NOVEL NEXT [Book II Chapter 106] FILIA: The Sukemon Realm
[Book II Chapter 106] FILIA: The Sukemon Realm
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“So this is it?” Filia asked. Below her was city of temple-like buildings, the carvings on their weathered exteriors covered in lush foliage.
“It should be that large pyramid,” Vanessa Goldstone pointed to the left. “But are you sure about this? Even I wouldn’t venture in there alone.”
“Absolutely certain.” Filia replied quickly. When she’d arrived in Waceria to explore the town’s nearby dungeon, she’d been concerned. Fewer saints were out adventuring thanks to the demonic beast invasion. Fortunately, she’d run into Vanessa and her team visiting from the Barsal Empire, and they’d graciously agreed to let her tag along.
The Amalgamation was an unrestricted dungeon, allowing entry to immortals, and the difficulty reflected this fact. Traversing the maze of interconnected realms on her own would’ve been far beyond her.
“Thank you so much for your assistance.” Filia bowed to her temporary companions.
“I guess we can leave you here, seeing as it’s a safe zone.” Vanessa agreed. “When you’re ready to leave, just take the rift back to the entrance.” She gestured to the shimmering veil in the city’s center.
“Please don’t get yourself killed or I’ll feel terrible later.” Vanessa added as they departed.
Navigating to the pyramid, she located what she was looking for at its center. The Amalgamation’s passageways were more stable than those Silver had created, their walls of mist completely obscuring the Ether’s chaotic colors. Bracing herself, she crossed to the bright space she saw on the other side.
<
She was overlooking a verdant savanna where the most amazing of creatures surrounded her. Antelopes with metallic antlers grazed in one field. Not far from them, a pride of white lions with shining manes lounged on some rocks, huge hawks with fiery feathers circling high above. Every animal was alien to Enera, yet intimately familiar to her.
<> Blizzy said. <
In the Amalgamation, transparent rune-covered walls stretched to the sky and delimited the areas which could be visited. While the dungeon’s indigenous creatures could come and go as they pleased, they were impenetrable for adventurers. Filia observed the mile-wide corridor they formed here. I’m on a guided safari through a reproduction of the Sukemon Realm.
“Sorry, Blizzy, you know we can’t do that.” She responded gently, sympathizing with the blizzowl’s desires. Sukemons sold by the Sofix company lingered dormant in the Ether when not called upon. None of them had seen this place with their own eyes.
Filia drew out the rectangular piece of cardboard featuring a snow owl and reflected briefly. Sukemons of the same type were initially all the same. Only by gaining experience and interacting with their trainer could they become unique entities. After that, they would continue residing within their cards until they died outside an arena or until released. This second case was standard practice when a collector passed on without designating an heir, since no one wanted their lifelong friends falling into the hands of a stranger. The released sukemon would then live out their days within the sukemon realm. It’s reassuring to see where they’ll end up once I’m gone.
<
“That’s a good question…” Filia responded.
Hans Leveson had simply given her the name of the dungeon. It was only after checking in at Waceria’s Adventurer’s Guild that she learned this side area had been rated immortal level. Consider what she was witnessing, she had to agree with the assessment.
This was the reason Vanessa was hesitant to leave me. Despite the danger, she had no regrets. The sight alone had been worth the trip. Besides, she was also gambling her unique knowledge would help her.
Filia earnestly surveyed the challenges before her. The antelapier herd is a no-go, since they’re incredibly aggressive. The sunlions will attack if I approach their territory. If I fly over, those pirakkuns will snatch me out of the air, and, if I go higher to avoid them, the firehawks will target me… One by one she judged each threat blocking her way, failing to uncover a safe path.
Stumped, she sat and pondered. Wait… If this place is a perfect recreation, these wild sukemon should have their normal idiosyncrasies which I can exploit. She glanced at the pirakkuns clumped together on one side. The long tongued carnivorous plants senses were focused upwards and they had difficulty noticing prey close to their roots. With Slushpup’s stealth ability, I can sneak by if I stay low. Afterwards… There! If I cover myself in mud, the Mukyuks will ignore me… Slowly she plotted her way through.
She smiled after finalizing her plan. I won’t have to fight anything. This is perfect!