Extract from the -{ Tome of the ‘Forgotten One’ }- Divine scripture of the Church of the ‘Forgotten One’.
"In the sanctuary of shadows, where the echoes of past and future converge, I am the eternal sentinel, guiding the lost and weary towards the tranquility of everlasting rest." (The Revelation of Evernight 1:10)
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[ Pneuma Soul Crystal ( rare ): This crystalline artifact holds a concentrated essence of purified soul energy, resonating with the remnants of departed spirits in its vicinity. Formed naturally in regions steeped in death and spiritual energy, it possesses a magnetic allure for spirits and specters drawn to its nourishing properties. Ideal for soul cultivation and replenishing spiritual vitality, it offers profound benefits in training the essence of one's soul and healing soul fatigue. ]
As Asher's fingers brushed against the smooth surface of the crystal, a surge of energy pulsed through his body. The artifact seemed to hum with an otherworldly resonance, its facets catching the dim light of the cave and refracting it in mesmerizing patterns. He held it up, his eyes widening as he read the information that materialized in his mind:
The weight of the discovery settled on Asher's shoulders, a mix of excitement and trepidation coursing through his veins. With renewed vigor, he began clearing away the remaining bones surrounding the spot where he had unearthed the crystal. His movements were frantic yet precise, each sweep of his hand revealing more of the glittering formation beneath.
As the last of the bones clattered away, Asher's breath caught in his throat. Before him lay a natural formation of crystals, their ethereal glow casting dancing shadows on the cave walls. It was as if he had stumbled upon a treasure trove at the end of a long, perilous quest. A wide grin split his face, the joy of discovery momentarily overwhelming the grim reality of their surroundings.
In a moment of pure elation, Asher turned to Jormu, his arms outstretched. "You brilliant creature!" he exclaimed, pulling the wyrmling into a tight embrace. "Your intuition is incredible!"
However, his celebration was cut short as in his moment of excitement he had forgotten he was underwater. Panic seized his lungs as he realized his mistake, the crushing pressure of the water closing in around him. His vision began to blur, darkness creeping at the edges of his consciousness.
Just as he felt himself slipping away, a powerful force wrapped around his torso. Inky, ever vigilant, had swooped in to save its companion. With a swift, fluid motion, the Shadow-Coil Ink Kraken pulled Asher from the water's grasp, depositing him safely on the shore.
Asher coughed and sputtered, his chest heaving as he gulped in precious air. As his breathing steadied, he looked up at Inky with gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thanks, buddy," he wheezed, patting one of the Kraken's tentacles. "I owe you one."
Determined to make the most of their discovery, Asher set about crafting a tool that would aid in their excavation. He scoured the bone-littered shore, his eyes carefully assessing each piece for strength and sharpness. After several attempts, he managed to fashion a crude but effective bone pickaxe.
With this new tool in hand, Asher and his companions embarked on a week-long endeavor to clear all the soul crystals from the three deposits Jormu had uncovered. The work was grueling, each swing of the pickaxe sending reverberations through Asher's arms. But the promise of the treasure spurred them on, their determination unwavering.
As the days passed, their focus shifted to gathering the remaining beast crystals and scouring every inch of the lake for additional discoveries. The underwater world became their realm, each dive bringing new potential rewards. Asher's lungs burned with the effort, but his resolve never faltered.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of searching, Asher emerged from the water for the last time. His muscles ached, his skin pruned and pale, but a sense of accomplishment radiated from him. With a mixture of exhaustion and triumph in his voice, he declared, "That's it. We've done all we can here."
As Asher took stock of their haul, the sheer magnitude overwhelmed him. The dense deposits of soul crystals had yielded hundreds of specimens, some as large as his closed fist. He counted them meticulously, his fingers trembling with a mix of excitement and fatigue. The final tally left him breathless: 250 soul crystals, each pulsing with potential.
The beast crystals were equally impressive in their variety and number. Twenty-six tier-3 crystals gleamed before him, their power was palpable in the air. Alongside these were 140 tier-2 crystals, their brilliance only slightly dimmed in comparison. The majority of their find consisted of 244 tier-1 crystals.
But it was the peculiar beast crystals that truly captured Asher's attention. As he examined them, the information materialized in his mind:
[ Beast Spirit Crystals (rare): Rare-grade crystals imbued with the essence and spirit of formidable beasts. These crystals not only possess the raw energy characteristic of beast crystals but also encapsulate the essence of the creature itself. They are prized for their potential to nurture and cultivate powerful beast guardians, granting them enhanced abilities and attributes. ]
Asher's heart raced as he counted these extraordinary finds. Twenty in total, with four of the coveted tier-3 variety and the rest being tier-2. The possibilities these crystals presented were staggering, and Asher found himself lost in thought, imagining the potential they held.
