“Head first to the Foundry child, and there you will begin to understand. But be warned, for the Foundry does not take to strangers lightly. The inhabitants may direct their malice to you, and not see what you truly are. Stand with the inhabitants of this world, and guide them to the end.”
Enix’s form changed as he hit the ground, morphing into a blue gelatinous figure bouncing back upwards and clearing nearly a meter off the ground. As he landed, his form protected Ingot. What was once a small humanoid figure was replaced with a round bulbous shape, with Ingot flailing its small limbs within. The hole they had fallen through seemed to be the size of the Roc they had encountered, and almost three times its length, nothing but broken wooden planks and mossy stone around him.
That was close. Enix thought, releasing his friend before assuming his humanoid form again, using ‘Change Form’. He leapt upwards, sprouting limbs and clothing, and after that his head, with a pair of emerald green eyes and long pale hair that fell back his shoulders as he practically fell on his rear, keeping an eye upward for any falling statues. When none came, he called forth a screen, reading it over and giving silent thanks.
Slime Physiology (Passive) Lvl: MAX
Your physiology is primordial, amorphous, adaptable, and most importantly gelatinous! Made of a strange and ancient fluid, you are highly specialized to light, electricity and water!! Just stay away from necrosis or high frequencies of sound and you should be fine!
10% Resistance to Bludgeoning, Fire and Acid damage.
20% Vulnerability to Necrotis and Thunder
30% Bonus to Water, Lightning and Radiance.
Immune to stun, poison, paralysis, fall damage and sleep.
Ingot walked up to him, butting against the boy’s leg softly in concern.
“Don’t worry, I'm alright. You seem okay yourself, thankfully.” Enix sighed, lying down and allowing himself rest. It would take him until the next sun phase to fully recuperate, but he felt safe down here, and didn’t think-
The sound of moving stone interrupted his thoughts. He looked to see the larger statue had fallen with him. It’s legs gone, it crawled towards him, seemingly unwavering. Enix stood up, approaching the statue cautiously.
It had the resemblance of a large man with markings over a bare chest and arms. It’s forearms were covered in wrappings. What was left of its waist and legs were crumbled pieces strewn around where it had fallen. More so, it was nearly twice the size of any of the statues Enix had seen, which were already three times his size. It’s chest was bare, save for an ornate Japamala that seemed to hang around its neck, had the man not been made of stone.
Enix made sure to keep his distance as he recovered, walking around the hole as the statue feebly dragged itself after him. Enix pondered on what he should do, how he could escape, or even survive. Climbing up presented an issue, as the statues were still above. He searched for a way out in the hole, but found the circular stone walls sound and without any other entrances. Eventually, Enix simply sat down, contemplating.
“What should I do Ingot? I don’t think we can safely climb our way past those things.” The boy absent-mindedly put his hand on the metallic creature’s head. It hummed, practically purring and closing its eyes. Enix couldn’t figure out an escape.
But escape wasn’t his only option. He usually hesitated with this, knowing of his own vulnerability. Yet if it didn’t yield an escape, perhaps it would yield other roads he could take. Enix sighed, a screen appearing.
Devour (Active) Lvl: MAX
With your physiology, you are able to envelop other creatures and absorb their essence to your own. You gain their skills, but it comes with a cost. You are incapacitated for the duration, slowly ebbing their lives away, and are thus vulnerable to attack.
MP cost: 20 per minute
Deal 2 damage per second.
HP regen: 2 per second.
MP regen: 2 per second.
SP regen: 2 per second.
Enix walked toward the statue. He had done this before, but that didn’t make this any easier. When he used this ability, it was as if he fell asleep. He was vulnerable to outside influences, and now was as good a time as any. The boy whispered an apology before his form began melting away, his blue hued ooze-like body stretched and spread over the statue, wrapping around it despite its efforts of throwing him off. Within seconds he had enveloped the torso and head, and within minutes the arms. Time seemed to slow, and his senses faded away. He still felt the statue thrash and resist, but as it stilled, so did the world around him.
Your level has increased by one! Your level has increased by one! Your level has increased by one! Your level has increased by one! Your level has increased by one! Your level has increased by one! Your level has increased by one! Your level has increased by one!
