A faint rumbling sound could be heard coming from my chest as I pressed my paws into the freshly exchanged gravel. It was perfect, with every single pebble looking as if I had stolen it from a rapidly flowing river. Instead of being uncomfortable and even painful to walk on thanks to sharp edges and big and rough shapes, this new path seemed to gently massage my paws as I made my way over to its other side. Not only were these new stones better in any regard, but I had also made sure to give them sandy colors of yellow, beige, and pale red rather than the dull gray my paths used to feature, making them fit in better with the flowery meadow surrounding them to all sides – at least in my opinion.
Satisfied with my work, I turned around to take a look at what the new foxes were up to. I had brought all of their numbers to five, aside from the Obsidian Foxes, which received double the number due to the important task they would soon need to fulfill. These numbers weren’t much when compared to those found in the Volcano Room, but they at least allowed the foxes to always find somebody to talk, play, and compete with. And it was the last thing that seemed to be the most important for the Clay Foxes especially, who had selected the lakeside as their new home. The five foxes had already begun building their homes, which, contrary to the other foxes, didn’t involve a burrow – they didn’t like those – but instead had them use their magic to construct weirdly shaped pottery, which they then let dry in the sun layer by layer. This process was obviously very slow and would have taken them days or even weeks, that was until one of the Heat Foxes showed up and, intrigued by the architecture presented to it, stayed around long enough for the other foxes to notice their creations were rapidly drying just by having this new friend around.
It didn’t take them long to recruit all of the Heat Foxes, probably using some kind of promise to entice them to participate. So before I realized what was happening there were two miniature towns being built, separated far enough for the Clay Foxes not to become endangered by the blazing heat coming from their new neighbors. The builders still had to take breaks from time to time, lazing around in the shallow water as the Heat Foxes did their part in their own little settlement.
Even with them working together, it easily took them hours to create something that could cover half of their bodies, meaning they still were busy building when I had already finished my tasks for the day – well, most of them.
Not only had I improved the paths in the Volcano Room, the Geyser Room, and those that could be found in the future town, but I had also elicited the help of Myra and her Liri Foxes to dig two new and hopefully far more natural–looking tunnels in preparation for the creation of my new floor. These weren’t connected yet, as I had to wait for the night when I had enough time to work in peace and quiet, but they gave me a good idea of how exactly the future town would look and work. It would serve as a hub of activity, with all delvers arriving at this place. Giant doors would be waiting at the surrounding cliff faces, each single one leading to a different floor. The very first of these was already in place, in fact, though it wasn’t enchanted in any way for obvious reasons. The door actually wasn’t entirely made out of pure, dark gray mithril this time, but featured two foxes made from pure silver as well. These foxes were sitting and facing each other, their long, fluffy tails presented to the delvers that would reach this door. Each fox had two tails, which would indicate that this door would lead to the volcano–themed floor, and only those who managed to defeat the new, weaker one would gain access.
The doors would not only allow delvers to return and rest in the town after completing a floor, but they would also allow them to reach deeper floors without traversing the early ones over and over again after already defeating them. This would make things a lot easier for the weaker foxes and hopefully give any delver a fitting challenge. As for my future town, I have decided for it to be protected by the Obsidian Foxes, who, while more playful compared to the Steam Fox guarding the nursery, would have no trouble standing their ground against most delvers.
Naturally, I instructed the foxes to leave delvers alone unless they attacked either other foxes or started vandalizing the room. They would act as a town guard, which the men and women reaching this town would hopefully quickly accept and become comfortable with. Otherwise, they would certainly have issues with being surrounded by monsters that could easily turn all of them into foxkin.
Speaking of foxkin, I had also applied the blessing to the giant statue in the center of the town room, once again making it so that you have to leave an offering and dedicate an honest prayer to Cilia in order to receive the blessing in the first place. I had thought of binding it to an even easier task, such as entering the town, but that would risk giving the blessing to the few ‘enemies’ I currently had and would surely gain just by being a dungeon avatar.
Having finished the last of my business a while ago, I couldn’t help but look for a good spot on the meadow and let myself sink into the soft grass before rolling on my back to watch the Winged Foxes I had summoned earlier. Just like the other foxes – save for the obsidian ones who were simply relaxing and enjoying their day – their group, too, was very busy, though I couldn’t quite grasp what they were doing. Instead of preparing or at least checking out the burrows I had dug high up into the cliff face next to Myra’s workshop, they could be seen making their way through the sky above me, their legs trying their best to keep up with their wings as they trod upon the air.
The foxes in question were doing some kind of exercise or training, with them performing sharp turns, rapid descends, and various other rather impressive–looking maneuvers while they communicated with each other using high–pitched yelps and barks. They even used their magic from time to time, though they made sure not to damage the meadow itself.
If I was quite honest, these foxes were rather noisy due to all of this, but I didn’t mind that much, as they were very obviously doing their best to protect me – or preparing to do so. Still, with them being here, I couldn’t exactly relax until they were finished with their practice, so, knowing this, I soon lifted myself to my paws instead, before making my way to Myra’s workshop.