Overwhelmed by the generosity of their discovery, Asher made a decision that surprised even himself. He turned to his companions, his voice filled with warmth and gratitude. "You two have been invaluable in this endeavor," he said, gesturing to the crystal hoard. "Please, choose any crystals you desire. You've more than earned them."
Asher watched with fascination as his companions made their selections. Jormu, drawn by an instinct beyond Asher's understanding, gravitated towards the soul crystals. The wyrmling consumed them directly, its body seeming to pulse with newfound energy with each crystal absorbed.
Inky, on the other hand, showed a particular interest in a medium-sized darkness affinity crystal. It was the only one of its kind among their treasures, and Asher couldn't help but wonder at the choice. The Kraken's tentacles curled around the crystal, pulling it close as if it were a precious secret.
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As he observed their choices, Asher felt a twinge of disappointment at the absence of void or space-related crystals. However, he quickly rationalized this, concluding that such rarities would likely be found only within the void itself, a realm beyond their current reach.
In a moment of unexpected generosity, Asher approached the contracted wraith. "You've worked hard too," he said, holding out a medium-sized soul crystal. The spectral being seemed to hesitate for a moment before accepting the offering, its ethereal form shimmering with what Asher could only interpret as gratitude.
As the distribution of crystals concluded, Asher felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The bonds between him and his companions had been strengthened through this shared experience, and he looked forward to witnessing their growth in the days to come.
However, amidst the excitement of their discoveries, a nagging thought persisted in Asher's mind. Despite facing numerous monsters and overcoming significant challenges, his status as an unawakened individual remained unchanged. The contrast between his static state and the rapid growth of his companions was becoming increasingly apparent.
Yet, the effects of the mysterious fruit he had consumed continued to manifest in surprising ways. Asher kept note of the changes in his physique, noting how his muscles had become denser and more defined. Every movement seemed infused with a newfound strength that defied his unchanged status.
As he flexed his arms experimentally, Asher could feel the power coursing through his veins. His internal organs felt more robust, working in perfect harmony to support his enhanced physical state. His appetite had increased dramatically, matched by a metabolism that seemed to be operating at peak efficiency.
The changes weren't limited to his physical form. Asher found his senses sharpened to an almost supernatural degree. Colors appeared more vivid, sounds clearer, and his perception of the world around him had taken on a new depth. His mind felt clearer than ever before, focused and ready to tackle any challenge that might arise.
Asher attributed these remarkable changes to the bloodline purification offered by the fruit. While he couldn't quantify the exact nature of the transformation, the results were undeniable. He had become a version of himself honed to near perfection, a fact that both thrilled and puzzled him.
In the days that followed, Asher's amazement only grew as he used his identification skills to inspect his two horrors. The information that materialized before him left him awestruck:
[ Shadow-Coil Ink Kraken: The Shadow-Coil Ink Kraken is a nightmare incarnate, whispered of in fearful legends and tales. Said to originate from the void between worlds, this abyssal beast wields a terrifying mastery over shadow, space, and void magic. The transformation from a Void Kraken into a Shadow-Coil Ink Kraken signifies a mutation not only in power but in malevolence.
Those who have encountered this creature and lived to tell the tale describe its approach as a shroud of inky blackness that consumes light and hope alike. Its presence alone can induce terror, as it silently drifts through the shadows, its crimson eyes glowing with an insatiable hunger.
The Shadow-Coil Ink Kraken is a relentless hunter, known for dragging entire ships and their crews into the depths, never to be seen again. Even on land, it is a formidable adversary, capable of striking from the shadows with lethal precision. The stories claim that only the bravest or most foolhardy would dare to seek out this beast, for it is said that once you catch its eye, escape is all but impossible.
Current status: Juvenile, happy, undergoing a second mutation ]
Asher's gaze shifted to Jormu, and another set of information appeared:
[ Mistweaver Wrymling: The Mistweaver Wyrmling is a creature born of elemental magic, feared and revered in equal measure. Legends tell of this beast weaving through mountain mists and valley fogs, unseen until it strikes. Its transformation from an Azure Snake into a Mistweaver Wyrmling marks its ascension to a new level of mystical prowess.
This creature's presence is heralded by a creeping fog that numbs the senses and twists reality. Hunters and warriors who venture into its territory often return with tales of ghostly figures and eerie sounds that haunt their dreams. Some never return at all, their final moments lost within the wyrmling's mist.
The Mistweaver Wyrmling is particularly feared for its ability to induce hallucinations, causing even the bravest of warriors to see their worst fears or wander aimlessly in a daze. Its mist is said to be imbued with the power to warp perception, making it nearly impossible to distinguish friend from foe. The wyrmling's ability to navigate through and manipulate its mist makes it a formidable ally, capable of turning the tide of battle with its strategic illusions and suffocating embrace.
