The skies were teeming with the presence of the Mournfoons, their dark shapes dominating the horizon as they moved about, unleashing their [Sorrow Shower] and enveloping mists in every direction.

Yet, in the face of their relentless assault, the Mournfoons were met with formidable resistance—a relentless barrage of lightning bolts tearing through the air, skewering and electrifying those bloated aberrations in a spectacular display.

ZAP!

SPLASH! Several Mournfoons burst into nothingness.

As I dispatched another group with a mighty surge of the [Doom Zap], a thought crossed my mind. It was time to employ my Merecritt ears in a rather unconventional manner.

With a quick retract and twist, I readied them for a daring experiment I had been itching to try. Coiling them tightly, I pushed them to their limits, and then, with a grand release, I launched them skyward with a thunderous BOOM that reverberated through the atmosphere!

POP! POP! POP!

This technique, aptly named the [MereEar TwistPierce], pierced the heavens and shattered the balloon-like creatures into minuscule fragments, causing several other unfortunate Mournfoons to frantically plummet into my immediate striking range! Pop! They went, reducing those wretched balloon-beasts to nothing more than specks lost in the abyss.

> G.A.I.A. Online…

>

> ─ SKILL DETECTED, voiced the G.A.I.A.

>

> ─ Processing Technique…

>

> ─ [MereEar TwistPierce] ACCEPTED

>

> ─ [MereEar TwistPierce] added to the [NATURAL SKILLS LIST]

The G.A.I.A.'s voice resonated as I absorbed the abyssal particles of the Mournfoons. It felt awful, like a punch in the gut. Words like "sad," "dejected," and "melancholic" only scratch the surface of the feeling. However, this strange process of absorbing their particles seemed to replenish my own Abyssal Mana, subsequently easing the prickling pain of my wounds. In theory, it seemed that these abyssal particles had a subtle therapeutic effect when integrated into another Eldriyssal.

Now, as I swerved through the onslaught of water droplets from the Mournfoons, my mind wandered back to G.A.I.A.'s processing skills. It was quite fascinating to think about the possibilities of adding skills in such a way.

If only I had the opportunity to practice and train in peace, I wonder what applications I could unlock for this new body. Of course, there are probably some limitations to what I can do in this Merecritt form. What abilities would be off-limits? Why would it be denied?

Even though the question was indirect—silence came as a response from the G.A.I.A. Well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Still, I was hoping for at least a response, a freebie of knowledge, as it often does, but it seemed that would not be happening.

I still had my reservations in communicating with it… But there was something on my mind to ask it once the Doervus and I were out of the Mournfoons' aggression zone.

My utmost attention was directed towards the (Common) Mournfoons, easily identified by the rudimentary, arcane markings embellishing their puffed-up exteriors. Those are the ones I can eliminate with relative ease. The other Mournfoons—the (Uncommon) variant ones—were able to withstand multiple hits before succumbing which irked me more as a hindrance.

Essentially, the (Uncommon) Mournfoon had more endurance, or what one might call "hit points," compared to their lesser counterparts. It made sense when comparing their appearance to the (Common) Mournfoons; the (Uncommon) Mournfoons had a much more bloated exterior. This granted them a unique look besides their other distinctive features—such as their intricate patterns, colors, and shapes. Speaking of shapes, I finally pierced an (Uncommon) into fragments.

Back to evading, turns out, the (Uncommon) were not just round balloon shapes, but they came in squares and triangles too. Nothing particularly spectacular—but still a bit interesting and to further differentiate the variants.

As I cast my gaze upon the forest canopies, I spotted a swarm of both (Common) and (Uncommon) Mournfoons, headed straight for me.

The defeated (Uncommon) Mournfoon energized me as I sprinted through the foliage with a sudden, hyperactive burst in the name of [Mere Swiftness].

With the Mournfoons in hot pursuit, squeezing through and even phasing through the gnarled trees, I herded them together before thrusting my ears toward them. With every strike of my spear, I aimed for their bodies with explosive jabs, while the Doervus came along and launched electrical bolts from their antlers, cracking through the Mournfoons' spectral bodies.

More swarmed in, and the Mournfoons' sorrowful cries continued to take a toll on us, affecting us with their debilitating affliction. Their melancholic wails permeated the air, constantly impeding our movements and hindering our progress.

Their greatest strength. The Mournfoon may lack raw power and offensive prowess, but their true danger lies in this very aspect.

'G.A.I.A.!' I mentally exclaimed, hoping for some much-needed guidance.

