Sometime passsed.
Leo scowled as he studied the furnace-building instructions. The amount of iron and wood required seemed daunting. “I haven’t even found a single piece of iron yet, and while there’s plenty of wood around, chopping it down one by one will take ages,” he muttered to himself. Sunny, his eagle companion, let out a sharp cry, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Leo looked up, realizing they had arrived at the lair of the Electric Python. "Forget the furnace for now," he decided. "If I can't gather enough iron, I’ll just trade some meat for it."
The current priority was to plunder the Electric Python's lair. A beast like that wouldn’t just make its home anywhere; there had to be something valuable nearby. When Sunny landed, Leo hopped off and began to survey the area around the swamp, his eyes scanning for anything unusual he might have missed during the earlier battle.
As he moved deeper into the swamp, he noticed patches of strange grass growing around the Python's lair. The plants had blue-purple leaves with lightning-like patterns etched across them. Intrigued, Leo checked his system to learn more.
[Thunder Grass
Grade: C-
Effect: Enhances physical fitness and grants a slight lightning affinity when consumed.
A rare grass thriving in swampy lands, rumored to absorb energy from lightning strikes. Favored by the Electric Python.]
Leo grinned. “So, this is how the Python got its lightning powers.” He quickly harvested the patches of Thunder Grass until he had gathered a decent supply.
[Obtained Thunder Grass x10]
Satisfied, Leo glanced around, noting there wasn’t much else of interest. Calling Sunny over, he climbed onto his companion’s back. “Take me to your home, Sunny,” he said. Sunny cocked his head, seemingly understanding, and took off into the sky.
During the flight, Leo checked his latest rewards.
[Silver Beast Taming Cube x10]
These were the foundation of his journey. With them, he could capture more powerful creatures to grow stronger. He also checked his material stash.
[Iron x300, Wood x200]
With these materials, he could finally start building. Opening the auction panel, he listed half of the snake meat he’d collected from the Thunder Pattern Python, offering it in exchange for iron and wood.
[Listing: 1 pound of snake meat for 2 iron or 5 wood]
Though it seemed pricey, Leo knew food was scarce, and materials like wood could be gathered relatively easily. Immediately, messages flooded the channel.
"Did this guy really kill a Thunder Python on his own? How does he have so much meat?"
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
"Whoever this is, I need to meet them. There's no way someone’s stronger than my team!"
“Can’t you lower the price? Five wood seems steep.”
Ignoring the chatter, Leo focused on his destination. Sunny eventually landed on a steep cliff, where he squawked proudly. “Oh, so this is your home?” Leo asked, looking at the large nest nestled among the rocks. There were no other beasts nearby; Sunny ruled over the entire peak.
While exploring, Leo noticed a strange grass growing in the cracks of the rocks. When he stepped on it, a small cloud of black mist puffed out. Curious, he tapped the system for details.
[Black Cloud Grass
Grade: C
Effect: Boosts physical strength; may grant unique effects for exotic beasts
A rare grass found on high cliffs, emitting a strange black mist. Said to hold mysterious powers within.]
Leo realized this grass might be the source of Sunny’s black cloud ability. He carefully harvested it, packing it away.
“Alright, Sunny, let’s get you some armor,” Leo said, pleased to see the auction had provided enough iron and wood for him to construct a furnace.
Just like in a game a holographic silhouette of furnace appeared in his view, he look around than pick empty spot flat spot.
With a thought the building materialized
[Furnace Constructed!]
Selecting a design for fine steel armor, Leo set the materials to refine, hoping to make something light yet strong enough to protect Sunny’s vital areas without hindering flight.
As he waited, he had an idea. “If I mix some Thunder Grass into the furnace, maybe it’ll improve the armor.” Carefully, he added a few pieces of Thunder Grass, watching as sparks and a faint rumbling sound emerged from the furnace. Black smoke briefly billowed, making him worry he’d ruined it.
Then, a message appeared.
[Crafting Successful
Eagle Steel Armor
Grade: C
Defense: 500
Durability: 100
Effect: Emits weak lightning on impact, counterattacking attackers
"Crafted from fine steel and enhanced with special materials, this armor is tailored for exotic beasts.".]
Leo lifted the armor, admiring its smooth surface and the faint glow it emitted. He called Sunny over, securing the armor on him piece by piece. Sunny stretched, adjusting to the new weight, then took to the sky, his armor flashing as he soared, letting out triumphant cries.
Leo smiled, watching his companion circle overhead, looking stronger and more powerful than ever. “Let’s see what else we can conquer together, Sunny.”
Sunny soared through the sky, gleefully testing out his new armor. Leo watched with a satisfied nod and called Sunny back down, deciding to remove the armor for a quick upgrade.
Sunny tilted his head, letting out a few disappointed squawks and casting Leo a slightly sad look, like a child whose favorite toy was being taken away. Leo chuckled at the display. “Don’t worry, buddy,” he assured him. “I’ll make it even better, and then you’ll have it back.”
Understanding, Sunny flapped his wings happily before folding them and waiting obediently. Leo gathered more iron ore and placed both the armor and ore into the smelting furnace, refining them several times until the upgrade was complete.
[Fine Steel Lightning Armor
Grade: C
Defense: 800
Durability: 120
Effect: Releases a lightning counterattack when struck
Expertly crafted steel armor infused with lightning, tailored for eagles to unleash a shock on impact.]
Leo gently tapped the upgraded armor with his sword, listening to the clear, metallic ring. “This should hold up well,” he thought, pleased with its durability. Realizing he’d need protection too, Leo decided to forge a set of armor for himself. Though Sunny usually protected him, having his own armor was essential for survival.
As he gathered materials, he hesitated, hand hovering over the Thunder Grass. “Sunny’s armor can handle the lightning,” he mused, “but if it shocks me during a close fight, that could be dangerous.” He frowned. For thick-skinned monsters, a lightning counter might not even be effective. Then he remembered the Black Cloud Grass from Sunny’s nest. If it worked with his armor, it might emit a dark mist on impact, blurring vision and helping him slip away in a tight situation.