Current state: Juvenile, Happy, undergoing a second mutation ]
The revelation that both creatures were undergoing a second mutation left Asher both excited and apprehensive. Seeking answers, he delved deeper, checking the Blood Beast contract status for both of his companions.
For Jormu, the information appeared:
[ Blood beast - Mistweaver Wyrmling 'Jormungandr'- ]
[ Name: Jormungandr ]
[ Race: Mistweaver Wyrmling ] [ semi-awakened ]
[ Bloodline: Rare grade ]
[ Traits: Mischievous, Quick learner, Prideful, Greedy, Loyal ]
[ Currently undergoing a second mutation due to incompatibility with bloodline inheritance crystal ]
[ Bloodline beast contract: Asher Whitlock ]
Inky's status revealed similar information:
[ Blood beast - Shadow-Coil Ink Kraken 'Inkara'- ]
[ Name: Inkara ]
[ Race: Shadow-Coil Ink Kraken ] [ semi-awakened ]
[ Bloodline: Rare grade ]
[ Traits: Gluttonous, Slothful, Tanky, Dull, Loyal ]
[ Currently undergoing a second mutation due to incompatibility with bloodline inheritance crystal ]
[ Bloodline beast contract: Asher Whitlock ]
The mention of a "bloodline inheritance crystal" piqued Asher's curiosity. He pondered the implications, theorizing that these crystals were left behind by high-level beasts to accelerate the growth of their offspring, a final gift to ensure their legacy lived on.
Asher's earlier hunch about the strange crystals obtained from the bodies of the dead mothers now seemed confirmed. The incompatibility arose from the beasts' mutation into different bloodlines, yet some shared traits allowed for a partial connection. This unique situation triggered an unexpected second mutation in both Inky and Jormu.
As he contemplated this development, a mix of excitement and concern washed over Asher. The potential for growth was thrilling, but the unpredictability of the mutation process left him feeling helpless. He could only watch and hope that the outcome would be beneficial for his loyal companions.
Unbeknownst to Asher, more than 100 days had passed since his arrival in this strange world. The realization, when it finally dawned on him, brought a wave of conflicting emotions.
As he watched his companions grow larger with each passing day, Asher couldn't shake the worry that their small cave would soon become inadequate for their expanding family. The once-spacious cavern now felt increasingly cramped, the walls seeming to close in as Inky and Jormu's forms continued to expand.
One unremarkable day, the routine they had settled into was suddenly disrupted. Inky, usually content to remain close by, began making agitated movements. Its tentacles waved in complex patterns, and its eyes seemed to convey a sense of urgency that Asher had never seen before.
Struggling to decipher the kraken's intentions, Asher focused intently on their growing bond. Slowly, like tuning into a faint radio signal, he began to grasp fragments of Inky's thoughts. The message, when it finally became clear, was simple yet perplexing: Inky needed to leave for a while.
"You... need to go?" Asher asked hesitantly, his voice echoing in the cavern. Inky's tentacles rippled in what seemed like affirmation. "I... I understand," Asher continued, trying to mask the uncertainty in his voice. "Do what you need to do. I'll be here when you return."
As if waiting for this cue, Jormu also began to show signs of restlessness. The wyrmling slithered towards the exit of their shared living space, pausing only to cast a glance back at Asher. Without a sound, it made its way to the bone cave, settling into its nest atop the platform amidst the lake of bones.
Watching his companions depart, Asher felt a profound sense of loneliness wash over him. The cave, once filled with the comforting presence of his otherworldly friends, now seemed cavernous and empty. The silence, previously a backdrop to their shared existence, now pressed in on him from all sides.
Yet, even as the weight of solitude settled on his shoulders, Asher found himself clinging to waiting for their return. He understood, on some instinctive level, that these new behaviors were likely tied to the ongoing mutations of his companions. It was a natural part of their growth, a necessary step in their evolution.
With a heavy heart but a resolute mind, Asher settled in to wait. He busied himself with small tasks, organizing their collected crystals and planning for future expeditions. But always, his thoughts returned to Inky and Jormu, wondering what transformations they might be undergoing and when they would return.
As the hours stretched into days, Asher's patience was tested. He found himself talking aloud to the empty cave, sharing his thoughts and fears with the absent creatures who had become so integral to his existence in this strange realm. The echo of his own voice was a poor substitute for their companionship, but it helped to keep the encroaching silence at bay.
With each passing moment, Asher's anticipation grew. What would Inky and Jormu be like when they returned? How would their mutations manifest? And most importantly, would the bond they shared remain intact through these changes?
These questions swirled in Asher's mind as he waited, his eyes fixed on the cave entrance, ready for the moment when his companions would return. The cave, once a sanctuary, now felt like a crucible of patience. And so, Asher waited, his resolve unwavering, for the return of the creatures who had become his family in this alien world.