After exiting the dungeon, Rosabel and I find ourselves back in the Vast Plains. It's almost chilly with how much cooler it is in the plains than the desert. Of course, I'm not complaining as I take a moment to appreciate being out of the dungeon.
Stretching my arms as I bask in the gentle sun and cool breeze, I take notice of the physical changes in my body.
While [Goblin's Ear] has other uses, at this stage, it is mainly used to empower a Soulemer's Soulmek. Then, once the dungeon is cleared, a power flows into the two that restores their energy and heals their wounds. However, this power also serves to allow the Soulmek's soul to… 'expand' would be the best way to put it – growing in preparation for the body's eventual evolution.
As this happens, there is some feedback upon the Soulemer due to the bond they share with their Soulmek. The essence of the [Goblin's Ear] - or similar such item down the line - used to empower them lingers and causes a reaction in the Soulemer as the Soulmek's soul grows. Put simply, once the dungeon is cleared, some of the power they've gained then flows into the Soulemer through their bond to strengthen them as well - allowing the Soulemer to grow stronger.
This is not a perfect one-to-one where the Soulemer grows in power equal to the Soulmek, and the area where the Soulemer grows in strength is influenced by the power of the dungeon rather than any intention on their part. But it is still how Soulemer gain power and grow stronger themselves in the beginning.
In our case, Rosabel gained six [Goblin's Ear] and a beast dungeon places an emphasis on endurance. Focusing on my own soul, I can see I have gained an increase of three to my endurance.
My increased endurance appears in the form of my body becoming more robust. It isn't much, but I can see the difference. Though still 'thin', my body isn't as skinny as it was before.
Once I've finished looking myself over, I notice a feeling of depression through my bond with Rosabel.
I turn to Rosabel to see how she is only to see her looking down sadly.
"What's wrong," I ask her.
Rosabel panics from my question and makes a series of noises I interpret as 'nothing's wrong' or 'I'm fine'. However, through our bond I could sense the guilt and sorrow she felt.
I guess, "Are you upset about me getting hurt?"
At this, Rosabel becomes quiet and looks down sullenly. I place my hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about it. This was our first dungeon and there's…a lot…that both of us could have done better on. Me especially. But things'll be easier from here on out. So, let's do our best."
Guilt and regret over my uselessness still gnawed at me, and my hands would begin shaking as my mind drifted back to my near death. However, I mostly meant what I said.
The dungeons well face for now have a generally consistent layout between them. It is only a matter of whether the enemies inside are tougher or craftier. Each one would have at least a few goblins that will each provide a [Goblin's Ear] that will make Rosabel stronger. By the time we reach the next boss, we could be as strong or stronger than the sickly kobold. With every boss in these dungeons being of about the same strength, we should have a much easier time getting by.
Not only Rosabel, but I will also become stronger. Maybe I won't be as strong as the kobold - or even a goblin, really. But still.
Part of me is tempted to go back into the dungeon we just cleared - my eyes darting to the doors behind us. But I resist the urge. A Soulemer only gains power when the Soulmek's soul grows, and that only occurs the first time they clear a particular dungeon. Going a second time won't make me any stronger.
Although, while I won't grow any stronger from doing it again, Rosabel will from the six [Goblin's Ear] we'd obtain. However, that plan has issues. The more time we take to grow, the more other Soulemer will get ahead of us.
Alber keeps Soulemer of a different 'level' separated, but eventually we will have to interact with those who are the same 'level' as us. Completing our first evolution will provide much more power than a few [Goblin's Ear], so I think it is best to achieve that as quickly as possible.
Also, this dungeon is not very rich in resources. Besides [Slab of Meat] - which only has a one-in-three chance of appearing - there isn't anything of value. Once Rosabel evolves and we gain new abilities, maybe. But now, there isn't much point.
"You ready to go?"
Gripping her club, Rosabel gives me a determined nod.
Nodding myself, I close my eyes and expend my senses. I feel a tugging sensation toward the west. "Let's go," I say and we begin heading west.
Rosabel hurries in front of me to play guard. It still isn't necessary, but it's good practice. Plus, seeing her act all serious is very cute and good for the heart.
As we walk, I try and review what we experienced in the last dungeon. The biggest issues is my own weakness and the strength of the boss.
The latter issue I think will be resolved with this next dungeon. Almost all dungeons we could encounter right now will consist of six or so goblins. That means six [Goblin's Ear] to empower Rosabel. If I focus on her endurance and strength, she should be as strong as any boss we'll face right now. The only thing to worry about is how intelligent the boss is - and that should be predictable based on the type of dungeon.
As for the former issue. There isn't anything I can do about that until after Rosabel evolves. Once she does, my soul will change too and I will gain new abilities. That's not even considering what else will come with her evolution. We'll also gain access to stronger dungeons with rewards that will provide much better resources I can use to make us stronger.
