Chapter 15 [Crevasse]
After exploring the surroundings of the cave and mountain hut, Keen surprisingly suggested venturing further. Well, there doesn't seem to be much of interest around here anymore, and going on a journey isn't a bad idea, but is there a specific destination?
"I had a place I stayed before coming here."
A bit east from here, there's an uninhabited wasteland. It lacks vegetation and water, making it unsuitable for large animals, allowing small creatures like skinks to thrive. Keen lived with other skinks in a crevasse-like crack in a small rocky hill. Skinks, especially males, tend to have a wide range of movement when looking for a new dwelling. Born-in-place males are a minority, with most coming from elsewhere. Keen seems to have had quite a long journey, explaining his knowledge of worldly matters.
Skinks, especially males, have a curious nature due to their habit of searching for new dwellings. Watching Keen, I could understand.
The other kids didn't object, and an expedition to the crevasse area was decided. Unfortunately, Haifa will stay behind this time. She'll guard our cave with the spirit tree.
"It's unfortunate, but I'll handle staying behind."
After informing Edge Village and mentioning our short journey, I decided to check the situation outside the village. Similar to Keen's story, water supply becomes challenging once you leave the mountain. I was advised to carry extra water.
...
After walking northeast for about three days from Edge Village, we finally reached the rocky hill Keen mentioned. Wait, Keen, didn't you say it was "a little further"? We used up our water and food supplies and had to hunt a few times.
We arrived at the crevasse Keen talked about, a crack in a small rocky hill. The entrance is a bit narrow for a person, but the interior seems spacious enough. I dispatched Keen inside to check the situation.
"Master, some of my companions are still here, but their numbers have decreased."
With a slightly disappointed tone, Keen reported. Severe dehydration caused some to leave or collapse. It's a quite dry place, and it seems the lack of vegetation makes both prey and predators scarce.
"Master, um... Can you please consider adding my friends as familiars?"
With a desperate tone, Keen made a request.
What to do? While I can make them familiars or transform the area into a dungeon, this desolate place doesn't seem appealing. There's no water source, the crevasse is narrow, and there's probably no medicinal herbs. What's the point of establishing a base here?
As I pondered, small skinks emerged after Keen. Fragile-looking skinks, cracked and feeble-looking Slaiter, and a small, almost disappearing slime—these figures reminded me of my first encounter with my children.
Alright, decision made! I can't abandon them! This will be a dungeon for the survival of the weak. There's no other significant value here!
"I don't mind, but if I transform this into a dungeon, I don't intend to let you all monopolize it. If weaker creatures seek help and come here, are you prepared to assist them? If you are, then become familiars, and I'll transform this place into a dungeon."
It's crucial to confirm.
"I heard it from Keen's older brother. With your permission, please add us to your subordinates. We have no objections to welcoming other creatures."
A skink replied as their representative. Before I finished hearing the answer, I prepared water and food.
"Alright, have some water. Rai, if anyone is weakened and can't come out, use water magic to provide them water."
I provided water and some easily digestible fruits and raw meat, all Earth-produced. Hopefully, they recover quickly and level up.
Once the skinks seemed more at ease—though not human—, I slowly transformed this rocky area into a dungeon. I ensured a sturdy structure and spent a considerable amount of magical energy. I used dungeon magic to widen the entrance and entered inside. The interior is somewhat spacious but a bit cramped for me to use comfortably. As I plan to use it as a base, I expanded the back and dug a spring to secure a water source. I made sure not to make the water too abundant but enough to benefit the creatures outside the crevasse. It might contribute to the growth of plants as well.
I kept the entrance to the crevasse narrow again. Since I transformed the area around the crevasse into a dungeon, there's no hindrance for me to freely move in and out.
I plan to continually bring Earth's food here. It's not at a level to be named yet, but it will surely grow strong eventually.