The argent sheen of the full moon, normally a beacon of serenity, cast an unsettling glow on the Rabbit Village. Nestled in their huts, the rabbits were oblivious to the presence stirring within. A single form remained writhing, his energetic excitement a counterpoint to the village's slumber.
The MirrorStone reflected the moonlight, warping the light into a luminescence that bathed the tiny room in an unearthly glow. The room was rather bare, devoid of even the most basic furniture. Tables, wardrobes, beds - such things were useless to your standard abomination. X nestled comfortably within an unusual nest, it was woven from green branches and adorned with wildflowers. One might find an eldritch monster out of place in such a flowery arrangement, but this was the nest the rabbits made for X. For him this was a reminder of the devotion he inspired, and he savoured the refreshing, floral scent.
Twirling his thick tentacles - each one a writhing mass of barbed flesh and unblinking eyes, starkly different from the others - X surveyed the fractured reflection in a jagged crystal surface. A guttural rumble echoed within the chamber. Had he... grown? The thought brought forth a chuckle, a sound more akin to bones grinding than amusement.
“It seems I’ve put some mass…” he paused, unsure to lament or celebrate the ‘weight gain’. One by one, he wriggled his main appendages, the biggest of his tentacles, an eldritch equivalent of arms and legs. “Eight tentacles, eight abilities gained.” He recollected, pride swelling inside his core. “All filled with boons from AbsorbMonster…”
Eight writhing tentacles, each a conduit to a new power. These abilities, these boons, were trophies hard-won. Some, like the ThickHide, were ripped from the desecrated form of a slain BlackWarg. Others, like Darkvision, were… offerings. Gifts from the rabbit hunters who were keen to win his favour.
Darkvision ability pulsed from a single tentacle, its surface now leathery and black as obsidian. A boon obtained by consuming a CaveBat. Gone were the tentacle's former sensory organs, replaced by beady eyes like bottomless pits filled with endless darkness. Razor-sharp teeth lined a maw within a maw, a twisted parody of sight and ingestion.
Camouflage skill clung to another appendage, a thick layer of viscous slime obscuring its true form, a unsetling reminder of the AmbusherSlime’s preferred hunting tactics. This limb lacked eyes or mouths, but its surprising elasticity allowed for the capture of unsuspecting prey. The slime itself held a curious property, bending light with an unsettling effect, further blurring the line between reality and illusion.
BattleCry had transformed a single tentacle entirely. Amphibian-like green skin, a chilling echo of the BattleToad, covered it now, studded with cold, yellow eyes. The plethora of mouths remained, toothless except for the fleshy pouches that bulged at their sides. These pouches, a mockery of the toad's vocal sacks, could unleash a deafening… Croak?
SeismicSlam granted perhaps the most unsettling transformation. The chosen tentacle resembled a grotesquely enlarged, fleshy pink appendage, reminiscent of a RavagerMole's burrowing horror, a big wrinkly… something best left undescribed in polite conversation. Ridges of hooked nails, more akin to a mole's digging claws, replaced the lost eyes, and the ever-present mouths seemed to yearn to burrow into the earth with an insatiable hunger.
Leap had subtly altered another appendage. The flesh had hardened, the muscles more defined, mirroring the ClawSquirel's agility. The effect was subtle but potent, rivalling the rabbits' own remarkable Hop ability.
KeenSight bestowed upon another tentacle a multitude of magnificent eyes. Deep green and intelligent, they held a predatory gleam, a testament to the LesserGryphon's keen vision. Unfortunately, the tentacle itself remained devoid of the gryphon's majestic plumage. Instead, it sported a few scattered, pathetically withered grey feathers – a remnant of its potential beauty, a chilling reminder of the creature it had absorbed.