Minutes later, I was already slipping through the mithril bars that separated me from my very busy friend. After waking up, she told me she would try crafting her very first sword at her new workshop – using mithril for an extra challenge. As such, she was currently hammering away at a brightly glowing piece of metal. Despite being immune to fire and its heat, a pearl of sweat could be seen rolling down her skin, each of them glittering like gems in the light of the Flash Fox that acted as the forge this time around. It hadn’t taken Myra long to figure out it was much easier and more effective to directly use the fiery body of the foxes rather than having them use their magic to create a fire that would last for a minute at best before it lost most of its intensity. As such, I had to change the forge itself to turn it into a comfortable resting spot for the foxes, so they could try to relax while their ever–burning flames were used to heat various metals.
The foxes in question weren’t the least bothered about this task. If anything, they seemed to enjoy being useful while it also, apparently, felt somewhat good for them to have the metal stuck into their sides. At least they would purr during the process.
Naturally, they were still rewarded, with one of the wooden grates that could be found near the forge being entirely dedicated to snacks that would be used to keep the foxes happy during work.
As for the Liri Foxes, they were doing their best in their very own way. Four of them could be seen sleeping on a fur next to the tool table, with the leader of their small group instead being tasked to keep Myra hammering. As such, it would interrupt its peaceful sleep once or twice per hour to use its invigorating magic on the girl which, going by the white flames that could be seen surrounding her body, had just happened.
Hearing me approach, Myra struck her hammer a few more times before placing the would–be sword back in the forge, close to the Flash Fox so it would keep most of its heat.
“Have you finished your work?”
I nodded in reply, before undoing my transformation magic. Seconds later, I could already meet Myra’s gaze without risking a cramp in my neck, though I would probably never match her height even using magic to help me out.
“I am almost at a hundred mana again,” I explained. “I will go and summon a new fox now.”
“Are you still struggling with ideas?”
“For one of them, yes,” I admitted. “But I am fine for today.”
“I see…” After replying as such, Myra went on her knee and picked up the Liri Fox that was waiting nearby, before placing it in my arms. “I won’t be needing his help for a while,” she explained. “Make sure not to stumble over your own feet.”
I shyly nodded, before leaving the workshop so she could finish her work – not without grabbing a few snacks for myself and the Liri Fox, though.
Thanks to the help of my now well–fed friend, it was easy to find my way through the tunnels, so I soon reached the Volcano Room, which was booming with business now that it was later in the day and all of the foxes were awake.
We made our way over the bridge and onto the volcano island, where I then placed the Liri Fox into the soft grass, hoping he would greet the other foxes and maybe play with them while I was doing my ‘work’ at the Vulpine Circle. The little, white fire fox indeed immediately made its way to the other foxes, though he chose those who were picking berries at the nearby shrubs for rather obvious reasons if his wagging tails were anything to go by. Soon later, he could already be seen chewing on white strawberries, after having briefly greeted the other foxes nearby with a single bark.
I sighed, hoping it would at least play with the other foxes after stuffing its belly, though it was highly likely I would find it napping in the sun once I returned with my new fox. Liri Foxes were easily on the lazier side when compared to other foxes, so this wasn’t exactly surprising. But as long as they were happy, I didn’t really mind how they went about their days.
Leaving the Liri Fox behind, I followed the fancy new path toward the Vulpine Circle, making sure to greet the foxes I met on the way there. Making sure to choose one of the Air and Earth Foxes each to follow me, I soon reached my destination, where I had them sit down on a pedestal each.
As for this combination, I had a good image in my head already, one fueled by both stories I had heard and read about in the past, as well as the creativity the Clay Foxes had shown me today. Just like the ever–changing dunes of the Golden Sea, a giant desert to the south, my new foxes would also be made out of sand, and, assisted by the element of air, would be capable of changing their body into any shape they want. They would even be able to move using strong winds to carry them around!
Naturally, such a fox would be highly versatile, being able to both slow, blind, and trap its opponents with ease. They would be able to patiently hide in plain view, flattened into patches of sand, and just wait for their opponents or prey to step onto them. Of course, this strategy called for a fitting home for these new foxes like a blazing hot desert room or at least a sandy beach for them to call their home.
With its traits and magic fleshed out, I knelt down on an empty pedestal and closed my eyes, before summoning the fox into existence. As for its appearance, I gave it no specific shape, as the fox could freely choose what it looked like anyway. As such, I simply waited for the familiar feeling of coldness to assault my body, which it soon later did.
Not even a minute later I was already opening my eyes again, ready to greet my newest friend. But instead of a fox, there was only a pile of sand waiting for me, almost golden in color but otherwise entirely lifeless. My mood immediately turned sour, though only for a moment, as the Earth Fox was now approaching the center of the magic circle, sniffing at the pile and whimpering as if to grasp what had gone wrong.
I approached the fox, trying to soothe its grief, but before I could even reach it, its behavior changed in an instant. Its tail could now be seen waving and it soon started jumping on the spot, barking at the sand pile in an attempt to make it rise. And it sure did, as two ears now grew towards the sky, both of them seemingly listening to the Earth Fox’s pleas. Soon, a head rose out of the sand, looking eerily similar to the other fox.
It was only now that a green board appeared, announcing that I had indeed successfully summoned a new fox. My newest addition was plainly named Sand Fox which, while not as unique as the Flash Foxes’ and Liri Foxes’ names, at least was impossible to forget once I got dozens of foxes to remember.
