“Hey, Embora?” Michael started as he pushed off the rock and began walking. “I ended up getting a skill called Fire Resistance 1. Why did I get that one? Shouldn't I get something like Acid Resistance, Slime Resistance, or something like that for dealing with that slime?”
He opened his skills screen and analyzed the skill.
[Fire Resistance 1 - Passive - Permanently gain resistance to Heat and Fire by 10%]
“It’s because I'm a fire dragon,” Embora explained.
“Fire Dragon? Are there different types?” Michael asked.
“There are some, like dragons that use water or dragons that use lightning.”
Michael listened carefully to Embora's explanation, so much so that he wasn’t paying attention to where he was stepping. He slipped on a puddle of water, falling on his back and hitting the back of his head on the ground.
“Fuck, that hurt!” Michael sat up and rubbed the back of his head.
[HP: 29/31]
“You okay?” Embora asked, her voice filled with concern.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Michael replied, wincing slightly. “Just wasn’t watching my step. Guess I need to be more careful.”
Michael stood up, brushing himself off and looking around more carefully. “So, there are dragons for different elements. Does that mean I’ll encounter other creatures with unique resistances and abilities?”
“Exactly,” Embora confirmed. “Knowing their strengths and weaknesses will be very crucial to survive. Each element has its own advantages and disadvantages, so learning to navigate them will be key to your survival. And to answer your question, it takes more than a little sting to gain acid resistance” She chuckled.
Michael chuckled along with her, trying to shake off the lingering embarrassment of his tumble. "Good to know," he said, his tone lightening.
Michael continued to carefully navigate his way through the cave, large multi-colored gems sticking out of the ground. It was quite beautiful, and if it wasn't for the fact that the gems glowed, he would be just wandering around in a dark cave. They both were silent as Michael continued to squeeze through tight crevices, giving him some time to think.
I'm really in another world, huh? That's fine by me; I've always dreamed of this! Michael mused, his thoughts swirling with the excitement and disbelief of his new reality. The initial shock of being transported to a different world had given way to a sense of adventure and possibility. Sure, it was dangerous, but there was something thrilling about the unknown. Besides, what did I have back home anyway?
He felt the cool, rough surface of the cave walls as he navigated through the narrow passageways. Every now and then, he would glance back to ensure he hadn't lost his way or missed any subtle turns. The gems provided just enough light to make the journey manageable, their soft glow casting an ethereal ambiance throughout the cavern.
"Although," Michael began, breaking the silence. As he walked, his thoughts drifted to his friends and family—and Neil. Michael felt a pang of sadness wash over him. The cave’s eerie beauty couldn’t quite mask the loneliness that had crept into his heart.
“What was that?” Embora questioned, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.
“What was what?” Michael replied, snapping out of his reverie.
“I felt—something, sadness maybe?” Embora pondered aloud. “I felt a wave of sadness from you. Are you feeling sad, Michael?”
“Um yeah, a little,” Michael answered, his voice subdued. “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.”
“Oh, alright. If you wanna talk, I'm here. Always,” Embora offered gently, her tone warm and reassuring.
Michael appreciated her concern, but he wasn’t ready to open that can of worms just yet. He forced a smile, though it was more for his own benefit than anyone else's. “Thanks, Embora. I’ll keep that in mind.”
They continued their journey in silence, the ambient glow of the gems casting a soft, otherworldly light that flickered and danced on the cavern walls. Each step Michael took echoed slightly, mingling with the distant sound of dripping water. The air was cool and carried a faint, metallic scent that Michael couldn’t quite place. He could feel the rough texture of the cave walls as he occasionally brushed against them, steadying himself on the uneven ground.
As they pressed on, the narrow passageways began to widen, the claustrophobic feeling easing with each step. Up ahead, the cave opened into a large clearing, the ceiling rising high above them. crystals hung like ancient chandeliers, and the floor was littered with clusters of glowing gems. The room felt vast and almost otherworldly, the gem’s light reflecting off the walls to create a mesmerizing display of colors that shimmered and danced.
However, amidst the enchanting beauty, Michael’s eyes were drawn to a massive, slumbering figure in the center of the clearing. It was a creature unlike any he had seen before. Covered in a thick, scaly hide, the beast resembled a cross between a lizard and a lion, with massive claws and a tail that ended in a spiked club. Its breathing was slow and steady, each exhale producing a faint rumble that echoed throughout the cavern.
His heart pounded as he activated Dragon's Sight.
[Name: Young Behemoth]
[Race: Terra Elemental Beast]
[Level: 6]
[HP: 200/200]
"A Behemoth?" Michael whispered, awestruck. The name alone sent shivers down his spine. He’d never seen anything like it: a colossal creature covered in thick, scaly armor, its massive claws digging into the ground as it slept. The beast’s tail, ending in a spiked club, twitched slightly with each breath, which rumbled through the cavern like distant thunder.
