Chapter 16 - Funk

Inside the valley, a tree demon spat. "Funk."

A water homunculi cocked its head. Its birdlike appearance was akin to a crow. "What was that, master?"

"Funk. There is a funk I smell. It insults my nostrils."

The tree demon, the mythic level homunculi, was made of thorny vines. Green moss covered its skin, mushrooms sprouting out of its body at odd angles. Its eyes were pits of green smoke, the mouth on its face made rows of sharp fangs. 

The bird squawked. Inhaling, it took in the scent its master smelled. "I see, master. Would you like me to exterminate them?"

The tree demon stroked its chin. "Yes. And take the uncommons with you."

"The uncommons?" The bird demon squawked. "I don't follow, master."

The master snorted a cloud of spores from its nose as he laughed. In front of him, there were four dead homunculi. Instantly, the vines under their flesh writhed. Skin grew on the destroyed bodies. Standing up, a winged demon and two long tailed ones regenerated. 

"The weaker ones I mean. I forget you are not aware of the rarity system, Strix."

The water demon, Strix, bowed its neck. "No need to apologize. Your wisdom rivals all but that of our god, great master."

The earth began to rumble. The master snorted. "It appears our god is awakening soon. The contractions are only minutes apart."

Strix only nodded. Turning to the uncommons, he commanded them to follow him. The wingless demons followed the flying homunculi's shadows. 

"Soon, Homunculus, you will be made physical. This foul world will welcome your arrival as it is forever changed in your image."

The earth rumbled again. The Homunculi smiled, its fangs leaking more spores.