Zeldritzon [Cycle 16] - Morning

  Current Location:

  [Dareloop Zone]

  [Dareloop Dungeon]

  [UvoSath Forest of the UvoSath Realm]

  The Thornback's guttural bellow reverberated through the passage, its spiny back bristling like an array of quills poised to launch. The glowing fungi along the walls cast eerie shadows over its hulking form, emphasizing its sheer size and bulk.

  KiAera instinctively stepped forward, extending an arm to signal the group to hold their position. Her tail flame brightened, casting a wavering light that flickered off the Vandaquil's quills.

  "Hey! This is our cave! You'll regret challenging us!" Skadicritt growled, crouching low and flexing her ear-hands.

  "Hold it, Skadi. We don't need a fight if we can avoid one." KiAera kept an eye on the creature as she gauged its behavior.

  Mina snorted from the rear. "Avoid a fight? Look at that thing! It's begging to get knocked down a peg."

  Viz fidgeted nervously as his quad-eyes darted between the Thornback and the tunnel behind them. "M-maybe we can talk to it? I mean, it—uh—doesn't seem like the most reasonable beast, but it did speak…"

  Oath Osseod clacked its crystalline legs against the stone floor before responding. "Oath not afraid. Oath ready to fight if KiAera says so."

  The Thornback snorted, stomping one massive paw against the ground. Its beady eyes gleamed with suspicion and aggression as it flexed its claws, tearing deep gouges into the rocky floor. "No talk! LEAVE OR FIGHT!"

  KiAera narrowed her eyes as she analyzed the beast. The Vandaquil's power level wasn't insurmountable, but it was no weakling. A fledgling or not, those quills looked lethal, and its strength could likely down a couple members of the group. They could potentially overwhelm it, but not without risking injuries—or worse, alerting other dungeon predators to their presence.

  "Easy, Thornback," she called. "We're not here to take your territory. Just passing through."

  The Thornback's massive claws scraped against the rocky floor, the sound echoing like nails on slate. "PASSING THROUGH? LIES! YOU SEEK THE CRYSTALS, LIKE ALL THE REST!" It stomped forward, each step punctuated by the sharp clatter of loose rocks.

  Viz's wings trembled as he shuffled back, his gaze darting between the beast and the group. "I-I don't think it's gonna listen..."

  Mina cracked her knuckles. "Good. I've been itching for a fight."

  "Not yet!" KiAera snapped.

  Skadicritt bounded forward with a hop, her ears twitching with excitement. "Skaditty has an idea! Maybe Thorny here just needs a little persuasion!" She wiggled her ears.

  The Thornback let out a warning growl, its spines rattling. "NO TRICKS! LEAVE NOW, OR FACE THORNBACK'S WRATH—"

  "Skaditty Punch!"

  Skadicritt's ear shot forth and connected with the Thornback's under-jaw in an uppercut. The beast let out a pitiful squeal upon impact which slammed it into the passageway's ceiling.

  "Skadicritt!" KiAera exclaimed as she watched the Thornback crumple to the floor.

  Oath Osseod clacked its legs against the floor. "Good job, Skadicritt! Oath impressed."

  Viz let out a squeak of surprise, his wings flapping anxiously. "Did—did you just—?!"

  The Vandaquil slumped to the floor with a heavy thud, its massive form falling limp.

  KiAera groaned, rubbing her temples. "Skadi, we talked about this. No attacking things without my say-so."

  Skadicritt grinned sheepishly, her ears drooping slightly. "Sorry, KiAera. But it worked, right? See, Thornback, you should be more careful about who you challenge! Skaditty always wins!"

  The Vandaquil's eyes twitched as it let out a faint groan, its body shifting slightly.

  Mina let out a hearty laugh, slapping her knee. "Ha! I like this, Pinky. Maybe you've got some spunk after all."

  Oath Osseod shuffled forward, nudging the fallen creature with its leg. "Thornback still breathing. Thornback not dead."

  Viz's wings fluttered nervously as he inched closer. "Um—maybe we should... check on it? Just to make sure it's okay?"

  KiAera sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Alright, let's make sure this thing doesn't die. It's out. It's no longer a threat. For now."

