The atmosphere outside was still warm, different from the scorching heat of the burning sun. As we stepped out of the cave, I felt the sun's rays on my body, bringing a slight sense of relief. I glanced at Jaipa, who was floating above me, before turning my attention ahead, scanning for any signs of danger. After a moment, I saw nothing immediately threatening to me
"So, what's the grand plan for today?" Jaipa asked, hovering beside me. "More aimless wandering, or should we try something more exciting, like intentionally attracting predators?" He sighed and then landed on my head.
"What about the mark? Did anything happen while I wasn't with you?"
I shook my head. "I don't think anything changed. It just seems like an ordinary mark."
"But still… I don't feel good about having it."
"Oh? So, you do feel bad about something?" Jaipa laughed
My throat was parched, and I knew dehydration would kill me faster than most creatures here. "I need water." i said and turned to look at jaipa
Jaipa smirked. "Now what?"
"I would have stored water if I had anything to carry it in. But all I have are these blades. If I want even a sip, I have to go to the water source I had saw before "
Without wating much we moved pushing past a thick curtain of vines, I walked deeper into the forest The air felt different here sweet but laced with an undertone of decay.
Jaipa suddenly stopped, hovering in front of my face. "You know what would make this journey less tedious?"
I looked at him. "What?" "If you had a personality."
I stared at him blankly.
"See? That!" He waved dramatically at my face. "Most humans would respond with anger, laughter, or something!"
"Moving on," I said, stepping around him.
"Wait!" Jaipa zipped ahead, blocking my path again. "I've decided to give you lesson
today. Be grateful! Since you clearly misplaced yours, I'll be happy for both of us."
"That's unnecessary."
"LOOK AT THESE MAGNIFICENT TREES!" Jaipa floting in the air, his voice booming through the forest by the gods only i could hear his voice , "AREN'T THEY JUST SPECTACULAR? I'M FEELING SO ALIVE RIGHT NOW!"
I grabbed him mid-spin, my hand passing through his form but disrupting his movement. "Don't make noise. You could attract predators,"
I know what was i saying was actually a nonsense but if it could help me shut him up i could even become a fool for it
"Oh dear, the kid is worried about me," Jaipa whispered mockingly, batting imaginary eyelashes. "How touching."
I ignored him and continued walking, looking around the ground for any signs of any monster
After an hour of silent trekking, we neared the fallen body of the Shadowmancer, only to find a another group of creatures feasting on it
They were massive about three meters tall, with some smaller ones among them. Their bodies were a grotesque mix of bird and beast. Their heads resembled birds of prey, while the rest of their bodies had the muscular build of a wolf—except they had four legs and two additional clawed like hands appendages they used it to rip apart the Shadowmancer's corpse.
Jaipa suddenly whispered near my ear, "Those creatures are Flyhum. Known for their sharp claws and beaks."
I took cover behind a tree, peering at them cautiously
"Wow," Jaipa chuckled. "They're really enjoying the feast you prepared for them."
I ignored his looking at them i agreed on it
I was still thirsty. I hadn't had a single drop of water since last night. The Shadowmancer's body was near the water source, but I couldn't just risk my life just to drink a water what i needed to be was a patient man
I waited for a while, watching the Flyhum creatures tear into the Shadowmancer's flesh. But as time passed, it became clear they weren't leaving anytime soon. Frustrated but unwilling to take unnecessary risks, I decided to return to the cave.
Just as I turned to leave, an overwhelming sense of anxiety gripped me.
I didn't hesitate to rool to the side
A sharp bone flew past where I had just stood. It shot through the air, piercing a tree as if it were made of wax then continued, stabbing through several more before vanishing into the distance
I turned back instantly to just find a single Flyhum stood there, separate from the rest.
It was smaller than the others, but still massive compared to me. Relief washed over me not because it was smaller, but because the other Flyhum hadn't noticed me yet.
This one must have been an outcast. Too weak to fight for a place in the pack Too hungry to wait for scraps.
Now, it had found me.
It took slow steps forward, saliva dripping from its beak it looked ugly
I didn't run it was not like i couldn't i just choose to not to do that if I had run other flyhum might notice me then my survival chances would drop dramatically so Instead of running , I took deliberate steps backward
I had only one option it was to , Stay calm and I was just too good at it
The Flyhum's pace quickened. Its hunger grew impatient.
I kept walking, feigning ignorance.
And then, when it was just far enough from the others just far enough that its movements wouldn't alert them I saw its wings twitch.
It was about to leap.
I spread my own wings. Pressed my legs against the ground.
And launched myself into the sky.
The Flyhum followed immediately. It was closing the distance between us fast.
I wasn't surprised. I had only sprouted my wings a month ago. I was a human imitating a creature built for flight. I couldn't hope to match it in speed.
But I didn't need to
Arrogance was only acknowledged by a fools.
I wasn't trying to outrun it , I was just trying to run from it
The Flyhum closed our distance in on timewhen its beak snapped at my heels.
I felt the air tearing around me, the weight of its presence looming behind me.
And then With a sharp flip, I formed a square with my body at its center.
When the Flyhum's head entered the square