Elara floated in the pond, her body finding relief from the sweat and grime that had accumulated over the past day of intense training. The water was cool and refreshing against her skin, and she let out a contented sigh as she allowed herself to relax for a moment. As she drifted, she couldn't help but reflect on the progress she had made. Her skills had grown exponentially, with Void Bolt reaching level 14, Umbral Shift level 5, Voidwalk level 16, Dark Infusion level 8 and Mediation has reached level 18. The numbers filled her with a sense of pride and accomplishment, a testament to the hard work and dedication she had put into her training.
Her Dagger Handling had also improved significantly, now at level 18, and her Heat Resistance had reached level 7. The latter was particularly useful, considering the intense heat that the dragon emanates. If Elara had any thought of leaving this place with the dragon, she would need to be able to be near them. Her thoughts drifted to the ancient creature, remembering how it had described her this very spot when she first had become too pungent from her own sweat. The dragon's wisdom and patience while answering her questions had been invaluable, pushing her to explore and ask more.
As she floated, her gaze settled on Boogie, the faithful companion who had been by her side throughout most of her journey. The little elemental was currently bobbing at the edge of the pond, content to watch over her as she rested. She couldn't help but smile as she thought about Boogie's unwavering loyalty. The elemental had come and gone over the past six days, always making sure to check on her before running off to do its own thing. It was a small gesture, but one that meant the world to her. She swam over to Boogie. Her clothes lay beside the elemental, dried by its fire. She climbed out of the water, trying to wipe off as much water as possible, and slipped into her garments, noticing the wear and tear from her recent adventures.
As she made her way back to the hall where the dragon rested, she couldn't help but wonder how long her clothes would last. The fabric had already begun to fray at the edges.
The dragon greeted her with a nod as she entered the hall. "It is time to continue our plan of leaving this sky fortress," it rumbled, its voice echoing off the ancient walls.
She listened intently as the dragon began to speak. "In its prime, this fortress welcomed many visitors, allies and friends of the Warden who found solace here," the dragon explained, its voice a deep rumble that echoed through the ancient halls.
"The Warden possessed a bracelet that granted the wearer the power to allow or deny access to the fortress and its airspace," the dragon continued. "Before the Warden departed, he placed the bracelet upon the statue of his beloved, hidden in the middle of the forest outside the fortress walls."
The dragon fixed its gaze upon her. "I need you to venture into the forest, find the statue, and retrieve the bracelet."
Her mind raced with questions. She took a step forward, her voice steady despite the uncertainty that gnawed at her. "How far is the forest from here? And what might I face along the way? A forest is rarely uninhabited, I imagine."
The dragon considered her queries for a moment before responding. "The forest lies just beyond the fortress walls, a short distance away. As for dangers, the forest harbors its own perils, but the real challenge is reaching the statue undetected by whatever beast that reigns at the top of the food chain."
She nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. "And once I have the bracelet, how do I use it to grant us passage out of here?"
"The bracelet's power is tied to the will of the wearer," the dragon explained. "Once it is in your possession, you need only focus your intentions upon it, and the fortress will respond accordingly." She took a breath, her resolve steadying her nerves. "I understand. I'll set out immediately then and get a feel for the land."
The dragon inclined its head in acknowledgment. "Be cautious. Your level and experience are still far too low. Take your little elemental with you. Once it gets dark, return here." She nodded, her resolve firm as she made her way outside, the sun's warm rays caressing her skin as she stepped into the open air. Taking a deep breath, she called out for Boogie.
As she waited for the elemental to join her, she gazed up at the sky, trying to gauge the sun's position and estimate how much daylight she had left. The sun was still high, indicating she had about three to five hours before darkness would fall.
For a moment, she allowed herself to enjoy the gentle breeze that played with her golden locks. It was a small comfort, a reminder of the simple pleasures that existed even amid her challenging circumstances.
Refocusing on the task at hand, she considered her objectives for the day. Her primary goal was to reach the forest and assess the types of creatures and plants that called it home. But before that, she needed to get a sense of the forest's size. The dragon had mentioned that the statue was located in the middle of the forest, so she knew she would have to find a way to navigate to its center.
