Rocktopus. [https://i.imgur.com/OfjHDoR.jpeg]

Several days they were passed. Anyone did not disturb the villagers, and anxieties were forgotten. In this calm time, I continued to communicate with the trees, which seemed to grow more and more judicious, making their mysterious whispers more and more informative. They were relaying the news to me from the dungeon's depths that the roctopuses, having fled our village, were exhibiting less aggressive behavior.

Sharing this news with Chief Elfric, we concluded the Roktopus may have realized the futility of their attacks on the humans and refrained from further confrontations.

-they realized it was useless to fight humans, so they left us alone, — the leader explained his point of view to me. I didn’t challenge his opinion. He is the leader, he knows best. But in my heart, I did not believe that an undeclared surrender had resolved the unusual conflict. Perhaps the dungeon dwellers had temporarily improved their strategic plan.

After speaking with Elfric, I went out for a walk around the village. Centaur Jurion standing outside Luko's house caught my attention. I didn’t tether him because I thought tethering was an unnecessary precaution.

- If he wanted to escape, he would. The rope wouldn't have held him.

When I saw the centaur Jurion near Luko’s house, I approached him, contemplating his powerful figure and deep eyes full of thought. Realizing that it was my duty to explain to him the importance of taking responsibility for his actions, I began a conversation.

- Jurion, — I began, trying to speak to him as an equal, -I realize you resent my decision. But let me explain why I did what I did.

We both stood in the shade Of the still-dry trees as if discussing our fates under the still light of the sun. Jurion was silent, gazing at me as if trying to make sense of my words.

- Every crime carries a punishment, Jurion, — I continued, breathing in the scents of the village. - But sometimes that punishment may not be what we expect. Punishment is not just physical pain or banishment from society. Sometimes our punishment is about recognizing our actions, understanding their consequences, and taking responsibility for them. You realize that you are now carrying the punishment for your older brother’s misbehavior. Very often, in a family, the younger generation copies the actions of their elders. So, I don’t want you to copy Lyon’s actions and behavior.

I looked at Jurion, seeing the reflection of my words in his eyes.

- We all make mistakes, Jurion. But it’s important to learn from them and strive to do better. Let our punishment be not only a correction of our mistakes but also an opportunity for us to become stronger and wiser.

Silence enveloped us as if our conversation had left a seed of reflection in the soul of each of us. I was sure of the rightness of my actions. And the brothers would have time to consider their behavior. I also knew that even if Jurion did not agree with my words right now, they would live in his heart like a bright fire waiting for their time.

- Let’s not be angry with each other, but try to be friends. You are not only my companion now, but also my bodyguard to some extent. If I have an accident, who will return you to your former image in my place? Now, if you understand me correctly, I'd like to take a walk to the creek. I don’t want to put you in a wagon, it rattles a lot.

It wasn't hard to saddle Jurion. I didn't have a saddle, so I sat contentedly on the horse's broad back. Fluffy sat next to me. I could see from his contented face that he was fed and happy. I wasn't afraid to fall while riding. After a short lecture on my safety, Jurion will protect me more than himself.

I sat on the centaur’s back, deep in thought. The wind whispered its secrets to me, and the animals and birds that lived in the dry forest watched me with curiosity and respect. I felt that even nature recognized something special in me.

Being a wizard’s apprentice is an honor that rewards me with privileges I could not even dream of before. People look at me with reverence, but in their eyes, I sometimes notice a certain fear hidden under a layer of politeness and respect. This fear would not let them go, even when they smiled at me or showed me friendliness.

But the most amazing thing about this situation was that I hadn’t even fully discovered my abilities yet. I would ask Oceania about the credit of trust she has given me. Have I exhausted it or have I not touched it yet? My power and magical potential are not yet at their peak. Sometimes when I stop and think about it, I am overcome with a sense of incredible excitement and anticipation. I don’t know what powers I might have in store, what treasures lie in the depths of my soul, eager to be uncovered. I must confess that I am in no hurry to use all the power entrusted to me. I like surprises.

