Zeldritzon [Cycle 12] - Morning
Current Location:
[Crystal Shelter]
[UvoSath Forest of the UvoSath Realm]
----------------------------------------
Footsteps echoed outside the room, followed by a familiar, frantic voice. "KiAera! You're awake!" Amber's large ratite frame barreled through the door, nearly knocking it off its hinges. Her feathers were ruffled, and her puffy red eyes were filled with relief.
"Amber…" KiAera managed a weak smile. "Missed me?"
Amber didn't respond with her usual playful sass. Instead, she rushed to KiAera's side, nuzzling her gently. "You scared us! Don't ever do that again!"
"I'll try not to," KiAera replied with a gentle laugh. She glanced at the doorway, where Scarbol, Tailza, and a few of the kobolbos peeked in hesitantly. Among them were the lean plant forms of Saptal and Sapshorla—the two sapkins—along with the crystal mouse monsters known as the osseods at their feet. "Come on in, guys. I'm not a ghost."
Saptal and Sapshorla entered the room with their wooden frames, their shawls swaying with the rhythm of each step taken by their root-like feet pressing down on the soft carpet below.
"Oh, sunlights! You're awake! That's great!" Sapshorla exclaimed, her voice muffled by the leaf cascading over her face. She hastily tucked the leaf away between her fingers, revealing her smile and flushed cheeks.
"Yep, indeed! We've missed you, KiAera," Saptal added, his branch-like hand reaching to pat Sapshorla on the shoulder. "It's great to see yer sprouted back to yer feet."
"Miss KiAera!" Tailza, the kobold girl, nearly tackled her in a hug. "W-We thought—"she sniffled as her voice broke off. "We thought you were gone for good!"
Scarbol cleared his throat, approaching with a more composed expression, though his eyes betrayed his relief. "You gave us quite a scare, KiAera. Glad to see you're still in one piece. We all are." He gestured to the others.
KiAera smiled weakly. "I'm sorry I worried all of you. I didn't mean to... collapse like that."
Saptal the Sapkin stepped up, shaking his head. "What matters is that yer alive." His gaze flicked to the egg beside a slumbering Big Osseod. "And that… kiddo. It's what drained you, isn't it?”
"Not just the egg," KiAera admitted. "I overestimated myself. But Liozel is part of our family now. It's going to be hard to believe but..."
She began to explain the events that transpired between herself and the Liorex egg. However, while she addressed the monsters before her, she kept the Faux Nym naming mechanism to herself—for the monsters' sanity. Her intention was genuine to not create a ripple of panic throughout the crew. The crew may believe that simply saying their name would cause her crash again. So it was better to leave that part out, for now.
She also shared her concerns about how the egg was still unhatched, yet it was already able to communicate with her telepathically.
"LEELEE SPEAKS?!" Amber's eyes widened with absolute delight.
The kobolbos exchanged glances, their expressions uncertain but trusting. Among them, Tailza spoke with a timid voice. "C-Can we… help somehow?"
The question made her smile. "You already are. Just… stick with me, okay?"
Her expression grew grim as a more serious matter struck her. Two days remained until the necessary crystal quota needed to be met, and she had already been out for an entire day.
If the dungeon expedition was to be carried out, she needed to head out very soon—for her crew's sake, for the kobolbos, and for Scarbol. Without those crystals—if Mina and Boggorc kept their word—she recognized that the likelihood of a skirmish against the two was very high. This was not the time to take a backseat.
"Listen, everyone. I understand I've been gone and all of you have been worried, but we have a job to do. We're behind on our crystal quota, and if we don't meet it, we risk a confrontation with Mina and Boggorc. I can't let that happen. Yet, there's too many unknowns to who we're dealing with."
Of course, she refused to risk her fellow monsters. However, only gathering crystals for the adversaries was a risk in itself. She needed to take every precaution possible.
Amber shuffled her feet, feathers rustling as she tilted her head. "What do you propose, KiAera? You just woke up, and you're talking about heading back out? You need to rest! LeeLee egg would be devastated if KiAera hurt!"
Scarbol stepped closer, frowning. "And what do you suggest? Sending a small team out while you recover? Or do you really think you can manage the dungeon in your condition? You know how dangerous it is out there, especially if we haven't mapped the area thoroughly."
KiAera gave Scarbol a bit of credit for his insight. Her lips curled into a grin. "You're right, but… don't worry about me. Actually, I've got a few plans up my sleeve that might just do the trick."
"Ya got plans? And what's that, KiAera?" asked Saptal.
"We will expedite our training in the Monster Domain next door. While gathering crystals for those two in exchange for a wisp of peace is ideal, we should also focus on strengthening ourselves."
"It's necessary for us to drill ourselves now and then shift our focus toward dungeon expeditions. That way, we can maximize our resources and train simultaneously. We'll start now while the sun is rising. So, let's get to it, folks!"