Just then, Boogie arrived, its presence a reassuring warmth beside her. With a nod of acknowledgment, she set out, her steps purposeful as she made in the direction of the pond. She kept walking, carefully dodging the large piles of collapsed walls that littered the path. After a few minutes of navigating the debris, she found herself beyond the pond and the fortress walls. She paused, taking in the sight of the imposing structure standing tall against the mountain. From her vantage point, she could see a slope that led down to the forest below.
Her gaze swept over the expanse of trees, taking in the lush greenery that stretched out before her. From her position, she had a view that spanned the forest, giving her a sense of its scale and the challenges that lay ahead. She made her way down the slope, her steps careful and measured as she navigated the uneven terrain. The sounds of birds chirping and insects buzzing filled the air, a symphony of life that seemed to grow louder with each step she took towards the forest's edge.
As she approached the treeline, she couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size and thickness of the trees that loomed before her. The branches were so sturdy and wide that she could probably walk on them with ease, but for now, she stayed on the ground, not wanting to risk getting lost in the canopy above. She continued to make her way through the forest, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. Elara kept her dagger in one hand, marking trees she passed with an arrow pointing in the direction they were going. She noted the different fauna that she passed, wondering if she would have had to forage for berries and hunt for animals if she hadn't found the fasting pills back in the fortress.
Boogie took the lead, its fiery form bobbing and weaving through the undergrowth with confidence. She followed a bit behind, trusting in her companion's instincts more than her own to guide them through the unfamiliar territory.
Suddenly, a blur of black fur burst from the shadows, tackling Boogie to the ground with a fierce growl. Elara froze, her heart pounding in her chest as she took in the sight of the creature that had ambushed them. It was a strange hybrid, a cross between a panther and a monkey, with sleek, black fur that seemed to melt into the shadows of the trees. Its eyes gleamed with predatory intelligence as it pinned Boogie to the forest floor, its powerful jaws snapping dangerously close to the elemental's fiery form.
She was shocked, having not even noticed the hunter's presence until it was too late. With a shaking hand, she used her inspect skill on the creature, hoping to glean some information that could help them deal with this situation. The system's response appeared before her eyes.
Arboreal Hunter [Level:??].
Her heart raced as she watched the Arboreal Hunter pin Boogie to the ground, but to her surprise, the creature hesitated, confused by the flames that licked its maw. At that moment of hesitation, Boogie seized its chance. The elemental burst into a raging inferno, its purple flames searing the hunter's fur and causing it to yelp in pain and surprise.
Elara forced herself to snap out of her frozen state, realizing that she needed to act fast to help her companion. With a deep breath, she focused her energy on her left hand and shot a Void Bolt at the attacker. The bolt of dark energy hit its mark, striking the Arboreal Hunter and causing it to reel back. The creature, now noticeably slower than before, thanks to the debuff that Void Bolt inflicted, tried to make its escape by climbing a nearby tree.
But she was not about to let it get away so easily. She knew the debuff would only last for 10 seconds, lowering the creature's Dexterity and Wisdom, and she needed to make the most of that time. She ran to where she could see the creature, her movements quick. She raised her left hand, focusing her energy once more, and shot another Void Bolt at the Arboreal Hunter. The bolt hit the creature, causing it to lose its grip on the tree and tumble to the ground. It lay there, stunned by the fall.
Boogie, now free from the hunter's grasp, made its move to close in on the hunter and explode in a fiery inferno again. She watched as the Arboreal Hunter lay motionless on the ground, its fur singed and its body battered from the fall. A sense of relief washed over her, the adrenaline of the fight still coursing through her veins. Suddenly, a message appeared before her eyes, the system's notification cutting through the haze of the moment.
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You have defeated Arboreal Hunter. [Level 22].
You have earned 848 Exp.
Elara stared at the message, a mix of emotions swirling within her. On one hand, she was thrilled to have emerged victorious from her first real battle. But on the other hand, Elara couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment when no level up notification followed. She had expected that defeating a creature many levels above her own would have been enough to push her over the edge and into the next level.
Still, she knew she couldn't dwell on what she hadn't achieved. Instead, she focused on the positives, on the fact that she and Boogie had worked together to overcome a foe. She turned to her companion, a grin spreading across her face as she saw the elemental bobbing excitedly in the air. "We did it, Boogie!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with pride and joy. "You have done well."
