Talax heard Qalo mumble under his breath, but his entire focus remained directed towards the expanse ahead. Positioned upon a jutting rock ledge, they gazed upon an immense cavern that seemed to unfold beneath them. Within this cavern, pools of gentle illumination broke the otherwise oppressive darkness, emanating from luminescent ponds and radiant plants and trees that speckled the landscape.
It was as though a giant hand had scooped a portion of the forest outside and nestled it deep within the mountain's heart. Birds darted through the swaying treetops, while small creatures scuttled out from the shelter of the thick undergrowth. Amidst this picturesque scene, there were patches of inky blackness, where beasts lay in wait for their next victim. It seemed even this scenic piece of land wasn’t devoid of danger. They were still in the dungeon after all.
Franny's muttering caught Talax's ear, and he observed as a luminous spark bathed their location with soft light, making it easier to inspect their surroundings. They were at a considerable height, dozens of meters above the patch of forest below, but he quickly spotted a path leading down. It was a winding, treacherous path, full of uneven rocks and a sheer drop that could easily lead to their doom. Nevertheless, treacherous though it was, it was a path, offering a way forward.
"So, are we going down there or what?" Qalo asked impatiently, but Talax raised his hand to stop him. He wanted to mentally map out the land before them. While the sides of the cavern were easily visible, the other end, presumably their goal, remained hidden. The cavern stretched so far that the deep darkness covering the space acted like a shroud, obscuring their vision.
Talax spotted several places they should avoid. He noticed a massive humanoid walking recklessly through the trees, causing destruction. For a moment, a shiver coursed through him as he recalled the forest guardian. However, upon closer inspection, he realized it was a gray humanoid beast with an overdeveloped head and gorilla-like arms. Still, they should avoid it at all costs, judging by its protruding fangs and boulder like fists.
His eyes tracked creatures that slithered, crawled, and roared, causing him to second-guess their decision to venture into the cavern. Yet, what was the alternative? To continue navigating the maze of tunnels, hoping to find a safer place? Right, that was as unlikely as Qalo taking a bath. An audible sigh escaped him as he turned to Ferdinand. "Getting to the other side will be challenging."
Franny nodded with a grim expression. "Our best bet would be to proceed stealthily, but..." He let his words trail off as he looked at the half-orc beside them, who was watching the small creatures below like a restless child.
Talax shook his head, ready to move on, when a mesmerizing spectacle of lights captured his attention. Blinking lights in the far distance resembled a cascade of spells being cast, causing small explosions that rocked the trees surrounding the battleground. Franny gasped in disbelief, “Could it be?” He whispered, his voice tinged with shock.
"What?" Qalo asked, his expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. His brow furrowed as he strained to figure out what had caused Franny’s intense reaction.
Talax, his gaze fixed on the unfolding battle, responded without averting his eyes, "It's his uncle."
An "Oh" escaped Qalo's lips, only to be interrupted by another distant explosion that reverberated through the cavern. A dark ball of energy ascended into the sky, violently contracting before unleashing a flurry of shadowy tendrils, wreaking havoc among the nearby creatures. The tendrils swirled like a malevolent dance, casting eerie shadows that painted the cave walls in grotesque patterns.
Lizard-like birds with tooth-lined beaks cawed and frantically took flight, attempting to escape the shadowy tendrils. Their wings flapped in a desperate rhythm, their cries of distress blending with the chaos. Yet, before they could reach safety, a red crescent of fire sliced through two of the beasts, its fiery arc a breathtaking display of power. The remaining creatures beat their wings desperately, struggling to distance themselves from the chaos.
The battle raged on, captivating the trio with its display of destructive power. If indeed these were Franny's uncle and his followers, they had to join them as soon as possible. With such powerful allies they would be safe. He finally understood Franny’s insistent demand to find his uncle.
"I'm fully convinced now, Franny. We must join your uncle immediately," Talax declared. Franny snorted in a mixture of amusement and satisfaction. "Though I was taught to be humble and not to say 'I told you so,' I most certainly did!" Talax couldn’t help but chuckle, a glimmer of hope igniting within him, finally believing that safety was within their grasp.
Their eagerness to find Franny's uncle urged them forward, even though they hadn't paused to rest for a while. Talax cast his spell rejuvenating waters on himself and his companions as they walked down the steep trail, feeling his mana pool shrink about halfway. The spell lessened their fatigue, but the way down was far more dangerous and taxing than they had initially thought.