The sheer size of the creature was daunting. Michael's gaze flicked nervously between the slumbering behemoth and a distant exit visible at the far end of the cavern. It wasn’t the way out of the cave, but it offered a potential route away from the creature’s lair.
Michael’s mind raced. He was only level 2, and the behemoth was far beyond his current abilities. A direct confrontation would be suicide. He needed to think, to plan, to use the environment to his advantage. The cavern was dotted with jagged rocks and clusters of glowing gems. Perhaps he could use them somehow.
He took a cautious step forward, testing the ground for loose stones. Every move had to be precise, every sound minimized. His eyes flicked back to the behemoth. Still sleeping. Good. Michael scanned the area, noting the stalactites hanging like deadly chandeliers from the cavern ceiling. If he had to fight he could lure the behemoth beneath one and somehow bring it down… would that be enough to kill it?
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His breath was shallow, his palms sweaty. One mistake could wake the beast. He needed to reach the far end of the cavern and find something—anything—that could be used to trigger a collapse. With careful, deliberate steps, Michael began his perilous journey across the cavern, his mind focused on survival, his heart racing with each silent footfall.
Michael inched forward, each step slow and measured. The soft glow of the gems cast an eerie light, making the shadows dance along the walls. Every creak of the ground beneath him sounded like a thunderclap in the stillness of the cavern. His eyes never left the behemoth, watching for any sign of awakening.
He carefully navigated around a cluster of jagged rocks, their sharp edges threatening to snag his clothing and betray his presence. His breath was shallow, his heartbeat thunderous in his ears. The exit seemed so far away, and every step felt like it took an eternity.
Suddenly, the behemoth stirred. Its massive tail twitched, sending a small shower of dust and pebbles cascading down. Michael froze, his heart leaping into his throat. He didn’t dare breathe, his eyes wide with fear as he watched the creature’s movements.
The behemoth’s breathing quickened for a moment, its claws flexing as if grasping for something in its dreams. The ground beneath Michael seemed to vibrate with the creature’s restless energy. His mind raced, a thousand thoughts vying for attention, but he forced himself to focus. He couldn’t afford to panic.
Slowly, the behemoth settled back into its slumber, its breathing returning to a slow, rhythmic pattern. Michael let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding, his body trembling with the adrenaline coursing through him. He took a moment to steady himself, wiping the sweat from his brow.
With renewed determination, he continued his careful journey across the cavern. Each step was deliberate, every sound scrutinized for potential danger. He was painfully aware of the behemoth’s presence, the creature’s immense power a constant threat looming over him. The exit was getting closer, but so was the risk of waking the beast. Michael was close to the exit, he could do this.
As he crept along the edge of the cavern, Michael’s foot accidentally dislodged a loose stone. It clattered to the ground, the sound echoing like a gunshot. The behemoth’s eyes snapped open, a low growl rumbling from deep within its chest. Michael’s heart skipped a beat, his body frozen in terror as he waited to see if the creature would fully awaken.
The cavern fell deathly silent as the behemoth’s growl reverberated through the space. Michael's pulse hammered in his ears, the sound almost deafening in the sudden stillness. He held his breath, praying the creature would settle back into sleep. His eyes were locked onto the beast, every muscle in his body tensed and ready to flee.
The behemoth’s eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, scanning the cavern lazily before half-closing again. It snorted, a puff of dust rising from the ground. Michael waited, his lungs burning from the lack of air. After what felt like an eternity, the behemoth's breathing slowed once more, its eyes sliding shut.
Michael let out a silent sigh of relief, the tension draining from his body. He couldn’t afford any more mistakes. He moved even more cautiously, his steps barely disturbing the ground beneath him. The exit was so close he could almost taste it. Just a few more steps, and he would be free.
Another shuffle of his foot, and this time, he felt the ground shift slightly. Panic surged through him, but he managed to keep his movements controlled. He adjusted his weight, avoiding another dislodged stone. The behemoth remained undisturbed, its deep breaths filling the cavern with a rhythmic, almost hypnotic sound as he edged closer and closer to the exit.
And then, he was out of the cavern.
Michael's heart slowly returned to a normal rhythm as he sat there, the adrenaline gradually leaving his system. He had made it. The behemoth was behind him. "That was too close," he muttered to himself, pushing away from the rocky wall and standing up. He had to keep moving. There was no telling what other creatures might lurk in this cave.