For now though, all I can do is try not to be a burden and help where I can. The best thing is for me to think of how best to use the items we have on hand and not freeze up like I have so far.
I briefly consider my moment of bravery, but I just as quickly dismiss it. Yes, maybe I was brave for that one moment. Or, maybe it was Rosabel's plea for help that spurred me into action.
Soulmek's are a piece of their Soulemer's soul that has been made manifest. Because of this, Soulemer are able to exert their will upon their Soulmek and command them. However, that does not mean the reverse is not true. The Soulmek can exert just as much influence over their Soulemer.
The reason this typically does not happen is that Soulmek's are typically of low intellect - resembling a child - at the start and assume a naturally subservient role to their Soulemer. This puts them in a state of mind where they would not have the desire or will to command their Soulemer. Then, as they grow and evolve a union of trust and loyalty is established that keeps it that way…usually.
During the fight with the kobold though, Rosabel may have exerted her will upon me to make me help her. Between that and my unstable state of mind, I wouldn't have been able to refuse. I'd like to think I just had a moment of bravery, but this seems more likely.
Even if that isn't the case and I really did act of my own accord, it doesn't mean much. One moment of bravery does not automatically change who I am. If I don't want to be a burden, I cannot allow myself to slow us down or be a coward in the face of danger. Things are going to become easier from here, but that is momentary. I have to remember that I too must be ready to fight.
As I contemplate ways to be useful and the nature of a Soulemer's relationship with their Soulmek, we arrive at a pair of iron doors sticking out of the ground. Depicted on the doors is a pair of wings - indicating it as being a bird dungeon.
This dungeon can be viewed as the counterpart to the beast dungeon. The enemies are more swift and crafty than enduring and tough, and the environment is Vast Plains rather than Desert Wasteland. The resources available are much the same with one notable difference.
The dungeon likewise provides [Slab of Meat] and [Fine Sand]. However, instead of [Bag of Blood], it instead provides [Bag of Water]. I can't say I'm not happy about this
I hear a faint rumbling beside me. I turn to look and see Rosabel whose face is tinted a darker shade of green than usual due to blushing. I can feel her hunger and realize to my own embarrassment that neither of us have eaten yet. It may have only been…I'll say three hours since setting foot in Alber but we've been constantly on the move. At least one hour was spent in a desert with battle after battle.
Clearing the dungeon may have healed our injuries and fatigue, but it does not cure our physical needs.
"How about we stop to eat," I say. Sensing Rosabel's guilt and embarrassment, I hastily and honestly add, "I'm feeling pretty hungry and could use a break before going into another dungeon."
Seemingly relieved, Rosabel happily nods.
Taking a seat on the ground, I draw out two [Slab of Meat]. One for me and one for Rosabel. Then, I add…ugh, one [Bag of Blood] for each of us to wash it down. We didn't pass any rivers on the way here.
A [Slab of Meat] amounts to one unit of food each. It's not much, but it will tide us over until dinner. It is the same with [Bags of Blood] that provide one unit of 'water' each. Between the two of us, we'd need six units of food and six-to-ten units of water a day. We should be fine with each dungeon providing us some of each. Though it is random and there is only an at best two-in-three chance of getting either. Given ten tries plus the guaranteed result of a first clear reward, I'm sure we'll be fine.
I will say [Slab of Meat] is just as unappetizing as [Bag of Blood]. Effectively a piece of raw meat, it is tough, chewy, and still full of blood. The bloody taste isn't as thick or heavy as drinking it from a [Bag of Blood] but it is preventing me from tasting anything else.
That's another reason to focus on evolution over a more slow and steady progression. Once she evolves and my power grows, I will be able to do something with these resources besides consume them raw.
However, unlike me, Rosabel seems to have no problem with the [Slab of Meat] just like the [Bag of Blood] and even seems to enjoy them. The feeling of her satisfaction helps to offset my own disgust at the 'meal'.
Once we are done, I stand up and collect the [Used bags]. Tucking them into the waistband of my pants, I am now carrying four of the spent, rubbery sacks.
Stretching a bit after sitting on the ground for so long, I turn to Rosabel to ask, "Are you ready?"
She gives a resolute nod and raises her club into the air.
Smiling down at her, I lead Rosabel into our second dungeon.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Layfon
STR 4
END 7
DEX 4
INT 11
WIS 11
CHA 8
SPT 8
Demonstrated Skills: Summoner's Bond (Empathy, Command/Obey Summon), Status, Summon Status, Locate Dungeon, Loot Collection, Use Item, Inventory, Heal Summon
Inventory: [Bag of Blood] x1 (1 = 1 unit of water), [Slab of Meat] x3 (1 = 1 unit of food), [Beast Pelt] (Poor) x2
Resources: 5 Units of [Fine Sand]
Held Items: [Used bags] x4
Rosabel (2/10)
STR 13
END 13
DEX 10
INT 5
WIS 5
CHA 5
SPT 5
(+2 Broken Fang)