> [MOURNFOON] SKILL ANALYZED:

>

> Skill Name: Echo of Lament

>

> Description: The Echo of Lament is a unique ability possessed by the Mournfoon, enabling them to emit mournful cries that have a profound impact on those within their vicinity. This skill hampers the movements and progress of others, inducing a sense of affliction and hindrance. This skill's effectiveness is amplified within the Echo of Lament's mist. Mist of Lament it is deemed. How poetic.

I paid close attention, and similar to G.A.I.A.'s analysis, the air itself appeared to grow denser, creating yet another troublesome obstacle to our escape. Those clever Mournfoons strategically dispersed mist in as many areas as possible. Their focus? To hinder any natural escape routes, even extending their mistification to the canopy of trees.

These creatures possessed a remarkable intellect, foreseeing that I might attempt a daring escape through the treetops. But no, abandoning the Doervus was not an option I entertained lightly. I scorned the thought! I scowled at the mere notion.

However, this made me gulp. With the (F+) Ilosphat swiftly approaching from behind, our circumstances turned more perilous by the moment. And with the Mournfoons adding their burdensome intervention to the mix, we found ourselves engaged in a multi-front battle. Their numbers threatened to overwhelm us. But enough with the complaints, I say! It was time to rise to the challenge, to face this onslaught head-on.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Side by side with the Doervus, I pressed forward, launching strikes, thrusts, and unleashing powerful bolts of lightning that seared through the ranks of the Mournfoons who would not back off!

> Limitations: The range and intensity of the Echo of Lament are determined by the Mournfoon's physical and internal condition. While the skill can be potent, it requires the Mournfoon to exert a significant amount of energy, limiting its duration and frequency of use. Furthermore, individuals possessing strong mental resilience or specialized training in combating auditory disruptions may be more resistant to the effects of this skill.

…nice to know…

Drawing upon the Perlachirp's melodious ability, I focused my energy within my throat. The particles of its lingering essence resonated with my being, empowering my voice with incredible strength. With a mighty effort, I let loose a resounding shout—my very own [Melodious Shout]—a harmonious shockwave that sliced through the oppressively dampened atmosphere.

The reverberating waves shattered the oppressive grip of the Mournfoons, dispelling their inhibiting influence and restoring our freedom of movement.

I staggered and winced as the [Melodious Shout] drained me considerably. Of course, unlike my other skills and techniques, it demanded a significant toll on my energy reserves. A small price to pay for liberation, I suppose.

The Doervus galloped toward me and nudged me. "You're not looking well…" It started as the deer examined me. "It appears that the [Melodious Shout] comes with a hefty drawback... I can sense it," The eldritch deer's eyes gleamed before it swung its head and fired bolts of electricity to annihilate the disoriented Mournfoons. "Absorb those particles now. We leave this wretched area posthaste."

I nodded to the Doervus, appreciating its concern.

Without further comment, I absorbed the straying mass of abyssal particles speckling across the atmosphere as the two us pushed forward, navigating through the dreary battleground with our minds set on escaping this infested area.

As the two of us broke free from the Mournfoons' grasp, the Doervus let out a growl. "The (F+) Ilosphat presence still looms behind us, it will continue its pursuit until our annihilation. Such foolhardiness…" the deer grumbled, peppering its tirade with some rather impolite mutterings under its breath.

Though acknowledging this, my attention fell swiftly back to the Mournfoon. A couple swooped down for us with their talons outstretched, but with a well-aimed [MereSphere], they too were annihilated momentarily as the sphere soared and crashed upon them. The Mournfoons screeched as they were caught off guard—their spectral bodies dissipating into particles. Good thing the two were within the (Common) variation.

[CRITICAL CONDITION]

"We need to take a break," I panted, turning to the Doervus. "I apologize… but I have reached my limit..." I huffed; fatigue weighed heavy upon my weary frame as I blinked with weariness.

With a silent nod of agreement, the Doervus continued to sprint forward, its antlers blazing with electrified energy as it blasted trees to-and-fro, rendering them to crash down, but it was to my surprise that it was done in a manner to resoundingly distract and redirect the attention of our pursuers.

Trees were blasted afar, seemingly random at first, yet I noticed there was a meticulous sequence to the release of the Doervus's [Doom Zaps]. One: To fell them and create obstacles for our pursuers. Two: It had created residue markings which illuminated the scorched surfaces of its targets. A guess I could have made was that the residue left traces of energy?

Marvelous. The Doervus was not only an extraordinary creature with immense power, but also proved to be an artful companion, strategizing to ensure our escape. "Thank you, Doervus." I graciously uttered, but alas, not a peep from the beast.

I cast a glance in its direction, and its silence only served to reinforce its pensive demeanor. The Doervus seemed haunted by its past, a nostalgic relic of former days. There was a wisdom lurking within its gaze, a bottomless well of untold tales.

