CHAPTER 21: Life Is a Highway
We crossed the safe zone boundary not long after hitting the entrance to the Long Trail. We continued up the mountain, every so often getting into a quick joust with an enemy. So far it was a few mutated chipmunks, evolved mutts, and some new low tier enemies called ‘Bush Pirates’, which were basically beefed up moles that stood about 2 feet tall. Arthur made quick work of them playing Whac-A-Mole or snapping them with his teeth the moment they surfaced, it was a gruesome mess to say the least. He gained another Level and grew another inch to his height and length. We looted tons of small beast meat and 2 potions from all the enemies, unfortunately, not many were able to be looted.
“I wonder what stat is making you bigger,” I said thinking out loud.
“Woof!” Arthur said then flexed his doggy legs. It was awkward but gave me a laugh.
“Strength?”
“Ruff!”
We heard rustling leaves ahead. As we closed in on the noise I whispered, “Dang cowpoke, I wonder how big you’ll get.”
Arthur growled, letting me know it was something new.
We ducked behind cover and waited.
I now had 3 armor presets and 5 slots for weapons on the side of my inventory thanks to my class. I only had 2 armor set ups at the moment, one with plate armor and cloak then one just the cloak but I couldn’t wait to get more and have some choices.
The ridiculousness of my class was slowly dawning on me.
I could basically switch from a faster warrior with sword and shield into a Tank with a two handed weapon or my Mace. Then change into a Rogue with dual daggers in the blink of an eye. I had a lot of different options to explore, the possibilities constantly rolled through my mind.
The fella making the ruckus finally came into sight.
[Splitjaw Stag—Level 20]
[Unbound Native Wildlife]
This was my first time seeing a deer since the event and boy were they terrifying, at least this one.
The stag was covered in patchy fur with random black splotches, it was almost twice as big as any white tail I’d ever seen, and they can get big in the deep woods.
I removed my Atlatl, wearing just the cloak so nothing hindered my movement. I prepped one of the javelins but as I moved to stand I rustled my own leaves catching the attention of bambi.
The stag’s head snapped up, very deer like, and looked our way until we locked eyes. That’s when I saw just how horrifying the mutation really was.
The neck was peculiarly long as the deer turned its body toward us.
His face split down the middle, showing off rows and rows of small sharp teeth lining the inside of the skull from top to bottom. A large tongue mimicked the movement of a snake as it whipped around in the middle of the ugly mess where his eyes should have been.
The face suddenly snapped shut, showing a normal pissed off deer.
It charged.
I raised to my feet and let the javelin loose.
I hit, but off my mark.
I didn’t want to use destructive impact until I had a ton more javelins to waste, right now it was about getting my proficiency leveled up with what the system considered a ‘Makeshift Ranged’ weapon.
The Javelin throw was enough to knock the deer off course, giving me just enough time to switch armor presets and summon my spear with a thought.
“Arthur, Bangarang!” I yelled while running to meet the Deer head on as Arthur moved up the steep hill on our right.
I raised my assegai, blocking the 16 point antlers just before they sunk into my chest. I grunted and twisted my weapon in the horns but before I could flip it off balance the deer backed up and charged in again.
I rolled to the side pushing Mana through my weapon and thrusting forward to clip the front leg of the hideous tweaker deer.
The blow didn’t affect its movement as much as I’d hoped for, Bambi quickly spun, slicing me with his antlers.
I backed up to the hill, thrusting bursts of Wind Mana through my spear, the action felt much more natural with the upgraded weapon.
Each strike sent a forceful gust into him to give me some breathing room. I arced out with another condensed slice and the Mana cut halfway through the front leg of the deer.
The attack tripped the deer, but it put enough force into its back legs to cover the distance between us in a flash. His head split open as he fell onto my shoulder and delivered a bone crushing bite.
The sharpened teeth sunk into my flesh then I felt the crunch of my bones as they shattered under the immense pressure.
I stored my spear and latched onto the antlers surrounding my head.
