Inside the dungeon, the only physical change to our surroundings is that the doors leading into the dungeon have vanished.
Warm sun overhead, its grassland and hills as far as the eye can see. A cool, gentle breeze blows through the knee-high grass.
Taking a deep breath, I steel my nerves and turn to Rosabel. "We need to be careful here," I tell her. "The enemies here will be a little more crafty than before."
Rosabel gives an intense nod but I'm not sure she really understands. Oh well, at least the generic enemies won't be terribly strong.
We start walking forward and just like before, we come across a goblin. Like in the beast dungeon, its features are uglier and more twisted than Rosabel and its skin is a brownish green. Lacking a club, it had clawed fingers. However, the burlap sac tunic it wore only coming down to its thighs, it looked like its legs were more toned than Rosabel's.
The 'battle' that then ensued was short lived. While the goblin was faster than the one's from the beast dungeon, it was not as tough. Between that and Rosabel's improved constitution since then, a single strike from her club to the goblin's unguarded head was all it took to finish it - breaking its neck.
Rosabel seems surprised by how quickly she won and looks to me with a confused tilt of her head.
Unsure of how to explain the different nuances of the dungeons, I just give her a shrug. I then walk over to the goblin to collect the items. Gaining [Goblin's Ear] and [Slab of Meat], I hand the [Goblin's Ear] over to Rosabel and use it to improve her dexterity while storing the [Slab of Meat].
I would have liked to keep improving her strength and endurance, but this dungeon puts an emphasis on speed. I don't want to risk Rosabel getting hurt because she can't hit her target.
Standing up, I say to her, "You did a good job, Rosabel. What do you say we keep going."
After that, we pressed on and encountered another four goblins who all met the same result due to recklessly rushing in. After the second one, Rosabel seemed to lose all tension and just stood ready to swing her club as the enemy charged in.
Each one provided a [Goblin's Ear] I used to improve Rosabel's dexterity. Gradually, her movements became more refined and her legs became more toned - gaining definition. I was sure that she was now as fast as any boss we'll encounter at this stage.
Otherwise, we gained [Fine Sand], [Slab of Meat], and two [Bag of Water].
[Bag of Water] was much the same as [Bag of Blood]. It consisted of a rubbery sack filled with the aforementioned fluid and a hard, protruding nozzle from which to drink it.
Storing all of them, I started feeling weighed down again. The previous dungeon had improved my endurance, but that only helped offset the weight by so much. Still, it's not bad enough to where I think I should be concerned.
We keep going and finally run into a different enemy. It was a plump bird that only came up to Rosabel's waist or my knees. It had brown plumage and a cream-colored undercarriage. This creature was called a 'Slow Bird'. However, we made two mistakes.
Despite my reminders, the ease with which we were progressing caused us to lower our guards. The grass around us was as tall as the bird itself at its full height; so, when it wasn't standing up, it became easily hidden. It noticed us long before we noticed it and kept itself hidden.
I know I should have been more wary. I knew the enemies here would likely be craftier and generally what to keep an eye out for. But there is a difference between having the knowledge bestowed to me and actually experiencing it. Furthermore, the information I inherited from the world is not all encompassing. If that were the case, Soulemer like me wouldn't have any issues.
Our second mistake was the assumption that any enemy we encounter would target Rosabel instead of me.
After walking past the slow bird, it made its move and came charging toward me.
Fortunately, I heard its little feet kicking up dirt and the rustle of the grass as it charged. I turn around in time to try and dive out of the way. However, I wasn't fast enough.
As the bird lunged at me, it spread it small wings and pointed its razor-sharp talons at me. It passed over me and managed to leave three claw marks across my back. They aren't deep but I am bleeding.
Rosabel also turns around and panics at my pained yell. Rushing to my side, she glares angrily at the slow bird as it circles around and glides back to the ground - being too fat and its wings too small too actually fly.
The bird becomes partially obscured by the grass as it crouches down.
Still, Rosabel charges forward. Surprised by her speed, the bird seems caught off guard. It uselessly tries to flap its wings to try and get away. However, Rosabel reaches it quickly and finishes it with one downward strike of her club. Although, she seemed rather vindictive with the way she proceeded to continue hitting it even after it was dead.
I put one hand to my shoulder to try easing the pain in my back as I stand up. Rosabel rushes over to me in a panic to make sure I'm okay. I can feel her concern and guilt at letting me get hurt.
"I'm fine," I assure her. "Once we clear the dungeon, I'll be healed. But we need to remember, some dungeons might be easier but they'll be tricky by comparison. I'm sorry I can't defend myself any better."
Rosabel backs off a bit before confidently holding up her club in a declaration to protect me.
"My hero," I chuckle.