The Sand Fox in question was still staring at the Earth Fox when I discarded the board. It looked it up and down, seemingly trying to take in its entire appearance. Then, suddenly, a gust of wind lifted up the entire pile, spreading it out in what I could only describe as a whirlwind of sand, before suddenly shrinking into a much more fox–like shape. Soon later, the Sand Fox looked like the golden twin of the Earth Fox, though it was slightly bigger and had two tails waving behind its back instead of just one.
I greeted the fox the same way I had greeted all other foxes before, by petting it all over and showering it with love. And just like any other monster before, this one also appreciated the gesture, its tails wagging behind its back for minutes without any sign of slowing down. It was only when I let go of it that it stopped itself, only to stare me up and down the same way it had stared at the Earth Fox before.
A shiver ran over my skin as I realized what it was about to do. And sure enough, the fox was soon surrounded by rapid winds that seemingly tore it apart, only to give it a new shape soon thereafter. Within seconds, the Sand Fox had already finished its task, now looking like a mirror image of mine, though once again entirely made out of sand and with the addition of a second tail.
The Sand Fox now walked around me, watching me from all sides, as its body slowly changed its shape to become an even more perfect copy. It then barked at me, its tails once again wagging from side to side. Needless to say, I was quite spooked by his ability and wasn’t exactly sure on how to deal with a fox that could take my place. Sure, nobody would fall for its mimicry as it still lacked color and the ability to speak, but who could say if future foxes wouldn’t be able to perfect this ability?
I shook my head, leaving the matter aside. Instead, I instructed my new fox to feed its ‘parents’ for lack of a better word, which was a very well–received idea if the happy yelps of the Air Fox were anything to go by. My mirror image barked again, before beginning its duty by walking up to a nearby fruit tree and gathering the big, white cherries growing from the lower–hanging branches. The fox actually managed to elongate ‘my’ arms to pick the fruits higher up, though the image of that happening weirded me out a little.
With the matters at the Vulpine Circle taken care of, I said my goodbyes to the participating foxes before making my way back to Myra, who was likely still hammering away at her future sword even now. But before I could even make my way through the whole volcano island, pick up the Liri Fox, and make my way over the bridge leading back to my private tunnels, a feeling of threat assaulted me, indicating that I had visitors.
Going by the strength of the feeling, it was only a single person, or at least very few, with all of them additionally being on the weaker side. As such, it was highly unlikely they came intending to delve into the dungeon, which was still impossible to challenge for most of the adventurers and paladins camping outside. As the morning prayer was already done and dealt with, there was a good chance they were here for me instead.
“Fren?”
A smile grew on my face at the thought of her finally visiting me. The last time I had seen her was back when Marisa had led her outside, after having scolded me for taking her hostage. I had thought we had been on good terms despite our rough start, though it was obvious the ratkin wasn’t about to accept me as her friend with how silent things had been ever since then. So for her to reappear to talk things out? The mere thought of that was way too precious.
With that in mind, I soon found myself walking towards the shrine, my steps getting slightly faster with each step I took. That was until I had traversed the bridge separating me from my destination and was once again forced to search my way through the total darkness of my tunnels, my right hand always touching the wall to at least keep me somewhat orientated.
I was only a few steps deep into the tunnel when a sudden feeling of wrongness came over me. It felt as if I had eaten something bad or was being watched by dozens of pairs of eyes, both at the same time. The feeling only intensified as I forced my way onward, likely towards its source, but it was only after excruciatingly long minutes when I already felt as if I was about to puke that I came upon the source of my sickness – in the middle of the prayer hall.
A woman with reddish brown hair could be seen in the middle of the room, having climbed the statue of Cilia and me, which now was covered in filth. A small, empty barrel lying on its side nearby. The stranger was doing her best to cause havoc, using both a dagger and a small hammer to vandalize the statue in any way possible. I could see curses and swear words being carved into the statue’s pedestal, right next to Cilia’s name and titles, with others being found in the wooden pillars that supported the pavilion’s roof. The main attention of the woman, who was screaming and cursing seemingly with every single move she did, was obviously the statue, which was beyond recognition by now, with only Cilia’s face and upper body yet to be painted in filth. It was only due to the height of the statue that these parts were safe, though the vandal had obviously tried to reach even that high. As for the parts she did reach, they were looking horrible, with several of Cilia’s fingers that reached out to pet me even broken off and tossed aside as if they were garbage.
For a few long moments, I simply stood there in utter shock, unable to move even a little finger as my own, rapid heartbeat throbbed in my ears and my stomach grew sicker by the second. It was only when the stranger suddenly screamed again that life returned to me, although in a quite unwelcome way, as I soon found myself stumbling to the ground, my body trying its best to regurgitate a breakfast I had never eaten.
Naturally, this was not left unnoticed, as I could now hear footsteps rapidly approaching me as the woman hurled insults and curses at me with each step she took. Soon later, I was already tossed at my back, a knee rammed into my chest in the very next second.
My whole body was screaming in pain now, and even more so as the woman began assaulting me. I tried my best to protect myself, using both arms to cover my face at least, but the woman kept punching me regardless. She called me ‘demon’ among other things, pointing out my pitch–black skin and pale blue hair – features I did not have – while trying her best to make my life as miserable as she could.
