Dimension System - Chapter 104

[Angel]

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Countless steps echoed out into the forest as we marched. The Sun guard, Bishop Krenalis, the Sanctus Templar, the Dawnbreaker tribe, and myself were all proceeding together. Naturally, our progress had slowed somewhat, due to having a much larger party. However, we were still making some good time.

We didn’t have any problems running into bandits but the forest got a lot thicker as we traveled down the winding road. I absorbed the trees and foliage that encroached on the path, clearing out enough space for us to travel through at a decent pace. As we made our way past the densest section, an ambush fell right on top of us!

Giant spiders dropped out of the forest canopy, taking us by surprise and catching us off-guard. The coloration on the spider’s bodies had allowed them to blend in almost perfectly. Patterns of green, black, brown, and tan covered them in patterns that reminded me of military camouflage. Much larger than any spider I’d seen on Earth, they’d somehow reached a size that was just under that of the Forest wolves.

Pouring out of the canopy, they landed directly on top of us. Their size allowed them to knock over a fully grown man, which they took full advantage of. Several of the Sun guard and Sanctus Templar were hit and slammed down by the force of the falling spiders. The much larger and stronger Orcs, however, did not fall over. Instead, they slammed their maces into the spiders, while others opted to rip the legs off their abdomens.

Due to the suddenness of the ambush, confusion spread throughout our convoy. Thankfully, Varguk and Gazzer were able to direct the Dawnbreaker tribe into quick action. They moved to areas where the men had been most heavily attacked, engaging the spiders in combat and allowing the rest of the troops to gather into formation. Unfortunately, the large spiders had started spraying a sticky web over the troops who had been knocked down.

They were working together quickly, attempting to drag them into the depths of the forest and away from combat. If I didn’t move quickly, it was possible that they would be wrapped into cocoons and taken away to their doom. The only saving grace was that the men’s thick suits of armor had stopped the spider’s fangs from penetrating, while also making them heavier and slowing the abductions. I didn’t know how venomous they were and didn’t want to find out, if it could be helped.

Attempting to absorb the nearest spider failed, as I felt it’s rudimentary intelligence put up some resistance. That meant that these things were most likely monsters, as only a few ancient beasts would have that level of intelligence. Quickly running out of options, as I saw my men being dragged away, I decided to take a chance that I hoped would pan out.

Using the system, I began to release as many Forest wolves and Forest eagles as I could. If my thinking was correct, these beasts that had lived and grown inside forests should have adaptations against other creatures of the same biome. Once they were out, the wolves and eagles joined the ongoing battle, proving to be effective against the spiders.

Charging in directly, the wolves trampled and clawed the spiders, tearing them apart. While the spider’s fangs were capable of piercing their hides, they displayed no ill effects from the venom. Conversely, many of the men and orcs who had been bitten were showing signs of slowing down, with others being outright paralyzed. If the battle was extended too long, we would receive more and more casualties.

Meanwhile, the eagles chased down and hunted the spiders who’d been dragging the paralyzed victims. With their bodies perfectly adapted to Forest terrain, they were able to effortlessly navigate around the canopy webs. Moving like phantoms, the eagles dove from great heights, then quickly retreated after their initial strikes. Constant harassment from them, prevented the spiders from abducting and forced them to take up defensive positions.

Both of the creatures had been growing and breeding inside the spatial world, enhancing their physiques and intelligence. The Forest wolves and eagles showed an uncanny coordination, working together to push back the brood of spiders. Together with the remaining men and orcs, we fended off wave after wave of attacks. Finally, the number of spiders thinned out, allowing us to gather up the injured.

Thick cocoons of spider silk had been wrapped around them, which the troops worked through to free them. It was slippery and extremely tough to cut through, so I assisted by absorbing it directly.

[Material analyzed:

Name: Forest Spider silk

Type: Fiber (Natural)

Rating: Level 3

Description: Spider silk is a protein fiber spun by spiders. Spiders use their silk to make webs or other structures, which function as sticky nets to catch other animals, or as nests or cocoons to protect their offspring, or to wrap up prey. They can also use their silk to suspend themselves, to float through the air, or to glide away from predators. Most spiders vary the thickness and stickiness of their silk for different uses.]

Even after freeing them, we weren’t out of the woods yet, literally and figuratively. Paralyzing venom still coursed through their veins, which posed a serious health risk, as their inner organs began to shut down. If they got any worse, I’d have to absorb them into the spatial world and put them into suspension. While I ordered my troops to try and stabilize their condition, I absorbed a few of the closest spider corpses, hoping to find out more about the venom they used.

Since all of them were dead, there wasn’t any system prompt for material analysis. Instead, I received a different prompt, indicating that Giant Spiders would now spawn inside the dungeon. Consulting the system, it would take some time to analyze the venom from the corpses, time which I didn’t have. Looks like I’d just have to suspend them in the system, for now.

