UvoSath Rainforest
Zone 1
Cycle 21
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"Shock them from above!" I exclaimed, my voice resounding through the forest.
With all my might, I propelled the Doervus skyward, aiming to keep it safe amidst the relentless onslaught. As the majestic creature soared, I myself darted across the forest floor, avoiding the (Uncommon) Mournfoons' [water-infused] crescent-blades slashing through the air.
Their water-infused blades cut into my flesh, causing me to wince with each painful strike. Defiantly, I gritted my teeth, determined to persevere despite the agonizing obstacles in my path.
Navigating through the field with nimble steps, I persisted, refusing to succumb to the dark aquatic path of destruction carved by the (Uncommon) Mournfoons and their [Cascade Penumbrae]; those menacing waves which splashed and spritz in disastrous ripples amidst the lush and ominous grassland.
Fortunately, my small Merecritt form, coupled with the protective armor I donned, diminished the potency of the (Uncommon) Mournfoons’ watery onslaught. Had I possessed a larger size, comparable to that of the Doervus or a Human, the severity of the situation would have escalated exponentially.
With [MereSwiftness], I accelerated my sprint, leaving streaks behind me as I sought refuge behind a crystalline boulder that rapidly crumbled under the relentless barrage of the Mournfoons.
Peering from behind the dwindling cover, I witnessed the Doervus ascending above the Mournfoon-filled skies, soaring even beyond the reach of the towering trees. It poised itself strategically, ready to unleash a torrent of lightning bolts upon the unsuspecting Mournfoons below it.
As the Doervus cut through the air, the attention of the Mournfoons abruptly shifted upward. Their gaze fixated on the formidable creature descending upon them.
Using the distraction, I emerged from my cover, darting between the remaining fragments of the shattered boulder.
Still, a few Mournfoon had their attention upon me, their watery-air ripples grazing my armor, sending shivers of pain through my body, but I pressed forward, driven by a need and a rough plan to deal with these balloon-like monstrosities. Two of my innate skills, [MereSwiftness] and [MereEar Slash], would prove crucial in this endeavor.
With each swiften step, I unleashed my own onslaught of lightning, channeling the power from my Merecritt ears into a potent [Doom Zap]. The Mournfoons faltered as my blows landed with precision, electrifying their spectral bodies with explosive force. The sound of their mournful cries filled the air, intermingling with the resolute thumping of my own heart.
The Doervus on the other hand, continued to descend upon the (Uncommon) Mournfoons, unleashing its own a torrent of lightning from its antlers, electrifying the creatures and magnifying our coordinated assault of lightning. Our [Doom Zap LINK]!
Bolts of energy crackled and jolted through the air, striking and shocking the Mournfoons with relentless accuracy, and with the sound of rumbling thunder, crimson bolts of lightning streamed down on the Mournfoon as the Doervus followed through with its dive.
As our combined assault of lightning surged through the air from above and below, the Mournfoons were ensnared in a web of crackling electricity.
Their spectral bodies convulsed with each jolt, their eerie cries of anguish echoing through the forest. The onslaught was never-ending, as bolt after bolt scorched the sky, turning the once peaceful canopy into a spectacle of chaotic energy.
SPARK! SPARK! SPARK! ZAP! ZAP! ZAP! The Mournfoons' physical forms disintegrated into shimmering fragments of abyssal particles, dissipating into the atmosphere like fading embers.
My mind raced as the thought began to permeate: Victory… victory was within our grasp!
Electrified, the forest floor trembled beneath my feet as I continued to channel the electricity within me, intertwining it with the Doervus's potent lightning. The combined force of our assault resumed to unleash an electrifying tempest, sending shockwaves rippling through the remaining Mournfoons. Their phantasmal forms writhing and contorting, their haunting cries echoing through the air in a symphony of defeat.
As the last remnants of the Mournfoons scattered, a momentary stillness settled upon the battlefield. The crackling energy that had saturated the air gradually dissipated, replaced by the tranquility that follows a storm. The forest bore witness to our triumph, its towering trees adorned with fading sparks of electrical brilliance.
Taking a deep breath, I surveyed the aftermath of our intense battle. The charred earth bore witness to the devastating impact of our lightning-infused onslaught, even leaving me in a state of disbelief. "We... we emerged victorious?" I muttered in astonishment. The endless horde of Mournfoons seemed unyielding, ceaselessly converging upon us. Yet, against all odds, here we stood, alive and triumphant.
