With the constant twist I'm surprised it's not just a spiral staircase, but I'll happily take a slope over stairs considering how hard it would be to climb down them.
After twenty minutes I begin to hear the sound of running water, but am relieved there's not an increase in humidity and likely am not heading into a subterranean lake.
Continuing my trek at a slower pace I keep my ears open, both for the potential of something approaching and in case I'm walking into a group of people camping. Despite my weird rat "photographic vision" I'm still nearsighted, but lacking any sounds of conversations or fresh scents I feel confident I'm alone.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but an indoor park wasn't it; with a stream running through it, a bright glowing crystal in the ceiling and lush green grass, the large room feels extremely inviting and, somehow, invigorating. Warmth exudes from the crystal above while a cool breeze seems to come from the water, the contrast creating the feeling of a nice spring day.
I can see a few large bushes, but nothing big enough to be a tree. Though I can't see well enough and will have to get close to check, I'm not smelling anything sweet, so I doubt there's any kind of fruit or berries on any of them. I do see a path leading to darkness on the other side of the room and a set of doors on a side wall, so hopefully there'll be something good here.
At the thought of food I opt to Devour a couple of the Iron Pill Bugs, once again glad I don't have to chew and taste it in the process. I do miss having a good tasting meal, and I wonder if I were to properly chew what I eat if it'd go directly to be Devoured or still be stored in my Gluttonous Gut. Considering the Common Rat form and first roach still showed damaged areas I'm not happy about the mental picture it will likely give me.
With my hunger sated I take a moment to rest and enjoy the calm- a sense of peace filling me that I've not experienced since waking in this place.
'Yea, definitely a safe zone' I think. 'Considering the mental magic that would've had me running in a circle… that I hope I didn't cross before. There's no way I would have recognized it if I had: as is even knowing something was up it kept messing with me. I wonder if there's something I can do to prevent that; would a higher Intelligence or Wisdom Stat help? Considering how low my others are, I think it'll be a while before I can spare a point to find out.'
I waddle over to the stream, the cool water quite refreshing to taste. I grab several stones from it as well to replenish what I've used in my journey, then feel a second refreshing sense as I Devour some of the water after finding it stored in my Gut. 'Seriously, shouldn't some of this be obvious I want it actually "in" me?'
'… well, if it's going to be that way, I might as well take advantage of it and stock up. Never know when I might find clean water again.'
I head over to the set of doors in the middle of the wall after shaking dry like the waterlogged armored rat that I am; after misjudging the jump over the stream it's clear I'm still not used to being so small– even at the largest size I've been since getting here.
Approaching the set of doors I can tell they're well maintained; not a scratch of damage on their surface and subsequently- no worn down edges at their corners I can slip through. Just to humor myself I grip the edge of a door and pull, my claws sliding off as I find myself rolling backwards as the door opens with unusual ease.
I feel my insides turn cold at the prospect of someone coming out of the room at that same moment and activate Skitter to run behind the opening door. After a minute of silence I risk checking, finding I'm still alone. Testing it, the door moves on its hinges with an unusual silent ease. "Hua, magic I guess?"
Peering around the door I see a round marble room filled with tall imposing statues. I get a sense of Déjà vu before remembering I saw a similar one in my dream. Unlike the ones in my dream these are practically radiated with power, enough that I feel uncomfortable even standing outside the room.
'No, I think I should be feeling "blessed" by the... Aura? coming from the statues. I think I feel uncomfortable because of what that bas-'
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
I stop talking to myself and shut the door as fast as I can. I have no idea if they could hear what I think or detect me if I were to enter, but I don't want to take a chance: since I'm a monster in a place I shouldn't be to begin with, it's way too risky.
With a sigh of assumed relief I decide this should be a safe place to get some sleep. Putting as much space between myself and the magic doors I shift to my Limestone Rock Form, settling in amongst similar stones against the wall by the stream. I expect to fall asleep quick in such a peaceful place, but after a while I feel bored and reform my eyes. I'm not actually sure how long it's been since I last slept; I know that loop was about four hours, then maybe a couple hours getting down here from there, but before that- no clue. It's possible I haven't even been awake for a full day yet.
I decide to peruse the Menu system to pass time, eventually finding my thoughts returning to the crystals in my Gut.
'It's evident when I hold the fire stone I could use fire magic, like it's the missing element I could feel click in place when I tried casting that spell.'
'Wait- the crystal is marked as a consumable item by my Gut. Does that mean animals eat things like that to fuel their abilities?'
It kind of makes sense; if these are naturally occuring down here, that might be what monsters use to power their magical attacks. That would also explain why something I kinda made up would be expected to have magical abilities.
I figure it's worth trying and Disgorge a red crystal then suck on it for a minute.
'It'd be too good if it were like rock candy. Why can't it be like rock candy?' Slightly discouraged I swallow the crystal, then select it in my Gluttonous Gut. 'Well, on to the next attempt.'
I opt to Devour it, watching the number decrease as it… goes to my stomach? 'Now that I think about it, I've just assumed I do have one, I'm not entirely sure if I'm digesting things or it's magically being turned into Nutrients.'
I don't have long to wonder as my body is suddenly wracked with pain- wherever the stone ending up telling me without a doubt that was NOT the right choice.
In a panic I search through the Gut menu, but my body doesn't have the ability to force a gag reflex and the Menu doesn't give an option to do anything once something is Devoured.
My body begins to burn and I struggle to move into the water which only helps a little as everything begins to hurt.
When a red tint floods my vision I let the window open instantly, hopeful it can give me answers.
ERROR: Ability "Consume and Devour" cannot create a Skill from the Consumed item.
NOTICE: Seeking alternative options for Consumed item.
WARNING: An attempt to fuse a source of Fire Mana into your body has been made.
WARNING: Your body has not been accustomed to the presence of Mana!
WARNING: No Class capable of Mana Manipulation present!
WARNING: Your body is being overwhelmed by Mana!
WARNING: You are being subjected to Mana Poisoning and your Health has been reduced by one point! [06/07]
WARNING: You are being subjected to Mana Poisoning and your Health has been reduced by one point! [05/07]
WARNING: You are being subjected to Mana Poisoning and your Health has been reduced by one point! [04/07]
As every fiber of my body feels like it's being ripped apart and set on fire I tell the Gut menu to Consume the Healing Potion in desperate hope it'll negate the Poisoning damage.
ERROR: Ability "Consume and Devour" cannot create a Skill from the Consumed item.
NOTICE: Seeking alternative options for Consumed item.
WARNING: An attempt to fuse a source of Healing Mana into your body has been made.
WARNING: Your body has not been accustomed to the presence of Mana!
WARNING: No Class capable of Mana Manipulation present!
WARNING: Your body is being overwhelmed by Mana!
WARNING: You are being subjected to Mana Poisoning and your Health has been reduced by one point! [03/07]
…
As the fires of Hell ravage my mind and body and my vision begins to fade into a pinpoint of light I let out a silent scream, the last vestige of consciousness that passes into the darkness is
"I refuse to die."