Boogie let out a series of excited crackles and pops, its fiery form dancing with glee. She couldn't help but laugh at the elemental's enthusiasm, feeling a surge of affection for her friend.
As the adrenaline faded, she took a moment to assess the situation. She knew they needed to keep moving, but first, she needed to catch her breath and meditate to generate her resources. She leaned against a nearby tree, taking a few deep breaths to steady herself. She marveled at how quickly the skill had progressed, now at level 18. The mana and stamina regeneration were noticeable, and she could feel her energy returning with each passing second. As she meditated, her thoughts drifted to the dragon. She realized with a start that she had never asked for the dragon's name, nor had she shared her own. It was a strange oversight, one that she now regretted.
She wondered if names held any importance to dragons. Perhaps the dragon had not asked for her name because it did not see the need for such formalities. Or maybe there was a deeper reason, some cultural or personal significance that she was unaware of. She felt a twinge of guilt as she realized she had not seen the dragon as a person, but rather as something larger than life. It was an offensive way of thinking, to lessen its personhood, she knew, and one that she needed to correct.
Boogie floated beside her, its fiery form casting a warm glow on the surrounding trees. The elemental kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, prepared for another Arboreal Hunter to emerge from the shadows. She opened her eyes, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She turned to Boogie, a small smile on her face. "Thank you for keeping watch," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I would do without you."
Boogie crackled and popped in response, its flames dancing with pleasure at the praise. She couldn't help but chuckle at the elemental's antics. She and Boogie continued their journey through the forest, their senses heightened and their eyes scanning the trees above for any signs of danger. The encounter with the Arboreal Hunter had left them both on edge, aware that the ambush predator had made the forest its home. As they walked, they encountered four more Arboreal Hunters. Each battle was a test of their skills and teamwork, with Boogie taking the brunt of the hits and keeping the focus off of Elara. Despite the danger, she managed to avoid getting hit, thanks in part to her ability to teleport away when things got too close for comfort.
The battles were intense, but they emerged victorious each time. With each victory, she could feel herself growing more confident, her skills and abilities improving with every encounter. And then, after the fourth battle, it happened - she leveled up to level 8. The system notification appeared before her eyes, informing her she had accumulated 15 unspent stat points. her heart raced with excitement at the prospect of becoming even stronger, but she hesitated. She knew that allocating her stat points was a crucial decision, one that could have a significant impact on her near future.
She waited before spending her stat points, wanting to seek the advice of the dragon first. She knew that the ancient creature had a wealth of knowledge and experience that they seem open to sharing, and she hoped they could guide her in making the best choices for her growth and development.
With the sun beginning to set, she and Boogie made their way back to the fortress. They followed the arrow markers that she had left with her dagger along the way, retracing their steps through the dense foliage and winding paths of the forest. They reached the outside of the fortress just as the sun began to set, painting the sky and clouds below in a breathtaking array of pinks and reds. She paused for a moment, taking in the stunning sight before her. Despite the challenges and uncertainties she had faced since arriving in this strange world, she couldn't help but wonder if moments like these made it all worthwhile.
After a few seconds, she turned and made her way back to the hall where the dragon resided. Boogie, seeming to sense that its presence was not needed, wandered off to explore the fortress on its own. As she stepped into the hall, she noticed that the dragon's eyes were closed, its massive form still and peaceful. For a moment, she hesitated, not wanting to disturb the ancient creature's rest. But as if sensing her presence, the dragon's eyes fluttered open, fixing her with a gaze.
"You are back," the dragon rumbled, its voice echoing through the hall.
"Hello," Elara replied, her own voice sounding small in comparison. "I hope I'm not interrupting." The dragon shook its head, a gesture that seemed almost human. "Not at all. I was merely resting my eyes. Please, tell me about your adventures in the forest."
She nodded, taking a seat on the stone floor before the dragon. She recounted her experiences, starting with her initial foray into the forest and the encounter with the Arboreal Hunter. As she spoke, the dragon listened, its eyes lazily half-open but still focused on her. Elara could feel the weight of its gaze, the intensity of its attention, and it filled her with a need to sit upright.
She told the dragon of the battles she and Boogie had fought, of the five Arboreal Hunters they had defeated and the experience and levels she had gained. She spoke of her hesitation to allocate her stat points, seeking the dragon's guidance.