Jurion brought me to a brook, which, by its characteristics, fit the definition of a small river. The refreshing water embraced my senses, sending shivers of coolness down my spine. Small granite stones and coarse-grained sand covered the banks of the stream. The place chosen for bathing was just perfect.

The water in the creek murmured as if inviting us for a refreshing swim. Sunlight streamed through the many tree branches, creating a play of light and shadow on the surface of the water.

With a soft rustle, Fluffy and I slid off Jurion and let him go so he could enjoy the water. The centaur, smiling, stroked his mane as if preparing for this expected moment. With each movement of his muscular body, circles appeared in the water, spreading throughout the creek.

The calm water enveloped him, washing away the dust of his brief journey and filling him with purity and freshness. Jurion plunged into the water up to his chest, enjoying the coolness and tranquility. I stood on the bank, watching this amazing picture of nature, and felt my heart fill with joy and gratitude for this moment of peace and harmony.

After running along the creek, splashing us, the centaur stopped and prepared for the main part of the washing. I scrubbed Jurion’s equine body, taking pleasure in the unusual work. Drops of water dripping from the centaur’s croup fell into the stream, breaking into a multitude of diamond-shaped splashes.

Jurion waited for the end of the session. He did not try to speak to me, reluctant to answer my questions. If he didn’t like the question, he shuddered, waving his tail as if he were waving away pesky, omnipresent flies.

Fluffy climbed on my head and looked at the waters of the brook. He refused my offer to take a dip. The little creature trembled in fear at the swift current of the stream, perceiving it as reckless. Well, my pet was understandable. Everyone judges the state of things from the height of his stature. If a giant had been in his place, the stream might have seemed to him a shallow puddle. Perhaps the giants themselves were the first to call it a stream.

Tush became agitated and squeaked fearfully, attracting my attention. A small hand reached toward the coal mine, pointing in the threat's direction he sensed. The trees backed him up, a gust of wind blew through the branches, and I heard voices:

- They’re coming!

My heart clenched, my blood pounded in my temples. The shrieks of people came from the direction of the village. That’s what you hear when something bad happens, murder, or injury. There was no time to think. Jumping on the wet centaur, I spurred him on. Jurion carried us with ease, dodging dry branches as he went.

As it soon turned out Elfric, satisfied with the talk about the calm of the roctopuses, decided to resume work on the extraction of combustible stone, the miners were sent to the mine. Just in case, the working people decided to be guarded. Targon, my swordsmanship teacher, took charge of security. Torches soaked in flammable liquid, long spears, and swords were prepared.

At first, the work of coal mining went well. The miners found the coal deposits a little loose and did not require human effort. The combustible stone, a little bit wet, fell on the floor in layers, and the porters did not have time to carry full baskets. And that was when the humans were attacked by the roctopuses. Splattering yellow-green blood, they swung their tentacles, sweeping away everything in their path. Targon and his men missed the start of the attack, the worms attacked suddenly, breaking out of the walls. The consequences of the attack were tragic. All the miners died, and all the armed warriors led by Targon. Only the porters escaped, and not all of them.

We rushed into the village in a whirlwind, nearly knocking Elfric to the ground. The leader was angry, waving his sword and shouting orders.

He faced us in fury, his anger bursting out like a flash of fury, and sparks of implacability flickered in his eyes. Elfric raised his sword high above his head, his voice menacing and implacable:

- How dare you show up here after such an outrage! You, a wizard’s apprentice, were supposed to keep this village safe from all evil, not plunge us into danger and ruin!

His accusations pierced me like blades, and I felt each word like a blow to my soul. I wanted to object, but the words stuck in my throat, and I stood silently, meeting his angry gaze.

- You failed to subdue the roctopuses, you failed to foresee and prevent this nightmare! - The chief continued, his words sounding like warning bells, reminding me of the tragedy I had failed to prevent.