  Skadicritt bounced in place, her ears twitching with excitement. "Why don't we eat it!"

  Mina blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion. "Eat it? Are you kidding? That thing's too damn prickly! Besides, it's probably sinewy as hell."

  KiAera shook her head, sighing. "No, we're not eating it. That's just barbaric." She knelt next to the fallen creature, examining it carefully. "Hey, I want you to remember this—well, of course if you can hear me. We're sparing your life. Just know that there's better ways to settle conflicts than fighting. Be thankful we spared you."

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  The Thornback groaned softly as its body shifted slightly.

  Viz shuffled closer. "I—uh—think it's waking up..."

  Oath Osseod let out a deep hum and a noticeable glow emanated from its crystalline core. "Oath will heal, Thornback. Oath protect."

  Mina rolled her eyes. "Protect? Really? That thing's probably going to try and kill us the second it wakes up."

  KiAera shook her head, her gaze fixed on the injured Vandaquil. "I don't think so. I've got a feeling about this one. Besides, we can't just leave it here—it'll bleed out." She shot a sharp look at Skadicritt. "And no punching it again."

  Skadicritt shrugged, her ears drooping slightly. "Fine. But only because you asked nicely, KiAera."

  Viz cleared his throat. "I—uh—I don't know about this, but... if you're sure..."

  After Oath Osseod had mended the Thornback's wounds, the group continued to descend the dungeon. Despite the fact, the creature remained slumbered, curled up in the passageway like a hibernated bear. Its spines were relaxed and its face peaceful, as if it were merely sleeping off a long night of drinking.

  Mina snorted, shaking her head. "What a waste of time. I could've taken that thing out in a heartbeat."

  KiAera glanced back at the direction of the beast. "Maybe. But we don't need any unnecessary attention. The last thing we need is more monsters coming after us."

  Skadicritt bounded forward with a hop. "Hey, we haven't seen any crystals yet! I thought that's what we came here for!"

  Viz's mouth opened to activate his echolocation, his eyes darting between the tunnel ahead and the path behind. "M-maybe we should turn back? If—if there's no crystals, then..."

  KiAera paused, scanning the area. "Hmm... hold on." She stepped closer to one of the walls, running a paw along the surface. "Mina, Skadi. I want you to strike this wall together. Focus your attacks toward the center of it."

  Skadicritt cocked her head. "Huh? Why would we do that?"

  Mina folded her arms, giving KiAera a skeptical look. "You know something I don't?"

  "Just trust me," KiAera replied.

  Skadicritt shrugged and nodded. "Okay! Let's do it!" She bounced in place. "I'm ready!"

  Mina grunted, cracking her knuckles. "Whatever. If this is just a wild goose chase, I'm gonna be pissed." She raised a fist, taking aim at the wall.

  "On three. One... two..."

  Mina let out a growl, her muscles tensing as she readied to strike.

  "Three!"

  With a loud thud, Skadi and Mina's fists slammed against the wall, the force of their combined impact creating a spiderweb of cracks that spread through the surface. The entire cavern seemed to tremble, dust and pebbles raining down from the ceiling.

  "Whoa..." Viz murmured.

  Suddenly, a rumbling sound could be heard as the wall began to shift, sliding open to reveal a hidden passage.

  KiAera smirked. "And that's how it's done." She gestured toward the opening. "Let's check this out. Looks like we're on the right track."

  Skadicritt gasped. "Wow! What a surprise! You're so smart, KiAera!"

  Viz blinked. "H-how did you know that would happen?"

  "This place is full of secrets," KiAera replied, leading the group through the opening. "You just have to know where to look."

  The passage was dimly lit by a faint glow, emanating from the walls themselves. KiAera had to intensify her tail flame to help illuminate the way.

  "I—uh—don't like this..." Viz slowed his pace.

  Mina rolled her eyes. "Relax, runt. It's just a cave. You're supposed to be a bat, aren't you? So get some echolocation going."

  Viz kept at the fore, guiding the group through the winding tunnels. His eyes darted between the walls, searching for any sign of danger.

  "W-we're getting close..." he said. His mouth widened as his [Echolocation] swept through the passageway.

  As the group continued on, the air grew thicker, and the sounds of distant cries and groans could be heard.

