“Tell me more about the swamp miss” quizzed Lee as they left via a gate positioned at the north of San Uber.
Valkyrie: Well, it is filled with all sorts of gross but useful flora and fauna. The swamp is a breeding ground for a colossal colony of trees. They can survive amidst a harsh landscape.
Lee: Define harsh landscape.
Valkyrie: Volcanic lava spewing forth from tiny or sometimes wider orifices spread out on Terra; the area grows slowly and mages use their skills to prevent it from spreading in the direction of settlements.
Lee: So there is no water over there? Nothing sticky?
Valkyrie: Oh no lad. You will see for yourself soon enough what it’s like for the rest of us.
Cthulhu: The swamps here do not resemble the ones in your home world, Lee. Thus be cautious since it is unchartered territory for you. The animals there can be particularly nasty to deal with. Since the elf is your supervisor, I believe that you will have less difficulties. But do not take her presence for granted. Anything can happen at the swamp. So stay on your toes.
Lee decides to spend some time communicating with the system.
Lee: I guess when you speak she cannot hear you?
Cthulhu: Of course not. I am part of you Lee. I am You. We do not exist separately from one another. Thought processes and actions must be in sync for optimal progress in this world.
Lee: How do you know so much about this place? Have you been here before?
Cthulhu: I am familiar with many realms and universes Lee. We have been around for a long, long time.
Lee: Who are you referring to? Your family? You had mentioned your grandfather back at the inn. Could you tell me about him?
Cthulhu: Negative. Information that is precisely necessary for your advancement in this realm will be revealed to you as time passes. Do not worry about the Outer Gods. They will not concern themselves with the likes of you.
Lee: Alright. I guess I should maintain silence. You know I’m not trying to make small talk right?
Cthulhu: I get it lad. You think that by understanding me better, your path will be clearer, and we will be able to coexist better. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is for your good that I keep you away from matters that will cause you to develop fear instead of a resolute spirit. And that I cannot abide. Do not fret laddie.
Lee squirms a wee bit as he feels the temperature rising around him. He is nervous. The first adventure is about to commence.
Valkyrie: We have made it. I say it again Lee. Be wary of what’s about to come. Do not let your guard down. Even though I have been tasked to mentor you, I cannot always watch your six. Comprende?
The swamp is a strange phenomenon. The network of trees mirrors the mangrove forests on Earth that protect coastlines from being flooded because of rising sea levels. However, the very nature of the trees is what strikes Lee’s fancy. The wood is harsher, with smoke emanating from the trunks and branches.
Valkyrie: Those fruits are called Furo. They can be used to warm fireplaces and thus entire houses, especially during colder seasons. Regions near the extremities of Terra make good use of these things.
Lee: So I cannot eat them right?
Valkyrie: Not unless you have a death wish. It can fill you up if you’re a dragon or a fire-breathing salamander though. Aside from these two varieties of creatures, nothing else can stomach these fruits.
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The boy sees a crocodile crawl out of the lava. This creature is too peculiar. Dark orange in colour, it appears roasted at first glance. It is alive and is now aware of the three in the midst.
Lee: Stay right by me Viola. Do not dare step into the fiery pits.
The Vagabond Ant understands that this place is not for the faint-hearted. She hoped that her master would just turn tail and gallop out of the area. But despite all of her senses commanding her to escape, she successfully overrides them.
Cthulhu: The swamp has around 4 different sorts of creatures who can be classified as primary threats.
1)Fire crocs- They are moody beings who hate when they come across unfamiliar beings exploring their habitat. To them, we are an invasive species. In the current context, this is probably true. We are here to hunt other beasts hiding in lustrous fires.
2)Fire Hippos- Larger than the crocodiles and far more disturbing, they have a habit of charging directly at their foes. They are also born with horns that match the ones bison are blessed with on Earth. Thus, they are a deadlier threat than the aforementioned species. However, their meat is prized for its delectable taste and thus, aristocratic royals send teams of hunters down to take them out.
