Seven days had passed since the intense battle with the undead wolf pack. As Alex and Poop continued their journey through the chaotic landscape of Asteria, the once-ghoul had grown significantly in power and prowess, thanks in part to the enhancements from his equipment and the leveling process.
Poop - Blood Drinker (Enhanced Spectral Entity)
Level: 15
Rank: D
Strength: 11 (+3 from equipment bonus)
Agility: 11 (+3 from equipment bonus)
Dexterity: 10 (+2 from equipment bonus)
Vitality: 13 (+2 from equipment bonus)
Intelligence: 10 (+2 from equipment bonus)
Luck: 52
Despite their improved capabilities, the path ahead was treacherous. Monsters and undead creatures continued to assail them, leaving little time for conversation. The unpredictable nature of the land made it challenging to determine their destination.
One day, as a temporary lull in the monster attacks allowed for a moment of respite, Alex decided to seize the opportunity. The cooldown for Pupeeter had finally ended, and he saw a chance to communicate more effectively with their enigmatic companion.
I focused my thoughts on Poop, intending to use his body to speak to the Princess. "Where... uhm, are we... heading?" I stammered through Poop's spectral form, my nervousness evident even in this strange communication.
To my surprise, what followed was a barrage of insults and laughter, not from me, but from the system. It seemed that even with the limited time granted by Pupeeter, I struggled to overcome my speech impediment.
The Princess, Lumiya, turned her attention to Poop, her expression a mix of shock and curiosity. She had witnessed the once-silent entity uttering words in a stuttering fashion. Though she suspected that something unusual was occurring, she chose not to pry for now.
As the days passed during their ongoing adventure, Poop's newfound abilities continued to manifest. Several of his skills had leveled up, becoming more potent:
[Rancid Roar] - Level 4: The horrifying sound had grown even more terror-inducing, causing weaker enemies to flee in greater panic.
[Decaying Touch] - Level 3: The decaying effect inflicted on the target now caused more significant and rapid damage over time.
[The Spectral Step] - Level 2: Poop's ability to phase through objects and attacks had improved, granting slightly longer invulnerability.
[Ghoul's Grasp] - Level 3: This spectral restraint and immobilization skill had gained strength, rendering targets more incapacitated.
[Noxious Spit] - Level 2: The corrosive substance Poop spewed had become more potent, further hampering enemy movements and causing increased damage.
[Eerie Howl] - Level 2: The ear-piercing scream disoriented and terrified enemies more effectively within its vicinity.
It was during one of these brief moments of respite that the Princess revealed their destination. "We're headed to a dragon's lair," she said calmly.
Hearing this response, I felt my heart skip a beat, and panic began to wash over me like a tidal wave. A dragon, an S-Rank monster! I was losing my composure completely, and it was evident to everyone around me.
The System didn't miss this opportunity to mock me ruthlessly. "Look who's getting cold feet! Coward of Asteria! It's not every day you get to meet a dragon, you know!" it taunted, assigning me titles like "Coward of Asteria" and "Dragonphobe."
I was in denial, trying to maintain some semblance of composure, but my trembling voice betrayed me. Meanwhile, Poop, ever the optimist, contributed with cheerful and entirely inappropriate words like "pooptastic."
Our journey continued, with the impending dragon encounter looming over us like a dark cloud. As I struggled to overcome my fear, questions lingered unspoken, waiting for the right moment to be unraveled.
The hours passed, each one bringing us closer to our destination, and the weight of our impending encounter with the dragon pressed down upon us like a leaden cloak.
The hours passed, each one bringing us closer to our destination, and the weight of our impending encounter with the dragon pressed down upon us like a leaden cloak.
As we trudged through Asteria's turbulent terrain, I couldn't help but dwell on my fear of what lay ahead. A dragon, an ancient and formidable creature of legend, was not something I had ever anticipated facing. My mind raced with questions, and I wrestled with the anxiety gnawing at my core.
The System, true to its relentless nature, continued its ceaseless banter, reminding me of my cowardice at every turn. "What's the matter, Coward of Asteria? Scared you'll be roasted alive and turned into a crispy snack by the dragon?" it jeered.
Poop, seemingly impervious to my inner turmoil, maintained its cheerful demeanor, oblivious to the apprehension that coursed through me. It hummed its jovial tune, filling the air with an odd sense of positivity.
Lumiya, on the other hand, was preoccupied with her thoughts. She appeared focused and determined, her eyes filled with a sense of purpose. I couldn't help but admire her resolve and wondered what had led her on this perilous journey to confront a dragon.
As the landscape shifted and the terrain grew more challenging, the Princess finally broke the silence that had enveloped us. "I understand that you may have reservations about facing the dragon," she began, her voice calm and reassuring. "But I assure you, there's more to this journey than meets the eye. I believe that the dragon holds the key to solving the chaos that plagues our world."
Her words resonated with me, sparking a glimmer of hope amidst my fear. I had witnessed firsthand the chaos and destruction that had befallen Asteria since the disappearance of the god, and if this dragon held answers, then perhaps it was worth the risk.
Lumiya continued to explain the dire situation Asteria faced: rampant undead, monsters evolving into chaotic forms, and the dwindling resources that threatened their survival. It was a world in turmoil, and the absence of the god's guidance had plunged it into darkness.
"I've been searching for any clues that could lead me to the god or help restore balance to our world," she confessed. "And I believe the dragon's lair may hold the key to understanding what happened."
As she spoke, I found myself drawn to her cause, a flicker of determination taking root within me. If there was even a slim chance of restoring order to Asteria, I couldn't afford to cower in fear. I needed to confront my own insecurities and rise to the challenge ahead.
The Princess's conviction was unwavering, and it served as a beacon of courage that dispelled the darkness of doubt that had clouded my mind. With newfound resolve, I took a deep breath, ready to face whatever trials awaited us in the dragon's lair.
The journey continued, and our destination drew ever nearer. Unspoken questions still lingered in the air, but now, more than ever, I was determined to uncover the answers and play my part in reshaping the fate of Asteria.