I hip tossed the deer with everything I had to get him closer to the bottom of the hill.
“Arooo!”
Arthur sailed in from above with a howl, landing on the Deer’s back as he regained his hooves.
I struggled to hold Bambi still as Arthur’s Claws of the Guardian sunk through flesh. He bit down on the deer’s long neck and ripped chunks from of the deer.
Bite after bite he gnawed away until the deer finally went limp.
“Fuck Arthur… You’re intense dude.” A John Madden replay of my dog viciously ripping a giant deer to shreds played on repeat in my mind.
“Woof!” His tongue fell from his mouth making me smile.
“Jesus, we need some magical crystal warsh shit for ya, that’s gonna be a pain in the ass to get outta your fur, BRUH.” I told the blood soaked pup.
“Woof woof!” I’m guessing that was in protest of my use of bruh.
I pulled my Javelin out of the deer’s stomach and stored it as I looted the stag.
We gained a new type of meat, which happens to be my favorite, “Venison Beast Meat”.
The other looted item was “Beast Leather x2”.
I was excited to see what I could do with it as I left the previous leather in Conviction.
The fight managed to lift me to Level 14.
I allocated my stat points as we continued on the trail.
It felt like we were making good time as we managed to stay on the trail for the most part, making quick work of the low level mutated wildlife and system generated Twisted Spriggan thugs in the area. With the upgraded speed and stamina, this hike to our halfway point would only take a day before monsters were introduced into the equation. After adding in the monsters and constant fighting my guess had us slowing down drastically to about a 3 day trip. However, we were cutting through them at a pace I didn’t imagine and making much better time than anticipated.
We should hit Manchester sometime tomorrow morning...
Later in the afternoon, after going up and down mountain summits and leaving many more low level enemies dead in our wake, we approached our halfway marker on the map. The sun was dipping in the clear sky leaving a golden hue over the world.
The woods morphed around us, as if the mountain were swallowing more and more trees as we continued into an area that was called Mount Tabor, however, the system map dubbed it as “Luminous Summit”.
The trees that once grew into the sky, were replaced by shorter, or I suppose normal size trees, but there were still some glaring differences.
The bark was shining, some metallic brown, some were gray like stone but the gray trunks had crystal veins growing between each piece of the thin outer bark.
The glittering brown trunks were shaded by a high cascade of dark navy leaves that contrasted with everything else in the area. While the gray trees had small branches strutting out just inches overhead, each branch covered in thick clusters of pure crystal needles that looked like they would rain to the ground and shatter if one of us happened to brush against the tree.
We slowly moved through the woods watching the unbelievable transition happening, both struck by a sense of awe and wonder. Arthur’s head was bobbing around around as much as mine, and his wet brown eyes shined in the reflections created by the wondrous forest.
As we moved deeper into the summit, the environment did not disappoint.
It looked like Earth pushed up all of it’s most precious minerals to show the beauty it holds within. As we approached another small river, mountains of glassy quartz erupted from the earth while ribbons of gold shimmered beneath the current.
We sat next to the river taking in the wide array of colorful minerals then we had our first peek at the new wildlife.
A chunky groundhog with gilded honey fur popped up from beneath the rich soil and shook himself clean.
[Goldback Marmot]
[Non-Hostile Gaian Wildlife]
Just to be safe I stood to attention, but the little guy ignored me completely and wobbled along unbothered on the other side of the river. He stopped to look at us for a second then scurried off.
“Arthur, this place... It’s fucking magical.”
“Roourr” He agreed, his dog voice full of admiration and wonder.
“Let’s cross this river and get a little deeper in, then we’ll find a less rocky spot to camp for the night.” I said as I hopped onto one rock then another to cross the river.
Arthur dove right into the water, splashing me to get me soaked.
“Ahh okay! I guess you want a bath first huh?” I dove at him tackling him into the deeper area.
We wrestled around for a bit, laughing and playing like we used to, but with the crazy inhuman strength and agility it was a lot more wild, and fun.
