Once the dust settled, I decided to take a seat upon the mineral etched floor. It had been a long and decisive day, and with a sigh, I shook my head as I gazed at the remains of the defeated Burrow Scourge that surrounded us.

While I surveyed the cavernous chamber, I came to notice that my makeshift armor was in complete ruins. The once-sturdy bark plates that had protected me during the battle were now cracked and splintered, unable to withstand the onslaught of the fierce creatures. This armor had been my loyal defender through many battles—guarding me against the Ilosphats, the Mournfoons, and now the Burrow Scourges.

It was clear that I needed something sturdier, something that could withstand the dangers that awaited me underground and on the surface.

Turning to the Plelepun that had accompanied me on this journey, I approached it with a weary smile. "Yo, my friend," I called out, catching its attention. "I need your help with something important. My armor is history, and I need materials to rebuild it—something tough and durable."

The Plelepun's eyes sparkled with excitement as it nodded vigorously. "Yo! I got you covered, Aera! We Plelepun know where to find the best materials, underground and all that!"

Relief washed over me; I knew seeking its aid had been the right call. The Plelepun's knowledge of the underground realm would surely be a treasure trove in my search for suitable materials to forge my new armor.

"Great," I replied, a full-fledged smile forming on my face. "I'm looking for something lightweight, stealthy, and resistant to wear and tear. Something that doesn't draw unnecessary attention while I navigate the underground tunnels and the surface above, if you may."

The Plelepun tilted its head in thought, its tusks gleaming in the dim light. "Yo, I know just the thing! There's a rare crystalline substance deep within the caverns. It's called Luminite. It's lightweight, durable, and has a natural camouflaging property. It'll be perfect for your new armor!"

Excitement welled up within me at the mention of the Luminite. It sounded like the ideal material to fulfill my requirements. "That sounds amazing!" I exclaimed. "Lead the way, my friend. Let's gather enough Luminite to forge a new set of armor for the both of us."

As we descended further into the depths of the underground realm, Zest, the Doervus, joined our expedition. Their antlers illuminated the path before us, casting an ethereal glow that danced across the rocky surfaces.

Together, the Plelepun, Zest, and I ventured deeper into the labyrinthine tunnels, guided by the Plelepun's innate sense of direction. The air grew damp and heavy, echoing with the distant sounds of scuttling creatures and the occasional rumble of the earth.

After what seemed like hours of exploration, we finally arrived at a hidden chamber bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. Crystals of various hues and sizes adorned the walls, their gentle radiance mesmerizing.

The Plelepun eagerly scampered towards a cluster of translucent crystals, carefully extracting a small fragment of Luminite. It held it out to me with a triumphant smile. "Yo, here it is! The Luminite you've been waiting for!"

I accepted the Luminite fragment, feeling its weightlessness and smooth texture in my grasp. It held a natural beauty, shimmering with an otherworldly luster.

"Thank you, my friend," I said gratefully, turning to face Zest. "Zest, I would like to craft a set of armor for you as well. Something that complements your majestic form and enhances your abilities." I pondered about crafting something similar to horse armor.

Zest nodded appreciatively, their eyes filled with trust and anticipation. "I trust your judgment, Aera. Whatever you create will undoubtedly be exceptional."

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

With the Plelepun's help, I collected enough Luminite to craft a new set of armor for the three of us. We found a safe spot and I quickly set up a [Small Forge]. To power it, I used the warmth of my spectral-flame tail and the underground vents, heating the Luminite.

Next up, I went ahead to craft a hammer, tongs, a chisel, and an anvil with the materials found within this underground region; and this was made easier all thanks to the Plelepun's guidance as the elephant creature had a great eye for such things. Plus, I mustn't forget to thank Jackson for the knowledge he provided me to expedite the process.

SKILL LEVEL UP:

[CRAFT (Lv 2)] → has leveled up to [CRAFT (Lv 3)]

Huh. Neat!

Soon, I began the crafting process with the Luminite, which the Plelepun granted me alongside other minerals.

With every hammer strike and careful shaping, the armor took form. The new armor was sleek and lightweight, its surface marred with intricate engravings that mimicked the patterns of the underground realm.

As I donned my new armor, I marveled at its seamless fit and how it enhanced my agility, providing the stealth and protection I sought. Zest's set of armor was equally magnificent, crafted to highlight their elegant physique while offering resilience to their eldritch form.

"We're ready," I declared. "With this armor, we'll face the challenges that await us, underground and on the surface."

Zest and the Plelepun stood beside me, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

***

As the time to depart from the underground realm drew near, a bittersweet feeling arose within me. The Plelepun, had become a dear friend, and its sadness at our impending departure tugged at my heart.

I approached the Plelepun, placing a hand on its furry head, feeling the warmth of our connection. "Yo, my friend," I said softly, trying to convey my gratitude and understanding. "I know it's difficult to see us leave so soon, but our path lies on the surface. We have a duty to fulfill there."

The Plelepun's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, its voice filled with a mix of melancholy and affection. "Yo, I understand, Aera. Duty is important, and I know you have a purpose to fulfill. It's just... I will miss our adventures together. You and Zest brought joy to my world."

Touched by its words, I smiled, my own eyes reflecting the depth of our shared experiences. "And you, my friend, brought light into our journey. Your guidance, knowledge, and unwavering friendship have been invaluable. We couldn't have made it this far without you."

Zest approached, their gentle presence calming the air. They nuzzled against the Plelepun, a gesture of appreciation and farewell. It surprised me that even the eldritch deer had developed a fondness for our furry companion.

The Plelepun's sadness transformed into a small smile as it leaned into Zest's touch. "Yo, take care of Aera, Zest. Make sure she returns safely to the surface. I trust you with her well-being."

Zest nodded solemnly, their antlers gleaming with a mix of determination and tenderness. "You have my word, Plelepun. I will protect her and guide her back to where she belongs."

I released a breath, a mix of emotions swirling within me. Gratitude for the Plelepun's support, sadness for the impending farewell, and anticipation for what awaited us on the surface. But most of all, a deep sense of kinship that would endure, transcending the boundaries of realms and time.

"Thank you, dear friend," I whispered, my voice filled with the weight of our shared memories. "We'll carry the memories of our adventures with us, wherever our paths may lead. And who knows, our journeys may intertwine again in the future."

The Plelepun's eyes brightened. "Yo, that would be wonderful! Until then, may the winds guide you and the stars watch over your steps."

With one final embrace, I bid farewell to the Plelepun, cherishing the bond we had forged in the depths of the underground realm. Turning towards the path leading to the surface, Zest and I embarked on the next chapter of our journey, carrying the Plelepun's warmth and friendship in our hearts.

As we ascended, the Plelepun's soft voice echoed through the tunnels, bidding us a heartfelt farewell. Its words, filled with a mix of longing and well wishes, urged us forward, reminding us that our connection would endure even as our paths diverged.

And with each step closer to the surface, I carried the Plelepun's spirit with me, grateful for the time we had spent together and hopeful for the adventures that awaited us both, wherever our destinies may take us.

All the while... I suppressed the NEXUS from implementing a connection between me and the Plelepun. I couldn't handle the responsibility of having an additional companion to watch out for and the risks involved having them around...