My heart raced as I witnessed the unexpected attack on the Perlachirp. The once lively and vibrant creature now lay motionless on the ground, I was shaken. This is an illusion! An illusion, right? The answer was clear but…

My ear lifted up the Perlachirp, and I frowned as I pressed it to my chest.

I bowed my head in defeat. I was too perturbed, remembering the events from before—the injustice.

My ears drooped momentarily as I heard the rainforest turning eerily silent, as if holding its breath. The enchanting melodies of the other Perlachirp silenced.

An unsustainable rage surged through me as I turned to face the source of the attack! There, emerging from the foliage were several figures taller than myself, frilled monstrosities stepping out from the undergrowth. However, these creatures were shorter than the Doervus, hunched over as their gazes swept the field.

I quickly noted that the group of Eldriyssals had the appearance of theropods—closely resembling a hybrid between a feathered Raptor and a Dilophosaurus.

G.A.I.A. Activated!

— Eldriyssals Detected!

— Species: Ilosphat

— Sub-Name: "Noxious Spitters"

— Rank: F

— Classification: Common

— Organism Type: Predator

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED

From orchestrated singing to silence, the Perlachirps chanting became sorrowful, terrified cries, alerted to the Ilosphats.

Some of the Perlachirps retreated as they took off to the skies, but this was a futile effort as it swiftly drew the attention of the Ilosphat who spat out their energized gunk with extraordinary precision to eradicate them.

With a deep breath, I assessed the situation:

1. The Ilosphats, or "Noxious Spitters" as G.A.I.A. identified them, were a threat based on their lethal projectiles and relentless nature.

2. It was evident that they were responsible for the assault on the Perlachirp and posed a significant threat to both me and the Doervus.

3. These Ilosphats had crossed a line, slaughtering innocent Perlachirps and shattering the harmony we had achieved.

For this, I would not going to allow their actions to go unpunished.

Gently, I placed the slain Perlachirp on the ground, and readied my spear for battle.

Hissing, the Ilosphats advanced towards us with a menacing gait. Their scales glistened with an oily sheen, and their beady eyes, squinting, fixated on us with a predatory gleam.

Observing while they approached, I noticed each of these vile creatures were armed with long, retractable tongues that were lined with sharp barbs, slithering and ready to strike… at any given moment.

Assuming a defensive stance, I shifted the position of my spear, my tail swaying to my beating heart.

Something about these guys felt off… I was not sure what it was, but I was not going to be careless with these things…

The Doervus stood by my side, its antlers crackling with electrical energy. It stomped and scraped its hooved foot on the ground, ready to defend and retaliate against the Ilosphats.

Without warning, several of the Ilosphats lunged forward, their scaled bodies moving with surprising agility.

I was quick to notice that some of the other Ilosphats kept their distance. Staying behind, they allowed to their vanguard to rush at us before spitting lethal globs in our direction—the accuracy and speed of their projectiles making it difficult to anticipate the attacks from their approaching companions.

Dodging the disgusting projectiles, I sprang into action, relying on my nimbleness and the dense cover of the rainforest to evade the acidic onslaught from the Ilosphats. The Doervus, with its lightning-infused antlers, deflected the incoming projectiles with considerable precision as it stormed forward.

As the advancing Ilosphats closed in, hissing and spitting with each step, I braced myself for the imminent confrontation. Almost overcoming the distance, I recognized that their scaled bodies glistened with a toxic sheen, a dreadful warning of the danger they presented if I was negligent in dispatching them.

I focused, channeling abyssal energy into my tail and with that the air crackled with a dark aura as I unleashed a barrage of energy bolts [Doom Zap] towards the encroaching Ilosphats.

The bolts tore through the air, striking the Ilosphats, causing them to recoil in pain.

Meanwhile, the Doervus charged ahead, its powerful hooves thundering through the forest floor. Antlers ablaze with crimson lightning, it unleashed a barrage of crackling electrical blasts towards the Ilosphats, driving them back with a combination of force and intimidation.

In a dance of calculated movements, the Doervus and I fought side by side, our abilities complementing each other. As I evaded the Ilosphats' projectiles, the Doervus positioned itself strategically, intercepting the globs of venom with its electrified antlers and redirecting them harmlessly away, sending sparks flying in several directions.

Undeterred, the nearest Ilosphats swiped and dashed around us—doing everything they could to stay clear of the Doervus's thrashing; and in the end their barbed tongues shot out with lightning speed, aiming to impale us.

I dodged and weaved, using my stretchable Merecritt ears and spear to anticipate and deflect their attacks, my armor protecting me from stray claws and talons, while the Doervus used its brawn and agility to evade the Ilosphats’ assault.