The incline was incredibly steep, making it difficult to maintain their balance. The presence of small rocks, which shifted and swayed with each step, made the challenge even harder. Talax nearly teetered over the edge when he stepped onto a large boulder, only for it to dislodge with a foreboding crack and plummet below, accompanied by a deafening boom that rattled the few stable rocks that remained.
Had it not been for Qalo's swift reflexes, Talax would have shared the same fate as the falling rock. In the nick of time, the half orc reached out, his immense strength allowing him to snatch Talax and haul him to safety.
From that point onward, they meticulously examined every spot they intended to step on, regardless of whether it was a small stone or an apparently immovable boulder. They functioned as a cohesive unit, even securing themselves to each other using Qalo's rope, a precautionary measure in case another mishap akin to Talax's close call occurred. Relying on Qalo's brawn and Talax's agility, they charted a secure way downward. After enduring hours of strenuous travel, they ultimately descended to the cavern's base.
As soon as they realized they had made it, the trio collapsed without ceremony, gasping for air as they recuperated. Before them sprawled an expanse of untouched forest, similar to the one outside the dungeon. Yet, Talax couldn't shake the sensation that there was a fundamental difference. This forest seemed to be even more steeped in magic. It was evident in the vibrancy of the leaves and the striking hues of the flowers, which shone with an otherworldly beauty even within the cavern's shadows.
Even the small animals that he spotted looked like magical creatures. He observed a squirrel with colorful wings and elongated fangs, a small rabbit that seemed to vanish into thin air only to appear dozens of meters away and a beautiful yellow bird that as it sang the leaves of the branch it was sitting on, moved to touch and caress it like a lost lover.
He felt a growing unease witnessing these unmistakable signs of magic, fully aware from past experiences that magic could distort and twist even the most benign creatures. So, he watched warily at the vanishing rabbit that seemed to appear in the most unlikely places, whether in treetops, nestled within a nearby bird's nest, or even atop a grazing deer just a few meters away.
As Qalo and Franny made camp, they abandoned the notion of pressing forward, opting instead to rest for a while after their difficult trek.
Talax’s worst fears were realized when he felt shooting pains in his throat. Abruptly awoken by teeth piercing his skin, he erupted into screams while swatting at the creature that clung to his neck. His cries roused the slumbering Franny, who was supposed to stand guard, and together they killed the flying squirrel he had earlier spotted.
The damn creature seemed to be some kind of vampire-like beast, since it fought until its last breath trying to extract even one more drop of blood from his neck. While Franny was holding the writhing creature Talax stabbed it with his knife and then stomped on it, breaking its wings, for good measure, all the while swearing for having been roused from his sleep.
After a few yawns and a light breakfast, which for Qalo consisted of raw squirrel, they decided to move on. They were all wide awake after the small altercation and entered the forest hoping for the best but fearing the worst.
They walked for hours, tense with nerves, wading through the lively forest. Their cautious advance was met by nothing but wondrous sights. They saw magnificent flowers blooming into colorful spectacles, at times growing to proportions akin to small houses. They came upon a small waterfall with crystalline blue water. Instead of cascading downstream, droplets of the limpid liquid defied gravity, levitating momentarily before ascending the moss-covered wall. The spectacle was mesmerizing and Talax wanted to get closer and inspect the curious phenomenon, but the cautious voice in his head discouraged him from getting any closer.
Franny showed a rare display of emotion when they heard a faint sound of hooves plowing through bushes and twigs. The trio held their positions, a sense of uncertainty pervading the air as they waited the approaching figure. When the creature finally made its appearance Franny exclaimed in disbelief while Talax looked on, dumbfounded.
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What presented itself was a being of unadulterated magic, a horse whose pristine, glistening coat and graceful limbs seemed to glide with an almost ethereal poise. Its mane danced in a breeze that remained invisible, and its clear eyes looked at them with intelligence and curiosity. Yet, it was the glimmering horn upon its head that had elicited Franny's astonished reaction.
“It can’t be...” Franny murmured, tentatively advancing towards the unicorn. However, the creature's restless snort in response to his abrupt movement brought him to an sudden halt. The unicorn dug its hoof on the forest floor creating a small cloud of dirt that didn’t seem to be able to touch its coat.
“Do you know how rare a sight this is? To see a unicorn... Unbelievable.” Qalo who had been starstruck upon seeing the magnificent creature that seemed to exude a benevolent energy without even intending to, nodded vigorously at Franny’s words.
“To possess such a specimen and present it to my father could grant me unparalleled acclaim within the barony," he mused, his words trailing off as Talax observed a tinge of wistfulness in Franny's eyes, an earnest yearning for acknowledgment and validation. The desire to meet his father's lofty expectations occasionally clouded Franny's otherwise astute judgment.