However, a threat still loomed—the (F+) Ilosphat.
No time to relax, I thought as I surveyed the forest floor which shimmered with residual energy, a dazzling display I may say, even though the lingering danger kept itself withdrawn.
I turned my gaze to the Doervus, who had landed gracefully, and in turn, regained its composure. Its antlers crackled with lingering electricity; the brilliance of its might mirrored in its eyes. As the Doervus approached me, I noticed the abyssal particles from the defeated Mournfoons dappled the air, aimlessly falling, magnetically drawn towards me and the Doervus.
[466]
[468]
We shared a nod of understanding, acknowledging the seamless coordination of our attacks that had allowed us to emerge victorious.
[472]
[476]
The Doervus halted as it scanned the field. “Truly, you have mastered the art of harnessing electricity, Aera," the Doervus remarked. "Together, we have proven ourselves as a formidable duo, capable of overcoming even the most relentless adversaries."
[484]
[488]
I responded with a nod, a smile spreading across my face as I raised a paw, signaling a thumbs-up. "That's what we do, partner." My focus shifted from the Doervus to the swirling particles of abyssal energy we were absorbing. Each minuscule mote descended from the defeated Mournfoons like enchanting snowflakes, dancing and twirling in the air around us, akin to a playful swarm of fireflies.
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The beauty of it all stirred something deep within me, a sense of wonder and amazement that I couldn't help but embrace. In that moment, everything else faded away, leaving only the glittering essence of the particles, and the sense of deep connection between myself and the Doervus.
Once again, I felt stronger as the abyssal particles seeped into my pores. However, a discomfort and uneasiness lingered, reminiscent of previous times when I absorbed the Eldriyssals' essence.
It reminded me of the time I took in the abyssal particles of the Perlachirp...
Yet, unlike the Perlachirp's particles, the absorption felt repulsive and melancholic, despite their addictive allure…
[498]
Suddenly, there was another feeling—the atmosphere shifted, becoming imbued with a radiant energy.
My gaze turned toward the Doervus, and I beheld a wondrous sight. The Doervus’s form began to emit a luminous glow, its wounds mending before my eyes. It was as if the Doervus had undergone a transformation, an evolution of sorts.
Still, despite the changes, it remained unmistakably the same, albeit with subtle alterations in its appearance…
G.A.I.A. Activated!
> — Rank Power Increased!
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> — Name: None
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> — Species: Doervus
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> — APU EXCEEDED: 500 Units
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> — Rank: F → F+
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> — Classification: Common
I couldn't believe my eyes as I gazed in awe at the Doervus that loomed majestically before me. It was as if a wave of phenomenal energy pulsed from its very being, filling the air with a charged and electrifying aura. I could feel the power it possessed, a raw and savage force that seemed almost primordial in nature.
Its crimson eyes gleamed with a fierce intelligence, and I felt a sudden twinge of reverence wash over me in the presence of such overwhelming might.
I pondered then and there that: were APUs no more than experience points…?
In turn, I placed a pseudo-hand to my chin, another on my hip.
All this from a simple "+" next to its rank, and evidently, the increase in its strength was staggering... all thanks to the particles it had absorbed from the Mournfoons.
"Aera, are you alright?" the Doervus inquired, its expression marked with concern.
I nodded, still somewhat dazed by the sight before me. "Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, my eyes fixed on the Doervus. Such newfound vigor, I mused. "Zest," I said.
The Doervus tilted its head, looking at me bewildered.
"Zest?" it repeated.
I nodded, feeling a burst of joy at the thought. "Yes, zest. It means energy, enthusiasm, and excitement," I gestured my ears. "And you, my friend, have got that in spades now, don't you?"
The Doervus let out a snort before nodding. "I suppose I do," it said, a hint of amusement in its voice.
"Is it...?" I pondered, hesitant to broach the subject once again. Memories of a previous conversation with the Doervus flooded my mind, fresh as ever... vivid as the hue of a nebula...
***
> The Doervus shook its head, "No. We do not have individual names in our herd, it's not something that's important to my species. We are simply referred to by our species name. We are simply known as the Doervus. I am a Doervus." It reiterated.
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> I couldn't help but feel sad for the Doervus. How challenging it must be to lack a distinct identity or a name that sets you apart from others. With a composed tone, I remarked, "What a shame. I believe having a name is valuable. It allows us to define ourselves and serves as a vital component of our identity."