The Doervus then retaliated with powerful charges, its hooves pounding the ground as it unleashed a flurry of well-aimed strikes against the Ilosphats.

With each maneuver choreographed beside the Doervus, I closed the distance, closing in on the nearest Ilosphat.

As my targeted Ilosphat lunged forward, jaws wide open, I sidestepped its attack, using the momentum to drive my spear deep into its side.

The enchanted crystal sliced through scales and flesh, unleashing a burst of eldritch energy upon impact. The wounded Ilosphat screeched in pain, its body convulsing.

In defiance it spat a final globule of venom, which I deflected with a well-timed swipe of my spear. The greenish projectile dissolved into the air harmlessly, the acidic residue dissipating.

I then thrust my spear once more, inducing the Ilosphat's eradication as it dispersed into particles as I pierced it.

In succession to this act, the Doervus charged with its body electrified, its massive form imposing and majesticm causing the Ilosphats around it to flee. With a swift thrust of its antlers, it impaled another Ilosphat, sending sparks of eldritch energy crackling through the Ilosphat's body.

The Ilosphat shrieked in agony, its body twitching as the electrical surge coursed through it before the creature burst into a mass of abyssal particles.

In that moment I shuddered, recalling the first encounter I had with the Doervus, realizing that I almost suffered the same fate when it had made an attempt to do this to me.

The memory flashed in my mind as I continued to fight, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the present. However, I knew that I should no longer ponder upon that as the Doervus had proven its loyalty and willingness to protect me.

Together, we were a formidable force against the Ilosphats. Together we shall purge them.

I continued my swift steps through the vibrant hues of red and blue, thrusting my spear into another Ilosphat which have been tackled with a crash to the forest floor.

Realizing I had a chance to breath, I observed the environment, seeking to examine the status of my enemies.

My gaze falling upon our Eldriyssal adversaries, the remaining Ilosphats. Silently halted in their assault, they heeded after witnessing the demise of their companions, a blend of fear and rage flickering in their reptilian eyes.

They continued to hesitate, realizing that their chances of victory were diminishing with each fallen comrade.

Seizing this moment of hesitation, I raised my spear high, its crystalline blade shimmering with eldritch energy. My voice emanated and rang with the best intimidating tone I could muster.

"Surrender now or meet the same fate as your fallen brethren!" The words echoed through the clearing, seemingly carrying a weight that resonated deep within the Ilosphats' primal instincts as the toxic beasts stepped back.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

As if understanding the futility of their resistance, the surviving Ilosphats hissed, their gazes darting from one fallen companion to another. But the next actions of the Ilosphats could simply be described as stubbornness, a relentless and foolish stubbornness.

They retaliated with acidic spit, spewing toxic projectiles toward us.

Eyes narrowing, I twisted and spun my body, using [MereSwiftness] to enhance my speed, while using my spear and Merecritt ears to deflect and redirect the projectiles away from me. Whereas the Doervus used its lightning-infused antlers to redirect the remaining projectiles away from itself.

I positioned myself at a suitable distance, spear held firmly in ear, focusing on my targeted Ilosphat.

With a swift motion, I hurled the spear, its trajectory true as it found its mark, impaling the creature's open mouth and pinning it against the tree trunk behind.

Without missing a beat, I leaped into the air, evading a venomous glob hurtling towards me. As I soared through the air, I summoned my power, and a radiant [MereSphere] materialized in front of me, emanating from my opened mouth.

With a forceful exhale, I released the [MereSphere], directing it towards the remaining Ilosphats. The sphere pulsed with eldritch energy, hurtling towards its targets with unstoppable force.

The Ilosphats reacted swiftly, scattering in all directions as they saw the impending attack.

However, the Doervus was already upon them, its antlers crackling with electricity as it sliced and tore through a couple of the Ilosphats. It then delivered a powerful hoof strike to the head of one that attempted to leap onto its back.

Meanwhile, I swiftly swung one of my ears, slicing another Ilosphat in half, leaving nothing more than a spectacle of splattering particles.

Retrieving my spear, I deftly ducked under a glob of spit, leading me to survey the field to notice that there were still a few more Ilosphats remaining.

Though some of the Ilosphats attempted to flee, but I wasn't willing to take the risk.

Extending my ears, I latched onto the tail of an Ilosphat, dragging it towards me. With a forceful swing, I repeatedly slammed it to the ground before hurling it at another Ilosphat with tremendous force.

