Chapter 6: Magi-Beast Marshogi
Author's note:
Finally the next chapter is out and now. The very first magi-beast fight for the heroes. Many things will happen here, but saying anything other than the action being explosive would be saying too much. If you are wondering though, Magi-Beasts are going to be a recurring creature in this story. Of course I am going to skip the weaker ones and skip straight to the strong ones which can be considered the G-Rank of this world. How many monsters that may show up is uncertain, but I will be flexing my thinking muscle for this anyway. That is all I have to say for now, hope you enjoy the chapter! If you have any thoughts please tell me. This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off.
/
Ankha's P.O.V.
The open entrance was indeed intimidating but needing to solve this issue we all walk through without hesitation. No sooner after we pass the gate the way back was immediately covered in a wall of thorny ivy and other vine like plants. I overheard Nacho sigh and mumbling about how that it feels like the start to an RPG game dungeon. Isabelle was slightly shaking, and I don't blame her, this is truly something new we never experienced before. It didn't help that what was in front of us is a twisted forest. Darken and corrupted by whatever is causing this mess in the first place.
"Oh dear…this is a Magi-Beast den, only the strongest of the Magi-beasts can warp the land around them and create this den. We must tread carefully, who knows what we are dealing with."
"Thanks for the input Azhum, let's stick together everyone. Safety in numbers," Nacho proclaimed, we universally agreed as it would be foolish to separate. Yes, we could have covered more ground, but also it would have left us open to be taken out one by one.
"I feel like something is watching us…" Isabelle said shakily as she looked around.
"It's going to be alright Isabelle, you are much stronger than you were before."
"Ah right, I am," She took a deep breath, "Thank you Ankha, you would think after fighting large monsters with you and Nacho I would have stronger nerves against these kinds of things."
"It's alright Isabelle, just don't freeze when a fight does break out."
"Got it, you can do this Isabelle!"
I gave a small laugh as my canine lover mentally pumped herself up. Frankly it was a nice moment of levity in a tense situation. Nacho himself just playfully rolled his eyes as he returned his gaze forward to keep watch as we made our way through the twisted forest. My own senses can feel danger staring at us from the shadows, but none dare to step into our line of sight. Either waiting for a moment of weakness or respect as Nacho was emitting a beastly aura that he often used to keep wildlife from attacking us. Whatever it is, I couldn't afford to lower my guard.
We walked for a few more minutes through the dark forest until finally something happened. We stopped in place as suddenly animalistic noises from various wildlife from the forest began to pick up. The noises of deer, wolves, squrriels, Rabbits, and even birds. It was crazy and my danger sense was warning me from all corners of the area around us. Still the danger never stepped out.
"We are surrounded," I said quietly to Nacho.
"Yeah, this is going to get messy. Not enough ammo to take them all on."
"Then we shall show them the dance of blades?"
"I see no better way to deal with this, Isabelle, ready for the dance of blades maneuver?"
"Oh, that! Um sure!"
"Do you three mind filling us in what your talking about?" Diva asked with an annoyed tone in her voice.
I only smirked at this, "Oh it's just something we developed together as a couple. We had a lot of free time, so combat practice was one of our daily activities in our relationship."
"You guys are the weirdest couple I ever met."
Suddenly, the animals staring at us finally pounced. Taking our casual conversation as an opening in our defenses. Corrupted wildlife covered in twisted green and blue growths began attacking on all sides. Remembering the maneuver; Isabelle and I gathered near Nacho and put our backs to each other. Weapons drawn we fought the enemies that came our way, I slashed through a couple of corrupted wolves and kicked away corrupted rabbits trying to bite my toes. Nacho effortlessly decapitated corrupted bobcats but began having trouble when quicker flying corrupted bats showed up. Looking ahead I saw a corrupted bear coming at me, it would take some effort with just my skill alone. I fired a few fire balls at it which stopped it a little bit before resuming its charge.
"Nacho! Switch!"
"On it Ankha!"