The monsters cried out, causing the whole room to shake violently. KiAera grinned as she patted the Liorex egg and Big Osseod. "We'll be back."
Okay... please come back when you're done, Big Sis, the egg replied.
"I promise," she embraced the egg before turning to the other monsters. "Let's head out!"
While her crew departed from the room, KiAera noted the absence of the Nexperbax triplets. Had they left while she was out of commision? Or they had simply been too cautious to approach, fearing her condition?
Whatever had happened, she needed to significantly expand her focus on managing her crew, and she deemed the Monster Domain a major key to their success. Being the only evolved monster was a detriment to both the crew and herself, and if she faltered again, they would be in a precarious position.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Gathered around KiAera were every single monster she had recruited. She glanced at her clipboard as she jotted down what to improve for each individual creature, except Big Osseod who was taking a well deserved nap back at the Crystal Shelter. Her gaze trailed the list, glimpsing upward to the individual named:
- Amber the LeapLeap
- Plelepun the Plelepun
- Kyrawl the Skyrawsoar
- Scarbol the Kobolbo
- Tailza the Kobolbo
- Saptal the Sapkin
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- Sapshorla the Sapkin
- Dime the Dimetfern
- Pi Osseod the Osseod
- Beta Osseod the Osseod
- Delta Osseod the Osseod
…then there were the other osseods and kobolbos—eight more for the former and eleven for the latter. The current number of her crew numbered in the thirties with everyone before her. This raised her concern considerably since she went to check the number of colorful crystals at hand.
Zeldritzonian Crystal available:
- Light-blue = 2560
- Blue = 38
- Dark-blue = 3
Those were the crystals piling up in the crate beside her. Thanks to the combined efforts of her companions foraging diligently for these precious resources. It was their main source of food as well as well as the fuel to power the Monster Domain. So far the major contributors were Kyrawl and the Plelepun.
Kyrawl, the wyvern monster, contributed the most with its ability to reach the high cliffs of the UvoSath. The Plelepun was able to burrow and collect resources from the underground. However, everyone did their part to ensure the crew thrived.
KiAera recorded every contribution, but there was still a deep-seated worry brewing in her chest. She calculated that, alone, splitting the light-blue crystals as training fuel would, at best, raise a monster's apex power by [85 units] equally. There was the other crystals but as there weren't many…
- Light Blue: 1 unit/APU
- Blue: 10 units/APUs
- Dark Blue: 50 units/APUs
They were a minuscule factor at best.
KiAera turned back to the monsters, some wandering about within the training facility. They weren't able to keep still and idled the area while she thought about how she would manage them.
Insight registering…
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Amber the LeapLeap
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief Description: large ratite monster.
APeX: [2148 Units]
Attributes: [Wind] [Beast]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Plelepun the Plelepun
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: tunneling elephant calf.
APeX: [4289 Units]
Attributes: [Terra]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Kyrawl the Skyrawsoar
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: evolved wing crawling wyvern.
APeX: [6992 Units]
Attributes: [Deino] [Wind]
Evolution Stage: [Emergent] (E)
Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Since when… oh!
Insight [F]: 90% → 100%. Insight [F] → [F+]. Neat!
After the startle, while giving each of her monsters a swift inspection; she discovered her [Insight] had raised a tier.
Insight [F+]: 1% → 11%.
What improvements had she gained from the rank-up? Getting straight to business, she continued to analyze everyone else to see if there was a difference.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Scarbol the Kobolbo
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: fledgling kobold monster.
APeX: [1514 Units]
Dominion: [Generalist]
Attributes: [Brawler] [Cryptic]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Tailza the Kobolbo
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: fledgling kobold monster.
APeX: [1001 Units]
Dominion: [Generalist]
Attributes: [Brawler] [Cryptic]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Saptal the Sapkin
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: plant sapling monster.
APeX: [2125 Units]
Dominion: [Manifest]
Attributes: [Plant]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Sapshorla the Sapkin
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: plant sapling monster.
APeX: [2122 Units]
Dominion: [Manifest] [Augment]
Attributes: [Plant]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Manifestation? Augment? Generalist? This was a first seeing those aspects within that [Dominion] category.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Dime the Dimetfern
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: fledgling dimetrodon monster.
APeX: [3865 Units]
Dominion: [Unleash] [Manifest]
Attributes: [Plant] [Relic] [Wind]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Pi the Osseod
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: crystal mouse monster.
APeX: [1616 Units]
Dominion: [Perception]
Attributes: [Ore]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Beta the Osseod
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: crystal mouse monster.
APeX: [1414 Units]
Dominion: [Generalist]
Attributes: [Ore]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Delta the Osseod
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
Brief description: crystal mouse monster.
APeX: [1818 Units]
Dominion: [Generalist]
Attributes: [Ore]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
It perplexed her to see these Dominions differentiate among her crew. How did these strengths emerge within such a short span? How would they intertwine with the monsters' capabilities and their training? What if she could refine their skills based on these Dominions?