Once it started to get dark we finally calmed down. I cleaned the blood and guts out of his fur to the best of my ability. Arthur went on the river bank and shook himself dry right next to me covering my face with water once more. He sniffed around as I grabbed his armor to give it a good scrub down with my own.
I finished cleaning the armor and looked around but I didn’t see Arthur anywhere, I whistled and waited.
Nothing.
I checked his health bar on my HUD and it was maxed out so I zoomed out my map until I finally saw his indicator.
I whistled louder.
After a moment of silence I heard his footsteps coming in fast, it sounded like an approaching horse more than a dog. He barreled through the woods mouth wide open, tongue flopping around merrily. He ran right up to me and started spinning in circles.
“Okay okay, here take this,” I handed him his armor and we took off.
Damn, his acceleration is crazy. He almost lost me in seconds, time to catch up!
Before long our race came to an end at the side of a mountain.
It reminded me a little of the area where I met the Ba for the first time but the rock face was nowhere near as tall. Within the deep cracks of the flat surface minerals shone in a rainbow of colors.
“Is this what you wanted to show me?” I asked not understanding. It wasn’t the coolest thing we’d seen in this place, but it was neat.
While waiting for my dogs response that never came, I noticed his eyes focused on one spot near the top of the cliff. I cranked my head back to try to see what he was looking at. After a few seconds they took off flying high above and Arthur ran underneath to follow.
He really needs a buddy to play with.
The system tagged them as “Crystal-winged Owls” but the name did not do them justice.
They were more like shiny pterodactyls with owl heads and a wing span easily longer than I am tall. The pink colors of the sunset reflected through their translucent wings, their bodies looked to be rose gold but I couldn’t tell if that was the color they were suppose to be or if it was just tinted from the falling sun. Their illuminated eyes glowed pure white as they dove into the cover of trees below.
“Whoa... Thanks Buggy.”
“Ruff...”
We followed the rock wall deeper into the territory to find a decent place to sleep, we climbed over giant citrine and milky white boulders as we searched. I wasn’t finding a flat spot that wasn’t covered in sharp rocks and it was indeed getting very dark.
Even in the dark the forest still glittered. The moon and starlight reflected through the crystal needles on the trees then down to the rocks below, making it easy enough to maneuver through the spotted rainbows.
We walked aimlessly, no closer to finding a decent place to rest until we noticed a small fire in the distance that immediately caught our attention.
I had Arthur fall in closer as we silently stalked the light. It seemed to be further away than it first appeared.
As we closed in the fire seemed to whip through the air in a circle then somehow approach us.
I was too late figuring out what it was.
When we were moving closer I thought it was a small camp fire but now that it was only 15 feet away it was clear as day what it actually was.
[Lantern Fox]
[Sapient Gaian Wildlife]
It almost looked like a furry four legged version of a Charmeleon with two pointy ears.
Much smaller than Arthur but still menacing. The sapient bit worried me so I prepped for a fight but as I loaded a javelin into my atlatl the fox turned around and started walking away.
I exchanged my ranged weapon for spear just in case the fox changed its mind and decided to come back and use ember on us.
The fox suddenly stopped and glanced back.
“Woof!” Arthur spoke up and followed the fox.
Apparently, that’s exactly what the fox wanted so I followed the leader.
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We ran behind the fox as it bounced through the woods creating a pleasant light show for those of us following. He led us up a skinny path around a rock face we saw earlier, I wouldn’t have known it if it wasn’t for my map.
The fox disappeared behind some crystal leaves but we could still see the flame from his tail behind the tall bushes.
I led the way through the thorny transparent purple glass, holding a gap open for Arthur to pass.
When I turned around the fox was right there, staring at me.
“Hey uh, little dude. Where you taking us?”
The fox walked between a few boulders then disappeared into the face of the mountain.
Arthur ran after it.
“Arthur!” He too vanished into the side of the mountain.
“This better not be another fuckin’ portal to an alternate universe... Bad dog.” I mumbled as I held my breath and walked into the rock wall.