Through the absorption of your prey, you gained the ability ‘Stoneskin’.
Through the absorption of your prey, you gained the ability ‘Eleventh Breathing Art: physical energy control’.
By the time Enix had woken up, two sun phases had passed. He sensed Ingot curled up at his side asleep, hearing its soft metallic snoring. Enix simply sat, bringing up the screens to see his new status:
Wayfarer
Enix
Class: Wanderer
Level 10: 42.35%
HP: 180
MP: 130
SP: 155
STR: 10
DEX: 10END: 10
VIT: 10
WIS: 10
INT: 10
CHA: 10
LUC: 10
POINTS: 45
MONEY:
Satisfied with the results, he turned to his newly acquired abilities. and odd images flashed through his mind. Images of strangely dressed people training at the summits of a mountain, of techniques taught.
Stoneskin (Active)
This ability strengthens your body to a near rock-like state, increasing your durability and might, but reducing your mobility.
MP Cost: 25
Duration: 1 minute
20% bonus to Endurance.
20% bonus to Vitality.
10% bonus to Strength.
30% penalty to Dexterity.
Xi’s Eleventh Breathing Art: physical energy control (Passive) Lvl 1: 0.00 %
Basic control of one’s bodily energy, developed by Tormac Xi the Half-Giant, a powerful man despite his seeming deformation, renown for his ferocity against any opponent, no matter how powerful they were. This breathing technique helps center one’s body, allowing for a better burst of offensive power or a sturdier defensive technique. It is activated through the keeping of steady breath and the maintaining of one’s center.
Strength increases by 10%
Dexterity increases by 10%
Endurance increases by 10%
Vitality increases by 10%
Enix read over them carefully, before assuming his human form, and inhaled deeply, activating the breathing art first. Instantly he felt his body improve, if only so slightly. It was the former ability that provided a challenge.
With his newly acquired stats, he could apparently hold Stoneskin active for roughly three minutes before having his mana completely depleted. Enix wondered whether these two skills would suffice in helping him and his partner escape the ruins. He unconsciously put a hand to Ingot’s head, contemplating and scrolling through his list of skills, before reading over one he had always had.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Meditation (Active) Lvl 3: 2.65%
With focus comes results. When meeting at the crossroad, with no idea as to direction, simply pause to reflect, contemplate. Reach out with your soul to the world around you, and once communed, thrive. With enough meditation, even the faintest of lights will become a beacon.
HP regen increases by 40% while meditating.
MP regen increases by 40% while meditating.
SP regen increases by 40% while meditating.
Awakening can be achieved through meditation.
These had been one of the few abilities he had had ever since he began wandering the ancient woods far above him. He had used it sparingly to regenerate his stamina, but that was all. Perhaps… Now was a good enough time.
If he couldn’t figure out a way out of this situation now, perhaps meditating would help him at least clear his mind.
And perhaps….
Enix pulled up his stats once more, looking to the points. From what he understood, he gained 5 every level he earned. If he was right, then maybe…
He tapped the screen, putting twenty points to his Wisdom and twenty more to his Intelligence, leaving 5 points left.
So he sat down once again, closing his eyes and breathing deeply. He concentrated on keeping a slow but steady breathing. Slowly, he felt his consciousness reach out, sensing everything nearby. Similar to his original senses, he saw without necessarily using his eyes, as if his very being had reached out to explore the environment. He noticed in detail the rotted wooden planks that he had fallen through, jutting upwards in a broken pile. The pieces of stone that remained from the statue he had devoured. Even Ingot, still asleep. Enix fell into its breathing rhythm as his attention drifted to the walls. Stone, perfectly circular and smooth. Almost no perceptible indentations or flaws on the walls, which only brought Enix more questions.
Once he had sunken deep enough, drifted into focus, he pondered his situation. His weapon was made of stone, barely useful in any situation. His friend was sturdy, defensive. He was not.
I could try to sneak away - no, that wouldn’t work, I couldn’t escape before. Stoneskin could give me better defense if I have to deal with the statues again, but I would rather not have to deal with them. Something about them…
They can’t be just statues, not with their variation in stats. The way they moved seemed odd as well - I mean, obviously. Statues don’t just move, but they also aren’t supposed to have a high intelligence either. More so, they moved with purpose, they weren’t just chaotic and random. It’s a safe bet they even corralled me over the old wood, trapping me in here intentionally.