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> The Doervus looked at me for a moment, as if considering my words, before responding, "I have never thought about it that way. But for us Doervus, our species name is enough. It is what defines us, and it is what we live and die by."
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> I nodded, understanding the Doervus's perspective. But still, I felt like having a name was important, and I wanted to explain this to the Doervus. I frowned, as frustration built up within me.
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> "Maybe, during our travels, we can come up with a name for you," I suggested, my voice hopeful. "Something that represents who you are and what you stand for."
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> The Doervus tilted its head, exhibiting a perplexed expression as if grappling with the concept I presented. "Why would I want that? My species name identifies me perfectly fine."
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> I paused, trying to find the right words to explain such a foreign concept to the Doervus. "A name confers a sense of identity. It distinguishes you as a unique individual, setting you apart from others. It enables recognition and remembrance. Wouldn't you prefer being known by something other than just your species name? Something exclusively yours?"
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> What if we confronted another Doervus… how would I differentiate you..?
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> What makes you any different from the Barbapts, the Ravilashes, the Ilosphats, the Mournfoons…
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> I worried... I worried about that...
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> For a moment, the Doervus seemed lost in thought, its crimson eyes scrutinizing my face in a quest as if trying to understand my perspective. "I see what you're saying, Aera," it eventually responded. "But we Eldriyssals don't place as much emphasis on individuality as yours do. To us, the species as a whole is what's important, not any individual member."
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> I sighed, feeling disappointed, although I grasped the Doervus's viewpoint.
***
And so, my attention returned to the present, shifting away momentarily from the Doervus. The Doervus and I had gone through so much together—through numerous trials, leading me to wonder if it had undergone a change of heart…
Yet, regardless of its disposition, it would forever remain my steadfast companion.
"Would it be acceptable to call you 'Zest'?" I ventured to ask; my gaze returning upon the majestic creature.
The Doervus regarded me with astonishment, followed by letting out a small snort of amusement. "Zest, huh?" it repeated, almost as if trying the name on for size. “Not a terrible choice, but I still don't see the importance of it. However, if it makes you happy, Aera, then I do not mind being called Zest."
I smiled widely, feeling overwhelming joy and satisfaction at finally being able to grant the Doervus a name. "Thank you, Zest," I said, warmth spreading in my chest. "That's the name I've chosen for you, symbolizing your newly attained vitality and vigor. Henceforth, you are not solely a Doervus; you are Zest, my trusted companion."
Zest blinked, a mix of amazement and understanding crossing its visage. It appeared to grasp the weight of the name, embracing its identity with a flourish of pride. Its eyes radiated with rekindled fervor, mirroring the searing determination that burned within both of us.
It had come a long way since our first encounter, evolving and growing alongside me within the mystical realm of the UvoSath rainforest.
"Zest it is, then," the former Doervus replied, its voice resonating with power. "Together, Aera, we shall set forth deeper into the depths of the UvoSath rainforest, braving whatever obstacles lie in wait. With our combined might and the essence we have assimilated, triumph shall be ours!!" Zest proclaimed, its hooves striking the ground.
"Indeed, we shall," I smirked in agreement, my ears involuntarily flapping about in an uncontrollable manner.
NEXUS ONLINE
Bond Increased!
> ─ Status Changed!
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> ─ Comrade → Companion
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> ─ You have strengthened the bond with the Doervus, now bearing the name Zest!
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> ─ Bond Rank Increased: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3-Stars) → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4-Stars)
It was then a piercing screech that cut our conversation short, my heart raced as I searched for the source of the noise. My eyes soon landed on the (F+) Ilosphat emerging from the tangled trees—a grotesque sight to behold.
Quilled and battered, the beast clamped its jaws firmly around the torn and corroded arm of the Thornback, a gruesome sight that churned my stomach. The (F+) Ilosphat dropped the mangled limb and emitted a menacing hiss, its steely gaze fixating upon me with predatory delight. However, it sniffed the air and cast a wary glance in Zest's direction.
As Zest and I braced ourselves for the inevitable showdown, the (F+) Ilosphat advanced, each step igniting the grass beneath it, devoid of fear and consumed by its hatred. It was hellbent on finishing where it had started as its pungent, toxic fumes oozed from its battered body.