Chapter 31: In the Middle of a Beast Wave
Uzman did not know what to expect when using the portal stone. He had hoped that it would help him escape from the Inquisitors. Killing one of the soldiers had felt cathartic at the time. However, the feeling of satisfaction and regret was confusing. Satisfaction having gained revenge on one of his tormentors and regret for having had to take a life.
He had been elated when the multihued rift opened, its shimmering lights providing a glimmer of hope and salvation. He had also been apprehensive since he was venturing into the unknown without preparation. Going to the dragon realm had been something he had accepted, even looked forward to; but going to an entirely different world? That was cause for a little fear.
Uzman stumbled into a lush valley as the rift faded from existence. The portal stone crumbled into dust in his hand. There would be no going back unless he found another portal stone or learned how to make one. After all, part of the excitement by the Great Houses of Tanga had been his perceived ability to create such stones and gateways. To his left were smooth rocky cliffs that rose into the air creating a natural barrier for the valley.
Just as he landed, he was struck by a huge paw in the chest throwing him in the air. He rolled to his feet and drew his sword while his eyes roved quickly taking stock of his environment.
‘What the hell?’ some deity somewhere must be having a lot of fun at my expense’ Uzman thought.
Uzman was tired, battered, and almost out of Chi. He could not believe his eyes as he surveyed his surroundings. He was in the middle of a demon beast wave! To make matters worse, the aura of the beasts indicated that most of them were at Rank 3 or higher.
Uzman faced a gargantuan chimera beast that had the body of a bear and the head of a wolf. Wicked-looking claws flashed in its paws while the mouth contained two rows of inch-long teeth. It was unlike any beast Uzman had ever encountered or heard about. The creature was exuding the strong aura of a Third Rank cultivator. Uzman moved quickly trying to create space between himself and the beast. From the corner of his eyes, he could see the imperial soldier who had accompanied him battling a similar beast.
There were all manner of beasts moving briskly westward down the sloping valley. Uzman could see oni, wolves, ogres, trolls, imps, gremlins, as well as, other species that he could not identify.
The only sliver of luck that Uzman could associate with his situation was that the portal had landed them on the periphery of the beast wave next to the cliff. To his right and in front, many creatures were moving in an ordered procession matching to a silent command. It could have been worse if he had landed at the center or in front of the wave.
The bear wolf danced nimbly as it attacked using its paws trying to pummel Uzman into a paste. Uzman enforced himself using air for mobility as he could not compete effectively on strength. He ducked, bobbed, and weaved keeping away from the flashing claws. The creature grinned savagely; it was enjoying itself. The grinning visage was hideous and intimidating. More surprisingly, it irradiated intelligence.
Uzman had expended most of his Chi reserves in Tanga and needed to end the fight quickly. He waited for the wolf to swipe at his head and ducked low springing forward. He used a double-handed grip to thrust at the creature's belly hoping to score a fatal hit. His lunge connected with an earthen shield that sprang into existence covering his targeted point. The jarring impact transferred to his arms forcing him to stumble backward. The bear wolf took advantage of this lapse to swipe at his chest. The force of the blow threw Uzman to land on his back bleeding. Instantly, the bear wolf pounced intending to land on Uzman crushing him under its massive weight.
Uzman enforced himself with the last of his Chi threading together earth and fire. As his Chi sputtered out he knew it would not be enough.
Three water whips connected with the bear wolf just before it landed on Uzman pulling it off course allowing him to roll awkwardly out of its way. The whips twisted wrapping themselves around its throat and drilling through. They were yanked back tearing its throat out.
Uzman turned to see the soldier who had portalled to this realm with him holding the water whips. Uzman had known he was an elemental cultivator but had not known his affinity.
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“Thanks for the save, but know that it does not absolve you of the torture or murder of my friends,” Uzman grunted, his face a mask of rage as he looked around for other threats. He was now forced to rely on the help of a mortal enemy for survival.
“I do not seek absolution or forgiveness from you. My crimes are my own even though they were performed at the order of another. But in the current circumstances, I cannot watch a demon beast take a human life and not intervene,” the soldier stated, his voice devoid of malice.
“Okay, truce then until we figure out where we are and try to survive?” Uzman asked.
“Agreed, I will not try to harm you at all. My name is Jingo by the way.”
The death of the bear wolf did not go unnoticed by the other creatures. Several beasts were converging on their position rapidly after taking note of their fallen compatriot.
