In the depths of my secluded sanctuary, a growing exasperation gnawed at my sanity, spurred by the ceaseless presence of those diminutive Antikos. The luxury of peaceful repose had become a distant memory, a mirage on the barren horizon.
And then, at long last, the culmination of my efforts—the vanquishing of the final intruder. Now, an eerie calm enveloped my cave, as I contemplated seizing a handful of the vexing creatures and savoring their peculiar sustenance. As I indulged in this bizarre feast, a flicker of unease lingered. Would my indulgence summon unwanted attention, drawing wandering monsters by the scent of spilled blood? It mattered not.
The taste was oddly satisfying, satiating the persistent hunger within me. With my belly content, I yearned for a moment's respite, for I knew that the promise of a new day was but a breath away. Dawn's tender light beckoned, and I swiftly prepared for the rigors of my daily training regimen. Three hundred and thirty push-ups, a feat of formidable endurance, consumed the entirety of my morning.
With the physical trials behind me, it was time to nurture my inner strength, fostering resilience and determination—a necessary prelude to the grand undertaking that awaited: the hunt. As I ventured forth into the shadows, a tangible sense of foreboding clung to the air. The presence of formidable creatures, their strength palpable, cast a daunting shadow upon my path. To elude their watchful gaze, I swiftly suppressed my magical aura, advancing with cautious, measured steps, each one a testament to my vigilance. At last, my quarry materialized—three small Antikos.
I approached with utmost stealth, my magical prowess veiled from their senses. With each step, I drew nearer, until a scant six meters separated us. This distance would suffice. In the blink of an eye, I conjured three minuscule, shadowy flames, their ethereal dance culminating in a resounding BANG. Oh, how effortlessly they succumbed to my stratagem. With the spoils secured, I retreated to the comforting embrace of my cave. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon me, a toll exacted by the relentless training endured.
Yet, a lingering scent on the breeze roused my curiosity—an unmistakable whiff of draconic blood. I resolved to investigate, hopeful of discovering a fallen creature from which I could procure sustenance, sparing me the perpetual consumption of Antikos. But first, I safeguarded my newfound treasures within the sanctity of my cave.
Finally, I could prepare for the next hunt, tantalized by the alluring scent of the enigmatic monster that had tantalized my senses. My gaze fell upon an unprecedented sight—its lifeless form sprawled before me. A female, it seemed. Cautiously, I suppressed my magic and inched closer. In that moment, understanding washed over me. Another creature had sought to destroy the precious monster eggs, and this mother had valiantly defended her progeny with her life. Tragically, her efforts had left the eggs shattered.
A lamentable sacrifice—she had given her life to protect her offspring, yet in the end, all had perished. My heart ached at the futility of it all. Regardless, I resolved to extract a portion of her flesh for sustenance. As I moved to do so, a glimmer beneath her outstretched wing caught my eye—an intact egg, bearing the promise of new life.
Should I transport it to my cave and partake of its contents, or leave it to fate in this desolate place? A sudden realization overcame me. If I nurtured this egg, feeding and raising the creature within, it could become my loyal companion—a boon to our shared hunting endeavors. The path forward was clear