I felt like a traitor, like a scoundrel who had allowed this disaster to happen. My heart was full of bitterness and remorse, but in the face of the chief’s anger, my words seemed useless.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

- Elfric, I understand your anger and frustration, and I cannot deny my responsibility for what happened. But let me explain the situation. I don’t dispute that the situation with the roctopuses was tragic and I was unable to prevent this nightmare. But you have to remember that I did my best to save people by getting them out of the dungeon. My good deeds cannot be discounted. I was able to find a way out of that labyrinth and save those who were in danger.

Elfric looked at me angrily, as I had once looked at Lyon. But unlike that fool, I did not kill the miners with my own hands. Yes, I made the mistake of thinking the conflict was over. I didn’t take extra measures to protect the villagers.

If I’d known then how many more situations like that I’d have to endure?

- Besides, you remember that I once warned you about the dangers of working in the mine," I continued to justify myself. - I told you that these places were not safe, and now our fear has come true. But I promise you that shortly I will do everything I can to get to the bottom of what happened, to prevent similar tragedies in the future. I’m going to the dungeon right now and I promise you that I will return only when I think the situation is resolved.

- Jurion, are you coming with me? - I turned to the centaur. The man-horse recoiled from me as if I could drag him into the dungeon by force. Fear flashed in his eyes as if I had condemned brothers and already held a murderous knife over them.

I turned around and faced Ulia. She was trembling with excitement, her eyes full of tears.

- You’re going to die, — I heard Elfric’s words thrown back at me. - You were lucky the first time. The worms weren’t expecting your invasion. I think they set a lot of traps for you.

- Ulia, wait for me. - I ignored the leader’s words. Let her say what she wants. - I’ll be back for sure.

I kissed the girl and headed for the mine. Fluffy, my faithful companion, sat on my shoulder. He didn’t tremble or worry. The meeting with the roctopuses frightened him less than the slow waters of the stream. As I approached the entrance to the underground mine, I caught myself thinking that I was walking toward the creek. The first suspicions stirred in my mind. I almost knew the solution to the problem, but before I could draw a conclusion, I needed confirmation of my assumptions.

The mine did not resemble an underground corridor, but a place where cattle are cut into pieces. The floor was covered in pools of blood, body parts, bodies just lying there. Humans, dead roctopuses. The yellow and green streaks indicated which side the roctopuses had started. Smelling like burnt meat, the defenders had managed to set a couple of the creatures on fire.

For now, the shaft allowed me to move to my full height, then the opening shrank. It was uncomfortable to squat, and I began to think about transforming. I wish I could remember how I’d done it, what I’d envisioned for myself there. I didn't put together a spell the first time, hoping I wouldn't have to transform again. As much as I wanted to, Oceania didn’t give me the ability to see the future.

- Mantis! - I remembered the name of an insect that was very warlike and appropriate for the situation. Scientists would clutch their heads if they saw a giant praying mantis. That’s what I was as a result of the transformation. Four legs, two arms, a clear and bright head. I had to leave my sword in the mine, just like last time. After the transformation, I walked a bit between the lying bodies and found Targon, my teacher. It was impossible to look at the dead man without tears. I washed his face from the blood of the roctopus and carefully laid the body under the wall. I found a dagger on Targon’s belt, and I thought I could use a small sword in the narrow corridor.

We moved with Fluffy along the familiar path, easily bypassing the guard posts. The rocktropus were expecting a human counterattack and had set up some sort of traps. The brain activity of worms is different from that of humans. They assumed that upright creatures on two limbs were stupid and unintelligent. That a sticky spider’s web in the passageway would set a trap. That people walking on all fours couldn’t tell the difference between tree roots and full-length tentacles.

Thanks to our small size, Fluffy and I easily evaded all the traps and all the glades. I often used my long eye, Tush used telepathic vision. As much as the Roktopusses had guarded against the arrival of the guests, they had arrived. I counted several hundred worms, though I could be wrong.

- Touche, — I called to my little friend. - You’ll be able to determine who’s in charge of the roctopuses. Someone must be making bossy waves, right?

Fluffy turned his head for a long time. There were several leaders, but we needed someone who could stop the conflict with a flick of his tentacles. It seemed to me that by decapitating the leader, we would disrupt the established order.