The skill ‘Meditation’ has increased by one.
As he mused for a sun phase, he once again found his thoughts drifting towards his friend. Perhaps he could aid in some way. Enix observed his friend once more.
The Iron Pup
Ingot
Level 4: 68.72%
An infant of a rare group of metal-eating beasts, they are known for their incredible armor. Though rarely aggressive, it’s species tend to be territorial with their food. Their only means of combat before their horns grow in are to repetitively charge and tackle, or simply curl into a ball for shelter. However, some have been known to launch chunks of iron as a form of offense.
HP: 145
SP: 104
STR: 14
DEX: 7END: 18
VIT: 15
WIS: 3
INT: 2
CHA: 13
It’s small body, large head and legs were covered in metal, its underbelly and eyes being the only things exposed. A small fan-like piece of iron stuck out from its rear, acting as a cover for the base of its tail.. Two small holes sat under the larger holes for its eyes. It reminded the boy of a cross between a turtle and an armadillo, with short legs and small claws. Small folds in the sides of its round face plate allowed for its ears to move, and they flicked back and forth as it lifted itself onto its hind legs.
“Stick close little guy. No way of knowing if those statues will drop down on us.” Enix stood to walk around, running a hand over the walls as he circled his new prison. As he neared the pile of wood, he paused, hearing an odd noise.
The faintest of noises, like something scraping against wood. Without thinking, Enix drew his shortsword, using Observe to find whatever it was that was hiding.
Devious Trap
Mimic
Level 10: 00.00%
Beware of this treacherous thing. A slime variant, it specializes in the mimicking of objects to lay traps for an unsuspecting passerby. It is quick, deadly, and efficient, but easily vulnerable when discovered. It is often believed that mimics survive by devouring any object, or creature.
HP: 67/100
SP: 75
STR: 7
DEX: 16END: 13
VIT: 16
WIS: 1
INT: 16
CHA: 13
Enix tilted his head, observing the small thing underneath the pile. A black pile of what looked like wet clay. It wasn’t mimicking any object, which was strange on its own, and it moved oddly, frantically. It seemed injured, pained, but it was also erratic for another reason, at least to Enix.
“Guess we should at least help it huh?” Enix said to Ingot as he walked over cautiously, keeping an eye on the mimic as it stilled, waves rippling through it as it seemed to have sensed him. He felt Ingot at his side, eyes boring into the pile the mimic was hidden in.
“Hey, easy there. Let’s just try to help it first.” Enix scratched a finger under his friend’s chin, and it closed its eyes, humming and tilting its head to give the boy better access. If there was any way to get Ingot to listen, it was chin and belly scratches.
Enix paused, thinking. Perhaps there would be a better way of helping it then approaching a dangerous and amorphous injured creature. He backed up, this time picking up Ingot with a grunt. He sat down, cradling the metallic friend in his crossed legs as he began to meditate again. He felt slipping into his meditations easier, albeit slightly, yet this time he focused his whole mind to Ingot, reaching out. It took a while, and Enix frequently had to stop and start again, but eventually, he felt a solid connection form with Ingot’s mind and his own, and suddenly felt its consciousness brush his own. Enix couldn’t help but smile, and tried communicating a thought, only for Ingot to tilt its head at him.
He paused, frowning. Perhaps trying to convey thoughts wasn’t the way to go? Enix pushed again, this time keeping it simple. Colors, emotions only. He started with conveying an inquisitive sense, simple at first, and felt Ingot sit up, looking up at him before tilting its head.
Through performing a special action, you have gained the skill ‘Communion’. Connect your consciousness to those of others, and bridge the gaps between those that language can’t reach. Through conveying basic thoughts and emotions, you are able to communicate with any sentient or emotional life.
Enix smiled in triumph, sending his feelings of excitement to Ingot, who in turn chirruped, flicking its tail. In return Enix felt the same excitement, but something more than that. Ingot was eager, responding to the feelings conveyed.