Spit was a curious addition to his arsenal, stolen from a bizarre creature called the Warasubo. It was an unconventional ability for an unconventional limb. This particular appendage already lacked eyes and mouths, a chilling hint to its unsettling purpose. Now, however, the very tip sported a grotesque parody of a mouth – teeth facing outwards in a mockery of a smile. The sight was unsettlingly alien. Yet, the special boy, as X thought of it with a hint of dark amusement, benefited greatly. The modified appendage could now launch projectiles of EldritchOoze with surprising accuracy, each a miniature embodiment of his own eldritch essence.
Despite their unique specialisations, the boundaries between X's tentacles often blurred. A LesserGryphon eye might adorn a CaveBat-like limb, while a RavagerMole maw gaped disturbingly on a ClawSquirel-like appendage.
“All useful abilities," X acknowledged, a single tentacle bobbing in agreement. "Yet..." He reached out, a tendril seeking to sratch the nonexistent ninth appendage. The sensation was unnervingly real – a phantom limb yearning for existence.
Ever since the obelisk's creation, a mysterious tactile sensation plagued this phantom limb. Mostly, a never ending itch he had no means to scrach. Sometimes, an odd pressure or a brush against nothingness. Rarely a phantom knock that echoed within his being. Most disturbingly, just once, a wet sensation, a spectral kiss upon the nonexistent flesh. X shuddered, an alien emotion that flickered within his chaos core. Was it the obelisk? Did it hold the key to this bizarre phenomenon?
With a sense of grim curiosity, X propelled himself towards the obsidian monolith, the enigma demanding investigation.
The village slumbered, an unnatural hush blanketing its usual lively chatter. Yet, an eerie beauty lurked within this silence, a stark contrast to the playful squeals that normally filled the air. X slithered through the packed dirt path, his movements silent and swift. He savoured this quiet, using it as a training ground. Here, he practised his newly gained abilities. To blend seamlessly into the shadows, leaving only a chilling unease in his wake. To remain unseen, yet possess an all-encompassing vision. To be the calm before the tempest.
The obsidian obelisk loomed ahead, a twisting monolith against the star-strewn sky. Purple glyphs pulsed faintly across its surface, casting an eerie glow. "Again..." X rasped, a cacophony of mismatched voices. The phantom touch returned, the sensation of a ninth tentacle yearning to be scratched. He reached out, a desperate gesture into the void, but found only empty air. “I know it has something to do with this.” He looked accusingly at the obelisk, scanning the plethora of glyphs, an eye for each with one eye left to spare.
The spare eye, caught a flash of black against the obsidian monolith. A monster, its raven wings spread wide, was perched arrogantly at the very tip.
“[Inspect]. A CarrionCraw? What is it doing here?”
The CarrionCraw was an unlikely visitor – these scavengers of battlefields rarely ventured into the depths of the forest. It stared down at X with beady black eyes, an accusation burning within their depths. Then, with a harsh caw that shattered the tranquil silence, the crow screemed at him. The sound, impossibly powerful for such a creature, echoed through the slumbering village.
Then, the CarrionCraw renewed its assault on the obelisk. Peck by peck, it hammered at one of the glowing glyphs, the crow’s purpose seemingly to scratch or even break it. With each frantic attack, a jolt of energy pulsed through X. Ping after ping, an echo of pain resonated inside the phantom tentacle
"Shoo!" a frustrated rumble escaped him as he lashed out with a single tendril.
The CarrionCraw retaliated with another ear-splitting caw, its sharpened claws now tearing at the glyph in clear malice. A searing pain lanced through X, a horrifying sensation of an eye being gouged from its socket.
"You WretChed PEST!" X roared, the craw’s intent painfully clear. "Die! [VoidBolt]," he lashed out with a single tendril, unleashing a dark orb of eldritch energy. Accurate and deadly, the projectile slammed into the crow, reducing it to a spray of guts and feathers. A wet sensation flooded X's phantom tentacle – the blood of the crow washing down the obelisk. it somehow felt... pleasurable?