To identify the main leader, Fluffy needed the top of the huge cavern where the Roktopus had established their underground city.

Thanks to the fact that mantises have hooks on the tips of their legs, I mastered climbing. My pet clung to me with his paws and we continued to explore the cave.

When I reached the top of the cave, I stopped, feeling fatigued came over me in a heavy wave. It was not every day that I had to hang my head down, and my eyes were not used to the dark emptiness, inhabited only by the carcasses of underground stone worms swarming in the darkness.

Fluffy, meanwhile, continued his telepathic quest, scanning the surrounding darkness for any sign of the top of the rocktopus hierarchy. The life of the subterranean city boiled to its rhythm, the creatures rushing from one place to another, eager to fulfill their tasks. There was a strange grace in their movements as if it were a ballet performed on a stage in the night's darkness.

The air crackled with tension as the worms exchanged blows, reminiscent of fierce battles between drivers. These scenes reminded me of what I had seen in my world - fights on the roads where motorists fought for their place in the sun.

Among the pulsing shadows that filled the space of the cave, Fluffy detected a faint but discernible aura in one of the dark corners. Perhaps that was where the clue was located.

I didn’t need guidance and direction. I grabbed the dagger with one hand and held my little friend with the other and headed for that corner. We covered the last few meters, reaching the farthest part of the cave, where, among the shadows, could be the headquarters of the underground city.

There, in the darkness, the largest roctopus stood on a dais, its skin glistening with metallic luster and its tentacles like dangerous whips, ready to strike at any moment. Several large specimens surrounded him, serving their master. I prepared for a decisive attack, but Fluffy stopped me with his quiet meow.

- Let’s talk to him, — Tush suggested. - Let him answer your questions first.

My little friend was smarter than me. I could have attacked the High Worm at any time. We were still undetected and safe.

- Can you do it?

He answered with a soft click of my tongue, which in the fluffy language meant a chuckle. I felt the excitement enveloping me like a light fog. He was ready to help, as he always was.

Pressed close to the ceiling of the cave, I watched the gathering, trying to understand their intentions. The Supreme Roktopus stirred. The first sentence transmitted had sent the supreme into a state of excitement. His subordinates were also aware of the presence of strangers in the cave. The tentacles went in different directions, the worms trying to find the aliens.

- We have come to the world of your people for peaceful purposes, — I wrote the message in human language. What the supreme was conveying to the fluffy was still a mystery to me. - We wish to resolve the conflict between you and the creatures on the surface. So that both races can live in peace and harmony without disturbing or disturbing each other.

The roctopus king shifted slowly, his tentacles whipping his subordinates mercilessly. He was still trying to determine our location. I gave no sign of feeling fear. If I fell, there would be nothing left of me. A fall from a great height would kill me on its own, the remains of my body being torn apart by the king’s subordinates. I knew this meeting could determine the fate of both races.

- What do you want from us? - came the king’s soft but commanding voice, which shook my nerves. It was the fluffy one speaking, serving as a transmitter. However, I could feel the power and strength even in the voice of a small animal. I was looking at a true king.

- We want to understand why the conflict started, — I continued. - If we get to the root of the problem, we can find a solution that satisfies both sides.

The king stood still as if pondering my words. After a long silence, he slowly lifted one of his tentacles and pointed toward the exit of the cave.

- Why do you and your people seek our destruction, he asked.

I listened carefully to the king’s words through my faithful companion who translated the supreme’s every word.

- I’m sorry, but I didn’t quite understand your question. Can you repeat it?

The roctopus king sighed, his tentacles moving nervously around him as if playing the melody of an invisible symphony. He asked his question again:

- Why do you humans insist on destroying my people? Do you not realize the consequences? The walls of your burrow could collapse, causing flooding in our underground city. We are vulnerable to your actions. Combining the water from the stream with the flames flowing from the earth could be the end of us, and perhaps the end of this world.

My thoughts were filled with anxiety. How could we humans bring such danger to these people? It was the mine after all. I was thinking in the right direction.