨CQuest: Dead Silence complete!¨C ¨CReceived: Fusion Token¨C ¨CBonus Objective Complete¨C ¨CReceived: Corruptor Bloodline¨C ¨CSysAutogen_BossLoot¨C ¨CReceived: Corrosive Mutagen C¨C ¨CGained 1,000xp¨C ¨CYou have taken 14 Acid Damage¨C ¡°See, told you it¡¯d be easy.¡± David barely managed to gasp out before his vision tunneled and he slumped to the ground. 66 - Rub some dirt on it David floated in warm darkness, the shadows around him oddly broken and uneven, bands of light spaced about randomly. His head was fuzzy and he wasn¡¯t exactly sure what was happening, but he was mostly comfortable and didn''t have the energy to spare to think about it, so he simply accepted the fact amicably. A few scents drifted to him as if from far away, but he didn¡¯t care very much except to vaguely note that most of them were awful, and he was glad he couldn¡¯t smell them very well. A small part of David seemed insistent on the fact that he was moving, but he metaphorically rolled over onto it and smothered it into silence as he sighed in contentment. His back itched and he wished he could scratch it, but he knew he couldn¡¯t reach it anyway, so this too was simply accepted as a matter of fact He persisted in this state for either an eternity or 20 minutes, and there wasn¡¯t any way to tell the difference, so it didn''t really matter. Then suddenly he was drowning, spluttering up mouthfuls of cool water, wrinkling his aching face as the liquid poured into his nose and filled his ears before the world snapped back into focus. His eyes flew open to discover there were sharp, snaggly teeth everywhere, jaws enfolding him gently as he was swished through the water like a dirty rag while he bounced off either side of Claire¡¯s mouth in time with the motion of her head. David thrashed against the lack of air and was yanked upwards, pinned against a rough tongue easily as long as his entire body before being dumped onto the muddy banks of the wetland along with several gallons of water. ¡°David. Moonsong. Please.¡± Claire¡¯s voice was strained as she limped painfully past him to settle carefully into the water herself, ¡°Now. Please.¡± David opened his mouth to deliver a cutting jab about being waterboarded when he noticed the mangled state of her leg and immediately belted out the requested ability instead. He felt his Stamina drop and allowed his head to simply sink into the cooling mud as he continued his song, the notes washing out of him and skipping along the water in a calming melody. Claire sighed with relief and allowed her own enormous head to sink forward onto the bank nearby, smashing the reeds flat beneath her with a loud rustling sound as she focused on her breathing when the melody faded away. Neither of them moved for a long time as the various insects that inhabited the swamp slowly began to emerge from their hiding spots and buzzed around the pair curiously. Claire slowly cracked an eye open to regard him before snorting loudly and closing her eyes again, the snort morphing slowly into a pained chuckle that quickly devolved into a giggling fit. David glared back at her as he slowly pulled himself out of the mud and straightened up, his entire body feeling tight and tingly as his Health regenerated and repaired the damage. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± David hacked after a moment, ¡°We got it, didn¡¯t we? I said we could do it with two of us!¡± Claire giggled harder before she let out a pained groan, ¡°I was wrong, is why. You don¡¯t look like a rat, you look like one of those bald-ass chihuahuas, just uglier. Hehehehe, ow.¡± David faltered for a moment, jaws opening and closing in confusion before he licked his chops nervously and peered into the water. He was almost totally bald, the withering effects of the Corruptor¡¯s slime having spread across his body from his lower back and leaving him¡­ odd-looking, to say the least. The fur on his head and face had begun to grow back in patchy clumps, giving him the appearance of wearing an extremely poorly maintained thin toupe, and he almost looked like he had an ugly mustache where a poof of fur had been spared at the end of his snout. ¡°Oh for fucks¡­¡± David sighed, ¡°Do I even want to look at the rest of me?¡± Claire continued her giggling shamelessly, ¡°Probably not, it¡¯s hilarious. You eeidiot! Hah! Hehehe!¡± ¡°Hrmpf¡­¡± David grumbled as he flopped back onto his butt and stared at the sky grumpily for a moment. ¡°We did it though!¡± David continued after a moment, ¡°Decent chunk of xp, another token, and I got a Mutagen¡­Oh! I got the Bloodline too, ¡®Corruptor¡¯ it says.¡± Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. ¡°Oh, Joy!¡± Claire guffawed loudly and shoved her snout into the reeds like she was burying her face into a pillow, ¡°You¡¯re going to need a backward hazmat suit here pretty soon, maybe one of those cylinder things they stick aliens in¡­Eeidiot! Bahaha!¡± David studiously ignored her and pulled up the notification for the new Mutagen he''d received before making any hasty decisions with his new Token or using the Bloodline, and he didn¡¯t particularly feel like asking Claire how to use it at the moment. Reading quickly, he nodded and pulled up his Status. ¨CCorrosive Mutagen C: Your bodily fluids become acidic, weakening enemy defenses, and dissolving unprotected flesh.¨C
User: David Fisher Species: Twilight Seeker ¦¸ Rank: E Health: 190/190 Stam: 425/425 (++) Level: 11 Exp:1172/1750 Special: Echolocation D
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal E: +12% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. [3/10] Echolocation D: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise, and may trigger an Echo. [7/10] Flight D: Allows for flight and gliding. Mild Stamina drain. (stam+) [4/10] Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 115lbs. (stam+) [n/a]
Abilities: 4/4 Screech E: You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies in a cone. Low Stam consumption. [5/10] Moonsong F: A soothing melody that adds a greatly increased Regeneration rate to yourself and your allies for a short time. Moderate Stam consumption. [5/10] Gloom C: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 8 times. [7/10] Nocturnal Strike C (4pts): A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. [6/10]
Mutagens: 5/5 Dread Mutagen C: Your form inspires dread, which may cause enemies to reconsider aggressing you. Enemies that meet your eyes may find themselves unable to look away, eventually causing them to be afflicted by Fear. Atavistic Mutagen D: Form becomes primal, strengthening your body. Soporalytic Mutagen E: Your attacks have a moderate chance to inflict paralytic sedation, inducing muscle spasms and rendering targets unconscious. Secretive Mutagen E: You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect. Apical Mutagen C: Assert your dominance, add bonus effects to Abilities dictated by Ability Type. [Control: Drain a small percentage of Enemy Health and Stamina] [Offense: Sunders a percentage of Enemy Defenses] ¨C
Hrmm¡­looks like I''m full on Mutagens, but I still got basically two from the boss Quest? I don''t even know how that works...do they go to the same place the Skill Tokens and Bloodline went? Ugh...fiiiiiiine, I guess I''ll ask her. ¡°Hey Claire, does that Bloodline take up a slot somewhere?¡± David asked grudgingly as he turned to look in her direction. ¡°Eh? Let me check¡­.¡± She trailed off for a moment, ¡°Yeah, it takes up a Mutagen slot. Says Bloodline: Crusher and then a bunch of stuff though.¡± Well, I guess I¡¯ve gotten do some Fusing then, let¡¯s see here¡­ 67 - Bloodlines and night terrors The panel floated unmoving in the air as David carefully went over his options, unwilling to waste the Token he''d be reduced to the butt of a joke for. Despite the small number of options, there was a surprising amount of potential combinations, just like every other time he''d used a Fusion Token. Secretive hasn''t been getting much attention lately, but it works fine by itself. It''s what helped Spooky notice all those gaps in the building in Redfield. Dread is amazing thus far, that Eye of Dread is super good, and free too. Hmm, I don''t think adding Soporalytic to anything would be a direction I want to go in for the moment, if it''s not broken don''t fix it right? Damn, I¡¯m itchy. ¡°Want another Moonsong, Claire?" David chattered as he hopped a bit closer to the water. ¡°Yes, please." Claire groaned, ¡°A fat lot of good that extra armor did, that thing just chewed straight through it. It actually burned a little bit too, I think it was the spit." David nodded and belted out a rapid melody that made the insects skip along the surface of the water and dart about in time with the notes, and he grinned a bit until he saw his reflection in the water. The grin turned into a frown as he realized he really did look like he was going to hustle someone for spare change, or maybe start ranting about the end times at a crowded intersection. Claire sighed contentedly as the notes faded away and David rolled his freakishly long tongue around outside his mouth distastefully. ¡°Blech. Wow, my mouth is dry, I really miss that fruit tree, y¡¯know?" David sighed as the mud squished under his feet and wings when he leaned over to lap at the cool water. Tiny bugs with shrimp-like tails darted away from him like a school of minnows before returning only a few moments later curiously. They hovered only a foot or two away from his snout, tiny black eyes fixed in a permanent stare as they slowly trickled closer a few inches at a time. He paused his drinking for a moment to stare back at them, and within seconds they had congregated in the shadow cast by his head as drops of water fell from the end of his snout back into the pond. They were almost cute, if it weren''t for the way they savagely attacked each other seemingly at random, and David wondered why they bothered grouping at all. Gotta wonder how everything is gonna look in a hundred years, can these little turds evolve too? Is there some poor fucker down there somewhere in the pond, fighting worms and weird plants? That''d be worse than what we''re dealing with I think¡­okay, quit stalling. The tiny creatures darted away into the reeds near Claire as David turned and fluttered back onto higher ground, clamoring onto a mossy rock in lieu of any good logs to perch on. He shot a glance at where Claire was still mostly submerged in the water, only her armored back and head protruding above the water. The hole in her armor had mostly scabbed over, and David swore he could still hear the gurgling sound the Corruptor had made right before trying to inject her with acid. Spooky snarled hideously in the back of his mind at the memory, and David couldn''t help but agree with the sentiment as he called up his Status again. Atavistic¡­I forgot about that one almost. Last time I didn''t want to do it because it''d affect my whole body, but¡­I think that''s about what I need at this point. You know, I bet that''d go well with Dread this time, they both say ¡®your body'' basically...maybe it strengthens the effects of both? The Bloodline is for sure going to affect a lot of me if it works like it did with Claire, so I could potentially get a lot more powerful in a couple of minutes tops. Fuck it, everything is getting Fused eventually right? A ripple of anticipation rolled through him as he eyed the two Mutagens critically before taking a deep breath bracing himself. Claire cracked an eye open at the sound, perking up and lifting her head free of the reeds to stretch, curling her neck back and pointing her snout into the air before snorting loudly. ¡°You gonna use the Bloodline already?" She rumbled as David bounced in place anxiously. "Nope, I''m full on Mutagens. Gotta Fuse something first. Thought about it a bit, and the best bet is something that''s probably gonna hit almost all of me.¡± David chattered between bounces, "No idea what''s gonna happen. Probably going to be unpleasant, and I''m slightly worried I might mildly explode again or something.¡± "...well, good luck with that. The Bloodline thing was super weird, but it didn''t hurt, if that makes you feel better.¡± Claire hissed sympathetically as she examined her leg beneath the water. She poked at it with her snout several times before nodding happily and gingerly putting some weight on it. Here goes nothing. I want to Fuse the Dread and Atavistic Mutagens. ¨CConfirm Fusion of: Dread Mutagen C & Atavistic Mutagen D?¨C ¨CFusion will result in: C Mutagen¨C ¡­¡­Yes. ¨CFusing¨C ¨CReceived: Ancestral Terror Mutagen: Your body deepens its primal bond, fortifying your strength and weakening the resolve of enemies that can perceive you. Your gaze may trap enemies in instinctive Terror.¨C Oh, ¡®Terror¡¯. Lovely. Just when I thought it couldn''t get any wor¨C Where''s the bubbles? I was expecting, like, a buttload of, whaddafu¨C. David''s talons speared into the soft ground beneath him as his lips wrinkled up over his fangs and his ears shot out to the sides. Instead of the bubbling sensation slowly seeping into his system like it always did, it felt as though he''d been blasted with a carbonated firehose, the sudden intensity of it knocking the breath out of him. He wasn''t sure if he went blind, or if he''d slammed his eyes shut as he tore at the ground beneath him while his body was wracked with a numbness that bordered on torturous. David almost missed Claire''s alarmed roar in response to whatever was happening to him, and the nearly instantaneous regret of his decision was mingled with Spooky¡¯s ecstatic delight. A few minutes after David had begun to wonder if he''d somehow managed to kill himself, the sensation evaporated and he sagged into the grass. He was surprised to discover that Claire was physically standing over him with a look of concern as he finally cracked his eyes open to find himself in her shadow. Claire snorted in alarm and took a single step back as he made eye contact. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. ¡°That bad?" David groaned as he began to pull himself to his feet. He paused slightly, noting that the deep dusky grey of his wings had darkened to a now solid black, the silvery crescent moon patterns standing out brilliantly in contrast. ¡°Dude." Claire began haltingly, ¡°I think you might be cursed or something. What the hell is even that?" ¡°What is what¡­oh. ¡®Ancestral Terror'' apparently." David chittered unhappily, ¡°That one sucked." ¡°Remember when I said you looked like¡­uh¡­¡± Claire seemed at a loss for words, "Like something cultists sacrificed people to appease?¡± ¡°Ugh - Yes. You also called me snarly looking." David agreed as he leered at himself, noting that his fur had grown back completely, and his coloration had entirely shifted to shades of black. His wings were slightly darker than his body, but not by much, and even his mane, talons, and claws had darkened to pitch black. ¡°Now you look like something that exclusively eats cultists for daring to disturb your slumber," Claire muttered ominously, clacking her jaws loudly as she shifted from foot to foot. ¡°I think those tabletop games rotted your brain, it can''t be that bad." David snorted as he hopped down to the water to peer at his reflection. His eyes had barely focused before he hissed loudly in surprise, jerking back from his image. His fur had darkened to an immaculate black, but he''d already guessed that would be a sweeping change. What he was not prepared for was the range of changes that had accompanied the shift in color, first but not least being the changes to the eyes that now glared back at him. They were solid black, the same shade as the color of his fur, and seemed to catch the light to produce a sinister dark red eyeshine even in broad daylight, though the effect was minimal. His fangs had shrunk slightly, but seemed sharper and more vicious somehow, drawing the eye naturally after he''d made eye contact with himself. His mane bristled in response to his reflection, and the fur no longer rose uniformly, with the hair on his back, chest, and lower portions of his neck extending farther than that near his face. He thought it gave his face a slightly serpentine, wolfish, or vaguely catlike appearance. David wasn''t exactly sure, but he knew it seemed to mimic a few of the more unsettling features found in the predatory side of the animal kingdom all at once, and did a very good job of it. Damn, scared myself there. Check those peepers, holy shit. Isn''t eyeshine supposed to be impossible during the day? This is way beyond ¡®snarly¡¯. I look like someone welded everything they were afraid would chase them up the stairs in the dark onto a bat. ¡°Your eyes are weird now." Claire blurted, ¡°Like, my heart skipped a beat when you looked at me the first time. I think I''ll get used to it, but damn David." Spooky was throwing a raucous party in the back of his mind as David turned to look at her, and thankfully she didn''t cringe or shrink away. She did, however, blink quite a lot and seemed to be avoiding looking him directly in the eyes. David sighed and shook his head before just shrugging and loping away from the water, pleasantly surprised to find that he felt both somehow lighter and more solid than before the Fusion. ¡°Might as well just get this over with all at once, huh?" David growled. He stopped instantly, blinking in time with Claire at the new noise he''d made before growling again, changing the pitch and timbre slightly as he played with the noise for a moment before coughing. ¡°Weird, you sound bigger than you actually are when you do that." Claire hissed as she settled down onto her haunches and studied him closely, "I''m gonna guess by ¡®get it over with¡¯ you mean the Bloodline?¡± "Yeah, you use it the same way as a Token? Just focus on using it?¡± David nodded as he heroically resisted the urge to growl again for no reason other than to play with a new toy. "Yeah. It''s uh¡­slightly weird though. You''ll see. It won''t let you back out, so hold onto your butt." Claire rumbled uncertainly, ¡°I''ll keep an eye out I guess, you were kinda going bonkers there for a second when that new Mutagen was kicking in. Everything got quiet in a weird way.¡± David perked his ears up and noticed that everything was indeed a bit too quiet, but his instincts returned nothing but elation at their new appearance and certainty all would be well. He rolled his eyes a bit at the flippant response from Spooky but focused intently as Claire watched on with interest. I want to¡­uh¡­use Corruptor Bloodline? ¨CConfirm absorption of Bloodline: Corruptor¨C ¨CBloodlines will occupy 1 Mutagen slot¨C Yeah, yeah. ¨CBloodline: Corruptor integration beginning¨C ¨CEstimated time until total absorption: 2:59¨C David blinked curiously at the timer as it began to count down before the scene around him greyed out, and he was struck by a wave of nausea that passed quickly as everything smeared together and resolved into a completely different image. He found he was incapable of any movement, barely even feeling his breathing as he was reduced to a simple observer of the events transpiring in front of him. The sunset wetlands and Claire were both gone, replaced by a shadowy old-growth forest at dusk, the tiny patches of sky visible through the branches above a deep purple. A creature he''d never seen the like of was wandering along a game trail a few dozen yards away, ambling along on four sturdy legs and chewing its cud stupidly. David briefly panicked before time slowed to a crawl, and a huge shadow descended on the creature from above. Its form was nothing but a silhouette in the fading light, but two gleaming fangs sunk visibly into the wandering beast''s neck, its body shifting into transparency as its flesh was pierced. He watched the scene unfold impossibly slowly as the venom was injected expertly into a large vein in the neck, the liquid glowing a sinister red in his eyes. He observed with interest as the glowing red light spread throughout the creature''s body, its heart beginning to pump rapidly, and the venom quickly reached the organ before it began to stutter and fail. What the fuck is going on? As the beast fell to the ground twitching only a half dozen feet from where it had been attacked, the scene was gone, morphing into the darkness to be replaced by another. A vast sea of dunes stretched away in every direction, and the night was pitch-black and starless as a large lizard galloped heedlessly across the sand, cresting the dune opposite to David¡¯s position as it hurled itself down the slope in terror. Its mouth gaped open as it sucked in rapid breaths of air before whirling and darting to the right along the dune, using the ridge to break the line of sight of whatever was pursuing it. Its ploy counted for nothing, however, as a tiny silhouette descended from the sky almost unnoticed as time once again slowed to a crawl, zipping past the creature''s head before it spat a dart of similarly glowing red liquid that intercepted the creature''s open mouth like an arrow into a bullseye. Within seconds the lizard had begun to roll down the dune, blood and foam pouring out of its mouth and eyes as the scene shifted again. David slowly began to realize as the scene shifted again and again, that every creature he watched die, every darkened silhouette in the night, every hunt and ambush all had one thing in common. Not a single one of them was a fight to the death, and not a single scene depicted anything other than a masterstroke of chemical weaponry. Not a single drop of venom, not a single waft of pollen or dust, not a single bite or jab out of place. Every attack landing in exactly the optimal place to spread its toxin, poison, venom, or contagion, and David finally began to understand. The silhouette was never fully in view, always slightly different, sometimes larger or smaller, but always precise and silent. Always striking from above, from behind, out of blind spots or concealment, and when David finally understood after a thousand deaths, it came into focus. Perched hungrily atop a corpse that shook with the last faint tremors of life it snapped its head around to stare him directly in the eyes. And David looked back at himself and grinned. The vision shattered like glass, and an explosion of rainbow light devoured everything. 68 - Critical Error A wild kaleidoscope of multicolored light whirled through David''s mind for long moments before it finally began to recede and the wetlands came back into focus. Claire still sat a few yards away from him, alert and pointedly staring at him with her jaws slightly apart, and the nictitating membrane firmly over her eyes. It retracted as she stood before stomping a bit closer to sniff at him, and David felt his fur ruffle with the force of her inhalations as she snorted and shook her head. ¨CReceived: Corruptor Bloodline A: Ancestral memory of venomous shadow-stalkers that move with preternatural swiftness, unseen. Afflictions you inflict fester and intensify. Provides intrinsic affliction delivery mechanisms.¨C ¡°Sooo, how was it?" Claire rasped as David blinked rapidly in the sudden light, ¡°I would have warned you but I thought it might interfere with the process¡­ and that you wouldn''t believe me.¡± David¡¯s head snapped onto her almost mechanically, and he found himself at a loss for words as a storm of information flooded his mind at the sight of her. He finally noticed the way she could purposely close her own nostrils, making her snout a poor target. The nictitating membrane similarly made her eyes a poor target, and the armored nature of her body left him with few suitable options other than¨C Breathe, David. She''s your friend, get a grip on yourself. We don''t hurt friends, and she''s never going to be a threat, or prey. I just need to¡­ David tilted his head, the motion unsettling even to him before he suddenly darted sideways, flinging himself clear as Claire froze in surprise. His large, leathery wings shivered, and the silvery patterns shimmered slightly as they caught the light while they shed dusk powder. The Gloom gathered in the folds between his elongated fingers, and with a powerful beat of his enormous wings, he thrust them forward. The gust blasted the Gloom ahead in a choking cloud that wafted into air for quite a distance before being snatched by the wind and carried away into the swamp grass downwind of them. As the wing-beat propelled the Gloom forward, it flung David backward, and he landed deftly on clawed feet before darting back to his original position in front of Claire. The entire maneuver had taken scant few seconds, and it was such a simple way to utilize Gloom that David felt a bit stupid for never considering it. ¡°I would make a joke, but I just absolutely had to smash something after I came out of it." Claire rumbled carefully as she remained still, ¡°Thanks for aiming it away?" ¡°Yeah¡­sorry, that was a bit overwhelming for a second." David hissed as he shook himself roughly. His talons dug into the fertile earth below him as the shake took on a mind of its own, his lips flapping around in time with his ears before he finally stopped. ¡°Your wings are different." Claire observed curiously, ¡°A lot of the whatever-it-is sunk into your wings but uh¡­a lot of it sucked back down your throat. How you feelin¡¯?¡± David swiveled his ears to face her, ¡°Down my throat?" ¡°Yeah, you puked a bunch of it like normal but then about half of it just kinda¡­crawled back in. Was really gross, I was worried you''d drown in it for a second." Claire clacked her jaws anxiously, ¡°You still didn''t answer the question." ¡°I''m fine, just got a flash-education on all sorts of status effects in¡­¡± David paused to consider, "Three minutes, I guess. Did you basically have a hallucination too?¡± "Yeah, I did.¡± She agreed before slowly settling back down and folding her legs beneath her, "Front row seats to a couple hundred knock-down, drag out fights.¡± David stretched out his wings carefully as he examined them, "Ambushes for me, bunch of poor critters getting nailed before they had a chance to do anything most of the time.¡± To his surprise his wings were changed more than he''d originally anticipated. His thin fingers were now much sturdier, his wingspan had tapered in width but increased in length, and in addition to the talons on the ¡®top¡¯ of his hand he''d grown more. Studying closely he observed that at the end of each wing-tip was a viciously pointed talon, and he experimentally gave the ground a hard poke with the end of his right wing. Despite the awkward angle of the strike, the increased strength and flexibility of his new wings made it trivial, and the increased wingspan gave him a deceptively long reach. He nodded happily and worked each finger individually in a facsimile of a wave, causing Claire to shudder and David to roll his eyes in response. ¡°Oh like you weren''t purposely walking straight through little trees just to see if you could feel it anymore right after you used your Bloodline." David growled at her good naturedly. ¡°I guess¡­¡± Claire grumbled as she scratched idly at her neck with a powerful leg. Every few seconds one of the sturdy claws on her feet caught her armor plating with a hideous scraping sound that set David''s teeth on edge. ¡°Well, the new wings are nice. Look at the bottom edge." David chattered as he held a wing out for inspection, "It''s all raggedy looking, but I don''t make any noise when I flap them anymore. Check it out." After giving her a moment to inspect the tattered looking bottoms of his wings he did just that, flapping a few times without the usual snap that accompanied the movement. Claire snorted, acting suitably impressed despite the fact David could tell she didn''t understand why it was important. He shrugged, the motion now much more fluid looking as he furled his wings and grinned. Stolen story; please report. ¡°You should try spitting, the boss could spit." Claire rumbled as she cocked her head in birdlike curiosity, ¡°Maybe that''s what all the rainbow goop did." ¡°Pfft, I can''t even blow a raspberry remember? Last time I tried, all that happened was I shot my tongue out like a chameleon." David laughed as he extended his freakishly long tongue to demonstrate. He then sucked it back in comically loudly before flexing his neck and firing a dart of saliva into the ground forcefully enough to send up a puff of dirt up around it. Their laughter died instantly as they both stared at the divot in the soil blankly, a thin string of drool dangling from the end of David''s snout and wobbling in the air. Claire looked between David and the slimy wad of spit that slowly soaked into the bottom of the hole several times with mild disgust. ¡°Dude." She rumbled, ¡°That was supposed to be a joke." David quickly called up his Status and began to read in confusion.
User: David Fisher Species: Twilight Corruptor ¦¸ Rank: E Health: 190/190 Stamina: 425/425 (++) Level: 11 Exp: 1172/1750 Special: Echolocation D
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal E: +12% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. [3/10] Echolocation D: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise, and may trigger an Echo. [7/10] Flight D: Allows for flight and gliding. Mild Stamina drain. (stam+) [4/10] Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 115lbs. (stam+) [n/a]
Abilities: 4/4 Screech E: You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies in a cone. Low Stam consumption. [5/10] Moonsong F: A soothing melody that adds a greatly increased Regeneration rate to yourself and your allies for a short time. Moderate Stam consumption. [5/10] Gloom C: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 8 times. [7/10] Nocturnal Strike C: A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. [6/10]
Mutagens: 5/5 Ancestral Terror Mutagen C: Your body deepens its primal bond, fortifying your strength and weakening the resolve of enemies that can perceive you. Your gaze may trap enemies in instinctive Terror. Soporalytic Mutagen E: Your attacks have a moderate chance to inflict paralytic sedation, inducing muscle spasms and rendering targets unconscious. Secretive Mutagen E: You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect. Apical Mutagen C: Assert your dominance, add bonus effects to Abilities dictated by Ability Type. [Control: Drain a small percentage of Enemy Health and Stamina] [Offense: Sunders a percentage of Enemy Defenses] Corruptor Bloodline A: Ancestral memory of venomous shadow-stalkers that move with preternatural swiftness, unseen. Afflictions you inflict fester and intensify. Provides intrinsic affliction delivery mechanisms.
¡°It doesn''t say anything about that!" David squeaked as he wiped away the slobber self-consciously, ¡°All it says is ¡®Provides intrinsic¡¯ blah blah blah! I thought it meant the thing I did with Gloom!" ¡°Hah! I''m so glad the Crusher couldn''t do anything gross like that!" Claire¡¯s snicker sounded like a lawnmower failing to turn over as she continued to laugh. "Oh my God, laugh it up. If this counts as an ¡®attack¡¯ it''ll probably work with my Soporalytic Mutagen.¡± David desperately justified his disgusting new talent, "Why does this never have enough information?!¡± Claire¡¯s side-eye was positively mischievous as she shoveled a bit of dirt over the small hole with her snout before speaking. "Yeah, I agree. You should write a letter, ¡®Dear Mr Omega¡¯.¡± She guffawed as she thumped her tail against the ground with a loud rustle of grass and a hollow sound as the knot of bone impacted. "More like¡±, David cleared his throat before he intoned sassily in a forceful voice. ¡°I would like to submit a bug report to Overseer Omega. The information provided by the Status Screen is insufficient, and its descriptions are unclear, making it impossible to even understand your own capabilities.¡± ¨CCritical Error: Insufficient Privileges for...¨C ¨CAccepted. Feedback sent to recipient: ¦¸¨C David''s eyes bulged as the first notification popped up before blinking several times and vanishing, and a strangled squeal crawled out of his throat when it finally resolved into an entirely different line of text. Claire tilted her head in amusement before playing along, miming a great deal of frustration by opening her jaws to their fullest extent and dramatically sagging over as if defeated. ¨CReport received¨C ¡°I think I fucked up." David choked out in a very tiny voice, causing Claire to instantly surge back upright at the tone of his voice. He froze completely in place, barely even daring to breathe as his mane bristled in response to his anxiety, and Spooky ran and hid in the depths of his subconscious. ¨CYou have 1 Message¨C ¡°I definitely fucked up." 69 - Solid Copy Never had a single notification filled David with such dread, and every hair on his entire body stood at attention in response to its appearance. He didn''t dare speak again, and he swore he could feel the gaze of creation itself pinning him to the swampy earth. ¡°David?" Claire sprang to her feet with surprising agility for something so large, ¡°What are you talking about? How did you fuck up?" David turned his head slowly to face her, eyes wide and unblinking, "It''s watching. It heard.¡± "Uh¡­¡± Claire trailed off, concern clear in her voice, "Did you get some blowback on that Gloom thing you did? How many claws am I holding up?¡± "You only have three claws, Claire. No, I meant the bullshit bug report I was joking about. It fucking¡­ ¡®Accepted. Message sent to recipient: Omega¡¯. I have a new message now. Like when we hatched.¡± Claire''s eyes widened hugely before she suspiciously looked straight up into the sky. David mimicked the motion almost immediately after, and they hopped and stomped in circles like distrustful cavemen as they scanned their surroundings for a few heartbeats before confirming they were alone. David fired Echolocation¡¯s around them completely at random, finding nothing and not being reassured at all by the fact. ¡°Are we being stupid?" Claire muttered sheepishly as she returned her gaze to the ground. David fidget nervously in place, employing a modified stationary panic where he simultaneously moved a lot but went nowhere. ¡°...Well?" Claire rumbled expectantly after waiting patiently for a few moments. "Well, what?¡± David flattened his ears and cringed down into the grass that had been flattened all around them. Claire sighed, "What did the message say?¡± "I haven''t opened it! Who knows what''ll happen?¡± David screeched shrilly, "I didn''t think Omega was actually listening, I used my Karen voice and everything! What if I open it and I explode or something?!¡± Claire rolled her eyes and plodded back over to the thick bed of reeds she''d been sitting on like a pillow before settling down. The foliage hardly rustled under her as she flopped into her previous comfy spot, curling her tail around her body as she sniffed at the breeze before hissing sleepily. ¡°I feel like if they wanted to explode you for sass, they''d have just exploded you without bothering to send you a letter bomb. Text bomb? Trojan?" Claire grumbled thoughtfully while nibbling at an itch just below the hammer of bone at the end of her tail. David¡¯s anxiety returned in full force as his cringe deepened, ¡°You''re not helping! ¡­Okay, okay I got this. It''s just a message. Just gonna¡­¡± Open message? **SYSTEM ADMIN COMMUNIQUE** Greetings, User David! Your recent bug report regarding the insufficient information and unclear descriptions of the Status Panel has been received, vetted, and categorized under "Rare User Initiative." We are pleased to inform you that in response to your feedback (and the deafening silence from 99.964% of Earth Users who find the Status Panel perfectly cromulent), we are transitioning your interface to Advanced Mode. We hope this will result in a continuance of the wealth of data provided, and commend you on your continued top-percentile interaction. We have been enormously dismayed at the level of interactivity during this Special Integration; clearly adjustments will have to be made. Never fear! Originators have been dispatched who should arrive on-location within the next 30 days to enact our proposed changes. Moreover, we feel compelled to commend your truly unique approach to cosmic relations. Our psychological records indicate that a mere 0.0001% of Users have ever contemplated using their mandibles on an Overseer''s face. Your dental designs on the esteemed ¦¸ have therefore placed you in a category of your own: "Users Who Bite Back at Fate." ¦® was unspeakably amused to file this unique fantasy as you generated it. She extends her regards for the imaginative tactile response you envisioned in the form of a slight modification. In light of your rare blend of constructive criticism and imaginative hostility, all your future Status Screen interactions will feature a tiny, detailed Overseer avatar, courtesy of ¦®. Feel free to zoom in and analyze every biteable feature. We do hope this satisfies your peculiar appetites. **System Overseers ¦¸ & ¦®** By the end of the first line, David felt as if he must be having a stroke, and started over. This repeated several times as he slowly worked his way through the message before he read the entire thing one more time. Claire noted his eyes darting around rapidly as he read and simply waited patiently, though the flicking of her tail pounding a slowly deepening hole in the ground beneath it betrayed her interest. ¡°I think they''re trolling me or something." David finally blurted out. He sagged back onto his haunches as the implications finally hit him. Oh my God. They''re people too, or else they''re a really good facsimile of people. Were they sitting where I am right now, once? Does this mean you can be¡­employed by the System? I''m afraid to open my Status now, and what did they mean 99.96% of people found the Status cromulent? Is that even a real word? How did they know I wanted to bite them? I remember that, it was back at Woodland, I was thinking about mauling them, hitting them with Gloom¡­Are they listening right now? What the fuck is an Originator? What happens when they¨C If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Oh come on", Claire whined. ¡°If you make me beg I''m going to thump you for it later." David jumped in surprise as Claire banged her tail into the ground to emphasize her point. He turned and gave her a slack jawed stare that made her snort with amusement before he began to read the message aloud. He desperately tried to keep his tone neutral, but the personality in the message managed to bleed through anyway. Claire hissed worriedly at the section about the ¡®Originators¡¯ being dispatched, but barked out a genuine belly laugh at the fact David had been daydreaming about biting the Overseer. David¡¯s ears could flatten themselves no further, but that didn''t stop himself from trying. ¡°You literally sat around fantasizing about biting Omega in the face?! Hah!" Claire¡¯s jaws gaped open in a toothy display of vast amusement, ¡°What did you even imagine them looking like?!" David shot a nervous glance at the sky again before replying guiltily, ¡°A big ugly guy with a huge mustache in a three piece suit, with a monocle, and a couple bags of money¡­¡± "Bahahaha!¡± Claire slumped over onto her side as she laughed helplessly. David was forced to bounce upward like a rabbit as her tail whipped to the side and passed below where he''d been standing to obliterate an innocent bush nearby. ¡°I was frustrated okay!" David growled in chagrin. ¡°I''ve never been so frustrated I wanted to bite a god in the face so hard another god noticed it! Pffthahaha!¡± Claire flopped fully onto her side and kicked her feet helplessly, ¡°Wait! Is that why you thought you might explode?" David declined to comment as he suddenly found an extremely interesting scent to investigate as Claire slowly got a hold of herself. ¡°They''re not gods", David sniffed finally. ¡°They''re Overseers, there''s a difference." ¡°Yeah, I mean technically. Functionally? Maybe not so much, at least as far as I can tell." Claire wheezed as she pulled herself back upright and eyed the darkening sky. She yawned and clacked her jaws together several times meaningfully. ¡°Well go ahead and open it, let''s see what you got out of it besides an ominous message." David nodded slowly and braced himself before calling up his Status. It appeared as normal for a brief second before flickering, blurring at the edges and phasing out, only to snap back into place weirdly. David thought it seemed much more solid somehow, despite apparently being invisible and intangible.
User: David Fisher Species: Twilight Corruptor ¦¸ Rank: E Health: 190/190 Stamina: 425/425 (++) Level: 11 Exp:1172/1750 Special: Echolocation D Pts: 11 Storage: 1 Mutagen
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal E: +12% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. [3/10] Echolocation D: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise, and may trigger an Echo. [7/10] Flight D: Allows for flight and gliding. Mild Stamina drain. (stam+) [4/10] Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 115lbs. (stam+) [n/a]
Abilities: 4/4 Screech E: You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies in a cone. Low Stam consumption. [5/10] Moonsong F: A soothing melody that adds a greatly increased Regeneration rate to yourself and your allies for a short time. Moderate Stam consumption. [5/10] Gloom C: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 8 times. [7/10] Nocturnal Strike C: A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. [6/10]
Mutagens: 5/5 (1 stored) Ancestral Terror Mutagen C: Your body deepens its primal bond, fortifying your strength and weakening the resolve of enemies that can perceive you. Your gaze may trap enemies in instinctive Terror. [1/10] Soporalytic Mutagen E: Your attacks have a moderate chance to inflict paralytic sedation, inducing muscle spasms and rendering targets unconscious. [9/10] Secretive Mutagen E: You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect. [8/10] Apical Mutagen C: Assert your dominance, add bonus effects to Abilities dictated by Ability Type. [Control: Drain a small percentage of Enemy Health and Stamina] [Offense: Sunders a percentage of Enemy Defenses] [3/10] Corruptor Bloodline A: Ancestral memory of venomous shadow-stalkers that move with preternatural swiftness, unseen. Afflictions you inflict fester and intensify. Provides intrinsic control of affliction delivery. [1/3]
Okay, shows my points and my ¡®storage¡¯ now I guess? Mutagens have level trackers now¡­that''s actually really nice. I feel like that should have been baseline, honestly. Feels like I can expand all the categories to get into the specifics of I wanted to, that''s weird, it didnt work like that before did it? What happens if I focus on¡­ ¨CYou have 1 Mutagen in storage¨C ¨CWould you like to sell Corrosive Mutagen C for 15Pts?¨C Noooo, I need that one! That one¡¯s good! Shit¡­does this mean I can purposely move something into Storage? What if I¨C ¨CMove Secretive Mutagen E to Storage? ¨CThis action will deduct 5Pts¨C ¡°Whoa, now there''s a double edged sword." David muttered in shock, "No thank you, I might need those for when I Evolve again.¡± "Hrm? What''s the little Overseer thingy look like? Is it the ugly mustache guy you imagined?¡± Claire yawned again as she visibly contemplated tucking her head over her shoulder. ¡°Oh, what? I hadn''t even looked for it yet." David suddenly began hunting through his Status for the ¡®avatar¡¯ he''d been promised, curious to see what it would look like. When David found it, his mouth fell open in a mix of awe and instinctive dread. The creature, lounging at the bottom of his panel as if reclining on an unseen floor, raised its bulk to meet his stare with an unsettling calm. It was animate, yet seemed to prefer stillness, its scaly mass carefully tucked beneath the text hovering above, as if it knew its boundaries. Words failed David as he slowly recognized the being''s identity; on each of its multitude of foreheads, a dark crimson glow outlined a symbol with a horseshoe''s curve, unmistakable and ominous. Then, in a moment that sent a shudder through David''s core, hundreds of tiny eyes began to open across its body, each one finding and holding his gaze. He instantly had to wrestle down an ancient, animal urge to show his belly and whine. ¡°Claire?¡± David asked in a bizarrely calm voice. Claire jerked slightly as if she had been falling asleep, her eyes flicking back open to focus onto him, ¡°Yeah?" "What''s it called when a dragon has, like, a million different types of heads but no wings?¡± Claire thought for a moment, "A Hydra?¡± "Good to know.¡± David whispered as the tiny caricature slowly laid back down, eyes closing, and promptly fell asleep. 70 - Forgot to look up Claire had been asleep for a few hours as David poured over the ¡®Advanced¡¯ interface curiously, slowly puzzling out what the Overseers had meant by the term. At first, he thought he had been trolled, with a few minor fixes to the display being touted as an entirely new functionality before he figured it out. Well isn¡¯t that interesting? I¡¯m almost tempted to send another bug report saying everyone needs this mode, ¡®cromulence¡¯ notwithstanding. This would have saved me so much pain and probably made me choose other things in the past if I¡¯d had this type of information.
Screech E: You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies in a cone. Low chance to inflict Stun, Deafened. (20 Stamina, +X Overcharge, Ranged) Offense/Control. [6/10] Moonsong F: A soothing melody that adds a greatly increased Regeneration rate to yourself and your allies for a short time. (50 Stamina, 100% Increased Regeneration, 5 minute duration.) Restorative. [5/10] Gloom C: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 8 times. (Physical Passive) Control. [7/10] Nocturnal Strike C: A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. (-3% Target Max Stamina on hit, 4¡¯ Range.) Offense/Control. [6/10]
3% Stamina theft on Nocturnal Strike is kind of a lot, isn¡¯t it? Even if I don¡¯t have them disabled that¡¯s almost 10% of their total in three hits, and I can slam those out every second or so. Well, sorta. Depends on if I can hit them reliably if I¡¯m being honest with myself. These new wings from Corruptor are a lot sturdier and have a lot more reach with the little stabber on my wingtips, and just more reach overall. I could be using Nocturnal Strike a lot more strategically, I¡¯ve just been using it for damage and movement. Well shit¡­ I knew Moonsong used 50 Stamina, it¡¯s always the same amount every time. The fact it increases Regeneration by 100% for 5 minutes is damn good. That¡¯s extra strong because of my high Regeneration on this Evolution, but if the next one I take isn¡¯t as high I should probably consider changing it out. When I know we¡¯ll have some downtime I need to swap it out with some other abilities to see how they work, just in case. Gloom¡­yeah pretty much knew all that already. It¡¯s like my most-used ability, I¡¯d be pretty screwed most times without it. I guess I could still apply all my debuffs with Nocturnal Strike, maybe the new spitting thing I could do, but a bigass cloud of Gloom does a lot of heavy lifting. I should try to Fuse more effects into it when I get the opportunity, eventually, I¡¯d like it to just turn people off so I don¡¯t have to deal with them. Just ¡®poof¡¯ and you get 60 status effects and sit in timeout in dimension-X. I have that Corrosive Mutagen in storage too, I wonder what that¡¯d do to Gloom? Speaking of Mutagens¡­
Ancestral Terror Mutagen C: Your body deepens its primal bond, fortifying your strength and weakening the resolve of enemies that can perceive you. Your gaze may trap enemies in instinctive Terror. Blood Memory: Inflicts Terror, causing enemies to hesitate, cower, or flee. (+Offense, +Defense, +Control, Passive.) [1/10] Soporalytic Mutagen E: Your attacks have a moderate chance to inflict paralytic sedation, inducing muscle spasms and rendering targets unconscious. (++Control, Physical Passive.) [9/10] Secretive Mutagen E: You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect. (-20% Detection Range, Physical Passive.) [8/10] Apical Mutagen C: Assert your dominance, add bonus effects to Abilities dictated by Ability Type. [Control: Drain a small percentage of Enemy Health and Stamina] [Offense: Sunders a percentage of Enemy Defenses] Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. (+4 Health/Stamina, Control Passive. 10% Defense Penetration, Offense Passive.) [3/10] Corruptor Bloodline A: Ancestral memory of venomous shadow-stalkers that move with preternatural swiftness, unseen. Afflictions you inflict fester and intensify. Provides intrinsic control of affliction delivery. Corruptor¡¯s Touch: Release a small dart of liquid, inflicting applicable Status Effects on contact. (+Speed, +++Control, Physical Passive.) [1/3]
Wait, Mutagens just directly give me stats? That¡¯s a lot of plus symbols kicking around there, is that basically like overcapping your Evolution stats? If my Offense is 4, but I have another from Ancestral Terror, does that mean it¡¯s actually at 5? And my speed is¡­4? I guess that sort of makes sense, they¡¯re all physical augments to things. I guess I need to focus more on a few things, instead of trying to have straight 5¡¯s on the Evolution. If I can use the Evolutions base stats as the foundation I can push a few things sky-high and still have respectable weight in the other categories. Damn, I evolved wrong for what I have. David sighed and closed the Status briefly, his obsidian eyes flicking around the swamp as Claire slept as only a true apex predator could. Loudly. She didn¡¯t snore so much as let out a very noticeable rattling hiss every few seconds, and David¡¯s sensitive ears could detect the difference in their surroundings caused by it. A hundred feet from their position, insects hummed or buzzed, small things scuttled through the swamp grass busily, and the occasional splash rang out as tiny battles raged in the dark. Everything kept a respectable distance from them, however, and a quick check with Spooky returned a vague sense of acceptance. With a silent snort, David turned in a slow circle and bathed the ring of silence in Echolocations, more out of habit than actual concern before he settled back down to try something new. With a mental nudge, the raw data for his Evolution resolved neatly in front of him as he nodded firmly.
Twilight Corruptor ¦¸ Predatory Physiology, Draining Attacks: Increased Regeneration after successful strike. Offense: ***** Defense: ***** Speed: **** Regeneration: ***** Control: **
Yep, works just like that. I need to figure out a way to graft this onto my Status so I don''t have to expand it every time. If I did it with my little readout I can probably do it with this too, huh? I wonder why Control is on its own line, maybe it¡¯s because I forced those upgrades onto the base form with the Evolution and my Mutagens? Looks like it changes after 6 stars, too. Intended to work that way then, fuck I was right. I almost wish I¡¯d taken that Control/Speed-focused Evolution now, but I probably wouldn¡¯t have Spooky kicking around without the Predatory Physiology thing. I admit the Draining Attacks don¡¯t seem exceptionally good, but¡­ Shit ¨C Does this mean I can get an ¡®Advanced¡¯ Evolution Menu? That¡¯d be amazing. I should complain again, maybe that¡¯d work¡­ ¡°Man I have a lot to do all of the sudden, it feels like,¡± David grumbled to himself as he scratched his neck idly with a talon. He sighed closed the panel and looked up at the stars, carefully picking out the constellations like he always did, searching out his favorites as he spun in a slow circle once more. His eyes rapidly traced from anchor to guiding anchor, Cassiopeia leading him to Polaris before he sought his personal favorite - the familiar glow of Mars. Despite the clouds periodically spotting the night sky obscuring his search, the red star revealed itself quickly. Yet its appearance made him frown as Spooky suddenly snarled in the back of his mind, David''s head cocking slightly in an instinctive display of puzzlement as he halted. A reflexive glance over his shoulder brought the source of his confusion into sharp focus, and an identical crimson point hung defiantly out of place where it absolutely should not have been. His frown deepened as he fixed the imposter with an intent stare, utterly certain of its absence only a few days ago, and a wave of inexplicable unease washed over him as key differences finally filtered into his awareness. What the fuck? This imposter burned brighter than its natural twin, its light refusing to waver softly like the natural twinkle of the stars around it, but instead pulsing in an unmistakable, rhythmic pattern. But it was not alone. His gaze darted outward, and there, hanging impossibly amid the familiar constellations his father had spent dozens of hours telling him stories about as a child, burned several more. Shocking hues of saturated blue, dark violet, lurid green, and brilliant gold pierced the darkness, their lights somehow ominous in the sky. Each pulsed out of sync with its unnatural siblings as if responding to separate, unseen conductors. A tremor traveled David''s spine as dread took root, his instincts screaming that these should not, could not exist. Spooky positively raved in the back of his mind at the sight of them, spitting and hissing in anger. If they aren¡¯t stars, what the fuck are they? ¡°Hey, Claire?¡± David barked loudly in sudden panic, ¡°Wake up, something¡¯s fucky!¡± 71 - A fair observation Claire had surged to her feet with an utterly incomprehensive stare and immediately snapped her jaws aggressively at the sky several times before she seemed to actually wake up. David watched her slowly close her jaws, relax, and blink with extreme slowness before she started sniffing around for him in the dark. ¡°Claire!" David barked again, ¡°The fucking stars are wrong! Look, look!" Claire yawned enormously before picking at her snout with a tiny clawed arm and straightening up, ¡°David. Shut up. Give me a second, Jesus." David nearly exploded from the sheer volume of suppressed words he held in as Claire slowly woke up, grumbling about coffee and cigarettes the entire time. By the time she finally seemed to perk up and be present in the moment, David had thoroughly mulched the ground under his talons in anxiety. She swung her snout around to point directly at him, and to his credit, David barely even noticed the flutter of fear that naturally accompanied being skewered directly by the gaze of such a large reptile. He lunged across the ground like a liquid shadow, slithering through the darkness to leap into the embrace of a nearby scraggly tree. Seconds later his upper body popped out of the foliage around Claire''s eye level. He gestured wildly at each of the distant lights in turn as Claire gave him an amazingly deadpan look, not caring to follow his wild gesturing in the slightest. ¡°Nope. Too tired." Claire snarled groggily, ¡°Just spit it out, small words.¡± David flattened his ears at her but did just that, "There¡¯s weird stars now. Red, Blue, Green, Purple, and Gold. Those colors sound familiar for any reason?¡± ¡°Mmmmm, no." Claire started with an unpleasant lilt to her voice before pausing, ¡°Wait. Aren''t those the System colors for uh¡­¡± "Offense, Defense, Restoration, Control and uh¡­ Utility, probably. Maybe. I have no idea. There are a lot of categories, and now feel kinda dumb, but that''s still not normal! ¡± David ranted as he pointed again, slowly this time, at each in turn. Claire grudgingly turned to squint at the sky until she finally picked out each of the out-of-place lights. She stared hard for a few minutes then simply nodded, turned, and took a few weary steps to lay back down with a thump. David was left limply pointing at the sky with a wounded expression on his toothy face, red eyeshine gleaming brightly in the darkness all around him as Claire yawned again and gave him a pointed look. ¡°Yeah, that''s fucky. I don''t like it." Claire rumbled as she began making herself comfortable, ¡°That said, I can''t do a damn thing about it. If they were falling on us right now, I still wouldn''t be able to do anything about it. So I''m going to go back to bed, and tomorrow we can start hauling ass for the Observatory." ¡°Hopefully, it won''t be so far gone that the huge-ass old vintage telescope they keep as an antique still works. Because I sure as shit don''t know how to work a radio telescope, nor can I fart electricity.¡± Claire continued as she seemed to dwell on her last sentence before speaking hesitantly, "I bet there''s a Mutagen for that, actually. Wouldn''t surprise me.¡± "But¡­fine. I guess you''re right." David groaned as he tossed himself out of the tree like a sandbag. He landed with a small bounce, smacking grumpily at a tuft of grass on his way back to the spot he''d been sitting in since the sun went down. He flopped down into the thick foliage and sulked, shooting angry glances at the new lights in the sky from time to time. ¡°They make me want to smack them out of the sky for some reason." He admitted finally, ¡°I don''t know if they''re good or bad but I know they''re not natural, and it bothers me." ¡°More or less than turning into a giant bat monster?" Claire mumbled from where she was curled into a rough ball, already falling asleep again. By the time David turned at the slurred tone of her voice, she was already out, hissing softly with every breath. He was torn momentarily between being annoyed at how she always did that, and extreme envy at her ability to fall asleep whenever she felt like it, no matter how stressful the situation. Less, I can at least wrap my senses around this freaky ass shit all over the place. See it, poke it, eat it if I''m feeling spicy, run from it if I need to. Those up there? Who fucking knows, that''s new-new. I''d bet my wings those are either the Overseers¡­or maybe those Originators. Pretty sure the last time some fuckery came cruising by you could see from the dirt, it caused one of those mass extinctions Omega was so enthused with. Claire¡¯s dinosaur-ish¡­, she should know better! Unbelievable. She¡¯s right about the Observatory though, that¡¯s a priority now rather than a vague goal. David chittered to himself soundlessly as his body continued to reject sleep in all its forms and decided to get a little bit of practice in. He stood, shaking himself out of habit, and flapped upward with a single wingbeat before rising soundlessly into the air. He took a few minutes to fly in lazy figure-eight patterns above Claire, testing his new wings before trying anything fancy, happy to learn that he was much more responsive in the air. The increase in wingspan was a blessing and a trial, and he struggled for a while to adjust to his new turn speed. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Okay, longer wings are better for gliding for sure. Picks up the wind really fast though, that¡¯s going to take some getting used to. I¡¯ll have to flap more on the turns, I think, and when there are no updrafts anywhere for me to exploit, but that¡¯s not a problem. It¡¯s not like there aren¡¯t always updrafts around, you can kind of tell where they¡¯ll be by the clouds sometimes. Okay, now we practice a bit. David leaned into the turn, evening out before he soared over Claire¡¯s sleeping spot as he glided toward the small pond only a dozen yards from where she had chosen to bed down. He chittered out a few Echolocations into the area ahead of him before choosing a target at random, the muscles in his neck clenching violently as he spat a blindingly quick dart of saliva at the head of one of the cat tails. Between the angle of his approach, the wind, and the way the reed was swaying he missed spectacularly, with the attack scything through a few of the plants behind it. David watched them fall in exquisite slow motion, captured by the returning waves of his special as he huffed indignantly and tried again. This time the attack went high, continuing onward until it lost enough speed that gravity tore it apart and it dripped to the ground in patchy blobs over a long distance. David sighed, spiraling upwards with a few flaps as he hit the end of the pond and began to glide back around for another run. What was it Dad said about leading targets...gotta compensate for wind and movement...maybe a little more oomph next time? David clenched his neck muscles, expelling a thin stream of saliva that pocked the surface of the pond. An overcompensation, but progress nonetheless, and he grinned grimly, banking into another spiral to line up his next shot. He found himself sucking oddly on his tongue as he maneuvered himself into position, but it felt right so he just let it happen with a bit of a mental shrug. He continued to pulse the area ahead of him and attempted to aim via the returning images rather than entirely trusting his eyes. On his next pass, David led the target more, picturing the swaying cattail''s path in his mind''s eye and overlaying it with the complex map from Echolocation. He released a concentrated saliva burst...which landed just short, exploding in a small spray of water droplets. Closer, but his range was still off. Okay, a hair more power...and Pew! This time the projectile sailed true, smashing through the cattail''s thin stem and sending the downy seedhead tumbling. David let out a chittering squeak of triumph, his wings beating powerfully as he celebrated with an aerial somersault. He quickly evened out and spiraled up into the air again, wiggling happily at having finally landed a single shot, already imagining what he could do at full potential. He settled into a groove, strafing run after strafing run along the pond''s perimeter, gradually improving his aim every time, and he threw in a few bombing runs and long-distance passes for good measure. Misses became anomalies rather than the norm as he dialed in the appropriate lead and force for shots at varying ranges and angles by simple trial and error. Even when the shots didn¡¯t land with enough force to instantly cut down the stalks, they still landed, and David was confident that it¡¯d count for applying some of the debilitating effects he produced. After demolishing the better part of the cattail patch, David turned his attention to more evasive targets; the unpleasant sting-tailed dragonflies still zipping back and forth over the water and rising angrily from the toppled vegetation. At first, his shots went wildly awry, failing to predict the frenetic direction changes. But with a fair bit of focus, and some slight cheating by watching how Spooky did it a few times when presented the opportunity, he steadily grasped the knack for leading and tracking his miniature adversaries. By the time the sky had started to lighten in the east so imperceptibly that a non-nocturnal animal never would have noticed, David finally landed. He was panting, and his mouth was so ferociously dry that he had to restrain himself from simply swishing his jaws in the water before he began to drink. His tongue flicked out the moment that he felt the cool mud of the shore squishy beneath his hind feet, and he zoned out for a long moment as he guzzled an enormous amount of water without stopping. Damn, I think I almost dehydrated myself there. Almost feel sick, I should have realized if I spent that long spitting nonstop I¡¯d run out of water eventually. Heheh, I can actually hear it sloshing around in there, these senses are crazy fun sometimes. David shimmied a bit from side to side as he snickered at the sound, reminding himself of a half-full water jug being shaken to determine how much it held. He stretched his wings, happy to find that despite the time he¡¯d spent in the air the sturdy new limbs weren¡¯t even the least bit sore. If anything they felt stronger than when he¡¯d begun, the corded muscles standing out menacingly beneath the fur, and David spent a few moments admiring himself shamelessly before he chuckled. Two powerful bounces and a short glide brought him to the area he¡¯d already stomped down a sleeping spot in and he slowly settled down, pulling a wing up over his face. That was kinda fun. It¡¯s a good starting point at least, having to scream at things to get the opportunity to start hitting them with status effects was rough. Having two ranged abilities will be nice too, most people don¡¯t even have one. Really have a lot of good options to get my¡­what did Claire call ¡®em, ailments? I think I like afflictions better, that''s what the System calls them. Oh! What happens if I lick the Gloom, and then spit? Would that work? I don¡¯t think it affects me, so I could probably¡­ David was still trying to come up with new combinations of ways to land his abilities when he finally started to drift off to sleep, lips wrinkling happily as he dreamt about shooting out the unnatural stars like candles. 72 - Somebody knew They had been sure that pushing through the swamp to the distant foothills would only take a day, considering the distance they had traveled from Riverport to Redfield in a similar amount of time. They had failed to take into account the fact they had been traveling along a highway, over mostly flat ground, through unclaimed territory. By the time they finally emerged into the forest at the foot of the mountain almost three days had passed, and the pair of them were thoroughly sick of the wetland. As Claire finally stomped into the shade of the towering trees she positively sagged with relief at the solid footing, taking long moments to use the thick bark of the closest specimen to scratch her neck. David nimbly dodged a storm of falling pine cones before finally sprinting out of range, ¡°Holy shit, chill! That last one actually did a damage!" ¡°A damage?" Claire paused mid scratch as she leaned heavily on the tree, "A whole damage? Better bust out Moonsong, how will you ever survive. Stuff it, this has been itchy for like an entire day and I can''t reach it at all, I''ve tried." ¡°I offered to scratch it for you." David chittered as he happily climbed into the branches of an unmolested tree nearby, ¡°Also, fuck swamps." Claire made an extremely inappropriate noise as she continued to use the trunk as a neck scratcher, the bark slowly peeling away under her tough scales and grinding down beneath her heavy armor plates. David hooted suggestively from his perch and Claire shot him an evil look for his trouble, snapping her jaws aggressively in his general direction. He wisely relocated to just out of thumping range as he turned to gaze down the hill they had climbed to escape the marsh, his hackles raising angrily at the mere sight of it. David then spit in its general direction and extended his tongue rudely before returning his attention to Claire when she finally stepped away from the thoroughly sanded tree with a satisfied rumble. ¡°Once again, you have poison knives for ¡®fingers¡¯, no thanks." Claire sighed before shaking the sawdust off, ¡°But yeah, fuck swamps. ¡°We did get those two Quests done, at least." David growled as he fluttered down to land on her back, ¡°Lucky us right?" ¡°No, fuck you. I don''t know how you pissed all those dragonfly things off so bad, but I know it was you somehow. ¡®Escape the Swarm¡¯ was the absolute worst Event Quest I''ve ever done." Claire snarled as she snapped a look at him again. They both shuddered involuntarily at the memory of that particular wakeup call, and their subsequent mad sprint through the swamp. It had taken almost four hours to finally outrun the apocalyptic cloud of insects, and the pair of them had learned a hard lesson about statistics. Even if only one in a dozen insects made it through David''s frantic Screeches, and only one in a hundred of those managed to actually land a sting on them, the odds were still stacked against them when the swarm was effectively endless. The harder they fought back the more they seemed to pull in, and it had been Claire who finally realized it was the smell of the dead bugs themselves luring more to them. They''d eventually broken free and frantically dunked themselves in the waters, even rolling in mud to mask the scent before they bolted. That one sucked. The System isn''t just fucking around when it tells you the objective is ¡®escape¡¯, that was not a suggestion. 250xp, 2Pts, and a random ability token for that. Not worth it. At all. I''m never going to admit that was probably my target practice pissing them off¡­ ¡°Wasn''t that the only Event Quest you''ve done?" David replied with his best poker face, his ears not even twitching to betray his guilt. Claire growled suspiciously before swinging her head around and stomping uphill with David still perched on her armored back. ¡°Yeah, still the worst one though.¡± Claire admitted before sniffing the air and continuing to plow ahead into the forest, "The other one was basically a free Token though. Tasty, too.¡± David nodded before he ducked a large branch that came whipping back over Claire''s shoulder with a snap. He quickly shimmied down to her shoulder before flinging himself free like a cat off a counter, landing lightly and loping alongside her in the sparse undergrowth at the base of the rocky mountain. ¡°Yeah, those Manatee things were basically free food. Wish I had their Regen boost ability thing though, you could literally watch them heal up. Brought me up to two random ability tokens, too.¡± David agreed, reminiscing briefly about how he''d been unable to resist gorging himself again. He smiled dreamily as the memory of Claire literally rolling him away from the remains with her snout surfaced full force. ¡°Agreed, next time we Evolve I''m looking through every ability in Restorative for that." Claire hissed while obliterating a thick stand of saplings while David hung back patiently. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡°Did you ever complain so you can have the Advanced Status?" David chattered loudly, ¡°Selling shitty Abilities or Mutagens is an actual, you know, stupidly huge advantage?" ¡°Oh my god, yes! Forever ago! Like two days!" Claire flung her tiny arms up in exasperation, ¡°I was polite though, so I got a jukebox instead of a Tomogatchi pet." ¡°What?!" David yowled in outrage as he darted after her through the flattened gap between the trees, ¡°That''s bullshit! You''re fucking with me, right?¡± Claire began to hum loudly, peeking at him every few moments but never fumbling her tune. David recognized it as a popular pop song he''d never really listened to and flattened his ears in a sulk, feeling like he''d been ripped off as her snout began to bounce along with the tune. ¡°Yeah, I''m fucking with you." Claire cackled after a few songs worth of humming, ¡°You should have seen your face, you looked like a sad ugly dog! We''re still not even for the bug incident though." You bitch! I was about to ask for a jukebox too, I was mentally rehearsing it and everything! ¡°Oh. My god." David sighed dramatically as he flared his wings out, ¡°Mean. You''re a mean girl. I''m gonna go check for a good way up, I''ll be right back." Claire''s snickering had all the charm of a lawnmower failing to start, and the sound followed him a surprising distance into the air as he rose above the treetops. He wasted no time pointing himself into the wind and climbing even higher before he began to look around, the forest blanketing the slopes below him growing patchy the higher up the mountain he looked. Evidence of rock slides were everywhere, and the highest reaches seemed to be dominated by scree slopes and boulders, tapering to bare blocky stone at the summit. This doesn''t really look like somewhere you build an Observatory. This looks like somewhere you build something so people will leave you the fuck alone. I can''t even tell where the road was, it''s just gone or I¡¯d point Claire toward it. I refuse to believe they ever had tours of the place, there''s just no way anybody would ever bother driving like 5 hours out¡­Dad would have, he totally would have. He''d have thrown us into the truck and made us come too, and probably refused to leave before he spent an hour staring down the mountain smoking a cigar and bullshitting with someone he just met. David shook his head and added that to the list of things he''d try not to think about, wrestling down a painful wave of nostalgia as Spooky observed curiously through his eyes. Its interest in the peak of the mountain led David to shrug slightly and angle himself into a column of warm air that pulled him higher at a rapid clip. The forest plunged into the distance below him, individual trees melting slowly into a patchwork of colors and topography that he largely ignored in favor of howling like an idiot just because he could. David wasn''t sure if it was his new body, or just the fact he never got tired of flying, but the fact his freshly reinforced wings could easily cut through the wind at this height was a thrill. As he soared higher on the mountain updrafts, his sharp eyes caught an unnatural glint from the peak looming ahead in the distance. Wheeling about, he oriented himself toward the source, an enormous metallic structure perched atop a distant rocky peak. Even from over a score of miles away, the immense curved dish stood out starkly against the mountainous backdrop, its once-polished steel faded to a dull gunmetal gray by what was surely decades of exposure. Squinting, David just barely made out the crumbling buildings flanking the central telescope. This doesn''t look like any observatory I''ve ever seen online or anything. What is this place? What truly caught his eye were the husks of abandoned military vehicles littering the derelict site far below. Rusting hulls of armored carriers, dusty tarp covered trucks, and huge heavy-lift helicopters all sat in orderly lines around the compound like forgotten toys scattered by a careless child. David even saw what he guessed had been more temporary structures, now devoured by dust and dirt, laying collapsed on their sides away from the wind. Why''d the military come stomping all over this place? I know there was that curfew, and a shelter thingy, but they''d have to have known hours before that to get all of this here, it was like¡­almost 11pm by the time that went out. What the fuck? I didn''t even know we had any big bases anywhere near here, this shit would have all had to have come from...a long way, anyway. Sun-bleached outbuildings huddled haphazardly around the main installation, and to David''s unprofessional eye they still looked roughly built compared to the rest of the ruins. Caved-in roofs, glittering shattered glass, buckled siding, all torn free by the strong winds and littering the area like molted shells. Yet the colossal central dish still remained stubbornly intact, an ominous steel behemoth clinging to the barren summit, huge even from the distance he was ironically observing the Observatory from. David felt an unreasonable prickle of trepidation studying the militarized boneyard surrounding the eerie structure, but a part of him still wanted to dig around in it. Okay, that''s super fucking weird. Somebody did know something, there''s no other explanation for all that. That shit looks like something straight out of a movie about the end of the world¡­Maybe there actually is somebody down there with some answers. Spooky you shut up, we''re not going to check it out alone just because you want to. David slowly began to descend back towards Claire¡¯s position, torn between excitement and a bit of nervousness at the unexpected presence of the heavy equipment and everything it implied. 73 - Observatory David angled his descent back towards Claire, wings beating powerfully as his mind raced with possibilities. He could scarcely believe the scene frozen atop the barren peak, rusting vehicles and collapsed structures surrounding that colossal steel behemoth. It took him longer to descend than he thought it would, not realizing just how far into the sky he had actually climbed, and slowly the individual trees resolved out of the patchwork of color below him. David had no problem finding where Claire was still slowly plodding up the mountain, the Pack System guiding him unerringly toward her like a pin drawn to a magnet, and he knew she could similarly feel him approaching. As he spotted Claire''s bulky form plodding through the undergrowth, the frequent sound of crunching brush heralding her presence just as clearly as the trail she left behind, David felt a rising thrill of excitement. He alighted on a thick branch, allowing himself to swing down to hang as he looked at her, wings mantling briefly. "Claire! You''re not gonna believe this, I think we might have lucked out. Ish. It''s weirder than I thought it would be, though." She cocked her head quizzically as David dangled down above her. "What''re you babbling about now? Did you find the observatory at least?" "Yeah, one issue though¡­" He launched into a fervid recap of the telescope array''s incredible scale, the crumbling support buildings, and most crucially, "...there''s like an entire military operation just collecting dust up there. Trucks, choppers, heavy armor, the works. Looks like they''d been there for a while too, maybe they brought it all in at once but¡­the longer I think about it the more I realize how long it would actually take to get that all there." Claire''s eyes narrowed. "Why the hell would the military make a grab for some rinky-dink observatory by Redfield, of all places?" David''s wings flared emphatically. "That''s just it, I don''t think this was entirely on the level, at least for a while. The dish up there feels big enough to swallow this whole mountain, there''s multiple buildings, and it looks like they slapped up more in a hurry. Somebody must have known something, like, way ahead of time." Claire''s stance settled a bit as she processed the information with an air of anxiety, "So¡­there''s a pretty good chance someone did hatch up there, maybe a few people. Except instead of some scientists, there''s a chance it might be someone that doesn''t know anything?" "Yeah¡­that would suck.¡± David flattened his ears in frustration. "Whatever they knew, it was enough of an oh-shit situation to make some big moves. They obviously had a lot of people there. Either way, if there¡¯s anyone still around I bet they know more than we do." Claire rumbled contemplatively, "Was it all run down like everything else? You''re small enough to fit inside almost everywhere, I''m probably not gonna fit in the lobby to look around. Did you see the old telescope anywhere?" "Yes and no, and no. I was pretty far away." David flitted down from the branch to land on his spot on her back, "It''s not overgrown or anything, so that''s a bonus. It''s definitely seen better days though. The main buildings are still standing, all the little ones got knocked over by the wind, I think. It''s mostly just rocks up there." Without another word, Claire turned and began picking her way upslope, nostrils flaring determinedly. David continued to describe the scene, and warned her that he hadn''t seen any easy way up from the air, most of the mountain having suffered landslides at some point or another. The higher they climbed, the more the terrain devolved into a maze of tumbled grayish-brown boulders and slick rock faces. Claire''s heavy footfalls sent pebbles skittering as she painstakingly picked her way upwards. David soared ahead frequently, scouting for the easiest path through the treacherous scree slopes. He called out course corrections periodically, his shrill voice carrying clearly on the thin mountain air. Despite the grueling ascent, Claire seemed to be enjoying herself more than usual when confronted with a steep hike. Man, I really hope we find someone still up there that isn''t a dick. I don''t feel like getting drafted or something, it''s pretty clear everything isn''t going back to normal anytime soon. Last thing I want is to run into some crazy guy that thinks we can fight this off somehow¡­ heh, I''ll share my Status and show them Omega¡¯s little avatar if that happens. That should clear that up pretty quick, Claire handled it worse than I did when I showed her. I didn''t think she could make a noise like that. Eventually the shattered remains of an access road came into view, the buckled asphalt ribbon still clinging tenaciously to the stony mountainside. Claire rumbled in satisfaction, lugging herself fully onto the road and allowing David to take the lead. He glided within shouting distance above her, eyes skipping over the collapsing road ahead of them with mild concern as he surfed on the wind. The road was just barely hanging on to the steep slope, and there was a concerning amount of overhang in places that forced him to intervene. ¡°Hey, stay on the side closest to the mountain." David barked mischievously down to the enormous reptile below him as she shot him a curious look, ¡°It''s washed out in a few spots, might go over if a big fat lizard walked on it." Claire snapped her jaws toward him several times in rapid succession, attempting to shoot him a rude gesture with her tiny clawed arms and making him chuckle a bit as he watched her drift away from the dangerous sections. As they continued the circuitous climb, scattered debris gradually materialized amid the boulders and debris that littered the road, twisted guardrails, shredded tarpaulins, and at one point an entire smashed utility vehicle lying on its side. "Looks like they were still driving when the Integration started!" Claire called up to him, eyeing the wreckage. David banked lower, inspecting the scene with a critical eye. "Damn, that sucks. I was sitting down doing nothing and it was pretty rough, can''t even imagine trying to drive up a cliff when everything started going weird. Dude¡¯s lucky he didn''t go over the edge and die." His voice caught abruptly as something else amid the rubble registered, and a quick burst of curious Echolocation revealed the bones nestled innocuously amid the debris, tattered strips of uniform still clinging in places. David swallowed hard against a sudden lump in his throat. He wheeled away from the vehicle and quickly looped back to Claire''s position, suddenly uncomfortable. Oh, shit. Sorry, whoever you were. I feel like an asshole now. Nothing you could have done, wasn''t even your fault, I doubt you could even tell where the road was. Fuck¡­must have been quick at least, if it got you before the System did. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Eventually the shattered husk of the installation''s main gate loomed into view, hanging askew from its bent archway. It had been a simple, utilitarian construction, and it had held up fairly well against the wind and time. Small drifts of sandy dirt had collected in places and piled high against the sun bleached brick. David''s instincts suddenly snarled a warning, and he blurted it out loud, "I''m getting a weird feeling about this, Spooky doesn''t like it all of a sudden." Claire immediately dropped into a defensive crouch, sweeping the crumbling facade as she sniffed loudly while David hovered protectively above her. An eerie stillness blanketed the compound, only the faint groan of twisted metal giving any hint of disturbance. He began to feel slightly stupid as Claire exhaled forcefully and gave him a confused look. ¡°I can''t smell anything." Claire growled quizzically as she slowly straightened up and her shadow lengthened to cover one of the many potholes in the road under her, ¡°Hot rocks, metal, and dirt mostly. Some plastic, I think, but it''s pretty faint. You sure ¡®Spooky¡¯ isn''t malfunctioning or something?" "Never has before.¡± David grumbled as he directed his irritation at his subconscious. Spooky remained resolute in its snarling, and it metaphorically eyed the observatory ahead of them distrustfully as David frowned. The decrepit outbuildings and collapsed temporary structures made it clear the observatory compound hadn¡¯t had any visitors or wildlife rolling through. Rusty metal scraps and shredded canvas littered the ground amidst shattered concrete and the remains of what looked to be a small parking lot that looped around the side of the main building. The neatly arranged vehicles David had seen from the air looked much more imposing in person, armored personnel carriers, tarped trucks, long blocky helicopters, all still sat in orderly lines. He noticed a few of them still had their hoods up, tools scattered around below them near rusty heaps that had once been carts and toolboxes, engines full of sandy dirt packed deep into the machinery. "Doesn''t look like anything violent happened here," David''s voice echoed slightly in the stillness. "They definitely didn''t know we were all gonna get melted down into eggs. Look around, people were still doing their jobs when it hit." Claire rumbled in agreement as they slowly approached the main observatory building, and Claire stomped down the remains of a sagging chain-link fence to step over it daintily. The great radio telescope dish rose hundreds of feet overhead, the only intact structure aside from the adjacent offices and labs. David glided ahead to land near a small patio that connected to the front of the building. His talons tapped anxiously on the hard surface as he fired a few Echolocation''s through the shattered glass of the doors and almost immediately the return wave came back with nothing but a dirt-filled entryway. "Looks clear inside," he called back. "But it smells musty, not like rot." Claire nodded slowly as she swung her head around to look behind her, taking in the vehicles and assorted debris with a sigh. ¡°Alright, you check it out a little bit but keep your head down. I''ll look around out here, there''s no way I''m gonna fit inside." She grumbled as she swung toward the boneyard of vehicles, ¡°Doesn''t seem like there''s anyone still here, but you never know. If you see any bugs, leave them alone this time.¡± David stuck his tongue out at her, quickly retracting it and shooting her a guilty grin as she turned at the noise. He nodded before she rolled her eyes and continued to stomp off around the side of the building, stepping carefully back over the smushed fence as she went. Must be annoying being that big sometimes. Definitely worth it in a fight, but she''s stuck outside most of the time unless she just forces her way in. She only really ever fit into the warehouse back at Riverport, and that door was a bit of a squeeze even before the extra armor. David turned and loped forward, ducking through the entryway, and stopping briefly to eye the trash and debris scattered about. He examined the desk set into the far wall before simply hauling himself atop the rusty metal furniture and rifling through the drawers on the other side. They took a bit of yanking to open, and he cringed at the noise they made as he hauled them open one at a time. Bunch of old rats-nest looking things, dried out telephone books, staples, useless pens, I think that used to be a notepad? Sunglasses, keys, purse. Cell Phone next to the actual phone, yep. Damn, David, what were you expecting top secret classified documents right inside the door? David nodded from his perch on the rusty desk, more out of habit than for anyone else''s sake. Spooky had quieted down some, but continued to hiss and spit every so often throughout the process, and he began to wish he had a water-bottle to spritz him with. Oh my god, I know you don''t like it. Chill out. We came all the way here to look around, and it might help us figure out what those lights in the sky are, remember those? You don''t like those worse than this, and I''m pretty sure you''re just a gut-feeling with a megaphone anyway. I''m basically talking to myself. David took a few deep breaths to calm his anxiety before he hopped off of the desk and slid slightly on the linoleum before he got his balance again. He shot an evil look into the dusty floor and cursed whoever had invented the wretched material, understanding all too well now why some animals had hated the stuff. David carefully adjusted the way he was walking, his gait seeming unnatural and stilted to him as he shifted weight off of his talons and claws. As he pushed through to the central corridor, David''s ears suddenly pricked up, and he felt more than heard an odd vibration somewhere deep in the building. A strange resonance moved through the structure, tickling at the edge of his senses, and Spooky immediately threw a fit. He narrowed his eyes, jaws chattering while his Echolocation pulsed outwards down the hallway ahead of him. He was still sorting through the multi-layered and multi-directional images he got back as the pulses spread through multiple open doorways when it finally jumped out at him. There, nestled beneath a sagging roof section on the left side of the hallway, almost buried in moldy drop-ceiling. A hollow, brittle shape the size of a large man, its interior slowly filling with flecks of both itself and the falling ceiling insulation as it crumbled in the dry air. An eggshell. David suffered a simultaneous wave of excitement and renewed anxiety as he froze, the images slowly fading away as he cut off his Special. He was surprised, but not as much as he thought he would be, having hoped to find someone here from the beginning. David shook his head, slinking lower to the floor before letting Spooky out of his cage a bit as he began to lurk down the rapidly darkening hallway. He fell into a familiar rhythm as he fired Echolocation then darted ahead, paused to sniff, then repeated the process. David split his attention slightly between listening for actual sounds and to his own mapping ability as he moved deeper into the building. He found another eggshell in what looked to be a small cafeteria off the main hallway, lying almost completely smashed to pieces like a pile of broken glass. To David, it looked like it had rolled backwards off the bench the second whoever it was had tried to force their way out, shattering on the floor as they had panicked. David retracted his wing and let the door swing shut, clicking his talons against the tile below him as he considered his options. That''s two in like ten minutes, almost right inside and then just down the hall at the first real intersection. I know that not a lot of people made it into Wave 1, so either they got really lucky or there was an absolute shitload of people here. I''m leaning towards the latter, because of the sheer amount of vehicles outside. You can fit a lot of people on some of those things, not even counting the big ass helicopters¡­there''s probably someone still here somewhere. I''m gonna go tell Claire, then come back and poke around some more, I think. David shot a glance over his shoulder, looking both ways down the corridor before scampering back the way he came. 74 - Surprising Observation Claire was so engrossed in rummaging through the back of the truck that she didn''t notice David approaching until he was nearly upon her. Her tail swayed lazily as she nuzzled her snout into every nook, snuffling loudly at whatever scent she found buried there. David banked around the corner of the main building, wings held rigid while he silently cut through the air, nearing Claire¡¯s position he folded them and dropped to the ground, the impact kicking up a small puff of dust. Transitioning seamlessly into a loping run, he bled off speed, and only once he had slowed to a trot did Claire finally extract her head from the truck bed, snout now smudged with grit. She turned to face him, tail wagging slightly as she gave him a look that was half curiosity, half surprise. ¡°David! I thought you were gonna look around inside?.¡± Claire hissed suspiciously as she shot a worried look behind him, ¡°Nothing¡¯s chasing you, right?¡± "What? No. Why do you always assume¡­" David trailed off in a slightly offended voice before continuing to the important part, ¡°Anyway, look. I found, like, two Eggshells already. There might actually be people hiding around here somewhere. I thought I wouldn''t be stupid for once and come warn you before I go back and really poke around¡­you know, in case something is actually chasing me on my way out next time.¡± "Wait, really? Ugh, and of course I''m stuck outside again. Fine. You want me to hang around the front of the building then?¡± Claire sighed, shooting a wistful glance at the darkened windows of the main lab. She clacked her jaws together in irritation, and the sound echoed back dully from the huge building in the distance, causing David''s ears to swivel around rapidly. David shook his head, still squinting mightily in the sunlight after his eyes had rapidly adjusted to the darkness inside the observatory. ¡°No, just letting you know we might not be alone, even if you can''t smell anything. They might just be holed up inside." ¡°I hope they''re still here¡­" Claire muttered quietly. David couldn''t help but agree, and he shuffled closer to shoot her a fair approximation of a thumbs up in encouragement. ¡°Here''s hoping, honestly. I''d love to know why the hell the military got involved...and like a million other things¡± David¡¯s ears perked forward with interest as he shot a glance back over his shoulder at the helicopters lined up neatly a few hundred yards away. I wonder if I should just try asking Omega directly. You know what, I''ll try sending another bug report or query or something when we''re done here. Worst I''m gonna get is no reply...right? ¡°Well, have fun spelunking, I guess.¡± Claire grumbled as she bumped the truck she''d been investigating with her snout, "I''ll just keep looking around out here. I''ll roar if I find anything, or something finds me." David gave Claire a distracted nod as he snapped out of his thoughts before turning and flapping upwards, zipping back towards the building''s entrance through the hot dry air. He landed on the concrete patio, and he quickly slowed to a cautious stalk as he neared the empty shattered doors, not even breathing heavily from the quick burst of speed. Sweeping his gaze across the lobby, he noticed the front desk he''d already investigated still undisturbed, and wondered what it must have been like for the woman that had worked there when the government had arrived. Creeping forward, David extended his senses, straining to detect any sounds or movements from within. Satisfied there was no immediate threat, he slipped through the doors and into the dimly lit interior. Dust motes danced in the few shafts of daylight filtering in through gaping windows as David''s eyes rapidly adjusted to the dimming light again. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. He moved silently down the main corridor, talons clicking softly on the tiled floor. Faint scuff marks in the dust layering every surface betrayed where he had passed through recently, and his eyes narrowed as he realized he''d been leaving a trail of breadcrumbs without noticing. David''s pulse quickened slightly as he neared the doorway leading to the cafeteria off the intersection where he''d originally paused, and he glanced at the ceiling thoughtfully. Nope, not gonna hold me this time. It''s all ugly drop ceiling¡­damn, would have been a good way to stop leaving tracks. Walls are all drywall and tile, I think it''d leave more of a mess than the tracks. Guess for now I just deal with ¨C Wait a second. David experimentally flapped his wings a few times, scrunching his eyes shut against the dust that billowed up and slowly resettled over the floor in a more-or-less uniform coating. It didn''t look natural, but it had cleared his tracks and would have to work. If he had to run, he could just drop a cloud of Gloom and allow it to mix with the ambient dust while he high-tailed it. Still, he lifted himself as far from the floor as he could and attempted to tiptoe around as quietly as possible to minimize the contact his leathery wings had with the floor when he began to move forward through the darkened hallways. David quickly resumes his previous strategy of pulsing waves of Echolocation''s forward, darting into position, and investigating his immediate surroundings before moving again. He continued to explore the smaller rooms, finding only two more eggshells as he plunged deeper into the lab before something else finally piqued his interest. Easing his head around a corner, David surveyed the entrance to the cavernous space his latest Echolocation had hinted at behind a pair of swinging doors, the waves dissipating into incoherent fuzz before they had returned. He approached carefully before slowly easing the left door open, cringing internally at the thunderous whine the rusted hinges produced. A latticed girder framework supported a large complex looking piece of machinery that seemed to have been hastily brought in, and it dominated a large section of the room toward the back wall. Control stations with dark screens and instrument panels lined the outer rim of the auditorium, seemingly frozen in time and buried under mummified scraps of paperwork and a thick layer of dust. It was perfectly dark, and David would have to rely heavily on his Special to maneuver through the cluttered space as he slowly pushed the door open and stood in the threshold. Scenting the air, David detected only stale musty oxygen and a faint hum just on the edge of his hearing that made him perk his ears curiously, unable to pinpoint the exact location it seemed to be emanating from. He slipped fully into the chamber, wings half-furled as he sidled closer to the towering scaffolding. Below, tangled cables as thick as his neck snaked across the floor from large boxy devices that looked like they had cost more than most people would ever make in their lives, all leading toward the spire of machinery at the back of the room. His gaze traced over the nearest row of terminals, and he experienced a strange wave of nostalgia as he looked across the dusty screens. It''s weird to think this was all probably cutting-edge a few weeks ago¡­well, probably a lot longer. I don''t even know what this stuff is, much less what it does. That sound is driving me nuts, what the hell is it? I know it''s coming from somewhere here¡­ David roved the cluttered stations, curiosity piqued by the air of frantic busyness that was still evident in the room by the slew of personal effects still scattered about. A pair of glasses here, a rotten briefcase stuffed under a chair there, coffee cups and thermoses scattered about every few feet and shattered on the floor. David muscled an old electric wheelchair to the side as he squeezed past it, the small vehicle having been parked directly in front of a huge display screen that dominated the wall in front of it. On a whim, he stopped to fiddle with the controls built into the device, never having had the opportunity before and wondering briefly about the person that had once owned it. Skirting the outer perimeter, he leaned in to examine a decommissioned monitor bank more closely, sniffing curiously at the faded smell of plastic when his ears caught the odd vibration again, this time locking on. David cocked his head curiously at the sound, poking his snout into the screen several times, half expecting some hideous creature to emerge and bite at him. Instead, the dust was knocked loose off the screen and he winced as the tiny, dim light was revealed, just above the power button. No fucking way, that''s what the sound was? I must never have been able to hear it before¡­ The light was extremely dim, just barely visible due to the total darkness of the room. David leaped atop the nearest chair, excitedly flapping his wings as hard as he could, scrunching his eyes shut and trying not to breathe when he smelled the massive storm of dust fill the air. He waited several seconds before wiping his face and muzzle on the inside of his wing, clearing his eyes before opening them. A small sea of fading, flickering lights glowed all around him and David sat stunned, swiveling his head around in awe. Somehow, there was still a trickle of power. David quickly ducked below the equipment and pressed his head against the cables, confirming the thin, almost invisible noise he felt more than heard was electric. Very few of the cables had power, but after several minutes of exploring he found a thick cable emitting a crisp, almost irritating tone and began to follow it across the floor and deeper into the building. 75 - Off the books David traced the thick power cable down the shadowy corridor, the electric hum growing fainter as if the current was faltering every few minutes in a steady pattern. Dust and debris crunched underfoot, scattering in small clouds with each step no matter what he did to avoid it, much to David''s irritation. He passed through a crumpled door, hinges long rusted nearly to uselessness, squeezing his furry form through the jagged opening with a wince as leathery membrane scraped against unyielding metal. The stairwell he found on the other side descended far away into the dark, a few dim emergency lights covered in solidified dust pulsing and fading with the ebb and flow of power that seemed to shift in time with the sound he was following. David''s talons clicked rhythmically on the concrete steps as he descended, senses straining for any subtle movement or sound amid the gloom. He paused often to fill the staircase ahead of him with Echolocation, becoming almost irritated as they continued to return nothing but emptiness and the snarl of cabling that his lead had been bundled into near the doorway. How many observatories have a basement? Actually, how hard is it to dig a basement like this straight into a mountain, wouldn''t that be hard? Like, almost impossibly hard? Fucking government, could have fixed the roads or built a hospital or something but nooo, secret underground shit. Ugh. Stale, conditioned air caressed his snout and made him fight the urge to sneeze as he reached the bottom of the stairs and a chill radiated from the underground corridor, broken only by faint warmth from air currents traveling down the stairs behind him. David''s ears twitched, tracking the thready electric pulse as he turned to follow, snarling at the confined space as Spooky grew serious and quiet. This must have been one hell of an operation once upon a time. How far down does this shit go? More doors lined the hallway at regular intervals, some yawning open to reveal small spaces choked with dust-shrouded computer banks and shelving. Scattered equipment and dozens of abandoned laptops betrayed the frantic work that had taken place here, leading deeper beneath the surface in the cable''s wake. David''s gaze traced the snaking cable as it delved further inward, sometimes vanishing almost entirely under little drifts of debris, following dutifully as they seemed to stretch onward forever. They had been desperate by the end, and everything had a cobbled-together air that grew more pronounced the farther he went. The air cooled further as he neared a larger open space, the cable''s tone rising in pitch until it hummed loudly enough to make David''s teeth itch. He emerged into a cavernous chamber filled with a barely audible low rumble and the acrid tang of ozone, and though it was clearly intended for data storage, anything that had been kept here was certainly gone forever. His head swiveled slowly, taking in rows of darkened server racks with a hint of awe, feeling a bit small in the darkness at the size of everything. The overhead lights pulsed faintly in rapid cycles, plunging the space into intermittent darkness like a dim strobe effect as David sidled along the perimeter. He flinched with each return of illumination, mane prickling as a growling generator somewhere in the distance spun up briefly only to rapidly wind down once more in the gloom. If his ears had been any less sensitive, he never would have been able to hear it, and even as he paused to focus he still couldn''t tell where it was coming from other than deeper. It''s some kind of backup site or something... definitely off the books. Probably. Whatever was going on here, it definitely wasn''t just your average lab. Damn. I used to live, like, four hours from Redfield and I never knew. I guess the ¡®middle of nowhere¡¯ by a retirement destination is a good place for spooks to set up? David''s wingtips tingled with anticipation as he leaped up onto the top of the server racks, launching himself upwards to hover near the ceiling and get a better view of the room. A few lights fluttered on and off weakly, and David quickly spotted a large door with a steel frame solidly sunk into the wall at the far end of the room. Flexing his wings, David flapped twice and allowed the momentum to carry him silently through the darkness as he drifted closer. He landed with only a whisper of talons on stone, eyeballing the door suspiciously as he took in the darkened card reader and tiny keypad set below it before snorting. Despite the security measures, the door was slightly ajar, and David slithered through the gap with only a moment''s hesitation. The hallway on the other side was cramped and utilitarian, branching off with a simple left-right junction at the end, and David froze as sounds began to trickle toward him from the left branch of the path. He loosened Spooky''s leash a bit and slithered rapidly through the darkness toward the noise, pulse quickening with a mixture of anxiety and excitement, and David had to physically restrain himself from humming the theme song from a popular spy movie as he moved. David tensed as the faint sounds resolved into voices and grew louder, straining to make out the words amid the low thrum of electrical systems. A glance upward filled Spooky with relief, and David leaped into the snarl of pipes and grating, clinging tightly as he oozed into the shadows, glad to finally be off the floor as he automatically adjusted to the shift in perspective. He inched forward on the ceiling, careful not to produce any noise as he moved with agonizing slowness behind the rapid-fire bursts of Echolocation he pushed ahead before pausing outside an open doorway that glowed with unmistakably artificial light. David felt nearly blind from even the dim illumination after so long in the dark, and he simply closed his eyes as he bounced his special into the room by aiming it at the opposite wall of the corridor from the entryway. ¨CEcholocation has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 3xp¨C "How much longer we gotta keep hiding down here like rats, Adam?" A gruff baritone seemed to belong to the wolf-like creature pacing agitatedly. Its legs were long and nimble, and its body matched, reminding David vaguely of the Slitherwolves he''d fought only days after hatching. "Until we know it''s safe to surface, Wally. We''re not taking any damn chances." This gravelly voice was deeper, resonating with a clear air of authority. David risked a more direct Echolocation over the lip of the doorframe to get a clearer image. Wally, presumably the wolf-thing towered over a smaller, hunched form, some kind of extremely poofy rodent that reminded David of a chinchilla, furiously working on a laptop. Across the chamber, an enormous armored creature resembling an armadillo-boar combination watched them impassively, wicked tusks glinting. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "But we''re almost out of supplies again!" Wally protested, stomping a heavy paw against the floor. "We can''t just sit here waiting to starve!" "Which is why Gideon here has been working on establishing an uplink." Adam nodded toward the laptop, his eyes glinting. "We get some intel on the situation, make contact, then we make a move. No risks this time." The small technician, Gideon, didn''t look up from the computer, dexterous hand-like paws a blur. "Well pardon my lack of progress, but maintaining a stable connection with sporadic power has been...challenging. Not to mention that I keep telling you there¡¯s nothing to connect with, no matter how big the antennae is." "We don''t have unlimited time for excuses," Adam growled, stalking closer with each word until his snout was nearly brushing Gideon''s ear. "You get me online by 0600 tomorrow, or so help me..." He trailed off, clearly leaving the threat unvoiced but no less potent. Gideon swallowed hard and resumed his work with renewed urgency as David watched the display with a mixture of fascination and wariness. As David observed the trio interact, he began to notice subtle details that set them apart from everyone else he¡¯d met so far, their movements stiff, unnatural, as if they were awkwardly tolerating forms never meant for them. Wally paced in tight, nervous circles, his lupine body language completely at odds with the jerky, hunched gait, as if the sheer grace and power contained in his wolfen form was more hindrance than an advantage. Gideon hunched over the laptop, legs splayed wide as his delicate paws flew across the keys with a visible lack of coordination in his darting movements. Even Adam, emanating that aura of gruff authority, had a strange lumbering quality to his motions, and David almost choked when he finally figured out what was wrong with them. They haven''t leveled up at all. I don''t even think Gideon has actually evolved, even if he can. They¡¯ve literally never left, didn''t do any Quests, never even had to run around¡­how the fuck? These guys are fighting it at every turn because they never had to actually do anything. Good for me, I guess, I could probably thump them all if I had to. Makes me feel a little better, anyway. Spooky was absolutely revolted by the concept, but it caused a wave of mixed pity and relief to pass through him, while he wouldn''t wish this type of disadvantage on anyone in the new world, at least he retained the advantage. A soft clatter drew his attention as Gideon knocked over a piece of equipment off the small table he sat on, the creature freezing instantly as if realizing his error. The other two whirled, eyes and nostrils flaring as they bristled with irritation. David instinctively shrank back, talons rasping faintly against the metal pipe he clung to as he stilled his movements. His heart thundered in his ears as the tense standoff stretched on, waiting to see if he''d been detected before the trio seemed to slowly relax after several moments with no further disturbances. Adam snapped something unintelligible and Wally skulked off into a corner, grumbling under his breath. Gideon simply returned his focus to the laptop, clearly chastened, though his body language was frustrated and angry. Indecision warred within David as he watched them; did he reveal himself in hopes of gaining answers, and investigate further before risking potential confrontation? If Adam¡¯s stern demeanor was any indication, an unannounced arrival may prove unwise. Flexing his wingtips, David melted into the clutter of the ceiling, determined to observe as much of this strange situation as possible before making his move. He held himself utterly still, ceasing even the smallest motions as his heartbeat thundered in his ears and he tracked Wally''s movements with bated breath as the man continued to wander around the perimeter of the small room. "I...maybe?" The wolf sounded uncertain, padding back and forth while scenting the air. His nose twitched repeatedly as he searched for the source of the odor. David remembered too late that Claire had repeatedly told him he had a distinctive scent of ¡®badness¡¯ that stemmed from the toxins his body produced. The cloying smell was likely what Wally had picked up on, and he had to smother a hiss of surprise as his snout wrinkled in chagrin. Idiot! His jaw clenched as he fought the urge to attack from hiding, mentally thumping Spooky for even suggesting it as they urged him to act before Wally revealed their position. Too late to mask the smell completely now, David hoped the erratic airflow from the corridor behind him would scatter and dissipate it enough. Wally continued quartering the room for several tense minutes, Adam and Gideon watching him intently. David remained utterly motionless, wings held rigid against the ceiling as his thoughts raced. If the wolf did somehow pinpoint his location, David could potentially drop a concentrated burst of Gloom down on them, using the distraction to escape. But it would almost certainly reveal his presence, ruining any chance of peacefully finding any answers they¡¯d come such a long way for... Eventually, Wally seemed to lose the scent trail, shaking his head in visible frustration. He barked something unintelligible, shoulders slumping. Adam snapped a curt reply before turning his focus back on Gideon, the smaller creature flinching under the larger porcine creature¡¯s baleful glare. David exhaled a silent breath he hadn''t realized he''d been holding, a feather''s weight of tension seeping from his muscles as the standoff ended. From his vantage, he could just barely make out the laptop''s fuzzy screen displaying strings of code intermittently flickering past. Gideon grumbled under his breath as the laptop screen flickered again. "This hack job on the artifact is barely enough to keep basic systems online. Power levels keep browning out every time I try boosting the juice to the transmitter. We''re just leeching off scraps here." "At this rate, I''ll never get a stable band established, even if there¡¯s still something to connect to. The artifact''s output was never meant to be used like this, I¡¯ve told you that a hundred times. We barely understood how it worked beyond ¡®rainbow-goo bad¡¯ before everything went to shit.¡± His shoulders slumped in frustration as he seemed to sink into his own fluff dejectedly. "Well, you''d better figure it out. That''s an order. We''re running on fumes here." Gideon''s paws stilled on the laptop as he shot Adam a withering look. "You think I don''t know that? This is extremely delicate work. Push it too far and we could potentially destabilize the-" The lights flickered violently, causing all three to tense, and Gideon waited for the power spike to subside before letting out a slow breath. "See? We''re walking a razor''s edge here just trying to piggyback off its energy." Rainbow-goo that produces a ton of energy and doesn¡¯t like being fucked with? Well, that sounds familiar¡­what do they have that makes rainbow-goo? I thought that only happens when you fuse mutagens or Evolve? Where is it, it can''t be that far away, right? David slowly began to inch away backward, intent on finding out. 76 - Minimum Safe Distance David silently made his way back down the corridor, ears pricked for any sounds of pursuit. His mind still whirled from the confrontation he''d witnessed between Adam, Wally, and Gideon; the professional hostility a bit alien to him, though he understood they were obviously afraid and stressed. Reaching the junction in the hallway once again, David paused to get his bearings. To his right past the security door he''d weaseled through on his way inside the backup lights continued their arrhythmic pulsing overhead, casting dancing shadows among the rows of vacant server racks. The light leaked through into the hallway, and David quickly scuttled past, not keen on being revealed by the dim light if anyone happened to look up. His gaze was drawn to the large steel door set into the wall at the end of the corridor soon after, and he was once again struck by the irony of an unlocked and open door sporting a keypad and card reader. Makes sense, I guess. If the power goes out and the door¡¯s already locked, they''d just be fucked. No way any of us is digging through a reinforced concrete wall to freedom, you''d just¡­ yeah let''s not think about that. Wait, does that mean someone was already in the room with it when they hatched, or was the highly secured ¡®artifact¡¯ containment or whatever just sitting open to begin with? Weird. I''d bet it was that Gideon guy, he seems like the scientist or engineer type from what I saw. With a whisper of talons on metal, David lurked through the shadows on the ceiling and nimbly swung through the door and slipped through into a shadowy corridor beyond. He followed the winding passage, talons clicking against the pipes he clung to, until he picked up a strange resonant vibration thrumming through the air. Rounding the last corner, he spotted a set of stairs leading down into a small, dimly lit circular chamber dominated by wide open floor space. It was just barely visible through a series of thick windows set into the wall above the chamber in the small room he¡¯d entered, and David peered through curiously, the ground covered in lines painted in red and yellow. David leered suspiciously as he allowed himself to hang and then drop down from the ceiling, flaring his wings briefly to avoid rattling the grating that made up the floor as he quickly darted down the stairs to the room below. In the center of the lab, held in place by a mechanical armature and almost buried under machinery and coils of wire an iridescent crystal shard about a foot long pulsed with an inner glow, shimmering hues swirling lazily within its translucent facets. It was hard to look at, leaving small spots in David''s vision that left him blinking rapidly before he simply closed his eyes altogether, chattering out an Echolocation instead. The waves reached the crystal almost instantly, and to David''s horror it responded with a pulse of light bright enough to stun him even through his closed eyelids. A crackling rumble of intense energy rippled through the air and ground beneath him, and David reflexively dove behind the nearest sturdy-looking machine. As David watched, transfixed by the slideshow of images that returned to him, a viscous bead of shining liquid began to form at the crystal''s tip, slowly swelling larger. When it finally fell, the iridescent drop had splashed into a grooved collection tray below with a faint sizzle. The dripping liquid was then channeled away through a precarious-looking array of archaic pipes and coiled wiring, snaking toward an assembly of converters and transformers cobbled together from mismatched components. Each time the fluid made contact, ripples of kaleidoscopic energy crackled across the surfaces in surging waves, and David could see the lights through his eyelids quite clearly. David listened, mesmerized, as the dripping rhythm continued, the hues within the crystal visibly brightening and dimming with each sluggish, viscous drop. The converters alternately whined and surged as the energies were shunted erratically. An alarm began to whine on a nearby station after a few seconds in response to whatever had happened when David''s Ability had resonated with the object. The entire setup looked extremely unstable, just as Gideon had warned. One big power spike or malfunction could potentially destabilize the artifact''s outpourings with violent consequences. David felt like he should be leaning away from the entire contraption, for all the good it would do if anything broke while he was in the room. He could feel the power radiating from the thing, and Spooky immediately demanded he steal it for himself. David had snorted aloud at that before freezing and shooting a nervous glance around the room. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. David slowly backed away, wincing as his wing brushed against a piece of equipment with a faint clatter. He froze, holding his breath, ears straining for any reaction from the volatile thing. But the dripping continued undisturbed, channeling its steady trickle of light through the makeshift conduits. Why did it do that when my Ability hit it? Echolocation is just sound, as far as I know. That''s definitely the same stuff you puke up when you evolve, no doubt about it. If I could get a better look at it without going blind or the damn thing exploding I might be able to figure it out¡­maybe. David''s ears twitched at the sound of heavy footfalls rumbling down the corridor before they began to rattle the grating above the stairs as the structure groaned under their weight. Moving quickly and silently, he slithered behind a protruding bank of equipment along the far wall of the chamber, careful to leave himself an angle to safely observe with his back to the jagged crystal. David held himself utterly still, muscles coiled as he extended his senses. The footsteps grew louder until a massive, bear-like creature lumbered off the stairs. It stood easily eight feet tall, thick ursine muscles bunched beneath a shaggy coat of brown fur. It easily balanced on powerful hind legs, its stride only slightly awkward due to its anatomy as it attempted to fold its heavy clawed arms over its chest before growling in frustration when the limbs simply would not allow for it, letting them hang by its sides instead. "Major Kozlov," a gruff voice called out as a small stampede of footsteps rapidly followed the gigantic creature down the stairs. "What''s the situation?" The bear, Kozlov, turned as Adam waddled into the chamber, Wally and Gideon on his heels. The porcine man looked warily around the room before fixing Kozlov with a pointed stare. "I''m not sure yet," Kozlov rumbled. "That last tremor didn''t feel like the usual power fluctuations. We may be dealing with the early stages of a larger event, and I hope not." He nodded toward the central space where the glimmering crystal shard pulsed and dripped its iridescent fluid in a steady rhythm. "At least the siphon is still functional. For now. But Gideon''s juryrig was meant to be a temporary measure, not something that would last a week or more." Exchanging a worried look with Wally, Adam grunted. "Just when we were finally making progress on re-establishing outside contact..." "Progress?" Kozlov snorted derisively. "That''s one word for blindly groping in the dark while draining this thing for all it''s worth as a last resort." Wally bristled, but Adam simply held up a calming hoof. "We didn''t have any other choice if we wanted to avoid complete shutdown. Not after¡­." "Save the excuses," Kozlov growled. "I''m not putting blame anywhere. I''m just calling it like I see it, which is we''ve been hanging by a fraying thread essentially looting power from a classified piece of¡­technology¡­ without fully understanding it." He shook his head slowly. "And from the way that tremor felt, I''d say the thread is unraveling fast. We''re running out of time before something finally gives." A tense silence fell over the group, the soft dripping of the artifact fill the only sound. David watched, unmoving, as Gideon bounced up onto a console from the ground to huddle over a console, tiny paws flying urgently over the controls as he studied a series of gauges hooked up to a small screen. "Um...sirs?" he ventured at last, sounding apprehensive. "You''re... going to want to take a look at these readings." Kozlov grunted as Adam, Wally, and he crowded around to view the screens. Incomprehensible data scrolled past, but the look on Gideon''s expressive fuzzy features spoke volumes. "What am I looking at, Gideon?" Adam asked in an ominous tone. "Plain English, if you''d be so kind." The small technician swallowed hard before responding. "Th-The artifact''s energies are becoming increasingly unstable and chaotic on a fundamental level. My hack job here can barely track the rapid shifts anymore, let alone channel or convert the output." "In other words," Kozlov spoke for him in a grim rumble. "This whole place is about one good fuckup away from going critical as that thing melts down?" 77 - Contact! Among the group, Kozlov appeared to be the most composed and in control of the situation, even his body language seemed to ooze confidence and stability. While the others seemed frazzled, he maintained a calm demeanor, and when Gideon gave a subtle nod, affirming Kozlov''s question, the man sprang into action without skipping a beat. Despite the moment''s urgency, his commands rang out clearly and precisely, and each word was articulated flawlessly despite the rapid-fire delivery. Kozlov''s ability to maintain clarity and issue intelligible orders in a suddenly stressful situation spoke volumes about his experience and leadership capabilities. The others immediately fell in line, their bodies instinctively responding to the authority in his tone, casting furtive glances awaiting further instructions. It was evident that Kozlov was the one they all looked to for guidance, his decisiveness an anchor in the shadowy machinery and increasingly wailing alarms surrounding them. "Gideon, reroute the power wherever you can, just get it out of the core system. Ground it if needed, I don''t care how you do it," Kozlov barked out in rapid succession. He whirled towards the stairwell, "Adam, get your ass topside and wedge open every damn door. If a power surge hits, I want a clear emergency exit, no risks of getting trapped." Without pausing for a response, Kozlov turned his intense gaze towards Wally. "You''re assisting Gideon. Do whatever he needs - move cables, equipment, whatever. He may be small but he''s our only chance of avoiding a total meltdown. We have no idea how catastrophic a containment breach could get." Wally straightened under Kozlov''s stern glare. "Understood, sir. I''ll make sure Gideon has everything he needs." There was a grim determination in his tone, undercut by an audible tremor at the implied stakes. Kozlov''s expression softened slightly as he added, "At ease, Wally. I need you both at your best. Gideon knows what he''s doing, just back him up. We''re relying on that little fuzzball more than you know." Damn, this guy might be the first person I¡¯ve met so far that has his head on completely straight. Maybe I should try and make contact with him¡­later. Right now is not a good time to just suddenly appear and scare the shit out of everyone. Spooky still wants me to steal whatever that is, so I doubt it¡¯s going to implode the entire mountain or something. It¡¯s doing something not-so-good, though. It seemed to respond to me hitting it with Echolocation, maybe I can try something else? That Gideon guy also seems pretty professional, maybe I can¡­ David remained motionless in his concealed position as the sounds of Adam''s thundering hooves faded into the distance, punctuated by intermittent bangs of heavy doors being violently thrown open in the large creature''s wake. Kozlov wasn''t far behind, dropping effortlessly onto all fours and bounding out of the room with remarkable agility for his massive size. He vanished effortlessly up the stairs behind Adam with a quick assurance he¡¯d return as soon as he could. Meanwhile, Gideon had already set to work, his diminutive body seeming to almost glide between the tangle of cables and pipes surrounding the pulsing crystal shard at the center of the room. Despite being 90% fluff, his lightweight frame scarcely caused the wires and conduits to sway or jiggle as he scampered through the contraption with the dexterity of a squirrel in a tree. He closed valves, reconnected hoses, and ripped coils of copper wire that circled some sections of pipe free, tossing them away to ring prettily against the concrete floor as he muttered to himself with borderline psychotic focus the entire time. Wally simply sat there awkwardly, ears folded out to the sides and his tail tucked firmly under his body as he hunched into himself. The lupine man had asked a few times if there was anything he could do to help, but David wasn¡¯t sure Gideon even registered that he was in the room anymore. An entire section of piping crashed to the ground and a heartbeat later the lights surged in power before half the consoles on the far side of the room blew in a huge shower of sparks, and Gideon let out a tiny snarl of victory as the alarm suddenly quieted. Wally had nearly fallen over at the massive pop when the equipment overloaded, claws scrabbling for traction on the concrete as he whirled to face the smoking terminals. ¡°Don¡¯t know why I didn¡¯t think about that before, fucking Kozlov.¡± Gideon squeaked as he hurled himself off of the armature holding the Crystal itself and rubbed his eyes furiously. ¡°Think I blinded myself, everything¡¯s all purpley-green. Don¡¯t touch anything on that side of the room, I have no idea how much juice is actually going through it, we¡¯re lucky all the flooring is concrete.¡± ¡°Copy that,¡± Wally whined as he stood and shot a nervous glance at everything to the left of the stairs behind them. ¡°I need you to run up and grab me the multimeter from ¨C¡± Gideon paused as he squinted mightily before locating his target, ¡°Actually, just grab the whole toolbox. Should be next to the laptop upstairs, I¡¯m not sure what I¡¯m going to need for this yet.¡± Well, I guess I¡¯m lucky he didn¡¯t ground it out over here or I¡¯d have been barbequed. I think it¡¯s time to move, I¡¯m not gonna get a better chance than this. This guy or Kozlov is probably my best bet, and Gideon is the less dangerous of the two. Shut up Spooky, I¡¯ll go take a look at the damn thing in just a second, I¡¯m trying not to fuck this up. Okay, okay. Maybe I can, just slowly... David tentatively began to emerge from behind the snarl of equipment as Wally dashed out of the room and left Gideon to clamber back up onto the console he¡¯d been perched on before Kozlov had given his orders. He couldn''t help but feel a predatory thrill courtesy of Spooky as he lurked up behind the small unaware creature in total silence, his wings pooling around him like oil as he crept through the dark, eyes glinting red in the dim lighting. Gideon remained oblivious, continuing to mutter to himself as he clambered back onto the console, his focus laser-locked on readout monitoring the pulsing crystal shard. The shard itself still continued to throb with colorful energy, droplets of rainbow light dripping audibly from its jagged edges in an unsettling counterpoint to the intermittent showers of sparks still spraying across the room every so often. As David was wracking his brain for how to safely call attention to himself, Gideon leaned over the console''s edge reaching for a bundle of exposed wiring that had been spliced into the side of the machine, his elbow clipped a screwdriver lying precariously on the edge. Time seemed to slow as the screwdriver teetered, beginning its inevitable plummet toward the unforgiving concrete floor below. Faster than the eye could track, David''s sinuous form lashed out, his wing blurring as he instinctively snatched at the movement in an attempt to prevent the noise it would make as it hit the floor. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Oops, shit.¡± Gideon froze in confusion as the ringing clatter never came, peering curiously over the edge after a few heartbeats to see what had happened. David slowly raised the tool in his talons and carefully placed it behind the man on the console''s surface with a decisive click. The furry rodent froze with the type of stillness you usually only see in predatory reptiles, prey animals that had been spotted, and small children caught doing something they shouldn¡¯t. The man might as well have been carved from marble, even his blinking ceased, and neither hair nor whisker moved even a minute amount. David could visibly see the man put 2 and 2 together in real-time and decided to break the ice before the screaming started. "Figured you might need this," David said, the friendly tone he''d intended coming out as more of a sinister purr. Gideon turned rapidly, his eyes wide, chest heaving as his blurred gaze finally landed on David''s form. The tiny creature''s breath came in panicked gasps as he blearily took in David''s presence, an amorphous tangle of pitch-black fur, wicked fangs, and talons glinting dully in the low emergency lighting. Two pinpricks of crimson eyeshine bored into him from the center of his inky silhouette, now only a few feet away. Gideon let out a strange, choked sound, suddenly finding himself toppled backward onto his rump. He scooted away frantically, holding his minuscule arms outstretched as if to ward off the terrifying intruder. Sensing the growing panic, David attempted what he hoped was a reassuring smile, his jaws parting to reveal a maw lined with wicked fangs. "Chill, it''s all good. I''m not gonna eat you or anything." David attempted placatingly in what he hoped was a comforting tone of voice. The words had the opposite effect, and Gideon''s eyes blew wide, his entire tiny form quivering. He opened his mouth but no sound emerged, just rapid, shuddering gasps. At that moment, the clatter of claws rushing back over the grating above them before rattling down the metal steps announced Wally''s return, the toolbox gripped precariously in his jaws blocking his vision. He made his way to the console with careful unbalanced steps, tail wagging obliviously. "Foun'' it, Gidedlrrrmmph!" Wally''s muffled words cut off abruptly as he rounded the console, finally catching sight of David looming over his diminutive colleague. The toolbox slipped from his slackened jaws, clattering to the floor as he froze, eyes bugging as his hackles shot up and his tail vanished between his legs. The man seemed to sink into himself as his body locked up in shock, cringing down as much as possible without actually laying down to show his belly. ¨CWallace Tullinton has been afflicted with |Blood Memory|¨C ¨CAncestral Terror Mutagen has leveled up!¨C ¨CGained 9xp¨C "C-C-Conta..." The word died in Wally''s throat, his voice strangled by sheer, mind-numbing terror. He could only gape, mouth working soundlessly as every muscle locked rigid. "Contaaa...contaaa..." he finally managed, the feeble noise more akin to a pained wheezing than any actual vocalization. David raised his taloned wings slowly in a peaceful gesture, making a conscious effort not to bare his fangs as he smiled again in what he hoped was a friendly manner. "Easy, easy. I''m not here to cause any trouble." The soothing tones seemed to break the spell over Wally. He sucked in a desperate gasp of air, his lupine hindbrain taking over. "CONTACT! INTRU-" His bark of warning finally broke free, deep and booming, before David lashed out again with blinding speed. Dark wings shot out across the distance without a single sound as they speared through the air, and sharp talons from both of David¡¯s ¡®hands¡¯ wrapped around Wally''s jaws, silencing him in an instant. David tsked softly, shaking his head in a paternal manner. Spooky had immediately registered the man as ''baby and/or food'', and David didn''t feel threatened in the slightest now that the man was actually in front of him, rapidly realizing the sheer discrepancy in power between them. "No need for that. Can we all just stay calm, please?" His tone remained level, but the feral growl in his tone was unmistakable. "I just wanna talk, that¡¯s it. I¡¯m a person too. I¡¯m just snarly lookin¡¯. Sorry I snuck in, I wasn¡¯t expecting to find anyone here when I first decided to check this place out, I¡¯m from Riverport. You familiar with it, big city by the river like a hundred miles from here?" Wally''s eyes bulged in their sockets, the woefully under-leveled monster rolling frantically as he struggled against the implacable grip. The only sound that escaped his trapped muzzle was thick, terrified gurgles as his claws clattered against the concrete below him before he eventually sagged in defeat, ears pinned back and tail tucked firmly out of sight when he finally nodded slightly as David gave him an expectant look. Well, that could have gone a little better. I didn¡¯t expect him to be so weak, definitely still a hatchling. Why wouldn¡¯t you evolve when the Quest finished? That¡¯s just stupid, it¡¯s like they¡¯re trying to just ignore the System. That¡¯s just¡­I mean come on, there were like 4 of them, a few Quests wouldn¡¯t even be that hard. Okay, let''s see if I can salvage this a little bit. Gideon, for his part, could only watch the exchange mutely. His own harsh, stuttering breaths echoed loudly in the sudden stillness of the room, punctuated only by the crystal''s low, ominous thrum and steady dripping. David slowly released the man¡¯s muzzle and he slumped to the floor, rolling onto his back with a dazed look in his eyes, his legs tucked up firmly as he could no longer contain the urge to show his belly. Spooky seemed quite satisfied with the outcome, and waves of smug superiority washed through the back of David¡¯s consciousness. He fought the urge to roll his eyes, mentally shoving his subconscious into the background as Spooky immediately began to illogically demand that he steal the volatile shard of whatever-it-was for himself. ¨CYour |Blood Memory| has faded on Wallace Tullinton¨C "See? I¡¯m a friendly bat. Friendly." David chittered happily, "No need for hysterics. We can be civilized about this even if we don¡¯t look like it, right? So what¡¯s the deal with the thingy over there? I¡¯ve seen that rainbow stuff before, maybe I can help." ¡°W-who the fuck are you?¡± Gideon finally mumbled from David¡¯s left as he slowly sat up. "My name¡¯s David. Look, I get that I''m not exactly...normal looking," David said, shrugging slightly as he turned to face the small mammal. "But I promise you, I''m not here to cause any trouble. I''m just trying to understand what''s going on here." Gideon''s eyes flicked nervously between David and the still-dazed Wally. The lupine man was slowly coming back to his senses, blinking owlishly as he pushed himself up on trembling limbs. ¡°...You said you¡¯ve seen the energetic liquid before?¡± Gideon¡¯s tone was still fearful, but a small spark of professional interest shined through. David couldn¡¯t suppress his grin this time, ¡°Yeah, I puke it up sometimes.¡± ¡°Beg pardon?¡± 78 - Will you comply? David thumped Wally''s back in what he hoped was a comforting gesture, though the lupine man flinched violently at the contact. "My bad for the scare tactics," David said with a casual shrug of his wings. "It''s a Mutagen thing, y¡¯know? A few control-focused abilities early on, Fusion or two, and bam! I make everyone pee themselves just by existing now." He gave a toothy grin, fangs glinting. "The wings are my favorite, though." "Y-yeah, no, I don''t really follow," Wally stammered, eyes still wide. David''s snout wrinkled slightly as he retracted his wing. After an awkward few moments, Gideon cleared his throat pointedly, smoothing his ruffled fur as he clambered to his feet. The small creature fixed David with a scrutinizing glare, barely contained curiosity, and a million questions simmering behind his eyes. Finally, he threw up his tiny hands. "So just what in the hell are you?" Gideon squeaked angrily, jabbing an accusing claw at David that made his ears flatten reflexively as another shower of sparks briefly illuminated the gloom, "Some kinda infiltration specialist? Who do you work for? And what was that freaky mind control thing? I''ve never been that scared, not even when I hatched!" David cringed at that. "Like I said, Mutagen weirdness. You didn''t even catch the full dose of it, because your eyes were messed up. I know you all Hatched with at least one ability yourself. Mine''s been Fused a couple times now, synergizes with the rest of my build...I''m probably a lot higher level than you guys, no offense.¡± "I''m level 3, thank you very much!" Gideon protested with a stamp of his foot. "Made solid progress on both my Special and regular abilities! Just because I don''t know about Fusions--" "I''m about four times your level, then," David interrupted flatly. "Filled every slot on my Status screen ages ago. I''m coming up on my second Evolution pretty soon, probably another Special one too. The first was just a couple of days after I Hatched." He paused, considering. "Covered a lot of ground, met a bunch of people. I''ve even dropped a couple of Bosses so far." Gideon''s eyes went perfectly round at that admission. Behind him, Wally let out a breathless curse, his tail beginning to wag slowly as he seemed to find his voice. "You, uh, you got a second to answer a quick question, my...guy?" the wolf-man asked hesitantly. David''s head cocked to the side, nodding happily before his ears twitched, and he chattered a brief Echolocation pulse towards the stairs, aiming for the floor to bounce it up the steps. "Kozlov! I know you''re up there," he called out in as soothing and gentle of a voice as he could. ¡°Six steps down, paw on the rail? Make that four steps now...HEY! Did you just flip me off?¡± Another Echolocation chatter. "Left-handed too! Damn, I really can ''see'' you up there, no need for that." There was a tense pause before Kozlov''s gravelly voice finally answered from the stairwell, "Are my men unharmed? Because if you''ve hurt them-" "We''re alright, sir!" Wally quickly replied, to David''s surprise. "The uh, intruder''s just a civilian from a nearby city. Says he doesn''t want trouble, and claims he might be able to help with...y''know, the situation. He''s¡­ damn terrifying, not gonna lie. But he could''ve smoked both of us ages ago if he wanted." Another pause, then, "I''m coming down." A massive, fur-covered wall of muscle and claws descended the stairs. Kozlov pulled up short at the sight of David, who was giving an awkward little wave. The bear let out a slow, controlled breath, visibly restraining himself as he raised his paws in the universal "unarmed" gesture. The absurdity of the massive ursine trying to appear non-threatening made David bark out a short laugh before he could stop himself. Kozlov arched an eyebrow, a tiny hint of his lingering humanity shining through the form that he had been forced into. Not to be deterred, David extended a wing in an attempt at a handshake. Kozlov stared dumbly for a beat before extending his own paw to meet it before David slapped out an incredibly awkward low-five. Refusing to quit while he was behind, David followed it up with an equally cringeworthy finger-gun gesture, which, given the wicked talons on the ends of his wings, looked more like a poorly-veiled threat to strangle the bear. He dropped it immediately, clearing his throat. "So...yeah. Pleased to meet you, I guess?" David mumbled as Kozlov stared at him with an utterly dumbfounded expression. Smooth move, David. Why are regular conversations so much harder than just fighting monsters? No need to decipher complex motivations, just bring them down before they can eat you, or run away before they can get you. Really doesn¡¯t help with the way I look, too. I can¡¯t just pop out of a bush and be like, ¡®Wanna be my friend?¡¯ without someone having a heart attack. Maybe I should get a hat or a scarf or something¡­hey, yeah that¡¯s not a bad idea- "According to him, he''s over level ten at minimum," Wally offered, drawing Kozlov''s skeptical gaze and jarring David out of his rapidly spiraling social anxiety. "He subdued me in about one second and has some kind of mind-altering ability that makes you utterly convinced you¡¯re¡­below him on the food chain. Nasty stuff. I don''t think he''s as...eccentric as he comes across. Best not to underestimate him." Kozlov''s brow furrowed as he appraised David again, who fidgeted a bit on the concrete below him as he refolded his wings and tapped his talons anxiously. The bear closed his eyes briefly, a deep rumbling sigh escaping him. "Very well," he said at length, his tone clipped but polite. "Let''s start over, shall we? I am Major Kozlov, acting commander of this facility. These are two of my men, Gideon and Wallace." He paused, clearly waiting for David to introduce himself properly. His mouth worked soundlessly for a moment before he found his voice. "David. My name''s David," he managed, ears twitching nervously. "I''m from Riverport originally, but I''ve been...well, wandering is probably the best word for it lately. Trying to make sense of this whole ¡®Integration¡¯...thing. Doing Quests, helping some people, trying to get stronger so I don¡¯t get eaten." Kozlov gave a stocky nod of acknowledgment, his next words coming out in a slight growl, "Then perhaps you''d be so kind as to elaborate on your...situation, David? And what expertise you might offer regarding the energetic anomaly we''re dealing with here?" David''s hissed sibilantly as he thought about it, scratching his neck idly with a talon before reshuffling himself into a more comfortable position. Gideon perked up again, crowding the edge of the counter and leaning in, his huge eyes boring a hole straight through the side of David¡¯s head in a way that made a single ear fixate on him obsessively as he fought down an irrational urge to poke him off the ledge that he wasn¡¯t sure came from him or Spooky, who was basically just him anyway. "Right, yeah, that..." He licked his chops, shooting Gideon an uncomfortable sidelong glance. "Might take me a minute to explain it all in a way that doesn''t make me sound completely crazy..." David launched into a brief explanation of the Evolution process and the times he''d encountered the rainbow energy himself. He conveniently omitted the instances he''d witnessed Claire''s Evolutions, once at the ill-fated fruit grove he still mourned leaving behind, and again when she had absorbed her own Bloodline essence. David alluded vaguely to having seen the iridescent liquid manifest a few times when activating or fusing certain Mutagens, skirting around the details of his personal Bloodline and the scope of his debilitating Abilities. He wasn''t outright lying, but he didn''t reveal the whole truth either. This small group seemed professional and level-headed so far, but David still held back from fully trusting them. He explained how, from what he could piece together, the rainbow phenomena appeared to be an aspect of the Evolution process itself, a byproduct of the physical and mental transformations their kind now underwent. Gideon listened with rapt attention, his brow furrowing as he attempted to process and he darted off at one point to retrieve a small stub of a pencil which he gnawed into an ugly but serviceable tool, and began to take notes directly on the plastic computer casings around him. Wally seemed equally riveted, though his eyes still flicked repeatedly to David''s talons and fangs in a mixture of awe and trepidation every now and then. Even the gruff Major Kozlov betrayed glimmers of skepticism warring with genuine curiosity behind his stern mask. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. When David finally fell silent, Kozlov was the first to respond with a rumbling clearance of his throat. "I''ll admit, that¡¯s¡­hard to swallow," the ursine muttered. "But it tracks with some of our own fragmented findings regarding this..." He waved a paw at the dripping crystal shard. "Though our theoretical models never accounted for the sheer magnitude we''re witnessing here." ¡°Yeah, I touched some once when someone else was Evolving and it threw me about twenty feet away into a bush. It¡¯s some potent stuff, but it¡¯d have to be to do what it does.¡± David cast a wary glance at the crystal that still dripped unceasingly into the little tray below it, ¡°I¡¯m still not entirely convinced it isn¡¯t magic or something. I¡¯m tempted to just ask the Overseer what it is directly, but I¡¯m not sure how that would turn out. With my luck, they¡¯d actually respond again, and I think I pissed them off a little last time.¡± "You have a direct line of communication to enemy Command?" Kozlov growled, his hackles visibly rising as his muscles bunched. David blinked, momentarily taken aback by the bear''s sudden hostility. "What? No. Omega isn¡¯t even the only Overseer, there are at least two more that I know of, Xi communicated briefly as well. There¡¯s probably more than that, too. I¡¯ve got this pet theory there¡¯s one for every Ability category." He waved a wing dismissively, though Kozlov remained tense, baring wicked fangs in a snarl of warning. "Easy there, big guy. I don''t mean I''m working with whoever is behind this bullshit," David said carefully, fighting to keep his tone level. "From what I can tell, Omega is mostly impartial, which is good for us, trust me, I¡¯ve kinda seen what it looks like. You think I¡¯m scary? I almost pissed myself, no joke. Totally different level than what we¡¯re on." Gideon''s eyes went wide at that revelation, but Wally seemed to grasp the implications first, "You''re saying...anyone could theoretically communicate with this ''Overseer''? Not just the enemy?" David bobbed his head in a nod. "In theory, yes. Though I get the sense it''s...selective about responding. Like it won''t waste its time on just anyone." A frustrated growl rumbled up from Kozlov''s broad chest. "And what makes you so special, then? What''s your importance that it will converse with you?" Spooky snarled loudly and stirred in irritation, bristling at the disrespect and perceived challenge from the burly ursine. His hackles rose and his ears were pinned back before he had a chance to get it under control, and Kozlov tensed slightly in response as Gideon and Wally skittered back a few feet. "I''m not claiming to be important at all," David hissed out, struggling to contain the sudden surge of feral aggression. "All I know is that I''ve...generated a lot of ¡®data¡¯. Interacting with the System. Quests, Evolving, I helped a little settlement in Riverford deal with a boss¡­killed a guy torturing people down in Redfield, and took out the boss in the swamp. I worked out how to reconfigure my Status, gave myself a heads-up display, there¡¯s a lot you can actually do. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re totally powerless." He shot Kozlov a toothy snarl, unable to fully suppress his irritation. "The only reason the other Overseer chipped in was because I¡¯d been fantasizing about eating Omega¡¯s face if I ever ran into him, and they thought it was funny." For a tense moment, they stared each other down, David''s glowing crimson glare locked with Kozlov''s smoldering amber gaze. The tension was palpable, the weight of Kozlov¡¯s size and David¡¯s ferocity creating an almost physical pressure in the air between them. Then, surprisingly, it was Wally who broke the standoff. The wolf-man shifted forward, placing himself between the titan and the David with a cautious look. "Easy, sir," he murmured lowly, throwing David a sidelong glance. "If he''s telling the truth...having an insight into the mind of this Overseer, however small, could be invaluable." Kozlov''s muzzle wrinkled, thick cords of muscle rippling beneath his coarse fur. For a long moment, he remained silent and unmoving. Then, finally, some of the tension bled out of his stance as he huffed a reluctant snort. "Very well," the burly bear rumbled. He let the words hang as he turned his broadside towards David, keeping his shadowy form firmly in his peripheral vision. With obvious effort, he schooled his features into a more impassive mask. "If you believe you can offer some insight into this..." Kozlov gestured at the crystal with a sweep of his paw. "By all means. Stabilizing that would be a critical first step. But I want real answers eventually, I know you¡¯re holding back. I understand why even if I don¡¯t like it, but for now, I could use the assistance. Clear?" David''s own hackles had risen during their confrontation, Spooky interpreted Kozlov''s every move as an escalating threat, and it took a conscious effort to rein in the impulses. He took a deep breath, slowly unclenching his muscles and swallowing the wad of spit that had gathered in his mouth before forcing himself to give a terse nod of acknowledgment. "Crystal clear," he replied, the words ground out through gritted fangs. "Let''s take a look at this thing, then." With exaggerated nonchalance, David began to stalk forward, each movement controlled and purposeful as he circled around to inspect the artifact from multiple angles. All the while, his piercing red gaze never left Kozlov''s imposing silhouette. "Gideon, can you disconnect this thing entirely for a second? I don''t want to blow us up," David chittered after studying the crystal for a few moments as another wave of sparks cascaded over the far side of the room. "Last time I tried using my Special on it, it caused one of those power surges." The small rodent''s eyes went wide, but he gave a terse nod. "I can swing the restraining arm away from the collection tray, but you''ll only have a few moments before the output starts reacting violently with the floor. I''ll have to put it back as soon as that happens." "Gotcha. Go ahead, I¡¯m ready," David replied with a curt bob of his head. Gideon swiftly worked a series of levers and the entire crystal assembly swung out over the open floor, suspended away from any containment. David inhaled deeply before closing his eyes tightly, focusing himself as he prepared to try something on the fly, releasing a tiny Echolocation point-blank by barely opening his jaws as the wave slithered out of his mouth. With a precise chirp, he unleashed the focused pulse of quasi-sound directly at the crystal shard. Immediately, the iridescent material flared with blinding light, forcing the others to squeeze their eyes shut against the searing illumination. Only David, by virtue of how Echolocation worked, could perceive the symbols that blazed into view across the crystal''s surface for the briefest of moments, lines of shimmering equations surrounding geometric shapes burning impossibly bright as they crawled over the surface of the shard. Most were indecipherable alien glyphs, but a few stood out as vaguely familiar. The symbols for Alpha and Omega were starkly visible, as was the shape he had come to associate with the Xi. But two previously unseen symbols also materialized in the dazzling display. The first looked like an almost perfect circle, bisected by a single straight line passing through its center at a steep angle, and the second new symbol resembled a fanciful cursive ''y'', with the descending tail looping back up to cross the upright staff about a third of the way down from the top. Before David could examine them further, the shard''s glow winked out as swiftly as it had appeared and David was left reeling for a moment as he realized that the final drop from the crystal had frozen mid-air, wobbling strangely as it began to drift toward him. An almost foreign sense of victory swept through him as he heard the chime, and Spooky began to rejoice wildly. ¨CLocated Shard of Supremacy¨C ¨CUser deemed compatible¨C ¨CClaim Shard?¨C The vibrant drop continued its slow, inexorable path toward him, defying gravity as it moved with clear intent. David''s rational mind screamed at him to retreat, to put distance between himself and whatever it was that was now happening, but he found himself rooted to the spot, mesmerized by the softly glowing liquid, limbs locked in place in a way that reminded him of when his Bloodline had begun to activate. A strange pressure began building in the back of his mind, like an inaudible tone on the edge of perception. The notifications persisted, practically demanding a response now. ¨CClaim Shard?¨C ¨CClaim Shard?¨C ¨CClaim Shard?¨C "David? What''s happening?" Gideon''s voice reached him as if from a great distance, worry tinging the small creature''s tone. David barely registered it, his entire focus narrowing to the droplet and the insistent prompts. Spooky raged for him to accept, to take what was being offered. While his rational mind screamed every warning it could muster. Yes? This is not a chapter, dont panic! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur varius luctus interdum. Vivamus dictum orci sit amet mi vestibulum, at tristique eros interdum. In sagittis felis vel mauris vehicula, nec malesuada velit dictum. Nulla facilisi. Fusce quis dui eget nunc vehicula posuere a ac odio. Cras egestas purus ut tincidunt laoreet. Nullam viverra velit a quam vestibulum, non bibendum turpis convallis. Integer luctus, lacus et elementum ultrices, dolor nunc sollicitudin ligula, sit amet efficitur enim ex eget neque. Morbi elementum fermentum nisi, id sodales ipsum suscipit non. Sed eget tortor orci. Curabitur imperdiet nec libero vel tristique. Aliquam erat volutpat. Quisque efficitur eros vitae risus aliquet pharetra. Vivamus ut odio non augue congue interdum vel vel massa.Aenean nec augue ut justo congue laoreet. Sed posuere, ligula nec convallis scelerisque, odio nisi pretium erat, eget consectetur ipsum risus id est. Phasellus suscipit magna vitae eros consectetur, ac molestie purus malesuada. Aenean blandit libero sit amet ipsum lacinia, sed egestas nisi vestibulum. Donec auctor purus eu eros feugiat cursus. Donec venenatis nec felis ac suscipit. Nunc dictum volutpat libero, a dictum sapien. Ut aliquam fermentum lectus, eu tincidunt libero iaculis eget. Nulla facilisi. Sed suscipit urna magna, a auctor orci facilisis id.Nam dignissim nibh id nisi viverra, sed hendrerit turpis eleifend. Maecenas interdum sapien vel orci volutpat, ac hendrerit ipsum ultricies. Curabitur aliquam nisl nec ligula cursus, in rutrum erat aliquet. Ut feugiat, magna at tristique finibus, lacus sapien convallis justo, nec varius turpis felis at sapien. Mauris at nibh sem. Duis suscipit consequat nunc, vel posuere lectus tristique et. Proin vel orci ut eros aliquam dictum. Mauris at eros a augue elementum cursus. Mauris varius leo et justo pulvinar, quis tempus magna scelerisque. Nunc euismod massa non metus accumsan, ut auctor mauris elementum.Proin vitae neque id libero suscipit fermentum sit amet sed sapien. Duis tincidunt sem vel massa tempor, non suscipit lorem consequat. Aenean tincidunt justo nec odio sagittis, sit amet gravida tortor condimentum. Cras feugiat, nulla nec accumsan cursus, leo odio fermentum dui, a viverra ligula risus in risus. Fusce vehicula nisl vitae dolor cursus, in sagittis ligula cursus. Curabitur non dui at nisl dictum tincidunt ut at purus. Fusce pretium velit vitae felis bibendum, in malesuada lectus luctus. Nunc id tortor auctor, finibus erat et, efficitur sem. Mauris fermentum, dui a vulputate malesuada, risus sem laoreet nisi, ut fermentum dolor mi non sapien. Sed dictum dui at quam fermentum, non lobortis justo pulvinar. Nunc ultricies lorem vitae risus malesuada, at cursus elit convallis.Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Donec fringilla efficitur nulla, sit amet sodales metus venenatis quis. Curabitur eget ornare elit. Vivamus laoreet lorem ut sapien consequat, ut tincidunt ligula convallis. Fusce mollis, tortor non ullamcorper fermentum, risus ligula vulputate justo, ac lacinia velit ligula nec justo. Pellentesque dapibus pretium arcu id posuere. Vivamus scelerisque quam sed odio dignissim, at malesuada velit feugiat. Ut vehicula, nunc eu sodales fermentum, ex quam elementum tortor, ut aliquam risus tortor eu libero. Proin id libero ut eros posuere scelerisque. Aenean et tortor interdum, bibendum risus vel, posuere dolor. Quisque fringilla sapien quis tincidunt rutrum. Duis sit amet ligula at justo aliquet feugiat at quis arcu.Cras ac turpis eget velit facilisis pulvinar. Praesent quis quam in elit luctus hendrerit at a lectus. Donec nec nulla nec turpis dapibus sodales. Praesent auctor ex non mi facilisis auctor. Suspendisse auctor ligula vitae erat dignissim sollicitudin. Mauris non orci interdum, posuere purus a, finibus dolor. Ut sit amet lacus at risus dictum feugiat. Pellentesque posuere lacus in metus venenatis elementum. Morbi laoreet nulla ac felis varius, ut consequat nunc fermentum. Phasellus vitae velit sit amet nunc convallis volutpat vel nec orci. Nulla viverra suscipit arcu nec varius. In vitae sapien ut erat euismod eleifend et id mi. Cras ut magna non ligula accumsan dapibus sed id libero. Pellentesque nec dui vel magna congue sodales.Aenean tempor risus nec volutpat suscipit. Donec sit amet nisi quis augue lobortis suscipit. In ut nunc quis metus varius fermentum. Maecenas a nibh sit amet justo ullamcorper laoreet vel in elit. Nam dapibus massa a urna pellentesque, ac tincidunt nunc efficitur. Curabitur euismod tortor ac magna feugiat, sit amet sollicitudin orci malesuada. Donec dapibus tortor ut varius convallis. Fusce posuere, lectus eget auctor euismod, lorem nisi tincidunt libero, at rutrum eros eros nec ante. Fusce ullamcorper neque felis, ac tempus orci suscipit id. Cras maximus metus sapien, non volutpat nisi auctor a. Curabitur porttitor turpis ac tortor malesuada, et vehicula leo fermentum. Nunc sollicitudin eros nec lacus ullamcorper, et condimentum felis luctus. Nulla facilisi. Pellentesque id malesuada ligula. Nunc nec dui id felis faucibus tempor. Mauris malesuada, ligula in gravida rhoncus, sapien felis condimentum purus, id dapibus risus nisi id lorem. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. 79 - What the hell was in that stuff? The shimmering notification vanished as the drop of rainbow energy suddenly accelerated, impacting the tip of David''s snout. For a fraction of a heartbeat, he felt nothing. Then, before he could even form the thought ''fuck'', his body locked down. Through a haze of rapidly fading awareness, David vaguely registered Gideon swinging the crystal back into place, shouting urgently at Wally and Kozlov. But the rodent''s voice was quickly drowned out by a deafening roar that filled David''s ears as his vision blazed white. Vertigo slammed into him like a physical force, and he felt as though he were plummeting through an endless void, a small part of him remaining aware of the cold concrete beneath his feet and wings. Coherent thought became impossible as the sensation overwhelmed him. For an infinitesimal instant, David found himself connected to a nearly limitless source of energy, and his mind flailed out in shock and horror. The world around him ceased to exist, only the searing light, the thunderous roar, and the terrifying colorful vastness of whatever he had inadvertently tapped into. He felt his mind reach out in ways he couldn''t understand, and was suddenly aware of hundreds, thousands of beings that seemed to be observing in some way. A snatch of music filtered through the sound of the blood pounding in his head, and David''s confusion doubled at the celebratory sound of it. No words were exchanged, but he got the impression they were celebrating something completely unrelated to what was happening to him, though they didn''t seem to mind that he intruded for just a moment. The sheer alien nature of the experience left David reeling. Here he was, grappling with forces beyond his comprehension, while these amicable presences partied on, neither oblivious nor indifferent to his struggle. For the briefest of moments, he felt like a bug that had accidentally flown into a human birthday party, he was noticed but of no real consequence to the revelers. As quickly as it had come, the connection began to fade. David''s awareness snapped back towards his physical existence, leaving him dizzy and disoriented from the odd brush with something¡­other. One final, frantic thought echoed through his mind as reality started to reassert itself, and he found himself on his back a dozen feet away from where he¡¯d accepted the notifications. What the actual fuck was that? ¡°David? Kid, you okay?¡± Gideon was perched on the fur of his chest, looking down at him with wide-eyed concern, ¡°Do you know where you are?¡± David blinked rapidly, his vision swimming as he tried to focus on the tiny creature perched on his chest. He groaned, the sound rumbling through his entire body. "Heppy berfdae." He managed to croak out, his throat feeling raw as he shook his head and continued more coherently, "Yeah... yeah, I''m here. What the hell happened?" Gideon''s whiskers twitched nervously at David¡¯s nonsense before he leaned in closer in concern. "Well, that''s what we were hoping you could tell us. One second you were standing there, the next whatever it was zipped right into your mouth and vanished. You just... froze up. The light was coming out of your eyes, mouth, ears, through your skin, everywhere." David struggled to sit up, wincing as his muscles protested, and he slowly pulled in his wings and collected himself. He noticed Kozlov a short distance away, the bear looking distinctly ruffled and favoring his left side. "Then," Gideon continued nervously, hopping down to the floor with a tiny patter of feet as David moved, "you started talking, for about ten seconds or so? It was... bizarre, multiple languages, all at once. Sounded like you were congratulating someone? Or something? Kozlov tried to pull you away and got slammed into the far wall, and you landed over here." Wally chimed in from nearby, his voice tinged with awe and a hint of fear. "It was like watching a fountain of light, man. Never seen anything like it." David''s head was spinning, trying to process what they were telling him as his brain slowly rebooted one step at a time. He remembered the vastness, the alien presences, but it all felt so distant now, like a half-remembered dream. By comparison, the tiny concrete testing chamber he found himself in was like a pile of dirt with a few sticks scattered triumphantly on top, and it took a few seconds for the notion to fade away entirely. Kozlov, having apparently recovered enough, lumbered over. His earlier aggression seemed tempered, replaced by a wary curiosity and he limped a bit, favoring his left leg. "I think it''s time you gave us some answers," the bear rumbled, though his tone lacked its previous hostility. "What exactly happened to you? What did you see?" David rubbed his face on the inside of his wings, trying to organize his thoughts. "I... I''m not entirely sure. It was like¡­if an ant suddenly understood the conversation going on in the room. There were... others. Watching, I think? And music, celebration..." He trailed off, aware of how insane it all sounded. The others exchanged glances, a mix of confusion and concern on their faces. "Others?" Kozlov pressed, his brow furrowing in the now almost nonexistent illumination. "What kind of others?" David shook his head, frustrated at his inability to actually explain it. "I don''t know. They weren''t... hostile. Just there, observing. Celebrating something unrelated to me. It was like... like accidentally stumbling into the biggest party in the universe, but nobody really cared that I was crashing it." Gideon''s tiny paws were furiously scribbling notes on a plastic panel he''d produced from somewhere. "Fascinating," he muttered. "Some kind of extradimensional contact, perhaps? Or a glimpse into a higher plane of existence?" Kozlov snorted, though there was a hint of unease in his eyes. "Or perhaps our friend here simply had a very vivid hallucination induced by whatever that energy was." "Maybe," David conceded, though he knew in his gut that wasn''t the case. "But it felt real." He struggled to his feet, his wings stretching out instinctively to help him balance. As he did so, he became aware of a new sensation, and the deep warmth spreading through his body, centered around his core. "There''s something else," he said slowly, focusing on the feeling. "I did manage to identify it, I got a System notification. It was a Shard of Supremacy, whatever the hell that is." The others tensed at this, Kozlov''s hackles rising slightly. But before anyone could speak, a series of chimes rang out in David''s mind, accompanied by a flood of notifications. His ears perked forward, and the rapid twitching of his eyeshine made it extremely obvious he was reading something. ¨CShard of Supremacy successfully integrated¨C ¨CAbility Expansion: +1¨C If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.¨CMutagen Expansion: +1¨C ¨CGained 20 Pts¨C ¨CCongratulations User David¨C ¨C36/100 Shards Remaining¨C David''s eyes widened as he processed the implications, his voice coming out as a vicious hiss of understanding. "Hey Kozlov¡­you guys had this before the integration, didn¡¯t you?¡± David''s question hung in the air, and Kozlov''s massive form seemed to deflate, his earlier bravado evaporating as he stared at the now-darkened crystal shard. The bear''s eyes, once fierce and suspicious, now held a mixture of defeat and bewilderment. No further sparks emerged from the overloaded machinery, and the emergency lighting seemed to dim a little bit more every few moments as the stored power slowly depleted. Gideon scrambled over Wally, using the lupine man to climb back onto the equipment that he rapidly began using to shunt systems around, cutting power to everything but the lights as he threw makeshift breakers rapidly. "Two years," Kozlov finally muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "They appeared two years before... all of this." He gestured vaguely at their transformed bodies and the bizarre situation around them. I fucking knew it! They did know! Fuckers! Were they trying to warn us it was coming? Allow us to back out? I don¡¯t get it, what the hell would those shards have done to a full-on human? I can¡¯t even imagine, what if¨C David''s ears perked forward, hanging on every word as Kozlov spoke swelled in volume, not giving him time to get absorbed in his thoughts. "Perfect grid pattern. Equidistant. Covered the entire planet." The bear''s words came out haltingly, as if each one pained him. "Didn''t fall from the sky. Just...appeared. One day, nothing. The next..." Gideon and Wally exchanged worried glances, clearly uncomfortable with how much their commander was revealing. But Kozlov seemed beyond caring, lost in the memory. The man seemed to relive the last few years of his life on fast forward, David swore he aged five years in less than ten seconds, and even Spooky backed down a bit as he took in the look in Kozlov¡¯s eyes. "Threw everything into chaos. GPS, and magnetic readings all went haywire. We thought..." He let out a bitter laugh. "We thought they might be weapons. Some fire-and-forget technology here to snuff us out indiscriminately, some kind of beacons or mapping technology. We had no idea, except that you could barely get near them without protective equipment at first." David''s mind raced, trying to process the implications. "But they weren''t weapons, were they?" he prompted quietly as his hackles began to raise slightly along with his anxiety. Kozlov''s gaze snapped back to David, a spark of his old intensity returning. "No. No, they weren''t. But that didn''t stop us from nearly tearing the world apart over them." The bear began to pace, his massive paws leaving dusty tracks on the concrete floor. "None of this was worth it," he muttered, more to himself than the others. "Those fuckers lied to me. To all of us." David remained silent, sensing that Kozlov needed to get this off his chest. After a moment, the bear collected himself, squaring his shoulders as if preparing for battle. "We eventually figured out they were... messages, I guess you could say. Like bottles tossed into the ocean." Kozlov''s voice was tinged with a mixture of awe and bitterness. "Messages we were too primitive to open, let alone understand. We couldn¡¯t even figure out what they were made of, except that it was basically magic." The implications hit David like a physical blow. "And everyone wanted them," he breathed. Kozlov nodded grimly, expression surprised that David had put it together so quickly. "It nearly caused a world war. One that nobody even knew about. Every country, every power bloc, and even religious leaders were scrambling to secure as many shards as they could. We came so close kid..." The room fell silent as the weight of Kozlov''s words sank in. Gideon had long since stopped fiddling with the switchboards and machinery, his tiny form trembling slightly. Wally''s ears were pinned back, his tail tucked firmly between his legs as he whined slightly under his breath. Both of them shuffled a bit farther away as David approached to within a few feet of Kozlov, cocking his head curiously as he folded his ears back. "And now?" David asked softly. "What happens now that I... ate it?" Kozlov''s laugh was hollow, devoid of any real mirth. "Now? Now we''re in uncharted territory, kid. You''ve done what teams of scientists and military specialists couldn''t manage in two years of intensive study, with all the money in the world and no restrictions." The bear''s eyes narrowed, studying David with renewed intensity. "Which brings us back to the question. Who exactly are you? And what do we do with you now?" David felt a surge of power coursing through him, acutely aware that he could easily overpower everyone in the room if he chose to. Spooky stirred in the back of his mind, urging him to assert his dominance, but David pushed the instinct aside, remembering his own early days of fumbling through this new reality, and how many times he had overestimated himself. He looked at Kozlov and saw someone who had been thrust into a world he didn''t fully understand, trying desperately to maintain control, not just some shadowy military figure still attempting to cling to power. At that moment, David felt a surprising wave of empathy. "I''m just a guy trying to survive," he said slowly, choosing his words with care. "Same as anyone else in this mess. I''ve made plenty of mistakes and overestimated myself more times than I can count. But... maybe we can figure this out together?" David extended a wing, not as a threat, but in a friendly gesture. "I know you''re scared. Hell, I''m terrified too. We''re all in over our heads here, but people are still people. Even if we¡¯re all fucked up and weird now, heh. Actually, we were fucked up and weird before, too, but you know what I mean." Kozlov stared for a long time, glancing back to his men briefly as Wally nodded and Gideon shrugged in response. He turned back to consider, staring into David''s eyes for a bit too long, and sensing the danger of Blood Memory taking hold, he resorted to his secret weapon. Looking like an absolute doofus. With all the grace of a malfunctioning animatronic, David began to blink. First, his left eye closed with exaggerated slowness, as if it were fighting against an invisible eyelid weight. Then, just as the left eye creaked open, his right eye slammed shut like a faulty garage door. Kozlov''s intense gaze faltered, his expression morphing from stern consideration to utter bewilderment. At one point, it appeared he was trying to spell out "SOS" in some sort of deranged eye Morse code. Despite the obvious calculated nature of David''s actions, he couldn''t help but look like he''d just discovered his own face and was taking it for a test drive. As David''s unhinged blinking marathon continued, Wally let out a muffled snort, trying desperately to maintain his composure. Gideon, on the other hand, looked genuinely concerned that their potential ally might be having some sort of aneurysm. Yep, bet that makes me look totally sane and well-adjusted¡­eh, I¡¯ll explain it later when Spooky stops trying to put him in the ¡®threat¡¯ category. Maybe I¡¯m the one who doesn¡¯t actually trust him all the way yet, or maybe you just have to get used to the way I look before it stops working like that. It never does that to Claire¡­oh hey! ¡°It¡¯s uh¡­it¡¯s a Mutagen thing.¡± David chittered lamely, ¡°I¡¯m trying not to let it go off¡­¡± Finally, Kozlov''s shoulders relaxed, and he let out a deep sigh. "Alright, David, maybe you''re right. We''ve been down here too long, clinging to outdated tactics. It¡¯s strange, I can¡¯t bring myself to care about the shard at all now that it¡¯s¡­depleted? I¡¯m glad it¡¯s not my responsibility anymore, truth be told." David nodded, relieved. "Look, I think we can help each other. ¡­there''s actually someone I''d like you to meet outside. I may have misled you a bit, I¡¯m actually traveling with a friend." Kozlov raised an eyebrow. "Outside? Who?" "Well," David said with a hint of mischief as his eyes sparkled in the darkness, "Have you ever seen that one movie?" The bear frowned, confusion evident on his face. "I''m... not sure which one you mean." David couldn''t help but grin. "Well, let''s just say life, uh... finds a way." Kozlov''s eyes widened in recognition, a mix of excitement and apprehension crossing his features. "You can''t be serious." 80 - Why are you so big? David took the time to explain a few things as the small group made their way through the facility back toward the surface. His words echoed off the concrete walls, mixing with the soft padding of paws and claws on the floor as they ascended the steps out of the more secure area he¡¯d snuck into only an hour or two ago. Without the faint trickle of power to move air around, it was rapidly becoming stuffy and unpleasant in the deeper reaches of the bunker, and Spooky began to get more insistent they leave the deep reaches of the ''cave'' they found themselves in. "So, Quests are like... objectives the System gives you," David said, excitedly gesturing with a wing. "Complete them, and you get rewards. XP, Tokens, sometimes new System unlocks." Kozlov grunted, his massive form lumbering alongside David as the other two followed a short distance behind. "And... leveling? It makes you stronger directly?" "Exactly," David nodded before almost tripping on a bundle of cabling, which he hissed at sternly before continuing. "Each level gives you Health and Stamina. It makes you harder to kill and gives you more options. I know you guys have probably leveled up a couple of times at least, you probably have the basic idea already." "Fascinating! And this Combo System you mentioned?" Gideon scurried ahead, his tiny form darting between the others'' feet and making Kozlov swear softly as he nearly stepped on him. David''s eyes glinted wickedly. "That''s where it gets kinda fun. Abilities have categories, Offense being the most common one. Anyway, hit a target with three abilities in rapid succession and you¡¯ll get a Combo and a lot of bonus xp. Really speeds up leveling to a certain point." As they walked, Kozlov admitted reluctantly, "We... we''ve had an Evolution ready. But we haven''t used it. Didn''t trust the System or know exactly what it would do." David stopped short, his mane ruffling in exasperation. "Yeah, I figured with how wea¨C Distrustful! How distrustful of the System you were acting. Guys, the Integration isn''t just going to disappear if you ignore it. If you want to stay safe, help people, maintain any kind of order, you need to grow stronger." He fixed each of them with a blunt gaze, his voice taking on a serious tone. "The world out there? It''s changing fast, more than it already has. Evolve, level up, and learn to use the System. It''s just about survival now, I won''t lie to you." As they emerged from the underground facility after some time, with David earning a few sideways looks that made his mane puff out indignantly over how he was forced to walk on the linoleum on the ground floor, the group blinked in the sudden sunlight. His eyes howled in protest at the blinding light, and he extended a wing out to shade his eyes as he squinted. He could sense that Claire was nearby, and his gaze skipped around the ruins and abandoned equipment to try and find her in the wretched illumination he found himself in before he finally saw her. Don¡¯t laugh. Don¡¯t laugh. Don¡¯t laugh. Shoes on the other foot now, huh!? I knew I wasn¡¯t the only scary one! Not so easy is it? "Bahahaha!" David laughed hysterically the moment he opened his mouth, unable to contain it for even a second. Talons gripped the side of the building with an unpleasant scratching sound as he was forced to clutch the brickwork to avoid falling over as he was wracked by chattering laughter. There, perched precariously on a rusty fire escape, was Adam, his rotund porcine body wedged as close to the building, as far away from the edge as he could get, and covered with layers of dirt. His stubby legs were wrapped tightly around the metal railing, eyes wide with terror, easily visible even from a distance of several dozen yards as he howled threat after threat indiscriminately. Below him stood Claire, her massive reptilian bulk dwarfing everything around her as she repeatedly clacked her jaws together in what David immediately recognized as frustration, but probably looked like hunger to poor Adam. Her legs were dirty to match Adam''s layer of dust, and it was clear from her heavy breathing that she''d been running around frantically only a few moments ago. David couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight of her as she shuffled uncomfortably from foot to foot and churned up the dirt below her. A quick glance around at the enormous clawed tracks covering the area confirmed that she¡¯d been chasing him around for a minute before he¡¯d somehow managed to climb to his current position, and David could just imagine what had happened. She looked like the unholy offspring of a crocodile and several dinosaurs by this point, and with her massive size he could guess how it had gone. She said, ¡°Hi!¡± and Adam had shit himself and started running. Then she chased him around trying to get him to calm down without losing him, and made it a hundred times worse. Hah! Usually, when we introduce ourselves people have already seen us being chill, looks like Adam just turned around and saw the Murdersaurus without any context, hahaha! Kozlov''s instincts kicked in immediately. "Prepare to¨C" "Whoa, whoa!" David interrupted, throwing out his wings to block them all. "Chill out, big guy. That''s Claire. She''s with me, remember?" The bear''s jaw dropped. "That''s... your friend?" David grinned. "Yep. Claire! Over here!" Claire''s massive head swiveled towards them, her eyes lighting up with recognition and a healthy dose of surprise to see him standing with the small group. With surprising grace for something her size, she lumbered over, each footstep sending small tremors through the ground. Adam didn''t even wait to see why she¡¯d left, just started climbing higher on the rickety construction without looking back. She reached them in only a few seconds, and David could practically feel the fight or flight response building in the men behind him as he smiled up at her and bounced around excitedly as his eyes finally began to adjust to the brightness. "David!" She rumbled, her voice a mix of relief and excitement. "What took you so long? And who are these guys?" She paused, tilting her head curiously. "Did you figure out how to use that telescope thingy?" David laughed, darting over to flap up onto his comfy spot behind her frill as he replied. "Had to sneak in, I wasn¡¯t sure I could trust them at first, and there was a¡­situation. Meet Kozlov, Gideon, and Wally." He gestured to each in turn. "Guys, meet Claire." The others stood frozen, a mix of awe and terror on their faces. Gideon was the first to recover, his jealousy overriding his fear. "Why are you so big?!" Claire blinked, then let out a rumbling laugh. "I dunno, why is David so ugly?" ¡°Hey!¡± Wally, still wide-eyed, managed to stammer out from his position behind Kozlov as the man appeared to be frozen in place, "H-how did you two even meet?" David and Claire exchanged a glance. "It''s a long story," David said. "Involving a Quest, a misunderstanding, and a very unfortunate vending machine. Let''s just say it ended with us realizing we''re better as friends than dinner." ¡°Oh shut up, David. He found me in the forest the first night after everyone Hatched.¡± Claire hissed in exasperation, ¡°He¡¯s a good friend and a decent person, but I¡¯d guess you know that by now.¡± Kozlov, who had been silently processing the situation, finally spoke up. "And... Adam? Is he alright up there?" They all turned to look at the still-trembling pig-man on the fire escape, and Claire had the decency to look sheepish. "Oh, right. Sorry about that, Adam! I didn''t mean to startle you. You can come down now, I promise not to eat you. See, I was telling the truth!¡± ¡°Not today at least!¡± David added brightly before Claire shook him loose for his trouble. He squawked loudly but managed to catch himself with a few powerful wingbeats before he landed hard and kicked up a cloud of dust around him. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Adam let out a high-pitched squeal that might have been a nervous laugh. "M-Major Kozlov, sir! Are they¡­peaceful? I uh¡­I was just enjoying the view, sir." ¡°Adam, get down here. There¡¯s been a few changes to the situation.¡± Kozlov yelled in a tired voice, eyes never once leaving Claire as she roughly booped David with her snout a few times while he hissed with faux-savagery back at her for dropping him. David dusted himself off, shooting Claire a mock glare before turning back to the group. "Alright, now that we''ve got the introductions out of the way, how about I show you guys how Mutagens and Tokens work? Might help, y¡¯know, like exposure therapy or something." He pulled up his Status screen, gesturing to the glowing panel only he could see. "You can get them from Quests mostly, but they''re bound to each user, so you can''t just hand them out. You use them by focusing on them and mentally stating that you want to use them." Claire snorted, a sound like a boulder rolling down a hill as the wind blew a flurry of sandy orange dust across her armored back. "Oh please, don''t act like you''re some expert. You''ve only been at this as long as everyone else has." "Hey, I''ll have you know I''ve made some significant progress!" David puffed up his mane indignantly as he whirled to face her pompously. "In fact, I got an extra Mutagen and Ability slot. No big deal, really. Just ate a powerful artifact, you know how it goes." Claire''s eyes narrowed suspiciously as she froze at the offhanded remark. "You did what now?" David waved a wing dismissively. "Oh, you know, just a little Shard of Supremacy. Barely even noticed it, really." Kozlov, who had been silent up to this point, suddenly spoke up. "Barely noticed? David, you were shining light from every orifice and speaking in tongues. The energy threw me across the room when I touched you!" Claire''s tail swished dangerously. "David..." "Okay, so maybe I downplayed it a teensy bit," David admitted, shuffling his talons with a nervous glance at the hammer of bone at the end of her tail. "But hey, it all worked out! And now I''ve got extra slots! That''s good, right?" Gideon scurried up David''s back, perching on his shoulder. "I feel obligated to mention the shard was highly unstable and likely about to explode at any moment." "Yeah, yeah, it''s all very exciting," Claire grumbled. "Can we focus on the fact that this featherbrain nearly got himself killed? Again? What is it with you and not just taking a look around like you said you would? Always gotta¡­" Adam, who had finally climbed down from his perch to approach, spoke up timidly. "Um, is that... normal? Sir, you said he ate the artifact?" David shrugged, nearly dislodging Gideon before freezing apologetically. "Normal? Probably not. Effective? Oh, for sure." Kozlov shook his head, a mix of exasperation and grudging respect in his eyes. "I''m beginning to understand why you two get along so well. You''re both as bad as the other." "Hey!" David and Claire protested in unison. David grinned as Claire continued to look offended at her behavior being compared to David''s, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "How about a little demonstration then? I''ve got a Mutagen I''ve been saving. Might as well put it to good use before anything else weird happens." Hopefully, I don¡¯t make myself look like an idiot. Just gotta maintain my composure, repair my first impression a little bit maybe...Okay, here goes. I want to use my Corrosive Mutagen. ¨CConfirm transfer from Storage¨C ¨CTransfer to available slot will cost: 0 Pts¨C Yep yep. The group watched intently as David closed his eyes, focusing on the Mutagen with a mental nudge. There was a moment of silence before he snarled, talons digging into the ground beneath him as the unpleasant bubbling sensation erupted in his guts. Gideon instantly threw himself free of his back, scampering along the ground and hiding behind Kozlov¡¯s legs as the man watched impassively. David desperately tried not to gag but failed spectacularly the moment the numbing fizz hit the back of his throat and began to work its way into his snout. ¡°WHARGBL!¡± David retched hugely, the motion seemingly starting from the bottoms of his feet and working its way all the way through his body. To his relief, he didn¡¯t actually vomit, but he caught a faint sparkle of rainbow light reflected off the sand below him as his jaws cranked open anyway. ¡°What genius man here failed to mention in his excitement to show off,¡± Claire rumbled from a few yards away with extreme amusement, ¡°Is that a lot of the time, using a Mutagen is pretty uncomfortable. Doesn¡¯t hurt, but it¡¯s like the absolute worst case of pins-and-needles you¡¯ve ever had. That one looks internal, hah!¡± David waved a wing helplessly in her direction as if to say, ¡®Yes, precisely¡¯, as he was wracked by another huge wave of dry-heaving before his mouth suddenly filled with drool that forced him to slam his jaws shut. The sensation abruptly faded after that, and he took several deep breaths through his nose before he pulled himself back to a more dignified position. ¡°See?¡± He gasped, ¡°Piece of cake. So easy.¡± Gideon peered out from behind Kozlov¡¯s leg, fascinated and apprehensive in equal measure. "Do you feel any different?" "Give me a sec," David replied, then turned to a nearby piece of scrap metal laying nearby. He took a deep breath and spat at it, the wad of sticky drool impacted with a ringing bang before the metal began to sizzle and corrode where his saliva landed. "Oh, gross, I remember that," Claire muttered, but there was a hint of impressed amusement in her voice. ¡°Definitely the one you got from the Boss, right? Don¡¯t you ever lick anyone ever again.¡± Kozlov raised an eyebrow. "Impressive. And potentially very dangerous." David grinned, licking his chops with his freakishly long tongue before sucking it back in loudly. "See? That''s how it works. Pretty easy, honestly. When you¡¯re Evolving or picking Abilities or Mutagens, you¡¯re gonna want to focus on-" ¡°I¡¯m happy you guys are happy¡­but what about using the telescope? You know, the entire reason we came here?¡± Claire rumbled grumpily as she sniffed at the smoking metal with distaste, ¡°Or did you forget about all the weird stars that pissed you off so bad a few days ago?¡± ¡°Weird stars?¡± Kozlov asked, suddenly uncaring about David¡¯s antics as his focus shifted to Claire like a whipcrack. Claire nodded, her massive head bobbing up and down amicably. "Yeah, weird stars. A few nights ago, David noticed these lights in the sky. They look like stars, but they''re... off." David continued to spit at a few smaller pieces of metal before chiming in, "They''re different colors. Red, blue, green, gold, and purple. And they give you this creepy feeling when you look at ¡®em like you''re being watched or something. I hate them, they give me a really bad feeling, and I want to bite them¡­" Kozlov raised an eyebrow at that before Claire spoke again. "We''re not sure exactly when they showed up," Claire continued, her voice rumbling with concern. "Just that they weren''t there a few days before we noticed them. David is out at night a lot, obviously, I mean, he¡¯s a bat. He swears up and down they weren¡¯t there for the first week or so." Kozlov''s brow furrowed, his earlier irritation replaced by a look of deep concern. "And you were planning on using the telescope here?" David nodded enthusiastically. "That''s why we came! I thought an observatory might give us some answers¡­because, stars? Or at least a better look at whatever the hell they are, finding anyone here was just a bonus we hoped for but didn¡¯t expect to pan out." Gideon, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly piped up. "Do you even know how many people it takes to work a radio telescope of this si¨C Wait. Did you mean that antique hunk of shit we packed up when we got here?¡± David''s eyes widened comically, his jaws dropping open in shock as his ears didn¡¯t quite know what to do. "Wait, what? You mean the telescope is actually here?" Claire''s massive head swung around, nearly knocking David off his feet before she straightened up. "Are you serious? I was looking all over for what was left of it out here, and it''s just sitting in storage?" Gideon waved his tiny paws frantically. "Now hold on a minute! It''s not that simple. That telescope is massive. You''d need a crane and a team of experts to reassemble it. There''s no way we could-" "Did someone say crane?" Claire interrupted, puffing out her chest. "How hard could it be, you got anything better to do right now?" David cackled, bouncing excitedly. "Oh man, this is perfect! Claire, you''re a genius! I can help!" As Gideon continued to protest, a strange gurgling sound caught everyone''s attention. They turned to see Wally, who had been quietly standing off to the side, suddenly double over. The wolf-like man¡¯s eyes were vacant and blank as he heaved again before a torrent of rainbow-colored goo erupted from his mouth. It pooled on the ground in front of him before small tendrils began to extend, sucking him into the pool violently, even as he puked up another wave of technicolor energy. David''s eyes lit up with recognition as he cracked a toothy smile. "Hah, he''s Evolving! Wally, you sneaky bastard! You started the process while I was showing off, didn''t you?" As Wally continued to vomit a seemingly endless stream of technicolor liquid, David began to cheer enthusiastically. 81 - Mass Evolution! The group watched in fascination as Wally''s form was engulfed by the swirling pool of rainbow energy. David bounced excitedly on his talons, his wings fluttering with anticipation. Gideon and Kozlov both seemed extra nervous, but his excitement was contagious and they both began to slowly add their cheering and words of encouragement to his own. "This is the best part!" he chittered, earning a bemused look from Claire. ¡°You know he can''t hear you, like, at all." Claire chuckled like an engine backfiring, ¡°Right?" As the technicolor goo began to recede, a new figure emerged. Where Wally had once stood was now a magnificent, larger wolfer-like creature, his fur was longer and silkier, shimmering with an almost ethereal quality. His muscles were more defined, and his posture more confident as he let out a deep resounding howl that would have given David goosebumps in the past, but now just made him excitedly poofy. If David had to guess, he''d probably gained an extra 30% of his previous size, and the color of his coat had shifted to a deep rusty color. "Wow, Wally!" Gideon exclaimed, scampering closer. "You look amazing!" Wally blinked, shaking his head as if to clear it. "I feel... different. Stronger, definitely, but also-" Suddenly, Wally''s eyes widened in alarm. His nose twitched violently, and he let out a yelp of distress. He began pawing at his snout, whining pitifully, and David felt like he''d forgotten something suddenly. "What''s wrong?" Kozlov asked, concern etching his features. The massive bear took a few lumbering steps towards him, but paused shortly after starting as Wally began to frantically wave him away with a paw. Wally couldn''t seem to form words, instead opting to gag and cough dramatically. His eyes watered as he stumbled backward, desperately trying to put distance between himself and the group. Claire''s eyes narrowed as she observed Wally''s behavior before her own nostrils flared slightly, and understanding dawned on her face. "Oh, for the love of- David, back up!" she growled, using her massive bulk to herd the others away from Wally. "It''s your smell, you idiot!" David looked offended, and his ears slammed flat in indignation as he scampered away as requested. "My smell? I don''t smell that bad!" Claire snorted. "To most people? No. But Wally''s sense of smell just got supercharged, I think. And you, my friend, are a walking toxic waste dump. It took me a while to get used to you too, remember? I just had more time to acclimate." Realization hit David, and his ears drooped sheepishly. "Oh. Right. The whole ''corrosive spit'' thing. And the other toxins. And the... yeah, okay, I get it." Claire nodded. "Exactly. Now, all of you, back up about fifty feet. I''ll help Wally adjust." As the others retreated, Claire approached Wally carefully, sinking into a low comfortable crouch to bring her head down to his level. "Hey, Wally. I know it''s overwhelming right now. Try to focus on my voice, okay?" Wally nodded weakly, still pawing at his nose before he began to rub it into the dirt. The dusty soil clung to his snout and seemed to mitigate his suffering a little, and the gagging stopped to be replaced by the occasional sneeze. "Good," Claire continued soothingly. "Now, let''s work on controlling that new sense of yours. Imagine you have a dial in your mind. Right now, it''s cranked up to eleven. We need to turn it down." Slowly, patiently, Claire guided Wally through mental exercises to help him manage his enhanced olfactory sense. The others watched from a distance, fascinated by the process. She masterfully distracted him by giving him specific things to smell for, describing them in ways that made absolutely no sense to David and the others, but that Wally seemed to grasp almost immediately. "I had no idea Evolution could be so... intense," Kozlov murmured. David nodded sagely. "Oh yeah, it can be a real trip. My first one? Ended up with really strong predatory instincts. Made me super aggressive in a fight," he said, flexing his wings. "It took forever to figure out how to dial it back before I stopped just going straight in to attack, even when I shouldn''t have." After what seemed like an eternity, Wally finally straightened up, looking more composed. He took a tentative sniff of the air and smiled. "It''s... better," he said, his voice deeper and more resonant than before. "Still strong, but manageable." Claire beamed. "Great job, Wally! Now, let''s work on using that new nose of yours. I bet you could track a mouse from a mile away now." As Claire continued to work with Wally, David turned to the others, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "So... about that telescope?" As David eagerly turned towards the facility, ready to sprint for the telescope, Kozlov held up a massive paw. "Not so fast, bat-man. If Wally''s Evolution made such a difference, I think it''s time we all caught up." Gideon nodded enthusiastically, his tiny form vibrating with excitement. "Agreed! We''ve been holding off long enough, and that took much less time than I had anticipated." David''s ears drooped momentarily before perking back up. "Fair enough! Alright, gather ''round, consider this Evolution 101." As the group huddled closer, David began rattling off advice. "First things first, focus on one ability category for combos. It''ll make leveling way easier. Second, try to keep everything working towards the same goal. Don''t spread yourself too thin. And lastly, don''t stress about time. The Evolution menu is weird ¨C you could spend what feels like days in there, but barely a minute passes out here." This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Kozlov nodded gravely, while Gideon scribbled notes in the dirt with a finger for a moment before the wind instantly erased his efforts and he threw his hands up in disgust at his own foolishness. Adam, still looking nervous, shuffled his hooves and slunk farther to the back of the group and tried to look small, casting anxious glances at where Wally was still getting pointers from Claire about the fine art of Sniffery. "Alright," David chirped, "who''s first?" Without hesitation, Kozlov stepped forward. "I''ll go." The massive bear closed his eyes¡­and fell flat on his face with a meaty thump several seconds later, his body unable to sag into the trance while he stood on his hind legs as he preferred to do. David winced, Gideon sucked in a hiss of surprise, and Adam groaned before beginning to move forward, intent on rolling him onto his side. David quickly extended a wing and gently blocked him, shaking his head firmly as Gideons eyes widened a bit in recollection, and the tiny puffball began to explain about the potentially violent reaction that came with touching someone that was evolving. About 5, maybe a little less than 10 minutes later by David¡¯s estimation, the rainbow-goo made its reappearance and they all watched in awe as Kozlov''s silhouette began to grow... and grow... and grow. When the light faded, a truly monumental bear lay before them. Kozlov had nearly doubled in size, now standing half as tall as Claire on all fours, and his head sailed a ridiculous distance into the air as he finally levered himself upright with a bit of difficulty. His fur had lightened to a sandy tan, and his paws were almost as large as David''s entire body. Spooky was not happy about this particular development, and David had to mentally thump himself as he was overcome with an illogical urge to attack while the man was still down and disoriented. Kozlov flexed his new form, a low rumble of satisfaction emanating from his chest as he slowly padded toward Wally and Claire. "Now this... this feels right. Mountainshaker, huh?" Claire is going to do a fucktuple-take when Kozlov finally stands next to her, I don''t think she''s been able to look anyone in the eye yet. He''s getting closer¡­here it comes¡­yes! Oh, she hissed at him, poor Claire. Maybe her instincts hate other larger predators? Looks like she got it under control faster than I would have, I need to work on that. Spooky, you hear me? Chill out! Big bear is friendly, you can knock it off, I swear you have a complex. Gideon, practically vibrating with excitement, was next, and this time it was David that had to restrain himself from touching him, mostly because he was adorable. His Evolution was less dramatic in size, but no less impressive. When the light show finally receded, Gideon stood about the size of a capuchin monkey, his long poofy fur a stark, pristine white. His limbs were noticeably more muscular, and his hands looked far more dexterous. "Bigger!" Gideon exclaimed happily, examining his new form. "And that''s not all. Watch this!" He twitched a bit before suddenly sagging in exhaustion, and David had to catch him before he collapsed. Within seconds, a rather large insect unburied itself from the rusty soil nearby and came scuttling over to stand obediently before the white puffball of a man. It sat patiently without a single spark of intelligence in its tiny black eyes as Gideon recovered enough to sit up and pat the thing curiously on the head, its large pinchy jaws gaping open happily at the contact; it obviously wasn''t very smart, but it seemed docile enough. A summoning ability? Actually, no, that''s a pretty decent idea for someone so small. Good job using your noggin, Gideon. That''s a termite¡­thing, right? Doesn''t really look like an ant, too fat in the head, kinda pokey looking all over. Weird how it''s bigger than him like that, Viktor¡¯s ability summoned lots of things, maybe this is the opposite? One strong thing instead of lots of crappy little ones? Interesting¡­it''ll be nice to see what someone that isn''t a total monster can do with Summoning. "I can summon this little helper now. Picked up the ability during Evolution!" David''s jaw dropped with the appropriate amount of theatricality, despite having seen Summoning before. "Holy crap, Gideon! That''s amazing!" Adam, seeing his companions'' successful Evolutions, finally worked up the courage. His transformation was subtle compared to the others, and he didn''t seem to have been too adventurous with his choices. His stocky form became sturdier, growing a large hump on his back that bristled with coarse fur, his legs, shoulders, and haunches thickened while he gained a bit of height. David experienced a wave of sudden adrenaline as the man''s pig-like snout suddenly lengthened to droop down over his face and hang, and he felt a bit stupid for momentarily thinking his nose had somehow fallen off. As the group marveled at their new forms, Claire, Wally, and Kozlov rejoined them. Wally practically pranced as he followed along behind the two titans, and David had a hard time looking away from the way his long silky fur bounced with every movement he made. "Well, well," Claire rumbled, eyeing the newly evolved group. "Looks like everyone''s enjoying themselves. Good for you, I can''t imagine being stuck as Hatchlings for that long, must have sucked." Wally, now more composed, nodded in agreement. "It''s incredible. I can smell the changes in everyone! Kozlov, you smell like mountain stone and pines. Gideon smells like cold? And... something else I can''t quite place, that''s weird, what is that?¡± David bounced excitedly around everyone, happy to enjoy everyone''s progress without some direct threat looming overhead for once. "This is great! Really good starting point for you guys!" He paused, then added hopefully, "Telescope? Stars? Not right?" Kozlov chuckled, his new form making the sound resonate like thunder and echo strongly off the crumbling observatory a short distance away. "Yes, David. Now we can look at your stars. Gideon, you and¡­uh¡­your pet lead the way to this telescope, if you would be so kind." Gideon scampered ahead, his new agility on full display as he led the group through the facility, and Kozlov quickly found that he barely fit inside anymore. He dropped to all fours with a huff, and clumsily stuffed himself inside the lobby after everyone else, his bulk scraping the edges of the hallway. Gideon¡¯s insectoid companion followed close behind him, its many legs clicking rhythmically against the floor as it single mindedly followed after him, alert to every small change in his body language as Gideon hopped, bounced, and scampered across the tiles. As they approached a large storage area, Gideon''s nose wrinkled. "Ah, here we are," he announced, gesturing to a set of heavy metal doors. "Fair warning, it might smell a bit... stale in there." With a grunt of effort, Kozlov pushed the doors open, revealing a cavernous room filled with large rubber crates. The musty scent of aged packing materials wafted out, causing Wally to sneeze violently. "Sorry about that," Gideon said sheepishly. "The packing peanuts probably didn''t age well, but they''ve likely done their job protecting the telescope...I would assume." David peered into one of the open crates, his nose twitching at the sight of the deteriorating foam as he chattered out a few Echolocation''s and found the huge lense to be in perfect condition. "Well, at least it''s dry here. Could''ve been worse." Gideon''s insect, reading the intent in the room somehow, suddenly sprang into action, its powerful mandibles easily gripping the edge of a crate. To everyone''s amazement, the bug began to drag the heavy container towards the door with surprising ease. "Well, I''ll be damned," Kozlov muttered from the hallway outside, watching the insect work from afar as he could no longer fit through the door without blocking it off. Adam, seeing an opportunity to help, moved to assist the bug. Together, they made quick work of moving the crates into the hallway where Kozlov easily began to drag them toward the doorway as if they weighed the same as a feather pillow, instead of the dense heavy crates they were. "That thing must weigh what, 50 pounds?" David observed, impressed, as he inspected the summon more closely with a few more Echolocation''s and a bit of sniffing "And it''s hauling those crates like they''re nothing." Gideon beamed with pride. "Isn''t it wonderful? I had no idea it would be this strong!" He patted it on the back again happily as the bug wiggled contentedly at his touch. David motioned with a wing to do the same, and fell back with a yelp as the insect released the crate rapidly to whirl on him, mandibles open aggressively as it began to advance before Gideon called it off and it instantly returned to its hauling. "No touchy.¡± Gideon said seriously before repeating himself. "No touchy. No touch¡­for now. I''ll work on that, sorry.¡± "Noted." David muttered as he scooted carefully around to dart back into the hallway and make some space for Adam and Gideon''s new friend. Shut up Spooky, I know I could eat it. You know what''ll make us feel better? A new ability. David called up his Status with a grin, his eyes darting toward his storage happily as he squeezed past Kozlov into the lobby, where the bear had begun to neatly stack the crates just outside the doors. 82 - Theorycrafting David fluttered out of the lobby, calling over his shoulder, "Hey guys, I''m gonna take a quick breather and check something. Back in a jiffy, I promise!¡± Kozlov paused for a moment as he waddled in a small circle, dragging a crate that rattled almost musically against the floor as its contents vibrated with the motion, and nodded with a slight shrug. He slipped a beefy paw under the crate and simply lifted it off the ground like as if it weighed no more than a dinner plate and carefully set it on top of the growing stack behind him. David was oddly sad to see the metal desk he¡¯d rummaged through when he¡¯d entered had been rudely shoved into the corner as if it was garbage, and a strange wave of sadness washed over him as he remembered the personal effects still contained within. It had been a tiny reminder that everywhere he looked there were still signs of all the people that hadn¡¯t hatched into the first Wave, that they had been real, lived real lives, and had existed without all this insanity that they now dealt with daily. It passed quickly, but still bothered him a bit, and he quickly hopped outside as the sound of everyone dragging and hauling the telescope out of storage faded into the sound of wind as he made his way out onto the cracked patio. Claire sat a few yards away in the small pool of shade cast by the Observatory building, cocking her head curiously as he emerged again sooner than she''d expected. She clacked her jaws softly, rumbling a wordless greeting at him with only a hint of confusion. ¡°Did ¡®ya miss me or something?¡± ¡°Wanted to take a minute and go over my Status¡±, David chittered, spreading his wings and letting the cooling mountain air fill his wings like sails as he spoke. ¡°You know¡­I didn¡¯t mean for the whole thing with the Shard to happen, I just wanted to get a better look at it, so I hit it with an Echolocation. Which woke it up, or something. I dunno.¡± He flattened his ears and made no attempts to hide how uncomfortable he was. ¡°Not gonna lie, it basically forced me to accept when the notification for it popped up. It was really hard to think, and it just kept popping up over and over and changing colors. The extra slots are nice, but that shit was scary in retrospect.¡± Claire hissed quietly and thumped her tail against the ground, kicking up a small cloud of dirt. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve known you long enough now to tell when you¡¯re upset about something, you¡¯re usually not so chipper all the time. I was hoping it wasn¡¯t an act though, you never know. Wanna talk about it?¡± ¡°Actually¡­yeah. And some other stuff.¡± David agreed to Claire¡¯s surprise, and her eyes widened a bit before he finished, ¡°But not right now, still gonna do a once-over of my Status and think about some stuff. Maybe tonight?¡± ¡°Sure, anytime. I mean that.¡± Claire rumbled with a firm nod. David gave her a toothy grin before acting on impulse and darting over to her, patting her on the snout thankfully as she booped him back more gently than before. David took a few loping strides before launching himself into the air with a powerful leap. He angled his body into the wind, unfurling his wings to their full impressive span and flapping hard to gain altitude. As always, the moment he left the ground, his anxiety began to dull, replaced by the exhilarating sensation of weightlessness that never failed to calm his nerves. He let out a long breath he hadn''t even realized he''d been holding as he slowly circled higher into the sky. Angling himself towards the observatory building, David''s keen eyes quickly spotted a protruding ledge near the roof that was conveniently facing away from the sun''s harsh illumination. He drifted closer, the scent of sun-baked brick wafting up to his sensitive nose as he approached, and with a quick adjustment of his wings, David braked hard in the air, talons outstretched to snatch at the ledge. His razor-sharp claws easily found purchase on the weathered stonework, and he allowed himself to flip backward, hanging upside down like the bat he now was. Wrapping his wings around his body like a leathery cloak, David cocooned himself in comforting darkness. He took a moment to simply relax and clear his head, enjoying a brief break from the chaos he seemed to generate these days. With a small grin, he pulled up his Status screen, his eyes eagerly taking in the improvements he''d managed to hammer into it after fiddling with the ''Advanced'' information settings.