Those eyes told stories of battles waged, of a history marred by suffering and sorrow. Its scar-ridden hide bore witness to the hardships endured and the sacrifices made. I couldn't help but ponder what had led this Doervus to this very moment, what had shaped it into the remarkable creature it had become. And to think, it stood alone, relegated to the lowly rank of "F." How on earth did it manage to defy the odds and persevere?

The thought lingered in my mind as we raced through the dense forest, the sounds of our pursuers growing fainter in the distance.

Once again, I stole a curious glance at the Doervus, only to catch a glimmer in its eyes. Hm, such an enigmatic spark! Its meaning eluded me, but it seemed as though the Doervus had forged an inner pact, a solemn vow to safeguard and shepherd me through the dangers that lay ahead.

And guide me it did. Its antlers crackled with electric fervor, illuminating our path and obliterating any obstacles that dared impede our progress.

The Doervus's silence spoke volumes. It didn't need words to convey its loyalty and dedication. Its actions screamed louder than any language could. It was a true companion, a guardian in this treacherous realm we found ourselves in.

Without it, I would have surely been in a worse position. Its power and wisdom had saved us time and time again. I knew that I owed my life to this magnificent creature.

The Doervus and I resumed to navigate the forest with astonishing speed, gracefully dodging obstacles and effortlessly leaping over fallen logs. I simply followed in the Doervus' footsteps, and to no surprise, it seemed to possess an innate knowledge of the land, knowing precisely when and where to strike to create the most havoc and confusion for those chasing us.

I glanced back, catching a glimpse of the forest. Once a labyrinth of towering trees, it now lay in disarray—trunks strewn about, remnants of charred vegetation and gigantic crystals scattered like confetti. The Doervus showed no signs of backing down, never faltering in its pace, as it unleashed another surge of the [Doom Zap's] electrifying energy from its antlers.

But as the minutes stretched into hours, it became apparent that even the Doervus had its limits. The strain of exerting its powers began to take its toll. Its movements grew slightly sluggish, the crackling energy from its antlers diminishing in intensity. This irked me to no end. I started to regret my reliance on its strength... I could not keep depending on it, idly doing nothing myself.

Pondering this, I scanned our surroundings for possible escape routes. And just as despair threatened to overtake me, I spotted a narrow ravine leading into the heart of the forest. It seemed precarious, but it offered a chance to throw our pursuers off our trail. "Doervus." I whispered, "Over there!" I sped faster than the Doervus and flicked my tail, gesturing for the Doervus to follow along.

Leaves rustled beneath our frantic footsteps, and in the distance, the sounds of our pursuers echoed as we dashed, weaved, and leapt over obstacles, desperately closing the gap between us and the potential route to safety. My heart raced, reaching its utmost limit, begging me to surrender, while the screeches and wails of the pursuing monsters grew louder, tempting us to collapse right then and there, to succumb to our inevitable fate!

No! We were reaching the edge, freedom teasing us with its proximity. The Doervus seemed to sense it too, its pace quickening, its energy intensifying.

Finally, to my absolute relief, we burst out of the dense woodland into a narrow ravine bathed in the soft glow of the moon. The Doervus skidded to a halt, its muscles quivering with exhaustion. And then, as if sensing the diminishing threat, the Doervus suddenly veered to the side, its electrified antlers [Doom Zapping] through a cluster of trees—soaring exceedingly far from us. The force was enough to create a small explosion, sending radiance and debris flying in all directions. It was a final act, a last stand to ensure our escape.

I scampered over to the Doervus, patting its sleek hide appreciatively, acknowledging its incredible efforts.

Both of us collapsed onto the ground, completely spent. We...we somehow made it.

"G.A.I.A." I muttered through clenched teeth. "Dispense the crystals. Tonight, the Doervus and I shall feast."

Almost instantly, a tiny dimensional rift opened up and dropped a heap of radiant crystals onto the ground.

It was my emergency stash, containing crystals brimming with abyssal particles. I never expected to use them so soon. But instead of using them for spearhead replacements, they were going to be used in a different manner to my dislike.

We had collected them cycles ago during our excursion for armor materials. As for the rift, well, it was an unexpected discovery, made possible by the central levitating crystal—which I fondly called the Nexus.

Then, my expression turned sour. 'By the way, G.A.I.A., enough with the lies and deceit! Right now, I demand an interface to analyze the battle data of the other Eldriyssals! Anything will do for now. Just give me something to work with, some insights into their capabilities beyond their rank!'

There was a moment of silence from G.A.I.A.

— The audacity.

It paused, a word unspoken.

— Yes, Aera, I am indeed capable of fulfilling your request. However, be warned, you may come to regret it.