“I am sorry.”
Talax stood before the weeping woman. He could feel the heat of her magical energy radiating from her body like a scorching sun, but he remained steadfast in his apology. The woman's wailing ceased for a moment as she looked up at Talax with tear-streaked eyes, her expression a mixture of sorrow and anger. Talax held his breath, waiting for her response, unsure of what to expect.
Her voice was hoarse and strained as she spoke, her words laced with pain and bitterness. "You... you didn't die. And now my daughter will be forever lost..." Her words trailed off into another bout of sobs, causing Talax to grit his teeth in frustration. He knew he had to remain calm, to avoid triggering the creature's rage and putting his friends in further danger.
Talax couldn't help but wonder why the woman hadn't attacked him yet, given that he had killed her snake and was standing in the way of her quest to save her daughter. He pondered the idea for a while before coming to a conclusion: she couldn't attack him. If she could, with the significant gap in their levels, she would have annihilated him the moment he set foot in the cave.
A glimmer of hope flickered within him as he made his proposal. "I am hoping that I can change that," he said, his voice firm but gentle. The woman's head whipped around to face him so quickly that Talax felt dizzy. She rose to her full height, abandoning the small statue of her petrified daughter, and focused all her attention on him. Her eyes were eager and slightly unsettling as she slithered awkwardly to the edge of the small island, her bony, seahorse-like tail flopping in the water and creating ripples on the calm surface.
Talax took a deep breath and continued, determined to save his friends and help the woman in front of him. "If I recall correctly, you mentioned that you require my blood rather than my life to break the curse. Therefore, I am prepared to offer you my blood in exchange for the opportunity to free your daughter." The woman looked at him with naked emotion, bringing her hands to her mouth in disbelief and hope. Talax nodded, and she responded with unbridled joy, filling him with a sense of relief and purpose.
"You... you would do that?" Talax nodded, and she responded with a brilliant smile, revealing a row of sharp, pearly teeth that glinted in the dim light of the cave.
"You'll have to come; I cannot cross the boundaries of the pool." Seeing Talax's hesitation, she reassured him. "Don't fear, there is no danger. I swear it. Besides, you'll soon realize that the waters of my home have some rather beneficial properties," she said with an enigmatic smile, her voice as smooth as silk. She moved her tail playfully, sending small waves his way that glinted with a thousand colors.
Talax decided to trust the strange woman and sat at the edge of the pool, which was surrounded by smooth, black rocks that shimmered faintly. With reluctance, he observed the still waters.
When he dipped his legs into the pond, he realized that there was no gentle slope that would ease his entry into the water. Instead, a bottomless pit of pitch-black water greeted his gaze, the surface so smooth that it looked like glass.
Talax couldn't even fathom the depth of the seemingly harmless body of water. He had already witnessed what could lurk beneath calm water, and a spark of fear ignited inside his soul. He was about to move away when the woman spoke up.
"I swear on the life of my daughter that no harm will come to you inside this cavern. Do not be afraid. Whatever lives inside my home will not dare go against my wishes."
Instead of reassurance, her speech had the opposite effect, since she all but confirmed his worst fear. More monsters resided in the depths of the pool. He imagined large eyes stalking him and jaws with endless teeth waiting to swallow him whole.
He closed his eyes and steeled himself, the sound of his rapid heartbeat the only thing he could hear. Without thinking too much, he fell into the freezing water, which felt like needles against his skin. His eyes shot open from the rather sudden change in temperature, and he felt his teeth chatter. He quickly swam with broad strokes, trying to close the distance as fast as he could, the water so cold that it took his breath away.
Talax kept his eyes glued to the small island without daring to look down. As he swam, he felt the chill of the water seep into his bones, but he pushed through it, determined to reach his destination. When he was midway, a numbing sensation permeated his body, and his still-open wounds cried in relief. With wonder, he watched his wounds close, and his flesh knit back together into healthy, unblemished skin.
The ambient mana of the pool bathed him with invigorating energy, and he felt a rush of power and vitality coursing through his veins. He felt as though he could take on the world, as though nothing could stop him. He wanted to scream in triumph, to let out all the emotions that were bubbling up inside of him.
But then he remembered where he was and why he was there. He looked around, seeing nothing but the still, black water stretching out into the darkness, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching him. His sudden movement disturbed the water, and he thought he saw something move in the darkened bottom.