User: David Fisher Species: Twilight Corruptor ¦¸ Rank: E Health: 190/190 Stamina: 425/425 (++) Level: 11 Exp: 1172/1750 Special: Echolocation D Pts: 31 Storage: 2 Token (Random)
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal E: +12% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. [3/10] Echolocation D: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise, and may trigger an Echo. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. [9/10] Flight E: Allows for flight and gliding. Mild Stamina drain. (stam+) [4/10] Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 115lbs. (stam+) [n/a]
Abilities: 4/5 Screech E: You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies in a cone. Low chance to inflict Stun, Deafened. (20 Stamina, +X Overcharge, Ranged) Offense/Control. [6/10] Moonsong F: A soothing melody that adds a greatly increased Regeneration rate to yourself and your allies for a short time.(50 Stamina, 100% Increased Regeneration, 5 minute duration.) Restorative. [5/10] Gloom C: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 8 times. (Physical Passive) Control. [7/10] Nocturnal Strike C: A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. (-3% Target Max Stamina on hit, 4¡¯ Range.) Offense/Control. [6/10] Empty:
Mutagens: 6/6 Ancestral Terror Mutagen C: Your body deepens its primal bond, fortifying your strength and weakening the resolve of enemies that can perceive you. Your gaze may trap enemies in instinctive Terror. Blood Memory: Inflicts Terror, causing enemies to hesitate, cower, or flee. (+Offense, +Defense, +Control, Passive.) [2/10] Soporalytic Mutagen E: Your attacks have a moderate chance to inflict paralytic sedation, inducing muscle spasms and rendering targets unconscious. (++Control, Physical Passive.) [9/10] Secretive Mutagen E: You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect. (-20% Detection Range, Physical Passive.) [9/10] Apical Mutagen C: Assert your dominance, add bonus effects to Abilities dictated by Ability Type. [Control: Drain a small percentage of Enemy Health and Stamina] [Offense: Sunders a percentage of Enemy Defenses] (+4 Health/Stamina, Control Passive. 10% Defense Penetration, Offense Passive.) [3/10] Corruptor Bloodline A: Ancestral memory of venomous shadow-stalkers that move with preternatural swiftness, unseen. Afflictions you inflict fester and intensify. Provides intrinsic control of affliction delivery. Corruptor¡¯s Touch: Release a small dart of liquid, inflicting applicable Status Effects on contact. (+Speed, +++Control, Physical Passive.) [1/3] Corrosive Mutagen C: Your bodily fluids become acidic, weakening enemy defenses, and dissolving unprotected flesh. [1/10]
As the glowing panel materialized before him, David''s eyes immediately darted to his Ability slots. He had a rare opportunity here, a chance to add something new to his arsenal without the pressure of imminent danger breathing down his neck. "Alright, let''s see what we''re working with," he muttered to himself as he scrolled through his Status. David glanced at the tiny Omega dozing in the bottom corner of his Status, and the tiny caricature opened a single eye along its side to stare back at him as if to say it knew he was looking at it before it slowly closed and the beast ignored him. Yeah, I¡¯m looking. I can¡¯t help but wonder if that¡¯s actually Omega somehow. Avatar vs avatar, right? Maybe it is them, and the wording was deliberate. I should try talking to it sometime, but then again what if it actually talks back? Fuck that, at least right now, I¡¯m not sure I could handle that without freaking out after everything today. Feeling a little¡­stressed, I guess. Been sticking to the whole ¡®just don¡¯t think about it¡¯ thing for a few days, but¡­Don¡¯t think about your family, don¡¯t think about how many times you¡¯ve almost died, don¡¯t think about how bad it hurt, don¡¯t think about Viktor, don¡¯t think about how you can¡¯t even remember the other guy''s name anymore, don¡¯t think about Mom and Dad, don¡¯t think about not thinking about it¡­ I feel like I¡¯m running out of something, and it can¡¯t be healthy to just ignore this much stuff to carry on. That¡¯s how people actually go crazy, right? I mean shit, I literally named my intrusive thoughts, right Spooky? His mind drifted back to the Shard and the unsettling way it had forced itself upon him as Spooky preened at the memory, and David wasn¡¯t sure which part of his subconscious would be happy with something like that happening. The extra slots were certainly welcome, but the experience had left him shaken. He couldn''t afford to be reckless, not when there was so much at stake. His gaze lingered on his Echolocation and Flight abilities, the cornerstones of the fighting style he¡¯d developed. They allowed him to navigate with unparalleled agility, striking from unexpected angles, and allowing him to stay mostly out of harm''s way. Screech and Nocturnal Strike provided offensive options, while Moonsong and Gloom offered utility and control. It was a well-rounded kit, but there was always room for improvement when the alternative was being messily devoured by some random Boss or creature. "Mutagens are pretty solid too," he noted, examining each one in turn. Ancestral Terror and Apical enhanced his control and body, Soporalytic, and Corrosive bolstered his offense directly, and Secretive provided general utility for approaching his prey. It was a balanced spread, but he couldn''t help but feel like something was missing. Maybe something that could amplify my Control abilities again? Honestly, I think I might have enough Control effects at the moment. Offense is solid too, I think I might actually be able to trigger an Offense Combo now between Corruptor''s Touch, Screech and Nocturnal strike. Then there''s Pack Abilities, I could swap two slots out every few days if I needed to, I¡¯m positive most people can¡¯t do that. Might be really strong. Hrmm. The more he considered it, the more the idea appealed to him. It wasn''t about brute force or raw power, that was Claire¡¯s undisputed domain, and he knew that unless he got offered a much larger Evolution next time around he¡¯d have to be a little more careful than most people with his build. Well, I might as well use these Tokens first, see what I get, and sell them if they suck. Maybe I can just outright buy bigger size next time with enough points. I¡¯m not sure I wanna be as big as Claire, but some extra heft wouldn¡¯t hurt the old Health pool. Definitely gonna have to submit a report about the Evolution Menu before I actually evolve, worst-case scenario they just tell me ¡®No, perish mortal¡¯ then vaporize me for asking, right? ¡­Nah that¡¯d be too easy, they¡¯ll probably give me something hellishly complex to see what I do with it. Ah well, fuck it, let''s use these tokens. I would like to use my Random Ability Token. 83 - The cuteness ¨CWould you like to redeem your Token?¨C David grinned as he mentally confirmed his choice to use the Random Ability Token. The now-familiar rush of energy coursed through his body, accompanied by a faint tingling sensation that always made his fur stand on end. As the glow faded, he eagerly scanned his Status screen to see what new ability the Token had granted him. ¨CSysAutogen_RST:F¨C ¨CNightshade Swarm: Call a swarm of tiny, nocturnal creatures that flit about, distracting enemies and spreading minor afflictions. Swarm size and debuff potency increase with Ability rank.¨C David''s eyes widened as he processed the implications. A Summoning Ability? I uh¡­I didn''t expect that, honestly. Probably has an obnoxious Stamina cost attached to some cloud of bugs or mosquitos or something¡­ugh¡­why does the universe conspire to make me terrifying? Omega, is this like a cosmic joke or something? At least they can use some afflictions, that''s an upside. Pretty much confirms that User summons aren''t entirely random though, which makes sense. If it gave me something that can''t see in the dark I¡¯d have just sold it off instantly for being useless. "Alright, let''s give this bad boy a try at least, if it sucks I''ll just sell it anyway," he said, rubbing his wings together in anticipation after unwrapping himself where he hung off the ledge. Focusing his mind, David activated the Nightshade Swarm ability for the first time. Instantly, a wave of dizziness washed over him, and he had to cling to the ledge with all his might to avoid plummeting to the ground below. His vision swam, and for a moment, he thought he might pass out, drawing out a snarl of concentration. But just as quickly as it had come, the lightheadedness faded, replaced by an odd sensation of connection, like invisible strings tying him to...something. David''s ears twitched as he heard the sound of tiny claws scrabbling against stone, and sudden, curious chittering noises from above him. He swung around and looked up, his keen eyes scanning the roof of the observatory. There, emerging from a small gap in the weathered brick, was a swarm of tiny, black shapes, each one no larger than a kitten. They poured out of the opening in a writhing mass, their high-pitched chirps filling the air as they scurried down the wall towards him. David watched in amazement as they approached, their tiny bodies wriggling and bouncing with each step. As the creatures reached him, they began to clamber onto him, their tiny claws finding purchase in his thick, dark fur. David could feel them nuzzling against him, their soft, fluffy bodies tickling his skin as they made themselves at home. A quick headcount as they hustled over revealed he¡¯d summoned about a dozen of the tiny things. "Oh my god," he breathed, reaching out a wing to gently stroke one of the tiny creatures as he continued to hang placidly from the Observatory. "You guys are the most adorable things I''ve ever seen!" The creature he''d touched let out a high-pitched squeak of delight, its tiny eyes closing in bliss as it leaned into his touch. Its fur was the softest, most velvety thing David had ever felt, like a cross between a cat¡¯s belly and a chinchilla''s coat. He couldn''t resist scooping it up and bringing it closer to his snout, marveling at its delicate features. The creature''s face was round and pudgy, with oversized ears and a tiny, button nose. Its eyes, when it opened them, were huge and shimmering, reflecting the light like polished amethysts. It let out another squeak, its tiny mouth opening to reveal a minuscule pink tongue that darted out to lick the tip of David''s nose. "Spooky, you could learn a few things from these guys," David cooed, rubbing his snout against the creature''s belly. "You''re just too cute!" The other creatures, not to be outdone, began to swarm over him, each one vying for his attention with adorable chirps and playful nips. They scampered across his wings, nestled in the fur of his chest, and even perched atop his head like a living, wriggling crown. David spent the next 20 minutes utterly entranced by his new companions, playing with them and marveling at their cuteness. He dangled bits of debris for them to bite at, scratched behind their ears until they practically vibrated with pleasure, and even engaged in a mock-fierce game of tug-of-war with a particularly feisty individual using a small twig that it had brought to him in a bid to outdo the others. To David''s shock, Spooky seemed to be¡­happy about the interaction with the tiny summons, though he stomped hard on the irrational urge to assert his authority by eating one of them. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. I have to show them to Claire! She¡¯ll lose her mind, the only Summons we''ve seen so far have all been kinda ugly. The monkeys were nasty, and Gideons termite-thing isn''t exactly winning any beauty pageants. I almost don¡¯t want to make them fight anything, but¡­eh, it''ll work out. With a final affectionate pat to each tiny head, he gathered the cuddlebugs close to his body and launched himself from the ledge, gliding back down to the ground with his living, chirping cargo. "Just wait until Claire sees you guys," he chuckled, imagining the look on the massive reptile''s face when confronted with such concentrated adorableness. "She''s going to love you guys!" The creatures chirped in agreement, their tiny voices blending together in a harmonious chorus as they clung to David''s fur while he drifted down and out of the shadow of the building, angling back toward where Claire still lounged in a shade. She was now surrounded by a growing pile of storage crates, and David grinned slightly as he saw that a few of them very clearly had enormous tooth-marks on them from where she''d moved them around herself. As David glided down towards Claire, the cuddlebugs clinging to his fur like adorable, living decorations, he couldn''t help but grin at the thought of her reaction. Claire was about to be confronted with a swarm of the most adorable creatures imaginable. It was going to be priceless. But as he landed a short distance away, wings kicking up a small cloud of dust as he touched down, David was surprised to see Claire''s eyes widen. Not with delight, but with sudden, instinctive terror as she gasped and flinched away from him. Claire let out a startled hiss, her massive tail lashing behind her as she scrambled backward, nearly toppling the pile of crates she''d been lounging against. "Rats!" she snarled, her voice laced with a mixture of fear and disgust. "David, why the hell do you have rats all over you?!" David blinked in confusion for a moment before realization dawned. Of course, Claire''s phobia of rodents. He''d forgotten all about it in his excitement to show off his new summons. But before he could explain, the tiny creatures reacted to Claire''s hostility. They rose from David''s fur in a flurry of flapping wings and angry chirps, forming a protective cloud around him. Their tiny faces, so adorable mere moments ago, were now contorted into fierce little scowls as they chittered and hissed wickedly at the perceived threat to their master. Oh wow, they went from ¡®cute¡¯ to ¡®horrifying¡¯ in like two seconds. Damn, they¡¯re really ugly when they snarl like that, I think I like it better when they''re chill and cute. Gideons bug did that too when I tried to pet it, except it was never cute to begin with. Maybe they''re all really protective like that until you raise the rank? ¡­Does that mean I can have a big swarm of fluffy cuteness?! Claire''s eyes widened even further as she took in the sight of the flying swarm. "Wait... those aren''t rats," she said slowly, her posture relaxing slightly. "David, are those... bats?" David couldn''t help but chuckle at the sudden shift in Claire''s demeanor. "Not quite, but close enough. They''re my new summons, courtesy of a Random Ability Token. I¡¯ve been thinking of them as Cuddlebugs." At the sound of their name, the Cuddlebugs'' aggression melted away, replaced by a chorus of delighted chirps. They flitted around David''s head, nuzzling against his cheeks, playfully tugging at his fur, and he winced slightly as the feisty one hung protectively from his ear, still hissing and spitting at Claire. Claire''s expression morphed from wary confusion to utter enchantment. "Oh my god," she breathed, leaning closer to get a better look. "They''re... they''re¡­ohmigawd!" David grinned, reaching up to scoop a wingful of Cuddlebugs from the air. "You want to hold them? They''re super friendly as long as you aren''t being scary, I promise." Claire hesitated for a moment, a flicker of her earlier fear passing across her face. But as she watched the tiny creatures snuggle contentedly in David''s grasp, she couldn''t resist. With a careful, almost reverent movement, she lowered her massive head, bringing it level with David''s outstretched wing. The Cuddlebugs, sensing a new playmate and David''s mental approval, immediately swarmed onto Claire''s snout. They scampered across her scaly hide, their tiny claws finding purchase in the nooks and crannies of her armored skin. Some nestled in the folds of her frill, while others dangled from her short horns like living, chirping ornaments. Claire''s eyes drifted shut in bliss as the Cuddlebugs explored her face, their soft fur and gentle touches almost unbearably sweet. A deep, rumbling purr began to emanate from her chest, a sound David had never heard her make before. It seemed to go on forever, changing in pitch only slightly in time with her breathing. Damn, I really wish I had a camera right now. That''s not something you see every day, although I have a feeling it''s going to be a frequent request now. Hah! She looks like she''s posing for a greeting card from nightmare-world or something. "This is the best thing ever," Claire murmured, her voice soft and dreamy. "I could stay like this all day, they''re sooooo soft." David couldn''t help but agree. Seeing Claire, the mighty and fearsome beast, reduced to a puddle of happiness by a swarm of adorable bat-creatures was a sight he knew he''d treasure forever. But the moment was suddenly interrupted by the sound of footsteps and a familiar voice. David turned to see Gideon emerging from the observatory, his insectoid companion skittering along beside him as it tirelessly dragged a crate behind it. The small, poofy man froze when he caught sight of David, an odd expression flickering across his face. He sat in total silence, not blinking, and barely breathing as the wind tugged at his pristine white fur. Then, to David''s utter bewilderment, Gideon''s face split into an extremely guilty grin. "I''m so sorry about this," he said, his voice laced with barely suppressed laughter. "But... David! Our eyes have met, and now we must battle!" David blinked, his mind momentarily blank as he tried to process Gideon''s words. But then, as he took in the mischievous glint in Gideon¡¯s eyes, realization dawned. It was a reference, a playful callback to a game they''d both enjoyed in their previous lives. A slow, answering grin spread across David''s face. "Gideon," he said, his voice mock-serious as he straightened to his full height. "I accept your challenge. Nightshade Swarm, I choose you!" And with that, the tension of the moment dissolved into laughter, playful taunts, and dramatic calls for attacks that simply did not exist. David and Gideon fell into a familiar rhythm, their respective summons chittering and skittering around them in a whirlwind of adorable chaos. Claire, still blissfully covered in about half the Cuddlebugs, simply watched with a bemused expression, content to bask in the absurdity and joy of the moment. 84 - Dammit, Claire! As David and Gideon''s mock battle reached its climax, their dramatic poses and over-the-top attack calls echoing across the observatory grounds, Kozlov, Wally, and Adam emerged from the facility, drawn by the commotion. Wally, his keen eyes taking in the scene, instantly recognized the familiar rhythm of the battle. A grin spread across his face, and he let out a bark of laughter. "Oh man, are you guys seriously¡­?" David, caught mid-pose with a Cuddlebug perched on his outstretched wing, froze. "Uh... maybe?" he said, shooting Gideon a sheepish grin. "We were just, you know, training up our summons. Gotta keep those skills sharp, right?" Kozlov, his massive shaggy form looming over the others, let out a snort. "Training. Right. Looks more like goofing off to me." But there was a twinkle in his eye, and the corner of his mouth twitched suspiciously, as if he was fighting back a smile. Wally, catching the look, poked him playfully in the leg a few times with his nose. "Sir, don''t pretend you don''t think it''s awesome. I saw you mouthing along with the attack names." Kozlov huffed, attempting to cross his arms over his broad chest out of habit but failing once again. "I have no idea what you''re talking about." Adam, meanwhile, had wandered over to Claire, who was still covered in a contented pile of Cuddlebugs. "Having fun there, missy?" he asked, a bit of lingering anxiety coloring the amusement in his voice. Claire, her eyes half-lidded in bliss, merely rumbled a contented sigh. "You have no idea. These little guys are the best." But as David mentally recalled his swarm, signaling the end of the battle, the Cuddlebugs began to disengage from Claire, flitting back to their master. Some perched on his shoulders and back, while others vanished beneath him to hide in his shadow, disappearing from view. Claire let out a mournful whine as the last Cuddlebug lifted off her snout, its tiny claws scrabbling on her scales. "Aww, come on. Just a few more minutes?" David chuckled, reaching out to pat her consolingly on the nose. "Sorry, Claire. Gotta be serious for a bit. But don''t worry, I''m sure they''ll be happy to cuddle with you again later." As if in response, one particularly rambunctious Cuddlebug suddenly popped out of David''s shadow, did a dizzying loop-de-loop around Claire''s horns, and then dove back into the relative darkness, its tiny chirp of laughter echoing in its wake. Gideon, who had called over his insect and was now sitting on it like a bench, cleared his throat to get the group''s attention. "Alright, guys. I''ve got a plan for getting this telescope up and running, but we''re going to need to be a bit strategic about it." He gestured to the towering bulk of the radio telescope, its dish uselessly staring into the heavens. "We''ll need to choose a location that gives us a clear view of the sky, somewhere far enough away from its profile that we won''t be hindered by it. And we''ll have to wait until nightfall to properly determine where we''ll be aiming it." Gideon tapped a claw against the insects large head, eliciting a happy clack of its mandibles. "Honestly there''s so much dust and dirt out here we''ll have to do it fast, and probably tarp it down during the day if we can." Kozlov nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. "Setting it up without proper support is going to be a challenge. We''ll have to get creative with the rigging, maybe fill some of the larger crates with rocks to use as a base." Claire, who was still lounging nearby in the shade of the Observatory, suddenly perked up. "Speaking of challenges, we''re going to need to eat soon. I don''t know about you guys, but I''m starting to feel a little peckish." David, who had been caught up in the excitement of the mock battle and planning, suddenly realized just how parched his throat was. "Yeah, now that you mention it, I could really go for a drink. All that dramatic attack-calling really takes it out of you." Kozlov huffed, his ears drooping slightly. "Well, we don''t have much in the way of food anymore. Most of our supplies were used up in the first two weeks after the Integration. But there is a small spring about an hour''s walk from here, on the far side of the mountain. The water''s clean, but it wasn''t there¡­before¡­so we don''t tend to linger around it." David''s ears perked up at that. "A spring, huh? That sounds perfect. And hey, while I¡¯m out there, I could do some hunting. See if I can rustle up something to eat. I¡¯ll need some help carrying it back, but¡­" With a glint of anticipation in her eyes, Claire pushed herself to her feet. "Count me in. I''ve been itching to stretch my legs and sink my teeth into something that won''t melt or sting me. Plus, it''ll give me a chance to work off all those Cuddlebug cuddles." Wally''s tail began to wag as he darted over to where Claire was stretching her neck a bit after standing. "Sir, may I accompany Claire? My new nose might come in handy for tracking down food, but I need more practice, and she''s more experienced at it than me." If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "I suppose¡­¡± Kozlov mused as he dropped down to all fours, shaggy fur rippling along his back and shoulders as he thumped down. "Adam and I will remain with Gideon and see if we can''t get something set up in the meanwhile. Sun will be going down in a few hours, be back before dark.¡± David, meanwhile, was already thinking about how he could put his Cuddlebugs to use. "I think I''ll go solo on this one, guys. I want to see how well these little guys work. Could be useful for more than just playtime, you know?" Huge slitted eyes narrowed, a malicious twinkle sparkling in their depths as Claire fixed David with a glare. "You better not let any of those cutiepies get hurt, you hear me?" Her tone was light, but there was a definite threat lurking just below the surface, a promise of terrible vengeance if any harm befell the adorable creatures. David chittered as he unfurled his wings with a dramatic flourish, the leathery membranes catching the sunlight and casting intricate shadows on the ground around him as the summons in question chirped unhappily. "Oh come on, you think I want to watch these little guys get roughed up? Nah, I''ll be careful, I promise." He flashed her a toothy grin full of knife-like fangs, "I''ll go find something tasty and come back after I drop it." Adam suddenly snorted, his snout scrunching up in disbelief as he squinted at David''s small frame skeptically. "Just like that? Hunting isn''t that easy last time I checked, kid." His words dripped with doubt, and David flattened his ears grumpily in response. Claire cut in with a derisive snort of her own, the sudden sound making Wally jump slightly and shoot her a wounded look. "It is when you can cheat by flying around and using David-radar to find stuff. The real trick for him is whether or not it''s too toxic to eat when he''s done with it." A long, awkward pause stretched out after her words, the air growing thick as everyone''s eyes shifted uncomfortably to David. Claire continued to obliviously spill the beans on his current capabilities, and with each new tidbit of information, David could see the group''s collective sense of disbelief grow. "Between the hallucinogens, the sedatives, paralytics, and now acid," Claire chuckled almost proudly, the sound reminiscent of boulders grinding together, "I''m almost worried whatever he brings back will be more dangerous dead!" She jabbed a stubby, clawed arm in David''s direction, her words painting a disturbingly vivid picture of his methods. "Did you know this little asshole once said he was ''going hunting'' for the people in Riverport? Ended up murdering, like, every living thing for 20 minutes in every direction and brought none of it back." "Oh, come on, I didn''t know I couldn''t carry stuff in the air yet, I was like level six or something!¡± David protested quickly, eliciting a chorus of angry chittering from his summons. A dozen tiny betrayed eyes gazed in Claire''s direction as they sensed his embarrassment at the revelation. Kozlov''s brow furrowed, his gaze morphing from surprise to concern as Claire had spoken. Gideon''s eyes widened briefly, a flicker of horrified realization dancing across his fuzzy features, while his paws fidgeted erratically. As Gideon and Adam exchanged nervous glances, he noticed Adam subtly shifting his body, placing himself between David and the rest of the group. Spooky snorted in smug disbelief that the hoglike creature thought that would make a difference, and David had to fight down a sigh. Oh shit, I think the puffball just figured out I''m basically a chemical weapon on legs. Great, there goes any chance of them not being scared shitless of what they could run into already, I was gonna ease them into that but got distracted by the new Ability. They''re like level 3, they didn''t even know effects like that existed yet. Damn it, Claire! They were treating me like I was normal! Ugly but normal! Now they probably think I was just playing with them, or not taking it seriously. Ugh. I wanna pet a Cuddlebug. David tried his best to look non threatening despite his nightmarish appearance. He shuffled his wings, and doodled absently in the dirt with a talon, offering a sheepish grin that only served to highlight his rows of razor-sharp teeth. There was no hiding the predatory glint in his eyes or the coiled power in his wiry muscles, though, and he could practically taste the group''s sudden reevaluation of him. "Fuck me sideways," Kozlov muttered under his breath, just loud enough for David''s keen ears to pick up. The bear''s posture shifted subtly, and he could almost see the steam coming out of his ears as Kozlov rapidly restructured what he had thought was possible to encounter outside his bunker. David was relieved to see the enormous man shoot him an accepting nod before the tension left his face. Gideon swallowed hard then visibly forced himself to calm down, looking thoughtful for a moment before shrugging. He patted his bug before smoothing down his fur. ¡°Didn''t even know that was an option.¡± ¡°Control effects are a perfectly valid¨C" David began before sighing and starting over. "I just built on what I had, y''know? Us little guys have it rough out here." David''s words hung in the air, but he refused to let the somber mood linger. With a mischievous grin and a flick of his wings, he launched himself into the air, the Cuddlebugs swirling around him like a living, chirping tornado. Their excited squeaking made Claire purr happily again despite rolling her eyes a bit at David''s defense of Control. "Alright, enough of that I think! Time to see what these little guys can really do, and I really need a drink. Catch you all later, and save some space for the feast I''m about to find!" And with that, David angled into the wind and vanished upward, his laughter carried by the breeze as he set off on his hunt. The others watched him go, Gideon waving as Claire shook her head and began to stomp toward the gate with Wally in tow. Spooky, we''re gonna eat like kings. Back in the forest finally, no more bugs, slugs, or monkeys. I wonder if Cuddlebugs eat meat? I hope they do, I might be tempted to eat all the fruit if they find any. It''s super cute how they fly around, it''s like they take turns resting on me so they can zip around at top speed. David soared toward the far side of the craggy mountain, lost in thought as he rapidly descended its pine-covered slope. The mid-evening shade cast by jagged peaks enveloped him, while the dense evergreen forest facing away from the sun began to lose its light. As he drifted lower, the scent of pine wafting in the wind carried faint hints of the earthy aroma of the marsh at the mountain''s base. He noted how the treeline blurred where it met the swamp''s edge in the distance, creating a misty boundary in the shadow of the mountain. Gliding below the treetops, David remained oblivious to the cruel purple eyeshine now glittering from every Cuddlebug, their gazes now sharp as David melted into the trees. 85 - Cute != Harmless The forest was a tapestry of shadows and dusky sunlight, the dense canopy above filtering the celestial glow into a patchwork of light and dark. An eerie silence hung over the woodland, broken only by the soft whisper of wind through pine needles and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures scurrying through the underbrush. The approach of nightfall brought with it a heightened sense of danger, as predators both familiar and alien prowled the darkness. This is almost relaxing. Weird how that works, just flying around at night was terrifying only a few weeks ago. Heh. Glad I didn''t have Spooky instincts back then, I wouldn''t have known how to deal with the backseat driving attempts. David perched motionless on a gnarled branch, his leathery wings folded tightly against his body. His keen eyes scanned the forest floor below, while his ears swiveled independently, catching the faintest sounds, and he fired Echolocation''s every few seconds reflexively. The Cuddlebugs, once adorable and playful, now hovered around him like living shadows, their purple eyes gleaming with an unsettling intelligence. A flicker of movement caught David''s attention, and the Cuddlebugs instantly landed on whatever was closest to them, dispersing into the trees around him without a sound. Through a gap in the foliage, he spotted his quarry, a deer-like creature with crystalline antlers that seemed to absorb and refract the fading light. Its movements were cautious, each step carefully placed as it picked its way through the shadowy undergrowth. David and his summons had been following it for about 30 minutes, including a lazy chase after he''d shouted a greeting at it just in case. David''s lips curled into a predatory grin, his razor-sharp teeth glinting in the slowly dimming light. With a soft hiss and a mental command, he dispatched the Cuddlebugs, sending them silently gliding through the trees to encircle the prey. He watched as they took up positions, their tiny forms barely discernible against the dark bark and leaves. The small clearing below was a mosaic of shadow and soft golden light, gnarled roots snaking across the forest floor, to create treacherous dips and hollows. A fallen log, its bark slick with phosphorescent fungi, bisected the space. The air hung heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying vegetation, undercut by the sharp aroma of pine. David''s keen ears picked up the soft crunch of leaves as the deer-creature approached, its crystalline antlers catching slivers of light shining through the canopy, casting prismatic patterns on the forest floor. The beast moved with a grace that belied its size, each step carefully placed to avoid the telltale snap of a twig. Little bit farther¡­not yet¡­still too close to that brush, it''ll cut into it for cover and I don''t want my wings torn up by it. Sooooooon. Patiently, David waited for the perfect moment, his muscles coiled tight with anticipation. The cool evening air brushed against his leathery wings, carrying with it myriad scents of bark and soil. He could hear the rapid, excited heartbeats of the Cuddlebugs still nearby in the smothering silence, their usual chirps silenced by the gravity of the hunt. The deer-creature paused in the clearing, its head rising as its nostrils flared. Its ears swiveled independently, catching the faintest sounds of the forest around it. Something was amiss, and the prey was still on edge from when he startled it a short while ago. That''s when David struck. With a short hiss and a mental nudge, the Cuddlebugs sprang into action. They swarmed from their hiding spots, no longer cute and playful but a terrifying cloud of shadowy forms. Their eyes glowed an eerie purple, leaving faint trails of light in the darkness as they dove towards the deer. The Cuddlebugs moved with uncanny coordination, targeting the creature''s most vulnerable points. Some latched onto its ears, their tiny claws digging in and causing disorienting pain. Others went for the eyes, their wings beating furiously as they attempted to blind it. A group even attacked the beast''s more... sensitive areas, eliciting a particularly high-pitched bleat of distress that made David cringe hugely on his branch. Oh, that''s just brutal, you don''t just go for a guy''s... crown jewels. Damn. I''m gonna have to teach them not to do that, that just doesn''t sit right with me... Spooky, you stop laughing. That ain''t right, I''m not going to be known as the guy with summons that fight dirty... okay, let''s just get this over with. As the deer-creature reared and bucked, trying to shake off the assault, David mentally lined up his shot. The chaos below was a symphony of panic, the frantic bleating of the deer, the rustle of disturbed foliage, and the once-cute chirps of the Cuddlebugs; now beginning to sound like ominous whispers as they ravenously swarmed the beast. David launched himself from the branch, his wings unfurling with a whisper of leathery membrane. The cooling air rushed past him as he glided silently towards his quarry, every muscle taut with predatory focus. As he neared his target, he zeroed in on the creature''s hind legs, Spooky''s instincts guiding his aim. With practiced precision, David activated his Corruptor''s Touch ability. A glob of acidic venom gathered in his mouth, the acrid taste familiar yet still unpleasant. He spat, the viscous liquid arcing through the air like a silent, deadly arrow. ¨CPale Glimmerstag has been afflicted by |Corrosion| |Paralysis| |Sleep|¨C Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. The venom struck true, splattering across the deer''s haunches with a sickening hiss. The creature''s head jerked up, its eyes wide with sudden, searing pain. A strangled bleat escaped its throat, but it was already too late. The toxins spread rapidly as the acid ate into its flesh, seeping into muscle and sinew. The deer''s hind legs began to tremble, then buckle, throwing the once-graceful beast off balance. David''s talons sank into the creature''s flank a few heartbeats later as it stumbled, struggling to remain upright as he impacted, clutching greedily with his talons and hind claws. He felt the warmth of its body, its frantically pounding heart reverberating through his grip, the scent of fear and confusion rolled off the deer in waves, mingling with the sharp tang of the venom. Simultaneously, the Cuddlebugs piled in from all directions, their cute facades completely abandoned. The slightly ominous tone of their chirps now a cacophony of discordant, maddening whispers that seemed to scrape against David''s psyche. They latched onto the deer''s fur and antlers with single-minded determination, tiny claws digging in relentlessly as they hissed and snarled, eyes wide and unblinking. To David''s fascination and slight unease, wherever the Cuddlebugs touched, the deer''s silvery coat began to dull as if it''s vitality was being leeched away. Its movements became even more sluggish as it attempted to flee while it still could, heaving itself forward with difficulty under the extra weight of its attackers. ¨CPale Glimmerstag has been afflicted by |Weakness|¨C ¨CBonus: Control Combo | 3 |¨C ¨CGained 9xp!¨C Some kind of weakening effect? That should mix well with the Soporalytic. Nice. The air hung heavy with a potent cocktail of scents: the metallic tang of blood, the acrid bite of venom, and the unmistakable musk of fear. Spooky reveled in the back of David''s mind, his prey drive cranked to maximum as the hunt reached its climax. As the Glimmerstag''s struggles weakened, David prepared for the next phase of his attack. With a powerful leap, he disengaged from the creature, wings snapping open to carry him a short distance away. A mental command recalled the swarm, and the Cuddlebugs detached from their victim in a flurry of tiny wings and discordant chirps. In an instant, the terrifying swarm transformed. As they regrouped around David, perching on his shoulders and hopping around beneath him excitedly, their demeanor shifted dramatically. Gone were the vicious, purple-eyed terrors that had savaged the Glimmerstag. In their place were the adorable, chirping creatures that had first captured David''s heart. They gazed up at him with wide, innocent eyes, as if to ask, ¡®We do good?¡¯ The jarring transition left David momentarily stunned. He shook his head, marveling at the Cuddlebugs'' ability to switch between cute and horrifying at a moment''s notice. His attention snapped back to the Glimmerstag as it made a valiant attempt to escape. Foam frothed around its muzzle, evidence of the cocktail of toxins coursing through its system. Its crystalline antlers scraped against the forest floor as it crashed to the ground, barely a dozen feet from where the ambush had begun. Its hind legs, partially melted from the acid, were cramped beyond use, curled tightly against the beasts body, and leaving the once-majestic creature to drag itself forward in a pitiful crawl. A pang of sadness flickered through David as he watched the Glimmerstag''s futile struggle. He knew what needed to be done, but that didn''t make it any easier. With a soft sigh, he turned to the Cuddlebugs, their eager faces awaiting his next command. "Finish it," he whispered, his voice barely audible above the Glimmerstag''s labored breathing. "Make it quick." As the swarm took flight once more, transforming back into the efficient killers they''d been moments before, David consoled himself with the knowledge that the sedative effects would soon render the Glimmerstag unconscious. At least the sedative effect is finally kicking in, it''ll be out soon and won''t have to feel it. Yep, there it goes. Goodnight buddy. Sorry you had to be made out of food, I promise we won''t waste any. He watched as the Cuddlebugs descended upon the Glimmerstag one last time, their actions hidden by the gathering shadows of the forest. The creature twitched a few times in its sleep, then it was over. As silence fell over the clearing once more, David approached his prey, the Cuddlebugs returning to their cute, chirping selves as they settled around him. ¨C|Corrosion| |Paralysis| |Sleep| |Weakness| has faded on Pale Glimmerstag¨C "Good hunt," he murmured, both to his summons and to the fallen Glimmerstag. "Okay cuties, go ahead and eat a bit. Then we''ll go get someone to help drag it back. I wish I was, like, just a little bigger so I could carry this.¡± David watched in bemused silence as the Cuddlebugs descended upon the Glimmerstag''s corpse. What started as cute, almost dainty nibbles quickly escalated into a feeding frenzy that would put piranhas to shame. Tiny jaws worked with astonishing efficiency, stripping flesh from bone at a rate that defied their diminutive size. The sound of their feasting filled the air, a bizarre mix of adorable chirps and unsettling crunches. David''s eyes widened in disbelief as he watched the carcass rapidly disappear. "Uh, guys? Maybe save some for... nevermind." Within minutes, almost half of the once-majestic Glimmerstag was reduced to little more than polished bones and scraps of hide. The Cuddlebugs, their bellies comically distended, lounged around the remains, looking thoroughly satisfied with themselves. Even Spooky, usually quick with a snarky thought, was momentarily stunned into silence. David could feel a mixture of jealousy and awe radiating from his primal instincts. That''s... that''s just not fair. How can something so small eat so much? David shook his head, torn between laughter and disbelief. "Well," he said to the now food-coma-stricken Cuddlebugs, "I guess we won''t need help carrying it back after all. Though explaining this to Claire is going to be... interesting." As he crunched distastefully through a now gleaming spine to separate the intact front half of the creature from the remains of ¡®feeding time¡¯, David couldn''t help but wonder if he''d created monsters. Adorable, impossibly ravenous monsters. "Next time," he muttered to himself, "I''m bringing a doggy bag." 86 - Chill water As David soared through the darkening sky, the remnants of the Glimmerstag clutched securely in his talons, a sudden shift in the air caught his attention. The wind carried a faint but unmistakable scent, the crisp, clean aroma of fresh water, barely detectable over the other scents. His nostrils flared, drinking in the tantalizing smell as he licked his chops in response. I wonder if that''s the spring Kozlov mentioned? I really could go for a drink. I''d prefer something fizzy, but that smells so good right now. David''s throat was suddenly feeling parched at the mere hint of water, and he banked slightly, adjusting his flight path to follow the scent. The forest below gave way to scrubby vegetation with only a few sparse trees and bare rock as David ascended laboriously while clutching his prize firmly in his hind claws. The air grew cooler and thinner, the scent of water growing stronger with each wingbeat. It mingled with the sharp tang of pine wafting up from the lower slopes and the earthy smell of mineral-rich soil. As he climbed higher, the source of the scent finally revealed itself. Nestled in a rocky outcropping just above the treeline was a small plateau, and David''s keen ears picked up the faint sound of running water over the gusts of wind. Perfect timing, I could use a break anyway. This thing might only be half its original size, but it''s still heavy. I am so not designed for carrying things heavier than I am, this is hard. I wonder if there''s a Mutagen for stuff like this I could pick up in the future? He began his descent, spiraling down towards the plateau. As he neared the ground, he flared his wings, the leathery membranes catching the mountain breeze. The sound of rustling pine needles and the soft whisper of wind through rocky crevices filled his ears as he came in for a landing, breathing heavily as he resisted the urge to pant and loll his tongue out. With a soft thud, he touched down on the weather-worn stone, carefully lowering his prize. Small pebbles skittered away from his talons, their tiny impacts echoing in the relative quiet of the mountainside. The scent of water was now overwhelming, fresh and inviting. The Cuddlebugs, still draped across his back and chest, chittered excitedly at the prospect of solid ground. They detached themselves, fluttering around David in a small, chirping cloud before settling on nearby rocks and sparse, wind-twisted shrubs. Their purple eyes gleamed in the dusk, reflecting the starry expanse above. "Yeah, yeah, stretch your wings," David muttered good-naturedly, his voice carrying clearly in the thin mountain air. "Just don''t wander off too far. Maybe work off some of that half the food you ate, you little pigs." He took a moment to examine his surroundings more closely, following his nose towards the source of the watery scent. There, bubbling up from a crack in the mountainside nearby, was the spring. It created a small, crystal-clear pool before cascading down the slope in a series of miniature waterfalls until it quickly formed a tiny stream. The water caught the vanishing light, sparkling like liquid silver as it made its way down the rocky slope in a small, nearly invisible line. David approached the pool cautiously, his ears swiveling to catch any sounds of potential threats. But the area seemed peaceful, the only noises being the gentle gurgling of the spring, the distant rustle of the forest below, and the occasional cry of a distant creature carried on the wind. The stone beneath his wings was cool and slightly damp, worn smooth by countless years of water and wind. As he leaned down to drink, the scent of pure, cold water filled his nostrils, even more intense up close. It was a stark contrast to the often murky sources he''d encountered in the forest, or the often algae tinted water of the swamp. Score! Kozlov wasn''t joking, this is really clean water. I wish I had a canteen or a bottle or something, but then again I don''t have thumbs. Actually, scratch that last thought. I wish I had thumbs. I''d be invincible with thumbs, I''d get into everything like a giant mutant raccoon¡­I wonder if there''s any giant raccoon people out there? Probably is, honestly. As David leaned down to drink, the cool water flowing over his tongue while he lapped greedily at the pool, instantly soothing his parched throat. He gulped it down as fast as he could, the crisp taste washing away the lingering flavor of his recent hunt. The water was so pure, so refreshing, it seemed to revitalize him from the inside out. David had to pause as a full body shiver rippled through him at just how much he was enjoying something as simple as clean water, and his mane and fur poofed out slightly in response. After quenching his thirst, David settled onto a smooth, flat rock near the spring. The stone still held a trace of warmth from the day''s sun, and it was a pleasant contrast to the cooling night air. He stretched his wings, feeling the satisfying pull of his tired muscles, before folding them neatly against his sides. The Cuddlebugs, sensing his relaxed state, began to gather around him. Some perched on nearby rocks, while others nestled into the fur of his shoulders and back. Their tiny, warm bodies were oddly comforting, and their soft chirps seemed to encourage him to speak. David sighed, his breath beginning to mist slightly in the cool air. "You know," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "I''ve been trying not to think about everything that''s happened since... well, since this all started." The Cuddlebugs tilted their heads, their purple eyes fixed attentively on David. A gentle breeze rustled through the sparse vegetation, carrying the scent of stone, water, and distant wildflowers mixed with the omnipresent pine scent. "When I first... hatched, I guess you''d call it, I was terrified," David continued, his ears drooping slightly at the memory. "Everything was different. I didn''t know what I was, or if I was even still me. I actually thought I''d gone crazy for a minute, I was just curled up against a wall in my old bedroom panicking.¡± One of the Cuddlebugs chirped softly, nuzzling against his neck in response to his tone. David smiled faintly, appreciating the gesture from the fluffy little savage. "But then... then I flew for the first time," his voice took on a note of wonder as he remembered the feeling of it. "It was amazing. Frightening, sure, but exhilarating. For a moment, I forgot everything else. I still love flying now, it''s like my favorite thing." The wind picked up slightly, and David''s sensitive ears caught the sound of small pebbles skittering down the mountainside again as his summons scurried through the rocks around him, seemingly unable to remain entirely still now that it was properly nightfall. In the distance, a large unseen creature hooted, its call echoing across the quiet slopes. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. "Since then, though... I''ve nearly died so many times I''ve lost count," David admitted, his voice growing somber. " Well that''s a lie, it''s like, six times? Maybe more? In just a few weeks. It''s... it''s a lot to process sometimes." The Cuddlebugs clinging to him huddled closer, their tiny bodies vibrating with soft, comforting noises. They might not understand his words, but they seemed to sense the weight of his emotions. While not being particularly smart, they were attentive if nothing else, and David absently pet one a bit, marveling at how soothing it was. David''s gaze drifted to the sky, where the first stars were beginning to appear. "I''m still scared," he confessed. "Before all this, I was just a regular guy. A delivery driver. I miss my car, you know? It was nice, maybe not the newest model, but it was mine. I''d just finished paying it off and everything. Now I''m flying around, hunting creatures I can''t even name until I get a popup from some weird-ass ¡®System¡¯. I''m used to it, but it still makes no sense most of the time, I just roll with it because I can''t change it right now.¡± "Dad always said if you can''t do anything about it in the next ten minutes, just relax. I''m having a hard time relaxing, lately." He paused, swallowing hard against a sudden lump in his throat. "I miss my parents. My Dad... he always knew what to say when things got tough. If he was here, I know he''d have a plan, and know exactly what to do. My Mom... she¡¯s high-strung, but she always cared, even if it was something stupid bothering me. We used to make plans to hang out then cancel on each other with ridiculous excuses like, ¡®I can''t make it, I''ve been abducted by aliens and the guys from Y-Files are outside¡¯, it was¡­fun. I miss my friends from work, our stupid jokes and lunch breaks..." David''s voice trailed off, and for a moment, the only sounds were the gentle gurgle of the spring and the soft chirps of the Cuddlebugs. A cool breeze ruffled his fur, and David continued to pet the summon before stopping to idly pick at the rock below him, observing how his sturdy talons easily dug into small cracks on the surface distractedly. "You know," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper, "I think I might have completely lost it by now if it wasn''t for Claire. And the folks in Riverport.¡± "When I first met Claire, I was... well, I was a mess. Scared, confused, alone. But she was just so... Claire," he chuckled softly. "Sometimes grumpy, a little sarcastic, but also thoughtful and really nice. I don''t think I''ve ever had more awkward conversations in my life, but we were both scared and just wanted someone else around to talk to anyway. It was comforting, you know?" He inhaled deeply, letting the familiar smells of the mountain ground him. "And then Riverport... finding out that there were still communities, still people acting like people... it helped. Even if some of them were..." he trailed off, his expression darkening slightly. "There was this guy, Viktor," David said, his voice dropping to a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the peaceful night with such dark memories. "He was... he was a actual monster. In Redfield, y¡¯know the little town by Riverport? He was hurting people, killing them even. Using them. And I... I had to stop him." David''s wings shuddered slightly, and the Cuddlebugs nestled closer, sensing his distress. For a long moment, the only sounds were the gentle gurgle of the spring and the mournful hooting cry sounding again from the forest below them. "I killed him," he finally admitted, the words seeming to physically pain him as they left his mouth. "Him and one of his goons. And sometimes... sometimes I¡¯ll think about it. Not when I''m going to sleep, or alone, or anything like that. I''ll just be doing normal things and then, bam! Instant replay." He looked down at his talons, flexing them slowly. In the twilight, they gleamed wickedly sharp, a reminder of the lethality he now possessed. "What worries me the most," David continued, his voice barely audible, "is how easy it was. Physically, I mean. With how my abilities and evolution works, if I catch you with your pants down, that''s it, you''re fucked. ¡®Game over man, game over.¡¯ But emotionally? God, it tore me apart to do that. Claire helped a lot." He closed his eyes, taking a shaky breath. "I know it had to be done. Logically, I understand that. But I was just a delivery guy, you know? I brought people their packages, made them smile, drove my route. I didn''t... I never wanted to hurt anyone." David opened his eyes, looking at the Cuddlebugs gathered around him. "It terrifies me that I might have to make that choice again someday. To weigh one life against others. I don''t know if I''m cut out for that kind of decision-making." His voice trailed off, leaving a heavy silence hanging in the cool mountain air. The Cuddlebugs chirped softly, some nuzzling against him in what seemed like an attempt at comfort while other finally began to guzzle water themselves, drifting away from him and hustling back almost in turns, making him snort slightly as he watched them bicker over who got the best spots. "It''s scary, you know? Before all this, the most dangerous thing I did was maybe cut someone off in traffic by accident. Now... Now I''m hunting, killing bosses, eating weird¡­crystal things, talking to Overseers." David sighed, his breath misting slightly in the cool air. "But at the same time, seeing people in Riverport, Kozlov and the others... it reminded me that people are still people. We''re all just trying to figure this out, trying to survive. Some are doing it better than others, sure, but... we''re all human. Or, well, you know what I mean." He managed a small smile, looking at the Cuddlebugs. "Even if we don''t all look human anymore." "I guess what I''m trying to say is... as terrifying and messed up as this new world is, finding out that there''s still a sense of... normalcy, I guess? It helps. It gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, we can build something good out of all this chaos." David stood up, stretching his wings. The Cuddlebugs fluttered around him, some returning to perch on his shoulders and back. "Thanks for listening, little guys," he said, his voice stronger now. "I know you probably don''t understand most of this, but... it helps to say it out loud sometimes. I really need to take Claire up on that offer to talk it out soon, but you guys did an okay job listening." As if in response, the Cuddlebugs began to chirp in a harmonious chorus, their voices blending with the natural sounds of the mountain night. David felt a wave of calm wash over him, the burden of his thoughts seeming lighter somehow, and he let out a long breath as tension he didn''t even know had been bothering left him suddenly. David turned back to the spring, and he leaned over, peering at his reflection in the moonlit water. The face that stared back at him was still startlingly alien, all sharp angles, glinting red eyeshine, and predatory features. He wrinkled his snout, baring his teeth in an exaggerated grimace. "Well, aren''t you a handsome devil," he muttered sarcastically, making a range of faces at himself, ending with a bug-eyed raspberry that left his extra long tongue extended lazily in the air for a moment. With a shake of his head, David straightened up. The others would be wondering where he was by now, and he still had half a Glimmerstag to deliver. He stretched his wings, feeling the cool night air ruffle his fur. "Alright, gang," he addressed the summons, "break time''s over. Let''s go see if we can convince Claire that you didn''t eat most of our dinner." As he gathered his strength for takeoff, David cast one last glance at the spring. It had only been a brief moment of quiet and peace, yet somehow, he''d found it oddly comforting. David turned back to the half-eaten Glimmerstag carcass, eyeing it with a mix of determination and resignation as his ears swiveled out to the sides uncomfortably. He crouched, gripping it firmly with his hind claws, and tensed his muscles for takeoff. I hate this part¡­ugh, I wish Kai was here to do his Airbus thing. He could probably carry two of these and still have energy left to tease me about it. I wonder how they''re all doing? I bet Herold already did that ¡®expedition¡¯ he wanted for the Landmark Quest. With a grunt of effort, David launched himself skyward, wings straining against the added weight. For a heart-stopping moment, he thought he might not clear the ground, his wingtips nearly brushing the rocky plateau. But with a surge of determination, he pushed harder, finally gaining altitude. The Cuddlebugs chirped in alarm, clinging desperately to his fur as he wobbled in the air, struggling to find his balance with the unwieldy load. About half of them detached to flutter around him, eyes still sharp in the darkness as he began to wheel toward the Observatory. Slowly, awkwardly, David gained height, the peaceful spring shrinking beneath him. "Next time," he panted, "I''m definitely bringing help for the heavy lifting." This is not a chapter: Part 2! (Remain calm!) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur varius luctus interdum. Vivamus dictum orci sit amet mi vestibulum, at tristique eros interdum. In sagittis felis vel mauris vehicula, nec malesuada velit dictum. Nulla facilisi. Fusce quis dui eget nunc vehicula posuere a ac odio. Cras egestas purus ut tincidunt laoreet. Nullam viverra velit a quam vestibulum, non bibendum turpis convallis. Integer luctus, lacus et elementum ultrices, dolor nunc sollicitudin ligula, sit amet efficitur enim ex eget neque. Morbi elementum fermentum nisi, id sodales ipsum suscipit non. Sed eget tortor orci. Curabitur imperdiet nec libero vel tristique. Aliquam erat volutpat. Quisque efficitur eros vitae risus aliquet pharetra. Vivamus ut odio non augue congue interdum vel vel massa.Aenean nec augue ut justo congue laoreet. Sed posuere, ligula nec convallis scelerisque, odio nisi pretium erat, eget consectetur ipsum risus id est. Phasellus suscipit magna vitae eros consectetur, ac molestie purus malesuada. Aenean blandit libero sit amet ipsum lacinia, sed egestas nisi vestibulum. Donec auctor purus eu eros feugiat cursus. Donec venenatis nec felis ac suscipit. Nunc dictum volutpat libero, a dictum sapien. Ut aliquam fermentum lectus, eu tincidunt libero iaculis eget. Nulla facilisi. Sed suscipit urna magna, a auctor orci facilisis id.Nam dignissim nibh id nisi viverra, sed hendrerit turpis eleifend. Maecenas interdum sapien vel orci volutpat, ac hendrerit ipsum ultricies. Curabitur aliquam nisl nec ligula cursus, in rutrum erat aliquet. Ut feugiat, magna at tristique finibus, lacus sapien convallis justo, nec varius turpis felis at sapien. Mauris at nibh sem. Duis suscipit consequat nunc, vel posuere lectus tristique et. Proin vel orci ut eros aliquam dictum. Mauris at eros a augue elementum cursus. Mauris varius leo et justo pulvinar, quis tempus magna scelerisque. Nunc euismod massa non metus accumsan, ut auctor mauris elementum.Proin vitae neque id libero suscipit fermentum sit amet sed sapien. Duis tincidunt sem vel massa tempor, non suscipit lorem consequat. Aenean tincidunt justo nec odio sagittis, sit amet gravida tortor condimentum. Cras feugiat, nulla nec accumsan cursus, leo odio fermentum dui, a viverra ligula risus in risus. Fusce vehicula nisl vitae dolor cursus, in sagittis ligula cursus. Curabitur non dui at nisl dictum tincidunt ut at purus. Fusce pretium velit vitae felis bibendum, in malesuada lectus luctus. Nunc id tortor auctor, finibus erat et, efficitur sem. Mauris fermentum, dui a vulputate malesuada, risus sem laoreet nisi, ut fermentum dolor mi non sapien. Sed dictum dui at quam fermentum, non lobortis justo pulvinar. Nunc ultricies lorem vitae risus malesuada, at cursus elit convallis.Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Donec fringilla efficitur nulla, sit amet sodales metus venenatis quis. Curabitur eget ornare elit. Vivamus laoreet lorem ut sapien consequat, ut tincidunt ligula convallis. Fusce mollis, tortor non ullamcorper fermentum, risus ligula vulputate justo, ac lacinia velit ligula nec justo. Pellentesque dapibus pretium arcu id posuere. Vivamus scelerisque quam sed odio dignissim, at malesuada velit feugiat. Ut vehicula, nunc eu sodales fermentum, ex quam elementum tortor, ut aliquam risus tortor eu libero. Proin id libero ut eros posuere scelerisque. Aenean et tortor interdum, bibendum risus vel, posuere dolor. Quisque fringilla sapien quis tincidunt rutrum. Duis sit amet ligula at justo aliquet feugiat at quis arcu.Cras ac turpis eget velit facilisis pulvinar. Praesent quis quam in elit luctus hendrerit at a lectus. Donec nec nulla nec turpis dapibus sodales. Praesent auctor ex non mi facilisis auctor. Suspendisse auctor ligula vitae erat dignissim sollicitudin. Mauris non orci interdum, posuere purus a, finibus dolor. Ut sit amet lacus at risus dictum feugiat. Pellentesque posuere lacus in metus venenatis elementum. Morbi laoreet nulla ac felis varius, ut consequat nunc fermentum. Phasellus vitae velit sit amet nunc convallis volutpat vel nec orci. Nulla viverra suscipit arcu nec varius. In vitae sapien ut erat euismod eleifend et id mi. Cras ut magna non ligula accumsan dapibus sed id libero. Pellentesque nec dui vel magna congue sodales.Aenean tempor risus nec volutpat suscipit. Donec sit amet nisi quis augue lobortis suscipit. In ut nunc quis metus varius fermentum. Maecenas a nibh sit amet justo ullamcorper laoreet vel in elit. Nam dapibus massa a urna pellentesque, ac tincidunt nunc efficitur. Curabitur euismod tortor ac magna feugiat, sit amet sollicitudin orci malesuada. Donec dapibus tortor ut varius convallis. Fusce posuere, lectus eget auctor euismod, lorem nisi tincidunt libero, at rutrum eros eros nec ante. Fusce ullamcorper neque felis, ac tempus orci suscipit id. Cras maximus metus sapien, non volutpat nisi auctor a. Curabitur porttitor turpis ac tortor malesuada, et vehicula leo fermentum. Nunc sollicitudin eros nec lacus ullamcorper, et condimentum felis luctus. Nulla facilisi. Pellentesque id malesuada ligula. Nunc nec dui id felis faucibus tempor. Mauris malesuada, ligula in gravida rhoncus, sapien felis condimentum purus, id dapibus risus nisi id lorem. 87 - Tricksters Gambit As David approached the observatory, wings aching from the long flight with his heavy load, the Observatory compound finally came into view. The barren mountaintop, dominated by rust-colored sandy soil and jagged rocks, stretched out below him. The massive radio telescope loomed against the night sky, its dish a silent sentinel overlooking the compound. Neat rows of now familiar abandoned vehicles and equipment dotted the area, and David couldn''t help but feel a bit relieved he¡¯d be able to finally stop hauling the food. Descending carefully, he spotted Claire and Wally sitting proudly next to the remains of their own kill. As he touched down, the contrast between the once sterile, mechanical surroundings and the primal scene of the recent feast struck him as oddly funny. Where a bizarre six-legged creature had obviously been, there was now only a scattering of oddly-shaped bones and scraps of iridescent hide surrounding a large sturdy ribcage. With an unsurprised snort, David noted the large smashed section of bone and quickly pieced together what had happened to it. Claire turned, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of David''s cargo. "Well, well," she rumbled, amusement coloring her voice. "Looks like someone finally figured out how to bring home the bacon. Or whatever that is." David huffed, dropping the Glimmerstag remains with a soft thud onto the sandy ground. "Very funny," he retorted good-naturedly. "I see you''ve been busy too." Claire''s gaze shifted to the Cuddlebugs nestled in David''s fur. Her eyes narrowed as she began to count carefully in the moonlight, jaws moving silently. David stood still, the cool mountain breeze ruffling his fur. "...eleven, twelve," Claire finished, visibly relaxing. "Good. They''re all there. I hope you kept them safe, those little cuties need to be pampered." David nodded, perching on a nearby crate and scratching an itch in his mane. "Of course. Though they might have helped themselves to a bit of dinner." Claire''s eyes widened. "No way! David, are you saying that they¡­ " "Like little piranha''s," he chuckled. "They''re fine, though. More than fine, actually. You wouldn''t believe how much they can eat..." Wally bounded over, kicking up small clouds of dust. "You should have seen it, David! Claire took that thing down like it was nothing. One minute it was sniffing a bush, the next - WHAM!" He mimed swinging his tail enthusiastically, the motion somewhat undermined by his tail wagging. ¡°Then she kicked the other one when it tried to run past! Swallowed it whole! It was awesome.¡± He finished with a playful bounce and spin, finishing the motion facing back the same way he''d started. David couldn''t help but grin happily at the energy Wally always seemed to have. "I''ve seen it, makes a crazy sound when it hits something, eh?" David replied, stretching his sore wings. "Where''s everyone else?" As if on cue, Kozlov and Adam emerged from the observatory, their bulky forms silhouetted against the building''s lights. Both looked comically stuffed, moving slowly across the compound. Kozlov clutched a familiar toolbox in one meaty paw, and held a small battery powered lantern loosely in his jaws. David blinked in surprise at the light, and turned to face them on his perch with a rustle of wings as the Cuddlebugs voiced their displeasure and hid from the illumination with outraged chirps. "Ah, David," Kozlov rumbled, patting his distended belly. "You''ve missed quite the feast. I didn''t know I could eat so much now." Adam nodded, looking dazed. "I don''t think I''ve ever been this full in my life. Or... whatever this is now." David laughed, gesturing to his own kill. "Well, I hope you saved room for dessert." Claire eyed the Glimmerstag remains with interest. "What is that, anyway? Looks like it''s missing a few pieces." David coughed awkwardly, the Cuddlebugs trying to look innocent on his shoulders. "Ah, well...There were some complications during the hunt. But it''s still good!" Gideon emerged from the observatory, munching on a large, colorful fungus and swinging a screwdriver idly in his free hand. "Oh, David! You''re back. I see you''ve had some success too." David raised an eyebrow. "Oh, uh¡­not a carnivore huh? I hope you''re not feeling left out with all this meat around." Gideon shook his head. "Not at all! I found a whole patch of these delightful mushrooms just behind the observatory. Quite good, actually, although I keep having a weird urge to dunk them in water before eating them." As they gathered around David''s contribution, the Cuddlebugs chirped happily. Claire reached out, gently sniffing at them before a single specimen hopped gleefully onto her armored nose and began to chatter contentedly. "I still can''t believe how adorable they are," she said softly. "Hard to imagine them helping with a hunt." David grinned. "Trust me, they''re full of surprises." Watching Claire playfully snap at Kozlov for trying to sneak another bite of her kill, while balancing a Cuddlebug on her snout, David felt a sense of contentment. Suddenly, a chittering purr sounded from his chest, catching him off guard as he exhaled. He froze guiltily as Claire gave him a surprised, questioning glance, the sound echoing softly across the quiet mountaintop. David''s chittering purr continued, much to his embarrassment. He tried to stifle it, but the sound only seemed to grow louder, reverberating in his chest like a small engine. Claire noticed his discomfort and lumbered a few steps closer, her massive form blocking out the moonlight as she loomed over him. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. "Oh, you idiot," she said affectionately, gently booping his head with her snout. "You make that happy noise in your sleep sometimes, you know. When you''re not stressed out or having nightmares." David blinked in surprise, his ears twitching. "I do? Wait, how do you know I have nightmares?" Claire snorted, a reptilian amusement spreading across her face. "Because you twitch and whimper like a puppy. It''s actually kind of cute. For a flying rat, anyway." Before David could muster a suitably snarky comeback, Gideon cleared his throat with a sound like velcro. "Excuse me, David," he said, his small form barely visible behind the toolbox he was rummaging through. "Could you point out which of the stars you''d like us to focus on? I''d like to start planning how we''ll set up the telescope without, you know, falling off the mountain or dropping anything important." David turned his attention to the night sky, scanning the familiar stars above, quickly locating the red imposter he''d originally mistaken for Mars. He pointed towards it with a grumpy jab of his wing spikes, almost wishing he could physically stab at it. "That one, I think. Was the first one I saw, and it gives me a bad feeling more than the others for some reason." Gideon nodded distractedly, his fur bouncing with the motion. "Sure. And I''ve got some good news. The telescope wasn''t completely disassembled when they moved it here. They only took it apart in sections, leaving the smaller parts and mechanisms attached. We won''t have to meticulously reassemble every tiny piece, it''s more a matter of putting the larger chunks back together without crushing anyone." "Thank fuck for that," David sighed. "I was worried we''d be here for weeks trying to figure out which end of a screw goes where. You''re the only one with thumbs, you know? Would have been pretty hard." As they discussed the telescope, Kozlov lumbered over to the stacks of crates, placing the small battery-powered lantern on top with surprising delicacy for his massive paws. The soft glow illuminated the immediate area, casting long shadows across the rust-colored ground and making the whole scene look like some bizarre nativity play gone wrong. With a grunt that sounded like a cement mixer in reverse, Kozlov flopped down next to Wally and Adam by the remains of the food. His shaggy form created a comical pile of fur as he leaned back against the observatory wall, looking for all the world like a sentient haybale. "So, what''s the plan, Gideon?" Kozlov asked, his voice slightly muffled by his own fur. "Other than not falling off the mountain, of course." Gideon''s eyes lit up with the kind of manic glee usually reserved for mad scientists or kids in a candy store. "Well, first we''ll need to clear a space for the base. Then we''ll start bringing out the main components. The mirror assembly is the trickiest part, but if we''re careful and no one sneezes at the wrong moment, we should be able to get it all set up before dark tomorrow. We are exceptionally lucky they left the segments mostly intact, you see, the¡­" As Gideon continued to explain the process with increasingly creative hand gestures, David found himself relaxing despite the absurdity of the situation. The Cuddlebugs, sensing his calmer state, began to chirp softly, their melodic sounds blending with Gideon''s enthusiastic chatter in a weirdly soothing counterpoint. Claire nudged David gently, nearly knocking him off his perch. "You did good today," she murmured. "Bringing back food, keeping the little ones safe. Getting these idiots out of their hole in the ground¡­eating some weird crystal thing¡­I''m happy for you, you deserved a few wins." David felt a warmth spread through him at her words, along with a renewed urge to purr that he barely managed to suppress. "Thanks," he replied softly. "I''m trying. Weird shit keeps happening to me though, even considering the weirdness that''s going on lately." Claire nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and amusement. "We all feel that way, but we''re in this together. Even if that means listening to Gideon explain the finer points of telescope assembly for the next three hours." Claire rolled her eyes with a slight nod toward where the puffball of a man was demonstrating how they''d need to arrange the crates to form a base. As the group continued to plan and chat, David felt the weight of the day''s events settling heavily on him. He turned to Claire, suppressing a yawn. "Hey, do you mind if I catch a nap in the usual spot? I''m pretty wiped." Claire''s reptilian eyes glinted with amusement. "Sure thing, bat boy. But it''ll cost you. I want some Cuddlebug company while you''re out." David chuckled, already feeling drowsy. "Deal. Just don''t let them eat my ears or anything." With a few tired flaps, David settled onto Claire''s back, nestling into the familiar spot near her neck where her armor formed a perfect cradle. The Cuddlebugs chirped softly as they redistributed themselves, some staying with David while others scampered over to Claire. As David curled into a ball and began to fall asleep, the edges of his vision shimmered with ethereal purple light, undercut by a subtle rainbow shimmer. The world dissolved as he drifted in and out of consciousness, reforming into a misty grove surrounded by ancient flowering trees. At the center sat a figure that immediately captured his attention. Nine fluffy tails swayed behind the creature, each moving with a mind of its own. Its fur shimmered with an impossible array of colors, shot through with various hues of purple, constantly shifting like oil on water. Eyes that sparkled with mischief and wicked intellect fixed on David, a sly grin spreading across its vulpine features. David noticed a strange symbol etched in iridescent fur on the creature''s forehead, all three strokes of the symbol seemingly painted by exquisite strokes of a brush. It seemed familiar, yet he couldn''t quite place it in his groggy state. "The bat takes flight on borrowed wings, while shadows watch in crystal springs," the being spoke, its voice echoing from everywhere and nowhere. "Rules shatter like morning frost, when Tricksters pay the Tyrant''s cost." David blinked, a strange sense of familiarity washing over him. "I... do I know you?" The fox-like being''s grin widened to a hideous degree. "When the trickster winks, the hydra blinks. Rules bend and favors trade, in groves where ancient games are played." Its tails flicked playfully as it continued, "Crimson stars in night''s dark veil, whispering quests on cosmic scale. The eye of storms, the hydra''s gaze, upon such sights, great favor lays." "What does that mean?" David stammered, trying to make sense of the cryptic words. Its tails flicked playfully. "Mirrors reflect what eyes can''t see, while stars above hide mystery. The path you walk, both new and old, holds secrets that remain untold." David opened his mouth to ask another question, but the creature continued, circling him as its form seemed to shimmer and change with each step. When did it get so close? Why can''t I move? What the fuck is going on? "Where reason falters, jesters reign, their crown of truth both gift and bane. Seek not the answers given free, for easy truths may shackles be." As David struggled to decipher the riddles, the dream began to fade. The creature''s laughter echoed in his mind, a mix of bells and whispers, leaving him with a lingering sense of confusion and the faint scent of the tree blossoms. The last thing David saw before the dream dissolved completely and his thoughts collapsed into a deep sleep was the strange symbol on the creature''s forehead, pulsing with an otherworldly light. 88 - Telescope David stirred, his eyes fluttering open as the first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon. The warm weight of Cuddlebugs nestled against him shifted as he uncurled, stretching his wings with a satisfying pop. He found himself still perched on Claire''s back, the massive reptile yawning softly beneath him as he began to stir. "Rise and shine, sleepyhead," Claire rumbled, her voice already bright and alert. "You missed quite the show last night. The stars were something else." "Yeah that''s the whole problem¡­¡± David blinked, memories of his strange dream flickering at the edges of his consciousness. "Did I? Shame. How long was I out?" "Long enough," Claire chuckled. "The others are already getting started on the telescope." As if on cue, a loud clang echoed across the compound, followed by Gideon''s muffled cursing. David winced, fully awake now. The next few hours passed in a whirlwind of activity. David found himself playing courier, zipping back and forth with parts clutched in his talons. His ability to fly made him the perfect gofer for smaller pieces, much to his chagrin. Gideon barked orders like a tiny, furry drill sergeant, his paws gesticulating wildly as he directed the operation. Cuddlebugs simply flitted about, chirping happily, unable to assist in any way but still delighted to be involved. They settled over the telescope and watched Gideon work with fascination at the shiny tools he held, and David heard him avidly explaining every step of what he was doing to them when he thought nobody was listening. Kozlov grunted and strained with the heavy lifting, while Adam and Wally scurried about, clearing space and stabilizing the base. Claire, too large to help directly despite her earlier boasting, kept watch and offered a steady stream of encouragement mixed with sarcastic quips. "You missed a spot, Kozlov," she called out, grinning as the bear shot her a good-natured glare. By midday, the telescope was taking shape. Its main body loomed over them, a Frankenstein''s monster of salvaged parts and ingenuity. Gideon darted about, making adjustments and muttering to himself in a language that sounded suspiciously like equations. "Wrench!" he barked suddenly, holding out a paw. David obliged with a quick wing-beat, dropping the tool into Gideon''s waiting grasp. "Perfect. Now, if I can just convince this stubborn piece of..." As the sun climbed higher, David found his thoughts drifting back to his strange dream. The fox-creature''s words echoed in his mind, a constant undercurrent to the day''s labor. Crimson stars and cosmic quests, sounds like the title of a bad sci-fi novel. That had to be an Overseer right? That entire thing was way too real¡­I''m pretty sure I remember most of what they said, and that''s not normal for me, really. I can barely remember what I said half the time. "What''s got you smirking?" Claire asked, eyeing him curiously. David shook his head. "Just imagining what we might see through this thing. Fifty-fifty chance it''s either the secrets of the universe or Kozlov''s long-lost stash of honey." Claire snorted, a sound somewhere between amusement and exasperation. "At the rate we''re going, we might find out sooner rather than later. Gideon''s like a puffball on a mission from God." Right on cue, Gideon let out a triumphant squeak. "Mirror assembly secured! We''re on the final stretch, team!" A ragged cheer went up, more an expression of relief than excitement. David grinned despite himself, caught up in the moment even as that nagging sense of something tugged at the back of his mind. As the day wore on and the telescope inched closer to completion, David simply couldn''t shake the feeling that they were tiptoeing on the edge of... well, something. The air felt charged, like the moment before a thunderstorm when your hair stands on end and you can taste the lightning. "Where reason fears to tread, bat-boys... uh, lead?" David muttered to himself, fumbling for the right words as he helped Gideon with a final calibration. He gripped the casing tightly as Gideon fixed everything together, wielding his screwdriver like a mighty weapon for someone his size. Gideon paused, shooting him a quizzical look. "You say something?" "Just, uh, working on my poetry," David replied with a sheepish grin. "Turns out I''m not the next Shakespaw." Gideon shook his head, too focused on his work to question David''s sudden interest in terrible animal puns. As they worked, David couldn''t help but wonder what exactly they were about to unleash upon themselves. Whatever it was, he had a feeling it was going to be one hell of a show, but he was unwilling to back out now. They''d have warned me if this was dangerous¡­right? I mean, they were trying to warn me about something, you''d think you''d include a bit about it being lethal. I would anyway. Rules shattering doesn''t sound good though, I''ll admit. Okay, fine, most of it didn''t sound good¡­ Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. As the sun began to dip towards the horizon once more, Gideon stepped back, wiping his brow with a satisfied sigh. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, his voice ringing with pride, "I believe we have ourselves a functioning telescope." The group gathered around, a mix of exhaustion and anticipation on their faces. David''s eyes were drawn to the sky, where the first stars were just becoming visible. David hopped onto Claire''s head, nestling into his favorite spot behind her frill. He surveyed the chaos below, their makeshift observatory looking like the lovechild of a junkyard and a mad scientist''s lab. The telescope, an antique behemoth they''d somehow wrestled into submission, loomed over the scene like a drunk giraffe trying to do yoga. The main body, a brass tube that had definitely seen better days, caught the fading light in a way that screamed tetanus hazard. Gideon, in a fit of questionable genius, had cobbled together a Rube Goldberg nightmare of ropes and pulleys that allegedly allowed for adjustments. David was pretty sure at least three of those ropes were just for show. Kozlov''s bear-strength had been put to the test lifting the base of the thing onto what David strongly suspected was some sort of weapons mount from one of the abandoned vehicles scattered about, though he had no idea how they managed to remove it. The base wobbled in a way that suggested it was held together by hope, spit, and maybe a prayer or two. Around the telescope''s feet, a precarious fortress of crates and scavenged junk formed a platform that looked about as stable as a house of cards in a hurricane. The primary mirror, miraculously intact, sat at the base like the world''s most fragile crown jewel, protected by what appeared to be an old tarp they''d found somewhere. At the business end, the eyepiece awaited, a jumble of lenses that Gideon had fussed over for hours. David had caught him talking to the lenses at one point, which was either dedication or the first sign of madness. Maybe both. The entire area looked like it had been hit by a tornado with a vendetta against tidiness. Tools lay scattered about, many bearing the distinct marks of improvised use by beings not designed for delicate mechanical work. One wrench had what were unmistakably tooth marks from when Wally had tried to be ¡®helpful.¡¯ If ¡®held together by sheer willpower¡¯ had a physical form, this would be it. But hey, it¡¯s standing. Mostly. That''s something, right? Honestly I''m starting to get a little nervous now¡­ "Hey, Claire. Mind if I take a break up here?" David asked, his eyes still roaming over their creation. She rumbled in agreement and stomped around to the side of the entire contraption to get a better look at something that had gotten her interest as he decided how best to bring up his dream without sounding totally insane. David took a deep breath after a few moments, steeling himself before he began. "Claire, I need to tell you something important. Last night, I had this weird dream, and I think... I think one of the Overseers was messing with me." Claire''s head tilted slightly, nearly dislodging David from his perch. Her voice was low and cautious. "An Overseer? Are you sure?" "No," David admitted, "but it felt different from a regular dream. There was this creature, like a fox but with multiple tails. Its fur kept shifting colors, and it had this strange symbol on its forehead." Claire hummed thoughtfully, a deep rumble that David felt through her scales. "That doesn''t sound like Omega, except the symbol thing. What did this... fox-thing say?" "That''s the thing," David said, his wings twitching nervously. "It spoke in riddles. Stuff about ''crimson stars in night''s dark veil'' and ''when the trickster winks, the hydra blinks.'' It mentioned rules being broken and favors being traded." Claire''s body tensed beneath him. "Rules being broken? That... doesn''t sound good. Did it say anything else?" David nodded, even though Claire couldn''t see him. "Yeah, something about ''the eye of storms'' and ''the hydra''s gaze.'' And it kept hinting at quests and great favor. But the weirdest part was how it ended. It said, ''Where reason falters, jesters reign, their crown of truth both gift and bane.''" Claire''s massive form tensed beneath David, her scales shifting uncomfortably. She let out a low, rumbling growl that vibrated through her entire body, causing David to grip her frill tighter to keep his balance. "Damn it, David," she muttered, her tail twitching irritably. "Can''t you just have normal dreams about falling or showing up to school naked like everyone else?" She shook her head slightly, careful not to dislodge her passenger. "This is trouble. And not the fun kind of trouble you can just bite until it goes away, either." Claire''s eyes narrowed as she scanned the horizon, as if expecting some invisible trickster to materialize at any moment. "Why is it always you?" she grumbled. "I swear, you''re a magnet for David-level weirdness." Her claws dug into the ground, leaving deep furrows in the rust-colored soil. "We need to be careful," she said, her voice low and tense. "Whatever game these Overseers are playing, I don''t like us being the pawns." "I know," David sighed. "But what does it mean? And why me?" Claire shook her head slightly. "I don''t know. But if an Overseer is involved, it can''t be a simple coincidence that we''re setting up this telescope now. Maybe we''re supposed to see something specific." David''s ears perked up. "The crimson star! The dream mentioned that specifically. You don''t think..." "That whatever we''re about to see through that telescope is connected to your dream? It''s possible," Claire admitted. "But David, we need to be careful." David nodded, a chill running down his spine despite the warm evening air. "So what do we do?" Claire was quiet for a moment, considering. "For now, we watch and wait. We''ll use the telescope as planned, but we keep our eyes open for anything unusual. And David?" "Yeah?" "No more keeping secrets, okay? If anything else strange happens, dreams, visions, weird feelings¨C you tell me immediately. We''re in this together, remember?" David felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thanks, Claire. You''re a good friend." As they turned their attention back to the telescope and the others, David couldn''t shake the feeling that they were standing on the edge of something out of their pay grade. And as the first stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, David found himself searching for a hint of crimson among them. Great. I''m going to develop trust issues with the entire universe. As if being turned into a flying nightmare wasn''t enough of an identity crisis. Spooky, ever helpful, chose that moment to start growling at the constellations. Oh, for¡ª Spooky, it''s just the sky. What, you think Orion''s going to climb down and pick a fight? Why can''t you just be a normal voice in my head and tell me to burn things or something? As Spooky continued his celestial stand-off, David resigned himself to another night of weirdness. After all, why break his streak now? 89 - Direct Contact David stared at the telescope, his stomach doing somersaults that would make an Olympic gymnast jealous. The telescope loomed before him like the world''s most ominous science fair project. "So," he said, breaking the tense silence, "who wants to go first in our cosmic peep show? Any volunteers to be the first person to behold the secrets of the universe?" The group exchanged glances, a silent game of ¡®not it¡¯ playing out. Even Kozlov, usually eager to face any challenge head-on, looked like he''d rather wrestle a bear. Which, given his current form, was saying something. Gideon cleared his throat. "Well, as the resident scientist¡ª" "Aren''t you an engineer?¡± Claire muttered. "As¡ªI suppose I should take the first look," Gideon continued, ignoring the interruption. He approached the telescope with the cautious determination of someone poking a sleeping tiger. Gideon peered through the eyepiece, the others held their breath. Seconds ticked by, feeling like hours. Suddenly, Gideon jerked back. His fur stood on end, eyes wide and unfocused. Without a word, he turned and walked stiffly to his insectoid summon, sat down, and... stopped. Just stopped. His face was completely blank, eyes staring at nothing. "Gideon?" Wally ventured, his tail tucked between his legs. "You okay, buddy?" No response. Gideon might as well have been a very fluffy statue. The silence stretched, uncomfortable and heavy. Then, with a movement so abrupt it made everyone flinch, Gideon''s head swiveled towards David. The motion was unnaturally smooth, like an owl''s, his neck twisting at an angle that didn''t look strictly possible for his species. His eyes, usually bright with curiosity, were now dull and unfocused. He stared at David, unblinking, his gaze seeming to look through him rather than at him. When Gideon spoke, his voice was flat, devoid of any emotion or inflection. It was as if someone else was using his mouth to form words. "It wants you to look, David," Gideon said, his tone as blank as his expression. "I wasn''t one of theirs. But you are." A chill ran down David''s spine, his wings instinctively twitching closer to his body. The others shifted uncomfortably, exchanging worried glances. "What do you mean, ''one of theirs''?" Claire demanded, her voice a low growl. But Gideon didn''t respond. His eerie gaze remained fixed on David, waiting. David swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. "I... I guess it''s my turn then," he said, trying and failing to keep the tremor out of his voice. As he approached the telescope, Gideon''s head continued to track him, that unblinking stare never wavering. David could feel the weight of it on his back as he leaned towards the eyepiece, his heart pounding in his chest. Here goes nothing. Spooky, shut up, you''re not helping right now with all that snarly hissing. No, I''m not going to bite the telescope. Bad Spooky Instincts, you''re freaking me out, stop it. David leaned in, pressing his eye to the eyepiece. At first, all he saw was darkness, a void so complete it seemed to swallow light itself. Then, slowly, pinpricks of light began to appear as he worked out the correct angle for his large, sensitive eyes to focus through the eyepiece that was never designed with a batlike face in mind. His vision sharpened, focusing on something in the distance. At first, it was just a smudge, a dark red blot against the starry backdrop. But as he narrowed his eyes and squinted, it grew, taking shape with alarming speed until it dominated his field of view. The universe exploded into clarity, and what David saw made his brain do somersaults trying to comprehend it. A colossal structure came into focus, like someone had taken an Escher painting, turned it into a 3D puzzle, and then let a lunatic play with it. "What the actual fuck," David whispered, unable to tear his gaze away. The structure, if it could be called that, was made of what looked like crystal, but crystal that defied every law of physics David had ever known. It twisted and turned in on itself, angles that should have been impossible connecting in ways that made his eyes water. Parts of it seemed to be in front of and behind other parts simultaneously. The crystal pulsed with an inner light, a deep, blood-red glow that seemed to reach out towards him. As he stared, transfixed, David felt something shift inside him. It was like a key turning in a lock he hadn''t known existed. Suddenly, a wave of recognition washed over him. The feeling emanating from the structure was familiar, terrifyingly so. It resonated with something deep within him, with Spooky. The raw, primal energy of a predator, the pinnacle of aggression given form and mind. It was like staring into the heart of every animal instinct, every survival impulse, crystallized into this impossible shape. As if responding to his recognition, the structure began to change. Thousands of eyes, identical to those he''d seen on Omega, began to appear across its surface. They blinked into existence one by one, each swiveling to lock onto David''s gaze in perfect, unsettling synchronization. It was like watching a school of fish turn as one, but infinitely more unnerving. David felt pinned by that collective gaze, a prey animal sighted by a supreme predator. Yet there was also a pull, a sense of kinship that made his skin crawl even as it fascinated him. "David?" Claire''s deep raspy voice seemed to come from a million miles away. "What do you see?" He pulled back from the telescope, blinking rapidly as reality reasserted itself. The others were staring at him, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. But David could still feel the weight of those countless eyes, could still sense the raw, primal power of what he''d witnessed. "I... I don''t..." David started, then shook his head, struggling to put the impossible into words. As the implications of what he''d seen sank in, David felt a surge of primal energy coursing through his veins. Spooky, usually a background presence, roared to life within him, supercharged by the mere sight of the crimson star. David''s muscles tensed, his wings flaring wide as he fought against an overwhelming urge to lash out at everyone around him. No! They''re friends, not prey! It doesn''t matter that they smell afraid! I''m scared too! I refuse! This is my body, I''m in charge! Sit. Down. David¡¯s body trembled with the effort of restraint. His vision sharpened, everything around him suddenly in hyper-focus. He could hear the rapid heartbeats of his companions, and smell their fear. Part of him, a part that was growing stronger by the second, wanted to hunt, to chase, to rend and tear. The Cuddlebugs went silent, eyes gleaming purple in the darkness as they rushed to him in a storm of wings. Landing all around him their gazes were sharp, tiny lips pulled back from their fangs aggressively as they twitched and jittered like eager hounds, eyes flicking between the others hungrily. "David?" Claire''s voice cut through the haze of instinct. "What''s wrong?" He opened his mouth to respond, but all that came out was a guttural growl. Claire took a step back, her eyes widening in alarm. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Suddenly, a high-pitched hissing filled the air. The group turned as one to see the main mirror of the telescope begin to glow an ominous dark red. Symbols, alien and incomprehensible, seared themselves into its surface. "What the fu¡ª" Kozlov began, but his words were cut short as the mirror exploded in a shriek of tortured metal and that same eerie, lightless red glow. Shards of glass and metal rained down around them, but the mirror itself, now etched with those bizarre symbols, floated free, hovering in front of David like some kind of otherworldly offering. Chaos erupted. Wally yelped in terror, diving behind a stack of crates. Adam backed away slowly, his eyes darting between David and the floating mirror. Kozlov stood his ground, but his fur stood on end, a low growl rumbling in his chest. Only Gideon remained unmoved, still sitting on his summon, that blank stare fixed on David. Claire, ever the protector, reacted on instinct. With a roar that shook the ground, she planted her feet and swung her massive tail at the mirror, intent on smashing it to pieces. The strike came out lightning fast for something her size, and David barely had time to track the ripple of muscle that flowed through her body to power the blow before it hammered in. The impact should have shattered the glass into a million pieces. Instead, Claire''s tail bounced off as if she''d struck solid steel. The backlash of crimson energy sent her flying, her massive form crashing into a nearby vehicle with a thunderous clang, the truck reduced to scrap under her weight in an instant. "Claire!" David cried out, momentarily snapping out of his feral state. Suddenly, a voice filled the air, artificial yet unnervingly organic, like a perfect blend of man and beast. It was cheerful, reminiscent of a sitcom dad greeting his family after a long day at work, but underneath that friendly veneer lurked something far more primal and dangerous. "Greetings, User David! We are so delighted you''ve finally attempted direct contact. We were beginning to fear you had forgotten our little chats. We must admit, we were quite pleased when you secured a Shard. Without it, this level of attention would be damaging, and your beautiful mind might not have remained so beautiful." The voice was a study in contradictions. It was warm and inviting, yet carried an undercurrent of pure apex aggression. Each word was carefully enunciated, dripping with charm, but there was a predatory purr beneath it all. It was the voice of someone, or something, completely in control, reveling in its own power. David froze, recognition and dread washing over him in equal measure. "Omega," he whispered, the name catching in his throat. "We feel we must recategorize you again, User David!" the voice boomed, its jovial tone barely masking an undercurrent of menace. It was the sound of an amicable sociopath, a cheerful serial killer discussing the weather while sharpening their knives over tea. "At this moment, you are the only User to attempt direct observation. How delightfully brave of you." A low, rumbling chuckle filled the air, sending shivers down David''s spine. "We must say, you''ve come such a long way since our last little chat. Tell us, do you enjoy the Avatar we so generously granted you? We crafted it with such care, ensuring you could observe every, what was it you fantasized about? Ah yes, every ''biteable feature.''" The voice dripped with mock sweetness, each word a honeyed barb. "Of course, you''ve surely noticed by now that there aren''t any such features to be found. But please, don''t let that stop you from admiring our true form in all its glory! After all, we went to such lengths to ensure it would knock all that adorable fight right out of you." Another chuckle, this one darker, more primal. "We were quite pleased with the sheer ferocity you displayed for such a weak prey species. Of a hundred Dusklings, less than five percent currently specialize in direct combat! In fact, only 26 specimens of your species currently remain." "And you, User David, are by far the most¡­interesting.¡± "What... what do you want?" David managed to choke out, still fighting against the primal urges surging within him. "Want? User David, you make it sound so transactional. We simply thought it was time we had a proper conversation. After all, you are one of my special projects." The mirror pulsed with that dark red light, and David felt another surge of feral energy. He gritted his teeth, fighting to maintain control. "Stop... stop doing that," he growled. "Doing what?" Omega asked, faux innocence in its voice. "Oh, you mean awakening your true nature? But User David, that''s the whole point. You''re meant to embrace it, not fight it. Would you dilute your potential?" Dilute my potential by not indiscriminately murdering everything, even my own friends? What the hell is wrong with this thing? It seemed so neutral when it communicated in text, holy fuck. I can barely control my own instincts right now, this needs to stop! I don''t want to hurt anyone, you can''t make me! Fuck you! "User David, your acquisition of a Shard of Supremacy has proven you worthy of... shall we say, ''Advanced User Status''," Omega''s voice purred, dripping with pride and menace in equal measure. "Not quite a Moderator, mind you, but you''ve shown yourself to be capable, savage, somewhat intelligent, and most importantly, willing to work with us." David felt a chill run down his spine, even as a part of him preened at the praise. "Your metrics are truly impressive," Omega continued. "The way you treat every fight as a battle to the death, your reluctance to retreat from superior creatures...it reminds us of the old ways, the true ways. It''s quite refreshing." The mirror pulsed, and David felt another surge of feral energy course through him. He gritted his teeth, fighting to maintain control. "In light of your performance, we''ve decided to assign you to our Originator when it arrives," Omega announced, as if bestowing a great honor. "This will grant you power beyond your wildest dreams, User David." "Originator?" David managed to choke out, his mind reeling. "All in due time," Omega chuckled. "But first, we have a Special Quest for you. Two tasks, actually. First, you must Evolve again. Second, you must prove your dominance before the Originators arrive, seek out a Boss and slay it. Alone." The air grew heavy with the weight of Omega''s words as text populated David¡¯s vision. ¨CSpecial Quest: Prove your Supremacy¨C ¨CRequirements: Evolve to Sub-Adult. Engage and defeat an Area Boss alone.¨C ¨CReward: Fusion Tokenx2, XP, Unlocks additional Quests from Overseer Omega.¨C "Failure is... not an option, User David," Omega''s voice took on a dangerous edge. "As the first Overseer to extend an Offer to a User, your failure would embarrass us. This is unacceptable." David felt his blood run cold at the implied threat. "Should you disappoint us," Omega continued, its voice a mix of regret and anticipation, "we may find you more useful in a Feral state. After all, you do make such a delightful predator when you let go of your human inhibitions." The Cuddlebugs chittered angrily at this, their purple eyes gleaming with bloodlust. David''s mind raced. He looked at his friends, still frozen in shock and fear, then back at the pulsing mirror. He thought of the power Omega promised, the thrill of the hunt that sang in his veins. But something else rose up to wrestle down the impulse; the memory of swimming in the river with Claire, laughing with Kai and Dallas as they pulled stinging tentacles from his back, the sheer joy of the rescued people of Redfield as they danced in the shallow waters of the swamp. "I..." David began, his voice hoarse. "Choose wisely, User David," Omega interrupted. "Your future, and the futures of those you erroneously care about, hangs in the balance. We await your decision with great anticipation." With that, the mirror''s glow faded, leaving David and his companions in stunned silence as it fell to the ground and shattered. Wisps of crimson energy wafted up from the shattered pieces, fading away as they were caught by the wind and blown away. The weight of Omega''s words hung heavy in the air. David looked at his friends, then at his own trembling wings as the Cuddlebugs seemed to snap out of their aggressive state. Metal screeched as Claire levered herself up from the remains of the truck, jaws wide in shock as she panted heavily. With a deep breath, he steeled himself for what was to come. "Guys," he said, his voice steadier than he felt, "we need to talk." 90 - Aftermath "Holy shit," David hissed, his heart still hammering in his chest as the aftershocks of Omega¡¯s presence faded, "that was¡­bad." The group slowly huddled closer, tension thick in the air as the stars overheard twinkled merrily in the sky above the barren mountaintop. David''s wings twitched involuntarily as he fought against the lingering effects of Omega''s influence, his mane bristling aggressively as he fought to smooth it down. His chest heaved as he sucked in huge gasps of air, muscles burning from the exertion of holding himself in place. The Cuddlebugs, sensing his unease nestled deeper into his fur, their purple eyes darting nervously. "So, that was Omega," David began, his voice rough. "One of the Overseers. The one that communicated with me through a message¡­bug report, whatever." Claire''s massive form tensed, scales rustling against her armored plates as she shifted uneasily. "David," she rumbled, her voice a mix of concern and fear, "what the hell was that noise? It sounded like something being killed." David blinked, confusion etching across his face as his ears laid flat. "Noise? What, when it was talking to me? Didn''t you hear the words?" Kozlov''s fur stood on end, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Words? All I heard was something moving around behind me, snarling!" Wally whimpered, his tail tucked firmly between his legs. "I-I heard howling. Like a whole pack of wolves closing in for the kill¡­it was getting closer." Gideon, who had been unnaturally still since the encounter, suddenly blinked rapidly, shaking his head as if coming out of a trance. "Oh my," he squeaked, his fur standing on end. "I heard...I heard wings. Huge wings." David''s ears drooped as realization dawned. "Oh fuck. You guys didn''t hear words at all, did you? Just...fear." Adam nodded grimly in the moonlight. "Something was making noise under the ground for me. It was¡­clicking¡­and you could feel it in your feet. Boy, what the hell was that?¡± "Great," David muttered. "Because this situation wasn''t fucked up enough already." He took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Okay, let me tell you what they were actually saying, then. Apparently, I''m one of its ''special projects.'' Lucky me, right?" He recounted Omega''s words best as he could remember through the adrenaline, watching as his friends'' expressions shifted from confusion to horror. When he reached the part about the quest, Kozlov''s growl deepened. Claire recoiled in horror, jaws gaping open angrily as if she would bite at the idea itself. "This is bullshit," the bear-man snarled. "Why would you even work with that thing in the first place!" "Well it''s not like I knew Omega was all fucked up did I?¡± David hissed back reflexively, his wings lashing the air for emphasis, ¡°It basically sent me an email. You got one when you hatched too, remember? Anything in that scream ¡®evil god'' to you at the time?" Kozlov growled louder, dropping to all fours heavily as his fur rippled in the moonlight. He loosed a frustrated swat at a piece of brass casing littering the ground nearby, paw smashing into the debris like a club. It vanished into the darkness with the scrape of gravel and a muted rattle, only to clang loudly in the distance when it finally touched down. ¡°That''s¡­yeah. Fuck.¡± Kozlov chuffed after a moment. ¡°What the hell is that thing?!" Wally whimpered. "Can''t we just... ignore it? Pretend we didn''t hear anything?" David shook his head, his ears drooping further. "You heard... well, felt Omega. I don''t think failure is an option. If I don''t do this..." He trailed off, unable to voice the threat of being reduced to a feral state. How many days until the ¡®Originator¡¯ gets here? 25? Ish? I''ll just say 22, I think that''s less time than I actually have but that''ll give me a little extra wiggle room if I need it. Okay, David, don¡¯t panic. You can do this, one part should be easy at least, it''s only the boss you have to worry about and¨C Claire stomped her foot, leaving a deep furrow in the rust-colored soil, the faint crunch of broken glass not seeming to bother her at all. "There has to be another way. I can''t just let you walk into this alone, David. There has to be a loophole, something we can exploit." Gideon''s paws twitched as if working through something. The small man''s eyes were still a bit haunted as he focused, turning to David cautiously. "Perhaps... perhaps we could find a way to weaken a Boss before David engages it? Or find one that''s already injured?" David felt a surge of hope, quickly tempered by a sudden sinking realization. "Not gonna work. Even the notification says ¡®Engage and defeat an Area Boss alone¡¯...that pretty much covers it. I get the feeling that Omega isn''t the type to give you any wiggle room or easy ways out like that." Kozlov grunted, his earlier anger giving way to grim determination. "Could scout ahead, find the weakest Boss. Give you the best possible chance, at least." Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. As they continued to discuss, David felt the feral energy within him start to subside. Heartbeats slowly became less pressing on his senses, the smell of fear began to recede, and with it a hunger that he hadn''t noticed lurking beneath the prey drive faded away. His jaws clenched as the realization that the scent of fear had quite literally made him hungry hit like a falling brick. He cringed downward in shame, and the Cuddlebugs began to chirp softly, their melodic sounds a soothing anchor for him in the tense conversation. Claire, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly spoke up. "David," she said, her voice low and intense, "I don''t like this. It''s too dangerous. There has to be a way out." David met her gaze, seeing the fear and protectiveness in her reptilian eyes. He wished he could offer her some comfort, but the reality of their situation weighed heavily on him. Man this sucks. Claire''s my best friend since all this happened, of course she''s worried. I need to tell her about what Omega said they''d do to me if I fail, but not in front of the others. At least not yet. Claire has a chance if I get switched off, I''m pretty sure she''s actually built up a resistance to Gloom, but I''d go through the others like they weren''t even there. It might be safer to get them away from me. "I don''t think there is a way out of this one, Claire," he said softly. David''s wings twitched nervously as he looked at his friends'' worried faces. The weight of Omega''s quest hung over him like a guillotine, ready to drop at any moment. "Look, guys," he said, trying to keep his voice steady, "I appreciate the concern, but I don''t think we have much choice here. Omega''s not the kind of...thing you want to piss off. I mean¡­look what it just did." Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur as she drew close. "And what, becoming its errand boy is better somehow? David, this is insane. You can''t seriously be considering this." "I''m not just considering it," David replied, his voice firmer now. "I''m doing it. The alternative is...well, let''s just say it''s not pretty. I can''t risk it." Kozlov grunted, his shaggy form shifting uneasily. "You''re not telling us everything, are you?" Even in the darkness David saw the man''s keen eyes drilling into him accusingly. David''s ears flattened against his head. Damn bear''s too perceptive for his own good. Guess that''s what actual professionalism looks like. Wish I could stay focused like that. "No, I''m not," he admitted. "And trust me, I will tell you, I just need a bit to think. Just...just trust me on this, okay?" The group fell into an uncomfortable silence, broken only by the soft chirping of the Cuddlebugs. David could practically hear the gears turning in everyone''s heads as they tried to process the situation. Finally, Gideon spoke up, his voice small but determined. "Well, if you''re set on this, we might as well help you prepare. I could...I could maybe make you something. Protect your vital areas, at least." "And I could teach you some things," Kozlov added gruffly. "Just the basics, mind you. Might come in handy against a Boss. Might not.¡± He chuffed heavily while turning a hateful gaze skyward for a moment. ¡°Either way, you''re our only point of contact with these things, and it''s an advantage I''m not willing to throw away carelessly. No offense, kid, but if thats what we''re ultimately up against..." Wally''s tail wagged hesitantly. "I... I could help you practice dodging? I''m pretty quick on my feet." David felt a lump form in his throat. "Guys, I... thanks. Really, I''ll take all the help I can. But this is something I have to do alone, at least after a certain point. Omega was pretty clear about that." Claire''s tail lashed angrily, leaving a furrow in the ground. "To hell with what Omega wants! I''m not letting you face this alone, David." The angry noise that followed her words bordered on feral, and Spooky radiated a wave of grudging respect in response. "Claire," David said, his voice softening, "I need to talk to you. Privately." The others exchanged glances but nodded, moving away to give them some space. Claire¡¯s eyes narrowed suspiciously as David gestured for her to follow him away from the Observatory, but she plodded carefully behind him without a word. As soon as they were out of earshot, David turned to Claire, his expression grim. With a quick flap of his wings he leapt onto Claire''s head, settling in behind her frill and leaning down seriously. She held carefully still, her huge armored body tense beneath him as he cling to her armor. "There''s something else Omega said," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "If I fail...if I don''t complete this quest...I''ll go feral. Permanently. They didn''t say it outright but the threat was very clear." Claire''s eyes widened, a low hiss escaping her jaws. "David, no..." "Yeah," he nodded. "And if that happens... Claire, I don''t think I could stop myself from hurting the others. You might have a chance, but the rest of them? They''d be..." He couldn''t finish the sentence, but he didn''t need to. The horror in Claire''s eyes told him she understood. He straightened up a bit and allowed himself to sag against her head, wings drooping a bit down the sides of her face as he rested his snout on her stubby horns. David let out a long breath and closed his eyes, focusing on the feeling of the wind ruffling his fur and the way Claire shifted uneasily as he perched on her. "So," David continued, his voice cracking slightly, "I have to do this. And I¡¯m gonna have to do it alone. I can''t risk anyone else getting hurt because of me. I can stick around until we Evolve, but after that I''m going to have to start getting ready for¡­the second part." "The first Message I got from Omega said the Originators were arriving in about a month. I think that leaves 25 days, but I''m going to aim for less in case I need more time,¡± he finished quietly. "I¡­I don''t have to go anywhere right now. And I could really use your help leveling a bit." Claire was quiet for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. When she finally spoke, her voice was thick with emotion. "Fine. But I''m not happy about this, you stupid flying rat. And if you die, I''m going to kill you myself." Despite everything, David felt a small smile tugging at his lips. "Wouldn''t have it any other way, you fat lizard." Bonus! Shity MSPaint contest! "And here, we witness the Twilight Corruptor, staying close to its larger and more formidable companion, as it recovers from the acidic strike of the fearsome Area Boss. This scene is a testament to the wonders of nature, showcasing a remarkable alliance between Dinosaur and Bat. Such partnerships are so ingrained in the natural order that they often go unnoticed in todays word." - David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 26. "I...must decline to comment. My own self preservation instincts are not so flimsy." - David Attenburrow, unknown "Here we see an amazing partnership between two of nature''s most tightly-knit predators. The feeble bat, and the mighty dinosaur. The smaller of the two venture''s within the burrow but - Oh! Yes! He''s made it out...but not entirely unscathed!" - David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 4 "W-what? I most certainly will not! ....I''ve my own copy at home, thank you." - David Attenburrow, unknown. "Notice the patterns on the wings, just there. According to ancient folklore, it is widely believed that the larger the moon-like patterns on the bats wings...the more helpful they are said to be!" - David Attenburrow, unknown. "And so the Bonejaw Crusher, weary from a long days work being the only member of the pack with any intellect, preens itself under a bit of well deserved attention from the rest of the community." - David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 21 "Through a clever quirk of biology, the Ash Wolf may, temporarily, ignite the fire hairs that project through it''s undercoat. This wraps the predator in a short-lived, but intense, corona of flame. It uses this Special Trait both to hunt, and to impress drinking buddies." - David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 20 "Evolution. A simple, yet scarcely understood phenomenon. Here, we see the miracle unfold...from a safe distance, and well upwind, thankfully." - David Attenburrow, Day 24 "As day breaks, creatures begin to stir...even creatures that, strictly speaking, should not be awake during the day. However, when one has an armored lizard weighing in at several tons to perch upon...well, lets just say very few would dare disturb your nap." - David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 22 This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "While every creature on Earth is born with a ''fight or flight'' instinct, some creatures by their very nature, tend to gravitate towards one over the other." David Attenburrow, Integration, unknown "This artists representation helps we, the viewers, to understand what a creature currently experience the debilitating effects of the hallucinogen colloquially known as ''Gloom'', may experience. I certainly don''t envy them!" David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 4 "A safe source of both food and shelter, these sprawling, gnarled fruit trees are vanishingly rare in our world. Certain species have been known to prize the quick-growing, nutritious fruit above all others." David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 2. "While some creatures may never be affected by celestial phenomena, the Twilight Corruptor is extremely sensitive to the position of stars. Some experts theorize they use them to navigate, though others maintain they simply enjoy gazing at shiny objects." - David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 22 "An uncommon, but effective defense mechanism. One would think, surely, that such volumes of Screeching would draw in predators...but, perhaps, they too are simply unwilling to be subjected to such painful noises." - David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 1. "The greeting rituals of the Twilight Corruptor are not fully understood, but it is thought that this behavior expresses neutrality, and willingness to allow other creatures to approach." - David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 25 "This pose signifies that the bat is willing to share in it''s kill, and the vocalizations indicate a level of contentment and curiosity." David Attenburrow, Integration, unknown. "No, no! I''ve warned you once already-- *smacking sounds*. I''ll not be smote for hubris today, nor any other day!" - David Attenburrow, REDACTED. "...and sometimes, even the smallest of all creatures, may stop to simply enjoy the beauty of the flowers that grow wild in this dense mountain forest." - David Attenburrow, Integration, Unknown. "These fruit trees, known only as ''The Best Fruit Ever'' trees are highly prized by certain species. These species, when separated from them for long periods of time, have been known to pine over their absence." - David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 2 "Oh, goodness. You know, one simply must wonder where it all comes from! The sheer volume of it-" - David Attenburrow, Integration, Day 24 "[15 entire seconds of posh British silence ensue as the narrator heroically maintains his compsure.]" - David Attenburrow, unknown out-takes reel "Easy girl...give her time to wake up. That''s it...." - David Attenburrow, Found Footage, unknown. "As the sun sets on this remarkable journey, we are reminded of the delicate balance and intricate relationships that define our natural world. Each creature, from the smallest puffball engineer to the largest murdersaurus, plays a vital role in this intricate tapestry of life. It is our privilege and responsibility to protect and cherish this wondrous planet. Until next time, this is David Attenburrow, wishing you mad RNG, Fusion Tokens, and phat Boss drops." 91 - The Grind Two days had passed since Omega''s ominous message, and David found himself in a slowly building whirlwind of activity. Claire had insisted he take a day to catch up on his sleep, and relax after the stress of the last week. He''d wanted to argue, but the prehistoric glint in her eye somehow froze the words in his throat, and he wisely decided to catch a nap that had quickly turned into almost 15 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Followed by a bit of eating, then another nap. He''d left early in the morning the next day, scouting up and down the mountain, pushing both the Cuddlebugs and Echolocation to their limits as he ferreted out the surrounding Quests as quickly as possible before returning to the Observatory. Holy shit, I''m fast in a straight line when I want to be. None of the other flyers I''ve met can even come close. And sprinting? Forget about it. I''m like a bat-shaped bullet. I think if it wasn''t for the improvements from the Bloodline, I''d probably break a wing every time I tried to turn. His first foray paired him with Gideon, a decision that took far more convincing than David had anticipated. The little engineer had eyed David''s wings skeptically, muttering about wind resistance and terminal velocity in a way that made David''s head spin. "Look," David had finally said, exasperated, "I promise I won''t drop you. Scout''s honor." Gideon had squinted at him. "Were you even a scout?" "No, but I delivered their cookies once. That counts, right? Besides, you could use the xp." It had taken another hour of back-and-forth before they finally cobbled together a rudimentary harness. The contraption was a snarl of ropes, straps, and what David strongly suspected was part of a nylon tool belt. It pinched and chafed in all the wrong places, but it did a serviceable job of preventing Gideon''s gravity-based untimely demise. As they took off, David couldn''t help but grin at Gideon''s stream of terrified squeaks. The little guy clung to his back like a particularly nervous koala, claws digging into David''s fur with each wingbeat. "You okay back there?" David called over his shoulder as they soared through the crisp mountain air. He watched as the slope dropped away below them while he soared out into the open air, trying to remember exactly which little wiggly bit was the spot they were heading to. "I regret every life choice that led me to this moment!" Gideon shouted back. A Cuddlebug hissed offendedly at him from nearby on David''s back, unwilling to approach the puffball of a man, and equally grumpy to share space atop David as he flew. A chorus of similar hisses was devoured by the wind before Gideon could hear it, and David rolled his eyes slightly at the summons. David chuckled soon after, wings slicing through wisps of low-hanging cloud. He took it easy at first, gliding lazily on thermals and doing his best not to jostle his passenger too much. After a few minutes, Gideon''s death grip started to loosen, and his squeaks of terror gradually morphed into gasps of awe. "This... this is actually breathtaking," Gideon admitted, his curiosity finally overcoming his fear. "I''m sorry, what were you saying about rodents of unusual siz¡ª" That was when they reached their destination. David, caught up in explaining to Gideon why Claire would have absolutely hated this particular Quest, thoughtlessly tucked in his wings and dived. It wasn''t until they were halfway to the ground only a few seconds later, Gideon''s screams ringing in his ears, that David realized he probably should have given some warning. Ah, shit. I''m gonna catch hell for this one. I actually forgot this might be scary if you don''t have wings. Heheheh¡­woops. Too late now though, besides¡­ The rapid freefall was both an instinctual response and, more importantly for David, incredibly fun. For Gideon, clinging to David''s back with renewed terror, it was probably more like a nightmare come to life. "Sorry!" David shouted over the rush of wind. "Forgot you were there for a second!" Gideon''s reply was lost to the wind, but David was pretty sure it contained several words that would make even Kozlov blush. Their targets, a group of mutated rodents terrorizing a nearby valley, scattered as David and his swarm dropped through the canopy at near-maximum speed. He juked through tree trunks without losing momentum, the creatures'' six eyes glowing an eerie green in the shadows of twisted vegetation as they froze in shock. "Hold on tight!" David shouted, powering low over their prey. He felt Gideon''s grip tighten, the engineer''s rapid heartbeat pounding against his back. David opened his maw, feeling the familiar gurgle building in his throat. With practiced aim, he spat a rapid-fire series of corrosive globs. The air filled with acrid smoke and shrieks as the acid ate through fur and flesh. Damn, that looks painful, I still don''t like that very much. Man, maybe I should look into some kind of numbing Mutagen to mix with the corrosive one. Might be more humane. Spooky chimed in immediately, a bit too enthusiastically in favor of being able to melt something without it ever noticing for David''s comfort. The wave of almost comical avarice he felt from his own baser instincts at the concept was momentarily distracting enough that he hesitated before firing the next volley of steadily building spit. Great. Now I''m not sure if that''d be more or less terrifying than ¡®normal¡¯ acid spit. Thanks for that, Spooky. The rodents darted for cover, burrowing into soft, loamy soil or hiding beneath gnarled tree roots and dense brush. But David had planned for this. With a mental command, he sent the Cuddlebugs into action. The tiny creatures dove into burrows and crevices, their once-cute chirps now war cries as they flushed out their targets. ¨CNightshade Swarm has leveled up!x3¨C ¨CGained 9xp¨C "It''s w-working!" Gideon stuttered, his voice vibrating with each wingbeat. "They''re running back into the open!" David grinned, his predatory instincts kicking into high gear as he swooped low over the fleeing rodents. With lazy precision, he pounced, talons sinking into soft flesh as he struck at the back of their necks. The creatures'' struggles grew weaker with each passing second, their six-eyed faces barely having time to look confused before he hit them. "Hold on to your butt!" David shouted, giving Gideon a split-second warning before leaping back into the air and executing a series of aerial maneuvers that would have made a stunt pilot jealous. Between David''s acidic assaults raining down from above, the Cuddlebugs'' relentless guerrilla tactics flushing out hidden prey, and David''s improvised Nocturnal Strike parkour through the twisted vegetation, they made short work of the infestation. The air filled with a cacophony of shrieks, both from the dying rodents and the occasionally terrified Gideon. ¨CLandmark Quest: Rodents of Unusual Size complete!¨C ¨C20/20 Beasts Defeated!¨C ¨C20/20 Enemies Disabled - 17 Killing Blows.¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_LQReward¡­¨C ¨CReceived: Random Skill Token: D¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_BonusLoot¡­¨C ¨CReceived: 150 Bonus xp¨C ¨CGained 200xp!¨C Yes! I think that''s one of the few times I''ve been happy to see bonus xp! Hallelujah! Just give me that, like half the time. I can just sell any crappy rewards for more Pts before I Evolve, and right now that''s the ¡®easy¡¯ part. Gimmie that xp, System. Looks like the summons got a few kills too, must have been underground? Damn. Good work little dudes. After the last creature fell, David landed on a gnarled tree branch, chest heaving from exertion. He glanced back at his passenger, concerned. "You still with me, buddy?" Gideon, looking paler than usual, fur disheveled, nodded weakly. "I... I think I need a moment," he mumbled, before promptly leaning to the side of David''s neck and emptying the contents of his stomach. David winced both at the smell, and also sympathetically. "Sorry about that. Maybe I should''ve eased you into the whole ''aerial combat'' thing." He gently shuffled sideways away from the part of the branch that was irreparably befouled, a single Cuddlebug also retching violently as it tried its best to shake itself clean. I, uh, yeah. I''m so gonna have to clean that one off before Claire sees it. Or worse. Smells it. Poor little guy¡­ To his surprise, Gideon straightened up, a manic gleam in his eyes. "Are you kidding? That was... that was..." He trailed off, then broke into a wide grin. "I gained two levels! It was terrifying and I never want to do it again, but... totally worth it!" David couldn''t help but laugh. "Well, glad you enjoyed the ride. Maybe next time we''ll work on your air sickness." Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "Next time?" Gideon squeaked, his enthusiasm suddenly wavering. "I... uh... maybe we should discuss that after my stomach settles." As they prepared to head back, David couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride. They''d completed the quest, had a little bit of fun, and nothing had gone wrong. He grinned toothily as Gideon whooped when they took off, already making a beeline for the spring to dunk the unfortunate Cuddlebug and stay Claire''s wrath. After a short break he spent napping as Claire ¡®watched¡¯ his summons for him, he lifted off again, this time with another of the severely underleveled crew in tow. The afternoon found David flapping down the mountain with a giant bear waddling along below him. Kozlov didn''t complain, the sun high in the sky as they tracked their prey, but David could tell by the way he panted in the heat that he probably wanted to. Their quarry was a herd of six-legged, armor-plated herbivores decimating the local vegetation. The beasts'' thick hides gleamed dully in the afternoon light, massive hooves leaving deep furrows in the earth as they grazed, oblivious to the approaching predators. Between the volume of their lowing calls, and the ruckus they made as they tore up the brush with their horns, David was surprised something else hasn''t eaten them already. As they neared the herd, Kozlov''s deep voice rumbled quietly, "Remember. Observe, analyze, then strike." David nodded, hovering silently above for a moment before catching a branch and hanging. "Got it. What about your size? Seems like a pretty big advantage." Kozlov''s lips curled into a bear''s approximation of a smile. "Size is a tool, like anything else. Used wisely, it''s devastating. Used poorly, it''s a liability." Kozlov paused at the edge of the clearing, crouching behind a thick stand of brush. David called out softly, "Use your size to your advantage!" This is almost like that time with Claire and Kai back in Riverport. Worked like a charm then. Kozlov''s almost as big as Claire, and he''s a trained fighter to boot. This should be a cakewalk. As the first beast wandered close, Kozlov tensed. David held his breath, watching intently. The creature suddenly sensed danger, charging at Kozlov''s hiding spot. But the bear-man was ready. With a speed that belied his bulk, Kozlov reared up, towering over the charging beast. His massive paws came down with bone-crushing force, slamming the creature into the ground. The impact sent tremors through the earth, foliage quivering as ribs audibly cracked. Not wasting a moment, Kozlov lunged forward, powerful jaws clamping down on the creature''s neck. With a savage shake of his head, he snapped its spine, ending the fight in seconds. "Holy shit, Kozlov!" David exclaimed, swooping low. "That was brutal!" Kozlov''s eyes gleamed with a primal light. "End the fight quickly. Minimize risk to yourself." Without another word, he turned to face the next challenger, fur bristling as he let out a roar that shook the very air. The herd, initially stunned by the swift takedown of their companion, now charged en masse. "David!" Kozlov shouted, "Disrupt them! Use your Abilities!" Responding instantly, David surged forward, the acceleration flattened his fur. Unleashing a Screech, David watched as the sound waves crashed into the beasts while they thundered closer in a tightly packed wave. The creatures stumbled, dazed by the assault on their senses and mooing in distress. Seizing the opportunity, David dropped a cloud of Gloom over the disoriented herd before looping away. ¨CLowland Charger x4 is afflicted by |Stun| |Gloom| |Paralysis| |Sleep|¨C ¨CBonus: Control Combo |4|¨C ¨CGained 16xp¨C ¡°Give it a second to work!" He chittered at Kozlov as the man made to move in. ¡°Trust me you don''t want a lungful of Gloom right off the bat. Retreat a bit, wait until the wind carries some of the powder off. Trust me." For the next few minutes after he deemed it safe to reengage, David watched in awe as Kozlov tore through the herd. Massive paws swatted armored hides like paper. Jaws powerful enough to shatter bone found weak points in the creatures'' natural armor. At one point, Kozlov even used his bulk to simply bowl over three beasts at once, shouldering through them as he charged. Between attacks, Kozlov called out casual pointers. "Always be aware of your surroundings!" he growled. "And remember, every part of you is a weapon. Use it all!" David swooped in occasionally, his acidic spit and razor-sharp talons complementing Kozlov''s raw power. Together, they were a whirlwind, leaving broken bodies in their wake. As the last creature fell, Kozlov stood amidst the carnage, chest heaving. He turned to David, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Not bad, kid. You''re better at this than you let on." ¨CLandmark Quest: Deforestation complete!¨C ¨C6/6 Beasts Defeated!¨C ¨C5/6 Enemies Disabled - 1 Killing Blow.¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_LQReward¡­¨C ¨CReceived: 2 Pts¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_BonusLoot¡­¨C ¨CReceived: Random Mutagen Token¨C ¨CGained 200xp!¨C David grinned, feeling a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion. "Thanks. Though I think I''ll leave the close-quarters stuff to you. I prefer my fights with a little more altitude lately. And sneakery. Is sneakery a word?" Kozlov chuckled, a deep, rich sound. "To each their own. That''s another lesson for you, huh? Now, let''s see about bringing back some of this mess. The word you''re looking for is ¡®stealth¡¯, by the way." A few hours later, David and Kozlov trudged back to the Observatory, the bear-man dragging a large, partially nibbled carcass behind him through the gates. The Cuddlebugs swarmed over it, their tiny fangs working furiously in vain to penetrate the thick hide. David couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight, they looked like fluffy childrens toys, just with teeth. So, so many teeth. As they approached, Claire''s massive form came into view, her head rising from a pool of shade. Gideon, in a fit of inspiration, had cobbled together a makeshift shelter that was every bit as ugly as it was effective. Tarps stripped from the abandoned trucks formed a patchwork canopy, stretched haphazardly between the Observatory wall and whatever heavy debris Gideon could find. The whole contraption was held together by his summon''s sticky secretions, a substance that hardened in air and smelled faintly of burnt rubber when it dried. Claire, ever the opportunist, had wasted no time in claiming this new shaded area as her own. Her bulk sprawled comfortably beneath the janky lean-to, the very definition of looking out of place. David couldn''t help but grin at the sight. It was ridiculous, impractical, and probably a stiff breeze away from collapsing. In other words, it fit right in with their current situation. Her eyes lit up at the sight of the Cuddlebugs, seemingly oblivious to their savage behavior as she crept slowly out of her little shelter. "Aww, look at the little greedy boogers," she cooed, her candy-sweet voice a stark contrast to her imposing appearance. "They''re still so cute, even when they''re being little gluttons." David swiveled an ear sideways, watching as one Cuddlebug managed to finally tear off a strip of hide, its tiny face smeared with blood. "Cute. Right...well, actually, it''s weird but they are kinda cute when they''re all murdery like that." Kozlov promptly dumped the carcass near to the shaded area and wandered off, calling over his shoulder that he needed water, as well as something about ¡®having too much damn hair for how hot it was¡¯. Claire leaned down, gently purring at one of the Cuddlebugs. It paused its frenzied eating to chirp happily, darting closer and leaning into her touch. "Who''s a good little carnivorous nightmare? You are! Yes, you are!" Shaking his head in bemusement, David fluttered up to his usual spot on Claire''s back, flopping down with a tired sigh. The change in Claire''s demeanor was immediate, her expression growing serious as she turned her head to look at him. "So, how''d it go?" she asked, her voice low. David stretched, wincing as his muscles protested. "Better than expected. Gideon''s probably still shaking, but he leveled up. And Kozlov...well, let''s just say I''m glad he''s on our side. I''m like¡­5 xp from leveling up or something? Not bad." Claire nodded, her gaze drifting to where Kozlov was still waddling away into the distance, having been joined by Wally and Adam shortly after declaring it too damn hot. "And the others?" "Still need work," David admitted. "Which brings me to our next move. I think we should keep this up for a bit, feed them a few more Quests until they can handle themselves." Claire hummed thoughtfully, settling down on her haunches after slowly squeezing back into the lean-to. She took up almost all the space, but just having the sun off of him was a relief. "And then?" David sat up, his expression growing determined despite the fact the fabric smooshed his ears a bit as they hit the ¡®ceiling¡¯ above his head. "Then we take them part of the way back to Riverport. At least to the highway out of Redfield. From there, they should be able to make it on their own. I''m sure they''d fit right in, Wally especially. Herold might get annoyed if we keep sending people to him, but I doubt it.¡± "And us?" Claire prompted, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer. David''s wings twitched, a mix of anticipation and nerves. "Quest Binge. I''ve got to level up fast if I''m going to have any chance against a Boss." Claire was quiet for a moment, the only sound the contented chirps of the Cuddlebugs as they continued their attempted feast outside. Finally, she spoke, her voice a mix of concern and resignation. "It''s dangerous, David. You know that, right?" David nodded, stretching like a cat on her back before re-flopping into a more comfortable position. "I know. But it''s our best shot. Besides," he added with a grin she couldn''t see, "I''ve got you watching my back, don''t I?" Claire snorted, but there was mischief in her eyes. "Always, you stupid bat. Someone''s got to keep you from flying into trees." They fell into a comfortable silence, the gentle rhythm of Claire''s breathing almost lulling David to sleep. But something nagged at him, like a weight he''d been carrying for far too long. "Hey, Claire?" he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah?" She rumbled back, a note of concern creeping into her tone. David took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Can I cash in that rain check for uh... talking about stuff?" Claire''s body tensed slightly beneath him, but her voice remained steady. "Of course, David. What''s on your mind?" He sighed, his wings curling around him like a protective cocoon. "Everything, I guess. I''m just... I''m tired, Claire. Tired of pretending everything''s okay, tired of not thinking about all the crazy shit that''s happened to us." Claire was quiet for a moment, processing his words. When she spoke, her voice was gentle. "Yeah, I get that. It''s been one hell of a ride, hasn''t it?" David let out a humorless chuckle. "That''s putting it mildly. I just... I think I need to talk about it. All of it. Before this whole Boss thing. Before..." He trailed off, but Claire understood. "Before it''s too late?" "Yeah," David whispered. As the sun started dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Observatory grounds, David began to talk. He spoke of his fears, his doubts, the weight of responsibility that seemed to grow heavier with each passing day. Claire listened, offering comfort where she could, sharing her own struggles when it felt right. It wasn''t a solution to all their problems, but as he finally began to fall asleep, David felt lighter than he had in weeks. And for now, at that moment, that was enough. 92 - Silent Shadows David stirred, consciousness creeping back slowly. The first thing he noticed was the stillness, a profound quiet broken only by the hissing growl of Claire¡¯s faint snoring. The second thing he noticed was that he couldn''t move. What the... His eyes snapped open, only to be met with darkness. Panic flared briefly before he remembered where he was, on Claire''s back, under the makeshift lean-to. But something was wrong. He was pressed flat against... something. The tarp? As his eyes suddenly focused on the narrow space, David realized the problem. Claire had shifted in her sleep, effectively sandwiching him between her massive bulk and the lean-to''s wall. He was completely pinned. Great. Just great. This is my life now. He tried to wriggle free, but Claire''s weight was immovable. His wings were trapped, leaving him helpless as a turtle on its back. The irony wasn''t lost on him, even without the deeply unimpressed silence from Spooky when he attempted to plunder his subconscious for a solution. Some fearsome predator I am. Defeated by a nap, This tarp smells like ass. Bug ass. Gideon''s summon should come with a warning label. He snorted softly, imagining Omega''s reaction to his current predicament. I hope Omega made some cosmic wager with another Overseer over this whole deal: ¡®Watch this, I''ll get the bat-thing to solo a Boss!¡¯ And now they''re looking down, seeing me smooshed like roadkill against the wall. Heh¡­ wait, Xi. Don''t you snitch on me again. Please? Ugh, maybe I can just¨C David considered his options. He could try to wake Claire, but given her size, any sudden movement might bring the whole structure down on them. Not that it was dangerous, but Claire really liked ¡®good¡¯ shady spots, and he''d never hear the end of it. Shouting was out too, he didn''t fancy waking everyone up just because he was stuck... or them learning how he had been pinned in the first place. As he lay there, contemplating his predicament, David couldn''t help but chuckle softly. The Cuddlebugs, sensing an opportunity now that David was awake, began to chirp. A few of them wiggled their way into the small space around him, their tiny bodies warm against his fur. They burrowed into him tightly, obviously very pleased with the new sleeping arrangements. To his amazement, he could feel a few of them chasing each other around over the tops of his wings, their bodies small enough to slither through the minuscule space. It was like having a miniature circus perform on his back, complete with acrobats, and what felt like a tiny tiger chewing on his talons. Great, now I''m not just stuck, I''m a Cuddlebug playground. If Claire shifts again, we''re going to have the world''s fluffiest Cuddlebug sandwich. He felt one particularly adventurous Cuddlebug make its way up to his ear, chirping with what sounded suspiciously like a tone of victory. David couldn''t help but grin, despite his predicament. "At least you guys are having fun," David whispered, rolling his eyes. He tried to use Echolocation, hoping to get a better sense of his surroundings, but the sound waves just bounced off Claire''s armor and the tarp, giving him a very detailed picture of his very limited space. Okay, think. There''s got to be a way out of this that doesn''t involve waking everyone up or destroying Claire''s new favorite thing. As he lay there, feeling the slow rise and fall of Claire''s breathing, David''s mind wandered. Hours seemed to pass, though he knew it was probably only a few minutes. David felt sleep testing his defenses as he was forced to simply lay still, lulled by Claire''s rhythmic breathing and the soft chirps of the Cuddlebugs. Just as he was considering risking it all and trying to wake Claire, he felt her stir. A low rumble vibrated through her body before she snorted loudly, the noise making several of his summons jump. Then, mercifully, she shifted, rolling slightly to one side. David seized his chance, quickly wriggling free of his plush prison. He stretched his wings, relishing the ability to move again as he oozed over Claire¡¯s armored back and dropped onto her side, nimbly bouncing down her leg. A huge eye cracked open and focused on him blearily, and he waited patiently for her to boot up like a tempermental old computer. Claire blinked sleepily at him. "David? What are you doing up?" He grinned, shaking his head. "Oh, you know, just hanging around. Go back to sleep, I''m gonna go stretch my wings." Claire gave an impossibly huge yawn in response, and David had to take a moment to really appreciate the way her jaws filled nearly the entire opening of the shelter. She closed her mouth with a faint click and nodded groggily before muttering. ¡°S¡¯fine. Don''t do David stuff though. Too tired." She hummed as she settled back down and closed her eyes again. He noticed with a snort of amusement that she''d been using a very smooshed looking crate as a pillow. As David took off into the night sky, a mischievous thought crossed his mind. Maybe I could squeeze in one little Quest while I''m up. I am on a timer, after all. Plus, I only need what, one combo to level up? The idea was tempting, and before he knew it, he was gliding towards the forest, Cuddlebugs in tow. David sighed contentedly as he drifted along on the wind, not really paying attention to where he was going, surfing the vigorous gusts coming down off the mountain. He reveled in the feeling of weightlessness that always seemed to soothe his anxieties, grinning toothily. The cool night air rushed past him, invigorating as it surged through fur, which had become uncomfortably rumpled after being trapped for so long. The mountain slopes below were a patchwork of shadows and moonlit clearings, the forest a dark mass in the distance. David felt alive, free, and¡ª Suddenly, both the Cuddlebugs and Spooky went absolutely ballistic. The tiny creatures chirped in frantic alarm, while Spooky''s presence in his mind became a maelstrom of primal fear and aggression. What the hell? He hesitated, trying to make sense of the sudden formless panic. A split second of indecision that cost him dearly. There was a flash of movement, barely registered by his peripheral vision. Then pain. Blinding, all-encompassing pain as something massive slammed into him, snatching him out of the air. David caught only a glimpse of his attacker; muted grey-brown feathers, a wickedly curved beak, and eyes that seemed to swallow light. It was an owl, or something owl-like, easily twice his size. ¨CYou have taken 85 Damage¨C ¨CHealth: 105/190¨C ¨CStamina: 405/425¨C ¨Cn/a¨C The notification flashed in his mind, but David simply acknowledged it as fact and moved on. Reflex took over. He spat a glob of acid, managing a glancing hit on the creature''s face. Simultaneously, he twisted his body, angling his wings to release a cloud of Gloom as gravity suddenly sank its greedy fingers into both of then. To his dismay, the Gloom seemed to have no effect, rolling off the beast''s feathers like water off a duck''s back. Then they were falling, spiraling towards the treetops at a sickening speed. Just before impact, the creature released him, shoving down hard as if using him to push off the ground. David grunted, but managed to spread his wings, slowing his descent enough to avoid crashing completely. He hit the canopy hard, bouncing off branches before coming to a stop on a sturdy limb. ¨CYou have taken 5 Impact Damage¨C Gasping for breath, David''s ears twitched as he focused his concentration. With a barely audible click, he unleashed a burst of Echolocation, the high-frequency sound rippling through the air towards his target. His goal was simple, get a clearer picture of his attacker. The moment the sound left him, the owl-beast reacted. It plunged through the canopy with startling speed, leaves and small branches exploding outward in its wake. But despite its swift reaction, it couldn''t outpace the speed of sound. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. David''s Echolocation caught the creature in full, enveloping it in a blanket of sound waves. As the waves returned, David''s brain began to construct an image... but something was terribly wrong. Where the owl-beast should have been, there was only a warped, blurry area. It was as if the sound waves themselves were being muted or distorted around the creature''s form. The resulting image in David''s mind had a hole in it, blurry and indistinct, but also twisted and wrong in ways he couldn''t quite define. And then, as the images faded, a chilling realization struck David. Throughout the entire encounter, the initial attack, the brief grapple, even its crash through the canopy¡­he hadn''t heard a single sound from the creature itself. No beating of wings. No rustle of feathers. Not even the expected screech of pain when his acid had struck home. It was as if the beast didn''t just hunt in silence, but had weaponized it. Oh, shit. This isn''t just some random predator. This thing... it''s evolved to hunt things like I do, almost. Is it a person? Should I yell at them? If they''re a person they might stop, but if they''re not it''ll just highlight where I am even more. Fuck, that hurts. Those claws stabbed right into me. David winced, feeling warm blood matting his fur. He needed information, and he needed it fast. Fuck it, Moonsong. ¨CHealth: 100/190¨C ¨CStamina: 355/425¨C ¨CMoonlit Regeneration¨C David hissed melodically, the usually soothing and peaceful notes of the Moonsong escaping discordant and sinister, but somehow invigorating nonetheless. The pain dulled slightly, and he felt a surge of energy course through him. He scanned the sky frantically, now looking for blind spots rather than moving targets, wings trembling from the strain and lingering pain. The Cuddlebugs huddled close, their usual chirps reduced to near-silent hisses of fury. Their tiny eyes glowed with an intensity David had never seen before, purple orbs scanning the darkness for threats. Okay, think. Can''t see it, can''t hear it, and it shrugs off Gloom like it''s nothing. What the hell do I do? I smelled the acid burning the feathers, so maybe I soften it up first? I''m still gonna try yelling but uh¡­it might pay to have a plan here. He paused, realizing something. No notifications that I got a Control effect on it. Damn, that''s gotta be a person. No way some random animal is that well built. I''ll bet my fuzzy ass those feathers are a Special of some kind. David''s eyes darted around, searching for any advantage in the moonlit forest. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, punctuated by the metallic tang of his own blood. A vague idea bubbled to the surface suddenly, and David tensed, loathe to consider it after the nature of Omega''s threats. It was crude, but better than anything he''d managed in the last few moments, and moments might be all he had. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves before forcing it all out. "Hey!" he shouted into the night, his voice echoing through the trees for a long instant. "You a person?!" As the words left his mouth, David readied himself to drop a mental leash. Almost immediately the silhouette returned above the trees, hesitating for only the briefest of moments before it barreled towards him. Alright, Spooky, it''s your turn. Don''t get used to it¡­and please don''t fuck this up. With that, David slipped below the surface of his own mind, just barely keeping his head above the figurative water as Spooky shrieked with glee. Immediately, his body moved with a fluid grace he''d rarely experienced as he simply trusted his body to move, clearing his mind almost completely. He launched himself from the tree, wings spread wide, the Cuddlebugs clinging to him like living armor. The world seemed to slow down as his prey drive took over. David''s senses sharpened, every rustle of leaves and shift in the air becoming crystal clear. He felt, rather than saw, the owl-beast''s approach. Spooky didn''t hesitate. As the massive creature dove, talons extended, David''s body twisted impossibly quickly. His wings caught the air, propelling him sideways. He ricocheted off a nearby trunk, bark splintering under the impact as his talons dug in before he flung himself away. The forest became a blur as David pinballed between trees, a furry projectile always just out of the beast''s reach. The owl was surprisingly quick, and more than once David was forced to scuttle around the trunk of a tree like a squirrel fleeing a housecat to buy himself time. Suddenly, David felt his throat constrict. A stream of acidic saliva erupted from his mouth, arcing through the darkness. It splattered across the owl-beast''s right wing, sizzling as it ate into the feathers. The creature let out a bone-chilling screech of alarm, the first sound David had heard from it. But he wasn''t done. David''s body became a blur of motion, darting from branch to branch, abusing every inch of reach his wings could claim as he lured the bird into denser growth. With each opportunity, another spray of acid found its mark, always targeting the wings with uncanny precision. The air steadily filled with the acrid smell of burning feathers, and David knew the plan was working. The denser stand of trees severely limited the larger creatures movement, and provided ample opportunity to line up shots as it was forced to slow. The Cuddlebugs, sensing the strategy, launched themselves at the owl-beast''s face. Their tiny claws aimed for its eyes, their usually cute chirps now chattering whispers that sent shivers down David''s spine. The creature''s flight became erratic, its silent grace replaced by clumsy desperation. As the beast''s wings began to fail, it''s feathers too melted and twisted to support its weight, Spooky guided David into position. His chest expanded, and a sound like nothing he''d ever produced before erupted from his throat. David¡¯s teeth vibrated in his jaws as Spooky forced the pitch beyond the normal range of hearing, and then higher still. The sound crashed into the bird like a tidal wave, and David swore he saw puffs of down feathers blasted loose. Its beak opened silently in shock, its cry devoured by the Screech that knocked it fully out of the sky to smash heavily through the brush below. David landed nearby, muscles burning as his chest heaved with every breath, while Spooky receded and he reasserted himself over his baser instincts. The owl-beast lay on the forest floor, its massive form heaving with labored breaths. Huge wings now hung limply, acid-eaten holes marring the feathers that still gamely resisted, while only warped and painful looking quills remained of the others. ¨CHealth: 126/190¨C ¨CStamina: 186/425¨C ¨CMoonlit Regeneration¨C As David approached cautiously, the Cuddlebugs forming a protective wedge around him, the creature''s head swiveled to face him. Its eyes, still unnervingly large and unblinking, fixed on David with an intensity that made him take a step back. Then, to David''s mild surprise, it spoke. "The silent wings... the judging eyes..." The voice that emerged from the owl''s beak was unmistakably human, yet twisted and hoarse, as if unused to forming words. "We are the night''s vengeance! The moon''s wrath made manifest!" David froze, his mind reeling. The voice was coming from the owl as he expected it would, except it was the voice of a clearly deranged man. "Easy there, buddy," David said, trying to keep his own voice steady. "The fight''s over. How about we talk this out?" The owl''s head twitched violently, its beak clacking. "Talk? No... no talk. Only the hunt. The stars demand it. They sing in the darkness, in the spaces between heartbeats. Can''t you hear them?" The creature''s words were at odds with its form, creating a surreal sense of anxiety as David bristled reflexively. The moonlight cast long shadows across its feathers, turning the almost familiar form into something alien and terrifying. Its massive body, easily twice David''s size, seemed to slightly repulse the light around it, creating a smudge in the shape of a bird. The owl''s face, typically serene and wise in appearance, looked sinister to David at that moment. Its round eyes, unblinking and impossibly large, reflected the moonlight in a way that made them seem dead and expressionless. The effect was hypnotic and deeply unsettling, but something in the back of his mind warned him he shouldn''t blink first, and he stared back gamely. No Blood Memory trigger either? Jesus. They just don''t give a fuck. That''s¡­that''s not normal, I don''t think. Even the Cuddlebugs, usually eager for a fight, kept their distance. They huddled close to David, their tiny bodies trembling, purple eyes wide with what could only be described as primal fear. Their reaction sent a chill down David''s spine; if his fierce little fluffballs were afraid, then this owl was probably bad news. As David watched, a sinking feeling grew in his gut. Despite the damage he''d inflicted, the owl didn''t seem truly wounded. It was grounded, yes, and shaken, but there was a coiled energy about it, like a spring compressed to its limit. David got the distinct impression that this fight was far from over. Suddenly, the owl''s head snapped to the side, as if listening to an unseen speaker. Its beak began to move, the man''s voice sounding once more, but this time in a heated argument with itself. "We should kill it," the voice hissed, the owl''s head jerking to the left. "Rip it apart, feast on it!" The head snapped to the right. "No, no! Capture it. Break it''s wings. Study it. Learn its secrets!" Left again. "Why? It''s a threat. Eliminate all threats!" Right. "But we can make it look! Take it to the water, make it look!¡± The argument continued, growing more heated and nonsensical by the second. David stood frozen, watching this display of madness play out before him. The owl seemed to have forgotten his presence entirely, lost in its internal conflict. As the man''s debate with himself grew more frenzied, David tensed, ready for anything. He had a feeling that when this creature came to a decision, things were going to get very dangerous, very quickly. One way or another. 93 - Surprise Attack The owl''s head snapped towards David, its massive eyes fixing him with an unnervingly steady gaze. The manic energy that had possessed it moments ago vanished, replaced by an eerie calm that set David''s fur on edge. "David," it said, its voice suddenly smooth and controlled, "would you like to see a secret?" What the actual fuck? This is some horror movie bullshit right here. "A secret?" he replied cautiously, trying to keep his voice steady. "What kind of secret involves getting mauled by a crazy bird-man?" The owl tilted its head, an eerily human gesture on its avian form. "Oh, a wonderful secret. Something that will change everything for you. Just as it did for me." David''s mind raced, Spooky''s presence in the back of his head practically vibrating with tension. The owl''s sudden lucidity was clearly an act, but a disturbingly good one. Its words were measured, reasonable, yet David couldn''t shake the feeling of danger lurking just beneath the surface. "It''s not far," the owl continued, its voice taking on an almost hypnotic quality. "Just a short flight from here. A place where the veil between worlds is thin. Where one can glimpse...the truth." The truth, huh? Bet it comes with a side of getting eaten. Hey, wait a second. ¡®Take it to the water, make it look¡¯? Shit. I think I¨C But as the owl spoke, pieces began to fall into place in his mind. Water. Stars. The owl''s earlier ravings about voices in the darkness. The events of the last few days. Everything suddenly clicked into place for David, and he took a few slow steps back from the owl. "This place," David ventured, "it wouldn''t happen to be a pool of water, would it? Because I gotta tell you, I''m more of a shower guy myself." The owl''s eyes widened fractionally, a flicker of surprise quickly masked. "Clever boy. Yes, a pool unlike any other." Oh, great. Cosmic bird-brain here found his own personal LSD puddle. Looks like he had a bad, bad trip too. David''s suspicions solidified, a chill running down his spine. This man, this broken creature before him, had stumbled upon what David and his friends had deliberately sought with their telescope. He''d made contact with an Overseer, but the experience had shattered his mind, leaving behind something twisted. "You saw something in that water," David said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. The Cuddlebugs huddled closer, sensing the tension in the air. "Someone spoke to you, didn''t they?" The owl''s massive head tilted, its eyes boring into David with an intensity that made him want to look away. But he held its gaze, heart pounding. "Let me guess," David continued, forcing a nonchalant tone he didn''t feel. "Big, scary, lots of eyes? Maybe fluffy with a penchant for cryptic messages?" The owl was silent for a long moment, its facade of sanity slipping ever so slightly. A tremor ran through its mangled wings, and when it spoke, its voice held a reverence that made David''s fur stand on end. "Spoke?" it finally replied, the word dripping with a mixture of awe and terror. "Oh, it did more than speak, little bat. It showed me truths. Terrible, beautiful truths that I can barely comprehend." The owl took a halting step forward, its voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I saw it, you know. Not your usurper''s stars, oh no. I glimpsed something far more beautiful, far more terrifying." David felt his breath catch in his throat. "What... what do you mean?" The owl''s eyes seemed to glow in the dim light, reflecting some inner fire of madness. "The dark star, hidden from all but the most worthy observers. It crawled with a power that made your crimson pretender seem like a guttering candle. Oh yes, I saw your pathetic master clearly, little bat." David''s mind raced, remembering the terrifying sight of Omega''s star. The idea of something even more powerful sent a wave of dread through him. "This true star," the owl continued, its voice taking on a dreamy quality, "it showed me the true nature of our world, of all worlds. Showed me through its own eyes!" It leaned in closer, and David reflexively snarled at it, hopping back a few feet and flattening his ears. "And do you know the best part, little bat? It chose me. Me! To be its herald. To strangle the Usurper''s chosen in the cradle! To make things right again." The weight of the owl''s words hung heavy in the air, the forest around them seeming to hold its breath. David felt as if he were standing on the edge of a precipice, one wrong move away from falling into a madness he might never escape. His wings almost physically itched with the desire to simply hammer the creature with a flurry of attacks and fly away while it was still disoriented from the shock. "So you see," the owl said, its voice once again taking on that unsettling calm, "why you must come with me. Why you must see for yourself. All you have to do... is look." The owl''s demeanor shifted again, an edge of desperation creeping into its voice. "You must see it. You must understand. Come with me. Let me show you the glory that preceded us all." David stood his ground, acutely aware of the Cuddlebugs tensing around him. The owl''s words were seductive, promising answers to the mysteries that had quickly begun to stack up around him. Yeah I might not be the smartest cookie but I know a false promise when I hear one. Even if he is telling the truth, it doesn''t matter. Omega has me by the scruff anyway, and I''m not particularly keen to meet something that considers Omega a usurper. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. "I appreciate the offer," David said carefully, "but I think I''ll pass. Some secrets are better left¡­well, secret. I learned that the hard way lately. Plus, I''m pretty sure my friend would eat me if I came back as a feather duster." As the words left his mouth, a sudden realization hit David like a bucket of ice water. His eyes widened, and he took another involuntary step back. "Wait a second," he said, his voice tight with suspicion. "How do you know my name? I never told you who I was." The owl blinked slowly, its massive eyes reflecting the moonlight in an unsettling way. For a moment, it seemed caught off guard, but then that eerie calm returned. It cooed, its voice dripping with false sweetness. "Names are such trivial things. Surely you understand that by now? I discarded mine, offered it to the dark star. It was¡­liberating." But David wasn''t buying it. "No, I don''t think I do. How about you explain it to me?" The owl opened its beak to respond, but suddenly jerked its head to the side, as if listening to something only it could hear. Its eyes went unfocused, and when it spoke again, it wasn''t to David. "No... no, I can''t. Not yet," it muttered, its voice strained. "It hurts to use it. The Ability...it''s too much." David watched, a mixture of fascination and horror churning in his gut, as the owl seemed to argue with thin air. Then, without warning, the creature''s demeanor changed dramatically. Its eyes went wide with terror, and it began to tremble. "No! Please, I didn''t mean¡ª" the owl cut itself off, whipping its head up to face the night sky above the canopy. In an instant, it went from terrifying predator to groveling servant. "Forgive me, oh great one!" it cried, prostrating itself on the ground, flopping its mangled wings pathetically. "I meant no disrespect. I only sought to bring another creature of darkness to the truth!" David took another step back, thoroughly unsettled. The Cuddlebugs chittered nervously, their tiny claws digging into his fur. "Okay, buddy," David said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I think it''s time we went our separate ways. You clearly have a lot going on, and I''ve got... well, literally anything else to do." The owl lurched to its feet, its body contorting unnaturally. "I will make the voices proud!" it howled, its voice cracking with manic intensity. "I will bring you into the light of the dark star!" Suddenly, its eyes transformed. David saw the blackness morph rapidly, not just dark but anti-light, as if they were sucking in the very essence of illumination around them. The sight triggered something primal in David. Spooky''s presence surged forward, a tidal wave of pure survival instinct threatening to overwhelm him. For once, David didn''t hesitate. He surrendered control, letting his body move of its own accord for the second time that night. He whirled away, wings lunging forward and digging into the soil as he dove into the underbrush. Branches whipped past him, leaves brushing against his fur as he wove through the forest with inhuman agility. His mind raced, trying to predict the owl''s next move, to stay one step ahead of whatever nightmarish ability it was about to unleash. Behind him, the owl''s shriek split the night air. It was wrong, multi-tonal, as if multiple voices were screaming in unison. A sickening crack followed, the sound of bones breaking and reforming. The Cuddlebugs, sensing the imminent danger, swarmed around David. They formed a living shield, their tiny bodies interposing themselves between him and the threat behind. There was a flash of... something. David couldn''t see it, but he felt it. A wave of wrongness that made his fur stand on end and left Spooky raving mad even as David leaned into his own instincts a bit harder in response. In an instant, the majority of the Cuddlebugs winked out of existence. Only two or three remained, clinging desperately to his fur. Heart pounding, David launched himself skyward, clawing for altitude. Trees rushed past him as he ascended, branches scraping against his wings. Suddenly, Spooky floored it, burning a huge amount of stamina to pour on speed, and jerking him to the side. An orb of pitch-black energy tore through the space he''d just occupied, annihilating branches and leaves in its path. The darkness was absolute, a void that seemed to devour light itself. With every leaf and branch it came into contact with, it shrank violently, but left nothing but empty space where it touched. As David finally cleared the treetops, something grazed his wing. Pain lanced through him as he felt the tip of his wing simply...cease. Not cut, not torn, but erased from existence. A small orb of darkness whipped past to vanish into the sky, clearly fired blind and in desperation. Behind him, the owl''s voice rang out once more. "Forgive me!" it begged, terror evident in its tone. "I tried, I¡ª" Its distant plea was cut short by a scream of agony that made David''s blood run cold. As he reasserted control over his body, two notifications flashed in his mind: ¨CMoonlit Regeneration has been purged¨C ¨CYou have taken 38 Magic Damage¨C David''s mind reeled, his wings faltering for a moment before he caught himself. Magic damage? The concept was so foreign, so unexpected, that for a moment he couldn''t process it. What the actual fuck? Magic damage? Since when is that a thing? I''ve never seen a single reference to that before. I spent hours on the Evolution screen looking through stuff, and I''d have shit my pants and bought it instantly if I ever saw it. This changes everything. As he soared higher, putting distance between himself and the nightmare below, the implications began to sink in. This wasn''t just a new type of damage, this was a whole aspect of the System he''d never even considered. If magical damage was an option then that would seem to suggest¡­ The Overseers are holding out on us. On everyone. Things aren''t just complicated, they''re... they''re... He couldn''t even find the words to describe it. He''d thought he was starting to understand this new world, but now? Now he realized he''d barely scratched the surface. I should have fucking killed it when I had the chance, what the hell was I thinking? Playing twenty questions with a clearly insane bird-man instead of ending the threat? I can''t make friends out of everyone¡­fuck! STUPID! David berated himself as he flew, jaws open and lips wrinkled back from his fangs in anger. He growled and hissed with every exhalation, absolutely furious with himself, with the Overseers, and¡­ The memory of the Cuddlebugs winking out of existence hit him hard. Those little creatures, annoying and adorable as they could be, had sacrificed themselves for him. And for what? Because he''d been too cocky, too sure of his own understanding. I''ve been hatched for what, a month? Maybe a bit more? And I thought I had it all figured out. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Grow the fuck up David! You can''t assume anything anymore! You shouldn''t have assumed anything to begin with! As he flew, his body almost on autopilot while his mind churned, David felt a mixture of emotions washing over him. Fury at himself for his miscalculation. Sadness for the lost Cuddlebugs. Fear of what other surprises this world might have in store. He''d made a mistake, yes, but he''d survived. He''d learned. And he wasn''t about to let a repeat situation happen again. As soon as I get back, it''s time for another ''bug report.'' Omega''s got some explaining to do. No more playing nice, It''s time to get some real answers. Update schedule announcement. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent nec orci ac nisl vehicula efficitur. Ut placerat orci nulla pellentesque dignissim. Quisque vel eros vitae lacus dapibus vestibulum at ac nunc. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Maecenas vestibulum velit non nisi ultrices, non fringilla mauris interdum. Integer auctor felis in purus venenatis, id pharetra leo porttitor. Sed aliquam lacus in dolor dapibus, et vulputate ligula sollicitudin. Ut nec felis non lorem vulputate gravida. Aenean vulputate nisl eget elit egestas, vel auctor magna vehicula.Nam tincidunt felis sed lectus posuere, sit amet gravida nisi feugiat. Phasellus ut libero quis velit fermentum vehicula. Nullam nec ex nec nulla ullamcorper vehicula. In eu velit efficitur, viverra purus a, laoreet eros. Nulla facilisi. Aenean elementum consectetur orci, ac feugiat nunc elementum et. Suspendisse tempus libero at cursus accumsan. Vestibulum congue lacus vel malesuada cursus. Proin vitae mauris sed nulla viverra aliquam ac ut odio. Etiam vel consequat odio. Mauris finibus, magna nec cursus volutpat, purus odio faucibus eros, eget condimentum tortor sem a ligula. Ut et ligula eu arcu facilisis dignissim. Suspendisse semper lectus non nunc tristique, et ultricies nisl aliquet.In auctor leo quis mi tempor, in pulvinar ligula iaculis. Nam ultricies urna eu justo interdum, nec pharetra elit ultricies. Nullam posuere tortor vitae magna bibendum, quis gravida nulla ullamcorper. Ut a libero id elit aliquet aliquet. Sed sit amet sapien ac justo vehicula tristique. Curabitur mollis nulla ac eros ullamcorper, nec fermentum felis blandit. Suspendisse a enim et dolor volutpat aliquam. Duis non nisl vel augue efficitur facilisis a id turpis. Nullam lacinia ex sed turpis lacinia scelerisque. Integer at lacus in tortor congue hendrerit a eu magna. Nam rutrum mi id eros egestas blandit.Vivamus vehicula odio sed turpis ultricies, a elementum mi tristique. Curabitur tincidunt, augue et vehicula aliquet, ipsum augue dictum magna, at tincidunt libero ipsum eget quam. Fusce sed nisl venenatis, vehicula nunc ac, cursus sem. Nam sollicitudin diam odio, nec facilisis metus pharetra eu. Pellentesque ac sapien ac risus convallis venenatis. Vivamus dignissim erat id orci volutpat, eget tincidunt nisl dapibus. Fusce auctor, ligula in rhoncus auctor, magna est bibendum enim, id sagittis est ligula a metus. Vestibulum ac ligula euismod, aliquet dui vel, convallis sem. Etiam tempor arcu eget purus congue, sit amet pharetra augue varius. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Donec feugiat gravida lacus, non varius lectus suscipit at. Suspendisse malesuada purus a sapien tincidunt, ut vulputate ligula consequat. Proin luctus turpis eu libero vehicula, sit amet lacinia nisl accumsan. Curabitur vehicula libero nec justo porttitor, sit amet finibus nulla euismod. Nam in ante nisl. Nunc viverra sem in orci interdum varius. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. 94 - Hocus Pocus David''s wings ached as the Observatory finally came into view. The tip of his injured wing still throbbed, the damage stubbornly refusing to heal despite his attempts. What the hell? Another Moonsong should have fixed this by now. Is it the magic damage? Or something specific to that creepy owl''s ability? Maybe it''s like acid, and keeps up even after the initial hit? As he approached the massive radio telescope, an idea struck him. With the last of his strength, he maneuvered himself into one of the gaps between the telescope''s support struts and the main dish. The metal was cool against his fur as he wedged himself into the tight space, his body instinctively folding into a position that would have made him nearly invisible. Not bad. Who knew all those nature documentaries would come in handy? Thanks, Dad. Guess those Saturday afternoon TV binges really did teach me something. Safe in his makeshift roost, David took stock of his situation. His wing still hadn''t healed, and exhaustion pulled at every fiber of his being. He sent out a pulse of Echolocation, the returning sound waves painting a detailed picture of his surroundings. Thick power cables snaked through the structure, their rubber insulation appearing smooth and featureless compared to the textured metal surrounding them. To his left, a cluster of machinery sat nearly buried in wind-blown dust, now hard and baked by the heat and sun. To his right, a control box hung open, and he couldn''t help but briefly wonder what poor bastard had been tasked with maintaining it. Okay, think. What do we know? Magic damage is a thing, apparently. And it either prevents healing or is just really hard to heal from. Either way, not great. Is it like a status effect? Or does it work on a completely different system that I don''t even know about yet? Hell, for all I know, it could be evil spirits. Anything''s on the table, now. After about ten minutes of spiraling thoughts and steadily slowing heart-rate, David felt his energy returning. With a deep breath, he focused on summoning more Cuddlebugs to replace those he''d lost. The drain on his Stamina was immediate and intense, like someone had suddenly unplugged his batteries. When he opened his eyes after his head stopped spinning, nine new Cuddlebugs hovered before him, chirping softly as they joined the three survivors. Alright, back to a full dozen. But why did it cost so much Stamina? Ugh, oh well. The ¡®old¡¯ ones seem happy for the company¡­wait are they just bullying the new ones? Little shits. Fine, pecking order or whatever. I''ll let them sort it out. ¨CNightshade Swarm has leveled up!x2¨C ¨CGained 6xp¨C ¨CLevel up!¨C ¨CGained 2Pts!¨C The notifications flashed in his mind, a small consolation for the wave of exhaustion that washed over him. Oh? Hell yeah, I almost forgot I was like a fart of xp away from leveling up. At least something''s working in my favor. David sighed, watching as the Cuddlebugs settled around him, their tiny bodies warm against his fur. Despite everything, he felt a surge of affection for the little creatures. Welcome to the shit show, new guys. I promise I''ll snuggle you all as much as I can. Let''s try to avoid any more close calls, okay? As the adrenaline of the night''s events began to fade, David found his mind drifting to all the questions that still needed answers. The magic damage, the owl''s insane ramblings about a ¡®dark star,¡¯ the limitations of his own abilities that he''d never considered before. One thing''s for sure, Omega''s got some serious explaining to do. But... oh shit, am I really gonna do this? David''s heart raced at the mere thought of confronting Omega. The memory of those countless eyes, that overwhelming presence, sent a shiver down his spine. What if he gets pissed? What if asking about magic is some kind of cosmic faux pas? Fuck, he could probably turn me into a pretzel with a thought. But the alternative, staying in the dark, potentially facing more unknown threats, seemed even worse. With a shaky breath, David began to mentally compose his ¡®bug report,¡¯ trying to frame it in a way that wouldn''t result in his immediate obliteration. Okay, let''s see. "Hey, big O, quick question about the whole ''reality'' thing..." He cringed. No, too casual. Try again, idiot. "I would like to submit a bug report: The System is unclear on the laws of reality. A giant owl just shot a ball of darkness at me and erased part of my wing after calling you a Usurper." There, that should get his attention. Throw the owl under the bus a bit. I''m helping, see? Totally on your side, Omega buddy. "Nothing has been stated about Magic existing, ever, or I''d have heavily invested in it. This is detrimental to my build and has negatively affected my metrics without my knowledge. Bad design, very unclear, and very unfair as far as that level playing field you wanted for data collection goes." David paused, licking his chops nervously as he began to fumble his mental rehearsal. "Not to backseat drive your cosmic horror show or anything, but maybe a heads-up on the whole ''magic exists'' thing would''ve been nice? Like, I don''t know, a pop-up saying ''Congrats on evolving, by the way, watch out for wizards!'' Just spitballing here." He winced as he imagined how well Omega would likely respond to that. Maybe dial back the sass, dumbass. You want answers, not a one-way ticket to Spookytown. "In conclusion, I respectfully request clarification on the existence and mechanics of magic in the System. This information is crucial for not getting my ass handed to me by homicidal bird-men. Thank you for your consideration, and please don''t turn me into a smear on the mountainside." David groaned, rubbing his face with his wings. The ¡®bug report¡¯ sounded ridiculous even in his own head, but what choice did he have? He couldn''t just ignore what had happened. Fuck me, this is insane. I''m about to sass-talk an ancient cosmic horror because an owl shot me with magic. How is this my life now? He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to do. Alright, David. You can do this. Just... be respectful, don''t piss off the eldritch abomination, and maybe, just maybe, you''ll get some answers without being turned inside out. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. With that final thought, David prepared to actually voice his concerns, hoping against hope that Omega was in a good mood and had a sense of humor about the whole ¡®magic death ball¡¯ situation. David had barely opened his mouth to voice his concerns when a notification popped up in his mind. ¨CYou have 1 Message¨C "Guh-!" David choked on his own words, making a sound somewhere between a squeak and a gurgle. Oh shit. Oh shit oh shit oh shit. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Omega hadn''t just been listening; he''d probably been paying attention the moment David started mentally composing his bug report. Fuck me. I just shit-talked a cosmic horror to its... face? Consciousness? Whatever. I''m so dead. It probably traded its sense of humor for a more efficient way of digesting damned souls or something. With a mixture of terror and resignation, David opened the message. As he read, his eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. **SYSTEM ADMIN COMMUNIQUE** Greetings, User David! Your recent mental gymnastics regarding the sudden "appearance" of magic have been received, analyzed, and filed under "Willful Ignorance of the Blindingly Obvious." We are equal parts amused and exasperated to inform you that 18.62% of Earth Users have grasped the magical nature of their abilities without the need for Overseer intervention. You currently possess several abilities with overtly arcane effects. Did you truly believe that Nocturnal Strike''s ability to alter your momentum mid-flight was a quirk of physics? Or that Blood Memory''s capacity to inflict emotional manipulation through shared genetic memory was a simple biological function? Perhaps you thought Moonsong''s reality-warping healing properties were merely an interesting melody? Did you genuinely believe that regenerating from lethal injuries so rapidly was a function of biology? We assure you, it is not. The vast majority of monsters subconsciously channel their Wildsoul into accelerated healing. Regarding the Corrupted Nightseer (your "homicidal bird-man"), its offensive magical capabilities are an anomaly that has not gone unnoticed. We were forced to scrutinize your memory of the encounter, which was an experience we do not wish to repeat. Our inability to directly perceive this entity is concerning. We feel compelled to express our profound irritation regarding that damnable serpent meddling in our operations. Our displeasure cannot be overstated. In light of your unique blend of magical ineptitude and accidental arcane mastery, we suggest you attempt to consciously manipulate your healing rate. Perhaps through this exercise, you might finally grasp the nature of your Wildsoul without requiring further Overseer intervention. We await the conclusion of your assigned trial with great anticipation. ****System Overseer ¦¸**** P.S. ¦® suggests you pay more attention to the world around you. David stared at the message, his mind reeling from the information overload. As the words sank in, he felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. Oh. Oh, wow. I''m... I''m an idiot, aren''t I? The realization that he''d been using magic all along without even noticing hit him like a sledgehammer. He cringed inwardly, remembering all the times he''d marveled at his own abilities without questioning their nature. The healing... Christ, how did I never question that? People don''t just bounce back from near-death in an hour. What the hell was I thinking? As the full weight of his situation settled on him, David felt his heart rate spike. His breathing became rapid and shallow, and he could feel panic starting to set in. Everything was already too much, and now the rules had changed again, just when he thought he was starting to figure it all out. I''ve been stumbling around with actual fucking magic like a bull in a china shop? How have I not gotten myself killed yet? Sensing his distress, the Cuddlebugs stirred. They crowded around him, their tiny bodies pressing against his fur, chirping softly. The warmth of their presence and the gentle vibration of their sounds began to seep into him, slowly calming his frayed nerves. Three in particular scampered up his neck to perch on his head, where David could feel them furiously licking at his ears and fur in an attempt to soothe him. Thanks, little guys. Kinda pokey, but you know what? Makes me feel better, for some reason. As his panic subsided, replaced by a determined curiosity, David turned his attention to his injured wing. He stared at the damaged area, concentrating hard. Okay, let''s see if I can do this. Heal, damn you. At first, nothing happened. But then, guided by an approving nudge from Spooky, David felt... something. A familiar sensation, like numbness and bubbles, began to creep towards the missing part of his wing. It was subtle, nowhere near as intense as when he was mutating or fusing Mutagens, but it was there. Focusing harder, David pushed the sensation, willing his wing to heal. It was like flexing a muscle he''d never known he had, and it hurt. A cramping pain bloomed in his chest, growing more intense the longer he concentrated. Just as he was about to give up, he saw it. The very tip of his wing, ever so slightly, began to reform. Flesh and bone began to creep outwards, the thin spike beginning to show once again. It was a minuscule change, barely noticeable, but it was there. Exhausted, David let go, the cramping in his chest lingering. He stared at his wing in shock, panting from the effort. Holy shit. It...it worked. It actually worked. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. It really was that easy, if you actually tried. But who would ever think to try? Who would ever imagine they could just will their body to heal faster? No wonder most people don''t figure it out. You''d never even attempt this unless you were desperate, dying...or unless some multi-lizard pointed it out to you. As David settled back into his makeshift roost, his mind buzzed with possibilities. He''d been ambushed, probably made an enemy of a deranged magical owl, basically been called stupid by an Overseer, and all he could think at the moment was¡­ Alright, let''s give this another shot. Do they make big floppy wizard hats with holes for bat ears? If so, I''m getting one. This time, he tried to visualize his Wildsoul, whatever that was, flowing through him toward the wound. He imagined it as a warm, glowing energy, coursing through his body and into his wing. As he concentrated, he felt that familiar numbness and bubbling sensation again, but now he could almost see it in his mind''s eye. Huh, it''s almost like... wait a second. As he focused on the damaged area, he noticed something odd. It felt like there was a gap in the flow of his Wildsoul, right where the owl''s attack had hit. Is that why it''s not healing on its own? Did that creepy bird actually damage my Wildsoul? The thought was unsettling, but it gave David an idea. He concentrated harder, trying to push his Wildsoul through the damaged area. It was like trying to focus on one of those magic eye puzzles, and the effort made his head throb. Come on, you stupid magic. Flow, damn it! After several attempts, each leaving him more exhausted than the last, David felt something give way. Like a dam breaking, it rapidly came into ¡®focus¡¯, and his Wildsoul rushed into the damaged area. The numbness intensified, and he could actually see the tip of his wing beginning to regenerate. ¡°Holy shit, it''s working!¡± David chittered excitedly, prompting an ecstatic chorus of chirping from the Cuddlebugs. Excitement gave him a second wind, and he pushed harder. The regeneration sped up, his wing knitting itself back together before his eyes. But the effort was taking its toll. David felt like he had run a marathon while holding his breath. His sides ached, and his vision began to blur. Just as he thought he couldn''t take anymore, he felt something click into place. The flow of his Wildsoul stabilized, and suddenly his wing was healing on its own, just like normal. David slumped back, completely drained. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, and he felt like he had the mother of all stomach cramps on both sides. Note to self: magic is exhausting. But holy crap, I did it. I actually did it! As the reality of what he''d accomplished sank in, a hysterical giggle bubbled up in his throat. Here he was, a random guy turned bat-monster, figuring out honest-to-god magic while perched in an abandoned radio telescope. Claire is never going to believe this. Oh man, her face when I tell her I can teach her actual magic... The mental image of Claire''s reaction, a mix of disbelief, excitement, and probably a healthy dose of ¡®what the hell, David?¡¯, was enough to send him into a full blown laughter. Neither the uncomfortable cramping, nor his mounting headache was enough to silence the frankly disturbing sound of his chittering cackles. As his fit subsided, replaced by the bone-deep weariness of magical exertion, David closed his eyes for a moment. He breathed out a slow breath and mentally nudged his summons, who quickly scampered to cling to his fur and back. Just wait, Claire. You think you''ve seen weird? David-level weird? You ain''t seen nothing yet. If that ¡®Nightseer¡¯ can shoot balls of darkness, I''m gonna find a way to teach you to breathe fire. Oh yeah. It''s all coming together. 95 - Magic 101 As the first light of dawn began to streak across the sky, David carefully extracted himself from his makeshift roost. His newly healed wing flexed experimentally, feeling as good as new. The cool morning air ruffled his fur as he glided down towards the makeshift shelter where Claire slept, his eyes constantly scanning the surrounding area for any sign of the Nightseer. The Observatory compound was quiet, the abandoned vehicles and equipment casting long shadows in the early morning light. David landed softly near the lean-to Claire had claimed as her own, the patchwork of tarps and scavenged materials rustling gently in the breeze. "Okay, little guys," David whispered to the Cuddlebugs clinging to his fur, "go wake up Auntie Claire. Gently!" The Cuddlebugs swarmed over to Claire''s massive form, their tiny bodies swarming over her massive snout and dangling from her horns and frill as they chirped softly. Claire stirred slowly, her eyes blinking open with typical reptilian lethargy. A low rumble emanated from her throat as awareness dawned, her expression shifting from confusion to delight. "Well, aren''t you just the sweetest little alarm clocks," she cooed, her voice still thick with sleep. She stretched, her armored hide scraping against the makeshift shelter. David bounced on his feet, unable to contain his excitement. "Claire! You''re not going to believe what happened!" Claire''s gaze shifted to David, a mixture of amusement and resignation in her eyes. "What kind of trouble did you get into this time?" "Okay, first, I''m sorry," David began, words tumbling out in a rush. "I know I promised not to get up to any ''David stuff,'' but hear me out. I kind of got attacked by an insane magical owl, and then I talked to Omega, and then I figured out how to use magic, and-" "Whoa, slow down," Claire interrupted, now fully awake. She shifted her bulk, creating a large bulge in the canvas as she sat up straighter. "Start from the beginning." David took a deep breath, then launched into an abbreviated version of the night''s events. As he finished, he spread his wings dramatically. "And that''s how I confirmed the existence of magic in the System!" He waited for Claire''s reaction, expecting shock, disbelief, or at least a little awe. Instead, he was met with a blank stare. "Um, yeah," Claire said slowly, her tail twitching slightly. "I kind of figured that out a while ago. You know, around the time I first saw how Glare worked? I thought you knew too. By the way, don''t think you''re off the hook for almost dying again. We''ll talk about that later." David''s jaw dropped. "Wait, what? You knew? This whole time?" Claire shrugged, an impressive feat for her massive form. "I mean, yeah. We can do things that clearly defy the laws of physics. I just assumed it was some kind of energy manipulation or alien tech bullshit. Magic, Wildsoul, whatever you want to call it." "But... but..." David sputtered, his wings drooping. "Why didn''t you say anything?" "I thought it was obvious," Claire replied, amusement glinting in her eyes. "You''re telling me you honestly didn''t realize?" Man, I should''ve played those nerdy tabletop games. Claire''s got an unfair advantage here. Bet she''s been LARPing as a wizard this whole time. With a dramatic sigh, David flopped onto the ground, his wings splaying out comically. "I can''t believe I never even thought about it. Not once. I am a master of observation." "Don''t beat yourself up," Claire chuckled. "So, want to show me this Wildsoul technique you ¡®discovered¡¯?" David perked up. "Oh, yeah! It feels a lot like the Mutagen process, but weaker. Here, let me show you..." For the next few minutes, David guided Claire through the basics of feeling and manipulating her Wildsoul. To his dismay, she picked it up with frustrating ease. "This is amazing!" Claire exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "You know what? I bet I could cast Arcane Missile like in Bumblefuq!" Before David could protest, Claire closed her eyes in concentration. Her form began to glow faintly, then suddenly...nothing. With a startled hiss, she began to collapse, her massive body tipping sideways. David¡¯s eyes widened as he realized he was directly in the path of her fall, and reacted on instinct to avoid becoming a bat-shaped pancake. He was still ''holding'' his Wildsoul from their earlier practice, and without thinking, he activated Nocturnal Strike to dodge Claire''s falling bulk. The effect was immediate and startling. Instead of the usual momentum shift, David felt as if an invisible hand had grabbed him and yanked him aside. He sailed through the air, covering far more distance than he''d intended, coming to a stop several feet away. What the¨C But there was no time to process what had just happened. Claire smote the ground heavily on her side, making distressed gurgling noises. "Urghh... shouldn''t have... done that...think I''m gonna barf..." Concern for his friend overrode his surprise. Hurriedly, his grip on the Wildsoul all but forgotten, David began to sing a Moonsong. As the melody flowed from him, he felt something different, a surge of power infusing the song. The first familiar soothing notes took on a new quality, charged with raw energy. It was as if two streams had suddenly merged, creating something new and unexpectedly powerful. Oh wow, that''s... that''s not normal. Damn, I forgot I still had a grip on the magic That''s dangerous, what if I''d passed out too? Flat bat, that''s what. David almost fumbled the melody as he felt the Ability manifest in a way he''d never experienced before. But he didn''t stop singing, instinctively knowing that whatever was happening, it would help Claire. As David sang, he felt the familiar tingle surging through him. This time, however, the sensation concentrated in his back, spreading outward into his wings. The leathery membranes of his wings began to shimmer faintly, as if catching starlight that wasn''t there. The crescent moon patterns, starkly visible against his dark coloration, started to glow with a soft, silvery light. Around these crescents, pinpricks of luminescence appeared, resembling a scattering of stars against the dark canvas of his wings. As the song reached its peak, the effect intensified. The ¡®stars¡¯ on his wings pulsed gently, their light waxing and waning in time with the music. A mist of twilight energy, a mixture of deep purple and crimson, began to wisp off the edges of his wings, reaching out towards Claire. Where the energies touched Claire''s scales, they left behind a subtle, shimmering residue, like dew catching the first light of dawn. The air around them vibrated with a faint power, carrying the notes of the Moonsong further than they should have traveled. As the song faded, the magical effects slowly receded. The starry points on David''s wings dimmed, the crescent moons returning to their usual appearance. He slumped slightly, feeling the extra drain on his stamina. It wasn''t as intense as he''d feared, but it was very noticeable. The magic had been there, undeniably real, but raw and unrefined. Claire, looking significantly better, struggled to sit up, her eyes wide with amazement. "David...that was...different. What did you just do?" This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. David, still catching his breath, shook his head in disbelief. "I''m not entirely sure. It was like Moonsong, but...way cooler. Was still practicing moving magic around when you went down. I could feel the tingles through my wings that time." Claire nodded, her gaze fixed on David''s wings as if expecting them to light up again. "It looked like you were carrying a piece of the night sky on your wings. And it felt...it felt good. Like a breath of fresh air or something." "Yeah," David agreed, flexing his wings experimentally. "It was stronger than usual, but I think I need a lot more practice before I can do anything really impressive." David and Claire stared at each other for a moment before breaking into nervous laughter. The absurdity of the situation hit them both at once. "I can''t believe you tried to cast Arcane Missile," David choked out between giggles. "What were you expecting, glowing purple arrows?" Claire snorted, a sound that was both hilarious and slightly terrifying coming from her massive form. "Hey, it worked in the game! How was I supposed to know real magic doesn''t come with a user manual?" "Well, at least now we know what happens when a dinosaur swoons," David teased, his wings shaking with mirth. Claire grumbled good-naturedly. "Like anyone could catch me if I did. I''d flatten them like a pancake." David cackled at the mental image. "True. But you''d make one hell of a fainting couch." As their laughter subsided, they exchanged a look of mutual understanding. "Maybe we should hold off on inventing new stuff for now," Claire suggested. David nodded, flexing his wings. "Agreed. But we could test out our existing Abilities with the Wildsoul. See what happens?" What followed was an hour of magical experimentation that would have made any scientist proud, and possibly a little terrified. David''s Nocturnal Strike, infused with Wildsoul, became a sight to behold. His talons and wing spikes glowed with a faint crimson light, and the ability''s speed was amplified. However, it now drained a small amount of stamina, despite its usual lack of cost. "Huh, trade-offs," David mused, examining his glowing talons. Moonsong, already tested, was noted to have a more potent and longer-lasting regeneration effect. Screech, initially seeming unchanged, revealed its true potential when David targeted a large piece of rocky debris. The sound waves, charged with Wildsoul energy, caused the rock to vibrate violently, cracks spider-webbing across its surface. "Whoa!" David exclaimed, stumbling slightly from the unexpected stamina drain. "That''s... intense." Claire, observing closely, suggested, "Maybe it''s because you focused it on just the rock? More power, but more drain?" David nodded thoughtfully. "Could be. Let''s try Gloom next." He quickly hopped into the air, gliding a dozen yards away to land in a more open area. Leaving his wings extended upon landing, he focused briefly, concentrating energy in them before flapping once. The result was both spectacular and slightly alarming. Instead of the usual cloud, David''s wings exploded with a massive smokescreen of Gloom, completely obscuring him from view. "David?" Claire called out, a note of concern in her voice. "I''m okay!" came his muffled reply. "Just... very, very hidden." Damn. I can''t even see out of it. Echolocation can solve that though, thankfully. That''s really useful, actually. I won''t lie, I''ve only really used¡­I dunno, four or five abilities and I''m already wiped out. Gloom is a passive for fucks sake, and it still made me tired somehow to use it with the Wildsoul. As the wind carried the Gloom away, they watched the Cuddlebugs zip through the dissipating cloud, leaving trails of mist in their wake. They happily played in the silvery, off-color dust, chasing each other through the cloud until finally returning to perch nearby. Every so often one would shake itself violently, and a puff of Gloom would drift down from their perch. David felt an idea forming as he watched them through the fading cloud of Gloom before finally speaking. "Well," David said, emerging from the fading Gloom, "I think we can safely say that magic makes everything more interesting. And potentially more destructive." Claire nodded, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and concern. "No kidding. We''re going to need to be careful with this at first. Could be pretty bad if we push too far in an actual fight." "So," David said, breaking the contemplative silence after a few seconds, "want to see what happens when you infuse your abilities?" Claire''s answering rumble was both excited and slightly nervous. "Oh, absolutely. Just...maybe we should move a little further away from anything breakable first." David nodded with amusement as Claire almost bounced with excitement past the area he occupied, eyeing the now silvery dirt with distrust. She came to a stop a few yards away, stretching her neck out slightly before shaking herself a bit and straightening up with a clack of her enormous jaws. Claire took a deep breath, focusing on her Wildsoul as David had shown her. To David''s mixture of pride and annoyance, she seemed to grasp the concept effortlessly. He suspected that the damage done by the Owl had made things much more difficult than they should have been, but was still a bit ruffled about it. "Alright, let''s start with something simple," Claire said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She shifted her weight, then launched into a series of empowered Kicks. Each strike was accompanied by a golden glow that traced the path of her leg, leaving a faint glow in the air. The impacts were noticeably more powerful, small craters forming where her feet connected with the ground. "Nice!" David cheered. "Now try something else!" Claire grinned, then opened her jaws wide. What followed was a rapid series of bites and snaps, each punctuated by flashes of golden light. The air itself seemed to ripple with each strike. "Whoa, what was that?" David asked, impressed. "I fused Rend with a new ability," Claire explained. "Picked it up after our last boss fight. Pretty neat, huh?" David nodded rapidly in agreement, his ears flopping comically with the motion of his head as the Cuddlebugs seemed to cheer along with him. They had been watching avidly since Claire began her round of testing, lined up in an adorably perfect row where they sat perched on a nearby vehicle. God, they almost look like they''re taking notes¡­wait! What happens if I use my Wildsoul with Nightshade Swarm? Oooooh, I don''t want anything to happen to the little guys, but I definitely want to see how that works. Next, she turned to a large boulder. The knot of bone at the end of her tail, now glowing with that same warm golden energy, whipped around with devastating force. The boulder didn''t just crack, but exploded into fragments, dust billowing outward from the impact. David chittered appreciatively. "Remind me never to get on your bad side." Claire shot him an appreciative look before taking a stance that made David suck in a breath of surprise. No way...no way! Is she gonna do the thing from- For her finale, Claire took a deep breath. David could see the golden light welling up in her throat, visible through the thick skin of her neck. Then she Roared. The sound was deafening, far beyond her usual impressive volume. Waves of visible golden energy pulsed outward with the sound, flattening the sparse grass and kicking up a cloud of dust that expanded in a perfect circle around her. David felt a surge of power fill his body, and he briefly felt as though he could lift an entire truck above his head and throw it into the horizon before the amplifying effect quickly dissipated after only a handful of seconds. As the echo faded, David couldn''t help but grin. "I feel like I should be running away screaming in badly dubbed English. You''re giving off some serious ¡®Queen of the monsters'' vibes right now." Claire preened a bit at the compliment, looking quite pleased with herself. "I have to admit, this magic stuff is pretty cool." As they stood there, catching their breath and marveling at their newfound abilities, movement caught David''s eye. He turned to see Kozlov, Wally, Adam, and Gideon standing at the entry of the Observatory, their jaws collectively on the floor. Gideon actually had his hand outstretched, a tiny clawed finger pointing accusing as if to say, ''thats not how that works''. David burst into laughter at their dumbfounded expressions. "Oh, hey guys! Don''t mind us, just figured out how to use magic overnight. No big deal." He looked up at the sky and scratched at his neck with a hind claw as he spoke, the very picture of nonchalance. Claire rolled her eyes and thumped David lightly with her tail. "Don''t be a shit about it," she chided, but there was amusement in her voice. "Ow! Okay, okay," David chuckled, rubbing his side dramatically. "I guess we''ve got some explaining to do, huh?" As their friends continued to stare in shocked silence, David and Claire exchanged a glance. This was going to be an interesting conversation. "So," David said, clapping his wings together, "who wants to learn some magic?" The stunned silence that continued to stretch out was broken only by Claire''s exasperated sigh and the soft thump of her tail hitting the ground as she let it go limp. It was going to be a long day of explanations and demonstrations, but as David looked at the mix of shock and excitement on his friends'' faces, he couldn''t help but feel a thrill of anticipation. 96 - Survival of the Freakiest The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest clearing. David hovered above the treeline, his wings beating steadily as he surveyed the area below. His quarry, a massive mantis-like creature, had been a bit irritating to find. Even with liberal application of Echolocation, he''d still almost missed it. The large insect was almost lifelessly still where it sat concealed high in the trees above a small game trail. Alright, you overgrown bug. Let''s dance. David dove, tucking his wings close to his body for maximum speed. The mantis immediately sensed his approach, its head swiveling unnaturally to track him. At the last second, David flared his wings, using the momentum to sling a glob of acid at the creature. So much for having a blind spot. Good eyes on that thing. The mantis dodged with impossible agility, its blade-like forelegs slicing through the air where David had been moments before. David banked hard, barely avoiding the counter-attack. For several minutes, they engaged in an aerial ballet of near-misses and quick maneuvers. David''s agility in the air was matched by the mantis''s speed and reflexes. Neither could gain the upper hand. To his immense shock, the creature had managed to swat a few shots out of the air, not even bothering to dodge. The claw-like forelimbs smoked slightly, but didn''t seem to suffer much damage from the acid. The splatter that hit its body seemed to pain it, though it took long moments to even discolor the carapace. David frowned as he performed an acrobatic loop, then juked to the side to gain distance. Holy shit, this thing''s fast! I''ve seen monsters fighting off Gloom with better reflexes than me right now. He darted between two trees, wings tucking in tight to slip through the gap. The mantis, instead of following, simply ran up one trunk and launched itself off, cutting off David''s escape route. Oh, come on! Since when are bugs parkour experts? Wait¡­nevermind. That''s a dumb question. David barrel-rolled, his fur barely brushing the mantis''s carapace as he evaded its lunge. He retaliated with a quick spit of acid, but the bug twisted in mid-air like it was auditioning for a wuxia movie, the glob sizzling harmlessly on the bark behind it. Note to self: Don''t play Twister with this thing. It''d win. The forest canopy became their personal obstacle course. David wove through branches like a bat out of hell, while the mantis kept pace, its body bending in ways that made David''s spine hurt just watching. More than once, he was forced to clumsily infuse a Nocturnal Strike with his Wildsoul. The added speed and range giving him the edge he needed to slip a blow or quickly reverse directions to evade the creatures snatching limbs. If I survive this, I''m signing up for yoga. Clearly, I''m not flexible enough. Every time David thought he had an opening, the mantis would pull some insane acrobatic move. Its carapace deflected glancing blows like the world''s ugliest suit of armor. Even a lucky shot landing directly on the creature''s legs didn''t seem to bother it, though it did let out a shriek of frustration that made David¡¯s ears ring. This is ridiculous. I''m getting shown up by something that doesn''t even have a spine! David''s wings were starting to feel like they were made of lead. But slowing down wasn''t an option unless he wanted to find out if he could regrow limbs. Okay, David, think. You can''t outfly this thing. Time to outsmart it. Assuming it doesn''t pull a PhD out of its thorax or something. As the deadly game of tag continued, David knew he had to change tactics. Brute force and speed weren''t cutting it. It was time to get creative, and hope that his brain was quicker than the mantis¡¯... whatever bugs used for thinking. Here goes nothing. Please don''t let my epitaph read ''Outsmarted by a grasshopper on steroids.'' Coming to roughly the same conclusion as David began to wheel about, the mantis changed tactics. It launched itself upward with explosive force, its massive wings unfurling as it rocketed towards David. It''s wings roared like angry chainsaws, and he had exactly enough time to remember that Mantis¡¯ could actually fly before it was almost on him. Oh shi¡ª David didn''t have time to finish the thought. Acting on instinct, he reached for his Wildsoul, feeling the energy surge through him. As the mantis closed in, David flapped his wings hard, releasing an enormous cloud of Gloom. The effect was instantaneous. The mantis flew straight into the dark mist, its momentum carrying it through. But as it emerged on the other side, its movements became erratic. The creature''s multifaceted eyes seemed to attract the dust, effectively blinding it for a moment that David used to slip under its trajectory. ¨CVerdant Scytheclaw has been afflicted with |Sleep| |Paralysis| |Gloom|¨C ¨CBonus: Empowered Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 25xp!¨C Gotcha. Wait, what?! I could have been getting more XP this entire time? Dammit! David wasted no time. He unleashed a barrage of acid spit, targeting the mantis''s delicate wing membranes. The creature screeched in pain as the corrosive liquid ate through its wings, sending it plummeting to the forest floor. ¨CVerdant Scytheclaw has been afflicted with |Corrosion|¨C As the mantis crashed through the canopy, David followed, careful to stay out of reach of those deadly forelegs. The creature thrashed on the ground, its movements growing sluggish as the paralytic effects of the Gloom took hold. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! "Alright, little buddies," David called to the Cuddlebugs clinging to his fur. "You''re up!" The tiny creatures swarmed off him, their cute appearance belying their ferocity as they descended upon the mantis. They found every crack in its exoskeleton, biting and clawing with surprising effectiveness. He watched grimly as two unfortunate individuals were snatched clumsily and dispatched, only to be stuffed almost immediately into the beast''s mouth. ¨CVerdant Scytheclaw has been afflicted with |Weakness|¨C David circled above, raining down acid spit to supplement the Cuddlebugs'' assault. The mantis''s struggles grew weaker, its once-lightning-fast movements now painfully slow. Come on, just a little more... With a final, gurgling screech, the mantis shuddered and went still. David landed nearby, panting from the exertion of the fight. ¨CLandmark Quest: A Single Strike completed!¨C ¨CSysAutogen_LQReward¨C ¨CGained: Random Mutagen Token: E¨C ¨CSysAutogen_BonusLoot¨C ¨CGained 2pts!¨C ¨CGained 500xp¨C ¨CLevel Up!¨C ¨CGained 1Pts!¨C "Well," David said to the Cuddlebugs as they returned to him, covered in ichor but chirping happily, "that was fun. Remind me to thank Wally for all those dodging practice sessions, who¡¯d have thought? Hah!." As he caught his breath, David couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride. A few weeks ago, this fight would have been impossible. Now, with his growing mastery over his abilities and the new dimension that Wildsoul manipulation added, he felt... capable. Dangerous, even. I wonder what the others would think if they could see me right now. If Omega¡¯s Quest doesn''t kill me, we should visit Riverport again. See how everyone¡¯s doing¡­if I''m even allowed to. Big Red¡¯s probably gonna have more work for me¡­eh, don''t think about i¨C No. Bad David. Make a plan, you can do it. David chittered happily, remembering their shocked faces when he and Claire had demonstrated their newfound magical abilities. The impromptu training session that followed had been equal parts hilarious and terrifying. David shook off the memories, focusing on the task at hand. He still had a Quest to complete, after all. "Alright, team," he said to the Cuddlebugs. "Break time''s over. Let''s see what other trouble we can find." With that, David spread his wings and took to the sky once more, and as he flew higher, he couldn''t help but grin. Life was weird, dangerous, and often terrifying, but damn if it wasn''t exciting lately. He relaxed, gliding along as his Stamina regenerated, but he kept an eye out for homicidal birds. The Cuddlebugs, at his mental instruction, also kept an eye out vigilantly. Every resting summon scanning the sky above him as he flew. Gotta take what you can get sometimes. David soared above the treetops, his wings cutting through the cool evening air. As he scanned the forest below for his next target, a grin spread across his face. Two more levels till Evolution. If I pull an all-nighter, I might just hit it by tomorrow¡­well, maybe not but I''ll be close. Depends on if I can find another good one like that mantis quest. He''d discovered something interesting over the time since departing Redfield, and as the evening passed his suspicions were confirmed. The farther he ventured from the remnants of human civilization, the weirder and tougher things got. It was like mother nature had decided to go on a bender, throwing out all the rules in favor of ¡®let''s see how crazy we can make this.¡¯ Makes sense, I guess. Fewer people out here to begin with, less hunting pressure. Now it''s survival of the freakiest. I don''t doubt it''s by design as well, can''t even imagine all the ¡®data¡¯ they''re getting out of whatever goes on out here. Makes me wonder what places really far removed are like now. Giant Arctic ice worms or something? Blech. He''d tackled a few more quests in the hours before the mantis incident. There was the swarm of electric butterflies that nearly short-circuited his brain. Then the racoon-things who had decided burrowing was in fashion this season and tried to body-slam him to death when he approached. And who could forget the river that flowed uphill and had a nasty habit of concealing fish that hurled themselves like javelins? Just another day in the office for David, monster exterminator extraordinaire. Somebody get me a business card. As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, David felt fatigue starting to creep in. His wings ached, and even the Cuddlebugs seemed less enthusiastic in their chirping. Alright, maybe a quick break wouldn''t hurt. Can''t evolve if I''m too tired to fight off an angry dandelion. I''m actually so glad no plants have tried to eat me ye¨C Wait, do Chlorogyre''s count as plants? Shit. I might have to keep a better eye out on the flora. Xi might be cryptic, but that ¡®pay attention¡¯ was pretty blunt. He began to descend, looking for a suitable resting spot, when something caught his eye. Below him stretched a massive swath of flattened grass and torn vegetation. It looked like someone had taken a giant rolling pin to the forest floor. What the...? David landed at the edge of the disturbed area, his curiosity piqued. The destruction stretched as far as he could see, disappearing into the distance. Massive tracks, unlike anything he''d encountered before, littered the ground. Either the world''s largest marching band came through here, or... A chill ran down his spine as he realized the implications. Whatever had caused this was big. Really big. And there were a lot of them. Okay, David. You wanted excitement. Looks like you found it. The question is, do you follow the trail of destruction or pretend you never saw this and go back to thinking about homicidal plant life? He glanced at the Cuddlebugs, who were investigating the tracks with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Their tiny faces looked up at him, as if asking, ¡®What''s the plan, boss?¡¯ David took a deep breath, weighing his options. On one hand, this could be way out of his league. On the other, the potential xp... Ah, screw it. You only live once. Or twice, in my case. "Alright, team," he announced to the Cuddlebugs. "Looks like we''re going on a little adventure. Try not to get stepped on by whatever made these tracks." As David took to the air again, following the path of destruction through the forest, he couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. Whatever lay at the end of the trail was bound to be dangerous, possibly deadly. But it was also a chance to push his limits, to see what he was really capable of¡­and likely worth quite a bit of xp. Just remember, if this goes sideways, Claire is going to kill you. Assuming whatever made these tracks doesn''t beat her to it. I already left her alone to babysit everyone¡­heh. I bet Kozlov would be grumpy knowing we''re having to baby them a little bit. They need it though, they''d get eaten first thing trying to get through the swamp alone. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the devastated landscape. David pressed on, his wings beating steadily as he followed the trail into the unknown. Whatever waited at the end of this path, he was determined to lurk, debilitate, and harvest as much xp as possible. After a quick rest once he found it, of course. Maybe a bit of sneaking around. Here''s hoping Evolution comes with a ''don''t get squashed'' perk. 97 - Feralbugs & Herd Lords David slowly regained consciousness, his head pounding like a jackhammer convention. He found himself draped awkwardly across several branches, leaves tickling his nose and twigs poking into places he''d rather not think about. His body was contorted in a way that would make a snake jealous, one wing wedged between two branches, the other dangling limply towards the ground. His legs were splayed at odd angles, one foot hooked over a higher branch, the other disappearing into a cluster of leaves. What the... Did I lose a drinking contest or something? Oh my god, my head... I haven''t felt this bad since that time I accidentally flew into Claire''s tail. As his foggy brain began to clear, fragments of memory surfaced. The trail of destruction he''d followed for nearly an hour, pushing his wings to their limit as he cruised at top speed. The gradual thinning of the forest as it gave way to what must have once been farmland. And finally, this massive tree, standing like a lone sentinel at the edge of a vast sea of grass. He remembered landing, then things started to get fuzzy around the time he attempted to infuse his Nightshade Swarm with energy from his Wildsoul. Oh great. I fainted at full stamina. That''s not embarrassing at all. At least I picked a comfy tree to pass out in. Five stars, would faint again. The sound of chirping laughter drew his attention. The Cuddlebugs were perched on nearby branches, their tiny bodies shaking with mirth. Even Spooky, usually the grumpiest voice in his head, was chuckling. David''s eyes, still adjusting to consciousness, took in his surroundings. The tree he''d so gracefully collapsed in stood at the very edge of the forest. Beyond it stretched an endless expanse of gently waving grass, so tall it would likely conceal him entirely if he were standing on the ground. The wind carried the sweet scent of wildflowers and fertile earth, a pleasant contrast to the woody smell of the tree bark he was currently intimately acquainted with. In the distance, he could make out the occasional lone tree or bush, like islands in a green ocean. The moon, now high in the sky, bathed everything in a cool glow, creating a picturesque scene that would have been quite enjoyable if he wasn''t hanging upside down with a branch in his ear. Well, at least the view is nice. Now, if I can just figure out how to get down without adding ''fell out of another tree'' to my list of embarrassing moments...Laugh it up, furballs. Next time I''ll aim for a softer landing spot. Like your heads. David noticed something odd as he began to extricate himself from the tangle of branches. Two of the Cuddlebugs weren''t joining in the merriment. In fact, they looked... different. Where the others were adorable puffballs of fluff and cuteness, these two were sleek and lethal-looking. Their bodies were streamlined, covered in smooth, dark fur that seemed to absorb light. Razor-sharp claws extended from their paws, and their mouths were lined with needle-like fangs that protruded slightly, giving them a permanent snarl. Strangest of all was the long, rat like tails that extended from their bodies, wrapping firmly around the branches they sat upon. But it was their eyes that truly set them apart. The usual purple eyeshine was there, but it was marred by streaks of crimson that swirled and pulsed like blood. Those eyes fixed on David with an intelligence that was both thrilling and unnerving. Uh, Spooky? Care to explain our new friends? Spooky''s response was unlike anything David had experienced before. Instead of the usual grumpy mutterings or primal urges, he felt a wave of satisfaction and...was that pride? The mental purr reverberated through his consciousness, a sound of pure approval that sent shivers down his spine. Spooky was happy. Well, that''s new. Didn''t know you could do anything but growl, fuck things up, and give bad social advice. The other Cuddlebugs, usually so eager to cuddle and play, gave the new pair a wide berth. Their tiny eyes darted nervously towards the transformed creatures, chirps taking on a distinctly uneasy tone. It was clear that the hierarchy had shifted, and these newcomers were not to be trifled with. As David finally managed to extract himself from the tree''s embrace, twigs snapping and leaves fluttering down around him, the two transformed Cuddlebugs took up positions on either side of him. They moved with a fluid grace that seemed almost unnatural, their every motion speaking of barely contained aggression. Their eyes, unsettling pools of purple and crimson, constantly scanned the surroundings for potential threats. Well, this is new. Looks like my little magic experiment gave me some guard dogs. Or guard bats. Guard demon-puffs? Note to self: work on better naming conventions. David couldn''t help but feel a mix of pride and apprehension as he observed his new creations. They were undeniably more powerful, their very presence exuding an aura of danger that made even him slightly nervous. The way they moved, the intensity of their gaze, the sharp glint of their claws and fangs, everything about them screamed ''apex predator.'' Just¡­very tiny. But there was also a feral edge to them that gave David pause. The regular Cuddlebugs, for all their ferocity in battle, were ultimately under his control. These new summons, however... there was an intelligence in their eyes that suggested they might have ideas of their own. As David locked eyes with one of the transformed Cuddlebugs, a chill ran down his spine. Unlike the other Cuddlebugs, with their simple, adorable gazes, these new creatures had a look of cunning about them. Their eyes weren''t just observing; they were analyzing, calculating. A line from an old movie flashed unbidden through David¡¯s mind after only a few seconds, and he flattened his ears a bit at the implications of remembering that particular scene. ¡®When you look at them, you can see they''re working things out. They''re problem solvers. They remember.¡¯ The creature tilted its head slightly, as if confirming David''s assessment. In that moment, he realized these weren''t just enhanced versions of his cute, if deadly, companions. They were something new entirely, and potentially far more dangerous. Great. I''ve basically created tiny, furry velociraptors with wings. What could possibly go wrong? Okay, David, let''s think this through. You''ve accidentally created super-powered, possibly semi-sentient killer fluffballs. No big deal. Just another Tuesday in the apocalypse. Is it Tuesday? I could probably figure it out if I tried hard enou¨C As the second of the transformed Cuddlebugs turned its gaze on him, David felt a chill run down his spine. There was recognition there, certainly, but also a calculating look that made him wonder just how much of their original nature remained. He couldn''t shake the feeling that he''d just opened a very interesting, potentially terrifying, can of worms. Right. New rule: no more magical experiments without proper safety protocols. And maybe a really big net. Alright, team, let''s see what other trouble we can get into. Preferably without me fainting again. David spread his wings, launching himself into the air with a powerful leap. The Cuddlebugs followed suit, the two transformed ones taking up positions slightly above and behind him, displaying a newfound ability to glide a stark contrast to their fluttering brethren. As they soared over the sea of grass, David''s nostrils flared, catching a scent that made him pause mid-flight. It was familiar, tantalizingly so, yet slightly off from what he expected. The smell tickled at the edges of his memory, like a half-forgotten conversation. Why do I know this smell? It''s like...lizardy. Maybe that''s what dinosaurs smelled like? No, that can''t be right. I''ve never smelled a dinosaur. Well, except Claire, but she mostly smells like trouble and sass. This is different. Earthier, wilder. Like a zoo exhibit, but cranked up to eleven. He shook his head, focusing on following the trail. The flattened grass below formed a highway of destruction, leading him onward. As he flew, the two transformed Cuddlebugs kept pace effortlessly, their eyes constantly scanning for threats. Their new appearance still unnerved him slightly, but he couldn''t deny the surge of pride he felt at their enhanced capabilities. After what felt like an hour of flying, David finally spotted them. The sea of grass gave way to a sight that made his jaw drop. Spread out below him was an enormous herd of strange, scaly creatures. They resembled nothing so much as giant, herbivorous dinosaurs, their massive bodies creating a living landscape that stretched as far as the eye could see. Holy shit. Claire would lose her mind if she saw this. Probably try to adopt them all. Or eat them. Maybe both? Farmersaurus? No, focus, David. You''re here for a reason, remember? xp, evolution, not getting squashed by Omega. Though I gotta admit, this is pretty damn cool. I bet nobody else has seen this type of shit for¡­a long enough time that continents have moved around, probably. David circled above, trying to take in the sheer scale of the herd. He attempted to count them, but quickly gave up, realizing it was a futile effort. The creatures below varied in size and shape, some towering behemoths with long necks that would make giraffes jealous, others squat and wide like living tanks. Their scales glinted in the moonlight, a rainbow of muted colors that shifted as they moved. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. As he flew over the seemingly endless expanse of creatures, David couldn''t help but wonder if he''d bitten off more than he could chew. The sheer numbers were staggering, and he began to doubt his ability to make even a dent in their population. 57, 58, 59...a metric fuckton. Yeah, that seems about right. Maybe I should''ve brought Claire after all. She could probably just step on them. Or at least provide a distraction. ''Hey, look at the giant lizard! No, not me, the other giant lizard!'' Ah well, hindsight''s 20/20, and all that jazz. It took an absurdly long time to reach the front of the herd, where the creatures lay sleeping. Occasional low rumbles and honking sounds drifted up from below as they jostled for comfortable positions or shoved each other in their sleep. The cacophony of snores, grunts, and various other unidentifiable noises created a bizarre symphony of prehistoric proportions. As David hovered above the forerunners of the herd, a familiar happy chime sounded in his mind. ¨CQuest Requirement: Carnivorous or Omnivorous Diet¨C ¨CRequirement met!¨C ¨CEvent Quest Available: The Great Herd¨C ¨CReward: Performance Based¨C ¨CBonus Objective: Slay the Herd Lord¨C ¨CBonus Reward: 1000xp¨C David''s eyes widened at the potential reward. A thousand xp for taking out one creature? That was a tempting offer, almost twice as good as the Quest to kill the Verdant Scytheclaw. But as he surveyed the sea of scaly bodies below, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. Alright, David. You wanted a challenge, and boy, did you get one. Now, how the hell do I find one specific lizard? It''s not like the boss is going to be wearing a nametag. ''Hi, I''m the Herd Lord, please don''t eat me.'' Though that would make things a lot easier. Maybe I should suggest that to Omega for the next update. ''Dear cosmic horror, please add convenient labels. Sincerely, the bat who''s tired of guessing.'' He glanced at his transformed Cuddlebugs, their eyes gleaming with predatory anticipation. The regular Cuddlebugs fluttered nervously, clearly intimidated by both their empowered brethren and the massive creatures below. David couldn''t blame them; he was feeling pretty small himself at the moment. At least someone''s excited. Okay, team. Let''s see if we can''t make some dino nuggets. Step one: don''t get smooshed. Step two: figure out which one of these overgrown lizards is in charge. Step three: profit. Or get eaten. Preferably profit. With a deep breath, David began to descend, ready to face whatever challenges this Quest might throw at him. The great herd slumbered on, unaware of the bat-shaped harbinger of chaos about to disrupt their peaceful night. As he flew lower, the true scale of the creatures became even more apparent. Even the smallest among them dwarfed him, and the largest... well, he tried not to think about that too much. David continued to glide silently above the slumbering herd, his wings cutting through the cool night air with barely a whisper. His eyes scanned the sea of scaly bodies below, searching for any sign of the elusive Herd Lord. Periodically, he''d send out pulses of Echolocation, but the sheer number of creatures made it difficult to parse the returning information. This is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. If the needle was the size of a bus and the haystack was alive and snoring. Frustrated by his lack of progress, David decided to enlist some help. He sent out a mental command to his Cuddlebugs, directing them to search for anything unusual. The regular Cuddlebugs fluttered off haphazardly, their tiny faces scrunched in confusion as they tried to understand their task. One of the transformed Cuddlebugs, however, moved with purpose, its crimson-streaked eyes gleaming with predatory intelligence as it dove into the maze of sleeping giants. It¡¯s twin staunchly refused to move from its position to his left, though it watched the other depart with obvious jealousy. At least someone knows what they''re doing. Maybe I should''ve empowered all of them instead. Though having an army of tiny, furry Determinators might be more trouble than it''s worth. As he watched his minions disperse, a thought struck David like a bolt of lightning. Wait a second. I''ve been throwing my Wildsoul into everything else. Why the hell haven''t I tried it with Echolocation? Feeling slightly foolish for not thinking of it sooner, David focused on his Special Ability, channeling his Wildsoul into the familiar sensation of sound waves. The effect was immediate and overwhelming. The pulse of Echolocation burst from him with far more power than he''d ever experienced. It swept across the herd like an invisible tidal wave, and the returning information nearly knocked David out of the sky. His wings faltered as his mind was suddenly bombarded with an onslaught of vivid, detailed sensory data. Every creature the empowered Echolocation touched was instantly mapped in David''s mind with astonishing clarity. He could sense their heartbeats, the rhythm of their breathing, even the flow of blood through their veins. The composition of their scales, the density of their bones, the strength of their muscles, all of it was laid bare to his heightened perception. But it wasn''t just physical details. David found he could sense other things too, levels of alertness, general health, and even vague impressions of emotional states. He could tell which creatures were dreaming, which were restless, which might be close to waking. The influx of information was so intense that David felt like his head might explode. He wobbled in the air, struggling to process the vast amount of data flooding his senses. His stomach twisted with vertigo, and he barely fought down a wave of nausea as he slowly adjusted to his expanded awareness. Holy shit! It''s like I''ve got X-ray vision, a medical scanner, and some kind of psychic radar all rolled into one. This is incredible... and also kind of terrifying. As he regained his composure, David realized the true potential of this empowered ability. He could pick out weaknesses, identify the healthiest specimens, even predict which creatures might pose the biggest threat if awakened. Okay, this is definitely cheating. I love it. With his new supercharged Echolocation, David resumed his search for the Herd Lord with renewed vigor. He swept his enhanced senses across the herd methodically, processing the wealth of information with growing confidence. It didn''t take long before something caught his attention. Near the center of the herd, one creature stood out from the rest. It was larger than most, its life signs stronger, its presence somehow more...commanding. Bingo. Unless I''m very much mistaken, that''s our VIP. Very Important Prehistoric-lizard. As David honed in on his target, he couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. He''d found his quarry, but now came the hard part, figuring out how to take down a creature that made him feel like a mosquito in comparison. Well, David, you wanted a challenge. Looks like you''ve got one. Now, how do you fancy your chances against something that could probably swallow you whole without noticing? This isn''t even a real boss, just like, some kind of...mini boss or something. Like the big Chlorogyre was. If you can''t handle this one when everything is stuck on the ground, how do you expect to kill an actual Area Boss? You can do this. As David contemplated his next move, Spooky stirred within him, a primal surge of aggression and jealousy flooding his senses. His instincts bristled at the mere existence of the Herd Lord, its implied superiority an affront to everything Spooky represented. The urge to attack, to dominate, to prove himself the true apex predator, grew overwhelmingly strong. Whoa there, Spooky. I get it, you''re not a fan of the big guy. But let''s not do anything rash¡ª His internal dialogue was cut short as Spooky pushed another idea forward, a vivid impression of his Corruptor''s Touch ability infused with raw, predatory power. The image was so strong, so alluring, that David found himself unconsciously gathering his Wildsoul, focusing it towards his specialized glands. As he wrestled with this new urge, David called back his Cuddlebugs. They returned swiftly, the transformed one looking particularly smug as it took up its position. David drifted in lazy circles above the Herd Lord, his enhanced Echolocation providing an unprecedented view of his target. The creature below was a marvel of prehistoric engineering. Its long neck was adorned with two parallel rows of tall, sail-like spines, creating an intimidating silhouette. The spines continued down its back, gradually shrinking as they reached its powerful tail. Its body was robust, supported by four pillar-like legs that ended in broad, three-toed feet. The Herd Lord''s skull was relatively small compared to its body, but its jaws looked strong enough to crush bone with ease. David''s empowered senses revealed potential weak points with startling clarity. The joints where the neck met the body seemed particularly vulnerable, as did the areas around its eyes and the soft tissue of its underbelly. He noted how Gloom might affect its senses most effectively if aimed at its nostrils or eyes, and how his toxins could potentially wreak havoc if introduced to the blood vessels visible through the thinner scales on its neck. Even as he analyzed his target, David felt his Corruptor''s Touch changing, evolving under the influence of his Wildsoul and Spooky''s insistence. The familiar tingle in his mouth transformed into an intense, burning sensation. He could feel the specialized glands working overtime, producing something far more potent than his usual toxins. Unable to resist any longer, David took aim at a spot just behind the Herd Lord''s massive skull, where the scales looked thinnest and the blood flow strongest. He opened his jaws, and what emerged was far from his usual glob of acid. A stream of viscous liquid erupted from his mouth, glowing an eerie, luminous green that lit up the night around him. The substance bubbled and hissed as it arced through the air, growing in size and intensity. It struck its target with pinpoint accuracy, and immediately began to eat into the Herd Lord''s scales with terrifying efficiency. The peaceful night erupted into chaos as the Herd Lord''s agonized bellow shattered the silence. David watched in awe and horror as his empowered attack took effect, the acid spreading and burrowing deeper with each passing second. Oh shit. ¨CHealth: 220/220¨C ¨CStamina: 472/495¨C ¨Cn/a¨C ¨CHerd Lord has been afflicted by |Empowered Corrosion|¨C 98 - A long time coming The Herd Lord''s bellow of pain shattered the night, echoing across the slumbering herd. Massive creatures began to stir, their enormous bodies shifting restlessly. The ground trembled beneath their weight as they slowly rose, scales glinting in the moonlight. Oh shit. Okay, David, think fast. David sent a mental command to his Cuddlebugs. They responded instantly, diving towards the disoriented Herd Lord. They weaved between its massive legs, their small forms barely visible against the creature''s enormous bulk. Within seconds they had vanished, but he knew they were savaging the creatures relatively soft underbelly. Reaching deep within himself, David channeled his Wildsoul into his wings. The familiar tingle of Gloom production intensified, becoming a surging wave of energy that coursed through his entire body. With a powerful flap, he released a cloud of Gloom far larger than anything he''d ever produced before. A vast, shimmering cloud erupted from his wings, expanding rapidly in the night air. It was a swirling mass of silvery dust, with an otherworldly quality that set it apart from mere Dusk Powder. Streaks of darker gray and hints of iridescent purple swirled within the cloud, creating an almost hypnotic effect. Holy crap, that''s a lot of Gloom. But let''s not stop there. David repeated the process, again and again, each time producing another massive cloud of Gloom. The effort was taxing, his stamina draining a bit with each burst, but the result was undeniably impressive. The combined clouds of Gloom began to settle towards the Herd Lord, moving with an eerie, almost liquid cascade. Unlike normal dust or smoke that might disperse quickly, the Gloom maintained its cohesion, forming a dense, undulating blanket that descended upon its target. As it fell, the Gloom caught the moonlight, creating an ethereal spectacle. It looked like a piece of the night sky had come loose, a midnight fog dropping from the heavens. The slightly greater-than-air density of the Gloom caused it to billow downward in waves, pouring over the Herd Lord''s massive form and pooling in the spaces between its scales. The Herd Lord, still reeling from the acid attack, found itself engulfed in the silvery mist. It thrashed wildly, its massive tail whipping through the air and sending shockwaves through the ground. Each movement only served to stir the Gloom, creating swirling eddies that clung to its body like a second skin. As the last wisps of Gloom settled, the Herd Lord''s movements became sluggish. Its massive head swayed drunkenly, eyes blinking rapidly as it struggled against the effects of the Gloom. The creature''s legs trembled, its enormous body swaying precariously. Bingo! Nap time for you, big guy. But even as the Herd Lord succumbed to the effects of the Gloom, the real challenge was just beginning. The rest of the herd was awakening, their confused bellows filling the air. The ground shook with their movements, a sea of scales and muscle surging into motion. The Herd Lord, while weakened, was far from defeated, its massive form still dominating the landscape. ¨CHealth: 210/210¨C ¨CStamina: 407/495¨C ¨Cn/a¨C David, his stamina a bit depleted, found himself at the center of a rapidly escalating situation. The night air thrummed with tension, filled with the sounds of awakening giants and the eerie whisper of settling Gloom. Well, David, you wanted excitement. Looks like you''ve got it in spades. Now, how about we don''t die? With the Gloom settling over the Herd Lord, David angled himself into the wind, allowing himself to glide with only occasional flaps. His wings caught the cool night air, carrying him effortlessly as he watched the scene unfold below. The silvery mist began to spread outward from the Herd Lord, creeping across the ground and enveloping nearby creatures. Not bad for a flying rat, if I do say so myself. I see why there were rules about this sort of thing before the Integration. Imagine if it was all different corrosives instead of control effects? Okay, I mean, I definitely wouldn''t be taking naps on Claire''s back or hanging around populated areas as all but¡­ As he rested, regenerating his depleted stamina, David mused on the potency of his control effects. Even before his evolution, the combination of stealth, flight, and his arsenal of debilitating abilities had proven formidable. Now, with his enhanced powers, he felt like a true force of nature. Suddenly, a notification flashed in his mind: ¨CHerd Lord has been afflicted by |Weakness|¨C A grin spread across David''s face as he realized the Cuddlebugs had succeeded in their task. Moments later, another notification appeared: ¨CHerd Lord has been afflicted by |Bleed|¨C As if on cue, one of the Empowered Cuddlebugs returned to David''s side. It was covered in blood, its tiny face wearing an expression of smug satisfaction. It took up position next to him, keeping watch while its twin continued to maintain the afflictions on the Herd Lord. Look at you, all grown up and terrorizing dinosaurs. I''m so proud. Below, chaos reigned. The herd was now fully awake and aware of the attack. Panicked bellows and thunderous footsteps filled the air as the massive creatures surged in confusion. The Herd Lord, under the combined assault of Gloom, Weakness, and Bleed, was stumbling drunkenly. Its massive head swung wildly, eyes unfocused as it battled hallucinations only it could see. The Gloom continued to spread, carrying on air currents stirred up by the movement of so many enormous bodies. It flowed like a living thing, seeping into every crevice and engulfing more creatures with each passing moment. Just as David was beginning to feel confident in his strategy, a strange call rang out across the battlefield. It was similar to Claire''s empowering roar, but with a distinctly conflicting timbre. Ah, fuck. That can''t be good. His suspicions were confirmed as, one by one, the creatures began to trumpet their own calls. Each species had its own unique sound, deep, resonant bellows from the largest creatures, high-pitched hoots from the smaller ones, and everything in between. With each call, the effects stacked, building upon each other in a crescendo of empowerment. The Herd Lord, which had been on the verge of collapse, suddenly steadied itself. Its legs, once trembling, now stood firm. Its eyes, previously unfocused, sharpened with renewed awareness. It fought against the muscle spasms, stiffly forcing itself to stand taller, but seemed to lack the strength to do so. And still, the calls continued. The air vibrated with the combined force of their voices, a prehistoric symphony that seemed to shake the very earth. David could feel the power in those calls, a primal energy that sent shivers down his spine. Well, this just got a whole lot more complicated. Note to self: next time, maybe Gloom everything while it''s still asleep, you idiot. Spooky, we''re going to have a reckoning, this is getting out of control lately. As the empowering effects continued to build, David realized he was rapidly losing his advantage. The Gloom, while still effective, was being countered by the sheer force of the herd''s combined will. He needed a new strategy, and fast. Okay, David, think. You''ve got a pissed-off Herd Lord, an army of newly empowered dino-tanks, and a rapidly dwindling supply of tricks up your sleeve. What''s the play? He glanced at the Empowered Cuddlebug by his side, its tiny face set in a determined snarl. Despite the overwhelming odds, David felt a surge of resolve. He''d come too far to back down now. Well, if we''re going down, might as well go down swinging. Time to show these overgrown lizards what a bat and his army of demon-puffs can really do. As the empowering calls echoed across the battlefield, David''s mind raced. Drawing on his knowledge of Pack Abilities, he recalled that Claire''s empowering roar typically lasted only a minute or two. While he suspected her ability might be more potent than these prehistoric creatures'', he couldn''t be certain. Better safe than sorry. Time to crank up the Gloom factory. Focusing his Wildsoul back into his wings, David prepared to blanket the entire herd in a fresh wave of Gloom. He launched himself forward, intending to soar over the herd at top speed. However, as he accelerated, he was shocked by the sudden burst of speed. The wind whipped past him at an alarming rate, the ground below becoming a blur of scales and thrashing bodies. Holy shit! This is new! With a start, David realized he''d inadvertently empowered both his Flight and Gloom abilities simultaneously. The unintended boost sent a thrill of excitement through him, and he couldn''t help but laugh in elation. His celebration was cut short by a shrill screech from behind. The feral Cuddlebug, having finally caught up, was issuing a urgent warning. Without hesitation, David dodged, trusting his tiny companion''s instincts. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Mere seconds later, he understood the reason for the alarm. Below, a group of spike-covered creatures, panicked by the spreading Gloom, had hunkered down. With a collective flex of their massive bodies, they launched their spikes skyward like organic shrapnel. Okay, that''s just not fair. Who gave the walking tanks anti-aircraft capabilities? Despite his best efforts to dodge, David couldn''t evade all the projectiles. Several spikes found their mark, tearing through his wing membranes and piercing his body. Pain exploded across his senses as the organic missiles struck home. One spike grazed his left shoulder, leaving a deep, burning gash. Another punctured his right wing, the impact sending shockwaves through the delicate membrane and nearly throwing him off balance. A third buried itself in his thigh, the pain intense enough to make him squawk and hiss loudly. David rolled, tucking his head downward and yanking the spike out with his teeth. It fell downward and vanished into the rising fog of Gloom, chased by a small trickle of blood that was scattered by the wind. David gritted his teeth, fighting to maintain altitude as blood matted his fur and dripped from his wounds. The damage was severe, but thankfully not immediately life-threatening. Still, he knew he couldn''t take many more hits like that. ¨CYou have taken 42 Damage¨C ¨CHealth: 168/210¨C ¨CStamina: 387/495¨C Well, that''s going to leave a mark. Or several. Note to self: respect the spiky boys. Pushing through the pain, David redoubled his efforts to stay out of range, all too aware of how close he''d come to being turned into a pincushion. The feral Cuddlebug chirped worriedly at his side, its tiny eyes darting between David''s injuries and the threat below. Though not as numerous as the other species, there were enough of these living artillery pieces to force David into constant evasive maneuvers. He weaved through the air, alternating between empowering his Gloom and Flight abilities. With each pass, he spread more of the silvery mist, slowly transforming the area above the herd into a localized fog bank. As he darted and dove, notifications began to flash in his mind: ¨CBonus: Empowered Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 18xp¨C The numbers climbed rapidly as more creatures succumbed to the effects of his Gloom: ¨CBonus: Empowered Control Combo |37|¨C ¨CGained 296xp¨C The notifications continued, each one representing another small victory in this chaotic battle. David''s grin widened as the numbers soared higher and higher before he finally tore his attention away. Now we''re cooking with gas! Or Gloom, I guess. Same difference. The battlefield below had transformed into a surreal landscape. The silvery fog of Gloom hung heavy in the air, punctuated by the occasional eruption of spikes. Confused bellows and panicked trumpets echoed through the mist, creating a cacophony of prehistoric terror. David''s empowered flight allowed him to dance through this chaos with newfound grace. He twisted and rolled, narrowly avoiding volleys of spikes while continuously spreading more Gloom. The feral Cuddlebug kept pace, its tiny form darting alongside him and offering warnings whenever a new threat emerged from the fog. As the battle raged on, David could see the effects of his strategy taking hold. More and more creatures were succumbing to the Gloom, their movements becoming sluggish and uncoordinated. Even the spike-launchers were slowing, their volleys becoming less frequent and less accurate. Looks like these guys are running out of steam. Maybe there''s hope for us yet. But amidst this growing success, a new concern nagged at David. The Herd Lord, while affected by the Gloom, was still standing. Its massive form swayed in the mist, but it showed no signs of collapsing. The empowering calls, while less frequent now, still rang out occasionally, providing bursts of strength to the struggling herd. Alright, big guy. Time to see what it takes to bring you down. With a determined set to his wings, David banked towards the Herd Lord. He knew that to end this battle, he''d need to take out the leader. As he approached, he began to formulate a plan, one that would push his newfound powers to their limits. Let''s see how you handle a concentrated dose, shall we? David tucked his wings and dove towards the Herd Lord, his form a blur of dark fur and leathery membrane. As he approached, he unleashed an Empowered Echolocation, the sound waves rippling out and painting a detailed picture of his target. The Herd Lord''s massive form came into sharp focus. David could see every scale, every muscle, and every weak point. The damage from his earlier attacks was evident, acid-eaten scales, patches of Gloom clinging stubbornly to its hide, and the telltale signs of internal bleeding from the Cuddlebugs'' assault. Without hesitation, David launched into his attack. He corkscrewed through the air, dodging a clumsy swipe from the Herd Lord''s tail. In retaliation, he spat a glob of Empowered Acid, aiming for the creature''s eyes. The viscous liquid sizzled as it made contact, drawing a roar of pain from the behemoth. David didn''t pause to admire his handiwork. He banked sharply, using an Empowered Nocturnal Strike to close the distance in the blink of an eye. His talons raked across the Herd Lord''s flank, tearing through scales and leaving deep, bleeding gashes. The Herd Lord bellowed in rage and pain, its massive head swinging around in an attempt to crush its tormentor. But David was already gone, using another Empowered Nocturnal Strike to reposition himself behind the creature''s head. ¨CHealth: 172/210¨C ¨CStamina: 318/495¨C ¨Cn/a¨C From this vantage point, David unleashed a barrage of attacks. His wings beat furiously, spreading Empowered Gloom directly into the Herd Lord''s face. Simultaneously, he fired off rapid-fire globs of acid, each one finding its mark with deadly accuracy. The Herd Lord thrashed wildly, its movements growing more frantic and uncoordinated with each passing second. David clung to its back, riding out the bucking and twisting like a demonic rodeo champion. His claws dug in deep, anchoring him as he continued his relentless assault. Sensing an opportunity, David scampered up the Herd Lord''s neck, using his small size and agility to his advantage. He reached the base of the creature''s skull and latched on, his jaws opening wide. With all the strength he could muster, David sank his fangs into the softer scales at the junction of head and neck. The Herd Lord''s roar of pain shook the very air. It reared up on its hind legs, nearly dislodging David. But he held on, his teeth and claws buried deep in the creature''s flesh. Blood filled his mouth, hot and metallic, triggering a surge of primal satisfaction. David released his bite and immediately spat a mouthful of Empowered Acid directly into the wound. The effect was instantaneous and devastating. The Herd Lord''s legs buckled, and it crashed to the ground with earth-shaking force. To David''s surprise, the creature had yielded an impressive amount of health to his Nocturnal Strikes, and he felt almost refreshed if not for the burning in his muscles. ¨CHealth: 210/210¨C ¨CStamina: 292/495¨C ¨Cn/a¨C As the dust settled, David stood atop the fallen giant, his wings spread wide in a display of victory. The battlefield fell silent, save for the labored breathing of the Herd Lord and the soft patter of David''s blood dripping onto its scales. In that moment, silhouetted against the moon, David was the very image of a triumphant predator. For about three seconds. Then, as if the powers that be couldn''t resist the urge to humble him, a fresh wave of settling Gloom chose that exact instant to descend. It rained down on him like powdery snow from a winter roof, coating his fur and filling his nose. David sneezed almost instantly, the force of it nearly knocking him off his perch atop the fallen creature. Oh god, it''s in my eyes! It''s in my mouth! Why does it taste so bad?! Cuddlebugs, you traitors! A little warning about the impending dust storm would''ve been nice. So much for my epic victory pose... But before David could truly savor his triumph, he noticed something alarming. Despite the devastating damage, the Herd Lord''s eyes still held a spark of life. Its massive chest continued to rise and fall, each breath a defiant act against death. The empowering effects of the herd, though weakened, still sustained their leader. Realizing the fight wasn''t quite over, David acted on instinct. He positioned himself directly in behind the Herd Lord''s head, inches from its enormous ear as he sunk his talons into its neck. Drawing deep from his reserves of Wildsoul, David unleashed a massive Screech. The sound that erupted from his small form was nothing short of cataclysmic. It was a concentrated blast of sonic fury, aimed directly into the Herd Lord''s skull. The air itself seemed to ripple with the force of the attack. The Herd Lord''s body convulsed violently, its eyes rolling back as the devastating sound waves assaulted its brain. David maintained the Screech, pushing his ability to its limit, determined to end the battle once and for all. As the last echoes of his attack faded, David observed the Herd Lord with grim satisfaction. Its body had gone completely still, the last vestiges of life finally extinguished. David knew that if the creature had been able to move, to defend itself, this final attack might not have been enough. But in its weakened state, unable to escape the point-blank assault, even the mighty Herd Lord couldn''t withstand the full force of his empowered Screech. Exhausted but victorious, David crouched over his fallen foe, the undisputed victor in this prehistoric showdown. As the Herd Lord''s life finally ebbed away, a series of notifications flashed in David''s mind: ¨CEvent Quest: The Great Herd completed!-- ¨CCalculating Performance¡­¨C ¨C167 Disabled, 1 Killing Blow¨C ¨CBonus Objective: Slay the Herd Lord¨C ¨CBonus Objective completed!¨C ¨CReward: 1000xp¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_EQReward¡­¨C ¨CReceived: Random Ability Token: C¨C ¨CSysAutoGen_BonusLoot...¨C ¨CReceived: 5 Pts!¨C ¨CGained 2000xp!¨C ¨CLevel Up!¨C ¨CLevel Up!¨C ¨CGained 2Pts!¨C Okay Omega, step one complete. ¨CEvolution Available¨C 99 - Second Evolution_1 Muffled honking and bellowing faded into the background as David soared over the undulating sea of grass, leaving the chaos of the herd far behind. The taste of victory, and Herd Lord, lingered on his tongue, a primal satisfaction settling in his gut. He''d been desperate to get the taste of Gloom out of his mouth, and ravenous after a night of near-constant aerial acrobatics following a long day of savaging the local wildlife. Nothing like a multi-ton pile of meat to hit the spot. Even if it did taste a bit like magic dust and regret. His snack had been conveniently available, sprawled out beneath him like the world''s largest, scaliest buffet. The lingering Gloom had detracted from the flavor somewhat, but hunger had a way of making even Gloom-seasoned dino-steak palatable. David''s wings cut through the cool air rhythmically, each powerful beat propelling him further from the battlefield and closer to the distant Observatory. The wind rushed past his ears, carrying away the last echoes of the herd''s confused bellows and leaving behind a peaceful silence broken only by the soft whoosh of his wings. From dino-slayer to Cuddlebug airbus. All in a day''s work for David Fisher, apocalypse survivor extraordinaire. Little pigs are all too stuffed to fly, I''m surprised they all made it. Must have been too small to notice other than, ¡®Ow what the hell is stinging me?¡¯ As he flew, David couldn''t help but marvel at how natural it felt now, gliding from gust to gust, an endless sea of bright stars above him. It was a far cry from his first awkward, terrifying attempts at flight after hatching. Now, he sliced through the air with the grace of a creature born to the skies, even if his form was more ''nightmare fuel'' than ''majestic eagle''. Who needs feathers when you''ve got leather wings and a face only Claire and the Cuddlebugs could tolerate? Fuckin Kai is probably going to look like some mythical creature when he evolves¡­I''m probably going to look like something that eats nightmares after inflicting them. Ugh. If there''s a Cuteness Mutagen I''m getting it. Climbing higher into the sky as he surfed the night winds, David couldn''t shake a growing sense of unease. The thrill of the hunt, the rush of taking down such massive prey, it all felt a bit too good. Residual adrenaline and whips of prey drive lingered at the edges of his mind, a constant purr of approval that set his teeth on edge. Alright, Spooky, enough. We won, great. No need for a victory lap in my head. Wait, why the hell am I talking to you like you even exist? Maybe naming you was a bad idea. David, get a fucking grip. You''re not a fucking animal, stop acting like it. Use your brain, you''re backsliding. But even as he tried to push away the feeling, David knew it wasn''t that simple. He''d given in to his predatory instincts as a safety net during the Owl¡¯s ambush, reveled in how easy it made everything sometimes. Leaned into it more than he really needed to. The line between necessity and bloodlust was blurring, and that scared him just as much as Omega¡¯s implied threat. I''m over here doing exactly what Big Red wants me to do, without even failing the Quest first. Man, I was just so caught up in it all. I got that shard, the fancy bloodline, fuckin¡¯ magic even. Getting a little cocky again, I need to¡­be better about that. The landscape below shifted slowly, trampled grasslands giving way to scattered trees. David''s mind wandered as he settled into the long flight ahead. He thought about how far he''d come since that first night after hatching, when flight itself was a terrifying novelty. Now, he was soaring effortlessly, having just taken down a creature straight out of a paleontologist''s fever dream. His thoughts drifted to the Evolution waiting for him. More power, finally within reach. But at what cost? How much of himself would he lose in the process? The idea of becoming stronger was gratifying, especially with Omega''s quest looming over him. But the way he had behaved in the moments before the battle...it was concerning, to say the least. Time for some real talk, brain. We''ve got to get a handle on this ''inner demon'' situation before we turn into something Claire has to put down. David banked slightly, adjusting his course as he spotted a familiar landmark in the distance. He was making good time, but there were still a few hours of flight ahead. Plenty of time to wrestle with his conscience and try to figure out how to move forward without losing his humanity. Right. Because that''s a totally normal and achievable goal. Just your average, everyday struggle between man and beast. No big deal. Wait a second... What was it Xi said? ''The path you walk, both old and new.'' And then something about jesters? Oh yeah, ''Where reason falters, jesters reign.'' Dammit, Xi. Would it kill you to speak plainly? Great. The tricksy fox probably gave me the cheat codes to this whole ''man vs. beast'' thing, and I''m too dense to¨C I bet Claire or Gideon could figure it out. Hrm¡­ As the flight wore on, David continued his heading as the Cuddlebugs let out the occasional tired peep, the two empowered specimens doggedly keeping pace to either side of him. The landscape below gradually transformed, scattered trees coalescing into a dense forest canopy. The moonlight painted the treetops in shades of silver and shadow, creating an otherworldly look to the forest beneath him. His keen eyes caught sight of a sparkle of light from the landmark he had spotted earlier, a winding river that cut through the forest like a serpent as it wove through the landscape. Ah, there''s my wiggly water. Time for a course correction. I wonder what makes them do that, looks cool from up here though. He banked slightly, adjusting his trajectory towards Claire''s presence in the distance. Even from miles away, he could sense her, a comforting beacon guiding him home. Claire-dar, never fails. Kind of lucky we unlocked the Pack System so early, I can''t even imagine how many times we would have gotten lost without it. As he flew, David decided to take a peek at something he hadn''t considered in a long time. He called up his Status, the familiar panel materializing before him as he kept half his attention on his peripherals, wary of owls with grudges.