  KiAera paused, straining to listen. "I think I hear something up ahead. Stay alert."

  The group pressed onward, their steps echoing off the cavern walls. Suddenly, a low moan could be heard, followed by a faint scratching sound.

  Viz froze, his wings trembling as he stared ahead into the shadows. "W-what is that...?"

  Mina narrowed her eyes, her lips pulling back into a snarl. "I don't know, but I'm gonna find out."

  KiAera surveyed the terrain, which appeared to have become eerily similar to an underground forest than a cavernous dungeon. She noticed that the ceiling was covered in strange, glowing fungi and other dense vegetation that was vaguely familiar to her.

  "Wait." KiAera took a few cautious steps forward, her ears twitching. "Listen..."

  The group fell silent as the faint sounds of weeping and moaning echoed down the passageway. The noise seemed to grow louder, the cries becoming more desperate.

  "S-someone's there," Viz pointed.

  KiAera spotted the creature that Viz directed her toward. Curled up was a small bipedal beast with an odd resemblance to a gremlin. Its body was covered in scales but with more fur, dull gems embedded on its cheeks, knuckles, and legs.

  ??. .??

  Creature: Gremgem

  Species: Gremgem

  Sobriquet: "Gem Gremlin"

  Brief description: fledgling gem gremlin.

  Alignment: [Preda-Praieon] [Concealed]

  APeX: [3452 Units]

  Attributes: [Ore] [Evil]

  Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)

  Current Variant Grade: [Common]

  ??. .??

  KiAera could vaguely spot the dark furred Gremgem as it lay on a smooth surface. "It's just a young one," she whispered.

  Viz nodded, his eyes wide. "I—uh—think it's hurt..."

  Skadicritt cocked her head. "What's wrong with it?"

  Mina remained silent for a moment. "It's probably sick or something."

  "Oath heals?" chirped Oath Osseod.

  KiAera frowned, her tail flame flickering as she stepped closer to the injured monster. "No, I don't think so. I've got a bad feeling about this."

  The Gremgem weeping became louder, its body shuddering with each sob.

  As KiAera drew closer, she realized that the creature was injured. A large gash was visible on its leg, and its body was covered in scratches and bruises.

  The group stood still, watching silently as the Gremgem cried out in pain.

  Suddenly, the creature looked up, its eyes meeting KiAera's gaze. "Gotcha." It whispered with a sneer.

  Out from the bushes emerged several dozen small monsters, their bodies covered in dark scales and fur, dull gems embedded on their bodies, and their eyes glinting with mischief. Every single one had a blended menacing yet deceptively adorable appearance.

  KiAera's eyes widened as she took a step back. "Gremgems," she hissed.

  Mina snorted, cracking her knuckles. "Gremgems? Please. I'll take 'em all out in a heartbeat."

  Skadicritt leapt forth. "Yeah! Let's fight them! Skaditty's ready to go!"

  Then there was the one that loomed tall among the group that surrounded them. Its gems were more profound, its gems darker, with its fur sleeker than the others. It had such a smug look plastered on its face that made it aggravating to stare at—so self assured of itself and it did feel threatening. That one was definitely the leader. It was the Grimgem, an evolved form of the Gremgems that were swaggering around them.

  ??. .????. .????. .??

  Creature: Grimgem

  Faux Nym: None

  Brief description: emerged Gremlin.

  APeX: [12400 Units]

  Attributes: [Grim] [Evil] [Ore]

  Evolution Stage: [Emergent] (E)

  Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]

  ??. .????. .????. .??

  "Grehehe! You're in for it now!" The lead Grimgem cackled, its gaze shifted to Mina for a moment. KiAera thought she caught a flash of recognition in its dark eyes.

  Skadicritt, meanwhile, crouched down and growled, her fur bristling. "We don't want any trouble, but we won't back down either. Stay back!"

  The Grimgem grinned. "You should listen to your friend. She knows what's good for her." He gestured to his minions. "Get 'em!"

  The Gremgems rushed forth with a chorus of squeaky cries, their claws outstretched and teeth bared.

  KiAera gritted her teeth, preparing for the impending battle. She didn't want to fight the small monsters, but they left no choice.