"Looks like I need some rabbit guards," he tentacled, making a mental note for the following day. "Don't want bird droppings desecrating the obelisk, either." Finally, a thrill of exhilaration coursed through him. "And now," he rumbled, wriggling with a strange sense of satisfaction, "to scratch this infernal ITCH!" He reached out with a tendril, brushing against a glyph that pulsed with an intensity unlike the others.
The moment his appendage touched the glyph, a blinding light erupted. He felt his consciousness being pulled inside the obelisk, his phantom limb. X recoiled, yet the tentacle remained firmly glued. His vision blurred, an image apeared inside his mind. “A dream? No! A nightmare…” he flailed his tentacles in terror.
A vision. A crimson tide surged through the village, staining the very earth. Huts lay shattered, their wooden bones pierced with stray viscera. The air hung heavy with the metallic tang of blood. Scattered amongst the carnage, lifeless forms of his precious rabbits lay broken and still. Only the Chaos Obelisk remained, a defiant monolith amidst the devastation. Five figures, their forms shrouded in a malevolent aura, huddled around the obsidian monument. Their weapons, slick with the blood of innocents, glinted in the dying light.
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X's consciousness lurched closer, granting him a chilling view – the faces of his tormentors. A hulking BeastWarrior, veins bulging with primal rage. A wizened Wizard, eyes glowing with arcane malice. A silent Scout, a predator in tattered rags. A chanting Priestess, her voice dripping with unholy fervour. And finally, the leader – a Hero, her face contorted in a ugly parody of righteousness.
Fury boiled within X. "My DemiRabbits!" he flailed, a helpless motion within the nightmare. "Innocent lives for their twisted crusade!" His being writhed in impotent rage, trapped within the confines of the vision.
The Hero, wielding a mace dripping with crimson, cackled with glee. The weapon slammed into the obelisk, unleashing a shower of yellow sparks. The air crackled with a malevolent energy as the divine assault resonated through the nightmare. The obelisk shuddered, its once vibrant glyphs dimming into oblivion. Then, with a deafening groan, it crumbled to dust. The nightmare came to an end.
“A glimpse of the future…” X's tendrils thrashed in agitation. “We must prepare…” he pulled his tentacle away from the obelisk, his core burning with righteous fire. “I will prevent the slaughter. They have no right! The murdereds. The savages!” The memory of five faces was seered deep inside his mind.
And yet, the vision didn’t tell when it would happen. Tomorrow or next week? Anyway, there was no time to waste. Sleeping or not, he had to wake his rabbits.
“My Rabbits, My Precious Creations, My Kin, [BattleCry], COME TO ME!!!” he bellowed a cry, a roar so powerful it kicked up the nearby dust.
A flurry of activity ensued. Rabbits of all shapes and sizes – from diminutive villagers to mighty hunters – hopped from their burrows and dwellings. Some arrived with trepidation, others with a glint of battle in their eyes. A collective murmur of confusion rippled through the crowd, but X paid it no mind. His eldritch gaze swept over the assembled mass, a multitude of eldritch eyes meticulously counting each rabbit. All were present.
He addressed them, his tentacles moving with power. "My creations, my kin," he began, each gestured word laden with authority. "A dark vision has been bestowed upon me. A glimpse into the future. Enemies approach: a trio of vile Humans, a savage Beastman, and a treacherous Dark Elf. Their hearts reek of malice, their blades thirsting for your innocent blood!"
A collective gasp escaped the rabbits, their expressions morphing from confusion to sheer terror.
X pressed on, painting a grim picture. "These are no ordinary adversaries, they are adventurers on a twisted crusade, their power exceeding our current state."
A brave RabbitGuard, unable to contain her anxiety, hopped forward. "Master," she squeaked, "are they… stronger than you?"
A heavy silence descended. X met the RabbitGuard's gaze, a flicker of pain crossing his being. "Yes," he admitted, the truth a bitter pill to swallow. "That is why we must grow stronger. And swiftly. Sacrifices will be necessary. Do you understand the weight of this task?"
