Each methodical step through the dark, sulfur-laden waters deepened Vex's grimace. Decaying plant matter clung to everything it touched while black muck below the surface eagerly swallowed bare feet. Every step forward was a miniature battle of will to endure the stagnant water's stench. Unfortunately, Vex knew that he would not remain the victor for much longer, as he continuously convulsed in disgust, shivers running down his spine.
Taking a moment to regain his composure, Vex checked his progress on the system map. At the heart of the bog, there was still a small unexplored bubble, indicated by a fuzzy black overlay on his map. The small, circular space collapsed with each step, revealing additional detail below. The bog was outlined in blue, with small vertical lines running through the enclosed space. Along the outside and through the center, narrowing concentric non-linear lines highlighted elevation and depth. While the map details hinted that the bog continued to become progressively deeper toward the middle, the black overlay obscured the likely outcome.
Despite the deterrents, the boiled bog water remained Vex's primary drinking source after several months. However, the potability had been significantly improved. Using a combination of bark, pebbles, a few tattered strips of cloth, and sand were formed into a makeshift filter. While straining the liquid had eliminated the need to chew before swallowing, it did little to clear the ebony tint.
Refocusing on the bog and refusing to be deterred by his disgust at wading through it, Vex pressed on, feeling the water creep higher with every stride, wearing away at his determination. Attempting to avoid the mental consequences of his trip the next time he became thirsty, he focused on his completionist goal of fully mapping the tiny world.
Pushing through the waist-deep slurry, Vex quietly celebrated as he reached the end of the uncharted black section within the bog. He slowly raised his fist and pumped his arm a few times. His map wasn't fully complete, but it was getting close. Only the plateau and a small area near where he had first entered their world were left to explore.
Exhausted and breathless from the short distance he had traveled, Vex turned and struggled back to solid ground. The thick muck clung to him stubbornly, trying to hold him down like quicksand. Rather than panicking, Vex pushed forward with deliberate movements, his muscles straining against the mud and thick water as he fought to break free and return to safety.
Nearly half an hour later, having won his struggle, Vex collapsed onto dry ground, gasping for air. Despite the bog only being waist deep, he was fully covered in a thick layer of gunk from the rotting plant matter. His clothing, already in tatters since arriving in this unfamiliar world, now smelled stagnant, subtly complimenting the pungent aroma of stale body odor from being worn for months through an eternally dark forest.
Slowly rolling onto his back and opening his eyes, Vex couldn't help but gaze at the distant stars, completely foreign to anything he could vaguely remember from his past world. The present night sky seemed to have locked into place, refusing to change. The celestial canvas was an eternal blanket of stars, ungraced by the setting or rising of a sun. The world didn't even have the dignity of a singular moon, making the scenery feel like an abstract interpretation of reality.
And yet, in a unique way, the world was alive and real. There were oddities, such as the intangible shadowy creatures and the lack of a breeze. However, the plants and foliage thrived in the darkness, and the thick fogs seemed to distribute water. And while the gremlins appeared out of place, they somehow managed not to starve to death.
Finally, feeling recovered enough to sit up, Vex slowly pushed himself off the ground and concentrated on the blinking in his vision. When he first began interacting with the system in this world, it felt strained and directed. Over time, the mental effort to open the menus had significantly lessened, making it easy to ignore or interact with the prompts and notifications.
> Congratulations! Your survival skill has reached the maximum level.
>
> You have reached the requisite skill level to unlock a new guild summon.
>
> You have unlocked the Shadowling class: Hunter.
>
> A new summon has joined your guild!
Blinking away the notifications in surprise, Vex looked around, only to realize the tip of a tiny spear was mere inches from his face. Immediately scrambling backward, Vex lost his grip on solid ground and tumbled backward into the bog.
After several moments of undignified flailing, gagging, sputtering, and crawling back onto shore, Vex composed himself and looked down at his newest Shadowling, who was flailing on the ground in seeming amusement. Unlike his previous summons, the hunter appeared to come with two weapons. The spear was lying on the ground, and a short bow was attached to the summon's back alongside a quiver. Aside from the weapons, Vex failed to notice anything more remarkable about this Shadowling. They looked rather average, with a body that fell somewhere between Sir Sneaks' lanky form and Strikesies' taller and more muscular physique.
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Deciding to give the Shadowling a minute to compose itself, as they hadn't stopped flailing, Vex pulled up his new summon's character sheet and read over their traits.