By now, I was already struggling for air, as she was using all her weight to drive her knee deeper into my chest. I tried to cry out, scream for help, or beg for mercy, but there was nobody nearby to assist me. Even the Steam Fox who was supposed to be guarding this room was nowhere to be seen, as if the woman had already fought him off in the short time she had been here.
When the woman then forced away my arms and presented me with the same blade she had used to vandalize the statue with, threatening to cut me into pieces, help finally arrived in the shape of a white cloud of steam that practically exploded into the prayer hall before taking shape once again.
The Steam Fox growled at the attacker, its three tails fanned out in a portrait of strength and threat, though it didn’t have the effect the fox was wishing for. Instead of turning around and giving the monster a chance to attack, she focused her anger and hatred on me, putting her dagger against my neck and staring at me with her blue eyes, both of them widened so much that it made her look insane.
Without a single more word, she forced her blade into my neck, only slightly, but more than enough to force the Steam Fox, who was about to run her through, to immediately freeze. My guardian was doomed to watch and growl as the woman told me about my crime.
“You have taken the only man I ever loved! You have destroyed everything! Give him back! Give him back!”
Her words painfully rang in my ears, each single one of them cutting deep. She was right. I had taken lives, and not only once, and it had only been a matter of time for somebody to try to make me pay for it. But it wasn’t as if I had a choice in the matter! I couldn’t just tell the foxes to stop protecting me either! They were doing their best to keep me and their home safe!
Naturally, I couldn’t say any of this back to the woman. Not only was I unable to say a single word, that much she made sure of, but everything I said would also come at the risk of further angering her.
“Don’t worry, I will make sure you regret it,” she said with a wicked smile, before leaning in to whisper into my ears, one word at a time. “I will cut you up nicely. Over and over again…”
She was just about to rise up and start torturing me when there was a sudden flash of blue light coming from the nursery. Blue flames now forced their way through the metal bars and into the prayer hall, where they quickly spread out. Then there was another flash of blue, as Myra appeared right in the middle of the flames, sword in hand and already swinging her four tails once again, this time tossing flames into our direction, nearly missing us both.
It was only now that the woman seemed to realize she, herself, was in danger. She looked around, her dagger still held against my neck, trying to find the source of the fire, but Myra wasn’t about to let herself be caught that easily. Just when the woman turned towards the carpets of flames near the nursery, my friend already appeared right next to us, her still–sheathed sword held up high. And, with a single strike, she brought it down, not once having given her the chance to know what was happening.
The blade scratched my neck as she collapsed, but after this final attack, I could finally breathe again, the woman no longer pressing down on my chest. Instead, she now lay at my side, unconscious and bleeding, but very much alive.
Myra stared at her opponent as if waiting for her to rise again, but she soon realized there was no more danger coming from her. The very next second her sword had already dropped to the ground, both of her hands now pulling me in for a hug instead. I desperately needed one.
For minutes we just stayed like that, only Myra’s breaths and her soothing voice reaching me, but we were soon forced to separate, as more people could be heard approaching the scene, their shouts and the sounds of their rapid steps soon echoing through the room.
Myra was having none of it. She immediately grabbed for her sword and jumped onto her feet before unsheathing her weapon, a half-finished and slightly curved mithril sword, as I now noticed. She didn’t even have the time to give it a proper edge yet, let alone sharpen the blade, though with her speed and her magic, that much wouldn’t be an issue, especially since she had the help of the Steam Fox, who was no longer forced to watch. My guardian immediately went to her side, eager to protect me from the next assaulters before they got the chance to reach me.
And it wasn’t a moment too soon, as a flash of white suddenly burst into the room, spreading out as a cloud of what looked like steam soon thereafter. A white silhouette could be seen growing out of the cloud, soon gaining color, shape, and a familiar face – Marisa.
Marisa now stared at us, or at least at Myra and the Steam Fox who were ready to fight her. It took her a moment to find me and the vandal behind the two, but her face soon showed shock and disbelief, feelings that were only further fueled when she noticed a barrel lying in a small puddle of filth nearby. Only now did she take a look at the statue, which had clearly seen better days.
Marisa didn’t move an inch. For moments, she stared at Cilia’s depiction, seemingly unable to comprehend what she was seeing, then she approached the statue with wavering steps, slowly looking it up and down and likely noticing more and more traces of vandalism with each moment that went by. It was only when her eyes met the curses and insults carved into the pedestal that she stopped once again, now frozen in place and staring at the words with pure horror painted on her face. The very next moment, she collapsed onto her knees, tears rolling down her face as she tried to grasp what had happened.
It was only now that the others came running into the room, their breaths roughened as they had likely raced all the way from the entrance. I immediately recognized both Aspen and Alfred, but there was also a young paladin at their side. The men didn’t even make it halfway to us when they stopped, their heads turning towards the now weeping Marisa and the chaos the intruder had caused. Alfred was the only one to speak out, a single word leaving his lips.