Talax considered his words for all of two seconds before discarding the notion. The dungeon has proven time and again how dangerous and deadly it can be. Their struggle for survival seemed daunting enough, protecting and caring for a wild creature was an entirely different challenge. One they didn’t need.
"And how, pray tell, are you gonna do that?" His inquiry jolted Franny from his reverie of grand accolades and illustrious glory. He met the question with vacant eyes.
"You could assist..." The plea was almost half-formed, causing Talax's eyebrow to arch in response.
"No," he responded succinctly. The unicorn, apparently satiated by its curiosity, ambled a bit farther away to graze on a luminescent fern, seemingly unconcerned by their presence.
"You don't grasp it! Unicorns are creatures intertwined with light and life magic! Even a few specks of dust from their horn fetch hundreds of gold coins! They're akin to a veritable goldmine! Their hairs possess immeasurable value too, serving as crucial components for potent potions and salves. Any alchemist or mage would cut off their hand in a minute if they could get their hands on them!” Talax was amused by the nobleman's rather misguided choice of words, yet Franny's frustrated groan accompanied by a dismissive wave indicated his exasperation.
“You know what I mean! Besides if they could have a single hair of a unicorn, they could regrow the arm in an instant!” Talax remained unperturbed by Franny's impassioned plea, though surprisingly, it was Qalo who voiced his objection.
“No! We won’t touch such a pure creature! We always deal with death, blood and filth, we won’t dirty that creature!” The half orc seemed adamant on protecting the creature. Talax somewhat agreed with Qalo, but for more practical reasons. Accompanying a wild, unwilling creature could easily spiral into trouble. The challenges would multiply, and having a rare creature such as a unicorn could mark them as targets.
“Franny let it go. You can search the ground for any hairs that may have fallen if you want. But we are not bringing with us a horned horse.” Talax announced. Franny snorted derisively and retorted. "Unicorns don't naturally shed. To acquire their hairs, you must extract them yourself." Before he could respond, Qalo interjected with a grimace of distaste. “We are not doing that!”
After a few more grumbles and protests, Franny surrendered his wild idea. With one last, longing look, they left the magical beast in peace, still grazing unconcerned amidst the mana-steeped vegetation. Talax turned to look back at the creature for a fleeting moment and the alluring unicorn had transformed into a pale creature with saggy flesh and vacant eyes. When he blinked in surprise, the unicorn was back, looking alluring and ethereal as before. Nonetheless, he quickened his steps feeling uneasy.
They resumed their journey, their caution slipping away without them even realizing it. The sight of the unicorn had loosened their stressed shoulders and they started chatting and laughing at Qalo’s wild stories. Their laughter echoed through the forested passages, blending with the distant trickle of water and the occasional trill of unseen birds.
That's how they stumbled upon the moles. After hours of walking, they stopped near a small pond. The sight triggered a tingling sensation in Talax's mind, as if trying to remind him of something. The pond's bottom was filled with luminous algae that emitted a much-appreciated source of light. Its banks were adorned with various plants that emitted mana, even detectable by his untrained senses. The iridescent glow from the pond cast ever-shifting patterns on the surrounding plants, turning the area into an ethereal sanctuary.
The trio decided to rest for a while and began preparing to make camp. Talax left Qalo and Franny to their tasks, which meant Qalo was doing all the chores while Franny was giving orders and pampering himself. He decided to go and investigate the peculiar plants. As he gazed at the muddy banks, he saw plant stalks, big leafed monstrosities, and small gangly-looking things that didn't seem like much. Each plant seemed to have its own unique hue, forming a mosaic of colors along the pond's edge.
Talax waded through the thick, pasty mud. He raised his arm and touched one of the gigantic leaves, which could easily shelter him from a downpour, and felt its velvety texture. His attention was captured by an unassuming plant below its enormous brethren, entwined at the roots of the bigger plant like a parasite leeching off its energy. Its leaves were a deep shade of midnight blue, contrasting starkly against the vibrant surroundings.
Talax felt a compulsion to touch the dark leaves and bent over to reach them better. As soon as his hand touched the ordinary leaf, his hand began leaching off all color, and green tendrils started appearing on his extended palm. He quickly snatched his hand away, but his curiosity was piqued.
A plant capable of inflicting harm through a mere touch could prove to be an invaluable weapon. He searched his pack and retrieved one of his older shirts. Tearing it into strips, he bandaged his hand meticulously, leaving no skin exposed to potential infection. Then, as if guided by an unseen force, his hand gravitated to the stem of the leaf that had caused him harm. With a swift motion, he twisted it.