In a display of teamwork and my own acrobatic ability, I did a wide side jump over Nacho as he moved under me. My wide movements smacking down a couple of bats as I quickly dispatched the remaining ones with quick and precise slashes. Nacho on the other hand was able to match the bear's strength and disarmed the monster before ramming one of his blades into the throat of the beast and kicking it to the side.
"Nacho, Ankha! Deer!" Isabelle shouted as we both looked over and saw a stag charging at our canine lover. She had her shield up, but the force would certainly knock her over.
Immediately Nacho backed her up and act as her anchor while I backed up a bit. To no surprise, the stag crashed into Isabelle's shield but thanks to Nacho she was able to hold it off. With the corrupted animal stuck in a deadlock I made my move. I ran towards Nacho's back and used him as a footstool as I leapt over both my lovers and the animal's head and landed onto the beast's back. In this new position, I immediately used my two blades to decapitate the corrupted animal before leaping off the dead body and landing next to my lovers. We all smiled at each other for just a moment before returning to the conflict at hand.
The battle lasted for a few more minutes before the attack stopped finally. Once it did, we were surrounded by the bodies of dead corrupted animals that slowly began to disintegrate. We took this time to catch our breath and refresh ourselves.
"Well, that was one heck of a welcome…whew!" Nacho began stretching a bit with a few satisfying cracks.
"You're telling me! Something really doesn't want us here!" Diva exclaimed as she went to fixing her hair.
"It is the magi-beast, it knows we are here now. The beasts are it's security system and them attacking us was it's way of trying to slow us and weaken us," Azhum explained.
"So, the beast knows tactics. No wonder we lost so much of our own to it," Rock skipper mused, he began to look around. Possibly trying to see if there was anything out of place. Something I did already by rotating my ears for any sounds.
"Then it is truly malevolent then," Mountain Striker concluded, "The beast must die tonight or who knows what damage it will cause."
"Then we continue forward until we find the magi-beast," Amr said with resolution.
No one else had anything to say so we continued our journey through the corrupted forest. More encounters happened as we passed through, but they were less than the welcome we received at the beginning; we easily cut them down. Eventually, the forest turned more into a marshland and even though this wasn't my first time in such an environment I really didn't like getting my feet wet in dirty water. It was a bit of a slog as the marshy swamp slowed our movements a bit. Frankly it was quite unsettling to see the trees become so twisted just by the influence of the magi-beast.
"Ah…I feel at home here," Diva said with a smile growing on her face.
"Is that because you are a frog?" I couldn't help but shake my head as I heard Nacho make that comment.
"No, because the water has wonderful skin care capabilities. No dur Nacho, frogs always like wetlands. Why do you think most of us run around in the rain without an umbrella?"
"Uh…not exactly where I thought that question would go, sheesh sorry for asking."
"Well it is a question with an obvious answer Nacho, why would you ask that?"
"Well…I was wondering if it was a specie thing as there was these strange frogs or technically toads for some of them back in the old world that would live in dry volcanic climates."
A big O formed on my mouth as I recalled seeing those creatures hopping about back during our hunts and various other quests in the old world. Now I can see the way of thinking behind that question now. A bit dumb yes, but it really is just a curious question. Diva herself was stunned by this and was looking at Nacho like he was some kind strange alien with no common sense.
"Oh…uh…I got no words for that. You must have seen a lot of strange animals' man."
"You have no idea Diva," Nacho responded as we continued our trek.
We kept walking until we ran into a clearing and suddenly my danger sense flared up again. I drew my blades in response, "We got company, in the water somewhere!"
Everybody else got their weapons ready as we prepared for an incoming attack as we kept our eyes to the water. No surprise I saw something moving on the surface, a ridged back of an alligator coming in fast. Not too long after spotting that one more showed up. However, to make a bad situation worse, four giant spiked plant tendrils rise from the water. This made my eyes bulge a bit as I didn't expect this to happen. The four tendrils immediately strike down to pierce Mountain Striker, Amr, Lucky, and Nacho. They managed to dodge and counter the plant limbs which only left the remaining members including myself to deal with the gators.