“Shit…”
- - - - -
Poorly edited AI Sand Fox, in basic fox shape. But it could do a fancy sand castle as well! [collapse]
Big thanks to Blothren and Girard for filling my Cookie Jar! I really appreciate your generous support. :)
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A faint rumbling sound could be heard coming from my chest as I pressed my paws into the freshly exchanged gravel. It was perfect, with every single pebble looking as if I had stolen it from a rapidly flowing river. Instead of being uncomfortable and even painful to walk on thanks to sharp edges and big and rough shapes, this new path seemed to gently massage my paws as I made my way over to its other side. Not only were these new stones better in any regard, but I had also made sure to give them sandy colors of yellow, beige, and pale red rather than the dull gray my paths used to feature, making them fit in better with the flowery meadow surrounding them to all sides – at least in my opinion.
Satisfied with my work, I turned around to take a look at what the new foxes were up to. I had brought all of their numbers to five, aside from the Obsidian Foxes, which received double the number due to the important task they would soon need to fulfill. These numbers weren’t much when compared to those found in the Volcano Room, but they at least allowed the foxes to always find somebody to talk, play, and compete with. And it was the last thing that seemed to be the most important for the Clay Foxes especially, who had selected the lakeside as their new home. The five foxes had already begun building their homes, which, contrary to the other foxes, didn’t involve a burrow – they didn’t like those – but instead had them use their magic to construct weirdly shaped pottery, which they then let dry in the sun layer by layer. This process was obviously very slow and would have taken them days or even weeks, that was until one of the Heat Foxes showed up and, intrigued by the architecture presented to it, stayed around long enough for the other foxes to notice their creations were rapidly drying just by having this new friend around.
It didn’t take them long to recruit all of the Heat Foxes, probably using some kind of promise to entice them to participate. So before I realized what was happening there were two miniature towns being built, separated far enough for the Clay Foxes not to become endangered by the blazing heat coming from their new neighbors. The builders still had to take breaks from time to time, lazing around in the shallow water as the Heat Foxes did their part in their own little settlement.
Even with them working together, it easily took them hours to create something that could cover half of their bodies, meaning they still were busy building when I had already finished my tasks for the day – well, most of them.
Not only had I improved the paths in the Volcano Room, the Geyser Room, and those that could be found in the future town, but I had also elicited the help of Myra and her Liri Foxes to dig two new and hopefully far more natural–looking tunnels in preparation for the creation of my new floor. These weren’t connected yet, as I had to wait for the night when I had enough time to work in peace and quiet, but they gave me a good idea of how exactly the future town would look and work. It would serve as a hub of activity, with all delvers arriving at this place. Giant doors would be waiting at the surrounding cliff faces, each single one leading to a different floor. The very first of these was already in place, in fact, though it wasn’t enchanted in any way for obvious reasons. The door actually wasn’t entirely made out of pure, dark gray mithril this time, but featured two foxes made from pure silver as well. These foxes were sitting and facing each other, their long, fluffy tails presented to the delvers that would reach this door. Each fox had two tails, which would indicate that this door would lead to the volcano–themed floor, and only those who managed to defeat the new, weaker one would gain access.
The doors would not only allow delvers to return and rest in the town after completing a floor, but they would also allow them to reach deeper floors without traversing the early ones over and over again after already defeating them. This would make things a lot easier for the weaker foxes and hopefully give any delver a fitting challenge. As for my future town, I have decided for it to be protected by the Obsidian Foxes, who, while more playful compared to the Steam Fox guarding the nursery, would have no trouble standing their ground against most delvers.
Naturally, I instructed the foxes to leave delvers alone unless they attacked either other foxes or started vandalizing the room. They would act as a town guard, which the men and women reaching this town would hopefully quickly accept and become comfortable with. Otherwise, they would certainly have issues with being surrounded by monsters that could easily turn all of them into foxkin.
Speaking of foxkin, I had also applied the blessing to the giant statue in the center of the town room, once again making it so that you have to leave an offering and dedicate an honest prayer to Cilia in order to receive the blessing in the first place. I had thought of binding it to an even easier task, such as entering the town, but that would risk giving the blessing to the few ‘enemies’ I currently had and would surely gain just by being a dungeon avatar.
Having finished the last of my business a while ago, I couldn’t help but look for a good spot on the meadow and let myself sink into the soft grass before rolling on my back to watch the Winged Foxes I had summoned earlier. Just like the other foxes – save for the obsidian ones who were simply relaxing and enjoying their day – their group, too, was very busy, though I couldn’t quite grasp what they were doing. Instead of preparing or at least checking out the burrows I had dug high up into the cliff face next to Myra’s workshop, they could be seen making their way through the sky above me, their legs trying their best to keep up with their wings as they trod upon the air.
The foxes in question were doing some kind of exercise or training, with them performing sharp turns, rapid descends, and various other rather impressive–looking maneuvers while they communicated with each other using high–pitched yelps and barks. They even used their magic from time to time, though they made sure not to damage the meadow itself.
If I was quite honest, these foxes were rather noisy due to all of this, but I didn’t mind that much, as they were very obviously doing their best to protect me – or preparing to do so. Still, with them being here, I couldn’t exactly relax until they were finished with their practice, so, knowing this, I soon lifted myself to my paws instead, before making my way to Myra’s workshop.