I opened my eyes when I realized I didn’t bust my nose on stone, “Well, shit... Thanks for showing us little dude.”
The fox sat in front of us helping to light the cavern.
The ceiling and ground was made of smooth glowing opal stone, crystallized stalagmite formations covered the back and side walls. I finally got a good look at the Fox, he wasn’t as awkward and ugly as I first thought. He was actually kind of cute with a fire orange and yellow coat. He had a small rounded bump in between his ears, I wasn’t sure if it was the start of a horn or just some weird growth. Maybe someone dropped a rock on his head? It looks like one of those bumps after the anvil falls on the coyotes head.
He smiled up at me, showing his razor sharp teeth and that’s when I also noticed his super intimidating claws as well.
I pulled out a few pieces of beast jerky and tossed the little guy a treat then gave Arthur a piece as well.
They both munched the treat down and looked to me with big eyes.
“Okay, okay. Here...” I ripped another piece in half and split it between them. I reached a hand out and the fox pushed his head into my hand, letting me pet as he cooed.
Once he finished his stick of meat he hopped off back through the entrance. I popped my head out after him and was met by darkness.
I brought my head back through the not solid but opaque wall, “I guess he just wanted some jerky. That was nice of him to show us a safe space to lie down for the night. Not sure how he knew we were looking for that, but he was a cool little guy. Or girl.”
I removed a blanket from the storage tote and took a seat next to Arthur, “Come on pup, let’s get some sleep.”
We laid down but the surrounding stone still pulsated a strong glow all around us.
A few moments later I opened one eye to peek at Arthur.
He was lying with his face directly in front of mine, both eyes wide open staring at me.
He lifted his head from the ground, looking down at me as he started panting.
“Yep, same here... Somehow I feel more energetic then I did all day.”
Arthur nodded in agreement which I was appreciative of due to the small room, barking would be a bit loud.
“Well, not much to do at night in the middle of the woods. We can try to meditate? I don’t even know how to, my brain is constantly racing until the moment I pass out, but it can’t be too hard right? You just sit there and do nothing... Well? Wanna try to level up with the power of MEDITATION!?” I asked my dog, putting a bit more oomph into the last word.
“RRRRUFF!” He answered, also adding some juice to his bark and reminding me of my most previous thought regarding the size of the room.
“Okay, I’ll move the blanket and I guess we just, sit here.” I stored the blanket and sat down cross legged.
Arthur took a spot next to me.
We sat there for about five minutes before Arthur nudged me with his nose.
“Shh! No talking in med-uh-tay-shun.” I said enunciating the word slowly.
He nudged me again.
I opened my left eye as wide as I could, glaring at him without moving my head as I continued to make loud inhaling and exhaling noises.
He backed up a bit.
As soon as I closed my eyes he attempted a stronger nudge but I wrapped him in a head lock.
That’s when the Battle Royale commenced.
Arthur kicked off my chest sailing back to the wall as he reversed his stance midair to use the wall to bounce back at me with his paws out straight.
I didn’t know my dog could basically wall jump. Sweet!
As he flew at me I braced for impact.
I turned my hips at the last second catching him by the stomach and bringing him above my head for a fake body slam but he wiggled out and kicked me in the back of the head, knocking me off balance.
He strode confidently toward me as I attempted to regain my footing. He pompously held out one paw to clip my ankle and send me to the ground.
I spun to my back as I fell, taking a guard position. He dove in at the side mock biting as I laughed and pushed his head down while struggling to my feet.
I backed away.
We squared up again then wrestled for hours. We went through different scenario’s and acted out different scenes.
I was just a guy, a very weird guy and he was just a dog. A very smart dog who was more like a kid at this point. Both of us had too much pent up goofball energy.
As I dashed at Arthur using a stick he brought in as my pretend dagger, the cave around us flashed a blinding light, I was forced to close my eyes for a second then blink away the bright after image.
When I opened my eyes Arthur was gone…
“Woof!”