“This’ll do.’ He stood up and approached the now quiet mimic, who practically rumbled to life as the boy drew near.
Enix reached over with his mind, concentrating hard on thoughts of peace, thoughts of concern. In return Enix received thoughts of danger, pure instinct alone. Enix goaded the mimic carefully, approaching slowly and keeping an eye on it in case it attacked. It rumbled and ripples, but Enix continued until he gently lifted a pile of wood. Then another, and another, all the while sending messages of assistance and reassurance to the creature.
Let’s hope it knows what I’m trying to do, Enix thought, though to be fair, I don’t see how moving the planks away would help, but…
Instead, Enix had another idea. He withdrew his stone shortsword, gently placing it on the same plank the mimic was atop. He conveyed his goal while backing up, and sure enough-
The mimic stilled, beginning to inch ever so slowly towards the sword. As it grew closer it suddenly sprang forward, enveloping the stone weapon and devouring it. The vague shape of the blade remained until the mimic began to shrink itself, and the blade disappeared as the mimic seemed to bubble in what Enix received as relief. Enix walked closer, this time kneeling and extending a hand to the mimic. He kept his communion with the mimic active, and the mimic moved slowly, extending a pseudopod to prod his hand before another appeared, and another and another until it began to cling to his hand. It made no motion to attack, and seemed to go out of its way to ensure Enix would not feel pain. Eventually it seemed to settle onto his wrist, wrapping itself around it like a moving, near liquid band. Enix sat up, careful not to disturb the mimic.
“Alright, I guess we have another friend.” The boy showed Ingot the mimic, who sniffed it before a pseudopod formed and tapped it’s shielded head like a cat whacks at a toy, or a nuisance. In return, Ingot winced and retreated its head.
“I guess I’ll have to give you a name, huh?” The mimic was still around his wrist, reminding Enix of a snake he had seen wrap around its prey.
“How does Vice sound?” The boy seemed content with the name despite the lack of response. “Yeah, I think that’s a good name for you.”
“Any way you can help us out little guy?” Enix conveyed their situation to the mimic, who in turn sprung as if startled, launched a sizable portion of itself into the wall, dragging Enix towards it as it formed itself around his hand. It then let go, transforming into a strange tool wrapped around his hand. It felt solid, like holding a real metal tool, yet it moved like fluid, like a slippery eel in the boy’s hand
Suddenly Enix realized its intentions, and smiled. It seemed for now, at the very least, he had made a new friend.
Enix spent the next few sun phases preparing as much as he could. Since he recovered at a quite fast rate, he decided to begin a basic form of training. Simply, he began using his Strike skill on the wooden planks while simultaneously activating his newly found Stoneskin ability. He controlled his breathing to maintain his passive skill and found he cut through the wooden plank with surprising speed and efficiency. Activating Strike again, he punched through a somewhat long plank, and then brought his food down on another. Throughout this the mimic had wrapped itself around his wrist again, keeping still as he destroyed plank after plank, resting for a sun phase before beginning again, until the pieces of wood were too small and scattered to effectively hit. Eventually he moved on to striking the wall, but found that his skills wouldn’t develop as quickly. Was it because he wasn’t capable of damaging the wall, and therefore he couldn’t gain experience with the skill?
Despite that, he would continue, continually keeping as many skills activated as he could, watching them gradually improve. Overall, he gained at least 2 levels on Strike, 3 on his breathing technique, and only 1 on his stoneskin. While he rested, he played with Ingot, as the small creature curled into a ball and rolled to him, only for Enix to catch him and roll him away. Ingot spun around and rolled to him again. Enix noticed that Ingot felt heavier than he had early this morning, if only by a small amount. At the same time the small creature seemed just as large, so Enix waved the thought away as Ingot growing. Enix sat down as the day’s light ebbed, Ingot curing up at his side. The boy was still worried of what awaited him, of whether those stone warriors would come down, or whether he could even manage to escape.What awaited him in the stone dungeon that called to him so? What horrors did the statues guard?
Enix sat up suddenly, blinking as an idea formed.
Of course. Why would they move as soon as I got close, and yet stay away for so long? Maybe they don’t see me as a threat, now that I’m down here.
They had set a trap.