With uneven strokes, he resumed his swimming, his heart racing with fear. Every muscle in his body was tense, ready to flee at the slightest sign of danger. He repeated to himself the same mantra over and over, trying to reassure himself that the woman's promise was true and that he was safe, even as his mind conjured up images of monsters lurking just beneath the surface.
"No monsters here, just friendly sea creatures and maybe a kraken or two. Nothing to be afraid of.
just keep swimming,
just keep swimming,
just keep swimming."
he said to himself in a sing-song voice.
Despite the humor, he took the mantra seriously and repeated it with determination, refusing to let his fears get the best of him. He focused on the absurdity of his own thoughts, on the ridiculousness of the situation, and found the courage to keep going.
When he finally reached the small island, his heart was pounding so hard he thought it might burst from his chest. He climbed the uneven rocks with a slippery grip, his feet sloshing and sliding on the wet surface. All the while, he pointedly avoided staring at the water, afraid of what he might see lurking just beneath the surface.
The fish-woman approached him reluctantly, her slimy scales glistening in the dim light. As she drew near, a new wave of mana assaulted him. This time, it wasn't soothing but emitted the unbridled power of a being that possessed immense strength.
She waited, and Talax approached the small statue with an unsteady gait, his legs still wobbly from the freezing water. His wet footprints left a trail behind him, and he couldn't help but feel a little ridiculous as he stumbled toward the statue.
The strange creature looked at him with anxious eyes, as if she couldn't believe her undying wish was about to be fulfilled. Talax watched with awe at the details of the statue, from the cute, bubble-like nose and big round eyes to the folds of her long cascading hair that ended near her short tail. It was a work of art, unlike anything he had ever seen.
The woman slithered close to him, tracking his every move. She smelled like a soggy towel that had been left a little too long in a shadowy corner. Trying to ignore the pungent odor, he drew his dagger from his belt and scored a deep gash on his palm. He gritted his teeth, fighting the stinging pain, and watched the blood drip from the wound. He hoped that his gamble would work, and that the woman would keep her promise.
As he approached the small girl, Talax felt a pang of sympathy and sorrow. Seeing her up close made the situation more real, and he could only imagine the pain and hopelessness that the woman had felt seeing her daughter locked in an eternal sleep day after day, being unable to do anything to bring her back. Despite the woman's earlier attempt to kill him, he couldn't help but wonder if he would have done the same thing had he been in her shoes.
The answer was a resounding yes.
As he touched the statue, his fingers felt the chill of the stone and his heart pounded with anticipation. He watched with bated breath as blood dripped down the girl's face, each drop a painful reminder of her cursed state. The seconds felt like hours as he waited, hoping that his actions would bring about a miracle.
Suddenly, a deafening crack shattered the silence of the cave. Small fractures appeared around the motionless figure like a spiderweb, and he heard the woman gasp in disbelief. The fractures crept over the small girl, gradually widening and revealing a layer of rosy skin and bright blue scales.
“My baby!” The woman's exclamation of joy was music to Talax's ears, and he stepped aside to give her room to embrace her daughter. As he watched the reunion, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that he had played a part in making it happen.
What happened next made even his cold heart swell with emotion. Pieces of rock lay scattered on the floor, evidence of the miracle that had just occurred. The bond between mother and daughter had been restored by a fierce hug, their tears of relief mixing together. The small child, unaware of the gravity of the situation, tried to console her mother with her small voice. “Mama don’t cry. Mama! You ok!” Her innocent words only made the reunion more heart-wrenching.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“Oh, mama look, a marsh toad!” The girl exclaimed happily, pointing at the oversized frog with unrestrained excitement that only children possess. Talax smiled at the girl’s exuberance and the mother seemed to snap out of her reverie. She cupped her small face with a trembling hand. “Her name is Ness, and she has the biggest tongue you’ll ever see!” She responded, drawing an impressed “ooh” from the girl.
“There is someone I want you to meet.” She gingerly guided the small girl, who struggled to slither on land with her small tail.
“Go, introduce yourself,” she urged her daughter. The small girl looked at Talax shyly. He noticed how difficult it was for her to navigate through the uneven rocks and decided to help her. He approached her and crouched down to be eye-level with her, offering her a big smile. “Hello,” he said softly, not wanting to scare her. The girl blushed prettily, and her long locks fell forward, obscuring her face. “I am Thala. I am pleased to meet you,” she said in a quiet voice. Talax offered her his hand and responded, “Nice to meet you, Thala! You have the most beautiful hair I have ever seen! They are bluer than the ocean!” Thala drew her wild hair behind her ear, revealing her dazzling smile.