I turned around, there was Arthur standing off to my side with his tail wagging behind him.
I went at him again.
Another blinding flash.
“Woof!”
I stood up straight after rubbing my eyes again, now feeling a slight headache, “Arthur... Did you just fucking teleport?”
“Woof woof.”
“You didn’t teleport? So you just moved really fast?”
“Woof!”
“Did you create that blinding light as well?”
“Woof!” It wasn’t the room we were in like I originally thought.
“That’s fuckin’ awesome!” I shouted in triumph as my dog learned a new skill or spell somehow.
“Hmm. Is it a spell or skill though... Spell?”
“Woof!” he replied standing tall as his tail wagged back and forth slapping the wall behind him every time it went to his right.
“Damn doggy magic. The world is full of surprises, I wish I could see what it is.”
Arthur tilted his head to the side.
After a moment a notification popped up.
[Party member Arthur Weston is attempting to share a notification with you.]
[Accept—Yes or No]
“Holy shit Arthur, you really have it all figured out huh?” I said, mentally accepting the share.
[Congratulations! Through vigorous training and struggle, along with the help of a ‘Blessed Arena’ you have taught yourself the spell—Flash Step]
Blessed Arena, huh. I guess we owe the fox more thanks.
He sent more.
Flash Step (Soul Awakened) Rare—Light Magic—Level 1—Cost: 15 Mana—Max Distance 100 Feet Per Cast—Leave a burst of light in your wake that blinds enemies as you flash across the battlefield at the speed of light.
[You have been blessed, +10 Dexterity +10 Endurance, Boon lasts 48 hours.]
“Daaaaamn Daniel. Good boy.” I said, annoying him with some old internet lingo.
The untamed energy we felt before was seemingly dying down as the pulsating opal stone surrounding us slowly dimmed.
I yawned, “I suppose it’s finally bed time for the cave and its inhabitants... The inhabitants being us.”
Arthur yawned and gave me an incredulous look as I spread the blanket out and took my spot with an impish grin. He still played his role of foot warmer even though he clearly was not a fan of my last bit of purposeful over explanation.
The next morning we set off through the woods, I realized I hadn’t used my inspection skill at all so I inspected everything new that caught my eye. I started with a beautiful crystalline formation we jumped over while heading back down the large rock face.
Spireglass Quartz—Epic—Crafting Material—These towering compositions are rich in Raw Mana. Mainly used in crafting specialty jewelry and socketables but is considered dangerous as it is easily over saturated causing a sometimes deadly explosion of concentrated Mana.
“Arthur hold up! I want to grab some of this stone.”
I broke out the mallet to the sledgehammer and bent over to find a good spot to hit so I could get a decent chunk of the rock.
As I searched it felt like I was being watched.
I looked up from the Quartz and met eyes with a massive creature in the distance, as soon as our eyes met it felt like I was physically attacked.
A giant deer that put the Splitjaw to shame in size and majesty watched from afar. He had crystallized antlers the size of a Harley Davidson and a coat the most glorious white I’d ever seen, its light blue eyes pierced me from 100 yards away.
I was forced to my knees, it felt like a massive weight was crushing me toward the ground, even with all of my strength I couldn’t resist.
He held my gaze for a moment then forced my head down until it was parallel with the ground.
All of the pressure suddenly released. I looked up but he was gone, glowing white and blue motes floated into the sky before disappearing.
I looked down and beside the untouched Spireglass formation was a small chunk of the Quartz. I grabbed it and stored it in my inventory.
“Well Arthur, I think we should make our way out of here.” I received one sharp bark in agreement.
As we continued I was able to identify the glittering metallic brown trees as ‘Embergrain Oak’, they were also Epic rarity. The system explained how the wood had a known affinity with Fire Mana and high durability against Fire and Light damage, it also said the bark was slightly warm to the touch. I walked up and placed my hand on the tree. It was a bit more than warm, I quickly removed my hand in surprise when the heat bit my palm like a cookie pan fresh out of the oven.