I walk over to what's left of the slow bird to collect our items. What I receive is [Fallen Feathers] and [Fine Sand].
Storing away the [Fine Sand], I have Rosabel take the [Fallen Feather]. This item is similar to the [Broken Fang] of the last dungeon. Among its uses, most are unavailable to us right now. However, it can still be used to strengthen a Soulmek similar to [Goblin's Ear]. It won't really show its affect until she evolves, but there's no reason not to have her absorb it now.
Deciding to keep going, Rosabel stayed close to me in preparation for another ambush. It was a good thing too as we faced another two slow birds who tried.
The first one we managed to evade and defeat when it went to land. The second we were ready. Telling Rosabel to wait, we intentionally walked by it. When it went to attack, Rosabel swung around and killed it.
From these encounters, we gained two poor quality [Bird Wing] - the dungeon's equivalent of [Beast Pelt] -, a [Slab of Meat], and a [Bag of Water].
I call for a short rest.
Rosabel insists she's fine and can keep going but I remain firm despite her pouting. I hand her a [Bag of Blood] to assuage her. She sits down and happily bites into the bag to guzzle down the grotesque 'beverage'.
Pulling out a [Bag of Water] for myself, I relish the pure, clean taste without a hint of iron as I sit down. I didn't call this break because we were tired or due to the injury on my back. I might want one but that isn't the reason. I wanted a rest to think about what could be next.
This is a craftier dungeon so I'm expecting some sort of trick or surprise at the end. The beast dungeon was more physical and demonstrated this by pitting us against two of the more difficult sickly beasts in a row. If this dungeon uses the same layout, we still have to face a goblin and slow bird. I'm worried over what this dungeon will throw at us.
Once Rosabel and I finish our drinks, I tuck the [Used bag] away and we keep going.
We soon come upon a lone goblin standing in our way. Rosabel stands in front of me and readies her club for the goblin's charge. However, it doesn't move. It roars and snarls at us, but it doesn't come charging.
This immediately sets me on edge. I begin looking around and spot something in the grass. It's a trap. Unfortunately, before I can warn Rosabel, she loses her patience and runs toward the goblin. I call after her to stop, but she doesn't listen.
Quickly crossing half the distance between us and the goblin, Rosabel swings her club but the goblin dodges. This catches her off guard and leaves her unaware of the rustling behind her as a slow bird suddenly leaps out. She tries to turn around but is too late and receives some deep scratches from the bird's talons to her arm.
Rosabel turned her attention to the bird as it glided through the air. Determined to chase it down when it landed. However, this left her open to the goblin scratching at her. She dodged but still received some cuts to her face. She tried to retaliate but the goblin ran away. Once again surprised, Rosabel paused before trying to pursue. However, the slow bird had already landed and had used the goblin's distraction to attack again. This time, Rosabel narrowly avoided the bird's sneak attack. But again, once her attention was on the bird, the goblin attacked - biting into her arm.
A back and forth then began of one enemy attacking, Rosabel focusing on them, and then the other enemy using the distraction to attack. Individually, these enemies are no trouble, but together, they are a problem. Overall, I think Rosabel will still win, but I know I can't discount the small injuries building up on her body.
My hands tighten into fists. I try to think of something I can do. I consider running in to distract one of them but flashes of our fight with the kobold enter my mind and I freeze up. Despite being two-to-four times the size of our enemies, I know I'm physically the weakest thing here.
Maybe I'm feeling some of Rosabel's frustration at the situation, but I find myself driven to do something and not keep being a useless burden.
I see the slow bird flying back into the air. The simple desire of wanting to knock that bird out of the air seems to drive me as I reach down into the soft ground and pull up a handful of dirt.
I look back to the battle where Rosabel narrowly keeps the goblin at bay with a swing of her club before preemptively jumping in a random direction to avoid the bird - having caught on to their pattern. I watch carefully as the bird starts to circle around. Waiting for the moment the bird slows down as it turns, I run closer and lob the dirt ball in my hand at it.
My aim was good, but I probably would have missed. The bird would likely have moved out of the way by the time the dirt ball got there. However, the bird saw the dirt ball coming and panicked. Flapping its wings to try and move, it instead stayed in place long enough for it to get hit by my dirt ball and fall out of the air.
The goblin did not pay attention to my intervention and tried to attack Rosabel. It avoided her counter and waited for its companion to swoop in unaware of it being rendered blinded and coughing from getting hit by a ball of dirt. As such, it stood relatively still as Rosabel - who had noticed - charged in with her club. The look on the goblin's face was almost comical as it realized it was wrong just as Rosabel swung her club - killing it.
The bird seemed to be regaining its senses as it used its wings to brush the dirt off its face. However, Rosabel was long over this fight and quickly reached it and pulverized it with her club as well. She then raised her club over her head and gave a victorious yell to let out her frustration.
