Chapter 5: chapter-5 absorbing ability
The forest was alive with the sounds of nature as Punnu made his way back home, his mind still buzzing with the revelations from the hidden chamber. The crystal amulet rested against his chest, its gentle warmth a constant reminder of the power it held. With the ring of small space on his finger, Punnu felt a sense of readiness to face whatever lay ahead.
As he walked through the dense foliage, Punnu's thoughts were interrupted by a faint, pitiful sound. It was a high-pitched mewling, filled with pain and desperation. His heart skipped a beat as he followed the sound, pushing through the underbrush until he came upon a small clearing.
There, lying on the ground, was an injured flying cat. The creature was unlike anything Punnu had ever seen. Its sleek, fur-covered body was adorned with delicate, iridescent wings that shimmered in the dappled sunlight. The cat's eyes, large and filled with pain, were a deep, soulful blue. Its fur was matted with blood, and it whimpered softly as it tried to move.
Punnu's heart ached at the sight. He knew he had to help the creature, even if it meant putting himself at risk. He approached slowly, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "It's okay," he whispered soothingly. "I'm here to help you."
But the flying cat was terrified and in pain. As Punnu reached out, the cat reacted harshly, its wings flaring and its claws swiping at the air. A sharp hiss escaped its lips, and it tried to back away, but its injuries made it impossible to move.
Punnu remained patient, keeping his movements slow and gentle. "It's alright," he murmured. "I won't hurt you. I just want to help."
It took several minutes of soothing words and patient gestures, but eventually, the flying cat began to calm down. Its breaths came in ragged gasps, and its eyes remained wary, but it no longer lashed out at Punnu. He took this as a sign of trust and carefully reached out to examine the cat's injuries.
The wounds were severe. The cat's left wing was broken, and there were deep gashes along its side. Punnu's mind raced as he tried to think of a way to help the creature. He remembered the small space ring and the supplies he had stored within it. With a thought, he accessed the ring and retrieved a few basic medical supplies.
Gently, Punnu cleaned the cat's wounds, using a cloth and some water to wash away the blood and dirt. The cat flinched and whimpered, but Punnu's gentle touch seemed to reassure it. He applied a salve to the gashes and carefully bandaged the broken wing, doing his best to stabilize it.
"There," he said softly, sitting back on his heels. "That should help. You're going to be okay."
The flying cat's eyes met Punnu's, and for a moment, there was a spark of understanding. The creature seemed to sense that Punnu meant no harm, and it relaxed slightly, its body sinking into the ground with a tired sigh.
Punnu smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He had helped the creature, and in doing so, he had formed a bond of trust. He reached out to gently stroke the cat's fur, his fingers brushing against its soft coat.
As he did, a single drop of the cat's blood fell from its wound and landed on the crystal amulet around Punnu's neck. The effect was immediate. The amulet pulsed with energy, and a window-like display appeared in front of Punnu, hovering in the air.
The words on the translucent screen read:
---
Species: **Flying Cat**
Age: **3 Years**
Status: **Injured**
Bloodline: **Celestial Feline**
**Abilities:**
- Flight
- Enhanced Senses
- Healing Touch
- Camouflage
- Enhanced Agility
- Night Vision
- Telepathic Communication
**Do you want to absorb one of its random abilities?**
---
Punnu stared in astonishment at the display. The amulet had revealed the cat's full information, including its bloodline and seven abilities. The option to absorb one of its random abilities left him in shock. He could hardly believe what he was seeing.
After a moment of contemplation, the reality of the situation began to sink in. The amulet had given him an incredible opportunity, but the decision was not an easy one. He looked back at the injured flying cat, its eyes watching him with a mixture of curiosity and trust.
Punnu took a deep breath, weighing his options. The power to absorb abilities was a gift, but it came with great responsibility. He knew that he had to be careful in how he used it. "I won't hurt you," Punnu whispered, more to himself than to the cat. He closed his eyes for a moment, considering the consequences.
Finally, he made his decision. "Yes," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I want to absorb one of its abilities."
The moment the words left his lips, the amulet pulsed with energy, and an intense wave of pain shot through Punnu's body. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced, searing through him with a force that left him gasping for breath. He could feel the amulet tapping into his very essence, unlocking a new ability within him.
The pain was overwhelming, and Punnu felt himself slipping into unconsciousness. With a final, desperate gasp, he collapsed to the ground, the world fading into darkness once more.