As Peacock slammed against the river’s far shore a large distance away from where he started, bears were suddenly looking a lot better.
ABILITY UNLOCKED: SWIMMING
Oh, good. Peacock let out a high-pitched giggle as he scrambled ashore. At least his pain had a purpose. Perhaps there was a hidden pool in Zenith Flight’s caves. One day he would return for revenge, and his ability to swim would be the one thing between him and success. Maybe I should work on diving, too. Then I could drag Viseral under and see how long he can hold his breath.
Peacock shook like a dog, water flying in all directions. Being a dragon has its perks. No soggy fur or hair. He moved over to the ravine wall and jumped, sinking his claws into the stone. Plus, killer weapons and tools, all built in. Wish this was quieter, though.
Every step up the wall resulted in a loud crunch as his claws dug in. Peacock flinched every time. I’d better hurry, or everything within a mile is going to come see what’s scrabbling up the side of the ravine.
ABILITY UNLOCKED: CLIMBING
Yeah, great. Thanks.
Peacock sped up. The top of the wall drew closer. It was just a couple of body lengths away, past a small outcropping. He reached over the top.
The outcropping gave way. All the force behind his swing carried through, bringing with it a hail of stone that hit Peacock between the eyes. His head yanked back on reflex; his other hand coming loose.
The world turned upside down as he fell.
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No!
Peacock’s heart slammed into his chest as he tucked and twisted, planting all four sets of claws back into the rock. With a squeal of nails on a chalkboard, his descent slowed to a stop.
Shiiit. That was close. Peacock took a deep breath, then looked down. He’d slid to about halfway down the wall. He squashed a surge of frustration. Could be worse. Could be dead.
Peacock climbed back up, careful to avoid any outcroppings. It was dark by the time he dragged himself over the edge of the ravine wall and onto the forest floor.
Yay. Finally. Peacock splayed across the ground, all energy from the full night’s sleep evaporated.
The forest with its scraggly mountain trees spread out before him, his night vision giving every tree and bush an ominous grey tinge.
He froze. Dozens of circular lights shined in the distance. Do bears’ eyes glow in the dark?
While he wasn’t sure on bears, he knew wolves’ eyes did, and if the bear mob was any indication, the wolves would be twenty feet high, covered in spines, and out for dragon blood. So, the real question was, had he been seen?
Peacock stared at the glowing circles. The circles stared back. A few flickered. Wait, what?
The eyes went still for a moment, then others flickered. Peacock knew little about how the world worked, but flashing eyes seemed strange even for M and M.
One eye changed from yellow to orange, then back again. Like fire.
Peacock eased up off the ground and took a tentative step forward. The circles of light didn’t react. Now that he was thinking about it, all he heard was the screech of crickets. No growls, no howls. Lights, then, of some sort.
He gasped. Lights meant buildings. Buildings could mean a town, or city.
A lot of cities in MMORPGs were used as starting areas, which would have lots of low-level mobs for new players. Of course, this close to a high-level zone, it might also be an expansion hub. Either way, it would be crawling with other Rebirths. Anxiety spiked through him.
In the wilds, or in civilization, he remained vulnerable until he got stronger. He’d have to stay hidden, skulking on the edges of the city as he trained.
Peacock let his mounting fear seep into his trembling muscles. He wanted to feel it, needed to always be reminded of what it felt like to be weak. It would keep him careful, hidden, until the day his strength overpowered all else.