With all of the injured gathered up, I was able to absorb them. They could be held indefinitely, until such time that a cure could be concocted with the assistance of the system. After that, we worked carefully to absorb the rest of the spider’s nest. Much to our surprise, a sizable portion of the canopy had been covered in spider silk, which we hadn’t noticed during our journey. Taking caution, we were able to clear out the entire nest, even finding a sac of unborn eggs.

[Material analyzed:

Name: Giant Spider (Forest)

Type: Monster

Rating: Level 3

Description: Giant Spiders are air-breathing arthropods that have eight legs and chelicerae with fangs able to inject venom. The Giant Spiders of the forest variety have absorbed ambient magical energy for countless generations, evolving into a distinctly larger and more powerful variant of common spiders. Over time they have become savage monsters, constantly driven by hunger and the desire to feed. Potent paralytic venom, fangs, the ability to pounce, and a strong spider silk combine to make this monster lethal to any caught unprepared.]

Now that we had a sample of the venom, the system could analyze it, so I set it to work on producing an antivenom as soon as possible. Hopefully, by the time we’d reached the church capital, it would be available to the injured. With the spider’s nest cleared, we’d reduced the likelihood of any other travelers being attacked. Soon, we’d have access to our own spiders and their silk webbing could be used for various products.

Marching on cautiously, we finally passed the thickest section of the forest and reached the end, as the scenery gave way to a rocky mountainside. Amidst the tall and craggy peaks, sat a large city, nestled directly into the Aurora mountains. The city of morning dew, formally known as Ros Mane, was the headquarters of the Church of Helios. Even from a distance, the splendor of the it’s architecture could be observed.

Two large and imposing statues stood at the gates, having been carved from the mountains themselves. On the right was a valiant looking soldier in full plate armor, grasping a massive downturned greatsword with both hands clasped onto it’s handle. To to the left, a wizened priest bedecked in typical Helios robes, was holding onto a massive staff with both hands. On the tops of the sword and staff, great pyres burned to illuminate the surrounding area.

Bishop Krenalis became excited at the sight of the distant city.

“There it is! The holy capital, we’ve made it at last. Come men, let’s make one final push onward to our destination!”

Filled with a holy zeal, the previously tired and exhausted troops marched on, glad to finally be out of the forest. Having marched all morning and battled through the afternoon, we were ready to reach civilization again. I was eager to see what the capital would have to offer, as the church was a powerful organization which was spread throughout the continent. There was also the inevitable meeting with their Pope to look forward to.

[Devil]

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Waking up the next morning, I didn’t see the young Aqua dragon.

Had the creature run away during the night?

Then, I heard it’s gentle snoring down by my feet. Ah, that’s right! It could go invisible, which I’d temporarily forgotten in my early morning stupor. Rising carefully, I started to prepare something for breakfast.

Now that I had access to black pepper, I could make a proper biscuits and gravy dish. Soft and fresh biscuits were topped with a hearty gravy, bits of sausage, and black pepper which gave the dish it’s iconic look. Hash browns and home fries were served on the side, along with eggs of various different preparations. It may not be completely balanced, however, the meal was damn delicious.

Once the smell of food diffused through the area, everyone gathered together to see what I was cooking. Curious about the strange foreign dish, everyone took a few bits here and there, to see if they would like it. Well, everyone except for a certain little dragon.

“What’s that smell? It’s so good! I bet the food is going to be tasty again. Let me have some, I want the biggest bread.”

Hardly able to contain itself, the small dragon flew around on it’s tiny wings, positively buzzing with anticipation. It was within expectations though, as I assumed that it probably ate raw fish everyday. Getting to eat new and interesting food was always fun and exciting, especially high quality food prepared with seasoning.

Once everything was ready, I set the food onto the table we’d setup last night. I chuckled as the young Aqua dragon’s eyes went wide, having observed me setting a giant biscuit in front of him. Ladling a generous portion of the sausage gravy on, I then slid four eggs onto his plate. Scrambled, over easy, over medium, and sunny side up eggs were how I cooked them for the dragon. I didn’t know which kind it’d prefer.

By the time I’d sat down to eat my own breakfast, everyone had tried a sample, quickly falling in love with the comfort food provided. I was able to eat in silence, though I knew that would temporary, at best. Sure enough, just as soon as the food was finished, I was hit with a barrage of questions.

“What kind of food was that? Where did you get it from? Do you eat like that everyday? Why was that bread different than the last kind? What are those white and yellow things?”

I did my best to answer all of the questions patiently.

“It’s called biscuits and gravy. I got the food from my special place where it’s kept. We usually eat many different things. Biscuits are a type of bread that is flaky and crumbly. Those are called eggs and they can be prepared many different ways.”

Gathering up our tents, cots, and the wooden table and chair set, we prepared to make our way back to the Ranger’s base. Not quite understanding, the young Aqua dragon was becoming slightly agitated.