Minutes later, I was already slipping through the mithril bars that separated me from my very busy friend. After waking up, she told me she would try crafting her very first sword at her new workshop – using mithril for an extra challenge. As such, she was currently hammering away at a brightly glowing piece of metal. Despite being immune to fire and its heat, a pearl of sweat could be seen rolling down her skin, each of them glittering like gems in the light of the Flash Fox that acted as the forge this time around. It hadn’t taken Myra long to figure out it was much easier and more effective to directly use the fiery body of the foxes rather than having them use their magic to create a fire that would last for a minute at best before it lost most of its intensity. As such, I had to change the forge itself to turn it into a comfortable resting spot for the foxes, so they could try to relax while their ever–burning flames were used to heat various metals.
The foxes in question weren’t the least bothered about this task. If anything, they seemed to enjoy being useful while it also, apparently, felt somewhat good for them to have the metal stuck into their sides. At least they would purr during the process.
Naturally, they were still rewarded, with one of the wooden grates that could be found near the forge being entirely dedicated to snacks that would be used to keep the foxes happy during work.
As for the Liri Foxes, they were doing their best in their very own way. Four of them could be seen sleeping on a fur next to the tool table, with the leader of their small group instead being tasked to keep Myra hammering. As such, it would interrupt its peaceful sleep once or twice per hour to use its invigorating magic on the girl which, going by the white flames that could be seen surrounding her body, had just happened.
Hearing me approach, Myra struck her hammer a few more times before placing the would–be sword back in the forge, close to the Flash Fox so it would keep most of its heat.
“Have you finished your work?”
I nodded in reply, before undoing my transformation magic. Seconds later, I could already meet Myra’s gaze without risking a cramp in my neck, though I would probably never match her height even using magic to help me out.
“I am almost at a hundred mana again,” I explained. “I will go and summon a new fox now.”
“Are you still struggling with ideas?”
“For one of them, yes,” I admitted. “But I am fine for today.”
“I see…” After replying as such, Myra went on her knee and picked up the Liri Fox that was waiting nearby, before placing it in my arms. “I won’t be needing his help for a while,” she explained. “Make sure not to stumble over your own feet.”
I shyly nodded, before leaving the workshop so she could finish her work – not without grabbing a few snacks for myself and the Liri Fox, though.
Thanks to the help of my now well–fed friend, it was easy to find my way through the tunnels, so I soon reached the Volcano Room, which was booming with business now that it was later in the day and all of the foxes were awake.
We made our way over the bridge and onto the volcano island, where I then placed the Liri Fox into the soft grass, hoping he would greet the other foxes and maybe play with them while I was doing my ‘work’ at the Vulpine Circle. The little, white fire fox indeed immediately made its way to the other foxes, though he chose those who were picking berries at the nearby shrubs for rather obvious reasons if his wagging tails were anything to go by. Soon later, he could already be seen chewing on white strawberries, after having briefly greeted the other foxes nearby with a single bark.
I sighed, hoping it would at least play with the other foxes after stuffing its belly, though it was highly likely I would find it napping in the sun once I returned with my new fox. Liri Foxes were easily on the lazier side when compared to other foxes, so this wasn’t exactly surprising. But as long as they were happy, I didn’t really mind how they went about their days.
Leaving the Liri Fox behind, I followed the fancy new path toward the Vulpine Circle, making sure to greet the foxes I met on the way there. Making sure to choose one of the Air and Earth Foxes each to follow me, I soon reached my destination, where I had them sit down on a pedestal each.
As for this combination, I had a good image in my head already, one fueled by both stories I had heard and read about in the past, as well as the creativity the Clay Foxes had shown me today. Just like the ever–changing dunes of the Golden Sea, a giant desert to the south, my new foxes would also be made out of sand, and, assisted by the element of air, would be capable of changing their body into any shape they want. They would even be able to move using strong winds to carry them around!
Naturally, such a fox would be highly versatile, being able to both slow, blind, and trap its opponents with ease. They would be able to patiently hide in plain view, flattened into patches of sand, and just wait for their opponents or prey to step onto them. Of course, this strategy called for a fitting home for these new foxes like a blazing hot desert room or at least a sandy beach for them to call their home.
With its traits and magic fleshed out, I knelt down on an empty pedestal and closed my eyes, before summoning the fox into existence. As for its appearance, I gave it no specific shape, as the fox could freely choose what it looked like anyway. As such, I simply waited for the familiar feeling of coldness to assault my body, which it soon later did.
Not even a minute later I was already opening my eyes again, ready to greet my newest friend. But instead of a fox, there was only a pile of sand waiting for me, almost golden in color but otherwise entirely lifeless. My mood immediately turned sour, though only for a moment, as the Earth Fox was now approaching the center of the magic circle, sniffing at the pile and whimpering as if to grasp what had gone wrong.
I approached the fox, trying to soothe its grief, but before I could even reach it, its behavior changed in an instant. Its tail could now be seen waving and it soon started jumping on the spot, barking at the sand pile in an attempt to make it rise. And it sure did, as two ears now grew towards the sky, both of them seemingly listening to the Earth Fox’s pleas. Soon, a head rose out of the sand, looking eerily similar to the other fox.
It was only now that a green board appeared, announcing that I had indeed successfully summoned a new fox. My newest addition was plainly named Sand Fox which, while not as unique as the Flash Foxes’ and Liri Foxes’ names, at least was impossible to forget once I got dozens of foxes to remember.