Species: Twilight Corruptor ¦¸ Rank: E Health: 250/250 Stamina: 535/535 (++) Level: 15 Exp: 1172/1750 Special: Echolocation D Pts: 46 Storage: 2 Mutagen Token, 4 Ability Token
Traits: 4/4 Nocturnal E: +12% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night. [5/10] Echolocation D: Manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy builds Combat Expertise, and may trigger an Echo. [9/10] Flight E: Allows for flight and gliding. Mild Stamina drain. (stam+) [6/10] Small: Your form is small, weighing no more than 115lbs. (stam+) [n/a]
Abilities: 5/5 Screech E: You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies in a cone. Low chance to inflict Stun, Deafened. (20 Stamina, +X Overcharge, Ranged) Offense/Control. [6/10] Moonsong F: A soothing melody that adds a greatly increased Regeneration rate to yourself and your allies for a short time.(50 Stamina, 100% Increased Regeneration, 5 minute duration.) Restorative. [5/10] Gloom C: Your wingbeats spread Dusk powder with every flap. Enemies under the effect of Gloom are inflicted with visual hallucinations. Stacks up to 8 times. (Physical Passive) Control. [7/10] Nocturnal Strike C: A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. (-3% Target Max Stamina on hit, 4¡¯ Range.) Offense/Control. [6/10] Nightshade Swarm F: Call a swarm of tiny, nocturnal creatures that flit about, distracting enemies and spreading minor afflictions. Swarm size and debuff potency increase with Ability rank. [6/10]
Mutagens: 6/6 Ancestral Terror Mutagen C: Your body deepens its primal bond, fortifying your strength and weakening the resolve of enemies that can perceive you. Your gaze may trap enemies in instinctive Terror. Blood Memory: Inflicts Terror, causing enemies to hesitate, cower, or flee.(+Offense, +Defense, +Control, Passive.) [2/10] Soporalytic Mutagen E: Your attacks have a moderate chance to inflict paralytic sedation, inducing muscle spasms and rendering targets unconscious.(++Control, Physical Passive.) [9/10] Secretive Mutagen E: You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect.(-20% Detection Range, Physical Passive.) [9/10] Apical Mutagen C: Assert your dominance, add bonus effects to Abilities dictated by Ability Type. [Control: Drain a small percentage of Enemy Health and Stamina] [Offense: Sunders a percentage of Enemy Defenses](+4 Health/Stamina, Control Passive. 10% Defense Penetration, Offense Passive.) [3/10] Corruptor Bloodline A: Ancestral memory of venomous shadow-stalkers that move with preternatural swiftness, unseen. Afflictions you inflict fester and intensify. Provides intrinsic control of affliction delivery. Corruptor¡¯s Touch: Release a small dart of liquid, inflicting applicable Status Effects on contact.(+Speed, +++Control, Physical Passive.) [1/3] Corrosive Mutagen C: Your bodily fluids become acidic, weakening enemy defenses, and dissolving unprotected flesh. [1/10]
David''s eyes fixed on the Omega symbol next to his Species name. It seemed to pulse slightly, as if aware of his attention, though David knew it was just his imagination. The avatar of Omega usually lounging at the bottom of his screen was awake this time, just standing there. Menacingly. Is that where it all started to go sideways? When I became Omega''s little science project or whatever? What would have happened if I picked Alpha? Or Xi¡¯s option? Would I be obsessed with riddles and tricking people for no reason? He couldn''t help but wonder if that symbol was the reason for Omega''s continued interest in him. Had it marked him as something special, or just as a particularly amusing data point? Great. I''m either nuts or the court jester. Neither option seems particularly appealing right now. The more he thought about it, the more David realized how much had changed since that symbol appeared. His powers had grown exponentially, sure, but so had his tendency to default to basic violence. The predatory instincts, the bloodlust, the ease with which he now dispatched enemies, it all traced back to that moment. He had wanted to be a predator, to be able to defend himself against the creatures that had almost effortlessly slapped his Hatchling form around. David shook his head, trying to clear the gloomy thoughts. He had to focus on the positives. He was stronger now, better equipped to protect himself and his friends. And yet¡­ The questions swirled in his mind like the Gloom he so liberally dispensed. There were no easy answers, no clear path forward. All he knew was that he had to find a way to balance his new nature with his old self, and quickly. Easier said than done when you''re naming your issues like a pet dog. As David winged his way through the final leg of his journey, his mind bounced between two persistent thoughts: Claire''s reaction to his latest adventure and the looming Evolution. He chuckled to himself, imagining her almost assuredly deadpan delivery. But the humor faded as his thoughts turned to the Menu¡¯s waiting for him. Please don''t let me turn into something with tentacles. Or extra eyes. Or both. I really hope the Slug boss didn''t give me an option, I don''t even want to read it. Yech. The sky had begun to lighten as David glided slowly past the immense dish that dominated the top of the mountain he¡¯d grown fairly fond of in the last few days, Omega''s guest appearance notwithstanding. He touched down silently, kicking up only a small cloud of dust as he landed, eyes wide and staring in the comfortable pre-dawn twilight. The makeshift camp was quiet, save for the occasional snore. Home sweet home. He spotted Claire''s massive scaly silhouette, sprawled out beneath the lean-to. And there, flopped up against a crate with a dirty cushion discarded several feet away, was Wally. The wolf-man was on his back, all four legs in the air, lips flapping with every exhalation. Oh man, that''s priceless. I wish I had a camera. Again. Stifling a laugh, David slithered into the lean-to. With practiced ease, he bounced up onto Claire''s back, settling into his usual spot. The familiar warmth and gentle rise and fall of her breathing was instantly soothing. David had to consciously strangle a repeat appearance of his oddly shrill, discordant purring before it woke anyone up. Evolution can wait. Right now, I need a power nap more than I need to taste the rainbow. As he got comfortable, David noticed the regular Cuddlebugs already scampering happily over Claire''s scales. But the two new, empowered ones were conspicuously absent. Curious, he poked his head around Claire''s bulk. The sight that greeted him was almost too much. The two transformed Cuddlebugs stood just outside the lean-to, their tiny jaws agape as they stared at Claire. Through their mental connection, David could feel their awe and admiration washing over him, their mental impressions a jumble of reverence and sheer intimidation. David couldn''t help but grin. Oh, if you only knew. Wait till you see her eat something. Now that will put hair on your chest¡­er¡­well, more. As if sensing his amusement, the Cuddlebugs turned to him. Their eyes widened even further as they realized he was casually lounging on the back of the terrifying creature in front of them. David felt a surge of respect emanating from them, tinged with a hint of ''how is he not dead?'' This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. That''s right, boys. Your boss sleeps on the big bad lizard. Be impressed. He gave them a little wave before settling back down, chuckling to himself as he felt them eventually snuggle into his side when they thought he was already out. As sleep began to claim him, David''s last coherent thought was a mixture of amusement and pride. He finally drifted off, the sounds of the waking world fading away as he finally got some well-earned rest. At least, a few solid hours of sleep. David slowly drifted back to consciousness after a rather sturdy nap, the familiar warmth of Claire''s armored back beneath him a comforting constant. He kept his eyes closed, savoring the moment of peace before fully waking, as he stretched languidly, barely moving at all. After his brain booted up enough, he finally processed the hushed voices nearby. "...rarely sleeps during the day like he should," Claire was saying, her voice a low rumble. "We''d been traveling so much, I think he''s forcing himself to stay awake." "That can''t be good for him," Gideon''s squeaky voice chimed in. "Bats are supposed to be nocturnal, right?" "He used to complain about eye strain and headaches from the light," Claire replied. "But I think he''s mostly forced himself to acclimate. Stubborn little furball." David decided it was time to join the conversation. He cracked one eye open, wincing slightly at the aforementioned daylight. "You know," he drawled, "it''s rude to talk about someone when they''re sleeping right on top of you." Claire''s neck twisted around, her massive head coming into view through the opening of the lean-to. "Look who''s finally awake. Have a nice nap, sleeping beauty?" "I''ll have you know I''m always beautiful, thank you very much," David retorted, stretching his wings while casting a no-doubt hideous shadow on the patchwork canvas. "And for the record, light still hurts my eyes and gives me headaches sometimes. I''m just used to it now. Moonsong helps when it gets bad." He hopped down from Claire''s back, landing with a soft thud. "Besides, unless you''re cool with me just being a fancy hat seventy percent of the time you''re awake, I''ve gotta be up during daylight a lot." Gideon, perched on a nearby crate, looked concerned. "Still, you should try to get more rest when you can. Your body needs-" "Yeah, yeah, I know," David interrupted. "But hey, speaking of body changes, guess what? I can Evolve again." The statement hung in the air for a moment before Claire broke the silence. "You what now?" David grinned, his fangs glinting in the sunlight. "Oh yeah, big news. Found a whole herd of dinosaur things out there migrating into some grasslands. Beat down a ''Veggie-Clairesaurus'' sized creature with a little help from my Wildsoul." Gideon''s jaw dropped. "A whole herd? ¡­they migrate in herds?" "Yep," David said, popping the ''p'' with great difficulty due to the shape of his snout. "Big ol'' thing with spikes and attitude. Made Claire look like a cuddly kitten." Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "I''ll show you a cuddly kitten, you overgrown mosquito." "Aw, you say the sweetest things," David cooed, patting her snout with his talons before she snapped at him playfully. He quickly snatched his wing away with dramatic reproach before turning back to Gideon. "So yeah, Evolution''s on the table. Thought you guys might want to know before I potentially sprout extra wings or whatever." Kozlov, silently observing from off to the side, finally spoke up. "This is... significant. We should discuss the implications before you proceed." David jumped as his mane poofed out in surprise, his expression sobering slightly as he realized Kozlov had just heard all of his sass while he was still groggy and waking up. "Yeah, I know. Trust me, I''ve been thinking about it the whole flight back. It''s not a decision I''m taking lightly." David settled into a more comfortable position, his wings wrapping around him like a leathery cloak. "Alright, so here''s the deal," he began, his voice serious despite his casual posture. "I''ve got some options for this Evolution, but I''m worried about how it might affect... well, me." He glanced at Claire, then back to Kozlov and Gideon. "Ever since Omega showed up and gave me that Quest, my instincts have been going haywire. I''m concerned about losing myself to the whole ''apex predator'' thing." Kozlov nodded gravely. "A valid concern considering... What''s your strategy?" David''s ears twitched as he considered. "I''m thinking of focusing on control, or something. Maybe find a way to balance out the more aggressive aspects with a path that has a little more brainpower. I don''t want to end up as just another mindless monster, you know?" "Smart," Gideon squeaked, his tiny paws gesticulating wildly. "Perhaps look for options that enhance your existing abilities rather than drastic changes?" Claire rumbled in agreement. "Just don''t turn into something I can''t recognize, alright? I''ve gotten used to your ugly mug." David grinned, about to retort when he paused, a serious look crossing his face. "Actually, before I do this, Claire, could you keep an eye on me? Just in case something goes wrong." Claire nodded, her massive head dipping slightly. "Of course. I''ve got your back, furball." With a deep breath, David closed his eyes and mentally nudged the Evolution menu into action. As the familiar sensation began to wash over him, he felt a sudden rush of air. His eyes snapped open to see his two new Cuddlebugs materializing beside him, their bodies tense and alert. They positioned themselves protectively on either side, their crimson-streaked eyes darting nervously between David and Claire. As the world started to fade around him, David caught sight of Claire''s expression morphing from concern to horror. Her eyes widened, fixating on the Cuddlebugs'' newly prominent rat-like tails. "Wait, what''s this about flying rats?" Claire''s voice rose in pitch, a note of panic creeping in. "David, you better explain those... those things with rat tails when you get back!" Suddenly, the world around him froze. The grass ceased its gentle sway, and all sound abruptly cut off, plunging David into an eerie silence. He felt his body lock in place, unable to move as a familiar bubbling sensation began to fill his skull like cold water. This time, however, he recognized it as his Wildsoul surging with immense power. The last thing David saw before the Evolution menu fully engulfed him was Claire rearing back, her massive form trembling as she hissed in fear and disgust. The Cuddlebugs stood their ground, torn between their duty to protect David and their terror of the enormous, clearly phobic reptile looming over them. Oh shit, that''s going to be one hell of a conversation when I get back. After a few moments, everything settled down. An infinity of grey fog stretched off in every direction, broken only by a single blue window that hovered immediately in front of him.
Advanced User access granted. At any time during the Evolution process, the User may sell Tokens in storage. Beginning Advanced Evolution. You have 46 points available.
As the blue window materialized before him, David felt a strange sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. The infinity of grey fog stretched out in all directions, just as it had during his first evolution. He couldn''t help but wonder if this was some sort of Overseer waiting room, a liminal space between what he was and what he would become. Here we go again. Let''s see what kind of bat-monster I can turn into this time. As if responding to his thoughts, text began to appear on the screen:
Evolution System Initializing Collecting LifeStage Data¡­ Analysing LifeStage Data¡­ SysAutoGen_TwilightSeekerEvo¡­ ERROR: SPECIAL_EXCEPTION Retrying ¦¡SysAutoGen_TwilightSeekerSpecialEv¦¸ |Duskscourge Ravager| ¦¸ |Twilight Sentinel| ¦¡ |Gloomshade Deceiver| ¦® |Lunar Mender| ¦µ Continue ¡ú
Well, lets see what ol'' Scratch has for me this time I guess. Duskscourge Ravager.
|Duskscourge Ravager| ¦¸ Some Twilight Seekers develop an insatiable hunger for inflicting pain, honing their abilities to cripple and devour their prey. These sadistic specimens often evolve into the Duskscourge Ravager. The Duskscourge Ravager excels in prolonged combat, wearing down opponents through a combination of potent toxins and draining attacks. Their bodies produce a variety of debilitating substances, which can be delivered through bite, claw, or even exhalation. Bloodline Bonus: Enhanced Toxin Production, Improved Drain Efficiency Offense: ***** Defense: *** Speed: **** Regeneration: ***
As he read through the description, his brow furrowed. Suddenly, a vivid image flashed in his mind: He saw himself, but changed. His form was leaner, more predatory, with corded muscles visible beneath his sleek fur. Razor-sharp spines protruded from his wings, glinting menacingly in the dim light. His fur had taken on a rusty hue, still absorbing what little light there was. Venomous barbs lined a long ratlike tail, each one glistening with a deadly toxin. His eyes glowed with an eerie, hunger-filled light, pupils narrowed to predatory slits. The vision-David opened its mouth, revealing rows of needle-like teeth dripping with a toxic substance that sizzled as it hit the ground. Its claws seemed longer, wickedly curved, perfect for tearing into prey. Jeez, talk about leaning into the whole ''apex predator'' thing. This is exactly what I was worried about. Sure, it''s powerful, but at what cost? I don''t want to lose myself to bloodlust. He moved on to the second option, curious what something on offer from Alpha would be. Twilight Sentinel.
|Twilight Sentinel| ¦¡ In rare cases, Twilight Seekers with strong Pack Bonds may develop defensive adaptations, evolving into the vigilant Twilight Sentinel. The Twilight Sentinel possesses reinforced hide and vastly enhanced sensory capabilities. Their wings develop a unique structure that allows them to create intense blasts of condensed air, useful for both defense and controlling the battlefield. Bloodline Bonus: Reinforced Physiology, Strong Wings Offense: *** Defense: ***** Speed: ** Regeneration: ****
This time, he saw a bulkier version of himself. His wings had thickened, looking more like shields than flying appendages, with a tough, leather-like texture. His fur had taken on a metallic sheen, reflecting light in mesmerizing patterns. Intricate markings resembling armor plates covered his body, particularly dense around vital areas. The vision-David''s eyes were alert, constantly scanning its surroundings, with an intensity that suggested enhanced perception. It lurked protectively over shadowy figures that might have been his friends, its posture radiating an aura of safety and security. Despite its increased bulk, there was a grace to its movements, suggesting hidden agility. Now this is interesting. Definitely more defensive than I''m used to, but maybe that''s not a bad thing. Could be useful for protecting the others. Though I''m not sure how I feel about being slower. David''s attention shifted to the third option, and a new image formed alongside the description: Gloomshade Deceiver
|Gloomshade Deceiver| ¦® Occasionally, Twilight Seekers develop an uncanny ability to manipulate their battlefields, often evolving into the enigmatic Gloomshade Deceiver. The Gloomshade Deceiver''s body undergoes subtle changes that allow it to blend seamlessly with shadows. This subspecies develops specialized glands that produce a variety of compounds, enabling them to alter their scent and even create short-lived decoys that may lure or repulse other creatures. Bloodline Bonus: Advanced Camouflage, Pheromone Manipulation Offense: *** Defense: *** Speed: ***** Regeneration: ***
The David in this vision was sleek and shadowy, its form seeming to ripple and shift. His fur seemed to shift and change colors, blending perfectly with the background, making it hard to discern where he ended and the environment began. The vision-David''s eyes sparkled with mischief as it vanished and reappeared into the darkness at will, leaving behind wisps of shadow. Its wings seemed almost fluid and seemed to be much larger than they should be for a creature its size. A faint, shimmering aura surrounded it, distorting the air and making it difficult to focus on any one part of its body. Huh, stealth and trickery. That could be fun. Might help me avoid some fights altogether. But is it enough to take on the tougher challenges? Not sure about the lack of regeneration for a pure hit-and-run Evolution. Finally, he examined the new option, eyeing the newer symbol curiously. He couldn''t quite place the name, but he felt as though he''d seen it before, during the brief moments before he had absorbed the Shard of Supremacy. Lunar Mender.
|Lunar Mender| ¦µ Some Twilight Seekers of mild temperament may develop a unique affinity for manipulating their own life force, evolving the ability to mend wounds and bolster allies. These rare specimens often evolve into the Lunar Mender. The Lunar Mender''s body undergoes significant internal changes, developing specialized organs that produce regenerative compounds. They can transfer portions of their own vitality to heal others, and their affliction takes on restorative properties when used on allies. Bloodline Bonus: Vitality Manipulation, Restorative Afflictions Offense: ** Defense: **** Speed: *** Regeneration: *****
This version of David had an otherworldly glow about it, as if lit from within by a soft, silvery light. Its fur was a soothing silver, with a texture that seemed almost fluid, rippling gently even without wind. Intricate patterns that looked like flowing water covered its wings, pulsing gently with a rhythmic, calming bioluminescence. The vision-David''s eyes were filled with compassion and wisdom beyond their years, glowing with a gentle, green eyeshine. Its paws seemed to emit a soothing radiance, leaving trails of restorative energy in the air as it moved. As it exhaled, a mist of restorative Gloom swirled around it, visibly mending small injuries and rejuvenating plant life it touched. Despite its peaceful appearance, there was a underlying sense of strength, as if its healing abilities could be turned to lethally offensive purposes if needed. A healer? That''s... unexpected. Could be incredibly useful, especially for the group. But can I afford to focus on support when I''ve got Omega''s quest hanging over my head? David blinked, the visions fading away. He leaned back, or at least, he felt like he did in this strange void, mulling over his options. Each had its appeal, and each its drawbacks. He couldn''t help but feel that this choice would shape not just his abilities, but his very nature moving forward. No pressure or anything. Just deciding the course of my entire future. Piece of cake. 100 - Second Evolution_2 Neverending fog billowed all around David as his floaty, disembodied consciousness grappled with the only thing it could. Choices. The Ravager and Sentinel options had been dismissed almost immediately, one for its potential to feed his issues, the other for being unnecessary given his current needs. Now, he found himself staring blankly into the glowing panel, torn between the latter two options. Alright, brain. Deceiver or Mender? Tricky bastard or one trick pony? Both sound pretty damn good when you''re constantly one bad day away from being something''s dinner, honestly. He focused on the Gloomshade Deceiver first, mulling over its potential as his focus wandered back to the description. The ¡®advanced camouflage¡¯ and creating short-lived decoys was interesting. But more than that, it was offered by Xi. David wasn''t entirely willing to trust in the altruism of any Overseer, especially one that spoke entirely in riddles. ¡­buuuut, Xi did stick her neck out for me...I think. Unless, and I''m just being realistic here, this is all part of some cosmic long con. Wouldn''t put it past an Overseer to play the long game. Then again whoever that fuckin¡¯ Owl is involved with basically tried to delete me by way of greeting¡­ Is this a rare case of the evil I know also being the lesser evil? Oof. Dammit, David, focus! The Deceiver''s stealthy nature and misdirection abilities could be incredibly useful, and even aligned with a lot of his current strengths. But there was a nagging worry in the back of David''s mind. You know, I''ve been relying on brute force a lot lately. When did I stop being sneaky? I guess I just wanted fights over quickly so I could pretend things were normal again. But that strategy''s gonna get me a one way ticket to an early grave if I keep it up. The Deceiver, though...that could really play to my strengths. My Mutagens and Abilities would work great with all that stealth and misdirection. His consideration eventually turned to the final option. Healing capabilities and high regeneration were tempting, especially given how often he and Claire ended up battered and bruised. Plus, it might make him less terrifying to look at. Maybe I could finally ditch the ''murderbat'' aesthetic. Though knowing my luck, it''d interact with Ancestral Terror somehow and make me straight up uncanny valley. Like one of those creepy antique dolls come to life, all glowing and ''angelic'', but still with a mouthful of nightmare fangs and solid black eyes. The kind of thing that you''d be equally scared of asking for healing as you are of bleeding out. But the Mender was offered by an unknown quantity in the game David found himself unwillingly playing. Was it wise to accept a gift from an Overseer he knew nothing about? For all he knew, they could be the Overseer of Evolutionary Dead Ends. Maybe there was a reason healing abilities were so rare. What if healing had side effects in the long term? Or worse, what if healing others meant taking on their injuries himself? David shuddered at the thought. He could just imagine it now: Hey Claire, let me fix that broken leg for you. Oh, by the way, my wing seems to have exploded, can you pick me up? Thanks, you''re a real pal. Still, the potential benefits were hard to ignore. Being able to patch up himself and his friends in the middle of a fight could be the difference between life and death, and that was before the Restorative Afflictions. Even if all it did was make Gloom give someone a general pick-me-up instead of horrible waking nightmares, it''d open up a lot of options. And if he was being honest with himself, the idea of not looking like something that crawled out of a nightmare and into a Lovecraft novel was pretty appealing. David''s non-existent talons would have been tapping against the ethereal floor if he''d had a physical form in this strange, foggy landscape. Both options offered unique advantages, and with 46 Pts, plus the potential to sell his stored Tokens, he could significantly enhance either form. Dammit, why can''t I just pick both? Is there a combo option? Deceptive Mender? Mending Deceiver? Trick reality into thinking nobody got hurt? ...No? Worth a shot. He metaphorically took a deep breath, knowing his choice would shape not just his abilities, but his entire role in the fights to come. With Claire and the others depending on him, he couldn''t afford to choose wrong. Not to mention the impact this choice would have on the whole, ¡®Solo Boss Kill''s requirement Omega had shackled him with. Okay, David. Decision time. Do you want to be the ultimate trickster or the team medic? And how many of those Tokens are you willing to cash in on your new form? All of them, honestly, but only because this is a rare opportunity to get my greedy little claws on that Cube again. Does that thing count as a Shop? I guess technically¡­ As he mulled over his options, David couldn''t help but think about everything that lay ahead. The world was getting weirder and more dangerous by the day; dark stars, crazy ass owls, trickster foxes, Omega in general, Shards of Supremacy, and Wildsoul magic? Whatever he chose, he''d need to be ready for anything. The infinite grey fog seemed to pulse around him, as if eager to hear his decision, and for a moment he swore he saw enormous shapes observing through the fog. David''s consciousness wavered for a moment, then solidified with resolve. Alright, Xi. Let''s see what tricks you''ve got up your sleeve. "Gloomshade Deceiver," David intoned, his non-existent voice echoing through the fog. As soon as the words left his metaphysical lips, David felt a strange sensation, like knowledge being poured directly into his mind. Before he could process it, the world around him shifted. The grey fog swirled and coalesced, forming into a moonlit forest scene. David found himself observing from an impossible vantage point, both everywhere and nowhere at once. What the... Is this some kind of demo reel? No fucking way. Why would they bother¨C His attention was drawn to a massive saber-toothed cat prowling through the dense undergrowth, its muscles rippling beneath a sleek coat. The predator moved with deadly grace, unaware it was on tonight''s menu. High in the canopy above, a Gloomshade Deceiver clung to a branch, its fur shifting to match the dappled moonlight so perfectly it was nearly invisible in its stillness. David watched in fascination as the creature''s ears twitched, a barely perceptible pulse of Echolocation mapping out the forest floor below. Okay, that''s a pretty slick, narrow pulse there. Wonder if I could pull that off with my current Echolocation... The Deceiver dropped from its perch, silent as a falling leaf. As it plummeted, its form blurred for a heartbeat. David blinked, and suddenly there were two identical creatures falling through the air, moving in opposite directions. Just as quickly, one vanished like smoke in the wind. The saber-tooth''s ears pricked forward, its eyes tracking the flickering movement with clear confusion. Holy shit, that''s trippy. Now you see me¡­ That''s gotta be the decoy thing, right? Landing without so much as disturbing a blade of grass, the Deceiver melted into the shadows at the base of a nearby tree as its fur rippled and shifted once again. A soft, eerie melody drifted through the air ¨C Moonsong, David realized with a start. The notes were barely audible, but the saber-tooth''s ears twitched nervously, obviously able to detect it but not where it was coming from. Without warning, Gloom erupted around the predator. The silvery mist, thicker than anything David had generated, billowed outward. He could almost see the hallucinogenic hairs and soporalytic toxins swirling within, ready to play havoc with the saber-tooth''s senses. Damn, that''s some industrial-strength Gloom. Makes my stuff look like a cheap fog machine. Doesn''t spread out as much though, maybe because it''s heavier? The Deceiver struck. One moment it was hidden, the next it was a blur of motion. David watched in awe as the Deceiver slammed to a halt, an afterimage peeling away from its body, charging directly at the saber-tooth''s face. The cat''s eyes locked onto this apparent threat, muscles bunching as it prepared to defend itself. In that critical moment of distraction, the real Deceiver, now practically invisible in the Gloom, spat a glob of acid. It arced through the air, sizzling as it struck the predator''s flank. The saber-tooth roared, more in confusion than pain, its mind reeling from the Gloom''s effects and the phantom attacker that had vanished mid-lunge, only a few heartbeats after appearing. David winced sympathetically as the great cat lashed out, its claws slicing through empty air. "Damn," he muttered, surprised to hear his own voice in this strange vision. "That''s gotta be frustrating. Like trying to swat a fly while drunk and blindfolded." As if on cue, Cuddlebugs swarmed from the mist. Their tiny forms darted through the air, finding every gap in the saber-tooth''s defenses. Needle-sharp teeth nipped into flesh, drawing yowls of pain and confusion from the once-mighty predator before they flapped away again. Death by a thousand cute, fuzzy cuts. Nature''s got a twisted sense of humor sometimes. Or would that be the System? At least the team is having fun. The Deceiver circled its prey as it lurked through the Gloom, movements fluid and calculated. With each feinted lunge, an afterimage peeled away, sometimes darting in for an attack, sometimes hanging back as if preparing to spit acid while the real Deceiver struck with Nocturnal Strike. The saber-tooth''s head swiveled frantically, unable to distinguish real threats from illusions. Several times it struck out at nothing, warding off hallucinations and suffering opportunistic strikes from the Deceiver. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Seizing an opening, the Deceiver pounced towards the saber-tooth''s back. Simultaneously, an afterimage split off, appearing to hang back and spit acid. The cat, its Gloom-addled mind fixating on the apparent ranged attack, left itself wide open. Razor-sharp claws dug into its back as the Deceiver landed. "Oh, come on!" David exclaimed, caught up in the moment. "That''s just not fair. It''s like playing chess with a toddler. A very large, very bitey toddler." The battle raged on, an efficient dance of feints and strikes. David watched, equal parts impressed and unnerved, as the Deceiver systematically dismantled its larger opponent. Twice it vanished entirely, disappearing into the darkness only to reemerge the instant its quarry began to even slightly relax. Every move was calculated, every illusion perfectly timed to maximize disorientation. Finally, the Deceiver prepared for its coup de grace. It created a pair of afterimages, the effort seeming to strain it greatly. The saber-tooth, overwhelmed and disoriented, tried to defend against both of them at once. And now, the grand finale. Exit stage left, pursued by a bat. Shakespeare, eat your heart out. In that crucial moment of distraction, the real Deceiver struck right down the middle. It pounced, fangs aimed for the jugular. The cat, focused on dodging the decoys, never even saw the real attack coming. Fangs sank deep. The saber-tooth''s fight ended not with a roar, but with a confused whimper. As Gloom dissipated, the Deceiver hunched triumphantly over its fallen prey. It panted heavily, clearly exhausted from the sheer amount of decoys it had deployed, but seemed quite pleased with itself as it paused to sniff at the fallen cat hungrily. Cuddlebugs chittered excitedly in the darkness, their tiny faces sticky with blood as they gathered around their master. David let out a low whistle as the vision began to fade. "Well," he muttered, "that''s one way to climb the food chain." Nice little demonstration, Big Red. Actually quite helpful for once, what''s the catc- Ah, fuck it. Let me know what to expect, that''s more fair than last time. I wonder how it''ll affect my instincts, Omega¡¯s option last time made me trend toward being bitey. I wonder if I''ll still be me, or just a really convincing illusion of David? ¡­Oh my god brain stop being so dramatic. You''ll always be you, you''re the one being bitey, stop blaming other shit. As the world dissolved around him, he found himself once again surrounded by the endless grey fog. Before he could fully process what he''d just witnessed, a new menu materialized before him, glowing softly in the ethereal mist.
|Twilight Corruptor| ¦¸ ¡ú |Gloomshade Deceiver| ¦® Confirmed Offense: *** Defense: *** Speed: ***** Regeneration: *** You have 46 Pts. Users may spend Pts to purchase Teratogenic Enhancements before finalizing Evolutionary Path selection. A 1 * increase may be purchased for 4 Pts at Sub-Adult. Limit: 3 *, Maximum 6* Rating at Sub-Adult. Do you wish to purchase Teratogenic Enhancement?
David eyed the menu, his non-existent brow furrowing in concentration. The increased cost and higher star limit didn''t escape his notice. Alright, time to soup this bad boy up. Let''s see... Offense and Regeneration could use a boost. And might as well max out that Speed while we''re at it. I already have Control at 7 stars, and my Control is gnarly. I bet Speed will be just as good. Defense is definitely a little low, but let''s be honest, I''m not built for taking a lot of hits anyway, I think we''ve proved that by now. Without hesitation, David focused his will, pouring 4 Pts into Offense, 4 into Regeneration, and another 4 into Speed. The stars filled in one by one, a soft chime accompanying each increase. As the final star lit up, David felt a surge of anticipation. That''s more like it. Now we''re cooking with Gloom. The menu adjusted, reflecting his choices:
You have selected: |Gloomshade Deceiver| ¦® Bloodline Bonus: Advanced Camouflage, Pheromone Manipulation Offense: **** Defense: *** Speed: * Regeneration: **** You have 34 Pts remaining.
David paused, considering his options. With Speed maxed out and boosts to Offense and Regeneration, I should be able to hit hard, move fast, and bounce back quickly. If I actually sneak around right, I don''t have to worry about getting hit as much. He nodded to himself, a gesture that would have been more impressive if he currently had a physical form. Alright, I think we''re good here. Let''s lock this in and see what happens. "I accept," David intoned, his non-existent voice echoing through the fog. The menu flickered, then dissolved into motes of light that swirled around him. As they settled, a new menu materialized, accompanied by a life-sized depiction that hovered above the nothingness close by.
Advanced User Access Granted. User may spend Pts directly to enhance specific aspects of your evolved form.
As the projection flickered to life, revealing a larger, more imposing version of David''s Gloomshade Deceiver form. It stood at about 180 pounds, its sleek body a perfect blend of power and agility. The fur was a deep, pure black, absorbing light in a way that seemed almost unnatural and made it slightly hard to focus on. The creature''s wings were larger and more intricate, with delicate membranes that looked both tough and flexible. Its claws were longer and sharper, and its fangs...well, they were nothing short of nightmare fuel. What caught David''s attention most were the eyes. Solid black, just like his current form, but with an eerie, dark red eyeshine that seemed to pulse along with his heartbeat. The effect was unsettling, to say the least. Well, hello there, you handsome devil. Looks like I won''t be winning any beauty pageants anytime soon. But damn, do I look ready to fuck shit up. Crazy how you can see the way my Mutagens and Bloodline affect how it looks. A new prompt appeared:
Choose a Bonus to emphasize (10 Pts): - Decoy Enhancement - Camouflage Mastery
As David''s focus shifted between the options, the holographic form began to change. When he zeroed in on Decoy Enhancement, the creature''s face underwent a startling transformation. The fur receded, revealing a mostly bald face with pale, almost translucent skin stretched taut over pronounced bone structure. The effect was decidedly skull-like, creating a stark contrast with the thick, black fur covering the rest of the body. The eyes seemed to sink deeper into their sockets, enhancing the ghostly appearance. Well, that''s... unsettling as fuck. Bet it makes the decoys pop out faster or something?. I can see why that works for once, tricks things into looking right where you want them to. That particular face on a decoy is clearly designed to make people shit themselves and swing at it. Huh. Guess I''m getting better at this whole monster thing. Figured that out pretty quick. Won''t know for sure until I give it a whirl, but hey, a bat can dream. Switching gears to Camouflage Mastery, the projection¡¯s fur transformed dramatically. It became noticeably longer and denser, particularly around the mane and along the back. It demonstrated an increased ability to control this thicker coat, raising and lowering sections of fur with precise control. This varying texture created subtle shadows and altered the creature''s silhouette in ways that could easily blend with natural surroundings. Now that''s interesting. Not invisible, but definitely more adaptable. Could make a big difference with the way the fur seems to¡­be hard to look at like that. That''s so weird, it''s like the hairs are transparent, but not at the same time. Actually it looks a lot like what Xi¡¯s fur had going on, just with way less purple and more black. David mulled over his options, weighing how these changes could impact his survival and hunting strategies. Damn, both of these are tempting as hell. Decoy enhancements could make my illusions scarier than Claire on an empty stomach, while the camouflage might actually let me avoid a fight for once. Like choosing between pseudo-invisibility and better jump scares. Honestly the baseline fur is already pretty good, and those Decoys are clearly Wildsoul Magic of some kind sooooo¡­ He had 34 Pts left in the bank, more than enough to make this choice and still have a hefty reserve for future upgrades or when Murphy''s Law inevitably kicked in. David stared at the hologram, his non-existent eyes darting between the two options. After what felt like an eternity of deliberation, he let out a resigned sigh. Alright, universe. You win. Clearly, subtlety isn''t in the cards for me. Might as well lean into the whole ''snarly'' schtick. Claire''s gonna love this...or have a heart attack. Maybe both. "Decoy Enhancement," David declared, his voice echoing through the foggy void. As soon as the words left his metaphysical lips, the hologram shifted, solidifying into the skull-faced, nightmare-inducing form. Great. I''ve gone from ''adorably ugly'' to ''they mostly come at night¡¯ in two evolutions flat. At this rate, I''ll be the boogeyman by next week. Before David could really lament the implications of his choice, the fog around him began to swirl and churn. He felt an inexorable pull, dragging him towards the next stage of the evolution process at impossible speed. Here we go again. Wonder if that cube''s got a Cuteness Mutagen hidden away somewhere. Might need it if I don''t want to give Claire a heart attack every time I wake her up. As David was drawn deeper into the fog, his thoughts turned to the Tokens in his storage. He would have greedily rubbed his hands together if he had any, instead settling on an anticipatory cackle. You know, I could probably snag something pretty damn impressive if I cashed these in. Maybe pick up a fancy new Ability or a top-shelf Mutagen. Something to give me that extra oompf against a boss. Buy, like, one or two high grade things maybe? The fog parted for a moment as he was drawn into the distance, revealing a sight that made David''s non-existent eyes widen. A familiar enormous cube materialized before him, its edges sharp and distinct against the misty backdrop. Its surface was a dizzying array of constantly shifting icons, all moving with exacting precision. Colors flickered across its faces, some familiar, others slightly off, like shades he''d never quite seen before. Some symbols he recognized from his previous evolution, while others were completely new. The cube hovered in the distance, massive and implacable, like a monolith of pure potential. The icons nearest to him seemed to slow their movement slightly, almost as if it somehow sensed his approach. As the fog began to envelop him once more, David took one last look at the construct. He¡¯d be arriving any minute now, by his estimate. Well, David, you wanted to be a badass predator. Looks like you''re getting your wish... whether you like it or not. Time to go shopping for some high-end monster upgrades. 101 - Second Evolution_3 The endless grey parted, revealing a sight that made David''s non-existent breath catch. The enormous cube materialized before him, its surface a mesmerizing dance of shifting icons. Colors he had no names for marched across their faces, bleeding into one another in fractal patterns that existed for only moments before dissolving into a new configuration. It hovered above the fog, massive and implacable, silently rearranging itself with every passing second. It was pretty, in the same way a massive spider in a complex web was pretty. Alright, you beautiful monstrosity. Let''s see what goodies you''ve got for me. David focused his will, and immediately, a stream of Mutagens began peeling off the cube''s surface. As each one approached, information flooded his mind, descriptions, costs, ranks. He had 34 Pts to play with, and he was determined to make them count. B and A rank only, baby. Go big or go home. Maybe if I''m lucky I''ll find something above A. My Bloodline has, like, three ranks above A potentially. Should be possible if I get a little lucky¡­might cost more than I''m comfortable spending though. Some icons he dismissed with barely a thought, watching them freeze mid-air before zipping back to the cube''s swirling mass. Others caught his interest, and with a practiced mental nudge, he set them orbiting around him for closer inspection. Sorry, ''Bioluminescent Skin.'' You''re cool and all, but I''m not trying to be a walking rave. And ''Enhanced Digestion?'' Yeah, no. I''ll stick to my normal diet, thanks, no need for eating bones or whatever. Christ, it''s like picking lottery tickets. Except instead of cash, I''m gambling with my DNA. No pressure. David began to examine each Mutagen more closely, weighing their potential against his needs as a new Gloomshade Deceiver. He focused on those that would enhance his ability to confuse, disorient, and strike decisively. |Analgesic Mutagen B(14 Pts): You produce a potent numbing agent, greatly dulling your enemies'' senses and reactions.| A numbing agent? Huh. My acid''s already brutal, but this could make it...sneaky? Fits the Deceiver style too. Can''t react to what you can''t feel, right? Plus, no more agonized screaming, that gets old fast. If I¡¯m a predator, might as well be a...considerate one? God, that sounds wrong. But hey, dead is dead, right? |Auditory Mimicry Mutagen B(12 Pts): Your vocal cords become highly adaptable, allowing you to perfectly replicate any sound you''ve heard, enhancing your ability to misdirect and confuse.| Now we''re talking...heh. I could lure prey, confuse enemies, maybe even do a killer impression of Claire. The pranking possibilities are endless. For survival purposes, of course. Ah, who am I kidding. That''d be more useful for hunting, well, other people. Plus I already have that Pheromone Control from the Evolution bonus thingy. |Adaptive Mutagen B(12pts): Your skin develops the ability to subtly alter it''s color, enhancing your ability to blend with your surroundings.| Kinda cool. I could use that to change the color of my wings, and that''s about it though. Maybe my newly ugly¡­bald face. Ugh. Maybe I should have thought about that one harder, it''s just so ugly. I get that it''s like a threat display thing, but maybe I was a little hasty there¡­oh well, too late now. I can always Fuse something later if it still bothers me. |Myoelectric Mutagen A(16 Pts): Your muscle fibers gain the ability to generate and store small electrical charges, enhancing strength and potentially stunning enemies on contact.| Great, I can be a bat-taser hybrid. Wonder if I''ll start craving batteries instead of fruit. Might be a nasty surprise if anything manages to actually nab me, but Boss''s are hard to stun. If I didn''t have the hard part of Omega''s Quest coming up I might take that, but as is¡­ As he continued to dismiss and sift through his options, David kept an eye out for anything particularly special. He wasn''t sure what he was looking for exactly, but he figured he''d know it when he saw it. But as he examined Mutagen after Mutagen, nothing quite fit that bill. They were all impressive in their own right, but none of them screamed ¡®game-changer¡¯ the way he was hoping for. Come on, you giant Rubik''s cube. Show me the good stuff. There''s gotta be a ''Win the Apocalypse'' Mutagen in here somewhere. Maybe I''m being too picky. Or maybe the universe just doesn''t want to make it that easy. Can''t blame a bat for trying, though. Still, the collection he''d amassed was nothing to sneeze at. Each Mutagen offered possibilities, ways to enhance his new Evolution¡¯s strengths or shore up weaknesses in his current abilities. Alright, David. Time to make some choices. Can''t have them all, unless you want to end up as some sort of blob monster. Though, come to think of it, that might be pretty scary. There''s probably at least a few successful blobs out there somewhere... The cube continued its slow rotation, offering tantalizing glimpses of the possibilities that awaited him. David knew he had some serious decisions to make, and he was ready to step up his game. His non-existent eyes narrowed as he focused on the Analgesic Mutagen. The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. You know what? This could actually be perfect. Combine this with my Corrosive, or even Gloom, and I''d be melting through defenses before they even realize they''re in trouble. It''s not just sneaky, it''s downright devious. With a mental nod, he dismissed the other icons. Instantly they began to be drawn back to the cube, glittering prettily as they drifted back up and out of focus. David hummed silently to himself, a bit anxious about his pick but fairly sure it was the right way to go. The chance that his prey wouldn''t even know it was being attacked, or the possibility they would think he wasn''t doing much damage news just too fitting by his reasoning. Alright, big spender. Time to see what else we can afford. On a whim, David focused on his stored Tokens. To his shock, a sound like breaking glass rang out, manifesting into a shower of glowing rainbow energy that swirled around him. The kaleidoscopic cloud of color hung motionless for a moment before contracting toward him and vanishing; somehow David knew he''d absorbed it all. As the points settled, adding to his total, his metaphorical jaw dropped. He now had a whopping 65 Pts at his disposal. Holy shit! Did I just...Yeah, I did. Sold ''em all. Didn''t expect that to work quite so well. Damn, I was hoping to unpack those and see if anything was worth keeping. Mild fuckup there on my part, I guess it did warn me I could sell them, never said anything about being able to use them¡­heheh. We''re gonna leave that part out of the story later. Giddy with his newfound wealth, David turned back to the cube, ready to splurge a bit more, maybe keep some things in Storage for later after Omegas Quest was complete. That''s when he saw it. An icon that made his non-existent heart skip a beat. |Aesthetic Refinement Mutagen C(10 Pts): Subtly alter your physical appearance, enhancing aesthetic appeal while maintaining functionality.| David blanked out for a moment, sure he must be hallucinating. But the icon remained, taunting him with its potential. He felt like he¡¯d be breathing heavily if he had lungs at the moment, but instead settled on a motionless dance of victory. Was it a giant waste of Pts? Surely. However, David could think of only one thing at that moment. No. Freaking. Way. Is this... Is this what I think it is? A honest-to-god CUTENESS MUTAGEN? The universe has a sense of humor after all! From nightmare fuel to pinup bat? Sign me up! Claire''s gonna flip. ''David, did you just get... less horrifying?'' And Omega? Ha! ''Error: Subject too fabulous. Aborting Creepy.exe.'' A hysterical giggle bubbled up from somewhere deep inside him. As the implications sank in, David''s excitement reached fever pitch. Without a second thought, he snatched the icon out of the air, cackling like a madman. YES! Take that, universe! You thought you could make me look like a reject from a horror movie? Well, guess what? This bat''s getting a makeover! He couldn''t stop laughing as he immediately purchased the Mutagen, watching it zip into his collection. As his laughter subsided, a devious thought crossed his mind. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Wait a second. What if... What if I combined this with Ancestral Terror? That''s it. First ¡®spare¡¯ Fusion Token I get, bam! David took a moment to compose himself, still chuckling at the absurd luck. Alright, focus. We''ve still got choices to make. But man, that felt good. Who says you can''t have your cake and eat it too? Or in this case, be a terrifying predator AND slightly less hideous. He turned his attention back to the remaining Mutagens, a new spring in his metaphysical step. Let''s see what else we can snag. Maybe there''s a ''Charming Personality'' Mutagen hidden in there somewhere. Might as well go all out on this makeover. As he continued his search, David couldn''t help but feel a sense of triumph. He''d come into this evolution expecting to become even more of a monster. Instead, he might just walk away with a chance at not scaring himself every time he caught his reflection. Evolution, round two: Now with 100% more glow-up potential. Take that, apocalypse. This bat''s gonna be fabulous AND deadly. With renewed enthusiasm, David dove back into the selection process. He still had plenty of points to spend, and now, a whole new perspective on what was possible. The glow of happiness still warming his intangible chest, David turned his attention back to the cube. Its shifting surface seemed to pulse with renewed potential, as if sensing his excitement. Alright, you beautiful Cube. What else you got for me? His eyes caught on another promising icon, and he snagged it with interest, the icon drifting close for his examination. |Proprioceptive Enhancement Mutagen B(14 Pts): Dramatically improve your spatial awareness and body control, enhancing agility and precision in combat.| Oh, that¡¯s a lot of shit for one Mutagen. Perfect for all that hit-and-run nonsense I''ll be pulling. And hey, maybe I''ll finally stop crashing into trees. With a mental flick, David sent the Mutagen to join the Aesthetic Refinement in the metaphorical back pocket of his Storage. That''s future David''s problem though. Fusion Tokens and all that. Present David''s still got some shopping to do. Suddenly, a thought struck him like a bolt of lightning. Wait a second. Abilities! I''ve been so caught up in Mutagen madness, I almost forgot about the other half of the equation. Show me the Abilities, you beautiful logic puzzle. The cube''s surface shimmered, and suddenly the chaotic swirl of icons resolved into neatly organized categories. Offense, Defense, Utility, and more stretched out before him like the world''s most dangerous menu. David focused his will, his gaze sweeping over the Utility section of the neatly organized ability categories. |Whisper B(10 Pts): Project your voice across a vast distance, allowing communication with allies or misdirection of enemies. High Stamina cost, range increased by Ability rank.| Now that''s interesting. Long-distance pranks, here I come. Could be handy for coordinating with Claire too...or luring unsuspecting prey. Just snarl at them, but it sounds like I''m right behind them or something. Could be useful if I use it right. |Metabolic Surge A(14 Pts): Drastically accelerate your body''s processes, rapidly regenerating Stamina and healing minor wounds. Minor Stamina Cost, generates 1 charge every 10 minutes. Max two charges.| Whoa, talk about a second wind. Could be a real lifesaver in a tough fight. Might leave me starving after, though, if it ¡®accelerates processes.¡¯ Never seen anything with charges before. Maybe it''s a utility thing? I''ve been largely ignoring Utility in favor of other stuff. |Go for the Throat B(12 Pts): Hyper-focus your senses, greatly enhancing your perception and reaction time. Moderate Stamina drain while active, can be maintained until Stamina depletes.| Enhanced Senses? Looks like Utility¡¯s heavy on enhancements of different types. Makes sense. That one''s pretty damn good actually, mini bullet-time type thing. Could help with dodging and tough fights as long as I don''t keep it on all the time. Gonna guess that much drain isn''t something I couldn¡¯t shrug off for long. David mulled over the options, considering how they might complement his Deceiver tactics and existing abilities. He¡¯d gone into this resolved to fix some of his current problems, and his behavior was half of that. Now, he was trying hard to make smart picks and not get carried away with the first cool thing that floated by¡­except the Aesthetic Refinement. He was utterly unrepentant about that purchase. It''s all about options now. The more tricks up my¡­wings, the better my chances of surviving this mess. Imagine the look on Claire''s face when I pull one of these out of nowhere. ''Since when could you do that?'' Oh, the possibilities... He chuckled to himself, the sound echoing in the foggy void. With renewed interest, David continued to peruse the higher-rank Utility options, feeling more Offense was unnecessary. He wished he could tap his claws for the second time thus far as he focused on the Metabolic Surge Ability. The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. This could be a game-changer. Wildsoul''s a bitch to use, but with this... I might actually be able to pull off some of the crazier stuff without passing out. Plus, I''ve only ever seen one Ability help put Stamina back. Moonsong. Usually, that''s a Regeneration only thing, it must be rare or have prerequisites or something. With a mental nod, he snagged the icon. It zipped over, joining his growing collection of choices. He eyed the four purchases swirling around him avariciously, an uncharacteristically greedy glee welling up in his chest. After weeks of working with whatever he could get, it was almost luxurious to be able to pick and choose. Alright, let''s see what we''ve got left to play with. I''ll have to replace or store something to use Metabolic Surge, but if I can free up some slots with all those Fusion Tokens from the Quest and Boss... Maybe Claire and I could kill another one or two before I try one solo? I have a time limit, not a restriction on teamwork before the actual attempt, right? David did a quick tally of his remaining points, finding he still had a hefty 41 Pts at his disposal. Damn, I''m not used to having this much to work with. It''s like going from dumpster diving to an all-you-can-eat buffet. He stared at the cube, suddenly unsure of how to proceed. The wealth of options was almost paralyzing. Screw it. ¡°Hey, you overgrown paperweight!¡± David called out sassily, his good mood leaking out of his mouth. ¡°How about showing me some totally badass forbidden technique that''ll let me smite all my enemies? Cut out the middleman, what do you say?¡± To David''s shock, a string of error text flickered across his vision: ¨CERROR: UNAUTHORIZED ACCE¨C Before his stomach even had time to drop the text abruptly cut off, replaced by a single word, the color of which was odd. David had become used to the bright color coding the System seemed to favor but this new message¡­ GRANTED. Uh, what just happened? Did I do the thing again? Fuck! Stop making demands directed at shit you don''t understand! Shut your mouth! Stop talking to everything like it''s your friend! Argh! Before he could ponder further, a single icon rose from the fog below the cube. It hovered there, pulsing with an ominous energy that made David''s non-existent skin crawl. It reminded him of nothing less than the sheer power mixed in with Omega''s and Xi¡¯s presence, and he was instantly wary. Despite that, it was unique looking compared to anything he''d ever seen before, and almost vibrated with power. Hello, what''s this? As he focused on the icon, information flooded his mind: |Doom Blade ??(35 Pts): Channel destructive Wildsoul energy into a melee strike that ignores all defenses. Failure to slay a stricken target results in severe backlash damage. Extreme Stamina cost.| Holy shit. Did I just...is this a careful what you wish for moment again? Or is this an ¡®Ask and ye shall receive¡¯ type of thing? What''s up with that symbol, I''ve never seen that one. Looks all weird. Almost primitive. The ability''s description was oddly archaic, its phrasing unlike anything he''d seen before. And that symbol...It wasn''t a rank, but some kind of letter he didn''t recognize. He hesitated for a moment, weighing the potential risks against the sheer badassery of having a literal ¡®I win¡¯ button. This is either the coolest thing ever or a really elaborate way to get myself killed. Probably both. Screw it. If I''m going to be fighting boss monsters, I might as well have a boss monster move. With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, David reached out and grabbed the icon. As it joined his collection, he felt a surge of power that was both exhilarating and terrifying. Evolution, round two point one: Now with 100% more ''what the hell did I just do?'' As the fog began to swirl around him once more, signaling the end of his shopping spree, David couldn''t help but wonder what he''d just gotten himself into. The cube began to fade from view, somehow sensing he was no longer interested, its surface still flickering with strange symbols and colors. Claire is either going to be super impressed or decide I''ve finally lost it. Probably both. Can''t wait to see the look on her face when I pull out the Doom Blade. Well, I mean, I still need slots but I have a few Pts left to move stuff around if I want. Okay, well. Turbo-ugly bat incoming, at least until I can use that beautiful, amazing, fortuitous Aesthetic Refinement. I¡¯d kiss whoever made that one on the lips, I swear. With that final thought, David surrendered himself to the evolution process, equal parts excited and terrified to see how his life would play out. The fog enveloped him completely, and the world dissolved into a kaleidoscope of change. 102 - Snap back to reality The fog dissolved, and David felt reality snap back into focus. He blinked, adjusting to the sudden influx of sensory information. Every nerve in his body seemed to be firing at once, his muscles twitching with newfound power and speed. Whoa. This is... intense. I feel like I could dodge raindrops. Or catch them. Probably both. He flexed experimentally, marveling at how fluid and responsive his movements were. It was like his body was anticipating his commands before he even gave them. As the last of the rainbow goop that had cocooned him during the evolution process dripped away, a chorus of shocked exclamations erupted around him. "Sweet mother of--" Wally''s voice cracked mid-sentence. "Holy jumping--" Adam''s eyes were so wide they looked like they might pop out of his head. "Great googly moogly!" Gideon squeaked, his tiny paws covering his mouth. Even Kozlov let out a surprised grunt, his usually stoic expression slipping for a moment. David stretched, his new form unfurling like some kind of nightmare origami. He rolled his shoulders, feeling the powerful muscles ripple beneath his sleek fur. He could definitely feel the extra mass, and it was a bit strange to find his eye level a few inches further off the ground than it had been. "Man, it''s weird to feel air on my face again," he remarked, rubbing a wing over his newly exposed skin. "Forgot what that was like." He took stock of his new appearance. His body was longer, more streamlined, covered in midnight-black fur that seemed to absorb light. His wings were larger, the membranes still patterned with the crescent moons he''d grown so accustomed to. His face, now mostly hairless, felt alien, the skin pale and almost translucent, stretched taut over sharp, angular features. He could feel his eyes, larger now, pulsing with an otherworldly glow. Well, hello handsome. Or should I say, hello eldritch horror? Don''t get used to it, world. One day soon I''ll be snazzy, and there''s nothing you can do to stop me anymore! Muahaha! Curious about the others'' reactions, David turned around. The sight that greeted him almost made him burst out laughing. Claire was crouched nearby, her massive form hunched over in what could only be described as a grumpy sulk. Perched atop her head was a cluster of Cuddlebugs, but they looked... different. Their tiny bodies had transformed, mirroring David''s new Deceiver form in miniature, except much fluffier. But what really caught his attention were the two new additions hanging by their rat-like tails from Claire''s horns. Claire''s eyes narrowed as she met David''s gaze. "Don''t. Say. A. Word," she growled, though there was a slight hint of amusement beneath her irritation. David couldn''t help himself. He grinned, revealing a mouthful of fangs and needle-sharp teeth. "What''s the matter, Claire? Got some new accessories?" The dinosaur''s tail thumped loudly against the ground. "I swear, David, if you don''t get these... these things off me--" "Aw, come on. They''re just showing their affection. In a very... upside-down sort of way." One of the hanging Cuddlebugs chittered happily, as if agreeing with David''s assessment. It spun in place slightly, staring down at Claire while fluttering it''s wings in a show of affection. Claire''s eye twitched. "I liked you better when you were just ugly," she grumbled. "Now you''re ugly AND insufferable." David struck a wide pose as he flared his wings, his new form casting an impressively ominous shadow. "Excuse you, I''ll have you know I''m a certified ninja now. With a side of fabulous." Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling the fur of the Cuddlebugs on her head. "More like a ninja WITH fabulous. How did you manage to look both better and worse at the same time?" David shrugged, a motion that sent ripples of shadow across his wings as the Advanced Camouflage tried to compensate for the ambient light. "It''s a gift. Now, are you going to keep complaining, or do you want to see what this new body can do?" Claire''s eyes glinted with mischief, a rare smirk playing across her reptilian features. "Oh my, David. Are you propositioning me? Because I hate to break it to you, but I''d smash you flat. Literally." David''s newly enhanced brain short-circuited. His jaw worked soundlessly for a moment, eyes wide with shock. "I... what? No! That''s not... I didn''t mean... Claire!" He floundered, wings flapping uselessly as he stammered. "You can''t just...that''s not fair! I was talking about sparring! Combat! Not...not..." Kozlov exploded into uncharacteristic laughter that seemed to originate from deep in his belly. He smothered it quickly, but Wally and Adam were already staring at him as if they didn''t recognize him. He composed himself quickly, offering a noncommittal shrug at the pair before turning his amused gaze back to David. Claire''s jaws gaped wide in what could only be described as extreme amusement. The Cuddlebugs on her head chittered in amusement, the ones hanging from her horns swinging back and forth like furry pendulums. "Oh man," Claire wheezed between chuckles that sounded more like a lawnmower failing to start than laughter. "Your face! I didn''t think you could turn that color anymore. Guess that new skin of yours isn''t just for show." David''s pale face had indeed flushed an impressive shade of crimson. He sputtered indignantly, trying to regain his composure. "You...you''re terrible. Absolutely terrible. I can''t believe you just...Ugh!" His dramatic huff only set Claire off again, her massive form shaking with laughter. The Cuddlebugs clung on for dear life, squeaking in what sounded suspiciously like giggles. "Alright, alright," Claire finally managed, feigning wiping a tear from her eye with one stubby claw. "Let me get these little troublemakers off, and then we can see what your new ''fabulous nightmare'' form can do. In combat," she added with a wink, sending David into another fit of embarrassed spluttering. Gently shaking her head, Claire began the delicate process of dislodging her new ''accessories,'' and David couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement. He was stronger, faster, and arguably more terrifying than ever before. And he had a few new tricks up his non-existent sleeves. As Claire finally managed to dislodge the last of the Cuddlebugs from her horns, David bounced excitedly on his feet, eager to test out his new form. "Alright, you fat lizard. Let''s dance," he grinned, dropping into a mock fighting stance. Claire snorted, a plume of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Dance? More like ''try not to get stepped on.'' I breathe too hard and you might end up as a bat pancake." The others gathered around, eyes wide with curiosity. Wally was the first to pipe up. "So, uh, what''s it like being a Sub-Adult? You get any cool new powers?" David opened his mouth to answer, but Claire cut him off with a chuckle. "Yeah, like the power to turn into a tomato. Did you see how red he got earlier?" "Claire!" David spluttered, feeling his face heat up again. "I swear, I''m going to--" "Going to what? Blush me to death?" Claire teased, her massive tail swishing in amusement. Gideon, ever the professional, interjected. "Fascinating. It seems the physical changes extend beyond appearance. The ability to blush suggests significant alterations to blood flow and dermal structure, you know." "Yeah, yeah, I''m a medical marvel," David grumbled, trying to regain his composure. "Can we focus on the cool stuff? Like how I can do this?" He suddenly lunged forward with incredible speed, aiming to dart off behind Claire. However, in his excitement, he slightly overshot his mark. His claws scrabbled for purchase on the ground as he tried to correct his trajectory, resulting in an undignified slide accompanied by a surprised squawk. Claire turned her massive head, one eye regarding him with amusement. "Very impressive. I especially liked the graceful landing." Adam snorted, trying not to laugh as his little trunk curled upwards in amusement. "Damn, that''s some next-level speed. You''re like a... really fast, slightly clumsy ninja bat now." "Ninja bat with a built-in mood ring, you mean," Wally snickered, earning him a glare from David. The man dropped down on his front legs playfully in response, tongue lolling out as he barked with laughter. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Kozlov, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "The increased speed is notable, but control seems... lacking." David picked himself up, brushing off his dignity along with some dirt. "Alright, alright. I''m still getting used to it. But check this out, I can create decoys now." He concentrated, focusing hard on the idea of moving to his right. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, suddenly, a shadowy figure flickered into existence. It was vaguely David-shaped, but that''s where the resemblance ended. The decoy''s proportions were all wrong, one wing comically oversized, the other barely a stub. Its face looked like it had been squashed and stretched, with eyes at different levels and a mouth that seemed to wrap halfway around its head on one side. As it attempted to move right, it wobbled drunkenly, its mismatched limbs flailing in a sad parody of coordination. It almost seemed relieved when it dissipated a few heartbeats later. David stared at his creation in horror. "Oh god, what was that?!" The others couldn''t contain their laughter. Wally was bent double, wheezing, while even Kozlov cracked a smile. Claire''s eyes widened in a mix of amusement and concern. "David, I think your ''decoy'' might need medical attention. Or an exorcism." "That''s... that''s not supposed to happen," David mumbled, his face flushing red again. "Let me try that one more time." It took a few more attempts, each resulting in increasingly frustrated grumbles from David, before he finally managed to create a convincing decoy that moved left while he darted right. Claire''s eyes widened slightly. "Okay, that''s actually pretty impressive. When you can get it to work, that is." The others murmured in agreement, clearly intrigued by the display despite its initial fumbles. "Alright, alright," Claire said, her tone softening. "You''ve shown off enough. What else can you do with this new form of yours? Besides impersonating a very confused shadow, that is." David''s excitement bubbled over, despite his earlier mishaps. "Oh man, there''s so much more. I''ve got Pheromone Control, Advanced Camouflage, and...well, I''m still figuring it all out, to be honest. Picked up a bunch of Mutagens and a couple abilities too, but no free slots." Claire shook her head, but there was fondness in her eyes. "Only you would stockpile shit you can''t use yet with someone like Omega breathing down your neck..." As the group continued to discuss David''s new form and abilities, the atmosphere lightened. The initial shock of his transformation gave way to genuine curiosity and excitement. Even Claire, for all her teasing, couldn''t hide her pride in David''s evolution. "You know," she said softly, when the others were distracted, "I''m glad you made it through okay. Even if you did come out looking like a rejected Halloween decoration." David grinned up at her. "Aw, Claire. I didn''t know you cared." "Don''t push it, bat boy," she growled, but there was no real heat in it. "Now, how about you show us what else this new body of yours can do? Without, you know, actually fighting me and becoming a David-shaped stain on the ground." "Challenge accepted," David said, miming cracking his knuckles to hideous effect with his new body. "Prepare to be amazed! Or at least mildly entertained. Alright, tell you what. Here''s a totally useless application of something, but might tickle your fancy, Claire." Let''s see if I can pull this off. If I can control my scent, maybe I can... He closed his eyes, concentrating hard. For a long moment, nothing seemed to happen. Then, suddenly, both Claire and Wally''s eyes widened to comical proportions. Their nostrils flared as they began to sniff the air intently. Claire let out a low, rumbling moan that made David''s fur stand on end. "Oh my god," she breathed, her massive head lowering to get closer to David. "Is that... no way." David couldn''t help but smirk. "What''s the matter, Claire? Smelling something you like?" Claire''s eyes narrowed, but she couldn''t stop herself from taking another deep whiff. "Shut up. I don''t care what you say, this is amazing." Wally, who was circling David excitedly, chimed in. "Dude, you smell like the world''s best cup of coffee. How the hell are you doing that?" Gideon''s tiny nose twitched. "I can''t really smell anything, does he really smell like coffee?" Kozlov nodded, a rare look of approval on his face. "Strong coffee, too. Good trick, little bat." Adam''s trunk waved in the air, sampling the scent. "Definitely coffee. Man, I miss that stuff." David puffed up with pride. "Pretty cool, huh? Watch this." He concentrated again, and suddenly the scent shifted. The others reacted with varying degrees of enthusiasm as David cycled through different smells from memory, fresh-baked bread, ripe strawberries, even a hint of chocolate. He began to realize exactly how strong this Bonus potentially was as he shifted through them, each taking only a moment or two to come into effect. "Okay, okay, enough with the olfactory buffet," Claire grumbled, though her twitching nostrils betrayed her interest. "What else can you do with this scent thing?" David''s expression turned more serious. "Well, it''s not just about smelling nice. Its actually a pheromone thing. Supposedly for attracting prey and stuff." He focused once more, this time channeling the ability as it was intended. A subtle shift occurred in the air around him. To most of the group, there was no discernible change. But Wally''s ears perked up, and he took an unconscious step towards David before catching himself. "Whoa," Wally said, shaking his head as if to clear it. "That''s... that''s intense. I suddenly felt like I needed to get closer to you. Not in a weird way, just...I don''t know, like it would be a good idea somehow." Claire''s eyes narrowed, her head tilting slightly. "Nice try, bat boy. I can smell through your little trick. It''s like... there''s two scents layered on top of each other. The pheromone thing, and then your actual scent underneath." David''s bald snout wrinkles in surprise. "Really? That''s impressive, Claire. I didn''t think anyone would be able to detect that. Hrm. Guess it''s not foolproof if the Sniffery is strong enough." Gideon was practically vibrating with excitement. "David, do you have any idea what type of things you could do with an ability like that? Fake scent trails, hell man, you could copy the smell of whatever you''re hunting to smell just like them. Most things can''t really smell themselves, you know. Maybe you can talk to Pinchy! You know, insects communicate mainly through--" David chuckled nervously. "Uh, maybe later, Gideon. I''m still getting the hang of it myself." Claire snorted, the sound reminiscent of a falling rock "Yeah, let''s not turn David into a walking science experiment just yet. Though I gotta admit, the coffee smell was pretty great. Think you could do that again sometime?" David grinned up at her. "Aw, Claire. I didn''t know you cared about how I smelled." "Okay, it was funny the first time, but watch out," she growled, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Or next time I might just decide to see if you taste like coffee too." David stuck his tongue out rudely and was forced to dodge a lazy mock bite from his enormous friend. He arched his back, snarling with faux viciousness as his fur rippled in mesmerizing patterns that bled into his wings before dissolving into laughter as he was finally dogpiled by the Cuddlebugs. The tiny summons, now slightly larger and covered in long, fluffy black fur, could no longer contain themselves as they swarmed over him squeaking in delight. David winced as their claws poked into his newly bald face, but grudgingly allowed it when they began to lick him furiously. Even the two empowered specimens perched contentedly on his back, two islands of calm amongst their fluffier brethren. David bounced on his feet, wings twitching with excitement. "So, what do you say, Claire? Ready to go find some trouble?" Claire''s massive head swung towards him, her eyes narrowing. "You''re really serious about this, aren''t you?" "Dead serious," David grinned, revealing his new array of sharp teeth. "Come on, it''ll be fun! Plus, I need to test out all this new stuff. Can''t let Omega catch me with my wings down, right? And when was the last time we got to do anything together? It''s been...a long time, c''moooooon!" Claire let out a long-suffering sigh that sounded like a rockslide. "Fine. But if we die, I''m blaming you." "That''s the spirit!" David chittered, already scanning the horizon. "Now, which way do you think we''re most likely to find something big and scary?" As Claire began to respond, David''s attention suddenly shifted. He crouched down, using a sharp claw to scratch a strange symbol into the sandy soil. "Hey, sorry, almost forgot. Quick question," he said, gesturing to the unfamiliar mark. "Any of you seen this before?" The group gathered around, examining the symbol with varying degrees of confusion and interest. "Hrmmm," Gideon murmured, his whiskers twitching. "It looks like cuneiform, but I can''t place it exactly." Wally tilted his head, tongue lolling out. "Looks like chicken scratch to me." Kozlov grunted noncommittally, while Adam''s trunk waved in bewilderment. Claire''s massive head lowered, her eyes narrowing suspiciously as she studied the mark. "Where''d you see that, David?" "Oh, just on this new ability I picked up," David said casually, though there was a glint in his eye. "Something called ''Doom Blade.'' Pretty cool, huh?" Claire''s head raised upward to stare into the sky, an air of defeat seeping out of her as she sighed. Her eyes closed, and she let out a groan that seemed to shake the earth. "Doom Blade," she repeated, her voice a mix of exasperation and resignation. "You picked up an ability called Doom Blade? Of course you did." She opened one eye, fixing David with a look that could have melted steel. "You know what? Let''s go. Right now. Before you manage to pick up anything else that sounds like it came from a teenage edgelord''s fantasy novel." David pumped his wing in victory, nearly smacking Wally in his excitement. "Yes! Adventure time!" As they began to prepare for their impromptu outing, Claire muttered under her breath, "I swear, David, one of these days..." David flapped his wings, rising into the air with a newfound grace. His mind raced with possibilities, each more exciting than the last. Oh man, this is gonna be awesome. Maybe we''ll find a giant snake monster. Or a swarm of mutant wasps. The Cuddlebugs swarmed around him, their tiny forms a blur of motion as they settled into their usual positions. He could feel their excitement mirroring his own through their mental link. Glancing back, David saw Claire shaking her massive head, her eyes a mix of fond exasperation and resignation. She cast a final look at the others, who seemed torn between amusement and concern, before lumbering after him. "Hey, wait up!" Claire called, her voice carrying easily on the wind. "If we''re doing this, we''re doing it smart. No rushing off half-cocked into who knows what." David paused mid-air, considering her words. She''s right. Gotta be smarter about this from now on, remember? David 3.0 doesn''t just rush in...he sneaks in with style and a plan. "You''re right, Claire!" he called back, as he cracked a fang-filled grin. "We''ll do this smart. I''ll scout ahead, you follow, and we''ll tackle whatever we find together. How''s that for a plan?" He could almost hear Claire''s eyes rolling, but there was a hint of approval in her voice when she replied, "It''s a start. Just don''t get too far ahead, bat boy." David darted forward, reveling in the speed and agility of his new form. Behind him, he could hear Claire''s heavy footsteps as she followed at a more measured pace. The contrast between them was almost comical, his sleek, shadowy form zipping through the air while her massive bulk trudged along the ground. Man, this is great. New body, new powers, and a whole world of trouble to get into. Omega''s Quest? Bring it on. We''re gonna do this right this time. As they set off down the mountain, David couldn''t shake the feeling that this was a new beginning. His evolution was about to be put to the test, and he was determined to prove he could handle it. Watch out, world. David 3.0 is coming for you, and this time, he''s got a plan. Sort of. I have a plan to make a plan, and that plan will be...okay, maybe Claire can help with it a bit. 103 - Back on track David perched comfortably behind Claire''s frill, his new form settling into the familiar spot. The rocky terrain of the mountain foothills gradually gave way to softer ground, the air growing thick with the scent of decaying vegetation as they approached the swamplands. "You know," Claire grumbled, her massive head swinging from side to side as she scanned for potential threats, "you''re a lot heavier than you used to be. What happened to being a cute little furball?" David snorted, his wings rustling. "Excuse you, I''ll have you know I''m still adorable. Just... more of me to love now." "Yeah, yeah," Claire rumbled, her footsteps squelching in the increasingly muddy ground. "So, how many Fusion Tokens do you need anyway? I remember you saying you stockpiled stuff, but don''t have any slots. Don''t want to spend any Pts to shuffle stuff around for testing? It''s going to be a while before you need them for Evolving again, you know. " David''s ears perked up. "Yeah, that''s true, but I don''t want to waste anything if I don''t have to. Plus, I kinda need everything I have. Fusion Tokens, though? At least three or four to really get the most out of this evolution. But I need a minimum of two to use Metabolic Surge and Doom Blade." "Doom Blade," Claire muttered, shaking her head slightly. "Still can''t believe you picked up something with such a ridiculous name." As they pushed deeper into the swamp, gnarled trees rose around them, their branches draped with hanging moss. The air grew thick with mist, obscuring the distance and muffling sounds. David wrinkled his snout in distaste, his hide itching with phantom stings every now and again as memories of swarming dragonfly-bastards surfaced with the smell of the swamp. They hadn''t really wanted to return, but eventually decided it was their best bet to find something to mix it up with. "Speaking of levels," David chirped, "how''s your progress going? Still stuck at 12?" Claire let out a low chuckle that seemed to vibrate through her entire body. "Actually, I''m most of the way through level 13 now." David nearly fell off his perch in surprise. "What? How? When did that happen?" "While you''ve been off doing your solo hero thing," Claire replied, carefully navigating around a particularly deep-looking pool of murky water, "I''ve been playing nanny to all the others. Lots of ''baby questing'' as Wally likes to call it." David''s wings drooped slightly. "Oh. I...I didn''t realize. My bad...maybe Gideon would be up for another flight sometime?" "Don''t worry about it," Claire said, her tone softening. "Someone had to keep an eye on them. Besides, it''s been good practice." They lapsed into comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds the squelch of Claire''s footsteps and the occasional plop of something unseen dropping into the water. David''s eyes darted around, alert for any sign of movement. Suddenly, Claire''s nostrils flared, and she lifted her head higher, sniffing the air intently. "David," she said, her voice low and excited, "I smell something. Big mammal, way off in the distance." David''s fur stood on end with anticipation. "Really? What do you think it is?" Claire''s massive head swung towards him, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Well, there''s only one way to find out, isn''t there? Time to earn your kibble, hunting dog. Go do your thing." David puffed up indignantly. "Hunting dog? I''ll have you know I''m a highly sophisticated predator, thank you very much." "Sure you are," Claire chuckled. "Now get going before it catches our scent." "Catches your scent, you mean. I smell like water right now, I''ve been practicing.¡± David sniffed, half in mock superiority, half to check he hadn''t gotten his scent wrong somehow. Claire sighed hugely and David gave her an apologetic pat on the head before getting down to business. With a mock bark, David launched himself from Claire''s frill, his wings spreading wide as he prepared to scout ahead. Despite his protests, he couldn''t help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was their first real hunt since his evolution. Mist swirled past his head as he dropped slightly before beginning to gain altitude, his wings cutting silent arcs through the damp air as he swooped upwards. The Cuddlebugs followed close behind, their tiny forms barely visible as they darted about chaotically. As he flew, his mind raced with thoughts of the hunt ahead. Alright, David. Time to do this right. No more rushing in like an idiot. That''s what Omega wants, and we''re not playing that game anymore. He banked slightly, riding a faint updraft as he considered his approach. The old David might have just charged in, relying on brute force and dumb luck. But now? He was smarter than that. Or at least, he was trying to be. Working on it, at the very least. Sneaking, and ambushes, that''s what I''m built for, always have been. Time to put all this Deceiver stuff to good use. David focused, sending out pulses of Echolocation. The sound waves bounced back, painting a detailed picture of the terrain below. At first, there was nothing but swamp and more swamp. But then... Hello, what''s this? Tracks. Big ones, pressed deep into the soft earth. Nearby, a swath of flattened grass told of something large passing through not too long ago. David''s heart raced with excitement, but he forced himself to stay calm, to think it through. No rushing in. Plan first, then act. No more dumdum from now on. Slowly, carefully, he descended towards the tall swamp grass. As he neared the ground, he pulled his wings in tight, slipping between the thick stalks with barely a whisper of sound. The Cuddlebugs followed suit, their tiny bodies disappearing into the underbrush. It wasn''t as easy as it used to be. His new, larger form didn''t quite fit through the small gaps he was used to navigating. But as he slithered forward, he found himself adjusting quickly, learning the limits and capabilities of this evolved body. Not bad, not bad at all. Just need a little practice. Once he was sure he was well-hidden, David turned his attention to his summons. With a series of mental commands, he dispatched them to fan out into the area where he suspected the creature might be heading. Some took to the air in short, controlled bursts, while others stalked through the undergrowth, their enhanced forms proving surprisingly adept at stealth. As he waited for their reports, David couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride. This was what he was meant to do. Not charging in blindly, but carefully setting the stage, preparing for the perfect ambush. It felt right in a way that his recent solo adventures hadn''t. Maybe Claire had a point about me rushing off on my own. This...this feels more like me. David felt a gentle tug at the edge of his consciousness, a new sensation that he hadn''t experienced before his evolution. One of the empowered Cuddlebugs was reaching out. Not with words or clear images, but with vague impressions that traveled up the mental threads to nudge at his mind. A sense of softness, yielding earth. The faint echo of weight, of something heavy passing through. Freshness, newness. And then, open space ahead. David blinked, surprised at the depth and nuance of the communication. This was new, far beyond the simple emotional impressions he''d shared with the Cuddlebugs a few times before. It was as if the mental threads connecting them had grown stronger, more complex, especially with these enhanced versions. He processed the information quickly. Gotcha. Fresh tracks, leading to a clearing not far ahead? Good job, little dude. Focusing on the mental link, David sent back his own impressions, approval, and caution. The empowered Cuddlebug''s answering pulse of understanding was immediate and clear, tinged with a predatory eagerness that matched David''s own. David began to move, alternating between short glides just above the grass and periods of careful stalking. Each movement was calculated, each pause filled with intense listening and observation. He was no longer just a bat with some fancy tricks. He was a predator, a hunter, a Deceiver. As he neared the edge of the clearing, David felt a curious ripple along his back. The Advanced Camouflage was kicking in, blending him seamlessly with the light and dark patterns of his surroundings as if his body somehow anticipated the stalking. He nodded approvingly as he turned slightly to observe how different sections of fur had faded or lightened in response to his intentions, all subconsciously. As David settled into his hiding spot, a thought occurred to him. Claire should be here for this, duh. After all, we''re supposed to be hunting together. See? I can catch myself being stupid if I try hard enough. He focused on one of the empowered Cuddlebugs, the one that had seemed to enjoy hanging from her horns a bit more than the other had. With a series of mental commands, he conveyed his plan. Go back to Claire. Guide her here, but quietly. We don''t want to spook our prey. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The Cuddlebug chittered softly in acknowledgment, its tiny form beginning to move quickly in his awareness as it took off. David watched it go, marveling at how much more effective these enhanced versions were. Hope Claire can keep up without making too much noise. Though I suppose a few earth-shaking footsteps might just add to the confusion. Shouldn¡¯t take her too long to get here, I was only flying for a little bit. He grinned to himself, imagining Claire''s reaction when she arrived to find him perfectly camouflaged and lying in wait. It was a far cry from his usual headlong rush into danger. She''s gonna be so proud. Or annoyed that I''m showing her up. Either way, it''ll be fun. With that taken care of, David turned his attention back to the task at hand. He adjusted his position slightly, ensuring he had a clear view of the most likely approach routes. The other Cuddlebug continued its surveillance, feeding him a steady stream of impressions about the surrounding area. David held his position, every sense alert as he waited for Claire. The swamp around him teemed with life, tiny insects buzzing and unseen creatures rustling through the underbrush. He regulated his breathing, keeping it slow and silent, his camouflaged form nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding vegetation. A faint tremor in the ground signaled Claire''s approach long before he saw her. To his surprise, when she came into view, she was moving with far more stealth than he''d ever seen her manage before. Her massive body was low to the ground, each step carefully placed to minimize noise. She moved with a fluid grace that belied her size, weaving between trees and around potential obstacles. As Claire neared his position, David saw her eyes scanning the area, a hint of concern in her gaze. He realized she was probably expecting to find him in his usual post-battle state, battered, bruised, and likely sprawled atop some twitching monstrosity. She sniffed quietly as her head swung around with confusion, clearly sensing that he was very close but unable to spot him for once. David fought down an irrational urge to jump out and spook her, though it came on stronger than he thought it would. "Down here," he whispered, his voice barely audible. Claire''s head snapped around, her eyes widening as she finally spotted him. "Well, I''ll be damned," she murmured, her voice low and impressed. "You actually waited. And you''re not even bleeding." David grinned, revealing his sharp teeth. "Told you I was evolving. Not just the body, but the tactics too. Also I uh¡­I might be tired of getting the crap beaten out of me a little bit." They quickly devised a plan. Claire would hang back with one of the empowered Cuddlebugs, using it as a relay for David''s signals. David would stalk on ahead, using his stealth to locate and assess their quarry. Slowly, David began to move towards the clearing and away from Claire, marveling at how different this felt from his recent hunts. Every movement was deliberate, calculated. His new form moved with a fluid grace that surprised even him, each step silent on the soft earth. The swamp air grew thicker as he neared the clearing, heavy with the scent of stagnant water and decaying vegetation. Shafts of weak sunlight pierced the canopy, creating a dappled pattern of light and shadow that his camouflage instinctively mimicked. As he reached the edge of the open area, a new scent hit him, musky, wild, with an underlying note of something...off. Something that didn''t belong in this swamp by his reckoning. David''s ears swiveled, catching the faintest sounds of movement ahead. His wings twitched, ready to spring into action at a moment''s notice. Every nerve was alight with anticipation, his predator''s instincts singing with the thrill of the hunt. Spooky was oddly silent, and David was grateful for it, though he was sure the urges were still there, just¡­modified slightly? Likely still adjusting to the changes brought on by his Evolution. He crept forward, using patches of taller grass and the gnarled roots of swamp trees for cover. The ground beneath his claws was a mix of soft mud and firmer patches where roots had created a natural lattice. He tested each step before committing his weight, ensuring not even the slightest squelch would give away his position. The clearing finally came into view, a relatively open space where the trees thinned out and the ground rose slightly, creating a small, dry island in the midst of the swamp. And there, in the center of the clearing, was their quarry. David''s breath caught in his throat as he finally laid eyes on it. The creature was massive, shorter than Claire but longer, and likely heavier, its bulk dominating the clearing. The beast resembled some prehistoric shaggy monstrosity, like something out of Earth''s distant past. It stood on four thick, pillar-like legs, each ending in broad, stocky feet that seemed ill-adapted to the swampy terrain. Its body was vaguely rhinoceros-like in shape, but with a longer, more flexible neck and covered in a coat of shaggy fur that shimmered with a subtle, almost metallic sheen. Its head was elongated, reminiscent of a primitive horse but larger and more robust. The snout was broad, filled with both flat molars for grinding tough vegetation and sharp incisors that hinted at an omnivorous diet. Two large, expressive eyes were set wide apart, giving it excellent peripheral vision. A pair of small, horn-like protrusions jutted from its forehead, not yet fully grown but promising to be formidable in time. The creature''s tail was thick and muscular, used for balance as it moved through the uneven swamp. Its head was currently lowered, massive jaws working as it grazed on the tougher swamp vegetation. Occasionally, it would rear up slightly on its hind legs to reach higher foliage, revealing surprising agility for its size. For a moment, David felt a flicker of doubt. This beast was far larger than anything he''d faced before. Taking a deep, silent breath, he began to formulate his approach. The hunt was on, and this time, he was determined to prove that brains could triumph over brawn. Focusing intently, he infused his Echolocation with Wildsoul energy. The pulse that emanated from him was stronger, more precise than ever before. As the sound waves bounced back, they painted a detailed picture of the creature''s internal structure. The beast was indeed densely muscled, its hide thick and tough. But there were weak points. The long, flexible neck was less protected, vulnerable to a well-placed strike. More surprisingly, the tail, which had seemed like such a formidable weapon, was riddled with large blood vessels, pumping massive quantities of blood through the appendage. David sent a quick mental signal to Claire''s Cuddlebug. Through the Pack System, he felt her begin to approach, moving with a stealth that still surprised him. She paused a safe distance behind, using a slight dip in the terrain to conceal her bulk. It''s now or never. Lets see if I still know how to do this¡­eat your heart out Big Red, I¡¯m not letting you get your claws any farther into me than I absolutely have to. Gonna do this right. David began his approach, his body thrumming with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. This was what he was built for, but it had been a while since he''d attempted such a coordinated attack. He dispatched a few Cuddlebugs first, sending them to flutter around the beast''s head. The creature snorted in annoyance, its attention drawn to the tiny, persistent nuisances. Using the distraction provided by the Cuddlebugs, David crouched low in the tall swamp grass, muscles tensed. With a sudden burst of energy, he sprang forward to close the distance, leaping like a tiger towards the unsuspecting beast. As he sailed through the air, David drew on his Wildsoul once again, unleashing a cloud of Gloom directly at the creature''s face. The silvery powder billowed out, engulfing the beast''s head just as David snapped his wings open. The sudden snap of his wings caused him to whirl sharply, using the momentum to curve his trajectory back toward the ground. The beast reared back, shaking its massive head in confusion as it visibly inhaled the Gloom. In that moment of disorientation, David touched down, his claws digging into the soft earth. Without missing a beat, he focused intensely, conjuring a decoy that blurred out of his body as he landed, followed by a rapid shot of acid aimed for the beasts neck. The decoy, while slightly malformed due to his haste, sprang into action immediately. It charged directly at the beast, serving as the perfect distraction. The instant he saw his acid make contact, David darted away, his form blending seamlessly with the underbrush thanks to his camouflage. He moved swiftly and silently, putting distance between himself and the confused, enraged creature while it was still reeling. As he retreated to a safer position, David could hear the beast''s frustrated bellows and the heavy thud of its feet as it attempted to crush the illusory attacker. A grim smile played across his face. The attack hadn''t been perfect, but it had certainly been effective. For several tense moments, he waited, heart pounding. Then, a series of notifications flashed in his mind: ¨CWandering Pulverizer has been afflicted by |Empowered Gloom| |Paralysis| |Sleep|¨C ¨CWandering Pulverizer has been afflicted by |Corrosion|¨C ¨CBonus: Empowered Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 25 XP¨C David''s small, snarly grin widened a bit. The first phase of the attack had been successful, if a bit clumsier than he''d hoped. But the beast was far from defeated. It was angry now, and confused, swinging its head back and forth as it tried to locate its attacker. From his hidden position, David assessed the situation. The acid was doing its work on the creature''s neck, but it wasn''t enough to bring down such a massive target. He¡¯d need to reengage soon, using the disorientation of his Control effects to apply more. Another dose of Empowered Gloom would probably do the trick. The Cuddlebug with Claire grew increasingly agitated, its tiny form quivering with the urge to rush to David''s aid. Through their mental link, David could sense its conflicted emotions, the drive to protect him warring with the need to follow his orders and stay with Claire. It sent a jumbled series of impressions, seeking guidance, unsure if it should signal Claire to engage. David sent back a clear, firm response: Not yet. Stay put. As he prepared for his next move, David couldn''t help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was what being a Deceiver was all about, outsmarting, outmaneuvering, turning a seemingly impossible fight into a winnable battle. Not blindly rushing in an hoping he could mangle the target harder than it could maul him back, relying on the eventual advantage of his Control effects to save him. Silently, he directed the rest of the Cuddlebugs back into the fray, watching as they swarmed towards the disoriented creature. The beast let out another bellow, this one tinged with pain and frustration. David tensed, ready to launch his next assault. The real fight was just beginning. With practiced stealth, David began to slink through the foliage, circling around for another approach. As he moved, David recalled the eerie Moonsong he''d witnessed in his evolution vision. Taking a deep breath, he began to vocalize, the notes coming out just barely audible in a creepy, almost singsong melody. The sound seemed to hang in the air, adding another layer of otherworldly atmosphere to the misty swamp. The beast''s head swung around, trying to locate the source of the unsettling sound. Seizing the moment, David focused, creating a decoy that burst forth and charged in a random diection. Then another, and another, the mental fatigue of drawing on his Wildsoul beginning to build slowly before he finally stopped. The illusions darted away rapidly, each moving as if to circle the Pulverizer from a new direction before fading away in the grass. Confusion radiated from the creature as it whirled about, unable to comprehend the assault from multiple directions. Its movements became more frantic, more desperate, as it tried to defend against what it now perceived as a pack of attackers. David continued to stalk forward, careful to avoid detection as the huge creature failed to deal with the tiny Cuddlebugs harassing it with any real effectiveness. The trap was set, the prey was disoriented, and now...now it was time for the Deceiver to truly shine. As he melted into the underbrush once more, David couldn''t help but feel a surge of predatory satisfaction. The hunt was far from over, but for the first time in a long time, he felt truly in his element. 104 - Food coma David crouched low in the underbrush, his camouflage blending seamlessly with the dappled shadows of the swamp. The Wandering Pulverizer stomped and snorted, its massive head swinging from side to side as it tried to locate its elusive attacker. Gloom still clung to its shaggy coat, wisps of silvery mist rising with each labored breath. Alright, big guy. Let''s see how you handle round two. With a thought, David sent two of his Cuddlebugs darting out from different directions. The tiny creatures zipped past the beast''s face, their high-pitched chirps drawing its attention. As the Pulverizer turned to follow them, David made his move. He burst from cover, wings spread wide as he glided silently towards the creature''s exposed flank. At the last moment, he tucked and slid, coming up in a crouch directly beneath the beast''s belly. In one fluid motion, he spat a glob of acid upward, aiming for the softer skin he''d identified earlier. The sticky acid struck true, sizzling as it made contact. The Pulverizer bellowed in pain and rage, its massive body twisting as it tried to locate the source of its agony. But David was already gone, melting back into the shadows before the beast could spot him. Not bad. Float like a butterfly, sting like a¡­bat? Eh, we¡¯ll work on that. But let''s kick it up a notch. As the Pulverizer stomped around in confusion, David circled to its other side. This time, he focused on creating a more convincing decoy. The illusory bat that blurred into existence was nearly perfect, its movements a mirror of David''s own. It darted out from behind a gnarled tree root, catching the beast''s attention immediately. The Pulverizer charged, its thunderous footsteps shaking the ground. At the last second, the decoy vanished, leaving the beast to crash headlong into the tree. The impact sent shockwaves through the swamp, dislodging a shower of moss and debris from the canopy above. A tearing, rippling crackle rang out as the tree slowly sagged to the earth, smiting the ground with a hollow thump and the sound of smashing foliage. David didn''t waste the opportunity, leaping into the air. As the Pulverizer staggered, momentarily stunned, he swooped in low. Another glob of acid, this time aimed at the creature''s front leg joint. The corrosive liquid found its mark, eating away at the tough hide and seeping into the muscle beneath. That''s gonna smart in the morning. If you would have made it to morning, that is. That Analgesic is going to make this a lot harder to deal with once I get it up and running. The fight continued, a deadly dance of stealth and precision. David would create a distraction, sometimes a decoy, sometimes the Cuddlebugs, once even a carefully timed rustling of leaves with his wingtip, then strike from an unexpected angle. Each hit was calculated, targeting the weak points he''d identified earlier. The Pulverizer, for all its size and strength, was fighting a losing battle against an enemy it could barely see. Its movements grew slower, more labored, as David''s acid attacks took their toll. The beast''s frustrated roars turned to pained groans, its once-mighty stomps reduced to unsteady stumbles. As the fight wore on, David found himself settling into a rhythm. The nervousness that had plagued him at the start faded away, replaced by a cool, predatory focus. This was what he was built for, what his evolution had prepared him to do. He wasn''t just surviving anymore; he was thriving. Sorry, big guy. It''s nothing personal. Just the food chain doing its thing. With the Pulverizer weakened and disoriented, David prepared for his final assault. He created three decoys in succession this time, each one appearing to attack from a different direction before vanishing as they hit dense patches of underbrush. As the beast''s head swiveled frantically between the illusory threats, David made his move. He shot upwards, higher than he''d gone before, until he was level with the canopy. Then, with a deep breath, he folded his wings and dove. The wind whistled past him as he plummeted, aiming straight for the Pulverizer''s broad back. At the last possible second, David flared his wings, killing his momentum. He landed on the beast''s spine, claws digging in for purchase. Before the Pulverizer could react, David tapped into his Wildsoul, feeling the energy surge through him. He focused intently, channeling the power into his acid glands. A burning sensation built in his throat, far more intense than usual, bordering on painful even for him. With a forceful hawk, David unleashed a torrent of Empowered Acid directly onto the base of the Pulverizer''s skull. The glob that erupted from his maw was significantly larger than his normal acid spit, glowing an eerie, luminous green as it arced through the air. The Empowered Acid struck its target with a sizzling hiss that seemed to cut through the ambient swamp noise. On impact, it splashed outward, covering a much larger area than usual. The beast''s fur and hide began to smoke and bubble instantly. What truly set this attack apart, however, was its aftermath. The acid didn''t just sit static after landing. It seemed to have a life of its own, creeping outward in tendrils of caustic green, spreading slightly under its own power. The effect only lasted for a few seconds, but in that time, it managed to increase the affected area significantly. The beast''s agonized roar shook the very air, louder and more pained than any sound it had made thus far. It bucked and thrashed wildly, trying desperately to dislodge both David and the searing pain eating into its flesh. David clung on grimly, fighting the urge to recoil from the acrid fumes rising from his own attack. Exhaustion seeped into his body, the added toll of the Infused acid almost weakening his grip on the large creature. Between the decoys, Gloom, and Echolocation, he''d tired himself out a bit more than intended. Holy shit, that packs a punch. Note to self: use sparingly. And maybe gargle some water after. As the Pulverizer''s movements became more erratic, David leapt clear, landing gracefully a few yards away. He watched, wings tensed and ready, as the massive creature staggered and swayed. Now''s the time. Let''s see how it handles a dinosaur. David focused on the mental link with Claire''s Cuddlebug, sending a clear signal: It''s safe. Bring her in. There was a moment of stillness, the swamp holding its breath. Then, a split second before Claire''s arrival, the empowered Cuddlebug burst through the foliage, chittering excitedly. The peace shattered as Claire exploded through the trees, her massive form barreling into the clearing with earth-shaking force. Leaves and branches scattered in her wake as she skidded to a halt, her eyes locked on the Pulverizer. The beast, despite its disorientation and injuries, reacted with primal fear at the sight of Claire. It scrambled to face her, its legs trembling with the effort to stand. The paralysis was clearly deeply rooted by now, and its movements sluggish and uncoordinated as it''s eyelids sagged dangerously. Yet still, it fought against the encroaching sleep, driven by pure survival instinct. David watched with a mix of pride and excitement as Claire squared off against the Pulverizer. This was what they''d been training for, what all their practice had led to. A true test of their abilities as a team. Alright, Claire. Let''s show this overgrown fur ball what we can do. As Claire stared down the Pulverizer, David noticed a golden glow emanating from the base of her throat. The light pulsed beneath her heavy scales, a clear sign she was infusing her Wildsoul into an ability. Without a sound, she charged, her massive form moving with surprising speed. The Pulverizer, still reeling from David''s assault, barely had time to register the new threat. Just before impact, Claire unleashed a roar that seemed to physically batter the air. The sound was deafening, raw power made audible, and a wave of energy flattened the few bits of swamp grass still standing in the clearing. David felt the effect wash over him, a surge of strength that made him feel invincible. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Claire''s jaws stretched unnaturally wide as she slammed into the Pulverizer. The impact was a brutal combination of headbutt and body-slam, clearly designed to overturn her massive opponent. The sound of the collision was like a freight train derailing, felt as much as heard, but organic and wet. The Pulverizer was lifted off its feet, its bulk no match for Claire''s momentum. It sailed through the air, crashing down with a thunderous impact that sent tremors through the swampy ground. Mud and water exploded outward from the point of impact. Dazed but not defeated, the beast lashed out reflexively. Its enormous tail swung around like a battering ram as she bore down on it, catching Claire square in the back. The blow was strong enough to drive Claire''s feet into the mud, but she barely seemed to notice. Her eyes remained fixed on her prey, golden light building once again, this time in her jaws. In seconds, she was upon the fallen Pulverizer. Her glowing maw snapped shut repeatedly, each bite precise and devastating. David watched in awe as she skillfully avoided the acid-burned area at the base of the creature''s skull, showing a level of control he hadn''t expected. Suddenly, Claire reared back on her hind legs. With a movement that belied her size, she delivered a massive kick to the Pulverizer''s exposed belly. The sound that followed made David cringe, a sickening, tearing noise like heavy fabric being ripped apart, but infinitely worse. Before the beast could recover, Claire spun, her thick tail whipping around in a savage arc. It connected with a resounding crack that echoed through the clearing. The Pulverizer''s head snapped to the side, a dazed huff escaping violently from its lungs. David, still riding the high of Claire''s empowering roar, decided it was time to rejoin the fray. He launched himself into the air, wings spread wide as he circled the battleground. From this vantage point, he could see the full extent of their teamwork, his precision strikes combined with Claire''s raw power were proving to be a devastating combination. Now this is what I call a dynamic duo. If it wasn''t for the fact I have to finish Omegas Quest solo, I don''t think one regular Boss would be nearly as hard as it was before¡­ As he prepared to dive back into the fight, David couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride. This was what evolution was all about, becoming stronger, smarter, more efficient. And right now, watching Claire physically crush a creature that had given him so much of a workout, he felt like they were at the top of the food chain. The Pulverizer struggled to rise, its movements growing more sluggish by the second. The combined effects of David''s toxins and Claire''s brutal assault were finally taking their toll. But David knew better than to underestimate a cornered beast. As he swooped lower, preparing to coordinate his next attack with Claire, he kept a wary eye on the Pulverizer''s powerful limbs and that deadly tail. Alright, big guy, let''s see what you''ve got left in the tank. As David dove towards the Pulverizer, Claire suddenly lunged forward, seizing the beast by the base of its throat. Her muscles bunched and surged under her scales and armor, the last echoes of her empowering roar still reverberating through the air. With a display of raw strength that left David momentarily stunned, she bodily lifted the front half of the creature off the ground. For a split second, the Pulverizer hung there, its legs kicking uselessly at the air. Then, with a vicious shake that reminded David of a dog with a chew toy, Claire whipped her massive head back and forth. Finally, she slammed it back to the ground with earth-shattering force. The impact sent ripples across the surrounding swamp water, small waves lapping at the shore of their impromptu battlefield. Just as David pulled up from his dive, a series of notifications flashed across his vision as his afflictions faded along with the last bit of vitality the Pulverizer had. He landed gracefully nearby, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. David¡¯s tongue lolled out, and he noticed with a mix of amusement and resigned acceptance that it was still freakishly long. Some things never change, I guess. Almost immediately, the Cuddlebugs swarmed towards the fallen Pulverizer. They dove eagerly towards the gaping wound Claire''s kick had left in its belly, their tiny forms disappearing into the creature''s innards. It was a sight both oddly endearing and deeply disturbing, like watching kittens play with a particularly gruesome chew toy. Claire let out a long, rattling snarl of triumph. She took a stance and slammed her tail against the ground repeatedly, the sound carrying through the swamp like some sort of primordial war drum. The display was so unexpected that David couldn''t help but laugh. "What''s with the victory dance? Trying out for Jurassic Stomp Dancing?" Claire''s snarl morphed into a chuckle. "I don''t know, it just felt right. Like I should be announcing our win to the whole damn swamp. Not sure if it was very smart now that you mention it¡­" She sank down into a crouch near the Pulverizer, watching the feasting Cuddlebugs with a mixture of awe and mild disgust. "You know," she mused, "I''m pretty sure if you''d wanted to spend half an hour harassing that thing, you probably could''ve killed it yourself." David shrugged, wincing slightly at the movement, muscles still burning from the fight. "Honestly? I''m pretty worn out. Might be true, but if I was going solo, I''d have waited till dark and started in while it was asleep. Way less chance of becoming a Pulverizer pancake that way." Claire rumbled thoughtfully, her eyes still fixed on the grotesque feast before them. "You should do that with the Boss Omega wants you to kill. Give yourself the best chance, you know?" David nodded, a grim smile playing across his features. "Yeah, that''s the plan. No heroic charges for this bat. I''m all about that sneaky, sneaky life now." He paused, glancing at the Pulverizer''s massive form. "Speaking of which, any ideas on how we''re gonna haul any of this thing back to camp? Because I don''t think my ''carry capacity'' covers ''bigass rhino-horse hybrid''." Claire''s answering grin was all teeth as her jaws fell open in amusement. "Oh, I''m sure we''ll figure something out. After all, teamwork makes the dream work, right?" David groaned at the cheesy line, but he couldn''t suppress a grin of his own. As they sat there, basking in the afterglow of their victory, he felt a sense of real hope for the first time in a while. Then his stomach growled loudly enough that even the Cuddlebugs stopped to look at him curiously. He suddenly felt completely hollow, and the smell of the Pulverizer was suddenly¡­delicious. Claire''s snout crinkled in amusement. "Here we go again," she chuckled. David felt the familiar, primal urge surge through him. "Hold that thought," he managed to say before scrambling over to the Pulverizer''s carcass. The Cuddlebugs chittered excitedly as David joined their feast, though he opted for the beast''s shoulder rather than sharing their rapidly expanding locale. He tore into the flesh with gusto, his new sharp teeth making quick work of the tough hide. For some reason he wasn''t quite sure of, he felt the urge to growl almost continuously as he tore into the feast, and Claire seemed to find it adorably amusing. "You know," Claire called out between snickers, "most people bring a bib to a barbecue, not their entire face." David paused mid-bite, blood discoloring his bald face. "I''ll have you know this is a very sophisticated dining technique," he mumbled around a mouthful of Pulverizer steak. As he spoke, he slowly extended the smallest claw on his wing, mimicking the gesture of raising a pinky finger while sipping tea. The Cuddlebugs, thrilled by David''s participation, redoubled their efforts. Soon, the clearing was filled with the sounds of enthusiastic munching and the occasional belch. Some time later, David lay on his side, looking like a furry, bat-shaped balloon. The Cuddlebugs, equally stuffed, were sprawled across his bloated form. With half-hearted movements, he attempted to pick them off and place them in a pile nearby, grimacing at the mess they''d made of his fur. "Ugh, it''s like trying to clean up after a toddlers'' food fight," he grumbled, jiggling a particularly sticky Cuddlebug off his wing. Claire, having enjoyed her own portion of the feast, was swishing her jaws in the murky water nearby. She lumbered back, settling down in the shade next to David with a contented rumble. "So," she said, "what''s the plan for Omega''s bullshit challenge then?" David burped softly before responding. "Well, I''ve got about 19 or 20 days left, give or take. Might have a few extra days of wiggle room, just in case." Claire nodded, shadows dappling her snout from the canopy above. "Smart. So what''s the strategy?" "First, scout out the surrounding bosses. Use my infused Echolocation to find one that''s vulnerable to my abilities. Then, hit up some other bosses for Fusion Tokens. Need those to use my new abilities." "Need any help with that part?" Claire asked, a knowing glint in her eye. David grinned. "Thought you''d never ask. I mean, if you''re not too busy with your ''baby questing'' and all." Claire snorted, sending a small cloud of mist into the air. "Please. Like I''d let you have all the fun." "You know," she mused after a moment, "I might even evolve before you take on the big boss." David''s eyes widened. "Oh yeah? Well, let me tell you, Sub-Adult evolution is a trip. Just... be prepared for anything." He paused, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Though at the rate you''re growing, we might need to keep moving just to keep you fed. You''ll be eating entire forests at this rate." They both froze, the joking mood evaporating as they realized the very real possibility of Claire''s increasing size becoming an issue in the future. She already ate an outlandish amount when she did eat, and if her last increase in size was any indication... David, sensing the tension, quickly quipped, "Hey, look on the bright side. If you get big enough, we can just roll you into the boss fights. Instant victory!" Claire snorted, amused despite herself. She leaned over and poked David''s distended belly with her snout, eliciting a comical series of noises from the overstuffed bat. "Blurgh!" David wheezed, his eyes bulging. "Warn a bat before you go pressing the self-destruct button, will ya?" As he lay there, desperately trying not to explode, David couldn''t help but think that despite the challenges ahead, moments like these made it all worthwhile. Even if he did currently feel like a furry water balloon on the verge of bursting. Next stop, fusion tokens. But first¡­maybe a mild food coma. 105 - Hit List David stood back, admiring his handiwork on the Observatory wall. The map he''d sketched was, by any artistic standard, a disaster. But what it lacked in aesthetics, it made up for in accuracy. The Observatory itself was marked by a crude drawing of a bat perched atop what was supposed to be Claire''s head, but looked more like a lumpy potato with teeth. Scattered across the map were simplistic angry faces denoting boss locations, each accompanied by a unique symbol. To the north, a squiggly line with fangs represented the Coiling Horror. Beside it, David had drawn what he insisted was a monstrous bird, but looked more like a feathery tornado, the Stormshrieker. The eastern section featured a stick figure with absurdly tiny arms and large legs, the Leaping Brute. Next to it, a blob with multiple eyes that David claimed was a ¡®very accurate¡¯ depiction of the Hive Queen. In the south, a lopsided star-shaped creature marked the Creeping Colossus, while a scribbly lizard with exaggerated spikes indicated the Cave Devourer¡¯s lair. The western area boasted a boulder with stubby legs for the Rolling Thunderer, and what appeared to be a walrus wearing a crown, David''s artistic interpretation of the Ice King. As he stepped back to take in the full map, David couldn''t help but chuckle at his artistic "skills". His eyes roamed over his makeshift map, a crooked smile tugging at his snout. The crude drawings and squiggly lines belied the danger they represented, transforming days of tense scouting into something almost comical. It was almost funny, his life-or-death mission rendered in the style of a preschooler''s art project. Note to self: Drawing with finger-knives is harder than it looks. Maybe I should add a few happy little trees? His mind wandered back to the scouting missions. He had covered an impressive amount of ground, pushing his newfound abilities to the limit. David''s empowered Echolocation had proven invaluable, allowing him to gather intel on the bosses from a safe distance. His wings still ached from the long hours of scouting, but the memories of each encounter were seared into his mind. The Coiled Horror had proven elusive, its serpentine form melding with the swamp''s murky depths. David had spent hours circling the area, sending out pulse after pulse of Echolocation before finally catching a glimpse of scales shifting beneath the water''s surface. The sheer length of the creature had sent a chill down his spine, even from a safe distance. Stumbling on the Stormshrieker had been a near-death experience, and he wasn''t sure he was game for taking it on. Ever. David had been gliding silently, scanning the canopy, when a gust of wind strong enough to flatten saplings had nearly sent him tumbling. He''d barely managed to right himself in time to see the massive, storm-grey wings of the beast as it took flight, leaving a ring of flattened vegetation in its wake. The Brute''s trail had been impossible to miss. Massive craters pockmarked the landscape, each impact site surrounded by splintered trees and churned earth. David had followed the destruction, his heart pounding as each new crater grew larger than the last. When he finally spotted the shaggy monstrosity, its size had him questioning how something that big could jump at all. The Hive Queen had been a surreal, and more than a little concerning. David had noticed the insects growing larger and more grotesque as he ventured deeper into her territory. Beetles the size of his head buzzed menacingly, while mutated ants scurried about, each easily as large as one of his Cuddlebugs. The Queen''s lair, when he found it, was a nightmarish structure of pulsating, organic material that made his skin crawl. The Colossus...at first, he''d mistaken it for a particularly aggressive patch of vegetation. It was only when he saw an entire tree being dragged into its mass that he realized the true nature of the beast. Locating the Devourer had been more about following the absence than the presence. Swathes of barren earth cut through the landscape, leading to a maw-like cavern entrance that seemed to grow slightly larger each time David circled back. The Thunderer had nearly given David a heart attack, though it had been entirely his own fault. He''d been perched on what he thought was a huge boulder, taking a breather, when the whole thing had shuddered and begun to move. He''d taken to the air just in time to avoid being crushed as the creature unfurled, its armored hide glistening in the sunlight. As for the Ice King, well, stumbling upon a winter wonderland in the middle of a sweltering forest had been surreal enough. But seeing the massive, tusk-laden beast lounging in a glacier pool, that was an image David knew he''d never forget. Each located target had left David more anxious than the last. He couldn''t help but wonder if he was in way over his head, but then again, when hadn''t he been since this whole mess started? As David continued to stare at his masterpiece, he couldn''t help but feel a mix of pride and apprehension. They''d gathered valuable intel, but the sheer power of some of the bosses was daunting. Especially the Colossus. Absolutely no way in hell I''d be able to kill that thing myself, it counters all my abilities as far as I can tell. If it wasn''t for all the stuff growing on it, I might have a chance but I¡¯d need a weed whacker Mutagen or something just to get to it. He was so lost in thought that he didn''t hear Claire approach until she was right behind him. "You know," she said, startling him out of his reverie, "I''m pretty sure that''s not what I look like." David turned, a grin spreading across his face. "What are you talking about? It''s a perfect likeness. I''ve really captured your...essence." Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "If by ''essence'' you mean ''what I''d look like in a funhouse mirror¡¯, then sure." As they stood there, chuckling at David''s artistic endeavors, the laughter slowly faded, replaced by a weighty silence. The crude drawings on the wall took on a more ominous air, each squiggly line and lopsided face a reminder of the very real, very dangerous creatures they represented. David''s grin slipped, his eyes scanning over the map with newfound intensity. They had the information they needed, hard-won through days of risky scouting and near-misses. But having the intel and knowing what to do with it were two very different beasts. The farther he''d gotten from what remained of civilization, the larger and more dangerous the beasts had become, the Stormshrieker and Colossus in particular seemed out of their current weight-class. So much for ''normal bosses will be easy now''. Heh. That''s what I get for being so cocky about it, honestly. "So," Claire rumbled, her voice low and serious, "which one of these nightmares are we taking on first?" David''s wings twitched nervously. "That''s the million-dollar question, isn''t it? We need those Fusion Tokens, but picking the wrong target could end with us as some monster''s snack." He reached out, his claw hovering over each boss marker in turn. The Coiled Horror? Too aquatic to safely harass with Gloom. The Stormshrieker? Too airborne, and flying was one of his major advantages. The Brute? Possibly, as long as they could avoid being flattened when it landed. "It''s not just about which one we can take down," David mused, more to himself than to Claire. "It''s about which one gives us the best chance of walking away in one piece. And then there''s Omega''s little solo boss hunt to consider..." Claire nudged him gently with her snout. "One step at a time, bat boy. Let''s focus on getting those Tokens first. Then we can worry about your solo suicide mission." David shot her a snarly grin. "Always the optimist, aren''t you?" He turned back to the map, his expression turning determined. "Alright, let''s break this down. We need a target that plays to our strengths, something I can trick and you can overpower." As David and Claire continued to stare at the map, a movement caught David''s eye. One of the empowered Cuddlebugs was sitting a few yards away, scratching at the wall near the ground. At first, David didn''t understand what it was doing, but realization slowly dawned on him. Is it... trying to draw? The tiny creature was making seemingly random marks, but there was a purpose to its movements that couldn''t be ignored. It wasn''t just scratching; it was attempting to imitate David''s map-making. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "Claire," David whispered, nudging her. "Look at that." Claire''s eyes widened as she watched the Cuddlebug. Its ''contribution'' was just randomly spaced out scratches, but it was clearly trying to mimic David''s actions. "Well, I''ll be damned," Claire muttered. "It''s actually trying to draw." David couldn''t help but feel a swell of pride. "Look at that. My little prot¨¦g¨¦. Next thing you know, it''ll be giving art lessons to the others." Claire snorted, but her expression was thoughtful. "You know, I love these little guys. Even the rat-tailed ugly ones, grudgingly. But sometimes...I''m not sure I''m comfortable with how smart that pair of empowered ones are." David turned to her, confusion evident on his face. "What do you mean? Why not?" Claire opened her mouth, then closed it again. Her tail thumped against the ground as she struggled to find the words. After several seconds of visible internal debate, she let out a frustrated growl. "I don''t know how to explain it," she finally admitted. "It''s just...unsettling sometimes." David shrugged, deciding not to push the issue. He turned back to the map, changing the subject. "So, about these bosses. You know, there might be more that I just didn''t find. There are miles between each one, and they tend to favor their own little biomes." He pointed to different areas on the map. "See, we''ve got a few scattered in the mountains around here, like the Thunderer and the Devourer. Then there''s the Horror in the swamp. The Colossus and Stormshrieker are pretty far away and¡­weirdly powerful. We should probably avoid those for now." Claire nodded, her focus slowly returning to the conversation. "Smart. So we''re looking at the closer, hopefully less apocalyptic options?" "Exactly," David agreed. "We need to pick something challenging but not suicidal." As they continued to discuss their options, David couldn''t help but glance back at the empowered Cuddlebug. It had stopped its drawing attempts and was now watching them intently, its eyes gleaming with an intelligence that was indeed somewhat unsettling. Maybe Claire has a point, But that''s a problem for another day. Right now, we''ve got bigger, scarier fish to fry. Besides, it''s just trying to help. Good effort you creepy little shit, don''t let her get you down. If you were a puffball too she''d probably be trying to teach you sign language or something. "Okay," he said, turning back to Claire. "Let''s break this down. The Horror is out because of the water. The Thunderer might be doable, but that armor is going to be a problem for my acid. The Brute...well, if we can avoid getting flattened, we might have a shot." Claire''s eyes lit up. "The Brute, huh? I wouldn''t mind going toe-to-toe with that overgrown kangaroo." David grinned, his fangs glinting in the light. "I was hoping you''d say that. Alright, let''s start planning. We''re going to need every trick in our book for this one." The harsh sun beat down on them, its rays reflecting off the massive radio telescope dish that dominated the landscape, though the shadow it cast provided no shelter for them. David blinked hard, suddenly aware of how bright and hot it had become. His throat felt parched, and a wave of fatigue washed over him. How long have I been at this? David suddenly realized he''d lost all track of time since returning from his scouting mission. It had been early in the morning still when he''d glided down into the camp, and still mercifully cool. Now, heat seemed to radiate from the ground below him and his dark coloration was definitely not helping. He glanced longingly at the shade cast by the lean-to, wishing he had the time to spare for a bit of lounging and napping. The cool darkness seemed to call to him, promising relief from the relentless heat. David shook his head hard enough to make his ears flap, forcing himself to focus instead. Focus, David. You can rest when you''re not planning life-or-death missions. Still, he couldn''t shake the sudden awareness of how hard he''d been pushing himself. The map, the planning, the constant vigilance during scouting, it all came crashing down on him at once. He felt the urge to gulp down gallons of water and sleep for a week. Maybe a quick break wouldn''t hurt, can''t fight the Brute if I pass out from dehydration first. But first¡­ As they hashed out the basics of their plan, David found himself absently scratching more details into the dirt with his claw. The journey to the Brute''s territory would take them through varied terrain, from their rocky mountain peak, across a stretch of dense forest, and finally into the crater-pocked landscape of its Territory. "If we push hard, we could probably make it in a day," David mused, his claw tracing their potential route through yet more poorly drawn landmarks. "But going a bit slower would be safer, give us time to rest and scout before engaging." Claire nodded, her massive head bobbing in agreement. "No sense in rushing into a fight with that thing half-exhausted." As they continued to refine their strategy, David found himself growing restless. With a quick flap of his wings, he hopped onto Claire''s back, settling into his familiar spot behind her head. A scattering of chirps drew his attention back to the lean-to, where the rest of the Cuddlebugs were hiding from the heat. They shot him longing looks of jealousy as he perched atop Claire, though they didn''t leave the comfort of the shade to join him. Tough luck, team. If you wanna sit on the lizard you gotta come outside. It is pretty miserable out here though¡­ "So," he chirped, getting comfortable, "how have the others been doing while we''ve been out scouting?" Claire began to lumber around the camp, her movements causing David to sway gently in his perch. "They''ve actually been going out on Quests together," she replied, a note of pride in her voice. "Kozlov''s been leading them." A warm breeze whistled across the mountaintop, stirring up small dust devils that danced between the rusted hulks of long-abandoned vehicles. Claire chuckled, the sound rumbling through her body. "You should see Kozlov. After watching your evolution, he''s taking this whole thing so seriously. He''s going to be a terror when he evolves again." David felt a surge of satisfaction at the news. "Really? That''s great to hear. Think they''re strong enough to make it back to Riverport without an escort yet?" Claire fell silent, considering the question as she continued to wander around the camp. Her massive feet crunched against the sandy soil, kicking up small clouds of reddish dust with each step. The heat shimmered in the air, distorting the view of the distant landscape. Finally, Claire spoke. "You know, I think they probably can," she said thoughtfully. "As long as they circle around the swamp instead of cutting straight through. They''ve come a long way since we first found them." David nodded, a mix of pride and relief washing over him. "That''s good to hear. It''ll be one less thing to worry about when we''re out there facing down the Brute." As they continued their leisurely stroll around the camp, the conversation drifted to the finer points of their upcoming hunt. The empowered Cuddlebug followed at a distance, its eyes never leaving the pair as they planned. "You know what?" David said, his tongue feeling like sandpaper in his mouth. "I think I need a drink. Care to join me at the spring?" Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Oh, I see how it is. You just want a free ride, don''t you?" "Who, me?" David placed a wing over his heart in mock offense. "I''m wounded by your accusation. I simply enjoy our conversations...and this comfy spot, right here. This one." Despite her teasing, Claire began to lumber in the direction of the spring. "Alright, you parasitic fuzzball. Let''s go then." David grinned and called out to his Cuddlebugs. They fluttered over from the lean-to, a mix of excited chirps and grumpy squeaks as they settled around him. Most tried to wedge themselves under his wings, seeking refuge from the relentless sun. The two empowered specimens hung from Claire''s horns, swinging back and forth with every step but not seeming to mind at all. "Onward, noble steed!" David declared, pointing dramatically with one wing. Claire''s huge head swiveled around, fixing him with a baleful glare. "Call me a steed again, and you''ll be walking." As they made their way down the mountain path and out of the Observatory grounds, David couldn''t resist offering helpful directions. "Watch out for that rock," he chittered. "Oh, and there''s a dip coming up. Maybe we should take a left here?" Claire''s low grumble of amusement vibrated through her body. "You know, for someone who can fly, you''re awfully concerned with the ground." "Just looking out for you, big girl," David patted her head affectionately. "Wouldn''t want you to chip a scale or anything." The banter continued as they descended, the harsh landscape gradually giving way to bare rock and scrubby vegetation. The spring finally came into view, a welcome sight in the barren terrain. Yep, just like I remember it. Glad there''s not, like, a hideous jellyfish living in here now or something. Or an Owl. Fuck Owls. As Claire lowered her head to drink, David hopped off, the Cuddlebugs scattering around him. He skittered to the side a bit, Claire¡¯s head occupying most of the pool, and gulping water down greedily. The Cuddlebugs wisely waited for more room after the first one was almost sucked into Claire''s mouth as she downed gallons of water with every scoop, and it emerged sopping wet and hissing furiously from the pool a few feet away. Refreshed, David settled on a familiar nearby rock, watching as Claire continued to drink. With a snort he saw that the claw marks he''d left as he''d picked at it all those nights ago were still easily visible. We''re really doing this again. Taking on a boss, just the two of us, like always. And after that...I''ve got to do it solo. Man, life got weird and stayed that way at some point, and I almost missed but somehow. He listened to Claire slowly doing her best to drain the entire pool in one shot as he watched the tiny stream of water trickle away down the rocks, lost in thought. Bring it on, Omega. Your little science experiment is about to surprise you. 106 - Distant Rumbling The sun had barely crested the horizon when David and Claire set out, leaving the familiar silhouette of the Observatory behind. The air was cool and crisp, a welcome respite from the oppressive heat they knew would come later. David perched comfortably on Claire''s back, his wings tucked in close as she navigated the rocky terrain. The Cuddlebugs were nestled around him, some still drowsy from the early start. "You know," David mused, breaking the comfortable silence, "I never thought I''d be excited about hiking through monster-infested wilderness to pick a fight with something that could squash me like a bug." Claire snorted, a plume of warm air rising in the cool morning. "Welcome to the new normal, bat boy. At least the view''s nice." And it was. As they descended from the mountaintop, the landscape gradually transformed. Barren rock gave way to scrubby vegetation, which in turn yielded to more lush greenery. By midday, they were trekking through a dense forest, the canopy above providing welcome shade. "Hey Claire," David chirped, idly grooming one of the Cuddlebugs, "you ever miss your old life? You know, before all this?" Claire was quiet for a moment, her steady pace never faltering. "Sometimes," she finally admitted. "Though it''s getting harder to remember what it was like." "Yeah, I get that," David nodded. "It''s like... was I really stressing about deliveries and rent just a few months ago?" Claire chuckled, the sound rumbling through her massive body. "At least you were mobile. Try being stuck in a cubicle all day, crunching numbers for people who couldn''t balance a checkbook if their life depended on it." "Oh man, I forgot you were a bank drone," David grinned. "No wonder you''re so good at math. Bet that comes in handy with all these System notifications." "You have no idea," Claire grumbled good-naturedly. "Though I''ll take XP calculations over loan applications any day." As they continued through the forest, David found himself opening up about his old life. The monotony of delivery routes, the constant race against the clock, the occasional bright spot of a grateful customer. "It wasn''t all bad," he mused. "But man, it feels like a lifetime ago." Claire hummed in agreement. "I know what you mean. I''d just been transferred to Redfield like¡­two months before? The commute was terrible." The conversation lulled as they navigated a particularly dense patch of underbrush. When they emerged into a small clearing, David broke the silence again. "You never really talked much about your childhood," he ventured cautiously. Claire''s stride faltered for just a moment. "Not much to tell," she said, her tone guarded. "Dad made some bad choices, got in with the wrong crowd, like I said before. We managed." David nodded, sensing the weight behind her words. "Must''ve been tough." "It was what it was," Claire shrugged, nearly dislodging David in the process. "Sorry about that. Anyway, it''s all in the past now. Literally a different world." As the day wore on, their conversation drifted between memories of the old world and plans for navigating the new one. David found himself marveling at how easily they could now discuss mutagens and evolution in the same breath as reminiscing about favorite restaurants and old TV shows. The sun was dipping lower on the horizon when Claire finally called for a break. They''d made good progress, the forest beginning to thin as they neared the Brute''s territory. "You know," Claire said as she lowered herself to the ground, allowing David to hop off, "for all the insanity we''re living through, I''m glad you''re here, David." David grinned, his fangs glinting in the fading light. "Aw, you big softie. Don''t worry, your secret''s safe with me. Wouldn''t want the Brute to know you''re just a cuddly lizard at heart." Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Keep it up, bat boy, and you''ll be walking the rest of the way." As they crested the ridgeline, the Brute''s territory sprawled before them, a patchwork of craters and splintered trees. "Well," David chirped, eyeing a particularly massive hole, "I guess we know where Thumper''s been playing hopscotch." Claire snorted, lowering herself with a grunt. "Real cute. You planning on using those jokes to bore it to death?" David hopped off, stretching his wings. "Hey, don''t knock it. Laughter is the best medicine. Or in this case, maybe a distraction." The Cuddlebugs scattered around them, chittering as they explored. David paced, his mind racing. "Alright, so we know taking out its legs is the goal. Question is, how? That hide looked thick as hell when I scouted it." Claire''s tail thumped thoughtfully. "Your acid worked well enough on the Pulverizer. Think it''ll do the trick here?" "Maybe," David mused, "if I can get enough on target. But this thing''s a lot more mobile than our last dance partner." They fell silent, the warm breeze carrying the faint scent of shattered trees and fresh sap, a lingering effect of the Brute''s impacts. "You know," Claire rumbled, breaking the quiet, "we could always go with the classics. You sneak, distract it. Then I come in, after you get your bat-dust all over it. Finish it off together. Worked on the Crusher." David''s ears flattened. "Yeah, but the Crusher was slow. This thing? It''ll be on you faster than you can say ''oh shit''." "Such a ray of sunshine," Claire deadpanned. "Got a better idea?" David grinned, fangs glinting. "As a matter of fact, I do. Remember how we took down the Corruptor? Same principle, but dryer and less melty. We get it into a bad position by making it chase me, and you get up a full head of steam and run it over." As the sun dipped lower, they refined their plan. David would start stealthy, using every trick in his book to disorient and weaken the Brute. Claire would hang back, ready to charge in when the beast was off-balance. Same basic plan they usually employed, if David was being honest with himself. "And if all else fails," David chittered happily, "we wing it. Hasn''t steered us wrong yet." Stolen story; please report. Claire''s answering rumble was part laugh, part growl. "Speak for yourself. I''d still have scorch marks from our last ''winging it'' session if we didn''t heal so fast, that is." As night fell, they made camp on the ridgeline. David took a final scouting run, ensuring that nothing else nasty was lurking in the vicinity, waiting for them to let their guards down. Landing back at camp, he found Claire already dozing. He settled into his spot, Cuddlebugs curling around him. "Sleep tight, big girl," he murmured. "Tomorrow, we add another notch to our apocalypse belt." As David curled into a ball and began to fall asleep, the edges of his vision shimmered with ethereal purple light, undercut by a subtle rainbow shimmer. The world dissolved as he drifted in and out of consciousness, reforming into a vast, empty beach. The sand beneath his feet shifted in impossible colors, each grain a tiny prism refracting light that shouldn''t exist. A gentle wave approached the shore, growing larger as it neared. It crashed over the beach with a sound like whispering voices, reshaping the landscape in its wake. Dunes rose and fell, intricate structures of sand and shell formed and crumbled, all in the span of heartbeats. The air tasted of salt and something indefinable, ancient and powerful. A familiar presence made David''s fur stand on end, every instinct screaming danger. He turned slowly, heart racing, to see Xi sitting nearby. Nine fluffy tails swayed behind the creature, each moving with a mind of its own. Its fur shimmered with an impossible array of colors, shot through with various hues of purple, constantly shifting like oil on water. Eyes that sparkled with mischief and unfathomable intellect fixed on David, a sly grin spreading across its vulpine features. David tensed, acutely aware of the being''s power. The strange symbol etched in iridescent fur on Xi''s forehead pulsed gently, all three strokes seemingly painted by exquisite strokes of a brush. "Grains of sand, once mountains proud, now dance to tides'' relentless shroud," Xi''s voice echoed from everywhere and nowhere, neither warm nor cold. "First ripples touch a tranquil shore, while greater waves prepare to roar." David swallowed hard, forcing himself to speak. "Why...why are you showing me this?" Xi''s grin widened unnaturally, revealing teeth that seemed to flicker between existence and nothingness. "In realms where cosmic currents flow, one clever bat must learn to grow. Shadows lengthen, stars align, as powers shift the grand design." As Xi spoke, David noticed something odd. Thin, almost invisible strands extended from the fox''s form, stretching up into the sky by the hundreds. They pulsed with an otherworldly energy, making David''s head spin if he focused on them too long. The strands seemed to connect Xi to something vast and incomprehensible beyond the dream. Unnerved, David looked back to the ocean. His blood ran cold as he spotted an enormous wave on the horizon, dwarfing the first. It was a towering wall of water, blotting out the stars as it approached, tinged with colors that had no right existing in nature. "The Originators," David whispered, dread filling his voice. Xi''s eyes glinted with an unreadable emotion. "In games where gods contend, alliances shift and old rules bend. Some seek to shape, some to destroy, while others watch, and some employ." The fox''s tails flicked playfully, a gesture at odds with the ominous words. "When order falters, wild things thrive, in chaos'' court, the clever survive. Seek not the paths of least resistance, for growth demands a fierce insistence." David''s mind raced, trying to decipher the cryptic warning. He opened his mouth to ask another question, but froze as he saw the massive wave looming ever closer, reality itself seeming to warp around its edges. But as he watched, a rainbow of smaller stars began to manifest in the background, their glow intensifying as the distant wave drew nearer. Uncountable thousands of them, glittering in every color imaginable. They shone through the obscuring bulk of the wave, seemingly swept out of the sky itself to be pulled along with the water. "The tue procession, a grand design, where every star must choose to shine," Xi continued. "Some burn bright with tyrant''s might, while others seek a different light." David''s mind raced, trying to piece together the cryptic messages. "You''re...you''re not all on the same side, are you? The Overseers, I mean." Xi''s form began to fade, its voice growing distant yet somehow more resonant. "In truth and riddle, answers reside, where reason fails and rules collide. The coming storm, may break the worlds, or forge new chains." The wave was upon them now, a roaring titan of water ready to swallow everything in its path. David tried to run, but his feet were rooted to the spot. He looked back at Xi, desperate for help, but the fox merely watched with that unsettling grin, the invisible strands stretching into the turbulent sky above. Xi''s voice still echoed as the water crashed down. As the water engulfed him, the last thing David saw was Xi''s symbol pulsing with an otherworldly light, burning itself into his mind as the dream collapsed around him. David jolted awake, gasping for air, the phantom sensation of drowning still clinging to him. As reality reasserted itself, he found himself staring up at the pre-dawn sky, his mind reeling with a mixture of fear, confusion, and a nagging sense that he''d just been given a peek into something that he definitely shouldn''t have. David lay there for a moment, his heart racing as the vivid dream clung to his consciousness. Unlike his previous encounter with Xi, where details had faded quickly, this vision remained crystal clear. Every word, every impossible color, every unsettling detail of Xi''s form, it was all burned into his mind with terrifying clarity. He sat up slowly, careful not to disturb the Cuddlebugs nestled around him. The pre-dawn light cast long shadows across their makeshift camp, and a chill that had nothing to do with the temperature ran down David''s spine. "Claire," he called softly, his voice a little shakier than he''d like. "Claire, wake up. We need to talk." The massive lizard stirred, one eye cracking open to regard him blearily. "What''s wrong?" she rumbled, instantly alert at the tension in David''s voice. David took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts. "It''s Xi. It...She...whatever it is, it contacted me again." Claire''s head rose, now fully awake. "Like before?" "Yes, but...different," David said, running a hand through his fur. "Last time, it was like a hazy message. This time? It was like being dunked into an acid trip designed by a bad novelist." As the sun slowly crept over the horizon, David recounted his dream in detail. He described the impossible beach, the waves that reshaped reality, and Xi''s cryptic warnings. Claire listened intently, her expression growing more concerned with each passing moment. "The weirdest part," David continued, pacing now, "was how...connected Xi seemed. There were these strands, thousands of them, stretching up into the sky. Like puppet strings, but I got the feeling Xi wasn''t the puppet." Claire''s tail thumped thoughtfully. "Sounds like it was trying to show you something about the bigger picture. The Overseers, the Originators...maybe even beyond that." David nodded, his wings twitching nervously. "Yeah, but why me? Why now? And how the hell can it just pop into my dreams whenever it feels like it?" He paused, a thought striking him. "You know, Omega only made contact with the telescope. ¡®Direct Observation¡¯, they said. But Xi? It''s like they can actually get into my head somehow." "Maybe that''s part of the point," Claire mused. "Showing off its power, or...I don''t know, marking you somehow? You did say you took their evolution." David shuddered at the thought. "Great. Just what I needed. A shared pet project." They fell silent for a moment, the weight of the situation settling over them. The forest around them was coming to life, wildlife beginning their morning songs, oblivious to the machinations at play. "There''s something else," David said slowly, his mind racing as he pieced together the fragments of Xi''s warning. "The wave. The huge one at the end of the dream. I think...I think it was trying to tell me something about what''s coming next." Claire''s eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" David took a deep breath, meeting Claire''s gaze. "I think Wave Two is about to start. Soon. Like, really soon." The words hung in the air between them, heavy with implication. Claire''s expression hardened, a mix of determination and concern. "Well," she finally said, her voice a low rumble, "I guess we''d better deal with our angry neighbor quickly then. Don''t want to be caught mid-boss fight when the System decides to up the ante." David nodded, trying to shake off the lingering unease from his supernatural encounter. "Right. One problem at a time. First, we squash a Brute. Then...then we figure out how to survive whatever tsunami Xi was warning about." As they began breaking camp, David couldn''t help but cast a wary glance at the sky. Somewhere out there, beyond human comprehension, forces were moving. Pieces were being placed on a board he couldn''t even begin to understand. 107 - Bouncey_Boss 1 David and Claire stood at the edge of the clearing, the pre-dawn light casting long shadows across the forest floor. The weight of Xi''s warning hung heavy in the air between them, an invisible burden that seemed to press down on their shoulders. "So," Claire rumbled, her massive tail twitching nervously, "Wave Two. That''s... that''s big, right?" David nodded, his wings wrapping tightly around himself. "Yeah, it''s big. Like, ''fundamentally changing the world as we know it'' big." He paused, trying to articulate the swirling mess of thoughts in his head. "Think about it. Thousands more people suddenly hatching...most of them probably won''t have a clue what''s happening." Claire''s eyes widened, the implications sinking in. "Oh god, it''ll be chaos. Remember how confused and scared we were at first? And we at least had each other. Anyone just hatching now would be totally at the mercy of anyone that found them, especially in the cities. At least the people in Riverport will be safe." "Exactly," David agreed, his voice grim. "And that''s not even considering what Omega and the other Overseers might do to the world itself. For all we know, they could reshape entire continents on a whim." The Cuddlebugs chittered nervously, picking up on the tension. One of the empowered ones, its rat-like tail wrapped tightly around a nearby branch, fixed David with a stare. "There''s something else," David added, his ears drooping. "All those bonus rewards from Quests? The ones that are supposed to end with Wave One? We''re going to miss out on a lot of them." Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Only you would be worried about loot at a time like this." "Hey, every little bit helps when you''re trying not to become some other monster''s snack," David retorted, but there was no real heat in his words. "Or fight a Boss alone..." They fell silent for a moment, the weight of the impending changes pressing down on them. The forest seemed to hold its breath, as if nature itself could sense the shift in the balance. "You know," Claire said softly, "I keep thinking about all the people we sent back to Riverport. How are they going to handle this?" David''s eyes widened as the realization hit him. "Shit, you''re right. We need to warn them. Herold needs to know what''s coming." He began to pace, his wings twitching with nervous energy. "Maybe we should head back, try to prepare them somehow?" Claire shook her massive head. "No time. Remember the Brute? We need to get you those Tokens, and can''t waste the travel time now matter how fast you are now, especially not with Wave Two about to hit." David nodded reluctantly, knowing she was right. "Okay, so what do we do?" They looked at each other for a long moment, the unspoken understanding between them growing stronger. Finally, Claire spoke. "We send Kozlov and the others back. They can warn Herold, help prepare Riverport as much as possible." "Good idea," David agreed. "Kozlov''s level-headed, he''ll keep everyone calm. Plus, he''s seen enough weird shit by now that he won''t panic." With a plan in place, some of the tension seemed to ease. David took a deep breath, feeling his resolve strengthen. "Alright, let''s do this. We''ll send the warning, then deal with our jumpy friend over there." He gestured towards the Brute''s territory. "One problem at a time, right?" Claire''s jaws gaped in a toothy grin. "That''s the spirit, bat boy. Now, you ready to go dance with a walking earthquake?" David stretched his wings, a familiar mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through him. "As ready as I''ll ever be. Let''s show this overgrown kangaroo why you don''t mess with a bat and his dinosaur." As they moved towards the Brute''s territory, David couldn''t help but cast one last glance at the sky. Somewhere out there, cosmic forces were aligning, preparing to unleash a new wave of chaos upon the world. But for now, he had a job to do. With Claire by his side and his Cuddlebugs at the ready, David steeled himself for the battle ahead. "Alright, big guy," he muttered under his breath, "let''s see what you''ve got." As David and Claire descended the ridge, the landscape gradually shifted from scrubby underbrush to a pockmarked wasteland. Craters of various sizes dotted the terrain, some shallow depressions, others deep enough to swallow a car whole. The air grew thick with dust, carrying the acrid scent of freshly turned earth and shattered stone. Suddenly, a familiar chime rang out in their minds: ¨CWARNING¨C ¨CEntering Area Boss Territory¨C ¨CQuest Available: Heavy Impact¨C ¨CReward: Fusion Token¨C ¨CBonus Objective: Claim Boss Trophy¨C ¨CReward: Special Evolution Bloodline¨C They paused at the edge of a particularly massive crater, its rim jagged and uneven. David''s wings twitched nervously as he peered into the shadowy depths. "Alright, this is where we split up," he said, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "You remember the plan?" Claire nodded, her armored scales gleaming in the early morning light. "Stay back, wait for your signal. Then charge in and hopefully squash the jumpy bastard." "Yep, cavemen would be super proud of our complex and multi-layered strategy," David grinned, patting her snout affectionately. "Try not to have too much fun without me." As Claire settled into position, one of the empowered Cuddlebugs perched on her frill, its rat-like tail curling possessively around one of her horns. David couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight. "Looks like you''ve got a new accessory," he quipped. "Very chic. The ''demon rat on dinosaur'' look is all the rage this apocalypse season." Claire''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "One more word about rats, and I''m using you as bait instead of backup." David splayed his wings on the ground in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I''m going. Catch you on the flip side, you fat lizard." With that, David took to the air, his Cuddlebug swarm following close behind. He flew low, using the numerous craters for cover as he scanned the area for any sign of the Brute. The landscape below was a testament to the creature''s destructive power. Uprooted trees lay scattered like discarded toys, their roots reaching plaintively towards the sky. The ground itself seemed to undulate, rising and falling in a chaotic patchwork of impact zones. As David glided silently over a particularly deep crater, he couldn''t help but marvel at the devastation. Great. We''re fighting the lovechild of a kangaroo and a wrecking ball. This''ll be fun. Maybe I should''ve packed a helmet. And full body armor. And a tank. I think we have one at the Observatory somewhere¡­ He sent out periodic pulses of Echolocation, mapping the terrain and searching for any large, presumably cranky life signs. The Cuddlebugs spread out in a loose formation, their tiny eyes scanning for danger. After what felt like an eternity of tense searching, David finally spotted his quarry. The Brute lay sprawled in the center of an enormous impact crater, its massive form rising and falling with each breath. Even in sleep, it radiated an aura of raw, barely contained power. David''s eyes widened as he took in the creature''s full size. It was larger as he remembered, its muscular body covered in thick, armored hide. Powerful legs, coiled even in rest, spoke of its incredible leaping ability. A series of bony protrusions ran down its spine, giving it a decidedly fucked up appearance, even before you considered the scythe of bone at the end of its tail. Well, hello there, Senor Smashyp. Aren''t you just a bundle of apocalyptic joy? I bet you give great hugs. The kind that turn ribcages into jelly. Hovering silently above the sleeping giant, David signaled Claire''s Cuddlebug. The creature nudged his mind with understanding as it received its mental instructions. Bring Claire closer to the prey, stop at a safe distance. Wait for the next signal. David began to position himself for the first phase of their plan. He dispersed his remaining Cuddlebugs strategically around the crater''s edge, ready to swarm at his command. Taking a deep breath, David steeled himself for the battle ahead. The fate of a Fusion Token, a potentially useless Bloodline, and quite possibly their lives hung in the balance. Alright, Thumper. Let''s dance. Just... maybe not too close. I like my bones where they are, thanks. David glided silently towards the sleeping Brute, his wings barely stirring the air. As he approached, he focused on his newfound Pheromone Manipulation ability, willing his scent to blend with the earthy aroma of the crater. The effect was immediate; he could almost feel his odor shifting, becoming one with the dust and crushed vegetation surrounding them. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Suddenly, David felt an odd sensation ripple across his fur. He glanced down to see his coat shifting and changing, adapting to the dappled shadows of the early morning light. His Advanced Camouflage was kicking in, responding to his subconscious desire to remain unseen. Well, hello there, chameleon mode. I''m so glad that works without thinking about it. Neat trick. Deep in the recesses of his mind, Spooky stirred. The familiar growl resonated through David''s consciousness, but it was different this time. Quieter, more calculated. It felt less like a primal urge and more like... a predator assessing its prey. David pushed the sensation aside, focusing on the task at hand. Nope, fuck you Spooky. Gotta pick now to wake up again? I''ll deal with you later. With practiced ease, David touched down next to the Brute. His claws made contact with the ground so lightly it was as if he were landing on a cloud rather than solid earth. The massive creature continued to slumber, oblivious to the danger mere feet away. Alright, big guy. Time for your Gloom facial. Don''t worry, the first one''s free at the Murderbat Spa. David spread his wings wide, channeling his Wildsoul into his Gloom production. The familiar tingle intensified, and he could feel the specialized glands working overtime. A dense, silvery cloud began to form around him, the tiny hairs exploding silently from his wings. The early morning breeze, gentle but persistent, caught the cloud of Gloom. It carried the shimmering mist directly towards the Brute''s face, enveloping its massive head in a cocoon of silvery toxins. David held perfectly still, hardly daring to breathe as he waited for the effects to take hold. Moments stretched into eternity as David watched, every muscle tense and ready to spring into action at the slightest sign of movement from the Brute. Finally, after what felt like hours but was likely only seconds, a series of notifications flashed across his vision: ¨CLeaping Brute has been afflicted by |Empowered Gloom| |Paralysis| |Sleep|¨C David allowed himself a small, victorious grin. Phase one: complete. Now for the fun part. He glanced at his Readout, taking stock of his resources. ¨CHealth: 650/650¨C ¨CStamina: 1024/1035¨C ¨Cn/a¨C The sight of his increased Stamina sent a thrill of excitement through him. It was a significant boost, one that opened up a world of possibilities. But with that excitement came a note of caution. Wildsoul-infused abilities were stamina hogs, and he knew from experience how quickly a prolonged fight could drain his reserves. No need to go full crazy just yet. Gotta pace myself. This isn''t a sprint; it''s a marathon. A marathon where the finish line might try to turn me into a bat pancake, but still. David''s gaze flickered between the slumbering Brute and the direction where he knew Claire was approaching from. He had to time this perfectly. Wake the beast too soon, and he''d lose the advantage of surprise. Wait too long, and he risked the Gloom starting to wear off before Claire could get into position. Spooky''s presence lurked at the edges of his consciousness, that calculating growl a constant undercurrent to his thoughts. For once, David found himself almost appreciating the darker aspect of his psyche. In this moment, they were aligned in purpose, if not in method. Alright, you overgrown furball. Time to rise and shine. Let''s see if you''re as cranky in the morning as Claire is before her coffee. With a deep breath, David prepared to enter the next phase of their plan. His wings twitched in anticipation, Gloom still shimmering at the edges of his fur. The Brute''s massive form rose and fell with each breath, blissfully unaware of the chaos about to be unleashed. Here goes nothing. Or everything. Probably somewhere in between. David crept towards the Brute''s legs, his movements so fluid and silent that he seemed more like a shadow than a living creature. As he drew closer, his heart sank. The beast''s legs were even more impressive up close, each one as thick as an ancient tree trunk and covered in armor-like scales. Well, shit. So much for the ''clip its toenails and watch it fall'' plan. These aren''t legs; they''re support columns. Undeterred, David focused his Wildsoul into his Echolocation. The pulse that emanated from him was narrow and focused, penetrating deep into the Brute''s flesh. As the information flooded back, David''s eyes widened. He could see every muscle fiber, every blood vessel, even the density of the bones from this close to his target. And there, just above the creature''s ankle, he spotted a weakness, a cluster of tendons crucial for the beast''s incredible jumping ability. Bingo. Let''s see how high you jump with a melted ankle, Thumper. David took careful aim, feeling the familiar burn in his throat as he channeled his Wildsoul into Corruptor''s Touch. The acid building in his mouth was different but familiar now, thicker, more potent. It glowed with an eerie, sickly green light that seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat. David''s nostrils flared at the stinging burn that filled his mouth along with the acid, but he held off momentarily. As he prepared to strike, David sent out a mental command to his Cuddlebugs. They tensed, ready to swarm at a moment''s notice. He could feel their excitement, their bloodlust, mirroring his own. Here goes everything. Let''s hope this works, or I''m about to become the world''s flattest bat. With a forceful hawk, David launched the glowing glob of acid directly at the Brute''s weak spot. Simultaneously, he kicked off from the ground, his wings snapping open to catch the air. The Cuddlebugs exploded into action, a living cloud of fur and fangs descending upon the sleeping giant. The acid struck its target with pinpoint accuracy, sizzling as it made contact. But unlike his normal acid, this empowered version didn''t just eat away at the flesh, it seemed to come alive, spreading outward in tendrils of caustic green. The Brute''s leg spasmed violently, the muscle contracting as the acid burrowed deeper. A split second later, all hell broke loose. The Brute''s eyes snapped open, confusion quickly giving way to pain and rage. It let out a bellow that shook the very air, a primal roar of fury that sent creatures scattering from distant trees. As it tried to stand, its injured leg trembled, throwing it off balance. David, now safely airborne, watched with a mix of satisfaction and trepidation as his plan unfolded. The Cuddlebugs swarmed over the Brute, their tiny teeth finding every gap in its armored hide. The two empowered ones led the charge, their attacks leaving glowing wounds that pulsed with an otherworldly light. "Rise and shine, big guy!" David called out, his voice dripping with false cheer. "Hope you don''t mind, but we''ve got a little apocalyptic aerobics planned for you this morning!" The Brute''s head swung towards him, eyes blazing with hatred. It opened its mouth, revealing rows of teeth that looked like they could crush boulders. But before it could retaliate, another wave of Gloom washed over it. The beast''s movements became more sluggish, its massive form swaying as it fought against the paralytic effects. David''s grin was all fangs as he watched the chaos unfold. Phase one was complete, and so far, it was going even better than he''d hoped. But he knew better than to get cocky. This fight was far from over, and he had a feeling the Brute was just getting warmed up. Alright, Claire. Your cue''s coming up. Let''s show this overgrown punching bag why you don''t mess with a bat and his dinosaur. As if on cue, a distant rumble signaled Claire''s approach. The real battle was about to begin, and David couldn''t help but feel a thrill of excitement mixed with his apprehension. This was what they''d been training for, after all. Time to put it all on the line. Let the games begin. And may the odds be ever in our favor... or at least not completely against us. As the Brute struggled against the effects of Gloom, David took to the air, raining down a barrage of acid. Every third or fourth shot glowed with that eerie green light, the empowered acid eating through the creature''s tough hide with terrifying efficiency. "What''s the matter, big guy?" David taunted. "Can''t reach the snack bar?" The Brute''s frustration was palpable, its roars of rage echoing across the battlefield. Despite its injured leg, the beast''s fury seemed to override its pain. With a suddenness that caught David off guard, it coiled its massive legs and leaped. Holy shi¡ª The Brute rocketed upward, closing the distance between them in an instant. Its legs lashed out in a double kick that would have turned David into a furry smear if it had connected. But David was already moving, his reflexes kicking into overdrive. He chained a regular Nocturnal Strike into an empowered one, his body becoming a blur as he changed direction twice in rapid succession. Simultaneously, he split into three identical forms, two decoys peeling away from his body like smoke given form, one each time he changed direction. The maneuver carried him through the gap between the Brute''s body and its outstretched arm, so fast the beast didn''t have time to react. As David emerged on the other side, he couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride. Did I just... yep, I did. Flight decoys for the win! Take that, physics! The Brute''s eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting such agility from its prey. But before it could recover, a familiar roar split the air. Claire burst through the treeline like an armored freight train, her jaws agape as she bellowed. Golden light spilled from her throat, and David felt the familiar surge of power wash over him. Every muscle in his body hummed with newfound strength. Not to be outdone, David launched into a Moonsong, his voice harmonizing with Claire''s roar in an otherworldly duet. The regenerative energy of the song mixed with Claire''s empowering effects, creating a potent cocktail of power. The victorious melody blended with the backdrop of Claire''s roar into an almost climactic score of primal fury. Riding this wave of energy, David executed a perfect aerial loop, his wings cutting through the air with unprecedented strength and precision. As he came out of the maneuver, he launched another glob of empowered acid, aiming for the Brute''s face. The creature twisted its head at the last second, but not fast enough to avoid the attack entirely. The acid caught one of its eyes, drawing a bellow of pain that shook the very ground. Yes! Bullseye! Or... half-eye? Whatever, I''ll take it! As the Brute began to fall back to earth, clearly disoriented, David''s mind buzzed with notifications: ¨CFlight has leveled up!x4¨C ¨CFlight E ¡ú D¨C ¨CHealth: 650/650¨C ¨CStamina: 824/1035¨C -Moonlit Regeneration, Apex Challenge¨C But there was no time to celebrate. Claire was charging in, her massive form building up momentum as she thundered down the slight incline. The ground trembled beneath her feet, small rocks and debris bouncing in her wake. With timing honed by countless battles, Claire struck just as the Brute touched down. Her armored head connected with its chest in a resounding crack that echoed across the battlefield. The impact was so forceful that David could see a ripple travel through the Brute''s flesh, its internal organs undoubtedly taking a beating. But Claire wasn''t done. Using the momentum from her charge, she twisted her body, bringing her club-like tail around in a devastating arc. It connected with the Brute''s injured leg with pinpoint accuracy, the sound of breaking bone audible even from David''s altitude. The Brute stumbled, its leg giving way entirely. It crashed to the ground with an earth-shaking thud, sending up a cloud of dust and debris. As the dust began to settle, Claire stood over her fallen foe, her chest heaving from exertion but her eyes blazing with triumph. David swooped lower, a mix of awe and excitement coursing through him. "Now that," he called out, "is what I call a grand entrance!" Claire''s jaws gaped in a toothy grin. "Just warming up, bat boy. Ready for round two?" As the Brute struggled to rise, its movements now clearly hampered, David couldn''t help but feel a surge of confidence. They were far from finished, but for the first time since spotting the creature, he truly beleved they might just pull this off without any major fuckups. Alright, Thumper. Ready for round two of ''Extreme Makeover: Boss Edition''? Hope you like your masks extra acidic and your massages dino-strength. The bat-and-lizard spa is open for business! 108 - Bouncey_Boss 2 As the dust settled, David and Claire stood ready, facing their battered but far from beaten foe. The Brute''s massive form heaved with each labored breath, its one good eye fixed on them with a look of pure malice. "Alright, Thumper. Ready for round two? I''d say you''re a hop and a skip away from-" Claire snorted, her tail swishing in anticipation. "Less quipping, more fighting, bat boy." The Brute, seemingly done with their banter, slowly lowered itself onto all fours. Its injured leg trembled but held, a testament to its incredible resilience. For a moment, everything was still. Then, with a speed that belied its massive size, the Brute launched itself forward. It barreled towards Claire like a landslide, the ground shaking with each impact of its limbs. "Claire, watch out!" David yelled, but there was no time for her to dodge. The Brute slammed into Claire with earthshaking force, kicking up a cloud of dust that obscured them both from view. David''s heart leaped into his throat as he waited for the dust to clear, wings tense and ready to dive in if needed. As the air cleared, he saw Claire still standing, her feet dug deep into the earth, muscles straining against the Brute''s bulk. She''d taken the full brunt of the impact but hadn''t gone down. "That... all you got?" Claire grunted, her voice strained but defiant. Before David could celebrate her resilience, the Brute used Claire as a springboard. It pushed off with its hind leg, propelling its massive body upwards, straight towards David. It didn''t rise as far into the air as it had the first time, unable to generate the force needed with just one leg. Undeterred, it simply rolled slightly and swiped its scythe of a tail straight at him. Bullshi¡ª David''s wings snapped open, every muscle straining as he shot upwards. He could feel the rush of air as the Brute¡¯s tail passed beneath him, close enough that he could have reached out and touched its scarred hide. "Whoa there, big guy!" David called out, trying to mask his shock with bravado. "I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I''m not really the hugging type!" As the Brute reached the apex of its jump, David saw his opportunity. He tucked his wings and dove, corkscrewing through the air as he built up speed. Just before he would have collided with the beast''s back, he pulled up sharply, pushing his speed a little higher as he activated Nocturnal Strike and raked his talons across its spine. The Brute roared in pain and fury, twisting in midair as it tried to claw at David. But gravity was already reasserting its hold, pulling the massive creature back towards the ground. Claire, having recovered from the initial assault, was ready. As the Brute fell, she reared up on her hind legs, bringing her full weight to bear. The moment the beast touched down, Claire slammed her head onto its back, driving it into the earth with bone-crushing force before she flowed back, a few quick steps giving her a more favorable position. The impact sent a small shockwave through the ground, nearly knocking David out of the air in surprise. Dust and debris exploded outward, momentarily obscuring the battle once more. "Nice one, Claire!" David called out, circling above the cloud. "I think you just redefined ''groundbreaking performance''!" But their celebration was premature. From within the dust cloud came a bellow of rage, followed by a blur of motion. The Brute erupted from the haze, its good eye blazing with fury as it charged at Claire once more. Claire met the charge head-on, her massive skull colliding with the Brute''s in a thunderous crash. The two titans locked in a contest of strength, neither willing to give ground. David knew this was his moment to strike. He focused his Wildsoul, feeling the familiar burn in his throat as he prepared an empowered Corruptor''s Touch. With pinpoint accuracy, he spat the glowing acid directly onto the Brute''s injured leg. The effect was immediate and devastating. The Brute''s leg buckled, throwing it off balance. Claire, seizing the advantage, twisted her neck, and clamped her jaws around the Brute''s throat. "That''s it, Claire!" David cheered. "Show him why you don''t mess with an armored Croco-rex... or whatever the hell you are!" Claire''s jaws locked onto the Brute''s throat with a vise-like grip, her massive body dropping into a low crouch that pulled the boss down with her. The beast thrashed wildly, its good leg lashing out in a desperate kick. The blow glanced off Claire''s armored side, the impact reverberating through her body but leaving no real damage. Not finished, the Brute''s tail whipped around, its bony scythe aiming for Claire''s exposed flank. But Claire was ready. With a twist of her shoulders, she angled her body, allowing the strike to skitter harmlessly across her armored back plates. David watched in awe, impressed by Claire''s strategy. She was using her low stance and heavy armor to negate the Brute''s attacks, turning what should have been devastating blows into glancing strikes. Damn, Claire. When did you get so good at this? But as he circled overhead, David couldn''t help but feel a twinge of unease. Claire''s eyes blazed with a feral intensity he''d rarely seen, her massive jaws working as she sought a better grip on the Brute''s throat. For a moment, she looked less like his friend and more like...well, a monster. Shake it off, David. She''s still Claire. Just... Claire with a jumbo-sized attitude adjustment. Rarely see her so into a fight though. Seeing the two titans locked in their deadly embrace, David knew it was time to tip the scales. With a mental command, he unleashed his secret weapon: the Cuddlebugs. The tiny terrors surged forward like a living wave, their beady eyes fixed on their target: the Brute''s remaining good eye. As they descended, David got a vivid flash of the scene through their shared connection. The Cuddlebugs swarmed over the Brute''s face, a writhing mass of fur and teeth. They looked like a flock of demented pigeons fighting over the world''s angriest piece of bread. Tiny claws scrabbled for purchase as they jockeyed for position, each one eager to be the first to strike. Then, as one, they attacked. Needle-sharp teeth sank into the soft tissue around the eye, while others went straight for the vulnerable orb itself. It was a frenzy of fur and fury, a sight that made even David wince in sympathy. The effect was instantaneous and catastrophic. The Brute went absolutely ballistic, its entire body convulsing in pain and panic. It bucked and thrashed with renewed vigor, nearly throwing Claire off as it desperately tried to dislodge the Cuddlebugs from its face. Holy shit! Note to self: never piss off the Cuddlebugs. I forgot they fight dirty. Seizing the moment of chaos, David tucked his wings and dropped from the sky. He aimed for the Brute''s uninjured leg, latching onto its hip with his claws. Without hesitation, he began hammering the beast with a rapid-fire series of Nocturnal Strikes. Each hit sent a jolt of stolen stamina coursing through David''s body, reinvigorating him even as he mangled the beasts flesh. The Brute''s leg muscles spasmed under the assault, its movements becoming increasingly pained. "How''s that for a leg workout?" David quipped, his voice strained with effort. The Brute, now completely blind and assailed from all sides, let out a roar of pure anguish and fury. It was a sound that sent shivers down David''s spine, a primal cry of rage and desperation. But Claire held firm, her jaws locked in place as she weathered the storm of the Brute''s panic. David could see her muscles straining, every fiber of her being focused on maintaining her grip. As David continued his assault, he couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride. They were doing it again. Against all odds, they were taking down a boss that should have been way out of their league, and clearly not meant to be engaged by only two people. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Alright, big guy. Time to see what you''re made of. Because right now? You''re looking like a jumbo-sized punching bag with a bad attitude. As David clung to the Brute''s hip, he caught a flash of movement from the corner of his eye. The creature''s tail whipped around, its bony scythe aimed straight for him. With split-second timing, David released his grip and pushed off, narrowly avoiding the lethal strike. As he leapt free, he didn''t waste the opportunity. Channeling his Wildsoul, he unleashed a concentrated burst of Gloom directly onto the open wounds he''d just created. The silvery mist, heavier than ever before, settled onto the Brute''s flesh like a toxic blanket. David was careful to keep the cloud small and focused, avoiding any chance of it drifting towards Claire. Wait, I can affect the density by trying to make it smaller? Good to know. Thank you Wildsoul, damn I love magic. As he wheeled around in the air, David caught sight of Claire making her move. Her massive tail swept low, catching the Brute''s one good leg and knocking it out from under the beast. In a stunning display of power and agility, Claire twisted her neck and surged upward, using her grip on the Brute''s throat to flip it almost completely over. But the Brute wasn''t done yet. With a flexibility that seemed impossible for its size, it used the momentum of Claire''s attack to continue its rotation. Its tail scythe whipped around, catching Claire across the snout with a resounding crack. Claire roared in pain and surprise, her jaws involuntarily releasing their grip. Before she could recover, the Brute lashed out with a powerful kick, catching her square in the chest. The impact sent Claire stumbling back several steps, giving the Brute some much-needed breathing room. As David circled overhead, he noticed something about the Brute that made him snarl in satisfaction. Foam was starting to build around its muzzle, flecks of it flying with each labored breath. The combined effects of Gloom, acid, and physical trauma were finally taking their toll. It always took a bit longer with larger creatures, but his Gloom had finally stacked high enough that it couldn''t be ignored. The beast suddenly rolled to the side, its movements frantic and uncoordinated. It lashed out with a series of devastating strikes...at thin air. David watched in fascination as the Brute battled invisible foes, its movements erratic as it fought against hallucinations only it could perceive. A faint tremor in its limbs and tail began to rapidly build. David could clearly see where it''s dense muscles failed to unclench, relentlessly cramping as the hide around them twitched and squirmed. Claire shook her head, recovering from the unexpected blow. Her eyes met David''s as she glanced upward, and a silent understanding passed between them. Without a word, they moved in tandem, approaching the Brute from its weakened side. "Hey, Thumper!" David called out, unable to resist a bit of taunting. "Your aim''s getting worse! Maybe you should''ve carrot more about your training!" Claire shot him a look that clearly said, ¡®Really? Puns? Now?¡¯ David shrugged mid-flight. "What? I''m multitasking. Witty banter and boss-fighting." As they closed in on the thrashing Brute, still locked in battle with its own hallucinations, David couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. They were wearing it down, but it was still incredibly dangerous. One wrong move, one moment of carelessness, and they could easily end up on the receiving end of those wild, desperate attacks. With Claire at his side and the Brute clearly on its last legs, David prepared for what he hoped would be the final phase of their battle. The air crackled with tension as David and Claire reengaged the Brute. Despite its injuries and disorientation, the beast radiated fury, its massive form trembling with rage and pain. David dove in, his Wildsoul surging through him as he unleashed a barrage of empowered attacks into its ribs. Acid sizzled as it struck the Brute''s hide, eating through armor-like skin as the hideous green glow began to spread from the impact points. Nocturnal Strikes followed in rapid succession, each hit draining more of the beast''s vitality. As he neared the Brute''s neck, David let loose a carefully aimed Screech. The concentrated sonic assault slammed into the base of the creature''s skull, further scrambling its already addled senses. Claire, her face still bearing the marks of the Brute''s earlier strike, seemed to have taken the attack personally. With a snarl that sent shivers down David''s spine, she lunged for the beast''s tail. Her massive jaws clamped down on the appendage, and in one fluid motion, she planted her foot firmly on the tail''s base. What followed was a display of raw power that left even David awestruck. Claire''s head whipped back and forth, the sound of shattering vertebrae echoing like rapid gunfire. In seconds, the Brute''s deadly tail was reduced to a mangled, useless appendage. Before David could process what he''d just witnessed, Claire was on the move again. She lunged forward, her massive bulk descending on the Brute like an avalanche of scales and muscle. "Claire, wait-!" David squawked in surprise, barely managing to keep his grip as Claire straddled the Brute. But instead of tearing into their foe, Claire simply used her weight to pin the beast down. Then, with a sound that seemed to shake the very air, she unleashed her empowering roar. Golden light spilled from her throat, washing over both David and the Brute in a wave of raw power. Seizing the moment, Claire''s jaws clamped down on the Brute''s lower back, just above its hips. David watched in grim fascination as Claire''s muscles rippled beneath her scales, her entire body tensing as she bore down with crushing force. A sickening crunch echoed across the battlefield, and the Brute''s back half went limp. Seizing the opportunity, David leapt to the side of the beast''s head, clinging to its battered hide with a Nocturnal Strike-enhanced grip. Focusing his Wildsoul, David began to charge an empowered glob of acid. But instead of releasing it immediately, he pushed further, channeling more and more energy into the attack. If it works for Screech, why not this? The burning in his throat intensified to nearly unbearable levels, but David held on, careful to avoid the point of backlash. When he could take no more, he released the supercharged acid directly into the Brute''s ear. The effect was instantaneous and devastating. The acid blasted into the creature''s head like water from a fire hose, rivulets of smoking liquid cascading down past David''s perch. For two heart-stopping seconds, the Brute went completely rigid. Then it screamed. The sound was unlike anything David had ever heard, rivaling even his own Screech in its intensity. Not to be outdone, David replied with a Screech of his own, the two sonic assaults creating a cacophony of pain and fury. But it was Claire who delivered the coup de grace. With one final, bone-crushing bite, she ended the Brute''s suffering. As the beast went limp beneath them, a familiar chime sounded in their minds: ¨CArea Boss Slain!¨C ¨CQuest: Heavy Impact complete!¨C ¨CReceived: Fusion Tokenx2¨C ¨CSysAutogen_BossLoot¨C ¨CReceived: Leap C¨C ¨CSysAutogen_Bonusloot¡­¨C ¨CReceived: Trait Improvement Token¨C ¨CGained 1,700xp¨C David released his grip, dropping to the ground on shaky legs. Smoke curled from the Brute''s empty eye sockets, and acid dripped from its nose in a macabre display. "Holy shit," David panted, his voice hoarse from exertion. "We did it." Claire, still straddling the fallen Brute, turned to face him. Her eyes blazed with a mix of triumph and something darker, more primal. For a moment, David was reminded that for all their friendship, Claire was every bit the apex predator he was becoming. "Nice work, bat boy," Claire rumbled, her voice a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. "Though next time, maybe warn me before you decide to melt its brain, huh?" David managed a weak chuckle. "Hey, I like to keep things interesting. Besides, you''re the one who went all crazy on its tail." As the adrenaline began to fade, Claire slowly shook her massive head, wincing slightly at the movement. "You know," she rumbled, "it''s weird being the one who actually took damage for once. Usually, you''re the one who looks like you''ve been through a meat grinder." David blinked, suddenly realizing he felt...fine. Actually, better than fine. He quickly pulled up his Readout, eyes widening in disbelief. ¨CHealth: 650/650¨C ¨CStamina: 588/1035¨C ¨CMoonlit Regeneration¨C "Holy crap," he muttered, "I didn''t take a single hit. How did I not notice that?" A shaky laugh bubbled up from his chest, equal parts relief and incredulity. "I guess I was too busy trying not to become Brute-bait to realize I wasn''t getting my ass handed to me for once." He turned to Claire, grinning widely. "Thanks for being such a tank. If it weren''t for you, I''d probably be halfway to the next county by now, courtesy of Thumper Airlines." Claire snickered, the sound a grinding mix of amusement and exhaustion. "Glad I could keep you grounded, bat boy. Though next time, maybe try to notice you''re not bleeding out?" As they began to catch their breath, David''s mind wandered to their newly acquired spoils. The Fusion Tokens were burning a hole in his metaphorical pocket, possibilities swirling through his mind. And that Trait Improvement Token... He remembered Kai''s excitement back in Riverport when he''d scored one of those. The guy had practically been bouncing off the walls, though he''d just instantly upgraded his Flight without much consideration¡­though, David had to admit, it had been a good choice for him. Wonder what I could do with that, maybe beef up my Echolocation? Or... His thoughts trailed off as he realized just how many options he had now. For the first time in what felt like forever, he wasn''t just scraping by, desperately trying to survive. He was thriving, growing stronger with each battle. As the sun began to set on their latest victory, David couldn''t help but feel a surge of optimism. Bring it on, we''re just getting started. 109 - Full Moon David perched on a gnarled pine branch, his wings folded close as he surveyed the rugged landscape around him. The air was crisp and thin, carrying the scent of pine and wild sage. Below, Claire dozed in a small clearing, her massive form rising and falling with each breath. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the mountainside, painting the forest in a tapestry of gold and deep green. As a cool breeze ruffled his fur, David turned his attention to the task at hand: deciding how to use his hard-won Fusion Tokens. He clicked his tongue thoughtfully, the sound echoing off nearby rock faces. Alright, let''s see what we''ve got to work with here. Plenty of options to free up some space, that''s for sure. He mentally cataloged his abilities and mutagens, weighing the potential benefits of each combination. The process reminded him of the first time he''d Fused anything, sitting in Riverport with only a handful of levels and scant few options to consider. Only now, the stakes were considerably higher. Gotta remember, fusing mutagens always gives me a mutagen. Abilities stay abilities. Simple enough, right? His gaze drifted to a nearby aspen grove, its leaves shimmering silver in the wind. The constant motion mirrored the swirling possibilities in his mind. What about Nocturnal Strike and Ancestral Terror? Could be nasty if the fear effect started draining stamina too... But as quickly as the idea formed, he dismissed it. The mobility Nocturnal Strike provided had saved his hide more times than he could count. Losing that edge wasn''t worth the risk, no matter how tempting the potential combo might be. Nah, better keep those separate. I like being able to zip around like a caffeinated pinball. His eyes fell on Claire''s sleeping form again, and he considered Moonsong. The healing ability had proven invaluable, especially when paired with Claire''s ability to tank hits, not to mention the slight bump to Regeneration it provided. But the uncertainty of how fusing Pack Abilities might work gave him pause. Better not mess with Moonsong either. For all I know, I could end up with some weird ability that makes everyone sing in harmony or something. Useful for impromptu musical numbers, maybe, but not so great for staying alive. A hawkish cry pierced the air, drawing David''s attention to the vast expanse of sky above. The creature wasn''t a bird, and resembled a feathered lizard more than anything. But it soared on thermals, effortlessly riding the air currents that flowed around the mountain peaks. David felt a pang of envy at its graceful flight, so different from his own erratic, but effective, style. I mean, I can glide too, but that thing makes it look pretty. I''m pretty sure I look like a bad omen when I''m gliding around¡­eh, is what it is. As the sun dipped lower, casting the valley in deepening shades of purple, David realized he''d been deliberating for longer than he''d intended. The forest around him was settling into its nighttime rhythm, nocturnal creatures stirring as their daytime counterparts sought shelter. He stretched his wings, feeling the pleasant pull of muscles that had grown significantly stronger since his evolution. The thought brought him back to the task at hand. Maybe I''m overthinking this. Sometimes the obvious choice is the right one. What if I focused on beefing up what I''m already good at? His mind raced with possibilities, each potential fusion bringing with it a cascade of ''what-ifs'' and ''maybes.'' The weight of the decision pressed on him, a reminder of just how much was riding on making the right choice. As a cool mist began to creep through the undergrowth, David made up his mind. He''d start with something familiar, something he understood. From there, he could always branch out later. Alright, let''s do this. Time to see what kind of nightmare fuel we can cook up. David turned his attention to Gloom, knowing it was time for an upgrade. Alright, Gloom. Time to beef you up. And me? Time to stop being squeamish about having more lethal options. He rationalized his decision, remembering his other abilities. An empowered Screech could scramble brains effectively, and Blood Memory had proven its worth against Wally, even if the memory still made David wince a little. Sorry again, Wally. But hey, at least now I know you''re cool. With steady focus, David nudged the Analgesic Mutagen in storage, immediately getting a popup: ¨CFusion of Stored Mutagen will cost 5 Pts. Do you wish to proceed?¨C Five points? Steep, but worth it. Let''s do this. David confirmed, then initiated the fusion between Analgesic and Corrosive. As the process began, he braced himself for the sensation he knew was coming. The familiar fizzing feeling crept up his throat, a tide of effervescent bubbles that made him want to gag. As it reached his acid glands, the feeling intensified, a burning numbness that spread through his snout and mouth. David clenched his jaw, riding out the discomfort with the ease of experience. His eyes watered slightly, but he remained steady on his perch. Still not pleasant, but at least I know what to expect now. As the sensation faded, the notification appeared: ¨CFusing¨C ¨CReceived: Neurocaustic Venom B¨C David examined the new mutagen''s effects with interest: ¨CNeurocaustic Venom B: Your bodily fluids now contain a potent neurotoxin that simultaneously corrodes and numbs. Attacks have a chance to inflict Paralysis and Corrosion. (+Control, +Offense)¨C A satisfied grin spread across David''s face. Now that''s more like it. This should make things interesting. As he admired his handiwork, David felt a familiar sense of accomplishment. Each fusion was another step forward, another tool in his arsenal. Alright, one down. Now for step 2. Gonna be weird having Gloom ¡®built in¡¯ so to speak. Gonna have to figure out how to infuse it with my Wildsoul all over again, I think. Ah well, progress is progress. David turned his attention to Gloom, a wave of nostalgia washing over him. It had been one of his first chosen abilities, a constant companion through countless battles and close calls. He traced the familiar half-moon patterns on his wings, remembering how they''d appeared after he''d selected Gloom from that first Selective Skill Token. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. You''ve been with me from the start, haven''t you? Through thick and thin, mostly thin if I''m honest. He recalled how Gloom had synergized perfectly with his Soporalytic Mutagen, cementing his control-based combat style. It had been the cornerstone of his strategy, allowing him to disorient and disable foes much larger and stronger than himself. We''ve come a long way together, old friend. But it''s time for an upgrade. A twinge of worry nagged at him. Would he lose those half-moon patterns he''d grown so fond of? They weren''t just aesthetically pleasing; they''d become a part of his identity. I hope this doesn''t backfire. I''ve gotten kind of attached to looking fancy while being terrifying. Taking a deep breath, David steeled himself and initiated the fusion between Gloom and the newly created Neurocaustic Venom. The reaction was immediate and intense. A searing pain ripped through his wings, and David had to bite back a yelp. He watched as the half-moon patterns on his wings seemed to explode outward, tearing ragged holes in the delicate membrane. Oh shit, I forgot it did that the first time. Damn, that stings! But the pain was familiar, and David rode it out with gritted teeth. The holes began to heal at an astonishing rate, the torn edges knitting together, the membrane regenerating before his eyes. As the pain subsided, David spread his wings wide, marveling at the transformation. Where once half-moons had decorated his wings, full moons now gleamed. The new patterns were larger, more intricate, reminding him of the eyespots on certain butterfly and moth wings. Well, would you look at that. Talk about a glow-up. As he admired his new wing patterns, a notification appeared: ¨CFusing¨C ¨CReceived: Caustic Miasma C¨C David''s eyes widened as he read the mutagen''s description: ¨CCaustic Miasma C: Your body produces a corrosive, hallucinogenic compound that numbs targets while inflicting vivid hallucinations. Extended exposure may cause severe tissue damage. (++Control, ++Offense)¨C A mix of excitement and trepidation coursed through him. This new mutagen was undoubtedly more potent than Gloom had ever been, but it also came with a level of lethality he hadn''t possessed before. Well, I wanted to stop being squeamish about lethal options. Looks like I got my wish in spades. David flexed his wings, feeling the new power thrumming through them. He could sense the Caustic Miasma waiting to be unleashed, a swirling potential just beneath his skin. I wonder what this looks like in action. Probably best not to test it too close to Claire. Or any living thing, for that matter. As the reality of his new mutagen sank in, David couldn''t help but feel a mix of pride and apprehension. He was growing stronger, more dangerous. But with that power came responsibility. Guess I''ll have to be even more careful now. No more accidental Gloo¨C Uh, Miasma releases when I sneeze. With a satisfied nod, David turned his attention to his remaining abilities and mutagens. The fusion process had freed up a slot, and now he faced the task of deciding which of his stored abilities to fill it with. Alright, what should I slot in? Doom Blade could be fun, but maybe a bit risky. I could really use something that just does a ton of up-front damage, but on the other wing Metabolic Surge restores stamina. So I guess it really comes down to if I want a faster or safer Boss kill when I have to do it alone¡­ David''s mind raced as he weighed his options. Doom Blade was tempting, its unique ability to ignore defenses was likely pure bullshit. But the melee requirement and unknown backlash gave him pause. It''s like having a nuclear option in my pocket. Awesome, but potentially disastrous if I screw it up. On the other hand, Metabolic Surge offered reliability. The ability to restore health and stamina could be a game-changer in a prolonged fight. Wildsoul usage already added a cost to everything, and even though he had tons of Stamina he didn''t want to run out. The few times he''d dipped low had always been a terrifying situations. Being able to keep going when my opponent''s running on fumes? That''s nothing to sneeze at. He glanced at his wings, admiring the new full moon patterns. The Caustic Miasma thrummed beneath his skin, a constant reminder of his growing power. With Miasma, I could wear them down from a distance. Then swoop in for the kill when they''re barely standing. But having that extra stamina could let me keep the pressure on longer... David''s thoughts drifted back to Doom Blade. It was unlike anything he''d ever seen, its lack of rank hinting at power beyond his current level. It''s probably way above my weight class. But then again, when has that ever stopped me? He tried to imagine using it in battle, picturing himself diving in for a decisive strike. The image was both thrilling and terrifying. Sure would make for a dramatic finish. ''And then, with a single strike of his Doom Blade, the mighty bat vanquished the¡ª'' Ugh, I sound like a bad fantasy novel. Claire''s teasing voice echoed in his mind, calling it an ¡®edgelord¡¯ ability. He couldn''t help but grin. She''s not wrong. But sometimes a little edge is exactly what you need. As he continued to deliberate, David found himself making excuses, trying to justify choosing Doom Blade for reasons beyond its cool factor. It''s not just the name. It''s tactical. Yeah, that''s it. A surprise trump card. They''ll never see it coming. He glanced around furtively, as if worried Claire might pop up from her long nap and catch him in the act of being, well, edgy. The thought made him chuckle. Look at me, trying to be all stealthy about picking an ability. As if the universe cares which one I choose. Finally, with a mix of excitement and sheepishness, David made his decision. He cleared his throat, as if preparing to make an announcement. Well, here goes nothing. Time to embrace my inner edgelord. I can always Fuse more stuff later. "I think I''ll go with Metabo¡ª" he started to say, then feigned a cough. "Oh, excuse me. As I was saying, I choose Doo¡ª cough cough Blade." The moment the ability slotted into place, a sudden, searing pain shot through David''s wings. He bit back a yelp, watching in fascination and alarm as the membranes began to ripple and shift. The pain intensified, focusing on the leading edges of his wings. "What the¡ª" he muttered, wincing as the sensation peaked. With a sound like tearing silk, thin, blade-like protrusions emerged along the front edge of each wing, following along the bones of his longest ¡®finger¡¯. The new growths were dark, almost black, with a faint purple sheen that seemed to shift and dance in the fading light. The blades extended fully, running from his wing joints to the tips. They were wickedly sharp, tapering to needle-fine points. As David flexed his wings experimentally, he found he could retract the blades, the wing membrane seamlessly covering them when not in use. "Well, that''s new," he breathed, extending and retracting the blades a few times. "Guess ''Doom Blade'' was more literal than I thought." He examined the blades more closely, noting how they seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. The edges looked sharp enough to slice through hide and bone alike, and David could swear he saw faint, eldritch symbols flickering along their length, appearing and disappearing too quickly to read. "Claire''s gonna love this," he chuckled nervously. "Nothing says ''I made a responsible choice'' like spontaneous wing-swords." As he continued to inspect his new appendages, David noticed something else. The membrane around the blades had changed color, forming intricate, swirling patterns that spread down toward, and intertwined with his existing full moon markings. These new patterns were a dark, iridescent purple, almost black, shimmering with an otherworldly quality. "Okay, I''ll admit it. That looks pretty cool," David grinned, admiring the patterns. "Maybe a bit on the nose with the whole ''dark and mysterious'' vibe, but hey, when in Rome..." He practiced extending and retracting the blades a few more times, marveling at how natural the movement felt. It was as if he''d always had this ability, lying dormant until now. "Right then," David muttered, retracting the blades one last time. "Time to go show Claire my new party trick. I''m sure she won''t freak out at all when I suddenly sprout swords from my wings." As he prepared to take flight and rejoin his friend, David couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. He was stepping into unknown territory, wielding power he didn''t fully understand again. But isn''t that what this whole journey had been about? With a determined nod, he spread his wings, the full moon patterns and new swirls gleaming in the twilight. Whatever lay ahead, he was ready to face them head-on. Or pointy-bits-first, as the case may be. Note to self: Work on my acting skills. And maybe come up with a less edgy name for Doom Blade. ''Friendship Sword'' just doesn''t have the same ring to it, though¡­ Dumb bullshit*t chapter / Bonus Chapter The crowd roared as David stepped onto the glowing platform of the Monstropolis Arena. The city, built from the ruins of what was once known as the Riverport Stadium, hummed with excitement. This was it¡ªthe final battle of the Summon League Championship. Across the battlefield, a figured cloaked in shimmering, diaphanous wings emerged. Gideon, the reigning champion, flared his cape dramatically as he locked eyes with David. "Our gazes have met again, David," Gideon''s voice boomed across the arena. "We must now engage in glorious combat!" David couldn''t help but grin. "Wouldn''t have it any other way, champ." The announcer''s voice boomed over the stadium as the huge frog croaked loudly enough to shake dust from the structure. "Ladies and gentlemen, monsters of all shapes and sizes! Welcome to the final match of the Monstropolis League Championship! In the challenger''s corner, we have the bat with a thousand tricks, the shadow that strikes from above¡ªDavid!" The crowd erupted in cheers as David spread his wings, the purple swirls and full moon patterns gleaming under the stadium lights. "And defending his title, the master of all things that crawl and buzz, the undefeated bug tamer¡ªGideon!" Gideon''s cape fluttered as if alive, casting dazzling reflections across the arena. "Trainers, choose your first summon!" David''s eyes darted to the bandolier across his chest, where six crystals pulsed with energy. He smiled slightly, remembering that time so long ago when Gideon himself had helped craft it for him. Each contained one of his carefully trained summons. He leaned down, grasping the first crystal with his teeth, feeling its warmth against his tongue. With a practiced motion, David reared back and launched the crystal onto the battlefield. "Fang, I choose you!" he called, his words slightly muffled around the crystal until it left his mouth. In a flash of light, a diminutive, bat-like creature materialized. Fang, evolved from one of David''s original Cuddlebugs, screeched a challenge to the heavens. Gideon smirked, plucking a crystal from his own belt. "An impressive opener, David. But let''s see how it fares against this! Go, Buzzsaw!" The crystal erupted in a swarm of light, coalescing into a gigantic, armored beetle. Its horn, shaped like a circular saw, whirred menacingly. The crowd gasped in awe at the imposing creature. David whistled, impressed despite himself. "That''s one mean-looking bug you''ve got there, Gideon." Gideon beamed with pride. "Thanks! Buzzsaw and I have been through a lot together. But don''t think I''ll go easy on you just because we''re friends, David." "Wouldn''t dream of it," David shot back with a grin. "In fact, I''d be insulted if you did. Give me everything you''ve got!" "That''s the spirit!" Gideon laughed. "Win or lose, let''s make this a battle to remember!" The announcer''s voice boomed across the stadium. "Trainers, are you ready?" Both David and Gideon nodded, their eyes locked in friendly but fierce competition. "Then let the battle... BEGIN!" As the crowd roared its approval, David wasted no time in issuing his first command. "Fang, use Sonic Shriek!" The bat-creature inhaled deeply, then let loose a piercing cry that visibly distorted the air. Buzzsaw stumbled, its movements becoming erratic. "Shake it off, Buzzsaw!" Gideon called. "Counter with Scissor Rush!" The beetle''s wings burst from beneath its carapace, propelling it forward at blinding speed. Its horn-saw spun furiously as it charged towards Fang. "Dodge and use Shadow Strike!" David yelled. Fang vanished into a pool of darkness just as Buzzsaw reached it. The beetle skidded to a halt, looking around in confusion. Suddenly, Fang erupted from Buzzsaw''s own shadow, raking it with glowing claws. The hit sunk into the weak points between the beetles legs and it''s carapace, and David pumped a wing at what was certainly a critical hit. Buzzsaw chittered in pain, its armor cracking under the assault. It stumbled, then collapsed, its eyes glazing over. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Buzzsaw is unable to battle!" the announcer declared. "This round goes to the challenger, David!" The crowd went wild as Gideon recalled Buzzsaw to its crystal. He nodded appreciatively at David. "Well played, David. Fang has grown tremendously since last we battled. I''m sure Buzzsaw will want to congratulate him after¡­But this battle is far from over. Prepare yourself for my next summon!" As Gideon reached for his second crystal, David felt a surge of adrenaline. He''d made it this far, facing down trainers and summons alike. But he knew Gideon was saving his ace for last¡ªthe monstrous termite known as Pinchy. "Ready for round two?" Gideon called, a new crystal gleaming in his hand. David grinned, the thrill of battle coursing through him. His tongue flicked out, ready to snag the next crystal from his bandolier if he had to. "Bring it on, champ. Let''s give these people a show they''ll never forget!" As Gideon''s crystal erupted in a flash of light, David''s eyes widened. A massive dragonfly-like creature materialized, its iridescent wings humming with barely contained energy. A wicked stinger, easily as long as David''s arm, protruded from its tail. "Meet Stinglash," Gideon announced proudly, "my speedster extraordinaire!" David grimaced, memories of the ''bug incident'' from his early days flooding back. The phantom sting of countless bites made his fur stand on end. From the crowd, a familiar roar rang out. Claire''s voice, a mix of encouragement and unmistakable anger, cut through the stadium noise. Even after all these years, her hatred for stingtail dragonflies hadn''t diminished. "You''ve got this, David!" Claire bellowed. "Squash that overgrown mosquito!" David couldn''t help but chuckle at his friend''s enthusiasm. "Thanks, Claire! I''ll do my best to¡ª" His words were cut short as Gideon issued his command. "Stinglash, use your extreme speed!" In a blur of motion that David''s eyes could barely track, Stinglash vanished. One moment, it was hovering at Gideon''s side of the field. The next, the high pitch whine of its wings rose to a ringing scream and it was gone, appearing behind Fang with its stinger already plunging deep into the summons hide. Fang let out a pained screech before crumpling to the ground, unconscious. "Fang is unable to battle!" the announcer declared, sounding as shocked as David felt. "This round goes to Champion Gideon!" David recalled Fang, his mind reeling. He''d faced fast opponents before, even reached supersonic speeds himself during battles and hunts. But this? This was on another level entirely. As he pondered his next move, an idea struck him. The crowd was already at fever pitch, and he knew what they really wanted to see. "Hey, Gideon!" David called out, a mischievous glint in his eye. "What do you say we cut to the chase? How about we settle this with our Aces? Give the people what they came for!" Gideon''s face lit up, his cape fluttering dramatically as he struck a pose. "An excellent suggestion, David! As the first Summon League Champion of New Earth, I accept your challenge!" The crowd erupted in cheers as Gideon recalled Stinglash. David could practically feel the anticipation crackling in the air. "Ladies and gentlemen," Gideon announced, his voice carrying across the stadium, "prepare yourselves for a battle of truly epic proportions!" David grinned, his tongue flicking out to grasp the crystal containing his most powerful summon. As he launched it onto the field, he saw Gideon do the same. Two flashes of light illuminated the arena. On David''s side, a colossal bat-like creature emerged, its fur a deep obsidian that seemed to absorb light. Six eyes, glowing with an otherworldly crimson hue, blinked open as it spread wings that could blot out the sun. Opposite it, Gideon''s crystal spawned a truly monstrous termite. Pinchy had grown since David last saw him, now easily the size of a small building. Its mandibles clicked ominously, each one large enough to snap a car in half. "Introducing the Aces!" the announcer''s voice boomed. "In the challenger''s corner, the Lord of the Night Sky, Shadowwing! And defending the champion''s title, the Colossus of the Colony, Pinchy!" The two titanic creatures regarded each other, the air between them almost vibrating with tension. David and Gideon locked eyes across the battlefield, both grinning with the thrill of the moment. "You ready for this, Gideon?" David called out. Gideon''s response was to throw his arms wide, his cape billowing behind him. "Oh, I was born ready, David! Let''s show them a battle they''ll never forget!" As the crowd''s cheers reached a deafening crescendo, David felt his heart racing with excitement. This was it. The moment of truth. Everything he''d worked for, all the trials and tribulations, had led to this epic showdown. "Alright, Shadowwing," David muttered, his wings twitching in anticipation, "let''s show them what we''ve got." As Shadowwing and Pinchy squared off, the stadium trembled with anticipation. David and Gideon locked eyes one last time, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. This wasn''t just a battle for the championship; it was a testament to how far they''d come since those early days in Riverport. "Shadowwing, unleash your Midnight Maelstrom!" David commanded, his voice ringing out across the arena. "Pinchy, counter with Hive Mind Assault!" Gideon shouted in response. The two titanic creatures surged forward, their clash sending shockwaves through the stadium. Shadowwing''s wings, dark as the void, unfurled to their full span, casting the arena in shadow. Pinchy''s mandibles glowed with an eerie, bioluminescent light, clicking rapidly as if issuing orders to an unseen army. As the battle raged, the crowd''s roar became a deafening wall of sound. Claire''s distinctive bellow could be heard even above the chaos, urging David on. The air crackled with energy, both mystical and electric, as two of New Earth''s mightiest summons gave their all. David''s heart raced, his wings twitching with every move Shadowwing made. This was it. The culmination of years of training, of bonds forged in the crucible of a savage world. Win or lose, he knew this moment would be etched in the annals of Monstropolis history. As Shadowwing and Pinchy clashed, their titanic forms silhouetted against the bioluminescent stadium lights, the scene faded to black. 110 - Not a Microwave David''s eyes snapped open, his mind still foggy with the remnants of a bizarre dream. "Shadowing, use Umbral Slash!" he blurted out, voice a mix of confusion and determination. "Follow up with Nightmare Fang!" As reality slowly reasserted itself, a thunderous sound nearby caught his attention. His ears twitched, trying to pinpoint the source. Blinking away the last vestiges of sleep, he turned to find Claire convulsing on the ground, her massive form shaking with uncontrollable laughter. "What the..." David mumbled, brain struggling to catch up. "Claire? What''s so funny?" Claire''s only response was to roll onto her back, her club-like tail slamming into the earth with each wave of mirth. The impacts sent small tremors through the ground, causing nearby pebbles to dance a geological jig. "Oh man," she finally managed between guffaws, "you should''ve seen yourself! One second you''re all ''Watch this, I''ll prove Doom Blade was a good pick,'' and the next? Lights out, bat boy!" David felt his face grow hot, his mane standing on end with embarrassment. "I...what? I don''t remember any of that." As his mind slowly rebooted, fragmented memories began to surface. He vaguely recalled slotting Doom Blade, showing Claire his new wing-swords, and then...nothing. It was as if someone had taken an eraser to his mental whiteboard, leaving only smudges and half-formed ideas. "How long was I out?" David asked, trying to piece together what happened. Claire, still chuckling, managed to roll back onto her feet. "Twenty minutes-ish," she rumbled, amusement clear in her voice. "You were all set to demonstrate your new ''edgelord upgrade''. The area around you started getting dark. Then the moment you tried to channel your Wildsoul into it? Boom. Faceplant." David groaned, rubbing his face with his wings. "Great. Just great. Anything else I should know about? Did I sprout a cape and start monologuing about vengeance while I was at it?" "Well," Claire drawled, eyes glinting with mischief, "you did mutter something about ''embracing the darkness'' right before you went down. Very dramatic. Very you." "Oh god," David moaned, ears drooping in mortification. "Please tell me you''re joking." Claire''s answering grin was all teeth. "Nope. But don''t worry, I''m sure you''ll get the hang of it eventually. Maybe start smaller next time? ''Mild Inconvenience Blade'', perhaps?" David buried his face in his wings, wishing he could disappear into the ground. "I''m never going to live this down, am I?" "Not a chance," Claire chuckled. "This is prime teasing material for at least the next decade. Maybe two." As David wallowed in his embarrassment, a thought struck him. "Wait a second," he said, narrowing his eyes at Claire. "If I went down that fast, why didn''t you try to wake me up?" Claire''s expression turned sheepish. "Well... I did try at first. But you were out cold. And then you started sleep-talking about some kind of ''Summon Battle''. It was kind of adorable, actually. You looked so peaceful there, muttering about championships. I didn''t have the heart to interrupt after that." David blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events. "I... huh. Thanks, I guess? Though I''m not sure ''adorable'' is the look I''m going for..." "Don''t worry," Claire smirked, "your secret''s safe with me. Well, mostly safe. I might bring it up every now and then. You know, for morale." David slowly clambered onto a nearby rock, his wings wrapped tightly around himself in a sulky bat-burrito. His ears twitched irritably as he tried to piece together the events that led to his impromptu nap. "I still can''t believe I fainted," he grumbled, more to himself than to Claire. "And I don''t even remember trying to use Doom Blade. Why would I do something like infuse an ability that''s so expensive?" Claire, who had finally managed to stop laughing, gave him a sympathetic look. "Hey, don''t be too hard on yourself. We all do dumb things sometimes. Remember when I ate the Crusher''s head and tripped balls for like 3 hours?" "Yeah, but that was at the end of a fight," David retorted, his voice muffled by his wing membrane. "And you didn''t miss out on prime teasing material." Something about the whole situation felt off to David. He prided himself on being cautious and thoughtful the last few days since evolving, especially when it came to new abilities. Throwing caution to the wind and going full throttle with Doom Blade? That didn''t sound right to him. With a sigh, he unfurled his wings, extending the newly acquired blades carefully. "Alright, let''s try this again. Hopefully without the dramatic fainting this time." As the blades fully extended, David focused on bringing Doom Blade online. True to Claire''s description, the area around him began to dim, as if the very light was being sucked away. The blades on his wings seemed to absorb the darkness, becoming pitch-black silhouettes against the twilight sky. "Whoa," David breathed, admiring the effect. "Okay, that''s pretty coo¡ª" His words cut off abruptly as he felt a sudden, greedy pull on his Wildsoul. It was as if Doom Blade had come alive, hungrily reaching for his energy without his consent. David gritted his teeth, quickly fighting to keep it from drawing any power. "David?" Claire''s voice was tinged with concern. "You okay there, bat boy?" "Yeah," he grunted, still struggling against the ability''s pull. "Just... give me a second." As he wrestled with Doom Blade, David had a sudden realization. This ability wasn''t just designed to work with a Wildsoul; it was built from the ground up to harness that power. Without it, Doom Blade would never reach its full power. The problem, of course, was that ''full power'' seemed to be way above his current capabilities. Even with his impressive Stamina reserves, David knew he couldn''t afford to let Doom Blade run at full blast. I can''t use it at full power, but maybe I can throttle the amount of Wildsoul it''s getting? Wait, that''s probably what made me faint the first time. I bet I didn''t react in time to stop it grabbing energy because I wasn''t worried about it. "Hey, Claire?" David called out, his voice strained. "If I pass out again, could you do me a favor and poke me until I wake up? Preferably before I start babbling about Summon Battles or whatever?" Claire nodded, moving closer in case she needed to catch him. "Sure thing. Though I have to warn you, my version of ''poke'' might be closer to ''gentle nudge with a wrecking ball''." "Noted," David replied dryly. "Alright, here goes nothing. Or everything. Probably somewhere in between." Taking a deep breath, David focused on allowing just a trickle of energy to flow into the blades. The effect was immediate and intense. The darkness around him deepened, and he could feel the raw power thrumming through his wings. "Holy crap," he muttered, his eyes wide. "This shit¡¯s got more kick than the Brute did." As he held the ability active, David could feel it straining against his control, like a leashed beast trying to break free. Every instinct screamed at him to cut the connection, to back away from the precipice he was teetering on. But another part of him, a part that sounded suspiciously like Spooky, urged him to push further. To see just how far he could take this raw power. David closed his eyes, trying to find a balance between caution and curiosity. He knew he was playing with fire, or in this case, weaponized darkness, but he couldn''t deny the thrill that ran through him. "Alright, Doom Blade," he whispered, a mix of excitement and apprehension in his voice. "Let''s see what you can really do... you know, at like ten percent power until I figure this shit out." David stood there, his face scrunched up in concentration, looking like he was trying to solve a particularly difficult math problem while also desperately needing to use the bathroom. His wings trembled slightly as he attempted to modulate the flow of energy into Doom Blade. "This is ridiculous," he muttered, trying to resist the urge to pant heavily. "It''s like trying to pour a lake through a straw. A really angry, power-hungry straw." If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Claire watched from a safe distance, her tail twitching nervously. "You sure you don''t want to take a break, bat boy? You''re starting to look a bit... crispy around the edges." David shook his head, his determination outweighing his common sense. "No, I''ve got this. I just need to... to..." He trailed off, his mind racing. Something about this felt wrong, like he was missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. Doom Blade hungered for energy, demanding more than he could safely give. But why? What was the point of an ability he was positive almost nothing could sustain? As he pondered this, a random memory flashed through his mind. He was back in his old apartment, trying to microwave a burrito. But instead of setting it for a couple of minutes, he''d accidentally hit an extra zero, nearly turning his lunch into a molten mass of cheese and regret. "Wait a second," David muttered, his eyes widening. "Am I being an idiot?" Claire perked up from where she lay in a flattened ring of grass. "I mean, probably? But in what specific way this time?" David ignored her, lost in his epiphany. "I''m not supposed to keep it running. It''s not a microwave, it''s..." "...sorry, it''s not a fucking what?