As he walked away from the cavern's mouth, a small glint caught his eye. A narrow beam of sunlight pierced through a crack in the ceiling, illuminating a spot on the ground ahead. Michael squinted against the sudden brightness, his eyes adjusting to the light.
The sight of sunlight filled him with a renewed sense of hope. If there was a way for sunlight to reach this part of the cave, then there had to be an exit to the surface nearby. Driven by this new possibility, Michael moved toward the source of the light. The beam of sunlight guided him like a beacon, each step bringing him closer to the promise of the outside world.
He kept his movements careful and deliberate, still mindful of the behemoth slumbering not far behind. The path ahead seemed to slope upward slightly, and he could feel the air becoming fresher, cooler. The beam of sunlight grew stronger, and Michael's heart lifted with each step.
After what felt like an eternity of cautious progress, he saw it—a small opening in the cave's ceiling, just wide enough to let the sunlight stream through. Beyond it, he could make out the blue sky.
"Shit," Michael whispered, realizing the opening was too high for him to reach easily. "Any ideas, Embora?"
"You could try to climb up to it, but it looks pretty unstable," Embora's voice echoed in his mind. "Maybe there's another way around, a tunnel or passage that leads upward?"
Michael scanned the area, searching for any signs of an alternate route. The walls of the cave were jagged and uneven, offering potential handholds, but they also looked treacherous. He needed a plan, and he needed it fast in case the behemoth woke up and decided to walk in this direction.
Michael tested the rocks on the wall, feeling the grit under his fingers as he tugged and pressed against the stones. Some came loose immediately, clattering to the ground with an echo that seemed impossibly loud. Michael flinched, his heart hammering in his chest as he glanced back at the behemoth. The creature remained motionless, its breathing deep and steady.
"Okay, slow and steady," he whispered to himself, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves.
He started to climb, his fingers gripping the rough surface of the cave wall. Each step was a careful dance between finding a secure hold and avoiding the loose rocks that threatened to send him plummeting back to the ground. Sweat dripped down his face, his muscles burning with the effort. He was halfway up when his foot slipped, sending a shower of pebbles below. His heart lurched as he scrambled to regain his grip, his fingers just managing to catch a protruding rock.
"Don't look down, don't look down," he muttered, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his heart.
He continued upward, each movement a test of his strength and endurance. Another rock gave way under his hand, and he nearly lost his balance again. Michael clung to the wall, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He could feel the strain in his arms and legs, the sharp pain of his muscles protesting the climb.
When he was three-quarters of the way up, he could see the opening clearly, the sunlight streaming through like a promise of freedom. But just as he reached for the next handhold, a deep rumble echoed through the cavern. Michael's blood ran cold as he heard the behemoth stir, its massive body shifting as it woke.
"Shit," he breathed, his eyes wide with fear. He glanced down, seeing the beast's eyes flicker open, its head rising as it sniffed the air.
Panic surged through him, but he forced himself to keep climbing. The behemoth's growl filled the cavern, a sound that seemed to vibrate in his bones. He moved faster, his movements frantic but controlled, every ounce of his being focused on reaching the exit.
The behemoth stood, its massive form blocking out the glow of the gems. It roared, the sound deafening, as it turned its gaze toward Michael. He could feel its eyes on him, a primal fear gripping his heart.
Michael pushed himself harder, his fingers bleeding from the rough rock. The opening was so close now, just a few more feet. He could hear the behemoth's heavy footsteps approaching, the ground shaking with each step.
With a final burst of energy, Michael pulled himself up through the opening, collapsing onto the sandy ground outside. He lay there, panting and trembling, the sunlight hot on his face. Below him, the behemoth roared in frustration, its massive form unable to follow him through the narrow gap. The sand clung to his skin, mingling with the sweat that coated his body. He felt the grit against his hands and face, a grounding sensation that pulled him back from the brink of panic.
He had made it. The behemoth was behind him, and the open sky stretched out above, a stark contrast to the dark cavern below. Michael allowed himself a moment of relief, his body aching but his spirit soaring.
"That was too close," Embora muttered to herself, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and admiration. “Good job, Michael.”
“Thank you,” Michael replied in gasps, his breath gradually steadying. The warmth of the sun was a welcome change from the cool, oppressive air of the cave. he felt a sense of peace.
The sand clung to his skin, mingling with the sweat that coated his body. He felt the grit against his hands and face, a grounding sensation that pulled him back from the brink of panic. Michael closed his eyes, allowing himself a brief respite. The warmth of the sun was a welcome change from the cool, oppressive air of the cave.
“Who are you?” A feminine voice came from above. Michael's eyes snapped open to see a large figure standing over him, her silhouette framed by the blinding sunlight. She was tall and imposing, her features shadowed against the bright sky.