The leaf detached with a soft pop. Bringing it closer to his face for inspection, Talax observed traces of mana coursing through its bumpy surface. Almost imperceptible veins of green energy formed an intricate circuit.
Suddenly, a surge of mana surged through him. With a sense of satisfaction, he noted the appearance of a new skill within his core.
Herbalism, level 1
1% to successful herb gathering and preservation, identification of common and uncommon plants
Talax, pleased and smiling broadly, welcomed the rush of getting a new skill. With each new skill he became stronger, more powerful and able to go against stronger adversaries. He anticipated the day when he wouldn't quiver in the face of every challenge or hide behind his companions for protection.
Just as he was about to enthusiastically share his newest accomplishment with his friends, he felt something grabbing his leg.
Before he could even give a yelp of surprise he was yanked into the muddy waters. Clawed hands searched for vulnerable spots and Talax thrashed violently trying to break free. The low light and the murky waters didn’t let him identify his opponent.
In a state of bewilderment, he lashed out, blindly kicking and punching at the creature holding him hostage. Luckily a stray kick found a vulnerable spot and the strong claws laxed for a moment, giving him the chance to break the surface of the water and finally take a breath of air.
Within a heartbeat, the creature emerged, lunging in his direction. Driven by panic, his reflexive response was to raise his hand, guarding his face. Claws etched deep grooves into his bracers yet failed to inflict any serious damage.
Talax with wide eyes full of panic, he watched the creature before him screech with menace. It was a mole-like creature, the size of a large dog but instead of standing on all fours like a regular animal it was bipedal. It had no eyes, but a large mouth with protruding incisors and metallic whiskers that resembled big needles.
"You are one ugly thing!" muttered Talax with disgust. Without conscious thought, fueled solely by his anger, he delivered a punch straight to the creature's face. The impact resonated with a loud crunch, accompanied by a pained yelp as his fist connected with the screeching mouth.
The mole wasted no time waiting to be struck again. With nimble movements, it leaped and swiftly disappeared into the murky swamp waters. However, before Talax could even sigh in relief, another mole emerged from behind. Reacting on instinct, Talax jumped aside. The creature crashed into the steep slopes full of plants and gave a screech of agony even before it landed.
Mesmerized for a brief moment, Talax watched as the hairless creature turn bone white and then rotted in the span of seconds. The part of its back that had come into contact with the plant he had previously inspected liquefied into a repulsive sludge, followed by the rest of its body, with chunks of flesh slouching off, like spoiled meat.
His morbid fascination was abruptly shattered by the sound of water parting behind him. Swearing under his breath, he spun around. His gaze fell upon his clenched fists, a small stem poking through his right palm. A vicious grin played on his lips as he waited for the approaching creature's arrival.
Without hesitation, the mole creature lunged, propelling itself through the water and sending droplets flying in all directions. The collision knocked Talax off balance, sending him tumbling into the water. They fought wildly, Talax feeling the claws leaving bloody trails on his body, but his ability armor of the deep protected him from serious damage.
At last, Talax managed to maneuver his hand and punch the mole once more. As expected, the creature emitted a piercing screech. Seizing the opportunity he sought, Talax's nimble fingers tossed the deadly leaf into the creature's open maw, retracting his hand just in time. The sound of teeth snapping shut echoed a moment after he had pulled his hand. Yet, the next instant the creature gave an agonized scream that dwindled into a pitiful gurgle.
After a mere few seconds, the mole died, and Talax observed as the creature's flesh melted away like a candle, leaving only bones in its wake.
With the immediate danger now behind him, he caught wind of the sounds of battle, realizing that his companions had encountered the repulsive creatures as well. Refraining from rushing into action, he held back, confident that his friends could handle such weak enemies. Instead, he decided to collect more of the lethal leaves.
Devoting a significant portion of the next hour, he diligently collected each leaf, carefully stowing them away within a tightly sealed jar. Somewhere along the way, Qalo and Franny sought him out, providing him with a new vocabulary of colorful words that he would be using in the future when someone did something really dumb or extremely smart.
Having completed his task, he combed the periphery of the small lake in search of another plant, though luck was not on his side this time. He encountered two more attacks from the ugly creatures. Yet, with his companions' aid, dispatching them proved to be a straightforward task.
They took a brief respite by the pond, allowing a few hours for rest, yet opting against lingering for too long. When they felt reasonably rested, they resumed their journey.