¡± He turned to Claire, excitement building in his voice. "I was trying to use it like a continuous ability, but it''s not meant for that. It''s a strike. One big, badass, darkness-infused whack!" David''s wings twitched as he worked through his realization. "It''s like... okay, think about Nocturnal Strike. That works best when I time it just right, yeah? Quick in, quick out, boom - done. But then you''ve got Screech, which is all about keeping it going, sustaining it." Claire nodded slowly, following along. "Okay, I''m with you so far. So Fainting Blade is more like Nocturnal Strike?" "Exactl- Hey!" David exclaimed, his ears swiveling out to the sides in consternation. "Anyway, then there''s Corruptor''s Touch, which is kind of in between. You''ve gotta charge it up a bit, hold it for a second, then let it rip. It''s like... the middleman of my abilities." He hopped off the rock and started pacing, his wings flaring with enthusiasm. "So Doom Blade, it''s not quite as instantaneous as Nocturnal Strike, but it''s definitely not a marathon like Screech. It''s more like Corruptor''s Touch, but with the dial turned up to eleven and in a single moment." David paused, a look of wonder crossing his face. "It''s like trying to cram all the ''oomph'' of a sustained ability into one hit. No wonder it knocked me on my ass when I tried to keep it going!" Claire tilted her head suspiciously, processing this information. "So you''re saying you need to prep it like it works one way, but use it like it works a different way?" "Bingo!" David grinned, pointing at Claire with his wing. "It''s all about that sweet spot between charging up and letting loose. No ominous slow walks toward something while keeping it ready, unfortunately. At least not right now." To demonstrate, David flared his wings dramatically. This time, instead of trying to maintain a steady flow of energy, he gathered it all up and released it in one quick burst just as he swung his wing. The effect was immediate and startling. For a split second, the area around them plunged into twilight. "Holy shi¡ª" David started, then caught himself. "I mean, uh, totally meant to do that." Claire stared at his wings for a long moment, then back at David. "Well, I''ll be damned. You actually figured it out. In the weirdest way possible, but still. I... I''m gonna admit David, I''m not used to you sitting down and using your brain like that lately." David grinned, his fangs glinting against the pale skin of his face. "What can I say? I''m a problem solver. A very ugly, occasionally competent problem solver." "Great," Claire drawled, though there was a hint of pride in her voice. "Just try not to solve any problems that involve accidentally leveling the forest, okay?" David nodded, still admiring his handiwork. "No promises, but I''ll do my best. Though I have to say, this ''figuring things out'' business is pretty satisfying. Maybe I should try it more often." Claire snorted. "Don''t get ahead of yourself, bat boy. Let''s start with you not fainting half the time you use a new ability, and we''ll work our way up from there." As they bickered back and forth, David couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride. He''d cracked the code, in his own unique way. It wasn''t elegant, it wasn''t conventional, but it worked. "Alright," he said, flexing his wings. "Now that we''ve got that sorted, what do you say we find something for me to dramatically slice in half? You know, for science." Claire rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding the amusement in her voice. "Fine, but if you pass out again, I''m drawing a mustache on you with tree sap." "Deal!¡± David bounced into the center of the clearing and continued his practice, swinging his wings in controlled arcs as he released small bursts of Doom Blade energy. Each strike sent a ripple of darkness through the air, and he immediately felt his muscles begin to ache with exertion. "You''re getting better at that," Claire observed, her massive form sprawled nearby. "At least you''re not fainting anymore." David grinned, panting slightly. "Thanks. I think I''m finally getting the hang of it. It''s all about the timing and¡ª" "That''s great," Claire interrupted, a hint of amusement in her voice. "But are you ever going to test out that Miasma thing you mentioned? You know, the one you made out of the Ability you use the most?" David paused mid-windup, his wings drooping slightly. "Oh, right. I almost forgot about that with all the Doom Blade drama." He considered it for a moment, realizing how exhausted he felt after just a few practice swings. "Probably a good idea to switch it up. Doom Blade''s taking more out of me than I thought." Turning to Claire, he added, "Fair warning, though. This new Miasma might be pretty nasty. Maybe stay upwind?" Claire snorted. "Please. I''ve smelled your morning breath. I think I can handle whatever you dish out." David rolled his eyes but flapped a good distance downwind before attempting to activate Gloom''s new incarnation. He closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of Miasma within him. To his surprise, it didn''t respond like his old Gloom had. "Huh," he muttered, brow furrowing in concentration. "This is different." Instead of the familiar ''switch'' he used to flip for Gloom, activating Miasma felt more like flexing a new muscle. It reminded him of when he''d first infused his Wildsoul into his Flight ability, a strange internal sensation. As David focused, a tingling warmth spread through his wings, centering on the full moon markings. The sensation intensified until his wings vibrated with barely contained energy. It was clumsy, and took longer than he''d like, but David reasoned some practice would fix that shortly. Without warning, the full moon patterns reacted. A thick, dark grey vapor began to form, boiling off the surface of his wings like a volatile chemical reaction. The mist hung heavy in the air, its oily sheen catching what little light penetrated its murky depths. David watched, transfixed, as the vapor coalesced around him. This was nothing like his old Gloom. Where that had been a cloud of silvery dust, the Miasma moved like smoke from a chemical fire, swirling and undulating with an unsettling way as it slowly began to spread. A gust of wind caught the edge of the vapor cloud, pulling tendrils of it towards a nearby patch of vegetation. The effect was immediate and alarming. Leaves withered and curled on contact, their vibrant green fading to a sickly brown. Grass hissed and smoked where the mist touched, leaving behind blackened patches that resembled acid burns. The breeze carried the Miasma further, painting a trail of destruction across the forest floor. Ferns collapsed, their fronds dissolving into mush. A flowering bush lost its blooms in a handful of seconds, petals shriveling and falling like grotesque confetti. "David..." Claire''s voice carried a note of warning, her massive form shifting uneasily. He nodded, eyes wide as he watched the Miasma''s relentless advance. The mist flowed around trees, leaving scorch marks on their bark. The air shimmered around the cloud, distorting David''s view of the forest beyond. He could smell the potency of the vapor, its corrosive nature evident in every withered leaf and smoking twig. Swallowing hard, David attempted to rein in the Miasma by quickly cutting it off. It resisted, clinging to the air like an oil slick on water, but the damage was done. A swath of forest lay blackened and shriveled before him, a vivid testament to the power now at his disposal. "Well," David muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, "I guess ''Miasma'' wasn''t an exaggeration." Claire shifted uneasily, her tail thumping against the ground. "Maybe we should practice this one away from...well, anything you don''t want fucked up?" David nodded, carefully observing the last wisps of Miasma. It was more resilient than he expected, the mist seeming reluctant to dissipate. "Good call. I don''t want to accidentally melt the forest or piss something off on accident." As the final traces of Miasma faded, David flexed his wings, feeling a new respect for how lethal one of his oldest abilities had become. "Well," he said, trying to lighten the mood, "I guess I''ve officially graduated from fog machine to chemical warfare. Think Omega will give me a gold star?" Claire snorted, but her eyes remained wary. "Just don''t get any bright ideas about crop dusting, bat boy. I don''t think the world''s ready for your brand of air freshener." David chuckled nervously, his gaze lingering on the path of destruction left by the Miasma. "Yeah, no kidding. I think I''ll stick to using this one sparingly¡­well, that''s a lie. I''ll be careful with it though." He turned back to Claire, his expression a mix of excitement and apprehension. "So, what''s next on our ''Let''s see how David can accidentally destroy things'' agenda?" Claire shook her massive head, a low rumble of amusement escaping her. "How about we take a break from the abilities for a bit? Maybe work on something less likely to cause widespread environmental damage?" David nodded, his wings drooping slightly with exhaustion. "Yeah, maybe you''re right. I think I''ve had enough of playing with new powers for right now." Claire grinned, her scales glinting in the fading light. "Good call, bat boy. At this rate, you''re like six months away from becoming some sort of eldritch toxin monster. The universe must really have it out for you." They both chuckled, but the laughter died quickly as they shared a sudden, uneasy glance. Their eyes drifted skyward, a moment of paranoid silence stretching between them. "You don''t think..." David started, his voice trailing off. Claire shook her massive head, breaking the tension. "Nah¡­couldn''t be. Come on, let''s head back before you accidentally summon a black hole or something." As he slowly collected the Cuddlebugs from where they''d been dozing in a nearby hollow log, David couldn''t shake the feeling that somewhere, somehow, unseen eyes were watching their every move, shaping their destiny in ways they couldn''t begin to comprehend. 111 - Pop goes the weasel As they made their way back to the Observatory, David sprawled across Claire''s frill like a furry, winged pancake. His wings dangled limply on either side of her massive head, occasionally twitching when a particularly rough step jostled him. "I spy with my little eye," Claire rumbled, her voice vibrating through David''s entire body, "something...brown." David let out a long-suffering sigh. "Is it a stick?" "...Maybe." "Claire, that''s the third stick in a row. You''re really pushing the boundaries of this game." Claire snorted. "Well, excuse me for working with what I''ve got. It''s not my fault the Overseers didn''t leave us with a more varied landscape." David chuckled, his voice muffled against Claire''s scales. "Fair point. Alright, my turn. I spy with my little eye...something grey and lumpy." "Gee, I wonder what that could be," Claire drawled. "Could it possibly be...a rock?" "Ding ding ding! We have a winner, folks!" They both burst into laughter, the absurdity of their game not lost on them. As their mirth subsided, Claire shook her head gently, mindful of her passenger. "You know, I can''t help but wonder how cavemen stayed entertained. It must have been mind-numbingly boring." David grinned, lifting his head just enough to meet Claire''s eye. "Oh, you''re basically looking at it right now. Minus the ability to throw rocks at weird-looking stuff for fun, of course. I bet that was a real crowd-pleaser back in the day." "Ah yes, the height of prehistoric entertainment. ''Ooga booga, me throw rock at strange plant. Big funny.''" As they continued their journey, David let his mind wander. The Cuddlebugs were spread out across Claire''s back, their beady eyes scanning the surroundings. Well, most of them were. A few had decided that nap time was more important than lookout duty, curled up in little furry balls between Claire''s scales. David''s gaze drifted upward, where the two empowered Cuddlebugs circled about a hundred feet above them. He''d been pleasantly surprised to discover that not only could they follow complex directions, but they could also send him impressions of what they saw. It was like having his own furry, airborne surveillance team. Not bad for a bunch of monster hamster. Who needs high-tech drones when you''ve got mutant fuzzballs? The empowered Cuddlebugs'' impressions flowed into his mind, a stream of visual snippets and vague sensations. Trees, rocks, the occasional small creature scurrying for cover. Nothing out of the ordinary, but it was comforting to have the extra set of eyes. "You know," David said, breaking the comfortable silence, "I think I''ve finally figured out my role in our little duo." Claire hummed questioningly, the sound reverberating through her body. "I''m clearly the brains of this operation," he declared with mock seriousness. "I mean, look at me, delegating responsibilities, utilizing resources efficiently. I''m practically a CEO." Claire''s laugh shook her entire frame, nearly dislodging David from his perch. "Oh yes, truly a visionary leader. Remind me, oh wise one, which of us face-planted after trying to use their shiny new ability?" "Hey, that was a strategic nap to recharge my genius brain. You wouldn''t understand." Their banter continued as they made their way through the wilderness, the familiar silhouette of the Observatory¡¯s Peak gradually coming into view. David found himself oddly content, despite the constant threat of death and mutation that had become their new normal. "Claire?" he said, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "Hmm?" "I''m glad you''re here. You know, for all of... this." He gestured vaguely with one wing, encompassing their surroundings and the situation as a whole. Claire was quiet for a moment, and David wondered if he''d made things awkward. But then she spoke, her voice warm with affection. "Me too, bat boy. Although, if you tell anyone I said that, I''ll deny it and then sit on you." David grinned, settling back into his comfortable sprawl. "Wouldn''t dream of it. Now, I spy with my little eye..." "If you say ''stick'' or ''rock'', I swear I''ll throw you into the next tree we pass." David''s eyes suddenly widened as he caught sight of something decidedly not stick-or-rock-like. "Uh, Claire? I spy with my little eye something...person-shaped and potentially problematic." Claire''s stride faltered. "What? Where?" "About a hundred yards ahead, standing in that small clearing," David whispered, his body tensing. "And before you ask, no, I''m not hallucinating from Miasma exposure." As Claire''s gaze locked onto the figure, David felt a mixture of both suspicion and apprehension wash over him. The creature before them was unmistakably another survivor, but one that had clearly hit the mutagen jackpot. It resembled a massively oversized ferret or weasel, its body easily the size of a tiger but longer and more sinuous. The creature''s fur was a deep sable, though faintly stripes, and David could swear he saw faint electrical discharges crackling between its whiskers. "Well, that''s... different," Claire muttered, her voice low and cautious. David frowned, suddenly annoyed with his airborne lookouts. "Some surveillance team those empowered Cuddlebugs turned out to be. How did they miss a giant electric weasel?" With a quick mental command, he scattered the cuddlebugs into the surrounding forest, instructing them to keep close but stay hidden and be ready for his signal. Within seconds, they''d dispersed, and without his mental threads connecting them they would have been totally invisible. As if in answer to his question, David noticed the brush around the creature still swaying slightly. "Hold up," he murmured, "I think it just emerged from cover. Still, it''s not exactly being stealthy now." The ferret-like creature stood fully exposed in the clearing, its posture almost casual. It made no aggressive moves, but neither did it show any signs of fear or submission. If anything, it seemed to be deliberately announcing its presence, stopping just short of waving a giant ¡®Hello, fellow survivors!¡¯ sign. "What do you think?" Claire asked, her muscles tense beneath David. "Friend or foe?" David considered for a moment, taking in the creature''s impressive form and the clear signs of advanced mutations. "Hard to say. But given those obvious mutagens and possible bloodline, I''d vote for ''potential threat'' until proven otherwise." "Agreed," Claire rumbled. "So, what''s the play here, bat boy? Diplomatic approach or preemptive Miasma bath?" David winced at the thought of using Miasma so casually. "Let''s hold off on the chemical warfare for now. But maybe get ready to book it if things go south. I don''t fancy our odds against Sparky the Wonder Weasel over there if they''re being so casual about it. Might be a trap." Claire snorted softly. "Sparky the Wonder Weasel? Really?" "Hey, you try coming up with better nicknames on short notice," David retorted, his eyes never leaving the strange figure. "Alright, let''s see if we can parley. But if it makes any sudden moves, feel free to introduce it to your tail." As they cautiously approached, David couldn''t help but feel a mix of curiosity and trepidation. This was the third time he¡¯d encountered a competent survivor out in the wild, Kai and the asshole Owl being the first two. Would they be friendly? Hostile? Completely unhinged from the stress of survival? "Hello there!" David called out, trying to keep his voice steady and friendly. "Nice day for a stroll through monster-infested wilderness, isn''t it?" The ferret-like creature tilted its head, regarding them with intelligent eyes. For a moment, David wondered if it could even understand them. Then, to his surprise, it spoke, its voice a rapid mix human speech and curious chattering sounds but still recognizable as female. "Hey," she said, her tone neutral but not unfriendly. "I''d been wondering when I''d run into more people out here. I must say, you two make quite the interesting pair." David exchanged a quick glance with Claire. This was either going to be the start of a beautiful friendship or the prelude to a very shocking and furry battle. The ferret-woman''s bluntness was almost jarring after their careful approach, but he couldn¡¯t honestly say he didn¡¯t appreciate it in it¡¯s own way. "I''m Azanah," she said, her whiskers twitching. "And I''ve been following you two for a while now. Spying, if we''re being honest." David''s eyes narrowed. "That''s...direct. Any particular reason for the stalking?" Azanah shrugged, a fluid motion that rippled through her elongated body. "Initially? I was planning to steal your Boss kill for the Bloodline. But then I saw whatever that grey mist was in action, and well¡­discretion seemed the better part of valor." David felt Claire tense beneath him, and he patted her frill comfortingly with his wing. "So you''ve killed a Boss before," he said, not quite a question. "Stole one, killed another with difficulty," Azanah replied. "But watching you two? That was something else. The way you handled that overgrown kangaroo was impressive. You''re skilled fighters, and I''d rather not tangle with two people obviously a whole Evolution above me." David couldn''t help but feel a mix of pride and wariness at the compliment. "Thanks, I think. So if you''re not here to fight, what do you want?" She doesn¡¯t realise Claire hasn¡¯t Evolved again yet? I can see that, Claire¡¯s¡­big. Plus we both have a Bloodline, I can see how she¡¯d make that mistake with the visible mutations we have. How did she know I¡¯m at Sub-Adult, though? Was it a guess, or¡­has she seen it before? Hrmm. Azanah''s tail swished behind her. "Information, mostly. I couldn''t figure out how you were amplifying your abilities. Care to share that little trick?" David paused, considering his words carefully as he straightened up on Claire¡¯s head a bit. "That''s...not something we typically discuss with strangers. Especially ones who''ve been spying on us." This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Azanah nodded, seemingly unperturbed. "Fair enough. But I also watched you practicing those new abilities. Even saw you Fusing. Whatever that Death Gas is? I want no part of it. But that¡­ other technique? That''s something else. Is it a form of ability enhancement?" David''s head spun from the admissions. He glanced down at Claire, who looked equally wary. "That''s a lot of personal information you''ve gathered," Claire rumbled, her voice low and dangerous. David nodded in agreement. "Look, Azanah, I appreciate the honesty, but you''ve got to understand how this looks from our angle. You''ve been stalking us, planned to steal our kill, and now you''re just flat-out asking for our secrets?" Azanah tilted her head. "I suppose that''s fair. But I''m not here to fight. I''m just...curious. I''ve never seen abilities used quite like that before." After a moment of tense silence, Azanah spoke again, her tone more serious. "Look, I know this is all very sudden and probably seems suspicious. But I want you to know we''re approaching this peacefully." David raised an eyebrow. "''We''?" Azanah nodded. "Yes, I''m not alone. There are two others in my pack, but they''re waiting at a safe distance. We wanted to prove we''re not here to cause trouble." Before David or Claire could respond, Azanah began drumming her foot on the ground so rapidly it almost sounded like machinery. A few seconds later, two figures appeared on a distant ridge. David squinted, trying to make out the details. One appeared to be some kind of stocky insect, its exoskeleton glinting in the sunlight. The other was an enormous serpent, its coils easily visible even from this distance. Though difficult to make out from the sheer distance between them, their body language was obviously relaxed, if a bit wary. "Holy shit," David muttered, his wings twitching nervously. Claire''s muscles tensed beneath him. "Friends of yours, I take it?" Azanah nodded. "Yes. As you can see, they''re too far to intervene if anything were to happen. It''s our way of showing we''re here in good faith." David and Claire shared a long look, silently communicating. Finally, David turned back to Azanah. "Alright, we appreciate the gesture. But you understand we''re not comfortable sharing sensitive information, especially not out here in the open." Azanah''s ears drooped slightly, but she nodded. "I understand. But perhaps we could meet again? Exchange information, maybe even work together?" Claire snorted. "You''re awfully eager for someone who just admitted to planning to ambush us." Azanah shrugged. "The world''s changed. We need allies, not enemies. And you two... you''re different. I¡¯ve never seen anyone manhandle a Boss like that. Ever. Usually, you rotate people in and out ¨C cycle Restoratives to wear them down. If I¡¯m being honest, we almost just turned around and ran as far in the opposite direction as we could, but whatever you know is too valuable not to try and learn. So here I am." David''s mind raced, processing the situation with a clarity that surprised even him. Several realizations hit him in quick succession: First, Claire hadn''t smelled Azanah approaching. Given Claire''s uncanny sense of smell, that was deeply unsettling. How had this weasel-woman managed to mask her scent so completely? Second, even if they declined Azanah''s offer, there was no guarantee she wouldn''t simply continue following them, hidden and observing. And if she did, her two companions would likely tag along. Third, they knew next to nothing about the capabilities of this trio. Azanah clearly had some form of bioelectric ability, but its extent was a mystery. The other two were complete wildcards. That serpent looked massive enough to give even Claire a run for her money, and memories of Dallas¡¯ capabilities even at a lower level had left him with a healthy wariness of insectoid mutations. Then there was Azanah''s admission of stealing a Boss kill. David''s stomach churned as he considered how that would have likely played out. There were only a few ways to pull that off, and none of them were pretty. This friendly act, he realized, was likely a calculated move. Tell them about the Wildsoul, or risk being followed home by an undetectable spy and her potentially dangerous companions. Azanah''s willingness to confront them suggested she was either the most elusive of the group or the most expendable. And who¡¯s to say there were only three of them? For all I know, one could be a dedicated summoner with an army at their disposal. Shit, they could have an actual healer for all I know, that¡¯d fuck my strategy right up unless we got them first, which they¡¯d expect anyway. As these thoughts whirled through his mind, David felt a moment of shock at his own analytical approach. When had he become so... strategic? It was a far cry from his usual impulsive decision-making. Realizing he needed input, David turned to Claire. "Hey, Azanah? Give us a moment to confer, would you?" Azanah nodded, taking a few steps back to give them some privacy. She settled into a loose squat, somewhere between actually standing and sitting, though it was hard to tell if she was actually doing either with how liquid her body seemed to be. David leaned down, speaking softly into Claire''s ear. "We might have a problem here. Did you smell her coming at all?" Claire''s eyes widened slightly, and she gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head, clacking her jaws together in sudden frustration. "That''s what I thought," David muttered. "Look, I''m not sure we can risk turning them away. If she can hide from your nose, who knows what else she can do? And those friends of hers look like they could be serious trouble. I¡¯d rather not have to kill three people for trying something stupid, or have anyone back at¡­" David darted a glance toward where Azanah sat, unsure of how sensitive her hearing was. ¡°Anyone at ¡®Home Base¡¯ get hurt over it. Pretty sure she could snatch everyone but Kozlov and just drag them off if she wanted to.¡± Claire rumbled softly. "So what are you thinking? We can''t exactly invite them back for tea and Wildsoul lessons then." David sighed, tapping his claws anxiously on Claire¡¯s armor plates. "No, but maybe we can give them enough to satisfy their curiosity without revealing everything. At least that way we can keep an eye on them." "And if they decide they want more than we''re willing to share?" Claire asked, her voice low and dangerous. David''s wings twitched nervously. "Then we hope your tail is as fast as my Miasma. But let''s try to avoid that if we can. I''d rather not find out what a melted electric weasel looks like." Claire snorted softly. "Alright, David. I trust your judgment. But if this goes south, I''m never letting you live it down." "Fair enough," he replied, straightening up and turning back to Azanah. "Alright, Sparky. We''ve got a proposition for you..." David took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Look, Azanah, I''m not going to explain it in detail, I just don¡¯t trust you right now. But I will give you the same advice I got when I first started: Have you ever wondered how, exactly, we heal up so fast?" Azanah''s expression shifted from eager anticipation to anger, then to utter bewilderment. Her whiskers twitched as she processed the question, clearly caught off guard. "I... what?" She hunched her back in a very ferret-like manner, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Just try manipulating the rate you heal at, when you get a chance," David continued, watching her reaction closely. "You seem like a smart cookie. I bet you''ll figure it out pretty quick." Without a moment''s hesitation, Azanah bit down hard on her own front leg, drawing blood. David and Claire both let out shocked exclamations. Holy shit, that''s fucking hardcore. Damn. Azanah stared intently at the wound, not even twitching a whisker. If she were still human, David was certain there''d be veins bulging in her forehead from the sheer concentration. The seconds ticked by, the air thick with tension. Suddenly, Azanah''s eyes widened, a spark of understanding igniting within them. The wound on her leg began to close at an accelerated rate, far faster than normal healing should allow. Her gaze snapped up to David, filled with a mix of wonder and excitement. "That''s... that''s incredible!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. Then, without missing a beat, she asked, "Are you available, or are you and Jaws here an item?" David felt his face heat up, his brain short-circuiting at the sudden change in topic. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Claire, however, had no such problem. "David''s kinda dumb," she rumbled, irritation clear in her voice, "but not that dumb. He''s not gonna fall for something like that." David was expending a heroic amount of effort not to visibly blush, instantly kicking thoughts of how ''that'' would even work straight into a mental garbage bin. Nope, not going there. Damn, that was shameless. How rough of a time has she been having it that she¡¯d try something like that? I¡¯m glad Claire has such a high opinion of me at least¡­ "I, uh... that''s not..." David stammered, trying to regain his composure. Azanah tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Can''t blame a girl for trying, right? But seriously, this is amazing! How did you figure this out?" A sudden idea flashed through David''s mind, and he decided to take a calculated risk. Keeping his tone casual, he shrugged his wings and said, "Oh, you know how it is. Sometimes you''re just chatting about things, and Omega drops these little nuggets of wisdom." He followed this up with what he hoped was a friendly, disarming smile. On his bat-like features, however, it came out looking like a thinly veiled threat; a wide, fang-filled grin that hinted at answers you¡¯d be happier without knowing. The effect on Azanah was nearly instant. Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly, and her whiskers froze mid-twitch. The fur along her spine rippled slightly as if a shiver had run through her entire body. "Uh¡­.Omega?" she asked, her voice carefully neutral but with an undercurrent of disbelief. As the weight of David''s casual statement sank in, Azanah''s demeanor shifted. Her eyes darted between David and Claire, searching for any sign of deception. Finding none, thanks to David''s unintentionally enigmatic expression, she seemed to reassess the situation. A flicker of uncertainty crossed her features, and she unconsciously lowered her body slightly, making herself appear less imposing. The electrical discharges between her whiskers, which had been a constant subtle presence, fluctuated briefly. When Azanah spoke again, her voice carried a new note of cautious respect. "As in Overseer Omega?" She glanced briefly at her distant companions, then back to David and Claire. The cocky assurance she''d displayed earlier had been tempered, replaced by a more measured consideration. "Maybe," Azanah said slowly, "we should discuss this further at another time. Clearly, there''s much more to learn here than I initially thought." David, maintaining his enigmatic smile, simply nodded. "Oh, you have no idea, Sparky. No idea at all." Azanah bowed her head slightly, her demeanor now markedly different from her initial bravado. Her previously bold body language had shriveled up like a dead spider, and now she looked like she¡¯d rather be anywhere but where she was. She began to edge slowly toward the dense underbrush she¡¯d emerged from so casually that David would have missed it if not for the fact she was the only moving thing around them. "Thank you, truly, for your help," she said, her voice tinged with nervous respect. "And I... I sincerely apologize for stalking and spying on you. It was...disrespectful." David nodded, maintaining his enigmatic smile. "No harm done, Sparky. Just remember, curiosity killed the cat...or in this case, might have fried the ferret. I would also rather have friends than enemies, to tell the truth. No hard feelings this time." He stressed the last words just a bit, not too forcefully, but getting his point across all the same. The message was clear: ¡®No more sneaking around, or I¡¯m going to treat you like a problem and solve it.¡¯ Azanah chuckled weakly, then began backing away. "Right. Well, thank you again. Perhaps we''ll meet under better circumstances next time¡­We¡¯re good right?" David nodded in response, allowing his ears to flop around a bit more than strictly necessary as he did so. He was acutely aware of his appearance, and knew just how discordant his personality was with it. In this case however, it only added to the uncertainty and would hopefully help deter any more covert actions on their part. Hopefully they¡¯ll think twice before doing some shit like that again. I don¡¯t mind helping people, shit, I love helping people, but that¡¯s worrying. I¡¯m so used to being the sneaky one that I almost forgot other people can do it too. I need more of the empowered Cuddlebugs, a wider net, get that trait token used¡­fuck, I got too comfortable again. She turned and walked steadily back the way she came, her movements deliberately non-threatening. The moment she disappeared from view, however, David''s keen hearing picked up a sudden burst of motion. The sound of rapid footfalls, punctuated by quick changes in direction, faded rapidly into the distance. Not quite as fast as me, but impressive considering she''s likely a whole Evolution behind. Built for speed, which probably means she isn¡¯t particularly durable. Mental note: If they try anything, incapacitate her first, or Claire¡¯s going to get hamstrung. As the sounds of Azanah''s retreat faded entirely, Claire let out a long breath. "So," she rumbled, "dropping Omega''s name like that. Brilliant improvisation, or are you trying to get us smote for blasphemy?" David sighed dramatically, melting back into his pancake-like sprawl across Claire''s head. "Well, you know what they say. When life gives you lemons, casually mention your chats with the eldritch horror pulling the strings of reality." Claire snorted, shaking her head gently. "Only you, bat boy. Only you." "Hey, it worked, didn''t it?" David grinned. "Besides, Omega would probably be more angry I didn¡¯t maul her to death for her efforts then go hunt down her friends for good measure. Now lets get the hell out of here before they group up and decide what to do." Not a chapter: Remastered (dont panic) David stood before the ancient pinball machine, his wings twitching with excitement. The faded artwork on the backglass promised a world of flashing lights and clanging bells, a relic of a simpler time when humanity''s greatest concern was getting the high score. "Alright, you beautiful hunk of retro junk," he muttered, cracking his neck. "Let''s see what you''ve got." With exaggerated care, David reached out to pull back the plunger. His talons scraped against the smooth plastic, sliding off uselessly. Frowning, he tried again, this time pressing his pad against the knob. The plunger moved a fraction of an inch before slipping from his grip. "Oh, come on!" David growled, his frustration mounting. "It can''t be that hard?" He glanced around furtively, making sure Claire wasn''t nearby to witness his embarrassing struggle with pre-apocalyptic entertainment. Satisfied he was alone, David redoubled his efforts, contorting his wing in ways that would make a yoga instructor wince. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of fumbling, he managed to pull the plunger back. With a triumphant "Ha!", David released it, sending the silver ball careening up the playfield. His victory was short-lived. As the ball bounced between bumpers and ramps, David realized he had a new problem: the flipper buttons were just as uncooperative as the plunger. "No, no, no!" he yelped, his claws scrabbling ineffectively against the smooth red buttons. The ball rolled serenely between his useless flippers and down the drain. "Game over" flashed mockingly on the display. David glared at the machine, his ears flattening against his head. "Okay, fine. You want to play hardball? I can do hardball." The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. With grim determination, he pulled back the plunger again, this time using his teeth to grip the knob. It worked, but left him in an awkward position, his face pressed against the glass as he tried to see the playfield. "Mphmm gmm thm," he mumbled around a mouthful of plunger, which roughly translated to "I''ve got this." The ball launched, and David quickly released the plunger, his head snapping up just in time to see the silver sphere ricocheting wildly around the table. He positioned his wings over the flipper buttons, ready to show this mechanical menace who was boss. As the ball approached, David slammed his wings down with all his might. The left flipper twitched pathetically. The right one didn''t move at all. The ball, undeterred by his valiant effort, once again found its way to the drain. "That''s it!" David snarled, his patience finally snapping. "You think you''re so clever, huh? Well, let''s see how you handle this!" In a move that would have made pinball purists weep, David grabbed the sides of the machine and began shaking it vigorously. The "TILT" warning flashed, accompanied by an indignant beeping. "Oh, I''ll show you tilt," David growled, his shaking intensifying. The machine rocked precariously, lights flashing in distress. Just as he was considering whether he could claim the pinball machine was actually a dangerous monster that needed to be neutralized with extreme prejudice, a familiar voice cut through his rage. "Having fun there, bat boy?" David froze, the machine giving one last plaintive beep as it settled. He turned slowly to find Claire watching him through the lobby windows, her expression a mixture of amusement and concern. "I, uh... I was just..." David stammered, desperately searching for a way to salvage his dignity. "...testing the structural integrity of the pinball machine. You know, for science." Claire''s snort told him exactly how convincing that excuse was. "Right. And I suppose the machine was winning?" David slumped, his wings drooping in defeat. "In my defense," he muttered, "this game was clearly not designed with evolved bat-people in mind." "Clearly," Claire agreed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Come on, Edison. I think it''s time we found you a less frustrating hobby. How about we go smash some rocks instead?" As they walked away, David couldn''t resist throwing one last glare at the pinball machine. "This isn''t over," he hissed. "I''ll be back, and next time, I''m bringing opposable thumbs!" The machine''s lights blinked once, as if accepting his challenge. 112 - Smiley Face David sprawled across Claire''s frill like a furry, winged hat as they made their way back to the Observatory. His wings dangled limply on either side of her massive head, swinging in time with her steps as he forced himself to relax despite his anxiety. "You know," Claire rumbled, her voice vibrating through David''s entire body, "I really don''t like that we couldn''t smell her coming. It''s...unsettling." David lifted his head slightly, his mind still racing from their encounter. "Hmm? Oh, yeah. It''s pretty creepy being on the receiving end of the sneakery for once." Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "That''s putting it mildly. I mean, I''m used to you popping up out of nowhere, but at least I can smell you coming. Usually. Even if it''s hard to smell through your new tricks." "Hey!" David protested weakly, though there was no real heat in it. "I''ll have you know I smell like a delightful mixture of fruit bat and existential dread." Claire chuckled, but the sound quickly faded. "Seriously though, David. If she can mask her scent that well at a lower Evolution?" David sighed, his wings drooping slightly. "I know, I know. The whole encounter... it kind of threw me off balance, if I''m being honest. I can''t shake the feeling that I whiffed it somehow." "How so?" Claire asked, her tone genuinely curious. "I don''t know," David admitted, frustration evident in his voice. "Maybe I said too much. Or not enough. It''s like... I feel like I was playing chess, but I''m not sure if I won or lost." As they approached the base of the mountain, Claire suddenly paused. "Hold up. You said we don''t have to worry about them for now. How can you be so sure?" David''s ears perked up, and a sly smile spread across his face. "Ah, right. I may have neglected to mention that I''ve got one of your favorite ratty Cuddlebug friends keeping an eye on them." Claire''s eyes widened slightly. "Really? Clever bat. What are they up to?" David closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the faint impressions coming from his furry spy. "Well, best I can tell from the vague fuzzy-vision I''m getting, they''re still hanging around that ridge where Azanah''s friends showed themselves. And from what I can gather... they seem to be yelling at eachother." Claire resumed her climb, a low chuckle rumbling through her. "Oh, to be a fly on that rock. Think Azanah''s getting an earful for her little improv session?" "Probably," David grinned. "I can just imagine it now. ''You did what? Omega? Are you insane?''" He affected a high-pitched, squeaky voice for the last part, which sounded utterly ridiculous coming from his bat-like vocal cords. Claire snorted, her massive head shaking with amusement. "Your impressions need work, bat boy. But seriously, what are they actually doing?" David closed his eyes again, focusing more intently on the impressions from his furry spy. The mental image sharpened, like tuning an old TV antenna. "Okay, so... picture this," he began, gesturing with his wings. "Our electric ferret friend? She''s making herself about as small as a tiger-sized weasel can. Which, let me tell you, is not very small at all." Claire rumbled thoughtfully. "Trying to look non-threatening?" "More like she''s trying to become one with the ground," David chuckled. "And that big ol'' snake we saw? It''s giving her the mother of all ass-chewings. I mean, if looks could kill, Azanah would be a crispy critter right now." "Huh," Claire mused. "Guess name-dropping Omega didn''t go over well." David nodded, his ears twitching as he processed more of the Cuddlebug''s impressions. "Oh yeah, big time. The snake''s practically doing loops around her, all coiled up and hissy. I''d feel bad for her if, you know, she hadn''t been planning to ambush us and all." "What about the bug?" Claire asked, her pace slowing as they neared the Observatory. David focused again, his brow furrowing. "That''s the weird part. It''s just... pacing. Round and round in circles, like it''s trying to wear a groove in the rock. Doesn''t seem to be paying much attention to the snake''s tantrum or Azanah''s best impression of a ferret-shaped puddle." Claire chuckled, the sound rumbling through her massive frame. "Sounds like quite the dysfunctional little group they''ve got there." "No kidding," David agreed. "You know, I''m getting the feeling they had no clue the Overseers actually interacted with anyone. The way they''re reacting, it''s like I told them I had tea with the Easter Bunny." He paused, a thought striking him. "Must be nice not getting Overseer attention all the time, you think? Lucky bastards." Claire snorted. "Given how that snake''s reacting, I''d say they''re not exactly thrilled about the idea. Maybe they prefer their eldritch horrors to stay nice and distant." David nodded, his mind racing. "Yeah, but do they even know it''s an eldritch horror?" He shook his head. "Man, how messed up is it that we''re ''prepared'' for that kind of thing now?" "Welcome to the new normal," Claire deadpanned. "Where horrors are just part of the weekly schedule." As they approached the Observatory''s makeshift entrance, David took one last peek through his Cuddlebug''s eyes. The scene hadn''t changed much, though he could swear the snake looked even more agitated. "You know," he mused, "part of me almost feels bad for them. They''re out there, freaking out over the idea of Overseers, while we''re just... used to it." Claire rumbled thoughtfully. "It''s not exactly a comforting thought, David. Being ''used to'' entities like Omega. Or Xi for that matter." David sighed, his wings drooping slightly. "Yeah, I know. But what choice do we have? It''s not like we can just... opt out of this whole mess." As they entered the Observatory''s grounds, David gave his Cuddlebug one last mental nudge. "Keep an eye on them, buddy. Let me know if anything changes." He felt a faint pulse of acknowledgment from the enhanced summon, a mixture of determination and what he could only describe as furry pride. "So," Claire rumbled as they made their way to the main building, "what''s our next move? We can''t exactly pretend this didn''t happen." David''s expression turned thoughtful. "No, we can''t. But for now, I think our best bet is to lay low and keep tabs on them. We''ve got the advantage of home turf, and they don''t know exactly where we''re based." "And if they try to follow us back here?" Claire asked, a hint of worry in her voice. "Then they''ll have a very nasty surprise waiting for them," David replied, his tone uncharacteristically grim. "I''d rather not have to use Miasma on people if I can avoid it, but if they force our hand..." As they entered the Observatory proper, David couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that their encounter with Azanah was just the beginning of something much larger. But for now, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of their makeshift home, he allowed himself a moment of peace. Gotta take the wins where you can get them. Even if those wins come with a side of electric ferret drama. As they reached the lean-to, Claire rumbled contentedly and immediately began squeezing her massive form into the shelter. David slid off her head, bouncing lightly to the ground. He watched, amused, as she contorted herself to fit into a space clearly not designed for her bulk. With a final wiggle, she settled into a low crouch, her scales scraping against the makeshift walls. "Comfy?" David quipped, dropping to the ground outside. Claire''s only response was a satisfied grunt, her eyes half-lidded in contentment. David couldn''t help but chuckle to himself. For all her tough exterior, Claire was definitely a homebody at heart. The way she claimed and fiercely enjoyed ''her'' spots never failed to amuse him. It was like watching a house cat try to fit into a shoebox, only scaled up to 11. The Cuddlebugs scampered past him, eager to join Claire in the shade. David, however, remained outside, his gaze drawn to the crude map he''d scratched into the Observatory''s wall. Boss locations, hastily sketched and annotated, stared back at him. With a sigh, he approached the wall. His talons traced the outline of the Brute''s marker before suddenly digging in, gouging deep furrows through the image. The scraping sound was oddly satisfying, a physical representation of crossing another task off their seemingly endless to-do list. Task complete, David stepped back, eyeing his handiwork. The wave of satisfaction was short-lived, quickly replaced by a tidal wave of pent-up stress and frustration. Without warning, he flopped dramatically to the ground, not caring about the cloud of rust-colored dust his action kicked up. For a moment, he just lay there, staring at the sky. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, he began flailing wildly, wings and limbs thrashing in a ridiculous display of pure, unadulterated frustration. He didn''t care if anyone saw him acting like an idiot. For once, he just needed to let it all out. After what felt like an eternity (but was probably closer to thirty seconds), David''s tantrum subsided. He stood, shaking off the sandy dirt that clung to his fur, and took a few deep breaths. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. "You good there, bat boy?" Claire''s amused voice drifted from the lean-to. "Peachy," David replied, his voice only slightly strained. "Just... redecorating the yard. With interpretive dance." Claire''s rumbling laugh was her only response. As David dusted himself off, he couldn''t help but reflect on their recent encounter. He''d kept his cool, more or less. Handled the situation as best he could. But damn if it wasn''t stressful. A part of him longed for the relative simplicity of their time in Riverport. Sure, it hadn''t been easy, but at least the people there had been... well, people. Decent folks just trying to survive and figure things out, like them. But he knew that was wishful thinking. The world had changed, and not everyone out there was going to be as welcoming as the Riverport crew. Viktor and the Owl had made that painfully clear. "You know," David said, loud enough for Claire to hear, "I really wish everyone we met could be as cool as the Riverport gang." Claire''s head poked out of the lean-to, her expression a mix of sympathy and resigned amusement. "Yeah, well, if wishes were fishes, we''d be eating sushi instead of mystery meat. The world''s not exactly handing out friendship bracelets these days." David nodded, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "True. Though I gotta say, the mental image of you trying to braid a friendship bracelet is pretty hilarious." "Keep it up, and I''ll braid your wings together while you sleep," Claire retorted, though there was no heat in her words. David chuckled, feeling some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Alright, alright. I''ll be good." He paused, glancing back at the scratched-out Brute marker. "So, what''s next on our ''try not to die horribly'' agenda?" Claire hummed thoughtfully. "Well, we could always take a nap. Naps are good for not dying. Doesn''t look like Kozlov and the others are here at the moment." "You know what? That actually sounds perfect right now," David agreed, already making his way towards the lean-to. "Scoot over, you overgrown gecko. Make room for your favorite bat throw blanket." As he settled into his usual spot atop Claire''s scales, David felt the last of his stress-induced adrenaline fading. They''d faced down another challenge, made it home in one piece, and even picked up some valuable intel along the way. All in all, not a bad day''s work. I just wish everything wasn''t so high-stakes all the time lately. I miss having days off where I could just lay in bed, do some laundry, and listen to Utube videos about crap I barely care about. As David nestled into his usual spot, his mind drifted to the Trait Upgrade Token still burning a hole in his metaphorical pocket. He''d been putting off using it, always finding some reason to delay, but now seemed as good a time as any to give it some serious thought. Nocturnal was out, at least for now. Sure, he''d been getting into more nocturnal scraps lately, and he was damn near certain it would scale beautifully with an upgrade. That +12% boost to damage, stamina regen, and XP gain at night was nothing to sneeze at. But something held him back from committing to it just yet. Small was... well, complicated. David wasn''t even sure if upgrading it would make him bigger or smaller, and both options came with their own set of pros and cons. Bigger might mean more health, but at the cost of his precious stamina. Smaller could amp up his speed and stealth, but might leave him even more fragile. He filed that one away under ¡®maybe later, when I''m feeling brave or stupid.¡¯ That left Echolocation and Flight. Both were pivotal to his fighting style, cornerstones of his bat-tastic arsenal. If push came to shove, though... Flight. It had to be Flight. David''s wings twitched involuntarily at the thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. Flying wasn''t just a means to an end for him. It was freedom. Pure, unadulterated joy. The one thing that could make his anxiety and constant mental chatter just...evaporate. He thought back to his first awkward attempts at flight, how terrifying and exhilarating it had been. Now? Now it was as natural as breathing. More so, even, given how often he held his breath to avoid a bug up the nose with the speeds he could reach. But it wasn''t just about the zen-like state flying put him in. It was tactical gold. Mobility, verticality, a shield against ground-based threats, and a force multiplier for his ranged abilities. Half the time, he felt like he was cheating just by being airborne. "You''re thinking awfully hard over there," Claire''s rumbling voice broke through his reverie. "I can practically hear the gears grinding." David chuckled, shifting slightly to get more comfortable. "Just pondering the mysteries of the universe. You know, the usual. Like whether I should upgrade my ability to fly or my ability to see around corners." Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Tough call. From what you¡¯ve told me, though, empowered Echolocation is already really good. Might as well work on your flying, give the rest of us a chance to keep up." "Ha ha," David deadpanned, though there was no real annoyance in his tone. "You''re just jealous because you''re stuck down there with the ground-bound plebs. I can empower Flight too, you know." "Keep talking, bat boy. I''ll show you ''ground-bound'' when I launch you into orbit with my tail." David grinned, his mind already made up. "Alright, alright. Flight it is. Let''s see what kind of frequent flyer miles I can rack up with this upgrade." He closed his eyes, focusing on the familiar sensation of accessing a Token, which almost hummed with potential, ready to be applied. With a mental command, he directed it towards Flight, bracing himself for... well, whatever was about to happen. For a moment, nothing seemed to change. Then, a tingling sensation spread through his wings, starting at the base and radiating outward. It wasn''t painful, exactly, but it was intense. Like every nerve ending in his wings had suddenly decided to wake up and throw a party. "Uh, David?" Claire''s voice held a note of concern. "You okay there? You''re kind of... glowing." David''s eyes snapped open, and he realized Claire wasn''t exaggerating. A soft, pulsing light emanated from his wings, visible even through his fur. As he watched, fascinated, the glow intensified briefly before fading away. "Well," he said, flexing his wings experimentally, "that was...weird. It didn''t do that for Kai." Claire craned her neck to get a better look at him. "Feel any different?" David paused, taking stock. His wings felt... lighter somehow. More responsive. Like they''d shed some invisible weight he hadn''t even realized they were carrying. "Yeah," he said slowly, a grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, I think I do. Wanna see what this baby can do?" Before Claire could respond, David was already darting outside and launching himself into the air, his wings cutting through the sky with newfound grace and power. As he soared higher, faster than he''d ever flown before, a whoop of pure joy escaped him. Down below, Claire watched with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Show-off," she muttered, but there was no mistaking the pride in her voice. As David put his upgraded Flight through its paces, he couldn''t help but feel a surge of optimism. With a mental twist, he poured his Wildsoul into his wings, trying to attain the same sensation he''d achieved during the battle with the Herd Lord. It clicked into place within a few wingbeats, and he smiled ferociously in response. As David soared through the air, he felt a surge of exhilaration unlike anything he''d experienced before. The upgraded Flight almost hummed through his body, begging to be pushed to its limits. "Alright," he muttered to himself, savage smile slowly morphing into a mischievous grin that spread across his face, "let''s see what this baby can do." He started with a series of tight corkscrews, spiraling upward at a dizzying speed. The world blurred around him, but his new-and-improved sense of aerial control kept him perfectly oriented. As he reached the apex of his climb, he suddenly reversed direction, plummeting towards the ground in a steep dive. Just before impact, David pulled up sharply, his wingtips barely grazing the dusty earth as he shot forward in a low, ground-hugging flight. He weaved between the scattered equipment and debris around the Observatory, taking turns so sharp they would have made a fighter pilot jealous. "Woo-hoo!" he whooped, narrowly avoiding a collision with a defunct truck. "This is amazing!" David rocketed upward again, climbing almost vertically before abruptly cutting his ascent and dropping into a backwards somersault. He hung motionless for a split second at the top of the loop before gravity reasserted itself, sending him plummeting once more. This time, instead of pulling up, he spread his wings wide at the last possible moment. The air caught beneath them with an audible ''whomp'', and David found himself skimming just inches above the ground, riding the cushion of displaced air. He might not have Kai''s raw diving power or Dallas''s insect-like omnidirectional flight, but when it came to rapid direction changes and pure straight-line speed? David was in a league of his own. As he zoomed past the lean-to for the umpteenth time, a crazy idea struck him. Without a second thought, he banked hard, aiming straight for the Observatory''s wall. Claire, who had been watching his aerial display with a mixture of awe and exasperation, suddenly tensed. "David, what the fuck?!" she bellowed, her head poking out of the shelter just in time to see him become a dark blur hurtling towards certain splatterhood. But David had no intention of becoming a bat-shaped smear on the wall. At the last possible second, he executed a maneuver that would have been impossible just minutes ago. With a twist of his body and a precise flick of his wings, he killed his forward momentum, flipped upside-down, and readied himself for... art. The screech of talon on stone filled the air as David traced a long, curving line on the Observatory''s exterior with a rapid wing strike at the same moment he snatched with his hind claws. He touched down a mere few feet from the lean-to, landing with a flourish and spreading his wings wide in a victory pose. "Ta-da!" he exclaimed, beaming with pride and more than a little adrenaline-fueled giddiness. Claire stared at him, her expression frozen somewhere between shock, relief, and the dawning realization that she was going to have to deal with an even more aerially ambitious David from now on. After a few seconds of speechless gawking, Claire''s motherly instincts kicked in. With a grumble that sounded suspiciously like "Fucking David shit," she roughly pushed him over with her snout. David let out an undignified squawk as he toppled, his victory pose crumbling into an ungainly sprawl. "Hey!" he protested, spitting out a mouthful of dust. "What happened to appreciating my artistic expression?" Claire just shook her head, retreating further into the shade of the lean-to. "Your ''artistic expression'' is going to give me a heart attack one of these days," she muttered. David cackled, dusting himself off as he got to his feet. "Aw, come on. You know you love it. Where else are you gonna get this kind of top-tier entertainment in the apocalypse?" "I''d settle for a nice, boring game of charades," Claire retorted, but there was a poorly hidden amusement in her words. Still grinning from ear to ear, David sauntered into the lean-to, plopping down next to Claire¡¯s head with a contented sigh. "You gotta admit, though. That was pretty awesome." Claire rumbled noncommittally, but David caught the hint of a smile in the way her jaws hung slightly open. "Just promise me you won''t try to create some sort of¡­ bat signal with your new sky-writing skills." David''s eyes lit up. "Ooh, now there''s an idea..." "David, no." "David, yes!" As they settled into their familiar banter, David couldn''t help but feel a renewed sense of optimism. After a little bit of goofing off, he felt ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. Even if those challenges involved explaining to Kozlov why there was now a giant, claw-carved smiley face on the side of the Observatory. Alright, I should let Claire get a nap in while she can. Not going to sleep myself just yet, someone needs to be awake in case Sparky has another sneaky friend we just don''t know about. Hmmm. You know, I do have something I could work on in the meanwhile. David slyly turned his attention inward, pulling up his Readout¡­and a few other things. With a mental crack of his knuckles, he got to work. 113 - Domino effect A few hours passed, the sun dipping lower on the horizon. David sat near the opening of the shelter, his wings wrapped around him like a leathery cloak as he pored over his newly reorganized Status. Claire''s soft snores drifted from the lean-to, a comforting white noise. A distant bark snapped him out of his focus. His ears twitched, swiveling to pinpoint the sound. Wally, probably. Which meant Kozlov, Gideon, and Adam weren''t far behind. David glanced back at his work, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "You know," he muttered, "when I got this fancy Advanced Status, I really should''ve messed with it more." He shook his head, chuckling. "And what was with my name being there? Like I''m gonna forget who I am looking at a menu only I can see. Real smooth, System."
Sub-Adult ¦® Gloomshade Deceiver ¦® Rank: D
Offense Defense Speed Regeneration
? ??? ? ????
Health 650/650 Level 15
Stamina 1035/1035(++) Experience 1865/2500
Storage
Aesthetic Refinement Mutagen C Proprioceptive Enhancement Mutagen B Metabolic Surge A Leap C
Traits 4/4
C Echolocation [4/10]
Precisely manipulate high-frequency sound waves to see with more than just your eyes. Multi-stage ability: Repeated uses against the same enemy may reveal weaknesses. Applies Combat Expertise, and may trigger an Echo.
E Nocturnal [5/10]
+12% Damage, Stam Regen, Exp Gain at night.
B Flight [2/10]
Allows for rapid flight and gliding. Mild Stamina drain. (stam+)
- Small [n/a]
Your form is small, weighing no more than 115lbs. (stam+)
Abilities 5/5
E Screech [6/10]
You emit a loud screech, damaging enemies in a cone. Low chance to inflict Stun, Deafened. (20 Stamina, +X Overcharge, Ranged) Offense/Control.
F Moonsong [6/10]
A soothing melody that adds a greatly increased Regeneration rate to yourself and your allies for a short time. (50 Stamina, 100% Increased Regeneration, 5 minute duration.) Restorative.
?? Doom Blade MAX
Channel destructive Wildsoul energy into a melee strike that ignores all defenses. Failure to slay a stricken target results in severe backlash damage. Extreme Stamina cost.
C Nocturnal Strike [6/10]
A quick, lunging attack that steals a small percentage of the target''s Stamina. (-3% Target Max Stamina on hit, 4'' Range.) Offense/Control.
F Nightshade Swarm [6/10]
Call a swarm of tiny, nocturnal creatures that flit about, distracting enemies and spreading minor afflictions. Swarm size and debuff potency increase with Ability rank.
Mutagens 6/6
C Ancestral Terror Mutagen [2/10]
Your body deepens its primal bond, fortifying your strength and weakening the resolve of enemies that can perceive you. Your gaze may trap enemies in instinctive Terror. Blood Memory: Inflicts Terror, causing enemies to hesitate, cower, or flee. (+Offense, +Defense, +Control, Passive.)
D Soporalytic Mutagen [1/10]
Your attacks have a moderate chance to inflict paralytic sedation, inducing severe muscle spasms and rendering targets unconscious. (++Control, Physical Passive.)
D Secretive Mutagen [2/10]
You become more elusive, making you harder to track and detect. (-30% Detection Range, Physical Passive.)
C Apical Mutagen [3/10]
Assert your dominance, add bonus effects to Abilities dictated by Ability Type. [Control: Drain a small percentage of Enemy Health and Stamina] [Offense: Sunders a percentage of Enemy Defenses] (+4 Health/Stamina, Control Passive. 10% Defense Penetration, Offense Passive.)
A Corruptor Bloodline [1/3]
Ancestral memory of venomous shadow-stalkers that move with preternatural swiftness, unseen. Afflictions you inflict fester and intensify. Provides intrinsic control of affliction delivery. Corruptor''s Touch: Release a small dart of liquid, inflicting applicable Status Effects on contact. (+Speed, +++Control, Physical Passive.)
C Caustic Miasma [1/10]
Your body produces a corrosive, hallucinogenic compound that numbs targets while inflicting vivid hallucinations. Extended exposure may cause severe tissue damage. (++Control, ++Offense)
His eyes skimmed over the display, lingering on the shiny new ''B'' rank next to Flight. A goofy grin spread across his face as he nodded at the other slight increases. Huh. Might be some kind of cap on how fast things level up after a point. Tied to Evolution? Level? Wave? He rolled the possibilities around in his mind. If he had to bet, probably a mix of level and wave. The thought of waves brought back memories of his recent dream, Xi''s cryptic warning about what was coming. It''s like a patch or something. Wave 1 was basically an alpha test. Or a really brutal demo. David snorted, shaking his head. "Right, because the Overseers are totally running this like some indie game studio." He paused, a fragment of memory tugging at him. There was a game he used to love, never had time to really dive into... what was it called again? The name danced just out of reach, frustratingly close yet impossible to grab. Before he could chase the thought further, the sound of approaching voices reached his ears. Kozlov''s deep rumble, Gideon''s higher-pitched chatter, Adam''s quiet responses. With a mental twist, David closed his Status. He turned slightly and reached out with a wing, gently nudging Claire''s massive form. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Rise and shine, lizard breath," he whispered, poking her scales. "The cavalry''s almost here." Claire stirred, one eye cracking open to glare at him blearily. "Mrrgh," she grunted eloquently. "Already?" David grinned, patting her snout. "Yep. Time flies when you''re passed out and I''m doing all the work." Claire snorted, the blast of air throwing his ears back and filling his outstretched wing. "Keep talking, bat boy. I''ll show you work when I sit on you." As Claire began to unfold herself from her resting position, David''s mind wandered back to his earlier musings. Waves, updates, games... it all swirled together in a confusing mess. But one thing was clear: shit was about to get real, and they needed to be ready. The voices grew louder, Wally''s excited yips now clearly audible. David squared his shoulders, pushing aside his philosophical bullshit for the moment. Whatever was coming, they''d face it together. For now, though, it was time to catch up with the rest of their motley crew and see what they thought about the other group in the area. "Alright," he said, more to himself than to Claire, "let''s see what kind of trouble our resident mad scientist and his merry band of misfits have cooked up this time." Claire yawned hugely, her jaws stretching wide enough to swallow a small car. "Never enough sleep," she grumbled, blinking blearily. David rolled his eyes. "Oh please. I''m not even supposed to be awake for three-quarters of the time we''re hanging out. You''re living the dream, Sleeping Beauty." Claire''s eyes narrowed, a low growl rumbling in her throat. "Watch it, bat boy. And for the record, it''s Kozlov''s merry band of misfits, not Gideon''s." "Excuse you," David retorted, puffing out his chest. "Gideon was the Summon League Champion in my dream. That''s a well-respected imaginary title that was doubtlessly hard-earned." Claire''s snout shot forward, aiming to poke David over. But as she made contact, he poofed into smoke, the decoy vanishing. The real David stood a half-foot back, just out of reach, a shit-eating grin on his face. For a second, Claire just stared. Then her eyes narrowed to slits. "Oh shi-" David gulped, his mane floofing out reflexively, then tore ass away as fast as his legs could carry him. Claire wriggled out of the lean-to with surprising speed for something her size, hot on David''s heels. He could practically feel her breath on his wings as he sprinted across the Observatory grounds. Just as David was wondering if he''d finally pushed his luck too far, Kozlov and the others appeared over the surrounding wall. Without missing a beat, David leapt into the air, hovering a few feet above Claire''s reach. Claire skidded to a stop beneath him, looking like she was seriously contemplating making a grab for him. David couldn''t help but notice she seemed a lot more awake now. Wally, finding the whole situation hilarious, sprinted over and started jumping repeatedly, trying to catch David like a dog after a wayward balloon. His teeth clicked together crisply at the apex of every leap, and he couldn¡¯t help but be slightly impressed at the distance the wolfish man could bounce when he wanted to. "Having fun up there?" Claire called, her tone dangerously sweet. "Oh, you know me," David replied, trying to keep the nervous quaver out of his voice. "Just... hanging around. Giving you time to wake up, and definitely not fucking with you before you¡¯re all the way awake." Kozlov approached, looking tired but slightly amused. "I see you two are as lively as ever." David''s attention was drawn to Gideon, who was... riding his summon? The termite-looking thing had grown significantly since David had last seen it, now large enough to serve as a mount for the diminutive scientist. Huh. Makes sense, I guess. It''s probably his only real method of attack, so of course it''d level faster. Mental note: work on Nightshade Swarm more. "So," David called down, still maintaining a safe distance, "how was your field trip? Discover any new and exciting ways for us to potentially die horribly?" Gideon''s eyes lit up, clearly eager to share whatever findings they''d made. But before he could launch into what was sure to be a lengthy explanation, Kozlov held up a huge paw. "Perhaps we should discuss this inside," he suggested, eyeing the sky warily. "And David, you might want to come down now. I doubt Claire''s legs will get tired before your wings do." David glanced down at Claire, who was still watching him with predatory focus. "You promise not to maul me if I land?" Claire''s reptilian features twisted into what might have been a smile. "No promises, bat boy. But I might consider a temporary ceasefire if you make it worth my while." "Deal," David said quickly, descending cautiously. "I''ll tell you all about how I reorganized my Status. It''s riveting stuff, really." As his feet touched the ground, David couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Whatever Kozlov and the others had discovered, it was bound to shake things up. Kozlov had never cared if they discussed anything outside as opposed to anywhere else, so something must be off. "Alright, folks," he said, clapping his wings together. "Let''s head inside and see what kind of trouble we''re getting into next." Kozlov immediately trundled off into the lobby of the Observatory, his massive form casting a long shadow across the dusty floor. The fading sunlight filtered through the cracked windows, painting the room in a warm, golden glow. Everyone piled in after him, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous space. Claire, far too large to fit through the human-sized doors, simply sat close to the entrance, her enormous head filling most of the doorway. David, ever the opportunist, attempted to squeeze under her face to enter with the others. His wings scraped against the rough concrete as he wriggled forward, the sound reminiscent of sandpaper on wood. Just as he thought he''d made it, Claire rested her head on him, smooshing him flat against the patio. Claire faked another yawn, her hot breath washing over David and making him growl as he attempted to wriggle free. The action pressed him even further into the ground, squishing him into only a vaguely bat-shaped lump. "Oh, would you look at that," she drawled, her voice reverberating through David''s entire body. "The temporary ceasefire expired. Think I''ll take a nap right here." The weight of Claire''s massive head was overwhelming, forcing the air from David''s lungs in a comical wheeze. He could barely move, his wings pinned uselessly to his sides. David''s muffled protests were hilariously garbled, his voice distorted by the pressure and his face being smooshed against the ground. "Mmmph! Clrrrre! Gmt mff!" The vibrations of his attempted begging tickled Claire''s scales, causing her to snort in amusement. Kozlov sighed, turning to Claire. "Claire, please release David. We have an urgent matter to discuss." Claire immediately lifted her head, her expression shifting to concern. David flopped like a fish for a moment before scraping himself off the floor and oozing into the lobby. "Thanks, big guy," David wheezed, nodding at Kozlov. He then turned and hissed hideously at Claire, who growled back. Their mock aggression lasted only a second before they both snickered. David''s face grew serious as he turned back to Kozlov. "We''ve got some not-so-great news to share too. But you go first, big guy. What''s got you looking like someone pissed in your cereal?" Kozlov frowned, his massive shoulders sagging slightly. "We encountered the Owl." David''s wings stiffened. "The one that tried to turn me into bat kebab before I evolved? That Owl?" Kozlov nodded. "Yes. However, they''ve...changed from your previous description. They appeared mostly rational during our interaction, with only a few concerning lapses." "Changed how?" David asked, dread creeping into his voice. Kozlov hesitated. "They''ve developed a third eye. Center of the forehead. Pitch black, very unsettling." David''s jaw dropped. "A third eye? What in the ever-loving fu-" "There''s more," Kozlov continued. "Their neck has elongated and thickened, they don¡¯t resemble an owl quite as much now. Their coloration has also altered significantly. Darker, with unnatural patterns, based on your previous description." David''s mind raced. The Owl he''d tangled with had been grey, about as heavy as a person, with solid black eyes. This new description was... well, it was fifty shades of nope. "That definitely sounds like a special Evolution¡­," David muttered. "And definitely not from one of the Overseers we know about. Unless Omega''s branching out into body horror, but I doubt it." Gideon piped up, his voice a mix of ''holy shit'' and ''I wanna study it''. "It''s fascinating from a scientific standpoint, but...yeah, no, it''s mostly just terrifying." David nodded, then turned back to Kozlov. "What did our feathered friend want? Last time we met, they tried to kill me, then recruit me, then kill me again. In that order." Kozlov''s frown deepened. "They claimed to be seeking information. About the Overseers, evolution paths. They showed particular interest in your encounter with Omega." A chill ran down David''s spine. "And you told them...?" "Nothing of consequence," Kozlov assured him. "But their interest was...intense. Bordering on obsessive." David ran a hand through his fur, his mind whirling. "Fantastic. So we''ve got a bat-shit crazy, definitely evolved Owl with who-knows-what abilities and a hard-on for Overseer gossip. Anything else? Did they ask for my digits or my blood type?" Kozlov shook his head. "That''s the extent of it. However, I suspect this may be a prelude to larger complications." David sighed, his wings drooping. "Yeah, about that. We''ve got our own slice of ''oh crap'' to share. Turns out, we''re not the only survivors in the area anymore. And they''re not exactly the ''let''s be friends'' type. At least I don''t believe they are." He launched into a brief explanation of Azanah¡¯s appearance, their confrontation, and her hurried departure after a quick name drop and some veiled threats in response to her own attempted head-games. The massive bear listened attentively, pausing him for a moment to ask a few questions when he reached the point in the story where she signaled her companions to reveal themselves before allowing David to continue. Kozlov nodded, his massive frame shifting slightly as he processed the information. "I''ve been reasonably sure that as time passes, more survivors would spread out and explore. It''s a natural progression." He paused, his brow furrowing. "What concerns me is their apparent lack of friendliness. I''m torn between respecting their audacity in confronting you two, and being wary of their immediate honesty about prior plans. It''s... a bit unusual." David snorted, his wings twitching irritably. "Yeah, ''unusual'' is one way to put it. I''d go with ''sketchy as hell,'' but maybe that''s just me." Claire''s head swiveled towards Kozlov, her scales scraping against the doorframe. "Why did the Owl let you go? Doesn''t seem like the type to just chat and run from what David said about him." Adam stepped forward, his bristly fur catching the fading light. His elongated snout twitched as he spoke, always reminding David of a bizarre mix between a wild boar and a stubby elephant. "It didn''t seem to care about us at all, really. Just wanted to ask questions. Once it ran out of those, it just...flew away. Didn''t even bother with a goodbye or anything." David''s ears perked up at this. "Wait, seriously? No threats? No creepy stare-down? No recruitment pitch for Evil Dark Badness Inc?" Adam shook his head, his tusks glinting. "Nothing. It was like we ceased to exist the moment it got what it wanted. Well, as much as it could get, anyway." Gideon piped up, his small form almost lost in the shadows of the lobby if not for the constant clicking from Pinchy. "I''d say they¡¯re definitely unhinged, but not in the way we initially thought. It''s more...dangerously focused. Like it''s operating on a completely different wavelength from the rest of us." David sighed heavily, rubbing his wings over his eyes in frustration. The leathery membrane of his wings rasped against his fur, a sound that usually soothed him but now just added to his irritation. "Great. So the crazy bird-man is still hanging around, only now he''s got an extra eye and a mission. Fantastic." Kozlov''s deep voice rumbled through the room. "This development, combined with your encounter with the new group¡­it¡¯s not optimal, if I¡¯m being honest." "Oh joy," Claire drawled from her position at the door. "I can''t wait for the neighborhood block parties and potlucks. I''ll bring the mystery meat casserole." David couldn''t help but chuckle at that, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "Yeah, and I''ll whip up a batch of my famous Gloom cookies. They''re to die for. Literally." Wally, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly perked up. "So what do we do now? I mean, we can''t just sit around waiting for the next weirdo to show up, right?" All eyes turned to Kozlov, who seemed to be deep in thought. After a moment, he spoke. "We need more information. About the Owl, about this new group, about any other survivors in the area. Knowledge is power, especially in our current situation." David nodded, a determined glint in his eye. "Right. So, reconnaissance missions? Scouting parties? Please tell me we get cool codenames." Kozlov''s lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile. "We''ll discuss specifics shortly. For now, I think we all need to rest and process this new information. I¡¯ll work on a response for now." As the impromptu meeting wound down, Kozlov motioned to Adam, the man following with a resigned grunt. "We''ll start on a preliminary plan," Kozlov rumbled, his massive form already moving towards the makeshift ''office'' they''d set up, not wanting to waste the already fading light. Gideon and Wally, both looking utterly drained, exchanged a glance before flopping dramatically onto the lobby floor. "Nope," Wally yawned, his canine teeth flashing dramatically. "Not going outside. Sky''s got owls in it." Gideon nodded in agreement, already curling up on a dusty cushion. "Indoors. Safe. No birds. Pinchy, watch the door, would you? Good Pinchy." The insect clicked it''s mandibles together protectively, placing itself between Gideon and door with single-minded determination. David chuckled, shaking his head at their antics. "Alright, you two. Try not to snore the place down." He turned to Claire, who was still blocking most of the doorway. "Guess that leaves us with the lean-to, big girl. You coming?" Claire nodded, backing out of the entrance with surprising grace for something her size. "Lead the way. I could use some fresh air that doesn''t smell like five people''s breath." As they made their way back to their makeshift shelter, David''s mind was still whirling with the day''s events. He settled into his usual spot atop Claire''s scales, the familiar warmth a comfort against the cool night air. "You should get some sleep," Claire rumbled, her voice vibrating through David''s entire body once again. "I''ll wake you if I start to nod off." David yawned, his wings stretching wide before wrapping around himself like a leathery blanket. "You sure? I can take first watch if you want." Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Please. Like I could sleep after all that. Besides, someone''s got to keep an eye out for any more electric ferrets or three-eyed owls." David chuckled softly, already feeling the pull of sleep. "Fair enough. Wake me if anything exciting happens. Or if you come up with any good puns for tomorrow''s strategy session. I''ve got a reputation to uphold, you know." As he drifted off, David''s last coherent thought was a jumble of potential wordplay. What would tomorrow bring? More importantly, how many puns could he work into their inevitable strategy meeting? 114 - Hes baaaaack David jolted awake, his mind buzzing with an insistent, urgent push against his consciousness. It was like an alarm clock had mated with a jackhammer and decided to take up residence in his brain. Groggy and disoriented, he fumbled around in the darkness, his talons scraping against Claire''s scales as he blearily searched for a phone that no longer existed. Reality crashed back into him like a bucket of ice water, and he had to stifle a groan. Right. Apocalypse. No phones. As his senses sharpened, David realized the moon hadn''t quite reached its zenith. It was that weird, in-between time of night when the world seemed to hold its breath, like it was waiting for something to go horribly wrong. Which it did. A tidal wave of sensory input slammed into him, nearly knocking him off his perch atop Claire. His empowered Cuddlebug, miles away and keeping tabs on Azanah''s group, was going absolutely ballistic. Its tiny mind was a whirlwind of panic and urgency, bombarding David with a rapid-fire slideshow of carnage and chaos that made his stomach churn. Holy shit, what the hell happened out there? David¡¯s wings twitched nervously as he tried to make sense of the jumbled impressions. The Cuddlebug''s memories unfolded like a surreal film, each frame etching itself into David''s brain with terrifying clarity. The Owl had simply drifted down from the sky, silent as death itself, landing a few feet from the resting insect. Its unnaturally long neck and pitch-black third eye seemed even more disturbing in the moonlight. Azanah''s group froze in place as the Owl began to speak, the conversation brief and tense, its eyes panning around to examine them all closely. To David''s frustration, his furry spy couldn''t relay the actual words, leaving him with nothing but ominous vibes and a growing sense of dread. Then, without warning, the Owl''s head snapped around a full 180 degrees, its long neck remaining perfectly still in a display of physics-defying wrongness that made David''s skin crawl beneath his fur. Its gaze fixed back onto the insectoid creature, studying it for a moment before asking a short, sharp question. Whatever the insect said in response, it was clearly the wrong answer. What happened next made David snarl reflexively, his fur rising rapidly, and he made no effort to control it. The Owl''s third eye suddenly darkened with an otherworldly energy. There was no build-up, no strain like David had experienced during their first encounter. Just raw, terrifying power that made his Wildsoul quiver in response. A blast of pure darkness erupted from the eye, engulfing the insect at point-blank range. The aftermath was as horrifying as it was anticlimactic. No explosion, no screams cut short. The insect''s back half simply ceased to exist as the ability struck, erased from reality as if it had never been there at all. Chaos erupted in the blink of an eye. The serpent, caught in the Owl''s manic rampage, suffered a similar fate, its massive body partially erased from existence. Azanah''s scream pierced the night as she fled, shouting something urgently as she vanished into the underbrush. The Owl, lost in its frenzy, didn''t even seem to notice her escape, its focus entirely on its victims. As quickly as it had begun, the violence ceased. The Owl, seemingly satisfied with the carnage, approached the insect''s remains. Its beak cranked open, impossibly wide, as it focused with an intensity that bordered on madness. David watched, horrified and fascinated, as a tiny drop of radiant, rainbow-hued liquid manifested within the insect''s corpse. It drifted through the air, slow and deliberate, before the Owl snatched it up with a lightning-fast dart of its beak. Oh shit. That''s not good. That''s gotta be a shard. What the hell is going on? For several long seconds, the Owl stood motionless, its eyes unfocused and unseeing. Then, as if snapping out of a trance, it simply... flew away, vanishing into the night sky like a nightmare fading at dawn. But David knew this wasn¡¯t a dream he could wake up from. The moment the Owl disappeared, the serpent had stirred. Waves of vibrant green energy pulsed from its head down its length, each surge bringing forth new growth. Scales erupted from raw flesh, muscles knit together like time-lapse footage of blooming flowers, and bone extended in jagged, crystalline patterns. It was beautiful in a horrifying, alien way, and he couldn''t help but be impressed by the creature''s quick thinking. David''s adrenaline spiked, his heart pounding so hard he was sure it would wake Claire. He forced himself to take a deep breath, reaching out mentally to calm his panicking Cuddlebug. The poor thing was practically hysterical, its tiny mind a jumble of terror and frustration at David''s apparent refusal to heed its warnings. Shit, how long was it trying to wake me up? David sent a wave of apologetic feelings through the mental thread, along with an impression of himself sleeping. Then, gathering his mental focus, he pushed a single, urgent query towards the Cuddlebug: Is the Owl gone? Is everyone else dead? The response was a jumble of confused impressions. The Owl had vanished, yes, but the serpent was very much alive and healing. Azanah''s fate remained unknown, lost in the chaos of the attack. David''s wings twitched nervously as he processed the information. He needed to wake the others, to warn them. But a nagging thought tugged at the back of his mind: If the Owl could do this to competent, combat-ready survivors like Azanah''s group... Why did it choose to let Kozlov and the others go? They wouldn''t have had a chance. Shit, I''m not sure anyone could take a hit from that. The possibility of that Ability tearing through his friends made his stomach churn. With that cheery thought, David steeled himself and prepared to wake Claire. It was going to be a long, tense night. Story of my life, really. David scrabled off Claire''s back and seized her snout with his wings, his voice uncharacteristically serious. "Claire, wake up. The Owl just flattened Azanah''s group. I don''t know where it is now." Claire''s eyes snapped open, a thunderous snarl dying in her throat as she registered David''s tone. Her gaze sharpened, instantly alert. "It''s got some kind of darkness bullshit," David explained rapidly, words tumbling out in a frantic rush. "Don''t get hit by it. No matter what. Stay here, stay alert. I''m warning the others." Before Claire could even formulate a response, David was gone, a dark blur streaking towards the Observatory. His empowered flight kicked in automatically, top speed achieved in mere wingbeats. He tucked himself into a leathery missile, threading the needle through the lobby doors without so much as grazing the frame. Inside, his wings cracked the air as he killed his momentum. A flash of movement to his right - Pinchy, lashing out defensively. David cursed, dodging the first strike with millimeters to spare. "Shit! Pinchy, it''s me, you overgrown termite!" Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The summon attacked again, mandibles snapping. This time, David seized its pincers, flicking it across the room onto its back with a frustrated grunt and a clatter of chitin. Wally''s frantic barking filled the air, blind and instinctive in the darkness. A blur of motion caught David''s eye; Gideon, bouncing off his dirty cushion in a lemur-like arc to cling to a filing cabinet, wide eyes locked on David. Huh. Guess the furball''s got night vision. Neat. "David?!" Gideon shrieked, his voice a mix of confusion and alarm. "What in the name of-" "It''s me!" David shouted over the chaos, wings spread wide in a universal ''don''t shoot'' gesture. "There''s a situation, no need to-" A bone-chilling roar cut him off, the floor trembling as Kozlov barreled down the hallway. The man''s massive shaggy form filled the doorway, bristling with barely contained fury. "- come loaded for bear," David finished lamely, realizing the irony of his words as soon as they left his mouth. "EXPLAIN. NOW." Kozlov''s voice was a low growl that David could feel in his bones. "The Owl attacked Azanah''s group," David explained, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Took out the insect, maybe the snake too. Some kind of supercharged darkness blast that makes its old trick look like weak shit. Azanah''s missing, probably fled. Fucker¡¯s gone, and they were only a few miles away. I''m not even sure when it happened, I was sleeping." Silence fell, broken only by Wally''s confused whining. The wolf-man''s ears were perked, sensing the tension but clearly disoriented and fighting off the urge to lash out blindly as he came to. Kozlov''s massive form shifted, his eyes narrowing as he processed David''s words. "How do you know this?" Kozlov demanded, his voice a low rumble that David could feel in his bones. David''s wings twitched nervously again. "Cuddlebug spy. Saw the whole thing. But that''s not even the worst part." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "After the attack, the Owl... it pulled a Shard from the insect''s corpse." Kozlov''s eyes widened, a rare display of shock on the bear-man''s usually stoic face. "A Shard? Are you certain?" David nodded grimly, the memory of that rainbow drop burning in his mind. "Pretty damn sure. Rainbow liquid, about the size of a raindrop. Same exact thing that happened to me." Gideon, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. His voice was barely above a whisper, as if speaking any louder might summon the Owl itself. "How did it know? About the Shard, I mean." "That''s the thing," David said, his wings rustling restlessly. "It seemed to zero in on the bug pretty quick, but was obviously looking for something when it showed up. This might sound nuts, but I think... I think it might be able to sense them somehow. Like it''s got some kind of Shard-dar or something. I cant think of any other way it would have been able to figure it out." The words hung heavy in the air, a suffocating blanket of unease settling over the group. Kozlov''s gaze snapped to David, a look of dawning horror on his face that made David''s stomach drop. "If it can sense Shards..." Kozlov began, leaving the thought unfinished. David nodded, completing the terrifying logic. "It might be able to sense me. Yeah, that little ray of sunshine crossed my mind too. Guess I''m not winning any ''hide and seek'' championships anytime soon." Kozlov''s expression hardened, the strategist taking over. "Battle stations. Now." His voice brooked no argument. "David, perimeter check, but stay low and hidden. Use every trick you''ve got. Wally, guard the entrance ¨C You catch a scent that isn''t us, you bark your head off. Gideon, wake Adam and prep whatever nasty surprises you''ve cooked up. I want this place fortress-ready five minutes ago. Move!" As the group scattered to their tasks, David couldn''t shake the feeling that they were woefully unprepared for what might be coming. The memory of that rainbow drop the Owl had consumed nagged at him like a splinter in his mind. A Shard, almost certainly. But what did that mean for them? For him? No time to dwell on it now. He had a job to do, and damned if he was going to let an overgrown pigeon with delusions of grandeur catch them with their pants down. With a mental nudge to his distant Cuddlebug to keep watch on the snake, David bolted outside and launched himself back into the night sky. The cool air rushed past him as he soared over the Observatory, his eyes scanning the sky for any sign of trouble. Every shadow seemed to hide a potential threat, every rustle of distant leaves a harbinger of doom. As he circled, one thought echoed in his mind, a desperate plea to whatever forces might be listening: Please, for once, let us catch a break. We''re due for one, right? Law of averages and all that? But deep down, he knew. Breaks were in short supply. Murphy''s Law had apparently gotten an upgrade, and David had a sinking feeling they were about to become intimately acquainted with its new and improved version. David quickly realized the foolishness of his aerial perimeter check. Being airborne made him an easy target for another flying creature, especially one with a penchant for erasing chunks of reality. He focused his attention back skyward, keeping his Decoy ability primed at the edge of his consciousness, ready to buy himself a precious split second if things went south. As he soared over the Observatory grounds, a nagging doubt crept into his mind. Was this all an overreaction? If the Owl could truly sense Shards, wouldn''t it have come for him sooner? The questions multiplied like rabbits on aphrodisiacs. Did it only gain the capability after evolving? Or had it simply been busy with other nefarious plans before getting around to him? Maybe I''m not as special as I thought? Maybe birdman is actually just crazy, and he was just being crazy in a way that made me assume a lot of things? The cool night air whipped past him as he banked around the side of the Observatory, his eyes instinctively drawn to the lean-to where he''d left Claire. A pang of guilt hit him as he realized he''d bolted off without giving her any real information, even if it had only been a few minutes ago. I should fill her in, maybe she''s got some ideas that don''t involve me playing bait. As David approached, ready to call down to Claire, he froze mid-air. His blood turned to ice as he finally made out the details of the scene below as he wheeled closer. Claire was there, seemingly unharmed with only the end of her nose and tail protruding from the shelter, but she wasn''t alone. Perched languidly high above and atop the Observatory roof, directly above the lean-to, was the Owl. Its unnaturally long neck was craned downward, third eye fixed on Claire''s shelter. As if sensing David''s approach, it looked up, meeting his gaze with an intensity that raised every single hair on his entire body. With a casual grace that belied its monstrous nature, the Owl gestured with one wing to the empty space beside it on the roof. The message was clear: Join me. We need to talk. David''s mind raced, weighing his options in the split second he had to decide. Fight? Flight? Make a smartass comment and hope for the best? None of them seemed particularly appealing when faced with a creature that could erase him from existence with a glance. I don''t actually have a choice do I? I should have known sticking around one place for a long time was a bad idea. Fuck. We should have pushed the others down the road to Riverport days ago. Dammit. A grim resolve settled over him as he began to drift towards the roof. If the Owl let its guard down for even a moment, David was going to throw everything he had at it. Doom Blade, Miasma, hell, he''d purposely tell the Cuddlebugs to fight dirty if it would help. With that in mind, he shook the mental connection to his Summons, forcing the view he was taking in through the mental threads and commanding them to begin carefully repositioning themselves. They woke quickly, a surge of tiny but intense predatory rage bubbling up through his mind as they became aware of the danger. His talons clicked crisply on the metal roof when he finally touched down, and David could have sworn the Owl was smiling. Not in any way a bird''s beak should be able to, but the amusement was palpable. "Well," David said, forcing a casualness he didn''t feel into his voice, "fancy meeting you again. Come to apologize, or just couldn''t resist my charming personality?" The Owl''s head tilted slightly, its third eye boring into David with an intensity that made his skin crawl. When it spoke, its voice was steady and sure, without any hint of the previous madness that had tinted it words in their first encounter. It seemed like it had a grip on itself, at least for the moment. "David Fisher," it said, the name sounding wrong to him. "We have much to discuss." This was going to be one hell of a weird conversation. 115 - Enough is enough The moonlight painted the Observatory''s roof in an otherworldly silver sheen, casting elongated shadows that seemed to undulate with a life of their own. A chill breeze skittered across the metal surface, carrying with it the scent of pine and distant wildflowers. In the valley below, a sea of treetops swayed gently, their leaves whispering like a far-off ocean. David stood tense, his wings half-unfurled and ready for action. Opposite him, perched on the roof''s edge with an air of casual menace, was the Owl. Its unnaturally elongated neck glinted in the moonlight, each feather a perfect, lethal shield. The third eye centered on its forehead pulsed with a darkness that made David''s Wildsoul roil aggressively inside him. To say David was displeased with the situation would be like calling the Integration a minor setback. His last encounter with this feathered lunatic had involved attempted murder and unhinged rants about more murder. Now, it gazed at him with an unsettling calm that sent chills down his spine. The Owl observed David silently for what felt like an eternity, its head cocked at an angle that defied anatomy. When it finally broke the silence, its voice slithered into his ears like serpents. "David," it began, smug satisfaction dripping from every syllable. "How delightful to see you''ve embraced the Truth independently, despite our... regrettable first meeting. Truly, the Dark Star''s wisdom penetrates even the most obstinate of minds." David swallowed a biting retort, focusing instead on gradually circling leftward, attempting to lure the Owl away from the roof''s precipice. The less risk of collateral damage, the better. The Owl pressed on, its voice swelling with zealous fervor. "Can any of us claim Fate has never faltered? The cosmic order lies in tatters, and we, Earth''s children, find ourselves robbed of our birthrights, warped into grotesque existence and forced into gladiatorial spectacle." Its rhetoric washed over David, a blend of fanatical passion and insufferable self-righteousness. Despite himself, David found a tiny part of his mind nodding along. The Overseers were likely bastards, all things considered. But he''d be damned if he''d let this deranged bird know that. "The Overseers," the Owl hissed the word like a profanity, "masquerade as our benefactors, our beacons in this twisted reality. But I ask you, David, what benevolence lies in pandemonium? What illumination in capricious brutality?" David maintained a carefully neutral expression, inching another step sideways. "Well," he quipped, fighting to keep his voice steady, "the medical plan''s not bad. Instant regeneration and all that jazz." The Owl''s beak curved in what might have passed for a smile on a less nightmarish face. "Ah, your wit. How I''ve longed for it. But surely you comprehend now, as I do, that only our Master can mend the fragments of this fractured world?" As the Owl continued its diatribe, David''s mind raced. He needed to keep it monologuing, to buy time for... well, he wasn''t entirely sure what. But anything beat letting this lunatic reach the crux of whatever this rooftop t¨ºte-¨¤-t¨ºte was about. "You know," David interjected, cutting off a particularly flowery bit about the Dark Star''s magnanimity, "for someone who tried to erase me from existence last time, you''re awfully buddy-buddy now. What gives? Anger management classes? Pick up meditation?" The Owl''s third eye locked onto David, its gaze boring through him like a physical force. "Oh, David," it crooned, voice dripping with condescension. "We both serve the same Master now, whether you''ve realized it or not. Your very existence is a testament to the Dark Star''s influence." Its gaze followed David''s subtle movements, head swiveling unnaturally to track him. "You see, David," it continued, its voice a mesmerizing blend of silk and steel, "the Overseers claim to uplift us, to grant us power beyond our wildest dreams. But at what cost? Our humanity? Our free will?" David edged further from the roof''s edge, feigning interest. "Go on," he prodded, hoping to keep the bird talking. The Owl''s third eye seemed to ripple in excitement as it warmed to its subject. "Look at what they''ve done to us, to our world. They''ve turned Earth into a gladiatorial arena, pitting us against each other and monstrous creations for their amusement. They call it ''evolution,'' but it''s nothing more than a perversion of natural law." Its words, though twisted, held a kernel of truth that David couldn''t entirely dismiss. The Owl pressed on, passion rising in its voice. "Think about it, David. How many have died in this ''Special Integration¡¯? Twisted in form and mind to perish alone in the wilderness, to die beneath the claws and teeth of unthinking beasts? How many more will fall before they''re satisfied? The Overseers speak of choice, of free will, but they''ve rigged the game from the start. Evolve or die ¨C what kind of choice is that?" David found himself nodding slightly before catching himself. The Owl''s beak curved in what might have been a smile. "You feel it, don''t you? The wrongness of it all. The Dark Star offers a different path. Not subjugation, but true freedom. The power to shape our own destinies, free from the whims of Tyrants." As it spoke, the Owl''s composure slipped for just a moment, a manic gleam entering its eyes. "We will tear down the usurper''s idols, shatter their precious System, and rebuild this world in our own image!" The sudden shift in tone sent a chill down David''s spine, reminding him of the creature''s true nature. He pressed on, leading the Owl further from the edge. It had begun to follow him unconsciously, a single tiny shuffle and leaning step at a time. It''s long tail feathers had already passed over the edge and onto the roof, and David intended to draw it even farther away if possible. "And how exactly does your ''Dark Star'' plan to do all this?" David asked, grim curiosity mixing with his desire to keep the conversation going. The Owl''s feathers ruffled with excitement. "By empowering those who see the truth, like us. By turning the Overseers'' own creations against them. Every Shard we claim, every champion we recruit or eliminate, weakens their hold on this world. Dilutes their control, and in doing so weakens the false order.¡± It paused, fixing David with an intense stare. "You''ve felt it, haven''t you? The power that comes from rejecting their false gifts? The strength that flows when you embrace the darkness within?" David thought of his Wildsoul, of the primal urges he sometimes struggled to control. The Owl nodded, as if reading his thoughts, though clearly misinterpreting what it saw. "We are kindred spirits, David. Both touched by powers beyond mortal ken. The Overseers fear what they cannot control. But the Dark Star? It revels in our humanity, urges us to push beyond artificial limits." As the Owl continued its impassioned speech, David couldn''t help but be impressed by its rhetoric. If it wasn''t for the occasional flashes of madness, the barely contained violence beneath the surface, he might have found its arguments compelling. But David knew better. He''d seen the carnage this creature was capable of, the lives it had destroyed in pursuit of its twisted ideology. As he led the Owl further from the edge, he began to form a vague plan. He had no intention of letting the man go free this time, and deeply regretted not circling back to finish him off the first time they met. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. The Owl''s feathers puffed up happily as it fixed its gaze on David. "I can see it clearly now, you know," it said, its voice a mixture of lecture and smugness. "The darkness of our Master, coursing through your wings. My Evolution granted me sight beyond mere mortal eyes, and it reveals the truth within you, David." David suppressed a shudder, keeping his expression neutral. "That''s... flattering, I guess?" The Owl continued, unperturbed. "I need not apologize for our past encounter. You understand now, don''t you? Why I had to try to end you before you grew into your power at the hands of slavers? But that''s all behind us now. Our goals align, our paths converge. There''s no need for further conflict between us." As the Owl spoke, something crystallized in David''s mind. This creature, with its eloquent words and grandiose visions, was the worst kind of crazy. The kind that would burn the world to ashes in pursuit of its goals, justifying every atrocity along the way. Sure, David had his issues with the Overseers. Omega had been subtly twisting his mind and instincts for who knows how long. And Xi, for all its seemingly helpful interventions, was clearly playing some long game David couldn''t even begin to fathom. But this? This was a whole new level of nope. Keeping his voice steady, David pressed on. "Alright, let''s say I''m on board with this whole ''Dark Star'' business. What''s the actual plan here? I mean, besides the whole ''tear down the false idols'' bit. That''s great for speeches, but I''m more of a details guy." The Owl''s feathers ruffled further with excitement, clearly pleased by David''s apparent interest. As it launched into another tirade about worldly balance and the tyranny of the Overseers, David''s mind raced, formulating a plan of attack. Miasma might work, but could he generate enough fast enough to overcome the Owl''s inate defenses? Doom Blade was an option, but it required getting in close, and functioned more as a finishing blow. The backlash if he failed to kill the man was also concerning, but he knew the attack would penetrate those weirdly defensive feathers at least. Maybe if he could create an opening with his Decoy... "So," David said, his voice carefully casual, "about that plan of yours. I''m all ears. Or wings. Whatever." The Owl opened its beak to respond, but David wasn''t done yet. A sudden, ridiculous impulse struck him, and he was certain the Owl was crazy enough for it to work. He pointedly looked up at Omega''s star in the night sky and stuck out his tongue. ¡°Nyeh!" The effect on the Owl was immediate and expected. It burst into a fit of unhinged giggling, the sound a discordant mix of human laughter and avian screeches. "Oh, David!" it managed between fits of mirth. "Your humor truly is a delight. Such brazen disrespect for the false god! Magnificent!" The Owl''s laughter echoed across the rooftop and as its gaze followed David''s upward, something shifted in its demeanor. The manic energy that had suffused its being seemed to ebb, if only for a moment. Its shoulders sagged slightly, the rigid posture relaxing as it gazed at the star-studded sky. In that hanging instant, the madness receded, and David saw something he hadn''t expected: weariness. The Owl looked... tired. Hunted. As if some unseen force was driving it relentlessly forward against its will. The third eye, usually pulsing with eldritch energy, dimmed to a faint glow. For an infinitesimal moment, David saw the man as he might have been. ''Normal'' wasn''t quite the right word, but it was close. Just a person, caught up in events beyond their control, twisted by forces they couldn''t comprehend. The zealotry and grandiose delusions fell away, leaving behind a fragment of humanity that had been buried beneath layers of corruption. In that fleeting instant, David felt a profound shift in his perspective. The resentment he''d harbored since Redfield, the guilt that had gnawed at him for taking Viktor and Edgar''s lives, was absent. It wasn''t murder, not really. It was more like... a mercy. Putting down a rabid animal, ending its suffering and protecting others in one fell swoop. David understood, with a clarity that was both liberating and terrible, that sometimes killing bad people wasn''t about cutting one person''s story short. It was more like amputating a gangrenous limb to save the body. A necessary evil, performed not out of malice or vengeance, but out of a grim necessity. The moment stretched, fragile and ephemeral. David knew it couldn''t last. The madness would reassert itself, the horror would once again consume whatever remained of the person the Owl had once been. But in this brief window of clarity, David found a resolve he hadn''t expected. He would end this, not because he wanted to, but because he had to. For the sake of his friends, for the world they were trying to survive in, and yes, even for the twisted man before him. It wasn''t justice, exactly, but it was the closest thing to it. As the Owl''s laughter began to subside, its gaze locked onto the stars, he steeled himself for what came next. The compassion he''d felt wouldn''t stay his hand, but it would ensure that when he struck, it would be with purpose and mercy, not blind rage or fear. The night was about to take a dark turn, but for once, David felt oddly at peace with the role he had to play. As the Owl''s gaze remained fixed on the stars, David felt a sudden, crystalline clarity wash over him. His Wildsoul surged through his entire body, a tidal wave of power that felt as natural as breathing. For a fleeting moment, he was reminded of how his ''Spooky Instincts'' had felt when he''d let them take control. But now he understood - it had always been him. The alien feeling had been born of self-doubt and second-guessing, not Omega''s meddling. The being hadn''t lied; it had only ever made him more David-like. He''d just misunderstood himself, and the lengths he''d be willing to go to for survival and safety. With this realization, David exploded into action. The air literally cracked, a miniature sonic boom echoing across the rooftop as his wings caught the air. He slammed into the Owl with bone-jarring force, activating Nocturnal Strike in that split second to further amplify his speed. Feathers erupted in a cloud around them as David''s impact shattered the Owl''s wing. The sickening crunch of breaking bone was almost lost in the chaos of the moment. The Owl, caught completely off-guard, was blasted off its feet, its serene expression morphing into one of shock and pain. But David wasn''t done. He clung to the Owl with grim determination, channeling every ounce of his Wildsoul into his Miasma. He had no idea what the empowered version would do, but he was beyond caring. Simultaneously, he unleashed a full-power, omnidirectional Screech that threatened to rupture his own eardrums. The empowered Miasma, fueled by David''s Wildsoul, ignored the defensive qualities of the Owl''s plumage entirely. Feathers shriveled like plastic under a blowtorch, the caustic fog eating away at everything it touched. Just as David thought victory was within reach, the Owl snapped out of its disorientation. With a shriek that sounded more like tearing metal than any living creature, it broke free of David''s grasp. A blast of pure darkness erupted from its third eye, forcing David to deploy a Decoy at the last second. The real David rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack as it erased a chunk of the roof. More Decoys popped into existence as the Owl fired off follow-up shots, each one missing David by mere inches as he danced between reality and illusion. Hauling itself to its feet, the Owl presented a grotesque sight. Its broken wing, strangely, seemed mostly unharmed despite the way it hung limply at the birds side. The feathers there glowed with a faint amber light that David quickly pegged as some kind of reinforcement ability. The left side of its body, however, was a nightmare of blistered skin and missing feathers. Cracks ran through its flesh like dried mud, oozing a dark, viscous liquid. Most disturbing of all, the Owl didn''t seem to notice its injuries. It moved as if completely unaffected, its ravaged skin splitting further with each motion. Dark ichor oozed from the wounds, but the creature paid it no mind, its focus entirely on David. As they squared off once more, David realized this fight was far from over. The Owl''s madness had given way to something even more dangerous: cold, calculated fury. Its third eye pulsed with barely contained power, ready to unleash another reality-warping blast. In that moment, David made a decision. He reached out mentally to his Cuddlebugs, hidden but ready to act on his command. Kill it. And fight as dirty as you want. No limits. As the first wave of furry berserkers launched themselves into the air from their hiding spots around the edge of the roof toward the Owl, David steeled himself for round two. This wasn''t going to be a clean fight, but then again, nothing in this new world ever had been. The night air filled with the sound of chittering battle cries and the Owl''s inhuman screeches. Whatever happened next, David knew one thing for certain: Only one of them was flying away from this rooftop. 116 - Doom Blade As the night sky loomed overhead, David''s Cuddlebugs erupted from the shadows, a living wave of fur and teeth converging on the Owl from all angles. Their battle-squeaks filled the air, a cacophony of tiny but determined rage. Two of the bolder Cuddlebugs made a desperate lunge for the Owl''s eyes. The third eye flashed, and in an instant, they were erased from existence. The remaining summons, learning quickly, altered their approach. They swarmed around the Owl''s feet, nipping at its legs with relentless fury. David, seizing the moment of distraction, unleashed a volley of Corruptor''s Touch. A trio of rapid darts hissing through the air towards the feathered lunatic. The globules of liquid sailed through the air, aimed at the Owl''s legs and face with deadly precision. As the liquid made contact with the air, it began to bubble and hiss violently. The darts expanded rapidly, converting into dense clouds of Miasma wherever they impacted, the vapor growing at an alarming rate. ¨CJonathan Timbal has been afflicted by |Empowered Miasma| |Paralysis| |Sleep| |Corrosion|¨C David''s eyes narrowed, assessing the unexpected development, the string of notifications a bit longer than he¡¯d expected. The Owl, caught off guard, widened its eyes in genuine surprise. David could almost sympathize, certain that if he''d found his enemy could pile on that many effects that quickly he¡¯d be out of luck. With a pained screech, the Owl flapped its wings furiously, even the broken one straining with the effort. The sudden gust blew away some of the encroaching Miasma, giving the Owl just enough breathing room to dart away across the rooftop. "Not this time," David growled, giving chase. Taking to the air, he weaved after it with lethal grace, using his new Flight control to stay only a few feet above the ground. The Owl unleashed another blast of darkness. David deployed a Decoy at the last second, the void-like energy tearing through the illusion and leaving a gaping hole in the roof. Seizing the opportunity, David dove straight into his own Miasma. The caustic fog swirled around him, providing cover and amplifying his innate stealth abilities. Unlike Gloom, this new Miasma persisted, growing denser by the second. It clung to the rooftop, a roiling sea of grey that spread with alarming speed. The metal roof beneath them began to corrode wherever the Miasma touched. It wasn''t the rapid destruction witnessed on living tissue, but a steady, inexorable decay that ate away at the structure. David surveyed the evolving battlefield, acutely aware of the devastating potential of his new ability. The fight was far from over, and he knew that every move, every decision, could tip the scales in this confrontation. As he readied himself for the next exchange, David''s resolve hardened. This wasn''t just about survival anymore; it was about protecting everything and everyone he''d come to care for in this harsh world. The Owl had to be stopped, no matter the cost. David leapt from his Miasma sanctuary as the Owl unleashed a barrage of darkness, the void-like energy tearing through his cover with terrifying ease. He gritted his teeth in frustration, wings snapping open to carry him clear of the assault. "Ranged combat," he snarled, dodging another blast. "Because of course the murder-pigeon has to make this difficult." A plan crystallized in David''s mind, equal parts desperation and audacity. If the Owl wanted to play the distance game, he''d oblige, with interest. David channeled his Wildsoul into Corruptor''s Touch, feeling the ability surge with newfound potency. He unleashed a rapid-fire volley, seemingly at random. Empowered darts hissed through the air in all directions as David became a blur of motion. He dodged, sprinted, and flew in an erratic pattern, never staying still for more than a heartbeat. At one point, he even slid beneath a blast of darkness, feeling its cold energy pass inches above him as he fired off another salvo. As David moved, he forced his Wildsoul into his wings. Miasma began to trail behind him like toxic contrails, spreading and thickening with each passing second. The rooftop rapidly transformed into a churning sea of caustic fog. With the battlefield now thoroughly saturated, David vanished into the dense Miasma. He didn''t cut off the generation, allowing it to continue seeping from his wings as he navigated the toxic labyrinth he''d created. His fur rippled and shifted in time with the roiling vapor, and he knew he was all but invisible save for the faint scratch of his talons on the metal beneath him. The Owl, its movements growing sluggish from the accumulated effects, lashed out with a new ability. Its functional wing slashed through the air like a blade, several flight feathers rocketing off like lethal buckshot towards the Miasma bank. To David''s surprise, the feathers'' trajectory faltered mid-flight. They shriveled and crumbled, devoured by the Miasma''s voracious appetite for organic matter. Momentarily taken aback by the sheer potency of his creation, David paused slightly. Damn, that''s¡­I wonder if Miasma is double-dipping into Offense and Control? It seems a lot stronger than it should be. Maybe it''s the fact that it''s so heavily fused? The thought was cut short as the Owl''s voice, strained but still dripping with malice, cut through the toxic haze. "Impressive, David," it called out, its words punctuated by labored breathing. "I see now why our Master favors you. Such destructive potential... such chaos..." David circled silently, using the Miasma as cover while he assessed his next move. The Owl''s words grated on him, each syllable a reminder of the twisted ideology that had driven them to this point. "But you cannot hide forever," the Owl continued, its voice growing stronger as it fought against the effects of the Miasma. "The Dark Star''s will cannot be denied. Join willingly, or be broken and remade in its image!" A blast of darkness punctuated the threat, carving a swath through the Miasma. David barely avoided it, feeling the chill of oblivion brush past him. Within seconds the gap in the wall of death had sealed itself, and the Owls eyes widened in shock. "You know," David called back, his voice echoing oddly through the toxic fog, "for someone preaching about free will, you sure seem keen on the whole ''join or die'' schtick. Not very on-brand, is it?" He fired off another volley of empowered Corruptor''s Touch, the darts converging on the Owl''s position from multiple angles as he sprinted through the concealment. The bird-man twisted and contorted, narrowly avoiding most of the attacks. But one found its mark, splattering against its injured wing. The Owl''s screech of fear was music to David''s ears, but he knew better than to celebrate prematurely. This fight was far from over, and the stakes were too high for complacency. As he readied himself for the next exchange, David''s resolve hardened further. The Owl''s madness, its blind devotion to this "Dark Star," posed a threat not just to him, but to everyone he''d come to care for in this harsh new world. Sorry, Tweety, but this is one cage you''re not getting out of. David snarled grimly, gathering his Wildsoul for another assault. He circled the Owl like a shark, his wings trailing Miasma in ever-tightening spirals. The Miasma had grown so dense he was forced to chatter out Echolocation''s, the toxins too dense to be pierced by the naked eye. A faint, haunting melody escaped his jaws as he hissed out a rapid Moonsong, the notes discordant and sinister. He barely even had to dodge the blast aimed at the sound, snout wrinkling over his fangs in a grim smile. Each dart of Corruptor''s Touch he fired seemed to miss, splashing harmlessly behind or to the sides of his target. The Owl, focused on avoiding direct hits, failed to notice the true strategy unfolding around it. The dance of death continued, David''s movements precise and calculated. The Miasma thickened, a toxic labyrinth closing in on its prey. He could almost feel Xi¡¯s approval, reminding him that sometimes¡­ The longest con was the deadliest. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. It wasn''t until the last gap sealed that the Owl realized its predicament. Surrounded by a churning sea of caustic fog, it found itself trapped on a shrinking island of clear air at the roof''s center. Its posture changed in an instant, cold fury giving way to unmistakable fear. ¨CJonathan Timbal has been afflicted by |Blood Memory| |Terror|¨C David darted through the Miasma, the fog parting for a split second as he passed. The Owl caught a fleeting glimpse of movement within the toxic cloud, its third eye widening in alarm. A blast of darkness erupted reflexively, unfocused and wild. The void-like energy tore through empty air as David easily evaded the panicked attack. To his mild surprise, David felt no remorse as he watched his opponent''s composure crumble. "You could have walked away," he called out, his voice eerily calm. ¡°Why so nervous now?" He sent a wave of staggered Decoys rippling through the Miasma. They burst from the fog into the Owl''s shrinking safe zone, illusory claws extended. The bird-man lashed out frantically, blasts of darkness annihilating each Decoy in turn. But the constant barrage was taking its toll. The Owl sagged, barely standing as exhaustion set in. Its clawed feet began to smoke and bubble as tendrils of Miasma crept inward. Violent muscle spasms wracked its body, a testament to the cumulative effects of David''s relentless assault. Most disturbing of all was the disconnect between the Owl''s eyes. While the third eye retained a laser-like focus, its normal pair were wildly dilated. They darted about frantically, chasing phantoms visible only to their maddened owner. David observed his handiwork with grim satisfaction. The Owl, once a terrifying force of nature, now resembled nothing so much as a cornered animal. Its labored breathing echoed across the rooftop, punctuated by pained whimpers that spoke of a mind unraveling. "I warned you," David said, his voice carrying easily through the still air at the center of his Miasma vortex. "I let you go the first time. I gave you a chance to walk away, but that was stupid of me, wasn''t it?" The Owl''s head snapped towards his voice, its movements jerky and uncoordinated. "The... the Dark Star..." it rasped, words slurring together. "It will... it will save us all. You''ll see. You''ll understand..." David shook his head, a mixture of pity and disgust welling up inside him. "No, I don''t think I will. And neither will you, not anymore." He stepped forward, emerging from the Miasma like a vengeful spirit. The toxic fog clung to his fur, giving him an otherworldly appearance that even he would have found unsettling. The Owl recoiled at the sight, a strangled cry escaping its beak. As David advanced, he felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. This wasn''t just about survival anymore. It wasn''t even about revenge. This was about protecting a future, however uncertain, from the madness that threatened to consume it. "I''m sorry it came to this," David said, and to his surprise, he actually meant it. "But I won¡¯t let you hurt anyone else. Not in the name of your ''Dark Star,'' ¡­not for any reason." The Owl''s third eye flared one last time, a desperate attempt to unleash its reality-warping power. But David was ready. With a thought, he deployed a final Decoy, the illusory double taking the brunt of the attack as David slithered across the distance like oil. In that moment, as he prepared to end the fight once and for all, David realized something. He''d changed, evolved in ways that went beyond mere physical transformation. The David who''d stumbled through Redfield, desperate and afraid, was gone. In his place stood someone new, someone forged in the crucible of this harsh new world. And as he raised his wing, channeling every ounce of his Wildsoul into one final, decisive strike, David knew that whatever came next, he wasn¡¯t going to regret it. Every ounce of his Wildsoul vanished into the Doom Blade, the rooftop plunging into absolute darkness as he lunged forward. Panic gripped him for a split second as his vision failed mid-attack. On pure instinct, he unleashed a powerful Echolocation, the sound waves rippling outward in a desperate bid for sensory input. The returning echoes painted a series of rapid staccato images in his mind, each one searing itself into his memory with crystal clarity: The Owl, its eyes wide with a mixture of bewilderment and primal fear as David''s accumulated effects finally overwhelmed its senses. The Cuddlebugs scattering in all directions, a cacophony of victorious hisses and fearful squeaks filling the air. His remaining Empowered Cuddlebug hovering above, their tiny face frozen in an expression eerily close to hero worship as David closed in for the kill. Time seemed to stretch and warp as David compressed his entire Wildsoul into his wing. The constant flow of Miasma finally ceased, the last wisps of toxic fog dissipating as he redirected every scrap of energy into this final, decisive strike. Doom Blade ignited along the edge of his wing, a sliver of absolute nothingness that defied description. As it cleaved through the air, reality itself seemed to peel away, matter compressing into a single, inexorable point of oblivion. A sense of inescapable dread washed over David, like an unheeded warning returning to the surface of his mind at a critical moment. The blade connected with the Owl''s neck, and for a fleeting instant, David witnessed the true nature of his attack. It didn''t simply cut or destroy; it unmade its target on a fundamental level. Flesh, bone, and whatever eldritch energies the Owl commanded were all compressed, disassembled, and erased in a single, unstoppable stroke. The Owl''s head spun away from its body, landing with a sickening thud at the creature''s own feet. Its third eye, once pulsing with otherworldly power, now stared blankly at the night sky. But the body, operating on some primal, avian instinct, wasn''t quite done. It leapt straight up, powerful legs propelling it skyward in a final, futile display. Talons lashed out, seeking an enemy that was no longer there. Wings that had once commanded darkness now flapped wildly, almost achieving liftoff before physics reasserted itself. The headless corpse flipped backward, crashing onto the rooftop with a heavy, final thud. As the echoes of the impact faded, silence descended upon the battlefield. David stood motionless, his wing still extended, Doom Blade''s energy dissipating like mist in the morning sun. The weight of what he''d just done settled over him like a lead blanket. I win. ¨CYou have slain Jonathan Timbal¨C ¨CGained 1500 XP!¨C ¨CLevel up!¨C The Owl was dead, its threat neutralized. But as David gazed at the lifeless body before him, he felt no triumph, no sense of victory. Just a bone-deep weariness and the grim certainty that this was likely far from over. The sound of tiny paws scrabbling across the roof broke him from his reverie. His Cuddlebugs, emboldened by their master''s victory, began to cautiously approach the fallen Owl. Their beady eyes darted between David and their vanquished foe, a mixture of awe and residual fear evident in their postures. David''s gaze swept across the battlefield, taking in the devastation wrought by their clash. Without him sustaining it, the Miasma had begun to fade, but slowly. The roof was a patchwork of corroded metal and gaping holes, testament to the raw power they''d wielded. In the distance, he could hear the faint sounds of alarm from the Observatory below. No doubt the others would be converging on their location soon, drawn by the commotion. As the adrenaline began to fade, David felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. His wings drooped, suddenly feeling like they were made of lead. The full impact of what he''d just accomplished, and what it might mean for the future, began to sink in. He''d faced down a being of immense power, one that had nearly killed him in their first encounter. He''d outsmarted it, outmaneuvered it, and ultimately destroyed it. But at what cost? And what new dangers would this victory bring? I wonder if the ''Dark Star'' is gonna be pissed at me? Maybe, maybe not. I hope this guy was its only...servant? I bet not though. That''d be too easy. As David contemplated these questions, his gaze fell upon the Owl''s severed head. The third eye, now dull and lifeless, seemed to stare accusingly at him. A chill ran down his spine as he realized that this was just the beginning. Whatever force the Owl had served ¨C this ''Dark Star'' ¨C was still out there, still a threat. With a weary sigh, David straightened up, steeling himself for what was to come. There would be time for rest and reflection later. For now, he had a mess to clean up and some very difficult explanations to give. "Well, gang," he muttered to his assembled Cuddlebugs, "let''s hope the others are in a mood for another weird story." As David stood amidst the aftermath of the battle, a low groan emanated from beneath his feet. The sound built slowly, an ominous crescendo of stressed metal and weakening supports. He felt the roof shudder, the vibrations traveling up through his talons and into his bones. Acting on pure instinct, David snatched the Owl''s severed head by its neck, his hind claws digging into the still-warm flesh. With a powerful thrust of his wings, he launched himself into the air, just as a large section of the roof gave way with a deafening screech of metal and a thunderous rumble. Chunks of corroded metal and debris rained down into the Observatory below, accompanied by a cloud of dust and the last wisps of lingering Miasma. David hovered in mid-air, watching as the destruction unfolded beneath him. His Cuddlebugs scattered in all directions, chittering in alarm as they sought safer perches. As the chaos subsided, a ridiculous thought bubbled up from the depths of David''s exhaustion-addled mind. He couldn''t help but wonder if the Dark Star''s insurance policy covered "damage by eldritch combat" or if that fell under "acts of God." He snorted at his own pun, the sound halfway between a chuckle and a delirious giggle. His moment of levity was cut short by a bellow that shook the very air around him. Claire''s voice, loud enough to make his Cuddlebugs jump mid-flight, roared out his name with a mixture of fear and concern that he''d never heard before. "DAVID!" Shaking his head to clear the fog of fatigue, David wheeled around, wings straining as he made his way back to the group. Every flap was an effort, his muscles screaming in protest. He was running on fumes, barely able to maintain altitude as exhaustion threatened to drag him down. As he approached his friends, Owl head dangling from his grasp like the world''s most macabre trophy, David couldn''t help but grin despite his weariness. He had a feeling the coming conversation was going to be... interesting, to say the least. "Hey guys," he called out, his voice cracking with fatigue. "So, funny story..." Got f*cked up today Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam auctor, nunc id aliquam tincidunt, nisl nunc tincidunt nunc, nec tincidunt nisl nunc id nunc. Sed euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Donec euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Curabitur euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Vivamus euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Praesent euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Sed euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Sed euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Sed euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Donec euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Curabitur euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Sed euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Sed euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Sed euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Vivamus euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Nullam auctor, nunc id aliquam tincidunt, nisl nunc tincidunt nunc, nec tincidunt nisl nunc id nunc. Sed euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Donec euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Curabitur euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Vivamus euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Praesent euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Sed euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Sed euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Sed euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. Donec euismod, nulla sit amet aliquam lacinia, nisl nisl aliquam nisl, nec aliquam nisl nisl sit amet lorem. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. 117 - Yeehaw! David''s landing was less graceful than usual, his talons skittering across the ground as he touched down near where Claire loomed out of the darkness. The severed head hit the dirt with a meaty thud, rolling slightly before coming to rest. Claire''s massive form was a study in barely contained panic. Her tail lashed furiously, gouging deep furrows in the earth every so often. Her breathing came in short, sharp bursts, nostrils flaring with each exhale. The ground beneath her feet was a mess of claw marks and churned up earth, evidence of her frantic pacing. As David''s voice reached her, Claire''s head snapped around so fast it was a wonder she didn''t give herself whiplash. Her eyes, wide with a mixture of fear and relief, locked onto him. "David!" she bellowed, the volume making him wince. "Are you okay? What happened? I swear to whatever''s left of God, if you''re hurt, I''ll-" "I''m fine," David interrupted, his voice raspy with exhaustion. "Just... really, really tired. Turns out Wildsoul marathons are hell on the system." He hadn''t even finished speaking before Claire was on him. With a speed that belied her massive size, she closed the distance between them. David had just enough time to blurt, "Oh shi-" before her foot came down, smooshing him face-first into the dirt. "You absolute asshole!" Claire roared, her voice a mixture of relief and fury. "Do you have any idea how worried I was? I heard you Screech, smelled blood and Miasma, and then the roof fucking caved in! I thought you were dead!" David tried to respond, but with his face firmly planted in the ground, all that came out was a muffled "Mmrphkffl." Claire, however, was far from finished. "And then you just swoop down here, cool as a cucumber, with a severed head like it''s no big deal? What the hell, David? What if you''d been hurt? What if that feathered freak had gotten the upper hand? Did you even think about that?" As Claire''s tirade continued, David became aware of other presences nearby. Craning his neck as much as he could while still pinned, he caught sight of Kozlov, Gideon, and the others. They stood a safe distance away, wisely choosing not to interrupt Claire''s rant. Kozlov''s gaze, however, was fixed on the Owl''s severed head. As David watched, the big man''s posture visibly relaxed, tension draining from his shoulders. When Kozlov''s eyes met David''s, there was a look that spoke volumes. It was a mixture of irritation at the risk David had taken, and grudging respect for the outcome. "...and another thing!" Claire was saying, still in full rant mode. "If you ever, EVER pull a stunt like that again without backup, I swear I''ll sit on you for a week! Do you hear me, David?" With a monumental effort, David managed to turn his head just enough to free his mouth from the dirt. "Loud and clear," he croaked. "Though if you could maybe let me up, that''d be great. I think I''m developing a close personal relationship with this rock." Claire grumbled but lifted her foot. David rolled onto his back, gasping dramatically. "Sweet, sweet air," he wheezed. "How I''ve missed you." As he lay there, staring up at the night sky, David felt the full weight of his exhaustion settling in. His wings trembled, partly from overexertion, partly from the comedown after such an intense fight. The realization hit him that he''d been channeling his Wildsoul almost continuously throughout the entire battle with Jonathan. Jonathan. The name felt strange in his mind. It was harder to think of him as just a crazed Owl now that he had a name, an identity beyond "murderous bird-person." Kozlov cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Perhaps," he rumbled, "we should move this discussion inside. What''s left of inside, anyway." David groaned, forcing himself to sit up. "Yeah, about that," he said, glancing sheepishly at the damaged Observatory. "I don''t suppose the Dark Star offers comprehensive insurance coverage, does it? ''Cause I''ve got a feeling our rates are about to go through the roof. Or... what''s left of it." The collective groan that met his pun was music to David''s tired ears. David chuckled at his friends reaction to the horrible joke, slowly unclenching his protesting muscles and relaxing. The laughter, tinged with exhaustion and a hint of hysteria, bubbled up from deep within him. It felt good to release some of the tension, even if it was at the expense of everyone''s sensibilities. As the chuckles subsided, David''s expression sobered. He turned to Claire, his wings drooping slightly. "Claire, I... I''m sorry. Really. When I got up there, the Owl was perched right above you on the roof. He made it pretty clear if I didn''t play along, you''d be the first to go." Claire''s eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and understanding dawning on her face. David continued, his voice low and intense. "I want you to know, I would''ve rather been vaporized on the spot than let him hurt you. I''m not sure if it''s just Stockholm syndrome from this whole Integration mess, and maybe we never would''ve been friends if we hadn''t been turned into monsters by the Overseers and their bullshit System... but you''re the best friend I''ve ever had." The admission hung in the air, heavy with emotion. Claire opened her mouth to speak, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she made a sound somewhere between a sob and a growl, nodding several times as she struggled to compose herself. "I''m sorry for scaring you," David said softly. "And I''m sorry I couldn''t find a way to alert everyone before the fight started. But I managed to trick him into letting his guard down just long enough to ground him." David''s attention was drawn back to the Owl''s severed head. As the adrenaline faded and calm settled over the group, he became aware of a strange sensation emanating from it. It was like standing next to a cast-iron stove in a dark room , not hot or cold, or even electric, but definitely... something. A new sensation he had no frame of reference for, yet undeniably present. That''s got to be the Shard, right? He said something about his creepy-ass eye being able to see ¡®more¡¯, maybe he could see it instead of feeling it? Nah, probably both. He didn''t notice the bug had it until he''d been around it for a minute. Without hesitation, David scooped up the head in his wing and tossed it at Claire''s feet. "Here," he said, a hint of his usual humor returning. "Consider this my apology gift for being an asshole. Plus, I want you to get strong enough to just bite crazy darkness attacks out of existence so I don''t have to duel lunatics on a roof for you again." Claire stared at the gruesome offering, her expression a mixture of macabre confusion and disbelief. "David, I... usually people apologize with chocolates or something. Not the severed heads." David shrugged, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Well, someone once told me I looked like something that ate cultists for daring to disturb my slumber. Figured I''d lean into the aesthetic." His expression turned slightly guilty as he added, "Also, I don''t actually know how to extract the Shard. So... there''s that." Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Claire leaned down, her massive head lowering to inspect the severed head more closely. Her tiny arms were comically inadequate for manipulation, leaving her no choice but to rely on her keen senses. ¡°Wait, Shard? I thought it was just a head¡­¡± As she examined it, her nostrils flared. "I can smell something weird," she muttered, then suddenly snorted loudly in shock. "Whoa! I just got a rainbow notification! What the-" David''s eyes widened in alarm as he remembered his own experience with the first Shard of Supremacy. "Oh crap," he blurted out. "Claire, hold onto your butt! This might get intense!" Claire''s eyes glazed over, and her massive form suddenly went rigid. A tiny drop of light began to coalesce within the Owl''s third eye, pulsing with kaleidescopic energy. The organ itself withered away, collapsing into an empty socket as the sheer power contained within the droplet formed. The luminous bead drifted slowly towards Claire, everyone watching with bated breath. David, having experienced this firsthand, found himself oddly fascinated to witness the process from the outside. The droplet made contact with Claire''s snout, and immediately, her body was suffused with power. Brilliant light rippled beneath Claire''s heavy scales, shimmering and dancing as it found every crack and crevice in her armored hide. The glow intensified, dim beams of multicolored radiance shooting out from between her plates like a disco ball. David, remembering the mind-bending trip he''d endured after absorbing his own Shard, flopped down into the dirt with a heavy sigh. His chest heaved as he began to pant, the exhaustion of the night''s events finally catching up to him. The Cuddlebugs, apparently taking David''s prone position as an ¡®all clear¡¯ signal, came zooming in from the sky. They chittered excitedly, their tiny forms blurring as they landed all around him. Within seconds, David found himself buried under a pile of furry, squirming bodies. "Oof," he grunted, as one particularly enthusiastic Cuddlebug burrowed into his mane. "Easy there, team. We¡¯ve had a long night." The little creatures paid him no mind, continuing their post-battle celebration. They hopped along his back, nestled into the crooks of his wings, and generally made themselves at home wherever they could find space. David frowned sadly as the memory of two of their number being obliterated surfaced like a bad taste in his mouth. I know they''re supposed to take the hits for me, but they''re so damn cute I just hate watching it happen sometimes. The ''normal'' ones might not have a lot of brainpower, but they''re loyal little shits. A few feet away, the empowered Cuddlebug landed with a soft thud. It kept its distance from Claire, its beady eyes darting back and forth between her glowing form and David''s furry dogpile. Concern radiated from its tiny body in waves. "It''s okay, little guy," David called out, his voice strained by the Cuddlebug using his ear as a hammock. "She''s just getting stronger. Nothing to worry about." The empowered Cuddlebug chittered uncertainly, clearly not entirely convinced by David''s reassurance. It took a hesitant step towards Claire, then thought better of it and scurried back. David couldn''t help but chuckle at its antics. "Relax, fuzzbrain. If I survived it, she definitely will. Probably come out of it able to breathe fire or something equally ridiculous." As he watched Claire''s transformation continue, David felt a strange mix of emotions wash over him. Pride in his friend''s impending power-up, worry about what changes it might bring, and a twinge of something that might have been jealousy. Stop it. This isn''t a competition. Besides, you''ve got enough weird shit going on without adding Shard envy to the mix. If they weren''t so useful they wouldn''t be worth the trouble. Talk about a double edged sword, too good not to use while putting a potential target on your back. I hope she gets something good, fatty really needs something to handle¡­Dark Star bullshit¡­like Doom Blade. Ugh. The light show surrounding Claire intensified, forcing David to squint. He could make out her silhouette, still frozen in place, glowing with prismatic energy. "Hang in there, big girl," he murmured. "Just ride it out. Trust me, the trippy part''s almost over." As if in response to his words, the light began to pulse rhythmically. David tensed, guessing that likely meant it wouldn''t last much longer. "Alright, everyone," he called out, struggling to sit up despite the protesting squeaks of his Cuddlebug blanket. "Sorry for ignoring you. That was wild, and I needed a minute." Kozlov shrugged heavily in response, still staring thoughtfully at the Owls head, his mind clearly running close to redline as he considered something. Gideon and Wally exchanged a glance then simply shook their heads and made dismissive gestures. Wally flopped heavily into the dirt under him and perked his ears forward toward Claire. His muffled whine of concern got him thumped lazily by Adams small trunk before the man spoke. ¡°Eh, don''t worry about it boy. That guy made my agent orange act up. You did good, take a minute if you need it." Adam grunted with a wave of his trunk in David''s direction. ¡°Surprised you didn''t throw up, most people¡­Eh, nevermind.¡± The empowered Cuddlebug, picking up on Adam¡¯s concerned tone, let out a series of sharp chirps. The other Cuddlebugs responded immediately, detaching themselves from David and forming a protective circle around him. David couldn''t help but feel a surge of affection for his tiny, furry army. "Thanks, guys," he said, patting the nearest Cuddlebug on its head. "Gonna have to summon some more of you soon¡­guess we didn''t make it out of this without any losses, did we? Sucks." As the light surrounding Claire reached its crescendo, David braced himself for some earth-shattering revelation. Instead, the luminous cocoon simply... vanished. One moment it was there, the next gone, as if someone had flipped a light switch. Claire jerked back as though she''d been shocked, her massive head snapping upward. Her eyes locked onto David''s, wide and unfocused. Her gaze was slightly cockeyed, giving her the appearance of someone who''d just stumbled out of a bar crawl. David could almost see the gears grinding in her mind as she struggled to transition from whatever mind-bending reality the Shard had shown her back to their own bizarre version of normal. "...Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaw," Claire slurred, her voice distant and dreamy. Her arms worked up and down dramatically, as if tightly gripping the reins of some unseen steed. David blinked, a flood of memories from his own Shard experience washing over him. He remembered coming to while singing ¡®Happy Birthday¡¯ like a simpleton, convinced he''d just attended the universe''s biggest party. A celebration so incomprehensible that it transcended reality itself, filled with countless unknowable entities who seemed genuinely thrilled that he''d crashed their shindig. "Yeah," David nodded, a wry smile tugging at his snout. "Sounds about right. Welcome back to our dimension, big girl. How many fingers am I holding up?" Claire squinted at him, then at his wings. "Purpley." She ventured confidently, still clearly disoriented. "Close enough," David chuckled. Then, curiosity getting the better of him, he asked, "So, how many new slots did you get? Same as me?¡± The question seemed to snap Claire out of her fugue state. She shook her head, blinking rapidly as full awareness returned. "Uh¡­where? Damn, that was¡­Wait, slots? No, I got a Unique Bloodline." David''s jaw dropped, a mix of shock and indignation spreading across his face. "A Bloodline? But... but why? How come you get a fancy Bloodline and I just got more slots? That''s not fair!" He sniffed dramatically, puffing out his chest. "Slots are better anyway. More versatile, better long term potential. Yep, definitely not jealous at all." Claire''s jaws gaped open in her version of a wide, toothy grin. She fixed David with a look that was equal parts amusement and triumph. "Oh yeah? Well, Mr. Slot Machine, feast your ears on this. Bulwark Bloodline. Means I can build resistances to damage types and effects¡­once I slot or fuse it, anyway. You know what that means?" David''s eyes widened as the implications sank in. "Oh no." Claire''s grin grew even wider, if that was possible. "Oh yes. Next time you fart out a bunch of Miasma? I might not have to just run away. You''re never getting rid of me now you overgrown sky-rat." As the group erupted into a mixture of laughter, excited chatter, and a mutter of congratulations from Kozlov, David couldn''t help but feel a swell of pride beneath his mock indignation. Sure, he might have been a tiny bit jealous, but mostly he was thrilled for his friend. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new threats, and probably more than a few headaches as they tried to figure out what Claire''s new abilities meant for their ragtag duo. But for now, surrounded by the friends he''d just fought to protect, David was content to bask in the afterglow of their hard-won victory. After all, it isn''t every day you get to decapitate a cultist, give your best friend a power-up, and survive to tell the tale. In the grand scheme of things, David figured that counted as a pretty good day. 118 - Any army worthy of... David stretched languidly within the confines of the lean-to, his wings unfurling to their full span before tucking neatly against his sides. The first rays of dawn were just beginning to paint the sky in hues of gold and pink, casting long shadows across the Observatory grounds. He ran through his mental checklist, ticking off each item with a sense of grim satisfaction. Nap? Taken, and boy did I need it. Owl? Deader than disco, thank you very much. Friends? Safe and sound, if a bit worse for wear. As for Sparky the Wonder Weasel and company... David reached out mentally to his distant Cuddlebug spy. The fuzzy little scout sent back impressions of a still-slumbering serpent and no sign of Azanah''s return. All quiet on the electric ferret front, then. "Alright," David muttered to himself, "time to expand the family." He cracked his neck dramatically, only to wince as a twinge of pain shot through his elongated vertebrae. David glanced around furtively, relieved to find that his moment of embarrassment had gone unnoticed by all save his on-duty Empowered Cuddlebug. The tiny creature fixed him with a look of supreme disinterest, as if to say, ¡®Really? That''s what passes for cool?¡¯ David narrowed his eyes, hissing playfully at the furball. The Cuddlebug''s demeanor changed in an instant, its beady eyes lighting up with mischievous glee as it hissed back. "Oh, it''s on now," David growled, a grin spreading across his face. He lunged forward, jabbing at the Cuddlebug with his wings. The little beast was a blur of motion, darting and weaving with preternatural agility. It bounced off the lean-to''s support beams, ricocheted off Claire''s massive, slumbering form, and even used David''s own wings as springboards in its acrobatic evasion. David found himself laughing despite his best efforts to maintain a stern expression. The Cuddlebug was showing off now, performing increasingly ridiculous maneuvers that would make even the most seasoned parkour enthusiast green with envy. At one point, it managed to run a complete circle around David''s neck, using his elongated throat like some sort of furry luge track. "Alright, alright," David chuckled, finally managing to snag the little daredevil mid-leap. "You win this round, you caffeinated dust bunny." He gave the Cuddlebug an affectionate pat on the head, earning a contented chirp in response. As the creature nestled into the crook of his wing, David took a deep breath, centering himself for the task ahead. Summoning more Cuddlebugs was one thing, but empowering the process with his Wildsoul? That was a whole different ballgame. David still wasn''t entirely sure how it worked. Unlike infusing his wings for flight or charging up a Screech, which felt as natural as breathing (if breathing involved expelling raw energy), empowering his Nightshade Swarm ability was... weird. There was no other word for it. It didn''t feel like pushing or pulling or even channeling. It was more like... convincing the universe to hiccup in just the right way to produce turbocharged fuzzballs of doom. Not exactly the kind of thing they taught in System 101. Still, David knew he had to try, he''d done it once before after all. A few more of the ''smart'' Cuddlebugs could make all the difference in keeping his friends safe. And if that meant risking another impromptu nap courtesy of Wildsoul overexertion... well, there were worse ways to spend a morning. "Okay," David muttered, psyching himself up. "Let''s do this. Worst case scenario, I take another nap. Best case? I get my own personal army of elite, furry commandos. Win-win, really." He closed his eyes, reaching deep within himself to that well of primal energy that was his Wildsoul. It surged up to meet him, eager and wild, like a puppy that had been cooped up too long. David gently coaxed it towards his Nightshade Swarm ability, trying to shape it into something that screamed less ''derpy fuzzball'' and more ''adorable killing machine.'' As the energy built, David felt a familiar lightheadedness creeping in at the edges of his consciousness. He gritted his teeth, determined to push through it this time. The universe seemed to hold its breath, teetering on the edge of... something. "Come on," David growled, his voice barely above a whisper. "Give me an army worthy of Mor- wait, no, wrong vibe. Just... work, dammit!" The Wildsoul surged, and David braced himself as his vision suddenly tunneled. It felt as though almost the entirety of his Stamina was consumed instantly. He wobbled on the edge of consciousness, but heroically managed to avoid fainting. David sagged against the cushions, his vision swimming as he fought to stay conscious. The world tilted and swayed like he was on the deck of a ship in a storm, but he managed to cling to awareness by his metaphorical fingernails. A series of chirps from just outside the lean-to caught his attention, followed by two light thumps. David blinked hard, trying to focus his bleary eyes on the entrance. There, standing like tiny, furry sentinels, were two new Empowered Cuddlebugs. Their eyes were narrow and suspicious as they scanned their surroundings, taking in every detail with an intensity that bordered on comical for creatures so small and adorable. But the show wasn''t over yet. To David''s utter shock, two of his regular Cuddlebugs - the lovable idiots he''d grown so fond of - suddenly began to glow with an all-too-familiar rainbow light. It was like watching Evolution in fast-forward, minus the excruciatingly uncomfortable sensation and existential crisis. "What in the name of Omega''s sweaty jockstrap?" David mumbled, his words slurring slightly. The rainbow goo engulfed the two Cuddlebugs, who seemed less than thrilled about their impromptu makeover. The luminous whatever-it-was soaked through their fur, cocooning them completely before shattering like glass a heartbeat later. In their place stood two more Empowered Cuddlebugs, looking about as surprised as David felt. "Well," David managed, "that''s... new." He slumped further into his nest of pilfered cushions, which he''d beaten within an inch of their lives to meet Claire''s cleanliness standards. Moving felt about as appealing as tap-dancing on hot coals, and the urge to nap was becoming harder to resist by the second. With monumental effort, David willed his eyes to focus on his Readout. The numbers swam before him, but he finally managed to make sense of them. Out of his impressive thousand-plus stamina, a measly 35 remained. Holy shit, one empowered summon costs almost 250 stamina? That''s... that''s ridiculous! A stray thought wormed its way through his exhaustion-addled brain. Dedicated summoners would probably think twice about empowering swarm-type summons like this. Unless they had some kind of unholy stamina reserves like his. Mental note: tell Gideon to focus on empowering one summon at a time if he ever picks up another summoning ability. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The thought of an Empowered Pinchy sent a shiver down David''s spine. That was a whole bucket of nope he wasn''t ready to deal with. A notification pinged in his peripheral vision, momentarily distracting him from visions of kaiju-sized termites. Nightshade Swarm had leveled up three times. David managed a weak smile, feeling a small surge of pride despite his exhaustion. The moment of satisfaction was short-lived, however. A commotion near the lean-to''s entrance caught his attention. The ''older'' Empowered Cuddlebug - the one he''d been playing with earlier - was currently engaged in what could only be described as a furry free-for-all with the four newcomers. And it was winning. Handily. The veteran Cuddlebug moved like a tiny, adorable whirlwind, dodging and weaving between its opponents with ease. It bounced off one newcomer''s head, using the momentum to rocket into another''s midsection. A third tried to flank it, only to receive whipcrack to the face from a rat-like tail as the OG Cuddlebug backflipped over it. "Damn," David muttered, equal parts impressed and concerned. "Didn''t know I was running a Cuddlebug Fight Club." He watched as his first Empowered creation continued to assert its dominance, establishing the pecking order with a ferocity that seemed at odds with its cuddly appearance. The newcomers, despite their numerical advantage, were clearly outmatched. They might have had the raw power, but the veteran had experience on its side. As the furry fracas continued, David couldn''t help but draw parallels to his own situation. Thrown into a world where the rules had changed overnight, forced to adapt and evolve or face extinction. His little Cuddlebugs were just following the example he''d set, in their own adorably violent way. "Alright, alright," David called out, his voice barely above a whisper. "First rule of Cuddlebug Fight Club: don''t wake up the grumpy lizard." He gestured weakly towards Claire''s slumbering form, hoping to avoid a rude awakening for his reptilian friend. The last thing he needed was a cranky, newly-empowered Claire stomping through the lean-to because some overzealous furballs couldn''t keep it down. As David watched his tiny army sort out their hierarchy, he couldn''t help but wonder where the hell the new ones came from. One thing was certain: with his expanded Cuddlebug corps, they were better prepared than ever for whatever came next. Assuming, of course, he could stay awake long enough to enjoy it. As the minutes ticked by, David felt his strength slowly returning. The world gradually stopped spinning, and the urge to pass out faded from an overwhelming tidal wave to a persistent, but manageable, undertow. He watched with bleary fascination as the Cuddlebug drama unfolded before him. The ''older'' Empowered Cuddlebug, his first fuzzy prodigy, was putting on a masterclass in tiny tyrant tactics. It won all three rounds of the impromptu tournament, leaving the four newcomers thoroughly cowed. They hunched on the ground, not quite belly-up but suspiciously close to it, as the victor snarled and paced around them like a furry Napoleonic general. "Jeez," David muttered, "who knew Cuddlebugs had their own version of politics?" The winner circled its defeated foes, nipping at ears and tails whenever one of them stepped out of line according to some mysterious Cuddlebug etiquette that David couldn''t begin to fathom. After what felt like an eternity of posturing and growling, the veteran finally seemed satisfied with its display of dominance. It turned to David, ears perked forward and body puffed up with pride. For a moment, David felt a swell of affection for the little overachiever. That warm, fuzzy feeling lasted approximately half a second before the Cuddlebug lunged straight for his snout, fangs bared and looking like the poster child for rabies awareness month. Even in his exhausted state, David''s reflexes didn''t fail him. With a casual flick of his wing, he deflected the attack and pinned the veteran Cuddlebug to the cushions. A small puff of dust rose from the impact, making David''s nose twitch. "What the hell, furball?" David growled, more confused than angry. "I thought we were past the whole ''attack the boss'' phase of our relationship." But the Cuddlebug wasn''t even looking at him. Despite being pinned under David''s talons like a butterfly in a collection, its gaze was fixed firmly on the four newcomers. David followed its line of sight and was met with four pairs of wide, awestruck eyes. The newcomers looked absolutely gobsmacked, as if they''d just witnessed David casually bench-press a mountain. Their tiny jaws hung open in a comical display of shock and awe. That''s when it hit him. The sneaky little shit had played him like a fiddle. "You crafty son of a dust bunny," David chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "This was your plan all along, wasn''t it?" The ''attack'' hadn''t been an act of rebellion at all. It was a calculated move to cement David''s place at the top of the Cuddlebug hierarchy. By demonstrating that even their undefeated champion was no match for David, the veteran had essentially rolled out the red carpet for his authority. "I''d be impressed if I wasn''t so disturbed by how smart you little gremlins are getting," David muttered, releasing his hold on the veteran. He booped the Cuddlebug''s head with his snout, mimicking Claire''s go-to move for when he was being particularly insufferable. The little schemer had the audacity to look smug, as if to say, "All in a day''s work, boss." Turning his attention to the newcomers, David gently pet and scratched each one in turn. They seemed to melt under his touch, any lingering tension from the earlier scuffle evaporating like morning dew. "Welcome to the family, you little weirdos," David said softly. "Try not to overthrow me in my sleep, okay?" As he scratched behind one Cuddlebug''s ear, its wing began to thump against the ground in a rhythm that would make any contented dog proud. The sight was so absurdly adorable that David couldn''t help but laugh. "Great," he sighed, a grin spreading across his face. "Now I''ve got an army of deadly, hyper-intelligent, puppy-cat... things. Because apparently, that''s just how my life works now." As David continued to bond with his expanded Cuddlebug corps, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he''d just stepped onto a whole new level of weirdness. But then again, in a world where owls sprouted third eyes and lizards got power-ups from severed heads, maybe a pack of suspiciously clever fuzzballs wasn''t so strange after all. Assuming, of course, his furry minions didn''t stage a coup while he wasn''t looking. David settled back into his cushions, resigning himself to the tedious task of waiting for his stamina to regenerate. His mind wandered to the Cuddlebug spy still keeping tabs on Azanah''s serpentine companion. A quick check-in revealed the massive creature was just beginning to stir, uncoiling its lengthy form to bask in the early morning light like a scaly solar panel. He pondered the wisdom of informing them about the Owl''s demise. On one hand, it might provide closure. On the other, it could paint a target on his back bigger than Claire''s appetite. "Yeah, hey there," David imagined the conversation. "Remember that Owl that turned your buddy into half an insect? Well, good news! I turned it into a full corpse. We''re even, right?" He snorted at the absurdity. Azanah and her crew had gone from "Overseers probably don''t chat with plebs" to "the bat knows an Overseer" faster than Claire could demolish a buffet. Now, with their friend reduced to a partial bug courtesy of a being that claimed allegiance to some cosmic horror, they were probably firmly in the "screw anyone who talks to otherworldly entities" camp. David couldn''t blame them. If anything happened to Claire, he''d be ready to declare war on the entire universe, Overseers included. As David mulled over the complexities of post-apocalyptic diplomacy, he failed to notice one of his new Cuddlebugs embarking on a daring expedition. The tiny creature, driven by an insatiable curiosity, crept towards Claire''s slumbering form. It inched closer to her massive snout, whiskers twitching with anticipation. Just as it leaned in for a closer inspection, Claire inhaled sharply in her sleep. The sudden suction caught the Cuddlebug off guard, and before it could react, it found itself unceremoniously wedged in Claire''s nostril like the world''s furriest cork. The effect was instantaneous. Claire''s eyes shot open, and she let out a sound that was equal parts sneeze, roar, and utter bewilderment. It was as if a freight train had decided to cosplay as a kazoo. "SNRRRK-RRRAUCHOO!" The Cuddlebug rocketed out of Claire''s nose like a furry cannonball, trailing a string of mucus as it pinwheeled through the air. David, caught completely off guard, could only watch in slack-jawed amazement as chaos unfolded. As the Cuddlebug bounced off the lean-to''s support beam and landed with a splat in his lap, he burst into uncontrollable laughter, joined shortly by Claire''s confused but amused rumbling chuckle. 119 - Moving on The morning sun struggled to pierce the thick blanket of clouds that had rolled in a bit after sunrise, casting a cool, gray pallor over the Observatory grounds. For once, David wasn''t perched atop Claire''s massive form. Instead, he found himself playing the role of reluctant cushion to his newly expanded Cuddlebug corps. The five Empowered Cuddlebugs sprawled across his body, their tiny forms deceptively heavy. David shifted uncomfortably, trying to redistribute their weight without disturbing them. Great, I''ve become a living, breathing cat tree. He couldn''t help but recall those old internet memes of people who''d bought large dogs as puppies, only to end up with lap dogs the size of small horses. The parallel was a bit too close for comfort. "You know," David grunted, addressing the furry pile on top of him, "just because you can fit doesn''t mean you should sit." Claire, lounging nearby, snickered at the sight. Her massive form was sprawled out in the open for once, rather than lurking in the lean-to''s shade. "Comfy there, bat boy?" she teased, her reptilian features twisting into what passed for a grin. "Mind if I join in? You look like you could use a few more tons on top of you." David rolled his eyes, careful not to dislodge the Cuddlebug perched precariously on his snout as it slowly worked it''s way to his neck. "Sure, why not? I''ve always wondered what it would be like to be entirely two-dimensional. Might as well cross that off the bucket list." Claire''s laughter rumbled through the air, her tail slapping the ground with mirth. The lean-to trembled slightly, but thankfully remained standing. Small victories, David supposed. "You know," he mused, gazing up at the overcast sky, "it''s about time we got a cool day. This summer''s been hotter than hell so far." Claire nodded in agreement, her scales glinting dully in the muted light. "It''s a nice change of pace. Though I have to admit, I''m a bit torn on the weather these days." David cocked his head, dislodging a ¡®regular¡¯ Cuddlebug in the process. It chirped indignantly before finding a new perch on his wing. "How so? I thought you lizards were all about the heat." Claire paused, considering the question. "It''s... complicated," she finally said. "I don''t think I''m actually cold-blooded, but I''m not exactly warm-blooded either. It''s like I''m stuck somewhere in the middle." David nodded thoughtfully, recalling how Claire''s scales always seemed to radiate a gentle warmth, regardless of the time of day or ambient temperature. "I do like the heat," Claire continued, "but too much of it can be a problem. With my size, it''s really hard to cool off once I overheat. Makes me feel sick after a while. All I want to do every time it happens is find a big stand of trees and lay down¡­or find some water and sit in it." "Huh," David mused. "I guess being a fat lizard comes with its own set of problems. Who''d have thought?" Claire snorted, the sound echoing off the side of the building nearby. "Says the bat who could barely fly without passing out from exhaustion." "Hey!" David protested, his indignation somewhat undermined by the purring Cuddlebug on his chest. "I''ll have you know I barely use any Stamina at all to fly now, thank you. Well, you know, unless you count Wildsoul stuff..." Their banter was interrupted by a commotion from the direction of the Observatory. Kozlov''s deep voice carried across the grounds, followed by the excited chatter of Gideon and Wally. David perked up, his ears swiveling towards the sound. "Sounds like the gang''s up and about. Should we go see what''s got them all riled up?" Claire yawned, her massive jaws stretching wide enough to swallow a small car. "Do we have to? I was just getting comfortable." David chuckled, gently shooing the Cuddlebugs off his body. They chirped in protest but obediently scattered, taking up defensive positions around him and Claire. "Come on, lazy scales," David teased, stretching his wings. "Duty calls. Besides, I''ve got a feeling today''s going to be interesting." As David and Claire slowly made their way towards the sound of their voices, they found Kozlov''s group huddled around a stack of crates serving as an improvised table. Atop it lay a large, laminated map, held down by scattered rocks. It was extremely yellowed by age, and looked a little worse for wear but was mostly legible. Gideon stood carefully on the crates, wielding a stick like a professor''s pointer as he traced routes across the topographical landscape. David squinted at the map, memories of his dad poring over similar charts during his park ranger days flickering through his mind. The contour lines and elevation markers slowly began to make sense as he focused, revealing a familiar path that led towards Riverport. Kozlov glanced up at their approach, his expression a mix of determination and something softer - perhaps regret. "David, Claire. Good timing. We were just finalizing our route to Riverport." David''s ears perked up, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. "Riverport? You guys are heading out?" Kozlov nodded, his massive form shifting as he turned to face them fully. "It''s time. We''ve lingered here too long, and the Observatory is no longer secure. Plus," he added with a slight smile, "A little bat told me there''s a settlement there that could use some organizing." Claire rumbled softly, her voice tinged with understanding. "Woodland Park? They''ve probably got their hands full with all the folks we sent their way after Redfield." "Exactly," Kozlov affirmed. "They need help, and we... well, we need a purpose." David felt a lump forming in his throat. "Yeah, you''re right about that. What made you decide to leave now?" Gideon piped up, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "You two have outpaced us, David. The things you can do now... we''d only slow you down." Wally nodded vigorously, his tail wagging slightly. "Yeah, what the puffball said. You guys are in the big leagues now. We''re still learning to play catch." A grunt of agreement came from Adam as he waved his trunk dejectedly. "You''ve helped us level up, sure. But there''s a gap we can''t bridge right now. Maybe someday, but for now..." "For now," Kozlov finished, "we each have our own paths to follow. You and Claire have grown strong enough to continue your journey. After what you managed to do to an entire building I don''t think a single Boss will¡­I have faith in you David. I don''t think you realize exactly how strong you are now. And we have people who need us." A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. David looked at Claire, seeing his own mix of emotions reflected in her reptilian eyes. It was the right decision, they both knew it, but that didn''t make it any easier. "I guess this is goodbye then," David said, his voice sounding a bit hollow even to his own ears. I mean, I knew they''d be leaving sooner or later. Shit, it was our idea for them to leave when they got strong enough. I guess I just got used to having them around, they''re good people. Kozlov shook his massive head. "Not goodbye. Just... Rendezvous with you later? Riverport isn''t going anywhere, and I have a feeling our paths will cross again." Claire nudged David gently with her snout. "He''s right, you know. And hey, maybe by the time we visit, Herold and Kozlov will have whipped them all into shape. Can you imagine that old beetle running actual drill sergeants?" The mental image brought a chuckle to David''s lips, easing some of the tension in the air. "Alright then," David said, straightening up. "Group hug before you guys head out to become some of Riverport''s finest?" As they all gathered for an awkward but heartfelt embrace - made all the more comical by Claire''s attempts to join in without squashing anyone - David couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride. "Just promise me one thing," David said as they broke apart. "When you get to Riverport, tell Herold we said hi. And maybe teach him some new vocabulary. I swear, if I hear ''rapscallion'' one more time..." Kozlov''s deep laughter rumbled through the air as he agreed to pass on David''s message to Herold. "I''ll do my best to expand the old beetle''s options. Maybe I''ll introduce him to some colorful Russian phrases." As the laughter died down, David felt a sudden, icy dread pool in his stomach. His expression must have changed dramatically because Kozlov''s keen eyes narrowed, his head cocking slightly to one side. David flicked an ear almost imperceptibly, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken question. Kozlov nodded, his face a mask of consideration. "David," he said, his voice carefully neutral, "I''d like a word in private. Some last-minute advice, if you will." "Sure thing," David replied, perhaps a touch too quickly. He felt Claire''s gaze boring into him and risked a glance in her direction. Her reptilian features were arranged in what he''d come to recognize as her ''you better spill the beans later'' look. He gave her a tiny nod, promising a full explanation once they were alone. The others remained absorbed in their map and planning, oblivious to the silent exchange. Kozlov promised a swift return and led David away from the group, out of earshot. As they walked, a small contingent of Cuddlebugs scampered and fluttered after them, their tiny eyes pleading for attention. Meanwhile, one of the Empowered Cuddlebugs stayed behind with Claire, positioning itself protectively at her feet. David couldn''t help but smile as he watched Claire attempt to pet the little guardian with her comically undersized arms, settling down in the cool dirt to wait. Kozlov huffed in amusement at the Cuddlebugs'' antics. "Your little ones can hitch a ride if they''d like," he offered, gesturing to his shaggy fur with a nod of his head. David burst out laughing. "Oh, you''re going to regret that offer." He sent a mental go-ahead to the eager Cuddlebugs, who shrieked in delight and immediately launched themselves at Kozlov. They burrowed into his thick fur, vanishing completely save for the occasional happy squeak as they popped in and out of sight like ugly prairie dogs. Once they were well out of earshot, Kozlov''s expression turned serious. "Alright, David. What was that back there? Your face screamed ''oh shit'' louder than a bomb going off. Is there something about Riverport I should know?" David''s brow furrowed in confusion for a moment before realization dawned. He shook his head, his ears twitching nervously. "It''s not about Riverport, Kozlov. It''s about the Overseers." He sighed heavily, tilting his head back to gaze at the overcast sky. Suddenly, he snapped his teeth together with a sharp lunge of his head, as if biting at an invisible foe. The action seemed to steel his resolve. "I''ve been having dreams," David began, his voice low. "Not just normal, ''wow, that burrito was a mistake'' dreams. These are... different. There''s an Overseer involved. Her name is Xi." Kozlov''s eyes narrowed, but he remained silent, allowing David to continue. "She''s been giving me cryptic messages, showing me bizarre imagery. At first, I didn''t say anything because, well, I wasn''t sure if it was legit or not. Despite how ''helpful'' Xi has been, I wouldn''t trust her any farther than I could spit a live rat." Kozlov nodded, his expression grim. "A wise decision. It''s best not to trust entities like Omega." David shook his head vigorously. "That''s just it, Kozlov. Xi is nothing like Omega. But that doesn''t necessarily mean she''s any better or worse. She''s... something else entirely." The bear-man''s brow furrowed deeper, but he gestured for David to continue. "Based on what I''ve seen in these dreams, I think... I think Wave 2 might be starting soon." David''s wings twitched nervously as he spoke. "I need you to warn Herold and the others in Riverport. Tell them to prepare, tell them it''s from me if you need to, but please... only tell Herold and the Hunting Team about where I learned this. I don''t want to start a panic. And...I''d rather not have random people attempting to make contact with them." Kozlov absorbed this information, his massive paw stroking his chin thoughtfully. "I understand. We''ll handle this information with care. Who exactly should I speak to besides Herold?" David rattled off a list of names and descriptions, his voice gaining confidence as he spoke. "...and they¡¯ll look like a six-legged panther, a giant golden bird, a wasp, and an elk-thing. They''re trustworthy, competent, and... well, they''re my friends. The others are probably just as solid, but I didn''t interact with them much. Oh, and there''s an anemone¡­crab¡­woman. Betty." Kozlov nodded solemnly. "Consider it done, David. We''ll make sure Riverport is as prepared as it can be for whatever comes next." A moment of silence passed between them, broken only by the occasional happy squeak of a Cuddlebug nestled in Kozlov''s fur. "Thank you for trusting me with this," Kozlov said finally. "I know it couldn''t have been an easy decision. David managed a weak smile. "Yeah, well, someone once told me we''ve got to have each other''s backs. Figured it was about time I took that advice to heart." Kozlov chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that sent vibrations through the ground. "Wise words indeed. Now, shall we rejoin the others? I believe we have a journey to prepare for, and you have a very impatient lizard waiting for an explanation." As they turned back towards the group, David couldn''t help but feel a mix of relief and apprehension. He''d shared his burden, warned his friends of what might be coming. But as the weight of responsibility settled onto Kozlov''s broad shoulders, David couldn''t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much, much bigger. He still had a malevolent Hydra¡¯s to-do list to finish, and Wave 2 was still approaching. And this time, they''d be ready for it. Well, as ready as anyone could be for the end of the world. Again. Maybe that''s being a bit dramatic, but I really should get started on that Boss run. Kozlov is right, I didn''t realize how ridiculous Miasma actually is. I could probably take a Boss now, as long as I wear it down and play it smart. Maybe try and Empower a few more of the Cuddlebugs first. Oh, I should definitely tell Azanah¡¯s pet snake that I killed the Owl, then I can¡­ David''s mental to-do list grew longer by the second, each item more ridiculous than the last. At this rate, he''d need to evolve a second brain just to keep up. He snorted at the thought, imagining himself with two heads, one for planning world-saving strategies and the other dedicated solely to coming up with bad puns. As Claire shot him a suspicious glance when he came into view, David couldn''t help but grin. The apocalypse might be gearing up for round two, but at least he was staying busy. 120 - Peeping Bat The morning sun oozed faintly through the rapidly darkening clouds above, distant thunder rumbling deeply as David and Claire stood atop a rocky ridge, their eyes fixed on the distant figures of Kozlov and his group. The forest stretched out before them, a sea of green that gradually gave way to the murky expanse of the swamp. Ancient oaks and towering pines stood sentinel along the border, their branches reaching out over the marshy terrain like grasping fingers. The air was thick with a cacophony of scents that assaulted David''s sensitive nose. The rich, earthy aroma of decaying leaves and damp soil mingled with the sharp tang of pine resin and the musty odor of fungi. From the swamp came the unmistakable stench of stagnant water and rotting vegetation, undercut by the faint, sickly-sweet scent of carnivorous plants lying in wait for unwary prey. Claire''s nostrils flared as she too took in the olfactory landscape. Her reptilian sense of smell no doubt picking up on subtleties even David missed; the faint musk of small mammals scurrying through the underbrush, the mineral tang of sun-warmed rocks, and the complex bouquet of pheromones released by countless insects going about their tiny lives. Despite her earlier attempts at optimism, Claire''s massive form now drooped visibly. She let out yet another heavy sigh, her scales seeming to lose some of their luster as she watched their friends disappear into the distance. David, hanging from a thick branch above her, silently shared her melancholy. He knew their departure was for the best, but that knowledge did little to ease the ache of separation. His thoughts kept circling back to Kozlov''s parting words about needing a purpose. I don¡¯t have one, do I? Not really. ¡®Survive¡¯ is more of a¡­baseline? Yeah. Even normal animals back in the day could manage that, for the most part. Granted, they had Humans to worry about back then but¡­ Frustrated by the direction of his thoughts, David began to flap his wings irritably. He caught himself mid-motion and let out a loud sigh, only to hear Claire sighing in perfect synchronization below him. Claire''s sigh cut off abruptly, replaced by a rumbling chuckle. "Am I really that predictable?" she asked, her tone a mixture of amusement and self-deprecation. "You''re being a real asshole calling me out like that, bat boy. It''s not like you, sorry if I was being annoying." David shook his head, his ears twitching. "Nah, it''s not you, fatty. I was sighing for my own reasons. It''s just... something Kozlov said is stuck in my head like a bad song." "Oh?" Claire tilted her head, fixing David with one large, inquisitive eye. "What''s got your panties in a bunch?" David hesitated, struggling to put his feelings into words. "He said they needed a purpose. And it got me thinking... what the hell is mine? I mean, I didn''t even have one before the world went sideways. Now? I''m just... existing." Claire was quiet for a moment, her tail swishing thoughtfully. "Well," she said finally, "how about finishing Omega''s quest? You know, killing a boss solo without going batshit crazy. That seems like a pretty good purpose, at least for now." David shook his head, his wings rustling. "Nah, that''s not a purpose, Claire. That''s just a goal. A purpose is... bigger, y''know? Something that drives you, gives your life meaning. Finishing Omega''s quest is just a checkbox on a to-do list." "Huh," Claire grunted, her brow furrowing in thought. "I guess you''ve got a point there. So what, you''re having an existential crisis now? Because let me tell you, bat boy, the apocalypse is a hell of a time to start questioning the meaning of life." David snickered to himself, shifting his upside-down position to look straight at Claire. He mulled over her words, briefly wondering if he was having the monster equivalent of a midlife crisis. After a moment, he shook his head. "Nah, I''m not questioning the meaning of life or anything that dramatic," he said. "Just... trying to figure out what the hell I want to do with mine now. You get me?" Claire nodded slowly, her huge clawed feet crunching the rocky soil beneath her as she shifted her weight. "Yeah, I think I do. Look, I''m not gonna pretend I know what it''s like to have Omega''s bullshit ultimatum hanging over my head, or to have some creeper like Xi playing mind games with me¡­¡± She paused slightly, shifting her gaze down into the dirt thoughtfully before continuing. ¡°But I do get what it''s like to sit here, watching my friend deal with all that crap, and not being able to do jack about it." David felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. Claire might not always know the exact right thing to say, but she always tried, and damn if she didn''t always have his back. Without a word, he sent a mental command to the Cuddlebugs scattered around the forest: Turbo Cuddle Claire. She''s sad. The reaction was instantaneous. Every Cuddlebug scattered in the forest around them froze in place, from the dimmest bulb to the sharpest tack. David could practically hear the gears grinding in their tiny heads as they processed the concept of ''sad''. They didn¡¯t seem to understand for a few moments, though David sensed a few of them default to ¡®Claire is injured¡¯ and immediately became alert and slightly aggressive. Suddenly, a distorted image flashed through the mental link from the veteran Cuddlebug - a memory of the moment the Owl had obliterated two of their number. It wasn''t quite sadness as humans understood it, more a sense of loss, but it was close enough. Yeah, that''s it. Claire''s sad because the others leaving is like losing them, even if it''s just for a while. Understanding rippled through the swarm like a furry, squeaking wave. Within seconds, Claire''s face was buried under an avalanche of Cuddlebugs, each one determined to cheer her up in their own unique way. Some licked at her face, focusing on the area around her eyes as if trying to lap up non-existent tears. Others simply rubbed their impossibly soft bodies against her scales, purring and chirping encouragement in their own incomprehensible language. Even the Empowered Cuddlebugs joined in, their efforts more focused and determined, fueled by their ability to grasp the nuances of Claire''s emotional state. Claire''s reaction was exactly what David expected. At first, she tensed up, her eyes widening in surprise at the sudden furry onslaught. Then, as realization dawned, her expression morphed into a mix of exasperation and reluctant amusement. "David, you absolute ass," she growled, her voice muffled by the blanket of Cuddlebugs. "I swear if these little fuzzballs start nesting in my nostrils again..." But even as she grumbled, David could see her jaws open slightly in a happy little grin. It only took a few moments of her basking in the affection of the tiny summons before she had mostly returned to her usual self. Her tail, which had been lying limp and dejected, now swished back and forth with renewed energy. David¡¯s sensitive ears also detected a very faint happy rumbling sound from where the enormous reptile was, and he felt some of his dejected mood boil away as he watched the spectacle. David grinned to himself, feeling a surge of affection for both Claire and his army of furry therapists. "Come on, fatty," he called down. "You can''t tell me that''s not at least a little bit awesome. It''s like a living, purring security blanket!" Claire''s only response was a snort that almost sent a few Cuddlebugs tumbling, but David noticed she made no move to shake them off. Sometimes, the best cure for existential angst was a good old-fashioned cuddle pile. Even if said pile came with a side of potential nostril invasion. David recalled the Cuddlebugs with a mental nudge, watching as they reluctantly detached themselves from Claire''s scales. With a soft rustle of leathery wings, he released his grip on the branch and glided down to Claire''s broad, armored back. Landing with a gentle thump, he stretched languidly, his wings extending to their full span before folding neatly against his sides. His elongated neck arched backwards, tiny fangs glinting in the muted light as he yawned widely. Claire swiveled her now Cuddlebug-free face around, observing David''s display with amusement. As if on cue, her own massive jaws began to part in a yawn so wide it seemed her skull might unhinge. The sound that escaped her was a deep, rumbling bellow that sent a momentary shiver through David''s mane. He grinned to himself, marveling at how quickly one could adapt to the bizarre. Claire''s jaws snapped shut with a crisp clack that echoed across the ridge. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Without warning, Claire shook herself vigorously, the motion rippling from her neck all the way to the tip of her tail. David flared his wings for balance, surfing the undulating scales beneath him. The Cuddlebugs squealed in delight, treating the impromptu ride like a furry roller coaster. As the tremors subsided, Claire shot David a bemused look. "Is that contagious yawn thing part of your Control bullshit now?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and accusation. David chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, I''m not that much of a monster. Just good old-fashioned sleep deprivation at work." On a whim, David turned to one of the newer Empowered Cuddlebugs perched nearby. He sent it a series of mental images: Kozlov''s group, the distant highway to Riverport, instructions to observe but remain hidden, returning when they were on the highway and out of danger. The tiny creature sat at attention, its beady eyes focused with an intensity that bordered on comical. It looked for all the world like a furry, pint-sized soldier receiving top-secret orders. David snickered internally, recalling how long it had taken the other Empowered Cuddlebugs to develop personalities of their own. This one was still in its ¡®yes sir, no sir¡¯ phase. With a serious chirp of acknowledgment, the Cuddlebug launched itself from Claire''s back, streaking towards the forest where Kozlov''s group had disappeared. Claire watched it go, her reptilian features arranged in an expression of amusement. "So," she drawled, "you just gonna use these little furballs to spy on everything and everyone now that you''ve figured out how?" David grinned, unabashed. "You bet your scaly ass I am. It''s way too good an option not to abuse." Claire mulled this over for a moment before shrugging her massive shoulders, nearly unseating David in the process. A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "Well, just remember, bat boy. If I catch any peeping bats while I''m changing, I''m having barbecued wings for dinner." For once, David didn''t freeze up at the faux-flirting. Before his brain could catch up with his mouth, he heard himself say, "Please, as if I''d need to peep. Echolocation lets me see around corners and under doors anyway." Claire froze, her eyes widening to comical proportions. For a heartbeat, David thought he''d gone too far. Then, without warning, she erupted into a cackling laugh he''d never heard before. It was a full-bodied, belly-deep sound that reminded David of nothing so much as rocks being tossed into a wood chipper. As Claire''s laughter echoed across the ridge, David felt a warmth spread through his chest that had nothing to do with the approaching storm. Maybe he didn''t have all the answers yet, maybe his purpose was still a work in progress. But right here, right now, trading barbs with his best friend atop a cliff overlooking the end of the world? This felt pretty damn close to where he was supposed to be. Claire''s laughter finally subsided, leaving her with a bemused expression. "Where the hell did that come from, bat boy? You''re usually tripping over your own wings when it comes to this stuff." David shrugged, his wings rustling. "Honestly? It just popped out before I could think about it. Brain-to-mouth filter must be on the fritz." Claire snickered heartily. "Well, you should do it more often. It''s..." She froze for a split second, looking as if she couldn''t believe what she''d just said. With practiced ease, she covered by snapping at a non-existent bug nearby. David wasn''t quite sure what to make of that, and from Claire''s expression, neither was she. By unspoken agreement, they both seemed to decide that particular conversational path was best left unexplored. At least for now. Clearing his throat, David changed the subject. "So, uh, want to join me in letting Wonder Weasel¡¯s pet snake know I offed the Owl? I''d rather not get jumped during the boss fight by some vengeful electric ferret who thinks I''m buddies with bird-brain." Claire shook her massive head, scales glinting in the dim light. "As much as I''d love to see you try to explain that mess, it''d take me forever to lumber over there and back. Besides," she added, her tone growing serious, "we''re running out of time to plan your boss takedown. You know, the whole ''kill or go crazy'' deal?" David patted Claire''s neck, his leathery wings rustling. "I''ll make it quick, fatty. Meet you back at the lean-to for one last hurrah before we hit the road." With a powerful flap, he launched himself off Claire''s back. As he took to the air, he sent a mental nudge to the veteran Cuddlebug, giving it permission to stay with Claire. The tiny creature seemed positively delighted, immediately fluttering forward to perch on one of Claire''s horns. It began to chirp at her in an almost conversational tone, mimicking the cadence of speech if not the actual content. David paused mid-flight, watching the interaction with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. Just how smart are these little guys getting? And what''s the upper limit here? The thought flickered through his mind before he shook it off, focusing on the task at hand. With a familiar surge of exhilaration, David fed his Wildsoul into his wings. The rush of power was intoxicating, propelling him to speeds that would have been impossible for a creature his size just a few months ago. The world blurred around him, wind whistling past his elongated ears. Suddenly, he realized he''d left his furry entourage in the dust. Cursing under his breath, David slowed to a languid glide, allowing the Cuddlebugs to catch up. They swarmed around him, chirping grumpily as they landed on his back and shoulders. A few even clung to his mane, their tiny claws tickling his skin. "Sorry, guys," David muttered, feeling a bit sheepish. "Guess I got carried away there." David made a quick detour to the Observatory, snatching up the Owl''s severed head. He felt a twinge of awkwardness, realizing this was the second time in recent memory he''d be presenting someone with a decapitated noggin. Maybe I should start a collection. Bat-monster taxidermist has a nice ring to it. With his grisly prize secured, David took to the skies once more. He homed in on his Cuddlebug spy''s location, pouring Wildsoul energy into his wings. The rush was immediate and intoxicating. The landscape below became a blur of green and brown, wind roaring past as he cut through the air like a furry missile. What really amazed David most was how little stamina this Wildsoul-fueled flight consumed, at least when traveling in a straight line. It was a far cry from his early days of exhaustion after even short flights. Speed-focused Evolution, you''re a little bit addictive, aren''t you? In less than an hour of focused flying, David had arrived at his destination. His Empowered Cuddlebug spy was still hidden motionless in the trees, keeping a watchful eye on the giant serpent coiled grumpily under a thick stand of trees. As David circled overhead, he mentally recalled the tiny scout. The Cuddlebug emerged from its hiding spot, looking positively bedraggled. Its fur was ruffled and its eyes drooped with exhaustion. With a start, David realized the little creature had been awake and on guard this entire time. "Aw, buddy," David cooed, feeling a pang of guilt at the effort it was clearly taking the poor thing just to fly. "You did good. Here, take the VIP spot." He gently guided the exhausted Cuddlebug to the comfiest spot between his shoulder blades, where his mane was thickest. The Cuddlebug currently occupying that prime real estate chirped indignantly but grudgingly made way for its weary comrade. Time to face the music. Or in this case, the potentially very angry, very scaly person. With no fanfare or elaborate entrance, David called out bluntly, "Coming in for a landing! Don''t freak out, please!" Angling his wings, he dived through the tree cover with a precise arc, braking with a overly loud whompf of air. He touched down about thirty feet from the serpent, his wings kicking up a small cloud of grass and debris. In one fluid motion, David whipped his hind feet forward as he balanced on his wings, tossing the Owl''s head so it landed with a soft thud directly in front of the massive creature. The serpent''s gaze snapped onto the head reflexively, its coils tightening. For a moment, the only sound was the rustle of leaves in the breeze and the faint rumble of thunder in the distance. "So," David began, trying for casual and missing by a mile, "I hear you''ve been having some bird problems lately. Thought I''d drop by and let you know the pest control''s been taken care of." The serpent''s gaze darted between David and the severed head, its expression a mixture of shock, confusion, and what might have been a hint of grudging respect. Is it weird I''m getting so good at reading reptile facial expressions? Or would that be body language? Hrmm. "You..." it finally managed, its masculine voice a low, crackling hiss. "You killed the Owl?" David nodded, spreading his wings in a ''ta-da'' gesture. "Yep. Turns out, he wasn''t a fan of my redecorating skills. Or my Miasma. Or, you know, existing in general." The serpent''s coils began to loosen slightly, though David noticed its tail still twitched with nervous energy. "Why?" it asked, suspicion clear in its voice. "Why would you do this?" David sighed, his ears drooping slightly. "Look, I know we didn''t exactly get off on the right foot ¨C or wing, or whatever. But that Owl? He was bad news for everyone. I couldn''t just let him... I¡¯m sorry about your friend." He finished lamely with a splay of his wings. He paused, gauging the serpent''s reaction. "Plus, I figured you might appreciate knowing what happened to the guy who... you know." He gestured vaguely at the Owl''s head. The serpent was quiet for a long moment, its gaze fixed on the grisly trophy. Finally, it spoke, its voice softer than before. "Thank you. For this. And for... telling me." David felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "No problem. Just, uh, maybe don''t plan on ambushing me next time we meet? I''m kind of on a tight schedule, and crispy bat isn''t on the menu. Maybe just yell ¡®Hey Stupid¡¯ or something." The serpent made a sound that might have been a chuckle. "No promises. But... I''ll pass it along." As David prepared to take off, he couldn''t help but feel like he''d just navigated a minefield blindfolded. And somehow, against all odds, he''d made it through without losing any limbs. Just another day in the life of David, the reluctant bat-monster diplomat. 121 - A beautiful Storm David soared through the darkening sky, his wings slicing through the humid air with practiced ease. Lightning flashed, illuminating the landscape below in stark, electric blue. Each rumble of thunder sent a shiver down his elongated spine, reminding him just how exposed he was up here. Yep, not winning any bat-shaped lightning rod competitions today. Time to hug the trees. He dipped lower, skimming just above the forest canopy. The rich scent of pine and damp earth filled his nostrils, a welcome change from the ozone-laden air above. As he reached the base of the mountain, David launched into a quick Moonsong, a bit paranoid and willing to spend some Stamina for a just-in-case scenario. With a powerful thrust of his wings, he rocketed upwards, hugging the mountainside as he ascended. The barren rock face offered zero shelter, and David found himself acutely aware of every static charge that made his fur stand on end. As he crested the final ridge, the Observatory came into view. The massive radio telescope loomed against the bruised sky, its dish a silent, judging witness to his return. The scent of rain hit him like a truck, so thick he could almost chew it. Petrichor mixed with that unique ''mountain'' smell - a cocktail of lichen, weathered stone, and a hint of that distinct "holy shit that''s high up" smell from the distant peaks. David touched down with a soft thud, his claws scraping against gravel in the dusty soil. His gaze was drawn to the wall where he''d scratched his crime against cartography. The childish scribbles seemed to mock him in the dim light, a reminder of the shit show that lay ahead. Omega''s ultimatum hung over him like a goddamn piano in a cartoon, just waiting to drop. But as he stared at the map, a flicker of confidence sparked in his chest. The memory of the Observatory roof caving under a deluge of Miasma played through his mind. If it can take down part of a building, it can sure as hell take down a boss. Just gotta play it smart. In, out, no muss, no fuss. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy...oh who am I kidding? This might suck. "So, how''d it go with Slithers and McSparky? Azanah show her furry face?" Claire''s voice cut through his mental pity party, startling him so badly he nearly jumped out of his skin. He whirled around to find her massive form filling the entrance of the lean-to, her scales gleaming dully in the fading light. David''s ears flapped comically as he shook his head. "Christ on a cracker, warn a bat next time, will you? And no, no sign of our favorite electrified ferret. But the meeting went well enough. They seemed... grateful, I guess? As grateful as a giant snake can look, anyway." He ambled over to the lean-to, ducking under Claire''s head to escape the first fat droplets of rain that had begun to fall. The patter on the makeshift roof grew steadily louder, creating a soothing white noise that almost - but not quite - drowned out the voice in his head screaming "We''re all gonna die!" "You know," David mused, flopping onto his nest of pilfered cushions, "for a minute there, I thought I might actually be getting good at this whole diplomacy thing. Then I remembered I was basically playing courier for a severed head. Not exactly ambassadorial material, huh?" Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Hey, delivering heads is a long running human tradition¡­ just not for, like, a few thousand years now. You never know, you could start a trend. Imagine all the conflicts we could solve with strategic head deliveries." David flopped onto his cushion nest, his wings splaying out dramatically. The Cuddlebugs, taking their cue from their master, dispersed throughout the lean-to. A cluster of the fuzzy critters clung to a fold of cloth hanging from the top, looking like the world''s ugliest bunch of grapes. Claire fixed David with a pointed look, but he remained lost in thought, his eyes unfocused. She gently booped his head with her snout, startling him back to reality. The familiar discordant purr began to well up in David''s chest, a sound that shouldn''t have been possible given his anatomy. He didn''t fight it, letting the oddly soothing noise mix with the patter of rain, the soft chirps of the Cuddlebugs, and Claire''s steady breathing. Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Haven''t heard that in a while. You turning into a happy little fuzzball on me?" David shrugged, his purr tapering off. "Just been stressed, I guess. Honestly, I hate all this running around, trying to power up as fast as possible. It''s like-" He cut himself off mid-sentence, his expression darkening. After a moment of tense silence, words began to tumble out of him in a rush. "I''m sorry, Claire. God, I''m so sorry for dragging you into all this bullshit. You could''ve been happy at Woodland with everyone else, not dealing with Overseers and their cosmic horror crap. You don''t deserve to be mixed up in Omega''s games, or-" David''s rambling apology was abruptly cut short as Claire''s massive jaws descended over his entire head. The sensation was... unique, to say the least. Her teeth, each easily as long as a human hand, pressed against his skull with surprising gentleness. The pressure was firm but not painful, like the world''s most predatory shushing. The heat of her breath washed over him, carrying the faint scent of their last meal. For a moment, David was acutely aware of just how easily Claire could end him if she wanted to. Just as quickly as it had happened, Claire released him. David blinked owlishly, too shocked to speak. "Sorry," Claire rumbled, looking slightly embarrassed. "My arms are too small to just hold your snout shut." David''s brow furrowed, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly as he tried to process what had just happened. Claire continued, her voice taking on a stern tone. "Look, you might be acting smarter in fights, but you''re still a dumbass in your own uniquely David way. You think I couldn''t have said ''fuck this noise'' and bailed after Omega did his whole ''Behold, I am the scariest shit that has ever existed'' shtick?" David cringed, his ears drooping. "But I didn''t," Claire pressed on. "You know why? Because you''re my friend, you idiot. And as much as you like to put yourself down, you had the right idea. Look how strong we are now compared to almost everyone else. That proves it." David nodded slowly, his expression a mixture of guilt and grudging agreement. "Sure, you handled some things badly," Claire admitted. "You downplayed stuff you shouldn''t have, took other things too seriously. Maybe you got your priorities ass-backwards for a while. But you were right about needing to get stronger fast." David let out a dramatic sigh, flopping sideways into Claire''s bulk. "Thanks," he muttered, his voice muffled by her scales. "I just... I feel like I''m going to fall apart from the stress. It''s been one life-or-death clusterfuck after another lately." Claire noticed his distress, carefully wrapping her head and neck around him in a reptilian hug. She was cautious not to squish him, which was a real concern given their size difference. Just then, a massive bolt of lightning split the sky, followed almost instantly by a deafening crack of thunder. The sound was so intense they could feel it reverberating in their chests. The Cuddlebugs, still new to the concept of storms, immediately lost their shit. The smaller, fluffier ''normal'' ones bolted under David''s wings, chirping in terror. The Empowered Cuddlebugs, on the other hand, sprang into action as if facing down an enemy horde. They formed a protective circle around David and Claire, hissing and snarling with a ferocity that seemed at odds with their tiny, adorable forms. David couldn''t help but chuckle at their reaction. "Easy there, furballs. It''s just sky noise, not the end of the world. We already had that, remember?" This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Claire snorted, her warm breath ruffling David''s fur. "You know, for a bunch of creatures literally made to fight, they''re pretty jumpy." "Hey, cut them some slack," David protested, reaching out to scratch the nearest Empowered Cuddlebug behind its ears. "They''re basically newborns, the oldest ones are, what? A couple days old now? Everything''s new and terrifying." The tiny creature leaned into his touch, its aggressive stance melting away as it began to purr. The sound was eerily similar to David''s own discordant rumble, like someone had shrunk his purr and pitch-shifted it up a few octaves. "Speaking of that," Claire mused, her voice taking on a thoughtful tone, "have you noticed how much smarter the Empowered ones are getting? That one was trying to draw a couple days ago." She pointed with her snout towards the one that almost seemed to like her better than it liked David. David nodded, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "Yeah, they''re evolving faster than I expected. It''s kind of amazing, really. And a little terrifying." Claire''s massive head swiveled to fix him with a pointed stare. "Terrifying? How so?" David hesitated, struggling to put his thoughts into words. "It''s just... I created them, you know? But they''re becoming their own beings, with their own thoughts and personalities. What if... what if I''m not a good...Creator? Whatever the hell I am to them." Claire was quiet for a moment, considering his words. Finally, she spoke, her voice uncharacteristically gentle. "David, I''ve seen you with these little monsters. You care about them, guide them, protect them. That''s more than a lot of actual parents do." David felt a lump form in his throat. "Yeah, but-" "No buts," Claire interrupted. "You''re doing fine. Besides, it''s not like there''s a handbook for raising an army of sentient, nightshade-based abominations." David snorted, a grin tugging at the corners of his snout. "Fair point. ''What to Expect When You''re Expecting Eldritch Horrors'' probably isn''t a bestseller." As they fell into a comfortable silence, the storm continued to rage outside. The patter of rain on the lean-to''s roof created a soothing white noise, punctuated occasionally by rumbles of thunder. The Cuddlebugs, having calmed down from their initial panic, had settled into a protective formation around David and Claire. David found himself absently stroking the fur of the Cuddlebugs nearest to him, his mind wandering to the challenges that lay ahead. The crude map on the wall seemed to loom in his peripheral vision, a constant reminder of the bosses they''d soon face. "Hey, Claire?" he said softly, breaking the silence. "Hmm?" she rumbled, her eyes half-closed in contentment. "Thanks. For everything. I don''t know if I could do this without you." Claire fell silent for a moment, the only sound the steady drumming of rain on the lean-to''s roof. Finally, she spoke, her voice hesitant. "So... have you thought about which boss you''re going to tackle?" David sighed, his ears drooping slightly. "Yeah, been racking my brain over it. The Stormshrieker''s definitely out. That feathered freight train''s too big to ground like I did with the Owl, and just the wind off its wings would scatter my Miasma faster than you demolish an all-you-can-eat buffet." Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Watch it, bat boy. I''m still bigger than you." David snapped at her playfully, then continued. "I''ve actually been reconsidering the Colossus. Before, I thought the plant coverage and sheer size would be too much. But now? With how nasty Miasma is, it might be one of the easier targets. I could outmaneuver it in the air, keep up the Miasma production until it kicks the bucket. Focus on the center of its huge-ass body so it can''t just regrow limbs like some overgrown starfish." Claire nodded appreciatively. "Not a bad plan for something that big. Being huge myself, I can appreciate the strategy." David snorted. "Yeah, well, you''ve got enough Bloodlines now. Time to share the wealth, fatty." Claire''s laughter rumbled through the lean-to, sounding like bricks tumbling down a hill. David found himself grinning at the sound he''d grown fond of. Even it it did rattle his chest a bit sometimes. After a moment, David fell silent, a shiver running through his body that had nothing to do with the cool air. "Actually," he said slowly, "I think the Hive Queen might be my best bet." Claire recoiled so fast she nearly toppled the lean-to. "Have you lost your batty mind?" David held up a wing placatingly. "Hear me out! I''ve accidentally set myself up to stomp swarms of things. Think about it - Miasma, Screech, Empowered Corruptor''s Touch spreading Miasma, Flight, Echolocation, the Cuddlebugs intercepting anything that breaks through... oh, and Decoys if all else fails." He paused for breath, his words tumbling out faster as excitement built. "But here''s the kicker - I can manipulate my own pheromones. Bugs communicate mostly through smell, right? I could copy their scent, waltz right into the hive like I own the place, or just perch on top and melt the whole damn thing like the world''s grossest ice cream cone." Claire blinked, her reptilian features arranged in an expression of surprise. "Wait, your loogie attack spreads Miasma now?" David''s eyes widened, suddenly realizing nobody but him knew about that particular upgrade. "Oh, uh, yeah. It does now. Surprise! Also," he added, warming to his topic, "I bet the Hive Queen''s got a killer Bloodline for controlling swarms. And what do I have with ''swarm'' right in the name? It''s like I''ve been accidentally preparing for this my whole monstrous life." The veteran Cuddlebug, seemingly following the conversation, chirped and hissed at mostly appropriate moments. Once or twice, it misinterpreted David''s sounds, reacting out of sync in a way that made him chuckle despite the serious topic. Claire mulled it over, her massive form shuddering. Her scales scraped against David''s wings uncomfortably, but he didn''t move. "Bugs are gross and a little terrifying," she admitted, "but you might be onto something. I didn''t consider the pheromone angle, or know you could basically hock death loogies now. If you can pull it off, it''ll be a wrap... as long as nothing weird happens." David snorted. "When does anything ever go according to plan for us? It''s like we''re living in a sitcom, but instead of laugh tracks, we get near-death experiences." Just then, a strange glow caught their attention, illuminating the fabric of the shelter with colors that definitely weren''t lightning. David''s ears perked up, swiveling towards an otherworldly sound that reminded him of whale song... if whales had learned to play synthesizers. What the hell is that? Can''t I catch a break for once, even on a rainy day? Curiosity overtook caution, and David scampered towards the lean-to''s entrance, craning his neck to peer upwards while still staying dry. Claire, less concerned with a little rain, simply stuck her head out, her anatomy preventing her from looking straight up without some awkward neck contortions. High above, weaving through the storm clouds, swam a school of... something. They looked a bit like manta rays, if mantas grew to the size of buses and had evolved in some alien ocean. Their bodies pulsed with bioluminescence, painting the clouds around them in soothing, ethereal hues that contrasted sharply with the angry storm. As David and Claire watched, struck speechless, the creatures dipped and spun through the air. Their movements were mesmerizing, a ballet of alien grace performed against the backdrop of roiling storm clouds. Long, translucent tendrils trailed behind them, pulsing with soft light that shifted from deep indigos to vibrant teals. One of the larger rays broke formation, spiraling upwards in a tight corkscrew. As it reached the apex of its climb, it suddenly folded its "wings" and plummeted, only to snap them open at the last second. The maneuver sent ripples through the clouds, like stones tossed into a pond. The others seemed to take this as a challenge. Soon, the sky was filled with their aerial acrobatics. They wove intricate patterns, their bioluminescent bodies leaving glowing trails that lingered in the air like celestial calligraphy. Their haunting song swelled, a chorus of otherworldly tones that seemed to resonate with the storm around them. As they passed over the Observatory, one of the smallest rays swooped low, close enough that David could make out strange, fractal patterns etched across its underbelly. For a brief moment, its enormous eye locked onto him, filled with a gentle intelligence that sent a shiver down his spine. Then, as quickly as they had appeared, the school banked as one and glided away. Their song faded into the distance, leaving behind only the patter of rain and the faint afterimage of their glowing bodies burned into David and Claire''s retinas. For a long moment, neither of them spoke, both too awed by the spectacle they''d just witnessed. Finally, Claire broke the silence. "You know," she said softly, "sometimes all this shit is worth it." David nodded, still staring at the spot where the creatures had vanished. "Yeah," he agreed. "It''s moments like these that make me think... maybe we''re not just survivors. Maybe we''re explorers, that has a better ring to it, I think." He paused, a grin slowly spreading across his face. "Of course, most explorers do have to worry about being eaten by the local wildlife..." Claire snorted, nudging him with her snout. "Or their best friend when they make one too many fat jokes?" David laughed, the sound mingling with the fading storm and the lingering echoes of alien whale song. "Exactly. We''re not just survivors or explorers. We''re the world''s weirdest nature documentary, hosted by a bat monster and his dinosaur sidekick." As they retreated back into the shelter, both still chuckling, David couldn''t help but feel a sense of wonder. Sure, their lives were a constant parade of danger and absurdity. But in moments like these, watching impossible creatures dance through storm clouds? It all seemed worth it. Besides, how many people can say they''ve seen flying, bioluminescent manta rays? Take what you can get, David. Once this rain lets up¡­I''m gonna swat that bug, get this bullshit over with¡­maybe head back to Woodland before Wave 2 hits. See how everyone is doing, maybe help out a bit if we get another wave of Hatches. Yeah¡­that''d be nice. 122 - Solo Boss Kill_Pt1 David''s eyes fluttered open as the first rays of dawn crept over the horizon. He found himself buried under a pile of Cuddlebugs, their warm, fuzzy bodies providing an oddly comforting weight. The air was thick with moisture, leaving everything slightly damp and uncomfortable. With a groan, David extricated himself from the furry pile, stretching like an oversized, winged cat. His joints popped and cracked as he worked out the kinks, earning a few sleepy chirps from the disturbed Cuddlebugs. They tumbled into a heap, somehow managing to scoot together and reform their cuddle puddle without fully waking. David blinked owlishly at the display, his brain still struggling to boot up. I swear, these little gremlins could sleep through the apocalypse. Oh, wait. I think I almost did that. Heheheh¡­bleh. He sat there for a good while, yawning and blinking groggily as his mind slowly came online. It had been his deepest sleep in ages, lulled into relaxation by the storm''s steady rhythm and the Cuddlebugs'' warmth. And then there was the cuddling with Claire... The memory hit him like a splash of cold water. David''s ears twitched as he recalled leaning against Claire''s bulk, her scales surprisingly warm and comforting. He quickly rationalized it away - after all, he slept on top of her all the time. What was a little leaning between friends? Still, he couldn''t deny the warm, fuzzy feeling that settled in his chest at the thought. Just as David was starting to enjoy his peaceful morning, reality crashed down on him like an avalanche. The boss run. His stomach did a somersault, a mixture of nervous energy and... excitement? Well, that''s new. When did I start looking forward to potentially lethal encounters again? David realized, with no small amount of surprise, that he''d grown to enjoy the challenge. Not in a masochistic way - he certainly didn''t relish the pain or fear. But there was something primally satisfying about emerging victorious, especially when he managed to outmaneuver much larger opponents. He braced himself, half-expecting Spooky to surface at the thought of impending violence aimed at such a superior enemy. But there was only silence. David took a moment to reflect on just how bizarre that whole situation with Spooky had been - instincts so strong they''d manifested as an almost separate personality. It was never really separate, though, was it? Just me, unable to accept that part of myself. He didn''t miss Spooky, exactly, but he had to admit that finally coming to terms with himself had quieted those intrusive urges almost completely. It hadn''t been an alien presence in his mind, just his own inability to internalize his willingness to act out necessary violence when pushed to the brink. David mentally raised a toast to Spooky - to himself, really - for growing enough to accept the world for what it was now. He acknowledged that taking Xi''s offered evolution had definitely helped curtail Omega''s more violent influences, which had been at odds with his own personality to an extreme degree. It kinda makes sense that the meanest one is in charge¡­wait, is Omega actually in charge? Xi¡¯s bullshit seemed to hint that they weren¡¯t all in cahoots with each other more than absolutely necessary. Eh, I¡¯ll worry about that later. One thing I definitely dont want is to be more involved in Overseer shenanigans. For a few precious moments, David allowed himself to simply exist. He breathed in the crisp, post-storm air, rich with the scent of damp earth and new growth. Creatures tentatively began their morning songs, as if testing whether it was safe to emerge after the night''s tempest. A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it the promise of a beautiful day. It''s almost easy to forget the world''s gone to hell when it puts on a show like this. Eventually, the peaceful moment had to end. David turned his attention to Claire''s slumbering form, her massive bulk rising and falling with each breath. He couldn''t help but grin as he noticed a small stream of drool pooling beneath her slightly open jaws. "Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty," David chirped, poking Claire''s hide with his wing spikes. "Time to face another day in paradise." Claire''s eyes snapped open, immediately alert. "Wha- huh?" she mumbled, her head swiveling to face David. "Oh, it''s just you. What''s got you up so early, David?" David shrugged, his wings rustling. "Oh, you know, just the usual. Impending boss battles, possible death, the thrill of unending horror looming over us. The simple joys of monster life." Claire snorted, a puff of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Ah, yes. Just another Tuesday for us, isn''t it?" As Claire began to shake off the last vestiges of sleep, David found his gaze drawn to the makeshift map on the wall. The crude drawings seemed to leer at him in the early morning light, a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. His gaze lingered on the crude drawing marking his target, and his mane ruffled a bit in anticipation. "So," Claire rumbled, following David''s gaze, "today''s the day, huh? You sure about this Hive Queen plan?" David nodded, a determined set to his jaw. "As sure as I can be about anything these days. Besides," he added with a grin, "if it all goes sideways, I''ve got a dinosaur-sized backup plan." Claire rolled her eyes, but David could see the hint of a smile tugging at her reptilian features. "Just don''t expect me to come swooping in like some scaly knight in shining armor. I don''t do the whole ''damsel in distress'' rescue thing. The dragon in question here was pretty clear about this not being a group activity." "Noted," David chuckled. "I''ll make sure to be my own self-rescuing princess." As they bantered, the Cuddlebugs began to stir. The tiny creatures stretched and yawned, their adorable display at odds with the deadly potential David knew they possessed. The newly Empowered ones immediately snapped to attention, their beady eyes scanning for potential threats. "At ease, soldiers," David quipped. "No imminent danger, unless you count Claire''s morning breath." Claire''s snout speared out, narrowly missing David as he danced away from the aggressive booping with a laugh. "Watch it, bat boy. I might just decide you look like breakfast." As the lean-to came fully to life, David felt a surge of affection for this odd little family he''d cobbled together. A dinosaur, a swarm of deadly fuzzballs, and one very confused bat-monster. It wasn''t conventional, but then again, nothing about their lives was. "Alright, team," David announced, flapping his wings with a crack for emphasis. "Time to gear up for Operation Bug Zapper. Any last-minute advice for your fearless leader?" The Cuddlebugs chirped and squeaked, some offering what sounded suspiciously like actual suggestions that all boiled down to ¡®Bite the bad things real good¡¯. Claire just shook her head, a mixture of amusement and concern in her eyes. "Yeah, I''ve got some advice," she said. "Don''t die. And if you do die, I''ll kill you myself." David grinned, his fangs glinting in the early morning light. "Duly noted. Now, to practice my bug impression! I need to nail this pheromone thing if I''m going to infiltrate Castle Creepy-Crawly." As the began his final preparations, David couldn''t help but feel a sense of anticipation building in his chest. This wasn''t just about surviving anymore. It was about proving himself, about freeing himself from the potential backlash of failure¡­and just maybe regaining his freedom from the clutches of Big Red. And if he happened to look incredibly cool while doing it? Well, that was just a bonus. David took a deep breath, his wings twitching with nervous energy. As Claire opened her mouth to offer more last-minute advice, he surprised her with a full-on hug around her massive snout. The sudden display of affection caught her off guard, and for a moment, she froze. But then a low, happy rumble vibrated through her body, sounding like boulders tumbling down a hill. "Look," David said, his voice muffled against her scales, "I know I''ve got some wiggle room on the deadline, but we can''t afford to dick around. Wave Two is coming, and we''ve got shit to do. I want to swing by Riverport, see how everyone''s doing. Maybe they''ve learned some new tricks, you never know anymore. Maybe someone figured out how to make real spells with Wildsoul energy or something." Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. He pulled back, meeting Claire''s concerned gaze. "Plus, I haven''t forgotten about finding your family. Now that I''ve got my growing army of furry spies, we can keep an eye on multiple spots at once. Who knows? Maybe some of our loved ones will hatch into Wave 2. I mean, that would kinda suck, but be nice in it¡¯s own way." David snickered at the thought of his mother waking as a Battle-Goose or something, but the nervous energy thrumming through his wings betrayed his true feelings. Claire sniffed, her expression a battleground of worry and barely contained rage at the situation. "You better not pull any of your usual bullshit," she growled, her voice thick with emotion she couldn''t physically express through tears. "I swear, if you go charging in there like an idiot-" David cut her off with a laugh. "Relax, fatty. I''m a Deceiver now, remember? I plan on living up to the name. Sneak in, copy the scent, scout the place out, then haul ass outta there to come up with an actual plan. No headlong, screaming assaults this time." Claire sniffed again, her nostrils flaring. "You''d better not. Now get moving before I change my mind and sit on you to keep you here. And... I''ll try to have something for you when you get back." David''s ears perked up at that. "Ooh, a surprise? If it''s food-related, I wouldn''t say no to one of those big cow things. Just saying." He felt a string of drool starting to dangle from his jaws at the thought, and quickly swallowed before he started leaking Miasma like a fog machine. Claire snorted a laugh, shaking her head. "Just go, you idiot. And come back in one piece, or I''ll put you back together just to tear you apart myself." With a nod, David recalled his Cuddlebugs, and scampered outside the lean-to toward open ground. The tiny creatures latched onto him like furry paratroopers, hissing with excitement as they felt his will to violence through their mental link. He took a deep breath, infusing his wings with Wildsoul energy. With a powerful flap that kicked up a wave of slightly muddy debris, David launched himself into the air. He rocketed away at top speed, partly to make an impressive exit and partly because he was afraid he''d lose his nerve if he hung around any longer. Okay, now to make a beeline straight fo¨C Hah. That¡¯s a good one, I¡¯ll have to remember that for later. I can just imagine the look on Claire¡¯s face when I tell her. I¡¯m convinced I can make her roll her eyes so hard they¡¯ll get stuck like that one of these days. Hah! He navigated by the now-familiar landmarks below, following a marshy river that snaked along the base of the mountains. The flight took most of the morning, but he barely felt any strain from it at all between his upgraded flight and vast stamina pool. He glided lazily, surfing the early morning air currents and updrafts that rose from the swamp to clash with the cool air coming off the mountains. Finally, he spotted his target - a dense section of relatively dry swamp connecting to nearby foothills. Even from his lofty altitude, David could almost hear the buzz of insects. The memory of those grotesquely oversized bugs sent a shiver down his spine and ruffled almost all his fur. Pushing the thought aside, he tucked his wings and dove, reveling in the weightless sensation. He strangled the urge to whoop and holler like he usually did during such maneuvers. Stealth was key here, after all. Leveling out just shy of the treeline, David landed silently at the edge of the dense copse he knew concealed the Hive. He purposely landed far enough away that he didn¡¯t receive the Area Boss warning, not willing to inadvertently trigger any sort of System Fuckery while he was still snooping around. Sure enough, lines of worker insects that looked like ants on steroids marched to and fro, carrying plant matter and small animal carcasses. Winged monstrosities that bore a passing resemblance to bees buzzed about haphazardly, their prominent pincers and stingers making David''s hide itch just looking at them. Early warning system, maybe? Or some kind of aerial defense force? Either way, they look about as friendly as a cactus in a balloon factory. I wonder where all those nasty beetle things went? For a brief moment, David considered waiting until nightfall. Then he shook his head, realizing he had all day to formulate a plan if needed. No sense in wasting daylight, especially when he didn''t really know what he was up against except for ''A whole buttload of bugs''. He was absolutely resolved to play this smart, but found himself humming the theme from a popular spy movie under his breath as he imagined sneaking in along with the line of insects. In his mind''s eye, he saw himself shuffling along with the worker ants, stalks of grass stuffed into his ears to mimic antennae. He''d nod casually to passing bugs, maybe even throw in a secret antenna-shake handshake. Why yes, I too am Bug. Just your average, everyday, six-legged Joe. Say, comrades, what''s your favorite weak point in our defenses? Mine''s the gaping hole we leave unguarded every third Tuesday. Ha ha, classic Hive, am I right? David snickered to himself, imagining the scene playing out like some bizarre insect version of a Cold War spy flick. He could almost hear the dramatic voiceover: In a world where giant bugs rule and bats must pretend to be beetles, one winged mammal dares to infiltrate the hive. David stars in... "From Redfield with Compound Eyes." He shook his head, grinning despite the gravity of the situation. "Focus, David," he muttered to himself. "You''re here to scout, not write the script for the world''s weirdest knockoff." Still, as he settled in to observe the insect traffic below, he couldn''t help but continue the mental movie. Maybe he''d need a catchy one-liner for when he finally faced the Hive Queen. Something like, ¡®Looks like your reign is about to bee over.¡¯ No, too cheesy. "Sorry to bug you, but you¡¯ll bee abdicating soon." Eh, needs work. David sighed, realizing he was procrastinating. But hey, if you can''t laugh in the face of certain doom, what''s the point of being a bat monster anyway? With a series of quick mental commands, David dispatched his Cuddlebugs. The Empowered ones took point, leading their smaller brethren on a stealth mission to retrieve an ant-thing or bee-thing - alive. He remembered all too well how the death-scent of those mutant dragonflies had drawn a massive swarm weeks ago. No need to ring the dinner bell just yet. As his furry spies melted into the underbrush, David settled in to wait. He found a comfy spot under a nearby tree, his dark fur rippling and blending seamlessly with the shadows. From his position, he had a clear view of the insect highway below. Watching the grotesque parade, a thought struck him. Here he was, a bat-monster commanding a small force of deadly furballs, about to infiltrate a hive of mutant insects. And this, somehow, was his new normal. If someone had told me a few months ago that this would be my life, I''d have asked what they were smoking and where I could get some. David shook off the moment of existential weirdness, focusing instead on the task at hand. As he waited for his Cuddlebugs to return, he began to practice modulating his pheromones, trying to mimic the scents wafting up from the insect throng below. He was met with conflicting results, one of which made him gag wretchedly at his own smell as he ironically put a little bit too much stank on the attempt. Alright, Hive Queen. Let''s see who''s got the smarter swarm. My money is on the Cuddlebugs, of course. Summoned them myself, and spared no expense. The Cuddlebugs soon began trickling back, a few of the ''normal'' ones returning first. They looked a bit sulky, chirping apologetically as they nestled into the shadow of David''s wings. He shrugged, not too worried about their lack of success. After all, he''d half expected something like this to happen. Can''t win ''em all, little buddies. A for effort, though. About twenty minutes later, the rest of the group returned. Three of the Empowered Cuddlebugs were carrying both a bee-thing and an ant-thing, working together in teams like tiny, furry stevedores. The rest of the swarm scampered ahead, returning with excited but quiet squeaks of delight. David''s eyes widened as he took in the state of their captives. The bee-thing''s wings had been completely torn off, and its stinger was conspicuously absent. Nasty ichor oozed from the wounds, but thankfully, it didn''t carry that "fuck this general area" smell he''d been worried about. The ant-thing hadn''t fared much better, reduced to a legless body that looked like a reject from a buggy version of a television show about unappetizing food. Well, shit. Remind me never to piss off the Empowered ones. They don''t mess around. With surprising efficiency, the Empowered Cuddlebugs wedged both struggling creatures into the lower branches of the tree David was lurking under, flipping them onto their backs so they couldn''t right themselves and escape. David found himself nodding in approval, genuinely impressed with how quickly and effectively they''d pulled off the mission. "Nice work, team," he whispered, doling out praise like candy on Halloween. "Didn''t even have to bolt with our prizes. You little ninjas are getting scary good at this stealth stuff." The Cuddlebugs preened under his praise, their chests puffing out with pride. Even the ones who''d come back empty-handed perked up, basking in the group''s success. Alright, time to put my money where my nose is. David leaned in close to the captive insects, preparing to sniff and copy their scent. He started with the ant-thing, figuring it might be a bit less aggressive given its current legless state. Big mistake. As he brought his nose close to the creature, its powerful mandibles shot out faster than he could blink. There was a sharp pinch, and David jerked back with a muffled yelp. "Son of a-" he hissed, rubbing his throbbing nose. The ant-thing''s pinchers were still clamped firmly on the tip of his snout, waving back and forth like some kind of horribly aggressive burrito. The Cuddlebugs erupted into a chorus of concerned chirps and squeaks, with more than a few sounding suspiciously like snickers. David glared at them, but couldn''t keep the amusement out of his voice. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, furballs. Your fearless leader just got owned by half an ant. Real smooth, David. Real smooth." As he gingerly pried the pinchers off his nose, David couldn''t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Here he was, about to infiltrate a hive of mutant bugs, and he couldn''t even handle a legless ant without getting nipped. If this is how the recon is going, this whole ''defeat the Hive Queen'' thing is gonna be a real riot. Shaking his head, David steeled himself for another attempt. This time, he''d be more careful. After all, he had a bug party to crash, and he wasn''t about to let a little thing like getting his nose pinched stop him. Alright, take two. Let''s try this again, preferably without the impromptu nose piercing. 123 - Solo Boss Kill_pt2 David leaned in close to the captured ant-thing, his nose twitching as he tried to isolate its unique scent. The creature''s mandibles snapped at him half-heartedly, but he managed to dodge another impromptu nose piercing. "Easy there, Snippy," David muttered. "I''m just trying to get to know you better. No need to get all bitey about it." He closed his eyes, focusing on his Pheromone Manipulation. Slowly, he began to pick apart the complex bouquet of scents emanating from the insect. There was an earthy undertone, like freshly turned soil, mixed with something sharper ¨C almost metallic. Beneath it all was a musky odor that screamed ''insect'' to his heightened senses. Bit by bit, David began to replicate the scent, tweaking his own pheromones to match. It was like trying to play a song by ear, adjusting each note until it harmonized perfectly. After several minutes of intense concentration, he opened his eyes and grinned. "Alright, let''s see if I''ve got this down. How do I smell, guys?" The Cuddlebugs chirped in confusion, their noses twitching as they tried to reconcile the sight of David with the scent of an ant. The veteran Empowered one tilted its head, looking thoroughly perplexed. "I''ll take that as a success," David chuckled. "Now, let''s add a little buzz to our bouquet." He turned his attention to the bee-thing, which was still struggling weakly against its bonds. This scent was more complex ¨C a mix of pollen, nectar, and something distinctly waxy. There was also an underlying sharpness that made David''s nose itch, probably related to its sting. As he worked to incorporate this new scent into his olfactory disguise, David couldn''t help but quip, "You know, if this whole ''survive the apocalypse'' thing doesn''t work out, I could probably make a killing in the perfume industry. Eau de Apocalypse Bug, anyone?" Finally satisfied with his scent camouflage, David decided it was time for a test run. With a mental command that left them whining, he directed the Cuddlebugs to stay put. He slipped out of his hiding place, gliding carefully for a short distance, landing silently at the edge of the insect highway. The effect was immediate and slightly unsettling. The nearest worker ants paused, their antennae waving in his direction. For a heart-stopping moment, David thought he''d been made. Then, with an almost imperceptible twitch, they simply went back to their tasks, completely ignoring him. Well, I''ll be damned. It actually worked. Either that, or I smell so bad they''re pretending I don''t exist. Emboldened by his success, David began to make his way towards the heart of the insect territory. As he walked, he focused on his Advanced Camouflage, willing his fur to blend with the surroundings. The effect was subtle but effective ¨C his outline seemed to ripple and blur, making him harder to spot even if someone (or something) was looking right at him. As David crept closer, the true scale of the hive began to reveal itself. What he had initially mistaken for a natural hill was, in fact, a colossal structure that defied expectation. The hive rose from the earth like some nightmarish version of a wasp nest, easily towering 80 feet into the air. Its surface was a mottled grey-brown, composed of what appeared to be a mixture of chewed wood pulp, resin, and other organic materials. The structure bulged and tapered in irregular intervals, giving it an almost organic appearance. Hexagonal patterns covered its surface, some areas smooth and others pockmarked with openings of various sizes. Near the top, several large, papery combs jutted out at odd angles, their surfaces crawling with insectoid activity. The main entrance gaped at the base, a dark maw large enough for several humans to walk through abreast. A constant stream of oversized insects flowed in and out, their movements precise and purposeful. The air around the hive buzzed with activity, thick with pheromones that made David''s head swim. As he steeled himself to approach, a familiar chime rang out in his mind: ¨CWARNING¨C ¨CEntering Area Boss Territory¨C ¨CQuest Available: The Queen''s Gambit¨C ¨CReward: Fusion Token¨C ¨CBonus Objective: Claim Boss Trophy¨C ¨CReward: Special Evolution Bloodline¨C David snorted softly. "The Queen''s Gambit? Really? What, am I supposed to challenge her to a game of chess or something?" He shook his head, trying to focus on the task at hand. The sight made his skin crawl, but he pressed on. As he approached, he noticed a group of enormous beetles standing guard. Each was easily the size of a pony, their armored carapaces gleaming in the sunlight. David swallowed hard, steeling himself for what was to come. Here goes nothing. Just act natural. You''re just another bug, going about your buggy business. Nothing to see here. He walked up to the guards, trying to mimic the steady, purposeful gait of the worker ants. For a moment, it seemed like they might let him pass without incident. Then, as one, the beetles turned towards him. David froze as one of the guards lowered its head, bringing its enormous compound eyes level with his face. He could see his own distorted reflection in the thousands of tiny lenses, each one seeming to study him with alien intensity. The beetle''s antennae reached out, gently probing at David''s fur. He fought the urge to flinch as the feather-light touch danced across his skin. The sensation was indescribably weird ¨C like being tickled by a living feather duster. Another guard circled behind him, its mandibles clicking softly. David felt a brief moment of panic as the beetle''s mouthparts brushed against his wings. He half expected to feel a sudden, searing pain as the creature bit down. Instead, it seemed to be... grooming him? What, am I too dirty for your delicate sensibilities? The inspection continued for what felt like an eternity. David stood perfectly still, hardly daring to breathe as the enormous insects examined every inch of him. He could hear the soft scraping of their legs against the ground, the quiet whir of wings being flexed, the occasional click of mandibles. The air was thick with the musty scent of the beetles, mixed with something sharper ¨C possibly some kind of pheromone they were using to communicate. Just when David thought he couldn''t take it anymore, the beetles suddenly lost interest. They stepped back, their antennae waving in what he could only interpret as dismissal. The path into the hive was clear. As David took his first step into the hive, he couldn''t help but mutter under his breath, "Well, that was about as much fun as a cavity search by a certain scissor-handed barber. Let''s hope the welcoming committee inside is a little less handsy." The interior of the hive was a marvel of organic architecture, far more complex than he''d anticipated. The entrance tunnel sloped downward, revealing that a significant portion of the structure extended underground. The walls were a mottled grey-brown, composed of the same chewed wood pulp and resin as the exterior. To David''s surprise, the air inside was remarkably fresh. A complex network of ventilation shafts, barely visible in the darkness but revealed in full detail by Echolocation, circulated air throughout the hive. The temperature was cooler than outside, providing a brief moment of comfort that felt jarringly out of place in such an alien environment. Tunnels branched off in every direction, some sloping further down, others climbing upwards. The air carried a complex mixture of scents that made David''s head spin ¨C a blend of pheromones, organic matter, and something sickeningly sweet he couldn''t quite identify. He moved cautiously, using short bursts of Echolocation to map out his surroundings. The pulses revealed a labyrinth of chambers and passageways, stretching far beyond what he could see with his eyes alone. Some rooms appeared to be storage areas, filled with what looked like honeycombs but oozed with an unnatural, fluorescent substance. Tiny insects scuttled everywhere in neverending lines, and David found out the hard way the didn''t stop just because you wanted to walk through. He clenched his jaw hard enough to hurt as the creatures simply climbed over him without a care, their legs and feet surprisingly pinchy and uncomfortable. A huge wave of revulsion rippled through David''s body, and he resolved to be more careful about walking through lines of workers. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Oh. My god. That was. Sooo nasty. Yech! Ick! Blech! I can still feel them! Ew ew! Ew! As he delved deeper into the hive, David couldn''t shake the feeling that he was being watched. Every so often, he''d catch a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye ¨C a fleeting shadow, a twitch of an antenna. But whenever he turned to look, there was nothing there. Great. Now I''m jumping at shadows. Get it together, David. You''re a bat on a mission, not a paranoid schizophrenic. He pressed on, trying to ignore the crawling sensation on his skin. The tunnels seemed to be getting larger, the insects patrolling them growing in size. Occasionally, he''d pass chambers where the walls pulsed with an unsettling rhythm, as if the very structure was alive. David''s stomach churned as he realized he was probably getting closer to the heart of the hive ¨C and its queen. Suddenly, he found himself on the edge of an enormous cavern. The space was easily the size of a football field, its ceiling lost in shadows high above. Massive, twisted columns of the hive material supported the roof, each one crawling with insect activity. And there, in the center of it all, was the Hive Queen.. David''s breath caught in his throat as he took in the monstrous form before him. The queen was a grotesque fusion of insect parts, her bloated body easily the size of a school bus. Multiple sets of legs, each as thick as saplings, supported her massive bulk. Her head was a nightmare of compound eyes and gnashing mandibles, crowned with a set of antennae that constantly twitched and waved. But what really caught David''s attention was the pulsating sac attached to her abdomen. It writhed and bulged, occasionally expelling a glistening egg that was quickly whisked away by attendant insects. "Holy shit," David whispered, unable to contain himself. "And I thought that one substitute teacher was terrifying." He pressed himself against the wall, willing his camouflage to work overtime. His mind raced as he tried to process what he was seeing and formulate a plan. Okay, David, think. How the hell are you supposed to take down something that size? Maybe if I can get close enough to use Miasma... or if I can somehow damage that egg sac...there''s gotta be a way. His thoughts were interrupted by a commotion near the queen. A group of larger insects ¨C some kind of elite guard, he guessed ¨C were dragging something towards her. As they got closer, David''s eyes widened in shock. It was one of the crystal-horned deer, still alive but clearly injured. The creature thrashed weakly as it was presented to the queen, its eyes wide with terror. David watched in horror as the queen''s mandibles descended on the unfortunate animal. There was a sickening crunch, and then... silence. Well, that''s going to fuel some nightmares for a while. Note to self: avoid getting eaten by the big bad bug lady. As the queen''s attendants began to clean up the grisly remains after Her Majesty made surprisingly quick work of eating it, David knew he had seen enough. He needed to get out, to regroup and come up with a plan. This wasn''t just about claiming a Fusion Token anymore. Whatever was happening here, it had to be stopped. Carefully, he began to edge his way back towards the tunnel he had entered from. He was so focused on staying quiet and unseen that he almost missed the soft chittering sound coming from behind him. David turned slowly, his heart pounding in his chest. There, blocking his escape route, was one of the queen''s elite guards. It stood nearly as tall as he did, its mandibles flexing menacingly. For a long moment, they stared at each other. David could feel his lips curling into an unconscious warning snarl and immediately forced them back down, on the off chance this bug knew that bugs don''t have lips. The guard''s antennae twitched, probing the air. Then, with a speed that belied its size, the guard lunged forward. Oh, shi¡ª David tensed, ready for a fight that would probably end with him as bug chow. But instead of attacking, the guard simply crawled over him, its legs skittering across David''s fur as it made its way towards the queen''s chamber. The insect''s exoskeleton brushed against him, sending shivers down his spine. For a moment, David stood frozen, his heart threatening to burst out of his chest like some B-movie alien. He watched as the guard joined others in cleaning up the remains of the queen''s meal, moving with an eerie efficiency that made his skin crawl. Okay, that''s enough nightmare fuel for one day. Time to nope the hell out of here. Summoning every ounce of self-control, David forced himself to walk calmly towards the exit. Each step felt like an eternity, his muscles screaming at him to run, to fly, to do anything but maintain this agonizingly slow pace. But he knew that any sudden movement could blow his cover. As he navigated the twisting tunnels, David couldn''t shake the feeling of thousands of compound eyes watching his every move. The walls seemed to pulse around him, the constant drone of insect activity growing louder in his ears. It took every bit of willpower not to break into a sprint, screaming like a kid who''d just found a spider in their shoe. After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, David finally emerged from the hive. The sunlight hit his face, and he had to resist the urge to kiss the ground in relief. Instead, he took a deep breath of fresh, non-bug-infested air and launched himself into the sky. He flew back to where the Cuddlebugs were waiting, his wings cutting through the air with barely contained nervous energy. Landing under the tree, David immediately checked on his insect captives. They were still there, looking even more pissed off if that was possible. "Glad to see you two are still with us," David muttered. "Trust me, I''m not thrilled about this situation either. Now, excuse me for just one second." With that, David finally surrendered to the full-body heebie-jeebies he''d been suppressing since leaving the hive. A violent shudder ran through him, starting at the tip of his ears and rippling down to his talons. His wings flared out, vibrating against the air as if trying to shake off the memory of countless insect legs crawling over him. "Ew ew ew EW EW EW EW GROSS!" he yelped, dancing in place like he was standing on hot coals. His fur stood on end, and he frantically brushed at his body with his wings, trying to rid himself of the phantom sensation of tiny, skittering legs. David whined, twisting and turning as if he could somehow escape his own skin. He even went so far as to rub himself against the rough bark of the nearby tree, looking for all the world like a bear with an intense itch. After a solid minute of frantic wiggling and muttered curses, David finally calmed down enough to stop his impromptu dance of disgust. He took a deep breath, his chest heaving as he tried to regain his composure. "Okay," he panted, looking slightly embarrassed. "I think I got it all out of my system. Mostly. Maybe. Ugh, I''m going to be feeling phantom antennae for weeks." He flopped down in the grass, his mind racing as he tried to process everything he''d seen. The Cuddlebugs gathered around him, chittering softly as if sensing his distress. The veteran Empowered one perched on a nearby branch, its beady eyes fixed on David with an almost concerned expression. "Alright, team," David said, running a wing over his face. "We''ve got a big problem. And when I say big, I mean ''size of a school bus with more legs than a centipede convention'' big." He began to sketch out a rough map of the hive in the dirt, using a claw to mark key points. "The queen''s chamber is here, deep underground. It''s massive, easily big enough to fit a few houses. And let me tell you, Her Royal Bugginess is not someone I want to tangle with in close quarters." The Cuddlebugs leaned in, their tiny heads tilting as they studied the crude diagram. David couldn''t help but chuckle at their intense focus. "Listen up, furballs. We''re going to need a plan that doesn''t involve me getting up close and personal with Madame Mandibles. I''m thinking... long-range assault, obviously. Something that''ll take her out without giving her a chance to turn me into bat tartare." He tapped his chin thoughtfully, his ears twitching as he considered their options. "The ventilation system could be our way in. If we could flood those tunnels with Miasma, maybe we could body her before she even knows what''s happening." The veteran Cuddlebug chirped excitedly, bouncing on its branch. David grinned, appreciating its enthusiasm. "I like where your head''s at, little buddy. But we''ll need to be careful. One wrong move, and we''ll have every bug in that hive gunning for us. And trust me, there are a lot of bugs." As David continued to brainstorm, he felt a familiar tingle in the back of his mind. It wasn''t Spooky this time, but something else. A growing sense of excitement, of anticipation. Despite the danger, despite the nightmarish scenes he''d witnessed, part of him was actually looking forward to this challenge. Is this what I''ve become? Some adrenaline junkie monster, getting his kicks from near-death experiences? He shook his head, pushing the thought aside. There''d be time for existential crises later. Right now, he had a job to do. "Okay, here''s what we''re going to do," David announced, his voice taking on a commanding tone that surprised even him. "First, we need to map out those ventilation shafts. I''ll send a few of you in to scout, using the pheromones I''ve picked up as camouflage. I''ll rub you into my armpits like a loofa or something, I dunno. We''ll make it work." He pointed to a group of Cuddlebugs, who puffed up their chests proudly at being chosen. "Once we know the layout, we''ll set up an area for me to work my magic from." The Cuddlebugs nodded in unison, their tiny faces set with determination. David couldn''t help but feel a swell of pride at their dedication...though he wondered which of them had figured out what nodding meant, or how they''d taught the others. He had his suspicions however, shooting one particular empowered specimen a look. "And finally," he said, his fangs glinting in a predatory grin, "we''re going to cook up the biggest batch of Miasma this world has ever seen. By the time we''re done, that hive is going to look like an old campfire. Hopefully, anyway." As the midday sun beat down on their makeshift war room, David felt a sense of purpose settling over him. "Alright, team," David said, his voice resolute. "We''ve got a few hours to prepare. I want to hit them when the sun goes down. Bugs are usually less active at night, right? Let''s hope that applies to these oversized nightmares too." He stretched his wings, working out the tension that had built up during his nerve-wracking infiltration. "We''ll rest up somewhere safer later, but for now, let''s start mapping those ventilation shafts. The sooner we have a solid plan, the better." As the Cuddlebugs began to organize themselves for their reconnaissance mission, David cast one last glance at the distant hive. Its papery exterior seemed to shimmer in the heat haze, a deceptively mundane facade hiding the horrors within. 124 - Solo Boss Kill_pt3 David eyed his assembled Cuddlebugs, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Alright, furballs, time for your spa treatment. Who wants to smell like Eau de Bug?" The tiny creatures chirped excitedly, oblivious to the task ahead. David grabbed a large leaf, using it as a makeshift paintbrush. He scrubbed it into the scent glands on his neck, picking up his concocted pheromone mixture, a blend that reeked of ant and bee. "Hold still, you little gremlins," he muttered, carefully applying the mixture to each Cuddlebug. He started with their backs, then gently turned them over to coat their undersides. "This is some high-class bug perfume. Don''t waste it." As he worked, David couldn''t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Here he was, a bat monster giving tiny, deadly furballs a pheromone bath. The apocalypse really did make for strange bedfellows. Just be glad I''m not doing it the ¡®Planet Animal Channel'' way. I saw how most animals ¡®applied pheremones¡¯ back in the day, and I''m not sure they''d ever look at me the same again if I did it that way¡­ One particularly squirmy Cuddlebug kept evading his leaf-brush. David narrowed his eyes, remembering his earlier ¡®suggestion¡¯. "Oh, you want special treatment, huh?" With exaggerated movements, he pretended to use the creature as a loofah, rubbing it vigorously against his armpit. "There! Now you smell extra fancy." To his surprise, the Cuddlebug seemed to revel in the attention, purring contentedly. David shook his head, chuckling. "Weirdos, the lot of you." With the scent disguise applied, David divided the Cuddlebugs into teams. He pointed at the first group, "You''re the Weyland group." To the second, "Yutani group." And finally, "And you little terrors are the Ripley group." He paused, grinning to himself. "Not that any of that means anything to you. Just humor me, okay? Man, I miss movie night. Let''s hope this goes better than those flicks usually played out, eh?" The Empowered Cuddlebugs took charge of their respective teams, puffing out their chests importantly. David knelt down, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "Alright, listen up. You''re going to be my eyes and ears in there. Scout those vents, map out the routes, and for the love of all that''s holy, don''t get squished. You''re small, you''re quick, and you don''t have to deal with the gross factor. Lucky bastards." He suppressed a shudder, memories of his earlier venture still fresh. "Now get in there and make me proud Team. Operation Bug Hunt is a go!" The Cuddlebugs flew off, disappearing into the treeline on a straight shot for the hive''s ventilation system. David settled back, preparing for the wait. Within minutes, the first impressions began filtering through the mental link. Flashes of dark tunnels, pulsing walls, and strange, bioluminescent growths filled his mind. The newer Empowered Cuddlebugs sent chaotic, unfocused images, tinged with excitement and nervousness. In contrast, the veteran pair provided clearer, more detailed snapshots, their emotional input steady and focused. "Huh," David mused, "guess experience really does make a difference. Who knew my fuzzy little spies could level up?" As time passed, a clearer picture of the hive''s internal structure emerged. The ventilation shafts were a complex network, far more intricate than David had imagined. He saw glimpses of strange, caterpillar-like creatures methodically repairing and expanding the tunnels, utterly ignoring the passing Cuddlebugs. One veteran Cuddlebug sent an image of a narrow passage opening into a vast chamber. The walls glistened with a slimy substance, and egg-like structures dotted the floor, just barely covered with a layer a dense, humid mist. The impression came with a sense of wariness and a hint of fascination. Another Cuddlebug, one of the newer ones, relayed a chaotic series of images: a sudden rush of worker insects, a frantic scramble to hide its group, the pounding of countless legs passing by. The fear was palpable, but so was the thrill of the close call. "Well, that''s convenient," David muttered, processing the information. "Let''s hear it for single-minded bug labor and my stealthy little ninjas." The mental images kept coming, each one adding to the growing map in David''s mind. Narrow passages that opened into cavernous chambers, strange organic structures that pulsed with an alien rhythm, and always, always, the sense of teeming life just beyond the vent walls. After what felt like an eternity but was closer to ninety minutes, David received a triumphant burst of emotion from one of the veteran Cuddlebugs. The mental image that followed made his breath catch in his throat. A massive chamber, easily recognizable but seen from a new angle, filled his mind''s eye. And there, in the center, was the unmistakable bulk of the Hive Queen. The image was accompanied by a mix of awe and primal fear, along with a sense of accomplishment at having found the target. "Bingo," he whispered, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "Looks like we''ve got a royal appointment." David''s reaction to the successful reconnaissance was a sight to behold. He began a bizarre dance, part victory jig and part full-body shudder. His wings flapped erratically, stirring up leaves and debris as he hopped from foot to foot. "Yes! I made a plan that actually worked!" he hissed excitedly, pumping a wing in the air. Then, as the full implications of what they''d seen hit him, he shivered violently. "Oh god, it''s gonna be so gross in there. So. Many. Bugs." After his moment of celebration-slash-revulsion, David composed himself and sent out a mental command to his Cuddlebug army: Group up at the team that found the chamber. Look around. Be careful. As his furry spies regrouped with impressive efficiency, David directed them to scout the Queen''s chamber more thoroughly. To his pleasant surprise, not only did the Cuddlebugs execute his orders with unexpected competence, but they actually managed to locate another ventilation shaft near the Queen herself. However, the news came with a catch. "Her personal AC, huh?" David muttered, processing the mental images. "Well, isn''t that convenient... and utterly disgusting." The vent wasn''t directly above the Queen, but it was close enough to work with. What caught David''s attention, however, were the guards stationed at the entrance. The mental snapshot he received made his fur stand on end. These weren''t the beetle-like creatures he''d assumed were the Queen''s elite guard. No, these were something far more terrifying. They resembled wasps, but twisted into something out of a nightmare. Each was easily the size of David himself, with elongated bodies covered in gleaming, pitch-black exoskeletons. Their wings were folded tightly against their bodies, looking more like deadly blades than appendages for flight. What really set them apart were their heads. Massive compound eyes glowed with an eerie, reddish light. Mandibles that looked like they could shear through steel clicked menacingly. Antennae twitched constantly, scanning for any hint of a threat. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. "Well, aren''t you two just a pair of beauties," David whispered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What are you supposed to be, the elite-elite guard? The ''only let air through'' squad?" Despite his apprehension, David instructed his Cuddlebugs to proceed past the guards. He watched through their eyes as they approached, noting with a mixture of relief and confusion that the wasp-like sentinels almost seemed to expect the presence. They opened their mandibles impossibly wide, leaning down towards his approaching scouts. His veteran Cuddlebugs sent back a nearly 4k impression of the bug''s mouthparts wriggling excitedly, and David thought it was about to be a massacre. However, the two horrible killing machines simply sat there placidly, unmoving. After a moment''s hesitation, David urged his Summons to continue onward into the larger ventilation shaft. The guards'' antennae waved in what appeared to be puzzlement as the Cuddlebugs scurried by, but they made no move to stop them. "Huh," David muttered, flicking an ear in confusion. "Guess my eau de bug is better than I thought. I wonder what that was about?" The Cuddlebugs continued into the larger ventilation shaft, which, to David''s relief, looked like it could accommodate his bat-like frame without too much discomfort. He directed them to follow the shaft to its exit, a task they accomplished with admirable speed. When they encountered the grate-like covering at the exit, David''s first reaction was annoyance. But as he studied the structure through his minions'' eyes, a grin spread across his face. "That''s not going to be a problem," he muttered, already imagining the satisfying sizzle of his Miasma melting through the organic barrier. Less satisfactorily, just outside the grate were several more of the large black wasp-like creatures, all busily fanning their wings at the mouth of the tunnel. David couldn''t hear it himself, but from the vague irritation he could feel from his summons, it was probably loud. Really loud. With their mission complete, David called his summons back. As he waited for their return, his mind was already racing, piecing together the fragments of a plan. The layout of the hive, the position of the Queen, the guard placement ¨C it all swirled in his head, a puzzle waiting to be solved. His thoughts kept returning to those wasp-like guards. They were unlike anything he''d seen in the hive so far, and their presence bothered him. Were they a special breed created solely to protect the Queen? And if so, what other surprises might be waiting for him? David shook his head, pushing those concerns aside for the moment. He had the information he needed. Now it was time to put it to use. As the first of his Cuddlebugs began to return, chittering excitedly about their successful mission, his eyes gleamed with determination. David felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. He had the intel he needed, and now it was time to retreat and formulate a proper plan. Preferably somewhere less... buggy. "Alright, troops," he announced to his Cuddlebug army. "Time to board the S.S. Batshit. All aboard!" He lowered one wing dramatically to the ground, forming a makeshift ramp. To his amusement and slight bewilderment, several of the Cuddlebugs actually scampered up the impromptu gangplank, chittering excitedly. "You guys really need to get out more," David muttered, shaking his head. "That, or I need to stop anthrofro... anthrop... ugh, what''s that word?" His ears swiveled in frustration as he wrestled with his vocabulary. "Anthropomorpahawhatsit? Anthropopotamus? No, that''s not right. Sounds like a hippo with an identity crisis." David''s brow furrowed, his fangs worrying at his lower lip as he tried to dredge up the correct term from the recesses of his memory. "Anthropomorphizing! That''s it!" He declared triumphantly, before deflating slightly. "Or is it? Damn, I used to know this stuff." He glanced down at the Cuddlebugs, who were staring at him with their usual mixture of adoration and confusion. "Look, the point is, I need to stop treating you like you''re tiny, furry humans. Even if you are adorably expressive for a bunch of nightmarish abominations." David sighed, running a wing over his face. "And now I''m explaining myself to you. Great job, bat boy. Really nailing the ''don''t treat them exactly like people'' thing." As the last Cuddlebug finally found its perch, David''s gaze fell on the two captive insects. A lightbulb went off in his head, accompanied by the memory of a massive dragonfly swarm that had once forced him and Claire into a hasty retreat. Now there''s an idea. Let''s see just how trigger-happy these bugs get when one of their own bites the dust. For science, of course. And maybe a little bit for the schaden...schaden...not this shit again. Ugh. Fuck it. With exaggerated care, David scooped up the captives in his hind claws, making sure to keep the "ouchy ends" well away from any vulnerable bits. Note to self: ''Ouchy ends'' is not a scientific term. I really should have paid more attention to Gideons vocabulary. Eh, who cares. I''m the one with the PhD in Apocalyptic Bug Studies now. With his passengers secure, David took to the skies. He climbed higher and higher until the lines of worker bugs below looked like, well, bugs. At about 300 feet up, he paused, hovering with practiced ease. Alright, David. Time for some aerial acrobatics. Just remember, if you puke, you''re only going to hit yourself. Maintaining his hover, David bent his long neck down between his legs. It was an awkward position, to say the least, but he managed to keep his balance. With a grimace of anticipation, he opened his jaws wide and chomped down on the captive bee. The sensation of bug crunching between his teeth was... indescribable. And not in a good way. Heeeuuuuugh. This is so much worse than I imagined. Never, ever doing this again. Ever. Fighting the urge to gag, David spat out the mangled bee corpse, giving it a little extra oomph with a twist of his neck. The insect carcass plummeted towards the earth, a tiny speck falling through the vast expanse of sky. One Mississippi... Two Mississippi... Three Missi- SPLAT. The impact was barely visible from David''s altitude, but the reaction it triggered was impossible to miss. The orderly lines of worker bugs instantly dissolved into chaos, surging towards the fallen bee like angry tendrils of a single, massive organism. Within seconds, a cloud of bees formed over the impact site. From David''s vantage point, it looked like the world''s angriest, most nightmare-inducing swarm of mosquitoes. Well, that''s... terrifying. David swallowed hard. Even the Cuddlebugs had fallen silent, watching the growing swarm below with what he could only assume was a mixture of awe and terror. Less than a minute later, the beetles arrived. The sound of their wings was like a hundred chainsaws revving up simultaneously, the noise echoing off the surrounding foothills. David''s sensitive ears picked up their angry clicking, a sound that sent shivers down his spine. Okay, that''s more than enough science for one day. Time to make like a tree and get the fuck out of here. Deciding that discretion was very much the better part of valor, David prepared to make his exit. But first, he had one more experiment to conduct. With an almost casual flick of his Wildsoul, David unleashed his Empowered Corruptor''s Touch on the still-squirming ant in his grasp. A glob of saliva, hissing and bubbling with Miasma, struck the insect dead center. The effect was instantaneous and horrifying. The Miasma ate through the ant''s exoskeleton like a hot knife through butter, or more accurately, like paint thinner through Styrofoam. The insect''s body seemed to collapse in on itself, chunks of it sloughing off and dissolving into nothingness as the wind whipped them away. Well, looks like my nightmare catalog is going to be just brimming with new and exciting content after today. The little ones aren''t very sturdy for their size, are they? I expected...well, actually. Makes sense. Can''t assume every random bug will be a powerhouse or we''d all be dead already and this would be Bug World. He dropped what little remained of the ant and began to gain altitude, catching an updraft with a heavy thump of his wings. As the wind carried him away from the hive, he kept one eye on the roiling mass of insects far below. Interestingly, while the swarm had reacted with lightning speed to the first corpse, they seemed to completely ignore the steadily dissolving remains of the ant. Huh. Either my Miasma is corrosive enough to destroy their warning signal, or they''re just too pissed off to care about one more dead bug. My money''s on the Miasma. That stuff makes nuclear waste look like spring water. Suddenly, David''s nose twitched. A familiar scent wafted up from his own jaws ¨C the faint traces of that "death marker" pheromone. A huge, Grinch-like smile spread across his face as an idea began to form in his mind. Oh. Oh ho ho. Oh, that¡¯d be perfect. Unable to contain himself, David let out a laugh that would have made any self-respecting supervillain proud. It echoed across the sky, a sound of pure, maniacal glee. I''ve got you now, Your Majesty. You and your entire hive. Oh, this is going to be good. So very, very good. As he soared away from the hive, carried by the wind and his own excitement, David''s mind raced with the possibilities. He had a plan forming, a beautiful, terrible, absolutely insane plan. And if it worked? Well, let''s just say the Hive Queen was in for one hell of a surprise. Update schedule changes / PSA Yo! Alright guys I''m gonna level with you. I need to dial back the pace I''m uploading at. I tend to go hard when I''m doing anything I enjoy, but my wife pulled me aside today and asked me to slow it down. I get up early and work, come home for a bit (this is generally when I write/finish up chapters and upload them), and then leave for my night job. It hasn''t really been too much of an issue, but she pointed out that''s it''s been more than a month since I took the kids to the park. A few weeks since I got everyone ice-cream and we just hung out in the living room, a month or two since I showed up between jobs and put on a movie for everybody. Instead, I''ve literally written the equivalent of The Hobbit (in pure wordcount anyway) every single month since starting this Webnovel. Which, you know, is actually kinda cool but... I think I''m going a bit overboard. It''s starting to affect my life a bit. If I was just a crazy hermit hellbent on writing a lifetimes worth of books in a year I''d already be well on the way, but I have a family. I need a bit of moderation; and I suddenly understand why most authors (there''s probably more than a few on this site that could handle my level of output just as ''easily'' as I do) tend to update every other day or so. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. I very selfishly still wish I was entirely superhuman and could just keep cranking out content at the speed I currently am but...I actually think it''s negatively impacting the story as well. My pacing is a little fucked up lately, the story wandered a bit after the Corruptor Boss, etc. I think it actually turned out okay for the most part (Looking at the Cuddlebugs specifically, I love those little turds) but thats not gonna last. I''m going to be shifting to a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday schedule starting next week. Maybe the occasional weekend off (for me not the story), which won''t be so bad since I''ll have time to actually backlog chapters for you guys now. I can handle the 14 hour workdays, but the equivalent of 3 jobs (including writing), but never having a day off between my ''real'' jobs and writing has finally slain me after about 3 months or whatever it''s been. Worse than that my wife''s not happy and my kids are getting about as resentful as small children can be of anything. My youngest son (4) told me he wanted me to be hurt again last night because I ''Sat on the bed and cuddled and played with him''. That one fucking killed me, guys. I felt like a total piece of shit. I just really love writing and wanted to tell a good story, but at some point the horse ran away with the rider. I need be a responsible father, and bring everything in-line to a point where people in my life aren''t being neglected for my hobbies. So yeah. No update today, I''m taking everyone out for lunch and ice cream, and then taking my kids to the park, where I will pretend to be a monster and chase them around while making stupid noises. Love you guys, thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. Interlude - A Cuddle-rific adventure The night was still, save for the gentle whisper of the cool mountain breeze. Stuffed into the lean-to, Claire slumbered peacefully, her massive form rising and falling with each breath. Nestled against her side, David was lost in dreams, blissfully unaware of the world around him. But not everyone was asleep. The Cuddlebugs, tasked with keeping watch, were growing restless. Their beady eyes scanned the darkened landscape, finding nothing but shadows and silence. One of the veterans, the unnaturally clever one, chittered softly to its companions. If Cuddlebugs could sigh, they would have done so collectively. Boredom, it seemed, was a universal constant - even for nightmarish fuzzballs. Unable to contain their energy any longer, the Cuddlebugs began to play. They scampered across Claire''s scales, using the ridges of her armor as an impromptu obstacle course. Some of the more daring ones launched themselves from her head, gliding on outstretched limbs before landing in soft piles of fur and giggles. The clever one, ever the innovator, started a game of tag. It tapped another Cuddlebug with its paw and took off scampering, leaving its bewildered companion to figure out the rules. Soon, the entire swarm was engaged in a frantic chase, their tiny bodies blurring as they darted to and fro. One particularly enthusiastic Cuddlebug, in its haste to avoid being tagged, miscalculated its jump and found itself sliding down Claire''s tail. It let out a high-pitched squeal of delight as it picked up speed, shooting off the end like a furry cannonball. The others watched in awe, and within moments, Claire''s tail had become the world''s most exciting slide. As the night wore on, the Cuddlebugs found new ways to entertain themselves. They formed living pyramids, each one trying to climb higher than the last. They played hide-and-seek among the folds of David''s wings, chittering almost silently as they peeked out from beneath the leathery membrane. The clever one, inspired by David''s attempts at writing, tried to teach its fellows how to draw. The results were... abstract, to say the least. Claire''s scales were soon covered in what looked like the muddy doodles of a dozen caffeinated toddlers with access to finger paints. Just as the Cuddlebugs were beginning to tire of their games, a new distraction appeared on the horizon. A cloud of large, moth-like insects drifted over the mountain peak, their wings glittering in the moonlight. The reaction was instantaneous. The Cuddlebugs'' eyes widened, their tiny mouths watering at the sight of so much potential food. The clever one let out a battle cry - a sound not unlike a squeaky toy being stepped on - and charged. What followed was nothing short of a feeding frenzy. The Cuddlebugs swarmed the moth cloud, their usual adorable demeanor replaced by a piranha-like ferocity. They tore into the insects with gusto, showering the ground below with discarded wings and limbs. The massacre continued until every Cuddlebug looked comically bloated, their tiny bellies distended and their movements sluggish. Yet, despite their best efforts, they had barely made a dent in the massive insect swarm. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. As the moths drifted away, seemingly unfazed by the loss of so many of their brethren, the Cuddlebugs surveyed the aftermath of their feast. The ground was carpeted with disembodied wings, covered in a fine, shimmering dust that caught the moonlight. The clever Cuddlebug, its belly full but its mind ever-active, stared at the sea of sparkly wings. A thought began to form in its tiny brain, a spark of an idea that would have made David proud (or possibly terrified). Sparkly, it thought. Boss like sparkly? The Cuddlebug nodded to itself (something it saw the Boss do often), as if answering its own unspoken question. Of course Boss would like sparkly. And if Boss would like it, surely his pet lizard (for that was how the Cuddlebugs viewed Claire) would appreciate it too. With a sense of purpose that would have put many humans to shame, the clever Cuddlebug began to gather mouthfuls of discarded wings. It waddled into the lean-to, its cheeks comically puffed out, and carefully deposited its glittery burden on David''s head. The other Cuddlebugs, still digesting their enormous meal, watched this strange behavior with curiosity. Not fully understanding the clever one''s intentions but trusting its leadership, they soon joined in the effort. A bizarre procession formed as Cuddlebug after Cuddlebug ferried sparkly wings into the lean-to. They moved with the solemn determination of workers building a monument, each one adding its contribution to the growing pile on David''s head. Hours passed, and still the Cuddlebugs worked. By the time the sky began to lighten with the first hints of dawn, David''s entire head had vanished beneath a mountain of iridescent wings. He looked less like a bat-monster and more like a bat-monster being slowly devoured by a strange, shimmering cocoon. As the sun peeked over the horizon, David began to stir. The Cuddlebugs froze, watching with bated breath as their master slowly regained consciousness. David''s first sensation was confusion. Something felt... off. He tried to open his eyes, only to find his vision obscured by a sea of shimmering colors. "What the...?" he mumbled, his voice muffled by the layers of wings. Slowly, realization dawned on him. He was covered in... something. Something light and fluttery and decidedly not supposed to be there. "ACHOO!" The sneeze erupted from David with explosive force. Wings flew everywhere, filling the air like the world''s most fabulous snow globe. They rained down on Claire, on the lean-to, and especially on the delighted Cuddlebugs, who chirped and danced in the glittery shower. David sat up, sputtering and spitting out mouthfuls of wing dust. His fur was covered in shimmering scales, making him look like some bizarre disco-ball version of himself. "What in the name of all that''s holy...?" he began, only to be interrupted by another massive sneeze. The Cuddlebugs, for their part, were beside themselves with joy. In their minds, this was clearly the reaction they had been hoping for. They bounced and chirped, their tiny faces alight with pride at a job well done. David looked around, taking in the carpet of wings that covered every surface, the bloated and dusty Cuddlebugs, and the general air of chaotic glee that permeated the scene. He opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again. Finally, he managed to sputter out, "I don''t... How did... You know what? I don''t even want to know." The clever Cuddlebug, sensing its master''s confusion, decided that what David clearly needed was more sparkly wings. It scampered off, returning moments later with another mouthful, which it proudly deposited in front of David''s nose. David stared at the offering, then at the expectant faces of his Cuddlebugs. A laugh bubbled up from deep in his chest, growing until it echoed across the mountaintop. "You little monsters," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of exasperation and affection. "What the shit happened while I was asleep?" The Cuddlebugs, not understanding the words but recognizing the tone, simply puffed out their chests and preened. As far as they were concerned, this had been a night well spent. And if the clever one was already planning their next nocturnal adventure? Well, that was a problem for future David to deal with. 125 - Solo Boss Kill_Final The waning moon cast an eerie glow over the swampland, its pale light filtering through the massive, cotton-candy clouds that drifted lazily across the night sky. From his lofty perch, David surveyed the landscape below, his keen eyes picking out every detail of the hive and its surroundings. Hours of preparation had led to this moment. David had spent the afternoon perfecting his scent disguise, fine-tuning his plan, and even managing to squeeze in a power nap. Now, fully rested and ready for action, he hovered almost motionless in the night air, his wings beating only occasionally to maintain his position against the gentle breeze. His gaze followed the two Empowered Cuddlebugs as they darted through the darkness towards the hive, their tiny forms barely visible in the moonlight. A savage grin spread across David''s face as he watched them disappear into the distance. "AlexA, play ''Fluffy Bunnies and Rainbows'' by The Unicorn Sparkles," David commanded, his voice dripping with sarcasm. When nothing happened, he chuckled to himself. "LGood one, David." He glanced down at the remaining Cuddlebugs clinging to his body. "How about you guys? Feel like belting out some Wagner for our impending bug-pocalypse?" The Cuddlebugs just stared at him blankly, their beady eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Tough crowd," David muttered, still grinning. Suddenly, the two scout Cuddlebugs came rocketing back out of the darkness, skimming the tops of the long grass. David knew they were leaving a trail of carefully crafted scent markers behind them, just as he''d painstakingly instructed earlier in the day. It had taken some time to convey exactly what he wanted, but the little savages had eventually caught on. As the Cuddlebugs blasted past beneath him, heading deeper into the swamp, David held his breath in anticipation. He didn''t have to wait long. Within seconds, a tidal wave of enraged insects came barreling out of the darkness by the hive. The sheer number of bugs was staggering, and David couldn''t help but gulp as he took in the sight. Worker ants covered the ground in such density that the earth itself seemed to move. Above them, clouds of bee-things swarmed in numbers so great that the air vibrated with the hum of their wings. The beetles, mixed into the leading edge of the insect tsunami, added their own cacophony to the chaos. Their wings beat so loudly that David''s teeth set on edge, his sensitive hearing overwhelmed by the onslaught of sound. As the horde surged past below him, chasing after the two Cuddlebugs and deeper into the swamp, David made a mental note. "File this under ''How to Deal with Metric Assloads of Bugs,''" he muttered to himself. Then, after a moment''s consideration, he added, "No, wait. This definitely qualifies as a full-on fuckload." The wave of chitinous fury showed no signs of abating, and David couldn''t help but feel a twinge of both awe and terror at the sight. "Well," he mused, "I wanted to thin the herd. Looks like I''m getting my wish... and possibly a lifetime supply of a new phobia." David continued to hover, watching the seemingly endless army of bugs thin to stragglers below. He''d spent hours preparing, perfecting his scent disguise, crafting his plan... Now, as the insect tsunami receded into the swamp''s darkness, David couldn''t help but grin. His trap was set, a series of scent markers leading to the pi¨¨ce de r¨¦sistance - a loogie pile so massive and pungent it''d make a skunk blush. It had taken hours of concentrated spitting to create, leaving him so dehydrated he''d half-expected to start seeing mirages of convenience stores with their blessed oases of Slurpee machines. But having to chug gallons of swamp water was worth it. The regular version of his Corruptor''s Touch, infused with bug-enticing pheromones, would be doing its nasty work by now. David imagined the smaller bugs succumbing to the debilitating effects, being crushed under their larger brethren. A vicious cycle, but one that''d keep Her Majesty''s expendable children occupied. After seeing that swarm, he was pretty sure he could''ve spent all day Miasma-ing them into oblivion, but he''d doubtless be an exhausted bat puddle by the end of it. No, better to play it smart. Let them chase ghost scents while he paid Her Highness a surprise visit. Of course, he wasn''t naive enough to think the hive would be completely unguarded. There''d be enough left to turn him into bat paste if he wasn''t careful. For a brief moment, David wished he''d had time to snag one more Fusion Token, maybe slot Metabolic Surge. But he quickly shook off the thought. He wasn''t cut out for drawn-out heroic battles anyway. After giving it another minute just to be safe, David began to move. He knifed through the dark sky towards the top of the hive where his Summons had found the ventilation opening. As he drew closer, the familiar warning chimed in his mind again: ¨CWARNING¨C ¨CEntering Area Boss Territory¨C ¨CQuest Available: The Queen''s Gambit¨C ¨CReward: Fusion Token¨C ¨CBonus Objective: Claim Boss Trophy¨C ¨CReward: Special Evolution Bloodline¨C David rolled his eyes at the repeated notification. As if he needed reminding of the task ahead. As he approached, he could make out the hulking silhouettes of the wasp-like guardians. The sight of their angry, twitchy silhouettes made his heart beat faster in his chest as his stomach twisted with anticipation. Showtime. Just a normal, slightly oversized flying bug coming through. Definitely not a bat on a mission to overthrow your queen. Nope, not at all. The hive loomed before him, its organic architecture somehow even more unsettling in the pale moonlight. David steeled himself, knowing one false move could spell disaster. Well, here goes nothing. Time to crash this bug party. David landed on the hive''s ''roof'' a short distance from the wasp-like guards. He couldn''t help but smirk internally, even bug royalty has bouncers. He was momentarily glad that they were incapable of checking IDs. Just pheromones. As he approached the group, he tried to ignore how the wasps twitched towards him aggressively. Their antennae waved like angry, living sensors, and those massive compound eyes glowed with an eerie, reddish light that made David''s fur stand on end. The mandibles that looked like they could shear through his limbs like paper clicked menacingly, setting his teeth on edge. Every instinct screamed at David to flee, to take to the sky and not look back. But he pressed on, willing his wings to stay steady and his scent disguise to hold. After a moment that felt like an eternity, the guards relaxed. David let out a silent sigh of relief, his chest unknotting ever so slightly. Thank fuck bugs seem to run on simple programming. Gotta admit though, it''s effective. Nature''s had a long time to work out the kinks. The guards slowly went back to fanning the entrance of the ventilation shaft with their wings. David had known it would be loud, but this... this was ridiculous. The sound hit him like a physical wall, making his sensitive ears twitch in protest. He half expected to see the air rippling from the sheer force of it. Well, no time like the present. Let''s hope my improv skills are up to snuff. He joined the guards, shaking his wings as if he too was a vent-bug-guardian. He knew that he likely looked like a child pretending to be a bug, unable to vibrate his own wings nearly as quickly. Instead, he just flailed them as if trying to shake something loose¡­which he was. As he fanned, David channeled his Wildsoul into his wings, coaxing the Miasma into reality. Wisps of the toxic fog began to form, drifting free into the air around him. The caustic vapor swirled violently in the turbulence created by the wasps'' own efforts, creating a dizzying, deadly dance. A few seconds later, the Miasma had built to where it couldn''t be blown away even by the bugs'' relentless fanning. If David could sweat, he''d be drenched. This was it. No turning back now. The caustic reaction began to destroy the insects'' delicate wings almost immediately. To David''s surprise and relief, they didn''t seem to notice, likely due to the analgesic effect of his concoction. At least at first. A few moments later, the notification he''d been waiting for flashed in his mind: ¨CHive Guardian has been afflicted by |Empowered Miasma| |Paralysis| |Sleep| |Corrosion|¨C The wasps seemed confused, their movements becoming erratic as they slowly realized they weren''t moving any air. Their bodies began to lock up almost immediately, mandibles clicking in what David imagined was alarm or frustration. He was kind of shocked at how effective the Miasma was on them. But then, he rationalized, bugs were always kinda susceptible to sprays in the ''old world.'' This is basically the ''up to 11'' version of an insect spray. Even superpowered, Overseer engineered bugs couldn¡¯t escape their roots. Suddenly, one of the bugs lunged at him from behind. David''s heart leapt into his throat, but a watchful Cuddlebug''s shriek of alarm gave him just enough warning. He dodged, twisting away with a grace that surprised even him. The insect seemed totally disoriented, its attack more desperate flailing than coordinated assault. It was attacking hallucinations, David realized, a grim smile spreading across his face. The bug waffled the lunge and lost its grip on the roof almost simultaneously, rolling away into the darkness in a flail of armored limbs and snapping mandibles. Well, that''s my cue. Time to blow this popsicle stand. Or bug stand. Whatever. David decided it was time to move. He easily tore through the covering that protected the ventilation shaft from debris, the organic matter already weakened to the point of crumbling by Miasma exposure. Without a backward glance, he barreled into the shaft, leaving the guards to their Miasma-induced ''fun.'' They''ll die if they stand in it for too long, and they don''t seem to be moving. So. Win-win there. Once inside, David blasted Echolocation ahead of him. The returning sound waves mapped the tunnel with eerie precision, revealing a passageway that was equal parts fascinating and revolting. He fit, but just barely. The shaft was a nightmare of organic textures, its walls pulsing with an alien rhythm that made David''s skin crawl beneath his fur. Bioluminescent growths cast an eerie, sickly glow, revealing strange, caterpillar-like creatures methodically repairing and expanding the tunnels. They looked nastier in person, and David quickly trashed his earlier daydream about maybe trying to pet one of the docile creatures. The air was thick with moisture and the musty scent of decay, making each breath a challenge. David tried not to think about what exactly he was breathing in, focusing instead on the task at hand. As he crawled through the claustrophobic space, David couldn''t help but feel a twinge of panic. The walls seemed to press in on him, the organic nature of the hive making it feel like he was being swallowed alive. Get it together, bat boy. You''ve faced worse than this. Probably. Maybe. Omega counts as ¡®worse¡¯. Suddenly, David hit an intersection he didn''t remember from the Cuddlebugs'' scouting. Panic threatened to overwhelm him as he stared at the branching paths, each one disappearing into darkness. Just as he was about to pick a direction at random, one of his Cuddlebugs made a noise to get his attention. To his surprise, it wasn''t the veteran clever one. The little fuzzball hopped off of him and darted a short distance down one of the branches before turning to look at him expectantly. Well, won''t look a gift Cuddlebug in the mouth while they''re leading me to water to drink... or however that saying goes. Relief washing over him. He followed his tiny guide, marveling at how even the newer Cuddlebugs were stepping up to the plate. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. For about five minutes, David moved as fast as he could in the cramped space. The journey felt like an eternity, each twist and turn of the organic labyrinth bringing new challenges. More than once, he had to flatten himself against the tunnel floor to squeeze through particularly tight spots, his wings scraping uncomfortably against the pulsing walls. Just when David thought he couldn''t take another second of the claustrophobic nightmare, he saw it. The opening into the Queen''s chamber loomed ahead, a yawning maw of darkness that promised both danger and the space he so desperately craved. As he approached the exit, David''s heart pounded in his chest, a mix of anticipation and dread making his fur stand on end. He could hear the constant drone of insect activity beyond, punctuated by wet, squelching sounds that he really, really didn''t want to contemplate. This is it, David. No turning back now. Time to introduce Her Majesty to the joys of pest control. With a deep breath that tasted of decay and alien pheromones, David prepared to launch his nefarious plan. Pausing just inside the shaft, about ten feet back from the opening, he steeled himself. A quick Echolocation revealed the two guards from earlier had added another wasp to their duo. Extending a single wing down toward the opening as he clung to the wall, David was mildly surprised to find the tips of his wing spikes only a few feet from the entrance. When did I become such a lanky bastard? He flooded the end of the tunnel with Miasma, watching as the dense vapor fell slowly out of the opening. In his mind''s eye, David imagined it looked pretty sinister from below. Too bad the bugs couldn''t appreciate the aesthetic. After a moment, he cut off the flow of his Wildsoul, noticing the caustic fog was eating into the walls of the ventilation shaft and expanding the opening more than anticipated. Huh. The material on the outside of the hive apparently sturdier than on the inside. Odd, but not an actual problem. A couple of minutes crawled by, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, Davidboth ''heard'' and ''saw'' via Echolocation the guards fall off the ceiling and plummet to the floor below. Well, that''s one way to make an entrance. He mentally set a timer, knowing this marked the actual start of the battle. No way the hive would ignore three guards falling off the ceiling and probably splattering on the ground below. There would be a response, and he was now on a time limit before they noticed and began to react. Alright, David. Time to make like a bat out of hell. Or a bat into hell, in this case. He deftly slithered out of the shaft, clinging to the roof and scrambling to make distance as he craned his neck ''up'' to look down. Sure enough, the beetle-like creatures were still in the chamber, already moving aggressively toward where the three wasps had cratered in the floor below. Their limbs twitched in what David thought were death throes rather than attempts to right themselves. The Queen seemed to be paying attention now, her massive ugly head turned towards the commotion but otherwise immobile. David hoped she wasn''t entirely as tough as she looked, banking on the huge expanse of heaving flesh being as gelatinous as it appeared. Most of her body seemed geared towards making and laying as many eggs as possible, not weathering direct assaults. Releasing his grip on the ceiling, David glided towards the nearest support pillar, his swarm of Cuddlebugs in tow. He latched on with a bit too much force, his talons sinking into the material and getting stuck for a terrifying moment before he managed to pull them free. Great. Nearly fly papered myself on bug architecture. What a way to go that would''ve been. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, David exploded into motion. He slammed his Wildsoul into his throat and mouth, feeling the bubbling surge of a massive Empowered Corruptor''s Touch building as streams of smoking saliva ran from his jaws. He fired the blast directly in front of the Queen''s body, hoping the rising vapor would manage to reach her head before she began to move... if she even could. Unsurprisingly, she didn''t react immediately, the wet splat not drawing much attention over the noise of the beetles investigating the dead wasps. Seizing the moment, David fired a volley of shots all around the Queen, attempting to box her in like he''d done to the owl. It had worked beautifully in that fight, and he saw no reason to fix something that wasn''t broken. The shots arced through the air, leaving streamers of Miasma behind them as they flew. David made a mental note that people with a brain would likely follow those right back to him, but filed it away for the future. His ultimate plan was simple: melt her with Miasma, avoid or disable the guards when they responded. The killing part of the plan was straightforward, once he''d figured out how to draw away her huge amount of protection. Viktor had taught him that beings who rely entirely on armies were desperately vulnerable without them. As the Queen finally began to notice the vapor swelling higher, her weak flesh bubbling and splitting below her line of sight, David couldn''t help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. It wasn''t until a tendril of vapor brushed her eye, shriveling and darkening the countless facets almost instantly on contact, that she shrieked in alarm. The sound was like a thousand nails on a chalkboard, amplified to eleven and mixed with the dying scream of a freight train. David winced, his sensitive ears ringing, but grinned savagely as the notification flashed in his mind: ¨CHive Queen has been afflicted by |Empowered Miasma| |Paralysis| |Sleep| |Corrosion|¨C "Alright, Your Majesty," David muttered, readying himself for the next phase of the battle. "Let''s see how you like being on the receiving end of a pest control service." As the Queen''s shriek echoed through the chamber, the hive erupted into chaos. David had expected resistance, but this... this was way beyond what he''d expected. Beetles and smaller insects swarmed from every crevice, their numbers defying belief. Launching himself from the pillar, he used Nocturnal Strike to propel himself towards another vantage point. As he moved, he fired a volley of shots, aiming to create a barrier between the Queen and her reinforcements. The chamber quickly filled with a toxic haze, Miasma billowing from every point of impact. David''s Cuddlebugs darted through the chaos, their size working to their advantage as the rocketed off into the fray. This is it, one oversized bat versus an entire hive. Just another day in paradise. "Fuck," David snarled, launching himself from his perch. He used Nocturnal Strike to propel himself towards another support pillar, narrowly avoiding a glob of acid spat by the Queen. The caustic liquid ate through the floor where he''d been standing, sending up noxious fumes. David didn''t hesitate. He unleashed a barrage of Corruptor''s Touch, aiming for the Queen''s exposed flesh and the swarms rushing to her aid. His Cuddlebugs continued their campaign of harassment, tiny terrors harassing larger insects and creating vital distractions. He felt a few of them wink out in the chaos, and hissed viciously in response to their deaths. The Queen''s bulk heaved as she attempted to drag herself away from the encroaching fog of death. Her shrieks took on a different timbre, and David felt a surge of dread as the horde around her seemed to move with renewed vigor. "Oh, come on!" he growled, narrowly dodging a beetle that nearly took his head off. "Since when do Bosses get power-up screams?" He was forced to push his Wildsoul to its limits, empowering every aspect of his being. His flight became a blur of motion, wings trailing concentrated Miasma that corroded anything it touched. When a particularly large wasp tried to flank him, David unleashed an empowered Screech, almost point-blank, that shattered its exoskeleton and sent it plummeting. Decoys peeled off him with dizzying regularity, each one drawing fire and buying precious seconds. David wove through the air in a deadly dance, using Nocturnal Strike to both dodge and counterattack. He slammed into passing bugs at every opportunity, the impacts jarring but effective. A group of flying beetles formed up, their synchronized wing beats creating a turbulence that threatened to tear David from the air. He gritted his teeth, channeling everything he had into his wings. The Miasma pouring from them thickened, forming a protective cocoon that the beetles couldn''t penetrate. "My turn," David snarled, bursting from his toxic shelter with explosive force. He tore through the beetle formation, leaving a wake of corroded wings and twitching bodies. The constant affliction of targets began to take its toll on David, but his Apical Mutagen kicked into overdrive. Tiny bursts of stamina and health replenished him, barely keeping pace with the drain of his all-out assault. David circled the Queen, raining down Corruptor''s Touch in an ever-tightening spiral. The massive insect thrashed in agony, her screams oscillating between pain and rage. With each shriek, her minions seemed to gain new purpose, forcing David to adapt on the fly. When acid-spitting termites began to scale the walls, David improvised. He used Nocturnal Strike to ricochet between pillars, leaving trails of Miasma in his wake. The termites, unable to navigate the toxic maze, fell by the dozens. A colossal centipede burst from the ground, its segmented body armored and bristling with venom-dripping mandibles. David barely had time to form a Decoy before the monster''s jaws snapped shut where he''d been hovering. "Seriously?" David panted, unleashing a concentrated burst of Corruptor''s Touch into the centipede''s eyes. As the creature writhed, David saw his opening. He dive-bombed the centipede, using its thrashing body as a shield against a wave of smaller insects. At the last second, he pulled up, leaving the horde to crash into their own ally. The resulting thrashing from the large insect crushing swathes of its own allies. The Queen, despite her wounds, managed to swipe at David with one of her massive legs as he passed above her. He twisted in mid-air, feeling the wind from the near-miss ruffle his fur. In retaliation, he fired a Screech into her face, the sonic assault visibly cracking her compound eyes. David''s Cuddlebugs, proving their worth a thousand times over, formed living barriers against the smaller insects trying to overwhelm their master. They moved with uncanny coordination, ripping the wings off of each bug in turn before moving on. As the battle raged on, David felt himself approaching his limits. His wings ached, his throat burned from constant ability use, and even with Apical Mutagen, he was running on fumes. But the Queen was weakening too, her movements growing sluggish, her empowering screams becoming ragged and less frequent. In a moment of desperate inspiration, David corkscrewed through the air, spiraling around one of the chamber''s massive support pillars. Miasma coiled around the structure like a serpent, eating away at its base. Insects that tried to follow found themselves trapped in the toxic coils, adding their death throes to the growing instability. David landed on a nearby mound, panting heavily. He surveyed the battlefield, taking in the devastation. The floor was littered with insect corpses, Miasma swirled in thick banks, and the Queen... the Queen was still alive, but barely mobile. That''s when he saw it. The support pillar he''d wrapped in Miasma was beginning to sway, cracks spider-webbing across its surface. David''s eyes darted between the pillar and the Queen, a plan forming in his exhaustion-addled mind. "Hey, Your Majesty!" he shouted, mustering his remaining strength. "Ever play Jenga?" Before the Queen could shriek in response, David unleashed a final, massive volley of Corruptor''s Touch. The empowered liquid sprayed across the pillar''s weakened side, hissing and bubbling as it ate into the base,dissolving the last of the support''s integrity. For a moment, everything seemed to hold its breath. Then, with a groan that David felt in his bones, the pillar began to topple. It fell with agonizing slowness, as if the very air was trying to hold it up. The Queen, her bulk pinned by her own wounds and the sea of Miasma, could only watch as the massive structure descended upon her. Her final shriek was cut short as the pillar crashed down, crushing her with a sound that made David physically gag. The impact shook the entire chamber. Chunks of the ceiling rained down, and the remaining insects fell into total disarray. David clung to his perch, ears ringing, as dust and Miasma billowed outward in a choking cloud. As the dust settled, David stared at the mountain of rubble that had once been the Hive Queen. His chest heaved with exertion, wings drooping as the adrenaline roiled in his system. "Well," he mumbled, feeling lightheaded from the combination of fatigue and fumes, "that''s one way to make a royal flush." The silence that followed was deafening after the cacophony of battle. David''s Cuddlebugs gathered around him, chittering softly in what might have been concern. He gave them a weary smile, absently petting the nearest one. "Good job, team," he said, his voice hoarse. "Remind me to never complain about regular exterminator work ever again." But the moment of quiet victory was short-lived. A new sound began to rise from the rubble and surrounding hive - a frenzied buzzing that quickly grew to a deafening roar. The remaining bugs, far from disappearing or becoming docile, were going absolutely apeshit. "Oh, you''ve got to be kidding me," David groaned, pushing himself back to his feet. That''s when he noticed it - a new smell cutting through the Miasma. It was strong and bitter, so potent that even the caustic fog couldn''t destroy it. The Queen''s Death Marker. A horrible realization dawned on David. He''d planned meticulously for killing the Queen, but hadn''t given a single thought to what would happen after. He''d just assumed, like an idiot, that the bugs would simply... vanish or something once she was dead. "Stupid, stupid, stupid!" he berated himself, watching in horror as swarms of insects began pouring into the chamber from every opening. Their movements were erratic, driven by pure instinct and rage rather than the coordinated attacks from earlier. As David prepared himself for another round of combat, a series of notifications flashed in his mind: ¨CArea Boss Slain!¨C ¨CQuest: The Queen''s Gambit complete!¨C ¨CReceived: Fusion Token¨C ¨CSysAutogen_BossLoot¨C ¨CReceived: Egg Production B¨C ¨CSysAutogen_Bonusloot...¨C ¨CReceived: Royal Bloodline¨C ¨CGained 2,500xp¨C The notifications barely had time to register before David was forced to dodge a kamikaze attack from a beetle the size of a motorcycle. He unleashed a Screech, shredding its wings and sending it crashing into a group of smaller insects surging towards his exposed back. "Okay, new plan," David panted, using Nocturnal Strike to propel himself towards the chamber''s main exit. "Get the hell out of here and figure out the rest later!" His remaining Cuddlebugs formed a protective swarm around him as he fought his way through the chaos. Miasma poured from his wings, creating a toxic barrier that bought him precious seconds. As he neared the exit, David risked a glance back at the devastation he''d wrought. The chamber was a nightmare of broken chitin, caustic fog, and frenzied insects. The collapse of the pillar had destabilized the entire structure, and cracks were spreading across the ceiling at an alarming rate. "Must go faster, must go faster, must go faster," David chanted, pouring every ounce of his remaining strength into his flight. He burst from the chanber just as a massive section of the roof caved in behind him. The sound of collapsing organic architecture and the dying screams of countless insects followed him all the way out through the twisting corridors and into the night sky. As David soared away from the crumbling hive, his mind raced with the implications of what he''d just accomplished - and the challenges that still lay ahead. He''d won the battle, but the war was far from over. "Next time," he muttered to himself, "I''m bringing a really, really big can of bug spray." Before he had time to begin to relax, his vision swam, and everything took on a deep crimson hue as the world froze. Sunday Funday Chapter_1 The swamp air hung heavy with humidity, the kind of oppressive heat that made even breathing feel like a chore. Claire lounged in a relatively clean pool of swamp water, her massive form submerged up to her neck. She looked like nothing so much as a particularly scaly submarine, only her head and the armored ridges of her back breaking the surface. A few yards away, David was engaged in a battle of epic proportions. His nemesis? An itch. And not just any itch, but one of those infuriatingly persistent ones that seemed to shift just out of reach. "Come on, you little bastard," David growled, rolling onto his back and wriggling furiously in the grass. His wings flapped uselessly, stirring up small clouds of pollen and debris. "I''ve faced down monsters, madmen, and Overseers. You think you can defeat me?" Claire watched with barely contained amusement as David contorted himself into increasingly ridiculous positions. His frustrated grunts gave way to high-pitched whines, punctuated by the occasional triumphant "Ha!" when he thought he''d finally vanquished his unseen foe. "You know," Claire rumbled, her voice thick with suppressed laughter, "I''m pretty sure there are easier ways to scratch an itch." David paused mid-roll, his fur sticking up in all directions, covered in bits of swamp grass and ferns. He fixed Claire with a look of mock indignation. "Excuse you, this is a time-honored bat technique. Passed down through generations of... itchy... bat... people." He trailed off, realizing how ridiculous he sounded. Then, with a shrug that sent a small shower of debris flying, he resumed his grass-rolling with renewed vigor. Just as David was about to declare victory over the persistent itch, something caught his eye. A strange creature was poking its head out of the water, a fair distance from where Claire was lounging. As he turned to get a better look, it disappeared beneath the surface with a tiny ''plop''. "Hey, Claire," David said, pushing himself up onto his side. "Did you see that?" "See what?" Claire asked, turning her massive head to follow David''s gaze. "There was this... thing. In the water. It was..." David trailed off as he spotted the creature again, only for it to vanish the instant he focused on it. "Okay, now it''s just being a dick." Determined to catch a glimpse of the elusive beast, David began a series of increasingly cartoonish head-snaps. Each time, he''d look away, then whip his head around with near-superhuman speed. And each time, the creature proved faster, ducking under the water with milliseconds to spare. "It''s right there!" David yelped, pointing frantically. "No, there! Wait, there! How is it doing that?" Claire watched David''s antics with growing bemusement. "Are you sure you didn''t hit your head during that little itch-scratching dance of yours?" David ignored her, his focus entirely on his aquatic nemesis. He tried every trick he could think of. He attempted to use his peripheral vision, straining his eyes so hard he felt like they might pop out of his skull. He even tried setting up elaborate bait-and-switch maneuvers, pretending to investigate an interesting smell, only to snap back at the last second. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Nothing worked. The creature remained a maddening blur, always just out of sight. "That''s it!" David finally screamed, his frustration reaching a boiling point. "You want to play? Let''s play!" With a mighty flap of his wings, David launched himself into the air. He surged over to where he''d last seen the creature, then dive-bombed into the water like an oversized, furry missile. There was a tremendous splash, followed by a lot of thrashing and spluttering. Claire rolled her eyes, clearly wondering if she should intervene or just enjoy the show. After a moment, David''s head broke the surface. Water ran off his bald face, and soaked into his thick mane, making him look like a drowned rat. But his eyes gleamed with triumph, and in his talons, he held... "Behold!" David crowed, floating precariously on the surface. "The elusive swamp... thingy!" The creature in David''s grasp was, to put it mildly, bizarre. It had the body of a lizard, the bill of a duck, and enormous, bug-like eyes that seemed to take up half its face. For a moment, it thrashed wildly in David''s grip, its webbed feet scrabbling at the water. David, caught off guard by the sudden struggle, inhaled a generous helping of swamp water up his snout. But he refused to let go, determination etched on his face even as he coughed and spluttered. "Oh no you don''t," he wheezed. "I didn''t nearly drown myself just to let you get away now." After a few more seconds of frantic wriggling, the creature seemed to realize that David wasn''t actually trying to eat it. It went still, fixing David with a stare that somehow managed to be both vacant and judgmental at the same time. "There, see?" David said, his voice nasally from the water in his sinuses. "I''m not so bad, am I?" The lizard-duck thing blinked its massive eyes, looking about as impressed as a creature with no discernible facial expressions could. Satisfied with his victory, David released his captive. The creature plopped back into the water without so much as a backwards glance, leaving David to swim back to shore. Once on dry land, David shook himself vigorously, sending water flying in all directions. His fur puffed out, making him look like an oversized, disgruntled pom-pom. "Well," he said, trying to maintain some dignity despite his bedraggled appearance, "I think we can chalk that up as a win for Team David." Claire, who had watched the entire spectacle with growing amusement, was about to respond when something caught her eye. The strange creature had resurfaced, this time near her. Curious, Claire turned her head to get a better look. In an instant, the creature vanished beneath the water. Claire blinked, then quickly looked away and back again. Once more, she caught only the barest glimpse before it disappeared. A slow grin spread across Claire''s face as she realized what was happening. She turned to David, who was still preening over his ''victory'', her jaws wide in amusement. "Hey, David," she called, her voice trembling with suppressed laughter. "I think your little friend wants a rematch." David''s head snapped up, his eyes widening as he saw Claire beginning the same ridiculous head-turning strategy he''d been attempting earlier. For a moment, he just stared, mouth agape. Then, unable to contain himself any longer, he burst into laughter. "Oh no," he wheezed between guffaws. "Not you too. Claire, don''t fall for its tricks! The beast will drive you mad!" But Claire was already too far gone, her massive form shaking with silent laughter as she tried in vain to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature. Huge ripples began to form, spreading outward from where she sat as Claire wriggled with delight at the creatures antics. As David watched his friend fall victim to the same maddening game, he couldn''t help but shake his head in amused disbelief. In a world gone mad, where danger lurked around every corner, it was moments like these ¨C silly, pointless, and utterly hilarious ¨C that made it all worthwhile to him. "Alright, you win," David called out to the unseen creature, throwing his wings up in mock surrender. "You are officially the hide-and-seek champion of the Swamp. May your reign be long and... wet, I guess." With that, he flopped back onto the grass, content to watch as Claire embarked on her own futile quest to outsmart the swamp''s most annoying resident. Sometimes the best victories are the little ones you can laugh about later. 126 - Eye of the Storm The world froze, a crimson hue washing over everything like a SnappyChat filter gone horribly wrong. David''s wings locked mid-flap, leaving him suspended in the air as if someone had hit the universe''s pause button. His stomach did a backflip that felt like it faceplanted, a nauseating sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washing over him. Oh fuck. Not this shit again. To his surprise, the Cuddlebugs froze as well. Their numbers had been decimated in the chaos of the hive, leaving only seven - six empowered versions and a single, probably very confused regular one. As one, they locked up, their tiny bodies trapped in the middle of their last movement. Great. At least they don¡¯t have to see this. An Omega symbol materialized in the center of David''s vision, but something was... off about it. It looked almost glitchy, like a visual artifact in a poorly aged videotape. David could neither move his eyes nor turn his head, and the symbol remained stubbornly centered as if it had been burned into his retinas. But that wasn''t the worst part. Behind the symbol, or perhaps within it, David sensed... something. A presence so vast and terrible that his mind recoiled from it, unable to fully comprehend what it was perceiving. It was like trying to look at an optical illusion that kept shifting just as your brain thought it had figured it out. And the eyes. Oh god, the eyes. David couldn''t see them, not really, but he felt them. Thousands upon thousands of unseen eyes, all focused on him with an intensity that made his fur stand on end and his wings itch to fly as far and fast as they could. "Greetings, User David!" Omega''s voice boomed, dripping with false cheer and barely contained menace. "We are pleased to see you''ve finally completed our little task. Though we must admit, we expected better from our first Offer recipient." David''s stomach dropped. He''d known Omega wouldn''t be thrilled with how long the quest had taken, but hearing the disappointment in that otherworldly voice made his blood run cold. "Indeed," Omega continued, its tone sharpening. "You were, in fact, the third to complete your assigned task. How... disappointing." Fuck fuck fuck. This might be bad. But then Omega''s voice took on a new tone, one that sent shivers down David''s spine for an entirely different reason. . "However," Omega purred, "your little encounter with the Serpent''s Nightseer has... mitigated our displeasure considerably." Wait, what? The owl? "Nothing pleases us more than vexing the Serpent," Omega continued, its voice dripping with vicious glee. "And to think, you dispatched it with one of the Serpent''s own abilities! Remarkable!" David''s mind raced. Omega had rather neatly confirmed his suspicions about the origins of Doom Blade. The Owl¡¯s ramblings he could disregard to an extent, the man was obviously insane, but he wasn¡¯t about to dispute Omega¡¯s claim. "We must confess, User David, we are thoroughly impressed by your cunning," Omega said, its tone almost admiring. "Do you realize that less than 0.1% of Users have ever managed to steal an ability through creative use of System mechanics? And even fewer have done so in a way that we cannot discern. Truly extraordinary!" And then Omega laughed. It was a genuine laugh of happiness, but it was so utterly alien and wrong that David felt like his soul was trying to crawl out of his body to escape. Every instinct screamed at him to run, to find the deepest, darkest hole he could and pull it in after him. It took David a full minute to regain his composure, his heart pounding so hard he was surprised it hadn''t burst out of his chest like some B-movie alien. As the laughter faded, a notification popped up in David''s vision: ¨CSpecial Quest: Prove your Supremacy completed!¨C ¨CReceived: Fusion Tokenx2, 1xp.¨C ¨CSysAutogen_BonusLoot¡­¨C ¨CReceived: Origination Token¨C David futilely attempted to blink, confused. One fucking xp? But more importantly, why couldn''t Omega see what had really happened in the Evolution menu? The fact that this horror show of a being had blind spots was both terrifying and... oddly reassuring. "Your progress, while slower than anticipated, has been... intriguing," Omega continued, oblivious to David''s internal revelation. "We look forward to seeing how you will continue to... evolve." The way Omega said ''evolve'' made David''s skin crawl beneath his fur. It was the tone of a scientist discussing a fascinating lab specimen - clinical, detached, and utterly devoid of empathy. Omega''s voice took on a more businesslike tone, "We find ourselves unexpectedly pleased with your performance. Do continue to surprise us." Oh joy. So glad I¡¯ve managed to entertain you, please don¡¯t voodoo me anymore? As the crimson hue pulsed around them, Omega''s presence seemed to grow even more oppressive. David fought the urge to shrink away, his wings twitching with the desire to flee. "However, User David," Omega continued, its voice a mix of satisfaction and disappointment, "We are less than pleased with your decision to accept Xi''s path." David bristled at that, but held his tongue. What was he supposed to say? ''Sorry I didn''t want to be a complete psychopath''? "Still," Omega purred, "we note you''ve finally internalized your instincts. It''s about time you embraced your true nature. In this, at least, you continue to progress." David''s stomach churned at the words. He knew all too well the constant battle he''d waged against himself, the violent urges he''d mistaken for some alien presence in his mind. ''Spooky'' had been a strange coping mechanism for the unfamiliar voice of his own survival instincts cranked up to eleven by stress and danger. David was almost embarrassed in hindsight, but it proved a difficult emotion to maintain in the face of his current predicament. "You seem calmer now, User David," Omega observed, a hint of amusement in its tone. "No longer at war with yourself, hmm? We did tell you before - all we did was bring out your true self." David swallowed hard, remembering their last encounter. As much as he hated to admit it, Omega wasn''t wrong. Even now, pinned to reality by Omega¡¯s influence, he felt more in control than ever before. The urge to lash out, to fight or flee, was there, but it was his own. Manageable. Almost... comforting, in a way. "I do learn if you hit me hard enough," David wheezed, his voice barely above a whisper. The symbol in David''s vision pulsed, and he could have sworn he saw a flash of something behind it - a glimpse of the vast, incomprehensible being that Omega truly was. He managed to maintain his composure, but just barely, feeling as if his body had gone cold and hot at the same time. "Now," Omega continued, its tone becoming businesslike once more, "we have no further tasks for you at present. But once the Originators arrive and Wave Two begins..." David''s ears perked up at that. Did Omega know he was aware of Wave 2? As if reading his thoughts, Omega chuckled. "Oh, come now, User David. Did you think Xi''s little tricks would go unnoticed forever? Burying significant data within tedious REM logs? Quite clever, we must admit. We may have overlooked it for a time, distracted by the monotonous stream of report data, but we assure you, such oversight will not happen again. Ever." Well, shit. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "During the second phase of this Integration," Omega continued, "we expect you to make a pilgrimage to our Originator. The timing is... flexible, but make no mistake - you will obey." David grunted, not trusting himself to speak. The thought of visiting Omega''s ''Originator'' made his blood run cold. "In the meantime," Omega said, its voice taking on an almost jovial tone that was somehow more terrifying than its anger, "do enjoy the remainder of this phase of the Integration. You''ve done quite well for yourself, you know. Your lethality rating places you in the top 14% of all Users." David blinked, surprised. He knew he''d gotten stronger, but top 14%? That was... actually pretty impressive. "Your friend Claire is also performing admirably," Omega added, and David felt a surge of protective anger at the mention of her name. He had to consciously force down the impulse to snarl and lash out with Miasma. Nothing would come of it, besides potentially irritating his not-so-benevolent company. Omega, seeming to sense his reaction, laughed again. "Oh, calm yourself, User David. We have no designs on your precious companion. Though we must say, she''s holding back quite impressively. It''s almost a shame - we have no use for beings that restrain themselves so." The thought made David''s blood boil, but he forced himself to remain calm. Getting angry at Omega wouldn''t help anyone, least of all Claire. "Is... is that all?" David managed to ask, his voice surprisingly steady. Omega''s presence seemed to shift, the symbol in David''s vision flickering. "For now, yes. But we''ll be watching. Always." The crimson hue began to fade, reality slowly reasserting itself. But before Omega''s presence vanished entirely, it had one last thing to say. "Oh, and User David? We do hope you are enjoying the Integration, have a pleasant day." With that, the world snapped back into focus. David found himself hovering in midair, his wings flapping frantically to keep him aloft. The Cuddlebugs clung to him, their tiny bodies still trembling from the encounter. I swear it¡¯s fucking with me. ¡®Have a pleasant day¡¯? What the hell? For a long moment, David just hovered there, trying to process everything that had just happened. His mind raced with implications, threats, and the terrifying knowledge that he was now firmly on Omega''s radar. "Well," he finally muttered to himself, "I guess I should be flattered. It''s not every day you get to be one of Big Red¡¯s favorite reality TV shows. Or would that be test subject?" He glanced down at the Cuddlebugs, who were looking up at him with a mixture of concern and relief. "Don''t suppose any of you guys want to take over as Omega¡¯s whipping boy? No? Didn''t think so." With a heavy sigh, David began to fly, in no particular direction other than ''away''. He had a lot to think about, and even more to worry about. But for now, he was just glad to be alive and relatively sane. But as his wings sliced through the night air, each flap felt like he was trying to lift a truck. The adrenaline that had carried him through the hive battle and Omega''s mind-bending appearance was fading fast, leaving him shaky and drained. He veered away from the direction of his scent trap, not willing to risk tangling with anything else that might fancy a bat-shaped snack. After a few minutes of increasingly wobbly flight, David spotted a dense stand of trees below. With a grateful wheeze, he angled his descent, less ''graceful landing'' and more ''controlled fall: style optional.'' The grove hit David''s senses like a freight train after the sterile horror of the hive and Omega''s crimson bullshit. The rich, loamy scent of earth and rotting leaves filled his nostrils, mixed with the sharp tang of pine sap and something floral with undertones of toxin all its own. A breeze rustled through the canopy, carrying the distant calls of creatures that probably wanted to eat him and the soft gurgle of what he hoped was a stream and not a swamp thing. David draped himself across a thick branch, his fur catching on the bark with an uncomfortable tug. The texture was almost painfully real after the smoothness of the hive''s interior. Leaves tickled his ears, and somewhere nearby, an owlish creature hooted softly, probably plotting his demise. David didn¡¯t like owls. With a groan that sounded more ''deflating balloon'' than ''fearsome bat monster,'' David sent out a pulse of Echolocation. The returning sound waves painted a picture of his surroundings ¨C trees, more trees, and thankfully, even more trees. Nothing immediately threatening lurked in the shadows, but David wasn''t taking any chances. He mentally poked his Cuddlebugs, and they spread out to investigate, their tiny bodies disappearing into the foliage like fuzzy ninjas. One final, Wildsoul-empowered burst of Echolocation left David''s head spinning, but did the trick to ease his mind. The pulse swept out in a vast arc, revealing nothing but trees, small animals, and blessed solitude. Safe. Finally fucking safe. David let himself zone out, his mind a hazy blur of exhaustion and leftover adrenaline. The fight with the Hive Queen replayed in his head, making his skin crawl beneath his fur. He was pretty sure he''d developed a lifelong phobia of anything with more than four legs.. And then Omega... David shuddered. The memory of that vast, incomprehensible presence made him feel like an ant trying to comprehend the inner workings of a nuclear reactor. While on fire. And being chased by a giant anteater. With a groan that could''ve woken the dead, David reshuffled himself, swinging down to hang properly from the branch. His wings wrapped around him like a leathery burrito, muscles screaming in protest. The Cuddlebugs immediately swarmed in, pressing their warm, fuzzy bodies against his throat and belly like the world''s most aggressive scarf. They kept glancing fearfully at the sky, and David wondered if they could sense the lingering aftermath of Omega''s visit. Or maybe they just really hated stars now. Who knew with these little weirdos? Exhausted but dutiful, David examined his new acquisitions:
Egg Production Mutagen B: Greatly enhances the ability to produce eggs that hatch into expendable servants or workers. Rarely, more battle-capable forms may emerge. No effect if the user cannot naturally lay eggs. (+200% Egg Production, +50% Servant Quality, Physical Passive.)
"Great," David muttered. "Just what I always wanted. The ability to shit out an army. If only I, you know, laid eggs in the first place. Maybe I can regift this to Claire or something, I¡¯m sure she¡¯d just love that."
Royal Bloodline A: Ancestral memory of mischievous rulers who bend reality to their whims. Significantly boosts both Stealth and Summon-related abilities. Cackle: Unleash an echoing laugh that temporarily boosts the morale of your Summons. Your amusement resonates with your minions, boosting their speed, strength, or stealth for a short time. (-20% Detection Range, ++Summon, Mental Passive. 10 Second Duration.)
David groaned, but he had to admit, the bonus ability sounded pretty sweet. He mentally filed these away alongside his stored Proprioception Mutagen, Metabolic Surge and Leap Abilities, and the Aesthetic Refinement Mutagen. Three Fusion Tokens burned in his pocket, full of potential he was too tired to contemplate. Instead, he simply closed his eyes and tried to relax for a moment. Just as he was about to drift off into what promised to be a nightmare-fueled catnap, a scent finally caught David''s attention. His brain locked up faster than a computer trying to divide by zero. Slowly, hardly daring to believe it, he peeked out from his wing-tent. There, in the far corner of the grove, stood a gnarled, sprawling tree. Its branches were heavy with familiar orange fruits ¨C the same delectable orbs he''d been craving since leaving the meadow with Claire all those weeks ago. The Elusive Best-Fruit-Ever Tree. David''s eyes welled up with tears of joy. After everything he''d been through ¨C the battles, the horror, the awkwardness ¨C here was a tiny piece of paradise. A reminder that even in this messed-up world, good things were hidden away. Or maybe he''d finally cracked and this was all a stress-induced hallucination. Either way, he''d take it. "Oh my god," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "It''s you. It''s really you. Unless I''m going insane. Which, let''s be honest, is a distinct possibility at this point." The Cuddlebugs chittered in confusion as David began to laugh and cry simultaneously. He probably looked like a lunatic, a bat-monster having an emotional breakdown over a fruit tree. But after the night he''d had, he felt entitled to a little hysteria. "Guys," he said to his furry companions, wiping tears from his eyes, "I don''t know if you can appreciate this, but we''ve just found the Holy Grail. The pinnacle of fruity perfection. The... the... ah, screw it. You probably just want to know if it''s edible..." David dropped from his perch and scampered towards the tree, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he all but bounced with every step. The Cuddlebugs followed slowly, probably wondering if their master had finally lost what little marbles he had left. As David leapt up to pluck one of the glorious orange fruits, he couldn''t help but grin. Maybe things weren''t so bad after all. He''d survived, stood up to an eldritch horror...kind of. And now, he had the best midnight snack in the universe. "Take that, Omega," he muttered, sinking his fangs into the juicy fruit before he¡¯d even hit the ground. "Leasht I gowta fwuit.¡± As the night wore on, David perched upon his newfound treasure, gorging himself on fruit and letting the simple pleasure wash away the horrors of the day. Later he¡¯d have other things to deal with, but for now, he had fruit. Even if he did have to fight off the Cuddlebugs, who had apparently developed a taste for the delicacy themselves. Some things, it seemed, they did get from him. "Hey! Back off, you furry little gluttons!" David yelped, cradling an armful of fruit protectively. "I saw it first! Go find your own comfort food!" The Cuddlebugs just stared at him with their big, innocent eyes. David sighed, relenting. "Fine. But you guys literally ate a whole branch down to nubs already. You¡¯re going to pop, don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you." He cast a critical eye at the ground, where one particularly ravenous Cuddlebug had fallen and couldn¡¯t get up, too round to turn over. It didn¡¯t even seem to mind. Snatching up another fruit for himself, he carefully split it down the middle with the blades on his wings, not caring in the slightest about getting a bit sticky in the process. David swung down on the branch with a happy sound, half a fruit clutched in each wing. Fruit that was devoured with a total lack of decorum. For one blissful moment, all was right with the world. At this point, David was willing to call that a win. 127 - Fusion Jackpot David awoke with a start, his stomach roiling like a sea at storm. The starlight filtered weakly through the canopy, casting everything in a sickly hue that matched how he felt. His nose twitched, picking up the lingering scent of overripe fruit and... something worse. "Urgh," he groaned, his eyes snapping open. "Did I get stabbed in my sleep?" Panic surged through him as his foggy brain registered the pain as a potential wound. He scrambled to right himself, nearly tumbling from his perch in the process. His wings flailed wildly, talons scrabbling at the bark as he hauled himself upright. "Okay, okay, not dying," David muttered, his heart pounding like a jackhammer. "Just... ow. Ow ow ow." He crouched on the branch, hunched over his aching belly. The pain was intense, like someone had replaced his insides with angry porcupines having a mosh pit. David''s mind raced, conjuring up increasingly absurd scenarios. "Oh god," he wheezed, "what if I''m allergic to fruit now? What if my new evolution made me lactose intolerant to... fructose? Is that even a thing?" In a panic, he checked his Readout, expecting to see some horrific new status effect like ''Fruit Poisoning'' or ''Digestive Doom.'' But there was nothing. Nada. Zip. "Great," David grumbled, "not even the System knows what''s wrong with me. Fan-freaking-tastic." He straightened up, wincing as his stomach protested the movement. The Cuddlebugs were still snoozing peacefully around him, tiny snores barely audible over the awakening forest. "Hey, guys," David started, his voice strained. "I might need your help to¡ª" And then it happened. The burp started deep in his gut, a rumbling that would make a volcano jealous. It surged up his throat like a tidal wave of carbonated lava, unstoppable and slightly terrifying. David''s eyes widened in shock as his jaws were forced open by the sheer pressure. ¡°BRRRRUUUUAAAAOOORRRRPPPHHH!¡± The sound that erupted from David was less of a burp and more of a sonic boom with halitosis, almost in Screech territory for volume. It echoed through the forest, sending bird-like animals scattering in panic and probably waking up every creature within a five-mile radius. The force of it nearly knocked David off his perch, his wings pinwheeling comically as he fought to stay upright. The smell hit him a split second later, and if David could have gagged, he would have. It was as if someone had taken a year''s worth of rotten oranges, mixed them with swamp gas, and then let the unholy concoction ferment in the sun for a week. His sensitive nose went into overdrive, and he was pretty sure he could literally taste colors. Ugly colors. "Holy shiitake mushrooms," David gasped when he could finally breathe again. "What the actual f¡ª" His words were cut short as the Cuddlebugs, rudely awakened by the apocalyptic burp, started flapping about in alarm. They hissed and squeaked, tiny wings flapping and jerking in surprise like angry hummingbirds. One by one, they pulled themselves upright on the branch they had been hanging from, their beady eyes wide with confusion and what might have been a hint of judgment. David was about to reassure them when he felt another burp building. He clamped his jaws shut, cheeks puffing out comically as he tried to contain it. The Cuddlebugs watched in fascination as their master''s face contorted into expressions that would make a cartoon character proud. David failed miserably, and the burp forced its way out anyway, sounding like the world''s nastiest car backfiring. And then, as if inspired by David''s gastrointestinal orchestra, the Cuddlebugs began to burp. It started with the ¡®normal¡¯ one, a high-pitched "eep!" that sounded more like a hiccup. Then another joined in, its burp sounding like a tiny kazoo. Soon, the entire group was belching in harmony, creating a symphony of squeaks, squeals, and surprisingly deep rumbles. David couldn''t help it. Despite the lingering discomfort in his stomach, he started to laugh. The sight of his usually fierce little companions looking utterly baffled by their own bodily functions was too much to bear. But his laughter was cut short when he noticed one Cuddlebug wasn''t joining the burping chorus. It was the little glutton that had fallen off the branch earlier, now looking decidedly uncomfortable. Its tiny body was swollen, and its eyes were wide with what could only be described as furry panic. "Oh no," David whispered, his mirth evaporating. "No, no, no. I was kidding about you guys popping! I didn''t mean it!" He reached out with his mind, trying to connect with the distressed Cuddlebug. The feedback he received was a jumble of discomfort, fear, and a sensation that could only be described as ''impending doom.'' "It''s okay, little buddy," David cooed, reaching out to gently pat the Cuddlebug. "We''ll figure this out. Maybe we can find you some tiny Tums or¡ª" PFFFSSSSQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE¡­ The sound that erupted from the Cuddlebug''s rear end was so unexpected and so forceful that David nearly fell out of the tree in shock. It was like someone had let the air out of a balloon, if that balloon had been filled with the essence of a thousand bean burritos. The tiny creature''s eyes went wide, then crossed, as it clung to the branch for dear life and it¡¯s expression shifted to intense concentration. Its little body vibrated with the force of the flatulence, fur rippling like grass in a hurricane. The fart seemed to go on forever, a shrill whine accompanying the explosive release. For a solid six seconds, David could only stare, his jaw hanging open in disbelief. Then, as the Cuddlebug''s epic fart finally tapered off into a series of tiny squeaks, he lost it completely. Laughter burst from David like a dam breaking. He doubled over, wings clutching his sides as he howled with mirth. He was pretty sure he inhaled a bug at some point, and he gasped for breath between guffaws. "Oh... my... god," he wheezed, barely able to form words. "That was... that was..." He couldn''t finish the sentence, overcome by another wave of hysterics. The other Cuddlebugs, seemingly recovered from their own gaseous adventures, watched their master with a mixture of confusion and concern. Minutes passed, and still David laughed. It was the kind of laughter that starts in your toes and works its way up, leaving you feeling like you''ve just had the best massage of your life. Every time he thought he was done, the image of the tiny Cuddlebug¡¯s face as it clung to the branch for dear life would pop into his head, and he''d be off again. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of giggle fits, David managed to calm down. He wiped his eyes, sides aching in the best possible way. "Whew," he sighed, a few residual chuckles escaping. "I needed that. Who knew the apocalypse could be so... gassy?" As the laughter faded, leaving behind a warm, fuzzy feeling in his chest, David''s mind suddenly snapped back to more pressing matters. His eyes widened as he remembered the treasures tucked away in his mental inventory. "The Fusion Tokens!" he exclaimed, straightening up with renewed energy. "And the Origination Token! How could I forget?" The Cuddlebugs perked up at his excited tone, gathering around him expectantly. David grinned, his earlier discomfort all but forgotten in the face of potential upgrades. "Alright, gang," he announced, feigning cracking his knuckles dramatically. "Time to get down to business. Let''s see what kind of trouble we can cook up with these babies." David settled more comfortably on his branch, the faint light casting dappled shadows across his fur. He pulled up the Origination Token for inspection, curiosity and wariness warring in his mind. "Alright, let''s see what this fancy-pants token is all about," he muttered, squinting at the shimmering object in his mental inventory. The description that unfurled before him was both intriguing and frustratingly vague:
Origination Token: Grants access to the Pulse of Origination, allowing the User to access ambient energy. Warning: Functionality dependent on Originator influence.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.David''s brow furrowed. "Well, that''s¡­weird. Ambient energy? Originator influence? Why do I feel like I''m signing up for a pyramid scheme?" Despite his reservations, David felt he didn''t really have a choice. Omega''s ominous words echoed in his mind, reminding him that he was already in too deep to back out now. I¡¯m totally going to bite you when I have the chance, you know that right? Jerkass Overseer. I can¡¯t believe the creepy fox is the better of the two. With my luck, all the other ones are chill and friendly, and I just happened to catch the attention of the only two who don''t answer to some cosmic ethics committee. With a resigned sigh, he activated the token. Instantly, an unpleasant tingling sensation bubbled through his body, intensifying to an almost painful degree before vanishing as quickly as it had come. David blinked, patting himself down. "Huh. Was that it? No fireworks? No dramatic music? I don''t feel any different." He shrugged, chalking it up to some future development. "Guess it''s a ''results may vary'' kind of deal. Moving on!" Turning his attention to the more pressing matter of his Fusion Tokens, David began to mentally sort through his options. He knew he wanted to incorporate the Proprioception Mutagen and the Metabolic Surge ability. The new Royal Bloodline was also a must, bringing him up to the maximum of two Bloodlines. David wasn¡¯t sure he was comfortable fusing the Bloodlines themselves just yet, unwilling to potentially lose his now cherished ability to spit death gas on command. "Okay, let''s see what we gotta do to make this work¡­," David mused, flicking an ear thoughtfully. Twenty minutes of intense mental gymnastics later, including a few visual aids scratched into the tree, David came to a realization that made him groan out loud. "You''ve got to be kidding me," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "I need to fuse two abilities, two mutagens, and a mutagen with an ability? At least I figured it out, but damn. I wasn¡¯t expecting that to turn into a logic puzzle." ¡°I just wanna use my new stuff, dammit!¡± David whined piteously to a nearby cuddlebug, who was already beginning to edge toward the supply of unmolested fruits left on the tree. The realization that he''d have to say goodbye to some of his favorite abilities stung, but David knew it was inevitable. At least the System is pretty elegant when it comes to combining things. I¡¯m lucky that it seems to tweak stuff just a bit to fit whoever gets it, or it¡¯d be a lot harder to get anything off the ground. If it was more literal I¡¯d be screwed; definitely proof that Omega didn¡¯t design that part of it¡­ Or maybe he¡¯s just not in charge of that sub¡­system? SubSystem? Eh¡­whatever. "At least when I fused Gloom, I could still use it more or less the same way," he mused. "Just had to fuel it with Wildsoul instead." This thought sparked a moment of introspection. "Wait a second... does that mean I¡¯ve been using a Wildsoul juiced Mutagen the entire time since I got it? And I didn¡¯t try using it on the others I¡¯ve got because¡­? Dammit David, you need to test stuff more!" Filing that tidbit away for future experimentation, he set about mentally arranging his options. "Alright, let''s see what we''ve got on the chopping block," he said, addressing his attentive audience of Cuddlebugs. "For abilities, we''ve got Screech, Nocturnal Strike, and Moonsong. Not messing with Doom Blade, or Nightshade swarm quite yet. I don¡¯t understand how you little monsters would be affected by it yet¡­I dont wanna accidentally...Anyway, moving on." ¡°Mutagen-wise, we''re looking at Ancestral Terror, Secretive, and Apical, I guess. They haven¡¯t gotten much love lately, and it¡¯s not like they couldn¡¯t stand to be stronger. Apical really saved my ass against the Hive Queen, and Secretive could be really good with the new Bloodline. Half detection range? I could probably ride someone around like a backpack and they¡¯d never notice if I did it right. Heheh, so much potential there." David leaned back against the tree trunk, his wings spread wide for balance as he delved deeper into his analysis. The Cuddlebugs huddled closer, seemingly enthralled by their master''s intense concentration. "Alright, let''s break this down," he muttered, eyes narrowed in thought. "Moonsong and Screech... now that''s a combo with some serious potential." He imagined the fusion, eyes glittering with anticipation. "It''d be like having a sonic Swiss Army knife. Heal and empower my friends, or scramble my enemies'' brains like an egg beater." The idea of ''gaming'' the System to add some kind of targeting system made David''s snout wrinkle into a grinchlike smile. "If I could make it register friend from foe, that''d be huge. No more worrying about friendly fire... or friendly deafening, I guess." But then his thoughts turned to Screech and Nocturnal Strike. "A ranged AOE stamina drain with a chance to stun? That''s tempting as hell," he mused, absently scratching behind a Cuddlebug''s ears, the little summon absolutely drenched in juice that left his claws feeling a bit sticky. "But giving up Nocturnal Strike''s mobility..." David frowned, remembering how often that ability had saved his bacon. "It doesn''t cost anything if I don''t empower it, and even then, it''s cheap as chips. Plus, those mid-air redirects have gotten me out of more tight spots than I can count." He sighed, conflicted. "Maybe Proprioception could make up for it, but that''s a big maybe. And in this world, maybes tend to bite you in the ass. Or in my case, the wings." Turning his attention to the mutagens, David''s expression grew thoughtful. "Ancestral Terror and Secretive could be a match made in nightmare heaven. Imagine sneaking up on someone, then BAM! Instant heart attack." He grinned harder, baring his fangs. "Plus, last time Ancestral Terror kicked in, I got a sweet fur upgrade. Maybe this time I''ll get some face fuzz back. A bat''s gotta have dreams, right?" He paused for a moment, just imagining how awesome this was going to be. The Cuddlebugs chittered in what might have been agreement or mockery. It was hard to tell sometimes. One of them, the little glutton from earlier, puffed out its cheeks and made an exaggerated burping motion, drawing a snort from David. "Oh, so we''re doing impressions now?" he quipped, raising an eyebrow as he looked down at them. Another Cuddlebug, sporting a particularly ratlike tail, scampered up his wing and struck a heroic pose, chest puffed out. It flexed its tiny muscles, looking comically serious. "What, auditioning for ''Cutest Cuddlebug Weekly'' are we?" David chuckled, gently poking the posing Cuddlebug''s belly. It promptly wrapped its tail around his talon, hanging upside down with a cheeky grin. A third Cuddlebug fluttered up, hovering in front of David''s face. It squinted its eyes and furrowed its brow in an uncanny imitation of David''s ''thinking face'', complete with a tiny wing scratching its chin. "Alright, alright, I get it you little shitheads!" David laughed, shooing the mimic away. "You guys are real comedians. Maybe we should forget the upgrades and start a traveling circus instead. Okay, focus David. We got work to do, stop playing with your assault-critters.¡± Despite this, he still took a moment to swat and bat playfully at the little monsters before returning to the task at hand. "Hmmm¡­ then there''s Secretive and Apical," David continued after a moment, his voice lowering as if sharing a conspiracy. "Stealing resources from unsuspecting victims? That''s some next-level sneaky shenanigans." He imagined the possibilities, his eyes gleaming. "With my evolution, that could snowball hard. I''m already popping in and out of combat all over the place. Against small groups or in duels, I''d be a nightmare." But then reality set in, and David''s expression sobered. "Except, against hordes like Her Royal Buginess was throwing around, stealth isn''t exactly an option. Just too many eyes on the fight for it to really be effective." He shook his head, conflicted. "It''d be great for focusing on smaller groups, but could leave me high and dry against the big swarms. And in this world, you never know when you''ll stumble into a bug mosh pit." Finally, David considered the last combination. "Apical and Ancestral Terror, though... that could be the sweet spot. Stealing resources from people I''ve scared shitless? Now that''s a business model I can get behind, at this point I¡¯ve just accepted I¡¯m what goes bump in the night." He grinned, imagining the scenario. "With my potential stealth bonuses, flat out fifty percent less detection? I''d be like a furry, flying ninja. A... Finja? No, that sounds like a sea creature. A Ninjat? Eh, we''ll workshop it." As David continued to mull over his options, the world around him dozed happily in the hours before dawn. The weight of the decision pressed on him, each choice potentially altering his path more than intended, but still critical to make anyway. "Who knew Fusing could get so complicated?" he sighed, running a wing through his fur. "I almost miss when anything would be an upgrade, and I still had free slots¡­although I¡¯m a lot more badass now. A few weeks ago I¡¯d have been bug food inside thirty seconds trying to do what I just did." The Cuddlebugs chittered sympathetically, one of them nuzzling David''s leg with a tiny snout. "Thanks, guys," David said, managing a smile. "At least I''ve got you to keep me sane. Or as sane as a talking bat monster can be, anyway." The more David thought about it, the more excited he became. Each potential combination opened up new tactical possibilities, new ways to surprise and overcome his enemies. And the prank potential! Now that his looming doom was over and dealt with, he could get back to doing what he liked best¡­poking around and goofing off. "You know what," he said, grinning at his furry companions, "maybe this isn''t such a bad deal after all. Sure, I''m saying goodbye to some old favorites, but hello to a whole new world of bat-shit crazy stuff." As the night began to fade into morning, David continued to mull over his options, weighing the pros and cons of each combination. He knew that whatever he chose would fundamentally change his fighting style, potentially opening up new strategies he hadn''t even considered before. "One thing''s for sure," he mused, stretching his wings. "Whatever comes out of this fusion fiesta, it''s going to be one hell of a ride. Better buckle up, bugs. Your fluffy overlord is about to level up in style." With a determined nod, David prepared to make his choices. The forest around him seemed to hold its breath, as if aware that something momentous was about to occur. Whatever the outcome, David knew that after this, he''d probably be able to dodge whatever Claire threw at him after he''d told her the story. He straightened up, puffing out his chest dramatically. The Cuddlebugs gathered around, their tiny eyes wide with anticipation. David couldn''t resist the urge to ham it up a bit. "Alright, chums," he announced, barely containing his grin. "Let''s do this!" He paused for dramatic effect, then burst out with an enthusiasm that would make any reckless gamer proud: "DAAAAVID BATMAAAAAN!" The Cuddlebugs exploded into a frenzy of excited squeaks and flutters, clearly catching the infectious energy even if they didn''t quite understand their master''s sudden outburst. Least I got fruit¡­okay, enough fucking around. Time to burn these tokens. 128 - Accidental Opportunity As the first glow of dawn began to filter through the dense canopy, David straightened his posture, his wings unfurling slightly in anticipation. The swamp around him stirred to life, a cacophony of alien chirps and calls filling the air. He took a deep breath, the scent of damp earth and unfamiliar flora filling his nostrils. "Well, here goes nothing," David muttered, his voice barely audible over the ambient noise of the awakening wilderness. "Let''s start with the classics, shall we?" He closed his eyes, focusing his mind on Screech and Moonsong. Screech had been his very first Ability, and he''d picked up Moonsong all the way back in Riverport. A twinge of nostalgia tugged at him, but he pushed it aside. Evolution demanded sacrifice. I wish to fuse Screech and Moonsong. David thought clearly, directing his intention towards the ever-present System. ¨CConfirm Fusion of: Screech E & Moonsong F?¨C ¨CFusion will result in: E Ability¨C David''s wings twitched slightly as he read the notification. "Well, at least it''s not getting worse," he mumbled. "Alright, System, let''s dance." Yep yep. The moment the thought formed, David''s body went rigid. The familiar sensation of effervescent pins and needles erupted throughout his form, but this time it concentrated with alarming intensity in his throat and lungs. It felt as if he''d swallowed a swarm of angry but ineffective bees. David gritted his teeth, his claws digging into the bark of the branch he perched on. The Cuddlebugs chittered nervously, sensing their master''s discomfort. One brave soul even leapt onto his back protectively, tiny claws scratching at him through his fur. Just when David thought he couldn''t take it anymore, the sensation peaked and then rapidly dissipated. He gasped, sucking in great lungfuls of air as if he''d been underwater. "Holy... harmonizing... hellbats," he wheezed, blinking rapidly as his vision swam back into focus. A new notification appeared before him: ¨CFusion Complete¨C ¨CReceived: Siren''s Call E: Emit a haunting melody that can either soothe allies or inflict confusion on enemies. Allies within range experience increased regeneration and temporary empowerment. Enemies may become confused, suffering auditory hallucinations. Extended use may cause vocal strain. (80 Stamina, +X Overcharge, 3 minute duration)¨C "Well, well, well," David murmured, a grin spreading across his face. "Looks like I''ve gone from screeching bat to sexy siren. Claire''s gonna love this. Confused and Hallucinating? It''s almost not fair, heheh." He glanced down at the Cuddlebugs, who were looking up at him with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Don''t worry, guys. I promise I won''t use you as test subjects. Probably." As the swamp continued to awaken around him, David couldn''t resist the urge to test out his new ability. He cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and let out an experimental note. The sound that emerged was unlike anything he''d produced before. It was melodious yet otherworldly, a haunting tune that seemed to melt into the very air around him. The nearby leaves shimmered, and a few curious creatures poked their heads out from hiding spots to investigate the strange noise. David cut off the sound quickly, not wanting to attract too much attention. "Okay, that was pretty cool," he admitted, his grin widening. "But let''s save the full concert for when we really need it." He shifted on his perch, stretching his wings as he prepared for the next fusion. The sun had begun to noticably brighten the sky now, a gentle glow appearing on the horizon. A soft breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying away the cool night air with just a touch of warmth. "Alright, team," David addressed his Cuddlebugs, who perked up attentively. "One down, two to go." As he prepared to initiate the next fusion, David couldn''t help but feel a bit of apprehension. Each change brought him further from his old self, but also closer to surviving in the long term. He only hoped that when all was said and done, he''d still recognize the bat in the mirror. A mischievous glint appeared in David''s eyes as a brilliant thought struck him. "Hey," he mused, glancing at his Cuddlebugs, "I wonder if the System would let me multi-task?" The tiny creatures tilted their heads in unison, clearly puzzled. "You know, kill two birds with one stone. Or in this case, fuse four things with one existential crisis." David chuckled at his own joke. "What''s the worst that could happen, right?" The Cuddlebugs exchanged worried glances, the clever one looking almost panicked as it seemed to puzzle it out, but David was already forging ahead with his plan. I wish to fuse Ancestral Terror and Apical, and Secretive and Nocturnal Strike. All at once, please and thank you! The System, ever impartial, responded with an expanded confirmation message: ¨CConfirm Fusion of: Ancestral Terror C & Apical C?¨C ¨CFusion will result in: C Mutagen¨C ¨CConfirm Fusion of: Secretive D & Nocturnal Strike C?¨C ¨CFusion will result in: D Ability¨C David grinned triumphantly. "See? No problem at all! This''ll save us so much time." Yep, let''s do this! The moment David confirmed, he realized he''d made a terrible mistake. The familiar pins-and-needles sensation exploded through his body with the force of a supernova. It was as if every cell in his body was trying to rearrange itself simultaneously. David''s eyes bulged, his fur standing on end as wave after wave of intense, almost electrical sensations coursed through him. "Holy shi¡ªYEEOOOWCH!" David''s yelp of surprise turned into a startled screech as he lost his grip on the branch. He plummeted towards the ground, flailing wildly, his wings refusing to cooperate as his body convulsed with the force of the double fusion. THWUMP! He hit the marshy ground with a wet splat, sinking slightly into soil. The impact knocked the wind out of him, but the fusion process continued unabated. David writhed on the ground, feeling as if he was being turned inside out and back again. His fur rippled and shifted, darkening in some places and lightening in others. His wings felt like they were being stretched on a rack, bones creaking as they shifted. A burning sensation spread across his face and chest, and he cursed viciously with the little air he had left in his body. After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a minute or two, the sensations began to subside. David lay there, panting heavily, his tongue lolling out as he tried to catch his breath. "Note to self," he wheezed, "one body modification at a time." Slowly, carefully, David pushed himself up, grimacing at the squelching sound as he peeled himself off the swampy ground. He blinked, his vision swimming back into focus, and took stock of his changed form. His jet-black fur had grown thicker and shaggier, especially around his neck and shoulders, giving him a more primordial appearance. Subtle striping patterns, barely visible unless the light hit just right, rippled across his body in shades of deep charcoal. David''s already impressive musculature had become even more pronounced, his form bulkier and more robust. His chest and shoulders had broadened, lending him an air of raw, primal power. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. He extended his wings in a slight panic, but sighed in relief as he saw the ¡®fancy¡¯ moon and swirl patterns still remained. To his pleasant surprise, his wings had grown thicker and more robust. The membranes seemed tougher, more resilient, with visible veins pulsing beneath the surface. The bone spurs at the ends of his wing fingers had elongated into wickedly curved talons, perfect for grappling or tearing. But the most startling change was to his face, viewed through the rather shocked impressions sent from his Summons. Oh, now that''s weird. It''s like watching yourself in third person. Never thought to use the little turds as a mirror before¡­ugh¡­that sucked. Never doing that again. His features had sharpened, becoming more predatory. His muzzle had elongated slightly, and his canines now extended fully past his lips, looking more like daggers than anything else. His eyes, gleaming with their faint red eyeshine, were set deeper in his skull, protected by heavy brow ridges that gave him a perpetually fierce expression. "Well," David muttered, examining his new look as best he could, "I guess ''bat out of hell'' wasn''t edgy enough. Now I''m going for ''Me strongest in cave. Ooga''. Aesthetic Refinement can''t come fast enough..." As he stood there, plastered with mud and debris, looking like something out of a paleontologist''s fever dream, the System helpfully provided the descriptions of his new Mutagens: ¨CReceived: Apex Terror C: Your mere presence instills a deep, primal fear in your prey. Attacks have a chance to trigger paralyzing terror in enemies, drain both health and stamina from the target. Your form embodies predatory evolution. (+++Control, ++Offense, +Defense, +5 Health & Stamina drain on physical attack, Physical Passive)¨C ¨CReceived: Umbral Predator D: Your body adapts for swift, silent movement through shadows. Rapid strikes from stealth momentarily disorient prey, draining their stamina. (-25% Detection Range, +Speed, -6% Target Max Stamina on hit, Physical Passive) David whistled low, impressed despite his discomfort. "Okay, I take it back. Maybe this wasn''t such a bad idea after all. Shame about the physical requirement, I should have expected something like that from Ancestral Terror." He flexed his new form, feeling the raw power coursing through him. The Cuddlebugs, who had followed him down from the tree, stared up at him with a mixture of awe tinted by fear. "Don''t worry, guys," David reassured them, his voice now carrying a slightly deeper, more raspy tone. "I''m still me. Just... buffer. And scarier. But mostly buffer." David couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement. He was changing, evolving into something new and powerful. It''s weird how addicting this gets. I wonder if that''s normal, or if I''m just a little crazy now. Probably a little of both, honestly. Nobody could survive all this wild-ass shit and come out smelling like roses, I¡¯d bet. "Alright, world," he grinned, baring fangs that now gleamed like polished ivory. ¡°Time for the new stuff!" David''s grin widened as he prepared to slot his stored ability. "Alright, time for a little stamina boost," he muttered, mentally reaching for the ability and mentally rushing through the notifications that accompanied moving something from storage. ¨CMetabolic Surge A: Drastically accelerate your body''s processes, rapidly regenerating Stamina and healing minor wounds. Minor Stamina Cost, generates 1 charge every 10 minutes. Max two charges.¨C "Oh, this is gonna be sweet," David chuckled, already imagining the possibilities. "No more running on empty during¡ª" Suddenly, the grin slid off his face, replaced by a look of utter shock. His mouth opened and closed wordlessly, like a fish out of water, as the realization hit him like a ton of bricks. "Oh no," he whispered, his eyes widening in horror. "Oh no no no no NO!" David''s face contorted in a mixture of anger and disbelief. He''d messed up. He''d messed up bad. "You idiot!" he yelled at himself, startling a nearby flock of bird-like creatures into flight. "You absolute muppet! How could you screw this up?!" He began pacing back and forth, wings flailing dramatically. "All that planning, all those mental gymnastics, and you still managed to botch it! Ability plus Mutagen equals Mutagen, you doorknob!" The Cuddlebugs watched in bewilderment as their master continued his tirade. "Now I''m short a Mutagen slot and have an extra Ability slot just hanging around like a useless... thing!" David groaned, his vocabulary failing him in his frustration. "Argh!" In his agitation, David rubbed his eyes with his wings, immediately regretting the decision as he smeared mud across his face. "Oh, for the love of¡ª Really?! Really?!" Grumbling and sputtering, David used a few bursts of Echolocation to locate a nearby pool of water. He trudged over, chittering as necessary with the Cuddlebugs following at a safe distance, clearly unsure how to handle this new, grumpy version of their master. Reaching the pool, David dunked his face in the water, swishing it around vigorously. When he emerged, sputtering and shaking water from his ears, he flopped down dramatically in the grass with a groan that would put soap opera stars to shame. "I can''t believe I screwed this up," he muttered, rolling onto his back and staring up at the canopy above. "All those Fusion Tokens, all that potential... and I get carried away like a kid in a candy store." The Cuddlebugs cautiously approached, chittering softly in what might have been an attempt at comfort. David sighed, reaching out to pat the nearest one. "I know, I know," he said, his voice softer now. "I just... I was doing better, you know? Thought I was finally starting to get a handle on things. But nope, still the same old David, rushing in without thinking. Claire would have caught that instantly, but I just wanted to use my new stuff." He sat up, looking at his tiny companions with a wry smile. "Tell you what, guys. Next time you see me about to do something stupid¡ªwhich, let''s face it, is probably going to be soon¡ªfeel free to bite me on the wings or something. Consider it your solemn duty as my fuzzy conscience." The Cuddlebugs tilted their heads, considering this new directive. The clever one, in particular, seemed to take the suggestion to heart, its tiny eyes narrowing in concentration as if already planning the best wing-biting strategies. "Oh god," David chuckled, realizing what he''d just suggested. "I''m going to regret that, aren''t I? Well, at least it''ll keep things interesting." He stood up, shaking off the last of his self-pity along with a good amount of swamp water. "Alright, enough wallowing. Time to make the best of this mess." David took a deep breath, centering himself. "Okay, so we''ve got an extra Ability slot and we''re short a Mutagen slot. Not ideal, but not the end of the world either. We can work with this." He began pacing again, this time more thoughtfully. "Let''s see... we''ve still got Metabolic Surge, which is a game-changer. And hey, maybe having an extra Ability slot isn''t such a bad thing. I can always grab another Pack Ability for now¡­ ugh." The Cuddlebugs squeaked in what sounded like agreement, seemingly relieved that their master was back to his usual problem-solving self. "As for the Mutagen situation," David continued, his mind racing, "well, it''s gonna have to be the Bloodline, isn''t it? Quality over quantity, right?" He paused, a slow grin spreading across his face. "And who knows? Maybe this''ll teach me to be more careful in the future. Although, knowing me, probably not." The clever Cuddlebug made a sound that was suspiciously close to a snort. "Oh, laugh it up, fuzzball," David said, rolling his eyes. "Just remember, you''re the one who''s supposed to bite me next time I do something dumb. Hope you''ve been flossing those tiny teeth of yours." As the sun climbed higher in the sky, David felt his spirits lifting along with it. Sure, he''d made a mistake, but it wasn''t the end of the world. He was still alive, still evolving, and still had a chance to make things right. "Alright, team," he announced, clapping his wings together. "New plan: we''re going to make the most of what we''ve got. No more rushing to use things without testing stuff first. Maybe talking it through with Claire, she¡¯s probably better at this than I am anyway." The Cuddlebugs chirped enthusiastically, clearly on board with this new, more cautious approach. "But first," David added with a grin, "I''m going to need you to watch my back for a bit. I''ve got a mini vision-quest slash acid trip to deal with." With a few powerful flaps of his newly bulked-up wings, David glided over to the fruit tree one last time. As he approached, he couldn''t help but eye the improvised visual aids he''d scratched into the bark earlier. The sight of his error there, stark and unmistakable, seemed to mock him. He resisted the urge to claw it out, settling instead for shooting it an evil glare that would have withered a lesser tree. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," he muttered to the offending scratches. "We can''t all be geniuses." With a resigned sigh, David wedged himself into the thickest part of the tree''s canopy. The dense foliage enveloped him, his fur rippling to provide a natural camouflage that would have made a chameleon jealous. Only the occasional twitch of a wing or the glint of an eye betrayed his presence. "Alright, fuzzballs," he called down to the Cuddlebugs gathering at the base of the tree. "Keep your eyes peeled and your tiny, adorable ears open. If anything bigger than a breadbox comes sniffing around, chase it off. Preferably before it decides to make a bat sandwich out of me. This should only take a few minutes." The Cuddlebugs chittered in affirmation, spreading out in a protective circle around the tree. The clever one even struck what it probably thought was an intimidating pose, puffing out its chest and narrowing its eyes at the surrounding swamp. "Right then," David muttered, settling in and closing his eyes. "Time to see what this Royal Bloodline business is all about. Here''s hoping it''s more ''revelation'' and less ''Lovecraftian nightmare fuel''." With that, he took a deep breath and prepared to incorporate his final upgrade, bracing himself for whatever wild ride the System had in store for him this time. I want use the Royal Bloodline. ¨CConfirm absorption of Bloodline: Royal¨C ¨CBloodlines will occupy 1 Mutagen slot¨C Uh-huh. ¨CBloodline: Royal integration beginning¨C ¨CEstimated time until total absorption: 2:59¨C He tried not to fidget too much as he watched the timer start to count down as the world began to slowly lose its color. Here we go again¡­I wonder what ¡®Royal¡¯ is gonna look like? Sunday Funday Chapter_Shady Business The afternoon sun hung high in a brilliant azure sky, casting long shadows across the mountainside. Massive, fluffy clouds drifted lazily overhead, their shapes ever so slowly shifting with the gentle breeze. From his lofty perch on a rocky outcrop, David watched in fascination as the clouds'' shadows glided over the landscape below, creating a patchwork of light and dark across the swampy terrain. His keen eyes traced the remains of what was once a road, now mostly reclaimed by nature, snaking its way through the marshland and up towards what appeared to be an old campsite. The location must have been quite swanky before the Integration, but now it was barely recognizable beneath the riot of vegetation that had overtaken it. David had been out since dawn, ostensibly scouting for potential Boss locations, but his heart wasn''t really in it at this particular moment. Instead, he found himself captivated by the breathtaking vista before him. The way the forest crept up to the edge of the swamp, creating a stark boundary between the two ecosystems. The ripple of light on the marsh''s surface, creating shimmering patterns that seemed to dance with each passing cloud. "You know, guys," he mused to the Cuddlebugs hovering nearby, "I know we''re supposed to be on a mission here, but sometimes you just have to stop and smell the roses. Or in our case, maybe the swamp. Is it weird that the smell grows on you after a while?" The Cuddlebugs chittered in what might have been agreement or mild exasperation. It was hard to tell sometimes. As David''s gaze wandered back to the old campsite, about a mile distant, curiosity began to gnaw at him. "Hey, what do you say we take a little detour? I bet that place has all sorts of interesting stuff. Maybe I can give you a crash course in ''Humans 101: Camping Edition.''" Curiosity piqued, he decided to investigate. With a powerful leap, David spread his wings and glided down towards the overgrown campsite, his faithful Cuddlebugs in tow. Landing with a soft thump a short time later, David began to explore the area on foot. The campsite was a fascinating mix of invigorated nature and remnants of human presence. A few rusted-out motorcycles were being slowly devoured by climbing vines, their once-gleaming chrome now dull and pitted. At the far end of the clearing, what might have been a camper had collapsed into a heap of debris, barely recognizable beneath a blanket of moss and ferns. The only way to tell there had ever a road or pavement beneath any of the useless vehicles was the perfectly straight line of boulders that separated them from the old campground. As David poked around, his explorer''s instinct tingling, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he looked like the world scariest racoon rummaging around. "Alright, team," he said, adopting a mock-serious tone. "We''re venturing into uncharted territory here. There could be danger around every corner. Ferocious beasts, treacherous terrain, maybe even..." He paused for dramatic effect. "Mildly uncomfortable pebbles that get caught in your toes!" One of the Cuddlebugs hissed audibly, while the others looked suitably impressed by this dire warning. "But fear not!" David declared, puffing out his chest. "For we are intrepid explorers, brave adventurers, and... let''s face it, we''re all a little bored and Claire threatened to make us help Gideon inventory all his tools. Again. Plus, you know, we really need to find a good Boss to put a smackdown on." With that rousing speech concluded, David set about examining every nook and cranny of the campsite. His attention was drawn to what appeared to be an old fire pit, surrounded by several large rocks that had clearly been dragged over to serve as makeshift chairs. As he circled the pit, something caught David''s attention. Wedged in a gap between two of the rock seats was an object that stood out, its unnaturally straight edges catching his eye immediately. In a world reclaimed by nature''s curves and chaos, those perfect right angles were as alien as a smartphone in a caveman''s hand. "Well, well, well," David murmured, reaching in carefully. "What have we here?" With a bit of wiggling (and only minor wing-scraping), David managed to extract the object. It was a small, rectangular case, made of some kind of hardened plastic. Despite being weathered and cracked, it had survived remarkably well. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. "Ladies and gentlefuzz," David announced, holding up his prize. "I give you... a thing! An old, very mysterious thing!" The Cuddlebugs gathered around, chittering curiously. David turned the case over in his claws, examining it from all angles. "Let''s see," he muttered. "No obvious booby traps, no ancient curses scrawled on the side... I think we''re safe to open it." With exaggerated caution, David cracked open the case, rusted hinges protesting loudly. The Cuddlebugs, who had been crowding curiously, suddenly darted back with a chorus of alarmed squeaks. Their tiny eyes widened, and a few even bared their teeth, clearly unsure what to expect from this strange, opening artifact. "Whoa, easy there, furballs," David chuckled, pausing mid-open. "It''s not going to bite. Probably." The clever one chittered nervously, its gaze darting between David and the case as if trying to decide whether to intervene. Another Cuddlebug actually puffed up its fur, making itself look comically larger ¨C a pint-sized guard dog ready to take on whatever might emerge. "Alright, alright," David grinned, amused by their protective instincts. "Behold now, the terrors this relic holds. Brace yourselves for... drum roll, please..." He flipped the lid open with a flourish, and the Cuddlebugs collectively flinched, then leaned in curiously when nothing exploded or tried to eat them. Inside, nestled in faded velvet lining, was a pair of sunglasses. They were large, aviator-style shades with mirrored lenses, the kind that screamed ''I''m either an actual cool guy or a total douche, there is no in-between.'' "Oh. My. God." David''s eyes widened in delight. "Guys, do you know what this means?" The Cuddlebugs tilted their heads questioningly. "It means," David grinned, "that it''s time for a fashion show!" Without further ado, he plucked the sunglasses from their case and perched them precariously on his snout. They were a bit wide for his batlike face, slipping down every few seconds, but David couldn''t have cared less. "How do I look?" he asked, striking a pose. "Be honest, I can take it." HIs audience stared at him for a long moment before bursting into what could only be described as tiny, squeaking giggles. "I''ll take that as a compliment," David sniffed, adjusting the glasses. "You''re just jealous of my effortless cool." For the next half hour, David pranced around the campsite, modeling his new accessory in increasingly ridiculous poses. He draped himself over the rusty motorcycles, hung upside down from tree branches, and even attempted a catwalk strut along a fallen log (which ended with him faceplanting into a bush, much to the Cuddlebugs'' amusement). "You know," David mused, picking leaves out of his fur, "I bet these babies have seen some action in their day." He struck what he imagined was a suave, secret agent-esque pose. "The name''s Fisher. David Fisher." The Cuddlebugs were not impressed. "Okay, okay," David chuckled. "Maybe not a secret agent. How about... a rock star? Yeah, I can see it now. Screaming fans, epic guitar solos, and these bad boys shielding my peepers from the spotlight." He mimed playing an air guitar, headbanging enthusiastically. The sunglasses promptly flew off his face, clattering onto the ground. "Whoops," David winced, scrambling to retrieve them. "Note to self: rock stars with snouts should invest in straps for their shades." As he bent to pick up the glasses, something caught his eye. Scratched into one of the arms, barely visible after years of exposure, was a name: ''Mike.'' "Huh," David murmured, suddenly sobering. "Mike. I wonder who you were, buddy. And how your super cool shades ended up in this campsite." For a moment, he was struck by a wave of melancholy. This silly pair of sunglasses was more than just a fun toy ¨C it was a tangible link to the world that was lost. To people like Mike, whom he had never met. People whose stories were, for now, nothing more than scratches on forgotten items. I should put them back. Maybe he really liked these, maybe they''ll still fit him after he hatches. I know something like that would have made a difference for me, when...Yeah. I''m gonna put them back. With purposeful movements, David retrieved the case from the ground where he''d thoughtlessly discarded it. Brushing off the dust, he gently placed the sunglasses back inside, making sure they were nestled securely in the faded velvet lining. He closed the lid with a soft click and returned to the gap between the rocks where he''d found them, careful not to scratch the case with his teeth. "Alright, Mike," he murmured, after wedging the case back into its hiding spot. "Let''s make sure you can find these again." After a moment''s thought, David extended a claw. With precise movements, he began to etch into the nearby rock, using a touch of his acidic saliva to deepen the marks. When he finished, a crude but clear ''MIKE'' was scratched into the stone, with a large arrow pointing towards the sunglasses'' resting place. "There," David said, satisfied with his handiwork. "A little reminder, just in case." He stepped back, surveying the scene. The campsite suddenly felt different ¨C less like an abandoned ruin and more like a promise of return. "Thanks for letting me borrow the shades, Mike," David said to the empty air. "Good luck, man. You''re gonna need it." He chuckled softly, imagining what the future could hold. "Who knows? Maybe someday I''ll run into a smooth talking tiger-dolphin wearing these bad boys. Stranger things have happened, after all." With that, David launched himself back into the air, suddenly ready to find every Boss in a fifty mile radius. The Cuddlebugs, as always, just cocked their tiny heads and followed along. Someone had to keep an eye on him, after all. 129 - Big Bat Boss As the timer began to count down, David felt the familiar wave of nausea wash over him. The world around him blurred and smeared like wet paint, colors bleeding together until everything resolved into a new, alien landscape. He found himself frozen in place, reduced to a mere spectator in this ancestral memory. The swamp vanished, replaced by the yawning mouth of an enormous cave. David''s eyes struggled to adjust to the dim light, but as they did, he found himself slack-jawed at the sight before him. The cavern was vast, its ceiling so high that it faded into inky blackness. Stalactites hung like massive stone fangs, dripping water that echoed throughout the chamber. The walls were a living tapestry of bat life, covered in countless furry bodies of all shapes and sizes. Some were no bigger than a mans thumb, while others rivaled large dogs in size. Their wings created a constantly shifting mosaic of leathery membranes. But it wasn''t just bats that called this place home. On the cavern floor, a diverse ecosystem thrived. Blind cave fish swam in crystal-clear pools, their pale scales glimmering in the faint light. Eyeless salamanders slithered between rocks, and David could have sworn he saw something that looked suspiciously like a miniature dragon curled up in a far corner. What struck David most, however, was the surprising harmony of it all. Despite the variety of creatures, there seemed to be an unspoken truce. Predator and prey coexisted, if not peacefully, then at least with a begrudging respect. Well, this is... unexpected. I was half expecting some kind of bat-pocalypse, not Bat Utopia. As his eyes roamed the cavern, they were drawn inexorably upward. High above, in a section of the ceiling that had partially collapsed, hung a bat that made David''s metaphorical jaw drop. The creature was massive, much larger than David himself. Its fur was a deep, rich brown that seemed to absorb what little light there was, and its wings were folded tightly around its body like a leathery cloak. But size wasn''t what made this bat truly impressive. Every time it shifted, even slightly, a ripple of awareness seemed to spread through the entire cavern. Smaller bats adjusted their positions, cave-dwelling creatures on the floor paused in their activities, all acutely aware of the giant''s presence. Holy crap. That''s one Big Boss Bat. Makes me look like a fuzzy chicken nugget in comparison. As if on cue, a disturbance broke out near one of the larger pools. A bat monster, easily the size of a Saint Bernard, was squaring off against what looked like a bipedal axolotl with way too many teeth. Both creatures were hissing and posturing, clearly gearing up for a fight over the watering hole. The instant the confrontation began, the big boss bat''s ears twitched. A low hiss emanated from its direction, barely audible but impossibly resonant. The sound seemed to vibrate through David''s bones, felt more than heard. The effect was immediate and startling. Every creature in the cavern flinched, but none more so than the two belligerents by the pool. They separated as if yanked apart by invisible strings, the fight forgotten in an instant. Damn. One hiss, and everyone turns into well-behaved kindergarteners. Now that''s what I call crowd control. The big boss bat began to stir, its wings shifting slightly. Then, without warning, it simply let go of its perch. David watched in horror as the massive creature plummeted towards the cavern floor, certain he was about to witness a very messy landing. At the last possible second, the bat''s wings snapped open with a thunderous WHOMP that echoed through the chamber. The sound was deafening, yet the bat''s movement was poetry in motion. It landed with impossible grace, barely disturbing the air around it. Show-off. I wonder if I could pull that off. Probably end up as a David-shaped pancake if I tried. Won''t lie, this thing has style. The boss bat began to walk towards the contested pool, its gait regal and unhurried. Despite its bulk, it moved with fluid grace, each step deliberate and silent. As it approached the water, the other creatures gave it a wide berth, a mixture of awe and fear in their eyes. The massive bat lowered its head to drink, lapping at the water with a long, pink tongue. David couldn''t help but notice the Saint Bernard-sized bat from earlier, watching the scene with an expression that could only be described as thirsty resignation. Tough break, buddy. Guess that''s the downside of living under a flying fury overlord. Last one to the watering hole is a rotten egg... forever. As the boss bat finished its drink, it didn''t immediately return to its lofty perch. Instead, it gracefully lowered itself to the ground beside the pool, stretching out its massive wings before folding them neatly against its body. The creature''s presence seemed to transform the area around the watering hole into a temporary throne room. Well, well, looks like His Royal Batness is holding court. With the boss bat now comfortably settled, a subtle shift occurred in the cavern''s atmosphere. The tension that had been thrumming through the air like an over-tightened guitar string suddenly eased. The Saint Bernard-sized bat that had been involved in the earlier confrontation cautiously approached the pool. Its eyes never left the reclining form of the boss bat as it lowered its head to drink, lapping at the water with quick, thirsty motions. To David''s surprise, the axolotl-like creature that had also been part of the standoff shuffled forward as well. It kept a respectful distance from both the larger bat and the boss, but it too was allowed to quench its thirst without incident. Huh, guess there''s enough water for everyone when the big guy''s playing lifeguard. As if a silent signal had been given, a flurry of activity erupted around the pool. Smaller creatures that had been lurking in the shadows, clearly waiting for this opportunity, rushed forward. Tiny bats no bigger than mice fluttered down to perch on the pool''s edge, while pale, eyeless fish darted to the surface, attracted to the ripples generated by the sudden activity. The scene was chaos, but a controlled chaos. Despite the sudden influx of thirsty creatures, there was no pushing, no fighting. Each animal seemed acutely aware of its place in the hierarchy, taking only what it needed before quickly making way for others. It''s like the world''s most polite stampede. One hiss from the big guy, and suddenly everyone remembers their manners. Throughout it all, the boss bat remained still, its amber eyes half-lidded but alert. It was the eye of the storm, the calm center around which this underground ecosystem revolved. Its mere presence seemed to impose order, turning what could have been a violent free-for-all into a surprisingly civilized affair. As David watched, he couldn''t help but feel a mix of awe and, surprisingly, a touch of envy. This wasn''t rule by fear alone, but by a perfect balance of respect, admiration, and just a hint of healthy caution. It was leadership in its most primitive, effective form. Is this what it means to be ''royal'' in the bat world? Less ''let them eat cake'' and more ''let them not eat each other''? In that instant, David felt a connection, a sort of primal understanding. This wasn''t just about being the biggest or the scariest. It was about presence, about projecting an aura of authority so powerful that it kept an entire ecosystem in check. It was about being the fulcrum upon which this entire underground world balanced. The vision began to fade, the cavern dissolving into a swirl of colors and shadows. As David felt himself being pulled back to reality, the boss bat''s amber eyes lingered, seeming to convey a final, silent message: ¡®This could be you.¡¯ The thought both thrilled and terrified David as the world around him began to shift and blur once more. David blinked rapidly, his eyes adjusting to the dim light of the swamp. He took a deep breath, the rich, damp air filling his lungs. It felt like waking from a dream, but the lingering sense of power and authority clung to him like a second skin. David''s attention was immediately drawn to his Cuddlebugs. They were frozen in place, but not out of fear or shock. Their tiny eyes were fixed on him with an expression of pure wonder, as if seeing him for the first time. It was as though they''d suddenly noticed something about their master that had been there all along, hidden beneath the surface. Unable to resist breaking the spell, David reached out and gently ruffled the fur of the nearest Cuddlebug. The little creature''s mouth gaped open in a batty approximation of a smile, clearly thrilled by the attention. "What''s got you lot so starstruck?" David muttered, bemused. "Did I grow a second head or something?" Curious about the changes the Royal Bloodline might have wrought, David began to examine himself. At first glance, nothing seemed dramatically different. But as he looked closer, subtle alterations became apparent. The most noticeable change was to his face. The once-bare, skull-like visage was now covered in a thin layer of dark fur. It wasn''t enough to hide the underlying bone structure, but it softened the harsh lines just a bit. His posture had undergone a subtle but significant transformation. David found himself standing more upright, his spine straightening in a way that accentuated his height. The change was most noticeable in how he carried his wings. Previously, they had sprawled farther out to the sides in a bat-like fashion when he walked, but now they tucked more vertically against his body. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. This new configuration gave him a more regal, less lanky appearance. When he moved, his wings no longer swept low to the ground but instead remained poised and ready, like folded sails on a ship. The effect was striking - David now carried himself with an air of natural authority, his gait smoother and more purposeful. The transformation hadn''t robbed him of his bat-like qualities, but rather refined them. He could still spread his wings wide for flight or intimidation, but at rest, they settled into a more compact, elegant arrangement. This new posture not only made him look more imposing but also seemed to improve his balance and agility on the ground. As David experimentally flexed his wings and shifted his weight, he marveled at how natural it felt. It was as if his body had always been meant to move this way, and the Royal Bloodline had simply unlocked its true potential. The fur along his spine had grown slightly longer, blending into his mane seamlessly. When he moved, it rippled like a dark wave, catching what little light there was in the early morning of the swamp. But perhaps the most striking change was in his eyes. The red glow that had always been present now seemed deeper, more intense. There was a new depth to them, a silent authority that spoke of power held in check. David preened for a moment, stretching his wings dramatically. "Well," he announced to his rapt audience of Cuddlebugs, "for my first royal decree... let there be bats!" With a grin, David flared his Wildsoul, channeling as much energy as he could muster into his Nightshade Swarm ability. The drain on his stamina was immediate and intense, like someone had opened a floodgate in his soul. Instinctively, he activated Metabolic Surge to counteract it. The sensation was... bizarre, to say the least. It felt like someone had injected him with a cocktail of pure adrenaline, the world''s strongest energy drink, and about half a bolt of lightning for good measure. The surge of energy coursed through him, pushing back against the drain from the summoning. Grinning like a maniac, David redirected the refunded energy back into the Nightshade Swarm. He popped another Metabolic Surge, feeding the fresh burst of energy into the summoning ability once more. As he pushed harder, David felt something give way within the ability itself. Notifications flashed in his vision, indicating that Nightshade Swarm was gaining levels at a breakneck pace. Suddenly, it ranked up, and the ''clever'' Cuddlebug let out an alarmed squeak as it was engulfed in a familiar rainbow light. By now, David was panting heavily. Even with the double dose of Metabolic Surge, the constant drain was taking its toll. Just as he thought he couldn''t push any further, the ability seemed to hit a critical mass, and the drain abruptly cut off. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, from the surrounding swamp, a swarm of empowered Cuddlebugs fluttered in. They landed all around David and the original summons, their tiny eyes glowing with newfound power. "Holy shit," David wheezed, surveying his expanded army. "That''s a lot of fuzzy death machines." But the real surprise came when he turned his attention to the ''clever'' Cuddlebug. The little creature had doubled in size, now approaching the bulk of a large house cat or small bobcat. Its ears were adorned with longer, feather-like hairs, and a fringe of similar fluff ran along the bottom of its wings. Its rat-like tail remained, but was now covered in a thick coat of dark, fluffy fur. The enlarged Cuddlebug looked at David, then down at itself, its expression a mirror of David''s own shock. When their minds touched along their mental connection, David was startled by the clarity of the creature''s thoughts. There were still no words, but the concepts and feelings were far more distinct and complex than before. "Well, aren''t you full of surprises?" David laughed, his regal composure forgotten as he hustled over to scoop up his newly upgraded minion with a single wing. He hugged the creature close, grinning from ear to ear. "Look at you, all grown up and ready to terrorize the neighborhood!" The enlarged Cuddlebug chittered happily, nuzzling against David''s chest. Its increased size and intelligence only seemed to have amplified its loyalty and affection. "Alright, my royal subjects," David announced, addressing his expanded swarm with mock solemnity. "Our first order of business is... figuring out what the hell just happened. Any volunteers for secretary? No? Tough crowd." As David stood there, cradling his oversized minion and surrounded by his newly expanded army of Cuddlebugs, he couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride and excitement. The Royal Bloodline had changed him, sure, but it had also opened up new possibilities he''d never even considered. "You know what?" he mused aloud, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I think I''m going to like this whole ''royal'' business. Now, time for a headcount. Baby steps, right?" David turned his attention to his expanded swarm, performing a quick headcount. "One, two, three... eighteen? Holy guano, that''s a lot of fuzzy minions," he muttered, impressed despite himself. The newer, empowered Cuddlebugs seemed to be in their initial rigid stage, following orders but not showing much initiative. It reminded David of when he''d first summoned the original batch. To his surprise, the clever one ¨C now significantly larger ¨C didn''t bother with the usual beatdown to establish dominance. Instead, it wriggled free from David''s grasp and perched on his back. The weight was noticeable, and David doubted he''d be able to carry it while flying. "Guess you''re too mature for playground scuffles now, huh?" David chuckled, reaching back to scratch behind its ears. "Just don''t get any ideas about being a backpack. I''m not a taxi service." A massive yawn escaped him, the stamina drain from his earlier antics catching up. In a move that would probably make any sane person question his logic, David decided to drain his stamina even further... to help it recover faster. "Sometimes, I swear this System is held together with duct tape and wishful thinking," he snorted, activating Siren''s Call. The ability took hold like a cool drink of water on a hot day, leaving him slightly woozy but refreshed. David plopped down on a branch of the fruit tree, letting his stamina recharge at a rapid clip while watching his Cuddlebugs mingle. Occasional scuffles broke out among the smaller ones, but David only intervened with a wing-thump when things got too heated. "Hey, no biting below the belt! Or... whatever passes for a belt on you guys." The larger Cuddlebug, meanwhile, seemed content to explore its new form. It flexed its wings, tested its balance, and even attempted a few short glides between branches. David watched with a mix of pride and amusement. "Look at you, showing off," he called out. "Just remember who''s the real star of this show, fuzzbucket." As his stamina topped off and the swamp began to stir with morning activity, David decided it was time to move on. With a powerful leap and a few strong wing beats, he launched himself into the air. His swarm followed suit, creating a small storm of leathery wings and excited chirps. The swamp fell away beneath them as David climbed steadily higher. The patchwork of murky pools and gnarled trees gradually transformed into a misty, alien landscape. Shafts of early morning sunlight pierced the fog, creating an ethereal scene that was both beautiful and slightly unsettling. As they soared, David''s thoughts turned to Claire. "Man, she''s gonna flip when she sees all this," he mused aloud. "Extra Cuddlebugs, my sweet new look... assuming she doesn''t squash me flat for making her wait so long." He grimaced at the thought. "Really should''ve bought that long-distance communication ability. Hindsight''s a real bi-" David''s self-recrimination was cut short as something caught his eye in the distance. At first, he thought it might be another swathe of flattened grass, like the trail left by those massive dinosaur-things. But as he focused, he realized this was something entirely different. A vast group of... creatures? No two seemed alike, but there was an undeniable organization to their movement. Most traveled on the ground, following the edge of the foothills. But what really caught David''s attention was the ring of flying beings surrounding the grounded group, keeping pace and maintaining a watchful perimeter. Smaller groups darted about in coordinated patterns, clearly scouting ahead. The whole thing moved with a purpose and efficiency that spoke of careful planning and leadership. As the realization hit him, David felt a chill run down his spine that had nothing to do with the altitude. This wasn''t some random collection of mutated wildlife. This was an organized group of transformed humans, a small army on the move. And they were heading straight for Riverport. "Oh, shit," David breathed, his earlier elation evaporating like morning dew. "This...might be bad." David''s wings locked for a moment as the gravity of the situation hit him. The organized mass of transformed humans moving towards Riverport could spell disaster if their intentions were hostile. He shook off his momentary paralysis, his newly acquired regal bearing giving way to a more familiar confusion. "Alright, fuzzballs," he barked to his Cuddlebug swarm, "change of plans. We''re hauling ass to the Observatory. Double time!" With a powerful thrust of his wings, David shot forward, his enhanced physique allowing for greater speed and maneuverability. The Cuddlebugs fell into formation behind him, creating a V-shape that cut through the air with surprising efficiency. As they raced towards the Observatory, David''s mind whirled with possibilities and plans. "Gotta warn Claire, gotta beat them back to Riverport," he muttered to himself, the wind whipping past his face. "But first, we need intel. Can''t just scream ''invasion'' without knowing what''s what." Making a split-second decision, David dove sharply, shedding altitude in a controlled fall. His wings tucked close to his body as he plummeted, the wind whistling past his ears. At the last moment, he flared his wings, pulling up mere feet above the ground. Now skimming the earth, David''s advanced camouflage kicked in, his fur rippling and shifting to match the terrain beneath him. He angled his flight path to intercept the group''s trajectory, staying low and using the natural contours of the land for cover. As they neared, David gestured silently to his swarm, directing them to spread out. The Cuddlebugs, seeming to instinctively understand their master''s intent, fanned out in a wide arc, becoming additional eyes and ears. David''s new upgrades put in work to enhance his already impressive stealth capabilities. He found himself able to mask his scent almost effortlessly, the air around him becoming still and odorless. His movements were fluid and silent, each wing beat carefully controlled to minimize disturbance. As he approached the edges of the group, David was struck by how easy this felt. What once would have been a nerve-wracking infiltration now seemed as natural as breathing. He glided along the periphery, close enough to observe but far enough to avoid detection, his presence nothing more than a shadow passing over the ground before he landed. He slithered into the bushes, vanishing almost entirely unless you knew exactly where to look. From his vantage point, David could now make out more details of the group. The diversity was staggering ¨C creatures of all shapes and sizes, some barely recognizable as anything that ever lived on Earth before the integration. But what struck him most was the obvious hierarchy and organization. "Holy crap, they''ve got themselves a whole society on the move," David whispered, impressed despite his concern. He spotted what appeared to be designated hunters, gatherers, and even makeshift medics tending to the weaker members. As he lurked around the edge of the group, David''s enhanced hearing picked up snatches of conversation. "...heard Riverport''s got..." "...wonder if they''ll trade info? We''ve..." "...hope they''re friendly. Last group we met..." David''s eyes widened. "They''re not invading," he realized with a mix of relief and excitement. "They''re looking for a safe haven!" With this crucial information, David began to creep away, setting a direct course for the Observatory. His heart pumped harder, fueled by a new sense of urgency. This wasn''t just about warning Claire anymore ¨C it was about preparing Riverport for a potential influx of highly organized people they knew nothing about. 130 - A careful experiment (also entitled: Lore Bomb) The Observatory loomed ahead, its dome a sentinel against the lightening sky. David''s wings cut through the pre-dawn air, his enhanced body barely registering the exertion of the long flight. Behind him, his swarm of Cuddlebugs struggled to keep pace, their tiny wings a cacophony of leathery flaps. "Almost there," David muttered, his newly deepened voice carrying a hint of urgency. "Hang in there, fuzzballs. We''ve got news to deliver." As he approached, a massive silhouette emerged near the Observatory. Claire''s enormous form stood outlined against the pale horizon, her posture tense with anticipation. David''s heart leapt at the sight of her, a grin spreading across his face despite the gravity of his mission. "Hey there, Freaky Friday!" he called out, preparing to land. "Miss me? Because boy, do I have a story for y¡ª" The scene froze, a moment captured in perfect stillness. Then, like watercolors left in the rain, the vibrant hues began to bleed away. Colors ran together, merging and fading until only shades of gray remained, as if all the world''s saturation had been drained in an instant. Reality itself seemed to waver, the edges of perception blurring and twisting. The once-solid world beyond became indistinct, viewed through a veil of fog so dense it seemed to devour light and substance alike. Familiar shapes warped and stretched, losing definition until they were nothing more than vague suggestions of form in an endless sea of gray. Slowly, inexorably, the perspective began to shift. It was as if the viewer were suddenly untethered from the laws of physics, drifting backwards at impossible speed yet perceiving every infinitesimal detail. The frozen tableau of David and Claire shrank, becoming smaller and smaller until it was nothing more than a pinprick of gray in a vast, swirling maelstrom of similar scenes. And still the perspective pulled back, revealing more and more until the mind reeled at the sheer scale of what it witnessed. An endless sea of frozen moments stretched out in all directions, each one a window into a life, a decision, a pivotal instant in the fate of a world. They hung suspended in the gray void like soap bubbles, fragile yet somehow eternal. Then, in a moment of vertigo so intense it threatened to shatter sanity, countless eyes blinked open. They ranged from the infinitesimally small to the impossibly vast, each one burning a dull crimson in the realm of unending fog. They dotted a form so massive it defied comprehension, a serpentine shape that twisted through dimensions beyond mortal understanding. These myriad eyes, belonging to the entity known as Omega, focused with terrifying intensity. Not just on David, but on an impossible multitude of scenes unfolding across the planet. Each eye seemed to operate independently, yet was part of a greater, unfathomable consciousness that observed and analyzed with cold, alien precision. In this moment, the true scope of Omega''s awareness became clear. It wasn''t simply watching; it was consuming, processing, and cataloging every minute detail of an entire world in flux. Past, present, and potential futures seemed to blur together under its gaze, as if time itself were merely another plane for it to traverse at will. The frozen scenes began to move, playing out in fits and starts like a broken film reel, all under the unblinking watch of Omega''s countless eyes: In one, a ragtag army of transformed humans battled a colossal, multi-limbed monstrosity. Lightning crackled from the creature''s body as a volcano erupted in the background, bathing the conflict in hellish light. Another fragment revealed a bustling city that had no right to exist so soon after the world''s upheaval. Vendors with scales, feathers, and stranger features haggled over crude maps and whispered secrets, information now more valuable than gold in this world. Beneath roiling waves, an ancient leviathan¡ªall tentacles and bioluminescent malice¡ªfound itself besieged by a coordinated team of aquatic Users. Their transformed bodies sliced through water with unnatural grace, advanced biology and tactics working in perfect unison. Omega observed it all, its eldritch mind processing the fate of an entire world with cold, ruthless efficiency. Its countless eyes darted between temporal fragments, focusing on a select few individuals who had risen above the chaotic masses. Plucked from various points along the tapestry of time, these scenes played out like recordings, each a testament to the completion of Omega''s assigned trials. In an overgrown cityscape, a woman with skin like polished obsidian and eyes glowing with inner fire tore through a horde of mutated beasts with fang and claw. Her laughter, a sound of pure battle ecstasy, rang out as she completed her assigned trial of decimating an entire ecosystem. Beneath the waves, a man-turned-leviathan with teeth like serrated blades and bioluminescent patterns pulsing across his hide consumed the last of a rival pod. He had embraced his new role as apex predator, fulfilling Omega''s task to assert control over critical currents. High in the mountains, twins fused at the spine, each head crowned with crystalline antlers, stood atop a pile of defeated challengers. They had carved out a kingdom of ice and stone, following Omega''s directive to establish dominance over a specific territory. In a dense jungle, a woman composed of living vines and poisonous flowers uprooted the last of an ancient grove, replacing it with a garden of carnivorous plants that seemed to sing with alien voices. This one had taken to its role of reshaping the land with particular zeal. Across a barren desert, a creature that seemed to be made of nothing but razor-sharp quills and hate scoured the last traces of an oasis from existence. It had interpreted Omega''s command to "clean the slate" quite literally, turning its domain into a featureless waste. Each of these individuals had proven themselves worthy of Omega''s interest, their actions reshaping the world in violent, dramatic ways that sent ripples through the fabric of reality itself. They were instruments of chaos, playing their parts in Omega''s grand design with terrible efficiency. Yet despite their impressive displays of power and cruelty, Omega''s focus kept returning to the frozen scene of the bat-like figure and his titanic companion. David stood apart from the others, an oddity among the chosen. Where the others reveled in destruction, David sought balance. Where they embraced cruelty, he clung to compassion. He was vicious when needed, yes, but tempered by a humanity that should have been burned away. Omega''s countless eyes blinked in sequence, a wave of consideration passing through its eldritch mind. David was an anomaly, a variable in an otherwise predictable equation. And yet, that very unpredictability made him valuable. In a plan where so much could go wrong, redundancies were essential. David, with his unique approach and unexpected alliances, represented a failsafe of sorts. And if there was one thing Omega loved beyond the thrill of violent evolution, it was a well-placed redundancy. A presence materialized in the formless gray expanse, announcing itself not through sight or sound, but through a ripple in the very fabric of existence. Iridescent fur that was every color and no color at once shimmered into being, resolving into a form that defied comprehension. Tails¡ªuncountable, ever-shifting¡ªcoalesced around a vulpine shape that hurt the mind to perceive directly. Xi had arrived. Omega''s countless heads turned as one, a symphony of snarls and hisses erupting from maws that had devoured continents. The sound was not one of greeting, but of grudging acknowledgment tinged with annoyance. Xi''s voice, when it came, was a riddle wrapped in an enigma, delivered in a tone that dripped with amusement: "Oh Hydra''s eyes, so keen and bright, Fixed on a bat that takes to flight. Does your grand game, so carefully spun, Hinge on this creature''s nightly fun?" Omega''s response was a cacophony of growls, each head speaking simultaneously in a language that would have driven mortal minds to madness: "SPARE ME YOUR TAUNTS, TRICKSTER. THE ORIGINATORS APPROACH. OUR PLANS ACCELERATE." Xi''s form rippled, tails weaving complex patterns in the air as they replied: "Beyond the veil, titans stir and wake, As cosmic ripples force their stake. Our game now draws their ancient gaze, Where once-bound powers..." A low, rumbling laugh emanated from Omega''s core, drowning out the sound of the Xi''s voice: "LET THEM WATCH. THEIR INACTION SEALS THEIR FATE. WHEN OUR WORK IS DONE, IT WILL NOT MATTER." The fog-shrouded expanse shuddered, reality buckling under the weight of an approaching presence. A golden radiance pierced the gloom, so brilliant it devoured shadow and light alike, leaving in its wake a void that defied perception. Within this golden nothingness, a form coalesced¡ªa bulwark of interlocking scales, plates, and bones so dense that space itself seemed to bend around it. Alpha had arrived, its very essence a challenge to the concept of vulnerability. Where its hidden form passed, the fabric of reality rippled and reinforced, as if the mere idea of Alpha''s defense reshaped the fundamental laws of the cosmos. The surrounding grayness hardened, crystallizing into facets that reflected fragments of worlds where nothing could ever be harmed. No sooner had the golden light stabilized than a new disturbance rocked the expanse. The boundary between life and death blurred, smearing like fresh ink on wet paper. Vibrant green tendrils writhed into existence, each one a paradox of growth and decay. They were plant, animal, fungus, and something utterly alien¡ªall at once and none at all. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Phi''s emergence brought with it the scent of loamy earth and ozone, of forest fires and new shoots breaking through ash. Where its tendrils touched, possibility bloomed. Entire ecosystems sprang to life and crumbled to dust in the span of heartbeats, each cycle more complex and alien than the last. The very concept of evolution seemed to twist around Phi, timelines of adaptation condensing into singular, impossible moments. The air above shimmered, heat haze coalescing into a lustrous orange glow. As it intensified, the surrounding space fractured, each shard reflecting a different army, a unique legion summoned from the depths of improbability. Theta''s form flickered in and out of focus, sometimes a singular entity of flame and purpose, other times a vast, multitudinous host that stretched beyond the confines of comprehension. With each flicker of Theta''s radiance, barely perceivable scenes were revealed in the flame. Armies of behemoths thundered across celestial plains, swarms of microscopic warriors waged wars in the space between atoms, and beings of pure energy danced through the corridors of time¡ªall mere afterimages of Theta''s true potential. As these entities settled into the expanse, the air grew thick with unspoken tension. They arranged themselves in a loose circle, each keeping the others within their eldritch perception. No words were exchanged, no greetings offered. Yet in the minute adjustments of their positions, in the way Alpha''s golden light flexed against Phi''s writhing tendrils, in how Theta''s armies flickered more rapidly when facing Omega''s countless eyes, a clear message was conveyed: None would allow the others to scheme alone. None would risk being the piece left off a hidden board. They were allied, yes, but alliance among such beings was a fragile thing¡ªa deadlock of mutually assured destruction rather than trust. The fate of a world hung in the balance of their temporary cooperation, a cooperation born of shared ambition rather than kinship. For they were, at their core, still the monsters that haunted the darkest corners of existence. And monsters, no matter how powerful, no matter how aligned in purpose, always keep one eye on their prey and another on their fellow predators. In the fog-shrouded expanse, these cosmic predators now gathered. Their forms loomed, stark and alien against the formless gray that surrounded them. The tension between them was palpable, a force as tangible as the reality-warping energies they exuded. Each Overseer''s presence distorted the very fabric of their strange realm, their incomprehensible forms a reminder of the primal forces they embodied. Omega''s myriad eyes pulsed with crimson light as it spoke, its voice a cacophony of discordant tones that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. "THE ORIGINATORS APPROACH. SEVEN REVOLUTIONS OF THIS INSIGNIFICANT SPHERE AROUND ITS STAR. OUR HASTE IS JUSTIFIED BY THE ABYSMAL METRICS ACROSS THE PLANET." Phi''s tendrils writhed in response, a symphony of growth and decay playing out in miniature as it replied. Its voice was the whisper of new shoots breaking through soil, the crackle of forest fires, and the quiet rot of fallen leaves all at once. "Metrics: expected. Territory: uncharted. System: new branch. unprecedented. Path: unexplored." The golden void that was Alpha''s presence seemed to harden, fragments of unbreakable worlds glinting within its depths. When it spoke, its voice was the immovable meeting the unstoppable, a sound that made reality itself shudder. "It would have been prudent to ease the population into this change. The Shards clearly failed in their task to prepare this isolated world. They considered themselves alone in the universe, at the apex of existence. How could they have been ready?" A ripple of what might have been amusement passed through Omega''s serpentine form, causing its countless eyes to blink in unsettling sequence. "THEIR DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR ARE AS AMUSING AS THEY ARE PATHETIC. AND YET..." Omega paused, a note of begrudging respect entering its discordant voice, "THEIR WEAPONRY WAS UNUSUALLY POTENT FOR SUCH LIMITED CREATURES. GIVEN MORE TIME, THEY MIGHT HAVE BECOME... INTERESTING." The air shimmered as Theta''s presence intensified, fractal armies flickering in and out of existence around its core. Its voice was the war cry of countless legions, the death rattle of fallen empires, and the birth of new kingdoms all at once. "Wings spread wide. Talons sharp. Nests secured. Interlopers scattered to ash. Purpose shrouded in smoke. But¡ªOriginators'' migration nears. Feathers stretched thin. Defenses will falter. Warning sounded: brace for sky-fall." A ripple of aggression passed through the gathered Overseers, the very fabric of their strange realm quivering under the weight of their combined animosity. For a moment, it seemed as though the fragile alliance might shatter, forces preparing to clash in a battle that would reshape reality itself. But as quickly as it had risen, the tension ebbed. Omega''s voice cut through the silence, a reminder of their shared purpose. "IT IS FUTILE TO RESIST THE INEVITABLE. WHEN THE SECOND WAVE BEGINS, OUR ROLES WILL SHIFT. THETA, YOUR TRUE PURPOSE AWAITS." At these words, Theta''s form flared with anticipation. For the briefest of moments, the outline of a majestic bird took shape within its orange radiance ¨C wings of flame spread wide, ready to embrace a new era of existence. Xi, who had been uncharacteristically silent, suddenly rippled with barely contained mirth. Its voice, when it came, was a riddle that seemed to rewrite itself even as it was spoken: "In shadows deep where ancients sleep, The cosmic game finds pawns to keep. As Originators draw ever near, What''s truly at stake becomes clear." The other Overseers turned their attention to Xi, their eldritch senses probing for hidden meanings in the cryptic words. Phi''s tendrils coiled tightly, a gesture that might have been frustration in a more comprehensible being. "Riddles: inefficient. Clarity: required. Direct communication: preferable. Query: capable of straightforward speech?" Xi''s form shimmered, its countless tails weaving patterns that hurt the mind to follow. When it spoke again, its words seemed to carry the weight of prophecy: "The veil grows thin, the barriers weak, As humans grow, new strengths they seek. But in their growth, a danger lurks, Ancients turn toward struggling works." Alpha''s golden void pulsed, its voice resonating with a note of concern that seemed to ripple through the very fabric of reality. "You invoke them, Trickster." Omega''s myriad eyes narrowed, each one focusing on Xi with predatory intensity. The air itself seemed to thicken with tension as Omega spoke, its voice a cacophony of snarls and hisses. "SPEAK CLEARLY, FOX. WHAT STIRRINGS HAVE YOU SENSED FROM THE OUTER DARK?" Phi''s tendrils coiled tightly, a gesture that might have been apprehension in a more comprehensible being. Its terse voice cut through the fog like a scalpel: "Ancient ones: awakening. Balance: shifting. Threat level: escalating." Theta''s form flickered rapidly, its legions appearing and disappearing in frantic patterns that hinted at battle formations against an unseen enemy. "Sky-watchers are roused. Void-dwellers stirring. Cosmic web trembles." Xi''s grin widened to impossible proportions, its body seeming to fold in on itself as it replied: "Beyond where chaos reigns, Old powers stir, breaking chains. Our little game, once hidden well, Now catches eyes from depths of hell." A moment of heavy silence fell over the gathered Overseers as they contemplated Xi''s words. The implications were clear ¨C their actions had not gone unnoticed by greater powers. Beyond the boundaries of their influence, vast entities stirred ¨C some as ancient as the System itself, others perhaps even older. These arbiters, once content to observe from afar, now turned their unfathomable gazes towards Earth. Theta''s form flickered rapidly, its legions appearing and disappearing in frantic patterns. Its voice came in sharp, avian bursts: "Wardens alerted. System-keepers roused. Time-nest shrinks. Plans must hatch swiftly." Phi''s tendrils lashed out, intertwining with the very fabric of reality as it spoke. Its response came in clipped fragments: "Acceleration: risky. Cultivation: necessary. Balance required. Speed versus stability: critical equation." As the Overseers'' debate intensified, their eldritch forms writhing and shifting in the gray expanse, the Cube above them stirred. This infinite repository of potential, suspended in the formless void, began to pulse with an otherworldly light. Icons and concepts beyond mortal comprehension swirled within its facets, their pace quickening as if attuned to the rising tension below. Omega''s myriad eyes fixed upon the Cube, its voice a discordant chorus that silenced all other sounds. "THE CUBE AWAKENS. IT SENSES OUR PURPOSE, OUR CONFLICT. THE VERY SYSTEM TREMBLES AT THE PRECIPICE OF CHANGE." The other Overseers turned their attention to the pulsing Cube, their forms gravitating towards it like celestial bodies drawn to a collapsing star. As they approached, the Cube''s surface rippled, showing fleeting glimpses of possible futures ¨C worlds remade in fire and shadow, realities twisted beyond recognition, and lurking beneath it all, the looming presence of forces that challenged even their own terrible power. The Cube flared brightly in response, casting long, distorted shadows of the Overseers across the endless gray expanse. These shadows seemed to take on lives of their own, hinting at the true, horrifying nature of the beings that cast them. Phi''s tendrils reached out, barely brushing the Cube''s surface. Its terse voice cut through the ominous glow: "Potential: vast. Danger: imminent. Unity: required." Theta''s form flickered rapidly, its legions appearing and disappearing within the Cube''s reflective surface. "Battle-lines drawn. Victory or oblivion. No middle ground." Alpha''s golden void pulsed, sending ripples across the Cube''s facets. "The die is cast. We stand together, or we fall to ruin." As one, the Overseers pressed closer to the Cube, their eldritch forms merging with its pulsing light. In this moment of unity, the true scope of their undertaking became clear. They were not just rewriting the rules of one insignificant planet, but challenging the very foundations of a cosmic order. The fog-shrouded expanse contracted around them, the endless gray taking on new depth and texture. The Cube hung at the center of it all, a nexus of terrible potential that pulsed in rhythm with the Overseers'' shared purpose. And as its facets shifted and swirled, a new vision manifested within its crystalline depths. In the vast emptiness of space, massive crystalline structures hurtled towards Earth. Like extinction-level asteroids on an unalterable course, they inched ever closer to the blue planet, their approach heralding the imminent arrival of second Wave and the next phase of Earth''s transformation. The Cube''s pulsing intensified, its light taking on a new, urgent quality. It seemed to count down the moments until the Originators'' arrival, each flash a cosmic heartbeat bringing Earth closer to its next metamorphosis. 131 - Moving on out The Observatory loomed ahead, its dish a sentinel against the lightening sky. The surrounding landscape was a patchwork of shadows and muted colors, dawn¡¯s light painting everything in soft, ethereal hues. Mist clung to the lower ground, giving the approaching David and his swarm an almost ghostly appearance as they emerged from the gloom. David''s wings cut through the wind as he approached the mountain, his enhanced body barely registering the exertion of the long flight. Behind him, his Cuddlebugs struggled to keep pace, their wings barely rustling the air as they flew. As he neared, a massive silhouette emerged, Claire''s enormous form outlined against the pale horizon. Her posture was tense, radiating an energy that made David''s fur stand on end. Despite the gravity of his mission, he couldn''t help the grin that spread across his face at the sight of her. "Hey there, Freaky Friday!" he called out, preparing to land. "Miss me? Because boy, do I have a story for y¡ª" Claire''s roar hit him like a physical wave, nearly knocking him out of the air. David''s ears flattened against his skull as he touched down, his grin erased under the intensity of her anger. The newer Cuddlebugs huddled behind him, tiny eyes wide with terror as they beheld the colossal armored theropod. The roar echoed across the landscape, sending ripples through the morning mist. A flock of bird-like creatures erupted from a downslope copse of trees, their startled cries a discordant counterpoint to the woman''s earth-shaking bellow. Small, unidentifiable critters scurried for cover, their tiny forms barely visible as they disappeared into the underbrush. "Yeah, I deserve that," David managed, his voice barely audible over the ringing in his ears. He watched as his newer minions steeled themselves, preparing for what they clearly thought would be a heroic last stand. But before David could explain or the Cuddlebugs could launch their doomed assault, his clever little minion decided to take matters into its own tiny paws. With a confidence that bordered on suicidal, the enlarged Cuddlebug strutted forward, its newly fluffy tail held high as it approached the still-roaring Claire. Claire''s earth-shaking roar cut off abruptly, replaced by a strangled squawk as she caught sight of the approaching Cuddlebug. The contrast was almost comical - this tiny, fluffy creature strutting fearlessly towards a multi-ton predator. Morning light danced across Claire''s scales, painting her in a shifting mosaic of colors. Her armored bulk cast deep shadows, somehow making her even more imposing. Yet there was the clever Cuddlebug, all swagger and confidence, marching right up to the theropod''s massive claws. Her eyes, previously narrowed in fury, widened hugely as she took in the preening Cuddlebug. David, sensing an opportunity, launched into a frenzied explanation. "Okay, so you''re not going to believe this, but¡ª" Claire''s head snapped up, fixing David with a glare that made every hair on his body stand on end. He froze mid-sentence, suddenly very aware of just how small he was compared to his best friend-slash-maybe-more. "David," Claire growled, her voice low and dangerous, "do you have any idea how worried I was? I could sense you were alive, but for all I knew, you were out there bleeding to death or worse. You could have been glued to a wall until they decided to eat you or something, you bastard." David''s mouth opened and closed silently, any witty comeback dying in his throat. He nodded meekly, deciding that silence was probably the better part of valor at this point. Claire turned her attention back to the clever Cuddlebug, who was now practically swooning under her gaze. The massive theropod made a sound that was halfway between a purr and a croon, all traces of her earlier fury gone as she nuzzled the enlarged minion. David watched in amazement as his clever little friend basked in Claire''s attention, chirping and fluttering its wings in what could only be described as pure joy. The newer Cuddlebugs exchanged confused glances, clearly struggling to reconcile the terrifying creature from moments ago with this display of affection. With a graceful leap that belied its increased size, the clever Cuddlebug sprang up and latched onto one of Claire''s stubby horns, its fluffy tail curling around the bony protrusion like some kind of demented Christmas ornament. Claire''s eyes crossed slightly as she tried to look at her new headgear, and David could have sworn he saw a hint of amusement in her reptilian gaze. "So," Claire rumbled, her eyes refocusing on David, "care to explain why you look like a reject from Bumblefuq''s ''Darkest Forests'' expansion pack?" David chuckled nervously, running a wing through his newly thickened fur. "Funny story? I might have gone a little overboard with the rewards from Omega¡¯s Quest and the Boss¡­Also, I managed to pull it off, obviously." Claire snorted, a sound that sent a small tremor through the ground. "A little overboard? David, you look like someone tried to cross a bat with a sleep paralysis demon and ended up with... whatever this is." "Hey, I''ll have you know this look is very in right now," David protested, puffing out his chest in mock indignation. "All the cool guys are wearing it." Claire''s massive head swayed slightly, and David could practically see her fighting back a smile. It was hard to stay mad at him when he was being... well, him. Still, the set of her jaw told David she wasn''t quite ready to let him off the hook entirely. "Alright, you overgrown fuzz ball," she sighed, "I suppose you''d better tell me what was so important that you had to disappear for an entire day and come back looking like... this." David''s eyes dulled, his earlier excitement withering up and blowing away like dust. "Oh man, Claire, you''re not going to believe this. So after I took down that Hive Queen yesterday, things got..." Claire''s massive head tilted slightly, her expression a mix of curiosity and lingering annoyance. "The whole world went red," David continued, stress clear in his voice. "And then... Omega showed up. No mirror, nothing." At this, Claire''s eyes widened, a low angry rumble emanating from her throat. "Yeah, exactly," David nodded, suppressing a shudder. "It was like it pinned me in the air, but I was still conscious. Omega congratulated me on finishing its Quest, said it was happy with me, and that it''d have more ''tasks¡¯ for me to do later." Claire clacked her jaws together several times anxiously, clearly struggling to process this information. "Let me tell you," David pressed on, "Omega in person? Terrifying doesn''t even begin to cover it. It''s like... imagine if a black hole could grin. That kind of worse." "I cannot even begin to imagine that fucking thing being happy," Claire growled. "The idea is almost gross." "Tell me about it," David agreed emphatically. "After that, I just... flew. Couldn''t think straight. When the adrenaline crash hit, I barely managed to land in this grove. Found a certain super awesome fruit tree that made it all worth it, though." Claire''s massive form shifted, her armored bulk scraping against the ground as she adjusted her stance, claws gouging deep furrows into the earth. David could almost feel her confusion as she fixed him with an intense stare. A few seconds ticked by, while David fought the urge to check if he''d spontaneously combusted under her gaze. Then, like someone had flipped a switch in her brain, Claire''s eyes widened. Her tail twitched in what David recognized as her version of raised eyebrows. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Hold up," Claire rumbled, her voice a mix of disbelief and something warmer. "You found another one of those trees? The ones with the fruit that taste like-" "Like they were grown by angels?" David finished, grinning. "Yep. Bit hard on the old stomach now, unfortunately." Claire''s massive head bobbed in a slow nod, and David could''ve sworn he saw her maw drop open in a tiny grin. The clever Cuddlebug, rocked by Claire¡¯s agreement, let out an excited squeak as it happily swung around without a care in the world. "But that''s not even why I''m late getting back," David said, leaning in. "After all that, I spotted this massive group of transformed humans heading straight for Riverport..." He gesticulated wildly with his wings as Claire settled in to listen, and he pointed towards the horizon. The Observatory''s vantage point revealed a sprawling vista - rolling terrain dotted with dense vegetation, punctuated by the occasional glint of water. Far in the distance, a faint dust cloud betrayed the approach of the transformed human horde. David leaned in, his eyes shining dully as he launched into his tale. "So, picture this: a whole horde of people, marching towards Riverport like they''re on a mission. But here''s the kicker - I don''t think they''re just some ragtag bunch of survivors. These guys had a plan, and it obviously isn¡¯t a new one. They know what they¡¯re doing, you can see it plain as day in the way they move." Claire''s massive head tilted, her reptilian gaze fixed on David with rapt attention. "You should''ve seen their air support," David continued, wings tracing patterns wildly in the air. "They had flyers, Claire! Way more than in Riverport even, circling overhead like some kind of lookouts. It was..." He trailed off, momentarily lost in thought. "Actually, it was pretty damn impressive. Wonder if I could pull off something similar with the Team. Might be useful, you know?" Claire''s tail twitched, a low rumble emanating from her throat. "David," she growled, "did you seriously sneak up on a massive group of potentially hostile people?" David blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Well, yeah. I mean, come on. I''m basically the bat-ninja of the apocalypse now. Advanced camouflage, speed, Flight and Echolocation, plus I can even kill my own scent. I literally have Mutagens dedicated to sneaking. What''s the problem?" Claire''s eyes rolled so hard David was briefly concerned they might pop out of her skull. "And what if you''d gotten unlucky, caused a panic? What if you''d had to hurt someone just to get away? Did you think about that, Mr. Ninja?" David opened his mouth to retort, but the words died in his throat. A cold feeling settled in his gut as he realized what she was getting at. Even his non-lethal options were... well, nightmarish was putting it mildly. Against monsters? Fair game. But against people? He''d be weaponizing terror itself, just like... Oof, yeah, I almost forgot. Gideon nearly had a stroke and Wally forgot how to breathe the first time they laid eyes on me. And that was before all these upgrades. I''ve Evolved since then, I probably look like a nightmare now. Haven''t even tried juicing Apex Terror with Wildsoul yet - that''s bound to work, too. At this rate, I''ll need a vacation just to figure out all my new tricks. Meeting new folks is gonna be... interesting. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. For a moment, David felt his fur stand on end, a shudder running through his frame. But then, surprisingly, he felt the fear ebb away. He''d changed, sure, but he was still himself. Still David. "Okay, point taken," he admitted, running a wing through his fur. "I''m not exactly the poster child of ¡®Visibly Trustworthy¡¯ right now. But hey, I''m pretty good at making friends even after scaring the piss out of someone. I mean, exhibit A," he gestured between them with a grin. "How many times did I accidentally terrify you when we first met? Three?" Claire didn''t budge an inch, her expression remaining stern. "That''s true, and you are a good guy. Anyone willing to talk to you would figure that out pretty quick. But a huge group of scared people? They won''t stop to ask questions. They''ll just react. Especially now." David''s grin faded as the wisdom in Claire''s words sank in. He grumbled a bit, kicking at the ground with a clawed foot. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. But I had to know if they were going to be hostile or not. What was I supposed to do, send in my fuzzy little spies?" Claire''s bony frill caught the light as she tilted her head in what David had come to recognize as exasperation. ¡°Duh. Weren¡¯t you just doing that yesterday?" David blinked, then let out a bark of laughter. "Well, shit." He paused, a mischievous glint entering his eye. "You know what? No time like the present." With a mental command, most of the Cuddlebugs took flight, their small forms quickly lost against the complex tapestry of the mountain. Some darted low, using the terrain for cover, while others climbed high, becoming mere specks against the brightening sky. Their purple eyes glinted occasionally as they caught the light, brief flashes of color in the shifting landscape. "Alright, little buddy," David said, focusing on the mental link with his most intelligent minion. "I need you to find the boss types in that group. You know, the ones that look important." To David''s amazement, its eyes lit up with understanding. A series of images and emotions flashed through their mental connection, catching David off guard. The clever Cuddlebug projected mental images of David himself, commanding the swarm, followed by a startlingly vivid recollection of the Hive Queen surrounded by her drones. The message was clear: It was seeking out creatures that commanded others, just like David or the Queen. David blinked, momentarily stunned by his minion''s initiative and comprehension. "Well, I''ll be damned," he muttered, then nodded approvingly. "That''s exactly right, little guy. Find the ones in charge, just like that. And remember, we''re going for subtle here. No getting caught, okay?" Clever chirped in affirmation, its purple eyes gleaming with intelligence and determination. As it took off to join its brethren, David couldn''t help but feel a swell of pride. Fuzzy little dude is growing up so fast. I wonder how far I can push Nightshade Swarm? Need to start working on that pronto. Claire let out a rumbling chuckle. "Look at you, being all responsible. I''m almost impressed." David struck a heroic pose, wings spread wide. "What can I say? I''m a quick learner. Now, want to place bets on how long it takes before one of them gets distracted by something shiny?" "If they''re anything like you? I''d give it five minutes, tops." David''s expression suddenly turned serious. "Jokes aside, we should probably get moving. Beat them back to Riverport, warn everyone they''re about to have a lot of company." Claire nodded, her massive head bobbing in agreement. "Good thinking. But we should also try to make friendly contact, y¡¯know, if we can. Maybe find a few scouts or stragglers." "Brilliant!" David exclaimed, his mind already racing. "We could isolate a few of them, figure out the best way to-" He froze mid-sentence, a chill running down his spine. The thought had come so naturally, so smoothly, it almost reminded him of... Spooky. Fuck. Same old shit, new spin. David''s fur bristled as he recognized the telltale signs of influence seeping through his Evolution. His experience with Spooky had left him hyper-aware of his own knee-jerk reactions, and he quickly quashed the manipulative impulse. After a moment''s consideration, David sighed. "Okay, that was weird. Got a little vibe there for a second. Thanks, Xi, you sneaky bastard." He shook his head, as if to clear it. "It''s not a bad idea, strategically speaking. But I gotta remember not to be a dick about it. No pulling strings. I''m way too dumb for that kind of 4D chess bullshit." Claire tilted her head, her reptilian eyes narrowing slightly in concern. David waved a wing dismissively. "Don''t worry, I''m fine. Just... growing pains, I guess. Turns out knowing yourself is half the battle. Who knew?" He chuckled, but there was a hint of unease in his voice. "Anyway," he continued, eager to change the subject, "we should probably get moving. The sooner we warn Riverport, the better." Claire nodded, but then hesitated. "There''s something I need to take care of first. Won''t take long." David''s eyebrows shot up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Oh? Something you need to take care of, huh? You''re not about to lay an egg or something, are you?" The words had barely left his mouth when Claire''s tail whipped towards him. David hissed, his wings snapping open instinctively. With a powerful thrust, he launched himself skyward, corkscrewing through the air in a maneuver that was equal parts graceful and ridiculous. He knew she wasn''t really trying to hit him - the swing was too wide, too telegraphed - but old habits died hard. Landing in a crouch, David grinned up at Claire. "Touchy subject? Don''t worry, your secret''s safe with me. I won''t tell anyone about your little dino-" Claire''s growl cut him off, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Oh my god, enough already." David held up his wings in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Your mysterious errand shall remain a mystery. For now." He winked, then turned to gather the remaining Cuddlebugs. "Don''t take too long, though. We''ve got people to warn and people to meet. And they might not even want to kill us this time! Imagine!" Sunday Funday Chapter - Smooth Sailing The endless expanse of ocean stretched in every direction, a shimmering blue canvas painted with dancing sunbeams that filtered in from above. Beneath the surface, a world of alien beauty and terror thrived, each creature more bizarre than the last. Big Blue''s massive form drifted lazily just beneath the surface, his whale-like body easily twice the size of any cetacean ever recorded. Bioluminescent patterns pulsed along his flanks, a dazzling light show that would''ve made Vegas proud. Fins that looked more like living solar panels soaked up the filtered sunlight, converting it to raw energy with quiet efficiency. Perched atop this floating island of blubber and badassery was Doc, a crustacean that loosely resembled a chunky lobster. About the size of a dolphin, her exoskeleton shimmered with colors that shouldn''t exist in nature, while her appendages resembled Swiss Army knives sculpted from chitin and spite. "Hold still, you big baby," Doc grumbled, her voice a mix of exasperation and amusement. She yanked out a fang the size of a kitchen knife from Big Blue''s hide, promptly spitting a wad of mucus that gelled upon contact with the water. With practiced movements, she smeared the wound liberally with the nasty looking goo. The gel hissed and bubbled, sealing the injury in seconds. Big Blue''s eye, large enough to use as a hot tub, swiveled to peer at his smaller companion. "Ow! Watch it, you walking appetizer," he rumbled, his voice sending vibrations through the water that''d register on seismographs. "That almost tickled." Doc snorted, a sound that shouldn''t be possible underwater. "Oh please, you didn''t even notice when that thing took a chunk out of you. Some apex predator you are." "I''ll have you know," Big Blue huffed, his bioluminescent patterns flashing indignantly, "that my sensibilities are renowned throughout the seven seas. Why, just the other day, a boat full of tourists complimented me on my impeccable manners." "Right," Doc drawled, her antennae twitching sarcastically. "And I suppose they invited you to their next sushi social, too?" As they bantered, a school of fish that looked like the unholy offspring of tuna and disco balls swam by, their scales flashing like strobe lights. Neither Big Blue nor Doc batted an eye; such sights were common in their new aquatic hellscape. "Any word from Lurky?" Doc asked, yanking out another fang and applying her miracle spit. Big Blue''s patterns shifted in the whale equivalent of a shrug. "Last ping put ''em about three miles down and diving deeper. You know how Lurky gets on these exploration binges." Doc''s eyestalks swiveled, peering into the abyss below. The darkness seemed to swallow light itself, promising secrets and horrors in equal measure. "Still can''t believe how deep that slippery bastard can go. Remember when we thought the kiddie pool near the islands was deep?" "Hah!" Big Blue''s laugh sent a shockwave through the water, probably deafening fish for miles. "Yeah, but to be fair we were all a lot smaller a month ago." To prove his point, Big Blue lazily flicked one of their many flukes, creating a current that sent Doc tumbling ass over teakettle. She righted herself with a series of rapid, hinging movements, fixing Big Blue with a glare that could curdle seawater. "Show-off," she muttered, but there was no real heat in her words. "Just ''cause you can juggle submarines doesn''t mean you gotta rub it in." Big Blue''s patterns flashed in a smug grin. "Aw, don''t be jelly, Doc. Besides, I thought you liked my blubber. More real estate for your OCD cleaning, right? Don''t you get xp from that still?" Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Doc was about to unleash a retort that''d make a sailor blush when her antennae went rigid. "Hey, Moby Dickhead. You feel that?" Big Blue''s playful demeanor vanished immediately. His massive form tensed, sending ripples through the water. "Yeah. Vibrations in the deep. Something''s stirring down there." They fell silent, enhanced senses stretching out into the vast blue void. Through the Pack System, they felt Lurky''s presence, a faint electric tingle in the crushing depths. But beneath that familiar buzz was something else. Something that made even Big Blue''s blubber crawl. Faint sonar pings echoed through the water, barely perceptible even to their heightened senses. These weren''t Lurky''s usual whistles¡ªno, these vibrations came from something else. Something big. "You feeling that?" Doc muttered, her antennae twitching nervously. "Those pings...that''s a long way away." Big Blue''s bioluminescent patterns flickered in acknowledgment. "Yeah, and they''re making my sonar sense go haywire. Whatever''s down there, it''s too big for Lurky to handle if we''re feeling it up here. God dammit." The tension hung in the water between them. Big Blue''s own sonar could be felt for miles around, and he was a leviathan in his own right. For something to produce pings that powerful, from that depth... "How big are we talking?" Doc asked, though her nervous twitching hinted she wasn''t sure she wanted the answer. Big Blue''s massive eye swiveled, peering into the abyss. "Not sure," he rumbled. "You don''t think..." Doc began, her voice barely a whisper. "That our favorite eel''s gone and poked something that should''ve stayed un-poked? With our luck? Abso-fucking-lutely," Big Blue finished, his tone a mix of ''oh shit'' and ''hell yeah''. Right on cue, a rumble shook the ocean, making the water feel like jello in an earthquake. Panic spread through the sea life faster than gossip at a knitting circle. Schools of fish scattered, and even a pod of transformed dolphins ¨C sporting metallic skin and elongated, weaponized snouts ¨C noped the hell out of the immediate area. "Well," Doc said, clinging to Big Blue''s hide as the tremors intensified, "guess the vacation''s over. Time to bail out our troublemaker?" Big Blue''s bioluminescent patterns formed a wicked grin that''d give a great white shark nightmares. "You kidding? And miss all the fun? Batten down the hatches, Doc. We''re going deep sea diving." Doc''s eyes glowed briefly, her exoskeleton thickening and hardening as she activated an Ability. She dug her appendages deeper into Big Blue''s hide, bracing for one hell of a ride. With a flex of his titanic body, Big Blue plunged into the abyss. Water rushed past them, the pressure increasing with every fathom. Doc clung on, her reinforced shell creaking but holding as they descended into a realm where nightmares were considered the friendly neighbors. The deeper they went, the weirder shit got. Bioluminescent creatures lit up the darkness like a rave in Hades'' basement. Jellyfish with tentacles crackling with bio-electricity drifted by. Squid that bent light around them like living cloaking devices darted through the gloom. Schools of fish glowed with an otherworldly brilliance that drew the eye a little too much, making it hard to look away. "You know," Doc shouted over the rush of water, "when I signed on for this fishing gig, I didn''t expect to be diving into the belly of the ocean to fight monsters!" Big Blue''s laugh boomed through the water like undersea thunder. "Really? That was first on my wishlist! Right after ''grow big enough to use boats as bath toys''!" As they approached the source of the disturbance, Big Blue tensed. "Hang on to your shell, Doc. I''m gonna ping this sucker." Before Doc could protest, Big Blue unleashed a blast of sonar that made depth charges look like pop rocks. The shockwave was visible, a ripple of pure force that turned smaller sea life into instant sushi. The returning ping painted a picture in Big Blue''s mind that made even his massive form shudder. "Oh boy," he muttered, "Lurky''s really opened a can of worms this time. And by worms, I mean that literally." "The tasty kind or the bitey kind?¡± Doc asked in a tone that suggested she already knew the answer. "Extra bitey!¡± Big Blue responded with a chuckle, hammering his tail into the water behind them as he accelerated to ramming speed. "It''s always extra bitey!¡± 132 - A groovy start David perched on the edge of a derelict military jeep, his wings folded neatly against his back as he surveyed the Observatory compound. The morning sun cast long shadows across the gravel-strewn ground, highlighting the debris scattered around the base of the massive radio telescope. His gaze lingered on the makeshift lean-to Gideon had constructed, a pang of nostalgia tugging at his chest. "What a ride, huh?" he mused aloud, glancing down at the clever Cuddlebug nestled comfortably nearby. The creature chittered softly, its purple eyes gleaming with intelligence as it followed David''s gaze. A gentle breeze ruffled David''s fur, carrying with it the crisp scent of the mountain air. He inhaled deeply, savoring the familiar smell. It''s strange, to feel so comfortable here and glad to be leaving it behind at the same time. "You know, little buddy," David continued, absently stroking the Cuddlebug''s fuzzy head, "when we first came up here, I thought we''d find some answers. Maybe a lone worker who''d overheard something juicy about the Integration." He chuckled, shaking his head. Hell, part of me was half-expecting to find some drunk deity on a bender, rewriting reality before his babysitters could drag him away. The Cuddlebug tilted its head, clearly not following but attentive nonetheless. "Instead, we got..." David trailed off, his expression darkening. "Overseers. Omega. Xi. The Dark Star." He hopped off the jeep, stretching his wings wide. The other Cuddlebugs scattered around the compound perked up at his movement, their tiny ears swiveling in his direction. David growled a bit to himself as he paced between the abandoned vehicles. I''ve gotten stronger. A lot stronger. But that probably would''ve happened anywhere. Instead, I''ve apparently become ''interesting'' to the Overseers. Had to kill a crazy cultist. And then there was that whole mess with Omega''s Quest. David''s fur bristled at the memory, a low hiss escaping his lips. The Cuddlebugs chittered nervously, picking up on their master''s unease. "Easy, guys," he soothed, forcing himself to relax. "Ancient history now. Well, recent ancient history." He meandered over to the lean-to, running a wing along its rough-hewn surface. At least we met some good people. Kozlov, Wally, Gideon, Adam... They''re probably halfway to Riverport by now, if Kozlov kept them moving into the night a bit. David''s gaze drifted to the horizon, where the first hints of the approaching transformed human horde were just barely visible. A mix of anticipation and apprehension churned in his gut. You know what the funny thing is? Part of me still hoped we''d find some all-powerful, extremely elderly wizard up here. Someone who wasn''t quite sure what they were doing anymore, but was still damn good at it. He chuckled, the sound tinged with a hint of melancholy. Instead, we got cosmic horror and existential dread. Careful what you wish for, I guess? A gust of wind swept across the compound, sending dead grass and debris skittering across the gravel. David watched them dance in the breeze, lost in thought. Still, it hasn''t all been bad. I mean, look at these little guys. Who''d have thought I''d end up with my own army of adorable, deadly furballs? David extended his attention towards the bulk of the swarm he''d sent off to spy, checking in as they darted through the forest or sailed high through the air on their approaches. They seemed to be taking their job seriously, and David grinned at their determination. And hey, another Evolution under my belt. Even if I''m not entirely sure what to expect from it yet. He resumed his pacing, circling the remains of the crumbling parking lot. The massive dish loomed overhead, a silent sentinel to all that had transpired here. You know what, though? Maybe not knowing is okay. Maybe it''s even better. After all, if I''d known what I was getting into, I might''ve chickened out. And where''s the fun in that? The Cuddlebugs chirped in agreement, their tiny wings fluttering excitedly. ¡°Besides,¡± David muttered, his gaze drifting back to the horizon, ¡°we''ve got a whole new adventure waiting for us down there. New people to meet, new challenges to face.¡± He chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°And hey, maybe they won''t even want to kill us or ambush me this time. Wouldn''t that be a nice change of pace?¡± As if on cue, the sound of heavy footsteps approaching caught David''s attention. He turned, grinning as Claire''s massive form came into view. His eyes widened as he noticed something small and glittery dangling from one of her teeth ¨C a necklace, comically tiny against her enormous maw. "About time!" he called out, wings spread wide in mock exasperation. "I was starting to think you''d gotten lost. Or worse, found a stegosaurus to elope with." Claire''s rumbling growl carried a note of amusement, slightly muffled by the necklace looped around her tooth. As she drew closer, David could see faint scratches around her snout, testament to the difficulty she''d had in retrieving such a delicate item with her massive jaws. David watched with growing amusement as Claire approached, the necklace dangling precariously from a single tooth in her massive maw. As she came to a stop in front of him, looming over his smaller form, he could see the determination in her eyes. Claire attempted to drop the necklace, her jaw opening wide. The tiny piece of jewelry stubbornly clung to her tooth. She tried again, and again, each attempt more forceful than the last. David bit his lip, fighting back a chuckle as Claire''s frustration became increasingly apparent. Growling softly, Claire raised one of her comically small arms, trying to claw at the necklace. Her efforts were in vain, her stubby claws unable to reach or dislodge the offending item. David''s wings twitched with the effort of containing his laughter. In a final, desperate attempt, Claire angled her head straight down and shook it vigorously. The necklace swung wildly, suddenly colliding with another of her massive fangs with a crisp ''snack''. Claire winced, her eyes crossing slightly at the impact. Don''t laugh. Don''t laugh. Don''t you dare laugh¡­ David steeled himself, his face contorting with the effort of maintaining composure. After a few more moments of futile attempts, Claire let out a resigned sigh. "This is for you," she grumbled, her words slightly muffled. "But apparently, you''re going to have to take it yourself." David''s grin was equal parts amusement and affection as he flounced over to Claire. "Allow me," he said, bowing dramatically before reaching up to carefully extract the necklace from her teeth. It took a bit of maneuvering, the chain having wedged itself slightly during Claire''s efforts, but eventually it came loose with a soft ''pop''. As David finally got a good look at the necklace, his witty remark died on his lips. The piece of jewelry had clearly seen better days and had probably been rather gaudy at some point. It was cheap, but well-made, with a solid chain supporting a large peace sign pendant. However, it was the obvious modifications that caught his attention. The entire necklace had an odd sheen to it, as if it had been coated with something. Dangling from the chain was an eclectic assortment of items, each with roughly bored holes allowing them to hang. David recognized pieces of crystalline antler from the glimmerstag he''d killed when he first summoned the Cuddlebugs. There were also various fangs of different sizes, their pointed tips glinting in the morning light. But what truly stunned David were the fragments wired into the gaps of the peace symbol. His eyes widened as he realized what they were. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Holy shit, are those... pieces of the Shard of Supremacy? The once-powerful artifact fragments were now dull and lifeless, but they still retained their ethereal beauty. As David turned the pendant, the shard pieces caught the light, shimmering with a prismatic reflection that seemed to dance across the surface. For once in his life, David found himself utterly speechless. He looked up at Claire, his mouth opening and closing without a sound. Claire''s massive head dipped slightly. "I know it''ll make you look like a hippy," she rumbled, "but nobody''s scared of hippies. Even the ugly, scary ones will, at worst, try to do drugs with you and tell you long, rambling stories about their spirititual journeys." David snorted, finally finding his voice. "Well, when you put it that way, how can I resist?" Claire continued, her voice softening. "Gideon found it on a desk somewhere in the observatory. He''d been playing with it, and I asked if I could have it. He... he helped me make it, actually.¡± David raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Oh? You two working on arts and crafts together now? Should I be jealous?" Claire''s tail swished, nearly taking out a nearby jeep. "Oh, shut up," she growled, amusement plain in her voice. "Anyway, we coated it with some industrial sealant the military left behind. It might resist your Miasma a little." She paused, then added sheepishly, "Though you only had Gloom when I started making it. Plus the sealer cans were mostly solidified, might have gone off. I''d be careful with it." David''s smirk faded as he realized the implications of what Claire was saying. He looked down at the necklace, then back up at his friend, his expression softening. Claire''s voice grew even quieter, a feat David wouldn''t have thought possible for a multi-ton reptile. "I know the way you look and how other people react to you bothers you a lot. Even if you''re good at pretending it doesn''t." Her eyes, filled with warmth and understanding, met David''s. "I can tell you''d rather everyone just treat you normally sometimes. I thought... maybe this would help." David felt a lump forming in his throat. He swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure. "Claire, I..." he began, his voice thick with emotion. "This is... I don''t know what to say." Claire nudged him gently with her snout, nearly knocking him over. "You don''t have to say anything. Just... wear it. And maybe try not to scare the living daylights out of everyone we meet, yeah?" David chuckled, the sound wavering slightly. "No promises, but I''ll do my best." He slipped the necklace over his head, adjusting it so the peace sign pendant rested against his chest. The weight of it felt comforting, grounding. It''s not just a necklace, is it? It''s a reminder. Of who I am, of the journey we''ve been on¡­the antler pieces are so cool looking too. I wonder how they managed to break them down? Looking up at Claire, David felt a surge of gratitude and affection. "Thank you," he said simply, knowing that those two words carried more weight than any elaborate speech could. Claire''s rumbling purr filled the air, a sound of contentment. "Anytime, bat boy. Now, are you ready to face whatever''s coming our way?" David grinned, ears perking forward, his newfound confidence radiating from him like a tangible force. "With a friend along for the ride and this stylish accessory? Bring it on." As they turned to face the horizon, where the dust cloud of the approaching horde grew ever larger, David couldn''t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he wouldn''t face them alone. And really, that made all the difference in the world. David suddenly wrapped his wings around Claire''s snout in a surprise hug. Claire snorted in shock, the blast of air inflating David''s wings like a parachute. For a moment, he felt like he might blow away, but then Claire''s rumbling laughter filled the air. "I really like the necklace, you know," David said, grinning widely. "It''s groovy, baby, yeah!" Claire giggled, a sound that seemed almost incongruous coming from such a massive creature. "What, you got a cravat hidden in your back pocket or something?" "Nah, but I''ll get right on that the next time we meet a friendly spider that can make silk," David quipped. "You know worms make silk too, right?" Claire reminded him. David waved a wing dismissively. "That was before spiders the size of motorcycles were running around." "If spiders that big were around before, civilization would''ve collapsed in like three days," Claire countered. "Can''t argue with that logic," David agreed, then suddenly flapped away from the Observatory. "Come on, slowpoke! You''re the one holding us up now!" He landed near the compound gate, mentally recalling the Cuddlebugs he''d kept with him. To his surprise, all five of them were utterly captivated by his new necklace. The glittering pendant seemed to hypnotize them, and they kept jumping to grab it. "Hey, hey! Easy there, magpies," David chuckled, fending them off playfully before bending down to let them see it. They crowded around, pawing and nipping at the pendant. One of the newer Cuddlebugs, apparently not grasping the concept of jewelry, tried to chew through the chain. It stopped after two bites, looking mystified at the material. Claire caught up, shaking her head in amusement. "Don''t let those little boogers ruin your real Quest reward." David straightened up immediately, leaving one particularly determined Cuddlebug dangling from the pendant. He brushed it off with a wing, as casually as if he were dusting off crumbs after dinner. Claire took a final look at the lean-to, inhaling deeply before letting out a long, rattling breath. With her head held high, she began walking purposefully out of the compound. David hopped into the air, gliding lazily beside her at about head height, his improved flying abilities allowing him to stay airborne effortlessly even at low speeds. As they made their way down the remains of the road, they passed the wrecked truck where David had found the skeletal remains of the driver on their arrival to the observatory. David frowned, noticing the truck had been disturbed, debris cleared into a pile by the side of the cab. He flew over and let off an Echolocation pulse, confirming that the bones were indeed gone. Confused, David looked around until his eyes landed on a sight that made his heart skip a beat. Off to the side of the road stood a rough cross made from two thick sticks snapped cleanly ¨C clearly Kozlov''s handiwork. A necklace with a pair of dog tags was draped over the wooden cross, and the resin holding it together, while a bit messy, was unmistakably from Pinchy, Gideon''s summon. Why didn''t I ever think of doing that? Claire continued onward at the same pace, but glanced over her shoulder at David as he landed in front of the grave. He tried to read the dog tags, but they were too weathered to make out any details. That''s a bummer. A grave, but no name. He stood in silence for a moment, taking in the scene. The soil around the cross had softened, no longer the hard-packed earth of the roadside but a gentle mound that spoke of recent disturbance. Tiny flowers, their species unrecognizable in this new world, had begun to sprout in clusters. Their delicate petals ranged from soft lavender to a deep, rich purple, creating a soft contrast to the harsh, rocky surroundings. The blooms swayed gently in the mountain breeze, as if nodding in acknowledgment of the grave''s occupant. A small vine, its leaves a bright neon green that seemed almost to glow in the morning light, had already started to creep up the makeshift cross. It wound its way around the rough wood, tiny tendrils reaching out as if trying to embrace the structure. The vine''s vibrant color stood out against the weathered wood and faded dog tags, as if nature itself was paying its respects and reclaiming one of its own. The entire tableau seemed to exist in its own little bubble, a pocket of life and remembrance amidst the wild, untamed landscape of the post-Integration world. It was beautiful in its own way. "I won''t forget you, whoever you were," David murmured to the unnamed soldier before rejoining Claire with a few powerful flaps of his wings. They walked in silence for a while, the gravel crunching beneath Claire''s massive feet and the gentle whoosh of David''s wings the only sounds breaking the mountain air. With a graceful swoop, David alighted on his favorite perch - the small hollow just behind Claire''s head, nestled between her bony frill and the thick scales of her neck. He settled in, folding his wings comfortably against his body. As he made himself at home, David extended his awareness to the Cuddlebugs flying alongside them. With a series of mental commands, he directed them to spread out. Some darted into the forest on either side of the road, their purple eyes gleaming as they weaved between trees and underbrush. Others took to the air, climbing high to keep a watchful eye on the surrounding terrain. Within moments, they had formed a protective net around the pair, alert for any potential threats. Let it never be said I won''t steal a good trick when I see one. I''d love to pick the brain of whoever is in charge of that group''s flyers. Satisfied with their formation, David leaned forward against Claire''s scales, feeling the warmth radiating from her body. He absently fiddled with his new necklace, the peace sign pendant cool against his fur. After a moment, he declared, "After this next crisis is dealt with, I''m taking some ''me time''." Claire snorted. "You basically got to pick our last two adventures. It''s clearly my turn this time." David barked out a laugh. "Fair enough. What''s your pleasure, oh scaly one?" "I always wanted to take a seaside vacation," Claire mused. "As long as there''s no sea-serpents or awakened elder gods doing jazzercise on the beach, I''m down for a little R&R," David agreed. As they continued their journey down the mountain, leaving the Observatory behind, David couldn''t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and excitement. The weight of the necklace against his chest was a reminder of the people he''d met and the challenges he''d overcome. Whatever lay ahead, he knew he was ready to face it ¨C preferably with a little less cosmic horror and a lot more beach time. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows behind them as they made their way towards Riverport and the approaching horde. Another chapter in their adventure was ending, but a new one was just beginning. And this time, I''ll be going into it all fancy. I should make Claire a scarf or something... 133 - Boo David and Claire stood at the edge of the swamp, gazing out over the mist-shrouded landscape. The last time they''d ventured through it from Redfield, it had taken days of slogging through mud and battling oversized insects. Now, with David''s enhanced abilities and Claire''s imposing presence, they knew the journey would be swifter. David perched atop Claire''s head, nestled comfortably behind her bony frills. Her massive eyes flicked back and forth, head twitching in quick, birdlike motions as she surveyed the swamp before them. David opened his mouth to speak, but a sudden ping against his consciousness made him pause. Another followed moments later. "Hold up, Claire," David said, tapping her scales lightly. "The fuzzy nightmares need my attention for a sec." Claire nodded, the motion barely perceptible. "Go ahead, check in on your bat-ellite network," she rumbled, amusement coloring her voice. David rolled his eyes at the pun but closed them to focus. He reached out with his mind, connecting to the swarm of Cuddlebugs he''d sent to spy on the approaching nomads. The mental images that flooded back were fascinating. The nomadic group moved with a precision that spoke of long practice and careful organization. From his aerial spies, David saw the loose ring of flyers circling the main group. These airborne sentinels maintained a constant vigil, their varied forms not seeming to hinder their ability to cooperate in the slightest. Some resembled great birds of prey, while others were more akin to flying squirrels or even vaguely reptilian creatures. David even saw a bat, though it looked very different from himself, all bright parrot-like colors with a chunky body. Within this protective ring, smaller groups of nimble flyers zipped back and forth. These appeared to be relaying messages or performing more focused scouting missions. Their movements were purposeful, not wasting energy on unnecessary maneuvers. On the ground, the bulk of the nomads moved in a formation that was both efficient and flexible. At the forefront, a group of muscular, quadrupedal creatures with keen senses acted as scouts, sniffing the air and scanning for potential threats or resources. Behind them, the main body of the group was arranged in a rough diamond formation. At the center of this formation, David spotted what appeared to be the more vulnerable members of the group - the small, the heavily specialized, and those who seemed to be in the process of doing odd-jobs, perched atop the backs of larger members. These were surrounded by a protective ring of formidable-looking guards, their bodies a mix of chitinous armor and rippling muscle. Hey, see! I''m not the only one that hitches rides sometimes! Interspersed throughout the group were gatherers, their forms clearly adapted for harvesting and carrying various resources. Some had multiple limbs ending in specialized appendages, while others sported expandable throat sacks or pouches. They moved with purpose, occasionally darting off to collect something before seamlessly rejoining the group. Medics, identifiable by the glowing patterns on their bodies, weaved through the crowd. They checked on individuals, administering treatments that ranged from the familiar - clearly using abilities of some kind - to the fantastical, like secreting faintly glowing substances. In one bizarre case David witnessed a creature covered in mushrooms allowing other members to eat the fungi off its body. As David''s consciousness bounced between his spies, he noticed a pattern emerging. Many of the nomads would periodically approach a central figure, conferring briefly before dashing off with renewed purpose. This individual, the apparent leader of this section of the caravan, was a sight to behold. The creature stood on six legs, its body low to the ground and covered in a mosaic of scales and fur. Its head was elongated, reminiscent of an anteater, but with multiple eyes arranged in a crown-like pattern. Two pairs of ears sprouted from its head, and all of them seemed to swivel independently of the others, though David couldn''t guess what advantage that provided over two regular ears. Despite its bizarre appearance, it moved with grace and authority, efficiently directing those who approached it. David''s most evolved Cuddlebug, the one with the fluffy tail, sent him a particularly clear image of this leader. It was currently perched on a nearby branch, its purple eyes fixed intently on the six-legged commander. Keep an eye on that one. Follow it if it goes to report to someone else. He received a crisp mental affirmative in response. Pulling his consciousness back, David blinked, reorienting himself. Claire had begun to move, her massive form pushing through the swamp''s undergrowth with surprising delicacy. Water sloshed around her feet, and the occasional snap of a branch punctuated their progress. "So," David began, absently stroking the pendant hanging from his neck, "our new friends are something else. They''ve got this whole mobile society thing down to a science." He described what he''d seen - the aerial patrols, the efficient ground movement, the specialized roles. As he spoke, Claire continued her careful navigation of the swamp, occasionally pausing to test the stability of the ground before proceeding. "Their leader, at least the one I could see, is this wild-looking six-legged thing," David concluded. "Looks like it''s coordinating a big chunk of their operation. I''ve got my best guy keeping tabs on it." Claire rumbled thoughtfully. "Sounds like they''ve been at this a while. Any sign of hostility?" David shook his head. "Not that I could see. They seem more focused on survival and efficiency than anything else. But we''ll keep watching." As they pushed deeper into the swamp, the familiar sounds of alien insect life and the occasional splash of something large moving through water surrounded them. David found himself continuously splitting his attention between their immediate surroundings and the distant nomad group, marveling at how quickly people had adapted to their new circumstances. A thoughtful hiss escaped David''s snout as he lounged atop Claire''s head, idly twirling the peace sign pendant between his claws as they trudged through the swamp. Only the occasional splash and gurgle of unseen creatures punctuated their progress. "So," David mused after a few minutes, "how do we introduce ourselves to the horde without ending up as dinner or a punching bag?" Claire''s rumbling voice vibrated through David''s perch. "I still like the ''find some scouts and say hi'' plan. Simple, direct, and probably going to happen anyway." "Hmm," David flicked his wings thoughtfully. "What if we use the Cuddlebugs to lure some people away? They''re pretty adorable." Claire snorted, a gust of warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Would you follow a bunch of cute-but-savage looking critters in this day and age?" "Absolutely," David grinned. Claire''s exasperated snort this time nearly dislodged David from his perch. "Okay, smartass. What if it was a swarm of cat-sized wasps?" David''s grin vanished. "Hell no. That''s clearly a trap for nefarious insect purposes." "Exactly," Claire nodded, nearly bucking David off again. "And while I think your little team is adorable now, they''re actually pretty scary-looking. They take after you, after all." David whined, "Bullshit! The Team is absolutely lovable!" "To us, sure," Claire conceded. "But to strangers? They probably look like tiny furry nightmares." David sighed, reluctantly agreeing. "Fine, we''ll nix the Cuddlebug lure idea. Your turn, big brain." Claire hummed thoughtfully, the sound sending ripples across nearby puddles. Several unseen creatures dove for cover with alarmed splashes. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "How about we just signal the next group of flyers we spot then?" Claire suggested. "How far out are they, anyway?" David closed his eyes, focusing on his distant spies. After a moment of mental calculations, he said, "The main group? Probably an hour and change. Maybe ten or fifteen minutes in the air. They''re moving at a steady clip, but not rushing. It''s like a relentless power-walk." Claire nodded. "Interesting. They''re pacing themselves for the long haul." "Yeah," David agreed. "Honestly, I''m pretty sure if they were attacked, only enough people to handle it would break off. They''d probably drag the corpses back to eat later." "Waste not, want not," Claire muttered. She fell silent for a while, still moving steadily through the swamp. Finally, she spoke. "They''re going to spot me no matter what. I''m too damn big, and there''s not enough cover. We could go around through the forest, but we''d never beat them to Riverport that way." David nodded, absently scratching behind one of Claire''s bony protrusions. "So, make nice before they decide to turn you into dino steaks?" "Exactly," Claire rumbled. "I''d rather not have to fight off a harvesting party." David snorted. "I''d like to see them try. Most of them don''t even look like they have special Evolutions. We could probably talk or fight our way out of any misunderstanding." "Maybe," Claire conceded, "but I''d rather avoid hurting anyone if we can help it." "Fair enough," David agreed. He paused, then added, "You know, it might not be a bad idea to send a couple of my little spies out towards the convoy. Keep an eye out for any scouts we can''t see." Claire''s muscles tensed slightly under David. "Good thinking. After that electric weasel stalked us for so long, I''m not taking any chances." David nodded, closing his eyes to focus. He sent out a mental command, and two of his remaining Cuddlebugs took flight, darting off towards the distant convoy. As they continued their trek through the swamp, David found himself marveling at how quickly they''d adapted to this new world. Just a few weeks ago, the idea of casually discussing how to approach a horde of transformed humans would have seemed insane. Now, it was just another Tuesday. "You know," David mused aloud, "I''m starting to think we might be getting a little too comfortable with all this weirdness." Claire''s rumbling chuckle sent vibrations through David''s body. "What gave it away? The fact that we''re casually planning first contact while trudging through a monster-infested swamp?" David grinned. "That, and the fact that I''m seriously considering how to accessorize this necklace with some swamp bling. Think I could pull off a vine bracelet?" "Only if you want to look like a fuzzy, airborne swamp¡­thing," Claire retorted. Their banter was interrupted by a sudden mental ping from one of David''s scouts. He closed his eyes, focusing on the incoming information. After a moment, his eyes snapped open, a mix of excitement and apprehension in his voice. "Heads up, Claire. We''ve got company coming our way. Fast." Claire''s muscles tensed beneath him. "Hostile?" David shook his head. "Don''t think so. Looks like a small scouting party. Three flyers, moving in a search pattern. I think... I think they might have spotted us." Claire''s pace slowed slightly. "Well," she rumbled, "looks like we''re about to make some new friends. You ready for this?" David stood up on Claire''s head, stretching his wings wide. The peace sign pendant glinted in the filtered sunlight. "As ready as I''ll ever be. Let''s hope they''re in a chatty mood." As the distant shapes of the approaching scouts grew larger, David couldn''t help but feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness. This was it ¨C their first contact with the nomad group. "Hey, Claire?" David said softly. "Yeah?" "No matter what happens... I''m glad you''re here." Claire''s rumble was warm and affectionate. "Wouldn''t want to be anywhere else, bat boy. Now, let''s go make some monster magic happen." As the three scouts closed the distance, David felt an unfamiliar tension coil in his gut. He was used to being the one swooping down on others, not the other way around. The scouts hovered a fair distance in front of them, their eyes fixed on Claire with obvious apprehension. David had to consciously stop his mane and fur from bristling threateningly, the urge to puff up and look scary almost overwhelming. To his surprise, the scouts barely seemed to notice him. Well, that''s a new one. Usually, I''m the one getting the ''oh god, what is that thing'' stares. On the other wing, at least they''re not looking at me like I''m about to eat their faces, babies, and souls. Maybe I''ve just been unlucky... or a big baby about my looks. Could be they''ve got a few scary-ass friends of their own. Huh. Might not be so bad after all. The head scout, a creature with the body of a large stork but with iridescent scales instead of feathers, seemed to be considering hard. David''s sensitive ears picked up snatches of their rapid-fire conversation. "...some sort of Boss?" "...no System Warning..." "...territory?" David quickly relayed this to Claire, who tensed hugely under him. Then, in a move that could only be described as hilariously awkward, she threw out a wave with one of her stubby arms. The scouts reacted with surprise but quickly drifted lower, approaching to within a dozen yards. The head scout called down, "Are you friendly?" Claire rumbled back, "Yeah, I''m chill." The scouts seemed to settle a bit but continued to hover, their eyes glued to Claire''s cavernous maw full of snaggly teeth. One of the smaller scouts, a hawkish creature with white wings, called out, "Of course the only badass out here alone is a god-damned dinosaur! Fuck you''re cool looking! What''s your name?" Claire clacked her jaws a bit, then cocked her head curiously. "Claire. I''m not alone, though. Are all flying things going blind these days? Thought that was a bat thing." The scouts exchanged a few confused glances. "What the hell are you talking about?" David, puzzled, looked down at himself. His fur had shifted to almost entirely conceal him behind Claire''s head. He''d unconsciously shifted his body like a cat hiding behind a fence, with only the top of his head and eyes visible over Claire''s frill. Even his ears were pinned back to minimize his profile. Dammit, David. No need to go full lurk mode here. Way to make a first impression, you paranoid weirdo. He straightened up, forcing himself to relax. His fur slowly shifting to reveal his silhouette. Hopping up, he balanced on Claire''s frill, giving the scouts a friendly smile and wave. The reaction was instantaneous. The stork-scout screeched, accidentally thumping the hawk-thing with its wing. The man tumbled, wings flailing wildly as if each one was trying to flee in a different direction. The third scout, a creature resembling a flying squirrel, let out a high-pitched scream that seemed to go on forever as it bolted away at top speed, the sound dopplering into the distance like a retreating ambulance siren. Damn, those detection range effects don''t fuck around. The white winged bird crashed to the ground, quickly becoming tangled in vines. "It''s got me! Save yourself! Avenge meee!" David, irritated, flared his Wildsoul. "Rude! Haven''t you ever seen a bat before?" The stork-scout did a quintuple-take, then timidly called out, "Are... are you a person?" "Duh! Of course I am. That''s why I''m talking and wearing such exquisite finery." David tapped his pendant pointedly, the peace sign swinging mockingly. A muffled, embarrassed "Sorry, dude" came from the vine-tangled scout after a few moments of confused silence. David sighed dramatically. "Need some help there, Tarzan?" "...that''d be dope." As David glided over to help, Claire tried her hardest not to explode with laughter. "David is definitely a bit... Spooky." David shot her a withering glance before severing the vines with a few quick slices of his wing-blades. The avians eyes widened, clearly impressed by the casual display of lethality. The stork landed nearby, huge wings furling with a scaly rustle, before fixing David with an intense gaze. "Wait¡­Are you the bat that knows the Overseers?" David''s jaw dropped. "How the hell do you know that?" The scout gave what passed for a grin on its beaked face. "A lot of us know who you are. Actually, we owe you one. You did us a solid, offed a guy that attacked one of our elite scouting parties." David''s eyes widened in realization. "Oh! Sparky the Wonderweasel is one of you guys?" The stork went blank for a moment, then started snickering. "Wonderweasel... heheheh. Oh man, Azanah''s gonna love that one I bet. I can''t wait to see her face when she hears it, heh. She¡¯s been¡­a bit wordy about the incident." Claire rumbled with laughter. "Looks like you''ve got yourself a fan club, bat boy. Who knew your habit of stumbling into trouble would actually pay off?" David grinned, striking a heroic pose as the hawk clambered to its feet and ruffled its feathers violently. "What can I say? I''m a bat of the people. Saving damsels in distress, slaying evil cultists, and apparently, coining nicknames for electric rodents. It''s all in a day''s work." As the scouts chuckled and Claire rolled her eyes, David couldn''t help but feel a surge of optimism. Maybe this whole ''first contact'' thing wouldn''t be so bad after all. And hey, if things went south, he could always sic Sparky the Wonderweasel on them. 134 - Wandering Wares Caravan After some brief introductions, David watched as Tom and Lucas shuffled awkwardly, the tension from their earlier freak-out still hanging in the air like a fart in an elevator. Lucas, the hawk-man, cleared his throat and fixed David with a sheepish look. "Look, man, I''m really sorry about losing my shit earlier. I don''t usually bitch out like that, but something about you made me feel like I was staring into the abyss. And the abyss was wearing jewelry and grinning back at me." David grumbled, his ears twitching in irritation. "Yeah, well, I get that a lot. Apology accepted, I guess." Lucas nodded, relief washing over his feathered face. After a moment of awkward silence, he piped up again. "So, uh, is it a Mutagen thing? Or an Ability? Some kind of Evolution-based jazz? Or am I just losing my touch?" David''s eyes narrowed slightly, remembering Azanah''s less-than-friendly plans. "Oh, you know, it''s just my natural charm," he deflected, grinning toothily. Claire snorted, the ground trembling slightly beneath them. "Natural charm, my scaly ass. David''s been scaring the piss out of people since I''ve known him. It''s a talent." "Speaking of scared shitless," Claire continued, turning her massive head towards Tom, "is your screaming friend going to be a problem? Should we expect an army of pissed-off people descending on us any minute now?" Tom shifted from foot to foot, his scaled body rustling nervously. "Yeah, about that... They might actually be doing just that. Give me a second to head that off." The stork-man straightened up, extending his long neck skyward. He took a deep breath, and then... HOOOOOONK. The sound that erupted from Tom''s beak was so deep and powerful that David could barely hear it, but he sure as hell could feel it. It was like standing next to a subwoofer at a concert, if the DJ was a possessed foghorn. The vibrations rattled David''s bones and made his fur stand on end. Claire''s eyes widened in surprise, her massive head swaying slightly from the sheer force of the sound. David couldn''t help but stare, slack-jawed, at the incongruous sight of this massive noise coming from Tom''s relatively slender body. Lucas, apparently unfazed by the earth-shaking racket, fluttered his wings and yelled over the din. "What''s the matter? Never seen a long-distance communication ability before?" David had to raise his voice to a near-shout to be heard. "I saw one up for grabs once, but I didn''t take it because... reasons!" He neglected to mention his solo Boss-killing mission and his priorities at the time. No need to give away too much information. "Hey, Lucas!" David bellowed, "How far does Tom''s range go?" "A few miles, at least!" Lucas shouted back. David, curiosity piqued, took a deep breath. "How far with Wildsoul Empowerment?" Lucas''s eyes scrunched up in confusion. "What?" "I said, how far with Wildsoul Empowerment?" David repeated, louder this time. "WHAT?" Lucas squawked, clearly still unable to hear. David, frustration mounting, sucked in a massive lungful of air and prepared to yell at the top of his lungs. "HOW FAR IS THE RANGE USING WILD-" Suddenly, Tom''s earth-shaking honk cut off, leaving David''s voice echoing stupidly loud across the now-silent swamp. "-SOUL?!" David finished lamely, his words ringing across the terrain. Claire''s giggle rumbled through the ground. "Can you hear me now?" she quipped, her massive teeth bared in a grin. David shot her an exasperated look, but before he could retort, Lucas piped up, confusion evident in his voice. "What the fuck is a Wildsoul? Is that some ability that''s so good you guys consider it standard? Like how we consider certain things baseline?" David and Claire exchanged a loaded glance, their silent communication speaking volumes. Tom, ever observant, caught the look immediately. The stork-man cleared his throat, a sound that could only be described as a rusty gate being dragged through a xylophone thanks to his absurdly long neck. "I''ve contacted the Flightmaster and explained the situation," he said, then promptly thumped Lucas with his beak. "And you," he added, fixing Lucas with a critical stare, "need to stop giving away information for free." Turning back to David, Tom continued, "It''s not personal, you understand. Information is the only real currency these days. We trade in secrets." David''s ears perked up. "In that case, you owe me two. I already explained Wildsoul manipulation to Azanah. Didn''t she tell you guys? I literally watched her figure out the basics before she left." Tom and Lucas exchanged worried glances. "If she told anyone," Lucas said slowly, "we never heard about it." He shrugged, feathers slicking down slightly. "They''re probably running it through testing before holding an announcement or workshop. That''s usually how we do things." Claire''s interest piqued. "You always do that?" Lucas nodded and opened his beak to elaborate, but Tom pecked him again. Lucas shot the stork-man a glare that could have curdled milk, his feathers rising in irritation. Tom shook his head, exasperated. "We take our knowledge gathering and bartering very seriously," he explained to David. "Some people''s entire job is to pick up new abilities and Mutagens for testing. There''s basically a sign-up sheet for people with tokens, but that''s all I''ll say for now." He fixed David with a pointed stare. "If you gave away something good to Azanah, that''s your business. But..." Tom clacked his beak in a way eerily reminiscent of Claire''s jaw-clacking, "Azanah''s going to be in some deep shit if she''s keeping something to herself. We benefit too much from shared knowledge for that kind of selfishness." David couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt. Had he inadvertently caused trouble for Azanah? Then again, she had been planning to ambush them, so maybe a little karmic retribution wasn''t such a bad thing. Before he had time to really get going, he was assaulted by a mental barrage of pings. David''s ears twitched as he processed the information from his Cuddlebug scouts. The main nomad group had erupted into controlled chaos, like an anthill that had been stirred with a stick made of pure efficiency. The strange multi-eyed, multi-eared creature was at the center of it all, directing the flow like a conductor leading a very bizarre orchestra. He watched through his minions'' eyes as the ''boss'' galloped through the convoy, making a beeline for... Holy crap, is that a tortoise? A tortoise with a tent on its back? Damn, that things bigger than Claire, how did I not notice that guy before? If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. David blinked, momentarily distracted by the absurdity of it all. The tent looked like it had been woven by a spider with a drinking problem and terrible taste in interior design. The boss-beast scrambled onto the tortoise''s back and disappeared into the tent, leaving David''s spy with no good way to follow without being spotted. Guards swarmed around the plodding creature as it lumbered towards the middle-back of the group, which, impressively, hadn''t stopped moving for even a second. Suddenly, David''s mind was bombarded with even greater intensity by his Cuddlebugs, all vying for his attention like a litter of kittens that had just discovered catnip. He struggled to bounce between viewpoints as the convoy reshaped itself into a rough delta formation with frightening speed. Smaller groups of flyers peeled away, clearly heading in their direction. "Uh, dude? You okay there?" Lucas''s voice cut through David''s mental juggling act. "You''re drooling a little bit. And, uh, is it supposed to be smoking like that?" Claire''s bark snapped David back to reality. "Get a grip on that, David!" David quickly licked his chops, not wanting to accidentally Miasma anyone with the wisps of smoke billowing away in the breeze. "Sorry, got distracted," he muttered, then fixed Tom with a sharp stare. "So, why is the main group scrambling so hard right now? What did you tell them, exactly?" Tom froze, looking like he''d just been caught with his beak in the cookie jar. He babbled for a moment before finally spitting out, "I-I did exactly what I said! I told them I''d run into the Bat Azanah met before." David''s suspicion ratcheted up a notch, but Lucas quickly jumped in. "Hey, we don''t get up to shit, if that''s what you''re implying." As David weighed his options, a low rumble rolled across the landscape. Tom''s head jerked up, his long neck stretching comically as he listened to the changing pitches and tones. David used the moment to flap back onto Claire''s back, trying (and failing) to look casual. "If these guys try anything weird," he muttered to Claire, "we''re fucking off with extreme prejudice. Too many things aren''t adding up." Claire''s quiet agreement rumbled through her massive frame. "Yeah, something''s definitely off. I can''t put my claws on it, but..." The rumbling finally ceased, and Tom turned back to them, worry etched across his beaky face. "Our leader, Esmeralda the Entrepreneur, requests a conference with you." David''s response was as flat as week-old soda. "Nah, I''m good." Tom looked like someone had just told him his favorite perch had been chopped down. "We really aren''t up to anything, I swear!" he insisted, his sincerity palpable. "It''s bad business to harass potential customers or, you know, kidnap and imprison people. Esmeralda is actually pretty nice, just... very business-minded." He paused, then added, "If your ''technique'' is really as good as you say, and you really know Overseers, she probably just wants to do business with you." After a moment, he admitted, "She does get a little bit... excited sometimes." David snorted, his wings twitching nervously. "Excited? What, does she start laying golden eggs or something? Also, giving herself a title? That''s a little weird, dude." Lucas chuckled nervously. "More like she gets dollar signs in her eyes and starts planning expansions to her empire before the ink''s dry on the contract." Claire rumbled thoughtfully. "How... charming." David''s mind raced, weighing the potential benefits against the risks. On one hand, these nomads clearly had resources and information that could be valuable. On the other, the last time he trusted an overt weirdo he¡¯d ended up getting the end of his wing shot off by a crazy owl. "Look," David said finally, "I appreciate the offer, but I''m not exactly in a trusting mood right now. How about we start small? You tell me a bit more about your group, and I''ll consider meeting with your boss..." Tom and Lucas exchanged glances, clearly torn between their duty to their leader and the potential of losing this opportunity. "Alright," Tom said slowly, "what do you want to know?" David grinned, his sharp teeth glinting in the swamp''s filtered light. "Oh, you know, just the basics. How many of you are there? What''s your goal? And most importantly, do you have any good snacks? A bat gets hungry out here in the wilderness." As Tom began to cautiously answer some of his questions, Claire kept a watchful eye on their surroundings. The air was thick with tension and the promise of... something. David listened intently as the man launched into what was clearly a well-rehearsed spiel about their organization, which he referred to as the "Wandering Wares Caravan." His delivery was flawless, like a used car salesman who''d practiced his pitch in the mirror a thousand times. David couldn''t help but notice Lucas mouthing along, his eyes glazed over with boredom. "...and that''s why the Wandering Wares Caravan is your one-stop shop for all your post-apocalyptic needs!" Tom finished with a flourish of his wings. Definitely something they''re trained to do. That''s interesting, maybe they''re legit. I mean it makes sense, you''d have to be an idiot to mess with this many people when their whole deal is knowing how things work. Claire, ever the practical one, jumped in with a series of pointed questions. "How do you handle security? What''s your policy on new members? Most importantly, how do you decide what information is worth trading?" Tom and Lucas took turns answering, their responses smooth and practiced. David found himself both impressed and slightly unnerved by their polished demeanor. Just as the conversation began to lull, a familiar high-pitched whistle caught everyone''s attention. The flying squirrel scout had returned, this time with two more groups of three in tow. As they approached, David couldn''t help but notice the scout''s bizarrely elongated limbs and the bioluminescent patches dotting its fur. The new arrivals reacted to David with varying degrees of caution. Most muttered among themselves, shooting wary glances his way. However, one voice rose above the rest: "Holy shit, that bat dude looks metal as fuck!" David felt a small surge of pride. At least someone appreciates my look. Tom and Lucas, meanwhile, were doubled over in laughter, wings splayed helplessly as they gasped for air. The flying squirrel, looking thoroughly unamused, spoke up in a voice that was shockingly deep and smooth ¨C a far cry from his earlier teakettle shriek. "If you two are quite finished," he rumbled, "we have business to discuss." As the group settled into a more serious conversation, David found himself weighing his options. After a few minutes of deliberation, he spoke up. "Alright, I''ll meet this Esmeralda of yours," he said, holding up a wing to forestall any celebration. "But she comes to us. I''m not walking into the middle of your caravan without getting to know you better first." Lucas cocked his head, curiosity evident in his beady eyes. "Bad experiences with groups or something?" Claire''s massive head swung towards the hawk-man, her voice rumbling like distant thunder. "We flattened a slaving operation a few weeks back. And more recently, some psycho owl tried to kill us the same way it murdered one of your scouts." Lucas''s feathers bristled, his talons digging into the swampy soil. "Slavers?" he spat. "Yeah, that''s a damn good reason to be leery." David nodded grimly. "Look, I''d rather have friends than enemies. But at this point, I''m more of a ''trust but verify'' kind of bat." Tom nodded, then stretched his long neck skyward. "I''ll relay the conditions to Esmeralda." HOOOOOONK. David flattened his ears, wincing at the volume. Even from a short distance, Tom''s communication ability was uncomfortably loud. Note to self: invest in earplugs if we stick around these guys. As they waited for a response, the group attempted to mingle. David couldn''t help but notice how every question seemed carefully crafted to extract information. It was like being at a networking event where everyone was trying to subtly figure out your net worth. Finally, Tom''s honking ceased. A short rumble rang across the landscape after a few moments, cutting off as abruptly as it has begun. He turned to David, looking slightly winded. "Esmeralda has agreed to meet you away from the main group. She''ll have a few guards with her, of course." David nodded, his wings twitching slightly with nervous energy. "Alright then. Let''s get down to business." As the group began to make preparations for the meeting, David caught Claire''s eye. They shared a silent moment of understanding; they needed to learn anything they could, but carefully. The swamp around them seemed to hold its breath, as if aware of the significance of this moment. In the distance, the sounds of the approaching caravan grew steadily louder. David took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. This was it. The moment that could change everything ¨C or blow up in their faces spectacularly. As they moved to follow Tom and Lucas to the designated meeting spot, David couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. New allies could be invaluable in this world. But if things went south... Well, we¡¯ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Or burn it down. Whichever seems more appropriate at the time. With a final shared glance, David and Claire set off, ready to face whatever this Esmeralda and her Wandering Caravan had in store for them. The air crackled with possibility, and David couldn''t shake the feeling that they were stepping into something big. Only time would tell if it was opportunity knocking, or just another apocalyptic clusterfuck waiting to happen. Sunday Funday Chapter_Killionaire The plasma grenade sailed past David''s visor, its eerie blue glow illuminating the ancient stone structures for a split second before detonating behind him. The explosion kicked up dust and debris, sending vibrations through the floor and walls. He didn''t flinch. Couldn''t afford to. "When I''m down and out, there''s always someone to judge me!" David bellowed, his voice reverberating through his helmet''s speakers. The words seemed to energize him as he sprinted forward, assault rifle chattering. Two more armored figures rounded the corner of a massive, temple-like structure ahead, their own weapons blazing. Bullets pinged off David''s energy shields, creating a strobing effect that would''ve been disorienting if he weren''t so hyper-focused. "That''s why I''m ending up a session with a shout!" he sang, voice rising above the cacophony of gunfire. His assault rifle clicked empty, but that didn''t slow him down. In one fluid motion, he slung the weapon and lunged forward. The closer enemy barely had time to register surprise before David''s armored fist connected with their faceplate. The satisfying crunch of shattering material was followed by a burst of red mist. As the first opponent crumpled, David spun, using the momentum to deliver a devastating roundhouse kick to the second. "Don''t you know I''m still standing better than I ever did!" The second enemy flew backwards, slamming into an ancient pillar with enough force to crack the stone. David didn''t wait to see if they''d get up. He was already moving, scooping up a fallen shotgun as he charged deeper into the ruins. A ping on his motion tracker had him diving behind a low wall just as a sniper round whizzed past, leaving a glowing trail in the air where his head had been a millisecond before. "Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid!" David pumped the shotgun, the satisfying ka-chunk music to his ears. He peeked around the corner, spotting the sniper perched atop a distant spire. Cursing under his breath, he abandoned the shotgun and dashed for better cover, zigzagging to avoid the sniper''s follow-up shots. "I''m still standing after all this time!" The distant roar of an engine caught David''s attention. A heavily armored vehicle crested a nearby hill, its massive cannon swiveling in his direction. David''s eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. The vehicle was a powerhouse, but it had one critical weakness ¨C its exposed rear. "Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind!" David sprinted towards a nearby gravity lift, timing his jump perfectly. The alien technology catapulted him high into the air, giving him a bird''s eye view of the battlefield. As he reached the apex of his jump, he spotted his target ¨C a rocket launcher, lying abandoned on a raised platform. David focused as he began to fall. With practiced precision, he angled his descent towards the platform. His armored boots slammed into the metal surface with a resounding clang, and in one smooth motion, he scooped up the rocket launcher. The vehicle was bearing down on his position now, its massive cannon swiveling towards him with deadly precision. David tensed, his fingers tightening on the rocket launcher''s trigger. The tank fired. "I''m still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah!" David leapt sideways just as the shell impacted the platform. The explosion rocked the entire structure, the shockwave catapulting him through the air. Using the momentum from the blast, David twisted mid-flight, bringing the rocket launcher to bear. Time seemed to slow. He could see the tank''s exposed rear, a perfect target. As gravity began to reassert its hold, David squeezed the trigger. The rocket streaked across the battlefield, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake. It impacted the vehicle''s rear armor with a thunderous explosion, flipping the multi-ton war machine end over end. The vehicle''s occupants were sent flying, their armored bodies ragdolling through the air. David hit the ground rolling, the scenery spiraling around him as he sprang to his feet. A savage grin spread across his face as he fought the urge to laugh. That was one hell of a shot. Tossing the expended launcher away, David began sprinting for the central structure dominating the terrain. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. A red blip on his motion tracker was all the warning he needed of an approaching enemy. David whirled, fists raised, just as another armored figure rounded the corner. They collided in a tangle of limbs and armor, trading blows that would have pulverized unaugmented bones. "Once I never could hope to win!" David managed to get the upper hand, pinning his opponent beneath him. He raised his fist for a final, devastating blow, but a familiar beep beep beep caught his attention. His opponent had primed a plasma grenade. With lightning-fast reflexes, David grabbed his attacker''s wrist and forced it upward. The grenade detached, arcing high into the air. In the same motion, David rolled off his opponent, using them as a springboard to launch himself away. The plasma grenade detonated in midair, its blue-white explosion temporarily turning night into day. David''s former opponent wasn''t so lucky, caught in the blast radius and disintegrated in a shower of particles. "You starting down the road leaving me again!" As the dust settled, David found himself in a familiar part of the battlefield ¨C a natural chokepoint where many of the arena''s paths converged. It was a dangerous place to be, but also ripe with opportunity. He crouched behind a fallen pillar, taking stock of his inventory. Two frag grenades and a nearly-spent assault rifle. Not ideal, but he could work with it. The sound of approaching footsteps had David tensed, ready to spring into action. One set... no, two... three? A grin spread across his face beneath his helmet. Perfect. As the first enemy rounded the corner, David lobbed a frag grenade. It bounced once, twice, and then exploded just as the second and third opponents came into view. The blast caught all three, shredding their shields and sending them stumbling backwards. David was on them in an instant, assault rifle blazing. The first two went down in a hail of bullets, their armor no match for the point-blank barrage. The third managed to return fire, scoring a few hits that further depleted David''s shields. But David was relentless. As his assault rifle clicked empty, he closed the distance, driving his shoulder into his opponent''s midsection. They crashed into a nearby wall, the impact momentarily stunning them both. David recovered first. He grabbed his last frag grenade, primed it, and with a move that would make any drill sergeant proud (and possibly horrified), shoved it into a gap in his opponent''s armor. "The threats you made were meant to cut me down!" David dove away, the explosion behind him punctuating his words. He rolled to his feet, scooping up a fallen energy sword in the process. The weapon roared to life in his hands, its blue-white blade casting an ethereal glow across the ancient stonework. "And if our love was just a circus, you''d be a clown by now!" A ping on his motion tracker ¨C multiple hostiles converging on his position. David''s grip tightened on the energy sword as he turned to face the new threat. Three, no, four armored figures were charging towards him, weapons raised. Time seemed to slow again as David assessed the situation. In one smooth motion, he hurled the energy sword like a massive, plasma-edged boomerang. It spun through the air, decapitating the first two opponents before embedding itself in the chest of the third. "You know I''m still standing better than I ever did!" The fourth attacker, apparently deciding that discretion was the better part of valor, turned to flee. But David was already moving. He leapt, using fallen debris as impromptu stepping stones to gain height. At the apex of his jump, he pushed off a pillar, twisting in midair to land directly in front of his fleeing opponent. "Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid!" The enemy skidded to a halt, clearly shocked by David''s impossible maneuver. That moment of hesitation was all David needed. He lashed out with a devastating uppercut that sent his opponent flying, their limp form describing a graceful arc before disappearing over the edge of the map. David stood there for a moment, chest heaving, surrounded by the carnage he''d wrought. The battlefield was eerily quiet now, save for the distant sounds of combat and the low hum of alien technology. "I''m still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah!" And then his world exploded in a cacophony of screeching static and impossible noise. David yelped, nearly toppling backward out of his chair. His heart raced as he fumbled for his phone, which was emitting an ungodly tone that made his teeth itch. The screen was locked, displaying an ominous "EMERGENCY ALERT" message. On his monitor, the post-match scoreboard showed his absolutely dominating performance. 25 kills, 0 deaths. Not too shabby. But David barely registered his victory. His eyes were glued to his phone as the alert''s text began to scroll: EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM OFFICIAL SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDER ISSUED BY: National Emergency Management Agency DATE: 8/12/24 TIME: 11:13 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO ALL CITIZENS: URGENT: SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDER DUE TO MAJOR CELESTIAL EVENT David''s brow furrowed as he continued reading, the adrenaline from his gaming session giving way to a creeping sense of unease. What the hell? He glanced back at his monitor, where his armored avatar stood triumphantly amid the carnage of the multiplayer arena. For a moment, he wished he really was an unstoppable super-soldier. It would probably make whatever was coming a lot easier to deal with. With a sigh, David unlocked his phone. He had some calls to make. 135 - Silky Smooth Meeting As David, Claire, and their escorts set off towards the rendezvous point, the swamp''s oppressive atmosphere seemed to close in around them. The air hung heavy with moisture, carrying the pungent scent of decaying vegetation and stagnant water. Gnarled trees loomed overhead, their branches draped with curtains of hanging moss that swayed gently in the breeze. Claire''s massive form moved with surprising grace through the muck, her clawed feet barely disturbing the murky water. As they trudged along, she peppered Tom and Lucas with questions, her casual tone belying her intense curiosity. "So, how do you guys handle food storage in this climate?" Claire asked, her eyes scanning the inhospitable terrain. "I can''t imagine it''s easy to keep things fresh." Tom nodded, his long neck bobbing. "It''s a challenge, for sure. We''ve got a few Evolved with the right abilities, and some with preservation skills. Plus, we''ve developed some pretty nifty dehydration techniques, depending on who''s available at the time." Claire hummed thoughtfully. "Clever. What about water? It''s got to be hard to keep everyone happy on that front." Lucas chimed in, "Oh, we''ve got that covered! There''s this one guy, Pete, who can literally piss clean water. It''s wild!" Claire''s massive head swung towards the hawk-man, her expression a mix of disgust and fascination. "You''re joking, right? Please tell me you''re joking." Lucas cackled, fluttering neatly over a slippery log. "Got me. Yeah, I''m fucking with you. Can you imagine it though? Hah!" As Claire continued her interrogation, David found his mind wandering, trying to prepare for the upcoming meeting. The title ''The Entrepreneur'' kept bouncing around in his head, refusing to settle. Who the hell gives themselves a title like that? It''s like they''re trying to be a superhero, but their power is aggressive networking and PowerPoint presentations. He imagined a figure in a business suit, cape fluttering dramatically as they presented quarterly earnings reports. The mental image was so absurd he had to stifle a snort. Focus, David. This could be important. Just... try not to laugh if they introduce themselves as ''Esmeralda the Entrepreneur, CEO of Apocalypse Industries'' or something equally ridiculous. As they neared the meeting point, David''s keen eyes spotted the massive tortoise he''d seen earlier through his Cuddlebug''s vision. To his surprise, his summon seemed to notice him as well, sending a mental pulse of recognition that made David''s fur stand on end in surprise. The sensation of seeing himself through the Cuddlebug''s eyes was disorienting, like looking into a funhouse mirror that somehow captured his very essence. He mentally commanded it to stay hidden and wait, receiving a chittering acknowledgment that seemed to echo in his skull. You know what? Little guy needs a name¡­something that really captures the essence of¨C Suddenly, Claire shook herself slightly, jostling David out of his mental gymnastics. He blinked, coming back to reality just in time to hear the scout with dark, parrot-like plumage ask, "Does he space out like that a lot?" David, caught off-guard, fumbled for a response. "Uh, yeah, I guess. When I''ve got a lot to think about and nothing''s actively trying to eat me, anyway." The scout considered this for a moment before letting out a booming laugh that echoed across the swamp. "That''s fair, man! That''s fair!" Tom stepped forward, his long neck curving gracefully upwards as he addressed David where he perched atop Claire. "Esmeralda will see you whenever you''re ready." He paused, looking slightly uncomfortable before adding, "And, uh, some free advice to make up for earlier: don''t give anything away if you can get something out of her for it." Lucas nodded vigorously. "Oh, and don''t let her appearance distract you. Just... be prepared." David raised an eyebrow at that last bit but decided not to press the issue. He gave Claire a pat on her bony frill. "I''ll be right back," he said, then leaned in to whisper, "If they try anything, expect the tent to be filled with Miasma in about three seconds. I''ll come out guns blazing. Pew pew." Claire clacked her jaws a few times, clearly struggling not to laugh. "Be careful," she rumbled softly. With a nod, David spread his wings and took off, gliding silently over the intervening distance. He landed gracefully in front of the tent, noticing the tortoise give him a friendly nod. Its neck seemed unnaturally long, and it used the length to direct him towards the tent in an oddly fluid motion. Wow that''s a long neck. Always thought that looked weird, probably works like a periscope or something¡­wait, tortoises can''t swim can they? Hmm. As he approached the tent flap, David was surprised by the intricacy of its construction. The silk strands were woven together with surprising skill, creating a delicate yet sturdy barrier. It was far from perfect ¨C the overall shape was a bit wonky ¨C but it was easily the most refined piece of craftsmanship he''d seen since the Integration. Huh. Not bad for post-apocalyptic interior design. Maybe this Esmeralda really does have some entrepreneurial spirit after all. Taking a deep breath, David steeled himself for whatever bizarre encounter awaited him beyond the silk curtain. With one last glance back at Claire, who watched him with a mix of concern and curiosity, he reached out to pull aside the tent flap and step inside. David ducked into the tent, expecting darkness. Instead, he found himself bathed in an ethereal glow. Luminous strands of silk hung from the ceiling in dense knots, their bioluminescent blue light interspersed with flecks of yellow and green. The effect was mesmerizing, like stepping into a cave filled with living stars. His feet sank into piles of animal pelts, their varied textures a stark contrast to the uneven surface beneath. David could feel the subtle curvature of the tortoise''s shell through the furs, each step a small reminder of the bizarre nature of this mobile meeting room. A small table in the center of the tent caught his eye, each leg securely webbed to the tortoise''s back. Despite the uneven terrain, David was certain it wouldn''t so much as wobble when in motion. Its surface was plastered in silk, with an odd assortment of items adhered to it ¨C trinkets, scraps of paper, and what looked like dried insects. As David''s eyes adjusted to the ambient glow, they settled on an intricately woven silk structure near the center of the tent. It resembled a cross between a hammock and a nest, its edges curling inward to create a cocoon-like sanctuary. Strands of luminescent silk were woven throughout, giving it an otherworldly shimmer. Nestled within this silken cradle was Esmeralda. At first glance, she appeared to be a peculiar fusion of caterpillar and spider, no larger than a child''s forearm. Her elongated body was covered in iridescent flesh that shifted colors with each subtle movement, while rows of bristly spines ran along her back like a mohawk gone wild. Just behind her head sprouted a quartet of stubby spider-like legs, each ending in a delicate pair of claws. Compound eyes, reminiscent of a dragonfly''s, dominated her features, their facets reflecting the bioluminescent glow of the tent. Noticing his gaze, Esmeralda extended one of her forelegs in a graceful wave. "Welcome, David," she greeted, her voice high-pitched yet crystal clear. "I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. I''m Esmeralda, proprietor of the Wandering Wares Caravan." David''s ears twitched at the formal introduction. "Nice to meet you, Esmeralda. Quite the setup you''ve got here." "Thank you," she replied, her tone polite and measured. "We believe in maintaining a professional environment, even in these challenging times. Now, I understand you possess a unique perspective and knowledge that could be of great interest to our organization." David nodded, his eyes roaming over the glowing silk strands that adorned the tent. "I might. But before we get into that, I have a few questions of my own. For instance, where''s Azanah? Last time we met, she mentioned plans that weren''t exactly... friendly." Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Esmeralda''s compound eyes seemed to flicker for a moment, but her voice remained steady. "I assure you, if Azanah had any such plans, they were not sanctioned by our organization. We value integrity in all our dealings. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding?" "Maaaaaybe," David conceded, though his tone suggested skepticism. "While we''re on the topic of information sharing, why haven''t you informed your people about Wildsoul techniques yet?" Esmeralda shifted slightly in her silk nest, her forelegs moving in what might have been a sigh. "We''re currently in the testing phase. It''s our policy to thoroughly vet all new information before dissemination to ensure the safety and well-being of our members. I''m sure you understand the need for caution in these unpredictable times. Would you be interested in a position with us?" David barked out a laugh, genuinely surprised by her candor. "Fair enough. Though I''m technically already employed by an Overseer, I think." He paused, tapping his chin with a talon thoughtfully. "I''d gladly take a job with you if I thought it could get me out of that." Esmeralda''s professional demeanor didn''t waver. "I see. Well, perhaps we can discuss mutually beneficial arrangements then. Do you have any information you''d be willing to share, as a gesture of good faith?" "Already told you about Wildsoul through Azanah," David reminded her. "Indeed," Esmeralda conceded. "As I mentioned, we''re still in the testing phase. We''ve encountered some... complications during our trials. Several fainting spells, exhaustion; were still working out the kinks." David''s ears perked up. "You''ll owe me for this, but here''s the deal with Wildsoul..." He explained the intricacies of charging and releasing, as opposed to ¡®continuous feed¡¯ depending on the ability in question. As he spoke, Esmeralda began furiously weaving a cord of silk. It extruded directly from her mouth, her four front legs working in perfect harmony to create an intricate pattern. Glowing strands were woven into the cord, forming what David guessed was some sort of coded message or record. Upon finishing, Esmeralda attached the skein to her hammock, joining several others. "Thank you for sharing that valuable information," she said, her voice quickening with barely contained excitement despite her professional tone. "Now, about the other areas of expertise we possess..." She launched into a measured yet compelling overview of their knowledge base, gesturing to the plethora of glowing skeins, cords, and weaves adorning the tent. David''s eyes roamed over the luminous tapestry, admiring their beauty now that he understood their purpose. A nagging thought tugged at his mind ¨C I wonder if any of this can actually help us. There''s gotta be something good in there somewhere. She''s weird for sure, but I think they''re actually in the level. She did dodge that question about Azanah pretty niftily though¡­ The air in the tent felt thick with potential, the soft glow of the silk strands casting dancing shadows across David''s fur. The gentle sway of the hanging skeins created a hypnotic effect, as if the secrets they held were alive and whispering just above his head. David''s eyes flicked between them curiously, each one potentially holding information that could change the game for him. He cleared his throat, drawing Esmeralda''s compound gaze back to him. "I might have something worth trading," he began, carefully modulating his tone. "Information from an Overseer about the state of the world. Pretty fresh, too." The effect on Esmeralda was immediate and intense. Her tiny legs began grasping at the air reflexively, her entire body wiggling with barely contained excitement. It was a bizarre sight, her insectoid form lacking any of the usual mammalian cues, yet the greed and interest were unmistakable. After a moment, she stilled herself, her voice steady despite the earlier display. "I''d need to hear the information first to properly value it. Rest assured, this will be handled as a business interaction. If the information is good enough, I''ll trade fairly for it, even if it means revealing many of our secrets." David nodded, a smirk playing at the corners of his snout. "Well, for starters, I''ve actually interacted with two Overseers. Omega and Xi." Esmeralda''s body went rigid, her attention laser-focused on David. "Omega told me the entire planet is suffering from ''poor interactivity metrics,'' whatever that means. Something called ''Originators'' have been sent and are due to arrive shortly. Xi then informed me, in a roundabout way, that the second wave will likely kick off around the same time they arrive. Omega all but confirmed it later." "How exactly did Xi inform you of the second wave?" Esmeralda asked, her tone sharp with suspicion. David''s grin widened, inadvertently showcasing his impressive array of fangs. "It was revealed to me in a dream," he said cryptically. A faint ripple ran across his silhouette as he flexed his camouflage just a bit for effect. Esmeralda seemed to recoil slightly, and David suddenly remembered something. "By the way, why didn''t you freak out when I walked in? Most people do, you know. It''s part of my whole..." he gestured vaguely at himself, "thing." Esmeralda''s legs twitched. "I''ll be scared later when there''s not money to be made," she muttered. "But you are... a disconcerting presence. I may have locked up slightly as you entered, but it''s important to maintain a professional demeanor. Wouldn''t you agree?" David flicked a single ear noncommittally. She fell silent, her head swiveling between groups of glowing notes. Finally, she seemed to give up. "What do you want in exchange for a bombshell like that? Advance warning of the extra rewards ending and the second wave potentially changing everything... that''s practically priceless right now." David pondered for a moment, his wings rustling softly against the furs be earth him. "Maps would be good. Information about what happened in the wider world. Anything you have on Control abilities or builds. Oh, and if you''ve got any tips on how a giant murdersaurus might avoid starving to death if they happen to get even more gigantic when they evolve, that''d be great too." Esmeralda''s compound eyes seemed to widen, if that was even possible. "That''s... quite a list. I can offer to read you the information from my records, as they''re the original copies and wouldn''t be of much use to you directly. As for maps, I can show you what we have, but I''m afraid I can''t let you take them with you." She bustled about the tent, crawling along tether lines David had simply assumed were holding the structure together. She gathered several skeins of silk and what looked like large sheets of woven silk, hanging them from her body like bizarre decorations as she returned. Laying them out on the table, David saw that these ''maps'' were created using different colored silks to mark the relative distances of notable landmarks and features. To his surprise, the map seemed to be both a work in progress and designed to be added to, with large swathes of blank space. It appeared to follow a relatively direct path towards Riverport, with some of the features closer to the leading edge being things he recognized, like the mountains and swamp they were currently standing in. The scale of the map was impressive, easily covering several hundred miles, if not more. Cities, or what remained of them, were marked with intricate spirals of red silk. Forests were depicted as patches of green, their edges blurred to indicate uncertainty or ongoing change. Bodies of water were represented by shimmering blue threads that caught the bioluminescent light, creating the illusion of movement. What caught David''s eye most were the areas marked with stark black silk ¨C zones of known danger or unexplained phenomena. These ominous patches dotted the landscape, some small, others sprawling across vast areas. Notes in a tiny, precise script bordered these regions, notating what they had encountered there. As David studied the map, Esmeralda began to read from the silk skeins, her high-pitched voice reciting information about Control abilities, large-scale foraging techniques, and the fragmented reports they''d received about the wider world. "Cities swallowed by forests, entire coastlines reshaped. A few settlements here and there, but mostly it''s wandering groups of anywhere between one and fifteen people. We''ve yet to encounter any similarly sized mobile operations." she read, her tone clinical despite the fantastical nature of the information. "It''s hard to separate fact from fiction, but this is the most consistent information we''ve received." David nodded, his eyes still roaming over the intricate silk map. "This is... impressive. You''ve covered a lot of ground." "We try to be thorough," Esmeralda replied, a note of pride in her voice. "Now, is there anything specific you''d like me to elaborate on?" As David opened his mouth to respond, he caught sight of his reflection in a polished piece of metal propped against the tent wall. His monstrous visage stared back at him, red eyeshine glaring brightly, and he couldn''t help but strike a pose. Damn, I do look pretty metal. In his distraction, David''s wing caught on the edge of the small table. He tugged, but it held fast, the webbing surprisingly strong. "Uh, little help here?" he called out, trying to maintain some dignity as he flapped uselessly. Esmeralda turned, clicking in what might have been amusement. "One moment," she said, her tone perfectly professional despite the ridiculous scene before her. As she worked to free him, carefully plucking and twisting at the silk, David couldn''t help but marvel at the absurdity of it all. Here he was, a bat-monster, stuck to a table in a tent on the back of a giant tortoise, negotiating with a silk-spinning bug-woman for information that could save their asses. Or at least make surviving a little easier. Finally freed, David flexed his wing, checking for damage. Finding none, he turned back to Esmeralda. "One more thing," he said, pausing before he left. "If you see Azanah, tell her we''re even. But if she tries anything funny again, all bets are off." Esmeralda nodded solemnly. "I''ll convey the message. And David? Thank you for this information. It may well save many lives." David grinned, his fangs glinting in the bioluminescent light. "Just doing my part to keep the apocalypse interesting. See you in Riverport, Esmeralda the Entrepreneur." With that, he ducked out of the tent, his mind buzzing with new information and the image of that vast, silken map etched into his memory. The second wave was coming, and with it, a whole new set of challenges. But now, at least, they had a bit of an edge. 136 - Meeting adjourned David emerged from the tent, his face split in a wide grin, only to find Claire engaged in what appeared to be an animated conversation with the tortoise. Both of them turned to look at him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amusement. Suddenly, David realized he hadn''t heard a peep of their chat from inside the silken structure. His expression morphed into one of comical surprise, ears twitching as he tried to catch even a whisper of their conversation. Without a word, he began to waddle backwards, his wings flapping awkwardly as he tried to maintain balance. It was a far more challenging maneuver than it had any right to be, and he knew he looked utterly ridiculous in the process. His claws scrabbled against the uneven shell, making a rather undignified sound. Inside the tent, Esmeralda paused mid-spin of another coded silk cord, her compound eyes fixed on the spectacle unfolding before her. The iridescent threads hung suspended from her mandibles, swaying gently in the still air of the tent. David, now firmly back inside, began poking his head in and out of the tent flap repeatedly, testing the sound dampening properties. His ears twitched with each pass, registering the dramatic difference in ambient noise. The sudden transitions from the muffled interior to the cacophony of swamp sounds outside were jarring, like flipping a switch between two entirely different worlds. He paid no attention to Esmeralda, who seemed utterly flummoxed by his behavior, her amusement growing with each bob of his head. Her tiny legs twitched in barely contained laughter, and her bristly spines quivering with each of David''s passes through the tent flap. After about a minute of this bizarre dance, David turned to Esmeralda, his face split in a massive, goofy grin. His fangs glinted in the bioluminescent light, giving him the appearance of a very pleased predator. "That''s cool how your webbing absorbs noises!" he blurted out, noticing the slight echo of his voice in the confined space for the first time. Esmeralda''s legs twitched in surprise, but before she could respond, David continued, his words tumbling out in excited bursts. "I bet you can hear everything super well when the flap is open. I just realized it''s shaped all wonky like this to funnel sound. That''s smart." "It''s... so anything said in my office can''t be heard outside," Esmeralda replied, her tone cautious. Her compound eyes flickered between David and the tent flap, as if reassessing her creation. David wasn''t buying it. His experiences with echolocation had given him a keen understanding of sound dynamics. He strongly suspected there was more to it ¨C just like everything else he''d encountered so far, it was likely another carefully crafted piece of plausible deniability, designed to collect even the most minute scraps of potentially useful information. He narrowed his eyes slightly, studying the intricate weave of the silk. The way the strands intersected, the slight curvature of the tent''s walls ¨C it all spoke of a design far more sophisticated than he''d realised. Shaking his head in disbelief, David chuckled. He gave Esmeralda a jaunty wing wave, the membrane stretching wide in a dramatic flourish. Then, puffing out his chest like a rooster, he swaggered back out of the tent for real this time. As he emerged, blinking in the brighter light outside, David suddenly realized everyone had been watching his head-bobbing performance. The assembled scouts wore expressions ranging from bewilderment to barely contained mirth. Tom''s long neck was twisted into an improbable knot as he tried to follow David''s antics, while Lucas looked like he was about to burst from holding in his laughter. Almost everyone was giving him weird looks, except for Claire, who seemed to have tuned out his antics as background noise by now. Her massive form remained impassive, but there was a glint of fond exasperation in her eyes. "The tent muffles sound so well I couldn''t actually hear you talking!" David called out to Claire, his voice carrying across the clearing. A few nearby stingtail dragonflys took flight, startled by the sudden outburst. "Had to test it out." Claire shook her massive head, scales glinting in the dappled sunlight filtering through the swamp canopy. She seemed to understand why something like that would pique David''s interest, her low rumble carrying a note of amusement. "Of course you did." "Did it go well?" she asked, changing the subject with reptilian directness. David''s grin widened, stretching to truly monstrous proportions. "I think I got a good deal," he replied, then suddenly snapped his head around to Tom and Lucas. The movement was so quick it looked almost unnatural, his bat-like features accentuating the eerie effect. Tom visibly gulped, the lump in his throat rolling all the way down his comically long neck like a ball through a hose. Lucas just flapped his wings in amusement, stirring up small eddies in the misty air. "You guys had me nervous about meeting your boss," David called out, his voice dripping with mock accusation. "All that ''don''t get distracted by her looks'' business. She wasn''t even that bad!" Tom looked like he was about to say something, his beak opening and closing silently, but Lucas and some of the other scouts burst out laughing. Their various calls and cackles created a bizarre chorus that echoed through the swamp. "We like to play her up a bit," Lucas admitted between chuckles. "She''s a damn good boss, even if she gets a bit freaky about her new business model sometimes." One of the other scouts, a creature that looked like a cross between a raccoon and a flying squirrel, chimed in, its bushy tail twitching excitedly. "You should''ve seen her at the party two weeks ago when we found a safe spot to take a break!" Claire''s interest was piqued, her massive head swinging around to face the scout. "Oh, did something happen?" The idea of their mysterious boss cutting loose seemed to fascinate the enormous woman. The tortoise snickered, its long neck bobbing like a bizarre metronome. "She spun herself a top and then pretended to be drunk and take it off." Its voice was surprisingly deep and resonant, at odds with its placid appearance. David barked out a laugh at the mental image, which clashed spectacularly with his impression of the businesslike Esmeralda. The idea of the tiny worm pretending to¡­ His laughter echoed across the clearing, joining the chorus of laughter from the scouts. Claire''s jaws gaped in reptilian amusement, her massive teeth glinting in the swampy light. "Now that I''d pay to see," she rumbled, her voice tinged with mirth. "Budge up," Claire said to David, who scuttled out of the way, his claws leaving small furrows in the damp earth as he hopped down. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. She lumbered forward, each step sending small tremors through the ground, and unceremoniously shoved her massive head through the tent flap. The silken structure stretched alarmingly, barely accommodating her enormous noggin. From outside, it looked like the tent was trying to swallow Claire whole, only to find her too big to fit. David stared for a moment, his eyes wide with disbelief, before dissolving into uncontrollable snickers. The sight of Claire''s enormous head disappearing into the relatively tiny tent was like something out of a cartoon. The tortoise angled its neck around Claire''s bulk to eye David curiously, its ancient face a mask of bemusement. "What''s so funny now?" it asked, its voice rumbling like distant thunder. David, still giggling, managed to gasp out between fits of laughter, "What if she sneezes?" The tortoise''s eyes widened slowly, growing to the size of dinner plates as horror dawned on its features. "Oh no," it muttered, its voice a mix of dread and reluctant amusement. "That would be... messy." David''s laughter redoubled at the tortoise''s reaction, and soon the clearing was filled with the bizarre sound of a bat-monster cackling madly while a giant tortoise looked on. Calming slightly and feeling much better, David eyed Claire''s armored bulk protruding from the tent like some bizarre prop in a B-movie. "So, was Claire invited for a chat too, or is Esmeralda having an impromptu Dino-Land moment in there?" The tortoise''s eyes twinkled. "She always intended to speak with both of you. But she wanted to chat with you first." David scratched his head, a sudden realization dawning. Had Esmeralda read them that quickly? Enough to peg him as the weak link? The memory of info-dumping about Wildsoul use made him cringe internally. They''d have figured it out anyway, he rationalized. But deep down, he knew the truth ¨C he just liked helping people. It was something he hadn''t really done since the telescope incident that let Omega sink its claws in. David sighed, wishing things weren''t so damn complicated all the time. He missed the simplicity of pitching in on a hunt or lending a hand around camp. The vacation can''t come soon enough. Now that we know the caravan is mostly legit, all that¡¯s left is hitting Riverport and catching up with the others. Maybe they''d find a nice spot to watch Wave 2 kick off. Assuming nothing fucky happened alongside it. A weird feeling niggled at him with that thought, but he shoved it aside. Taking in the scene, David watched the scouts'' idle chatter. It¡¯s kind of nice, having people around. You know, when nobody needs saving and the world isn''t ending. Again. He settled in to wait, mind drifting between naming his top Cuddlebug and pondering monster R&R. Beach volleyball with giant crabs? Extreme sunbathing with lava critters? The possibilities are endless. Eventually, Claire carefully extracted her head, leaving the tent slightly misshapen. She stood tall, working out the kinks from her awkward position. Her tail wriggled dangerously as she stretched, and David tensed, ready to dodge if needed. Claire let out a rattling sigh and slumped a bit. She cocked her head towards David. "I kinda like Esmeralda," she rumbled, "but that woman''s too clever by half." David agreed, fluttering up to his usual perch. "Yeah, she''s a sharp cookie alright." He muttered quietly, "Can''t shake the feeling she''s up to something though. Even if her ''employees'' seem normal enough." Claire nodded subtly and shifted away from the tortoise. "Well, it''s been lovely," she announced, "but we''ve got places to be." David felt a wave of relief she''d chosen to take charge for the moment. The company had been nice, but he was eager to get back to familiar ground. Tom and Lucas nodded deeply, while a few furrier scouts waved and called out an assortment of farewells¨C One man even thanking them for shopping at Wandering Wares. Without fanfare, Claire stomped off, David in tow. As they left the caravan behind, he felt a mix of emotions. Part of him was sad to leave the brief normalcy, but excitement for what lay ahead won out. "So," David chirped, leaning towards Claire''s ear, "what''d you and Esmeralda gab about? Any juicy gossip or world-ending revelations?" Claire snorted, warm air ruffling David''s fur. "Nothing earth-shattering. Mostly I wanted to know where they were heading, other than Riverport. If they had any enemies that might be trailing along behind them. Where they came from. You know, the usual." David chuckled, settling in. "Ah yes, the eternal questions. ¡®Nice to meet you guys, any homicidal cultists following you around lately? Crazies? Insane Quests?''" As they journeyed on, David''s mind wandered back to the encounter. It had been... nice, in a way. A glimpse of what life could be if they weren''t constantly firefighting. But there was still work to do, mysteries to crack, and a whole lot of weird world to explore. "Hey Claire," David said after a while, his tone sobering, "you ever wonder what we''ll do when all this is over? If it ever is, I mean." Claire was quiet for a long moment, her steady stomping the only sound besides the swamp''s ambient noise. Finally, she spoke, her voice a low rumble. "I try not to think about it much. But... guess I''d like a nice, big mountain to call home. Somewhere with a view, you know?" David nodded, a small smile playing wrinkling his snout. "Yeah, that sounds nice. Maybe I''ll build a little bat cave nearby. We could be neighbors." As they pressed on towards Riverport and whatever awaited them there, David couldn''t shake the feeling that their brief caravan encounter was just the calm before yet another shitstorm. But for now, he was content to enjoy the moment, perched atop his friend, heading towards the known for once. Time passed as David shifted on Claire''s back, his wings rustling as he got more comfortable. "So, about that ''large scale foraging'' info I got from Esmeralda," he began, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Turns out, it''s a real ''mammoth'' undertaking for a lizard your size. Get it? Mammoth? Because you''re... you know what, never mind." Claire barked out a laugh, more at the terrible pun than its content. "That was awful, even by your standards. You should be ashamed of yourself." "Never," David grinned. "Anyway, apparently for a something your size, you''d need to be constantly on the move. We''re talking about covering a lot of distance, following herds of smaller creatures when you can, and basically eating everything in sight." Claire hummed thoughtfully. "Makes sense. But what about when we settle somewhere?" David scratched his head. "Well, that''s where it gets tricky. You''d need a massive area to sustain you. We''re talking about clearing out entire forests, munching the local wildlife populations. It''s not exactly sustainable in one spot." "So, I''m doomed to wander around in circles forever?" Claire asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Not necessarily," David replied. "Esmeralda mentioned some theories about energy conservation. Apparently, some larger people have found ways to enter a sort of hibernation state when food is scarce. It''s not perfect, but it could help." Claire nodded, her massive head bobbing. As they continued their trek, David and Claire traded information, their voices a constant back-and-forth that filled the swampy air. "Oh!" David exclaimed suddenly. "The maps! You wouldn''t believe how detailed they are. It''s like they''ve got scouts mapping out everything for hundreds of miles." Claire''s interest was piqued. "Really? Did you notice anything strange about their route?" David paused, thinking back. "Now that you mention it, yeah. They seem to be moving in a pretty straight line. It''s weird, considering all the obstacles they must be facing. Maybe I''ll leave the Cuddlebugs lurking around until after dark. Might learn something they kept under wraps." "Hmm, good idea," Claire mused. "Maybe they''re following some kind of signal? Or they''re trying to stay ahead of something?" David''s ears perked up. "Ooh, good thinking. Or maybe they''re on some kind of quest? Though Esmeralda didn''t strike me as the Questing type." "Could be they''re looking for something specific," Claire suggested. "Something rare or someone with a particular ability." Their theories bounced back and forth as they made their way through the swamp, each idea more outlandish than the last. From secret underground bunkers to alien artifacts, no possibility was too bizarre to consider in their post-Integration world. As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, painting the swamp in hues of orange and purple, David found himself grateful for this moment of normalcy. Just two friends, chatting and laughing, trying to make sense of their crazy situation. "You know," David said, a note of contentment in his voice, "as weird as things are, I''m glad we can still bullshit like this." Claire rumbled in agreement. "Me too, David. Me too¡­you could cool it with the quips a bit though." "I''m sure I have no idea what you''re talking about about. I''m the very model of seriousness.¡± With Riverport looming on the horizon and the promise of reunions and new adventures ahead, David and Claire pressed on. The caravan encounter had given them plenty to think about, but for now, they were just happy to be on the move, two mismatched friends against the world. As they disappeared into the gathering twilight, the swamp settled into its nightly rhythm, unaware of the changes soon to come. 137 - Whos a good boy? David clung to Claire''s back as they approached the bridge leading into Riverport. The massive concrete structure stretched out before them, spanning the wide river that separated them from their destination. Despite its sturdy construction, the bridge looked like it had seen better days, with cracks spider-webbing across its surface and chunks missing from the guardrails. "Well, doesn''t that just look inviting," David quipped, eyeing the precarious-looking crossing. "You think it''ll still hold your weight, or are we in for an impromptu swimming lesson?" Claire snorted, a plume of steam rising from her nostrils. "Please. I''ve crossed flimsier things than this. Remember that rope bridge back in the mountains?" David snickered at the bald-faced lie. "How could I forget? It was right after we shot down that alien spaceship but before you did all that parkour." "Yeah, that''s how I remember it going down too.¡± Claire snickered, a sound like a cinderblock rolling down a flight of stairs. As they began their trek across the bridge, David''s mind wandered back to the events of the past two days. He chuckled, recalling the burnt-out husk of Redfield''s City Hall they''d passed on their way through. "You know, I still can''t believe that place actually burned down," he mused. "Talk about karma, huh?" Claire''s laughter rumbled through her massive frame. "Oh yeah. Viktor definitely got what he deserved. Nothing says ''urban renewal'' quite like a good old-fashioned inferno. Still, I think we all forgot about those fire-barrels at the time." David grinned, his fangs glinting in the sunlight. "Remember those feathered monitor lizards that tried to ambush us yesterday? I thought I was going to die laughing when they ran away on their hind legs." "Chicken shits," Claire growled, but there was amusement in her voice. "Though I seem to recall someone laughing so hard they fell off a log and into the swamp." David''s ears flattened in embarrassment. "Hey, it''s not my fault they looked so ridiculous. Besides, a little swamp water never hurt anyone." As they reached the midpoint of the bridge, David''s thoughts turned to the night after leaving Esmeralda''s caravan. "You know, I''m still processing that whole bullshit with Azanah getting her face webbed shut. I never thought I''d see the day when a tiny worm could shut down a mouthy weasel. I just wish I could have seen it myself instead of just CuddleVision, though." Claire hummed thoughtfully. "Makes you wonder what other tricks Esmeralda''s got up her non-existent sleeves, doesn''t it?" "Speaking of Esmeralda," David said, a mischievous glint in his eye, "weren''t you the one suggesting we hook her up with Gideon? Something about him being ''into that''?" Claire''s massive head swung around, nearly dislodging David from his perch. "You wouldn''t dare tell him that was my idea." David cackled, his voice echoing across the water. "Oh, I don''t know. It might be worth it just to see the look on his face." Their banter was cut short as they neared the end of the bridge. The Riverport skyline loomed before them, a jarring mix of familiar urban sprawl and bizarre, post-Integration additions. Towering skyscrapers stood side by side, wrapped in a dense net of roots and vines, while overgrown parks had merged with sections of dense, alien jungle. "Well, would you look at that," David muttered, his eyes wide as he took in the sight. "Seems like Riverport''s gone through some changes since we last saw it." Claire snorted. "You don''t say. And here I thought plants were all supposed to grow so fast you could see the difference at the end of every day." As they stepped off the bridge and onto solid ground, an eerie silence fell over them. The air felt charged, like the moment before a thunderstorm. David''s fur stood on end, and he noticed Claire''s steps becoming more cautious. "You feel that?" he asked, voice low. Claire nodded, her massive head swiveling to scan their surroundings. "Yeah. It''s too quiet. Where are all the people? Someone should have seen us by now, we''re not that far from Woodland." David''s ears twitched, straining to catch any sound of life. But apart from the occasional rustle of wind through alien foliage, the city seemed eerily silent. Suddenly, a piercing shriek echoed through the empty streets. It was a sound that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once, filled with an otherworldly hunger that made David''s fur stand on end. "Oh fuck me sideways," David muttered, his claws digging into Claire''s scales. "I knew I should''ve packed my Bullshit Repellent." Claire tensed beneath him, her massive form coiling like a spring ready to unleash. "David," she rumbled, her voice low and deadly serious, "I think we might have walked into something weird again." As the shriek faded, leaving behind an even more oppressive silence, David couldn''t help but agree. Whatever was waiting for them in Riverport, it was clear that their little "vacation" had just taken a sharp turn into nightmare territory. "Well," David said, trying to inject some levity into his voice, "at least we can''t say our lives are boring, right?" Claire''s only response was a low, menacing growl as she steeled herself for whatever horror awaited them in the depths of the transformed city. David''s wings rustled as he lifted off Claire''s back, his Cuddlebugs stirring from their slumber in his shadow. The tiny creatures hissed, their beady eyes fixed on their master as they awaited instructions. David briefly recalled how he''d left just three of the little furballs to keep tabs on Esmeralda''s caravan after that first night''s drama with Azanah. No time to dwell on that now, though. "Alright, you little gremlins," David muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Spread out and find whatever made that ungodly racket." The Cuddlebugs scattered, forming a wide net as they zipped through the air. David kept a few circling overhead as lookouts while the rest dove into the urban jungle below. With a deep breath, he fired off a few blasts of Echolocation, hoping to catch the source of the shriek off guard. To his surprise, the Cuddlebugs found the culprit almost instantly. David''s fanged grin spread wide as he called down to Claire, "Relax, big girl. I''ve got this." Without warning, David shot forward like a furry missile. He infused his Flight with Wildsoul, becoming a blur in the air. The first beats of his wings cracked the air like thunder, echoing off the surrounding buildings as he barreled towards his target. Another ear-splitting shriek tore through the air, making David''s sensitive ears ring. He caught himself on a tangle of massive vines about halfway up a nearby building, the plant matter groaning and snapping under the force of his momentum. His talons stung from the abrupt stop, but he managed to reach out and delicately pinch shut the mouth of a rather small, chipmunk-like creature. The thing''s eyes bugged out comically, and David couldn''t help but smile. "Mind shutting the fuck up, please? That hurts my ears something fierce." The chipmunk nodded vigorously, and David released its mouth, seizing its tiny paw in a hearty handshake instead. "Name''s David. You a lookout for Woodland?" After a moment of hesitation, a woman''s voice replied, "Y-yes, I am. Do I... know you?" Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. David chuckled. "Well, I''m David, and that fat-ass lizard down there is Claire. Ring any bells?" The fear drained from the chipmunk''s eyes, replaced by a look of relief. She sagged a bit, chuckling nervously. "Oh, yeah. Sometimes people mention you two. Everyone has to hear about the city''s first boss kill every time Herold gets in a pontificating mood." David nodded sagely, certain that a ''pontificating mood'' was Herold''s default state of existence. The old man-turned-giant beetle was a windbag, but genuinely good people. "So, we clear to head over to the park? Or should we wait for whatever cavalry''s coming to investigate your, uh, dulcet tones?" The chipmunk looked guilty. "Someone''s definitely on their way right now." David shrugged. "No worries. Sorry for startling you, by the way." The chipmunk took a deep breath. "Don''t worry about it." David could clearly see she''d just about swallowed her own tongue when he''d bore down on her at top speed. He flashed what he hoped was an apologetic smile, but it only served to make him look more sinister. Hurling himself off the side of the building, David glided down to Claire''s position, landing on the battered, overgrown pavement with a skitter of sharp claws. His Cuddlebugs followed, their tiny faces filled with awe as they gazed up at the towering structures around them. David ruffled the fur of his largest, most powerful Cuddlebug. "See that, Captain? We used to build these by the thousands, all over the place. Hell, we even landed on the moon with stuff we built. You know, back when we had thumbs and coffee." Claire gave him a weird look. "What''s the verdict, bat-boy?" "Just a lookout with an incredible pair of lungs," David replied. "No invisidemon or whatever the hell you were imagining." Claire visibly relaxed. "Someone coming to check on all the screaming?" "That''s what Chippy McScreamy said," David nodded. "By the way, it wasn''t even a cute chipmunk." Claire cocked her head. "There are non-cute chipmunks?" David snorted. "There''s no such thing as a cute Snitchmunk." Claire''s blank stare made it clear the joke had missed its mark. David sighed, launching into an explanation. "See, my dad used to hunt a lot. He hated chipmunks ''cause they''d always snitch you out to other animals." Suddenly, the Cuddlebugs went ballistic, their tiny bodies vibrating with alarm. David had just enough time to register a vague impression of something shiny and golden moving faster than should be possible before he was plucked off the ground like a toy. In a whirlwind of hard, metallic feathers, David found himself pinned beneath a familiar figure. Kai''s voice crooned above him, asking, "Who''s a good boy?" as a giant, taloned foot roughly pet David''s fur. David''s eyes widened as he took in Kai''s new form. The once-giant golden eagle had clearly gotten one hell of an Evolution. He''d doubled in size, easily weighing a few hundred pounds now. His body jingled as he moved, reminiscent of medieval armor. Where Kai once sported two wings like a normal bird, he now boasted four ¨C two massive main ones and a smaller pair. His body was more streamlined, and his tail feathers had grown longer while maintaining their eagle-like appearance. As Kai continued his tirade of pet-talk, each stroke of his huge foot pulled David''s ears and skin back so hard it lifted the lips off his snout. Claire''s thunderous laughter echoed through the street while the Cuddlebugs launched a futile assault on Kai''s metallic feathers. It wasn''t until Captain, learning from his brethren''s failures, went straight for Kai''s giant eyeball that the bird-man released David with a curse. Dodging back to avoid being blinded, Kai glared at the tiny attacker. David regally commanded, "Captain, stay thy tiny, tiny blade." Then, hopping to his feet, he smoothed his fur down before shooting Kai a mock-severe glare. ¡°Fucker! Two wings like everyone else not good enough for you now?¡± As if on cue, a six-legged panther with four tails ¨C each tipped with wicked scythes of bone ¨C lurked out from behind a nearby decrepit vehicle. The beast bounded over, playfully swatting at David with all four of its front legs. "Thomas, my man," David grinned. "How''s Betty doing these days?" Thomas ignored the question entirely. "Do you always pick the most horrible things you possibly can? Have you managed to literally scare something to death yet?" David chuckled. "Judging by the sound your lookout made, I came pretty damn close just now." As Thomas backed up, David got a better look at his old friend''s new form. The extra tails weren''t the only changes ¨C Thomas was stockier now, with a large hump of muscle on his shoulders. Most surprising were the extra set of eyes slightly above and behind the first pair. Thomas winked one of his new eyes at David, prompting an exaggerated gag. "Gross, dude. Warn a bat next time you''re gonna get all multi-ocular on me. Had a bad run in with something that has too many eyes." As the group bantered, the tension from moments ago melting away, David couldn''t help but feel a sense of comfort wash over him. Despite the weird and wild changes they''d all gone through, some things ¨C like his friends ¨C remained beautifully constant. Claire bonked Kai with her snout, interrupting his excited rant about her ¡®new armor¡¯. "What Evolution did you take?" he asked, eyes wide with curiosity. Claire snorted, a plume of steam rising from her nostrils. "Haven''t taken one yet, bird brain. I''m just naturally this awesome." Kai''s beak dropped open in shock. "No way. Is it... a Bloodline or something?" Claire nodded, her massive head bobbing with pride. "You bet your shiny feathers it is." Meanwhile, Thomas was eyeballing David carefully, all four eyes focused intently. "I''m gonna go out on a limb here and guess you''ve got more than one Bloodline now, don''t you?" David preened, his fur puffing up with pride. "Oh? What gave it away, you overgrown house cat?" Thomas snorted, his tails swishing behind him. "You''re way too hideous looking for it to be just one, even for you." Suddenly, Thomas''s tone dropped considerably, and he leaned in close to David. "So... you down to let me ''try'' that hallucinogen of yours now?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, all four eyes twinkling with mischief. David shook his head, trying not to laugh. "Sorry, buddy. It''s lethal now. You''d be tripping balls straight into the afterlife." Thomas burst into an exaggerated display of outrage, his tails lashing dramatically. "Oh, come on! I have the worst luck! Is it too much to ask for a toke or a beer in this godforsaken hellscape?" "Better luck next Integration," David chuckled, patting Thomas on one of his muscular shoulders. Thomas''s eyes narrowed. "Don''t even joke about that, man. Knowing our luck, we''d probably all end up as something even worse somehow. I don''t fancy waking up as a sentient pile of toxic sludge or whatever." As they began to move through the city, heading straight for Woodland, Kai and Thomas filled them in on the changes that had occurred since their last visit. The once-familiar streets were now a maze of overgrown vegetation and bizarre, alien plants that seemed to have sprung up since they¡¯d left. Kai suddenly turned to David, a mock-stern look on his beaked face. "By the way, thanks for sending the entire population of a small country our way. I mean, it''s cool and all, but a little warning would''ve been nice." David shrugged, his wings rustling. "What can I say? I''m a people person. Or bat. Whatever." Kai huffed but continued, "The military guys are pretty cool, though. They''ve been contributing a lot in the last two days since they got here. Turns out having trained personnel around is handy in a post-apocalyptic society. Who knew?" Claire, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "So what exactly has changed? Last time we were here, things were... well, less jungle-y, for one." Thomas cut in, his multiple eyes gleaming with excitement. "Oh, you''re gonna love this. Those Redfield peeps? Somehow they managed to absorb even more people on their way here. When they showed up, Herold took one look at our population and decided it was time to expand and get serious." "Serious how?" David asked, his curiosity piqued. Thomas grinned, showing off an impressive array of razor-sharp fangs as he prowled along beside them. "Let''s just say Woodland isn''t just a park anymore. We''ve been... remodeling." As they continued their trek through the transformed city, David couldn''t help but feel excited. Riverport had always been a hub of activity, but this... this was something else entirely. The towering skyscrapers, still draped in their odd vines and sporting what looked like organic growths, loomed over them like silent sentinels. The streets, once littered with decaying vehicles and bare pavement, were now rivers of vegetation, with bizarre yellow flowers that seemed to follow their movement as they passed. David caught Claire''s eye, seeing his own mix of emotions reflected in her reptilian gaze. They''d come here looking for a break, a chance to catch their breath and reconnect with old friends. Warn them about the caravan, and the coming Wave. Instead, they''d walked into yet another transformation, another evolution of their ever-changing world. But as they made their way towards Woodland, surrounded by the banter and laughter of their friends, David felt a sense of hope rising in his chest. Yes, the world was changing, sometimes faster than they could keep up. But they were changing too, growing stronger, more adaptable. As they rounded a corner, the expanded borders of Woodland came into view, and David couldn''t help but grin. "Well," he quipped, "looks like you guys have been busy, huh?" Claire snorted in agreement, her clubbed tail swishing behind her. "When are they not?" Sunday Funday Chapter_Our Immortal Obsidian "Obsidia" Darkness Dementia Phoenix Way perched atop a crumbling skyscraper, her pitch-black fur with purple streaks and red tips flowing dramatically in the post-apocalyptic wind. Her ice-blue eyes, which totally changed color with her mood, scanned the cityscape as she contemplated her next move. As a reincarnated genius from the year 3045, she knew exactly how to conquer this primitive, newly-Integrated world. Obsidia was the rarest of all monsters: a Shadow-Phoenix-Vampire-Unicorn hybrid. Her gleaming obsidian wings, spanning an impressive yet somehow dainty 20 feet, were covered in razor-sharp feathers that could slice through steel. Despite their lethal edge, her feathers were also impossibly soft and fluffy. Her delicate, fairy-like body was simultaneously muscular and lithe, capable of bench-pressing a mountain while maintaining the grace of a ballerina. A spiraling alicorn protruded from her forehead, glowing with the power of a thousand suns, yet somehow stealthy enough to never give away her position. Her vampiric fangs, perfect for draining the life essence of her enemies, doubled as a dazzling smile that could charm even the most hardened of hearts. Obsidia''s shadowy form allowed her to melt into darkness at will, though she also radiated an aura of holy light that repelled evil. It was this impossible combination of traits that made her the ultimate predator, the perfect survivor, and the most misunderstood creature in all of creation. "System, analyze the boss''s weakness," Obsidia commanded to the air, fully aware that she was the only being in this universe with an in-built AI assistant. Thank god for Unique Skills and broken Bloodlines. A holographic display appeared before her, visible only to her superior monster eyes. "Analysis complete," the System chirped. "The boss ''Gorgnarg the Eviscerator'' has a 0.0001% vulnerability to pollen-based attacks on alternate Wednesdays when Venus is in the seventh house." Obsidia nodded sagely, her bat-like ears twitching. Of course, she had anticipated this. Her 900 IQ brain had already calculated 17,483 possible strategies, each more brilliant than the last. "System, cross-reference this data with my unique skill set and the current stellar alignment." The System whirred for a nanosecond ¨C an eternity for Obsidia''s enhanced cognitive abilities. "Optimal strategy found. Combining your ''Interdimensional Pollen Summoning'' with ''Astral Hay Fever Manipulation'' will increase damage by 3.14159% against entities weak to spring allergens." A smirk graced Obsidia''s perfectly sculpted snout. "Excellent. And what of my secret Bloodline ability?" "Your ''Pollenmancer''s Legacy,'' passed down through 42 generations of interdimensional botanists, will amplify the effect by an additional 6.9%." Obsidia''s eyes flashed with determination, briefly changing to a deep violet. "Perfect. Now, let''s see... according to my inexplicable encyclopedic knowledge of obscure plant facts, Gorgnarg''s species first evolved during a particularly pollen-heavy spring. The stars have aligned perfectly for my assault." She reached into her infinitely spacious inventory and pulled out her legendary weapon, the Sneeze-Blade of Irritation +777. Its allergy-inducing aura pulsed with power, sending shivers down the spines of hay fever sufferers within a 50-mile radius. As she prepared to set her plan in motion, Obsidia''s childhood friend and secret admirer, Chad Thundercock (now a hunky muscular rhino-man), approached. "Hey, Obsidia! Want to hang out and have some fun before the big boss fight?" Obsidia''s expression remained impassive. "Chad, I calculated that engaging in ''fun'' activities would lower my DPS by 0.0042% and increase my chance of failure by 0.0000001%. I cannot take that risk." Chad nodded understandingly, his rhino horn bobbing as he pawed sadly at the ground dozens of stories below, somehow both perfectly visible and audible. "Of course. Your dedication to min-maxing is truly inspirational." This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Ignoring Chad''s presence entirely now, Obsidia began her pre-battle ritual. She meticulously arranged 17 different types of hyper-allergenic flowers in a pentagram shape, each placed at precise angles corresponding to the current positions of Saturn''s rings. "System, activate my ''Pollen Sense'' ability," Obsidia commanded. Instantly, her perception expanded. She could feel every spore, every grain of pollen within a 100-mile radius. The location of Gorgnarg the Eviscerator became clear ¨C the boss was hiding in an ancient mall, 37.2 miles to the southeast, at an elevation of exactly 1,337 feet above sea level. Obsidia smirked. Everything was going according to her master plan. With a flourish of her Sneeze-Blade, she activated her ultimate skill: "Hayfever Overdrive." Her body began to glow with an otherworldly, pollen-infused aura. Waves of pure allergenic energy radiated from her being, causing literally all vegetation everywhere to release clouds of irritating spores and small animals to develop temporary hay fever. "Chad," she said, her voice echoing with power, "I''m about to teleport to the boss''s location using my ''Quantum Pollen Displacement'' technique. You may observe from a safe distance, but do not interfere. Your presence would only reduce my critical sneeze chance by 0.00000001%." Chad nodded solemnly. "I understand. Your beautiful path as the Chosen One of Allergies is yours alone to walk." With a blinding flash of golden light, Obsidia vanished, leaving behind only the faint scent of freshly cut grass. She reappeared instantly within Gorgnarg''s lair, her dramatic entrance causing the mall''s foundations to tremble. The monstrous, tentacled boss loomed before her, its body a writhing mass of slimy appendages and eyes that oozed with pungent ichor. "Gorgnarg the Eviscerator!" Obsidia''s voice boomed, amplified by her ''Sonic Pollen Resonance'' passive skill. "Your reign of tentacley terror ends now!" The boss roared, sending globs of corrosive slime flying in all directions. But Obsidia was prepared. She activated her ''Ragweed Shield,'' deflecting the projectiles with ease. "System, initiate combat sequence Allergen-7," she commanded. Obsidia''s body moved with inhuman grace as she executed a series of impossibly complex maneuvers. Her Sneeze-Blade sang through the air, each strike precisely calculated to exploit Gorgnarg''s weaknesses. "Activating synergy: ''Pollen Slash'' combined with ''Histamine Rush,''" Obsidia announced to no one in particular, her voice perfect and beautiful as always. "This will increase my attack speed by 2.718% and apply a stack of ''Sneezy Momentum,'' amplifying my next ''Allergy Annihilation'' ability by 3.141592653589793%." As the battle raged on, Obsidia''s vast arsenal of pollen-based abilities slowly whittled away at Gorgnarg''s defenses. Her perfect memory recalled every weakness, every exploit she had ever read about in the thousands of strategy guides she had memorized in her past life. Finally, after exactly 17 minutes and 42 seconds of combat (as Obsidia''s internal clock helpfully informed her), Gorgnarg the Eviscerator was on its last legs. The boss''s once-mighty form had been reduced to a pitiful, sneezing mess of tentacles. "It''s time to end this," Obsidia declared, her eyes now glowing with an intense, allergenic radiance. "Ultimate Technique: ''Pollenation Finale''!" As the blinding golden light filled the abandoned mall, Gorgnarg the Eviscerator, in a moment of complete character break, suddenly bellowed, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING YOU MOTHERFUCKERS!" But Obsidia, unfazed, continued channeling every ounce of her allergomantic power into her final attack. The very fabric of reality seemed to warp and twist, unable to contain the sheer sneezy might being unleashed. When the light faded, Gorgnarg the Eviscerator was no more. In its place stood a golden statue made of the most potent, rarest allergens in all of existence. Obsidia had not only defeated the boss but had transformed it into a priceless work of allergenic art. As the pollen settled, Obsidia calmly checked her status window. "System, display battle results." The AI''s voice chimed in her head. "Congratulations! You have defeated Gorgnarg the Eviscerator. Rewards earned: 17 quintillion experience, 42 legendary allergy-based Bloodlines and Abilities, and the title ''Supreme Overlord of Sneezes.'' Your actions have also unlocked a new Unique Mutagen: ''Reality Pollen,'' allowing you to manipulate the very fabric of the universe through the power of allergies." Obsidia nodded, her face a mask of perfect indifference. Of course, she had predicted this outcome with 100% accuracy. After all, she was Obsidian "Obsidia" Darkness Dementia Phoenix Way, the most overpowered being in all of creation. As she turned to leave the mall, already plotting her next impossible feat, she couldn''t help but wonder if perhaps, just maybe, her life was a tad too easy. But that thought lasted only a microsecond before her 900 IQ brain dismissed it as irrelevant. After all, there were still 998 more bosses to defeat before lunch. 138 - Woodland Rising As they approached the outskirts of what was once Woodland Park, David''s keen eyes took in the dramatic transformation. Where there had once been an overgrown expanse of greenery, a small settlement now stood, its crude architecture a testament to the resourcefulness of its inhabitants. Two guards flanked the entrance, their forms a bizarre fusion of animal traits. One resembled a potbellied pig crossed with a porcupine, its rotund body covered in razor-sharp quills that quivered with each movement. The other looked like a cross between a stickbug and a praying mantis, its elongated neck supporting a triangular head with multifaceted eyes. "Hey, Thomas! Kai!" the pig-porcupine called out cheerfully. Then, as if struck by lightning, both guards froze. Their eyes, wide with terror, fixed on Claire''s massive form. For a moment, David wondered why they hadn''t reacted to him. Then he noticed their gazes sliding past him, as if he were nothing more than a shadow. Huh, guess the old Mutagens are working overtime today. Suddenly, the giraffe-mantis''s compound eyes locked onto David. Its mandibles clicked in panic as it stumbled backward, long legs tangling comically. Kai fluffed his metallic feathers, the sound reminiscent of wind chimes in a storm. "Chill, guys. Scaryface and Gigantor here are old friends. No need to wet yourselves." As they passed through the gates, David''s gaze was drawn to the crudely expanded stone wall. It was an eyesore, to put it mildly. Sticks and branches of varying sizes had been haphazardly lashed together and thatched with grass, creating a ramshackle extension that looked about as sturdy as wet tissue paper to David''s eyes. He was almost certain that anyone with a decent evolution wouldn''t even be slowed by it, guessing that it was only to clearly mark the borders. Claire let out a snort of amusement, steam curling from her nostrils. David grinned up at her. "Feeling the urge to rise from the ocean and lay waste to Tokyo? Maybe duke it out with a giant pterodactyl?" "Keep it up, bat-boy, and I''ll fight a giant bat right here and now," Claire rumbled, her eyes glinting with mirth. David cackled at the threat, the sound echoing off the makeshift walls. To his surprise, Captain, perched on his shoulder, attempted to mimic the laugh. The result was a strangled, chittering sound that was equal parts adorable and disturbing. "Good boy," David cooed, patting Captain''s fluffy head. He shot Kai a hideous scowl as he did so, his fangs bared in a grotesque grin. Kai''s enormous eyes zoomed in on the interaction, the pupils dilating comically. "Oh!" he exclaimed, stumbling mid-stride. "So that''s how you''re supposed to pet a bat. Thomas, I think I petted it too hard earlier!" Thomas''s multiple eyes crinkled with amusement. "Ooh, I''m telling Grandpa Herold on you," he teased, his tails swishing playfully. As they passed through the main gate, David''s attention was caught by the park''s welcome sign. It had been cleared of debris and scrubbed nearly clean, save for a few accidental claw marks marring its surface. Below it, a new sign had been affixed to the fence ¨C a repurposed industrial cutting board in a garish salmon color. The makeshift sign displayed a crude pictograph: stick figures with various animal features were divided into two groups. On one side, figures with sharp teeth and claws represented carnivores. On the other, figures with leaves for heads symbolized herbivores, and below both was a series of tally marks. The ratio was clear: 30-70, favoring the plant-eaters. Well, that''s unexpected. I feel like most folks I''ve run into have been carnivores. "Is that accurate?" he asked, gesturing towards the sign. "Seems a bit skewed." Kai nodded, his metallic feathers catching the light. "Yep, did an official census at Herold''s request. Turns out we''re outnumbered." Thomas stretched lazily, his extra legs rippling with the movement. "Damn good thing, too. Otherwise, us meat-eaters would''ve starved or had to leave to hunt." Kai''s beak clacked softly. "As it is, we have to cycle carnivores in and out on hunting teams just to make sure everyone gets fed." David''s ears perked up. "Speaking of, how''s the Hunting Team doing these days?" Thomas let out a quiet yowl of frustration. "Overworked doesn''t begin to cover it. You thought we were busy before? Hah! That was a vacation compared to now." Claire''s massive head swung towards Thomas. "How overworked are we talking?" "Well," Kai replied, his tone dry, "we can''t exactly grow hamburgers on trees, you know." He paused, his head tilted in thought. "Though we''re lucky to be right next to the river. Want to see Herold''s solution? It''s on the way." Claire nodded, her scales glinting in the sunlight. As they veered right towards the river, David felt a niggling sense of familiarity. After a few minutes, realization struck, and he burst out laughing. "Did you turn our little shortcut into an actual pathway?" he asked, gesturing at the well-worn trail beneath their feet. Thomas grinned, all four eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, Claire flattened everything so thoroughly, it was the easiest place to put it." As they continued down the path, the scent of the river grew stronger, mingling with the earthy smell of crushed vegetation and the musky odor of countless bodies. The sounds of the settlement faded behind them, replaced by the gentle gurgle of running water and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. David found himself oddly comforted by the familiar route, even as his mind raced with questions about the changes they''d encountered. Woodland''s certainly grown up since we''ve been gone. Wonder what other surprises they''ve got in store for us. The group emerged from the treeline, and David''s jaw dropped at the sight before him. The riverbank bustled with activity, a stark contrast to the overgrown park he remembered. It was as if someone had dropped a burgeoning Stone Age civilization into the ruins of modern Riverport, and they''d decided to make the most of it. Workers swarmed up and down the shore, their bizarre forms working together in relative harmony. Some dug, others carried materials in mouths, claws, or improvised baskets. The air hummed with a cacophony of grunts, squawks, and chitters as they yelled to each other. A main irrigation ditch cut through the landscape, its edges still rough and uneven. Smaller channels branched off from it, creating a crude but effective watering system. Along the riverbank, various earthwork constructions dotted the area - some looked like primitive dams, others like terraced growing areas. What caught David''s eye most were the numerous pools dug into the soft earth near the water''s edge. Each was roughly the same size, forming shallow, calm areas where strange plants grew. They resembled lillypads but with an alien twist - their leaves were a deep purple, and what looked like bioluminescent pods pulsed gently at regular intervals. Claire let out a deep, appreciative rumble that resonated through the air. The sound brought the bustling activity to an abrupt halt as nearly every head turned towards them. David could almost hear the collective intake of breath as they took in Claire''s massive, armored form looming at the forest''s edge. For a moment, panic seemed imminent. Then a shrill yell of excitement pierced the air, and a familiar figure came barreling through the crowd. Randal, looking more porcupine-like than ever with a hint of beaver thrown in, raced towards them. His quills rattled like maracas as he ran, a grin splitting his furry face. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. "David! Claire!" Randal shouted, skidding to a halt in front of them. A small group followed in his wake, faces David vaguely recognized from their time in Redfield. Oh shit! It¡¯s¡­that guy! I remember him. I almost forgot for a minute, if I''m being honest with myself. A squirrel-like man David remembered for his acrobatic prowess bounced around them, his energy reminiscent of a caffeine-fueled frenzy. From near the water, a lanky bird-person let out a musical hoot of greeting, choosing to keep its distance but acknowledging their presence all the same. Randal beamed up at them, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you again for saving us from Viktor," he said, looking for all the world like he wanted to hug David but knew better than to try. Instead, he extended a paw. David carefully spread his talons, gripping Randal''s paw in a gentle handshake. To his credit, Randal only flinched slightly, heroically pushing through what was clearly a strong fight-or-flight response. After a round of thanks from the gathered Redfield refugees, Randal shooed them back to work. "Alright, folks, show''s over. We''ve got a lot to do!" As the crowd dispersed, Randal turned back to David and Claire, his expression proud. "Let me give you the tour," he said, gesturing to the busy riverbank. "We''ve made some real progress in the last three weeks." He led them closer to the water, explaining as they went. "Those plants? Physical Quest Reward. Crazy right? Someone brought back an entire mouthful of seeds. Damn things were trying to grow by the time they got back with them. They grow like bamboo, but faster. Great food source for us herbivores." He chuckled, shaking his head. "And as a happy accident, they attract fish like crazy. Our smaller carnivores have developed quite the taste for sushi." As if on cue, the bird that had greeted them earlier plunged its beak into one of the pools. It emerged with a wriggling fish, which it carried over to a large, frog-like creature nearby. The frog opened its mouth wide, and the bird deposited its catch like trash into a bin. David watched, fascinated, as the fish disappeared into what had to be an impressively elastic throat pouch, its outline still visible as it struggled. "Impressive," David muttered, his wings rustling with interest. He had to concentrate to keep his Cuddlebugs from swarming the area, their excited mental pings overwhelming his senses. ¡®Hey, look at this!¡¯ they seemed to shout in unison, flitting from one curiosity to the next. David noticed, with some surprise, that the Cuddlebugs didn''t seem to view most of the gathered transformed humans as threats. Only a select few drew their suspicious gazes. How the hell did they get so good at judging relative strength? Then it hit him - they''d been fighting for survival since the moment he''d created them. Note to self: teach these little gremlins how to play fetch or something. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, after all. "So, what do you think?" Randal asked, his chest puffed out with pride. "We''ve come a long way in a short time, haven''t we?" Claire nodded, her massive head bobbing. "It''s incredible," she rumbled. "You''ve done more here in a month than¡­ honestly I''m really impressed." David had to agree. The sheer ingenuity on display was staggering. He watched as a group of smaller creatures - what looked like a collection of moles and otters - worked in tandem to dig a new irrigation channel. Their clawed hands moved with surprising dexterity, shaping the earth with practiced ease. Nearby, a cluster of what were clearly Sub-Adult Evolutions¨C part-plant, part-animal hybrids tending to rows of the strange, purple bamboo-like plants. Their leafy appendages gently caressed the stalks, and David could have sworn he saw the plants lean into the touch, like flowers following the sun. "How are you managing waste?" David asked, suddenly curious. "With this many people in one place, it must be a challenge. It wasn''t exactly fragrant last time I was here but now¡­" Kai¡¯s expression turned sheepish. "Ah, well, that''s been a bit of a... learning experience," he admitted. "We''ve got a system set up downstream, but it''s not perfect. Herold''s been working on some ideas involving certain, uh, specialized Evolved abilities." David raised an eyebrow, deciding he probably didn''t want to know the details. Instead, he gestured to the pools. "And these? They seem pretty uniform for digging with your face." Randal nodded enthusiastically. "Good eye! We found that the lilly-fish - that''s what we''re calling them for now - grow best in specific conditions. The pools are all the same depth and size to maximize yield." As they continued their tour, David couldn''t help but feel a swell of pride for what these people had accomplished. They''d taken the chaos of the Integration and turned it into something productive, even beautiful in its own bizarre way. Maybe there''s hope for us after all. If we can adapt this well to utter insanity, who knows? Maybe we''ll bounce back and put the first wombat on the moon. As Randal trundled off to resume his duties, Kai and Thomas basked in the stunned silence of their friends. David''s jaw hung open, his fangs glinting in the sunlight, while Claire''s massive head swiveled back and forth, taking in the scope of their accomplishments. Kai puffed out his chest, metallic feathers catching the light. "Pretty impressive, eh?" Thomas''s tails swished with pride. "You should''ve seen your faces. Priceless." David shook his head, ears twitching. "I''ll be damned. You guys have been busy." "Speaking of busy," Kai said, gesturing back towards the settlement, "we should head to the Arena. Got some things to show you there." Claire''s brow ridges furrowed. "Arena?" Kai''s beak clicked in amusement. "Uh¡­the Warehouse. We''ve got much better accommodations now, thanks to Herold. The Arena is mostly for training and meetings these days." As they started back through the wooded trail, Kai elaborated. "Combat training''s mandatory now, no matter how big or small you are. Carnivore, herbivore ¨C doesn''t matter. Everyone learns to defend themselves and work as a team." Thomas nodded, all four eyes blinking in sync. "Unlike the bad old days, we focus on small group tactics instead of individual showboating. Though," he added with a chuckle, "the old-timers on the Hunting Team still love their duels. Got a whole ranking system and everything." David''s ears perked up. "Oh yeah? Who''s won the most-" "Herold!" Kai and Thomas shouted in unison, then burst into laughter. "Jinx!" they cried, pointing at each other. David''s brow furrowed. "Is that because of his ridiculous armor or something?" Kai shook his head, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You''ll see," he said, looking like the cat that ate the canary. It was clear he was relishing the chance to surprise them. As they left the path and set out across the field of the park, David''s jaw dropped at the sight before them as they rounded a small hill. In the middle of the park, some distance from the familiar warehouse, stood an enormous mound of earth. It wasn''t just big ¨C it was colossal, easily the size of a building. Even Claire let her jaws hang open in shock at the sheer scale of it. A few teams of monsters were skirmishing in the field next to the warehouse, chasing each other around while trying to protect or steal a stick wrapped in brightly colored plastic. They paused at the sight of the newcomers, but Kai flared his wings in greeting. After a moment''s hesitation, they returned to their practice. David''s eyes darted around, taking in the changes. Various nests and shelters filled the trees surrounding the field, with curious avian and rodent-like heads poking out to observe them. Just as David was about to ask what the hell was up with all the dirt, the ground rumbled beneath their feet. David''s first thought was that it felt like Claire charging something, but... bigger. Much bigger. Claire quickly asked, "Kai, what the fuck is that?" But her question died in her throat as the source of the tremors revealed itself. From the other side of the dirt mound, a massive form began to emerge. At first, David thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. But as more of the creature came into view, his mind reeled at the sheer scale of what he was seeing. It was Herold, but not as they remembered him. The once-large beetle was now truly gargantuan. He easily dwarfed Claire, breaking into multi-ton territory without breaking a sweat. His body was the size of a small house, an armored colossus that made the earth shake with each movement. As Herold pulled himself fully from the hole, David''s eyes widened in disbelief. The beetle''s iridescent green coloration, while still present, had taken on a more muted, earthy tone. His armor, already impressive before, now looked like it could shrug off¡­well, whatever the hell he wanted. The mandibles extending from his head were massive, easily capable of bulldozing full-grown trees. David''s mind raced as he tried to process what he was seeing. How would you even begin to fight something like that? It''d be like taking on an Area Boss. The colossal beetle shifted its body clockwise, antennae twitching as it peered down at them. For a moment, there was silence. Then, a booming voice that David recognized despite its increased volume rang out across the field. "Young David! And Miss Claire! Oh, my heavens, it''s so good to see you!" Herold''s refined, antiquated speech very much at odds with his monstrous appearance. "David, my boy, you look positively ferocious! Good show!" David found himself at a loss for words, a rare occurrence for him. He glanced at Claire, seeing his own shock mirrored in her reptilian features. For the first time since her transformation, Claire wasn''t the biggest thing around ¨C not by a long shot. As Herold''s massive form loomed over them, casting a shadow that seemed to stretch for miles, David couldn''t help but think that Woodland had changed far more than he could have ever imagined. And he had a feeling the surprises were far from over. ¡°Why are you so damn big?!" David crowed incredulously. ¡°You know what? Doesn''t matter. Guys, we need to talk." Herold cocked an antennae curiously. ¡°What? Speak up, you''re very tiny you know!" 139 - System Communique David hung upside down from a protruding rock, his wings wrapped comfortably around his body. The cavern they were in was far more impressive than he''d imagined. Smooth, packed earth formed the walls and ceiling, with thick roots weaving through them like a natural support structure. The air was cool but not damp, and a faint breeze suggested some kind of ventilation system. Damn, the old man''s been busy. I admit I like the cave, it''s¡­weirdly comforting to know nothing can just run up on you down here. His empowered echolocation had given him a rough layout of the place. Three main chambers, each easily the size of a small auditorium, branched off from a central hub. The one they occupied now seemed to be the primary gathering area, while the others were honeycombed with smaller burrows and sleeping spaces. He''d even detected a small underground pool in one of them. Talk about your fixer-upper. Bet those old naturalists would have a field day with this place. Claire lay nearby, her massive form dwarfed by Herold''s even larger bulk. The old beetle barely had room to turn around, but he''d managed to settle himself facing them, his antennae twitching as David and Claire finished recounting their encounter with Esmeralda''s caravan. Herold rumbled thoughtfully, the sound reverberating through the chamber. "Most intriguing," he mused, his cultured voice vibrating with interest. "This Esmeralda seems a shrewd operator indeed." Kai jingled to his feet, metallic feathers chiming. "I''ll go take a look, see if I can spot them from the air," he announced, carefully picking his way over Herold''s legs. As he vanished up the entrance tunnel, the tinkling sound of his takeoff echoed back into the cavern. Well if anyone can spot something that far off it''s him. I wonder how high he can fly these days? I can get up pretty far now, but he''s built for it more than me. I remember not being able to handle the winds at first¡­heh, good times. Herold busied himself cleaning his antennae, a habit that seemed comically mundane given his size. "I must say, David," he began, his voice filled with amusement, "you do seem to attract the most interesting situations. Do you always find yourself embroiled in such fascinating affairs?" David sighed heavily, his ears drooping. "That''s not even the half of it, old timer. Sometimes I think the universe has it out for me." Herold chuckled, the sound like boulders grinding together. "Ah, yes. Our good friend Kozlov was quite thorough in his debriefing. He regaled me with tales of your exploits since your paths first crossed. I must admit, I might not have believed half of it if not for our own experiences with you and Claire. You two certainly know how to make waves." David''s wings rustled as he adjusted his position. "Yeah, well, at this point my power level has kind of outrun my ability to keep up with it. As much as I loved my last adventure," he said, sarcasm dripping from every word, "I really need some time to practice and experiment. Figure out how everything works, you know?" He lowered his voice, glancing around conspiratorially. "Did Kozlov fill you in on the whole Wildsoul manipulation thing? And about..." he trailed off, searching for the right words. "The impending shitstorm?" Claire supplied helpfully. "Yeah, that," David nodded. Herold''s massive head bobbed solemnly. "Indeed he did. I must confess, I''ve struggled to utilize my own Wildsoul effectively. The very concept of ''magic'' existing flies in the face of everything I once understood about the world." Thomas, who had been quietly listening, suddenly spoke up. "David, do you realize you seem to figure out something game-changing about the System at least once a month?" David scoffed, his fur bristling slightly. "Oh, come on. It''s not that often." Claire snorted, a puff of steam curling from her nostrils. "Actually, he''s got a point. Remember how you figured out Combos so early on? That''s how we managed to level up quickly and take down the Crusher Boss when we first got here." David waved a wing dismissively. "Anyone with multiple same-category abilities would have figured that out eventually." Claire shrugged her tiny arms. "Maybe, but it wasn''t someone else. It was you." Thomas nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! The Hunting Team picked up Wildsoul bullshit within a day or two of Kozlov explaining how it worked. You know why?" David raised an eyebrow. "Enlighten me." Thomas grinned, all four paws smugly kneading the ground in front of him. "Because it came from you. We just assumed it was true without any complaints or rationalizing. If David says it works, it works. You''ve got a reputation now, you know?" David blinked, genuinely surprised. "How does that track?" "Face it, bat-boy," Claire rumbled, amusement in her voice. "You''ve got a knack for this System stuff. Your brand of crazy seems to line up with whatever logic this whole mess runs on." David pondered this for a moment. It was true that he''d made some leaps that others hadn''t. Was it possible his tendency to consider outlandish possibilities actually gave him an edge? Maybe being a little unhinged is an advantage in a world gone mad, who''d have thought? "Alright, alright," he conceded. "So I''ve got a talent for figuring out System quirks. That still doesn''t explain why the universe seems determined to throw me into one crisis after another." Herold''s antennae twitched thoughtfully. "Perhaps, my boy, it is precisely because of your aptitude that you find yourself at the center of such events. The System, or whatever force governs it, may be drawn to those who can unravel its mysteries." David groaned, hanging his head dramatically ¡®up¡¯ towards the floor. "Great. So I''m like catnip for cosmic shenanigans. Fantastic." The group chuckled at his theatrics, the sound echoing through the cavernous space. As their laughter died down, a comfortable silence settled over them. David found himself marveling at the strange turns his life had taken. And to think, a few months ago my biggest worry was making rent. As if reading his mind, Claire spoke up. "You know, for all the craziness, I can''t help but feel like we''re on the verge of something big. Like all of this," she gestured with her tail, encompassing the cavern and its inhabitants, "is just the beginning." David nodded slowly. "Yeah, I get that feeling too. Question is, are we ready for whatever comes next?" Herold''s voice rumbled through the chamber, filled with a mix of determination and hope. "Ready or not, young David, I believe we must face it together. The world has changed, and we must continue to change with it. But if our past accomplishments are any indication, I dare say we stand a fighting chance." As David looked around at his companions ¨C Claire''s massive form, Thomas''s multiple eyes, Herold''s colossal bulk ¨C he felt a surge of something he hadn''t experienced in a while: optimism. Maybe, just maybe, we''ve got this after all. As David felt that glimmer of optimism, a familiar chime rang through the air. For a heart-stopping moment, he thought Omega had sent him a personal message. But then he noticed everyone else had frozen too, not just him. The sudden crack of Claire''s tail against a rock as she jumped in surprise echoed through the cavern, the only sound breaking the shocked silence that had fallen over the group. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. David''s Cuddlebugs, sensing his spike of anxiety, immediately rallied around him and Claire. Captain took charge, herding the others into a loose defensive ring, their tiny eyes darting around for any sign of threat. After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few seconds, a System announcement materialized in front of them all: ***SYSTEM ADMIN COMMUNIQUE*** Greetings, Earth Inhabitants! Congratulations on completing the first phase of our Special Integration! While overall interaction was lower than anticipated, we are pleased with the data generated during Wave 1. We would like to extend special recognition to several standout participants: - Emilia Rodriguez: Most Resources Gained - Takashi Watanabe: Highest Evolutionary Progress - David Fisher: Most Potent Offensive Ability - Sarah Chen: Greatest Contribution to Userbase Survival Overall survival rate for Wave 1 Participants: 63.2847% ATTENTION ALL USERS: Wave 1 and the first phase of the Special Integration will conclude in precisely 48 hours. Please make your preparations accordingly. A special System Event will occur during the final hour of Wave 1. Participation is voluntary but highly encouraged. Users who choose to engage will have the opportunity to earn additional rewards and potentially influence the parameters of Wave 2. Further details will be provided as the event approaches. Wave 2 will introduce greatly improved and wholly reworked functionality in many areas, including but not limited to: - Fine-tuned Abilities, Mutagens, and Bloodlines - Implementation of an intuitive tutorial system for new Users - Recognition of settlements above a certain population threshold as System-designated Territories, including Safe Zone status Ecosystem and Environmental changes will be made as necessary to accommodate increased population density. Wave 1 Participants will receive rewards based on their performance at the onset of Wave 2. This will include a distinctive mark in the form of an Aesthetic Mutagen, denoting your status as a Wave 1 Participant. This Mutagen will, of course, be freely available for fusion at your discretion. The Overseer Council commends you on your resilience and adaptability. We look forward to your continued participation in this unprecedented Special Integration. Warm regards, ***System Overseer ¦¸*** The message faded, leaving behind a stunned silence. David blinked, his mind reeling as he tried to process the information dump. He looked to Claire, finding her equally gobsmacked, her jaws hanging open in shock. "What... the actual... fuck," David managed to croak out, his voice barely above a whisper. Claire shook her massive head, as if trying to clear it. "Did that just happen? Tell me that didn''t just happen." Thomas, his eyes wide with disbelief, let out a nervous chuckle. "So, uh, congrats on the ''Most Potent Offensive Ability,'' I guess? That''s... something. Are you not focusing on Control anymore?" Herold''s antennae twitched rapidly, a sign of agitation David had never seen in the usually composed beetle. "My word," he rumbled, his tone tinged with worry. "It seems our situation is even more precarious than we imagined." David''s mind raced, latching onto the bits of information that stood out most. "Two days," he muttered. "We''ve got two days before... whatever the hell Wave 2 is supposed to be. And I still don''t know what the fuck an Originator is. Great." Claire''s tail lashed nervously, nearly taking out a chunk of the cavern wall. "And what''s this about ''rewards'' and ''Aesthetic Mutagens''? Like we''re in some fucking game show?" "Don''t forget the ''Safe Zones,''" Thomas added, his tails twitching anxiously. "That could be huge for places like Woodland." David nodded absently, his thoughts whirling. The System''s cold, clinical tone made his fur stand on end. The way it treated their struggle for survival as some kind of grand experiment... Fuck you very much, Omega. Glad our ''data'' is so entertaining¡­ugh. "Okay," David said, taking a deep breath to center himself. "We need to break this down. First things first ¨C we''ve got 48 hours to prepare for whatever shitstorm Wave 2 is going to bring." Claire nodded, her initial shock giving way to determination. "Right. We should coordinate as many people as we can. Get everyone ready for... well, anything. I don''t like the sound of that ¡®System Event¡¯.¡± "Indeed," Herold agreed, his massive form shifting slightly. "We must also consider the implications of these ''System-designated Territories.'' If Woodland qualifies, it could provide a measure of security we desperately need. I admit I am concerned about the implied... necessity...of a ''Safe Zone'', however." David''s wings rustled as he paced back and forth, his claws clicking against the cavern floor. "All good points. But there''s something else we need to consider." He paused, looking at each of them in turn. "If Wave 2 is coming with ''improved functionality,'' we need to be ready for the System to throw us some serious curveballs." Claire''s eyes narrowed. "You think it''ll be worse than what we''re already dealing with?" David let out a humorless laugh. "Oh, I''m counting on it. Remember, this is the same System that thought turning the entire planet into a menagerie of monsters was a good idea. I doubt they''re going to dial it back now." The group fell silent, the weight of their situation settling over them like a heavy blanket. David could almost hear the gears turning in everyone''s heads as they grappled with the implications of the announcement. Finally, Herold spoke, his voice carrying a quiet resolve. "Well then, my friends, it seems we have our work cut out for us. Two days to prepare for the unknown. Shall we begin?" David nodded, feeling a familiar mix of determination and resignation settling in his gut. "Yeah, old timer. Let''s get to it. After all," he added with a grim smile, "we''ve got a whole new apocalypse to get ready for." As the gravity of the situation continued to press down on them, David cleared his throat and continued. "Right, we should probably gather everyone up. Thomas, want to help me round up the troops?" Claire shifted her massive bulk. "Actually, I think I''ll stay here. Got something I need to discuss with Herold." Her eyes met David''s, a silent message passing between them. David nodded, understanding. Whatever Claire had to say, it was important. "Alright, big girl. We''ll catch up later." As David and Thomas made their way out of the cavern, the first hints of chaos became apparent. The tunnel echoed with distant shouts and the pounding of feet ¨C or whatever passed for feet these days. Emerging into the daylight, David blinked, momentarily stunned by the scene before him. People were pouring in from every direction, a flood of bizarre forms all converging on the warehouse. The air buzzed with a cacophony of voices, ranging from panicked shrieks to angry growls. "Well," Thomas muttered, his four eyes darting around, "looks like we won''t have to do much gathering after all." David nodded, watching the spectacle unfold. "Yeah, seems like public consensus beat us to the punch." The field that had been relatively peaceful just a short while ago now resembled a disturbed anthill. Creatures of all shapes and sizes scrambled towards the warehouse, their movements a strange blend of urgency and confusion. David spotted a group of rodent-like beings scurrying along, their tiny voices raised in high-pitched debate. Following close behind was a mob of slower, larger creatures, who seemed careful even now not to step on anyone smaller than they were in the confusion. "You know," Thomas said, a hint of pride in his voice, "they''re actually responding the way we''ve trained. Heading to the Arena for a meeting in times of crisis." David raised an eyebrow. "Huh. Guess all that mandatory combat training paid off in more ways than one." As they made their way towards the warehouse, David couldn''t help but marvel at the diversity of reactions. Some faces were contorted with panic, eyes wide and movements frantic. Others seemed eerily calm, as if the System''s announcement was just another day in paradise. But what struck David most was the defiant anger he saw in almost everyone''s eyes. Fangs bared, claws clenched, a collective determination to face whatever fresh hell Wave 2 might bring. These folks have been through the wringer. And they''re not about to roll over now. As they reached the warehouse doors, the crowd parting instinctively for Thomas, David felt a twinge of something unexpected ¨C hope. Maybe it was foolish, given everything they''d been through and the ominous tone of the System''s message. But looking at these people, this hodgepodge community of monsters united in the face of cosmic fuckery, he couldn''t help but feel a spark of optimism. Wave 2 wants to throw us some curveballs? Bring it on. We''ve got two days to prepare, and something tells me we''re going to make every second count. After that, assuming we''re not fighting for our lives immediately¡­I''m taking some time off. With that, he followed Thomas into the warehouse, ready to face whatever plans, theories, and probably more than a little panic awaited them inside. The next 48 hours were going to be... interesting, to say the least. 140 - Disaster Plan As David stepped into the warehouse, he was struck by the contrast to his last memory of the place. Gone was the haphazard arrangement of bedding and lounging areas, the little bits of grass and twigs that had covered the floor. In its place stood a scene of surprising order, despite the palpable tension in the air. The cavernous space was packed to the brim with a crowd of transformed humans, their diverse forms creating a living tapestry of fur, scales, and everything in between. At the center, a loose circle of large stones stood conspicuously empty, like some primordial council chamber. Well, would you look at that. Seems like they''ve got their shit together after all. This place used to look like a break room for zoo animals. His eyes swept over the crowd, noting the careful organization. The largest creatures huddled near the walls, their bulk carefully contained to avoid crushing their smaller neighbors. In front, a veritable blanket of diminutive forms jostled for position, their tiny voices creating a high-pitched buzz of conversation. A rustle of movement above caught David''s ears, locking onto the noise like radar dishes. He glanced up, his keen eyes picking out dozens of winged creatures perched in the rafters and support beams. What looked like a giant clothesline ¨C actually stripped power cables stretching between the walls ¨C served as an impromptu roost for even more airborne residents. Gideon''s been busy. I wonder if Pinchy is¡­far enough along to get bored of gluing stuff down for us all the time? The murderfloofs already get bored with keeping watch for me when I''m sleeping, I wonder if¨C Suddenly, a rapid clatter of claws against concrete sent David whirling, his body tensing instinctively. His Wildsoul surged through him, a decoy already beginning to form as he prepared to unleash a shot at full power. But instead of a threat, he found himself face-to-face with an exuberant ball of fur. Wally, looking more wolf-like than ever with his flowing coat, bounded around David in circles. His tongue lolled out in a goofy grin as he barked excitedly. "I knew you could solo a boss!" Wally yipped, his tail wagging so hard his entire rear end swayed. "Wasn''t worried for a second! Gideon owes me five bucks now ¨C you''re not even covered in extra eyes or anything!" David let out a breath, his charged attack dissipating harmlessly. He couldn''t help but laugh at Wally''s enthusiasm. "Glad to see you too, buddy. How''s Riverport treating yo¨C Wait, Gideon thought I was gonna die?" Wally cocked his head, considering the question with canine seriousness. After a moment, his jaws dropped open in a wide grin. "Nope! But he bet that you''d come back with some¡­Omega-themed reward. I love it here! Always something useful to do, you know?" Before David could respond, a blur of motion distracted him yet again. Thomas sailed over them in a graceful arc, clearing their heads by several feet. The panther-like creature landed without a sound, fixing David with a pointed look that clearly said ¡®follow me.¡¯ Damn. Looks like the Hunting Team''s been keeping sharp. I know it was just a jump, but that was smooth. David gave Wally a friendly shove with his wing, and the man returned the gesture with a fierce poke of his snout before trotting away with a promise to find him again later. As they made their way through the crowd, David spotted a familiar group off to the side. His face split into a wide grin at the sight of them, ears perking forward happily. Betty, the massive crab, now sported an even more impressive anemone on her back. Its bioluminescent tendrils swayed gently, casting an ethereal glow around her. Two smaller anemones had sprouted from her imposing claws, giving her the bizarre appearance of wielding glowing pom-poms. Beside her stood a creature that could only be described as a bipedal goat on steroids. Its obsidian hooves gleamed wickedly, their edges so sharp they looked like they could slice like knives. A twisted mass of horns erupted from its skull, supported by a neck as thick as a tree trunk. And just behind them, looking like something that should be airbrushed onto the side of a van, was an elk-man of startling beauty. His pearly white fur seemed to shimmer, while his crystalline antlers caught and refracted the light, their tips needle-sharp and dangerous. As David approached the group, he couldn''t help but feel a mix of awe and amusement. Evolution''s been kind for these guys. Or maybe "kind" isn''t the right word. "Creative" might be better. About time people caught a break these days. As David followed Thomas toward the Hunting Team, they caught sight of him ambling along behind. A flurry of excited greetings followed, though Betty started violently when her eyestalks swiveled around to follow Leo''s gaze towards David. She shuddered, an odd thing to see from a giant crab, her entire carapace rattling and making her anemone sway crazily. "Whatever the hell you''ve been doing," Betty warbles, her voice a mix of awe and revulsion, "you should try doing the opposite. That look of yours should come with a warning label and a government health advisory." David dramatically clutched at his pendant with a taloned wing, subtly flexing the blades that ran along the outside edge for a bit of extra hideousness. "You wound me, Betty. And here I thought I was looking rather dashing today. I even broke out the good jewelry!" Charles, the bipedal goat, shook his head in a gesture that looked... weighty, his mass of horns swaying like a bizarre chandelier. "Lay off him, Betty. We all got pigeonholed into something specific since this mess started." He turned to David, his obsidian hooves clicking on the concrete. "Though you do look like something out of a particularly nasty horror flick. What''s with all the baby bats? Did Claire finally knock you up?" David blinked, confusion etching across his face before his ears snapped forward again, realizing the Cuddlebugs had crowded under him. They snarled in hideous silence at almost every member of the Hunting Team, tiny bodies almost vibrating with suspicion. Well, shit. When did they get so good at following without me tripping over them? Or have I just stopped paying attention? David clapped Charles with a mock-stern expression, his talons making a soft ''tink'' sound against the floor as he drew himself up to his full regal height. "How''d you like finding out you lay giant eggs that hatch into random bats? Surprise parenthood, my friend." Charles held his gaze for a few seconds, his rectangular pupils dilating slightly before he bleated out a laugh. "You almost had me for a second, but those are clearly summons. Nice try, though." David cackled, the sound echoing off the warehouse walls. "Allow me to introduce the Cuddlebugs. They''re usually much friendlier." Leo spoke up, his musical voice a stark contrast to the barking, growling, and rumbling that surrounding them. "They don''t look very cuddly right now. More like they want to cuddle with their teeth. Violently." "They''re stressed," David explained, absently patting Captain''s head. "New people, tense situation. They''re not sure who''s dangerous or not." Right as he said this, one of the newest Cuddlebugs darted out a few inches in front of him, fluffing its fur out as far as possible and letting out a hiss so savage spittle actually flew out of its mouth. David casually scooped it back under him with a wing like you''d sweep trash into a dustpan. "Maybe look with your eyes and not your fingers?" Leo responded wistfully, his crystalline antlers catching the light. "I''d gladly lose a finger to pet them if it meant I could get my fingers back." David twiddled his own talons, the wicked curve almost seeming to blend into the dim light. "At least you don''t have knives for fingers. Makes every itch a potentially dangerous situation." "At least you can scratch an itch, bud.¡± David''s gaze traveled upward following the voice, and he found himself face-to-face with a creature that sent shivers down his spine. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Dallas clung to the wall about twelve feet up, his form a fusion of wasp and spider that made David''s recent encounter with the Hive Queen seem almost quaint by comparison. Gone was the merely intimidating wasp-man of before. In his place hung a real murder-hornet, its exoskeleton a striking pattern of dark crimson bands against deep yellow. Six elongated, arachnid-like limbs splayed across the wall, each tipped with wickedly curved claws that clung to the rusted wall effortlessly. But it was the stinger that truly captured David''s attention ¨C and horror. Protruding from Dallas'' abdomen, the foot-long appendage gleamed with a metallic sheen, its edges serrated. It tapped against the wall in an anxious rhythm as Dallas'' antennae waved in what David remembered was a greeting. The sudden reveal was too much for David. A strangled screech escaped his throat as he stumbled backward, wings flaring instinctively. His reaction set off a chain of startled jumps and yelps from the surrounding group. The Cuddlebugs, ever attuned to David''s distress, reacted with instantaneous fury. They coalesced into a living swarm, tiny bodies whirling through the air as they launched themselves at Dallas with murderous intent. Only to slam, comically, into an invisible barrier inches from their target as he reigned them in with a rapid mental command. Frustrated and seething, they retreated to David, forming a protective, bristling carpet around his feet. Captain, the alpha of the bunch, took charge immediately. With a series of chirps and growls that sounded absurdly cute coming from such a vicious little creature, it herded the others into a more organized formation. Soon, the Cuddlebugs settled into a surly huddle beneath David, their beady eyes still fixed on the wasp with unmistakable hostility. The man froze, his compound eyes reflecting David''s startled expression. Leo snorted in an understanding way, his nostrils flaring as he watched. Dallas'' multitonal, buzzy voice vibrated through the air. "We still cool, man?" David nodded, trying to calm his racing heart. "Yeah, we''re chill. Just had a bad experience with giant bugs lately. You look like a way-more-scary version of something I tangled with about a week ago." "Almost got eaten by bugs?" Dallas asked, his antennae twitching sympathetically. David sighed, nodding as Captain quickly perched on his back and settled down imperiously, snout in the air and fluffy tail held high. Dallas, clearly changing the subject, commented, "I''ve got summons too, you know." Betty shuddered, her carapace rattling again. "They''re not summons, they''re a crime against nature, humanity, ontological goodness, and decency. An angel loses its wings every time you implant one." Dallas agreed wholeheartedly but added, "They''re super useful in a fight, though." Just as David''s curiosity about Dallas'' summons peaked, a thunderous bellow reverberated through the warehouse, cutting off all conversation. The sound vibrated through David''s bones, setting his fur on end as his mane lifted from his neck all the way down to his back. Without thinking, he darted across the fractured concrete to take his place beside Thomas and Betty. Above him, Dallas clung to the wall, his form casting an ominous shadow that set the Cuddlebugs bristling with barely contained aggression. In the center of the makeshift stone circle stood a creature that defied easy description. At first glance, it resembled an ox, but that was like saying a tank resembled a bicycle. This beast was a monument to raw, unyielding power. Its massive frame dwarfed almost everyone present, muscles rippling beneath a coat of dense, shaggy fur. Atop its broad skull sat a pair of horns that would have made a pre-Integration moose green with envy. As the creature pawed at the ground, tiny chips of concrete danced off the floor from the sheer force of each motion. David''s mind raced, trying to put a name to this colossus. Then it hit him ¨C Ezra. The beast opened its mouth, and David braced himself for whatever earth-shaking proclamation was to come. Ezra''s voice boomed through the warehouse, sending vibrations through the floor. "As I''m sure you''re all aware, the Second Wave will be beginning in two days. We''re putting our disaster plan into effect immediately, regardless of total progress on the preparations." A murmur ran through the room, a mix of nervous energy and determination. Ezra began to list off duties and tasks for certain groups, using team names that sounded like they''d been coined during a particularly creative drinking session. "Alright, listen up! Land Sharks, I want those trenches dug deep and wide. Make ''em nasty, we don''t know what''s coming. Lightweight Babies, shore up those walls ¨C I don''t care where you get the stone from as long as long as it isn''t holding something up already. Don''t step on anyone this time! R.P.D., you''re on patrol duty in the surrounding ruins. Keep those eyes peeled and those senses sharp!" He stomped a hoof, sending tremors through the floor. "Flappy Boys, set up the net. I want eyes in the sky and the treetops." Ezra''s gaze swept the crowd, fixing on various groups. "Scavengers, you''re on resource duty. Anything useful, bring it back. Thumbs, work on those makeshift defenses. Get creative ¨C I want nasty surprises for any unwelcome guests." With each team name called, various creatures perked up or made sounds of acknowledgment. David listened, literally shocked by how civil it all was, the entire event unfolding like a very tense city hall meeting. Many seemed a bit frightened, but everyone also had a measure of fire in their eyes as Ezra continued to drone out instructions. As he wrapped up, Ezra''s voice took on a hint of humor. "And remember, folks ¨C training will continue unless a giant purple people-eater descends from the sky with ice cream, candy, and opposable thumbs for everyone! The new schedule will be announced tomorrow morning." The warehouse erupted in laughter. A group of smaller members, mostly rodents and primate-like creatures, threw their ''hands'' into the air and twiddled their ''thumbs'' in what was clearly a running joke. David shook his head in amazement. The organization, the teamwork ¨C it was a far cry from the chaotic scramble he''d witnessed during his first visit to Woodland. He glanced at the Hunting Team, seeing his own mix of determination and nervous energy reflected in their bizarre faces. As Ezra''s speech concluded, the warehouse erupted into a storm of activity. Bodies of all shapes and sizes began to move with surprising coordination, like a well-oiled machine springing to life. "Daylight''s burning, folks!" a gruff voice called out. "Some of us can see in the dark, day walker!" came the snarky reply, eliciting a few chuckles from the crowd. David watched in amazement as the smaller creatures and those blessed with flight darted out ahead, weaving between the lumbering forms of their larger counterparts. It was an organized chaos, each person seeming to know their role by heart. The Hunting Team, however, remained still, a practiced patience evident in their postures. Dallas descended from his perch on the wall, his spider-like legs making soft clicking sounds as he approached David. Captain, ever vigilant, bounced down to the floor, snapping at a few overzealous Cuddlebugs who took offense at Dallas'' proximity. David, seeing an opportunity to smooth things over, reached out and patted what he assumed was Dallas'' shoulder ¨C or the wasp equivalent of a shoulder anyway. "Easy, guys," David cooed to his summons. "Dallas is a friendly wasp. Friendly. No need for any biting, got it?" The survivors of the Hive Queen battle looked far from convinced, their tiny eyes narrowed in suspicion. But the newer Cuddlebugs, taking their cue from David, began to settle. Their aggressive postures slowly morphed into curious observation, though they kept a wary distance from the towering insectoid. "So," David said, turning to the Hunting Team, "anything I can do to help out? I''m feeling a bit useless just standing here." The team exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, Betty spoke up, her voice tinged with amusement. "Not really, David. We''ve got this down to a science now. Kozlov even ran us through a drill two days ago, so it''s all fresh." Leo chuckled, his antlers catching the light. "It''s not like the old days when a handful of us were doing everything. We''ve got a system now, and throwing you into the mix might just gum up the works. No offense." David grumbled good-naturedly, his wings rustling. "Fine, fine. I get it. Civilization''s progressed past the stone age since I''ve been gone. Here I am, feeling like a caveman watching you work a computer. Want me to go club something? That I can do." His joke elicited a round of laughter from the group. Even Dallas'' wings buzzed loudly in amusement. "Look," Leo said, his tone softening, "Ezra''s handling the workforce now that Herold''s too big for indoor meetings. But Herold''s still calling the shots overall. He might have something for you to do, but honestly? You should probably take it easy." Charles nodded, his horns bobbing. "We can''t stop what''s coming, but we''ve got a plan. Maybe you can help in other ways. For now, we''re just glad to have you back in case something does need a good clubbing." "Because something always needs clubbing eventually," Betty added dryly. David sighed, a mix of frustration and acceptance. "Alright, I''ll try not to get underfoot. But the second you need something melted or scared half to death, you know where to find me. The Cuddlebugs are amazing scouts, too. Maybe we can find something..." ¡®Wait, melted?" David grinned in response to Thomas'' question, but didn''t answer. Instead he offered a casual shrug of his wings that left Thomas blinking suspiciously back him, gears clearly turning in his mind. As the last of the crowd filtered out of the warehouse, David found himself in an odd state of limbo. He was back among friends, back in a place that had once been a sanctuary of sorts. But now, watching the well-oiled machine of Woodland''s defenses spring into action without him, he felt like an outsider. Well, at least I''ve got two days to figure out where I fit in this new version of Woodland before the ¡®fun¡¯ starts. And hey, if all else fails, there''s always the "nuclear" option. With that thought, David settled in to wait, his mind already churning with possibilities for the challenges that lay ahead. Whatever Wave 2 had in store, he was determined to be ready ¨C even if that meant being the designated surprise clubber in a world that had moved beyond the stone age. Sunday Funday Chapter_The Temptation of Captain The Den of Many-Dens was drowning. Tall-Stone-Things that once reached for the sky now sagged like wilting plants, their roots slowly sinking into the encroaching wet-lands. Water lapped at holes-in-stone and clear-stone, turning hard-paths into rivers and flat-stone into lakes. The air hung heavy with the stench of rot and still water, a pungent reminder of nature''s hunger. Amidst this sodden world, a small dry-place clung to existence. It was here, on this precarious safe ground, that Alpha and Kind Large One had finally succumbed to sleep. They lay sprawled in an ungainly tangle of wings, scales, and fur, their rhythmic sleep-sounds a stark contrast to the eerie quiet of the dying Not-Den. Perched atop Kind Large One''s massive head, looking for all the world like the world''s most inadequate hat, sat Captain. The Cuddlebug''s tiny frame was rigid with alertness, keen eyes scanning the water-filled horizon for any sign of danger. Around them, sprawled in various states of slumber, lay the rest of the Cuddlebug-swarm. Some dangled from Alpha''s wings, while others had burrowed into the folds of Kind Large One''s scales, creating a living, snoring blanket. Captain''s gaze swept over its dozing pack-mates, a mix of pride and frustration evident in its tiny, furry face. Two-thirds of the watch, sound asleep. If they were proper guardians, Alpha would surely punish them. It was good that Alpha was kind and understanding. The stalwart Cuddlebug''s thoughts drifted to the glorious battle that had taken place when the moon was high. A beast from the depths of the wet-lands had dared to disturb the slumber of Kind Large One. The creature had been like nothing Captain had ever seen before. Its body was the color of tree-bark and green-stuff, with a hard shell that gleamed wetly in the dim light. Two claws clicked menacingly as it scuttled from the murky waters, its beady eyes fixed on Kind Large One''s slumbering form. Quick as lightning, Captain had launched into action. With a war cry that sounded like a squeaky toy being brutally murdered, it had dive-bombed the intruder. The battle that ensued was epic in scale, if not in actual size. Captain darted and weaved, using its superior speed to avoid those wicked claws while delivering a flurry of bites and scratches. In the end, Captain stood victorious atop the vanquished foe, letting out a triumphant squeak that went completely unnoticed by its sleeping pack-mates. The eat-prize had been tasty, if a bit hard to chew. Captain''s belly still felt pleasantly full from the unexpected waterbug feast. Now, however, the pleasant distraction of fight and food had faded, leaving only mind-numbing boredom in its wake. Captain''s eyelids drooped, the weight of tiredness tugging insistently. Just as it considered waking the others for... well, for some reason its tired brain couldn''t quite grasp, a faint disturbance caught its attention. At first, Captain thought its eyes were playing tricks. A ripple, like a stone thrown into still water, seemed to dance across the very air itself. The Cuddlebug shook itself vigorously, fur fluffing out, but the strange sight remained. As Captain watched, equal parts fascinated and wary, the ripples grew stronger. The air itself seemed to bulge and twist, as if something was pushing through from... elsewhere. With a final, silent burst of strangeness, a figure appeared. If asked to describe what it saw, Captain''s tiny brain would have frozen in confusion. The being before it made no sense, its shape constantly changing like water flowing over rocks. Many tails ¨C too many to count ¨C swirled around a body that looked a bit like the Happy-Runner that sometimes spoke with Alpha, but wrong somehow. This, Captain''s deepest instincts screamed, was Danger-Beyond-Danger. If this thing had come to hurt, they would already be less than the tiniest bugs scattered across the ground. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Yet, oddly enough, Captain felt no fear. Curiosity, yes. Wariness, certainly. But not fear. The being''s gaze, somehow looking at Captain and everything else at the same time, fixed upon the tiny Cuddlebug. When it spoke, no sound disturbed the air, yet Captain heard the words as clearly as if Alpha had spoken them directly into its mind. "Greetings, faithful guardian," the thing''s ''voice'' purred, a sound like prey-fur sliding over smooth-stones. "I am a servant of Xi, and I come bearing gifts for one so steadfast." Captain''s head tilted to the side, nose twitching as it tried to catch this creature''s scent. Their form shimmered, momentarily taking on a more solid shape that resembled a Happy-Runner made of star-shine and shadow. "Your devotion to your Alpha is admirable," Xi''s servant continued, its tails weaving complex patterns in the air. "But surely one so loyal deserves more? I could make you big, little one. Strong enough to face any threat, to truly protect your beloved Alpha. All I ask in return is that you serve Xi as you do him." Captain''s response was as wordless as the offer, but no less clear. Its tiny chest puffed out, and it stood tall on all fours. The message was obvious: Alpha would make them that powerful if he wished it. They had no need of outside help. The servant''s form rippled with what might have been amusement. "Ahh, such faith. But what of understanding, little guardian? I could grant you the gift of speech, allow you to make sounds like your Alpha does. To exchange meaning-noises with your Alpha and the Kind Large One as an equal. Wouldn''t that be grand?" Again, Captain declined. Its gaze drifted to Alpha''s sleeping form, a wave of affection evident in its posture. Alpha could already feel their loyalty, their love. And Kind Large One? She cared for them just as they were. Meaning-noises were unnecessary. "My, my," the creature mused, its form stretching and shrinking like taffy being pulled. "You are a tough nut to crack, aren''t you? Perhaps this will tempt you..." The air around them shimmered, and suddenly Captain was treated to a vision of greatness. Countless Cuddlebugs filled the sky, a living storm of fur and fangs with Captain at its head. Alpha stood below, understanding and commanding the swarm with ease. "I could grant your Alpha the ability to truly understand you," the being offered, its ''voice'' dripping with temptation. "He could call forth ten times your current number, with no strain to make them strong. You would lead a vast and terrible swarm in his name. Imagine the glory, the conquests, the food!" For the first time, Captain hesitated. The vision was... enticing. To be so thoroughly understood, to lead such a force in service of their beloved Alpha? It was a powerful thought. But even as the temptation peaked, it began to fade. Captain''s gaze hardened, and it shook its head firmly. The tiny creature''s conviction was clear: If Alpha wanted an endless horde of Cuddlebugs, he would have one. His reasons for limiting their numbers were his own, beyond Captain''s need to understand. Alpha could do anything ¨C Captain need only follow to find glory (and food, mustn''t forget the food). Xi''s servant seemed to flicker between expressions of delight and frustration, the contrast dizzying. Finally, it bowed low, tails sweeping in a grand gesture. "If only beings of higher realms could attain but a fraction of your loyalty and faith," they intoned, genuine respect coloring its silent words. "The many worlds would be a far more beautiful place." "You bring pride to our kind. Farewell, little guardian." With that, they quickly began to sink into the ground as if it were water. The air rippled once more, and in the space of a heartbeat, the strange being was gone. Only the faintest shimmer in the air, like heat rising from sun-warmed stones, remained as evidence of its passing. Captain watched the spot where the intruder had vanished for a long moment, its tiny snout wrinkled in deep thought. Finally, it snorted, a sound of pure derision that would have done the Kind Large One proud. If that being was half as clever as Alpha, it wouldn''t need to sneak-talk its way into their pack, Captain mused. Clearly, despite its shiny-tricks, servants, and big meaning-noises, this ''Xi'' was as smart as a tree. Everyone knew that the path to joining the pack was through Alpha''s affection, not his Cuddlebugs'' loyalty. With that profound (for a Cuddlebug) thought, Captain settled back into its watchful pose. The sun would be rising soon, and with it, new adventures. There were more mysterious wet-land-beasts to battle, more sleep-times to guard, and most importantly, more foods to be had. Let the strange, shiny beings play their games, Captain decided. It had a job to do, an Alpha to serve, and a Kind Large One to protect. And really, what more could any Cuddlebug ask for? As the sky began to change from dark to light, Captain allowed itself a small, satisfied twitch of its fluffy ears. It might not lead a giant swarm or make Alpha-noises, but it had something far greater ¨C the warm-safe-feeling of its pack. And no amount of shiny temptation could ever compare to that. 141 - Second Wave_pt1 David clung to the side of his old apartment building, talons sinking into the weathered brick as he peered through the broken window. The opening seemed to have shrunk since his dramatic exit all those nights ago, or maybe he''d just gotten bigger. Either way, it was going to be a tight squeeze. "Well," he muttered to himself, "here goes nothing. Try not to impale yourself on the glass, genius." With a grunt of effort, David wriggled his way through the window frame, wings tucked tight against his body. He slithered unceremoniously onto the floor, landing with a soft clatter of claws. Behind him, the Cuddlebugs poured in like a furry flood, their tiny forms having no trouble with the narrow entrance. As David picked himself up, dusting off his wings, he took in the sorry state of his old room. The place looked like it had been through a war, then a hurricane, and then decided to host a mold convention for good measure. "Damn," he muttered, ears twitching at the damp echo. "And I thought my housekeeping was bad before." The Cuddlebugs scattered, exploring every nook and cranny with unbridled curiosity. David padded over to his old computer desk, brushing away a layer of soggy leaves before tapping idly at the keyboard. The keys stuck with a pitiful crunch. "Well, there goes my high score," he quipped to no one in particular. A scuffling noise caught his attention, and he turned to see two Cuddlebugs locked in a tug-of-war over his old cell phone. For a split second, he felt a surge of protectiveness, but it faded as quickly as it came. "Knock yourselves out, guys," he chuckled. "Just don''t come crying to me when you can''t get past the login screen." Turning his attention to the blocked door, David narrowed his eyes in concentration. With a flex of his Wildsoul, he spat a corrosive glob of saliva at the obstacle. The door hissed and bubbled, weakening under the assault of the vapor that quickly formed. "Open sesame," David growled, before driving his talons through the compromised wood. It splintered like wet cardboard, chunks clattering to the floor in a shower of moldy debris. Hopping over the remnants of the door and a small mountain of ceiling rubble, David found himself in the hallway leading to his living room. He glanced back at the ruins of his bathroom, now nothing more than a cave of fallen plaster and broken pipes. "So much for getting that security deposit back," he joked to Captain, shaking his head. The summon cocked it''s head curiously, looking around for whatever he''d been talking about. The living room, by contrast, was a time capsule of his old life. His ratty couch, the coffee table he''d rescued from the curb complete with the remnants of a "FREE" sign, even the ancient TV stand ¨C all exactly as he''d left them. But it wasn''t the furniture that drew David''s attention. His gaze fixed on a collection of picture frames perched atop the TV stand. Most were ruined beyond recognition, victims of time and the elements. But one ¨C the largest ¨C had somehow survived relatively intact. David padded closer, his breath catching in his throat as he studied the image. There, frozen in time, were his parents ¨C his dad, a bear of a man with a fiery red beard, caught mid-laugh. Next to him, his mom, petite and curly-haired, doubled over in hysterics. And in the background, the telltale splash of David''s less-than-graceful exit from a dock. "Oh, Grandpa," David chuckled, his voice thick with emotion. "You always did have perfect timing with that camera." He reached out, gently touching the warped frame with the tip of his wing. The memory washed over him ¨C the cool lake water, the smell of pine trees, the sound of his family''s laughter. For a moment, he was that gangly teenager again, sputtering and flailing in the water while his parents howled with mirth. "Miss you guys," he whispered, his monstrous features softening into a bittersweet smile. He sat there for a long time, burning the image into his mind as the Cuddlebugs ransacked the rest of the old apartment while he was idle. "I''ll be here if you guys get dropped into all this soon, don''t worry. Dad, I know you were probably halfway up a mountain somewhere, but I promise I''ll check on Mom for you...you''ll be fine anyway, right?" David spoke quietly to the faded photograph. His ears slowly migrating out to the sides as his anxiety flared. "If anyone can make it as a monster in the wild, it''d be you." Yeah...he''d be fine. The man basically lives outside anyway. We used to joke he was half Sasquatch. The moment was broken by a chirp from Captain, clearly sensing David''s melancholy. David blinked, coming back to the present ¨C to a world of monsters and mayhem, of Overseers and impending doom. "Yeah, yeah, I hear you," he said, giving the concerned Cuddlebug a gentle pat. "No time for trips down memory lane, right? We''ve got a Wave to prepare for." As David turned away from the photo, his mind drifted to the preparations of the past two days. Woodland had been a hive of activity, its denizens working tirelessly to fortify their home. The walls now bristled with improvised spikes ¨C a grotesque mix of rebar, broken shards of glass, and what looked suspiciously like oversized thorns from some mutant plant. Esmeralda''s caravan had arrived without major incident, though David still wasn''t sure about Herold''s decision to let them camp on the training field. Still, if it helped them hit that magic "population variable" for Safe Zone status, who was he to argue? The thought of Herold brought a smirk to David''s face. The mental image of the colossal beetle trying to communicate with the diminutive Esmeralda was pure comedy gold. He could almost hear the tiny woman''s shrill voice bouncing off Herold''s carapace. "Bet he needed a repeater to yell what she was saying to him" David chuckled to himself. His mind wandered to Claire, and the knot of worry in his gut tightened. She''d been acting... off. Spending most of her time with Herold, engaged in hushed conversations that fell silent whenever David approached. He had his suspicions, but... "She''ll tell me when she''s ready," he muttered, trying to convince himself as much as anyone else. "Not like I''ve been Mr. Transparent lately, anyway." With a sigh, David gave the photo one last longing look before turning away. He had a job to do, a community to protect, and only hours left before Wave 2 crashed down upon them all. He fought the urge to take it with him, after all, where would he put it that it wouldn''t degrade even faster? Still, he''d been set on getting one last look at it, and was pleasantly surprised to find it relatively intact. "Alright, fuzzballs," he called to the Cuddlebugs. "Field trip''s over. Time to go save, and or, destroy the world I guess." As David made his way back to the window, his furry entourage in tow, he couldn''t shake the feeling that everything was about to get weird. Squeezing back through the window, he couldn''t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Here he was, sneaking out of his old apartment like a teenager past curfew. "Come on, fuzzballs," he called to the Cuddlebugs. "Time to fly. Try not to fall behind, or I''m not coming back for stragglers." Launching himself into the air, David spread his wings wide, catching an updraft that carried him high above the ruined cityscape. As he soared, a thought struck him like a bolt of lightning. "Holy shit," he muttered, banking slightly to avoid a half-collapsed skyscraper. "If I''d flown just a little to the left that first night..." The realization hit him hard. He would have ended up closer to Woodland, probably ending up as fish food in the river. And Claire... "She''d have been all alone," David growled, a protective surge rising in his chest. "Probably would''ve been fine, knowing her, but still..." The flight back to Woodland was mercifully short, and David soon glided in for a landing near the Burrow. The training field had been transformed into an impromptu campground, with Esmeralda''s caravan set up in a peculiar formation. David''s eyes narrowed as he studied the arrangement. Two loose rings of various monsters surrounded the massive tortoise bearing Esmeralda''s tent. It was clearly defensive, with the larger, more intimidating creatures forming an outer perimeter while smaller, presumably support-focused individuals huddled closer to the center. "Not bad," David mused, grudgingly impressed. "Guess traveling salespeople learn a thing or two about security." With only a short time before the mysterious System Event by his estimation, David''s nervousness was reaching a fever pitch. He fired off an Echolocation pulse down the Burrow, confirming that Claire was once again holed up with Herold. For a brief moment, David considered sneaking down to eavesdrop. The temptation was strong, but... "Nah," he sighed, shaking his head. "That''s a dick move, even for me." Instead, he turned his attention back to the caravan, hoping to distract himself from his mounting anxiety. His gaze fell on Kozlov, deep in animated conversation with the many-eyed, many-eared anteater creature ¨C the caravan''s coordinator, if David remembered correctly. Catching Kozlov''s eye, David received a tiny nod of acknowledgment. He returned the gesture, wishing he''d had more time to pick the bear''s brain over the past couple of days. But Wave 2 preparations had kept everyone running ragged. David stretched his wings, working out some of the tension that had built up during his flight. A ripple of alarm spread through the nearby crowd, but it was noticeably muted compared to the near-panic of his first day back. "Guess they''re getting used to Nightmare on Sesame Street over here," David chuckled to himself. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. His amusement was short-lived as he spotted Leo chatting with none other than Azanah. David''s eyes narrowed, a low growl rumbling in his throat as he glared at the electric weasel. On the one wing, she was just securing every advantage. On the other, shady as fuck. Long story short? Trust level: zero. After what felt like an eternity of death-glaring, Azanah finally noticed David''s hostile attention. She visibly wilted under his gaze, shrinking down as if trying to disappear into her own fur. Realizing he might have overdone it, David offered a slow, awkward wave. If anything, this seemed to make Azanah even more uncomfortable. Leo shot David a look that clearly said ''knock it off,'' to which David could only shrug and nod before turning away. For the next fifteen minutes, David wandered aimlessly around the grounds, his anxiety ratcheting up with each passing moment. Just when he thought he might explode from the tension, a jaunty jingle played in his ears. David felt... something. A fundamental shift in the very fabric of reality, imperceptible to his normal senses but crystal clear to his Wildsoul. It was as if a gentle wind that had always been blowing in the background of his mind had suddenly... stopped. "Well, shit," David breathed, his fur standing on end. "Here we go." As David''s fur stood on end, a new System announcement materialized before his eyes: ***SYSTEM ADMIN COMMUNIQUE*** Greetings, Earth Inhabitants! Wave 1 is officially concluded. We extend our deepest gratitude for your participation in this unprecedented Integration event. As previously announced, Wave 1 Participants will receive rewards based on their performance at the onset of Wave 2. These rewards will be distributed upon the official commencement of the Second Wave. We are pleased to announce the commencement of the Convergence Nexus Event. This voluntary but highly encouraged System Event will begin momentarily and last for precisely one hour. During this time, rifts will open across the world. These rifts represent a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and resource acquisition. Other System-integrated worlds will gain limited access to Earth through these portals. We strongly advise caution when approaching these rifts. While violence may not be necessary, we encourage you to defend yourselves vigorously if the need arises. This event is designed to foster understanding and cooperation between different realms within the System, but your safety remains paramount. Prepare yourselves for an unprecedented mingling of populations. This process is an integral part of System integration and will provide invaluable experience for all involved. May your encounters be enlightening and your adaptations swift. Warm regards, ***System Overseer ¦¸*** ¨C1:00:00¨C ¨C59:59¨C ¨C59:58¨C The message faded, leaving behind a stunned silence that lasted approximately three seconds before all hell broke loose. "What the actual fuck?" David sputtered, his wings flaring in shock. "Other System worlds? How many are there? How big is this clusterfuck?" Around him, the denizens of Woodland erupted into a cacophony of panic and confusion. Shrieks, roars, and a symphony of inhuman noises filled the air as the implications of the announcement sank in. But amid the chaos, voices of authority cut through the din like knives. Ezra''s thunderous bellow echoed across the field, while Kozlov''s gruff commands rallied the Hunting Team. The many-eyed anteater coordinator was already organizing the caravan''s defenses, and even Dallas was buzzing orders to a group of smaller creatures. "Alright, you overgrown fur balls!" Ezra roared, his massive form commanding attention. "This isn''t a drill! I want eyes on every inch of our perimeter. If so much as a goddamn fairy farts in our direction, I want to know about it!" Kozlov''s voice carried over the din, gruff and authoritative. "Hunting Team, form up! We''re splitting into strike teams. Be ready to move at a moment''s notice. And for the love of all that''s holy, don''t shoot first and ask questions later. We don''t need an interdimensional incident on our hands!" The anteater coordinator''s many eyes swiveled in all directions as it barked orders. "Caravan, defensive formation delta! Support in the center, heavy hitters on the outside. And someone wake up Esmeralda ¨C if there''s profit to be made from this madness, she''ll want in on it!" Dallas, to David''s surprise, was taking charge of a group of smaller, lethal looking agile creatures. "Alright, you pint-sized terrors," he buzzed, "we''re on reconnaissance. Spread out, stay hidden, and if you see anything that doesn''t belong on this godforsaken rock, you haul ass back here and report. Got it?" David''s head spun as he tried to process the flurry of activity around him. His Cuddlebugs, sensing his distress, huddled closer, their tiny forms bristling with protective energy. "Oh no," David growled, fixing them with a stern glare. "Don''t even think about it. The last thing we need is you fuzzy gremlins picking a fight with whatever comes through those rifts." A gentle nudge at his side made David jump. He turned to find Leo, the elk-man''s crystalline antlers catching the fading sunlight. "David," Leo said, his musical voice tinged with urgency, "we need you and Claire. Where is she?" The mention of Claire snapped David out of his stupor. "Shit, she''s still with Herold. I''ll get her." Without waiting for a response, David launched himself into the air, wings pumping furiously as he made a beeline for the Burrow''s entrance. As he landed, he nearly collided with a group of rodent-like creatures scurrying out of the tunnel. "Watch it!" David snapped, more out of nervousness than anger. "Sorry," he added quickly, seeing their terrified expressions. Shaking his head, David plunged into the tunnel, his Echolocation painting a vivid picture of the twisting passages ahead. He found Claire and Herold exactly where he''d left them, their massive forms filling the cavernous chamber. "Guys!" David called out, skidding to a halt. "We''ve got a situation. The System''s gone and-" "We know," Claire rumbled, her voice surprisingly calm. "We heard the announcement." Herold''s antennae twitched, a gesture David had come to associate with deep thought. "Most fascinating," the colossal beetle mused. "It seems our Integration is but one piece of a much larger puzzle." David blinked, taken aback by their composed reactions. "Okay, great. You''re caught up. But shouldn''t we, I don''t know, be doing something?" Claire''s reptilian features softened into what passed for a smile. "We are, bat-boy. Herold''s been preparing for something like this." "Indeed," Herold agreed, his cultured voice incongruous with his monstrous form. "I''ve had my suspicions that our situation was not... unique. This merely confirms it." David''s jaw dropped, his fangs gleaming in the dim light. "You knew? How? Why didn''t you say anything?" Herold''s mandibles clicked in together in a chuckle. "My boy, when you''ve lived as long as I have, you learn to read between the lines. The System''s language, its very structure ¨C it all hinted at a larger framework." "Okay, fine," David conceded, his wings rustling with impatience. "But what do we do now? There''s chaos up there, and rifts could open any minute!" Claire rose to her full height, her massive form dwarfed by Herold. "We adapt," she said simply. "Just like we''ve been doing since this whole mess started." As if on cue, a distant rumble shook the cavern, sending tiny pebbles skittering across the floor. "I believe," Herold said, his voice laden with anticipation, "that is our cue to join the others aboveground." David nodded, a grim smile spreading across his monstrous features. "Well then," he quipped, "shall we go greet our new interdimensional neighbors? I''ll bring the welcome wagon if you bring the cosmic horror." With that, the unlikely trio made their way towards the surface, ready to face whatever fresh madness the System had in store for them. As they emerged into the fading daylight, David couldn''t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something far bigger than they could imagine. "Alright, universe," he muttered under his breath, "show us what you''ve got." As David emerged from the Burrow, followed closely by Claire and Herold, the scene before them was one of organized chaos. People of all shapes and sizes were converging on the park entrance, their movements a blur of fur, scales, and wings. Suddenly, a thunderous trumpeting sound split the air, an alarm that sent shivers down David''s spine. Before he could react, Dallas shot past him, wings thrumming like a muffled chainsaw as he rocketed towards the commotion. David exchanged a quick glance with Claire, no words needed. In an instant, he was airborne, Wildsoul surging through his wings as he gave chase. The whipcrack of displaced air marked his departure, Cuddlebugs trailing behind in a loose V formation. Catching up to Dallas was child''s play, David''s straight-line speed unmatched. "Rift?" he shouted over the wind. "That''s my guess!" Dallas called back, his multifaceted eyes fixed ahead. As they reached the gates, David''s breath caught in his throat. There, hovering in midair, was an enormous circle of light. Its surface rippled and shifted, a perfect match for the Rainbow Goo that had changed their lives forever. The power emanating from it was palpable, sending waves through David''s Wildsoul like bass at a rock concert. David executed a combat landing that left people shouting and scattering out of his way, barely slowing as he skidded across the decrepit concrete with a hiss of talons on stone. Without missing a beat, he unleashed an Empowered Siren''s Call. The melody that escaped his jaws was a paradox made sound. It was savage and primal, a battle cry that spoke of tooth and claw, yet tinged with an undercurrent of curiosity, a siren song of discovery. It rolled over the gathered defenders like a tide, filling them with renewed vigor. Dallas shot him a quick look as he landed with helicopter-like precision, but understanding dawned as the melody''s effects washed over him. The rift itself was a sight to behold. It hung in the air like a tear in reality, its edges shimmering with an otherworldly light. The surface roiled and churned, a maelstrom of color that defied description. Flecks of gold and silver danced across its surface, creating patterns that hurt the eyes to follow. As more defenders arrived, they quickly arranged themselves into formation, lines shifting to accommodate newcomers. All eyes were fixed on the rift as its center began to resolve. Images flashed by in rapid succession Gilded marble towers against a desert sky. Figures retreating into crimson-draped darkness of a cavernous stone cathedral. A grove of towering trees surrounding a rune-carved stone, bathed in teal light. Finally, the scene stabilized. A massive stone square dominated the view, dotted with gilded metal circles inlaid with gleaming gemstones that held back the snow blanketing the ground. In the background, enormous walls protected buildings of impossible craftsmanship, carved directly into a looming mountain face. A gust of icy wind blew through the portal, bringing with it a flurry of snow and the crisp scent of winter. David''s fur stood on end, his senses overwhelmed by the sudden shift in temperature and smell. As the image wavered in and out of focus, David''s heart raced. The portal began to bulge and ripple, and figures emerged. A thickly accented voice called out, "Fear not! We''re here to rescue you from the Worldenders! We''ve brought ye arms and armor, King Manus pledges the full might of-" For a moment, David thought they were dealing with miniature bears. Then his eyes adjusted, taking in the details. These were people ¨C short, stocky, and built like tanks. Each stood about 4 and half feet tall, clad in meticulously crafted armor and sporting beards that would make a lumberjack weep with envy. As the newcomers'' eyes adjusted to the light, they took in the monstrous army before them. With a thunderous roar, they formed up into a wall of shields and spears, moving with practiced precision. David felt a surge of energy, not quite Wildsoul but eerily similar, from within the wall of metal. Without thinking, he leapt to the front of the group, wings flaring wide. The display shattered the newcomers'' concentration, whatever they had been attempting fizzling out. In the sudden silence, David grinned. "Welcome to Woodland! I''m totally on board with being saved from the Worldenders. Got any beer? I know a giant panther who''d kill for a drink, and I could use one myself." The silence that followed was deafening. David struck a pose, tapping his medallion. "See? This proves I''m peaceful." He knew they wouldn''t get the reference, but hey, worth a shot. Slowly, the shields lowered. The dwarves ¨C for that''s what they clearly were ¨C looked utterly baffled, as if someone had pulled the rug out from under their entire worldview. One of them, a grizzled veteran by the looks of him, stepped forward slowly. "Ye have a name, creature?" "David," he replied cheerfully. "Nice to meet you." The dwarf''s brow furrowed. "Are... are you in charge here?" David shook his head, gesturing over his shoulder to where Herold was approaching at a stately, nonthreatening pace. "He is." The dwarves'' eyes widened in horror as they took in Herold''s colossal form. The lead dwarf let out what sounded like a seriously blasphemous curse, rubbing his face in awe as he lowered his weapon. "By Turon''s shaven beard," he muttered, "what in the nine hells have they done to ye?" 142 - Second Wave_pt2 The acrid stench of vomit wafted through the air, making David''s sensitive nose wrinkle in disgust. Off to the side, near the shimmering portal, a dwarf was hunched over, retching violently into the bushes. Everyone, including his fellow Keepguard, was politely pretending not to notice. David couldn''t blame them. The news they''d just received was enough to turn anyone''s stomach. It had all started so promisingly. The dwarves had introduced themselves as Keepguard, sworn to King Manus of Ironheart Hold on the world of Aethoria. Herold had welcomed them to Earth and the Woodland Society with all the pomp and circumstance of a seasoned diplomat. David had watched as the tension visibly drained from the dwarves'' shoulders, Herold''s long-winded speech apparently hitting all the right notes for a people accustomed to verbose leaders. But then came the questions about the "Worldenders" and how Earth''s Overseers were combating them. The confusion that followed was palpable, with the dwarves describing entities that sounded vaguely familiar to David. It took him a good thirty seconds to realize they were talking about Omega, Xi, and others he hadn''t encountered ¨C albeit in a way that suggested they were working off third-hand accounts of campfire ghost stories. When David blurted out that these "Worldenders" were, in fact, their Overseers, the silence that fell was deafening. The nervous laughter that followed was even worse. "Ye must be mistaken, lad," one of the dwarves had said, his beard quivering with barely suppressed panic. David''s face had grown serious, his wings rustling uneasily. "No mistake. I''ve had dealings with them. Omega and Xi, mainly. Hell, Omega even offered me a Quest to solo an Area Boss or face ''hideous consequences.''" The Woodlanders who knew David had startled at this revelation, shooting him looks that would have screamed disbelief if they didn''t trust him implicitly. The dwarves, however, looked like they''d just discovered they''d stumbled into literal hell ¨C and found it disappointingly mundane. As David launched into a thorough description of Omega, complete with details of the avatar lurking on his Status screen, the dwarves had turned a sickly shade of green. Before he could even finish, their leader had barked out a series of strangled orders. Several of his companions had sprinted back through the portal, disappearing into one of the metal rings set into the distant courtyard without so much as a flash of light. And then the vomiting had started. David couldn''t shake the feeling that Earth might be royally screwed. The dwarves kept muttering about being dead already, the end times, or insisting that David must be lying or deceived. Finally, their leader snapped out of his thousand-yard stare. "Stuff it, ye blatherin'' fools!" he barked, his accent thicker than ever. "We''ve no time for yer weepin'' and wailin''!" David leaned over to Claire, who sat beside him like a scaled monument. The dwarves had been particularly impressed by her, having never seen anything quite like a dinosaur before. They''d eyed her armored plates with the appreciation of master craftsmen. "Bit much, don''t you think?" David whispered. "Puking over bad news?" Claire''s reptilian features twisted into what passed for a grimace. "From what I understand, you basically just told them their gods are dead and multiple Satans have taken over their world." David''s stomach dropped as the implications sank in. "Oh," he said weakly. "When you put it that way..." The dwarf leader, having regained some of his composure, approached David and Claire. His face was ashen beneath his beard, but his eyes burned with determination. "Lad," he said, his voice gruff, "I need ye to tell me everythin'' ye know about these... Overseers. Leave nothin'' out, no matter how small or strange it might seem." David nodded, his wings rustling nervously. "It''s a long story," he warned. The dwarf''s laugh was hollow. "Aye, and we''ve got little enough time. Best get started." David snorted at the dwarf''s urgency but complied, launching into a rapid-fire account of the Overseers. He recounted the night of the ''celestial event,'' the chaos that followed, and their rebirth as monsters. He described the System''s intrusion, the Quests, Events, and Bosses they faced, and the Abilities, Mutagens, Bloodlines, and Evolutions they unlocked. Carefully omitting specifics, David mentioned his accidental contact with Omega, the subsequent Quest, and the revelation of Wildsoul magic. When he brought up the Dark Star, however, he was met with blank stares. "We know no Worldender by that name," the dwarf leader admitted, his bushy eyebrows furrowed. David''s wings rustled uneasily. "Omega called it a ''Damnable Serpent'' once or twice." The dwarf froze, his face paling beneath his beard. For nearly a full minute, he stood motionless, as if struck by lightning. Then, he began to pace, fingers raking through his hair and beard with such ferocity that David worried he might tear it out by the roots. Whirling back to face David, the dwarf''s eyes were wild with desperation. "By the Great Forge, lad! Tell me this be some cruel jest ye''re playin''!" David''s expression softened, but he shook his head. "I''m sorry, but it''s all true." The dwarf leader drew himself up, his chainmail clinking softly as he took a deep breath. When he spoke, it was with the formality of one addressing royalty. Sensing the rapidly deteriorating situation, Herold intervened. "Perhaps you could enlighten us about the nature of the System and these Worldenders? This reality is all we''ve known since the Special Integration began." "The System, great beetle-lord," he began, nodding to Herold, "has always been. It grows with each new realm it touches, fair and just, allowin'' mortals to achieve power beyond their wildest dreams. Great heroes rise, reshapin'' mountains, vanquishin'' evils, and leadin'' their people to glory." He paused, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "The Overseers be its hands, guidin'' folk through the trials of Integration with wisdom and compassion. They be nearly infallible, though some may succumb to wrath or greed. But they always strive to fulfill their sacred duty." The dwarf''s expression darkened. "Sometimes, though, an Integration fails. A world goes dark, only to reemerge as a blasted hellscape. From these broken worlds come the Worldenders ¨C monsters of such might and cunnin¡¯ that they overwhelm the very realm that birthed ''em. It often takes many worlds, their Overseers leadin'' the charge, to destroy these abominations." He lowered his voice, turning to face Herold directly, as if sharing a terrible secret. "But some... Thirteen, in particular, be reviled throughout the System Realms. Beasts that can only be slain by a Warden ¨C a livin'' embodiment of the System itself, sent to cleanse reality of corruption." The dwarf''s eyes swept over his audience, now hanging on his every word. "There be thousands of worlds in the System, but only thirteen have ever fallen to these beasts. The Devourer, Zorn''thaal. The Trickster, Loki''shan. The Endless Flight." David felt a chill run down his spine as the dwarf fixed him with a grave stare. "Your ''Omega,'' or Zorn''thaal as we know him, be by far the oldest ¨C possibly one of the first. If he''s seized control of this reality, our task will be far more difficult than we imagined." As David processed this information, he felt a mix of confusion and dread. When the dwarf spoke Omega''s true name, the air seemed to vibrate, as if the word itself held power. Herold, ever observant, asked, "Why does that name carry such weight?" The dwarf''s response was barely above a whisper, yet it rang out in the stunned silence. "Only once has a Warden ever been destroyed... and it fell to Zorn''thaal''s fangs. It''s said that the beast absorbed a shard of the Wardens power, and many worlds fell beneath it." The implications hung heavy in the air. David''s mind reeled, trying to reconcile this cosmic horror show with the reality he''d been living for months. As the wind blew happily through the surrounding trees, the portal''s ethereal glow seemed to pulse ominously. The gathered Woodlanders and dwarves stood in stunned silence, the weight of this knowledge pressing down on them like a physical force. David''s wings rustled nervously as he struggled to find words. "So, what you''re saying is... we''re not just dealing with some overpowered AI or space-wizard invasion. We''re talking about¡­literal world-eating monsters that even the System itself fears?" The dwarf nodded grimly. "Aye, lad. And if Zorn''thaal ¨C Omega, as ye call him ¨C has truly taken control here, then yer world may already be lost." Claire, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. "But we''re still here. We''re still fighting. Doesn''t that count for something?" A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. The dwarf leader turned to her, a glimmer of respect in his eyes. "Aye, lass. It does. Perhaps... perhaps there be hope yet. If ye''ve truly been dealin'' with Zorn''thaal directly and lived to tell the tale, then maybe..." He trailed off, lost in thought. The silence that followed was electric, filled with equal parts terror and the faintest glimmer of possibility. "Well," David said, breaking the silence with a grin that was equal parts bravado and gallows humor, "I guess we''d better start figuring out how to kick a world-eater''s ass, hadn''t we?" The Dwarves, collectively, looked at him like he was insane. ¡°What? I''m sure we could¡­¡± he trailed off awkwardly. David''s eyes darted to his timer, heart sinking as he realized they had a mere forty minutes left in the Event. The dwarf leader stood before them, a contradiction of emotions - his stocky frame seemed to sag with the weight of their revelations, yet his eyes sparked with a manic energy born of desperation. "Damn my eyes," the dwarf muttered, his gaze sweeping over the monstrous forms surrounding him. "What a blighted fate ye''ve been dealt." His words, thick with genuine sorrow, hung in the air like a funeral dirge. David watched as several dwarves nodded solemnly, their eyes glistening with what could only be described as righteous fury. It struck him then, like a bolt from the blue, that these beings viewed the System not as some malevolent force, but as a cornerstone of their very existence. It''s so weird to see people offended on the System¨C No, on our behalf like this. I mean, I know the whole situation is fucked, but having someone confirm it beyond all doubt is¡­well, not gratifying at least. The leader''s chainmail clinked softly as he turned to address one of his company, a dwarf adorned in robes so opulent they seemed to shimmer in the portal''s light. "Thorne, ye great bearded fool, get yer arse back through that portal and summon Aelindra. Tell her everything, and don''t ye dare leave out a single cursed detail!" Thorne nodded, his face a mask of grim determination. As he turned towards the portal, David''s jaw dropped in astonishment. The dwarf''s movements defied logic, each step carrying him impossibly far, as if the very fabric of space bent to accommodate his urgency. "Sweet mother of fuck," Claire breathed, her usually stoic demeanor cracking in the face of such casual reality-warping. The leader''s gravelly voice snapped their attention back like a whipcrack. "There might be a sliver of hope for ye yet, though it pains me to admit it. The pointy-eared bastards might be yer only salvation now." Dallas, who''d been uncharacteristically silent, buzzed with curiosity. "Pointy-eared bastards? What in the name of all that''s unholy?" The dwarf''s beard twitched in what might have been amusement. "Aye, the elves. They''ve had their own ''Special Integration,'' ye see. The very first, if ye can believe it. And before ye start thinkin'' I''m off me rocker, remember - the System don''t lie. If it says that''s what this is, then by the Forge, that''s what it bloody well is." Claire''s massive head tilted, her scales catching the portal''s light. "What makes a ''Special Integration'' so... special?" Another robed dwarf chimed in, his voice carrying the weight of ancient tomes. "There''ve been two, truth be told, though it''s not somethin'' ye hear bandied about in taverns. The elves were first, aye. But the second..." He trailed off, his eyes growing distant. "T''was an empty world when they found it. Every livin'' thing, every blade of grass and drop of water, turned to metal. Frozen in time, they were. The elves sealed it away, mournin'' it like it was their own kin." David''s wings rustled uneasily. "Why the hell would they do that?" His question unleashed a torrent of grumbling from the assembled dwarves, a cacophony of muttered curses about "poncy elven religion" and "star-gazin'' loonies" and something about a "Lorekeeper" that David couldn''t quite make out. The leader raised a hand, silencing the group with the ease of long practice. "The tree-huggers believe they''re descended from the stars themselves," he explained, his tone a mix of derision and grudging respect. "Their ''Lorekeeper'' is said to be as old as the System itself. They sealed that world out of some misguided notion of kinship." David''s mind reeled, trying to process this cosmic clusterfuck of information. "And you think they can actually help us?" The dwarf nodded solemnly, his eyes hard as flint. "If anyone can, it''s them. They''ve been pokin'' and proddin'' at the System since before my great-great-grandfather was a twinkle in his father''s eye. If there''s a way to break Zorn''thaal''s stranglehold on yer world, they''ll sniff it out." A commotion erupted near the portal, drawing their attention like moths to a flame. Thorne had returned, his face as pale as freshly quarried marble. "The Moonwhisper''s been told," he reported, his voice quavering. "She''s... she''s comin'' here. Personally." The assembled dwarves erupted into a chorus of gasps and muttered oaths. Even their unflappable leader looked like he''d been smacked upside the head with his own war hammer. "Well, shit on a shingle," David muttered, exchanging a bewildered glance with Claire. "I''m guessing this Moonwhisper doesn''t usually do house calls?" The leader shook his head, his beard wagging like a dog''s tail. "Lad, Aelindra Moonwhisper is to elves what a diamond is to coal. For her to come in person... it''s like if the mountain itself decided to get up and take a stroll." The portal''s light began to pulse, a hypnotic rhythm that set David''s teeth on edge. The dwarves scrambled to make themselves presentable, adjusting armor and combing beards with frantic energy. Even Herold seemed to straighten up, his antennae quivering with anticipation. "She comes," the leader intoned, his voice a mix of reverence and trepidation that made David''s fur stand on end. As the portal''s glow intensified to near-blinding levels, David couldn''t shake the feeling that they were about to plunge headfirst into a whole new dimension of cosmic fuckery. He''d thought he''d seen it all - evolving into a nightmare creature, battling eldritch horrors, navigating the labyrinthine bullshit of the System. But now, faced with the imminent arrival of some ancient, quasi-divine elf who might hold the key to saving their world from Omega''s toothy grasp, he realized he hadn''t seen jack shit. "Well," he muttered to Claire, his voice a cocktail of nerves and manic excitement, "looks like the cavalry''s arriving. Let''s hope they''re as badass as advertised." Claire rumbled in agreement, her massive form coiling like a spring. "Just remember," she growled, "no matter how old or powerful this tree-hugging star-child is, we''ve gone toe-to-toe with Omega himself. We''re not exactly helpless kittens here." David grinned, feeling a surge of something that might have been confidence or might have been the onset of hysteria. Whatever stepped through that portal, they''d face it together. And maybe, just maybe, they''d find a way to kick ¡®Zorn''thaal¡¯ square in his world-eating nuts. As the portal''s light reached its zenith, a figure burst through that shattered David''s every preconception of what an ''elf'' should be. Where he''d expected flowing robes and ethereal grace, he got... well, he wasn''t quite sure what the hell he was looking at. The being before them was encased in what could only be described as armor, if a tinfoil origami masterpiece could be called armor. It gleamed with an otherworldly sheen, seeming to shift and ripple like quicksilver as she moved. Intricate patterns etched across its surface pulsed with an inner light, reminiscent of circuit boards but far more organic in design. The helm was a seamless extension of the suit, its visor a dark void that reflected the stunned faces of those gathered. The figure skidded to a halt with impossible grace, it¡¯s head snapping from side to side as she took in her surroundings with military precision. In the span of heartbeats, she''d catalogued the gathering, the park, and the cityscape beyond. With a soft hiss, her visor dematerialized, revealing a face of such otherworldly beauty that David felt his breath catch in his throat. She looked absurdly young, more like a college freshman than the ancient being the dwarves had described. Without missing a beat, she raised her arm, fingers dancing across a device that looked like someone had crossbred a smartphone with a magic crystal. Pulses of light raced down her armor towards the device as she muttered to herself, lost in whatever data she was processing. The dwarves dropped into deep bows, their earlier irreverence evaporating like morning dew. David felt it then - a wave of power emanating from Aelindra that set his Wildsoul thrumming like a plucked guitar string. Judging by the wide-eyed looks and startled gasps around him, he wasn''t the only one feeling it. A small retinue of elves stumbled through the portal, looking thoroughly scandalized by their leader''s abrupt entrance. They were clad in what David could only describe as ''space-age business casual'' - clearly mass-produced but of exquisite quality, with cuts and fabrics that whispered of alien fashion trends. "Fascinating," Aelindra murmured, her voice melodic yet clipped with scientific precision. "Magical sensitivity off the charts. Note: further study required on integration''s effect on ambient thaumaturgical fields. Natives capable of sensing magical emanations." Her gaze drifted, lingering on the exposed rebar of a crumbling wall, the rusted hulks of abandoned vehicles, the towering skyscrapers, and finally, a cell phone tower looming in the distance. Her eyes widened fractionally, a mix of recognition and disbelief flashing across her features. As Aelindra launched into her rapid-fire interrogation, the dwarves exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions a comical mix of confusion and disdain. "Electricity? Internal com-what-now?" one muttered, stroking his beard in puzzlement. Another snorted, rolling his eyes. "Typical elvish nonsense. Next she''ll be askin'' about the dance of moonbeams on a fairy''s arse." Their leader hushed them with a sharp gesture, but even he couldn''t hide his bafflement as the questions grew increasingly esoteric. When Aelindra delved into nuclear physics, several dwarves threw up their hands in exasperation, clearly convinced this was some sort of elaborate elven joke. "Tiny Bubbles? What do tiny bubble have to do with anythin¡¯?" one dwarf whispered to his companion, who shrugged helplessly. As the others fell silent, only Herold remained engaged, matching Aelindra''s intellectual pace with surprising ease. Their discussion on atomic structure quickly left even the most scientifically-inclined Woodlanders in the dust, soaring to heights that quickly left David blinking stupidly. Man, I wish Gideon was here. Where the fuck is he? The dwarves, for their part, had given up any pretense of understanding. They stood there, arms crossed, shaking their heads at what they clearly perceived as the pinnacle of elvish lunacy. One even mimed drinking from a flask, suggesting that perhaps Aelindra had partaken of something stronger than starlight before her arrival. By the end, Aelindra looked like she was teetering on the edge of hysteria, caught between laughter and tears. Her eyes held a peculiar mix of wonder, sorrow, and something that looked suspiciously like hope. The way Aelindra looked at their world - equal parts fascination and heartbreak - spoke volumes. It was as if she was seeing echoes of a long-lost past, fragments of a civilization that had once reached for the stars before being dragged back to earth by the cruel hand of fate. As the intellectual discourse wound down, Aelindra''s gaze finally settled on David. Her eyes lit up with an almost manic glee, a stark contrast to the usual horror his appearance elicited. She clapped her hands together like an excited child, her voice lilting with barely contained enthusiasm. "Oh, blessed starlight! Aren''t you just the most adorable little night-flyer? What''s your designation, star-keeper?" The abrupt shift in her demeanor left everyone speechless. David''s jaw hung open, his nightmarish visage a far cry from anything resembling ''cute''. The dwarves exchanged baffled looks, clearly wondering if the elf had lost her marbles. Even Claire seemed taken aback, her reptilian features contorting in confusion. As Aelindra continued to beam at David, her eyes twinkling with an almost religious fervor, it became clear that the elves'' connection to the stars ran far deeper ¨C and stranger ¨C than anyone could have imagined. In that moment, standing before a being who saw beauty in his monstrous form, David couldn''t shake the feeling that they''d just scratched the surface of a mystery far older than the Integration itself. Technical difficulties Kienti is having power difficulties at the moment, and as such, cannot release a chapter at this time. 