Throughout her tale, the dragon remained silent, absorbing every detail with a quiet focus. Elara found herself grateful for the opportunity to share her experiences with someone who could offer insight and advice. As she finished her account, she fell silent, waiting for the dragon's response. She knew that whatever guidance the ancient creature offered would be invaluable, and she was eager to hear its thoughts on her journey thus far.
The dragon spoke with a hint of pride as it regarded her. "You have done well, young one," it rumbled, its voice filling the hall with a deep resonance. She felt a surge of warmth at the dragon's praise, but her mind was still filled with questions. She hesitated for a moment before voicing her concerns. "I noticed that I'm gaining fewer experience points than expected, fighting opponents with much higher levels than me," she said, her brow furrowed. "Is it because I'm fighting alongside Boogie?"
The dragon nodded, its scales shimmering in the dim light. "Indeed," it replied. "The elemental is of a level similar to your opponents and is likely dealing the most damage. As such, it receives the larger share of the experience points."
She mulled over this information, her mind racing with the implications. She knew she needed to grow stronger, but the thought of leaving Boogie behind was unthinkable. "What should I do with my stat point? Any advice?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
The dragon considered her question for a moment before speaking. "It is important not to neglect any of your stats," it advised. "A weakness in one area can be exploited by others. The potency of your magic attacks increases with intelligence, but your physical stats are equally important if you do not want to die at the first hit. It would be useless to still be able to cast spells but be physically unable to dodge or get into a favourable position."
She listened attentively, absorbing every word. She knew that the dragon's advice was invaluable, born from experience.
"Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I will keep your words in mind as I make my decision." The dragon inclined its head, a gesture of acknowledgment.
Her thoughts returned to the matter of names. She had always found it odd that the dragon had never given her its name, despite their frequent interactions. She decided to just plain out ask the dragon. It had answered all her other questions so far, she couldn't see why it would not answer her now.
"Excuse me," she began, getting the dragon's attention. "I was wondering... do you have a name? I mean, we've not exchanged our names before. I would like to, if that is alright with you." The Dragon regards her for a moment, staying quiet longer than it ever had when she has asked it a question. She was getting nervous.
She watched as the dragon's demeanor shifted, its eyes narrowing and its posture becoming more serious. The ancient creature regarded her for a moment before speaking, its voice low and measured.
"Indeed, we have not exchanged names," the dragon began, its voice resonating through the cavernous hall. Its piercing gaze bore into her, as if searching for something profound within her. "Exchanging names is a significant act, a testament that two beings have acknowledged each other, be they ally or foe."
The dragon fell silent, leaving her to ponder its words. She furrowed her brow, confusion etched across her features. "But we have met," she ventured, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I consider you a friend. You've been good to me, answering my questions, training me, giving advice, and providing a safe place to rest by your side. It's something a parent or mentor would do. If not a friend."
She observed the dragon's reaction with a mixture of apprehension and concern. The sudden widening of its eyes spoke volumes, as if her words had pierced through centuries of stoic composure. The dragon's head turned away from her, its majestic form bathed in the soft glow of the hall's dim light.
A knot formed in her stomach as she grappled with the unintended impact of her words. She hadn't anticipated such a visceral response from the ancient creature, and a wave of uncertainty washed over her. Had she overstepped her bounds? Had she offended the very being she had come to regard as a mentor and friend?
Her heart raced in her chest as she waited for the dragon's next move, her mind swirling with a whirlwind of emotions. She longed to reach out, to offer reassurance and take back her words, but she remained rooted to the spot, unsure of how to mend the fracture she had unwittingly caused.
The silence stretched between them, heavy and thick with unspoken emotions. Finally, the dragon spoke, its voice quieter than she had ever heard. "I am honored that you consider me a friend," it said, its words slow and deliberate. "It has been a long time since anyone has regarded me as such."
She felt a surge of warmth at the dragon's words, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She had never imagined that her simple statement could have such an impact on the ancient creature.
"My name is Elara," she said, her voice soft but clear. "And I would be honored to know yours."
The dragon turned its head back towards her, its eyes glistening with an emotion that she couldn't quite place. It seemed to weigh its options, considering the implications of sharing its name.