I looked up to inspect the dark blue leaves swallowing the invading sunlight but they were too high up. As I looked around for a lower branch one leaf fell from up high and I veered slightly off course to snag it as it danced to the ground.
Embergrain Canopy Leaf—Legendary—Crafting Material—Located high above, these leaves drink in the ambient Light and Mana through Shadow, feeding the Embergrain Oaks below. Used in crafting Stealth and Fire enchantments.
I stored the leaf away.
I couldn’t help but feel as if the forest was gifting me a sort of sample pack. It made me think of the magnificent deer. I turned my attention to the West and saw him again.
This time he just watched, the last encounter he didn’t pay any attention to Arthur until he stepped in front of me, it seemed the same this time as his gaze seemed glued to my movement.
I suppose I was the one trying to smash the pretty rock. I’m guessing this is his home and he wants to keep it pretty.
I kept an eye on the Deer this time as it vanished into thin air again. I watched the same drifting motes of light appear and float toward the sky before dissipating into thin air again.
“Okay, got it. Just don’t break anything, I can respect that.”
We continued South, making great time as we didn’t have to fight anything so far. I checked the map and we were almost off the Luminous Summit.
I noticed the first change in scenery as another giant pine tree shot into the sky like they did previously.
We had to hop over the river again. Based on the map it looked to fork at the eastern edge of the zone then travel around the inside boundary of the summit in a near perfect oval before meeting at the western edge where they joined into one stream again.
We approached the river, I had a few bottles that I filled with the water, I thought about how it doesn’t get much cleaner than the water on the mountains.
Unless there’s a dead monster rotting upstream.
“Eh shit, give me a minute before you drink Arthur,”
I ran up a hill to get a better view, I couldn’t see anything bad so I ran back.
“Got in my own head for a minute. Drink up pup!” I bent over to fill the last of my bottles then filled my hands to get a sip and splash water onto my face.
As I raised the water to my mouth I noticed a prompt in the center of my palms so I pulled it up.
Sanctified Water—Legendary—This water was sanctified by the Gemhorn for the pure of heart and local wildlife within the Luminous Summit—Buff of the Pure- 10% Damage Reduction 25% Increased Health Regeneration for 48 hours. Debuff of the Corrupt- Salmonella for 48 hours
“Shit, Arthur! Stop drinking! Now!” I let the water in my hands fall back into the river.
Arthur looked up at me, cranking his head to the side.
He sent me a notification that I accepted.
48 Hour “Buff of the Pure” has taken effect—10% Damage Reduction 25% Increased Health Regeneration
“Well then, my bad. Back at it then!” I said, watching as my dog finished drinking until he was satisfied.
No way I’m going to risk it, I’m not local wildlife and I’m sure as shit not ‘pure of heart’.
I kept the bottles so we could buff Arthur for about two weeks depending how much he needs to drink to gain the buff. When he finished drinking he walked up to me and stared at me.
“I’ll be alright until we hit another water source. Don’t worry Bugger. Did you know about the water before drinking it?” I asked receiving a no in the response of 2 quick barks.
“Well, I guess I should have figured, you are a good boy after all.” I changed to my puppy voice to annoy him, “Who’s a good boy?! Who’s my good boy!?”
He shook his head then gave me a big doggy dog smile as he pushed past me to lead the way.
“I wish we didn’t have to leave, this place is like a fantasy land, the plants and rocks are wicked cool and the animals are super chill. Maybe you could be homies with little Fox dude and we could name him Charmander.” I said as we continued moving closer to the edge of the summit.
Arthur voiced his agreement but as he did something magnificent caught my eye.
I found myself drawn to it. It was as if I had tunnel vision for that one, fucking, rock.
I slowly moved toward the illuminating golden rock that was bursting from the soil in the middle of a small clearing.
It demanded attention like the sword in the stone.
It was only about a foot tall with a six inch diameter, but even I could feel the power flooding off the rock from yards away.
I approached slowly like I was somehow going to scare the mineral away.