One thing that still bothered Uzman as he surveyed the surreal landscape was the ability of the animals to work together cohesively, like an army. All of his meager knowledge indicated that this was not natural; should not be possible. And yet, they were in a beast wave where different creatures were not attacking each other but moved purposefully towards an objective. The beast wave included both prey and predator. Maybe there was a truce for the creatures to postpone dining on each other in pursuit of a higher purpose.
“By Jezub’s balls we are screwed,” Jingo whispered. “Two of those beasts ambling towards us are at Rank 4. We have no chance against them. We need to run.”
Uzman chuckled bitterly “Run where? In case you have not noticed, there are beasts everywhere. Additionally, it seems we were not included in the drafting of the truce that is allowing this bizarre cooperation.”
The first creature to reach Uzman and Jingo was a massive bipedal creature that resembled an ogre. It had a large head, small squinty eyes, thick arms, two tusks growing from the side of its jaws, and two horns on its head that bespoke the results of a horrific experiment gone wrong. The caricature stopped close to Uzman and Jingo.
“Humans, I smell deceit in you. You must be intruders or spies trying to disrupt our righteous cause.”
Uzman would have laughed out loud were it not for the danger and absurdity of the situation. Here was a chimera ogre that was accusing them of being spies. In Tanga, they had been accused of being traitors. The ludicrousness of the situation was emphasized by the other beasts waiting for the ogre to pronounce judgment before acting. The whole charade looked almost civilized were it not for the simple problem of being surrounded by demon wolves, goblins, and ogres salivating at the prospect of an easy meal.
“Kill them quickly, we have a village to raid,” ordered the ogre.
Uzman was too stupefied to respond to the threat of death. He was staring at the ogre that was wearing what he could now identify as some form of tailored leather clothes. The ogre was wearing knee-length pants and a belt that was ornately decorated with beads. To add to the absurd spectacle, the ogre had a brigandine on its torso that was covered by a black pelt.
Uzman picked his jaw from the ground as a myriad of techniques flew their way. They were standing back to back with Jingo trying not to be flanked or attacked from the back. However, the techniques were from elemental and Mind rank cultivators.
Uzman stared defiantly, resigned to being pulverized. He flinched as the techniques crashed into a circular barrier of air snapped into place around them and lifted them into the air. The techniques crashed against the barrier and bounced harmlessly. They flew over the beasts as they were bombarded by a constellation of techniques ranging from wind blades, earth spikes, water bolts, and fireballs. All of these techniques glanced off the bubble and dissipated.
“What the hell, I feel like Princess Alicia in Wonderland. Do you have any idea about this bubble and where it may be going?” Uzman asked Jingo.
“Just like you, I have no clue about what is going on. I also don’t know of any Princess Alicia or what they were doing in wonderland. What I can tell you, though, is that this bubble is a shield that seems to be woven from air and minuscule fire and earthen threads. How that is possible I have no idea. Also, we may have jumped from the frying pan into the fire as this level of power is way beyond what I have ever encountered or heard of.”
"Just an expression my grandfather used to have," Uzman answered while staring at the majesty of the valley that sloped downwards gracefully.
Uzman used his energy sense to assess the bubble that was ferrying them to Jezub knows where. It was made up mostly of air but the edges were laced with some finer orange and brown threads that were almost invisible. In that Jingo was correct that there were multiple affinities used in crafting the bubble. Unlike Jingo, Uzman knew that such a feat was possible through threading. What he could not wrap around his mind is the skill and finesse needed to control threads and create such a marvel.
The bubble continued moving rapidly through the air until it crossed a large river. It slowed down and landed on the other side away from the approaching beasts. The huge river formed a natural barrier as it was close to a mile in width. In the distance, Uzman could see a huge wall and towers rising into the sky.
The air bubble dissipated after hitting the ground. Uzman and Jingo looked at each other perplexed, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Just as suddenly as the bubble had appeared, a man of indeterminate age appeared seemingly out of thin air. He wore a blue robe that was decorated with gold filigree around the elbows and neck. On his waist, a sash of gold complemented the lace trimmings of the robe.
“Aha! Better late than never. Welcome to the Dragon Realm Uzman bin Vitara bin Sulmani al Faysal. We have been expecting you,” the man said smiling enigmatically as if privy to a joke only he knew.