KiAera scanned her clipboard, processing the information.
If she could harness and synergize their abilities, they could exponentially increase their effectiveness. But first, she had to assess their individual strengths and weaknesses, then refine a training strategy that allowed each of them to shine. But now knowing about the existence of the Dominions, it piqued her curiosity to look inward to herself. What would hers be and how would she use it for herself?
She decided to check.
໒꒰ྀིっ˕ -｡꒱ྀི১૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა૮꒰⸝⸝> ̫ <⸝⸝꒱ა
[Innate Status]:
Name: KiAera
Age: [24 Cycles] [25]
Race: [Merecritt]
Species: [Merecritt]
Innate: [Human 𓆩♡𓆪]
Class: [Unselected]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Variant Grade: [Common]
Attribute Influence: [Beast] [Fire]
Dominions: [Revise] [Virtuoso]
Accumulated Particles (APeX): [2100 Units]
໒꒰ྀིっ˕ -｡꒱ྀི১૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა૮꒰⸝⸝> ̫ <⸝⸝꒱ა
"Revise and Virtuoso? Interesting..." KiAera murmured to herself as she processed the information displayed. Revise could potentially give her the ability to adapt and reshape strategies mid-battle, while Virtuoso hinted at a refined skill set, possibly enhancing her prowess in various disciplines?
"Alright, everyone!" she called, clapping her hands to gather attention. The noise settled as her crew turned to her expectantly.
Amber, who had been stretching her legs, perked up at her words. "Does that mean we're ready for some training? I've been itching to show off my new moves!" She hopped up and down excitedly.
"I'll show everyone how to leap to new heights!"
"Just don't leave us behind!" Kyrawl chuckled, stretching his wings. With a powerful thrust, he soared upward, showcasing his impressive aerial maneuvers.
KiAera nodded. "Absolutely! Training starts now! Our goal is to elevate each of your abilities so we can tackle the dungeon more effectively. Remember, the more we progress individually, the stronger we become as a team."
With that, KiAera clapped her hands together and the monsters formed a semi-circle around her. She eyed the training grounds, which boasted various training stations that could enhance their skills—obstacle courses, combat dummies, and even a small arena for friendly battles. Each station was designed to target specific abilities and attributes, allowing the monsters to hone their skills in ways that best suited them. But the main mystery were the massive doors that aligned themselves against the walls of the interior.
KiAera's gaze shifted between the training stations and the imposing doors. The doors were ominously etched with ancient runes that seemed to pulse faintly, hinting at the parameters they represented. KiAera had yet to unearth what lay beyond those doors, but her gut told her it would be crucial to their advancement.
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
[Zeozon Language Proficiency] - TIER: Basic
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
Furrowing her brows, she guessed that one of the doors read "Speed."
「'Indeed. Speed, resistance, willpower, firepower, defense, and strength are the destinations to which those doors lead.'」
"We stand in the main lobby, correct?" KiAera glanced at the floating book beside her. "How impactful are those rooms behind those doors, GamaGen? Time's not on side, so I would like to know if entry's possible."
GamaGen hummed his response.「'Entry is open to all. The true trial lies in discerning the extent of your own ambition, Miss KiAera.'」
He turned toward her with his raven emblem glinting. 「'Were I not privy to your true nature, I might believe you are inclined to take a gamble?'」
KiAera smiled at the proposal. "What do you have for me? I'm certain you know how these spaces function."
「'How many crystals are you willing to forgo?'」
"Two thousand."
「'It's possible to stretch those to [10,000] Units.'」
Her ears twitched. "Overall? Across all monsters? By what means?"
GamaGen shifted slightly. 「'Each door leads to a dimension tailored to the specific attributes, where your monsters can undergo rigorous training to incorporate new skills, boost their APeX, or enhance their innate abilities. However, completing these trials requires more than brute strength.'」
"Yeah? I've been thinking. Skills vary, but I want to know… I want to know if there is a different path that will lead me to develop support techniques," she said with her eyes scanning the other monsters in the room, "for them. I get it—offense is crucial for staying alive during a fight. But the truth is, I'm starting to realize my—our—support game is seriously lacking. It's time I change that."
Big Osseod made this more prevalent. Her best friend crashed hard after restoring her to a functioning state. She resented having it sacrifice itself for her. Finding another monster to alleviate the situation would help, of course, but what efforts could she make for herself? "I want to elevate myself, learn how to empower and protect everyone here. So, what's the next move?"
GamaGen nodded. 「'In truth, it's possible for you to gain skills in support and inspiration.'」
"Yes?" she tilted her head.
GamaGen paused in thought. 「'Yes, you have options. Your Spectral Flame is very flexible. Augmenting, enchanting, and even modifying, it is possible to meet those specifications.'」
Her ears perked, her tail swaying from side to side, "GamaGen, tell me."
「'No. Show you. The others can pick their path. Let's head into the Willpower Chamber, KiAera.'」