— Shadowling (Hunter)—
Basic Characteristics
Name: Unnamed
Level: Inherited
Class: Hunter
Race: Shadowling
Racial Bonus: One With Shadows
Status
Health: Full
Mana: Full
Stamina: Full
Ailments: None
Experience: N/A
Summon Time Remaining: 2:00:00
Traits
*Relentless Predator
*Bigger Game Hunter
*That Will Never Work
*Irresistible Trap
*Field Foresight
*The marked trait is locked because it has not met the minimum skill threshold.
Skills
None
Languages
Summoner's Native Language: Inherited
Sign Language - Shadow Cant: MAX
Spells
None
* * *
> The Relentless Predator trait ensures that a target, once marked, can always be found. Depending on the stage of pursuit, tracks may be easier to find, blood trails easier to spot, or movement speed towards the prey can be dramatically increased. Injured targets of a Relentless Predator will be much more likely to make mistakes when they actively avoid being pursued. The Relentless Predator trait requires an individual to be skilled in Running 5, Tracking Max, Endurance Training 3, Stalking Max, Stamina Training 3, Perception Max, and Intimidation 8.
>
> The Bigger Game Hunter trait rewards those pursuing larger and more powerful targets than themselves with increased perception, awareness of a target's weaknesses, and greater ability strength when taking down prey. This trait's bonuses scale with differences in the comparative size and strength of the hunter and their prey. For those with the Bigger Game Hunter trait, the bigger they are - the more likely you're compensating for something. The Bigger Game Hunter trait requires an individual to be skilled in Hunting Max, Target Weakness Max, Subdue Max, and Critical Strikes Max.
>
> The That Will Never Work trait rewards those utilizing significantly complex or unlikely means of trapping a target with highly increased odds of successfully ensnaring their prey and other bonus effects based on circumstance and the nature of the trap. Did someone call you insane for wanting to remove an ogre with an off-handed comment about its mother and a squeaky hammer? If you're willing to build a large enough Rube Goldberg-triggered trap, you may just have the last laugh. The That Will Never Work trait requires an individual to be skilled in Trap Making Max, Trap Setting Max, Trapping Max, Engineering 3, Concealment 3, and Deception 3.
>
> The Irresistible Trap trait draws your desired target into your set traps. Hunters will gain increased knowledge on how to conceal their traps and make them more alluring for their intended prey. At the same time, undesired targets are much less likely to spot or be attracted to your traps. Those with the Irresistible Trap trait could lure drowning men into their traps with a glass of water, if that was their intended target. The Irresistible Trap trait requires an individual to be skilled in Trapping Max, Concealment Max, Deception Max, Baiting Max.
>
> The Field Foresight trait allows individuals to sustain themselves and others for a prolonged period in nearly any environment with the right preparations. Want to get close and personal with fire elementals? Someone with Field Foresight will know what gift to bring for dinner, how to camp out on lava for a night, and which salve will help treat those pesky burns in the morning. While Field Foresight doesn't guarantee your survival, it does give those who come prepared a fighting chance. The Field Foresight trait requires an individual to be skilled in Survival Max, Fire Making 3, Bushcraft 5, Foraging 3, Shelter-Building 3, and Hiking 5.
Staring in shock at the traits for several seconds, Vex re-read the descriptions to verify the system's tone change. While he had seen hints of humor before, this was a bit over-the-top by comparison. However, he didn't know if his personality or an external entity drove the change. While it was a point worth testing, Vex realized that the hunter had been able to compose itself, pick up its spear, and refocused their attention back on Vex.
Grinning down at the little Shadowling, who had a laugh at his expense, Vex confidently stated, "I think I'm going to name you General Trap-Bar."
In response, the hunter dropped its spear, pulled the bow off its back, knocked an arrow, and pointed it directly at Vex's face.
"Never mind," Vex quickly stammered, "we'll just call that name a dead end!"
"Maybe Scout? That feels closer but off." Vex pondered aloud, "Wait! We'll call you Chaser, not Scout."
The hunter slowly lowered its bow, scratching its chin as it considered Vex's proposal for a moment before seeming to come to a decision. Looking back at Vex, the Shadowling nodded before re-slinging its bow and retrieving its spear again.
Attempting to adopt a neutral expression, Vex quietly affirmed his decision to the system while whispering, "I knew we’d work it out!"
> You are attempting to permanently change your Shadowling (Hunter) 's name to Chaser. This action cannot be undone. Are you sure? (Y/N?)
>
> Your Shadowling (Hunter) 's name is now Chaser.
With the naming complete, Vex began strategizing what to do with the new summon and its odd collection of traits. However, before drifting off, he remembered that he should avoid making past mistakes. So, seating himself on the ground, Vex introduced himself to the newest guild member.