The Ilosphat I threw collided with its companion, both crashing through a crystalline boulder. I promptly darted towards the fallen Ilosphats, leaping into the air before unleashing a barrage of ear strikes upon the beasts. Craters the size of my "fists" appeared on their bodies and the ground with each powerful connection, until the creatures simply broke apart and shattered into fragments. Their remains disintegrated into particles, which I absorbed.

I landed with a huff and a puff, however, my eyes quickly glanced to a blur, only to be hit directly on my side by a glob, knocking me off my feet. Despite the impact, I managed to instinctively let my spear fly through the air, and I heard a yelp, indicating that I had hit the Ilosphat responsible for the attack.

Taking a quick glance at the area where I was hit, I grimaced at the damage done, but I was relieved to see that the armor had provided me with some much-needed protection.

The Doervus had stomped on the last of the Ilosphat before darting over to my side. It seemed distraught as it saw the wound on my side. "Aera! Are you alright?" I heard the concern in its voice as it examined me.

I mustered a reassuring smile, albeit through a wince of pain. "Don't worry, Doervus," I replied, my voice strained. "It's just a scratch. I've faced worse."

With a gentle nudge of its muzzle against my side, the Doervus conveyed its relief. It stood tall and vigilant, ever ready to protect me.

As I regained my footing, I glanced around, ensuring that no other Ilosphats lurked nearby. I witnessed that the battle had taken its toll on the rainforest, the once vibrant and serene atmosphere now marred by scattered debris, corroded flora, and the fading echoes of conflict.

A loud yelping suddenly emitted through the air. It was then that the Doervus and I had our attention drawn to the yelping of an Ilosphat which was skewered by my spear.

It thrashed about as it tried to break itself free, but it was an impossible feat as it was punctured in a manner to have its head and neck forced against the spear's pole, facing upwards with its thigh and tail pinned to the ground.

The Ilosphat bit and snapped at the air as we cautiously approached it, signifying it was able to sense our presence.

"That's enough! Remain still and maybe we will help you out!" I exclaimed. However, the Ilosphat appeared to ignore my words as it continued screeching.

"It's no use Aera." The Doervus began, "The Ilosphat are not a race of creatures to be "reasoned" with. They are an existence driven purely by their instincts; I do not believe that they can be negotiated with."

My eyes blinked in surprise.

I understood the Doervus's perspective, and deep down, I knew it could be right. The Ilosphats were undeniably primal beings, driven by their predatory nature. Reasoning with them would likely prove futile.

As I stared at the struggling Ilosphat, a mix of sympathy and anger surged through me. These creatures had been our enemies in this battle, and it was their malice and viciousness that had silenced the beautiful songs of the Perlachirp…

But, I bit my lip—the Ilosphat was also responsible for the death of the Perlachirp I once harmonized with.

Yet in that moment, I couldn't help but wonder if there was another path we could take, the options I could make…. I flicked my tail.

Was needless violence truly the only solution? A lingering thought tugged at my soul, suggesting that perhaps there was a way to end this conflict without further bloodshed. This wasn't the first time I had been placed in this predicament—my gaze narrowing to the Doervus.

I sighed. I cannot bear the suffering of this creature.

***

With the immediate threat neutralized, my focus shifted to the fallen Perlachirp, sprawled lifeless on the damp rainforest ground. A profound sense of loss overwhelmed me as I knelt beside the creature, paying my solemn respects to its noble spirit.

Burdened with a heavy heart, I gently lifted its motionless form, cradling it in my paws. Its once vibrant feathers had lost their radiant beauty, now dull and lifeless—a painful reminder of the melody that would never grace the world again.

I bowed my head in reverence, a sincere promise etched in my heart. "Rest in peace," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Your song will not be forgotten. We will honor your memory and ensure that the harmony you represented remains alive in this realm."

Carefully, I laid the Perlachirp to rest amidst a bed of vibrant flowers, a small memorial in this mysterious and dangerous realm. It would serve as a reminder of the fragile beauty that we've fought to preserve.

As I tenderly placed the dissolving Perlachirp into its final rest, a mesmerizing spectacle unfolded before me. The particles emanating from its fading essence waltzed through the air, irresistibly drawn toward me.

Uncertainty tugged at my core as I hesitated to absorb them. Yet, a melodic voice resonated within those ethereal particles, their harmonious tones whispered to me:

> "Merecritt, though you may be strange, fear not to embrace our energies. It is the way of this realm. From death springs forth new life, and through our essence, you shall gain strength to not only survive but thrive in this world."

As I grappled with the weight of my decision, the Doervus stood by my side, its presence comforting. It peered at me with its luminous eyes, a silent reminder that we had each other's backs, no matter what.

'Power,' I pondered, my mind set on seizing this opportunity for greater strength. 'If I am to navigate the treacherous depths of this eldritch realm, I must not let this chance slip away.'