The Sand Fox in question was still staring at the Earth Fox when I discarded the board. It looked it up and down, seemingly trying to take in its entire appearance. Then, suddenly, a gust of wind lifted up the entire pile, spreading it out in what I could only describe as a whirlwind of sand, before suddenly shrinking into a much more fox–like shape. Soon later, the Sand Fox looked like the golden twin of the Earth Fox, though it was slightly bigger and had two tails waving behind its back instead of just one.
I greeted the fox the same way I had greeted all other foxes before, by petting it all over and showering it with love. And just like any other monster before, this one also appreciated the gesture, its tails wagging behind its back for minutes without any sign of slowing down. It was only when I let go of it that it stopped itself, only to stare me up and down the same way it had stared at the Earth Fox before.
A shiver ran over my skin as I realized what it was about to do. And sure enough, the fox was soon surrounded by rapid winds that seemingly tore it apart, only to give it a new shape soon thereafter. Within seconds, the Sand Fox had already finished its task, now looking like a mirror image of mine, though once again entirely made out of sand and with the addition of a second tail.
The Sand Fox now walked around me, watching me from all sides, as its body slowly changed its shape to become an even more perfect copy. It then barked at me, its tails once again wagging from side to side. Needless to say, I was quite spooked by his ability and wasn’t exactly sure on how to deal with a fox that could take my place. Sure, nobody would fall for its mimicry as it still lacked color and the ability to speak, but who could say if future foxes wouldn’t be able to perfect this ability?
I shook my head, leaving the matter aside. Instead, I instructed my new fox to feed its ‘parents’ for lack of a better word, which was a very well–received idea if the happy yelps of the Air Fox were anything to go by. My mirror image barked again, before beginning its duty by walking up to a nearby fruit tree and gathering the big, white cherries growing from the lower–hanging branches. The fox actually managed to elongate ‘my’ arms to pick the fruits higher up, though the image of that happening weirded me out a little.
With the matters at the Vulpine Circle taken care of, I said my goodbyes to the participating foxes before making my way back to Myra, who was likely still hammering away at her future sword even now. But before I could even make my way through the whole volcano island, pick up the Liri Fox, and make my way over the bridge leading back to my private tunnels, a feeling of threat assaulted me, indicating that I had visitors.
Going by the strength of the feeling, it was only a single person, or at least very few, with all of them additionally being on the weaker side. As such, it was highly unlikely they came intending to delve into the dungeon, which was still impossible to challenge for most of the adventurers and paladins camping outside. As the morning prayer was already done and dealt with, there was a good chance they were here for me instead.
“Fren?”
A smile grew on my face at the thought of her finally visiting me. The last time I had seen her was back when Marisa had led her outside, after having scolded me for taking her hostage. I had thought we had been on good terms despite our rough start, though it was obvious the ratkin wasn’t about to accept me as her friend with how silent things had been ever since then. So for her to reappear to talk things out? The mere thought of that was way too precious.
With that in mind, I soon found myself walking towards the shrine, my steps getting slightly faster with each step I took. That was until I had traversed the bridge separating me from my destination and was once again forced to search my way through the total darkness of my tunnels, my right hand always touching the wall to at least keep me somewhat orientated.
I was only a few steps deep into the tunnel when a sudden feeling of wrongness came over me. It felt as if I had eaten something bad or was being watched by dozens of pairs of eyes, both at the same time. The feeling only intensified as I forced my way onward, likely towards its source, but it was only after excruciatingly long minutes when I already felt as if I was about to puke that I came upon the source of my sickness – in the middle of the prayer hall.
A woman with reddish brown hair could be seen in the middle of the room, having climbed the statue of Cilia and me, which now was covered in filth. A small, empty barrel lying on its side nearby. The stranger was doing her best to cause havoc, using both a dagger and a small hammer to vandalize the statue in any way possible. I could see curses and swear words being carved into the statue’s pedestal, right next to Cilia’s name and titles, with others being found in the wooden pillars that supported the pavilion’s roof. The main attention of the woman, who was screaming and cursing seemingly with every single move she did, was obviously the statue, which was beyond recognition by now, with only Cilia’s face and upper body yet to be painted in filth. It was only due to the height of the statue that these parts were safe, though the vandal had obviously tried to reach even that high. As for the parts she did reach, they were looking horrible, with several of Cilia’s fingers that reached out to pet me even broken off and tossed aside as if they were garbage.
For a few long moments, I simply stood there in utter shock, unable to move even a little finger as my own, rapid heartbeat throbbed in my ears and my stomach grew sicker by the second. It was only when the stranger suddenly screamed again that life returned to me, although in a quite unwelcome way, as I soon found myself stumbling to the ground, my body trying its best to regurgitate a breakfast I had never eaten.
Naturally, this was not left unnoticed, as I could now hear footsteps rapidly approaching me as the woman hurled insults and curses at me with each step she took. Soon later, I was already tossed at my back, a knee rammed into my chest in the very next second.
My whole body was screaming in pain now, and even more so as the woman began assaulting me. I tried my best to protect myself, using both arms to cover my face at least, but the woman kept punching me regardless. She called me ‘demon’ among other things, pointing out my pitch–black skin and pale blue hair – features I did not have – while trying her best to make my life as miserable as she could.