"Isabelle, Diva, Rock Skipper! We got gators to take care of!" I shouted as the overgrown lizards swam straight at us with mouths wide open.
The marsh was slowing our movement and made it harder for us to move. So, I made sure to keep my movements precise as I moved through the foot-high water. I switched to my bow and carefully aimed the arrow at the eyes of the one heading straight at the one coming at me directly. Breathing slowly, I fired off two arrows in rapid succession which hit their mark and blinded the beast. It thrashed and roared in pain as now it no longer can see me. I charged some fire magic into the tip of my next arrow and fired it into the gullet of the beast and caused to exploded from within where it became still. The other gators met their match as Diva effortlessly manipulated the water around the one aiming at her and ensnared it before using the water to smack it around and into the alligators.
I had to support Isabelle as she had braced herself for the coming attack and used her shield to jam the reptile's mouth. It struggled with the piece of equipment, but this also left it open to me shooting it in the eyes as well which in it's agony caused it to flip over and allowed Isabelle to deliver the finishing blow on the soft underbelly.
Rock Skipper took the most reckless approach as he threw high speed stones threw the water and smack into the face of his beast which made it angrier. However, that only served as a distraction as to my amazement began skipping on the surface of the water and out maneuvered the gator as he kicked the beast belly side up before he plunged the dagger into the throat of the beast. It struggled for quite a while before becoming still.
Out of all of us, in my opinion Diva was the most at her element as she didn't have to move from her spot, but Rock Skipper's water skipping is the most impressive skill I seen a person have. Regardless we turn our attention to the other four of our group and not surprisingly they just got done with their aggressors. One of the plant tendrils falling to the side, sliced and torn to shreds by blades and some claws. Nacho was dusting himself off as he approached us.
"Well, that was bit more of a handful than I thought, how did things pan out for you guys?"
"It wasn't that hard, just a few arrows to the eyes and the rest was history," I said as I played off the situation coolly. This only earned a smile from Nacho as he knew I was just exaggerating how we took care of the situation. I'll admit, the room for error is small. Just one of them getting their jaws on us can end our life easily. Well…for anybody who isn't me or Diva plus Lucky and Amr.
"Something tells me that isn't the worst of what we are going to run into," Isabelle added as she caught up with us.
As if it wanted to respond to Isabelle's words. A haunting howl was heard echoing across the marshland. I will admit that it unnerved me a bit, but this is no doubt the Magi-Beast that we are hunting for. Looking ahead, we can see a pillar of green light that reached the sky. It was an astounding sight and I mentally wondered if this is one of the mana wells Azhum talked about before.
"We're getting close, the Magi-beast is near that Mana Well," Azhum cut in as he floated out of the bag, "And I know what kind of beast we are dealing with now. A Marshogi, the feral swamp shaman. This is a plant like Magi-beast that can corrupt and control the swamp it resides in. It will attack us with plants, wildlife, and of course swamp magic. Swamp magic is just a fancy way of saying that it uses fire magic and poison magic."
The talking tome opened himself up to a page with the image of the monster in question. It is an strange amalgamation of what looks to be a monkey and a tree. To our surprise, this is a high-powered Magi-Beast and something that gold rank adventurers usually take on.
"Great, so we are dealing with a swamp monkey that has complete control of its environment? That's a new one, this won't be easy like that Azuro's looking one we beaten so easily," Nacho mused.
"Yes, but that isn't the most troubling part. This Magi-Beast is usually found in the Marshlands which is literally two regions away from here. It shouldn't even be here! Somethings not right, it's unnatural."
"Then we must exterminate it, it is polluting our lands and we can only imagine the damage it can cause if it breaks through the forest," Mountain Shaker said as he pounded his fists together.
"Yes, this plague needs to end now," Rock Skipper added.
"Then let us proceed but stay on your guard all of you. It is a tricky monster that will do what it can to mislead you during the fight. Even though it can use fire magic, it is still weak to attacks of that element. Mainly because of the swamp gas is uses to enhance its magic. Use this to your advantage when possible."
