The scorpion asked them to follow. They were a bit hesitant at first, but since the only way was forward, they went after him.
The path was full of mushrooms and other grass-like plants that feasted on the fallen. Tiny mosquitos buzzed inside the air, seemingly uninterested in the warm blood of the two humanoids.
The scorpion led them to a steep wall. He turned around and spoke with an enthusiastic voice.
"My tribe resides just above!" He pointed up with his tail. "Can the two of you climb? Y-You can sit on my back and I'll bring you up there!"
There was an opening in the wall about sixty feet above the ground. It had a small platform before it, from which they could only see a blue light emanate.
This was a bit too much for Tanuki. If for any reason the scorpion would want to turn on them, they couldn't escape. A fall from such height would result in death.
Thus, he took a step back.
"Alright, man! I was down to help you, but this is a bit too much for me. Not only do I not have any proof that you can be trusted, but I don't even know your name! We're not going up there unless you can provide something to back up your claims."
"Ah, sure thing! I can provide easy proof!"
"Alright, then please d–– WHAT THE HELL, MAN?!"
The scorpion bent forward and began violently puking. Tanuki covered his eyes, while Maduka watched with an innocent smile.
What came out of the scorpion was nothing of the ordinary. They were beautiful gemstones dancing in all colors of the rainbow. Red, purple, blue… They were all a jeweler could've dreamed of.
"Uwaah! Pretty stonez!"
Maduka immediately rushed to the beautiful rocks and began to pick out her favorites. While she did that, Tanuki gazed at something above the scorpion's head.
[ Soma, Chieftain of the Sati ]
[ HP: 7/10 ]
Puking up the gemstones hurt his body. Not only was that surprising, but also that he was already hurt before doing so. Bringing out the gems damaged him only by one point. He was already missing two points of health before doing so.
The scorpion breathed heavily. He raised his head and spoke in a proud manner.
"I am Soma, Chieftain of the Sati. My job is to lead the other Satis. As you might have already guessed, that is what we call ourselves. The Sati."
He turned to the gemstones.
"What you've just witnessed was proof of our special diet. The Sati consume rocks only. We live on the minerals that delve within. That being said, when our body cannot use them anymore, it gives them out in the form of gems."
Maduka played around with the precious stones. She didn't care where they came from, so long they were pretty.
"Kee-heehee! So cool! Maduka wants more! Can Maduka have more?"
"If you can help us solve our problem, I can assure you a fair share of every one of our stones."
"Alrighty! Nuki, come and let's help da bug!"
Tanuki still gazed at where the HP bar was.
Why was he hurt? Did he fight someone?
No, that would be impossible. This creature got hurt by something that should be natural to him. If he were to get into a fight, no matter his huge size, he would get torn to shreds.
The more he thought of it, the more Tanuki realized how useless Soma's size was. He had a hard time moving around, he could only turn around very slowly, and Tanuki had the feeling he most likely attacks slower than those crystal monsters from before.
This creature could not only be fought. No, it could be defeated, broken apart, enslaved, killed, and used up for others' benefits.
Of course, Tanuki wouldn't do any of that as he wasn't that kind of person. But simply just thinking about it made him respect Soma even more. It must've taken extreme amounts of courage to approach an outsider, knowing well that he could easily turn you down then into his food.
"Alright." Tanuki nodded. "We can't climb, so can we sit on your back while you make your way up? Only if that's fine by you, of course."
"Ah, worry not! I'm the best climber of all the Satis! Just don't tell anyone I said that, alright? Now hop on!"
After they got up on the scorpion, he began transcending the walls. His sharp legs cut deep into stone with ease that was truly unnatural.
The sight above was amazing. They could see every part of the underground kingdom from a bird's view; the shrooms, the waterfalls, the fishes, the bugs…
"Hey! Hey, Nuki!" Maduka leaned closer to get his attention.
"Yup?"
"We still building da base here?"
"I don't think the Sati would be happy with that."
"Oh… stupid Sati!"
She was a bit louder than expected. Tanuki immediately covered her mouth.
"Huh?" Soma returned from his thoughts. "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention! Did your lady friend ask something?"
"No! Nothing!"
"Ah, no problem! If you have any questions, feel free to ask them!"
"Yup! Noted! Thanks!"