I myself felt great pride at have actually managed to do something to help. But I let the feeling pass - all I did was throw a ball of dirt at a dumb bird - and hurry over to a tired Rosabel to heal her injuries. As I did, I saw her pouting, indignant face. Through our bond, I get the feeling she is upset at letting a 'lesser goblin' give her so much trouble. It still hurt her pride as my Soulmek.
To console her, I pat her head - at the same time healing her injuries. "You did a great job Rosabel. I wasn't expecting the dungeon to throw two enemies at us at once like that. You held out great." It seemed to work as I feel her displeasure lessen and a proud grin blossoms on her face.
Rosabel sits down to rest and I go about collecting the items.
I use [Goblin's Ear] to increase Rosabel's strength and store the [Bag of Water], [Slab of Meet], and poor quality [Bird Wing]. I then join Rosabel on the ground as we wait for her to regain her energy.
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We come to a tall hill that seems to mark the end of the path and crossing over it will lead into the boss area. While I'm still cautious, I'm rather confident with Rosabel's improved speed and strength.
We climb the somewhat steep hill and see a clearing bellow surrounded by similar hills. Not hesitating, we slide down the slope and raise our guards for the arrival of the boss.
Almost immediately, we hear the loud screeching from across the clearing. Atop the hill opposite us stood the boss - a harpy. Another possible species evolution of a goblin, it was a size bigger like the kobold but its legs were longer and had begun becoming digitigrade, its brown skin was partially covered in cream-colored feathers, and its arms had begun developing into wings armed with sharp talons.
However, much like the boss of the previous dungeon was a sickly kobold rather than an ordinary one, this harpy was a slow harpy. Its body seemed underdeveloped compared to an actual harpy with its wing-like arms being smaller and having less or molting feathers. I could tell that this meant the harpy's greatest advantage of flight would be impaired.
As if to prove my point, the boss leaped off the hill and spread its arms. Rather than wings, it looked more like its arms were thickly covered in feathers. Still, the harpy managed to glide its way to the clearing and stand menacingly before us.
Before I can say anything, Rosabel rushes forward. I get the impression she wants to take advantage of her new speed to act before the boss can. Also, I can feel some degree of indignant fury coming from her and something in me tells me she is seeing this as an opportunity to avenge her 'defeat' in the previous battle.
The harpy charged forward. Though no faster than Rosabel, its longer legs gave it a greater stride that threw her off. It swung its arm and Rosabel used her improved dexterity to guard with her club. Still, she had a poor stance and was knocked over from the impact.
Falling over, the harpy tried to take the chance to kick Rosabel. But Rosabel rolled out of the away. Quickly getting to her feet, she swung her club at the harpy's legs. The harpy yelled in pain and leapt away. When it landed, it had to crouch down to clutched its injured leg.
Rosabel did not miss this opportunity as she rushed in. The harpy tried to respond but was slowed by its leg. It received a blow to the head from Rosabel's club. This was not enough to bring it down, but it was dazed. Rosabel managed to avoid its attempt to swipe at her and proceeded to keep bludgeoning the harpy with her club. By her third swing, the boss is dead.
Once again, I feel my body fill with energy as my injuries heal, my strength is restored and grows, and my clothes are mended. I let out a long breath of relief. I feel we may have been lucky that our enemy was one of the physically least durable and we did so well.
I walk over to the defeated boss and my giddy Soulmek. Looking up at me expectantly, I take a moment to pat Rosabel on the head and congratulate her on a job well done. She puffs her chest up with pride and I can't help but chuckle at how adorable she looks trying to look tough.
Once Rosabel is satisfied, I proceed to collect the special first clear treasure chest. Lifting the lid, I collect and store two units of [Fine Sand], two [Slab of Meat], and two [Bag of Water].
As the chest vanishes, the doors to exit the dungeon rise form the ground.
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Bird Dungeon - Vast Plains Lv 1 (DEX)
Mobs & Items
-Goblin (dirty brown-green): [Goblin's Ear]
-Slow Bird: [Fallen Feather], [Bird Wing] (Poor)
--[Slab of Meat], [Bag of Water], [Fine Sand]
Boss: Slow Harpy
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Layfon
STR 4
END 7
DEX 4+3
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] x0 (1 = 1 unit of water), [Slab of Meat] x8 (1 = 1 unit of food), [Beast Pelt] (Poor) x2, [Bag of Water] x5, [Bird Wing] (Poor) x3
Resources: 9 Units of [Fine Sand]
Held Items: [Used bags] x6
Rosabel (3/10)
STR 13+1
END 13
DEX 10+5
INT 5
WIS 5
CHA 5
SPT 5
(+2 Broken Fang) (+1 Fallen Feather)