4 days before she visits, I set up an upgrade for one of my regular rat spawners. My option did slightly expand. Now I know that exploding rats have death thorns, and can “self-destruct”, however that is about all the benefits. Some new branches I see are fungi-rats, symbiote, amalgamate or perhaps gestalt of rat and fungi, symbiosis not much unlike that of lichen. Sounds interesting, but actual properties remain out of my view. My choice? Assassin rats. I already almost picked them over pack rats, and I could use versatility. It should be ready shortly after the next visit.
When the girl actually came. I started by rolling up 3 big balls of 15 pack rats. Larger swarms hit harder and take more hits to disburse. Meaning, simply forming the biggest ball possible would be the most deadly option, but that’s not my aim with her. Once broken, I had them run away to minimise losses. Then I was sending regular rats, one by one. This was the best way to stretch them over time, even if hits on my side were minimal. This time, I skipped the marbles. They aren’t very effective against her, anyway.
She was rather suspicious of how easily I went on her. I think I heard her whisper, “What are you up to?”, “Where’s the champion” and ”Are you alright?”. Once the battle ended she let out a sigh and began her post-battle routine. It was then she finally noticed the trapdoor to the basement. She took everything in the chest, created a strong static field, and took some deep breaths before venturing in.In the basement, Ania awaited. “Oh there you are”, answered by a shriek as my rats formed the biggest swarm yet. There was a deep breath, a short incantation, and the most powerful blast I have seen her produce. The light was blinding, the sound deafening and the damage heavy. This took a decent chunk from the swarm’s defence, but didn’t break it. Seeing this, the girl rushed back up and closed the trapdoor. This did little to stop me from using the mouse hole, but no point in chasing her. Really, I just count this as a win.
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How long was she hiding this attack? It was rather impressive, but I never provided a good target for it. It seemed to take a lot out of her, judging by how exhausted she was afterwards, and by the mana gained.
Back in the first room. She sat on the trapdoor and ate some dry food from her backpack, jerky and crackers, I think. Then for the first time she started talking in more than short sentences.
“Next time, next time, I’ll get you. Don’t think I missed the chest down there, and I do like chests.” A short giggle. “I don’t even know if you can hear or understand me, but thank you. Your loot really did help me, and the fights are fun too.”
Another break for soft laugh, “But the strawberries, how would you know?” This last bit she said somewhat contemplatively, while staring off in the distance.
I wanted to answer, to thank her in return, to ask about the strawberries. Really, just anything. Hearing her speak to me reminded me, for over half a year, I was alone. Even now, she is the closest thing I have to a friend in this world… and I don’t even know her name.