Solemn nods met his gaze. The rabbits, united by the gravity of the situation, stood resolute. Their eyes, now gleaming with newfound determination, locked onto X.
"Excellent!" he tentacled, the appendage filled with renewed purpose. "Then let the preparations begin. As soon as… Now!"
As if responding to X's command, a surge of energy coursed through the obelisk. Its glyphs pulsed erratically, illuminating the night sky with an unsettling code. A message, visible only to X and the assembled rabbits, flickered into existence:
Quest: Guided by false ideals, the Hero’s Party seeks to extinguish the source of your essence and restore ‘balance’ to the forest. If not stopped they will destroy everything dear to you.
Objective: Protect DemiRabbits 240/240
There are no twisted monsters here, only devoted followers, precious DemiRabbits. Shield your kin from the relentless onslaught of the Hero.
Objective: Safeguard the Chaos Obelisk 1/1
The pulsating monolith is the font of your power, a beacon able to draw ‘life’ from the void. Defend it from the holy magic that seeks to sever its connection to the realm of Chaos.
Objective: Eradicate the Hero’s Hand 0/5
The Hero’s Hand is a blight upon your domain. Eliminate them before they extinguish your essence and restore the forest to a sterile order.
[Reward: DivineSpark, 50000 EXP, ???]
…
Once, a gentle breeze rustled through the rustic huts of the Rabbit Village, a symphony of contentment. Life flowed at a leisurely pace, each day an opportunity for carefree naps and playful frolicking. Now, that idyllic melody had been replaced by a harsh, martial drumbeat. The serene village had morphed into a merciless boot camp, the air thick with frantic activity. Even the youngest kits, their eyes brimming with a purpose they barely understood, were pressed into service.
A select group of rabbits huddled within a cramped, yet strangely significant room. It was the bedchamber of X, a chamber previously reserved for only the most esteemed members of the village. Here, bathed in the dim, flickering glow of reflected moonlight, they huddled together – a council of war. The weight of their situation pressed heavy on their small shoulders, but they had a plan, a rough outline of resistance hastily scrawled in the face of impending doom.
The Huntmaster, a fierce Hunter with crimson eyes burning with resolve, thumped her chest. "We'll scout the forest, hunt nearby monsters! It'll make us stronger, buy us some time."
X swirled a tentacle in a gesture that could be interpreted as gentle encouragement. "Excellent, HuntMaster. But remember, the souls they yield are crucial. I need them more than ever."
The HeadCrafter, a rabbit newly elected to the position, spoke with a touch of arrogance. "Souls for the Master, resources for us. We need materials to craft weapons and armour!"
"To meet the demand I’d need more Hunters." The Huntmaster snapped back. "I haven't got the rabbits to spare.”
The RabbitMaid, ever the diplomat, intervened. "Now, now, let's not fight. With the influx of souls, Master X can create more rabbits. Some will surely have the potential to become Hunters."
The Huntmaster squinted at the Rabbitmaid. "Are you suggesting I take rabbit children to the forest?"
A chilling smile stretched across X maws. He cut in. "Yes, HuntMaster. A budding talent needs honing. And if they fall..."
The RabidMaids smile widened, mimicing X’s. "...their souls would return to Master X to be reborn anew," she finished, her voice cheerful as she offered everyone a plate of freshly fried snacks.
The HeadCrafter hesitantly took a bite of FriedFrog. "Not bad," she admitted, her voice muffled by the snack. "in that case, I could use more Crafters too."
X scratched his nonexistent head. "Indeed, we need more rabbits. Perhaps prioritising soul gathering is wise. In that case, I believe it's time I joined the Hunts." He proposed with a determined tentacle.
The RabbitGuard slammed her paw on the hastily assembled table, almost smashing it to bits. "Master, that's too dangerous! What if they attack you while you're out?"
"Some risks are necessary," X dismissed. "That's why you, my Guard, will be coming with me."
The RabbitGuard, relieved, sat back down with a smile. "Oh," she said, seemingly content with the arrangement.