We all agreed and made our way towards the mana well. A few smaller annoyances came along the way, but the animal attacks ceased as we approached the well. We made sure to share some drinks to refresh a bit before our encounter with the Marshogi. I still have some thoughts about the monster, especially the point that Azhum brought out not too long ago. How it shouldn't be in this location. I'm no expert on the life cycles of magi-beasts or how often they are created, but from what I listened to, they are very regional based only. So, something must have brought here somehow. However, I don't have enough information to give a solid guess.
I could only mentally prepare myself as we stepped into the area where the mana well is. It is an arena surrounded by corrupted vegetation and swampy marshes. No sooner after all of us made it in, the way back was immediately covered by a thick wall of thorny vines. Typical, I think by this point something like this should be expected at this point. Of course, once that was done the creature made its presence known as it made a howling noise as it leapt out of the shadows and landed in front of us. The accursed beast smelled terrible and is a lot bigger in person as it towered over us by being what I estimate to be fourteen feet tall. The feral shaman looked at us with piercing red and yellow eyes before tapping its staff and howling to the sky. The battle is finally on as we took battle ready positions as the creature beat its chest and leapt back to gain distance from us.
"You're all bark pal!" Nacho shouted as the creature summoned more corrupted beasts to attack us, "Isabelle, Lucky, Amr, and Mountain Shaker! Aggro control now!"
"Aggro control? What is he talking about Ankha?" Diva asked as the heavy hitters rushed and took on the opposing minions and stopped them in their tracks.
"In a nutshell, they take care of the small fry for us while we keep our attention to the main target."
"Ah, so that explains why he called Mountain Shaker," Rock Skipper added.
"Yeah, still let's stick together and take care of that crazy monkey."
We snuck off from the action as we kept our eyes on the Marshogi. Lucky for us the magi-best was too caught up in its efforts attacking the main group. Slinging balls of fire from its staff, the fireballs are much more explosive than normal. The swamp gas feeding the fire and the impact causing it to blow up like a bomb. I know it was the gas as the smell wasn't easy to miss. It was repugnant and horrible to my nostrils. It is clear that the swamp fumes are coming from the staff, but after observing the beast in action the gas is released from its mouth and the palms of its hands. However, they seem to have some kind of port that closes when not in use.
"Well I found the gas ports, but it looks like it won't as easy to set them off as we think."
"They open and close, do they?"
"In laymen's terms, yes. Only when it is prepping a fire spell it will be open."
"Well you are the only one who can sling fire spells around Ankha, well other than Azhum but me and Skippy here will do our best to distract that crazy monkey and bait it."
"Thanks Diva, let's do this."
We broke off as I lingered and stalked in the shadows as Diva and Rock Skipper went off to provoke the Marshogi. I watched as the monster was immediately hit by a wave of water from Diva and pelted with high speed rocks from Skipper. This not only threw off the monster, but also enraged it as it swings its staff at them. I stalked in closer and watched carefully as it attacked the duo. Attempting to whack them with its staff and body, but after trading blows the creature had enough and began howling as it tapped it staff on the ground. Summoning plant vines to snag and ensnare the two.
I mentally cursed as the creature laughed and opened it opened the port on its open hand and lit a flame on the staff. I saw my chance and ran out in the defense of my allies; the creature was surprised by my sudden appearance and was even more surprised when I shot out a fire ball into the port in its hand. Almost immediately the hand exploded and splinters of wood and blood as it backed away from us yowling in pain. The massive damage also had the effect of causing the plant tendrils to go limp and the corrupted creatures to stop attacking.
"Whoa, after you blew it's hand up everything it was controlling just went and stopped moving," Diva said as she prepared a high-pressure water blast spell.
"It must have lost focus, everyone attack now!"
Flailing in pain, the creature didn't catch a break as attacked it while it was down. Nacho and the others joining in after dealing with the creatures. The armor they wore was scratched to heck, but otherwise they held out and was doing serious damage to the monster as wood and flesh went flying. Diva using her water magic and me using my fire magic to deal our own kind of damage to the beast. After enough damage was done, it retained it's footing and gave a loud howl that stunned us all as we had to cover our ears.