Arthur was whining and barking at something but I couldn’t care less.
He’s just being the annoying “look at me” dog he always has been.
I fell to my knees staring in locked amazement at the treasure I just found.
Divinityflare Soul Gem—Divine—This exquisitely rare Soul Gem originates from the Third Heavenly Solar System on the Second Planet known as “Gaia” where they regard it as ‘The Seed of Peace’. The Divinityflare holds the power of all elements but is known for its ability to create Divine Level Items, Light Magic and bestow High Luck to those who are blessed by even a fraction of the Soul Gems power. Only Divine and Demonic Lord, Tier beings are able to work with this material safely. Lesser individuals should avoid contact
Disregarding the warning in the description I moved closer.
The air around me felt heavy, like the normal human I once was would drown in its wake, but I swam through, closing on the stone.
That fuckin’ hound is still yapping, right in my GODDAMN ear now.
My eyes never left the prize while scolding him, “Arthur, shut the fuck up and get away from me! NOW! Bad Dog!” I reached out with my right arm pushing him away then reached to the stone.
My fingers just inches from claiming the gemstone.
Arthur stopped barking, the silence stretched for what felt like an eternity.
Then he lunged.
His teeth sunk into my hand and I turned with violent intentions.
My eyes left the Soul Gem and focused on... My puppy.
Instantly I realized what I just said and I moved to him.
He growled backing away while looking scared but determined, “Arthur, I am so sorry... Tha—That wasn’t me. You know I would never talk to you like that or treat you that way... The fuck is with this rock.”
Arthur stayed in a defensive stance as I slowly moved toward him, the Gem a distant memory as I moved to the one thing in the world that mattered to me.
He shook his head and that’s when I realized he wasn’t looking at me.
He was looking behind me.
I turned around to see what he was looking at, only to once again be slammed to my knees.
[Gemhorn Buck—Level 111]
[Divine Guardian of The Luminous Summit]
[Evolved Gaia Native]
“Shit! Arthur, I’m sorry buddy! It had some sort of control over me. Get out of here! He’s too strong to fight.” I yelled as the fear of losing my best friend in this world flooded my every pore.
“Woof Woof!” Arthur denied my wish, instead jumping in front of me.
I was driven deeper into the ground by the deer’s aura as I attempted to hold myself up on my hands and knees. It felt like gravity somehow changed and I was unable to move against it no matter the stats.
I fought my hardest to move forward, backward, side to side, but I was completely frozen in place. My eyes, ears, and voice was all that worked.
I begged Arthur to leave, to run.
My vision blurred, slowly fading to darkness as my heart felt like it was unable to keep pumping the amount of blood that it needed to keep me alive.
I was hit by the aura again and crumbled face first into the ground, my health plummeted each second under the immense pressure.
There was no noise.
Arthur stopped barking at the Gemhorn but still stood defiantly in the face of the much more dangerous creature in an attempt to defend me.
He did not show an ounce of fear to the Stoic Buck. Instead standing as if they were to fight, he would be the clear victor.
“Very well,” A deep powerful voice boomed across the mountains as the pressure instantaneously cut off and blood began flowing normally through my body.
I rolled over in the dirt to take a seat as the small motes of light that appeared to be crystals vanished into thin air for the last time.
I let him down again.
I swear this is suppose to be the other way around, the whole good dog-bad dog thing.
Right now I felt like a very bad dog.
Arthur approached my side and sat beside me. He nudged his snout into my shoulder. I was sure he could tell how dejected I felt, he is a smart dog after all.
He nudged me again and I looked to him.
His tail started wagging and he gave me a smile when I looked up, “Fuck, I don’t deserve you... Thanks buddy.” I said pulled him in for a side hug.
I thought on how I could possibly repay him.
He saved my life again. Over and over he’s done this since the beginning.
I need to stop depending on him, it’s suppose to be the other way around.
Fuck this world.
We will change this shit, together.
One way or another, I will kill all of these motherfuckers.