"I second it," the HuntMaster nodded. "The Master's presence will motivate the children. They'll push harder to unlock their classes."
The HeadCrafter, tilted her head in confusion. "Is that how it works? If so, I request to borrow Master X's tentacles when he returns from the hunt. You know, for... crafting inspiration."
X chuckled, a sound distorted by his many mouths. "Certainly, HeadCrafter. I know how to craft a thing or two.” Then he continued, his tentacles serious again. "So, to summarise: souls for more rabbits, training for the children, and then gathering of monster materials... We've improved the village’s wall already, yes? Anything else?"
The rabbit moved their whiskers thinking hard of something to add, eventually, everyone's gaze wandered to the MasterChef, a silent observer who had been steadily demolishing a plate of snacks.
“Crunch, crunch, crunch...” the MasterChef struggled, her cheeks bulging from all the snacks inside. Her eyes darted nervously between the tray and the assembled rabbits. She swallowed painfully, clearing her troat to speak. "I-I can prepare various morale-boosting snacks?" she stammered, a flicker of hope igniting in her frantic gaze. Then, a full spark! "Oh, wait!" she squeaked, remembering. "Clearing Master X's quest granted me the Butcher skill!" The spark faltered, she looked apologetically at the HuntMaster.
The Huntmaster offered a thin smile and a dismissive wave. "Past is water under the bridge," she said, her crimson eyes filled with a weary acceptance. "But do tell, what does this Butcher skill do?"
Taking a deep breath, MasterChef explained, "It lets me harvest monsters almost instantly! I can extract all the materials with ease, edible or otherwise."
The HeadCrafter, never one to miss an opportunity, nudged the flustered chef. "You should've mentioned that earlier!" she hissed.
"I'm so sorry!" the MasterChef flailed, her frantic movements knocking the tray and sending the remaining snacks flying. “Ah! I’m SORRY!”
A flurry of X's tentacles whipped into action. "Three-second rule! Safe!" they snatched the scattered snacks before they hit the floor, leaving none to waste. His eyes turned back to the chef. "Alright, MasterChef, you're in charge of harvesting monsters and morale-boosting snacks. Anything else?"
Knock, knock, - a heavy knock interrupted the meeting. A serpent head poked inside.
"Master, sss!" she hissed, her voice laced with triumph. "Great success! We have our first five RabbitTamers!"
"The ones paired with the warg pups?" X inquired, a tendril coiling in curiosity.
"Yes-sss," Shazara hissed with a smug satisfaction. "I have succeeded, sss!"
Seeing an opportunity to further impress X, another creature, Xul'Goth the Warden of Corruption, squeezed through the partially open door. Its writhing tendrils lashed out, seeking to grapple with X's own appendages. In seconds, the room was filled with a horrifying tangle of eldritch limbs.
"Xul, Not Now!" X bellowed, attempting to disentangle his own limbs from the mess.
The Huntmaster, a blush creeping up her cheeks, couldn't help but let out a surprised yelp. "New forbidden ritual!?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of excitement and apprehension.
The RabbitMaid, ever the diplomat, tried in vain to separate the two creatures. "No, Xul! Bad boy, bad!" she tried, her voice strained.
The RabbitGuard exchanged a helpless look with Shazara, who simply slithered away with a defeated hiss. Responsibility wasn't her forte.
Just as panic threatened to consume the room, MasterChef, ever resourceful, shouted, "Froggy snacks to the rescue!" She tossed the remaining snacks towards the writhing mass. Her quick thinking was rewarded. Xul's tendrils whipped around, greedily scooping up the treats, momentarily forgetting its playful attack.
"For an EldritchHorror, it's way too friendly!" X tentacled, his form writhing in embarrassment as he disentangled himself. "Apologies for the unpleasant sight..." he flickered, then a thought struck him. "...but that gave me an idea. We should try evolving more monsters!. If we can tame them we can use them!!" His eldritch form pulsed with newfound excitement.