Jack was rather pleased at both his level up and his new Skill. He put both his free points into Constitution (because more health was never a bad thing) and continued deeper into the cave.
As Jack ventured deeper into the passage, the glow emanating from the orb behind him gradually dwindled, fading into nothingness until he found himself enveloped in a shroud of absolute darkness. With each step he took, the oppressive blackness seemed to press in on him, swallowing up the very essence of light and leaving him stranded in a world devoid of sight.
He kept moving forward, using his spear to feel his way through the darkness. Each step echoed in the cavernous space, reverberating off the walls and creating an eerie symphony of sound. Jack's heart pounded in his chest, his senses heightened as he relied on instinct and intuition to guide him through the unknown depths of the cave.
He stumbled a few times but managed to maintain his balance as he progressed further along the winding passage. The oppressive darkness seemed to press in on him from all sides, testing his nerves and resolve with each passing moment.
Then, suddenly, his vision returned.
[Congratulations! You have gained the skill Night Vision]
[Night Vision
Aptitude: 72%
Rarity: Uncommon
Type: Passive
Level: 1
Description: This Skill allows you to see better in the dark. Vision is improved by advancing Skill level.
Note: Skill level can be increased through use.]
It was like seeing in dim light. His new vision wasn’t perfect, but it was a vast improvement over the pitch-black darkness that had enveloped him moments before. Jack's heart skipped a beat with relief as he took in his surroundings with newfound clarity.
With his spear still held firmly in hand, Jack pressed forward with renewed determination, his path illuminated by the faint glow of his Night Vision skill. He navigated the winding passages with greater ease now, his steps surer and more confident.
As he ventured deeper into the heart of the cave, he wondered why the Skill had been so easy to obtain. Was it his high Aptitude for it? Or did it have something to do with his connection to Goldeyes? Come to think of it, he had only gained the Tracking Skill after forming his connection to the wolf.
With each step, Jack's thoughts raced alongside him, weaving through the labyrinthine passages of the cave. Lost in contemplation, Jack almost missed the subtle shift in the air—a faint whisper of sound echoing from deeper within the cavern. His senses sharpened, and he tightened his grip on his spear, readying himself for whatever lay ahead.
He saw a light coming from the end of the passage. With each step forward, his determination grew stronger, fueled by the flickering beacon ahead. His grip on his spear tightened, his muscles tensing in anticipation as he approached the source of illumination. The once oppressive darkness now seemed to recede, yielding to the promise of what lay beyond.
As Jack drew closer to the light, the cavernous walls seemed to part, revealing a large chamber bathed in the same purple-black light that had illuminated the Flesh Homunculus.
The light had a strange quality to it, casting everything in an otherworldly hue that seemed to distort the very fabric of reality. Shadows danced and twisted along the walls, giving the chamber an unsettling and ominous atmosphere.
The walls themselves were rough-hewn and uneven, with jagged rock formations jutting out at irregular intervals. Crystals of various sizes and colors dotted the cavern walls, their surfaces sparkling and glimmering in the dim light.
In the center of the chamber, the stone floor gave way to a raised platform, upon which lay a massive stone table. Chains of iron snaked across its surface, binding the figure lying upon it securely in place. Jack felt that this was Elyras niece just as surely as he had felt that his destination lay inside this cave. That and her green hair and skin pretty much confirmed it.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
As Jack scanned the chamber, his gaze fell upon the array of tools scattered across one of the smaller tables. Each instrument gleamed dully in the eerie purple-black light, their surfaces marred by dried blood and other unspeakable residues.
Among the tools, Jack noticed a variety of implements typically associated with the macabre practices of necromancy. There were bone saws with serrated edges, their blades stained with the remnants of countless dissections. Scalpels and surgical knives lay strewn haphazardly across the table, their edges dulled from repeated use.
In addition to the cutting tools, Jack spotted other devices designed for more intricate and delicate work. Fine needles and stitching thread lay coiled in small piles, presumably to sew together the twisted flesh of the homunculus. Tiny forceps and clamps were arranged neatly in rows, their tips still glistening with traces of ichor and bodily fluids.