“What are you doing?”

I explained that we were packing our things and leaving.

“We have to pack our things now and head back to let our friends know we’re alright.”

Once it heard that we were leaving, the young Aqua dragon started crying in an extremely loud manner. Alternating between whining and snarling, it rolled around on the ground in a very exaggerated fashion.

Was it throwing a temper tantrum?

It took several minutes to calm down the hysterical dragon. After scooping it up into my arms, the sniveling little dragon was glaring at me with tears streaming down it’s face. Between sniffles, it pleaded with me to stay in the cove.

“I-is it because I ask too many questions? I’ll be quiet! Please just stay with me, you don’t have to leave, we can live in here forever. Please, please, I don’t want to be alone again. I.. I’ll even give you my treasure! We can play in the water and eat fish all day and you can tell me stories at night.”

Stroking the tiny dragon’s scales, I reassured it that we wouldn’t just abandon it.

“Me and my crew are going to travel across the whole world, going on adventures and collecting treasure. We can’t just stay here forever. How would you like to come with us? You can be a part of the crew, have fun everyday, and even help us find treasures in the ocean.”

Wiping away it’s tears, the young dragon appeared skeptical. It really wanted to come with us on one hand, while on the other, it had lived in this cove by the tide pools all it’s life. It decided to ask a few questions, in order to make it’s mind up.

“What about my treasure? Can we take it with us?”

I let the dragon know that we could take everything with us.

“Yes, I can put everything into the special place. We can even take the tide pools and this cove, if that is what you want.”

Doubting me, the incredulous little dragon asked me how that was possible.

“How can we take everything with us? Where will it fit? Let me see the special place!”

I absorbed some of the nearby ground and water, demonstrating to the dragon how the spatial world could fit anything.

“See, we can take everything, just like this. Let me show you my special world, if you’re ready?”

Opening up a portal to the spatial world, I stood beside it and watched the dragon tentatively step inside. I followed right behind him, while my crew waited on the beach. Once inside, I received a system prompt for taking the dragon in.

[Material analyzed:

Name: Aqua Dragon

Type: Monster (Dragon)

Rating: Level 10

Description: Aqua dragons are small, curious dragons that live in caves that are close to large bodies of water, though they prefer to live close to the sea. They are able swimmers that can fire a scalding breath, but they can also emit healing energy that soothes and dispels curses, sickness, and poison. Aqua dragons resemble fish, though they have four cat-like legs that they tuck close to their bodies when swimming or in flight, which they do not with wings, but by manipulating magical energy, the same that they use in their healing breath. Aqua dragons sometimes adopt new forms to explore and meet humanoids, which they see as deeply intriguing and somewhat odd, and they love making friends with them, though they always view humanoids that seek them out with an air of suspicion.]

When we arrived in the spatial world, the young dragon looked around at all of the various areas. Taking flight, it zoomed around at an impressive speed, scouting out the entire spatial world while invisible. After twenty minutes or so, it came back to where we’d entered, armed with a million questions and exclamations.

“Wow this whole place is filled with so much magical energy. Even the plants and rocks are magic. Where did all this come from? Did you know there’s a reef over there? Who are all these people and why are they here? Is this where you keep all your treasure? Can I have a fish?”

Grabbing the young dragon’s hand in a childlike manner, I guided it back out to the cove where we’d just come from. After having seen such a wonderful and peaceful place, it readily agreed to come with us as part of the crew. It insisted on being the mascot, as there were dragons featured prominently on the Dragon’s Den flag. While absorbing the cove area, we chatted and I patiently answered it’s questions from earlier.

Once everything was safely tucked away, the dragon’s home had been added to the spatial world, making it our newest resident. After repeatedly assuring it that the treasures were safe, we departed the small island, heading directly back to the Ranger’s base. During the brief journey, the dragon had decided that it’s favorite place was on my shoulder. Shrinking down to an appropriate size, it perched directly onto me, so it could continue to ask me questions.

By the time that we approached the Ranger’s base, it was mid-afternoon. Absorbing the area had taken a few hours but we weren’t in any hurry. The young dragon had insisted we take all of it’s favorite rocks and even took the time to grab a few colored fish from nearby, saying repeatedly that it REALLY needed them. It was such a cutie, how could we refuse?

When we arrived at the floating platform base, the dragon had gone silent and invisible. Being so young, it was still timid and shy at the prospect of meeting strangers. We were welcomed back to the higher ranking official’s quarters, where we explained what had happened. The Rangers were glad to finally have some answers and would finally be able to go home, as soon as they verified that the creature was gone.

I didn’t want to pressure the dragon, so I let it remain hidden. Once they found out that it was gone, the base would be dismantled and the troops sent back on leave. For now, we could relax at their base and prepare lunch and dinner. Tomorrow, we’d set sail once again, in search of treasure and adventure!