“Thank you,” she said, then scurried back to her mother, who enveloped her in a loving hug. The woman, who had tears in her eyes, uttered some words that Talax couldn’t make out, and then made a hand gesture. Suddenly, something bizarre began to happen.
Her tears, born out of overwhelming gratitude, began to flow down her cheeks and as they touched the air, they began to transform into a shimmering, multifaceted gem that glowed softly in the dim light of the cavern. The gem, taking the form of a perfectly formed teardrop, emitted a soothing radiance that illuminated the entire space.
“This gem, I offer it to you with an open heart as a token of my gratitude,” the woman spoke with a gentle tone. With a flick of her hand, the pulsating gem levitated towards Talax, who eagerly snatched it with his greedy hands.
She continued. "The gem contains not only my water magic, but also a collection of level 1 spells that I have mastered. Though their number is limited, I trust that you will find them immensely valuable." Talax nodded eagerly, his eyes wide with excitement as he gazed at the mesmerizing gem.
For a moment he watched mother and daughter jump into the water holding hands and then his eyes returned to the gem nestled in his hands. Feeling the cool calmness radiating from it, reminding him of the peaceful waters of the pond. Suddenly, he remembered Qalo and Franny.
As he looked around, he noticed his friends still trapped inside the columns of water, suspended in a silent prison. A sudden panic gripped him as he exclaimed, “My friends!” The woman, still swimming nearby, looked at him with amusement, assuring him not to worry.
“Don't worry, I will free them. Or...” she said with a smile, and at the same time, Talax noticed a change in her demeanor. The grief-stricken mother, who was barely holding onto her sanity, had transformed into a playful woman who now appeared carefree and relaxed.
“I could let them stay imprisoned for a few more minutes until a friend of mine brings a gift that I have for you,” she said with a mischievous grin. Talax's frown deepened, unsure of what she meant. Sensing his confusion, the woman quickly clarified her intentions.
"I hoped that this artifact would grant me an ability that could help free..." she trailed off, giving her daughter a pointed look. "But since I no longer need it, I thought it would make a worthy gift," she explained, her eyes glistening with pride. Talax was still confused, but the woman quickly explained. "Since I am unaware whether your friends are aware of your unusual constitution, I thought it would be more prudent if they were incapacitated until you absorbed the heart."
Understanding dawned on Talax, and he nodded in gratitude to the woman as she bid him farewell. He watched as the two creatures disappeared into the depths of the lake, leaving him alone with the clear teardrop in his hands. His whole being was consumed by an intense eagerness to unlock the gem's energy, and he wasted no time in attempting to do so.
With an instinctive urge, Talax's core seemed to reach out and connect with the crystal. He was immediately engulfed by a flood of sensations - the depths of the oceans, the turbulence of frothy rivers, and the calmness of tranquil lakes. Mana began to travel from the gem into his core, causing a sudden surge of energy to burst within him.
As he looked inward, he noticed a new addition to his core. A blue sphere orbited around the void magic sphere at the center, with two smaller spheres trailing behind it like moons orbiting a planet. Talax inspected them with curiosity, fascinated by the new power within him.
Water Magic, level 1
1% resistance to water magic
Clear water
Summons a small stream of clear blue water that is suitable for consumption.
Summon time: 1 second, spell duration: n/a, cooldown: n/a
Bubble of confusion
Summons a small bubble of water that causes the target confusion.
Summon time: 2 seconds, spell duration: 4 seconds, cooldown: 5 minutes
Talax's excitement was palpable as he let out a loud whoop and began to dance a jig. His nimble movements caused the nearby large frog, which had been standing silently in the corner like a slimy statue, to startle and let out a croak of protest. But Talax was too caught up in the moment to pay it any mind.
With his focus entirely on his mana core, Talax inspected it with great care and attention. The core pulsed with vibrant energy, like a miniature sun at the center of his being. As he examined it, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at his growing power.
Suddenly, a bright flash of light interrupted his concentration. It was another wreath, and Talax couldn't help but smile with delight. He gingerly touched the metallic wraith, feeling its cool weight in his hand, before turning his attention back to his core.
Searching for the newest addition to his collection, he saw a new star shining brilliantly beside the two others, forming a small yet radiant constellation within his core. The light of the stars illuminated the core from within, casting a mesmerizing glow at the shifting mana. As he gazed upon the latest formation, new insights and possibilities flooded his mind, filling him with a sense of excitement.
