I awoke to the sound of the approaching caravan, paralyzed on the side of the road from the venomous effects of the Spizard's blood. Helpless, I could only watch as the caravan drew near, fearing the consequences of my vulnerable state. The rhythmic sound of footsteps grew louder, accompanied by the creaking of wooden wheels.
The caravan consisted of several covered wagons, guarded by armed individuals. As they approached, I strained my senses to observe their appearance and estimate their strength. I needed information before deciding on my course of action.
As they reached my paralyzed form, the guards took notice. A woman with piercing eyes, likely the leader, approached me. She studied me with curiosity, assessing the situation.
"Looks like we have an unusual traveler here," she remarked, glancing at the paralyzed me. "What happened?"
With my fangs modified by the Spizard's blood, I couldn't respond verbally. I desperately tried to convey my situation through gestures, hoping they would understand my predicament.
The leader signaled for the caravan to stop, and the guards surrounded me cautiously. She knelt down, examining me closely. "Strange fangs, venom sacs... an interesting find."
Realizing they might be knowledgeable about my condition, I subtly nodded in agreement. The leader's eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation. "Paralyzed from a Spizard's venom, I presume?"
A silent nod was my only response.
The woman chuckled. "You're lucky we're no strangers to unique beings. We've encountered our fair share of extraordinary creatures on our travels. My name is Serena, and you seem to be in quite a predicament."
Though paralyzed, I attempted to communicate my gratitude. Serena instructed her guards to carefully administer an antidote to counteract the venom's effects. Gradually, I regained control of my body.
As I rose to my feet, Serena regarded me with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "What brings a being like you to the side of the road? And why did you provoke a Spizard?"
I conveyed my quest for information, the desire to find a town, and the need for supplies to conceal my conspicuous appearance.
Serena considered my words, her expression thoughtful. "You're not the first traveler seeking refuge. Join us, and we can share our knowledge. In return, we might ask for your unique skills on our journey. What do you say, Kuroshi?"
Her use of my name caught me off guard. Still, considering the precarious situation, I nodded in agreement. Traveling with the caravan offered safety, information, and perhaps a chance to uncover more about this mysterious world.
With a subtle smile, Serena welcomed me into the caravan. Little did I know, this encounter would mark the beginning of a new chapter in my journey, bound by the unpredictable twists of fate.