Aside from the tools, the other thing Jack noticed on the tables were the body parts that lay in various states of disarray and dissection. Limbs, organs, and other grotesque remnants were spread out across the surface, their twisted forms a testament to the horrors that had unfolded within the depths of the cave.
Jack's stomach churned with revulsion as he took in the sight before him, the stench of decay and death hanging heavy in the air. It was clear that whoever had been operating in this chamber had been engaged in unspeakable acts of experimentation and creation.
Jack assumed that person to be the robed man looming over Elyras niece, his back towards the passage Jack had just emerged from. Actually, no—Jack squinted as he made out the pointed tips of the robed figure's ears peaking up out of his long bone-white hair. Whoever this was, he was not human.
[Name: Darius Aguilar
Race: Arcane Elf
Level: 9
Health: 110/110
Mana: 255/255
Stamina 40/40
Skills: Death Magic, Fleshcrafting, Weaving, Wand Mastery,
Attunements: N/A
Abilities: Elven Grace, Mana Sight
Description: Arcane Elves are known for their mastery of magic and their deep connection to the arcane energies that permeate their world. They possess a natural affinity for spellcasting and often excel in various magical disciplines, from elemental manipulation to necromantic arts. They receive 2 free points as well as +2 to Wisdom and Intelligence per level. Arcane Elves are typically characterized by their pointed ears, white hair, and graceful demeanor.]
There was nothing graceful about what Jack witnessed in the chamber. Despite Darius Aguilar's elegant appearance, the scene before him was anything but refined. The stone floor was splattered with blood, and the air was thick with the metallic scent of death. Jack's instincts screamed at him to turn and run, to flee from the horror unfolding before him, but he knew he couldn't abandon Elyra's niece to whatever fate awaited her at the hands of this sinister figure.
Darius was talking now in an almost comforting voice to the bound form struggling against her restraints. “You really shouldn’t struggle my dear. I am giving you the chance to be part of something greater than yourself, something beautiful”.
Darius raised his hand and Jack could see the knife clutched in the elfs slender fingers. There was no time to waste. Jack knew he had to act swiftly.
He quickly conjured an Ice Dagger and sent it hurtling at the elf. For once, his aim was on point, and he hit Darius right on the arm that held the knife.
Darius screamed as the knife fell from his twitching fingers. He spun around to face Jack, his violet eyes ablaze with rage and disbelief.
“Intruder! How dare you interrupt my ascension!”
Jack didn’t bother responding to the murderous elf. Instead, he ran forward, hoping to skewer him on the point of his spear. Darius raised his uninjured hand, wove a spellform, and summoned a transparent barrier that shimmered with purple-black light.
Jacks spear bounced off the barrier as though it was made of solid brick.
[You have depleted Death shield of 28 Health]
So, magical barriers had health. That was good to know. As Jack continued to pound on the shield, Darius reached inside a pouch on his belt with his good hand and drew out a vial filled with a clear liquid. He tossed the contents back.
Jack could see the wound he had made on the elfs arm through the gash he had made in his robe. He watched in horror as the wound knitted itself back together, the flesh and skin reforming as if the injury had never occurred. Darius smirked triumphantly at Jack's disbelief as he raised his hand again and wove a new spell. Jack dove to the side, expecting an attack spell of some kind.
Instead, purple mist appeared before Darius, coalescing into a skeletal hooded figure that seemed to float, rather than stand, above the ground. The figure turned its glowing red eyes towards him and Jack Identified it.
[ Specter
Rarity: Uncommon
Level: 7
Health: 60/60
Mana: 300/300
Stamina 30/30
Skills: N/A
Abilities: Frightful Gaze, Soul Grasp
Description: This Specter has been summoned from the Realms of Death. It usually paralyzes its victims with fear before striking with its Soul Grasp ability, draining their life force and adding it to its own. Its presence alone is often enough to instill terror in those who encounter it, making it a formidable adversary in battle.]