Novels2Search

029 - Cave

The red orbits illuminated the twilight as the skeleton scanned its surroundings, fixing its gaze on the strange creature that had awakened it from its long slumber. This creature was rich in mana, which should help enhance its strength. Normally, most of the creatures it had encountered would have fled, been afraid, or bolted away. Unlike them, this one remained motionless, observing it as if trying to pinpoint its weaknesses.

It attempted to move forward, but it realized that the rock was surrounding it, preventing its progress. Furious, it raised its hands above its head, and after a few seconds, decayed claws sprouted from its fingertips. Before launching them at the surrounding rock, it effortlessly carved into the stone.

It used its claws again, pushing aside the debris that crashed to the ground. Step by step, it planted its claws into the walls, advancing slowly.

¤ Zombie's Point of View ¤

____________________

This thing that awakened me is not ordinary, it's different from all these weak creatures. The Zombie remembers that since its creation, most of its prey would either flee or react with fear, apprehension...

But this one shows no reaction; it looks at him with a curious "eye," ignoring its appearance. Its gaze inspects its body as if searching for a weakness.

The mana present in this creature, similar to the living stone, is immense. Thinking about it, it should be able to advance in its evolution with such mana. This is a great opportunity as it has been buried for many years. Due to its race , they possess a unique characteristic: they will be dormant and will only awaken when they detect life. In the absence of life forms, they remain inactive for a long period of time.

From its hand, it tries to grasp the creature, but it's too far away. And the surrounding rock prevents its movement.

To free itself from the rock, it redirects its mana to the tips of its nails, elongating them before raising its arm and cutting through the restraining rocks.

Using its claws to climb, it embeds them into the cave walls, moving slowly toward its prey.

As it approaches, it notices that its prey is becoming serious, channeling mana through the rock. Focusing on the mana flow, a spike of earth suddenly shoots in its direction.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"No, this can't be," thought the Zombie, looking in fear at the stone spike piercing through it, recalling with horror an enemy from a bygone era. In its mind, an image of a monster covered in sharp spikes emerges. This monster grew larger and more powerful with each encounter, using the earth and rocks around it as weapons to harm its opponents.

While the Zombie is immersed in its unsettling and traumatic memories, its body freezes in fear, leaving Rock puzzled about its opponent.

Minutes pass since the Zombie became immobilized, and seeing no reaction, Rock decides to leave. It touches the ground, re-merging with the rest of its body, and delves deeper into the cave, leaving a particularly troubled Zombie behind.

As he continues to advance through the caves, he discovers silver stalagmites and stalactites. The path is covered with luminescent vines bearing golden-colored fruits.

The dark paths grow increasingly luminous, bringing with them a touch of mystique. As he moves through the tunnels of the cave, the vines become more present, along with small creatures. These creatures hide within the vines; among them are cave rabbits that live in groups, devouring the leaves of the vines. (These rabbits have developed good night vision and sturdy paws capable of digging into the rock.) There are also other small creatures feasting on the yellow fruits present on the vines.

This space is teeming with life and light, bringing all kinds of animals to gather in this fantastic place.

Rock continues his journey, frightening the small animals that flee as he advances step by step, causing the ground to tremble. They take refuge among the leaves, in high places, or within the numerous crevices in the rock.

As he nears the end of the tunnel, two paths lay before him:

---------------------------------------------------------------------

In the left tunnel, crystals sparkle, protruding from the walls.

In the other tunnel, he can sense numerous vibrations through the ground. Activating his skill [Magic Sense], a flow of blue light appears on his face as he hears the animals, smells the familiar scent of the earth, and feels the cold rock beneath his feet.

Looking ahead with the aid of his vision, the cave is filled with a sort of very fine white dust, in which animal carcasses can be seen trapped by large white threads, while small black creatures with many legs gather around, consuming them.

RRRAAaaa, a vibration reaches Rock like a cry of last resort.

¤ Zombie's Point of View ¤

____________________

"No, he looks like him, but the resemblance ends there. The one I know would have already lunged at me as soon as he saw me. It seems he's curious; it must be the first time he's seen someone as extraordinary as me, unlike those pathetic Zombies who can't even think and are only good for dying."

A feeling of weakness envelops him, and he breaks out of his illusion, awakening with vacant eyes where Rock should have been.

RRRRRAAAaaaa

The Zombie lets out a howl of rage as its body loses its functions, slowing down, and it falls into hibernation.