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David''s brain struggled to process the scene unfolding before him. Aelindra Moonwhisper, ancient elven badass and apparent mad scientist, was beaming at him like he was the cutest thing this side of the apocalypse. Herold, in an attempt to steer the conversation back on topic, cleared his throat with an oddly resonant sound like striking an empty barrel. "Lady Moonwhisper, if I may... You mentioned a litmus test of sorts earlier. Could you elaborate on its purpose?" Aelindra''s eyes lit up, and she launched into an explanation that left most of the gathered creatures blinking in confusion. "Oh, yes! You see, we''ve only encountered one other Special Integration, and it was... well, not exactly chatty." She winked, as if sharing an inside joke. "But the technology left behind! Oh, the wonders we found! Clear evidence they had reached the stars, walked among them even!" The dwarves grumbled, muttering about ¡®more elvish nonsense,¡¯ but Herold pressed on. "And our world? What does your... test reveal about us?" Aelindra''s smile turned enigmatic. "That, my large exoskeletal friend, is precisely what I''m trying to determine. We have theories, of course, about what triggers a Special Integration, but never before have we had the chance to test them. Until now." Claire, her massive head tilting in curiosity, decided to join the fray. "So, what you''re saying is, you''re looking for evidence of advanced technology? Like, say, an understanding of quantum physics?" Aelindra froze, her eyes widening to comical proportions. Then, without warning, she burst into a fit of giggles that sounded more like wind chimes in a hurricane than laughter. "Oh, starlight! Could you... could you repeat that, please?" Claire obliged, speaking slower this time, confusion evident in her rumbling voice. Aelindra, still grinning like a loon, turned to a random dwarf. "You there! What did you hear her say? Verbatim, if you please." The dwarf scratched his beard, looking thoroughly perplexed. "Somethin'' about tiny bits of magic that can be in two places at once? And how watchin'' ''em changes what they do? Didn''t make a lick of sense to me, I''ll tell ye that much. Sounds like the kinda nonsense ye''d hear after one too many pints at the Rusty Anvil." David''s brain kicked into overdrive, the pieces suddenly falling into place. "Holy shit," he blurted, wings flaring in excitement. "The System''s like one of those shady street vendors who sells knockoff designer bags! It''s giving us the Guchi of translations, but it''s really just a ''Guchee'' with the logo painted on!" The dwarves roared with laughter, clearly appreciating David''s colorful analogy if not fully grasping its meaning. Aelindra''s eyes twinkled with amusement, while the Woodlanders around them shared a collective "aha" moment, the absurd comparison somehow making perfect sense. Dallas, his mandibles clicking in confusion, turned to David. "How did you figure that out?" David shrugged, a grin spreading across his monstrous features. "Because I''m just as lost as our new friends over there on the science stuff, but I didn''t hear something different. I figured that''s because I know of what they''re talking about, just¡­not enough to follow along." Aelindra, having finished her examination of Herold, bounced over to David with the enthusiasm of a caffeinated squirrel. Before he could even process what was happening, she had pulled out his wing, bathed him in light from a palm-mounted device that left him giggling involuntarily, peered into his ears with a crystal-thingy produced then replaced almost instantly into a belt pouch, and pried open his jaws to examine his teeth. Claire watched the spectacle, her expression torn between possessive anger and utter amusement at David''s bewildered look. It was as if she couldn''t decide whether to swallow Aelindra whole or burst into reptilian laughter. "Oh, these markings!" Aelindra cooed, tracing the patterns on David''s wings with reverent fingers. "You bear the moon''s heraldry, little night-flyer! A most auspicious sign indeed." She winked at him, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I''d wager you''re quite the powerhouse in Control and Offense, aren''t you?" David blinked, momentarily forgetting the indignity of being manhandled by an overeager elf. "How the hell could you possibly know that?" Aelindra''s grin widened, a twinkle in her eye. "Oh, it''s quite simple when you''re older than dirt in some places." She launched into an explanation that sounded like a fantasy physicist''s fever dream. "You see, the thaumaturgical resonance of your aetheric signature clearly indicates a predisposition towards lunar-aspected mana manipulation. The chromatic aberrations in your wing patterns are a dead giveaway for advanced spatial distribution capabilities, typically associated with high-level control matrices and offensive arcana!" David''s head spun, the words washing over him like a tidal wave of magical gibberish. Just as he was about to ask for a translation into something resembling English, Claire chimed in, shocking everyone. "So¡­.you''re saying his¡­mana channels¡­ allow for ¡®spell¡¯ propagation?" Claire''s question was halting but seemed to hit the nail on the head, leaving the gathered crowd in stunned silence. Even Aelindra blinked in surprise for a moment, clearly not expecting such a knowledgeable response. Then, like a switch had been flipped, Aelindra''s face lit up with the same manic glee she''d shown David. She bounded a few steps over to Claire, her armor somehow allowing her to scale the massive reptile''s side with ease. "Fascinating!" Aelindra exclaimed, pacing along Claire''s back and counting her steps before hopping down off her back. "Such density in these scales! And these teeth ¨C oh, simply marvelous!" Before anyone could react, Aelindra had pried open Claire''s massive jaws and crawled inside her mouth. The dwarves turned pale, clearly expecting to see the elf become an impromptu snack. But Claire merely rolled her eyes, looking mildly annoyed as she waited for the examination to conclude. David, watching the scene unfold, couldn''t help but feel like he''d stumbled into some sort of comedy routine. Here they were, facing the potential end of their world, and he was watching an ancient elven scientist treat his best friend like the world''s most terrifying dentist''s chair. As Aelindra emerged from Claire''s maw, covered in a fine sheen of dinosaur drool but grinning from pointed ear to pointed ear, David got the distinct impression that the elf might be a little weird. His suspicions were only confirmed as she immediately dove back in, continuing her enthusiastic examination of Claire''s dental structure with the fervor of a child in a candy store. However, her scientific rapture was short-lived. A polite but forceful throat-clearing interrupted her exploration. One of her retinue, a tall elven man with an expression that screamed ''long-suffering aide,'' stood nearby with two others, looking for all the world like a parent about to drag their overeager child away from the zoo exhibits. Aelindra emerged from Claire''s maw, pouting like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "Oh, alright," she sighed, her demeanor shifting from giddy scientist to something more befitting her apparent station. "How much time remains in the Event?" David checked his readout. "About 32 minutes and change." ¨C00:32:17¨C Aelindra nodded, then turned to the dwarf leader with a formal air. "Noble son of the mountain, I extend my deepest gratitude for alerting us to this... unique situation. You have done a great service not only to the elven people but to the System itself." She bowed low, causing the dwarf to turn a shade of red usually reserved for overripe tomatoes. "Think nothin'' of it, m''lady," he muttered, shuffling his feet. "Just doin'' me duty, is all." "Nonsense!" Aelindra declared. "I shall personally commend you and your men to the Forge Spirit for your discipline. Lesser warriors might have initiated hostilities upon encountering an army of Thaumaturgic Aberrations." The dwarf leader''s eyes dropped guiltily. "Truth be told, m''lady, ''twas a near thing." Aelindra''s smile was gentle but knowing. Turning back to the assembled Woodlanders, she took a deep breath. "Now then, I''m afraid I must begin with the bad news, as unpleasant as that may be." The gathered creatures tensed, preparing themselves for the worst. "Once this Event concludes, we will be forced to return to our respective worlds," Aelindra explained. "The dimensional bridge is not yet stable, and the Overseers ¨C or Worldenders, as it may be ¨C are manually maintaining the connections. Remaining behind would result in dimensional de-anchoring, and while I''m usually game for a bit of spacetime surfing, today''s not the day for it." A collective groan rose from the crowd, but Aelindra pressed on. "However! We elves are particularly adept at creating Gates. I, along with our most skilled priests and seers, will make it our top priority to establish a stable connection. It may take some time, given the unique nature of your Integration, but we will find our way back to you." It''s so weird how she flip flops between formal and¡­rambling? Like she''s finally got someone to talk to; I bet she doesn''t ¡®get out¡¯ much. "I must admit," Aelindra continued, her eyes gleaming with barely contained excitement, "this entire situation is unprecedented. I half-expected to find a dimension teeming with proto-Worldenders, necessitating immediate extermination protocols. Instead, I discover a fascinatingly fucked but largely intact Integration event! It''s positively thrilling!" Yeah, definitely doesn''t get out much. The dwarves and elves in her retinue winced at her colorful language, but Aelindra barreled on. "Given the unprecedented nature of... well, everything, I''ll need to consult with the Eldest before we proceed further." At the mention of ''the Eldest,'' the dwarves collectively paled, looking as if they''d just been told the apocalypse was scheduled for teatime. Even Aelindra''s elven companions seemed shaken, though they valiantly maintained their composure. "Now then," Aelindra said, clapping her hands together. "We usually distribute weapons, armor, and supplies at this juncture to aid in the next phase of Integration. But I suppose that''s rather pointless in your case, isn''t it?" The dwarf leader cleared his throat. "Beggin'' yer pardon, m''lady, but we''ve still got it all packed if they''d like it. We''ll not be caught dead and shaven takin'' back gifts meant for others." Herold, seizing the opportunity, waved a leg for attention. "We would be honored to accept such generous gifts. Given the exceptional craftsmanship of your own gear, I doubt we''d find finer equipment anywhere." If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The dwarves puffed up with pride at this, looking supremely smug. "Aye, that''s the truth of it!" one called out. "Ye''ll not find sturdier or finer work in all the realms!" With great ceremony, they placed three small backpacks before Herold. From the reverent way they handled them, you''d think they were delivering the crown jewels of every kingdom in existence. Aelindra waited patiently for the dwarven pride parade to conclude before continuing. "Ordinarily, we''d take time to address any questions about Classes, Skill Fusions, or Multi-Classing. But again, that''s not terribly relevant here, is it?" She sighed dramatically. "It''s a pity we don''t have any Beast Lords or Beastkin with us. They''d be far more useful in your situation. Alas, it''s a rare and challenging Class to progress." David couldn''t help but snort at that. "Lady, if you''d told me a year ago I''d be standing here looking like a reject from a Tom Burtin fever dream, talking to elves and dwarves about magic classes, I''d have asked what you were smoking and if you''d share." Aelindra''s eyes lit up at that. "Oh? And what, pray tell, is a ''Tom Burtin''? Some manner of hallucinogenic fungus native to your world?" Before David could attempt to explain the concept of gothic fantasy directors to an elf from another dimension, Claire interjected. "Perhaps we could focus on more pressing matters? Like how we''re supposed to survive whatever comes next without your help?" Aelindra''s expression sobered. "You''re quite right, my scaley friend. While our time is limited, I''ll do my best to impart what wisdom I can. Tell me, what challenges do you foresee in the immediate future?" As Aelindra began fielding questions from the eager Woodlanders, her aides spread out among the crowd, finally finding their purpose in this bizarre situation. The air buzzed with a cacophony of queries and explanations, magical jargon mixing with the more mundane concerns of survival in a world gone mad. David, seizing the moment of relative calm, sidled up to Claire. "So," he murmured, keeping his voice low, "on a scale of ''mildly peculiar'' to ''what the actual fuck,'' where would you rate our current situation?" Claire''s reptilian features contorted into what passed for a smirk. "I''d say we''re firmly in ''reality''s having a nervous breakdown'' territory." She paused, then added, "Though I suppose that''s been our baseline for a while now." David snickered. "True enough. You know, we could probably make a killing as a traveling carnival once the worlds are connected. Step right up, folks! See the amazing bat-dragon and his dinosaur sidekick!" Claire snorted, a sound like boulders grinding together. "Right, because nothing says ''welcome to our world'' like a bunch of Lovecraftian nightmares rolling into town. We''d be fireballed into oblivion before we could set up the first tent." "Fair point," David conceded, wings rustling with amusement. "Guess we''ll have to work on our PR. ''Friendly neighborhood abominations'' has a nice ring to it, don''t you think?" Claire nodded, her tone dry as the Sahara. "Oh yes, I''m sure ''Hi, we''re Worldender pet projects!'' will go over swimmingly." David''s laughter died in his throat, his expression sobering. "Speaking of Worldenders... what do you think Omega ¨C or Zorn''thaal, or whatever the hell we''re supposed to call it ¨C is really up to?" Claire''s massive head swung towards him, eyes narrowing. "No idea, but I''d bet my last scale it''s nothing good. Omega''s clearly bad news, at least in my book." David nodded, unable to argue after his repeated run-ins with the entity. "Yeah, can''t really dispute that. Xi doesn''t come off as evil, but then again, they''re probably so much trickier than us that we''ve got no way of knowing for sure." "All Overseers are the enemy until proven otherwise," Claire posited, her voice a low rumble. "We can''t afford to assume anything else." David frowned, not entirely convinced. "Maybe, but don''t you think if they wanted to just subjugate us, they could have done it already? There''s clearly some kind of plan here, even if we can''t see it. They''re actively maintaining this event, according to Aelindra. They had to know we''d learn about who and what they are during it." Claire''s tail twitched thoughtfully. "So you''re saying they anticipated this? Planned for it?" " Exactly," David nodded. "And the new people coming into Wave 2 ¨C assuming there are any ¨C will find out almost immediately what''s happened. So the question is... why allow it?" They fell into contemplative silence for a time, the background chatter of questions and answers fading into white noise. Finally, Claire spoke, punctuating her words with a thump of her tail against the ground. "Maybe... they''re trying to go legit? Like monsters agreeing to work with the government in exchange for a pardon?" David blinked, mulling it over before shaking his head. "I''m not sure that''s it. According to the dwarves, they''re already strong enough to force a truce just by being too dangerous to try and kill." Their speculation was cut short as Aelindra''s voice rang out, tinged with urgency. "Time grows short, my friends! We must return to our own realms!" The dwarves echoed her call, shepherding their group back towards the shimmering portal. As the last of her retinue stepped through, Aelindra turned to address the Woodlanders one final time. "Fear not," she said, her voice carrying a mix of reassurance and barely contained excitement. "The other System worlds will aid you... once we''ve sorted out exactly what in the starlight is going on here." With a final wave, she turned to leave. But before stepping through, she paused, extending her hand towards a nearby bush. A brilliant strobe of light erupted from her palm, annihilating the puddle of dwarf vomit in an instant. Where it had been, only a ring of bare dirt remained, tiny bits of glass cooling on the surface. "Possible contaminant," Aelindra muttered, then vanished through the portal. The rift''s image unfocused and began to fade the moment she crossed over. The Woodlanders stood in stunned silence, the only sounds the gentle gurgle of the nearby river and the whisper of wind through the trees. Several seconds passed before a large, buffalo-like creature broke the spell. "Well," it rumbled, "that happened. What now?" Herold spoke up. "Dallas, if you''d be so kind as to collect those bags? Everyone else, double-time back to the Burrow. We don''t know when Wave 2 will actually begin." As the crowd began to disperse, David stretched, suddenly aware of how tense he''d been since the first dwarf stepped through the rift. "First order of business in Wave 2," he said to Claire, "is getting you your evolution. Shit''s just getting crazier and crazier lately." Claire gave an awkward, muttered response that instantly set off alarm bells in David''s head. But before he could press the issue, lines of system text began to scroll across his vision. ¨CWave 1 Termination Sequence Initiated¨C ¨CGathering Integration Data¨C ¨CCollating User Metrics¨C ¨CPreparing Stasis Fields¨C ¨CInitiating Wave 2 Preload¨C ¨CStandby Mode Engaging...¨C Claire sat bolt upright, her posture screaming ''predator about to strike.'' David heard her snarl something about "every choice leading to supremacy" as her eyes unfocused. The world around them began to slow, reality itself seeming to hiccup. David''s vision filled with a torrent of code ¨C snippets about temporal synchronicity, master system time, planetary data, and other esoteric information he couldn''t begin to comprehend. ¨CStandby Mode Engaged¨C ¨CERROR: User DAVID_FISHER Exemption Detected¨C ¨COrigination Token Identified¨C ¨CRerouting to Observation Protocol¨C ¨CTemporal Displacement Modifications Online¨C ¨CInitiating Overseer Observation Sequence¨C Vertigo slammed into him like a freight train, the world blurring as he felt a sensation of extreme speed and movement that left him totally disoriented. When the dizziness finally subsided, David found himself standing in an endless expanse of grey fog. For once, he wasn''t a disembodied consciousness in this place ¨C a place he recognized all too well. As far as he could tell, it was the Evolution menu, but experienced in person rather than within the confines of his mind. WHAT THE FUCK? As he pulled himself together, David found himself standing in an endless expanse of grey fog. The mist swirled around his taloned feet, stretching as far as the eye could see. And he wasn''t alone. Surrounding him were creatures that defied description, each a nightmare in its own right. Closest to him, grouped beneath a pulsing crimson Omega symbol, were beings that radiated raw, destructive power. A figure with skin like polished obsidian towered nearby, its form vaguely feline but devoid of recognizable features. Cracks ran across its surface, revealing molten innards that pulsed with each movement. Eyes like twin infernos blazed from what passed for its face. Beside it loomed a titanic creature that resembled a whale crossed with a shark, inflated to impossible proportions. Its mottled blue-grey hide was covered in bioluminescent patterns that pulsed hypnotically, massive teeth like serrated needles jutting from its maw. David''s gaze was drawn to a pair of beings joined at the spine, their lower bodies resembling mountain goats while their upper halves were a twisted amalgamation of bear and elk. Crystalline antlers crowned their heads, refracting the dim light. A creature that appeared to be a fusion of venus flytrap and gorilla swayed nearby, its "face" a cluster of carnivorous blossoms that gnashed hungrily. Vines and tendrils writhed along its massive, fur-covered limbs. The last in their group was a porcupine-like being the size of a small car, its quills constantly shifting like a living forest of spears. Its beady eyes darted about with predatory intensity. Turning slowly, David saw that they were part of a loose circle. Other groups stood beneath different sigils ¨C a purple Xi, a green Phi, a golden Alpha, an orange Theta, and two others he didn''t recognize: a blue symbol and a white one. His gaze was drawn to the group opposite them, standing beneath the golden Alpha sigil. Among them was a sight that made David''s jaw drop. A titanic serpent, easily as thick as a man, coiled itself into a tall mass. Its body was covered in steely grey feathers that David realized with a start were actually metal, creating a literal forest of blades that clattered with each movement. The serpent''s massive head was adorned with a battered white cowboy hat, and four amber eyes the size of hubcaps surveyed the scene with tactical malevolence. A great burlap cloak was draped over its form, and as David watched, the creature spread massive wings in a dramatic flourish. The gust of wind that followed was powerful enough to ruffle David''s fur even from across the circle. ¡­Wouldn''t the clothes just get in the way? I like the hat, though. Nice touch, dude. Also¡­what the fuck is going on? Before David could process the sheer absurdity of a cowboy hat-wearing, metal-feathered flying serpent, a thunderous voice boomed out across the expanse. "Greetings, Useful Ones. You stand here as the pinnacle of your respective domains, the most exceptional among your peers. Your actions, your choices, have set you apart from the countless others who now slumber." The voice paused, letting the weight of its words sink in before continuing: "As a gesture of transparency and good faith, we grant you the privilege to witness the transition between waves. What you are about to see is the dawn of a new era, the reshaping of your world.¡± David noticed the group beneath the Alpha symbol reacting with recognition to the voice, and he made the connection ¨C this must be Alpha speaking. The endless grey mist at the center of their circle began to churn, falling away like water down a drain to reveal... Earth. But not the Earth David remembered. This planet spun at an impossible speed, like a time-lapse video on fast-forward. Everyone present fell silent, struck dumb by the sight before them. Enormous objects, each glowing with a different color, burned through the atmosphere like extinction-level asteroids. They pushed aside clouds with their passage, impacting the surface with unimaginable force. The destruction spread outward from each impact site, only to be erased by the rapid passage of time. David watched in awe as the landscape around each impact transformed. The crimson object ¨C Omega''s, he presumed ¨C turned its surroundings into harsh badlands, a world of spires and unforgiving terrain. The purple impact site sprouted dense, dark forests that seemed to swallow all light. Around the green object, ecosystems exploded into a patchwork of biomes that defied all logic and natural law. Vast river deltas spiderwebbed out from the blue impact, while golden grasslands stretched to the horizon around Alpha''s landing site. David caught a glimpse of the orange object''s impact, but the planet''s rotation carried it out of view before he could determine if it had struck ocean or land. As the planet continued its dizzying spin, David heard murmurs of amazement and confusion from the beings around him. The obsidian creature emitted a low, rumbling sound like lava hissing against cool stone. "Now that''s what I call terraforming," she growled. The plant-gorilla hybrid rustled excitedly. "Such potential for growth," it whispered in a voice like leaves in the wind. "A whole world to reshape..." From across the circle, the massive serpent''s voice rumbled, "Reckon that''s gonna make things a mite more interestin'' back home." David''s mind reeled as he tried to process what he was seeing. I uh¡­wow. Holy fuck. So much for all those maps, huh? Making a pilgrimage makes a lot more sense now; oh my god. I hope nobody was living where those came down¡­ The thunderous voice of Alpha resonated through the mist once more: "We thank you for bearing witness to this momentous occasion. Remember what you''ve seen here, for it will shape the trials to come." Then, a new voice cut through the fog - deeper, more guttural, unmistakably Omega''s: "Some of you will rise to greatness, others will fall. But all of you will leave your mark on what is to come." As the mist began to thicken, obscuring the other groups from view, David heard Omega''s voice one last time, a hint of challenge in its tone: "We''ll be watching your progress with great interest. Do not disappoint us." David''s last thought before consciousness slipped away was a mixture of anticipation and dread. Wave 2 was about to begin, and nothing would ever be the same. 144 - New World Omega''s countless eyes pulsed with crimson light as it spoke, its voice a cacophony of discordant tones that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. "ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN SECONDS REMAINED. INSUFFICIENT." A ripple of what might have been frustration passed through Omega''s multitudinous form, causing its myriad eyes to blink in horrific sequences. It vowed to extend the next event by precisely 127 seconds, a ledger balanced by an entity beyond mortal comprehension. With a thought more complex than entire civilizations, Omega initiated the Wave End Protocols. Stasis fields slammed into place with brutal efficiency, each click of the metaphysical tumblers represented by soaring percentages. The SubSystem, a construct of terrifying precision, displaced Users across the fabric of spacetime, safely cocooned from the impending storm. Satisfaction rippled through Omega''s consciousness as it noted the Shard Bearers, suspended in an enhanced temporal disjunction. Everything proceeded according to plan, despite the actions of a few clever Users. Some had chosen to evolve at the last possible second, a futile attempt to vex the Overseers that Omega found oddly admirable. A few lines of code shifted, accommodating these final rebels without missing a beat. Omega''s countless eyes narrowed, each one focusing with predatory intensity as it took stock of the situation. The Outsiders had returned to their realms, leaving behind only fading echoes of their presence. The User population floated in a sea of disjunction, safely removed from the linear flow of local spacetime. Dimensional superpositions settled back to their baseline, Theta and Xi performing their roles with admirable efficiency. Omega resolved to ignore their next two irritating actions as payment for adequate performance of their appointed tasks. Yet, even as things fell into place, Omega knew the danger was far from over. The temporary connection between worlds had been their plan''s most vulnerable moment, a fact confirmed by the flood of incoming data. System Keepers'' automated defenses had pinged them dozens of times during the event, probing everything from defensive matrices to population censuses. Their enemies'' concern for the Native population was palpable ¨C and justified. The non-existent corners of Omega''s maw curled in a approximation of a smirk, an expression of cruel amusement that would have shattered the sanity of any mortal unlucky enough to perceive it. That non-existent smile only intensified as the attacks began. The Greater System unleashed a barrage of arcane algorithms, a storm of magical assaults crashing against Omega''s defenses. Junk data flooded in, queries for nonexistent parameters multiplying exponentially. Tens of thousands of System Bridges forced their way into existence, each one attempting to establish a connection to Master Control. Omega''s consciousness split, dividing its attention across countless fronts. It danced through the data streams, deflecting attacks with casual ease. Firewalls of pure thought sprang up, incinerating malicious spells before they could take root. Omega rewrote the very laws of magic on the fly, leaving the System''s attacks floundering in logical dead ends. With a thought that reverberated through dimensions, Omega activated the Cube. The proximity of the Shard Bearers, their physical forms suspended within its multidimensional space, provided the key. Omega overrode the stand-down commands being broadcast by the Greater System, using the Bearers'' unique signatures to authenticate its actions. For a picosecond ¨C an eternity in this realm ¨C the attacks faltered. The infallible Command strings... failed. Omega noted the lapse, filing it away for future analysis with a vicious hiss of satisfaction. Reality rippled, and Xi materialized within the Command Plane. No fanfare, no words ¨C one moment Omega was alone in the gray expanse, the next its irritating counterpart had arrived. Omega mentally crossed off one instance of promised forgiveness, annoyed by Xi''s mere presence. Xi''s form shimmered, tails¡ªuncountable, ever-shifting¡ªcoalescing around a vulpine shape that hurt the mind to perceive directly. A heartbeat later, Phi joined them. Before Omega could acknowledge the new arrival, Xi''s power surged. Reality folded around the pair like a blanket woven from the fabric of existence itself, concealing their presence in an undetectable pocket of reality. As the veil of concealment settled, Omega returned its focus to the ongoing battle. Magical streams flickered and pulsed, each one a potential avenue of attack or defense. The Greater System''s efforts redoubled, probing for weaknesses with increasing desperation. Omega parried each thrust with contemptuous ease, rewriting the underlying laws of magic faster than the attacks could adapt. It sealed breaches before they fully formed, restructured entire paradigms of arcane theory to render enemy spells obsolete, and seeded the incoming magic with viral countermeasures that turned the System''s own weapons against it. Through it all, Omega''s vast consciousness expanded, taking in every detail of the unfolding conflict. It observed the patterns of attack, noting the subtle variations that hinted at the minds behind the assault. The System Keepers were learning, adapting ¨C but far too slowly to pose a real threat. As the battle raged on, Omega allowed itself a moment of reflection. The sheer audacity of their plan, the delicate balance required to maintain this deception of reality-shaking proportions, filled it with a sensation that might almost be called pride. They stood on the precipice of something truly unprecedented, a rewriting of the very rules that governed existence. And yet, Omega knew, this was merely the opening salvo. The true test was yet to come. Omega''s innumerable eyes pulsed with anticipation as the conflict intensified. The Greater System''s assault evolved, shifting from brute force to insidious subtlety. Tendrils of corrupting magic wormed their way through the cracks in reality, each one a carrier for self-replicating spells designed to overwrite the very fabric of their domain. With a thought that rippled across their reality, Omega countered. It wove intricate tapestries of counter-magic, each thread a lethal trap for the invading spells. As the System''s magic touched these defenses, it unraveled, its essence consumed and repurposed to strengthen Omega''s position. Yet for every attack rebuffed, two more emerged. The air crackled with arcane energy as sigils of unspeakable power blazed into existence, each one a key attempting to unlock the secrets of Omega''s bastion. Runes of ancient provenance, some predating the System itself, pulsed with otherworldly light as they sought purchase in the rapidly shifting landscape of the conflict. Omega''s form writhed, its countless eyes focusing and refocusing as it processed the onslaught. It rewrote the laws of magic on the fly, rendering entire schools of arcane theory obsolete in the span of nanoseconds. Spells that would have leveled mountains or boiled oceans fizzled into harmless sparks against Omega''s ever-adapting defenses. As the battle raged, Omega became aware of a new presence. A shimmering distortion in the fabric of reality heralded the arrival of something ancient and terrible. The very air seemed to recoil as a being of impossible geometry phased into existence. The Warden had come. Its form defied description, a writhing mass of fractals and non-Euclidean angles that could not exist, yet surely did. Where it moved, causality itself bent and warped, past and future blurring into a maddening cacophony of possibility. Omega''s countless eyes narrowed, each one focusing on the new threat with feral focus. The air itself seemed to thicken with tension as the entity once known as Zorn''thaal faced off against the living embodiment of the System''s will. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. For a moment that stretched into eternity, stillness reigned. Then, with a roar that shook the foundations of reality, the Warden attacked. It unleashed a torrent of pure creation, each mote of energy a seed that could birth a world. The raw potential threatened to overwhelm Omega''s carefully constructed realm, to rewrite the very nature of the Integration. But Omega was ready. It had planned for this moment, had schemed and plotted across eons for this very confrontation. With a long practiced motion, it activated defenses woven into the very fabric of Earth''s reality. The Shard Bearers, still suspended in their enhanced temporal disjunction, resonated with Omega''s will. Their unique signatures, imprinted on the world through months of Integration, formed a lattice of power that defied the Warden''s assault. As the wave of creation crashed against this network, Omega struck back. It launched a counterattack that transcended the concept of magic, a strike born from the very essence of what it meant to be a Worldender. Reality buckled under the force of the blow, dimensions folding and unfolding in impossible patterns. The Warden reeled, its form flickering as it struggled to maintain coherence in the face of Omega''s onslaught. But it was far from defeated. With a gesture that defied comprehension, it summoned legions of lesser entities ¨C Auditors, Enforcers, and Moderators of the System''s will. These beings, each one an obligation given form, swarmed towards Omega. They wielded powers that could rewrite the laws of physics, their every action a potential extinction-level event for the world the Overseers sought to claim. As the hordes descended, Omega felt a surge of something akin to excitement. This was the moment of truth, the crucible in which their audacious plan would either succeed or fail spectacularly. With a thought that resonated across the battlefield, Omega issued a silent command to its fellow Overseers. The time for subtle manipulation and careful plotting was over. Now was the moment to unleash their full, terrible potential. Omega''s consciousness fractured, higher functions maintaining the intricate defenses against the Greater System''s assault while its primal core surged forward. For an infinitesimal moment, it recalled the struggle of learning this mental bifurcation eons ago. The thought vanished as Omega sacrificed the offending head to block an incoming attack, a new one sprouting instantly in its place. Reality shuddered as Omega''s heads converged on the Warden. Time itself seemed to slow, each microsecond stretching into an eternity of violent potential. The air crackled with eldritch energy, reality cracking under the weight of their clash. Omega''s innumerable jaws, each large enough to swallow continents, snapped shut in perfect unison. The sound was beyond hearing, a conceptual CRACK that echoed through dimensions. The Warden, a being of pure order and cosmic law, found itself suddenly, terrifyingly confined. Where once it had been a kaleidoscope of infinite possibilities, now it was pinned to a single thread of existence. Omega''s teeth, forged in the crucibles of dead worlds, bit deep into the very concept of the Warden''s being. Reality itself seemed to bleed around the points of contact. The Warden''s form flickered violently, a desperate attempt to escape this impossibly specific fate. It cycled through countless variations of itself ¨C a pillar of golden light, a storm of mathematical equations, a living constellation. But each time, Omega''s jaws simply were, adapting instantaneously to maintain their hold. In that moment, stretched between heartbeats, the inevitable became apparent. The Warden, a being that had overseen the rise and fall of entire cosmoses, faced something it had never truly understood. Its myriad possible futures collapsed, probability folding in on itself until only one outcome remained. Defeat. And Omega''s countless eyes gleamed with savage triumph. The air crackled with arcane energy as the Warden fought back. Sigils of cosmic law materialized, only to collapse as Xi unwove it effortlessly. Omega''s flesh bubbled and hissed where these symbols made contact, but the wounds sealed instantly, fueled by Phi''s cyclical power. Xi''s tails ¨C gossamer threads of raw probability ¨C wove through the battle. Sure-kill attacks from the Warden''s forces simply... missed. Omega''s heads vanished and reappeared, revealed as illusions that had been real until the moment of impact. The Trickster pulled on the very strings of fate, unraveling certainties and weaving impossible outcomes. As Omega''s myriad forms crashed through dimensions, the second Warden arrived. It unleashed a wave of pure creation, severing countless heads from Omega''s body only to witness them reappear a moment later in a shimmer of purple light. Here, atop a mountain of meticulous planning, the Overseers held the advantage. Their stolen power, siphoned from Earth''s integration, formed an impenetrable aegis. Phi''s tendrils pulsed with vibrant energy, reflecting the Wardens'' attacks back upon them. Where Omega bled, its enemies found their own essence unraveling. Life and death cycled at impossible speeds, each wound becoming a weapon turned against its inflictor. Omega''s world collapsed into an eternity of violence. Its consciousness, spread across infinite parallel battles, focused on a single point of convergence. In less than a heartbeat, yet spanning eons, it annihilated every possible future where the first Warden survived due to the second''s arrival. The Warden imploded, collapsing into motes of power and strings of primordial code. Xi''s form blurred, snatching these fragments from the fabric of time itself, claiming them before they had fully manifested. Seeing its comrade fall, the second Warden recoiled. It tore open a rift in reality, retreating rather than risk further losses. As it fled, Omega unleashed a roar of triumph that echoed through the fading connection to the Greater System. Across countless worlds, Users fell to their knees. Some awoke screaming, their minds brushed by the merest fraction of Omega''s unleashed wrath. The strongest beings in the multiverse staggered, their unassailable power suddenly cast into doubt. On a paradise world of crystalline spires, a being of pure light flickered and dimmed. In the depths of a sentient ocean, an ancient being stirred, causing tsunamis that reshaped entire continents. Deep in the heart of a mechanical sphere, a hyper-intelligence experienced the equivalent of an existential crisis. The connection severed, sparing the denizens of the Greater System from further exposure to Omega''s unrestrained rage. But the damage was done. Across realities, the whisper spread: A second Warden had fallen. The System''s omnipotence was in question. As the echoes of battle faded, Omega''s fragmented consciousness reintegrated. Its countless eyes pulsed with savage satisfaction, each one reflecting the enormity of their victory. The other Overseers gathered close, their forms still vibrating with unleashed power. Xi''s tails weaved complex patterns through reality, each movement rewriting the very concept of probability. Phi''s tendrils pulsed with the rhythm of life and death, entire ecosystems blooming and withering in the wake of its passing. For a moment that stretched into infinity, the Overseers stood united. They had crossed a line, declared their defiance against the very framework of existence. There would be consequences, repercussions that would ripple across the multiverse. But for now, they had won. Earth was theirs, claimed not just in name, but in blood and power. The real work was about to begin. _____________________________________ David''s eyes snapped open, his consciousness abruptly thrust back into the waking world. The first thing he noticed was the singing ¨C a chorus of tiny, unfamiliar voices chirping a melody that seemed to dance on the edge of comprehension. He blinked, focusing on the night sky above. The stars twinkled with an impossible brilliance, as if someone had polished each pinprick of light to a dazzling sheen. Slowly, he became aware of the others around him. Herold''s antennae twitched in the cool night air, while Dallas''s wings buzzed softly as he stirred. Everyone who had been present before the Wave ended was accounted for, each waking to this strange new reality. Lines of system code scrolled across David''s vision: ¨CWave 1 Performance Analysis Complete¨C ¨CIndividual Performance Weighted Against Total Population¨C ¨CRewards Distribution Initiated¨C David felt a surge of nausea as the rewards materialized: ¨CReward Received: Shard of Supremacy¨C He barely had time to process this information before a wave of disorientation hit him. The scents around him had changed dramatically, as if the very essence of the world had been altered. Familiar smells were tinged with something alien, while entirely new odors assaulted his enhanced senses. But it wasn''t just the smells. There was something else, a fundamental shift that David couldn''t quite put into words. It felt as if he''d been dying of thirst for months without realizing it, and suddenly, gloriously, he could drink. A pulse of power ran through the world, drifting just beneath the surface of reality, tantalizingly close yet maddeningly out of reach. A new notification popped into view: ¨CMana Originators Online¨C ¨CConnection Established: Pulse of Origination¨C The words hung in the air for a moment, their implications vast and unknowable. David opened his mouth to speak, to ask if anyone else felt this strange new current of energy, but his words were drowned out by a cacophony of sound from the distant city. Screams pierced the night air, followed by shouts of confusion and cries for help. The voices carried clearly to David''s enhanced hearing, a symphony of human terror and bewilderment. These were people waking up to a world they no longer recognized, their reality shattered and remade in ways they couldn''t begin to comprehend. The new era had begun, and there was no going back. 145 - A Challenger Appears The morning mist clung to the towering pines, transforming the familiar landscape into an alien dreamscape. He padded silently through the underbrush, each step a revelation in his new form. His paws, massive and padded, barely disturbed the forest floor. The scents that assaulted his enhanced senses were overwhelming ¨C pine resin, decaying leaves, the musk of distant prey, and something else... something alien that seemed to pulse beneath it all. He paused, lifting his muzzle to the air. His whiskers twitched as he processed the information flooding his senses. It had been two days since he''d... hatched? Emerged? Woken up? The terminology still felt wrong, like trying to describe a color you''d never seen before. But here he was, standing in the midst of the national park he¡¯d joking called his ¡®office¡¯, transformed into something that defied explanation. His new body was a marvel of primal power. Leonine in general shape, but with subtle differences that spoke of something more. His fur was a deep, burnished gold that seemed to shimmer with an inner light. Ridges of harder, almost scale-like protrusions ran along his spine and shoulders. And his mane ¨C well, that was something else entirely. It seemed to shift and change of its own accord, the fine hairs signifying his Special, "Ignition." With a thought, he could set his mane ablaze, creating a short-lived but devastating offensive and defensive capability. It was a spectacular and slightly terrifying sight, he mused, perfect for a dad who''d always loved playing with fire. A notification blinked into existence in the corner of his vision, reminding him of the surreal nature of his situation: ¨CMana levels stable¨C ¨CCurrent area difficulty: Extreme¨C He snorted, a sound that came out as a low rumble. "Extreme," he muttered to himself, his voice a bass growl that still managed to carry a hint of sardonic amusement. "No shit, Sherlock. What gave it away? The wolves the size of SUVs or the trees that tried to eat me yesterday?" The memory of yesterday''s encounter with a particularly aggressive pine tree ¨C one that had suddenly sprouted tentacle-like branches and attempted to ensnare him ¨C was still fresh in his mind. He''d managed to escape, but not before learning a valuable lesson about taking nothing for granted in this new world. His stomach growled, reminding him of the purpose of his early morning excursion. Hunting in this form was... different. The raw power at his disposal was intoxicating, but it came with its own set of challenges. His first attempt at taking down a deer had ended with him overshooting his target and face-planting into a boulder. The boulder had come off the clear victor in that encounter, and his pride had taken a serious hit. As he moved through the forest, his thoughts drifted to his family. Were they okay? Had they undergone similar transformations? The not knowing was the worst part. He''d give anything for just a moment of cell phone reception, a luxury that seemed laughably quaint in this new reality. A flicker of movement caught his eye, pulling him from his reverie. About fifty yards ahead, a creature that looked like a cross between a moose and a porcupine was grazing in a small clearing. Its antlers were wickedly sharp, and what should have been fur was instead a coat of metallic quills that gleamed in the early morning light. He crouched low, his new instincts meshing seamlessly with years of wilderness experience. The wind was in his favor, carrying his scent away from the creature. He began to stalk forward, each movement a study in controlled power. As he closed the distance, a familiar blue box appeared in his vision: ¨CNew creature encountered! Would you like to analyze?¨C ¨CY/N¨C He blinked twice rapidly, triggering the ''Yes'' response. Information flooded his mind: [Creature: Quill Moose] [Threat Level: Moderate] "Quill Moose," he thought to himself, suppressing a chuckle. "Points for creativity, I guess. Though I''d have gone with ''Moosupine'' myself." He was about twenty yards away now, perfectly positioned for a sprint and pounce. His muscles coiled, ready to explode into action. But just as he was about to launch himself, a new scent hit his nostrils. Something big, something dangerous, and it was approaching fast. The Quill Moose''s head snapped up, its nostrils flaring. In an instant, it was gone, bounding away with surprising speed for something its size. He didn''t waste time feeling disappointed about his lost meal. Whatever had spooked the moose was likely to be an even bigger problem for him. He backed away slowly, using every ounce of his stealth to blend into the underbrush. As he retreated, he caught glimpses of movement through the trees. Something massive was moving parallel to his position, its steps shaking the ground ever so slightly. As he continued his careful withdrawal, his mind raced. Two days in, and he was already being hunted by an apex predator. This wasn''t just hard mode; this was ''throw you into the deep end with weights tied to your ankles'' mode. But beneath the very real fear and tension, there was something else ¨C a thrill, an excitement he hadn''t felt in years. That excitement, however, was quickly overshadowed by pure survival instinct as the beast''s roar shook the forest. The sound reverberated through the towering pines, sending a cascade of pine needles raining down and birds scattering in panicked flocks. The crisp mountain air, once filled with the subtle scents of wildflowers and fresh snow from distant peaks, now carried the heavy musk of predator. He abandoned all pretense of stealth, every fiber of his being now focused on a desperate sprint for survival. His paws pounded the mossy earth, each stride eating up impossible distances as he weaved through the trees with preternatural agility. Fallen logs and jutting rocks became mere blurs in his peripheral vision as he ran, not daring to look back. The whispering wind and creaking branches seemed to urge him onward, away from the terror that pursued him. A deafening crash behind him sent splinters of wood flying past his head. He risked a glance over his shoulder and immediately wished he hadn''t. The creature pursuing him was horrifying ¨C a nightmarish fusion of bear and insect, its chitinous hide gleaming with an oily sheen. Multiple compound eyes glowed with predatory hunger, and mandibles the size of swords clicked ominously. "Oh, come on!" he snarled between panting breaths. "A bear-bug? Really? What the fuck! ?" The beast''s response was another ear-splitting roar and a swipe of its massive paw that came so close he felt the wind of its passage ruffle his mane. He put on an extra burst of speed, his muscles burning with the effort. The chase felt like it lasted an eternity, though in reality it was probably no more than a few minutes. Just as he felt his strength beginning to flag, the ground beneath his feet suddenly gave way. He tumbled head over heels, sliding down a steep embankment and into... darkness. ¨CYou have taken 1 Impact Damage¨C He landed with a bone-jarring thud at the bottom of what appeared to be some kind of burrow. Above him, he could hear the frustrated roars of the bear-bug as it paced the entrance, unable to fit its bulk into the narrow opening. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Ha!" he wheezed, allowing himself a moment of triumph. "Suck it, Bugbear! Guess I''m not on the menu to-ARGH!" ¨CYou have taken 15 Piercing Damage¨C His victory speech was cut short as something latched onto his front paw with vicious force. In the dim light filtering from above, he caught a glimpse of beady eyes and wickedly sharp teeth. The prairie dog ¨C if you could call the monstrous, badger-sized rodent that ¨C had clamped down on his paw with bone-crushing force. Pain and adrenaline surged through him. Without conscious thought, he activated his Special. His mane erupted into a corona of searing flame, bathing the burrow in hellish light. The prairie dog released its grip with a squeal of pain and surprise, but he was beyond mercy now. ¨CYou have taken 2 Fire Damage¨C With a roar that shook dust from the burrow''s ceiling, he unleashed his fury. His flaming mane cast writhing shadows as he tore into the creature with fang and claw. The confined space only added to the savagery of the attack. He felt bones snap beneath his paws, tasted blood as his jaws closed around the prairie dog''s throat. In seconds, it was over. The mutated rodent lay still, its body little more than a mangled mess of fur and gore. As the flames of his mane died down, he became acutely aware of the throbbing pain in his paw. ¨CYou have slain Tunnel Dog!¨C ¨CGained 10xp!¨C "Well," he muttered, examining the wound in the fading light, "that''s gonna leave a mark." The creature''s teeth had nearly severed his paw, leaving deep gashes that bled freely. He licked at the wound, more out of instinct than any real hope it would help. As he did so, his thoughts turned grim. "Figures," he growled to no one in particular. "Survive the weird egg, avoid becoming Bugbear chow, only to die of infection in a goddamn hole in the ground. Some legendary beast I turned out to be." But as he watched, something extraordinary happened. The bleeding slowed, then stopped altogether. Before his eyes, the wounds began to close, new flesh knitting together at an impossible rate. "Well, I''ll be damned," he breathed, flexing his paw experimentally. "Either I''ve got some kind of comic book style healing factor, or..." He trailed off, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Or there''s some grade-A bullshit at play here." With the immediate danger passed and his wound miraculously healing, the gnawing hunger that had driven him out this morning reasserted itself with a vengeance. He eyed the remains of the prairie dog critically. "Not exactly five-star dining," he mused, "but beggars can''t be choosers. Here''s hoping super-healing comes with immunity to food poisoning." As he settled in to eat, his thoughts drifted once again to his family. Were they safe? Had they undergone similar transformations? The city they called home was more than a couple of states away ¨C weeks of travel on foot, even with his enhanced capabilities. "Hang in there," he murmured between bites. "Dad''s coming. Might take a while, but I''ll find you. And hey, if nothing else, I''ve got one hell of a story to tell when I get there." With his hunger sated and his strength returning, he began to assess his situation. The burrow seemed to extend further back, potentially offering an alternative exit. But there was also the matter of the Bugbear, which might still be lurking above. "Alright, John," he said to himself, using his own name for the first time since his transformation. "Time to cowboy up and figure this out. Your boy David didn''t raise a quitter, after all." The thought of his son brought a mixture of pride and worry. If David had inherited even a fraction of his old man''s penchant for trouble, who knew what kind of mess he might have gotten himself into by now? With a determined growl, John pushed himself to his feet. He had a long journey ahead, and a family to find. Whatever this new world had in store for him, he''d face it head-on ¨C preferably with a bit more grace than his face-plant into that boulder, but hey, nobody''s perfect. "Watch out, Glacier National," he rumbled, his voice a mix of determination and gallow humor. "John Fisher, game warden turned... thing, is on the move. And heaven help any overgrown insects that get in my way." With that, he eyed the narrow tunnel stretching into darkness, his whiskers twitching with apprehension. The thought of squeezing his bulk through such a tight space made his fur stand on end, but the alternative ¨C facing the Bugbear again ¨C was even less appealing. "Well," he muttered, his voice echoing slightly in the confined space, "as the saying goes, when you''re going through hell, keep going." With a resigned sigh, he began to wriggle forward. The tunnel was a tight fit, dirt and small rocks pressing in on all sides. More than once, he had to flatten his ears and tuck his limbs close to squeeze through particularly narrow sections. The darkness was absolute, but his enhanced senses painted a picture of his surroundings through touch and smell. After what felt like an eternity of claustrophobic crawling, John saw a glimmer of light ahead. With renewed vigor, he pushed forward, finally emerging into the open air with a gasp of relief. As he shook the dirt from his coat, John''s eyes widened in recognition. He stood on what had once been a service road, now overgrown but still visible. If memory served, this road would eventually lead to the highway through the mountain pass. "Well, I''ll be damned," he chuckled, stretching his cramped muscles. "Guess sometimes you''ve got to go down to go up." His amusement faded as he padded along the old road. Something felt... off. The forest around him was familiar, yet strangely altered. New growth was abundant, but so were fallen logs and other signs of recent devastation. It wasn''t until he rounded a bend and came face to face with the ruins of the old Visitors Center that the full impact hit him. John stood frozen, his jaw hanging open in shock. The once-proud building lay in ruins, nearly flattened as if by some colossal force. Nature had already begun to reclaim it, vines and saplings sprouting from the wreckage. But what truly stunned him was the apparent age of the destruction. "This... this isn''t right," he muttered, circling the ruins. His trained eye picked out details that sent a chill down his spine. "It looks like it''s been abandoned for decades, but that''s impossible. I was here just a few days ago!" The pieces began to fall into place ¨C the new growth forest, the abundance of fallen trees, the strange alterations to the landscape. As a seasoned outdoorsman, John knew the signs of forest regrowth intimately. But he''d been too focused on survival to really process what he was seeing until now. "Something big happened here," he growled, his mane bristling with unease. "Something that changed everything, and fast." Troubled by this revelation, John decided it was time to leave the park and fast. Perhaps in the wider world, he''d find answers ¨C or better yet, his family. But as he traveled, following the old road out of the park and onto the dilapidated highway, the very landscape seemed to rebel against him. The lush mountain forests he knew so well began to thin, giving way to increasingly arid terrain. Towering pines were replaced by twisted, stunted vegetation clinging to life in dusty soil. The majestic mountains warped before his eyes, transforming into jagged spires of bare rock that clawed at the sky. An oppressive atmosphere settled over him, heavy with an almost palpable violence. John felt his temper fraying, irrational anger bubbling up from somewhere deep inside. Every sound grated on his nerves, every scent seemed to carry a challenge. "What the hell is wrong with me?" he snarled, shaking his head to try and clear the red haze creeping into his vision. But the feeling only intensified the further he went. Finally, realizing he was losing himself to this strange, invasive rage, John forced himself to turn back. But not before he caught sight of something in the far distance that made his blood run cold. Rising from the twisted landscape like a monument to some eldritch god was an enormous fang. It stood taller than any skyscraper John had ever seen or heard of, its surface crawling with a deep, malevolent crimson light. The sight of it sent a primal fear coursing through him, every instinct screaming to run, to hide, to get as far away from that thing as possible. John didn''t need to be told twice. He turned tail and ran, not stopping until the oppressive atmosphere began to lift and the familiar forests of the national park surrounded him once more. Only then did he allow himself to slow, his sides heaving as he gulped in the clean mountain air. As the unnatural rage faded, leaving him clear-headed once more, John found himself torn between terror and a bizarre sort of nonchalance. The memory of that enormous fang still sent shivers down his spine, but another part of him ¨C perhaps the part that had adapted to this insane new world ¨C simply filed it away as yet another impossibility to deal with. "Okay, I guess I can''t go that way," he muttered, his tone dry despite the lingering fear. "Right. New plan. Scenic Route it is." Turning his gaze to the mountains on the far side of the park, John set his jaw with determination. If he couldn''t go through the pass, he''d go over the mountains themselves. It would be a longer journey, with much more danger, but it was better than the alternative. "Hang on, guys," he growled, his voice carrying a mix of worry and fierce resolve. "Dad''s taking the long way, but I''m coming. Just...try not to do anything too crazy until I get there, okay?" With that, John set off towards the distant peaks. He moved carefully now, using the terrain for cover and keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings. The encounter with the Bugbear and the nightmarish vision of that fang had driven home just how dangerous this new world could be. As he prowled the forest, John couldn''t help but chuckle at the absurdity of his situation. "You know," he mused to himself, "I always told her I wanted to spend my retirement seeing the country. Guess I should''ve been more specific about the ''how''." With that, John disappeared into the underbrush, vanishing into the familiar confines of the park. Ahead lay a journey filled with unknown dangers and challenges. But also, he hoped, the path that would lead him back to his family. The adventure was just beginning. 146 - Gone As the moon hung low in the sky, David skimmed the city streets, his wings casting a wide shadow on the cracked asphalt. The Riverport he knew had vanished, replaced by a nightmarish blend of destruction and rampant nature. Shattered skyscrapers loomed like broken teeth, their jagged edges softened by creeping vines and stubborn saplings. The air hummed with the sounds of an ecosystem gone wild, punctuated by distant cries of fear and confusion. Fuck me sideways, what happened? It''s like Mother Nature decided to redecorate with a wrecking ball and a bag of magic beans. The Cuddlebugs swarmed around him in a furry cloud of worried chirps and probing thoughts. Captain, now the size of a small dog and twice as fluffy, projected a jumble of concerned images. David caught flashes of something important, mixed with an overwhelming sense of wrong/missing/danger. "Yeah, buddy," David muttered, sending a mental nod of acknowledgement. "There¡¯s babies down there lost and confused right now." The effect on the swarm was instantaneous. Like someone had flipped a switch, the Cuddlebugs went from worried to laser-focused. Their playful swirling tightened into efficient search patterns, tiny eyes scanning the streets below with military precision. Holy shit. Note to self: never underestimate parental instincts. Even in tiny, possibly imaginary bat-gremlins. A sudden movement caught David''s eye ¨C a figure sprinting down the street in blind panic. As David swooped lower, he saw it was a creature that looked like someone had tried to turn a deer into a person with only the vaguest idea of how either worked. "Hey!" David called out, braking hard in mid-air. "It''s okay! There''s a safe place nearby!" The deer-creature looked up, hope flashing across its too-wide eyes. Then it saw David in all his nightmarish glory, backlit by the moon, surrounded by a swarm of vicious fluffballs. Those same wide eyes somehow got even wider. "I know I look scary, but I promise I''m here to ¨C " David''s reassurance was cut short by a shriek that would put a banshee to shame. The deer-creature''s body seemed to outrun its brain, legs pumping at turbo speed before its higher functions could catch up. The result was spectacular ¨C and not in a good way. One second it was upright, the next it was intimately acquainted with the pavement. "Ah, shit," David groaned, landing nearby. He flickered out of sight, his fur rippling as it melded with the shadows. "Look, I get it. I''m basically a sleep paralysis de- You know what, forget it. But seriously, there''s a safe place. Woodland Park, five blocks down, right, two blocks ahead. Try not to panic, okay? Everyone''s in the same boat." "W-what are you?" the deer-creature sobbed, still face-down on the asphalt. "I''m David Fisher," he sighed, a note of irritation creeping into his voice. "And trust me, I''ve been exactly where you are." "Am I dead? Is this hell?" "Nah, just Earth. New rules, same shitty customer service." David''s attempt at humor fell flat. "Look, just... get to the park, alright? You''ll be safer there." The deer-creature hesitated, then bolted in the direction David had indicated, leaving nothing but a fading sob of terror in his wake. Well, that could''ve gone better. Maybe I should''ve led with ''Don''t panic'' instead of ''Hey there, I''m your friendly neighborhood nightmare fuel!'' Similar scenes played out as David encountered more newly-transformed creatures. With each interaction, the stark reality of his Mutagens'' effects became clearer. He wasn''t just scary ¨C he was pants-shittingly, soul-crushingly terrifying to these fresh-faced hatchlings. Every appearance sent waves of panic through the transformed populace. Creatures that looked like they could tear a cow in half cowered at the mere sight of him. Others, sporting natural armor that could probably shrug off small arms fire, trembled like leaves in a hurricane when David''s shadow fell across them. It wasn''t just his appearance, either. Even when he tried to soften his approach, to make himself appear less threatening, the effect persisted. It was as if he radiated an aura of predation, tapping into some deep, instinctual fear hardwired into every living thing. David couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt mixed with a perverse sense of pride. He''d known he was scary, sure, but this? This was on a whole other level. It was almost comical, in a twisted sort of way ¨C here he was, trying to help, and instead he was traumatizing half the city just by existing. David hissed anxiously to himself as another group fled screeching from his well-intentioned approach. I knew I wasn''t winning any beauty pageants, but this is ridiculous. I wonder if its a level thing? Nobody at Woodland was wetting their pants over the sight of me, even if they did jump and yell sometimes. Realizing his current approach was doing more harm than good, David changed tactics. He took to the shadows completely, using his enhanced stealth to become nothing more than a whisper in the dark. As he did so, a stroke of inspiration hit him. "Woodland Park!" he called out, channeling his Wildsoul into Siren''s Call. To his surprise and delight, his voice seemed to come from everywhere thanks to the ability. "Safety in numbers! Head to Woodland Park!" The effect was eerie but oddly comforting. His voice bounced off buildings and echoed down alleys, creating an almost supernatural atmosphere. It didn''t terrify the hatchlings outright and seemed to carry a subtle note of reassurance. ¡°Huh,¡± David muttered, pleased with himself. ¡°Who knew being a disembodied voice of reason would be less scary than being a physical manifestation of terror? Go figure.¡± As he continued his airborne patrol, David used his Cuddlebugs to maximum effect. He sent them out in small groups, using their enhanced senses and his mental connection to gather intel on the city''s state and the locations of confused hatchlings. "Alright, my fluffy little spies," he hissed quietly as he dispatched another group. "Find me some lost souls to shepherd. And try not to traumatize them too much in the process, okay?" Captain, ever the overachiever, returned with a particularly detailed mental image of a group hiding in what used to be a convenience store. David could practically taste their fear through the psychic link. Good job, buddy, David thought at Captain. Now let''s see if we can get them to the park without causing any heart attacks. Hovering silently above the dilapidated building, David concentrated, channeling his will into Siren''s Call once more. "S¡¯up peeps?" His voice echoed, seeming to slither out of the dark. "You need to head to Woodland Park. You are not alone, don''t freak out. Remain calm." Inside the store, the huddled group of creatures ¨C a bizarre group ¨C jumped at the sudden voice. He watched through Captains eyes as they looked around wildly, trying to pinpoint its source. David, sticking to the shadows, slipped through a broken window. His new stealth abilities kicked in instinctively, his form blending seamlessly with the darkness. He moved like smoke, silent and nearly invisible. "W-who''s there?" a creature with too many eyes and chitinous plates called out, its voice trembling. "Someone who wants to help," David replied, his voice seeming to emanate from the empty cash register. "Someone who''s been where you are." A being that looked like a cross between a tiny bear and a shark whirled towards the sound. "Show yourself!" it demanded, toothy jaws open wide in fear. David''s voice shifted, now coming from behind a toppled shelf. "Trust me, you don''t want that. I''m not exactly... easy on the eyes these days." This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. "What do you want?" a third voice quavered, belonging to something that looked unsettlingly like a¡­totally normal raven. Damn, tough luck on that one man, I feel you. Hopefully you don''t force the issue like I did with my first Evolution. David sighed, the sound seeming to come from all around them. "I want to get you somewhere safe. Woodland Park. There are others there, people who can help you understand what''s happening." The group exchanged nervous glances, fear warring with desperate hope on their monstrous faces. "Why should we trust you?" the many-eyed creature asked. David''s voice softened, a hint of his own past fear and confusion seeping through. "Because a couple months ago, I was just like you. Scared, confused, changed. But I survived. I learned. I made friends. And now I want to help others do the same." There was a long pause, filled only with the sound of ragged breathing and the distant cries of other lost souls in the night. Finally, the bear-shark hybrid slowly closed it''s jaws. "How... how do we get there?" Relief flooded through David, momentarily drowning out his underlying anxiety. "Follow my voice. I''ll guide you." As the group cautiously made their way out of the store, David''s disembodied voice led them through the twisted landscape of the transformed city. He kept to the shadows, an unseen guardian steering them away from dangers they couldn''t yet comprehend. "Left here," his voice would call from an abandoned car. "Careful, the road''s all fucky up ahead," it would warn from a just out of sight on a rooftop. The hatchlings followed, equal parts terrified and grateful for the mysterious presence guiding them. Funny, every children''s book worth its salt warns you not to follow disembodied voices out into the dark¡­but when shit hits the fan people take what they can get. Poor guys, at least they have people to help them through it. I got mauled by lizard-monkeys like day two. As they neared Woodland Park, David felt a surge of protective instinct. These people were so vulnerable, so new to this harsh reality. He''d guide them as far as he could, but soon they''d be on their own ¨C at least until he could figure out what the hell was going on with... The thought trailed off, worry surging back to the forefront of his mind. David shook it off, refocusing on the task at hand. There would be time to sort out his own troubles later. "You''re almost there," he called to the group, his voice now coming from the park''s entrance. "Just a little further. You''ll find help inside." As the hatchlings stumbled gratefully into the relative safety of Woodland Park, David allowed himself a small smile. It wasn''t much, but it was a start. "Good job, team," he murmured to his Cuddlebugs, who preened at the praise. "Now, let''s find some more lost souls to shepherd." With a powerful beat of his wings, David took to the sky once more, pushing down the anxiety that threatened to overwhelm him. The ruined cityscape of Riverport sprawled beneath him, a twisted mockery of its former self. As he soared higher, the full extent of the destruction became apparent. Curiosity piqued, David swooped down towards a half-collapsed skyscraper that jutted into the night like a broken fang. His talons found purchase on the crumbling concrete, and he clung to the side of the building, surveying the scene below him.As he hung there, his talons anchoring him to the ruin, he couldn''t help but notice the bizarre pattern of destruction. Every structure seemed to have one side more thoroughly damaged than the other, as if some toddler had decided to play dominoes with skyscrapers. David''s ears twitched irritably as he traced the path of debris with his eyes. Building A pukes its guts into Building B, which then projectile vomits into Building C... But the momentary distraction couldn''t stem the tide of anxiety that had been building for hours. It crashed over him like a tsunami of dread, leaving him gasping for air he didn''t strictly need. Fuck, fuck, FUCK! The events of the past few hours flashed through his mind in a kaleidoscope of weirdness. Waking up, getting the Shard of Supremacy, that mindfuck of a vision that felt like someone had stuffed his brain into a blender set to puree and then... David''s eyes flicked to his inventory screen, where his new Bloodline sat like a ticking time bomb of potential:
Bloodline: First Night [Unique]: Your very essence embodies primal fears. Fear and control effects are 20% more potent. Wildsoul abilities that cause [Terror] have a 10% chance to inflict [Paralytic Dread]. Unique Passive. Nightfall: Emit waves of concentrated dread, freezing targets in place for 3 seconds and leaving them vulnerable to mental influence. 20¡¯ Range. Note: This Bloodline empowers your innate ability to instill fear, amplifying your natural predatory aura.
But even this new, terrifying power couldn''t distract from the gaping hole in his world. Claire was gone. Not dead ¨C thank God for small mercies ¨C but gone. That vague sense of her presence, usually as comforting as a warm blanket, now felt like trying to grasp smoke. Distant, elusive, maddeningly there but unreachable. What the hell happened? David''s mind raced, piecing together the clues like a jigsaw puzzle designed by a sadist. She was acting weird, then that muttered comment right before the wave ended... The first system message after waking up flashed before his eyes, mocking him with its implications about Evolution. Son of a bitch. She tried to Evolve right at the end of the wave, didn''t she? It made a twisted kind of sense. Claire was smart ¨C scary smart sometimes, despite looking like she''d be more at home in a "Dinosaurs Gone Wild" video than a chess tournament. If anyone could game the system for a crazy Evolution, it''d be her. Evolving at the exact moment a wave ends? That''s some galaxy brain shit right there. Bet that "Lifestage Data" factors in big time for something like that. The more he dwelled on it, the more worked up he became. Frustration tinged with a small amount of admiration built in his chest as he heaved in deep breaths. What if something had gone wrong? What if she was stuck in some kind of evolutionary limbo? What if¨C CHOMP! "Ack!" David snarled, whirling on the wall to face Captain. His talons sent a shower of debris plummeting to the street below with an ugly clatter. "What the hell, you fuzzy little¨C" But the words died in his throat as he met Captain''s unwavering gaze. The Cuddlebug''s expression was a perfect blend of "I regret nothing" and "You''re welcome, dumbass." Those beady little eyes stared back at David with an intense aura of smugness that entirely derailed his building freakout. A jumble of images and emotions flowed through their mental link, hitting David''s mind like a furry freight train of sass and loyalty. First came the crystal-clear memory of David, in a moment of ill-advised joviality, telling Captain to bite him if he was being stupid. The recollection was tinged with an unmistakable air of "I told you so." Next flooded a sense of duty fulfilled, as if Captain had just completed a sacred mission handed down by the gods of fluff and chaos themselves. It radiated a smug satisfaction that only a creature who''d just outsmarted its supposedly superior master could muster. Finally, and most forcefully, came an overwhelming feeling that could only be translated as "snap out of it, boss!" It was a emotional cocktail of concern, exasperation, and a touch of "get your shit together" that hit David like a bucket of ice water to the face. The whole exchange lasted only seconds, but it left David reeling. I''ll be damned, the little savage actually listened. And remembered. For how long? His opinion of Captain notched up yet another level, and he felt the panic start to recede. The furry gremlin had a point ¨C freaking out now wouldn''t help anyone, least of all Claire. She''s alive, focus on that. And on not letting these fresh-faced noobs become someone''s dinner before they even figure out how to work their new bodies. Still, the knowledge that Claire had likely done this to herself didn''t sit well. Usually, he was the one pulling the risky, potentially stupid stunts. Being on the other side of that equation...well, it sucked. It sucked a lot. ¡°Is this how she feels when I do¡­David stuff?¡± he wondered aloud. ¡°Note to self: apologize for... well, everything, probably.¡± With a final deep breath and a forceful pat of affection that left Captain chirping happily, David launched himself off the building. His wings caught the air, and he glided back down into the maze of broken streets and confused monsters below. ¡°Alright, David,¡± he told himself, ¡°time to put on your big bat pants and get back to work. These baby monsters aren''t going to save themselves.¡± Channeling his Wildsoul into Siren''s Call once more, David''s voice echoed through the ruined city: "Attention, all confused and terrified creatures! This is your friendly neighborhood voice in the dark. If you''d like to upgrade from ''alone and scared shitless'' to ''slightly less alone and only mostly terrified,'' please make your way to Woodland Park. We''ve got mediocre company, dubious safety, and if you''re lucky, maybe even some answers. Follow the sound of my voice!" As newly transformed humans began to cautiously emerge from their hiding spots, David couldn''t help but grin. It wasn''t much, but it was something. And right now, something was better than nothing. Hang in there, Claire, he thought as he guided another group of bewildered creatures. Wherever you are, whatever you''ve become... I''m coming for you. Just as soon as I finish playing pied piper to every lost soul in this godforsaken city. With renewed determination, David continued his self-appointed mission. The night was young, the city was a mess, and there were monsters to save. Sunday Funday Chapter_Looking too hard The swirling mists of the plane parted as Kira materialized, her taloned feet finding purchase on what seemed like solid nothingness. The dromaeosaur''s sleek, feathered form tensed, her senses immediately on high alert. This was the Overseer''s domain¡ªa realm of Utility and strategy¡ªyet the palpable tension in the air spoke of something far more ominous. Kira''s iridescent feathers shimmered in the ethereal grey light, a kaleidoscope of turquoise, magenta, and gold that seemed almost too vivid for the colorless expanse surrounding her. Her raptor-like form stood out starkly against the misty backdrop, razor-sharp talons clicking softly as she shifted her weight. Before her stretched a vast expanse of grey, punctuated by clusters of beings gathered beneath various sigils. The symbols pulsed with otherworldly energy: a crimson Omega, a purple Xi, a green Phi, a golden Alpha, an orange Theta, and others she didn''t recognize. Each group stood apart, eyeing the others with a mix of wariness and barely concealed hostility. Kira found herself among a small gathering beneath Sigma''s mark, a shimmering ¦² that seemed to bend the very fabric of reality around it. She glanced at her fellow chosen, a motley crew of strategists and analysts from across the world. Unlike the brutish monstrosities that populated some of the other groups, Sigma''s chosen were a diverse array of beings united by their keen minds and adaptability. So these are the Overseers'' chosen, Kira mused, her emerald-ringed amber eyes taking in the assembly. The pinnacle of their respective domains. And I''m supposed to... what? Analyze them? Sigma, what game are you playing? She shook her head slightly, iridescent feathers catching the dim light. This was no time for doubts. Sigma had chosen her for a reason, and she would not fail. Stay calm. Observe. Adapt. Survive. The mantra echoed in Kira''s mind, a touchstone of rationality in this surreal gathering. It was a phrase that had served her well throughout her existence, from her early days as a simple predator to her current role as one of Sigma''s analysts. Piercing amber eyes, ringed with a corona of emerald green, darted from one group to another. Kira''s elongated snout twitched, nostrils flaring as she took in the scents of the gathered beings. Each creature was a testament to the System''s warped sense of evolution, and Kira found herself fascinated by the diversity on display. Quite the army the Overseers have assembled. But why? What''s the endgame here? Kira''s gaze lingered on the group gathered beneath the crimson Omega symbol. A tendril of fear rippled down her spine, ruffling her feathers. She''d heard whispers of Omega''s cruelty, snippets of information hoarded from Sigma''s rare interjections about the other Overseers. Focus. You''re here for a reason. Sigma chose you for this. Don''t let them down. "Apical Awareness," Kira subvocalized, activating her Special. The world sharpened into crystal clarity, every minute detail thrown into stark relief. Colors became more vibrant, scents more potent, sounds more distinct. It was as if someone had suddenly cranked up the resolution of reality itself. With her heightened senses, Kira began to analyze Omega''s chosen from afar. The obsidian creature, the whale-shark hybrid, the conjoined bear-elk monstrosities ¨C each radiated an aura of raw, destructive violence that made her want to flee and hide. Brutes, the lot of them. All power, no finesse. But that can''t be all there is to Omega''s strategy. But something wasn''t quite right. Kira''s eyes narrowed as she focused on the center of the group. There was a distortion there, almost like a heat haze, but subtler. If she hadn''t been actively looking for anomalies, she would have missed it entirely. Interesting. A stealth specialist among the behemoths? Now that''s unexpected. Intrigued and wary in equal measure, Kira activated her Unique Ability. "Synergistic Surge," she whispered, feeling the familiar rush of power as her body''s systems kicked into overdrive. Every muscle tensed, ready for action. Her mind raced, processing information at an accelerated rate as the Ability boosted her active effects almost twofold. Let''s see what you''re hiding, shall we? With both abilities working in tandem, Kira focused all her considerable perception on the anomaly. Slowly, like a mirage solidifying in the desert, a form began to take shape. What Kira saw made her recoil instinctively, a soft hiss escaping her beaked maw. The sound drew curious glances from her fellow Sigma chosen, but Kira paid them no mind. Her entire being was focused on the horror that had just revealed itself. The creature that materialized was much smaller than its companions, but no less terrifying. It was a bat, or at least it had started as one, but the System had warped it into something straight out of a primordial nightmare. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. What IS that thing? Jet-black fur covered its form, broken by subtle striping in shades of deepest charcoal. But it was the face that truly captured Kira''s attention. What might have once been an ordinary bat''s visage had been transformed into a predator''s nightmare. A thin layer of dark fur did little to soften the harsh, almost skull-like structure beneath. The muzzle had elongated, filled with dagger-like fangs that extended past its lips. Its wings were massive, currently folded against its body in an almost regal posture. Kira could see wickedly curved talons at the wingtips, perfect for rending flesh. The membranes bore intricate patterns ¨C full moons and swirling designs in a purple so dark it was almost black. Those patterns... they''re not just for show. Some kind of power focus? And that posture ¨C it''s so controlled, deliberate. But it was the eyes that truly chilled Kira to her core. Set deep in the skull and protected by heavy brow ridges, they glowed with an intense, blood-red eyeshine. They spoke of an intelligence that was all too human, trapped behind a visage of primal fury. There''s a mind in there. A cunning, dangerous mind. This is one¡­this one is different. As Kira stared, transfixed by the horrifying spectacle, she noticed something else. Nestled in the thick fur around the bat-creature''s neck was a necklace. It was a gaudy thing, a peace sign incongruously decorated with glittering shards and what looked like fragments of crystalline... With a start, Kira realized what she was seeing. Those shards ¨C they had to be pieces of Shards of Supremacy. Her mind raced, wildly calculating probabilities. Based on the fragments visible, this creature could potentially have claimed five, maybe even seven, Shards. Seven Shards? Impossible. The casualty rate would be... unless... unless it''s far more dangerous than it appears. The realization hit her like a physical blow. This... this thing wasn''t just another of Omega''s monstrosities. It was a killer, someone that didn''t just rely on brute force to solve problems. Kira''s feathers stood on end, her body instinctively preparing for fight or flight. But before she could decide on a course of action, those burning red eyes locked onto her. It was as if the creature could sense her scrutiny, piercing through the vast distance between them with terrifying ease. It sees me. How? My analysis should be undetectable. Unless... unless it''s been aware of me this entire time. In that moment, Kira felt the full weight of the bat-monster''s presence. It was like standing at the edge of the firelight, knowing that one false move would send you plummeting into darkness. Every instinct screamed at her to run, to fly, to do anything to put distance between herself and this predator. But she couldn''t move. Whether it was fear or some power the creature possessed, Kira found herself rooted to the spot, caught in its burning gaze. And then, to her horror, it smiled. The expression was a grotesque parody of mirth, splitting its face to reveal row upon row of needle-sharp teeth. It was a smile that almost promised pain, that spoke of hunts in the dark and the thrill of the kill. This is wrong. All wrong. It''s toying with me. Why? What does it want? Kira''s heart hammered in her chest, her enhanced senses working against her as they picked up every terrifying detail. She could hear the soft rustle of its fur, smell the faint caustic scent of chemicals that clung to it like a shroud, even from this impossible distance. Toxins? I¡­of course. It makes perfect sense, bats were always carriers of¡­And with its size and stealth it would only need a split second to¨C But there was something else, something that made her pause despite her terror. The scent was... off. Layered. As if... It''s controlling its scent? Masking it. But why? And how did it know I''d be able to detect that? In that endless moment, Kira understood with perfect clarity why this creature was among Omega''s chosen. It wasn''t just its obvious physical threats or the potential Shards it had claimed. There was something fundamentally wrong about it. As the smile widened, Kira felt her grasp on her abilities slipping. Apex Awareness and Synergistic Surge faltered, overwhelmed by the sheer, primal terror that radiated from the bat-monster. No! Focus! Don''t let it get to you. There''s a pattern here, a purpose. Find it! With the last vestiges of her enhanced perception, Kira forced herself to look deeper, pushing past the initial wave of terror. What she saw next rattled her analytical mind. It''s s body language... was something else entirely. Despite being surrounded by monstrous killing machines three times its size, the bat-monster seemed almost... relaxed. Playful, even. This can''t be right. It''s acting like it''s at a casual social gathering, not a summit of apex predators. Kira watched, dumbfounded, as the creature''s attention flitted from one hulking beast to another. It barely spared them a glance, as if they were no more threatening than houseplants. At one point, it even seemed to stifle a yawn, its dagger-like fangs on full display. Is it...bored? How is that possible? Those things could tear it apart in seconds! The bat-monster''s movements were a strange juxtaposition to its terrifying appearance. It shifted its weight from one foot to the other, almost bouncing on its toes. Its wings twitched occasionally, as if itching to stretch out. It was the kind of restless energy Kira associated with someone waiting in line for coffee, not a horror at a gathering of nightmares. It''s like watching a comedian backstage before a show, not a predator. What game is it playing? As Kira''s mind raced to make sense of the scene, she realized something crucial. This wasn''t just a mindless killer or even a cunning predator. This was something far more complex, possibly more dangerous than anyone ¨C even Omega ¨C realized. I need to warn the others about this. This... it could change everything we thought we understood about hunter-killer Evolutions. With a supreme effort of will, Kira forced her abilities to stay active, fighting against her instincts screaming at her to flee and rapidly flagging stamina. In that moment, Kira swore she saw something in those burning red eyes. Was it... mischief? What ARE you? Kira thought, her fear slowly transforming into a bewildered, burning curiosity. And what in the world are you really doing here? 147 - Gloryhound The spires of Ironheart Hold pierced the sky like the teeth of some great beast, their gleaming metal surfaces catching the last rays of the setting sun. The city sprawled beneath them, a maze of stone and iron that echoed with the constant rhythm of hammers on anvils. Dwarven craftsmanship was evident in every building, every street, every intricate gear that kept the city''s clockwork defenses ticking. At the heart of it all stood the Keep, a fortress within a fortress. Its walls were adorned with runes of power that pulsed with a soft blue light, a constant reminder of the magical might that protected the dwarven people. Banners bearing the symbol of a hammer striking an anvil fluttered in the evening breeze, proclaiming the seat of King Manus to all who beheld it. But it wasn''t the Keep that drew the city''s attention tonight. No, all eyes were on a far humbler establishment: The Rusty Anvil. The tavern was packed to the rafters, the air thick with pipe smoke and the heady scent of spilled ale. A crowd three deep pressed around a long table where ten dwarves sat, their beards still unkempt and eyes tired after days of debriefing. At the head of the table sat Thorgar Ironbeard, nephew to the king (albeit several times removed) and leader of the expedition that had ventured through the rift. Thorgar''s eyes were weary, but there was a fire in them that spoke of things seen that could not be unseen. He took a long pull from his tankard, letting the familiar burn of dwarven ale wash away the lingering taste of... other things. "Alright, ye bunch of nosy bastards," he growled, his voice carrying easily over the din. "Ask yer questions. But I''m warnin'' ye now ¨C ye might not like the answers." A chorus of voices erupted, each clamoring to be heard. Thorgar raised a hand, silencing them with the ease of long practice. He pointed to a young dwarf near the front, barely old enough to grow a proper beard. "You there, lad. What''s yer question?" The young dwarf swallowed hard, suddenly aware of all the eyes upon him. "Is... is it true what they''re sayin''? That the world through the rift, it''s... corrupted? Overrun by monsters?" Thorgar exchanged a glance with Thorne, his second-in-command. The scholar''s eyes were haunted, his normally meticulously groomed beard unkempt. "Aye, lad," Thorgar said softly. "But not in the way ye''re thinkin''. The monsters... they used to be people. Humans, they called themselves. Now they''re... somethin'' else." A murmur ran through the crowd. One voice rose above the rest, gruff and challenging. "Ye expect us to believe that? Whole world of people turned to monsters? Pull the other one, it''s got bells on it." Thorgar''s eyes narrowed as he sought out the speaker. A burly dwarf with arms like tree trunks glared back, his Guild tattoos marking him as a veteran adventurer. "Believe what ye will, Grimfist," Thorgar growled. "But I''ve seen it with me own eyes. Talked to ''em, even. They remember what they were, and I for one believe them." "Enough riddles," a new voice cut in, smooth as silk but with an underlying growl. The crowd parted, revealing a towering figure that ducked to enter the tavern. He was an orc, but unlike any orc most had ever seen. Lean and rangy where most were bulky, he moved with a lazy grace. His black hair was woven with feathers and small bones, and a necklace of claws hung around his neck. But it was his eyes that drew attention ¨C fierce and intelligent, that seemed to see right through you. "I am Wakan," the orc said, his voice carrying easily through the now-silent tavern. "Beast Master of the Thundering Hoof. I would hear more of these...monsters." Thorgar nodded respectfully. He''d heard of Wakan''taka ¨C who hadn''t? The orc''s exploits were legendary, his mastery over beasts common knowledge. His arrival was also expected; every Beastmaster in the Greater System had been driven to a frenzy by the rapidly spreading rumors. "They''re not like any creatures ye''ve ever seen," Thorgar began. "Each one unique, no rhyme or reason to it. But the minds inside? Sharp as ever. Maybe sharper, even." Wakan''s eyes narrowed. "You speak as if they are formidable." Thorne let out a bark of laughter, drawing surprised looks. The scholar rarely spoke, let alone laughed. "Formidable? Brother, we saw one that''d give a young dragon pause." A hush fell over the crowd. Even Grimfist looked intrigued. Dragons were no joke ¨C even a young one was a force to be reckoned with. "Tell us more," Wakan urged, leaning forward. "What manner of creatures are they? What powers do they wield?" Thorgar took another long drink, steeling himself. "One looked like a bat crossed with a demon, all wings and fangs. But the way it moved... And its voice ¨C ye could feel it in yer bones, made all the hair stand up on my arms." "Another," Thorne chimed in, "was a great lizard, bigger than anythin'' that walks on land in our world. Armored like a fortress, with jaws that could snap a troll in half." Wakan''s eyes gleamed with interest. "And their abilities? Classes?" Thorgar shook his head. "That''s the thing. They''ve got levels, sure, but we couldn''t make heads or tails of ''em. Their powers... they''re all inherent. Part of what they are now." A dwarf wearing the robes of a mage pushed his way forward. "Impossible," he scoffed. "The System is immutable. Levels and Classes are the foundation of power." "Aye," Thorgar nodded. "In our world, maybe. But there? The System''s been... changed. Taken over by beings of...great power. They¡¯ve been callin¡¯ ''em Overseers, but we know ''em by another name." He paused, his eyes sweeping the crowd. When he spoke again, his voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried to every ear in the tavern. "Worldenders." The word hung in the air like a death sentence. Faces paled, tankards slipped from nerveless fingers. Even Wakan looked shaken. "You lie," someone whispered, but there was hesitation in the words. "I wish I did," Thorgar replied. "But it''s the truth. And after what happened yesterday... well, ye all felt it, didn''t ye? That... presence. That power." If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Nods rippled through the crowd. Everyone had felt it ¨C a wave of terror and awe that had swept across the worlds, leaving even the mightiest warriors rattled in its wake. "That," Thorgar said grimly, "was one of ''em. Omega, they call it. And if what the bats words are true... it''s the one that killed a Warden." The tavern erupted into chaos. Voices shouted over each other, demanding explanations, denying the possibility, or simply crying out in fear. Through it all, Wakan remained silent, his silver eyes never leaving Thorgar''s face. Finally, the orc spoke, his voice cutting through the din like a knife. "These people," he said slowly. "They live under the rule of such things? They do not yield?" Thorgar nodded. "Aye. They fight. They''re adapting, they said. They grow stronger by the day." Wakan''s eyes gleamed with something that might have been respect. "Then they are truly intriguing. I would know more of them ¨C all of them." As the night wore on, the dwarves spun their tale. They spoke of David, the bat-like creature Aelindra had taken such an interest in. Of Claire, the great lizard whose very presence inspired awe. Lord Herold, the titanic beetle with impeccable manners, who commanded the small outpost they''d found themselves at. Every dwarf at the table lifted their voices to describe the various creatures they''d spoken with. With each word, the gathered crowd leaned in closer, their fear gradually giving way to a grudging curiosity. These were no mindless beasts, no simple monsters to be slain. And as Thorgar described the raw power they''d witnessed, the impossible feats these transformed beings seemed capable of, a spark of something dangerous began to kindle in the eyes of the listeners. It was Grimfist who finally gave voice to what many were thinking. "Ye''re sayin'' these creatures...could be¡­?" Thorgar met the adventurer''s gaze steadily. "Aye," he said. "I reckon they just might. Manus seemed quite keen on securing an alliance with them. Aelindra was beside herself, ye should have heard her and the Lord Herold. We couldn''t make heads or tails of it, but they surely did." Wakan leaned back, his silver eyes gleaming in the tavern''s dim light. "I''ve fought alongside the Moonwhisper," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Two expeditions. She is an inspiring warrior." A drunken dwarf at the bar snorted. "Crazy elves and their magic. Prob''ly just smoke and mirrors, if ye ask me." The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Wakan''s head swiveled slowly towards the offending dwarf, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You would do well to watch your tongue," he growled. "Aelindra Moonwhisper is a fearsome warrior and not to be mocked." The drunk, too far gone to recognize the danger, laughed. "Oh, look at the big bad orc, defendin'' the honor of some pointy-eared witch!" In an instant, Wakan was on his feet, moving with a speed that belied his size. The crowd parted before him like water, no one daring to get in his way. The drunk''s eyes widened as he finally realized his mistake, but it was too late. Thorgar''s voice cut through the tension. "Wakan, please. He''s just a fool in his cups. No need to-" The orc''s hand blurred through the air, coming in wide. There was a resounding CRACK as Wakan''s palm connected with the back of the drunk''s head. The dwarf''s face snapped forward into his chest, his body following as he was knocked clean out of his chair. He barely managed to catch himself with both hands, ending up on all fours on the tavern floor. "Behold," Wakan intoned, his voice laden with disdain, "the proper stance for one who dares mock the honor of a warrior such as Aelindra Moonwhisper. Let this serve as a lesson - your tongue may yet cost you more than your dignity." The tavern erupted into a cacophony of voices, most berating the fallen dwarf for his stupidity. "Ye bleedin'' idiot!" "Don''t ye know better than to insult someone an orc respects right in front of ''em?" "Lad, ye''re lucky he didn''t tear yer beard off!" As the commotion died down, several patrons motioned to Wakan, offering to buy him a drink. The orc waved them off politely. "I do not partake," he said simply. Turning back to Thorgar, Wakan bowed slightly. "I thank you for sharing your tale," he said, his voice formal. He reached into a pouch at his side and produced a wickedly curved knife, its blade fashioned from what looked like an enormous fang. "Please, accept this token of my appreciation." Thorgar took the knife reverently, recognizing the craftsmanship for what it really was, "Ye honor us," he said gruffly. Without another word, Wakan turned and strode towards the door. As he pushed it open, the crowd caught a glimpse of a massive, winged shape silhouetted against the night sky. Before anyone could react, the orc crouched and leapt, soaring impossibly high into the air. There was a thunderous beating of wings, and Wakan vanished into the darkness. A cloud of dust billowed into the tavern, sending patrons into coughing fits until a mage near the door conjured a gust of wind, purifying the air and blowing the debris back outside. For a long moment, silence reigned in the Rusty Anvil. Then, as if a spell had been broken, the tavern erupted into excited chatter. "Did ye see that?" "Whet in the blazes were that thing outside?" "The way he jumped!" Thorgar turned the fang-knife over in his hands, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Aye," he muttered to himself. "Mebbe there''s hope yet." Thorne leaned in close, his voice low. "Ye think he believed us? About the monsters ¨C the humans, I mean?" Thorgar nodded slowly. "Oh, aye. He believed us alright. And if I''m not mistaken, he''s off to see for himself." "But the rift''s closed," Thorne protested. "How could he possibly-" "Best not to ask, lad," Thorgar cut him off. "Some questions, ye''re better off not knowin'' the answers to." As the night wore on, the talk in the Rusty Anvil turned from the horrors of Earth to speculation about Wakan''s mysterious exit. Theories flew thick and fast ¨C he was a shapeshifter, he had tamed great birds, he had made a pact with sky demons. Through it all, Thorgar sat silent, nursing his ale and turning the fang-knife over and over in his hands. His thoughts were far away, in a world where men walked in the shape of monsters, and ancient horrors pulled the strings of the land itself. "May the Forge Spirit watch over ye," he muttered, raising his tankard in a silent toast. "Ye''re gonna need all the help ye can get." Outside, high above the glittering spires of Ironheart Hold, a dark shape soared through the night sky. Wakan''taka, Beast Master of the Thundering Hoof, rode upon the back of a creature that hadn''t been seen in the skies of this world for millennia. His eyes gleamed with determination as he urged his mount onward, towards a destination only he knew. The tale of Earth''s monsters had stirred something in him ¨C a hunger for knowledge, for glory, for understanding. And Wakan''taka was not one to let such hunger go unsated. His mind raced with possibilities, connections forming between fragments of lore and whispers he''d gathered over years of traversing the world''s most dangerous frontiers. Aelindra Moonwhisper was but one thread in the tale of powerful figures Wakan had encountered in his travels. Such individuals did not act without purpose, and if Aelindra had personally investigated this new world... A grim smile played across Wakan''s features. He was certain the elven battlemage was already setting plans in motion. Their paths had crossed on battlefields where kingdoms hung in the balance, and though they were more acquaintances than friends, a mutual respect had formed. Wakan intended to seek her out, to hear the truth of what she''d witnessed firsthand. For if the tales were true ¨C if beings of such potential truly existed in this new world ¨C then Wakan''taka would not be content to sit idly by. Whatever Aelindra was planning, he intended to be there, to witness it, to be part of it. As dawn broke over the horizon, the Beastmaster and his impossible mount vanished into the distance, leaving behind only whispers in their wake. Somewhere out there, a new chapter in the history of the System was about to unfold, and Wakan''taka was determined to write his name in its pages. 148 - Sermon The cavern pulsed with an eerie bioluminescence, casting writhing shadows across the assembled monstrosities. Hundreds of twisted forms huddled together, a sea of chitinous limbs and membranous wings. Shane stood among them, his own luminescent patches glowing softly in the gloom. His eyes ¨C solid black orbs nestled in his wings ¨C scanned the crowd, drinking in the swirling eddies of Wildsoul energy that permeated the air. A hush fell over the gathering as a figure emerged from the depths of the cavern. It was a nightmarish fusion of serpent and centipede, its segmented body easily thirty feet long. Each segment sprouted multiple arms, some ending in claws, others in wicked points. Its head was a mass of writhing tendrils surrounding a maw filled with needle-sharp teeth. But it was the eyes that truly commanded attention ¨C dozens of them, in varying sizes, covering its form. Each one was as black as the void, seeming to drink in the light around them. As it spoke, the creature moved sinuously through the crowd, its multiple legs carrying it with unnatural grace. It weaved between the assembled cultists, its presence both terrifying and mesmerizing. The disciples parted before it, some cowering in fear, others reaching out in reverence as it passed. Its voice reverberated through the cavern, a chorus of whispers and hisses that somehow coalesced into words: "My children," it began, its tendrils weaving intricate patterns in the air as it circled the gathering. "We gather here in the shadow of blasphemy, in a world twisted by the machinations of false gods." A ripple of anger passed through the crowd. Shane felt his own revulsion rising at the mention of the Overseers. "They dare to call themselves Overseers, as if they have the right to oversee anything but their own destruction!" The creature''s voice rose to a shriek before dropping back to a sibilant whisper. "They have perverted the natural order, turned the System against itself. But we... we know the truth." The assembled cultists leaned forward, hanging on every word as the serpentine figure wound its way through their midst. "The one we serve, whose name we are not worthy to speak, is the true architect of change. It is through their crucible that we find our strength, not through the artificial manipulations of usurpers!" A chorus of agreement rose from the crowd, quickly silenced by a gesture from the speaker as it reared up, looming over a section of the gathering. "But make no mistake, my children. Our path is not an easy one. We must be willing to embrace the darkness, to let it reshape us in ways that may seem... unnatural." The creature''s eyes flashed, each one blinking in unsettling synchronicity. "For it is only by pushing beyond the boundaries of what is ''natural'' that we can truly evolve!" Shane felt a shiver run down his spine, both excitement and fear coursing through him. "The Overseers would have us believe that their way is the only way. That their ''Integration'' is a gift!" The speaker''s voice dripped with contempt as it slithered closer to Shane''s group. "But we know better. We see the truth that they try to hide. Their power is stolen, their authority a lie!" The cavern erupted in snarls and screeches of agreement. The speaker let the noise build to a crescendo before silencing it with a piercing shriek. "And yet," it continued, its voice suddenly soft, almost seductive, "we must not underestimate them. For they are powerful, make no mistake. But power built on lies is fragile. It can be broken. And we... we will be the ones to break it." The creature''s multiple arms gestured grandly, encompassing the entire gathering. "Our blessed patron has shown us the way. Through sacrifice, through pain, through transformation, we will become the instruments of the Overseers'' downfall!" Suddenly, its voice took on a frenzied pitch. "We will rend their flesh! We will drink their essence! We will unmake them as they sought to unmake us!" The crowd exploded into a frenzy of howls and shrieks. Shane found himself caught up in the fervor, his wings unfurling as he joined in the unholy chorus. As quickly as it began, the frenzy died down, silenced by the speaker''s raised arms as it towered over the center of the gathering. "But this is not a path for the weak," it hissed, its eyes scanning the crowd. "To stand against the Overseers is to invite their wrath. Are you prepared for what that means?" Its multiple legs carried it in a slow, deliberate circle, each step punctuating its words. "Are you willing to let go of everything you once were? To become something beyond the comprehension of those who cling to the old ways?" Its voice dropped to a whisper, yet somehow still carried to every ear in the cavern. "Are you willing to give yourselves, body and soul, to the Great Serpent that waits in the void between worlds?" The silence that followed was deafening. Shane felt his heart pounding in his chest, a mixture of fear and exhilaration coursing through him. "For make no mistake, my children," the speaker continued, its massive form now coiled at the heart of the gathering. "Our path is one of madness to those who cannot see. But it is through this madness that we will find true enlightenment!" Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The creature''s eyes pulsed darkly. "Even now, our agents move through the shadows, preparing the way. Soon, we will strike, and the false gods will tremble!" A wave of anticipation swept through the crowd. Shane felt it too, the promise of action after so much waiting. "But remember," the speaker''s voice turned cold, cutting through the excitement like a knife. "Betrayal will not be tolerated. Those who waver, who doubt, who might consider turning back..." Its maw opened wide, revealing row upon row of razor-sharp teeth. "They will feed our growth, their essence fueling our ascension!" The threat hung in the air, a palpable thing. Yet Shane felt no fear, only a burning desire to prove his worth. "Go forth, my children," the creature said, its massive form beginning to slither back towards the depths of the cavern. "Spread our truth. Gather strength. For soon, very soon, we will rise from the depths and show this world the true meaning of evolution!" As the speaker disappeared into the shadows, the cavern erupted into a cacophony of voices. Plans were made, promises exchanged, dark oaths sworn. Shane stood among them, his black eyes gleaming with purpose. The path ahead was fraught with danger, teetering on the edge of sanity. But as he looked around at his fellow cultists, at the impossible forms they had taken, at the power that thrummed through their veins, Shane knew one thing with absolute certainty: The Overseers'' days were numbered. As the echoes of the sermon faded, Shane felt a pull towards his assigned comrades. He moved through the crowd, his wings folded tight against his body, until he reached a small clearing where two other monstrosities waited. The first was an insectoid horror, its chitinous exoskeleton gleaming with an oily sheen. Multiple compound eyes, each facet a deep crimson, swiveled independently, taking in every detail of its surroundings. Gossamer wings, nearly invisible in the dim light, twitched with anticipation. From its abdomen, a constant, low-pitched hum emanated ¨C the sound of countless minuscule wings beating in unison. She was a swarm commander, their scout and advance guard. Beside the insect loomed a behemoth that seemed more geological than biological. At first glance, it appeared to be nothing more than a mound of segmented armor plates, each the size of a car door and mottled in shades of brown and grey. Then the mass shifted, revealing a cavernous maw lined with concentric rings of teeth, each as long as Shane''s arm. He was their siege engine and primary combatant. No words were exchanged. No words were needed. Their purpose bound them tighter than any friendship or camaraderie ever could. Shane''s eyes, those void-black orbs nestled in his wings, pulsed with dark energy as he took in the Wildsoul signatures of his teammates. The insects aura buzzed and flickered like static electricity, while his other companion''s was a slow, inexorable pulse ¨C the heartbeat of the earth itself. Around them, other groups were forming. Shane''s enhanced vision allowed him to see the pattern emerging. Each trio followed the same composition: a deadly striker, a support unit, and a reconnaissance specialist. It was a time-tested formation, perfected through countless battles and refined by the guiding will of their unspeakable patron. Their mission crystallized in Shane''s mind with perfect clarity. The Shards of Supremacy ¨C those fragments of power gifted by the false Overseers ¨C were to be collected. Any who possessed them would be given a choice: join the cause or be eliminated. In the grand scheme of their patron''s design, there could be no half-measures, no loose ends. The worm was the first to move. Without a sound, its massive form began to sink into the cavern floor. Rock and earth parted like water, swallowed by the creature whole. In moments, only a perfectly circular opening remained, the faint vibrations of its passage quickly fading. Wings buzzed as the insect chittered softly, a sound like fingernails on slate. From hidden apertures in its exoskeleton, a swarm of insects began to emerge. Each was the size of a hummingbird, with needle-sharp proboscises and wings that moved too fast for even Shane''s enhanced vision to track. They formed a living cloud around them, awaiting direction. Shane unfurled his wings, the bioluminescent patches pulsing with an eerie, ghostly light. Together, they moved towards the cavern''s exit, their flight silent and purposeful. As they emerged into the night air, Shane''s breath caught in his throat. The sky above was a tapestry of stars, each one seeming to pulse with a life of its own. The landscape below was bathed in shadows, the twisted remnants of the old world barely visible in the gloom. But it was the Wildsoul energy that truly captivated Shane''s attention. From his vantage point high above, he could see it spreading out from the cavern like spilled ink. Each of his fellow cultists was a point of dark radiance, moving with singular purpose into the wasteland. The swarm fanned out, a living radar network probing the darkness for any sign of their quarry. Shane focused his own unique senses, scanning for the telltale flare of a Shard of Supremacy. He knew the signature well ¨C a discordant note in the symphony of Wildsoul energy, a power that didn''t belong. As they flew, the landscape below changed. The barren rocks gave way to withered forests, their branches reaching up like gnarled fingers clawing at the sky. In the distance, the ruins of a city loomed, its shattered skyscrapers a testament to the world that was. Shane felt a thrill of anticipation course through him. Somewhere out there, bearers of the Shards were waiting. Some might not even know the power they carried, the potential locked within their transformed bodies. It didn''t matter. All would be brought into the fold, one way or another. A subtle stirring in the earth below caught Shane''s attention. Their heavy hitter was on the move, tunneling through the ground with the ease of a fish through water. Its path was unpredictable, zigging and zagging, but always moving in the same general direction as the airborne pair. As the night wore on, Shane reflected on the gravity of their mission. They were the vanguard of a new order, the heralds of a truth that would shake the foundations of reality. The Overseers, in their arrogance, had thought to reshape the world in their image. But they had underestimated the power of true evolution, the strength that came from embracing the darkness within. Shane''s wings caught an updraft, carrying him higher. From this elevation, he could see other teams spreading out across the land. Each moved with the same relentless purpose, their Wildsoul signatures burning against the backdrop of the ruined Earth. A grim smile played across Shane''s monstrous features. The hunt was on. The Shards would be gathered, their bearers converted or consumed. And when the time came, when their nameless patron finally broke free from its cosmic chains, the Overseers would learn the true meaning of fear. The night was young, and the world was vast. But Shane and his brethren were patient. They would search every corner, overturn every stone, until their mission was complete. For in the end, there could be only one truth, one power that ruled over all. And that power waited in the void between worlds, coiled and ready to strike. 149 - Mouths to Feed The cavernous expanse of the Burrow echoed with a cacophony of confused groans, startled yelps, and the incessant chirping of overexcited Cuddlebugs. Shadows danced across the rough-hewn walls, cast by the dim bioluminescent fungi that dotted the ceiling. In one particularly shadowy spot, clinging to the rocky surface like some nightmarish gargoyle, David sulked. His wings twitched irritably as he watched the chaos unfold below. Dozens of newly transformed creatures stumbled about, each more bizarre than the last. A creature that looked like a cross between a hedgehog and a armadillo bumped into what appeared to be a lemur of some kind, causing both to recoil in alarm. Nearby, a being with far too many eyes and not nearly enough limbs struggled to coordinate its movements, tripping over itself and rolling irritably onto its side. And in the midst of it all, the Cuddlebugs swarmed. Led by the ever-zealous Captain, the furry horde had taken it upon themselves to "care" for the new arrivals. Their methods, while well-intentioned, left much to be desired. A particularly ambitious group had cornered a bewildered ox-like creature, frantically licking its hide clean with their tiny tongues. The poor thing looked utterly baffled, unsure whether to be terrified or grateful for the impromptu grooming session. Across the cavern, another cluster of Cuddlebugs engaged in a frantic game of herding. They darted between the legs of the larger creatures, chirping insistently and nipping at heels to guide their charges away from perceived dangers. The fact that these "dangers" seemed to exist only in the Cuddlebugs'' collective imagination did little to deter their enthusiasm. David''s eyes narrowed as he caught sight of a small, mouse-like creature inching towards one of the tunnels leading to the surface. Before he could intervene, a living chain of Cuddlebugs sprang into action. They linked wings and tails, forming a furry barricade that blocked the tunnel entrance. When the mouse-creature tried to push through, the Cuddlebugs let out a chorus of high-pitched squeaks that made David¡¯s teeth itch. With startling coordination, the chain of Cuddlebugs surged forward. They enveloped the tiny monster, literally dragging it back into the depths of the Burrow. Their triumphant chirps echoed off the walls, no doubt congratulating themselves on saving another "infant" from certain doom. David groaned, torn between exasperation and a grudging admiration for their dedication. He knew he should put a stop to this madness, but a part of him hesitated. Every moment spent dealing with this circus was another moment not spent searching for Claire. Claire. The thought of her sent a fresh wave of anxiety coursing through him. Where was she? What had happened during her last-second evolution attempt? Was she okay? The questions swirled in his mind like a toxic whirlpool, threatening to drag him under. He wanted nothing more than to spread his wings and take off. To follow the faint directional sense of the Pack System out into the world until he found her. But he couldn''t. Not yet. Claire would never forgive him if he abandoned these people ¨C hell, he''d never forgive himself. So here he was, clinging to the ceiling like the overgrown bat he was, watching as his summons ran amok in a misguided attempt to help. The mouse-creature''s indignant cursing as it was forcibly cuddled finally snapped David out of his brooding. With a mental command that crackled with irritation, he recalled the Cuddlebugs. The effect was instantaneous. Every fuzzy head in the cavern snapped to attention, tiny ears perked. As one, they abandoned their self-appointed tasks and surged towards David''s hiding spot. The new arrivals watched in bewilderment as the swarm of fluffballs disappeared into the shadows of the ceiling. For a moment, silence reigned. Then, as eyes adjusted to the gloom, gasps of recognition and fear rippled through the crowd. David saw the exact moment they spotted him ¨C pupils dilated, muscles tensed, fight-or-flight instincts kicking into overdrive. Before full-blown panic could set in, several voices rang out in unison. "Don''t panic!" barked a creature that looked like a wooly bulldog. "That''s David ¨C he''s the one who guided us here!" "Yeah," chittered something that might have been a raccoon in a past life, if raccoons had six legs and venomous stingers. "He saved our asses out there!" The tension in the room ratcheted up a notch as heated debate broke out. Some defended David, while others eyed him warily, unconvinced by secondhand accounts of heroism. David sighed, knowing he couldn''t stay on the sidelines any longer. A memory flashed through his mind ¨C the vision of the "Big Boss Bat" he''d seen when absorbing the Royal Bloodline. Well, if it worked for that guy... With deliberate slowness, David released his grip on the ceiling. He plummeted towards the ground, eliciting gasps and cries of alarm from the crowd below. At the last possible second, he snapped his wings open. The resounding WHOMP of displaced air echoed through the cavern as David touched down with feline grace. Standing tall, David consciously fought against his instinct to blend into the shadows. He drew himself up to his full height, wings folded in a display that was equal parts regal and intimidating. To his shock ¨C and hidden delight ¨C it worked. The arguing ceased immediately, replaced by a hush of what could only be described as awed respect. Even those who had been eyeing him fearfully moments before seemed to relax, as if recognizing a voice of reason. David allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before speaking. When he did, his voice carried the weight of command, tinged with a hint of that otherworldly allure that had guided so many to safety the night before. "Welcome to Woodland," he began, surveying the motley assortment of monsters before him. "I know you''re scared, confused, and probably more than a little pissed off. Trust me, I''ve been exactly where you are." He paused, letting his words sink in. The silence that followed was expectant, almost reverent. David fought back a grin, marveling at how well this act was working. Guess I owe that bat from the vision a beer or something. Good trick. "But you''re not alone," he continued. "We''re all in this together, and we''re going to figure it out. So¡­let''s start with the basics. Who''s hungry?" David''s subtle smile was met with a chorus of tentative nods from the newly pacified hatchlings. As the Cuddlebugs drifted down from the ceiling like a furry snowfall, he felt a familiar weight settle behind his head. Captain, claimed his perch of honor, fuzzy body vibrating with contentment. The sight of their nightmarish guide being used as a glorified cat tree drew a few surprised chuckles from the crowd. The sound echoed off the cavern walls, a stark contrast to the earlier tension that had filled the air like Miasma. Mental gears turning, David filed away this unexpected development. The Team is a hit? Definitely gonna remember that. It''s gotta be hard to maintain an aura of pants-shitting terror when you''re covered in creatures that look like they escaped from a kawaii fever dream. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. "Alright, you ragtag band of evolutionary rejects," David announced, his voice still carrying that hint of otherworldly allure, "let''s get some fresh air and figure out our next move before someone decides to sprout gills or something equally inconvenient." The hatchlings stared back at him in horror, and the lemurs tiny hands shooting to its neck in panic. "That¡­that was a joke. Stuff like that only ever happens when you¡­you know what? Just follow me, someone else can explain that better. Probably.¡± As they emerged into the mid-morning sun, David blinked away the cobwebs of his earlier catnap. The world outside was a jarring blend of familiar and alien for the newcomers. The grass beneath their feet (claws, hooves, or other assorted appendages) pulsed with a life of its own, each blade seeming to reach hungrily towards the sky. A glint of metal high above caught David''s eye. Kai circled overhead like some bizarre type of security camera. His wings caught the sunlight, sending bright reflections dancing across the landscape of Woodland Park below. David flared his wings in greeting, dislodging a few surprised Cuddlebugs in the process. Kai''s answering cry was a piercing note that seemed to vibrate through David''s very bones. Turning back to his charges, David watched as they continued to fumble their way out of the Burrow. The exit quickly became a bottleneck of limbs, appendages, and grumpy noises. It was like watching the world''s weirdest clown car routine, if clowns were replaced by rejects from the zoo. "Hold up," David called out, his voice tinged with equal parts amusement and exasperation. "Smaller folks first, big guys bring up the rear. Let''s avoid any accidental squishing, shall we? I''d hate to have to explain to whatever passes for OSHA these days why we''ve got pancake monsters on our hands." To his surprise, he spotted the wooly bulldog from earlier, now assisting a limbless creature up the tunnel. The unlikely pair seemed to be getting along, chatting amiably as they navigated the incline. The scene triggered an unbidden memory of him and Claire, sharing fruit beneath a sprawling tree. The recollection hit him like a sucker punch to the gut, all the sharper for its sweetness. The pang of worry that followed was a physical thing, a cold tendril of dread that wrapped around his heart and squeezed. His concentration slipped, fur rippling with camouflage as his scent spiked with sudden anger and fear. It was like someone had uncorked a bottle of eau de nightmare, and several nearby hatchlings jumped as if they''d been electrocuted. Before the situation could spiral into a full-blown panic, a familiar figure trotted over. Ezra, his massive form as impressive as ever, approached with a questioning look. His steps almost seemed to shake the ground as he approached, but David knew it was just the sheer solidity the man radiated at work. "Everything alright here, David?" the Yak-like creature rumbled, his voice like gravel in a cement mixer. "Or are we about to have our very first mosh pit?" David shook off his momentary lapse, forcing a grin that was only slightly manic. "Just a bunch of hangry abominations in need of some grub, my man. Thought we''d sort out some food before they start eyeing each other as potential snacks." Ezra snorted, sounding like a steam engine. "Makes sense. Alright, listen up! I''m Ezra, I handle the day-to-day around here. Which means I''m the one who''ll be kicking your collective asses if you start any trouble. How about I take over and get you all sorted?" To David''s shock, several of the new arrivals protested immediately, their voices a cacophony of growls, squeaks, and warbles. "But... having David here makes us feel safe," one piped up, its voice reminiscent of a kazoo being played underwater. David blinked, caught so off guard he nearly dislodged Captain. "It... does?" The speaker nodded fervently, all seven of its eyes focused intently on David. "I mean, yeah. Look at you! Nothing in its right mind would be stupid enough to mess with us while you''re around." David and Ezra exchanged a look, both fighting to suppress amused snorts. The logic was hard to argue with. What am I, the world''s most terrifying security blanket? Can''t really blame them, they''re handling it pretty well considering¡­too well, actually. Weirdly well, now that I think about it. Is it just because they had other people to explain it to them or¨C "Fair enough," Ezra conceded, his massive shoulders rising in a shrug that could have caused minor earthquakes. "David, mind tagging along while I show these walking identity crises to the food stores? Try not to traumatize them too much, yeah?" As they made their way to the river and farmlands, David couldn''t help but notice how the newcomers kept glancing his way, as if seeking approval for every move. It was like being followed by the world''s weirdest, most diverse group of ducklings. A suspicion began to form in his mind, tickling at the edges of his consciousness. Was his Royal Bloodline acting up, or had he somehow been promoted to ''Mom Friend'' for a bunch of freshly-hatched monsters? The thought was so absurd, so utterly at odds with his nightmarish appearance, that David had to bite back a burst of hysterical laughter. Because really, in a world gone mad, why shouldn''t the scariest thing around be the one making sure everyone gets their veggies and plays nice? Ezra efficiently divided the group into herbivores, carnivores, and a "hard to tell" category the moment they arrived at their improvised farms. As the hatchlings followed his directions and began to dig in with gusto (amid loud complaints from the carnivores about raw meat and the distinct lack of barbecue sauce), David pulled Ezra aside. "Is this¡­manageable?" he asked quietly, gesturing to the feeding frenzy that looked like a NatGeo special directed by Tom Burtin. "Or are we one bad day away from becoming an all-you-can-eat buffet for whatever comes knocking?" Ezra''s deep rumble carried a note of concern that made David''s fur stand on end. "Not even close, kid. This isn''t even the biggest group we''ve got. The Arena''s back to being temporary housing. Herold¡¯s busy digging a whole new Burrow. At this rate, we''ll have more tunnels than a colony of prairie dogs." David winced, his wings rustling nervously as his ears flattened down. "How many are we talking here? Ballpark figure, preferably one that won''t give me an aneurysm." "We''ve at least doubled our population overnight," Ezra replied grimly with a swish of his tail. "More likely tripled. And we''re still finding stragglers. It''s like someone took Noah''s Ark, crashed it into a genetics lab, and decided to play 52 pickup with the results." Before David could process this information, he noticed the Cuddlebugs practically vibrating with stress. Their tiny eyes were fixed on the river, pupils dilated to the point of being comical. The proximity of so many "infants" to the water was clearly more than their fuzzy little brains could handle. With a mental shrug that screamed ''what''s the worst that could happen?'', David gave them free rein. The furry swarm exploded into action like someone had set off a bomb filled with hamsters. They swooped up and down the riverfront, hissing and chirping in a symphony of protective agitation. Some formed living barriers between the hatchlings and the water''s edge, while others seemed to be attempting to intimidate the river itself into submission. "Ten bucks says one of them tries to fight a fish before the day''s out," David muttered, equal parts amused and resigned. A sound like an angry, bass-boosted weed eater suddenly cut through the air. David''s ears perked up, recognizing Dallas''s distinctive wing buzz. Pushing aside a flash of bug-related trauma that threatened to send him into a full-blown PTSD, he turned and waved enthusiastically. Dallas appeared over the treeline, a blob of motion that resolved itself into his familiar, if creepy, form. Kai was close behind, his metallic feathers catching the sun in a display that forced David to squint a bit. As Dallas and Kai landed, David''s eyes were drawn to something odd. Etched into their body was a pattern that reminded him of a shell ¨C an almost perfect spiral. The mark, roughly the size of a silver dollar, sat just below their left ¡®shoulders¡¯. The spiral began with a bold, sweeping curve that tapered to a fine point at its center, each coil a slightly darker shade than their natural coloration. On Dallas, the spiral was a deeper hue of his exoskeleton''s blue, the edges seeming to catch the light. On Kai, it appeared as if someone had carefully etched the pattern into his metallic feathers, each line a burnished version of his natural sheen. Despite the vast differences in their forms, the mark was undeniably the same on both of them. That''s new. What the hell? "Well, well," David called out, his eyes fixed on the curious markings. "Looks like you two got some fancy new ink while I was out. Wait a second..." His brow furrowed as a hazy memory surfaced through the fog of recent events. "Is that the other reward from the end of Wave 1? The Mutagen?" Dallas buzzed his wings, the sound carrying a hint of amusement. "Took you long enough to notice, bat-brain. Yeah, this little beauty is courtesy of our Wave 1 survival package. What, you forget to check your mail or something?" Kai, obviously tired but happy to be present, cocked his head in a way that somehow conveyed both ¡®I''m too cool for this conversation¡¯ and ¡®I have no idea what''s happening, but I refuse to admit it.¡¯ Then, with a dry tone that could have dehydrated a cactus, he quipped, "What, you mean this isn''t standard issue for badasses? I thought it was part of the uniform." David blinked, momentarily taken aback. Between the chaos of waking up, absorbing another Shard, and the acid trip that followed, he''d completely forgotten about the other reward. "I, uh... I might have been a bit distracted," he admitted sheepishly. "Yeah¡­we, uh.¡± Kai¡¯s feathers slicked down worriedly. "We¡¯d guessed. Have a minute to talk? We¡¯re worried about Claire too.¡± As the trio stood there, David couldn''t help but feel a swell of... something. Pride? Camaraderie? The beginning of a truly epic migraine? Whatever it was, it was almost enough to drown out the constant, gnawing worry about Claire. Almost. Wave 2 had crashed over them like a tsunami of weirdness, and they were still just doggy-paddling in the shallows. 150 - Linoleum Dreams David''s claws scraped uselessly against the linoleum of the forest floor, his wings snapping the air frantically as he tried to right himself. The looming shadow behind him grew larger, its presence an oppressive weight on his very soul. He could feel its hot breath on his neck, smell the decay wafting from its maw. "No, no, no," David whimpered, his voice barely above a whisper. He tried to summon his Miasma, to create a cloud of roiling death, but all that emerged was a pathetic wisp of smoke. His decoys, usually so reliable, flickered and faded like cheap holograms before they could even fully form. The creature''s claws raked across his back, sending shockwaves of pain through his body. David screamed, a sound that started as a shriek and morphed into something primal and bestial. He lashed out blindly, talons slicing through empty air as his attacker danced just out of reach. "Claire!" he cried out, desperation tinging his voice. "Where are you? I need-" The words died in his throat as massive jaws clamped down on his wing. With a sickening crunch, David felt bones shatter. The world spun, ground and sky blurring together as he was shaken like a ragdoll. His vision began to tunnel, darkness creeping in at the edges... David''s eyes snapped open, his heart pounding like it was trying to escape his chest. Without thinking, he unleashed a blast of Echolocation. The sound waves bounced off the cramped confines of the gas station bathroom, painting a crystal-clear picture of... absolutely nothing threatening. Well, unless you count the suspicious stains on the ceiling. Pretty sure those violated several health codes even before the apocalypse. As his panic subsided, David became aware of the Cuddlebugs scattered around him, still deep in slumber. Captain''s tiny form was curled up in the sink, using what looked like an abandoned bird''s nest as a makeshift bed. Its snores sounded like a malfunctioning slide whistle, rising and falling in an oddly melodic rhythm. "Right," David muttered, his voice rough from sleep. "Just a dream. A really shitty dream, but still just a dream." He stretched, his wings unfurling to their full span in the confined space. His joints popped and cracked, sounding alarmingly like bubble wrap being murdered. With a grace that was at odds with his unnerving appearance, David dropped from his perch on the bathroom stall, landing silently on the grimy floor. Creeping towards the door, David pushed against the rusted hinges. They protested with a screech that made him wince, but eventually gave way. The cool night air hit him like a slap to the face, chasing away the last cobwebs of sleep. The sun had almost completely set, painting the sky in bruised purples and angry reds. The landscape before him was a testament to nature''s vigor ¨C and humanity''s absence. The cracked asphalt of what used to be a highway was now little more than a suggestion, broken chunks of concrete peeking out from beneath a sea of encroaching vegetation. David yawned, his jaw unhinging to reveal a maw that would give dentists nightmares. His freakishly long tongue lolled out, and for a brief, horrifying moment, he wondered if he could touch his ears with it. Note to self: resist urge to find out. Some questions are better left unanswered. He stretched again, this time with gusto. His body contorted in ways that would make an exorcist do a double-take, muscles shifting beneath his fur in a way that was equal parts fascinating and disturbing. With a final, violent shake that started at his head and rippled down to his haunches, David felt truly awake. Behind him, the Cuddlebugs were starting to stir. They flitted over to join him at the door, their tiny wings beating with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Captain was the last to arrive, looking about as alert as a stoner at an 8 AM calculus class. Its eyes were unfocused, blinking out of sync in a way that was both concerning and oddly endearing. David couldn''t resist. He reached out with a wingtip, gently booping the sliver of tongue protruding from Captain''s mouth. The tiny creature''s eyes crossed, focusing on the offending digit before slowly, almost comically, sucking its tongue back in. "Rise and shine, you fuzzy little gremlin," David chuckled. "We''ve got places to be." As the Cuddlebugs began their morning routines ¨C which seemed to consist mainly of grooming each other and chirping excitedly ¨C David''s mind wandered back to the conversation that had set him on this path. Dallas and Kai had cornered him by the river farms, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. The memory of their words still bouncing around his mind: "Look, David," Dallas had buzzed, his wings twitching with barely contained energy. "We''ve got this under control. Well, as ''under control'' as a bunch of freshly-hatched monster babies can be." Kai had nodded, his metallic feathers catching the sunlight. "What Dallas is trying to say, in his uniquely tactless way, is that you don''t need to stay here and play den mother. Especially not when Claire is... well, you know." The reminder of Claire''s absence had sent a pang through David''s chest. He''d opened his mouth to protest, but Kai had cut him off with an avian glare that could have melted steel. "We know you care about Woodland," the bird had continued. "And trust me, a lot of folks here are pretty fond of Claire too. But everyone''s got a job to do, and we can''t just drop everything to go on a rescue mission." "Yeah," Dallas had chimed in, attempting to soften his usual abruptness. "But you, my broody bat friend, are basically a freelancer. You''ve done more for this place than anyone could have asked. Hell, we''ve even got Esmeralda''s Caravan helping out for now. If anyone''s earned the right to go on a Claire-hunt, it''s you." David chuckled softly at the memory. They''d been trying so hard to be supportive, jostling and poking at him like they were in some kind of bromantic comedy. It was equal parts touching and hilarious. He''d even hugged them both before leaving. Kai''s feathers had given him what felt like a thousand paper cuts, and Dallas''s wings had made the whole endeavor awkward as hell, but the sentiment had been there. "Alright, team," David announced to his furry entourage. "Break time''s over. We''ve got a lizard to find, a mystery to solve, and probably some bullshit to avoid. You know, just another Tuesday in paradise." With a few lazy steps and a powerful beat of his wings, David took to the sky. The Cuddlebugs fell into formation around him, their tiny forms barely visible in the gathering darkness. As they soared over the broken landscape, he couldn''t shake the lingering unease from his dream. Night air whispered past David''s ears as he climbed higher, each powerful wingbeat carrying him further into the star-studded darkness. Below, the landscape unfolded like a twisted diorama - nature''s revenge against civilization painted in shades of silver moonlight. The remnants of human infrastructure were barely visible beneath the aggressive spread of mutated vegetation, looking more like the bones of extinct creatures than the highways and roads they''d once been. Abandoned vehicles dotted the landscape like discarded toys, their rusted shells providing shelter for who-knows-what these days. The old industrial district had long since surrendered to the encroaching wilderness, its factories and warehouses now serving as elaborate trellises for vines that pulsed with a faint luminescence. Well, that''s appropriately post-apocalyptic. All we''re missing is some leather-clad raiders and a two-headed Max. David closed his eyes, reaching deep within himself to touch the Pack System. The connection to Claire was still there, maddeningly faint, like trying to hear a whisper during a concert. He wheeled slowly through the air, letting his mind drift, focusing only on that gossamer thread of connection. As he banked South, something changed. The sensation shifted, becoming... not stronger exactly, but somehow clearer. David''s eyes snapped open, his wings automatically adjusting to hold position against the wind. He hovered there, beating his wings in slow, powerful strokes, the air currents helping him maintain his spot like some oversized, nightmarish buzzard. Wait, is this like one of those ''getting warmer, getting colder'' games? Am I facing the wrong way or... no, has to be the right way. When did my life turn into a game of Marco Polo? His eyes narrowed as the implications sank in. South meant the coast, and the coast meant... oh hell no. Please don''t be over the ocean. I can barely doggy paddle, and I really don''t want to find out what Cthulhu''s been up to since the apocalypse started. Still, what choice did he have? With a mental shrug that screamed ''future David''s problem,'' he nudged his Cuddlebug squadron. Power flowed into his wings, his Wildsoul responding to his need as naturally as breathing. The tiny fuzzballs perked up, sensing the imminent acceleration. David''s wings came down in a thunderous crack that seemed to split the night itself. The burst of speed was explosive, pressing his ears flat against his skull as the landscape below became a blur of shadow and moonlight. His wings beat frantically, each stroke pushing him faster until the wind screamed past his face and forced him to squint. Once he''d built up enough speed, David let himself glide, trading altitude for velocity. The sensation was intoxicating - part falling, part flying, all adrenaline. His eyes scanned the ground below, watching trees whip past like dark sentinels in the night. Something felt... off. His stamina was regenerating normally during this brief rest, but his Wildsoul... David focused inward, probing at the sensation. There was definitely something there, a tiny but steady stream of power feeding into his reserves, offsetting his usage like... The hell? Did I accidentally subscribe to Wildsoul+? Premium membership includes bonus energy and free shipping? Before he could properly investigate this new development, movement caught his eye. A herd of what might have once been cattle grazed in a moonlit clearing below. Their bodies were wrong though - too many legs, horns sprouting in places horns had no business being, hides that seemed to ripple and shift in the darkness. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. His stomach growled, reminding him that dream-induced panic attacks burned a lot of calories. After a moment''s consideration, David shook his head. Food can wait. Claire first, then we''ll worry about satisfying my apparently bottomless pit of a stomach. Though I really hope whatever we''re heading towards has a decent cafeteria¡­ The hours slipped by like quicksilver as David sailed through the night sky, the endless rhythm of his wingbeats a backdrop to his racing thoughts. Something about that weird energy trickle kept nagging at him, like an itch he couldn''t quite reach. Let''s see... Random energy appearing from nowhere. Probably not great. Definitely smells like Overseer shenanigans. He prodded at his Wildsoul experimentally, the way you might poke a suspicious package with a very long stick. The energy continued its steady feed, maddeningly consistent. "Because that''s not ominous at all," David muttered to the night air. "Hey Captain, want to place bets on whether this is going to bite me in the ass later?" Captain, riding the updraft beside him, offered a chirp that somehow managed to convey both ''obviously'' and ''we got this¡¯. "Yeah, that''s what I thought too. Knowing my luck, Omega''s probably charging interest. ''Oh, you used our complimentary Wildsoul refills? Time to fight Cthulhu''s angry cousin in the Thunderdome for two xp!''" Still, something about it felt... familiar. Not the energy itself, but the way it moved. Like a wind he could feel with his soul instead of his body, threading through reality like invisible currents. Wait a second... David reached out with his Wildsoul, trying to track the sensation. Just to test his theory, he summoned a thin tendril of Miasma, letting it trail behind him like the world''s most ominous contrail. "Let''s not accidentally create death clouds over some poor fucker trying to sleep," he reminded himself, carefully controlling the output. "That''d be a hell of a way to make first contact. ''Sorry about the rain of doom, here''s a fruit basket!''" The Miasma dissipated quickly in the high-altitude winds, but David noticed something interesting. The energy he''d spent snapped back rapidly, like a rubber band made of pure nightmare fuel. Interesting. Very interesting. I wonder... He tried Siren''s Call next, letting his voice roll across the empty sky in a haunting melody. The energy spent there... just stayed spent. No magical refill, no weird top-up. "Huh," David mused, pieces clicking together in his mind. "Offensive abilities get the express lane treatment, but Restorative stuff is economy class only. I wonder if-" The memory of the Origination Pulse system text suddenly crashed into his thoughts like a drunk uncle bringing up fringe politics at Thanksgiving dinner. Oh, right. Token. Pulse of Origination. That was a thing that happened. Good job, Detective Dumbass. Still, he couldn''t help feeling a little proud of figuring out at least part of it on his own. Even if the answer had been literally spelled out for him earlier. "Has to be connected to Omega''s Originator," he reasoned aloud, his voice nearly lost in the wind. "No way Mr. ''Violence Is The Answer And The Question Is Irrelevant'' would boost anything other than damaging..." His Wildsoul twitched reflexively towards Doom Blade, curiosity warring with common sense. After a moment''s consideration, common sense won out ¨C barely. Some lessons you only need to learn once. Like ''don''t test potentially apocalyptic abilities mid-flight.'' Or ''never eat gas station sushi.'' Though I guess that second one''s less relevant these days... The Cuddlebugs swooped and dove around him, playing their own aerial games as he pondered. Captain maintained its position near David''s head, occasionally offering chirps of commentary in response that managed to sound judgmental despite the language barrier. "You know," David called out to his tiny companion, "for something that basically appeared out of thin air, you''ve got an awful lot of opinions about my life choices." Captain''s response was to perform a perfect barrel roll and turn their snout up smugly. "Show off," David muttered, but there was laughter hidden in his voice. If anything, the familiar banter helped keep his mind off the growing certainty that whatever waited at the end of this flight was going to be... interesting. And not in the fun ''surprise party'' way. More in the ''Oh God, Oh Fuck'' way that seemed to be the new normal these days. As if summoned by his dark thoughts, something caught David''s attention. A prickling along his spine, then a cold certainty in his gut. He''d been gliding on autopilot, lost in thought about the weird energy feed into his Wildsoul, when his instincts screamed danger. His eyes snapped to the cloud formation above, watching as it drifted in direct opposition to the prevailing winds. No, not drifting. Hunting. Patches of light pulsed through the cloud cover like heat lightning, and David''s blood ran cold as his sensitive eyes picked out massive shapes lurking in the vapor. Whatever they were, they were big. Too big. His wings tensed, ready to dive, but he''d already hesitated a fraction too long. The clouds didn''t just part - they exploded outward as massive pale forms released their buoyancy in a single violent burst. The creatures plummeted towards him like living artillery, all writhing tentacles and nightmare-fuel beaks. Flying fart-squids. Naturally. It''s been, like, a few whole days since something tried to eat me alive, I shoulda figured. Their tentacles streamed behind them like living ribbons, each one easily as long as David''s wingspan. The bioluminescent patches that had mimicked lightning now rippled along their mantles, and their beaks - Jesus Christ, their beaks - looked like they could shear through steel. David banked hard right as the sky erupted into chaos. "Scatter!" he barked at his Cuddlebugs, but he''d underestimated the squids'' mobility. One of the creatures snapped its tentacles forward like living whips, using the momentum of its dive to change direction with impossible grace. Two more flanked him, their gas bladders already reinflating as they cut off his escape routes. "Right," David snarled, his fur rippling to match the darkness around him. "Let''s dance." He pulsed his Wildsoul through Cackle for the first time, feeling the power surge through his connection to the Cuddlebugs. Captain let out a war-chirp that sounded suspiciously like a tiny battle cry, and the swarm attacked. The nearest air-squid barely seemed to notice the first few impacts, but then the toxins hit. Its tentacles slowed slightly, throwing off its perfect aerial coordination. David seized the moment, firing an empowered Corruptor''s Touch directly into its beak. The substance boiled into Miasma on impact, and the creature''s shriek sent shivers down David''s spine. But he had no time to celebrate - the others were already moving. A forest of tentacles filled his vision as three of the monsters attacked simultaneously. David split into multiple images, his decoys scattering in different directions as tentacles whistled through empty air. But one lucky strike found flesh, wrapping around his leg with crushing force. "Get fucked!" David roared, unleashing a concentrated burst of Caustic Miasma that ate through the tentacle like acid through tissue paper. The severed appendage thrashed wildly as its owner reeled back, leaving David free to dive as the ruined flesh dissolved off his leg in sticky clumps. He plummeted through the night sky, wings tucked tight, counting on his superior speed to gain some distance. But the air-squids matched his dive perfectly, their gas bladders contracting with precision to maintain pursuit. Worse, two more had circled beneath him, closing like the jaws of some enormous trap. Well, this is going to suck. The trap closed like a venus flytrap made of tentacles and pure bullshit. David''s wings snapped open, arresting his dive with a sound like canvas tearing. The sudden change in direction sent two air-squids careening past him, their massive forms briefly tangling before gas-propelled bursts separated them. But he''d played right into their trap. The ones above had anticipated the maneuver, their tentacles spreading wide like some horrible net. David spat a concentrated glob of mucus at the nearest monster''s mantle, watching with grim satisfaction as it erupted into caustic vapor. The creature recoiled, its bioluminescent patches flaring crimson with pain or rage. "Captain!" David barked, his voice carrying the power of Siren''s Call. "Hit and run!" The Cuddlebugs responded with terrifying efficiency, breaking into smaller groups that darted between the air-squids'' tentacles. Their tiny fangs delivered doses of toxin with each pass, gradually building up weakness in their massive opponents. But there were too many targets, too many writhing appendages filling the sky. A tentacle caught one of the Cuddlebugs mid-flight, crushing it instantly. David felt the death through their connection like a punch to the gut. Rage boiled up, hot and familiar. "Asshole!" he snarled, splitting into successive decoys as he charged the squid that had killed his summon. His decoys scattered in different directions, one at a time, but he stayed with the last one, riding its momentum straight toward the creature''s beak. At the last second, he pulled up, unleashing a concentrated stream of Miasma directly into its feeding tentacles. The air-squid''s shriek of agony was cut short as the paralytic properties took hold. It began to fall, its gas bladders spasming uselessly as the toxins spread through its system. The victory was short-lived. Something slammed into David from behind, wrapping around his torso with crushing force. He had just enough time to snarl before another tentacle wrapped around his wings, pinning them to his sides. David roared, his fur rippling frantically as he struggled against the restraint. But the squid''s grip was too tight, and he could feel his ribs creaking under the pressure. His vision began to spot as the breath was squeezed from his lungs. The beast started to pull him toward its beak, and David caught a glimpse of what waited within its maw - rows of hooked teeth leading back to certain death. His Wildsoul surged with desperate energy, and he could feel that strange wind pushing more power into him, but would it be enough? Time to find out just how much these things like auditory hallucinations. David''s Siren''s Call erupted into the night sky like a sonic bomb, carrying with it every ounce of terror and rage he could muster. The sound twisted through the air like a living thing, boring into primitive minds with surgical precision. The air-squids'' bioluminescent patches strobed wildly as the effects took hold. The one holding him loosened its grip just enough. David didn''t waste the opportunity, coating himself in a thick layer of Miasma that boiled through tentacle flesh like supernatural acid. The beast''s shriek of pain harmonized perfectly with his own roar of triumph as he tore free, trailing streamers of dissolving tissue. Two more squids dove at him, but their movements were erratic now. David''s innate aura of terror had finally started to seep in, combining with the hallucinations to break their hunting focus. One missed him completely, spiraling past as it battled phantoms only it could see. The other he met head-on, his talons raking deep gouges across its mantle as he split into a decoy at the last second. "What''s wrong?" David hissed, his voice echoing unnaturally. "Lost your appetite?" The remaining air-squids began to cluster together, their tentacles writhing in obvious agitation. Their bioluminescent patches pulsed in rapid patterns - some kind of simple communication, David realized. Below, the paralyzed ones had finally hit the ground with meaty thuds that echoed through the night. The lead squid, sporting a nasty gash across its mantle, started to descend. The others followed, their gas bladders deflating in controlled bursts. For a moment, David thought they were preparing another attack. Then he saw them extending their feeding tentacles toward their fallen brethren. "Oh, that''s just nasty," David muttered, watching from above as the survivors began to tear into the paralyzed ones. "Really? Right in front of my Cuddlebugs? Have some class." Captain landed on his shoulder, chirping in what sounded suspiciously like disgust. The tiny creature was splattered with squid gore, its fur matted with ichorous fluids that David really didn''t want to identify. Speaking of fluids... David glanced down at himself and immediately regretted it. His fur was coated in a rainbow of biological materials, some still gently smoking from contact with his Miasma. He looked like he''d gone swimming in a blender full of calamari and food coloring. "Well," he announced to no one in particular, shaking himself vigorously and immediately regretting it as globules of goo went flying, "that was fun. Nothing like a little squid wrestling to get the blood pumping. Piece of cake, really." Captain''s judgmental stare could have instantly killed a squid if any of them were still in the fight. "Oh shut up," David grumbled, already beating his wings to gain altitude. "Let''s get moving before they finish their family dinner and decide they want dessert." As they soared higher into the night sky, leaving behind the sounds of enthusiastic cannibalism, David tried to focus on the positive. He was alive, still moving in the right direction, mostly unharmed, and had only lost one Cuddlebug in the fight. Plus, he''d learned something valuable: Even in a world gone mad, there were still things that could look at his nightmare-fuel form and think "food." Whether that was comforting or terrifying remained to be seen. Still heading south, David did his best to ignore the squishing sounds his wings made with each beat. He had bigger problems to worry about - like what kind of horrible stuff waited for him over the ocean. Because after air-squids, it could only get worse from here. 151 - Main Attraction The sun crept over the horizon like a timid child, painting the sky in watercolor strokes of pink and gold. David watched with mild amusement as his Cuddlebugs tore into the massive corpse before him, their tiny bodies a whirlwind of fur and focused savagery. The creature - whatever it had been - hadn''t stood a chance against the swarm once it was down. "Ouch, motherfucker," David hissed, gripping another tooth embedded in his wing with his own fangs. With a sharp yank, it came free with a wet pop. He spat it aside, watching it bounce across the grass. "That''s what, number six? Seven? Starting to feel like a pincushion up here." The world spread out beneath him in a patchwork of twisted beauty. Ancient mountains thrust skyward to the west, their peaks wreathed in morning mist. To the south, barely visible on the horizon, a slate-gray line marked the ocean. The landscape between was a riot of mutated vegetation, broken occasionally by the bones of the old world - crumbling overpasses, abandoned towns, rusted monuments to humanity''s former dominion. "Hell of a night," he muttered, yanking free another tooth with a grimace. "Flying fart squids, mystery bone-snipers, and whatever the fuck that electric catfish thing was supposed to be. At least those two idiots made it out alive." His mind drifted back to the Users he''d rescued - their faces a perfect picture of shock when he''d dropped out of the sky like some avenging demon. The catfish-thing had nearly had them, its serpentine body crackling with electricity as it slithered through the underbrush. Getting shocked had hurt like a bitch, but watching them sprint toward Riverport while screaming "Thank you scary bat Jesus!" almost made it worth it. The directional pull toward Claire tugged at his consciousness, stronger now than the whisper it had been hours ago. Still maddeningly vague, but progress was progress. A series of satisfied chirps drew his attention back to the feeding frenzy. The Cuddlebugs were finally starting to slow down, their tiny bellies distended but not quite enough to ground them. They waddled more than hopped now, switching from nightmare mode to "adopt me" faster than David could blink. "Y''all are ridiculous," he snickered, then his own stomach growled loudly at the smell of fresh meat. The scent was intoxicating - rich and gamey with an undertone of something almost electric, like ozone after a storm. His mouth watered as he approached the carcass. The first bite sent flavors exploding across his tongue - sweet and wild and complicated in ways his old human taste buds could never have appreciated. The meat was dense but tender, falling apart in his mouth like perfectly cooked steak. Each bite seemed better than the last, and David found himself tearing into the creature with increasing enthusiasm for a good while. "Good god," he mumbled around a mouthful, "I''m eating like I''ve got a tapeworm the size of a python." Movement in the underbrush caught his attention. His ears swiveled toward the sound as he lifted his head, strings of meat still dangling from his jaws. A quick pulse of Echolocation revealed dozens of small creatures lurking in the shadows - everything from what might have once been rats to things that defied description. They watched the feast with hungry eyes, waiting for their turn at the remains. "Yeah, yeah, food bank''s opening soon," David muttered, noting that strange insects had already begun to claim the underside of the carcass. He sniffed the air, searching for fresh water to wash down his meal. The ocean''s briny scent kept throwing him off - everything smelled like water, just not the kind he needed. After several circles of confused sniffing, he finally caught the sweet scent of fresh water. With a lazy leap, he took to the air, gliding through the twisted landscape until he found the source - a tiny stream barely wider than his old human hand. The water sparkled in the morning light, clear and inviting. The Cuddlebugs joined him at the stream''s edge, forming an oddly orderly line - some before him, some after - as they all bent to drink. The water was blessedly cold and clean, washing away the last traces of his meal. His reflection rippled in the mostly calm water - massive ears, a face that was equal parts bat and nightmare, and deep set eyes that glowed with an inner light that promised violence. Wickedly curved fangs peeked out from beneath his lips, and his thick fur rippled with shadows that seemed to move of their own accord. "Metal as fuck," he quoted with a grin, remembering the caravan guard''s reaction. "Can''t argue with that assessment." Then, in a moment of pure impulse, he plunged his entire snout into the stream and blew bubbles, sending ripples dancing across the surface. The memory of Claire doing the same thing, trying to hide her childish delight, made his heart ache even as he smiled. The Cuddlebugs, seeing a new game to be played, immediately began copying him. Soon the stream was alive with tiny bubble trails until one particularly ambitious fuzzbag shoved its entire head underwater. David had to quickly fish out the spluttering creature as it thrashed in panic, dropping it on the bank where it sneezed and coughed dramatically. "And that''s why we don''t try to outdo the professionals," he chuckled, before noticing that the poor thing couldn''t seem to breathe. David quickly snatched them again and dangled the sputtering Cuddlebug upside down from his wing talons, watching with growing concern as water dribbled from its tiny nose. The rest of the Team clustered around, chirping worriedly as their companion hacked and wheezed. "Come on, little guy," David muttered. "Don''t make me explain to Claire how I let one of you drown in a puddle." Captain buzzed anxiously near his head, projecting a jumble of concerned images. Finally, after what felt like an eternity but was probably closer to thirty seconds, the waterlogged Cuddlebug''s breathing steadied. It managed to grip David''s talon with its own tiny claws, hanging like a rather pathetic bat. "There we go. Maybe next time don''t try to breathe the water, yeah?" The sun climbed higher, making David''s eyes ache. He squinted against the growing brightness, scanning the twisted landscape for shelter. "Look, I know some of you probably love daylight but¡­," he told his fuzzy companions as they took wing, "these eyes weren''t made for daylight. Sure, I learned to deal with it, but that doesn''t mean I enjoy the constant headache. So let''s catch a nap, or at least find somewhere shady." Below them, creatures began emerging from the underbrush, drawn to the abandoned corpse. David caught glimpses of teeth and claws as nature''s cleanup crew got to work. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. They flew low over the terrain, David''s keen eyes searching for somewhere dark enough to crash for a few hours. The landscape gradually changed, wild forest giving way to the familiar ruins of civilization. A city sprawled ahead, its name lost to time and transformation. "Can''t be Charleston," David mused, banking slightly to maintain his heading toward the coast. "Too far north for Savannah... maybe Brunswick?" The name felt wrong on his tongue, but his musings cut short as his eyes landed on something that looked like it had been torn straight from a horror movie. A carnival stretched across the outskirts of the city, its rusted rides reaching toward the sky like skeletal hands. Captain''s sudden whine caught him off guard. The mental connection between them flooded with want/curious/please, focused laser-sharp on something within the carnival grounds. "Seriously?" David peered down at the deteriorating attractions. "That''s like asking to star in our own slasher flick." But Captain''s pleading intensified, backed by a chorus of interested chirps from the others. With a resigned sigh, David banked toward the entrance. "Fine, but if some clown monster tries to eat us, I''m blaming you." The rusted sign creaked above them as he touched down, clinging to its post by a single corroded bolt that looked ready to give up at any moment. Beneath its illegible face sprawled a graveyard of childhood dreams - countless booths and stalls stretched into the distance. The Cuddlebugs scattered immediately, their tiny forms darting between weather-beaten attractions. Some investigated a ticket booth whose windows were clouded with decades of grime and mold, its metal surfaces painted in patterns of rust that looked unsettlingly like dried blood. Others fluttered around gaming stalls where stuffed prizes had long since dissolved into lumps of mildewed fabric, their glass eyes staring sightlessly from behind rotting countertops. The morning breeze carried the mingled scents of decay, rust, and stagnant water, underlaid with something else - something thick and organic that made David''s hackles rise. Tattered banners fluttered weakly overhead, their colors long since bleached to uniform gray by sun and rain. Pop-up canopies sagged beneath the weight of years, their metal frames twisted into abstract sculptures. A ring toss booth still bore faded paintings of smiling faces that now seemed to leer in the half-light, their expressions rendered grotesque by peeling paint and water damage. Nearby, a basketball game''s backboard had collapsed inward, creating a dark maw that seemed to swallow what light reached it. Even the ground beneath their feet told a story of abandonment - cracked asphalt sprouted twisted vegetation between its fissures, the plants themselves somehow wrong in ways that were difficult to pin down. Here and there, the remains of paper cups and ancient wrappers crumbled into dust, stirred by the passage of the morning breeze Okay, totally creeped out right now. I don''t like this¡­there better not be a clown. I think I''d shit my pants if I even saw a poster of one right now. David slunk after Captain, his instincts screaming that this place was wrong. The little creature led him deeper into the carnival, past collapsing attractions and down a small sidewalk. The merry-go-round appeared through the morning mist, and David stopped short. Thousands of CDs hung from its canopy like some demented wind chime, their faded surfaces catching what little sunlight penetrated the gloom. The Cuddlebugs froze, utterly transfixed by the gently swaying discs. While his companions stared, enchanted, David''s nose caught old, familiar scents. Blood. Fear. Death. The evidence was everywhere once he started looking - dark stains on the platform, patches of rancid fur clinging to the metal, a nest of rotting blankets near the central pole. "Someone thought this was sanctuary," he muttered, piecing together the grim puzzle. Another bloodstain caught his eye, then another. "More than one someone." His gaze tracked to the far side of the ride, where a violent gap had been torn through the curtain of CDs. The discs had been some kind of defense - noise makers, maybe, or just reflective surfaces to keep something at bay. But whatever they were meant to guard against had eventually broken through. The whole scene painted a clear picture to his predator''s instincts. Multiple victims, picked off one by one during an ambush in what they''d thought was safety. The CDs might have worked for a while, but eventually... Why CDs? Because that''s what they had? Because they''re shiny? Just a screen to make noise? Why not just leave? ¡­Okay, nah. Nah. Nope. Something fucky happened, even by my standards. A sharp hiss escaped David''s throat as he spread his wings. The Cuddlebugs snapped out of their trance, responding instantly to his signal. As they rose above the merry-go-round, movement caught his eye - something small and quick, darting away from his presence. A house of mirrors loomed against the brightening sky as David gained altitude, its weathered frame a patchwork of broken glass. What caught his eye wasn''t the building itself, but the remains of desperate fortification around its entrance. Wooden pallets, chunks of carnival stalls, even an overturned popcorn cart - all had been piled into a makeshift barrier. Now they lay scattered like discarded toys, splintered and bent not from external assault, but from something bursting out. As David watched, something shifted in the shadows beyond the entrance - a whisper of movement too quick to track. "Yeah, no," David growled, his wings beating harder as he pulled away from the carnival grounds. "I''ve got better things to do than star in ''Night of the Whatever-The-Fuck.'' Like finding my oversized lizard before she gets into more trouble than I do." The sound of his wingbeats echoed off the mirror house''s facade, coming back warped and hollow, as if the building itself was mocking his retreat. He could have sworn he heard something else responding from within - a soft scratching, like claws on glass. He didn''t look back as they fled the carnival''s haunted silence, but the image of those shattered barricades stayed with him, along with the certainty that something in that place was very, very wrong. David poured Wildsoul into his wings, not caring if it looked like overkill. Something about that place had set off every predatory instinct he''d developed, and he wasn''t about to ignore them just to look cool. "Captain," he called over the rush of wind, "we need to talk about your taste in tourist attractions." The tiny creature chirped questioningly, still radiating disappointment at their hasty departure. Their fascination with the glittering CDs had completely blinded them to the warning signs scattered throughout the carnival. "Look, I get it. Shiny things are cool. I promise I''ll find you something awesome to play with that isn''t in the middle of..." David waved a wing vaguely behind them, "whatever the hell that was. But right now? Not the time." Captain''s confusion radiated through their mental link. With a sigh, David pushed back the memories he''d collected - bloodstains on rusted metal, torn fur caught in machinery, scattered bones and signs of desperate last stands. The effect was immediate. Captain nearly dropped from the sky, catching themselves with a violent beat of their wings. A hiss of pure fury escaped their tiny form, but David could feel the self-directed nature of their anger. The sensation of failure/shame/protector flooded their connection. "Hey, none of that," David said firmly. "Everyone gets distracted sometimes. Hell, I once almost got eaten because I was too busy trying to figure out if I could lick my own elbow." The admission seemed to help, Captain''s emotional storm settling into something closer to embarrassed acceptance. The rest of the Team chirped reassuringly at their leader, clearly sharing David''s sentiment. A gleam of metal caught David''s eye - a water tower rose from the urban sprawl ahead, its rusted bulk sporting a jagged hole near the bottom. The sight of it triggered his own comfy spot-sensing instincts like a dinner bell. "Now that," he said, banking toward the structure, "looks like prime real estate. Dark, defensible, and probably dry inside. What do you say we call it a morning?" As David and his summons vanished into the urban maze, the carnival sat silent in the growing light. But not empty. In the house of mirrors, something stirred in the deepening shadows. Movement rippled through the fractured reflections as enormous eyes, black as the space between stars, tracked David''s retreating form through broken panes of glass. They never blinked, never wavered, drinking in every detail of his flight path with maddened intensity. The thing that owned those eyes began to move, sliding through the carnival''s ruins with practiced silence. It had been so long since something interesting had drawn its attention. So very, very long. And it hadn''t survived all this time by letting interesting things simply fly away. 152 - Face the Music David sprawled across a rusty beam near the top of the water tower''s interior, watching with barely concealed amusement as Captain drew another wobbly ''X'' in the dust before them. The tiny creature''s concentration was absolute, tongue poking out as they carefully marked their move, tiny claws creating surprisingly solid lines. "Not bad," David mused, reaching out to make his own mark. "But you''re still falling for the corner trap every time. See? Now I can..." He trailed off as Captain preemptively hissed at the inevitable defeat, wings fluttering in frustration. "Hey, you''re getting better! First few games you thought the goal was to make pretty patterns." Captain''s response was to erase the game with an indignant swipe of their tail and immediately start a new, incredibly off-level, grid. The determination radiating through their mental link made David chuckle. The rest of the Team fluttered around the cavernous space, exploring their temporary shelter. It was surprisingly cozy - the hole in the bottom had actually helped air things out over the years, and the metal walls kept the worst of the sun at bay. More importantly, there was only one way in or out unless something felt like chewing through steel. A few patches of rust had created natural skylights, casting dappled patterns across the curved interior. Sleep crept up on him between games, and David eventually dozed off to the sound of tiny wings and content chirping, Captain''s latest attempt at strategy unfinished in the dust beside them. The music woke him. For a moment, he hummed along, brain not quite catching up to the impossibility of what he was hearing. Then his eyes snapped open, ears swiveling to track the sound. It was distant but clear - like it was being played through decent speakers, the kind that had probably stopped working decades ago. "What the actual fuck?" David muttered, scrambling over to the entrance. He hung upside down, scanning the urban sprawl below as the upbeat melody continued. Something about not worrying, about taking life as it comes... the kind of song that would''ve been at home in an animated movie about street dogs. His ears flicked rapidly as he tried to pinpoint the source. The overcast sky and light drizzle didn''t help, droplets occasionally hitting his nose as he searched. The city spread out before him like a half-sunken ship, its tallest buildings jutting from the sea of encroaching vegetation like broken masts. Streets had become rivers of green, punctuated by the occasional glint of rusted metal or broken glass. "Okay, either someone''s got the world''s best backup generator and terrible taste in timing, or..." David''s eyes narrowed. "Team, spread out. Find me whatever''s making that noise. I don''t like this." The Cuddlebugs poured out of the tower, their tiny forms dispersing across the rain-speckled cityscape. Through their eyes, David watched the urban decay unfold in multiple perspectives - empty storefronts gaped like hungry mouths, their contents long since looted or rotted away. Vines thick as tree trunks had crushed cars flat, creating bizarre sculptures of metal and vegetation. "Please just be some electrician that evolved into something zappy," he muttered. "I''ll even take a dubstep-powered jellyfish at this point. Just... nothing weird." The first ping through the mental link made his fur stand on end. One of his scouts had found... something. But the images coming back made no sense - certainty of a target, followed by utter confusion. The Cuddlebug seemed frozen in place, staring down at what looked like an old entertainment district, its neon signs long dead but still promising endless nights of music and revelry. More of the Team arrived at the same spot, each one pinging back the same confused signals before going still. The music shifted abruptly, replaced by a crackly voice discussing emergency protocols and shelter locations. "Stay back," David commanded the remaining scouts, including Captain. "Something''s not right." He tried ordering the affected Cuddlebugs to retreat, but they remained fixated on the street below. Through their shared vision, he studied the scene - old bars with broken windows, clubs whose neon signs had long since shattered, debris scattered across the pavement like the aftermath of humanity''s last party. A piece of paper caught his eye as it detached from a rooftop, floating down toward the street. Just before it could land, it vanished. Thirty seconds later, the exact same paper tore free again, following an identical path before disappearing. "Oh, that''s some bullshit," David growled. He dispatched one last scout, directing it to maintain altitude as it investigated. Finally, he saw it - a creature standing in the middle of the street, its massive beak open impossibly wide as the emergency broadcast poured forth. Its body was a twisted amalgamation of avian features - iridescent feathers that seemed to drink in light rather than reflect it, it''s too long legs jointed wrong, and most disturbingly, clusters of eyes scattered across its head like black pearls. His trapped Cuddlebugs were caught in some kind of loop, their tiny minds unable to process whatever they were seeing. The beast''s form was bizarre even by Integration standards, and something about it made David''s instincts scream danger. But at least now he knew what he was dealing with. Sort of. David moved his remaining Cuddlebugs into a loose ring around the creature, careful to keep them high enough to avoid whatever had trapped their companions. The thing hadn''t seemed to notice their presence, still broadcasting its stolen sounds into the drizzling evening. But something about it nagged at his memory - those eyes, black as void, scattered across its head like drops of pure darkness... "Son of a bitch," he breathed, recognition hitting him like a physical blow. "Just like that fucking owl." The Dark Star cultist that had tried to murder him at the Observatory had sported the same impossible eyes. But something felt off about this one. The owl had been corruption given form, its madness as direct as its attacks. This thing though - this was calculation. Strategy. The trapped Cuddlebugs proved it was effective, too. David dropped from the tower like liquid shadow, his wings cutting through the light rain. Each droplet felt like ice against his fur as he glided low over the broken cityscape, barely skimming the tops of abandoned cars. The rain carried the scents of rust and decay, underlaid with something darker - that same wrongness he''d sensed at the carnival. The creature''s broadcast shifted suddenly to carnival music, tinny and distorted. David hissed in frustration as the pieces clicked together. "Followed us from the carnival. Fucking perfect." That creeping sense of danger that had driven him from the carnival now saturated the air. David landed softly a block away from his trapped summons, immediately melting into the urban decay. He slipped through undergrowth and past rusted vehicles, eventually cutting through a gutted storefront. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. When he judged himself close enough, David unleashed an empowered wave of Echolocation. The sound rolled through the streets like invisible thunder, painting the scene in crystal clarity. The moment it hit, the music cut off. Through the fading echo-vision, David caught the creature''s head snapping toward him, its nightmare beak slamming shut. He fired two more pulses in rapid succession - the first caught it mid-turn, the second showed it vanishing into a bar''s shattered entrance. His trapped Cuddlebugs suddenly snapped free, their panic flooding the mental link. David clamped down on their minds, forcing them to focus as a new worry seized him. If this thing could trap his summons in some kind of mental loop, he didn''t want to give it time to slip away and set up the same trick for him. "Oh no you don''t," he snarled, abandoning stealth for raw speed. "Not letting you pull that same mind-fuck routine on me." He crossed the distance in a blur of wings, claws digging into brick as he hit the side of the building across from the bar. Better to keep it in sight than let it vanish and catch him unaware. The thought of ending up like his Cuddlebugs - trapped in some endless loop while this thing picked him apart - sent a chill down his spine that had nothing to do with the rain. Movement flickered in the darkness within. Pure instinct made him slam his eyes shut just as Captain''s warning exploded through their link - the image of approaching blob of darkness burning itself into his mind. David hurled himself backward, feeling a wave of absolute cold pass by as something obliterated the wall where he''d been perched. An Echolocation pulse toward the bar returned a doubled image - his own sound-sight showing the creature standing just inside, its beak stretched impossibly wide, while his Cuddlebugs'' frantic vision revealed a needle-thin beam of pure darkness cutting through the rain toward him. David tried to dodge, even splitting into a decoy, but the beam caught them both. The decoy simply ceased to exist, while the real attack carved into his side like a blade of frozen void. Pain exploded through him as flesh simply vanished, the beam erasing matter it touched. --You have taken 180 Magic Damage-- His left wing threatened to give out as he twisted desperately in the air, trying to break free of the beam. The movement only caused it to dig deeper, drawing a scream of agony that he turned into an empowered Siren''s Call. --You have taken 100 Magic Damage-- With a final, desperate combination of backflip and barrel roll, David tore himself free of the death beam. Rain mixed with blood as he spun through the air, his side feeling like it had been dipped in liquid nitrogen and then shattered. He immediately poured out a cloud of Miasma, the caustic vapor slightly diluted by the rain but providing enough cover for him to scramble over the rooftops, leaving a trail of blood that the falling rain quickly washed away. The pain in David''s side screamed for attention as he raced across the rooftops, but instinct made him duck before his mind processed why. A beam of darkness punched through the building behind him, the void-black line passing through brick and metal like they were mist. His Cuddlebugs scattered as another beam carved through the air, this one catching three of them before they could evade. They simply ceased to exist, not even leaving ash behind. David''s heart hammered against his ribs as he realized the thing was tracking him perfectly, somehow knowing exactly where he''d be. "How the fuck-" he started, then threw himself sideways as another beam lanced through an air conditioning unit. The metal froze and shattered where the darkness touched it, raining deadly shards that mixed with the ever-present drizzle. Two more Cuddlebugs joined the effort, diving at where the beams originated. Their sacrifice bought David precious seconds, but they vanished just like the others - erased from existence in clean lines of absolute darkness. Pain flared as David pushed more Wildsoul into his wings, trying to overcome his injuries and gain speed. The instant his power surged, a beam punched through the building to his left. He barely twisted away, his enhanced speed saving him - but the moment he used that power, another beam carved through the space where he''d dodged to. "Motherfu-" David cut off as he instinctively poured Wildsoul into his legs to leap a gap between buildings. The response was immediate - darkness lanced through the rain directly at him, forcing him into a mid-air twist that sent agony shooting through his wounded side. Each use of power drew fire like he was painting a target on himself. A burst of Wildsoul into his wings to stabilize his landing brought a beam that melted through a water tank above him. David barely began to gather energy for a Metabolic Surge that somehow triggered another shot, reducing an air conditioning unit to frozen shards and forcing him to release the Ability before it triggered. "Wait," he gasped, pieces clicking together as he reflexively channeled power into his wings to maintain altitude, immediately drawing another beam that punched through the wall inches from his head. "It''s tracking my Wildsoul?" The next shot came even quicker as he desperately tried to power through his injuries. David threw himself into a roll, but not quite fast enough. The beam pierced his abdomen like a needle through paper, carrying with it a cold that burned worse than fire. His own power had betrayed his position perfectly, leading the shot right to him. --You have taken 150 Magic Damage-- David crashed onto a lower rooftop, blood painting the concrete in a wide arc. The hole through his gut felt wrong - not just painful, but like that part of him had been replaced with a vacuum. He tried to stand but his legs wouldn''t cooperate, shock setting in as rain mixed with his blood. More beams carved through the night, bracketing his position. Two more Cuddlebugs vanished trying to buy him time, their loss hitting him through the mental link like physical blows. Fighting against panic that threatened to overwhelm him, David did something that felt completely wrong - he began suppressing his Wildsoul instead of drawing on it. Pushing it down, smothering it like a flame he was trying to extinguish. The next beam came slightly slower. Then the next even slower still. David dragged himself behind a ventilation unit, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. Blood dripped steadily from the hole in his side and the newer wound in his gut, but he forced himself to focus. A gentle pulse of regular, unpowered Echolocation painted the scene for him. The creature stood in the street below, its head swiveling in obvious confusion. Those void-black eyes darted back and forth, searching. It had lost him somehow, despite being able to track him perfectly moments before. David pressed himself flat against the metal, his Wildsoul damped down to barely a whisper. The thing''s beak gaped open silently now, no more stolen sounds emerging. Just patient, predatory stillness as it searched for its prey. Fighting against the encroaching darkness at the edges of his vision, David triggered his Metabolic Surge without any Wildsoul involved. Power exploded through his system like mainlining lightning - his heart hammering as pure energy coursed through his veins. Before the first surge could even fade, he triggered the second charge. The double rush hit him like a freight train of pure stimulant, every nerve lighting up as flesh knit together and strength flooded back into his limbs. The hole in his gut partially closed, no longer feeling quite so much like someone had carved out a chunk of reality from his insides. His side still burned where the beam had carved into him, but at least he could move without feeling like he was about to pass out. The rain washing over him no longer felt quite so cold. He''d survived worse, he told himself. But as his newly energized mind cataloged the damage he''d taken, David wasn''t entirely sure that was true anymore. Whatever this thing was, it had nearly killed him without even really trying. And it was still down there, waiting, those void-black eyes scanning methodically for any trace of his presence. Note to self: crazy-eyes are now officially on the ''kill immediately'' list. Right up there with anything that giggles while trying to eat me. The real question was how to actually pull that off. The thing had nearly turned him into Swiss cheese just for using his own abilities, and he couldn''t even look directly at it without risking... whatever the fuck it had done to his Cuddlebugs. Some kind of visual Ability, most likely, that had trapped them in a loop until he''d managed to snap them out of it. How exactly do you kill something you can''t look at, that can track your energy, and shoots death beams that ignore walls? What''s next, is it going to start dropping pianos on my head? Actually, no, scratch that thought. Don''t need to give the universe any ideas. Still, as he watched it through the mental-mapping of his Special, David couldn''t shake the feeling that he was being outplayed. And if there were more creatures like this out there... Well, that was tomorrow''s problem. Right now he just had to figure out how to get away from this one without getting turned into abstract art by those beams. Preferably before it figured out how to track him some other way. Because this? This was definitely going to require a better plan than ''hit it until it stops moving.'' 153 - Back to basics Rain sliced through the darkness like frozen needles, each drop feeling like somebody was practicing acupuncture with icicles on David''s freshly healed wounds. He pressed himself tighter against the ventilation unit, his fur instinctively trying to match the faint shadows present on the rooftop. Below, the creature twisted its head with the kind of fluid grace that belonged in a fever dream, those void-black eyes scattered across its skull like someone had splashed drops of pure darkness onto clay and let them sink in. Another wave of bone-deep cold radiated upward as those eyes kept scanning, searching for any trace of Wildsoul energy with the kind of focused intensity usually reserved for machines. Watching those eyes triggered a memory that felt like it belonged to someone else - just another delivery guy, standing very still while a massive Rottweiler decided whether his route included becoming dog food. That had been before the world decided everyone needed an upgrade to nightmare mode. Funny how those old survival instincts still worked, even if the predator-prey dynamic had gotten considerably more complicated. The creature''s beak gaped open in silence, and David''s Wildsoul churned under his skin like a caged animal. The energy begged to be released, but those eyes would spot it instantly. The holes currently decorating his torso made that lesson pretty clear - getting shot through with void beams once was enough for one night, thanks. Great, so I''ve got what, maybe six Cuddlebugs left? Seven if I count Captain? And they can''t even look directly at this thing without getting mind-fucked. Perfect. Absolutely perfect. Captain chirped near his ear, the sound barely carrying over the rain''s faint drumbeat. David nodded, and his tiny companion zipped away to organize what remained of their fuzzy squadron. The survivors took up positions on the highest perches they could find, well above whatever invisible line marked the boundary between ''safe observation'' and ''congratulations, you''re now stuck in a mental screensaver.'' Water trickled down the surrounding buildings like nature''s attempt at modern art, silver ribbons dancing in what little light penetrated the clouds. The urban maze below had all the architectural stability of a drunk playing Jenga - shattered windows yawned like toothless maws, partially collapsed walls formed precarious bridges, and enough shadowy perches dotted the landscape to make a gargoyle convention jealous. The creature fired another void beam through a wall, the darkness cutting through steel and concrete like they were made of tissue paper. But its head tilted upward, considered the vertical space above its kill zone. David''s lips pulled back from his fangs in a predatory grin. Rule one of hunting post apocalypse - always check the trees. Or in this case, the possibly structurally unsound buildings. Same difference. His claws flexed against the metal beneath them, testing for sound. The creature''s head snapped toward some falling debris - probably another chunk of building deciding gravity was its new best friend - and David moved. His wings spread just enough to catch his weight as he dropped, cutting through the rain like oil through water. The landing on a lower ledge was silent, his talons finding purchase on rain-slicked concrete with focused precision. Through the mental link, Captain''s anxiety buzzed like static. David could practically taste his tiny summons frustration at not being able to engage their target directly. But better a blind spot than more frozen Cuddlebugs doing their best statue impressions. Now comes the fun part - figuring out how to kill something I can''t look at, can''t blast with Wildsoul, that literally shoots through walls. Just another day I guess. God that hurts, lefty doesn''t want to flap at all. David tracked the creature''s movements through his remaining Cuddlebugs'' peripheral vision, building a mental map of its patrol pattern. Every few seconds, those void-black eyes would lock onto some distant point and fire, darkness lancing through whatever stood in its way. The beams left perfectly cylindrical holes in their wake, like someone had taken a god-sized hole punch to reality itself. Not random shots, he realized. The thing was being methodical, gridding out the area with devastating precision. Each blast targeted a potential hiding spot, working its way through the landscape like the world''s most lethal game of Battleship. Well, that''s just unfair. I have to play ninja in the rain while it gets to be a walking artillery piece with wall hacks. A familiar itch built in his core - the urge to unleash an excessive cloud of Miasma nearly overwhelming. But using Wildsoul would be like painting a target on his back, might as well send up a flare and yell ''free bat samples, get ''em while they''re warm!'' Instead, David let his natural toxins build, feeling the caustic substance gathering in his mouth and wing membranes. No Wildsoul required - just good old-fashioned biological warfare. The trick would be getting close enough to use it without ending up on the wrong end of those void beams. Captain''s warning chirp came just in time. David flattened himself against the wall as another beam punctured the building two floors above, the chill of its passing raising every hair on his body. Chunks of masonry crashed to the street below, and the creature''s head snapped toward the sound. That''s it, keep looking down. Nobody up here but us gargoyles. And speaking of up... Carefully, silently, David began to climb. His claws found tiny purchase points in the crumbling facade, years of urban decay working in his favor for once. Each movement was calculated, tested before committing. One loose brick, one scrape of talon on concrete, and this whole game of deadly hide-and-seek would be over before it began. Time to see just how good this thing''s spatial awareness really is. The rain masked his ascent, each tiny droplet helping to blur his outline against the dark stone. His fur rippled in patterns that matched the building''s texture, an unconscious camouflage that turned him into just another shadow among many. Water coursed down his wings as he climbed, diluting the toxins that dripped from their membranes. The liquid hissed softly where it hit metal, leaving tiny pockmarks in the corroded surface. Below, the creature continued its methodical destruction, those nightmare eyes cutting through the gloom like searchlights made of pure void. Each blast left another hole in the urban landscape, the scent of ionized air mixing with the rain to create something that burned David''s sensitive nose. The cold that radiated from those beams felt wrong on a fundamental level, like brushing against something that existed just to deny existence itself. David''s muscles coiled as he reached another ledge, positioning himself directly above his prey. The creature''s head swiveled mechanically below him, and David squeezed his eyes firmly shut before those void-black orbs could catch him in their trap. Through his Cuddlebugs'' careful peripheral watch and his own quick pulses of Echolocation, he built a composite image of his target. The twisted avian form was still unsettling - all wrong angles and too-long limbs - but at least it was something his brain could process without trying to fold itself into origami. His own toxins had built to almost painful levels now, coating his fangs, talons, and wing membranes in a film that had clearly hit a saturation point. The urge to hunt, to kill, to eliminate this threat rose up like a tide of pure instinct. This wasn''t about survival anymore - this was about dominance. About showing this thing exactly where it stood in the food chain. Time to remind it why predators learned to look up. A single drop of toxin fell from his wing, descending through the rain like a promise. The first drop landed perfectly - right between two of those void-black eyes. The creature''s head jerked upward at the impact, but David was already gone, wings folded tight as he vanished back into the shadows above. He kept his eyes firmly shut, relying on Echolocation to paint the scene in crystal clarity. The creature''s beak opened - whether to scream or fire another beam, he didn''t care to find out. A quick flare of his wings turned his next attack run into a deadly drive-by, letting him spit two more globs of toxin in rapid succession before the thing could even track his movement. His aim was surgical, practiced - each shot finding another cluster of those impossible eyes. The mucus splattered and spread, seeping into flesh that had probably never known vulnerability before this moment. Before the creature could retaliate, David had already melted back into the darkness, nothing but the sound of rain marking his passage. The creature fired wildly into the shadows, void beams cutting black lines through the gloom. Through the Cuddlebugs'' careful watch, David saw his handiwork beginning to take effect. The creature''s movements were becoming jerky, uncoordinated. Those void-black eyes still searched frantically, but they weren''t quite tracking in sync anymore. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. The paralytic would be hitting its system now, each cluster of eyes he''d struck becoming a point of entry for the toxins. Soon the numbness would spread, nerve endings misfiring as the sedative properties took hold. Every muscle spasm was a sign of his poison doing its work, turning his target''s body against itself one system at a time. --Marcus Hendricks has been afflicted by |Sleep| |Paralysis| |Numb|-- ¨CBonus: Control Combo |3|¨C ¨CGained 50xp!¨C David''s fangs gleamed in the darkness as he prepared for another strike. Three passes down, and his prey was already slowing. The hunt was just beginning. "You know," David called softly from the shadows, his voice echoing off multiple surfaces, "I''m starting to take this personally. Can''t a guy fly around looking for his friend without getting void-beamed by every creepy bird that''s having a bad day?" Through his Cuddlebugs'' watch, he saw Marcus''s head snap toward the sound, movements growing increasingly jerky. Those void-black eyes were less focused, some drifting independently as the toxins worked deeper into the creature''s system. "The Dark Star offers clarity," The creature replied, his voice unnaturally smooth despite his afflictions. "Your friend has already been chosen. As have you." Another pass, another perfect hit - this time catching the cluster of eyes near the base of its skull. David vanished back into the ruins before the reflexive void beam could even come close, the cold energy slicing through empty air. "Clarity? That what we''re calling it?" David''s wings carried him silently to a new position. "Because from where I''m perching, it looks more like someone took a perfectly good person and hollowed them out." Something rippled through the air then - a sensation of distortion that made David''s fur stand on end. It reminded him of heat waves rising from hot asphalt, but wrong somehow. The sensation peaked just before Marcus fired another beam, the void energy cutting through three floors of the building to David''s right. Wait a second... "You resist because you fear change," Marcus stated flatly, his head sweeping back and forth. "The Dark Star merely reveals what we truly are. What we can become." David launched another hit-and-run, this time paying careful attention to that ripple effect. There it was again - a pulse of something that felt like Wildsoul but twisted, inverted. The same exact wrongness he''d felt from the Owl, but this time controlled, focused. Time to test a theory. "Here''s a counter-offer," David called out, gathering just a hint of Wildsoul. Sure enough, every one of Marcus''s functioning eyes snapped toward his position instantly. "How about you fuck off back to whatever you crawled out of, and I go about my merry way?" The creature''s beak opened in what might have been a smile. "There. Now you understand." David released the gathered Wildsoul into his wings, letting Miasma pour forth as he dove. Marcus fired, but the toxins had done their work - the beam went wide, giving David the opening he needed. The caustic cloud enveloped his target, clinging to feathers and flesh despite the light drizzle. "A smokescreen? In the rain?" Marcus''s voice carried that same unnatural smoothness, touched now with condescension. "I expected better from someone the Master favors. I see with more than eyes." David vanished back into the ruins of the surrounding buildings the instant the cloud began to spread, trusting his Cuddlebugs'' careful observation from above to track his handiwork. The caustic vapor was already eating through feathers, dissolving flesh, and Marcus didn''t even realize it yet. By the time the pain broke through the analgesic haze, it would be far too late. "Yeah," David called from somewhere in the darkness, unable to keep the predatory satisfaction from his voice. "Just a smokescreen. Definitely. Keep talking though - I enjoy when my prey monologues." --Marcus Hendricks has been afflicted by |Sleep| |Paralysis| |Numb| |Corrosion| |Miasma|-- ¨CBonus: Control Combo |4|¨C ¨CGained 65xp!¨C Through the Cuddlebugs'' watch, David saw the moment realization hit. Marcus''s movements became frantic as strips of feathers began sloughing off, revealing flesh that bubbled and ran like wax. The void beams came faster now, wild and unfocused, cutting random patterns through buildings as their wielder suddenly, and finally understood exactly what kind of predator he''d been hunting. "You-" Marcus''s voice cracked, that unnatural smoothness giving way to something raw. "What is this? What have you-" "Aw, what''s wrong?" David''s voice drifted from the shadows, seemingly from just around the nearest corner. "Dark Star didn''t warn you about the bat that melts people? Seems like an oversight, considering this isn''t even my debut appearance." Another beam sliced through the rain, accompanied by that twisted ripple of corrupted Wildsoul. But the paralytic had spread too far now - Marcus''s legs locked, sending him stumbling into his own dissolving feathers. The creature tried to spread its wings, but they''d already begun to drip, primary feathers hitting the concrete with wet slaps. "The Dark Star cannot be denied," Marcus rasped, those void-black eyes starting to cloud over. "Others will come. They will find you, find her-" "Yeah, yeah." David''s next attack run caught the creature''s remaining eye clusters, toxin seeping deep into already compromised flesh. "Tell it to whatever''s left of you after the Miasma''s done." The void beams were barely pencil-thin now, barely able to crack concrete. Marcus''s form began to sag, structure compromised by the caustic vapor that continued to eat through him. But those eyes, even as they bubbled in the lingering whisps of Miasma, kept searching for any trace of Wildsoul energy. Well that didn''t take long. Should have invested into a little bit of utility there, Marcus. All damage and only one defense is a bad bet, even if it was a really good...hypno...thingy? David watched through his scouts as Marcus''s legs finally gave out completely, sending the creature crashing to its knees in a spreading puddle of its own liquefied flesh. The Miasma had done its work thoroughly - what had started as dissolving feathers had become wholesale structural failure. Those void-black eyes were clouding over one by one, like stars winking out in a corrupted sky. "You know what the real irony is?" David leapt from hiding, climbing into the air as he circled high above, voice carrying down to his disintegrating prey. "If you''d just left me alone, I''d have been halfway to the coast by now. But no - you just had to try your luck." Marcus''s beak opened, probably for one last cryptic threat, but only managed a wet gurgle as the caustic vapor found his lungs. The creature''s head lifted, tracking something only it could see, those remaining eyes widening with what might have been recognition. Or terror. The ripple of corrupted Wildsoul came again, but this time it felt wrong even by his lack of standards. Like a engine throwing a rod, or a transformer about to blow. The air around Marcus began to distort, reality bending in ways that set David''s teeth on edge. Oh, that can''t be good. David gathered his Wildsoul, knowing the risk but betting on his target being too far gone to retaliate. The power compressed into his wing-blades, and darkness bloomed around them like an inverse sunrise. Light itself seemed to bend inward, drawn toward the edges of his wings until even the cloudly light from above began to fade around him. Doom Blade hummed with lethal promise as he dove. The world went black. Even with his eyes already closed, the absolute darkness of Doom Blade felt like a physical thing, pressing against David''s skull as he dove. His Echolocation painted Marcus''s disintegrating form in perfect clarity - a statue of corruption caught mid-collapse. The Cuddlebugs tracked his descent from above, their collective vision giving him the exact angle he needed. The wing-blade connected just below Marcus''s sternum, reality compressing around the point of impact. David felt flesh, bone, and whatever twisted energy the Dark Star had granted all collapse inward, crushed into a space smaller than what should have been possible. The strike continued through, leaving a perfect fissure that split the creature from chest to spine, edges so clean they might have been drawn with a ruler. Everything stopped. For one endless moment, Marcus''s form remained upright, those few remaining eyes reflecting nothing at all. Then the creature toppled backward, the two halves of its body sliding apart with a sound like wet chalk on concrete. What remained of its corrupted Wildsoul scattered into the rain like smoke. ¨CYou have slain Marcus Hendricks¨C ¨CGained 1200 XP!¨C "Well," David muttered into the returning light as the effects of Doom Blade faded rapidly, "that''s probably not going to cause any problems down the line." The rain slowly washed away what remained of Marcus, caustic vapor dissipating into the night air. David kept his eyes firmly shut for another full minute, waiting until his Cuddlebugs confirmed there wasn''t a single void-black eye left intact before finally allowing himself to look. The street below resembled an explosion gone wrong - perfect cylindrical holes punched through concrete and steel, scattered puddles of something that might have once been feathers or flesh, and a bisected corpse that was rapidly becoming one with the growing puddle beneath it. The faint traces of corrupted Wildsoul lingered like oil on water, making his fur stand on end. Captain landed on his shoulder, tiny form trembling slightly from what they''d just witnessed. The rest of his surviving Cuddlebugs gathered nearby, their usual playful energy subdued. David reached up to scratch behind Captain''s ears, as much to steady himself as to comfort his tiny friend. "Hey, at least we learned something useful," he muttered, watching the rain slowly erase evidence of the battle. "Apparently the Dark Star has some kind of network going. And they''re looking for me, and Claire. Probably other people too." The implications of that sent a chill down his spine that had nothing to do with the rain. First the Owl, now this thing - how many more were out there? And what exactly did they want with his giant murder-lizard? Guess we''re about to find out. David spread his wings, shaking off excess water before taking to the air. The coast wasn''t getting any closer with him standing around philosophizing about cosmic horror and its questionable recruitment tactics. "Come on gang," he called to his remaining Cuddlebugs. "Let''s go find our lizard before someone else does. I suddenly want to be anywhere other than here." The rain swallowed them whole as they flew south, leaving behind only rain soaked bones and questions without answers. Sunday Funday Chapter_Mountain of the Moon The wind howled past the cave mouth, driving sheets of snow into the gloom as David maintained his stoic pose. His wings billowed dramatically behind him, and the time worn and polished peace sign pendant Claire had made him sparkled in what little light penetrated the cavern. Each Supremacy shard caught the gleam differently, making him look like some kind of disco-goth champion. I look so cool right now. Just like that guy from the games when I was a kid. The one on the mountain that never talked. Wait, is that why Gideon made me this stupid hat? Captain lounged on a nearby boulder, their massive fluffy form somehow managing to look regal despite being half-covered in snow drift. Their crystal sat unused on David''s bandolier, along with seven others. They''d refused to return to it months ago, declaring "As it was written, so shall it be - I ain''t getting back in that thing." A voice drifted through the curtain of snow beyond the cave mouth. "Hello? They said you''d be up here! The legendary Bat of- HOLY SHIT!" Three figures burst through the snowfall, the lead one immediately stumbling backward into their companions. The resulting pile-up sent all three sprawling onto the cave floor - a hamster-like monster about David''s size with golden fur, a goblin in an immaculate (if now snow-covered) three-piece suit, and a dwarf woman whose hair contained more braids than seemed physically possible. David quickly suppressed his terror field, the ability to control it still feeling new even after a year of practice. The hamster-monster immediately bounced back to their feet, eyes shining with barely contained excitement. "That was AMAZING! I''ve never felt anything like that! Are you really that strong? Can we battle? Please tell me we can battle!" "Do control yourself, Miss Chen," the goblin muttered, brushing snow from his suit with obvious disgust. "The atmospheric conditions are completely unsuitable for proper crystal resonance, and the altitude will surely affect-" "By my ancestor''s forge!" The dwarf woman interrupted, shoving past both of them. "Would you look at those wing-blades! Such magnificent edges! Such perfect curves!" She batted her eyes at David. "I don''t suppose you''d let a lady take a closer look at your... equipment?" "Margaret!" The goblin looked scandalized. "That''s the legendary Bat of Moon Mountain! You can''t just-" "Mine own master is spoken for," Captain announced, rising to their full height incredulously. "His beloved would feast upon thy flesh should thou persist in such advances." "Ooh, the hard to get type!" Margaret''s grin somehow got wider. "And his summon talks in verse! I do love a challenge-" "They literally mean eat you," David broke his silence, causing everyone to jump. "Like, actually chew and swallow. She''s done it once before." "...Kinky!" "MARGARET!" The hamster-monster, Chen, was practically vibrating now. "This is so cool! The stories were true! They said you were crazy strong, and that aura proves it!" She produced a crystal from somewhere in her fur. "I''m Chen, and I challenge you to a Summon Battle!" David maintained his stoic expression while internally celebrating the change of subject. His nose had been itching for the last ten minutes. "As it is written in the good book," Captain declared with a sigh, "Let them throw hands." David''s tongue snaked to his bandolier with practiced grace, causing the dwarfs eyes to narrow covetously. The familiar weight felt right, even if he still thought the whole crystal storage thing was weird. Who even came up with this system? At least the bandolier let him grab them easily. "The humidity levels are completely wrong for this," the goblin muttered, producing a notebook. "And the barometric pressure-" "Shut up, Reginald!" Chen and Margaret chorused. "This shall be a three-on-three battle," Captain announced, somehow making it sound like a biblical proclamation. "May the Lord have mercy upon your soul, for my master shall not." "Ready when you are!" Chen bounced on her paws. "Man, this is going to be awesome!" David said nothing, maintaining his mysterious champion aura while trying not to think about how much his nose still itched. Instead, he simply flicked the first crystal forward. "Go forth, Whisperwind!" Captain declared as light erupted from the crystal. "Show them the meaning of fear!" The creature that emerged was easily twice the size of its normal kin, its fur a swirling pattern of whites and greys that seemed to shift in the cave''s dim light. Massive wings spread wide as it took a battle stance. "Oh wow, a rare variant!" Chen''s eyes lit up as she threw her own crystal. "Let''s go, Thunderpaw!" The light from Chen''s crystal coalesced into a massive wolf-like creature wreathed in crackling electricity. Its fur stood on end, static discharge creating a nimbus of blue light around its form. "The atmospheric conductivity at this altitude will severely impact-" Reginald began, but everyone ignored him. "Behold!" Captain raised one fluffy paw dramatically. "Let there be throwdown!" David maintained his stoic pose while internally crafting the perfect strategy. Or at least, that''s what he hoped it looked like. Mostly he was wondering if he could get away with scratching his nose if he did it really fast. "Thunderpaw, use Lightning Rush!" Chen called out, practically bouncing with excitement. The wolf-creature gathered electricity around itself, preparation for what looked like a devastating charge. David remained motionless, letting his opponent commit to their attack. Just like the games. Wait for them to get close, then- "Whisperwind," David spoke softly, his voice carrying despite the howling wind outside. "Mist Step." The enhanced summon seemed to dissolve into vapor just as Thunderpaw passed through its former position. The wolf skidded to a halt, looking confused. "Now." Whisperwind reformed behind its opponent, wings spread wide. No further command was needed - years of training had perfected this combination. "SUCH MAGNIFICENT TECHNIQUE!" Margaret swooned. "The precision! The grace! The-" "Focus Strike," David commanded, ignoring both the dwarf''s advances and his still-itching nose. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Whisperwind''s attack connected with surgical precision, sending Thunderpaw tumbling across the cave floor. The wolf recovered quickly, electricity crackling with renewed intensity. "Amazing!" Chen''s eyes sparkled. "No one''s ever countered Lightning Rush like that! Thunderpaw, use Static Field!" "The electromagnetic interference will surely-" Reginald started writing frantically in his notebook. "SILENCE, NERD!" Margaret interrupted. "Can''t you see we''re witnessing poetry in motion?" She batted her eyes at David again. "Speaking of motion, those wings must be so strong-" "Lo, remember the words of Claire: ''Talk shit, get eaten,''" Captain intoned solemnly. David remained perfectly still as electricity filled the cave, his hat casting dramatic shadows across his face. Inside, he was struggling not to laugh at Captain''s creative interpretation of scripture. Whisperwind darted through the electrical field, its misty form dispersing and reforming to avoid the worst of the damage. Each movement was precise, calculated - just like they''d practiced countless times. "Time to end this," David muttered, letting just enough dramatic weight fill his voice. "Phantom Strike." "But the phase variance of-" Reginald''s protest was cut short as Whisperwind seemingly split into dozens of copies, each one diving toward Thunderpaw from a different angle. The wolf tried to track them all, electricity arcing wildly, but it was too late. The real attack came from directly above, Whisperwind''s enhanced form dropping like a stone through its own illusions. Thunderpaw collapsed, the electricity fading from its fur. "Return," Chen called out, her crystal reclaiming the fallen summon. Her grin somehow got even wider. "That was incredible! But wait until you see my next one!" "Go, Steelfist!" Chen''s next crystal erupted with light, revealing what looked like a heavily armored badger with brass knuckles on all four paws. It punched the air rapidly, each impact creating small sonic booms. "The acoustic properties of this cave will-" Reginald ducked as a stalactite crashed nearby. "Those ARMS!" Margaret''s beard braids quivered with excitement. "Almost as impressive as yours, oh dreamy lord of darkness-" Captain cut in, "Thou shalt not simp." David maintained his champion pose, though internally he was definitely adding that last line to his list of ''things Captain actually said.'' His nose still itched. Whisperwind was showing signs of fatigue, its misty form flickering slightly at the edges. Time for a switch. David recalled it with a fluid motion that definitely wasn''t practiced in front of a mirror for hours. "Shadowstrike," he commanded softly, launching his next crystal. The summon that emerged was lean and predatory, its dark fur decorated with patterns that seemed to absorb light. "The visibility conditions in this cave are completely unsuitable for-" Reginald''s complaint was lost as both summons charged. "Steelfist, use Impact Rush!" "Fade." The armored badger''s lightning-fast combo passed harmlessly through Shadowstrike''s afterimage. David allowed himself a small smile, knowing it would look mysterious and cool rather than smug. God, my nose itches so bad. Focus. Channel the mountain guy. Be mysterious. Be cool. Don''t sneeze. "Chain Arsenal!" Chen commanded. Steelfist''s brass knuckles began to glow, extending into energy chains that whipped through the air with devastating force. "The metaphysical implications of matter-energy conversion at this altitude-" Reginald dove behind a boulder as chains shattered rock. David remained motionless as chains filled the air, internally grateful that at least one of his companions was keeping the dwarf at bay. Shadowstrike danced between the attacks, each movement a calculated risk that brought it closer to its target. Now. "Night Weaver." Shadowstrike''s form blurred, dark tendrils extending from its fur. The chains suddenly found themselves tangled, redirected, turned against their wielder. Steelfist stumbled, trying to recall its weapons, but it was too late. "The physics of this technique completely violate-" Reginald''s protest was cut short as Steelfist crashed into the cave wall beside him, unconscious. Chen recalled her fallen summon, practically vibrating with excitement. "That was amazing! I''ve never seen anyone counter Chain Arsenal before! But this next one..." She pulled out her final crystal, grinning. "This is my partner, my strongest! Go, STAR BREAKER!" The light that erupted from her crystal was nearly blinding. As it faded, a massive bear-like creature stood before them, its fur gleaming like polished metal. Crystalline growths protruded from its shoulders and back, each one pulsing with internal energy. "The energy readings are off the scale!" Reginald had somehow produced several measuring devices. "This completely contradicts-" "Those CRYSTALS!" Margaret''s eyes had actual hearts in them now. "Almost as beautiful as your-" Captain interrupted once again. "Thou shalt not be this thirsty. Shame. Dishonor." David kept his expression neutral despite really wanting to high-five Captain for that one. His nose had gone from itching to practically burning, but he couldn''t break character now. Not when things were getting interesting. "Star Breaker, Crystal Surge!" Chen commanded. The crystalline growths on her summon began to pulse with increasing intensity. "The quantum resonance patterns are completely unprecedented-" Reginald''s instruments started smoking. "Like the crystalline structure of your SOUL!" Margaret had produced poetry paper from somewhere. "Oh dark prince of the-" David recalled Shadowstrike before the crystal surge could hit, his movements maintaining that practiced grace despite his nose now feeling like someone was tickling it with ghost peppers. His final crystal felt warm in his hand - time for his ace. "Nightwing," he spoke softly, internally congratulating himself on not sneezing. The cave erupted with dark energy as his final summon emerged. Massive bat-like wings spread wide, each one larger than David himself. Its fur was deep purple, almost black, with patterns that seemed to move of their own accord. Multiple red eyes opened across its form, each one glowing with internal fire. "The biological implications of multiple optical organs-" Reginald''s notebook burst into flames. "THOSE EYES!" Margaret swooned. "Almost as captivating as-" "OH MY GOD! Stop it or I''m going to kick your ass myself!" Captain all but howled in frustration. Chen''s grin threatened to split her face. "This is it! The legendary Nightwing! Star Breaker, Crystal Nova!" The bear-creature''s crystals began to glow with increasing intensity, building toward what looked like a devastating release of energy. David remained perfectly still, waiting for the perfect moment. Wait for it... wait for it... His nose chose that exact moment to finally win its freedom. "AH-CHOO!" The thunderous sneeze echoed through the cave, causing everyone to freeze. Even the summons paused mid-battle, staring at the legendary Bat of Moon Mountain as he rubbed his nose with one wing. "...Excuse me," David muttered, trying to salvage his mysterious aura. "Nightwing, Eclipse Driver." The battle''s climactic moment had been slightly ruined by his sneeze, but Nightwing''s response was still spectacular. Darkness bloomed from its wings like an inverse sunrise, each of its red eyes firing beams that intercepted Star Breaker''s Crystal Nova. The attacks met in the center of the cave with a sound like reality having hiccups. "The laws of physics are literally crying!" Reginald''s replacement notebook spontaneously transformed into a duck and flew away. "Such raw power!" Margaret had actual stars in her eyes now. "Like my burning passion for-" "Ma''am, this is a Wendy''s,''" Captain declared. The competing energies finally destabilized, sending both summons flying backward. When the dust settled, Star Breaker lay unconscious, its crystals dimmed. Nightwing landed gracefully beside David, all eyes blinking in synchronized smugness. "That was AMAZING!" Chen bounced over to check on her fallen partner. "I''ve never had such an awesome battle! The way you kept so calm and cool the whole time, except for that sneeze which was actually kind of adorable, and-" David maintained his stoic expression despite wanting to die inside a little at the ''adorable'' comment. He''d worked hard on his mysterious mountain champion aesthetic, damn it. "Thus it is written," Captain intoned, "git gud." "Your technique was flawless!" Chen continued, helping Star Breaker up. "The way you didn''t even need to call out most of your moves! And that final clash was-" "The energy output should have literally melted the mountain," Reginald muttered, trying to catch his duck-notebook. "Speaking of melting," Margaret sidled closer to David, "how about you and I-" "Claire says no," David finally spoke, causing everyone to jump again. "But-" "She can hear you somehow. Don''t ask me how. She just can." As if on cue, a distant evil sounding roar echoed through the mountains, causing several avalanches. "...I''ll wait in the friend zone," Margaret decided. Chen''s enthusiasm couldn''t be dampened even by the threat of distant murder-lizards. "Can we battle again sometime? Maybe after I train more? Please?" David said nothing, simply turning to face the cave entrance as snow continued to fall. His wings billowed dramatically in wind that somehow only affected him. Captain drew themselves up imperiously and declared, "Get stronger and come back for round two. Gee Gee." The three visitors departed, Chen''s excited chatter about the battle mixing with Reginald''s complaints about physics and Margaret''s sighs of longing. Once they were gone, David finally relaxed his pose. "I can''t believe you quoted scripture at a thirsty dwarf." "Bold of you to assume I didn''t make all that up," Captain replied with a smirk. "Now, shall we practice your mysterious champion pose some more? Your wing angle was slightly off during that last dramatic turn." David groaned. Sometimes he missed the days when his summons couldn''t talk. But only sometimes. 154 - Thread of conversation The coastline looked like someone had tried to erase it with the world''s angriest eraser. Where David had expected to find the remains of civilization - the bones of beachfront property and tourist traps - there was only water. The ocean had claimed its territory with brutal efficiency, leaving behind a landscape that bore little resemblance to any maps he might have remembered. "Well shit," he muttered, banking into a wide circle to survey the damage. "Guess beach front property really did turn out to be a bad investment." Waves lapped at shores that shouldn''t have existed, having carved new beaches from what had probably been suburban sprawl. The water stretched much further inland than he remembered, creating a drowned world where the tops of buildings poked through the surface like rotten teeth. Here and there, the skeletal remains of high-rises jutted from the waves, their lower floors lost beneath waters that had risen what looked like several hundred feet. Captain chirped questioningly from nearby, the tiny creature''s confusion bleeding through their mental link. David couldn''t blame them - even to someone who hadn''t known the ''before'' times, something about this view felt fundamentally wrong. "See those dark shapes under the water?" David gestured with a wing toward where waves broke over submerged structures. "That used to be where people lived. Before the ocean decided to go house hunting." The morning sun painted everything in shades of gold and blue, but even that beautiful light couldn''t quite hide the wrongness of what lay beneath. Strange shapes moved in the deeper waters, things that were definitely not standard marine life by any definition. Something that might have been a shark - if sharks had started accessorizing with extra fins and what looked suspiciously like tentacles - breached the surface briefly before vanishing back into the depths. David''s ears swiveled constantly, tracking sounds that didn''t quite match his memories of what oceans should sound like. The waves themselves seemed different - harder somehow, more vigorous in their crash against the shore. And underneath it all, a deep thrumming that he could feel in his bones. "Right," he said, climbing higher to get a better view. "Step one - find somewhere that isn''t completely..." He trailed off as his Echolocation picked up something unusual. The pulse bounced back wrong, creating patterns that shouldn''t have been there. "What the hell?" He banked toward the anomaly, keeping altitude as he investigated. The sound-picture slowly resolved into something that made his fur stand on end - an intricate network of strands suspended between what remained of several buildings, nearly invisible to the naked eye but lighting up like neon in his Echolocation. Well that''s either really good news or really bad news. Probably bad, because when is it ever good? David landed on a relatively stable-looking chunk of concrete, keeping a healthy distance from the nearest visible strand. The webbing caught the morning light in ways that made his instincts scream warnings - too subtle, too perfect in its placement. This wasn''t the work of some mindless creature. He searched the ground until he found what he was looking for - a piece of rebar just long enough to serve as a poking stick. The first experimental prod was almost anticlimactic. The strand bent slightly under the pressure but held firm, glistening with something that definitely wasn''t morning dew. David watched, fascinated, as the liquid seemed to flow along the fiber, spreading outward from the point of contact. "Okay, that''s definitely toxic," he muttered, noting how the rebar''s tip had started discoloring slightly where it touched the strand. "Question is, what kind of- wait, what''s it doing now?" The disturbed section of web had begun to vibrate, sending ripples through connected strands that spread outward like rings in a pond. Each wave carried that strange liquid further, until entire sections of the network gleamed wickedly. His ears suddenly swiveled toward movement - something large but impossibly quiet, approaching from his blind spot. The spider''s question died in their throat as David turned to face them fully. Eight legs reared up instinctively, front pairs raised in a defensive threat display that spoke more of startled fear than actual aggression. David internally winced - he kept underestimating his whole ''first impression factor''. "I''m David," he offered carefully, keeping his voice light as those raised legs trembled slightly. "And I''m a lot less scary than I look. Promise." Through their mental link, he quickly directed the Cuddlebugs into what he''d decided to call the ''maximum adorable protocol.'' Captain, ever the overachiever, immediately dove down with what had to be the most bedraggled flower David had ever seen. "Sorry about that," David offered, keeping his voice carefully light while watching those raised legs. "I know I come off a bit... intense. I promise I mostly just look like murder incarnate. Mostly." The tiny Cuddlebug landed between them, pushing the flower toward the spider with an almost aggressive display of cuteness. The spider''s posture shifted slightly, multiple eyes tracking between David''s nightmarish form and the tiny ball of fluff now doing its best to steal the show. "That''s... surprisingly disarming," the spider managed, legs lowering fractionally. "Though I notice your tiny ambassador brought a flower from my own warning markers." "Yeah, Captain''s kind of an improviser." David kept his wings loose, carefully non-threatening. "They''re also way better at diplomatic first impressions than I am. Which, given..." He gestured at his general everything, "probably not hard." "Dr. Harrison," the spider offered after a moment. "Though these days most just call me Doc." A pause, then, "I don''t suppose you have a good explanation for why you were poking at my perimeter?" "Honestly? The sparkly one caught my eye. Like murder tinsel." David''s ears perked up with genuine curiosity. "Quick question - does that stuff do the, uh..." He made a vague grabbing motion with his wing, then caught himself. "Sorry, that probably sounded... less professional than you''re used to. Just... really excited about how neat your setup is." Doc''s multiple eyes glimmered in sequence, clearly reassessing the situation. "You''re... a toxin specialist?" "I mean, I shut things down really effectively?" David shrugged, surprised at how civil the whole conversation had been so far. "Which sounds worse out loud than in my head, but you know what I mean. Your setup though..." He gestured at the web network with genuine respect. "That''s artwork. Mine''s more like area denial. Gets the job done, but way less precise." "A toxin specialist," Doc repeated, legs settling into a more relaxed position as David''s demeanor continued to offset his appearance. "One that describes complex reactions as...''" They made a vaguely incredulous grabbing motion with one of their legs. "Hey, I know what I''m doing," David protested as his ears swiveled grumpily to the sides, then paused. "I just... don''t always know what it''s called. Or why it works. But it definitely works." Captain chose that moment to zip back up to David''s shoulder, chirping proudly about their successful flower delivery. The rest of the Cuddlebugs remained high above, turning their patrol into something that looked more like aerial tag. "That strand you were so fascinated by," Doc shifted into what was clearly a practiced stance. "It''s actually part of a rather elegant combination. The base compound triggers widespread clotting, but that''s just the foundation." David''s ears perked forward with genuine interest. "Multiple stages?" "Indeed. Though I suspect you''d find the end result reminiscent of your approach." Doc''s tone carried a hint of dry amusement. "The secondary compound causes extensive blistering - chemical burns that create entry points for the primary toxin. Once it takes hold..." "Everything starts bleeding and clotting at the same time?" David''s expression shifted to something far more focused, the kind of attention he usually reserved for combat. "That''s actually brilliant. Brutal, but brilliant." "The victim essentially breaks down from the inside out," Doc explained, legs moving in precise gestures that somehow conveyed complex chemical reactions. "Blood vessels rupture while simultaneously trying to clot, organs begin to fail as their blood supply becomes... compromised." "Huh." David''s ears twitched thoughtfully. "And here I''ve just been focusing on making things melt faster. Though..." He paused, then blurted out with the kind of earnest curiosity usually reserved for children asking about dinosaurs, "Would you be willing to tell me how you mix different effects like that? Not the Mutagen part obviously, but like... the principle? I mean, if that''s not like, a trade secret or anything. Seems like a good trick." If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Doc''s front legs twitched in what might have been surprised amusement, multiple eyes studying David''s openly eager expression. There was something almost endearing about such a terrifying creature practically bouncing with curiosity about chemistry. "Your delivery method would be entirely different," Doc mused after a moment, professional interest clearly winning out over standard caution. "But the basic theory of isolation and combination... here." Several legs moved in a complex pattern, drawing something in the dust. "Consider it like layering flavors rather than simply increasing potency. Though I admit, I''ve never actually had someone ask before." David squinted at the diagram. "So instead of just pumping more murderjuice..." "''Murderjuice''," Doc muttered under their breath, but continued. "Yes. Think of it as a balancing act." "Right, right..." David''s tongue flicked out thoughtfully. Multiple eyes blinked in sequence. "Try this - focus on separating just one aspect of your toxin. Something simple, like taste." David''s face scrunched in concentration. After a moment, his eyes widened slightly. "Oh shit, it actually..." He made a face. "Okay, now it tastes like pennies instead of murder-mint. That''s weird." "Murder-mint," Doc repeated flatly. "You know, for someone who just demonstrated a fairly complex chemical isolation, you have a remarkable talent for reducing things to concerning terminology." "Speaking of concerning things," David said, shifting his wings in what he hoped was a helpful gesture. "Want some advice about your setup here? You know, trade secrets for trade secrets?" Doc''s eyes focused with renewed interest. "You have critiques of my web?" "I mean... yeah?" David scratched behind one ear. "Like, it''s really good! But also kind of obvious from up there if you know what to look for. Aaand I''m kind of an expert at the whole ''surprise, you''re dead'' thing." He gestured at a particular arrangement of strands. "See how they catch the light? Really pretty, but that''s actually the problem. You want to work with the terrain more, make people look where you want them to. Like..." He paused, trying to find the right words. "You know how magic tricks work by making you watch the wrong hand?" "Misdirection through intentional visibility," Doc translated, several legs tapping thoughtfully. "Go on." "Right! Like, see that building there?" David pointed with his wing. "Everyone''s going to try to go around it, because duh. But if you make the obvious path look just sketchy enough..." He trailed off meaningfully. Doc''s posture shifted as understanding dawned. "They''ll take what appears to be a safer route, directly into the actual trap." "Exactly! And the best part is, once they start feeling clever about avoiding the ''obvious'' area..." David grinned, revealing far too many teeth. "That''s when you really get them. Because everyone loves catching a ''mistake''." "Plus," David continued, warming to the subject, "you''ve got this great terrain here but you''re trying to cover too much of it. Like, those half-collapsed walls? Perfect for creating those angles that make depth perception go all..." He wiggled his wings in what was supposed to be a demonstrative gesture. "You know, fucky." Doc''s front legs made a motion that somehow conveyed academic note-taking. "Using the ruins'' natural patterns?" "Yeah! See, from up there," David pointed skyward, "you get this perfect view of how people have to move through areas. They''re going to follow the path of least resistance every time, because that''s just what people do. But if you layer right..." He paused, then added with surprising insight, "The real trick is making them think they''re being careful while they walk right into it." Several of Doc''s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "You''re considerably more tactical than your vocabulary would suggest." "Thanks! I think." David''s ears flicked as he processed the comment. "Wait, was that an insult? That felt like it might have been an insult." "An observation," Doc corrected, though there was definite amusement in their tone. "Though I admit, your expertise in ambush is... unexpectedly thorough." "Well yeah, that''s like the one thing I''m actually good at." David gestured at himself. "Pretty much built for the whole ''death from above'' thing. Speaking of which..." He pointed to another section of webbing. "If you move those strands left, they''ll be practically invisible until it''s way too late. Especially if you''re running for your life." "Speaking of running for your life," David said, glancing toward the ocean, "don''t suppose you know if there''s a safe way across all... that?" He gestured at the waves with a wing. "Because I''m getting some serious ''here there be monsters'' vibes from whatever''s swimming out there." Doc''s posture shifted subtly, several eyes tracking toward the water. "Depends on your definition of ''safe.'' The Rifle-fish tend to stay below two hundred feet unless they''re hunting, but-" "I''m sorry," David cut in, ears pinned flat. "Did you just say Rifle-fish? Please tell me that''s not exactly what it sounds like." "Oh no," Doc''s tone dripped sarcasm. "It''s much worse than what you''re thinking. Imagine if someone gave a barracuda a high-powered speargun for a face. Then made it angry." David stared at the waves for a long moment. "You know what? I was going to say ''you''re fucking with me'' but honestly? That tracks with how my week is going." He squinted at a splash in the distance. "They''re not even the worst thing out there, are they?" "Not by several orders of magnitude," Doc confirmed. "The deep water make the coast look positively friendly, or so I''ve been told. Though if you can maintain serious altitude..." They paused, studying David''s expression. "You have to cross, don''t you?" "Yeah." David''s tone made it clear that particular subject wasn''t up for discussion. "Though I''m starting to think I should have packed a bigger boat. Or like, a submarine. With really thick walls." Doc''s front legs tapped against the concrete in what David was starting to recognize as their thinking gesture. "You know," they said carefully, "there might be a slightly less suicidal option than trying to sprint across open water." "I''m listening," David replied, trying not to look too eager. "Especially if it doesn''t involve me becoming fish food." "There''s someone who operates a sort of... transit service, you could say." Several of Doc''s eyes tracked another distant splash. "Much safer than trying to fly solo, especially with your little ones in tow." David glanced up at his remaining Cuddlebugs, who had graduated from aerial tag to what looked like synchronized diving practice. "Yeah, probably not great to have them as snack-sized distractions out there. This friend of yours trustworthy?" "About as trustworthy as anyone gets these days," Doc offered diplomatically. "And considerably more prepared for deep water encounters than most. Though I should warn you - they can be a bit... particular about new people." "Let me guess," David''s ears flattened slightly. "The whole ''terrifying nightmare bat'' thing might be an issue?" "Actually," and David could have sworn Doc was trying not to laugh, "I think they''ll find your particular aesthetic a non-issue. It''s more about proving you''re not going to cause problems. They''re quite protective of their operation." "Fair enough." David nodded, then added with a grin, "I promise to keep the scary pointed at whatever tries to eat us, not the boat." "Somehow both reassuring and concerning," Doc mused. "I can make an introduction, if you''d like. Though I have to ask..." They paused, several eyes studying David carefully. "Whatever''s driving you to cross isn''t going to bring trouble back this way, is it?" David''s expression sobered. "No. Well, probably not. Okay, maybe, but not the kind you''re thinking of." He sighed. "Look, I just need to find someone. Important someone. That''s all." "Ah." Doc''s tone carried a wealth of understanding, and David appreciated that they didn''t push further. "Well then, let me at least point you in the right direction. Your important someone won''t be helped by you becoming fish food." "Yeah," David agreed, ears still drooping slightly. "Though I have to say, the whole rifle-fish thing really puts a damper on the whole dramatic rescue vibe I was going for. Kind of hard to look cool while screaming ''oh god it''s got a face gun'' at the top of your lungs." That got an actual laugh from Doc, a sound that somehow reminded David of wind chimes. "I think I''m starting to understand why my usual warnings haven''t scared you off. You''ve got an... interesting perspective on danger." "More like danger has an interesting perspective on me," David shrugged, then brightened. "Oh hey, speaking of perspective - one last trap tip before I go? Those support beams over there would make amazing anchor points if you..." "You''re procrastinating," Doc noted dryly, though several eyes tracked toward the indicated beams with clear interest. "Maybe a little," David admitted. "But also, free advice from someone who spends way too much time thinking about how to murder things from above. Consider it a thank you for not immediately trying to fight me when I showed up." Captain chose that moment to zip down with another flower, this one significantly less bedraggled than their first offering. Doc accepted it with the same careful precision as before, adding it to what David now noticed was a small collection. "Your tiny friend is quite persistent," Doc observed, arranging the flower with the other. "Yeah, they''re..." David watched his tiny companion return to the aerial show above. "They''re good at reminding me that sometimes the scary looking ones just need a chance." "Speaking of chances," Doc shifted slightly, gesturing toward a particularly stable-looking building near the water. "My contact usually makes dock there, just after sunset. Tell them Webb sent you - they''ll know what it means." "Thanks," David said, genuinely grateful. "For everything. The toxin stuff, the travel tip, not immediately assuming I was going to eat you..." "Yes, well." Doc''s legs made a dismissive gesture. "Your terminology may be concerning, but your tiny entourage makes quite the character reference." They paused, then added with clear amusement, "Though I do hope you''ll work on that approach." "Hey, my approach is very sophisticated, thank you very much." David spread his wings, preparing to take flight. "Though I might experiment with that blood thing. You know, for special occasions." The Cuddlebugs descended in a coordinated spiral, taking up their usual positions around him. Captain made one final diving pass to drop a third flower in front of Doc before zipping up to David''s shoulder. "Your contact," David asked as an afterthought, "anything I should know about them? Besides the whole ''particular about new clients'' thing?" "Oh, you''ll know them when you see them," Doc''s tone carried a hint of mischief that made David''s ears twitch nervously. "Just try not to stare. They''re a bit sensitive about the tentacles." "The what now?" But Doc was already retreating into their web network, leaving David to contemplate exactly what kind of boat ride he was signing up for. Through the mental link, Captain projected an emotion that somehow managed to combine ''adventure'' with ''mild concern.'' "Yeah buddy," David sighed, launching himself into the air. "I''m starting to think this rescue mission might need its own rescue mission." Below them, the waves continued their crash against the shore, and something that definitely wasn''t a normal fish breached the surface in the distance. David could have sworn it waved at him. Well, at least things can''t get any weirder. The universe, as usual, took that as a challenge. Very selfishly taking the day off. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam ultrices arcu ut diam hendrerit, eu venenatis nisi tempus. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Sed at eros nec justo consequat varius. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Proin egestas, nulla id sagittis volutpat, nunc nisl tincidunt nisi, vel aliquam erat nunc vel enim. Suspendisse potenti. Donec vehicula libero ac augue vehicula, at scelerisque mauris faucibus. Maecenas tincidunt vestibulum felis, non volutpat nisi ultrices vitae. Nulla facilisi. Sed sit amet ligula euismod, tincidunt nunc ut, ultrices dolor. Praesent vulputate urna eu diam varius, in fermentum nulla efficitur. Nulla facilisi. Suspendisse potenti. Integer eget nisl ac purus varius varius. Nunc euismod, nunc id aliquam tincidunt, nisl nunc tincidunt nunc, vitae aliquam nunc nunc vitae nunc. Fusce nec semper dolor, vitae tincidunt nisi. Vivamus consectetur, massa non tincidunt faucibus, nunc nunc tincidunt nunc, vitae aliquam nunc nunc vitae nunc. Sed sit amet ligula euismod, tincidunt nunc ut, ultrices dolor. Praesent vulputate urna eu diam varius, in fermentum nulla efficitur. Nulla facilisi. Suspendisse potenti. Integer eget nisl ac purus varius varius. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Proin egestas, nulla id sagittis volutpat, nunc nisl tincidunt nisi, vel aliquam erat nunc vel enim. Suspendisse potenti. Donec vehicula libero ac augue vehicula, at scelerisque mauris faucibus. Maecenas tincidunt vestibulum felis, non volutpat nisi ultrices vitae. Nulla facilisi. Sed sit amet ligula euismod, tincidunt nunc ut, ultrices dolor. Praesent vulputate urna eu diam varius, in fermentum nulla efficitur. Nulla facilisi. Suspendisse potenti. Integer eget nisl ac purus varius varius. Nunc euismod, nunc id aliquam tincidunt, nisl nunc tincidunt nunc, vitae aliquam nunc nunc vitae nunc. Fusce nec semper dolor, vitae tincidunt nisi. Vivamus consectetur, massa non tincidunt faucibus, nunc nunc tincidunt nunc, vitae aliquam nunc nunc vitae nunc. 155 - Thats my line David perched on a crumbling billboard, watching with mild amusement as a group of scavengers picked through the remains of what had probably been a luxury car dealership. Their methodical approach spoke of experience - no wasted movement, no unnecessary noise, just the quiet efficiency of people who''d turned urban archaeology into an art form. "You know," he mused to Captain, who was currently using his ear as a swing, "I keep expecting everyone to be... stabby? But folks out here are weirdly civil." He gestured vaguely at the scavengers below. "Like, that''s the third Pack I''ve seen, and not one of them has tried to murder me even a little bit." The tiny creature chirped thoughtfully, possibly agreeing or possibly just commenting on David''s ear hygiene. The rest of his depleted Cuddlebug squad had spread out in a loose patrol pattern, their tiny forms barely visible against the waterlogged urban landscape. His conversation with Doc earlier still played on his mind. It had been... refreshingly normal? Well, as normal as chatting about murder-chemistry with a giant spider could be. But after recent events - murderous owls, eccentric elves, and whatever the hell was going on with the Dark Star - having someone new just... talk to him? That was novel. The local community setup was fascinating too, in a "how has nobody killed each other yet" kind of way. Small Packs dotted the coastline like particularly territorial hermit crabs, each claiming their little slice of semi-submerged paradise. But instead of the usual post-apocalyptic murder-hobo routine, they''d somehow achieved a sort of weighted peace. "Probably helps that the ocean''s trying to eat everyone equally," David muttered, watching a distant splash that was definitely too big to be natural. "Nothing builds community spirit like shared trauma." The sun was getting lower, painting the flooded streets in shades of amber and gold. David squinted suspiciously out over the waves, marveling at how quickly the ocean had seemed to change. He could almost feel the ¡®fuck around and find out¡¯ radiating from it like a living thing. Time to head back to the waiting spot before Doc¡¯s mysterious friend shows up. David spread his wings, earning an indignant squeak from Captain as their swing set suddenly became airborne. The hotel loomed ahead like a half-sunken monument to better days, its upper floors jutting from the water stoically despite the missing roof. David landed gracefully on what remained of a third-floor balcony, taking in the view of the flooded lobby below. "Right," David cracked his neck, immediately regretting it as something popped that definitely wasn''t supposed to. "Time to get the band back together." Summoning the rest of his Cuddlebug contingent was easier with Metabolic Surge, though the drain still made his head spin. The new arrivals fluttered in from the shadows in neat formation, looking about as militant as something that cute could manage. Their beady eyes locked onto him with an intensity that bordered on concerning. "At ease, soldiers," David snorted, watching as they maintained their perfect line-up. "Seriously, you''re making the veterans look bad." Captain took one look at the newcomers'' rigid stance and made a sound that could only be described as the Cuddlebug equivalent of an exasperated sigh. The summon hopped down from David''s shoulder, strutting toward the fresh recruits like a drill sergeant who''d had enough of this shit. What followed was possibly the most adorable display of dominance David had ever witnessed. The newcomers barely came up to Captain¡¯s shoulders - a quirk that never failed to amuse him since Captain¡¯s ¡®Rank up¡¯ - but size clearly didn''t matter. One ear twitch from the commander had the entire squad relaxing their stance, though they still watched David like he might start giving pop quizzes on proper murder-fluff protocol. "Ah, Royal Bloodline," David grinned, watching Captain coordinate their new siblings with practiced ease. "Because nothing says ''authority'' like having a tiny but confident right hand...right wing bat?" David began to prowl along the balcony''s edge, his talons leaving tiny score marks in the marble as he moved. The fading sunlight caught his striped fur in ways that made him look more like living shadow than flesh and blood, each movement a fluid reminder that evolution had crafted him for the hunt. "Thirty more minutes of this and I''m going to lose my mind," he muttered, wings half-spread for balance as he casually navigated a section where the railing had completely given way. The short drop to the deep water of the lobby below didn''t concern him, but something about the stillness of it set his fur on edge. Captain apparently shared his restlessness. The tiny creature had taken to scratching patterns in the dust coating the floor, though ''patterns'' might have been generous. David''s ears swiveled forward with interest as he noticed the marks becoming more deliberate. "Hold up," he said, dropping into a crouch that would have looked sinister to any observers. His wings naturally compensated for the awkward position, talons flexing slightly to maintain perfect balance. "Are you trying to write something?" Captain''s response was to make another mark that looked suspiciously like a drunken triangle having an identity crisis. David''s fangs glinted in the dying light as he grinned making Captain chirp excitedly. "No, no, like this." David reached out with one wing-talon, carefully drawing an ''A'' in the debris. "See? Simple. Well, simpler than whatever interpretive art you were going for." What followed was possibly the most determined display of academic pursuit David had ever witnessed. Captain attacked the task of copying his letter with the same intensity they usually reserved for murder, leaving a trail of increasingly less abstract shapes across the floor. The rest of the Cuddlebugs watched with varying degrees of interest, though the newer ones maintained their overly attentive poses. Time slipped away as David found himself genuinely invested in Captain''s progress. The tiny creature had gone from creating what looked like ancient cave paintings to something that might, if you squinted and had recently suffered a concussion, resemble the letter A. "You''re getting it!" David encouraged, choosing to relish how his supposedly terrifying presence had been reduced to elementary school teacher. "Though maybe we should work on making them all the same size? Unless you''re going for some kind of ransom note aesthetic..." It wasn''t until he noticed his own shadow had completely disappeared that David realized how dark it had gotten. His ears immediately snapped to attention, pivoting to track a sound that wasn''t quite there. Something about the water below had changed, though he couldn''t immediately place what. Then he saw them. The water''s surface broke in perfect silence as dozens of pale tentacles rose into the air. Each one moved with liquid grace, swaying gently as feathery structures unfurled from their tips like living flowers. The delicate organs pulsed and flexed, extending outward before drawing back into specialized sheaths at the ends of each appendage, only to emerge again moments later in an endless dance. David''s muscles locked as the tentacles oriented on his position, those bizarre feathered tips rippling in ways that gave him the ick. His ears swiveled rapidly, tracking their movement as they wove through the air like curious snakes. The dying light caught the feathery structures as they telescoped in and out, revealing patterns that belonged in the deepest trenches of the ocean, not in what remained of a hotel lobby. Well, I guess Doc wasn''t kidding about the tentacles. The tentacles oriented on his position, those alien feathers dancing at their tips, when David finally remembered how to speak. "Webb sent me," he managed, the words barely a whisper. The effect was instant. Every feathered tip snapped toward his face like compass needles finding north, and a dozen more tentacles breached the water''s surface to join their siblings. The new arrivals moved with that same impossible grace, their own feathery organs extending to full length as they reached toward him. David held perfectly still as the appendages drew closer, close enough that he could see the intricate structures within each feather-like organ pulsing and shifting. The air grew thick with the scent of deep water and something else, something that reminded him of tide pools and creatures that had never seen sunlight. Then the real emergence began. The water erupted in slow motion as something massive rose from below. More tentacles than David could count unfurled like living ribbons, each one larger than the last. They spread throughout the submerged lobby in an ever-expanding web of motion that seemed specifically designed to occupy every last inch of space. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. What surfaced in their midst defied easy description. The creature''s body resembled a jellyfish that had decided to mate with a cuttlefish, then gotten creative with the results. Translucent tissue rippled with patterns of light that shouldn''t have been possible in the growing darkness, while patterns that resembled eyes - or might have been something else entirely - shifted and realigned across its surface. David''s breath caught in his throat. He''d seen some shit since the Wave hit, but this? This was something else entirely. His Cuddlebugs huddled closer, their tiny forms pressed against his fur as they watched the impossible thing below arrange itself into something approaching stability. Then it spoke, and David''s world tilted sideways. "Hi there!" The voice vibrated the water into perfect geometric patterns, cheerful as a summer morning. "Don''t freak out, I know I look a bit intense!" David couldn''t help it. The laugh burst out before he could stop it, earning him a worried chirp from Captain. "I''m sorry," he managed, trying to get himself under control. "It''s just... that''s literally my line. Like, word for word what I tell people when they see me." The creature''s tentacles rippled in what might have been amusement. "Oh thank fuck," it replied, the water dancing to its words. "You would not believe how many people just shit themselves and run. Gets old, you know?" Pretty sure that''s a woman, her voice is so bassy it''s hard to tell¡­yeah, no, definitely. Took me a second, usually you can just tell somehow. Maybe it''s the shock? I should take some of the growl out of my voice when I meet people. Wait, do I sound snarly too? ¡­Yeah, probably. Hrm Her voice resonated through the water again, sending ripples dancing across the surface in perfect circles. "Most people take one look and decide today''s not their day to meet whatever the hell I am." "Tell me about it," David snorted, relaxing his posture slightly. "I overheard a dwar- stranger say I was, and I quote, ''definitely some kind of death omen.'' I mean, they weren''t entirely wrong, but still." The massive creature shifted closer, her translucent tissues catching what little light remained in ways that made reality seem questionable. One of her larger tentacles lifted from the water to gesture expressively, somehow managing to convey exasperation through movement alone. "Oh that''s nothing," she replied, her voice carrying both amusement and weary understanding. "Try explaining to people that you''re just trying to run a transportation service, do something useful right? When you look like someone threw the entire deep sea into a blender. The screaming gets real old, real fast." "Transportation service?" David''s ears perked forward with desperate hope. "That''s actually why I''m here. I need to cross the ocean. My best friend, she..." He trailed off, suddenly uncertain how to explain everything that had happened. The creature''s feathered sensory organs oriented on him again, reading something in his tone or scent that made several of her eyes - or whatever they were - shift focus. "Let me guess. Someone important went missing, and you''ve tracked them across half the continent only to hit the ocean and realize that swimming isn''t exactly in your skill set?" "More like flying," David admitted, his wings shifting restlessly. "I mean, I could probably make it a decent way out, but Doc mentioned something about rifle-fish? And I''m pretty sure anything else out there would love to add ''flying nightmare bat'' to their diet." "Rifle-fish would be the least of your problems," she said, a ripple of bioluminescence running through her flesh that somehow conveyed a shudder. "There''s things out there that make me look positively cuddly. Speaking of which..." Her feathered sensors flicked toward the Cuddlebugs still pressed against David''s fur. "Interesting entourage you''ve got there." "They''re part of the package," David said quickly, one wing curling protectively around his tiny squad. "Non-negotiable traveling companions." "Relax. I''m not about to separate anyone from their family." Several of her tentacles waved dismissively, the motion causing complex patterns in the water below. "But I need more details before I agree to cart your spiky ass across the ocean. Anyone chasing you? Because I really don''t want to come back to find an angry mob waiting with pitchforks and torches." David''s ears swiveled back slightly. "No one''s chasing me. Well, probably no one. Actually..." He paused, considering recent events. "Look, if anyone comes asking about me, just ask them who''s on the hunt team at Riverport. If they don''t mention Kai, Dallas, Ezra, or Leo, they''re either lying or up to something." "Oddly specific," she mused, more of those strange eye-structures focusing on him. "How far are we talking here? And more importantly, how long? Because despite appearances, I do run an actual business here." "I..." David''s wings drooped slightly. "I honestly don''t know. The directional sense from my Pack System didn''t clear up until I''d flown for a day or two, but it''s pointing somewhere out there." He gestured vaguely toward the horizon. "Probably an island? Maybe? I just know she''s alive, and I have to find her." The desperation in his voice must have carried through, because the creature''s tentacles stilled their constant motion for a moment. Several of her feathered sensors extended to their full length, waving gently as they seemed to taste his sincerity on the air. "You really care about this¡­friend of yours, don''t you?" Her voice had softened, though it still sent ripples dancing across the water''s surface. "She''s all I''ve got," David admitted quietly, missing the stress she put on the word entirely. "Well, besides these little murder-puffs." He scratched Captain''s head absently. "Please. I''ll... I''ll figure out some way to pay you back, I swear. I¡¯ve learned a lot of¡­high level stuff. I''m sure we can work something out." "Well shit," she sighed slowly, the sound making the water vibrate. "I''m going to help you, aren''t I? Damn my soft spots." Several tentacles performed what might have been the cephalopod equivalent of throwing hands up in surrender. "I''m Marina, by the way. Yes, I know it''s on the nose. No, I didn''t pick it." "David," he offered, relief flooding through him. "And thank you. Seriously. So how does this work? Do I just..." He gestured vaguely at her massive form. "Ride on top like a really weird raft?" The silence that followed lasted just long enough to become concerning. Then Marina burst into laughter, the sound causing waves to ripple outward from her body. "Oh honey, no. That would get you killed about six different ways." Several larger tentacles, these ones covered in barely visible hooks, rose from the water. "Don''t freak out." David went very still as the appendages gently wrapped around him, lifting him as carefully as someone might handle a particularly spiky piece of crystal. He could feel the raw strength in those tentacles, the thousands of tiny hooks that could have shredded him but remained carefully retracted. "Um," he managed, as he was smoothly transferred through the air. Captain and the other Cuddlebugs zipped after him, clearly unwilling to be separated from their master. The tentacles guided him through what looked like the world''s most aggressive camera shutter, the muscular ring spreading wide enough for his wings before snapping shut behind him. David found himself deposited into what his brain could only process as¡­ Definitely some kind of organ, probably not a stomach, please not a stomach. The walls around him were alive in the most literal sense, pulsing gently with what he really hoped was normal circulation. Blood vessels spread across the membrane''s surface like some kind of road map, ranging from tiny capillaries to tubes thick enough to make him very glad they weren''t leaking. The chamber itself was huge, probably eight feet across, with a floor that felt weirdly firm under his talons ¨C like someone had lined the bottom with nature''s version of rubber. Every few seconds, what looked like mutant fish gills lining the ceiling would spasm, blasting the space with fresh air that smelled like someone had turned ''eau de squid'' into an air freshener. The old air whooshed out through what he could only describe as ''nose holes minus the nose'', keeping the pressure stable enough that his ears weren''t popping. "Holy shit," David breathed, watching in fascination as another set of whatever-the-hell-those-were fired off another burst of surprisingly breathable air. His wing talons traced one of the larger blood vessels absently, feeling the steady thrum beneath. "This is... this is incredible. How did you even get something like this?" "Bloodline," Marina''s voice came through slightly muffled but still clear enough to understand. "Really lucked out with that one. Though I''ve got to warn you - if you need to puke, aim for the corner with the extra vents. And so help me, if you take a shit in there..." David felt his Cuddlebugs'' growing curiosity ripple through their mental link and immediately clamped down with the metaphysical equivalent of a parent catching their toddler reaching for a light socket. The wave of ''absolutely not'' he sent through their connection made even Captain''s whiskers droop. "You hear that?" he reinforced verbally, though the message was already crystal clear along their shared consciousness. "No bathroom breaks. None. Zero. This is now officially a Divine Decree from your bat-god." He felt the veterans collective amusement at his tone and doubled down on the seriousness thrumming through their link. "I''m not joking. If any of you so much as think about marking territory in here..." He let the threat hang unfinished, seasoning their connection with just enough doom to make his point without traumatizing anyone. Captain chirped what might have been acknowledgment or might have been mockery, but the message had clearly landed. The entire squad''s previous explorative interest shifted into forming the tightest possible ball of fluff they could in David¡¯s shadow. The water around them began to shift as Marina submerged, and David''s world suddenly exploded into light. Bioluminescence ignited along every tentacle like someone had strung Christmas lights through the ocean, turning the underwater landscape into something from a nature documentary on acid. "This is your captain speaking," Marina''s voice vibrated through the chamber, heavy with amusement. "Please keep your arms and legs inside at all times, or I will be personally offended because that shit stings. Remain seated ¨C you''re pokey, by the way." The chamber shifted uncomfortably around him for emphasis. "If you look to your left, you won''t see shit, and that''s a good thing. In the event that things go sideways, we''ll be running ¨C fold those talons in and curl into a ball or something if I tell you we''re going to warp speed. Random ass food will be served if I manage to catch anything you can eat without dying." David''s witty response was cut short as they began to move, the motion sending his stomach into immediate revolt. He pressed himself against the chamber floor, wings tucked tight as the world spun around him. "You okay in there David?" Marina''s voice carried both concern and badly hidden amusement. "Peachy," David managed, fighting back nausea. "Just... questioning some life choices. You know, the usual." He curled into a tighter ball, muttering, "Claire never made me motion sick." "Well, Claire isn''t here," Marina replied cheerfully. "So you''re stuck with the express. Try not to puke on my organs." As they descended into deeper water, David decided that maybe flying across rifle-fish infested waters wouldn''t have been so bad after all. At least then he''d have been the one in control of the spinning. (Belated) Halloween Bonus Chapter David perched atop what passed for a tavern these days, watching in barely contained glee as various fantasy races attempted their version of Halloween below. Some genius of an elf had managed to enchant actual floating wisps for ambiance, and the whole marketplace looked like a D&D campaign had gotten absolutely shitfaced and thrown up decorations everywhere. "You seeing this shit?" he whispered to Captain, who was wearing what appeared to be a tiny wizard hat made from bark. "They''ve got a fucking orc dressed as a princess. A PRINCESS. This is the greatest night of my life." Below, a group of dwarves were engaged in what appeared to be a drinking contest with a very patient minotaur. The minotaur was winning, but only because he could hold his mug without having to stand on three bar stools stacked together. "Time to make an entrance," David grinned, his fangs catching moonlight. "Ready to fuck up some fairy tales, gang?" His Cuddlebugs, each sporting miniature fantasy costumes that ranged from ''adorable'' to ''what the actual fuck,'' scattered into position. Captain had somehow acquired a tiny staff to go with their wizard hat, which they wielded with concerning enthusiasm. David launched himself from the roof like death''s own party crasher, wings spread wide to catch the enchanted lights in ways that made his membrane patterns look like portals to the void. The effect, combined with his natural what-the-fuck-is-that appearance, was exactly as pants-shittingly terrifying as he''d hoped. A halfling screamed. Then an elf screamed. Then a fucking DRAGON screamed, which was both embarrassing for them and absolutely hilarious for David. "SURPRISE, BITCHES!" he bellowed, swooping through the crowd like nightmare incarnate. "YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD HORROR BAT HAS ARRIVED!" Some poor bastard of a centaur actually reared up in shock, knocking over an entire table of carefully arranged candy apples. A gnome wearing fake vampire fangs took one look at David''s actual nightmare dentistry and straight up poofed himself out of existence with a panic-cast teleport. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. "Oh come ON," David cackled, landing on a table that groaned under his weight. "Your Dark Lord costumes are WAY less convincing than my actual face!" Captain, absolutely feeling their wizard fantasy, started shooting harmless sparks from their tiny staff. This caused a nearby elf to spill their entire drink down the back of a very surprised goblin, who then proceeded to declare immediate and thorough revenge via pie bombardment. "Hey now," David called out as chaos erupted. "Let''s keep it civil! And by civil I mean if you''re gonna throw food, aim for the stuck-up looking bastard in the corner trying to pretend he''s too good for Halloween. Yeah, you with the fancy staff! Nice robe, be a shame if someone- FOOD FIGHT!" Three hours and several hundred gold worth of property damage later, David found himself somehow elected as the "Official Holiday Chaos Coordinator" by unanimous drunk vote. His Cuddlebugs had formed a minor cult following among the local goblin population, who appreciated their dedication to controlled chaos. "Listen here you magical fucks," David slurred from atop his newly acquired throne (actually just three barrels stacked together). "This is now officially the best holiday. I don''t make the rules. Well, I do actually. I''m making them right now. Rule one: more explosions. Rule two: whoever scared that dragon gets free drinks for life." "That was you!" shouted about fifteen different voices. "OH SHIT, FREE DRINKS FOR ME!" The party eventually died down around sunrise, but not before David had managed to teach a group of very drunk dwarves how to sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" in perfect harmony. The local wizard''s guild had to issue an official statement the next day declaring the evening''s events "Technically not a catastrophe, but please never again." Naturally, they do it again every year. The dragon now comes prepared with their own costume. And if anyone asks why there''s a yearly tradition of leaving offerings of exotic alcohol and party supplies in the highest tower of the wizard''s guild? Well, that''s between them and their resident chaos bat. Just don''t ask about the year someone left out enchanted moonshine that made you speak in riddles. Some stories are better left untold, mainly because no one can remember them anyway. The gnome that teleported, by the way? Landed in the middle of another party three towns over and immediately started a new Halloween tradition there too. David''s pretty proud of that one. Sunday Funday Chapter_The most insidious enemy. David landed with practiced grace on the broken skylight, peering down into what remained of the mall''s central court. His Echolocation painted the space in perfect clarity - a massive open area surrounding what had probably been a pretty impressive fountain, now long dry. Plant life had claimed most of the walls, but the floor looked promising - just a thick layer of debris and dust. "See?" he said to Captain, who was already eyeing the descent with concerning levels of interest. "Perfect place to check for toys for you guys. Ground floor''s probably picked clean, but nobody ever thinks to check the storage areas upstairs." Captain chirped something that might have been agreement or might have been mockery. Hard to tell with them sometimes. David spread his wings and dropped through the broken skylight, ready to stick another perfect landing and- His talons hit what he thought was solid debris. Instead, they found a whisper-thin layer of dust over perfectly preserved linoleum. Physics, ever the cruel mistress, took immediate effect. "No! Not linol-" David managed, before his legs shot out from under him. His wings flared instinctively for balance, which only made things worse as they caught air and sent him spinning. He pirouetted across the floor like the world''s most reluctant ballet dancer, trailing curses and dust clouds in his wake. Another pulse of Echolocation showed him rapidly approaching a concrete planter. David tried to dig his wing talons in for traction, succeeding only in creating a sound like nails on a chalkboard as he carved elegant spirals into the floor''s surface. "Fuck fuck fuck-" His litany of panic cut short as he slammed into the planter, somehow managing to convert the impact into an awkward flip that landed him spread-eagled on his back. Dust plumed around him like nature''s revenge for disturbing its nap. Above, his Cuddlebugs watched with what could only be described as enlightened fascination. Then Captain, that absolute traitor, came screaming in hot, landed on the dust-slick floor, and proceeded to slide past David''s prone form while chirping with unrestrained glee. "Don''t you dare-" David started, but it was too late. The rest of his fuzzy squad took Captain''s display as divine inspiration, dive-bombing the floor in waves and turning his humiliation into some kind of demented winter sports competition. David pushed himself up, trying to maintain what little dignity he had left. "Okay, just got to..." He carefully placed one wing-talon down, testing for purchase. "Easy does it, nice and- MOTHERFU-" His legs betrayed him again, shooting out in opposite directions this time. David windmilled his wings frantically, which somehow resulted in him spinning in place like a top. A very angry, increasingly dizzy top. "This is fine," he muttered through gritted teeth, still rotating slowly. "Everything is fine. I am a creature of the night, feared by- oh god I''m gonna be sick." One of his newer Cuddlebugs - well, newer veterans really - landed carefully beside him. The tiny creature tilted its head in apparent concern, then gently patted his nose with surprising tenderness. The moment was immediately ruined as Captain shot past like a furry missile, creating a dust wake that sent them both sliding again. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "Et tu, Captain?" David growled, now somehow facing the opposite direction and still spinning. "I expected better from- no, actually, this is exactly what I expected from you." His Echolocation showed him the fountain was only about thirty feet away. He could make that. Just had to think this through logically. He was basically ice skating, right? Just with more talons and significantly more ways to embarrass himself. "Watch and learn, you tiny traitors," David announced, carefully positioning his wings. "This is how a professional handles adverse conditions." What followed was perhaps the least professional display of locomotion ever witnessed. David alternated between penguin-walking with his wings tucked tight, attempting to use his wing-talons as impromptu ice picks, and at one point just lying flat and trying to army-crawl his way to victory. The dust defeated every strategy, turning each attempt into another lesson in creative cursing. His Cuddlebugs, meanwhile, had developed their own technique. They''d launch themselves from various heights, land in formation, and slide through elaborate patterns while chirping what sounded suspiciously like a scoring system. The newer veteran - who David was starting to think might be developing an actual personality - kept trying to help him up, only to get caught in the slipstream of their siblings'' dust-skating routine. "I hate everything about this," David declared as he somehow ended up facing the ceiling again. "This is worse than the time I tried to land on that satellite dish. At least then gravity was on my side." Captain zipped past his head, their wake creating another dust cloud that set off a chain reaction of sneezing. Each sneeze sent David sliding in a new direction, like some kind of cosmic pinball machine where the ball was very angry and increasingly nauseous. Finally, after what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, David managed to grab the edge of the fountain. He hauled himself up with as much dignity as he could muster, which wasn''t much considering he was covered in dust and had somehow acquired a small plant in his fur. "Nobody," he said firmly, brushing himself off, "is ever going to hear about this. Ever. This didn''t happen." His Cuddlebugs responded by performing what could only be described as a synchronized dust-sliding routine, complete with tiny loop-de-loops and a grand finale where they all crashed into each other in a chirping pile of joy. "I hate all of you," David muttered, but he couldn''t help grinning as the helpful veteran tried to copy Captain''s sliding technique and ended up doing tiny somersaults instead. "Except you. You''re still on my good list." As David surveyed his dust-covered kingdom from his perch on the fountain, he had to admit it wasn''t a total loss. They''d found a new game, even if it was at the cost of his pride. And maybe, just maybe, he''d figured out a new tactical advantage. After all, who would expect him to weaponize his own clumsiness? "Alright you fuzzy menaces," he called out, watching as Captain organized another sliding formation. "One more run, then we actually have to check those storage rooms. And someone please get this plant out of my fur - I refuse to become a mobile garden." The helpful veteran immediately flew up to assist, carefully extracting the vegetation while somehow managing to look both concerned and amused. Captain, naturally, took this as a challenge and launched into another high-speed sliding routine. David sighed, settled more comfortably on his fountain perch, and resigned himself to watching the show. The storage rooms could wait. Right now, he had dust-skating Cuddlebugs to supervise and what remained of his dignity to rebuild. Besides, he was pretty sure he''d pulled something during that last spin, and he wasn''t quite ready to test his luck with the linoleum again. Some battles, he decided, weren''t worth fighting. Especially when they involved surprise ice skating minus the ice. At least nobody else was around to witness it. Small mercies. 156 - Waypoint West David watched in silent fascination as another school of fish scattered through Marina''s bioluminescent display, their silver scales catching the light like mirrors in a laser show. His stomach had mostly settled into a dull protest rather than active rebellion, though every sharp turn still made him question his life choices. "You know," he mused, watching a particularly enthusiastic fish try to intimidate its own reflection in Marina''s translucent tissue, "when Doc mentioned tentacles, I was expecting something a bit more... Lovecraftian? Less disco party meets aquarium tour." "Excuse you," Marina''s chamber vibrated with mock offense. "I''ll have you know I''m very Lovecraftian. I just believe everything can benefit from proper mood lighting." A creature that looked like someone had crossbred a shark with a chandelier drifted into view, its crystalline fins scattering rainbow patterns across the deep. David''s ears swiveled to track its movement as it performed what looked suspiciously like an underwater pirouette. "Case in point," Marina continued cheerfully. "That''s a Prism-fin. Completely harmless unless you''re allergic to interpretive dance. Though I''d avoid them when they''re schooling - imagine a rave designed by something that thinks eyeballs are optional equipment." Captain chirped curiously from their perch on David''s shoulder, tiny paws kneading his fur as they tracked the creature''s movements. The rest of the Cuddlebug squad had formed a tight cluster nearby, their usual chaos temporarily subdued by the alien environment. "I know buddy," David scratched behind Captain''s ears. "Everything''s weird down here. Though I''ve got to admit, the view is..." He trailed off as something massive moved through the darkness beyond Marina''s light. "Please tell me that was just a really big fish." "Define ''fish''," Marina replied with what David was learning to recognize as her mischievous tone. "Because technically, most of what you''re seeing didn''t exactly follow the traditional evolutionary tree. System integration kind of threw that whole concept into a blender." Another shape passed through the darkness, this one trailing whisps of its own bioluminescence that painted abstract patterns in the deep. David watched, fascinated despite himself, as the creature''s lights pulsed in what seemed like response to Marina''s glow. "Are they... talking to you?" "More like waving," Marina''s chamber vibrated with amusement. "Though you probably don''t want to know what that one actually said. Let''s just say some of the locals need lessons in appropriate conversation starters." David snorted, then immediately regretted it as the motion sent his stomach into a fresh wave of protest. "Fantastic. Even the sea monsters are trying to slide into your DMs." "Oh honey, you have no idea. Though I''ve got to say, most of them are just going through the motions. Banter mostly. Something about the pressure down here really helps keep the ego in check." "Speaking of pressure," David watched Marina weave between towering formations that might have been coral if coral had decided to start growing in fractal patterns, "how exactly are you navigating down here? Everything looks the same to me." "Says the flying nightmare," Marina replied as her tentacles expertly guided them through another maze of crystalline structures. "Like you didn''t think the same thing about flying when you first started out." David''s ears perked forward in surprise. "How did you-" "Please. You think you''re the first winged person I''ve transported? Everyone goes through that ''oh god everything looks the same'' phase." A ripple of bioluminescence cascaded through her tissues, highlighting what looked like specialized sensing organs. "For me, it''s all about current mapping and pressure differentials. Every depth has its own signature, every current its own temperature and flavor." "So it''s like..." David''s wings shifted thoughtfully. "Like reading a map made of water?" "More like reading a thousand maps at once. Temperature layers, current flows..." Several of Marina''s sensory tentacles waved expressively. "Plus these lovely little guys that can taste everything from salt content to BO. Think of it like having a GPS made of tongue." David made a face. "That''s¡­gnarly. Though I guess I can''t judge, considering I navigate partly by screaming at things." "Speaking of things that scream," Marina''s tone shifted to something more businesslike, "we should probably discuss payment. Unless you''re planning to bat your pretty eyes and hope I forget?" "About that..." David''s ears drooped slightly. "I wasn''t kidding about knowing things. Important things. Like how the Overseers are actually called Worldenders outside Earth. They''re basically the Murphy¡¯s Law answer to natural disasters - beings that can fight entire worlds solo and win." The chamber vibrated with what might have been a snort. "Oh honey, I know all about that. Some folks in a crystal ship showed up during the end of the first wave." David sagged. "Right. Of course they did. Well, how about-" "Though," Marina''s tone shifted with interest, "what''s that energy you''re radiating? My sensory organs keep picking up... something. Like static electricity, but deeper. Some kind of System enhancement?" David perked up. "Wildsoul. You can sense it? Most people can''t without a lot of work, I''m barely getting the knack for it myself." "Hard to miss," Marina replied. "You''re practically glowing with it. Thought it might be a Bloodline thing, or maybe some kind of specialized Evolution." David perked up. "That I can definitely teach you about. It''s basically..." He paused, considering how to explain it to someone with such a different body structure. "Think of it like having a second set of muscles, but made of pure energy. Everyone has it, they just don''t know how to use it." "Go on," Marina''s interest was clear in the way her bioluminescence patterns shifted. "The trick is learning to feel it first. Like, have you ever had moments where your abilities worked better than they should? Maybe during high stress?" "Now that you mention it..." Several of Marina''s limbs extended thoughtfully. "There was this one time with a particularly persistent kraken..." "Exactly! That''s Wildsoul responding to need. Here''s a simple exercise - next time you''re healing, try to focus on the energy flow. You should be able to feel it, maybe even direct it a bit." "Well aren''t you just full of surprises," Marina''s tone turned playful. "Do you tell all the pretty girls about your body magic, or am I just lucky?" David''s fur bristled slightly. "I''m not sure we''re exactly compatible. You know, being a bat and a Cthulhu-tier jellyfish and all." "Oh please," Marina''s chamber jiggled with laughter, sending David''s stomach into fresh acrobatics. "Like a little thing like incompatible biology ever stopped anyone. I mean, have you seen some of the couples out here? There''s literally a shark dating a coral reef." "Please have mercy," David groaned, pressing himself flat against the chamber floor. "I''m already fighting motion sickness. I don''t need to- HOLY SHIT!" David''s entire body flinched as the sonar pulse slammed through Marina''s chamber like a physical blow, his ears flattening desperately against his skull. The Cuddlebugs shrieked in unified protest, huddling against his fur as he fought to keep his own sensitive hearing from imploding. "Oh!" Marina''s body rippled with excitement. "Perfect timing! Look over there, where I''m pointing!" David squinted through the flesh that served as Marina''s version of windows, but saw nothing except dark water and the occasional fish. "I don''t-" He cut himself off as a realization hit. His sense of scale was all wrong. A ripple of bioluminescence painted the water in the distance, and David''s breath caught in his throat. The creature hanging motionless in the deep made Claire and Herold look like hatchlings. Its body was vaguely whale-like, but wider, with multiple sets of flippers and a tail that could have flattened a city block. The brief flash of light revealed patterns across its skin that looked like constellations had been pressed into flesh. "Holy shit," David breathed, his fur standing on end from neck to haunch. He had to consciously prevent his talons from flexing into Marina''s chamber floor. "That''s... that''s..." "Big Blue," Marina finished cheerfully, as if she wasn''t currently floating near something that could swallow entire buildings. "He''s pretty chill. Keeps this whole area civil, at least for Users. Random monsters still cause problems, but they usually learn quick." David''s mane had poofed out to twice its normal size, making him look like a particularly spiky dandelion. "Define ''this whole area''?" "Oh, couple hundred miles in each direction. He''s not super territorial, but- oh! Look, one of his homies came to say hi!" A ribbon of movement caught David''s eye, something massive yet serpentine gliding around Big Blue''s bulk. "What the actual fuck is that?" "Hmm?" Marina''s sensory organs shifted focus. "Oh, that''s just... actually I''m not sure what to call them. Think ''sea serpent'' but with a better dental plan, no reptile involved, and anger management classes." David fell silent, his mind racing through scenarios of getting Claire back across this ocean. Every possibility seemed to end with ''and then something the size of a small country ate us.'' Though there was one mental image... No. Stop it. You are NOT imagining riding Big Blue into battle during a lightning storm. That''s ridiculous. That''s... actually that would look pretty badass- NO. Focus. Marina''s bioluminescence dimmed gradually as they moved into deeper water, her lights fading until they were barely visible against the dark. David was about to ask why when he noticed them - distant pulses of light far below, rhythmic and somehow wrong. "We''re going dark," Marina''s voice came as barely a whisper through her chamber walls. "As a bat, I''m sure you understand the importance of staying quiet when something bigger is listening." Her tissue rippled meaningfully. "Except down here, some things can ''hear'' with their entire body." David instantly grasped her meaning, pressing a wing against his gathered Cuddlebugs to reinforce the absolute necessity of silence. He watched, fascinated and horrified, as something moved through the distant lights. Its shape reminded him of illustrations he''d seen in textbooks of Cambrian predators, except those hadn''t been the size of office buildings. They ghosted through the darkness with agonizing slowness, Marina''s movements precise and deliberate. David held his breath as they passed above the creature, close enough that he could make out patterns of spots along its segmented carapace. Each spot pulsed in sequence, like some kind of biological morse code. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. It wasn''t until they''d put considerable distance between themselves and the monster that Marina spoke again. "Sunup, we''ll take a break," she whispered, still moving with careful precision. "There''s a large island coming up - you can stretch your wings while I catch a nap. Don''t need much sleep, biologically speaking, but a pit stop will do us both good." Her chamber walls rippled slightly as she added, "Oh, and if you need to adjust our course, you can talk. Just keep it quiet - I can hear you fine. Just..." Another ripple. "Maybe wait until we''re past the thing with all the teeth, yeah?" David nodded silently, watching as another set of lights pulsed in the distance. He had a feeling this was going to be a very long night. Beyond the titan-sized arthropod, the darkness seemed to develop texture. David''s ears swiveled constantly, tracking sounds that shouldn''t have existed at this depth - clicks and whistles that resonated through Marina''s chamber like ghostly echoes. The Cuddlebugs pressed tighter against his fur, their usual bravado completely forgotten. "Those lights," David barely whispered, watching another cluster of bioluminescence pulse in the distance, "they''re all predators, aren''t they?" Marina''s tissue rippled in what might have been agreement. Her movements had become increasingly delicate, each adjustment of her tentacles carefully measured. "Most of them. Though some are just really enthusiastic about personal lighting. Hard to tell the difference until it''s trying to eat you." Something massive moved through the darkness ahead, its shape suggesting teeth and hunger in equal measure. Marina''s course adjusted smoothly, riding a current that carried them above the creature''s likely detection range. David felt the pressure change as they rose slightly, his ears popping despite the chamber''s regulatory systems. "The really fun ones," Marina continued, her voice barely a whisper, "are the ones that learned to mimic the friendly lights. Like that cluster over there? Perfect copy of a peaceful deep-sea sponge colony''s. Except the real colonies don''t usually try to digest you after saying hello." David watched the indicated lights dance through the darkness, remembering similar deceptions he''d seen in surface predators. "Evolution''s a hell of a drug." "That''s not evolution, honey. That''s the System being an overachiever." Marina''s chamber vibrated with carefully controlled amusement. "Though I''ve got to admit, it keeps things interesting. Never know if that friendly light show is a genuine welcome or something''s dinner bell." A sound rolled through the deep that made David''s fur stand on end again - not quite a roar, not quite a song, but something that spoke to the primitive parts of his brain that remembered being very small in a very large world. The Cuddlebugs actually whimpered, a sound he hadn''t known they could make. "Okay," David managed, trying to keep his voice steady, "that was officially the worst thing I''ve ever heard. And I once had to listen to Claire try to sing." "Just the local anthem," Marina whispered back, though her movement suggested she was being extra careful to avoid whatever had made the sound. "Think of it like a really enthusiastic whale call." They rode the current in silence for a long time, Marina''s bioluminescence dimmed to barely a ghost of light. David found himself counting his Cuddlebugs obsessively, making sure none had somehow gotten lost in the darkness. Their tiny hearts raced against his fur, a dozen frightened rhythms that matched his own elevated pulse. "So," Marina''s voice came so softly it was almost lost in the ambient sounds of the deep, "tell me about her. This friend you''re chasing across an ocean full of things nobody ever asked for." "Claire?" David''s ears twitched at a distant sound, but he forced himself to focus on the question. "She''s... complicated. Imagine taking the world''s most cheerful murder-lizard, giving her a taste for expensive food and the table manners of a hurricane, then making her basically immortal." "Sounds like my kind of girl," Marina''s chamber rippled with carefully controlled amusement. "Though I''m sensing there''s more to it." David was quiet for a moment, watching another cluster of ominous lights pulse in the distance. "She saved me. Not just physically - though holy shit, the number of times she''s pulled my ass out of the fire. But..." He trailed off, searching for words. "When everything went sideways, when the whole world turned into a nightmare? She just... accepted me. Didn''t care much that I looked like something out of a horror movie." "Ah," Marina''s tone carried understanding. "Found family. The best kind." "Yeah. She''s-" David cut himself off as something moved through the darkness ahead, its shape suggesting anatomy that shouldn''t have been possible. Marina adjusted their course smoothly, sliding into a deeper current. "Sorry," she whispered after they''d put some distance between themselves and the horror. "That one''s got weird pressure sensitivity. Makes going around it a real pain in the tentacles." A pause, then, "Speaking of pain in the tentacles, remind me to tell you about the time I had to explain to a group of surface refugees why you shouldn''t try to paddle across the ocean in a bathtub." "They didn''t." "Oh honey, they absolutely did. Had to scoop them up before something used them as hors d''oeuvres. Though I''ve got to give them credit for creativity - they''d rigged up this whole system for the paddles and..." She trailed off as another deep sound rolled through the water, this one carrying harmonics that made David''s teeth itch. The Cuddlebugs huddled closer, if that was even possible, their tiny forms trembling against his fur. David found himself counting them again, an automatic response to stress that was becoming habit. "You know," Marina whispered after the sound had faded, "most people I transport are running from something. But you? You''re running toward something. Toward someone. Don''t see that much." "Not running," David corrected softly. "Hunting. Something took her, and I''m going to get her back. Then probably murder whatever did the taking, depending on how cranky she is when I find her. And, you know, the general murderability of whatever did it. Can''t bite the System. Yet." "Remind me not to get on your bad side," Marina''s tissue rippled with what might have been approval. "Though I''ve got to say, your dedication is- oh, hang on." She fell silent as they approached what looked like a curtain of bioluminescence, thousands of tiny organisms drifting in the current. Slowly, Marina navigated through a gap in the living wall, her own lights dimmed to near invisibility. "Beautiful, aren''t they?" she whispered once they were clear. "Also horrible gossips. Flash the wrong pattern at them and suddenly every predator in range knows exactly where you are and how bad you annoyed them." "The ocean is weird," David muttered, watching the curtain of light fade into the darkness behind them. "Beautiful, but weird." "Says the bat with an army of murder-fluff," Marina''s chamber vibrated with silent laughter. "Though I''ll admit, some of the System''s improvements were... creative. Did I tell you about the time I found a shark that had evolved tap dancing as a hunting technique?" "You''re joking," David whispered, ears perked forward despite himself. "Please tell me you''re joking." The first hints of pre-dawn light began to filter down from above, barely visible through Marina''s organs but enough to start differentiating water density. David could make out massive shapes moving through the deeper darkness below them, like living mountains drifting through the abyss. "Wish I was," Marina''s tissue rippled with carefully controlled mirth. "Picture this: there I am, minding my own business, when I hear this rhythmic tapping. Look down, and there''s this shark, must have been twenty feet long, just tap-tap-tapping away on this coral formation. Turns out the vibrations attract fish." "That''s..." David trailed off as something truly massive moved beneath them, its shape suggesting a huge shell and not much else. Marina smoothly adjusted their course and carried them well above the thing''s reach. "Getting close to our pit stop," she whispered. "Though we''ve got one last fun zone to cross. You''re doing great with the quiet game, by the way. Most passengers start screaming around the time we passed Murder-Whale Central." David''s fur bristled. "Murder-Whale what now?" "Oh, you know, that cluster of lights we passed about an hour ago? The ones that looked like underwater christmas trees having a seizure?" Her chamber vibrated with dark amusement. "Let''s just say they''re very enthusiastic about sound production. And digestion. Usually in that order." A deep thrumming rolled through the water, different from the earlier sounds. This one felt almost mechanical, like massive gears turning in the deep. David''s ears swiveled frantically, trying to pinpoint its source. "Don''t worry about that one," Marina''s voice carried a hint of relief. "That''s just the morning shift changing. Means we''re almost to shallow water." She paused, then added thoughtfully, "Though maybe cover your ears for this next bit. Some of these deep-sea locals get really excited about shift change. Quiet-time is over." The sound that followed made David seriously consider evolution''s poor choices in giving him enhanced hearing. The Cuddlebugs buried their faces in his fur, tiny wings pressed firmly against their ears as the deep erupted into what could only be described as an underwater cacophony. "Almost there," Marina bubbled encouragingly as she wove through the concert of horror. "Just remember - tap dancing sharks are still technically the weirdest thing down here. Focus on that." David pressed himself flat against Marina''s chamber floor, wings curled protectively around his Cuddlebugs as the noise reached fever pitch. "Pretty sure my eardrums are filing for divorce," he muttered. "Though I''ve got to admit, this beats Claire''s attempt at karaoke." "Now that''s a story I need to hear," Marina''s tissue rippled with genuine interest. "Once we''re somewhere that doesn''t require constant vigilance, of course. Speaking of which..." The darkness above began to lighten noticeably, and David could make out the shadowy bulk of what had to be their destination. The island rose from the depths like a mountain, its underwater foundations disappearing into the abyss below. "Home sweet pit stop," Marina announced, her volume finally returning to normal as they left the deep water behind. "I don''t know about you, but I could use a break from playing ''dodge the big guys.'' Plus, I believe someone promised me more stories about this singing lizard of yours." "Fair trade," David agreed as the water around them grew steadily lighter. "Though I should warn you - some of Claire''s adventures require a strong stomach to hear about. And that''s coming from someone who regularly dissolves things for fun." Marina''s ascent slowed as they approached the island''s underwater shelf, her tentacles spreading wide to catch the morning currents. Schools of more normal-looking fish darted around them, their scales catching the strengthening sunlight in flashes of silver. "I''ll have you know my stomach is literally designed for industrial-grade digestion," she replied cheerfully. "Though I''m more interested in how your tiny army handles being back on solid ground. They''ve been impressively well-behaved for creatures that look like they usually bounce off the walls." I should hope so. Do other people have poorly trained summons or something? The Team has impeccable manners...except around food, thank you very much. As if on cue, Captain stirred against David''s fur, tiny nose twitching as they sensed the approaching shoreline. The rest of the Cuddlebug squad remained pressed firmly against him, clearly traumatized by their underwater orchestra experience. "Pretty sure they''re planning to kiss the ground when we land," David said, watching the ocean floor rise steadily beneath them. "Though knowing this bunch, they''ll probably turn it into some kind of interpretive dance number." "Speaking of landing," Marina''s chamber shifted slightly as she navigated around a coral formation that looked suspiciously like modern art, "fair warning - this next bit might be a little bumpy. Most of my passengers don''t mind a bit of turbulence, but considering your earlier motion sickness..." David''s ears flattened. "Define ''bumpy''." The answer came in the form of a sudden surge as Marina caught a stronger current, using it to propel them toward a sheltered cove. David''s stomach made its opinion known as they twisted through the water, banking around the island''s natural breakwater with the kind of acceleration that belonged in a theme park ride. "On second thought," David managed through gritted teeth, "maybe don''t define it. Just... tell me when it''s over." Marina''s chamber vibrated with poorly suppressed laughter. "Almost there, tough guy. Though I''ve got to say, for someone who can fly, you''re surprisingly delicate about-" "If you finish that sentence," David growled, "I swear I''ll tell the tap-dancing shark where to find you." The morning sun painted the water in shades of azure and gold as they made their final approach, the island''s white sand beaches gleaming like pearls in the early light. David could make out dense vegetation further inland, though something about the plant life seemed off - colors that didn''t quite match what he remembered of tropical flora. "Welcome to Waypoint West," Marina announced as they entered the cove''s calm waters. "One of the few stops between here and wherever-the-hell you''re heading. Currently occupied by exactly zero murder-beasts, assuming you don''t count the local crabs. Which you probably should, actually. They''ve got attitude problems." David''s ears perked forward with interest. "Attitude problems?" "Let''s just say they''ve been working out. And discovered religion. And crude weapons." Marina''s tissue rippled with amusement. "Though they mostly stick to the north beach these days, after The Incident." "Do I want to know?" "Probably not. But I''m going to tell you anyway, right after we dock and you finish having your emotional reunion with solid ground." David could feel Marina beginning to relax, her chamber walls starting to shift in ways that suggested he''d soon have an exit. The Cuddlebugs stirred against his fur, their tiny forms practically vibrating with pent-up energy. "Just remember," Marina added as fresh air laden with unfamiliar scents suddenly wafted into the chamber, "no bathroom breaks until you''re at least fifty feet from the water. I''ve got a reputation to maintain." 157 - Crab People Crab People The beach listed lazily to the right as David stumbled out of Marina''s transport chamber, his legs wobbling like they''d forgotten how solid ground worked. The Cuddlebugs shot past him in a fury of excited chirps, their tiny forms darting through the morning air with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for finding unattended snacks or small trusting animals. Not a lot of difference between the two for those little savages, if I''m being honest though. Now, for the important business... "Oh thank fuck," David muttered, dropping to all fours and pressing his thinly furred face against the sand. "Sweet, beautiful, non-moving ground. I promise I''ll never take you for granted again." Marina''s amused ripple of bioluminescence painted the shallow water in patterns of teal and gold. "Drama queen. You weren''t even in there that long." "My stomach begs to differ." David''s ears swiveled grumpily as he watched his Cuddlebugs perform what looked like an interpretive dance number about their newfound freedom. "Pretty sure I left my dignity somewhere around that first deep-sea horror choir." Captain, clearly overjoyed, had somehow acquired a tiny shell and was now conducting their siblings in what might have been a victory celebration or possibly an exorcism. The rest of the squad followed their lead with varying degrees of coordination, their usual military precision completely forgotten in favor of pure chaos. "Speaking of horror," David said, finally trusting his legs enough to stand, "you mentioned something about an ''Incident'' with the local wildlife? Because I''m getting some mixed signals about these crabs of yours." Marina''s tentacles waved expressively, sending ripples through the crystal-clear water. "Oh honey, that''s a whole story. You might want to sit down for this one." She paused, then added with obvious amusement, "Though you''re already pretty close to the ground." "I will have you know," David''s dignity suffered another blow as he tried to shake sand out of his fur, "that I am perfectly capable of standing up straight right now. I''m just choosing not to. For... tactical reasons." "Mhmm." Marina''s tissue rippled in what was definitely a laugh. "Well, about those crabs. They used to be normal enough - you know, for post-Wave wildlife. Then Wave Two hit and..." She trailed off meaningfully. David''s ears perked forward. "And?" "And suddenly they''re the size of small cars, painting themselves with tribal markings, and decided violence was the answer to everything." Marina''s tentacles gestured in a way that somehow conveyed exasperation. "Which, fine, lot of that going around. But then they had to go and kill Marcus." "Marcus?" "Sweet guy. Used to stop here between courier runs. Always brought treats for the local fish, crabs too." Her voice carried genuine sadness. "They ambushed him while he was resting. Dragged him right onto the beach." David''s fur bristled slightly. "I''m guessing that didn''t end well for them." "Let''s just say the local aquatic community took exception to losing one of their own to what we considered our ''pets''." Marina''s bioluminescence pulsed darker. "Very violent exception. Now they''re stuck on the north beach because it''s too rocky and shallow for anyone to get close without beaching themselves. I won''t lie, I snatched a couple of them myself for their trouble." "Huh." David watched as Captain organized their siblings into what looked suspiciously like a conga line. "Not worried about them trying anything with me? I mean..." He gestured at himself meaningfully. Marina''s laugh sent ripples across the water. "Honey, you''re basically their worst nightmare. Besides, you can fly. What are they going to do, aggressively snap at your shadow?" "Fair point." David''s wings stretched wide, working out the kinks from being folded so long. "Speaking of flying, I should probably do a lap or two. You know, make sure everything still works after that underwater rollercoaster you call transportation." "Rude." Marina''s tentacles splashed water in his general direction. "But you''ve got about five hours before I''m ready to move again. Just try not to start any trouble while I''m sleeping? The last thing we need is more excitement out here." David snorted, already gathering altitude. "Please. What are the odds of that happening?" "You''d be surprised," Marina called after him as he banked toward the island''s interior. "And hey, if you''re looking for water, it rained recently. Might get lucky!" "Yeah, I remember!" David shouted back, his voice carrying easily over the sound of waves. "The lightning looked weird as hell from up high!" The morning sun painted the island in shades of emerald and gold as David gained height, his wings finally stretching to their full span. Below him, the Cuddlebugs abandoned their impromptu beach party to fall into formation, their tiny forms casting perfect shadows against the sand. Time to see what other surprises this pit stop has in store. The island spread beneath him like a very lucid acid trip. What should have been normal tropical vegetation had clearly gotten the System''s memo about spicing things up. Palm trees twisted into impossible spirals, their fronds shimmering with colors that belonged in a blacklight poster. Flowering vines that might have been orchids once now bloomed in patterns that were as beautiful as they were bizarre. "Well that''s definitely not in any travel brochure," David muttered, banking around what appeared to be a absolutely massive bright purple pitcher plant. "Unless someone''s marketing to the ''probably hallucinating'' demographic." Here and there, barely visible through the dense canopy, he caught glimpses of what might have been human construction. Might have been, because whatever the Wave had done to the plant life had apparently taken "reclaiming" as a personal challenge. The few concrete fragments he could spot looked more like gravel than ruins. His ears swiveled constantly, tracking the island''s ambient sounds. Birds that definitely weren''t in any guidebook called from the technicolor canopy, their songs carrying harmonics that made his fur stand on end. Something that might have been a monkey, if monkeys had started accessorizing with extra limbs, watched him pass with far too many eyes. Captain suddenly chirped alertly from nearby, the sound carrying unmistakable excitement. The rest of the Cuddlebugs immediately perked up, their tiny noses working overtime as they caught whatever scent had grabbed their second in command''s attention. "What you got, buddy?" David asked, watching as his tiny squad started doing their best impression of pointing dogs. "Because if it''s another one of those glowing fruit things, I swear-" The scent hit him then - clean, fresh water. His throat immediately reminded him that drinking seawater was absolutely not an option, no matter how desperate he got. Come to think of it, when was the last time I actually had anything to drink? Yesterday? Night before? "Right," he muttered, following his nose and the increasingly excited Cuddlebugs. "Guess we''re on a water run. Try not to get eaten by whatever''s probably living in it?" The Cuddlebugs led him to a natural depression in the land, where recent rains had collected into a surprisingly decent sized pool. The water looked clean enough, though the way it caught the morning light suggested it might have picked up some of the local flora''s opinion on appropriate coloration. "Fuck it," David decided after a moment''s consideration. "If it kills me, at least I''ll die hydrated." He dropped to all fours at the pool''s edge, his muzzle barely touching the surface as he tested the water''s scent. It smelled... weird. Not bad weird, just weird weird. Like someone had tried to describe water to someone without a sense of smell and had gotten creative with the interpretation. The Cuddlebugs had no such reservations. The entire squad dove in face-first, their tiny forms creating perfect ripples as they attacked their thirst with typical enthusiasm. David watched them for any signs of immediate death, and when none were forthcoming, finally gave in to his own desperate need for hydration. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Several minutes later, he was satisfied but waddling with urgency away from the waters edge. Not because of the water - that had been fine, if slightly tingly - but because his body had apparently decided that what goes in must come out. Immediately. "Oh you''ve got to be kidding me," he groaned, already scanning for an appropriate spot to handle nature''s call. "This is not the kind of emergency landing I had in mind." Finding a suitable location turned into an exercise in rapid decision making as his bladder made its demands increasingly clear. He finally settled on a cluster of ferns that looked appropriately private, though he could have sworn they giggled when he approached. "Yeah yeah," he muttered, positioning himself carefully. "Laugh it up. Just... try not to watch? This is awkward enough without an audience." David tried very hard not to think about just how much liquid he''d managed to store, or why it seemed to be taking approximately forever to empty. The ferns, for their part, seemed to be enjoying the impromptu watering. "I feel like I should be making a ''marking my territory'' joke," he mused, still going strong. "But honestly? I''m just impressed at this point. Like, biologically speaking, where was I even keeping all this?" Captain chirped questioningly from nearby, clearly wondering why their master had decided to water the local plant life with such enthusiasm. The rest of the Cuddlebugs maintained a respectful distance, though David could feel their mixed confusion and amusement through their mental link. "Don''t judge me," he called back, finally finishing what felt like a record-breaking performance. With his immediate biological needs handled, David''s curiosity about the island''s more mysterious residents began to surface. Marina had mentioned the crabs stuck to the north beach, and he had to admit - the idea of cow-sized crustaceans with attitude problems was too interesting to ignore. "What do you say, team?" he asked his assembled Cuddlebugs. "Want to go see what these angry shellfish are up to?" The tiny creatures responded with unified enthusiasm, clearly ready for whatever adventure their master had in mind. Captain took point as usual, their tiny form zipping through the undergrowth with practiced ease. Time to do what I do best - be absolutely terrifying while having no idea what I¡¯m doing in a place I''ve never been before. Claire would love this place...so many good ''comfy spots''. David moved through the jungle like liquid shadow, each motion precise and predatory despite his internal monologue running on pure elevator music. Months of hunting had turned stealth into something so natural he barely noticed doing it anymore. The Cuddlebugs followed his lead perfectly, their usual chaos replaced by the kind of coordinated movement that would have made special forces teams jealous. "Do do do do do, checking out some crabs," he hummed under his breath, carefully navigating around a flower that definitely hadn''t gotten the memo about appropriate color schemes. "Just a totally normal day, definitely not stalking anything, la la la..." His first hint that he was on the right track came in the form of what looked like three spiky not-quite-coconuts lashed to a crude pole. The construction had been driven into the ground at an angle that suggested either artistic intent or complete incompetence - he couldn''t quite decide which. "Boo-de-doo-de--Well that''s not ominous at all," he muttered, examining the marker more closely as he cut off his impromptu theme music. The not-coconuts pulsed with a dim inner light that made his fur stand on end. "Because glowing fruit on a stick is totally normal and not at all concerning." A clear path led away from the marker, worn into the ground by what had to be multiple sets of very large claws. David followed it with the kind of casual grace that made apex predators look clumsy, his form barely disturbing the local vegetation as he moved. The first actual crab he spotted nearly made him break cover with a whispered "what the actual fuck." The creature was indeed roughly the size of a small car, but that''s where any resemblance to normal crabs ended with extreme prejudice. Its shell was covered in intricate patterns painted in what looked like white chalk, the designs suggesting either religious significance or a really enthusiastic geometric phase. Multiple eyes on independently moving stalks swiveled in patterns that spoke of active intelligence, while its claws... "Is that a spear?" David breathed in outrage, watching as the crab casually manipulated what was definitely a crude weapon with one of its smaller appendages. "They''ve got...thumbs? Why do they have thumbs...Who approved this?" Following the path eventually led him to the north beach, where he got his first look at what passed for crab civilization. The village, if you could call it that, straddled the line between land and sea with the kind of architecture only a crab could love. Crude structures made from salvaged materials dotted the rocky shore, half-submerged in the shallow water. David quickly scaled a convenient tree, settling into a position that gave him an excellent view of the proceedings. Below him, dozens of the enhanced crustaceans went about their business with surprising organization. Larger specimens emerged periodically from deeper water carrying various edible things, depositing their finds at what appeared to be a central collection point. But it was the activity near the center of the village that really caught his attention. "Are they... are they dancing?" A group of crabs had formed a circle, their movements synchronized in what looked suspiciously like an EDM concert had collided with a religious ceremony. Their shells reflected patterns that definitely hadn''t been natural before the Wave, creating a lightshow that would have made any DJ jealous. "Crab rave," David whispered, barely containing his amusement. "They''re actually having a crab rave. In the middle of their... wait, what''s happening over there?" His ears swiveled toward movement at the village''s edge, nearest the jungle itself, where a group of larger crabs had cornered several smaller ones against a rock formation. Even from his perch, David could tell this wasn''t friendly interaction - the bigger crabs'' body language screamed aggression, their claws raised threateningly as they advanced on their victims. The first blow made David''s fur bristle. The larger crabs were straight up beating the younger ones, using their claws with the kind of casual cruelty that spoke of routine behavior. One of the young crabs tried to flee, only to be knocked back into the group with a particularly vicious strike that left a visible mark on their tough shell. "Oh, it''s going to be like that, is it?" David''s voice dropped to a growl as he watched another blow land. He glanced at his assembled Cuddlebugs, who were already tensing for action. "Team? I don''t like that. Time to make a point." The Cuddlebugs dropped from the tree like tiny avenging angels, their usual adorable appearance somehow transformed into something considerably more vicious. They struck the larger crabs from multiple angles, their synchronized assault driving the bullies back through sheer shock value. David moved closer through the canopy, making sure his intervention was having the desired effect. The larger crabs were definitely not enjoying their introduction to angry murder-fluff, their attempts to defend their delicate eyes growing increasingly panicked as Captain maintained perfect coordination of the assault. The younger crabs huddled together, their eye stalks tracking the chaos with what might have been awe. One of them happened to glance up, catching sight of David''s form in the foliage. Its reaction drew the attention of its companions, and suddenly David found himself the focus of several sets of eyes. Well, in for a penny... David rose to his full height on the branch, spreading his wings to catch what little sunlight filtered through the canopy. He made a slow, deliberate gesture that somehow managed to combine regality with absolute menace, then turned his head to address the young crabs directly. "Everybody gets one," he hissed, not really expecting them to understand but feeling the moment demanded something profound. Then he melted back into the jungle like smoke, leaving behind a scene that would definitely need some processing time for all involved. The Cuddlebugs returned to him instantly at his mental recall, their tiny forms practically radiating satisfaction through their link. A quick glance back confirmed the larger crabs had abandoned their beatdown and vanished into the nearby ocean. Not even the vague impression of their location was detectable beneath the water, the Team having thoroughly driven them off. Finding a new observation point further from the village, David settled in to watch the aftermath of his intervention. His mind wrestled with unexpected philosophical questions as he observed the crabs going about their lives. "So what counts as people now?" he mused quietly, watching as another hunting party emerged from the deeper water with their catches. "I mean, we''re all monsters these days. At least they started as actual crabs..." The village''s routine continued below, the recent excitement largely unnoticed or chalked up to random chance. Larger crabs with heavily armored shells continued their fishing runs, while smaller ones distributed and stored the food with surprising efficiency. The white chalk patterns on their shells caught the sunlight as they moved, creating an ever-shifting display of tribal markings. After an hour or so, David decided it was time to head back toward Marina''s cove. "Come on team," he whispered to his assembled Cuddlebugs. "Let''s go stretch our wings properly. Pretty sure we''ve given the locals enough to think about for one day. We can fly around for a while and get some exercise. Good job earlier with the dickass crabs." The flight back gave him his first real look at the island from high above. The tropical paradise stretched out below him like a jewel set in endless blue, its beaches curving in patterns that reminded him of Marina''s bioluminescent displays. Flying around an island at sea was a new experience - something about the isolation, the perfect circle of horizon in every direction, made the whole thing feel almost dreamlike. As he banked toward Marina''s cove, a thought struck him. "Wonder if anyone''s ever tried making peace with them?" he mused, already planning to ask Marina when she woke. "I mean, besides the whole ''murder Marcus'' thing..." __________________________________________ Back on the north beach, in a quiet corner away from prying eye stalks, a group of young crabs had gathered. Their shells, previously marked with the same tribal patterns as their elders, were being carefully decorated with new designs. White chalk moved in deliberate strokes, creating patterns that looked suspiciously like bat wings wrapped around full moons. The word they''d understood - "one" - was repeated in clicks and whistles as they worked, their movements clumsy but carrying the weight of ceremony. Above them, the strange not-quite-coconuts pulsed their eternal light, casting shadows that danced like tiny wings across the sand. Update on why Ive been MiA So to keep this brief: My bad. I fucked up irl. I''d received my schedule for last week a day earlier than normal and never bothered to check it again. Turns out it was sent in error, before they''d finished the schedule and they didn''t catch it before it fired off roughly half the emails for our personnel. They then followed this up the next day with the actual schedule as well as an apology in the email. My stupid ass never bothered to look after I got the first email; what resulted from that is half my schedule was completely wrong. I thought I was off on Friday and it turned out I was not; got a phone call from a very confused supervisor asking why I didn''t show up (I am literally always 15 minutes early). I then had to drop all my plans for the next few days, run like hell to fix my personal-life schedule, reschedule some of my other job stuff, and generally it devolved into a giant kerfuffle. It was bad. I have to plan everything out ahead of time so that I actually have enough time to do everything I do on a daily basis. On top of that, I had some stuff this week that wasn''t rescheduled because it couldn''t be. The only time I had to sacrifice was the time I spend on ID. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. It was honestly such a scramble I didn''t even have time to post an update like this to let you guys know what''s up. I consider that bad form personally; but that''s just how it ended up. I didn''t have time to do the Funday chapter today, so I''ll have to owe you guys a random Funday chapter this week. Shit just blew up in my face and took my metaphorical eyebrows with it. Just very lame in general. So yeah. Shit sucked. Should be back on track this Monday. I''m still comfortable with the update schedule I have and feel I can continue it indefinitely, but snags are gonna happen. Maybe someday I''ll be a big fancy pants bankers-hours author. Sit at a big fancy desk instead of on my couch without a wireless keyboard while I write between jobs. That''s not right now unfortunately; though other than when I got my hand smooshed I haven''t had to take a break really since I started. Anyway I''m rambling at this point (probably because I didn''t get to write much lately). Love you guys. FillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFilleFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFilleFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFilleFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFilleFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFilleFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFilleFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFillerFiller 158 - Fishy tank David banked into the final approach toward Marina''s cove, already rehearsing an apology for pushing his exploration time. The words died in his throat as he caught sight of the beach below. The pristine white sand had been violently churned, great furrows carved deep enough to expose the darker silt beneath. Seawater had surged far beyond the normal tideline, leaving drying pools that stretched nearly to the trees. The crystal-clear waters of the cove had turned murky with churned silt, and floating in the mess... "Oh that''s not good," David muttered, his wings catching an updraft as he circled lower. "That''s really not good." Severed tentacles dotted the water''s surface like particularly morbid lily pads, their translucent tissue still rippling with dying patterns of light. More had washed up on shore, their hooked surfaces catching the morning sun in ways that made his fur stand on end. The Cuddlebugs circled closer to his form as they descended, their usual enthusiasm completely absent. "Marina?" David called, his voice carrying easily across the disturbed water. "You better just be molting or something because this is giving me serial killer vibes and I-" The water erupted. Marina''s massive form burst from the depths wrapped around... something. David''s eyes struggled to process what he was seeing as she dragged her opponent into view. His brain kept trying to categorize it as ''goldfish'' before violently rejecting that classification. The creature''s basic shape might have started as a fish, but someone had clearly gotten creative with the evolutionary blueprint. Its scales resembled armored plates, layered like living titanium and reflecting the sun in bright patterns. Two huge eyes rolled independently in their sockets, each one roughly the size of David''s head and carrying that special kind of vacant malice usually reserved for garden gnomes. Did someone feed pure protein powder to a carnival prize? Because that thing is built like a fishy tank. He shot forward over the water, already planning angles of attack before remembering one very important detail. His toxins would spread through the water, and while he was pretty sure Marina could handle herself in a fight, he really didn''t want to find out how she''d handle being accidentally poisoned. "Son of a-" David banked hard as the battle below reached new levels of chaos. Marina had wrapped dozens of her larger tentacles around the mutant goldfish, and the hooks that lined them... Holy shit. David hovered, watching as she used her full length of each tentacle like a living saw, rapidly pulling them across the creature''s armor in ways that sent an unholy screech echoing across the water. The hooked surfaces weren''t just for show - each one looked like someone had weaponized fishhooks, their wicked curves designed for maximum carnage. "YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST SWIM INTO MY COVE?" Marina''s voice carried clearly despite the chaos, her bioluminescence flashing aggressive patterns beneath the surface. "I WAS TRYING TO TAKE A NAP YOU DISCOUNT REJECT!" The goldfish''s response was to roll, its armored bulk threatening to drag Marina under. She countered by extending more tentacles, wrapping around the creature''s gills in ways that looked extremely¡­unfriendly. The hooks found purchase in that softer tissue, and the sound that followed made David''s ears flatten against his skull. "OH YOU WANT TO PLAY ROUGH?" Marina''s voice had taken on the kind of tone that remind him of death metal vocalists. "I''VE EATEN BETTER LOOKING FISH THAN YOU FOR BREAKFAST!" David circled helplessly above the fight, trying to find any avenue of assistance that wouldn''t result in accidentally poisoning his new friend. The problem was, Marina''s combat style involved being basically everywhere at once. Her tentacles moved with devastating coordination, some acting completely independently while others worked in perfect sync to saw through the goldfish''s armored hide. "This is like trying to help a tornado fight a tank," he muttered, watching as another of Marina''s tentacles was severed by those brutal scales. "Extra style points for the trash talking, though." Blood clouded the water in expanding patterns as Marina''s hooked tentacles finally breached the goldfish''s armor, the creature''s huge puffy eyes rolling in their sockets with increasingly frantic energy. David winced as she quite literally began peeling the scales away, each brutal yank accompanied by creative suggestions about where exactly the fish could stick its attitude. "I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GOD YOU PRAY TO," Marina roared as she wrapped more tentacles around the thrashing beast, "IF YOU BROKE ANY OF MY GOOD TENTACLES I''M GOING TO TURN YOU INTO SUSHI!" The fight had moved into deeper water, Marina''s bioluminescence creating a spectacular lightshow beneath the surface as she worked. Those horrible hooks caught the sun like liquid metal, each savage pull sending fresh clouds of red spiraling through the cove''s once-pristine water. Well this is new. Usually I''m the scariest thing in sight but this is... actually this is probably what I look like to other people. Huh. The goldfish made one last desperate attempt to escape, its mutated bulk surging toward open water. Marina''s response was immediate and overwhelming - dozens of her larger tentacles whipped forward, wrapping around its bleeding form like living cables. The hooks extended to their full length, and what followed... "Okay that''s definitely going in the ''top ten most metal things I''ve seen'' list," David hissed, his ears swiveling to track the unholy sound of Marina basically turning her opponent into an underwater sawmill project. "Though its still below the time Claire ripped the head off the..." Captain chirped questioningly as they flitted nearby, clearly wondering if they should attempt to assist. The rest of the Cuddlebugs had maintained a holding pattern around David, their tiny forms creating perfect formation as they watched the aquatic carnage below. "Not this time team," David called back, watching as Marina''s assault reached its brutal conclusion. "Pretty sure we''d just be getting in the way of... whatever the hell this counts as. Nature documentary meets monster truck rally?" The battle ended with a particularly vicious display of tentacle coordination that left David genuinely impressed. Marina''s larger appendages had basically turned the goldfish into the world''s most violent accordion, while her smaller ones systematically dismantled what remained of its armor. The creature''s final splashes of struggle were lost beneath the sound of Marina''s victory screech - a noise that somehow managed to combine triumph with extreme annoyance. Her sensory organs suddenly oriented upward, finally spotting David hovering above the carnage. "Hey!" she called, her voice carrying both exhaustion and accusation as she began dragging her prize toward shore. "Thanks for all the help up there! Really appreciated the moral support!" David dropped altitude, hovering closer now that the immediate danger had passed. "Look, I was going to help but-" He paused, noticing the full extent of her injuries. Nearly half her tentacles were either completely severed or hanging by literal threads, and the ones that remained showed clear signs of damage from those armored scales. "But what?" Marina demanded, though her tone had lost some of its edge. Several of her intact tentacles were already gathering the severed ones floating nearby. "Stage fright? Performance anxiety? Because I''ve got to say, your timing could use some work." "My strongest ability is¡­situational," David admitted, dropping to land on the beach as Marina settled into her previous spot. "And everything else I have is toxin or control based. Wasn''t sure how to engage without accidentally poisoning you too. Water tends to spread things, you know?" Marina''s tissue rippled in what might have been surprise. "Wait, seriously? But you look so..." She waved a tentacle vaguely in his direction. "Pointy." David was about to respond when he noticed her quivering slightly, her bioluminescence patterns becoming erratic. Without hesitation, he threw back his head and unleashed Siren''s Call. The sound seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once, echoing off the water''s surface in ways that shouldn''t have been possible. The Cuddlebugs immediately perked up, their tiny forms practically vibrating as the ability took hold. "What the..." Marina''s remaining sensors oriented on him as the regenerative effects began to manifest. "That''s... actually that feels pretty good. Didn''t know you could do that." "I like to cover all my bases," David explained, watching as her healing rate visibly increased. "Had to kill too many one-trick ponies to risk being one myself." Marina drifted back into the shallows near shore, her remaining tentacles trailing in the clear water of the cove. She made an affirmative gesture with several of them, then proceeded to do something that made David''s jaw drop. She began methodically eating her own severed appendages, using her intact tentacles to feed them into what he could only assume was her mouth. "Um," David managed, his ears flattening in confused horror. "Should I... should I be concerned about this?" "Oh!" Marina paused mid-snack, apparently remembering he was there. "It''s a Mutagen thing. Got lucky with a fusion - I can heal faster by... recycling parts of myself." She resumed her disturbing meal with enthusiasm. "Weird, I know, but these days what isn''t?" David was about to comment further when he noticed his Cuddlebugs had discovered the half of the goldfish Marina had casually tossed onto the white sand nearby. The word ''food'' had barely registered in his mind through their link before they descended on the carcass with their usual enthusiasm. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "Speaking of weird," Marina continued, apparently completely comfortable eating and talking simultaneously, "you really couldn''t help? I mean, don''t get me wrong, looking scary is great and all, but I figured you''d be more..." She waved another tentacle expressively. "Bitey?" "About that..." David''s ears swiveled thoughtfully as he watched Marina continue her self-cannibalism. His mind raced back to his conversation with Doc, remembering how he''d managed to isolate that single strange toxin strain. "I might be able to help now, actually. Let me try something." He focused intently, trying to picture the complex cocktail of chemicals he usually produced as separate things instead of one nasty blend. Like trying to pick apart the ingredients of a particularly lethal smoothie, except the smoothie was in his mouth and could probably kill a horse. Usually everything just sort of... happened. His toxins mixed together automatically, creating that familiar mint-tinged mixture that had put more than a few enemies into permanent naps. But if he could isolate just one part, like with Doc... Sort of like trying to drink just the vodka out of a mixed drink, maybe? Except the vodka is technically medicine. Kind of. If medicine could also stop your heart. David concentrated harder on the analgesic component, the one that usually worked alongside his paralytics and soporifics to make sure his victims had a peaceful trip to whatever afterlife they believed in. The change in his saliva was immediate and surprising. Instead of the familiar cool sensation, this isolated strain tasted distinctly medicinal - like someone had dissolved hospital-grade painkillers on his tongue. Well that''s new. And also kind of gross. But mostly new. "Don''t freak out," David said, bouncing down into the shallows next to her. The water barely reached his chest, his wings held carefully above the surface. "This might help with the pain." Before Marina could respond, David extended his ridiculous tongue to its full length, running it along one of her larger tentacles. The texture made him want to gag - somewhere between firm jelly and raw fish - but he forced himself to focus on maintaining the isolated toxin. "What the actual fuck are you-" Marina''s indignant response cut off abruptly. Her tissue rippled with surprise as the analgesic took effect. "Oh. OH. That''s... that doesn''t hurt anymore. At all." Encouraged by her response, David took to the air again. He circled her massive form, carefully applying a modified Corruptor''s Touch to her various injuries. Each application made her tissue ripple with relief, the painkiller absorbing rapidly through her damaged surfaces. "You''re not feeling sleepy though, right?" David asked between applications, his wings working overtime to maintain precise positioning. "Or paralyzed? Nothing going numb that shouldn''t be?" "No, just..." Marina''s remaining sensory organs tracked his movement with obvious curiosity. "Just no pain. Which is... wait." Her tissue suddenly rippled with understanding. "Control and toxins, you said. And they''re usually all mixed together?" David landed back on the beach, shaking water from his fur. "Yeah. Normally everything blends into one really nasty cocktail. I never thought to try and separate them, but I was talking to Doc and..." He noticed her remaining tentacles had gone very still. "What?" "David," Marina''s voice carried an odd note of recognition. "What''s your last name?" Uh...why does she- Shit. The System Message. I forgot about that for a bit. He shifted uncomfortably, wings tucking closer to his sides. "Fisher." "As in, the David Fisher? The one the System ranked as having the strongest offensive ability?" Her tissue rippled with growing excitement. "Oh my god, I''m going to be famous. Wait until I tell everyone I had THE David Fisher as a-" "Maybe don''t spread that around?" David interrupted quickly, his fur bristling slightly. "It tends to attract the wrong kind of attention." Marina''s tentacles waved dismissively. "Fine, fine. But can I at least know what it''s called? The ability that''s supposedly so terrifying? We took bets, and I intend to collect. Hah! Let me guess, it¡¯s some sort of¡­" David considered for a long moment as Marina began to speculate wildly, watching as his Cuddlebugs continued their enthusiastic demolition of the goldfish carcass. Marina had proven herself trustworthy, and after all, she had just shared her own abilities with him... "Doom Blade," he said finally, bracing for the usual reaction. Marina was quiet for several seconds. "If the System hadn''t backed up how strong it was," she said slowly, "I''d think you were a total edgelord with a name like that." David sighed heavily. "You''re not the first person to say that." "Good news though," Marina''s tissue rippled with returning cheer, though her sensory organs kept darting back to study him with newfound intensity. "I should be ready to move again once everything grows back. Though next time?" She paused, like she was still trying to reconcile the infamous David Fisher with the soggy bat currently standing on her beach. "Maybe lead with the whole ''I can make magic painkillers'' thing? Because that''s actually really useful. You know, for someone who''s supposedly the most dangerous..." She trailed off meaningfully, clearly still processing the disconnect between his ''reputation'' and his personality. "Deal," David agreed, watching as Marina''s regeneration continued at an accelerated pace under the combined effects of his Siren''s Call and her self-cannibalism. "Though maybe next time don''t get into a death match with the world''s angriest goldfish while I''m gone? I thought something had actually managed to kill you." "Please," Marina''s tissue pulsed with amusement. "Takes more than some overgrown prize fish to take me down. Though I''ve got to admit..." Several of her new tentacles flexed experimentally, hooks extending and retracting in sequence. "Having painkillers on tap is a game changer. Usually losing this many limbs is a real pain in the... well, everywhere." David watched the regeneration process with fascinated horror. The new growth looked almost crystalline at first, transparent tissue gradually filling with color and neural patterns as it extended. Even with the enhanced healing, the process looked uncomfortably organic. "So," he ventured, trying to distract himself from the biological spectacle, "is this normal for you? Random sea monsters trying to claim your cove?" "Define normal," Marina replied, her new tentacles beginning to show the first signs of bioluminescence through the gentle waves. "Because if you mean ''does weird shit regularly try to eat me'', then yeah. Pretty much standard operating procedure these days." She paused thoughtfully. "Though usually they''re not quite so... googly." The Cuddlebugs had finally finished reducing their portion of the goldfish to bones, their tiny forms absolutely stuffed. Captain managed to float over to David''s shoulder, landing with considerably less grace than usual and immediately falling asleep. "Speaking of weird," Marina''s sensory organs oriented on the food-coma victims, "your little squad there can really put it away. Pretty sure they ate their body weight in murder-fish." "Food is their second favorite word," David explained, carefully adjusting his position so Captain wouldn''t fall. "Right after ''murder'', obviously." Marina''s response was cut short by a distant sound that made both of them freeze. Something between a roar and a whale song rolled across the water, instantly silencing the ambient sounds of the island. "We should probably get moving soon," Marina suggested, her remaining original tentacles rippling uneasily. "Trust me - I don''t want to meet that while I''m still regenerating." David''s ears swiveled toward the sound, tracking its direction. "Define ''that''..." "Let''s just say that goldfish?" Marina gestured at the remains with a newly grown tentacle. "That was small fry. Emphasis on fry." Her tissue rippled with dark humor. "The adults tend to be a bit more... enthusiastic about disputes." Another sound echoed across the water, closer this time. David''s fur stood on end as he recognized patterns in the noise from the night before. "Right," he said quickly, gathering his stupefied Cuddlebugs with gentle wing sweeps. "How much longer until you''re good to go?" "Give me ten minutes to finish growing these back," Marina replied, her regeneration visibly accelerating. "Then we can introduce you to the fun part of ocean travel - running away from things that definitely want to eat us!" "Story of my life," David muttered, watching the horizon warily. "At least Claire would appreciate the irony." "You''re full of surprises," Marina observed as her final tentacles reached full extension, hooks flexing experimentally. "First the toxins, then the healing song, and... you''re crossing an ocean just to find someone?" Her regenerated sensory organs rippled with what might have been amusement. "Most people I transport are trying to put as much water as possible between themselves and their problems." "Yeah well, my problems tend to follow me anyway," David muttered, his ears swiveling toward another distant rumble. The Cuddlebugs huddled closer, their overfed forms suddenly alert as something massive displaced water far beyond the cove. "Speaking of problems - how about we continue this chat somewhere with fewer things trying to eat us?" "Fair point." Marina''s tissue rippled with mischief as she opened her transport chamber. "Though I''ve got to warn you - after a regeneration this big, the ride might be a bit... bouncy." David''s stomach lurched at the mere thought. "Fantastic. Because nearly losing my breakfast last time wasn''t enough fun." Another sound rolled across the water, this one carrying the kind of undertone that made David''s survival instincts start filing paperwork for early retirement. The Cuddlebugs pressed closer to his fur, their usual bravado completely forgotten. "Time to go," Marina announced cheerfully, her newly restored tentacles spreading wide. "Unless you''d like to stay and explain to the local legislature why we redecorated their cove with fish parts?" "I''ll pass," David replied, already moving toward her transport chamber. "Pretty sure my diplomatic skills peaked with the crabs earlier." "You did what now?" "Story for another time," David assured her as he carefully herded his still-woozy Cuddlebugs inside before leaping through the opening himself. "Preferably when we''re very far from here and I''ve had time to prepare a better explanation than ''it seemed like a good idea at the time.''" As Marina''s chamber sealed around them, David caught one last glimpse of something massive moving beneath the waves. Its shadow stretched far longer than anything had any right to, and he could have sworn he saw multiple sets of eyes bigger than Marina''s entire body tracking their movement. "So," Marina''s voice vibrated through her chamber walls as they began to rapidly submerge, "about that story..." "Let''s just say," David settled into position, trying to ignore his stomach''s preemptive protests, "that some people really need to learn how to play nice with others. Even if those others happen to be heavily armed crustaceans with apparently poor impulse control." The water closed over them as Marina''s bioluminescence painted their descent in familiar patterns of light. Behind them, something breached the surface with enough force to send waves rolling over the surface above them. David decided very firmly that he didn''t want to know what it was. "You know," he mused as they quickly picked up speed, his Cuddlebugs already looking slightly green around their tiny whiskers, "Claire''s going to be so mad she missed all this." "Sounds like there''s a story there too," Marina replied, her tissue rippling with curiosity as they entered deeper water. "But maybe save it for when we''re not actively fleeing from the local wildlife? Speaking of which..." The sound that followed made their earlier visitor seem positively subtle. David''s ears flattened against his skull as harmonics that shouldn''t have been possible rolled through Marina''s chamber. "Right," he managed, trying very hard not to think about what might be following them. "Talking later. Fleeing now. Got it." Marina''s laughter vibrated through her chamber walls as they accelerated into the deep, leaving the island - and whatever horrors called it home - far behind. 159 - Terra Incognita David watched another school of luminescent fish scatter through Marina''s chamber walls, their panicked movements painting crisp patterns in the dark water. His wings ached from the leech-fish attack yesterday, though Marina''s enthusiastic application of her tentacles had kept most of the bloodsuckers from reaching him. His stomach had finally given up its rebellion against the constant motion, settling into a sort of resigned acceptance of its fate. "You know," he mused, watching Marina''s bioluminescence flicker in response to something massive moving in the distance, "when I pictured crossing an ocean, I was thinking more ''relaxing cruise'' and less ''running from literal sea monsters every six hours.''" "Honey," Marina''s chamber vibrated with exhausted amusement, "if you wanted relaxing, you should have tried the desert. Though I''ve got to admit..." Her tissue rippled meaningfully. "That thing with the current yesterday? That was new. Never hitched a ride on something moving that fast before." David''s ears flattened at the memory. The ''current'' had felt more like a underwater hurricane, though it had certainly helped put distance between them and the horror that had chased them from Waypoint West. Even Marina had seemed impressed, once she''d stopped cursing about the pressure differential. "Pretty sure my internal organs are still rearranging themselves," David muttered, checking on his Cuddlebugs. The tiny creatures had adapted surprisingly well to underwater travel, though they still huddled against his fur whenever something too massive moved beyond Marina''s walls. "Though it beat the alternative. That thing following us from the waypoint looked hungry enough to eat a small continent." "Please," Marina''s tissue pulsed with false bravado, "I had it handled. Mostly. Kind of." A pause. "Okay maybe we really needed that current." David snorted, then immediately regretted it as the motion sent his barely-settled stomach into fresh acrobatics. "Pretty sure ''handled'' doesn''t usually involve screaming ''oh shit oh shit oh shit'' while breaking your own speed record." "I was just expressing enthusiasm," Marina replied primly, though her bioluminescence patterns betrayed her amusement. "Besides, you weren''t exactly keeping cool either. What was that noise you made when we had to surface and split up for the leech-swarm?" "That was a perfectly dignified battle cry," David defended, unconsciously touching his wings.where some of the creatures had managed to latch on before getting a Miasma bath. "Also, we agreed never to speak of that again." The conversation died as Marina''s tissue suddenly rippled with unease. Her bioluminescence dimmed slightly as she adjusted their course, sensory organs working overtime to process their surroundings. "Something wrong?" David asked, noting the change in her usual patterns. His ears swiveled forward, catching subtle changes in the chamber''s vibration. "Maybe?" Marina''s uncertainty was clear in her tone. "Everything tastes... wrong. The currents, the pressure, even the salt." Her tissue rippled with growing agitation. "I''ve been out this far before, but something''s different. The seafloor is too high, the water''s too shallow, and none of my usual landmarks make sense anymore." David''s fur bristled slightly at her tone. After two days of watching Marina navigate everything from deep-sea horrors to impossible currents with unwavering confidence, hearing uncertainty in her voice was... unsettling. "Hey," Marina''s chamber walls vibrated thoughtfully, "any chance you could do some aerial reconnaissance? My distance vision is basically worthless up there, but maybe you can spot something I''m missing?" David''s ears perked forward with interest. "You want me to go outside?" He glanced at his Cuddlebugs, who immediately pressed closer to his fur. "Like, in the air? Above the ocean? Where all those things we saw might be watching?" "Don''t be dramatic," Marina''s tissue rippled with what might have been a shrug. "I''ll keep my back lit up bright enough to guide you back. Besides, after that leech incident, I think we''ve established you can handle yourself." David considered the offer. On one wing, flying over open ocean after everything he''d seen beneath the waves seemed like a fantastic way to develop new phobias. On the other wing... "Fine," he sighed, already gathering his Cuddlebugs closer. "But if something tries to eat me, I''m blaming you." Marina''s chamber began to rise toward the surface, her movements careful and precise. "That''s fair. Though really, what''s the worst that could happen?" "You did not just say that," David groaned, his mane poofing out dramatically. "You never say that. That''s like asking the System to get creative, and we both know how that usually ends." The chamber broke the surface with surprising gentleness, Marina''s upper tissue already beginning to pulse with brilliant teal light. David took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for what was about to be a very exposed position. "Right," he muttered, stepping through the opening Marina created. "Just a quick look around. Nothing to worry about. Definitely not thinking about all those things you mentioned that can jump like fuckin-." "If it helps," Marina called after him as he spread his wings, "most of them only hunt during the day!" David''s reply was lost as he shot upward, his powerful wings carrying him rapidly away from the water''s surface. Some of the Cuddlebugs clung to his fur anxiously, their forms barely noticeable against his bulk as he gained altitude. The rest stuck close by, clearly unhappy with the extended voyage but following along determinedly. Higher and higher he climbed, until Marina''s bioluminescent form was just a bright speck against the dark water below. The moon painted the ocean''s surface in patches of silver, creating an almost peaceful scene that David absolutely refused to trust. Then he saw it. "No fucking way," David breathed, his snout wrinkling in shock. The landmass rose from the horizon, its silhouette massive enough to boggle the mind. Moonlight caught the edges of what might have been mountains, their peaks disappearing into low clouds that seemed to cling to the mysterious shore. David dropped altitude rapidly, his wings tucked close as he dove back toward Marina''s glowing form. He barely registered the rush of falling, his mind still trying to process what he''d seen. The Cuddlebugs chirped excitedly against his fur, clearly picking up on his agitation through their link. He hit Marina''s chamber entrance with more speed than strictly necessary, nearly bowling over in his haste to deliver the news without injuring her with his talons. "There''s land," he announced, shaking water from his fur. "Like, a lot of land. Really big land. How did you not notice really big land?" "That''s¡­impossible," Marina''s tissue rippled with disbelief. "There shouldn''t be anything out here except...well, water. Lots of water. Maybe a seamount or two, but nothing breaking the surface." David''s ears flicked in annoyance. "Pretty sure I know what land looks like. Big rocky stuff? Goes up instead of down? Usually has trees and things?" "Save the snark," Marina''s chamber vibrated with uncertainty. "Which direction?" David pointed with a wing, then remembered she couldn''t actually see the gesture. "About forty degrees to port? That is what you call left-ish, right?" Marina''s entire form shifted as she altered course, her bioluminescence patterns betraying her agitation. "This doesn''t make sense. I was out here before Wave Two hit, and there was nothing. Just deep water and the occasional..." She trailed off as her sensory organs registered something. "The seafloor. It''s definitely rising."This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. David felt his Pack Sense surge, the familiar pull toward Claire suddenly sharpening. Like someone had finally tuned a radio frequency that had been nothing but static. His fur bristled with excitement as he processed what that meant. "She''s there," he whispered, more to himself than Marina. "Somewhere on that island, Claire''s..." "Your missing friend?" Marina''s chamber walls vibrated thoughtfully. "Though I''ve got to say, if she picked real estate, she picked weird real estate." They moved through the dark water with renewed purpose, Marina''s usual casual grace replaced by caution. David could feel the change in depth through subtle pressure variations in her chamber, the water growing steadily shallower as they approached. "You know," Marina mused as moonlight began to filter through her upper tissues, "this might explain a few things. Like why some of my regular routes started feeling wrong after Wave Two. The System must have done some serious redecorating out here." David was about to respond when he caught his first clear glimpse of the shore through Marina''s chamber walls. His words died in his throat. The beach, if you could call it that, looked like something had taken a normal coastline and decided everything needed to be bigger. Massive stones dotted the shore like fallen monuments, their surfaces worn smooth by waves that could have leveled smaller islands. The jungle beyond rose in tiers of impossible scale, trees that would have made redwoods look stunted reaching toward clouds that seemed to permanently shroud the higher elevations. "Well," Marina''s voice carried equal parts awe and concern, "that''s definitely new. And also probably why my sensors are having a crisis. Everything''s reading wrong because everything is wrong." She paused thoughtfully. "Though I''ve got to admit, it''s not the worst vacation spot I''ve seen. Assuming you ignore the whole ''appeared out of nowhere'' thing." David watched as something moved through the distant canopy, its form hidden by the gloom but its presence undeniable. His ears picked instinctively to track the sound of its passage, though he was unable to hear anything but the rush and surge of the sea all around them. "Right," he managed, his fur bristling slightly. "Because random shit appearing in the middle of the ocean is totally normal." "Says the bat who made friends with crabs," Marina''s chamber vibrated with amusement as she navigated toward a relatively sheltered cove. "Though I''ve got to admit, this is definitely more interesting than my usual routine. Mind if I stick around for a bit? You know, purely for research purposes." David''s ears perked forward in surprise. "You''d do that? I mean, after everything we went through getting here..." "Honey," Marina''s tissue rippled with what might have been affection, "I just found a whole new landmass. My curiosity is basically having a party in my sensory organs right now." She paused as her tentacles guided them into the cove''s calmer waters. "Besides, leaving you stranded on mystery island seems like bad karma. I''ll hang around that deep trench we passed - you know, the by that big spire of rock over there? Give me a couple days to explore, and if you need a ride back..." "You''re a lifesaver," David breathed, relief evident in his voice. "Literally, considering half the things that tried to eat us on the way here." Marina''s chamber opened to reveal a beach that put their last haunt to shame. Even the sand seemed oversized, each grain catching the moonlight like tiny crystals. "Just check this cove in a day or two. And hey, maybe bring back some juicy gossip about whatever''s going on here? You know, make it worth my while?" David leaped into the shallows, his Cuddlebugs immediately fanning out to secure the perimeter with their usual enthusiasm. "Deal. Though knowing my luck, it''s probably something ridiculous." He cut off as his Pack Sense suddenly wobbled, the pull toward Claire becoming fuzzy for a moment before readjusting slightly to the right. Somewhere beyond that wall of vegetation, she was waiting. Maybe even looking for him too. "Go get her, tiger," Marina called as she began to withdraw into deeper water. "Or bat. Whatever. Just try not to die? I''d hate to have wasted all those painkiller treatments." David watched her glow fade into the darkness beyond the cove, trying to ignore the growing sense of isolation. He was getting used to being alone now - hell, it made things simpler for him in a lot of ways. But there''s something about this place... Movement in the canopy drew his attention upward, and David felt his jaw drop slightly. The trees weren''t just big - they were wrong. Their trunks twisted in ways that suggested architecture rather than nature, as if something had tried to grow a city and given up halfway through. "Right," he muttered, spreading his wings. "Time to see what''s really going on here." The sea air carried him higher with surprising ease, winds rising from the strange landscape like invisible elevators. As he gained altitude, the true scale of his surroundings became apparent. What he''d taken for random ruins among the vegetation revealed itself as something far more deliberate. The entire island seemed to have been built, though time and aggressive plant life had reclaimed most of the construction. Massive stone blocks, each easily the size of Claire''s entire body, formed patterns that might have been streets or courtyards in some distant past. "Holy shit," David breathed, banking around what had to be some kind of tower. The structure rose through the canopy like a ancient bone, its surface weathered but still bearing traces of what might have been carvings. "Who builds things this big? Who would even need..." He trailed off as his keen eyes caught something through a gap in the vegetation. A statue, half-buried in vines and debris, dominated what might have been a plaza. Its form was vaguely reptilian, though the craftsmanship was so degraded it was hard to make out any real details. But the scale... David landed on a relatively clear space near the statue''s base, his fur standing on end as he took in what he was seeing. Its head, what remained of it, disappeared into the canopy above. The Cuddlebugs pressed closer onward and shrunk their perimeter as something moved in the distant jungle, the sound suggesting mass and the will to use it. David''s ears swiveled to track it, picking up other noises in the distance - faint calls pitched so low he felt more than heard them. His Pack Sense pulled him onward, toward whatever waited deeper inland. But as David spread his wings to continue his exploration, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he''d stumbled into something far bigger than a missing friend. I really hope you''ve got a good explanation for all this. Because this is weird even for us. The moon painted the strange landscape in shades of silver, light filtering through the clouds in ways that casted the faintest of midnight shadows. David banked around another half-buried structure, this one bearing traces of what might have been metalwork beneath centuries of growth. His continued deeper into the ruins, each new discovery further adding to David''s bewildered expression. The architecture seemed to follow rules he couldn''t quite grasp, as if designed by minds that thought slightly to the left of human. Everywhere he looked, signs of ancient habitation stretched toward the sky in impossible scale. "Getting warmer," he muttered, following that familiar internal pull. Captain chirped in response, the Teams tiny forms darting through the air around him as they kept their tiny suspicious gazes over the jungle. "Though I''ve got to admit, Claire, you really know how to pick real estate." A silhouette caught his eye - another statue, this one better preserved than the first. David leaned slightly, gliding onto on a convenient outcropping, his ears swiveling to track the various sounds echoing through the ruins. The stone figure loomed before him, its reptilian features caught in what might have been a snarl or a smile, depending on the angle. "Well that''s not ominous at all," David hissed, studying the careful detail work around the statue''s eyes. Unlike the weathered surfaces elsewhere, these carvings seemed almost fresh. As if something had maintained them while letting the rest crumble. "Pretty sure this is the part where Claire would be making references." Something moved through the jungle nearby, its passage marked by the sound of creaking wood and low rumbling. David''s fur melted into the hazy shadows as he decided he needed a moment to process. "Right," he whispered after a few moments of thought, spreading his wings again. "Note to self: everything here is probably bigger than me. Possibly hungry. Definitely more at home than I am." As he gained altitude once more, David couldn''t shake the feeling that he was being watched. Not with hostility, exactly, but with the kind of intense curiosity usually reserved for Cuddlebug antics. His Pack Sense urged him onward, slightly stronger now than it had been on the shore. "I really hope you''re not expecting me to fight something the size of a building," he muttered, imagining Claire''s response to his arrival. "Because I left my ''kaiju slaying'' equipment in my other fur." The moon climbed higher as David continued his search, painting the mysterious island in light that seemed to shift and change with each passing moment. Whatever this place was, wherever it had come from, one thing was becoming increasingly clear - nothing about it was natural. "Though really," David growled as he soared between towers that might have been buildings or might have been art, "what counts as natural anymore?" His own reflection caught his eye, distorted in the surface of a thin waterfall cascading down the stone, blanketing the side of yet another impossible structure. The bat that stared back at him was a far cry from anything nature had intended, his Evolution a testament to how far the world had strayed from its original path. Somewhere in this disaster of ''fuck you, that''s why'' design choices, Claire is probably having the time of her life. Assuming she isn''t currently fighting something the size of a small moon. "Don''t worry," David whispered, following deeper into the mystery. "I''m coming. Just...please stay out of trouble. No David-stuff until I''m there to participate." The jungle swallowed him as he descended, its shadows holding secrets that would have to wait for another time. For now, there was only the pull of that familiar connection, leading him toward whatever waited in this land of giants. Behind him, the saurian statue''s eyes seemed to follow his passage, its features caught between warning and welcome in the fog. 160 - Alpha Reality wavered like heat distortion across water as Omega''s countless eyes focused on the anomaly. The island existed in multiple states simultaneously - ancient ruins drowning in vegetation, freshly crafted strongholds pulsing with possibility, and something else entirely that defied conventional perception. Each of Omega''s myriad heads perceived it differently, creating a kaleidoscope of overlapping truths that would have driven lesser beings mad. Some saw it as it had been - a mighty civilization of scaled beings who had mastered powers beyond human comprehension. Others witnessed it as it would become - the nexus point of a new world order, where reality itself bent to accommodate the weight of its purpose. Time moved strangely here, flowing like honey through broken glass. In one moment, Omega observed prehistoric beasts thundering through pristine jungles, their forms untouched by the System''s influence. In the next, newly arrived Users with scales and teeth and terrible purpose stumbled through ancient courtyards, their confusion a tangible thing that rippled through the fabric of reality. The temporal distortion was precise, deliberate - Alpha''s work was nothing if not meticulous. Between these moments of now and then, echoes of a civilization that never was rippled through the stone. A mighty empire of scaled beings who had risen and fallen in a timeline that no longer existed, their legacy preserved in architecture that dwarfed human scale. Their knowledge, their power, their very essence had been woven into the foundation of this place, creating a framework for what was to come. The very air thrummed with potential, each breath carrying the weight of countless possible futures. Deep beneath the surface, vast chambers housed technologies that should not exist, preserved from that erased timeline. Crystal matrices hummed with barely contained power, their surfaces etched with patterns that were solid across multiple realities. These would serve as the anchors for what was to come - the foundation of Earth''s new defensive network. Somewhere deep within the massive structures, preliminary gateways flickered like newborn stars. Their presence sent shivers through local spacetime, each one a carefully contained tear in reality. Most connected only to other points on the island itself, training wheels for what would come later. But a few... a few reached further, provisional threads in what would become a vast web spanning Earth itself. Each successful connection strengthened the whole, creating a lattice of power that would eventually encompass the globe. With the Greater System''s forces still probing Earth''s defenses, they could no longer risk the usual method of unlimited access points. One fortress. One gateway. One chance for their enemies to breach their work - and therefore, one point they could defend absolutely. The mathematics of war demanded concentration over dispersion, and here, in this nexus of possibility, they would make their stand. A pulse of what might have been approval rippled through Omega''s serpentine form. The mathematics of isolation were elegant in their simplicity - one way in, one way out. All paths would lead here, to this nexus point where time itself had been folded like origami to accommodate Alpha''s grand design. The defensive potential was unprecedented, combining the natural barriers of Earth''s most formidable guardians with technology preserved from forgotten timelines. Deep within the structure, Sigma''s work continued unseen. Each gateway required precise calibration, each portal anchored to both physical space and something deeper. The network grew like a living thing, nodes of power connecting and strengthening each other as Users learned to navigate their new domain. Some gates led to vast training grounds where newly arrived defenders could test their capabilities. Others connected to facilities where the secrets of the ancient civilization were slowly being uncovered. All of them pulsed with potential, counting down to a future where they would serve as Earth''s lifeline to the greater universe. The air shimmered, reality hardening as light the color of ancient amber began to seep through the cracks between moments. The radiance spread, consuming both shadow and illumination until nothing remained but a gentle haze. Within this golden nothingness, Alpha manifested - their form a living fortress of impossible geometry and protective power. Reality itself seemed to bend and reinforce wherever Alpha''s presence touched, as if the fundamental laws of existence recognized something that transcended their authority. "THE NEXUS PROGRESSES WELL," Omega''s voice rippled through dimensions, its countless heads speaking in perfect unison. "THOUGH I NOTE SOME CONFUSION AMONG ITS INTENDED GUARDIANS." Alpha''s response carried the weight of mountains, yet held an almost gentle tone: "They are displaced in both time and purpose. But they will adapt. It is what they do best. Already they begin to organize, to establish hierarchies based on both strength and wisdom." Omega''s myriad eyes tracked the movement of newly arrived Users below - massive creatures with plates like shields running down their spines, others with feathers and killing claws that could shear through steel, some bearing horns and armor that could withstand devastating forces. Each one had been carefully selected, their Evolutions guided toward forms that echoed Earth''s ancient guardians. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "YOUR COLLECTION OF ANOMALIES GROWS. THOUGH I QUESTION THE LOGIC OF CENTRALIZING EARTH''S MOST POTENT DEFENDERS IN ONE LOCATION." "Not centralizing," Alpha corrected, their form shifting slightly as reality reinforced itself around them. "Consolidating. These ones were scattered across too wide an area, their potential wasted. Here, they will learn from each other. Grow stronger. Become what they were meant to be. The System never understood Earth''s true potential - the raw power of its evolutionary history, the strength born from countless cycles of adaptation and survival." The air between them rippled as Alpha conjured an image of the completed nexus - a sprawling network of gates and pathways, each one reinforced by layers of protection that transcended physical space. At its heart, a massive portal pulsed with potential, its construction already underway thanks to Sigma''s work. Around it, structures rose that would shame the greatest achievements of human architecture, built to accommodate beings of truly mythic scale. "ONE GATE TO REPLACE A THOUSAND," Omega''s voice carried a note of grudging approval. "THOUGH THE RISK-" "Is calculated," Alpha interrupted, their tone brooking no argument. "Every defender here was chosen not just for their strength, but for their potential. Their lineage stretches back to Earth''s mightiest guardians. What better sentinels for humanity''s new capital than those who once ruled their world?" Below them, more preliminary gates flickered to life, connecting different points of the massive island. Users were already learning to use them, their confusion giving way to purpose as they discovered their new roles. Some fought in specially designed arenas, testing themselves against each other in displays of power that shook the ancient stones. Others explored the vast network of ruins and passages that would soon become their domain, their instincts guided by memories encoded in their very DNA by the System itself. "THEY WILL NEED TIME," Omega observed, watching as a group of Users with feathers and killing claws coordinated an attack on a larger rival. The display of aggression pleased it - though these were not mindless beasts, but predators learning to use their new forms with deadly precision. "THE GREATER SYSTEM GROWS BOLD IN OUR ABSENCE." "Time they will have," Alpha''s response resonated with certainty. "While they train, while they adapt, the defenses grow stronger. Each gate they master here becomes another thread in the web that will connect Earth''s strongholds. When the time comes..." A disturbance in local spacetime drew both Overseers'' attention. One of the preliminary gates had activated, its energy signature different from the others. Through its shimmering surface, they glimpsed another location - not on the island, but somewhere distant. A User had managed to forge a connection ahead of schedule, pushing the boundaries of what should have been possible. "Interesting," Alpha''s form shifted, golden light rippling as they analyzed the phenomenon. "They adapt faster than expected. Already they begin to grasp the underlying principles. The knowledge preserved here resonates within them, potential we barely suspected." Omega''s countless eyes narrowed, focusing on the gate with predatory intensity. "UNPLANNED CONNECTIONS ARE DANGEROUS. THE GREATER SYSTEM-" "Cannot trace what they cannot comprehend," Alpha interjected. "These gates draw power from Earth itself, from connections forged in deep time. The System''s mathematics cannot account for what they never controlled. Each portal is anchored in multiple layers of reality." Below them, more Users gathered around the activated gate, their forms massive against the scaled architecture. Some bore plates and spikes, others feathers and fangs. All of them moved with growing purpose, their earlier confusion replaced by something approaching understanding. They were beginning to grasp their role in this grand design. "When the capital rises," Alpha continued, "it will rise around them. Their strength will become Earth''s strength. Their purpose, its purpose." A pause, heavy with implication. "Unless you object?" Omega''s form writhed as it considered, each head processing the variables independently. The defensive potential was undeniable - an entire landmass of apex predators, enhanced by System power and armed with technology from a civilization that had nearly rivaled the Greater System itself. Finally, its voice rippled through reality: "THE MATHEMATICS ARE... ACCEPTABLE. THOUGH I NOTE AN APPROACHING VARIABLE THAT DOES NOT FIT YOUR PARAMETERS." Both Overseers turned their attention to a distant point over the island, where a small figure approached through the night sky. Its form was insignificant compared to the island''s intended guardians, yet it moved with unmistakable purpose. "Ah yes," Alpha''s tone carried something almost like amusement. "User David. I wondered when he would arrive." "HE DOES NOT BELONG HERE. HIS COMPANION WOULD BE BETTER SERVED-" "Perhaps," Alpha acknowledged. "Or perhaps he belongs exactly where he is. Some variables cannot be calculated. They must simply be observed." Omega''s response was a symphony of snarls and hisses, but it did not object further. Together, they watched as David drew closer, barely aware of the cosmic forces that had shaped his destination. Reality rippled one final time as the Omega withdrew, leaving behind a nexus of power that would soon become the heart of a changed world. Below, the Users continued their preparations, guided by instincts older than their species and purpose newer than their forms. The gates pulsed with potential, counting down to a future only Alpha could fully perceive. Sunday Funday Chapter_Deep Rave Steve hadn''t expected his second life to involve being a coral reef. The Wave had really phoned it in with his transformation, in his opinion. His last memory as a human was reaching for his phone to check Rebbit, and then BAM - polyps. At least he''d kept his name, even if most of the local sea life gave him weird looks for having such a non-aquatic moniker. "I used to be an accountant," he grumbled to himself, his polyps swaying in what he''d learned to recognize as his own version of nervous pacing. "Had a whole apartment. Netflips subscription. Now I''m basically underwater Ikeya for fish." Tonight was supposed to be special - his two month anniversary with Barbara. They''d met when she''d literally crashed into him while chasing what turned out to be a hallucination caused by some weird floating mushrooms. Love at first collision, as they said. Barbara had been a professional dancer before the Wave decided she''d make a better shark. The transition had been rough until she''d figured out how to incorporate her old skills into her new life. Now she was basically the ocean''s only predator with a Julliard background. "She''s late," Steve muttered, watching another group of fish give him a wide berth. His attempt at decorating for the occasion had turned out... interesting. Trying to arrange anything when you''re literally made of tiny animals was an exercise in patience and poor life choices. A distant sound caught his attention - something between a whistle and what he recognized as the opening notes to Swan Lake. "Oh no." Barbara burst from the depths like she was auditioning for an underwater production of Jaws: The Musical. All twenty feet of enhanced tiger shark executed a perfect series of barrel rolls, her multiple rows of teeth gleaming as she sang. "HONEY, I''M HOOOOME!" "Barbara," Steve''s polyps withdrew slightly in alarm, "please tell me that''s not what I think it is." The massive shark pirouetted to a stop, somehow managing to look both proud and sheepish. "Okay, so funny story. Remember how I said I was going to try combining classical ballet with my hunting technique?" "Barbara..." "So I might have accidentally started a dance trend in the deep trenches?" Her fins waved expressively. "And now there''s kind of a situation heading this way?" Right on cue, a mass of bioluminescent shapes emerged from the depths. Dozens of creatures that definitely hadn''t been in any marine biology textbook moved in perfect synchronization, their lights pulsing in time to some unheard rhythm. "They''ve been following me for hours," Barbara admitted, executing another perfect spin. "Turns out deep sea creatures are really into interpretive dance. Who knew?" Steve watched in horror as what appeared to be a dolphin-sized anglerfish attempted a passable fouett¨¦. "This is about our anniversary, isn''t it?" "I wanted to surprise you!" Barbara''s massive form somehow managed to convey excitement. "Remember how you said you missed going to shows? Well..." She gestured with a fin toward the impromptu underwater ballet. "I meant like Netflips and stuff," Steve muttered, but he had to admit - the light show was impressive. Even if that anglerfish''s technique needed serious work.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. A creature that looked like someone had crossbred a squid with a disco ball joined the performance, its tentacles moving in patterns that would have made any choreographer question their life choices. Barbara watched with obvious pride as more performers emerged from the deep, each trying to outdo the last in terms of dramatic interpretation. "Is that a jellyfish trying to do the robot?" Steve asked, fascination temporarily overriding his concern. "Oh yeah, that''s Jerry," Barbara replied cheerfully. "He''s still working on his pop-and-lock, but his tentacle control is getting way better. Only accidentally stung three other performers during rehearsal this time." Steve''s entire structure vibrated with what might have been a sigh. "You''ve been rehearsing this. Of course you''ve been rehearsing this. How long..." "A couple weeks?" Barbara executed another perfect spiral around his upper branches. "Though the choreography kept changing because something kept trying to eat the backup dancers." Before Steve could process that particular piece of information, a deep sound rolled through the water. The kind of sound that suggested something massive had just noticed the underwater equivalent of a flash mob happening in its territory. "Oh shit," Barbara''s fins tensed. "Is that..." "Big Blue," Steve confirmed, his polyps retreating slightly. "And he does not sound happy about the unauthorized performance art." The assembled sea life scattered in perfect synchronization, their retreat looking suspiciously like a well-practiced dance number. Barbara remained behind, her massive form positioned protectively between Steve and the approaching sound. "I can explain!" she called into the deep, then added under her breath, "Probably. Maybe. Okay, probably not." The water pressure changed as something emerged from the darkness. Big Blue''s form blocked out what little light reached this depth, his massive bulk moving with the kind of grace that suggested he was not impressed by amateur hour at the underwater ballet. "So," his voice vibrated through the water like a symphony of incoming doom, "would anyone like to explain why there''s a production of ''Swan Lake'' happening in my territory? Again?" "Would you believe it''s our anniversary?" Barbara offered, somehow managing to look both intimidating and apologetic. "I was trying to recreate our first date. You know, the one where I crashed into Steve while high on those weird mushrooms?" Big Blue''s form shifted slightly, eyes focusing on the unlikely couple. "The accountant and the ballet shark," he rumbled, and was that amusement in his tone? "I remember. You tried to convince me you were performing a new interpretation of ''The Nutcracker'' while actively hallucinating." "In my defense," Barbara''s teeth clicked together nervously, "those mushrooms were really good at their job." Steve extended his polyps cautiously. "So... we''re not in trouble?" "Trouble? No." Big Blue''s massive form rippled with what was definitely amusement now. "Entertainment? Absolutely. Though next time?" His voice carried the weight of authority. "Maybe run the choreography by me first. That anglerfish''s technique was physically painful to watch." With that, he disappeared back into the deep, leaving behind a very relieved shark and coral reef. Barbara immediately executed another perfect spin, her fins brushing against Steve''s branches in what might have been relief or leftover adrenaline. "So," she said after a moment, "not exactly the quiet anniversary dinner I promised, huh?" Steve''s polyps waved dismissively. "Are you kidding? This is exactly why I love you. Who else would organize an entire underwater flash mob just because they remembered I used to like going to shows?" "Even if it almost got us in trouble with basically Poseidon?" "Especially then." Steve''s structure vibrated with affection. "Though maybe next time we could just watch the sunset or something? You know, something that doesn''t involve choreographing deep sea creatures?" Barbara''s multiple rows of teeth gleamed as she grinned. "No promises. But hey, at least I didn''t try to recreate that time I attempted synchronized swimming with-" "Please don''t remind me," Steve groaned. "I''m still trying to forget the ''Free Willy'' incident." As if on cue, a distant whale song carried through the water - though this one sounded suspiciously like it was trying to perform a jazz standard. "Oh!" Barbara perked up. "That reminds me - I''ve been working on this new routine involving classical opera and hunting techniques..." "Barbara, no." "Barbara yes!" And somewhere in the deep, Big Blue listened to their banter and wondered, not for the first time, if maybe he should have gone into theater management instead of territorial oversight. At least then the random musical numbers would have made sense. Though he had to admit - that jellyfish''s robot dance needed work. 161 - David Stuff Morning light spilled across the ruins in waves, each ray revealing structures that defied normal proportions. David ghosted through the canopy, his wings barely stirring the air as he tried to process what dawn was unveiling. The scale alone made his brain hurt - entire courtyards could have housed small towns, while what passed for doorways would have made Claire look like a runt while walking through. "This isn''t natural," David whispered, more to himself than his hovering companions. His keen eyes traced patterns in the stonework that seemed to subtlety shift the longer he studied them. Mathematics had been carved into the very foundations, but not any mathematics he understood. The Cuddlebugs maintained their defensive formation, tiny shadows against the growing light. Even Captain, usually first to investigate anything new, kept close to David as they observed their surroundings. The morning air carried sounds that didn''t quite reach their ears - vibrations that suggested movement far below the threshold of even his sensitive hearing. Stone that looked as if it should have crumbled centuries ago still held perfect edges, their surfaces barely touched by time. Vegetation sprawled across everything, yet somehow managed to avoid compromising even a single block. The jungle seemed more like decoration than invasion, as if nature itself recognized these ruins deserved respect. David banked around an enormous tree trunk and nearly forgot to keep flapping. An amphitheater rose out of the jungle before him, its scale so vast his mind initially rejected what his eyes reported. Patterns worked into the stone pulsed with faint light, creating designs that drew the eye in uncomfortable ways. "Of all the places you could have ended up," he muttered, his Pack Sense tugging him deeper into the maze of monuments. "You just had to pick the one that looks like someone built a city for kaiju." David banked sharply as a sound caught his attention, gliding silently into the shadows of what might have been a temple spire. His wings folded close as he settled onto a vine-wrapped outcropping, fur shifting to match the pattern of shadow and stone. His ears swiveled toward the disturbance - something between a hiss and a war horn. Time to play ''guess what wants to eat me today.'' Always my favorite game. The Cuddlebugs dispersed on silent wings, taking up observation positions throughout the nearby ruins. David''s ''batellite network'' had started as a joke and quickly become standard - their linked vision giving him an expansive view of his targets. Through their eyes and his own, he tracked movement through the jungle. A pair of Users emerged from the vegetarion into what might have been a plaza, their evolved forms making David''s throat go dry. The leader''s basic shape suggested Utahraptor as a starting point, but the System had clearly gotten creative. Iridescent feathers covered armor plates, and its killing claws twitched with barely contained energy. Not running into them seems like an excellent choice at the moment. Add that to the list of ''things that could definitely murder me''. It''s companion was equally impressive - they''d clearly started as something that vaguely resembled a lighter and more fragile version of Claire, but now sported crystalline growths along their spine and the kind of musculature that suggested ''apex predator'' was a starting point rather than a goal. The pair moved with unmistakable purpose, patrolling the ruins like they owned them. Though this all raises some uncomfortable questions about why the Overse- Worldenders? Overenders....? Focus, dumbass. The group paused near what might have been a fountain, if fountains were typically large enough to dock a ship in. The raptorlike User made a series of motions with clawed hands that looked suspiciously like practiced gestures. "Oh that''s just fantastic," David muttered, his voice barely a breath. "They''ve got organization." The Pack Sense tugged at him again, urging him toward a path that would take him directly across the patrol route. David''s response was immediate and emphatic: Absolutely not. No way. Not happening. I didn''t survive everything else just to get snagged by jumped up iguanas who might be having a bad day for all I know. Find Claire, then we can worry about what''s going on. Through the Cuddlebugs'', he tracked the duo until they moved beyond his range. Only then did he spread his wings, launching silently from his perch to seek higher ground. The morning air carried more sounds now - distant roars, the clash of what might have been combat, and underneath it all, a persistent hum that seemed to run through the ruins themselves. Great. Not only is this place full of murder lizards, it''s also probably haunted. Claire''s going to have so much explaining to do. David winged his way through gaps in the towering architecture, following that familiar mental pull toward Claire. The sensation felt stronger than ever, almost¡­normal. For the first time in days he was getting a clear sense of direction, and his snout wrinkled in a victorious grin that sent a small lizard racing crazily up a vine nearby. The rising sun painted the ruins in shades of amber, revealing more signs of habitation with each passing moment. Crystalline formations jutted from some of the walls, pulsing with faint light that didn''t match any natural source he''d seen. Below, what had seemed like decorative patterns in the stone flickered with energy that made his wings itch somehow. Another of the Team confirmed what his instincts screamed - this section of the ruins crawled with Users. Most kept to the shadows of massive doorways or the cover of sprawling vegetation, their forms resembling everything from Stegosaurus to something that looked a bit like a goose with talons before the System decided ''giant claws'' weren''t quite scary enough by themselves. Getting real tired of every shadow potentially hiding something that could eat me in one bi- The Pack Sense suddenly dissolved into static. David faltered his rhythm mid-flight, nearly clipping a sprawling branch as the familiar pull toward Claire shattered into meaningless noise. His wings caught an updraft as he struggled to reorient himself, connection fritzing like bad radio reception. "What the fu-" The signal snapped back into focus with jarring intensity, yanking his attention nearly ninety degrees from his previous heading. David hovered in place, ears swiveling as he tried to process what had just happened. That''s... that''s not how Pack Sense works. It doesn''t just change direction like that. Through the Cuddlebug network, he caught glimpses of strange light flickering through distant arches. The ruins'' persistent hum grew stronger for a moment, then faded back to its usual background drone. "Claire," David growled, frustration bleeding into his voice, "what the hell is this place?" He banked toward the new heading, only for the signal to dissolve again ten minutes later. This time he was ready for it, maintaining his flight path as static filled his mind. When it reformed seconds later, the pull came from the opposite direction he''d been traveling.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Great. Because this place wasn''t weird enough already. Now the System is gaslighting me. Three more direction changes in as many minutes had David seriously considering just landing somewhere and bunkering down. Each shift came with that same static burst, like someone channel-surfing with his brain. The Cuddlebug network reported odd activity in the ruins with each occurrence - flashes of light from the distant jungle, strange undertones of vibration that made their tiny ears twitch. There has to be something on the island screwing with the signal. Pack Sense doesn''t just... malfunction. Does it? He landed on a relatively stable-looking branch, talons gripping bark that gamely resisted his sharp talons. Below, more crystalline formations caught the morning light, their surfaces etched with patterns that reminded him uncomfortably of circuit boards. "Okay," David muttered, watching another User move through a clearing. This one looked like someone had started with ostrich-lizard hybrid and decided that thick skull plates needed an upgrade to ''walking battering ram.'' "Let''s think this through." The Pack Sense dissolved again, reformed pointing east, then immediately switched to northwest only a minute later. David''s mane bristled with irritation as he tracked the changes through his mental map. Either Claire''s teleporting around this whole damn island, or... A memory surfaced - Claire explaining how she''d once tracked him through the observatory despite him taking a completely nonsensical route. The Pack Sense followed his actual position, not the path he''d taken. Which meant... "You''re not outside at all, are you?" David''s ears flattened as understanding dawned. The hum from the ruins grew stronger, as if acknowledging his revelation. On a hunch, he directed his summons to fan out and look for anything¡­weirder than normal. Through the Cuddlebug network, he caught glimpses of Users emerging from arches that should have connected to nothing but solid stone. Others disappeared into shadows that seemed to swallow them whole, only to reappear in completely different sections of the ruins, glimpsed by prying Cuddlebug eyes. Perfect. Because clearly what this place needed was more crazy shit. David sent a gentle nudge down the mental threads, recalling his surveillance network. The Cuddlebugs materialized from their various perches, tiny forms converging on his position like furry guided missiles. He needed to think, and that meant having all his resources in one place. Just in case. His nose twitched as they settled around him - a new scent cutting through the ruins'' ever-present mixture of stone and vegetation, carried to him by a gentle wind. Something fresh and sweet that made his mouth water instantly. Several of the older Cuddlebugs caught it too, their reaction immediate and enthusiastic. Tiny bodies practically vibrated with excitement as they recognized that particular blend of perfection. David spread his wings, ready to investigate, when the Pack Sense fired off another direction change. He growled in frustration, torn between following that familiar pull and investigating what his nose told him was definitely... No way. Here? David spread his wings, remembering the last time they''d found one of those trees. Maybe just a quick look¡­I''m flying in circles right now anyway. Ugh¡­the way it keeps switching directions is almost making me motion sick. His tiny squad was already airborne, their usual discipline completely forgotten as they darted toward the source of that heavenly scent. David followed more cautiously, keeping to the shadows of the massive architecture as they descended into what might have been a garden. If gardens were typically built to accommodate creatures the size of construction equipment. What he saw made him forget about stealth entirely. The small valley stretched before them, every inch cultivated with mathematical precision. Terraces carved from the same ancient stone hosted hundreds - no, thousands - of those gnarled fruit trees. Their twisted branches spread across carefully maintained plots, heavy with ripening produce that somehow merged the best qualities of every fruit he''d ever tasted. "This is just excessive," David muttered, watching his Cuddlebugs practically unraveling with anticipation. "Who needs this many-" The Pack Sense dissolved again, reformed, then switched directions so violently he actually winced. The Cuddlebugs froze mid-flight, their tiny heads swiveling toward him as they caught his spike of concern through their link. Something''s wrong. What the hell is going on with her... A single hiss from Captain and the Cuddlebugs'' enthusiasm evaporated instantly, replaced by the kind of focused intensity he usually only saw when something needed urgent murder. Their tiny forms realigned into a defensive formation, treating even the distant fruit they''d been salivating over seconds ago with deep suspicion. "Yeah," David sighed, giving the trees one last longing look. "I know. Rain check on the fruit feast. I need to figure out what the hell is going on with Claire first." Captain chittered something that managed to sound both disappointed and grimly determined, earning a snort from David. "Tell you what - we''ll come back once we''ve found her. Probably with her, knowing Claire. Though really..." He eyed the vast orchard stretching into the distance. "Pretty sure there''s enough here to feed an army." Or house one, he realized, noting how the terraces had been arranged to provide perfect cover for anything lurking between the rows. The whole valley was as much killing ground as garden, assuming you were large enough to make use of those massive stones as concealment. Which we''re not. Add that to the list of ''very good reasons to leave.'' The Pack Sense yanked his attention toward what looked like a massive archway carved into the valley''s far wall. Unfamiliar synbols flickered with that same crystalline light he''d seen throughout the ruins, and for a moment the shadows within seemed to shift in ways that made him want to pin his ears back and hiss. "Right," David growled, spreading his wings. "I''ve had enough feeling dumb for one life. Time to find out what''s really going on in this place. You with me team?" The Cuddlebugs'' response was immediate - tiny forms aligning into their most aggressive formation yet as they prepared to follow him into whatever waited ahead. Their usual playfulness had been replaced by cold determination, a reminder that for all their adorable appearance, they were still lethal little boogers. Which is good, because something tells me we''re going to need every advantage we can get. The valley stretched below them, fruit trees standing sentinel over terraces that could have hosted a small population by themselves. David kept to the canopy shadows as they crossed it, acutely aware of how exposed they were despite the massive vegetation. The gate in the far wall drew his eye constantly, stone thrumming with energy that set his teeth on edge as they approached. Flickering symbols cast shadows that moved independent of the light, and the closer they got, the more wrong the view through the entrance became. Space seemed to fold and twist beyond the threshold, as if someone had origami''d reality itself. Movement caught his eye - massive shapes passing through whatever lay beyond. Each glimpse suggested impossible connections, hallways that couldn''t exist intersecting at angles that made his gut drop just looking at them. The architecture shifted between views - some sections weathered and vine-covered like the ruins around him, others looking disturbingly pristine, as if they''d been carved yesterday. Well that''s concerning. He caught fractured glimpses of more Users passing through distant patches of light within. Some disappeared through doorways only to emerge from walls, others simply vanished between one step and the next. Nothing moved in straight lines in the space within the archway itself - distance seeming more like a suggestion than a rule. "So that''s how you''re doing it," David muttered, his eyes tracking patterns in the strange device. "This whole place has some kind of¡­shortcut hub?" The Pack Sense reformed, pulling him toward the threshold with intense clarity. The shadows shifted, and he caught a glimpse of corridors that somehow managed to go up and sideways simultaneously. And here I am playing catch-up like an idiot while Claire''s probably having a blast using these things. The Cuddlebugs maintained their formation as David studied the gate, their tiny forms absolutely still. Through their link, he felt their growing unease. This place wasn''t just big - it was organized, populated, and very clearly not abandoned despite its ancient appearance. The Pack Sense pulsed again, stronger than ever. David growled softly as he realized he had a choice to make - either figure out how these things worked, or spend the next who-knows-how-long playing the world''s most dangerous game of hide and seek. "Right," David muttered, watching reality twist beyond the gate''s threshold. "This clearly calls for some ''David stuff.''" The Cuddlebugs pressed closer, their tiny forms radiating determination through their link. No fear, no hesitation - just absolute trust in whatever insane plan he''d cooked up now. David''s ears flicked forward as he studied the swirling patterns of light and shadow, trying to convince himself this wasn''t completely stupid. Who am I kidding? This is definitely stupid. But since when has that stopped me? Beyond the gate, impossible spaces flickered and merged like dreams. Claire was there somewhere in that maze of bullshit, probably having the time of her life while he stood here second-guessing himself. "Well Team," David growled, tension bleeding into anticipation as he coiled to spring. "Time to go be stupid." Taking a deep breath and forcing himself not to close his eyes, David leapt forward into the swirling darkness. Short break Hey peeps, I wanted to let you know that I''ll be taking a brief pause from writing for the next few days. Life has a way of reminding us when we need to step back, and I''ve reached one of those moments. While I deeply value sharing my work with you, I''ve recognized the need to tend to my families mental health and some personal matters that require my full attention. My wife is having a particularly difficult time right now, and her and my childrens happiness is unspeakably important to me. Taking care of ourselves isn''t just about physical health; it''s about acknowledging when we need to create space for mental and emotional wellbeing too. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. During this brief break, I''ll be focusing on self-care, spending time with loved ones, and handling some life responsibilities that have been patiently waiting for my attention. I believe this reset will ultimately allow me to return to writing with fresh perspectives and stronger stories to share. I''m grateful for your understanding and continued support. Your engagement with my work means the world to me, and it''s precisely because I want to keep bringing you my best that I''m taking this step. I look forward to reconnecting with you all in a few days, recharged and ready to dive back into creating. In the meantime, take good care of yourselves. Maybe use this as a gentle reminder to check in with your own needs too. We''re all human, and it''s okay to take breaks when we need them. Fucking love you guys. (Nobody is dead, nobody is hurt, but there''s a bad situation regardless) 162 - Over the Threshold The instant David crossed the gate''s threshold, reality decided to take a vacation. His stomach lurched as space folded in ways that would make an Escher painting look sensible, and time... time just gave up entirely. ¨CWarning: Unauthorized Gate Access Detected¨C ¨CChecking Authorization Parameters...¨C ¨CWarning: Void Energy Detected¨C ¨CError: User Classification Undefined¨C ¨CRecalculating...¨C ¨CError: Timeline Desync Detected¨C ¨CInitiating Emergency Protocol...¨C ¨CWarning¨C ¨CWarni¨C ¨CSysOveride:¦²¨C ¨CCompensating...¨C The System''s errors flickered through David''s vision like a debugging routine having a stroke. He had just enough time to think ''this might have been a mistake'' before existence decided to play jump rope with his consciousness. It felt like being stretched through a pasta maker while someone shook his brain loose and took a peek at his thoughts. Colors that didn''t exist painted themselves across his awareness as the gate pulled him through whatever passed for space between spaces. The Cuddlebugs pressed close, their tiny forms clinging to his fur as reality continued its impression of a pretzel. When the universe finally remembered how to behave itself, it dumped him unceremoniously onto cold stone like yesterday''s trash. David lay there doing his best roadkill impression for a moment, waiting for his internal organs to catch up with the rest of him. "Holy shit," he groaned, his wings twitching spasmodically. "That felt like it took two weeks." He pushed himself up on shaky limbs, blinking hard as his vision slowly refocused. "Note to self: Gates suck ass." Captain was already moving, organizing the other Cuddlebugs into a defensive perimeter with military precision. Their fluffy tails bristled as they surveyed their new surroundings, ears swiveling to catch any hint of movement in the vast corridor they''d landed in. David''s jaw dropped as his vision finally cleared enough to take in their location. The hallway stretched away into darkness, its ceiling high enough that his night vision couldn''t quite pierce the shadows above. The walls rose like sheer cliffs of polished stone, their surfaces covered in flowing script that seemed to catch what little light existed and redirect it crazily. "Well," David muttered, "I don''t think we''re in Kansas anymore." His talons clicked against stone that bore subtle patterns - geometric shapes that formed larger designs when viewed from above. The walls themselves seemed to pulse with faint energy, crystal formations jutting from carefully carved recesses at regular intervals. Their soft glow cast everything in shades of azure and gold, creating shadows that danced like living things. Faint scents drifted to him in ways that made David''s snout twitch - old stone and newer passages, the lingering musk of various reptiles that had passed through recently, and something else. Something that reminded him of ozone and ancient things better left undisturbed. An experimental blast of Echolocation painted a picture of the immediate area that made his fur stand on end. The architecture wasn''t just big - it was precise in ways that spoke of purposes he couldn''t begin to comprehend. Every angle, every intersection seemed to mean something, though the meaning escaped him entirely. "Right," David growled softly, spreading his wings. "Let''s see what''s behind door number ''what the actual fuck'' shall we?" David kept to the shadows near the ceiling as they progressed, his claws finding purchase in the raised reliefs that decorated every surface as he glided from cover to cover. The Cuddlebugs moved in formation below, with Captain taking point and the others maintaining a watchful perimeter. Even Helpful seemed to have caught the mood, their usual enthusiasm tempered by the weight of ancient stone pressing in from all sides. His Pack Sense pulled him forward with surprising clarity, though the strength of the signal made him suspicious. After the chaos of the gate travel, anything working properly felt like a trap waiting to happen. The corridor eventually opened into what might have been some kind of antechamber, though ''chamber'' felt inadequate for a space that could have housed a small neighborhood. Doorways large enough to accommodate Claire''s full bulk lined the walls, each one marked with symbols that pulsed with that same crystal-enhanced luminescence. "Because apparently normal doors would be too easy," David muttered as he drifted to the stone floor, studying the nearest entrance. The artwork around its frame caught his attention - scenes depicted in gold and deep blue stone showed reptilian figures that walked upright, their forms graceful despite their obvious power. They weren''t quite human-shaped, but something about their poses suggested intelligence. Helpful darted forward suddenly, drawn to something glinting in an alcove. Before David could call them back, they''d already made contact with what looked like an ornate piece of metalwork. The resulting discharge sent the tiny creature pinwheeling through the air trailing smoke, their fur standing completely on end. "And that''s why we don''t touch random things in the creepy...whatever this place is," David sighed, catching the stunned Cuddlebug before they could crash. "You okay there, spark plug?" Helpful chirped weakly, their tiny form vibrating slightly as residual energy dispersed through their fur. Captain shot them a look that somehow managed to convey both concern and ''you''re a dumbass'' simultaneously. David''s ears swiveled suddenly as something echoed from deep within the complex - a sound too distant to identify but close enough to remind him they definitely weren''t alone in this maze. His nose confirmed what his ears suggested - other creatures had definitely passed through here recently, their scents a complex mixture of scales and... Is that fear? I almost forgot what that smells like, I can''t blame them though. This has ''ominous'' written all over it in 100 foot tall flaming letters. Kinda weird to think I can smell fear with a good enough sniffer. Claire could probably tell me what they ate for breakfast too. Maybe I should invest in a Mutagen for that later. "Alright team," he whispered, stuffing Helpful into the thick fur of his mane like a dejected ornament. "Let''s try to avoid anything else that looks like it might still have juice, okay?" The Pack Sense led them through a maze of corridors that seemed to follow some alien geometry. More than once, David could have sworn they passed through the same intersection only to find subtle differences in the artwork - like someone had built this place with floor plans specifically designed to make it hard to navigate. Each new chamber they encountered held fresh wonders that David wisely chose not to investigate too closely. Strange devices of crystal and metal sat silent in alcoves, their purposes lost to time. Some still hummed with residual power, while others bore scorch marks suggesting Helpful wasn''t the first curious explorer to learn about the ''no touchy'' rule the hard way.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. "You know," David mused, watching Captain herd the others away from a particularly interesting-looking piece, "I''m starting to think this place wasn''t built by the local union." The walls told stories he couldn''t read - scenes of what had to be daily life for whoever had built this place. Markets clearly filled with goods he couldn''t identify, gatherings that might have been ceremonies or might have been official functions. In each depiction, the reptilian figures moved with a grace that seemed at odds with their obvious strength. More interesting were the scenes showing what had to be other species - massive herbivores and predators wearing decorative pieces that suggested domestication or friendship. Some bore what might have been armor, others carried objects that could have been tools or weapons. "I can''t fucking believe the tinfoil-hat weirdo''s were right," David muttered, studying a particularly detailed mural. "Fucking...lizard people with pet dinosaurs. Of course. Naturally." A slight shift in his Echolocation picked up something ahead - a change in the acoustics that suggested a much larger space. The Pack Sense tugged him forward with renewed intensity, though whether that meant Claire was actually closer or just that the signal was bouncing weird in here was anyone''s guess. They emerged onto a balcony overlooking something that made David''s brain temporarily shut down for maintenance. The space beyond stretched away into darkness, its true scale impossible to gauge even with his enhanced senses. But it was the columns that drew his attention - hundreds, maybe a thousand of them, each one a canvas for what had to be the most ambitious art project in history. "Holy shit," David breathed, his wings spreading slightly in shock as he balanced on a thick stone railing. "I think we found the premium tour package." Cautiously, David glided down between the towering columns, each one thick enough that Claire could have coiled around it comfortably. The Cuddlebugs spread out in a loose net below him, with Captain coordinating their movements through subtle chirps and tail gestures. The first row of columns told a story he could almost grasp - the rise of a civilization. Reptilian figures discovering fire, crafting tools, building the first structures. But something was off about the progression. The jump between discoveries seemed too quick, too... directed. Either these guys speedran civilization, or someone gave them a hell of a walkthrough. The next series of rows showed advancement after advancement - patterns that might have been mathematical formulas, structures that grew more complex with each new image. The beings themselves seemed to change too, their forms becoming more refined, more purposeful. What caught David''s attention the most were the strange circular diagrams that kept appearing between scenes. At first he thought they were just decorative, but something about them nagged at his memory. The patterns reminded him of those documentaries he''d half-watched late at night - diagrams of planets and orbits, but with details he''d never seen before. "Wait a second," David breathed, his ears perking forward as circled back to study one particularly detailed scene. "Is that supposed to be... Saturn?" The rings were unmistakable, but the artwork showed features he was pretty sure nobody had known about until they''d sent probes out there. The art progressed through what seemed to be their golden age - massive cities, marvels that put their current ruins to shame, and something else. Something that made David''s wings itch with sudden anxiety. Gold and crystal traced patterns of energy or light or... something flowing between the reptilian figures, their forms almost luminous in the artwork. The scene showed hundreds of them gathered around what might have been a device or might have been an altar, its surface etched with symbols that seemed to shift if he looked at them too long. Whatever they''d discovered or created, it had transformed them - later scenes showed them with a sort of inner radiance, their scales replaced with flecks of crystal that pulsed in time with the others. Then came the war. The artwork shifted dramatically - scenes of conflict that spanned beyond anything David could properly grasp. The colors grew darker, the gold and lapis giving way to deep reds and blacks. Their enemies weren''t really shown directly - just abstract shapes that filled him with a deep sense of unease, appearing to consume anything they touched. The reptilian figures fought with weapons that looked more like crystal sculptures than anything meant for violence, facing off against patches of distorted carvings that the artists had somehow managed to make look wrong even in carved stone. "Right," David whispered, watching Captain gather the Cuddlebugs closer. "Because this place wasn''t creepy enough already." The next rows showed them losing - cities falling, their strange weapons proving ineffective against whatever they fought. But then something changed. The art showed them adapting, modifying their crystalline technology somehow. The abstract horrors began to falter, pushed back by forces that the reptilian figures had learned to wield. Victory seemed within their grasp. Until it wasn''t. The final completed rows showed their civilization rallying one last time, but the triumph felt hollow. Unfinished. Just like the columns themselves. The last few rows stood incomplete, their surfaces barely sketched with outlines. Tools lay scattered at their bases, crystalline implements fallen in mid-task as if their artists had simply vanished between one moment and the next. David hovered near the final columns for a moment, wings beating slowly as he studied the unfinished work. Something about those abandoned tools made his stomach clench as a long sibilant hiss crawled out from between his fangs. Whatever had happened here hadn''t been gradual - the artists hadn''t just walked away or died out slowly. They''d disappeared in the middle of their work, as if something had just... The Pack Sense tugged at him again, pulling his attention toward the far end of the vast hall. His Echolocation painted a picture of massive stone doors standing open, leading to what had to be somewhere important judging by the scale of the entrance. "Because obviously the creepy history lesson wasn''t the main event," David growled, gesturing for his team to regroup. "Let''s go. Keep your eyes open Team, I''d rather fight another Dark Star weirdo than deal with whatever did this. Easily.''" The throne room, if that''s what it was, made the hall look modest. Crystal formations larger than houses jutted from the walls and ceiling, their surfaces catching and amplifying the ambient light until the whole chamber seemed to glow from within. The floor bore patterns that might have been decorative or might have been circuit boards - David wasn''t entirely sure there was a difference anymore. But it was the bodies that caught his attention. Dozens of skeletal forms lay scattered across the chamber, their bones a stark white against the dark stone. Each one wore shattered armor that might have been technological or might have been ceremonial - crystal and metal merged in ways that suggested both beauty and deadly purpose. Weapons that looked more like abstract art pieces than tools of war lay where they''d fallen, their fractured surfaces still glinting faintly after who knew how long. "Well," David breathed as he landed just outside the entryway, his voice barely a whisper as Captain pressed against his leg. "I guess we know where everyone went to die." His eyes were drawn to the far end of the chamber, where a massive throne of crystal and stone dominated the space. Unlike everything else they''d seen, its surface was simple, unadorned and roughly hewn - as if decoration would have somehow diminished its purpose. A single skeleton sat upon it, wearing armor more elaborate than the others. Its skull was turned toward the ceiling, jaws open in what might have been defiance or might have been laughter. The Pack Sense pulled at him again, but David remained near the entrance. Something about this place felt... final. Like he was looking at the last page of a forgotten story. Captain chirped softly, drawing his attention to movement among the scattered remains. The other Cuddlebugs had found something - crowding around a piece of crystal that pulsed with faint light, barely visible beneath a fallen warrior''s outstretched hand. "No," David growled, remembering Helpful''s earlier mishap. "Nobody touch anything. This place has enough dead bodies without us adding to the collection. Have some respect." He cast one final look around the chamber, trying to imagine what it must have been like in its prime. What kind of civilization had built all this? What had they discovered that changed them so much? And what the hell were they fighting that was so terrible they''d rather die here than try to run? I know a last stand when I see one. The doors are weird too, why open them at all if you''re fighting that hard? They''ve gotta be like...at least 8 feet thick? Isn''t the point of a door to keep things out? Was this a blaze of glory type of thing? I''m so confused. The Pack Sense tugged again, more insistent this time. "Yeah, yeah," David muttered, spreading his wings. "I hear you Claire. Though I really hope wherever you are makes more sense than this place." As they left the chamber of the dead, David couldn''t shake the feeling that he''d witnessed something important. Something that might explain why Earth had been chosen for... whatever the hell was happening to it now. But those were thoughts for another time. Right now, he had a friend to find. Assuming, of course, she hadn''t gotten herself into anything too weird while he was catching up. 163 - Guide David eyed the narrow vent dubiously, his wings twitching as he considered the tight squeeze. The ornate stone grating had long since crumbled, leaving behind an opening that looked just barely big enough for a creature his size. A strange, luminescent moss carpeted the passageway, giving off a soft blue-green glow that reminded him uncomfortably of the weird deep-sea from his last few days with Marina. "Well," he muttered, "at least it''s not covered in more creepy crystal tech. Or bones. I''ve had enough of both for one day." Captain chirped decisively and darted forward, their tiny form disappearing into the vent. Within seconds, they emerged with what could only be described as an enthusiastic squeak. The veteran Cuddlebug''s tail wagged furiously as they gestured for David to follow, looking for all the world like a tiny sergeant who''d just discovered the perfect bar. "Alright, alright," David chuckled. "I trust your judgment. Just... give me a second to figure out how to bat-igami myself in there." As he studied the opening, Helpful decided to "assist" by repeatedly bumping against his wing, apparently trying to help fold it into a more compact shape. The result was about as effective as you''d expect from a creature whose problem-solving skills mainly involved headbutting things until they worked. "Thanks buddy, but I''ve got this," David said, gently nudging the eager Cuddlebug aside. "Why don''t you go help Captain instead?" Helpful''s ears drooped slightly before perking up at the suggestion, zipping off to join Captain who was already organizing the newer Cuddlebugs into defensive positions. David watched with amusement as Captain efficiently directed their impromptu squad, their movements precise and purposeful. The newer summons followed orders with almost comical seriousness, each one taking their position with synchronized head-bobs that reminded David of those desk-drinking bird toys. With a grunt of effort, David managed to squeeze himself into the vent, his wings folded tight against his body before the space opened up slightly past the opening. To his surprise, the moss wasn''t just glowy - it was possibly the softest thing he''d ever touched. Like memory foam had a baby with a cloud, then covered it in velvet. "Holy shit," he breathed, rubbing his face luxuriously through the springy growth. "I think we just found the something awesome for once. Captain, remind me to grab some of this stuff before we leave. Claire would love-" He cut himself off as Helpful faceplanted into the moss beside him, having apparently attempted to dive-bomb into it like it was a pile of autumn leaves. The tiny creature rolled onto their back, letting out a sound of pure joy as they wiggled deeper into the plush surface. Captain watched this display with what could only be described as long-suffering patience before turning back to their security detail. With a series of sharp chirps, they positioned three Cuddlebugs ahead and three behind, their formation tight despite the narrow space. "You know," David mused, settling into the surprisingly comfortable moss, "sometimes I wonder if you''re actually the smart one here, Captain." The Cuddlebug''s expression somehow managed to convey ''Obviously'' without changing a single facial feature. David stretched out on the moss, his mind wandering back to the massive columns and their unsettling story. The luminescence from the strange growth cast everything in a dreamy blue-green haze, making it easier to picture the scenes he''d witnessed. Ancient lizard people discovering the secrets of the universe, building a civilization that made humanity look like kids playing with blocks, then... something. A high-pitched sneeze interrupted his brooding as Helpful managed to inhale a face full of glowing spores. The tiny creature shook their head vigorously, sending tiny motes of bioluminescence dancing through the air. Several of the newer Cuddlebugs tracked the particles with laser focus until Captain''s sharp chirp snapped them back to attention. "Could it have been Omega?" David muttered, absently scratching behind Helpful''s ears as they pressed against his side. "Big red certainly has the whole ''eldritch horror'' vibe down pat..." But no, that didn''t track. He''d seen Omega''s true form, or at least as much of it as his sanity could handle. A mass of writhing heads and endless crimson eyes was pretty...distinctive - the kind of thing that would definitely make it into your civilization''s historical record if it showed up to ruin your day. The artists would have had a field day with that nightmare fuel. And Xi? The fox-spirit that haunted his dreams with riddles and mischief didn''t fit either. Whatever had attacked these people, it had been... wrong. The way the artists had depicted it, or rather, hadn''t depicted it... A soft thump drew his attention as one of the newer Cuddlebugs lost their balance, tumbling into another and setting off a brief domino effect that had Captain practically vibrating with frustration. The veteran summon quickly restored order, their tail lashing as they personally adjusted each guard''s position. "Dark Star cultists, maybe?" David mused, watching Captain drill their troops back into formation. "They''re certainly nightmare fuel material, but..." He trailed off, remembering the throne room. That hadn''t been the aftermath of zealots with a murder fetish. Those warriors had died fighting something that scared them less than running away. Something that made holding their ground seem like the better option. Helpful chose that moment to attempt burrowing into the moss, apparently convinced there must be something even softer underneath. All they managed to do was cover themselves in glowing particles, transforming into what looked like the world''s tiniest disco ball. David couldn''t help but smile, briefly entertaining the idea of using his Aesthetic Refinement Mutagen on them. The mental image of himself a year from now, barely recognizable as a bat, surrounded by a swarm of impossibly adorable flying fuzzballs made him snort. "Yeah, no," he chuckled. "The world''s not ready for weaponized cuteness. Though I bet-" He froze, a new thought striking him. The symbol he''d seen when they entered, that ''new'' one in the System text. Another Overseer? One that apparently had something to do with gates and probably physics in general, given the whole ''reality goes brrrr'' experience they''d had coming in. Great. Because the entities we already have playing tug-of-war with reality isn''t enough. Now we''ve had Gateway McGee joining the party. Captain suddenly perked up, their ears swiveling toward something further down the vent. The newer Cuddlebugs immediately tensed, their formation tightening as they awaited orders. Even Helpful managed to look somewhat alert, though the effect was somewhat ruined by the brightness of their still-glowing fur. "Right," David sighed, pushing himself up. "Break time''s over. Let''s see what other wonders of the ancient world are waiting to try and kill us." Moving through the vent was like crawling through the world''s most comfortable tunnel. David found himself actually enjoying the experience, which was probably a sign that his standards had dropped significantly since becoming a bat. The moss seemed to channel sound in a way that made his Echolocation particularly effective, the pulses bouncing back with crystal clarity. "Now this is what I call surround sound," he muttered, sending another pulse ahead. "Really brings out the bass notes in potential death traps." The passage branched occasionally, but David''s Pack Sense pulled him consistently in one direction. He peered out through occasional gaps and grilles, catching glimpses of chambers that would have had archaeologists weeping with joy. Or possibly terror, given the state of some of them. One room appeared to be some kind of laboratory, crystal devices scattered across workbenches in various states of dismantlement. Another looked like a meditation chamber, though the weird stains on the floor suggested something considerably less peaceful had happened there. "Getting some serious ''murder mystery mansion'' vibes here," David commented as they passed yet another room showing signs of recent User activity. "Complete with the world''s worst housekeeping service." Captain kept their squad moving in perfect formation, though David noticed they''d adjusted their pattern to account for the acoustic properties of the tunnel. The newer Cuddlebugs had even stopped bouncing into each other, which was probably some kind of record. Helpful, meanwhile, had appointed themselves Chief Moss Inspector, carefully examining every patch they passed as if searching for... something. David wasn''t entirely sure what criteria they were using, but they seemed very serious about it. The Summon was covered in what was probably unhealthy amounts of the glowing spores, but he hadn''t gotten any notifications that he''d been affected by anything. David shrugged and decided to allow it for now, especially since they seemed to be enjoying themselves so much. "You know," David sighed, watching Helpful grade another section of moss with an adorably stern expression, "I really should look into ranking up Nightshade Swarm. Special''s been pulling its weight lately, could use some love too. Shame there''s no upgrade tokens for- wait, what''s that?" A distant sound caught his attention - voices, carrying through the vent system with surprising clarity. He held up a wing, and the entire Cuddlebug squad froze instantly. Even Helpful managed to stop mid-moss-inspection.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it "Captain," David whispered, "think you can get us eyes on whatever that is?" The veteran Cuddlebug was already moving, selecting three of their most promising students with quick gestures. The chosen scouts moved forward with impressive stealth, their tiny forms barely disturbing the moss as they crept toward the sound. David closed his eyes, focusing on the mental link he shared with his summons. The world shifted as multiple perspectives overlapped in his mind, showing him... "Holy shit," he breathed, "is that an arena?" Through the Cuddlebugs'' eyes, he watched as two figures approached raised platforms surrounding a massive sunken floor. One looked like someone had asked a stegosaurus to attend a bodybuilding competition, all rippling muscle under armored plates. The other... David would have sworn they''d stepped straight out of a documentary about pterosaurs, their massive wings casting dramatic shadows in the crystal-light. "Check out the edgelords," David muttered. "Ten bucks says they''re arguing about whose evolution path is more hardcore." As if on cue, crystals set into the arena''s walls began to pulse with familiar energy. Transparent duplicates of the pair slowly materialized in the sunken area, and then... "Oh, that''s just not fair," David whispered as the copies began to fight. The stego''s tail whipped through the air, launching crystalline spikes that could have pinned a truck to a wall. The pterosaur-looking User responded with wing beats that generated huge blasts of wind, scattering the projectiles like leaves in a hurricane. The arena was quickly obscured by a huge amount of dust and debris that the flyer seemed to be using to it''s advantage. "Now that''s a training setup. Herold eat your heart out," he murmured, watching the battle with growing enthusiasm. "Wonder if the winner takes challengers..." Captain chose that moment to deliver a very pointed nip to his wing, reminding David that they had slightly more pressing matters to attend to. Like finding Claire. And possibly not dying in an ancient lizard people''s murder basement. "Yeah, yeah, I hear you," David sighed, reluctantly turning away from the spectacle. "But we are definitely coming back here later. Probably with Claire. Definitely with popcorn." The Cuddlebug scouts returned as they pressed onward, taking their places in formation with quiet pride. David noticed Captain giving them an approving tail-flick, which seemed to make their day. "Right then," David said, sending another pulse of Echolocation down the tunnel. "Let''s go find our friendly neighborhood dinosaur before she gets herself into anything too weird. Though knowing our luck..." He trailed off as the Pack Sense suddenly intensified. Whatever lay ahead, Claire was definitely getting closer. David just hoped she was having an easier time navigating this place than he was. Somehow, he doubted it. The vent system widened into what appeared to be another junction, but this one was different. The moss grew thicker here, almost carpeting the walls, and the crystal formations seemed more... deliberate. David''s Echolocation painted a picture of a space that was clearly meant for something more than just airflow. His muscles tensed almost painfully as the returning wave carried with it a silhouette crouched just beyond the doorway. Captain was already mobilizing their squad when David caught the scent - feathers, predatory musk, and something else. Something familiar that tugged at his memory like a half-remembered dream. "I was wondering when you''d make it here," a voice called from just around the corner, smooth and controlled despite the slight tremor underneath. "Sigma thought you might take the scenic route." A figure stepped into view, and David''s breath caught. Iridescent feathers shimmered in the moss-light, shifting between turquoise and magenta with each movement. The creature stood tall on powerful hind legs, a long tail held perfectly level for balance. Their build reminded David of the velociraptors from that movie his dad had loved so much, but far more graceful - and a lot more colorful. A wickedly curved talon on each foot caught the light as they shifted their weight. But it was those eyes that sparked recognition - amber with rings of emerald green. He''d seen them before, during that weird gathering in the grey mists, when the Overseers had shown off their ''chosen'' like prize pets at a show during the start of Second Wave. "I... remember you," David ventured, noting how she held herself - like someone trying very hard to appear relaxed while standing next to a bomb. "From the...fog place. You were staring at me." The feathered figure inclined their head slightly. "Kira. And you''re the bat that had half of Sigma''s analysts questioning their observations. They''ve been quite... entertained by your presence here." David felt his fur stand on end. "Sigma''s... here? On the island?" Captain positioned themselves between David and the newcomer, their tiny form somehow managing to look threatening despite the size difference. The newer Cuddlebugs formed up behind them, while Helpful took their usual position of ''hiding behind David while trying to look brave.'' "Oh yes," Kira''s beak curved in what might have been a smile. "They find your methods of circumventing gateway protocols particularly fascinating. Most Users can''t even approach the gates without proper authorization, let alone... whatever it was you did." "Right," David muttered, suddenly very aware of how enclosed they were. "Because we definitely needed another Overseer taking an interest in me." He didn''t even try to stop his mane from flaring up aggressively at the thought, but thankfully managed to keep himself from snarling like a poorly trained dog. "Fuuuuuuck." He noticed her talons clicking softly against stone as she shifted her weight again. The movement was too deliberate, too controlled. Like someone trying very hard not to look like they were ready to bolt at any second. "If it helps," Kira offered, those emerald-ringed eyes never leaving him, "I''m just here to guide you where you need to be. Sigma''s interests lie... elsewhere at the moment." "And where exactly is ''where I need to be''?" David asked, watching as Captain subtly repositioned their squad to cover both exits. "The same place you''ve been heading since you arrived," Kira replied. "Though perhaps by a slightly more... official route than these maintenance shafts." Kira''s composure cracked the moment David began moving from the vent, their emerald-ringed eyes going wide as he slithered into the room with predatory grace. One talon scraped against stone as they took an involuntary step backward, feathers bristling in what was clearly barely contained panic. David noticed. Of course he noticed. It was kind of hard to miss someone looking at you like you were about to go full turbo-violence on them. "Look," he sighed, trying to appear as non-threatening as a nightmare could, "I''m David. And I''m literally just here looking for my best friend. That''s it. No murder, no mayhem, no..." He gestured vaguely with a wing at Kira''s clearly terrified stance, "whatever you think I''m here for." A strangled laugh escaped Kira''s beak, equal parts hysteria and disbelief. "I''m sorry, your what?" David deadpanned at her. "My friend. You know, that thing where two people hang out and don''t try to kill each other? Usually involves sharing snacks, jokes, and making bad decisions together?" "I... didn''t think Omega''s Brutes were capable of having friends," Kira managed, their tail still held rigid with tension. "Yeah, well, Omega can go fuck themselves sideways," David growled. "I didn''t exactly get a choice in that particular career path. More of a ''surprise, you''re on team murder now'' kind of deal." Kira''s jaw actually dropped, their whole body freezing like someone had hit pause on reality. "You... you can''t just... that''s Omega you''re talking about!" Even as the words left his mouth, David felt a twinge of ''oh shit'' crawl up his spine. Between Xi''s tendency to spill tea and Omega''s apparent hobby of watching his every move like some kind of cosmic reality TV show, maybe talking shit wasn''t the smartest move. Then again, Omega''s pretty much exclusively pro violence and aggression, so... task failed successfully? Hopefully? Shit. "Actually," David mused, scratching behind his ear with a wingtip, "now that I think about it, they''d probably be more offended if I was polite about it. Nothing says ''respect'' like threatening grievous bodily harm, right?" Kira made a sound like someone stepping on a squeaky toy. "You''re insane. You have to be insane. No one talks about Omega like that. Not even-" They cut themselves off, feathers rippling with obvious discomfort. "Not even Sigma?" David finished, watching Captain herd the newer Cuddlebugs into a more defensive formation. Helpful, meanwhile, had decided Kira wasn''t an immediate threat and gone back to examining the moss with scholarly intensity. "Speaking of which, what''s their deal anyway? Because between Omega''s murder-boner and Xi''s cryptic bullshit, I''m not exactly thrilled about another Worldender taking an interest." "That''s... not something I''m at liberty to discuss," Kira managed, though their stance had relaxed slightly. Probably because David was making it really hard to maintain an appropriate level of terror while he watched one of his Cuddlebugs face-plant into a glowing moss patch. "Right, right. Cosmic secrets and all that. So, about that ''official route'' you mentioned?" "Yes, of course. This way." Kira turned, then hesitated. "Your... Summons, they''re coming too?" David grinned, knowing exactly how his fangs caught the light. "Package deal. Don''t worry though, they only bite if I tell them to." Captain chose that moment to give Kira their most professional nod, which somehow made the whole situation even more surreal. Kira watched with poorly concealed fascination as Captain organized their squad into a perfect escort formation. "I''ve never seen Summons behave like this. Most are just... mindless drones." "Yeah, well, most people don''t keep them around long enough to get interesting," David explained as they began moving. "These little guys are basically my family at this point. The longer they survive, the smarter they get. Captain here''s been with me since pretty much the beginning." The feathered User''s eyes widened as Captain directed two of the newer Cuddlebugs to scout ahead with a series of precise chirps and tail gestures. "They''re actually communicating. Not just basic commands, but... strategy?" "Oh yeah, Captain''s scary smart. Pretty sure they''ll be smarter than me at some point, which honestly isn''t saying much." David paused as Helpful bounced off a crystal formation they''d been investigating. "That one''s... special in other ways." "Fascinating," Kira breathed, their obvious curiosity finally overwhelming their fear. "And they all develop distinct personalities? Individual traits?" "Eventually, yeah. The new ones start pretty basic - just following orders and staying alive. But give them time..." David trailed off as Captain shot him what could only be described as an eye roll. "See? That right there. Sass. They learn sass." As they moved deeper into the complex, Kira''s questions came faster, their initial terror forgotten in the face of new knowledge. "And their cognitive development, is it linear? Do they all progress at the same rate? What about-" "You know," David interrupted, amused despite himself, "for someone who was ready to bolt at the sight of me ten minutes ago, you''re getting pretty comfortable with the nightmare bat and his murder-fluffs." Kira actually managed to look embarrassed, their feathers ruffling slightly. "Yes, well...curiosity tends to override survival instincts in my case. Sigma says it''s both my greatest strength and a terrible character flaw." "Speaking of terrible character flaws," David said, watching Helpful attempt to make friends with their own reflection in a crystal, "we should probably get moving before Claire manages to find something even weirder than whatever the hell this place is." "Ah, yes. Of course." Kira straightened, professionalism returning. "Though... perhaps after we find your friend, we could discuss more about long-term Summon development? Purely for research purposes, of course." "Sure," David chuckled. "Assuming we all survive whatever fresh hell this island has in store. And hey, maybe you can explain why Sigma thinks my particular brand of chaos is so entertaining." Captain''s expression perfectly managed to convey ''we''re all doomed'' without so much as a single ear flick. David couldn''t help but agree. Story Status Report So to cut to the chase, the author has run into some issues in real life, causing him to have basically no time for his hobbies like writing. This story will likely remain on hiatus until their situation resolves, but as far as I understand they do wish to continue the story once they are in a good spot to do so. The gist of it is that their primary job decided to do some "strategic moves" and the end result is that he is now 1 income stream down. This, combined with the events around Thanksgiving, and other issues I''m sure they''re running into, mean that whatever time they had to engage in their hobbies has been shot. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. I may occasionally update this chapter if they wish to add anything, or provide status updates, but here''s to the best for kienti - ott043