Summoning my courage, I took a deep breath and steeled myself for what lay ahead.

With steady paws, I reached out, allowing the particles of the Perlachirp to flow into me, their essence merging with my own. They spun around me in a mesmerizing display of vibrant colors and haunting but harmonious melodies, transforming into a symphony of life within my being.

As the particles entered my being, I felt a surge of energy coursing through my veins, their essence revitalizing and strengthening my very core. It was an unusual sensation, yet in that moment, it felt oddly comforting, as if I had tapped into a hidden wellspring of power. It was unlike the times when I absorbed the abyssal particles of other Eldriyssals—which always left me feeling unsettled and repulsed. This time it enveloped me with a warm embrace, a reassuring touch.

— NEW Skill Inherited: [ Melodious Shout ]

I was then surprised to the alert that came next.

— A message from the Perlachirp:

The G.A.I.A. mentioned before another yet familiar voice sung to me.

— "Thank you for the song we sang. Sing on, Aera."

I was speechless.

My heart swelled with gratitude upon hearing the Perlachirp's words. I had no words to express except that it was a small comfort, yet it still felt daunting to be encouraged after its loss. I somberly embraced the Perlachirp once again.

As I stood up, my newly acquired power hummed within me, and in that same moment a chilling breeze swept through the realm of the UvoSath. It carried with it a sorrowful melody, a foreboding tune that echoed in the depths of my soul. The air grew heavy with anticipation, as if the very fabric of this eldritch dimension quivered with unease.

I glanced at the Doervus, its crimson eyes narrowing in alertness. Something was amiss.

Instinctively, I tightened my grip on my spear, my mind racing with thoughts of danger. The words of the Perlachirp, so recently comforting, now seemed like a distant memory as uncertainty and dread overtook my intuition.

"We must not remain here for long." The Doervus warned. "The battle and shrieks of the Ilosphat have drawn the attention of others to this location, we are to flee from here now."

Suddenly, a piercing wail shattered the fragile tranquility.

The Doervus knelt over for me to get on its back, and I obliged. But as I got on the Doervus's back, I came to witness the sight of creatures that weren't the Ilosphat but instead creatures that appeared like a cross between balloons and birds.

Balloons with wings and talons would be a more fitting description for these aberrant creatures as they drew closer to us, and their swift approach was accompanied by bodies adorned with fluttering clouds.

G.A.I.A. Activated!

— Eldriyssals Detected!

— Species: Mournfoon

— Sub-Name: "Mournful Flyers"

— Rank: F

— Classification: Common, Uncommon

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED

"Oh, no. Not them!" The Doervus snarled, "We must move quickly, or they will catch us! We must not allow that!"

My mind whirled with confusion as the Doervus sprinted through the UvoSath rainforest, the Mournfoon in hot pursuit, my heart pounded in my chest. Their mournful cries filled the air, haunting echoes that sent a shiver down my spine.

As we weaved between gnarly trees, mushrooms, and leaped over massive crystals, the relentless pursuit of these bizarre creatures grew more intense.

I turned my head, my heart froze in my chest as I witnessed the swarm of Mournfoon, their spectral bodies blending with the purple sky, closing in on us with eerie determination. Desperation fueled my every move as I clung tightly to the Doervus, urging it to go faster, to outrun these relentless pursuers.

The Mournfoon swooped down from the darkened skies, their talons attached to strings reaching out, eager to snatch us away.

But just as I thought the situation could not worsen, the Doervus skidded to a halt as a thunderous screech shook the ground ahead of us, a chilling prelude to the nightmare that awaited.

Emerging from the dense foliage stood a large Ilosphat, its reptilian form exuding a dark aura that sent shivers down my spine. Its eyes burned with vengeful fury, its venomous fangs glistening in the ambient light.

My blood ran cold as I locked eyes with the formidable creature that blocked our path—an Ilosphat of great power.

G.A.I.A. Activated!

— Eldriyssal Detected!

— Species: Ilosphat

— Sub-Name: "Noxious Spitters"

— Rank: F+

— Classification: Uncommon

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED!

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED!

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED!

I could feel the Doervus's trembling beneath me, its fear mirroring my own as the Ilosphat's baneful gaze bore into us.

In a swift motion, the Ilosphat unleashed a fiery torrent of toxic fumes, setting the surrounding trees ablaze. The once serene rainforest, with its vibrant blue and red vegetation, transformed into a chaotic inferno of hazardous flames.

It was a surreal and terrifying sight—a battle unfolding not just between predator and prey, but between life and a formidable malevolence.