A God has smiled upon you,
Your actions have garnered the attention of the supreme and deemed you worthy of a reward fitting your achievements!
Slayer of behemoths!
You have battled a foe at least twice your level and emerged victorious. For such a feat you have gained:
50% attack against enemies that possess twice your level
50% defence against enemies that possess twice your level
Talax grinned from ear to ear, his eyes glinting with satisfaction as he considered the power of the boon he had earned. The gift he had received was truly remarkable! With it, he could now hold his own against enemies who were far more advanced in their skills and levels. Not only that, but his ability to endure in battle had been increased twofold. Every strike against him would cause 50% less damage!
He now understood why the pilgrims swarmed the temples, praying and offering presents to the Gods. If someone got lucky enough and received a blessing, it could literally change their lives. They could become stronger, faster or magically gifted. The possibilities were endless, and Talax felt as though he had been granted a glimpse of the divine.
Talax was filled with gratitude for the mysterious God who had bestowed upon him the incredible boon, but he couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy as well. The fact that he had received two blessings in such unusual circumstances made him wonder if some deity was keeping a watchful eye on him. When he had received the first boon in the bustling city, he had assumed it was a stroke of luck, given the number of pious followers who flocked to the temples. However, to receive another boon in the isolated cave made him realize that someone, somewhere was taking a keen interest in him. It was unsettling to think that his actions were being closely monitored.
He looked around uncertainly, half expecting a God to manifest from the shadows yelling "boo!" But nothing happened. His eyes caught Franny making wild gestures still trapped in his watery prison, but Talax only gave him a dismissive wave.
“Don’t be such a cry-baby! It’s only water!” He dismissed the two trapped men and chuckled, thinking that Qalo was long overdue for a refreshing shower. The orc seemed to hate water as much as Talax hated cats. Lately, even the bugs seemed to avoid him.
He looked inward and saw that he had gained three levels from his fight with the snake. He unlocked the gates one by one, and mana coursed unobstructed through the new channels suffusing him with strength and vitality.
He reached level 5!
He reached level 6!
He reached level 7!
A deep, satisfied moan escaped from Talax's lips as he revelled in the newfound strength he felt coursing through his body. But his moment of triumph was short-lived as ripples suddenly disturbed the calm water, drawing his attention to the lake. He watched, dumbfounded, as a massive tentacle emerged from the water, clutching a rock the size of a watermelon. The tentacle rose higher and higher until it stood an imposing five meters in the air, causing water to slosh down and create a small waterfall. Talax's heart raced with fear as he skittered away from the water's edge.
The creature before him was huge, and he couldn't imagine having to cross the lake again to reach Qalo and Franny. He quickly decided to light a fire, camp on the small island, and live out the rest of his days reflecting on his poor life choices. Perhaps he would even become a hermit, with only Ness, the slimy toad, for company.
The tentacle deposited the rock, seemingly uninterested in Talax, and disappeared with a loud splash. Talax stood frozen in place for several moments, waiting for the tentacle to reappear. When it didn't, he let out a relieved exhale and took several steps towards the edge, cautiously peering through the water. Despite not seeing anything, he couldn't shake off the fear that lingered in the back of his mind.
With a resigned shake of his head, Talax turned his attention to the rock. As he approached, he realized that it was not a rock at all, but something far more remarkable. He narrowed his eyes, studying the coral-like artifact.
The edges of the structure were black and jagged, as if chiselled from obsidian, but as his eyes travelled towards the centre, the colour began to change. The black transformed into a deep, iridescent blue that shimmered in the dim light, giving the impression that the heart was alive and pulsing with magic.
Talax's mouth hung open in amazement as he took in the intricate details of the coral heart. The lines and folds seemed to be carved with precision and care, as if crafted by a master artisan. As he reached out to touch the heart, he felt a jolt of energy shoot through his body. The heart seemed to hum with power, resonating deep within him and stirring something.
He initially believed he was under attack, but soon realized the source of the force was internal. His void magic had awoken and was craving the heart. The sensation of emptiness and insatiable hunger that he had experienced before consumed him once again.
As if mesmerized, Talax knelt in front of the pulsating heart, his hand tentatively reaching out to caress the rocky exterior. The moment he made contact, an overwhelming surge of mana assaulted his body, unleashing a devastating torrent of power that scorched everything in its path. A piercing scream erupted from his throat as his nerve endings were set ablaze with agony. The pain was unbearable, but mercifully brief as his body eventually succumbed to the strain, and he lost consciousness just before he bitterly cursed his damn luck.