3)Swamp Aardvarks- Akin to the African mammals, these organisms can be excellent burrowers as they can sniff out disturbances within the landscape using sonic waves. Their mouth ejects tiny pellets of fire which can get embedded deep within your skin and can be troublesome to remove. Always drift away if the ground underneath or adjacent to your feet starts bubbling.
4)Swamp Turtles- These are the guys you are here for. While they are only slighter bigger in size in comparison to their counterparts on Earth, there is a major difference. They are a communal group of swamp dwellers unlike the ones I just talked of; they will attack together and target the weak link (s) of any group that has dared to venture into their home. This is why you must be ready.
Lee: I do not have a weapon on me. How do I defend myself against any attack?
The elven shieldmaiden seems to be praying.
Valkyrie: By the power vested in me due to the blessings of the Supreme One, I hereby cast a Veil to protect us from all harm coming our way.
A blue screen manifests and extends a few feet all around the three. The fire croc tries to penetrate the defense system, but once it fails, it sinks back into the lava lake.
Lee: I thought you were a Knight. How is it that you…
Valkyrie: I am an Elf. Our species is born with the ability to channel mana, thus we can always choose to become casters at will. I can function as a healer even while I operate as a Knight. Let’s keep moving, we have to return before dusk.
The group continue their trek through the fire swamp. A couple of minutes pass and they reach a cavern.
Valkyrie: This is a cave wherein you will find large numbers of turtles nesting. But I have to stay on guard over here. Go in lad, I’ll look after the opening.
Lee does not suspect the shieldmaiden at all. It is not that he is unaware of how risky it may be to trust an individual who has good reason to fear his existence. The boy feels secure, but he is unable to explain that sensation prevailing deep within.
Lee: Cool. I shall proceed. How many would suffice?
Valkyrie: I guess 100 should do it. Take this item.
The warrior hands the boy a small bag that cannot possibly bear the burden of 100 turtle shells.
Lee: Are you sure this will be enough to carry all of the shells?
Valkyrie: This bag has a ton of space. Just not visible to the naked eye. Go inside, kid. This is your path now. Have faith in the magic of our ancestors, it won’t let you down.
The lad heads straight into the cavern. He starts running. Then he discerns that he is still unarmed.
Lee: Oh you simpleton. Why did you go in without a single weapon? You must be crazy!
Cthulhu: Check the contents of the bag. You will find that the elven warrior has left something that will assist you in your perils ahead.
The boy peers into the bag and puts his hand inside what feels like a bottomless pit. His hands come across the hilt of a sword/dagger and he pulls it out.
A longsword emerges from the pouch. It feels remarkably heavy, but somehow Lee has the strength to hold it with one single hand.
Lee: Could you describe this weapon for me, Cthulhu?
Cthulhu: Affirmative. This is the Sword of Mauve. Crafted by the elven wife of the First Human Hero Patroclus who had managed to befriend the Dragon Emperor.
SOM stats -
DMG- 1000 HP per strike, -60000 HP per strike if user is at Level 6
Breaking Point- Cannot be damaged unless the foe is the Dragon Emperor himself.
Boosts Attack Potential and Agility of the bearer
Can be adorned by Knights alone
“So the First Hero was a Knight too?”
Cthulhu: He was the first Knight. Before him, the Classes did not have separate training regimes and academies. Patroclus was the first one who created and encouraged the separation of classes so that all 4 groups were able to evolve better. Specialized set-ups have existed for centuries all because of him and Mauve.
Lee: So why did Valkyrie hand me this rare high-grade sword? What is she up to?
Cthulhu: I believe it is best that you clear up that doubt once you are done with this particular activity. It would be unwise of me to speak on her behalf. Do focus Lee. There seems to be an abundance of enemies in your vicinity.
Lee: Hold on, where is Viola?
Cthulhu: The Vagabond Ant has chosen to avoid risking her neck. Thus she has abandoned you. I believe she still rests by Valkyrie’s side, on the surface.
Lee: Perfect, just perfect. I should’ve never tamed that thing…
Cthulhu: Red Alert! Enemies lie dead ahead!