By now, I was already struggling for air, as she was using all her weight to drive her knee deeper into my chest. I tried to cry out, scream for help, or beg for mercy, but there was nobody nearby to assist me. Even the Steam Fox who was supposed to be guarding this room was nowhere to be seen, as if the woman had already fought him off in the short time she had been here.
When the woman then forced away my arms and presented me with the same blade she had used to vandalize the statue with, threatening to cut me into pieces, help finally arrived in the shape of a white cloud of steam that practically exploded into the prayer hall before taking shape once again.
The Steam Fox growled at the attacker, its three tails fanned out in a portrait of strength and threat, though it didn’t have the effect the fox was wishing for. Instead of turning around and giving the monster a chance to attack, she focused her anger and hatred on me, putting her dagger against my neck and staring at me with her blue eyes, both of them widened so much that it made her look insane.
Without a single more word, she forced her blade into my neck, only slightly, but more than enough to force the Steam Fox, who was about to run her through, to immediately freeze. My guardian was doomed to watch and growl as the woman told me about my crime.
“You have taken the only man I ever loved! You have destroyed everything! Give him back! Give him back!”
Her words painfully rang in my ears, each single one of them cutting deep. She was right. I had taken lives, and not only once, and it had only been a matter of time for somebody to try to make me pay for it. But it wasn’t as if I had a choice in the matter! I couldn’t just tell the foxes to stop protecting me either! They were doing their best to keep me and their home safe!
Naturally, I couldn’t say any of this back to the woman. Not only was I unable to say a single word, that much she made sure of, but everything I said would also come at the risk of further angering her.
“Don’t worry, I will make sure you regret it,” she said with a wicked smile, before leaning in to whisper into my ears, one word at a time. “I will cut you up nicely. Over and over again…”
She was just about to rise up and start torturing me when there was a sudden flash of blue light coming from the nursery. Blue flames now forced their way through the metal bars and into the prayer hall, where they quickly spread out. Then there was another flash of blue, as Myra appeared right in the middle of the flames, sword in hand and already swinging her four tails once again, this time tossing flames into our direction, nearly missing us both.
It was only now that the woman seemed to realize she, herself, was in danger. She looked around, her dagger still held against my neck, trying to find the source of the fire, but Myra wasn’t about to let herself be caught that easily. Just when the woman turned towards the carpets of flames near the nursery, my friend already appeared right next to us, her still–sheathed sword held up high. And, with a single strike, she brought it down, not once having given her the chance to know what was happening.
The blade scratched my neck as she collapsed, but after this final attack, I could finally breathe again, the woman no longer pressing down on my chest. Instead, she now lay at my side, unconscious and bleeding, but very much alive.
Myra stared at her opponent as if waiting for her to rise again, but she soon realized there was no more danger coming from her. The very next second her sword had already dropped to the ground, both of her hands now pulling me in for a hug instead. I desperately needed one.
For minutes we just stayed like that, only Myra’s breaths and her soothing voice reaching me, but we were soon forced to separate, as more people could be heard approaching the scene, their shouts and the sounds of their rapid steps soon echoing through the room.
Myra was having none of it. She immediately grabbed for her sword and jumped onto her feet before unsheathing her weapon, a half-finished and slightly curved mithril sword, as I now noticed. She didn’t even have the time to give it a proper edge yet, let alone sharpen the blade, though with her speed and her magic, that much wouldn’t be an issue, especially since she had the help of the Steam Fox, who was no longer forced to watch. My guardian immediately went to her side, eager to protect me from the next assaulters before they got the chance to reach me.
And it wasn’t a moment too soon, as a flash of white suddenly burst into the room, spreading out as a cloud of what looked like steam soon thereafter. A white silhouette could be seen growing out of the cloud, soon gaining color, shape, and a familiar face – Marisa.
Marisa now stared at us, or at least at Myra and the Steam Fox who were ready to fight her. It took her a moment to find me and the vandal behind the two, but her face soon showed shock and disbelief, feelings that were only further fueled when she noticed a barrel lying in a small puddle of filth nearby. Only now did she take a look at the statue, which had clearly seen better days.
Marisa didn’t move an inch. For moments, she stared at Cilia’s depiction, seemingly unable to comprehend what she was seeing, then she approached the statue with wavering steps, slowly looking it up and down and likely noticing more and more traces of vandalism with each moment that went by. It was only when her eyes met the curses and insults carved into the pedestal that she stopped once again, now frozen in place and staring at the words with pure horror painted on her face. The very next moment, she collapsed onto her knees, tears rolling down her face as she tried to grasp what had happened.
It was only now that the others came running into the room, their breaths roughened as they had likely raced all the way from the entrance. I immediately recognized both Aspen and Alfred, but there was also a young paladin at their side. The men didn’t even make it halfway to us when they stopped, their heads turning towards the now weeping Marisa and the chaos the intruder had caused. Alfred was the only one to speak out, a single word leaving his lips.
“Shit…”
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Poorly edited AI Sand Fox, in basic fox shape. But it could do a fancy sand castle as well! [collapse]
Big thanks to Blothren and Girard for filling my Cookie Jar! I really appreciate your generous support. :)
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