It jumped away from us and began slamming its feet on the ground in pure rage. It's eyes glowed red as endless swamp gas began pouring out of its destroyed limb. It tapped it's staff again as the gas turned black and it began pouring it everywhere from it's mouth, staff and hand. Before we knew it, the arena was covered in a thick black fog that obscured our vision of the monster. It gave off a high-pitch sinister laugh as the only glowing light in the darkness was the mana well. But that changed as well as the glowing red eyes of the creature appeared and began floating around the darkness.
"This is not good; I can't even see a foot in front of me!" Nacho shouted.
"Same! It created a fog?!" Isabelle added, a bit panicked by the new situation.
"This must be one of the tricks Azhum talked about! Stay on your guard!"
"You don't need to tell me twice Ankha, just stay close!"
It was easy to pick out Nacho from his shouting thanks to my hearing, but before I could make it over to him the pair of red eyes stopped in front of me and loomed over me. It was unsettling for sure, but not enough to deter me. That is before the eye spilt into multiple pairs, a total of six that surrounded me and stared me down. I didn't know what this meant as this had to be another trick by the beast, but my danger instincts told me that danger was everywhere. That was impossible unless the beast really was surrounding me. My answer quickly came as I sensed something at me from behind and in response I immediately ducked. The brief breeze that passed told me that I just avoided a swipe from an attack. Shortly after that brief encounter the eyes moved around and changed positions, telling me the creature moved.
"This isn't good…where is it?"
"Ankha? Ankha! Where are you?" I heard Nacho shout.
"We're surrounded too! We could use some help!" Isabelle added.
Hearing that stunned me, they were surrounded too? How? I thought the creature was only coming after me. This meant the creature was messing with all of us and thanks to the fog our senses can't accurately pinpoint where he is unless we create a field of frenzy. This creature is a lot cleverer than I thought it would be. It isn't on the same level as the Shagaru Magala, but it is a force to be reckoned with.
"Just which one of us has the real one?" I thought out loud, but during my mental examination of the situation I felt something grab my feet. I looked down to see plant vines ensnaring my feet, but before I could react to it, I was assaulted by a flurry of whip like strikes. I could do nothing however and ended up having to bear the strikes which stung my flesh. After a few seconds the strikes stopped and was given a brief respite, but I knew that something worse was coming my way.
A foul smell penetrated my nose and I knew what it wanted to do, blow me up. Quickly, I gave the vines at my feet a few clean strikes before freeing myself. Once I was free, I quickly picked a direction and ran invoking my quick speed, but even then, I couldn't get out of the blast radius in time. An explosion went off behind me and I felt a mix of heat and force blow me forward. I managed to recover quickly by rolling, but I was still stuck with the issue of not being able to sense the beast.
"Ankha! Are you okay?!"
"I'm fine love! Just scuffed up a bit!"
Thank the gods that being chosen makes me unable to be scarred with supernatural regeneration. I wouldn't be as beautiful as I am now based on my history. Granted I was a bit angry with this monster, but I shouldn't lose my cool. That is what it wants and the last thing I want to do is give a creature what it wants. I slowed my breathing as I did my best to focus my hearing even though it was ringing slightly from the explosion. I can hear my lovers and allies defending themselves from the creature's attacks, but the beast itself proved to be elusive from my hearing.
"Beast Trigger, Silver Rathalos!"
I heard Nacho shout and transform before letting out a roar which took the creature by surprise as I felt it stumble a bit near me. Possibly feeling Nacho's new presence, it lost focus and because of that I locked onto it. With a smirk, I leapt at the creature and grabbed onto its leg. I the beast immediately reacted and attempted to shake me off as I dug my blades into the appendage before pulling it out and stabbing a soft spot I found behind the wooden armor. The monster roared in pain, but I was literally attached to it like a flea and would not be shaken off easily. I felt some movement in the air and immediately shifted to the side as the wooden staff came down and nearly hit me. Instead hitting the monster's own foot and causing it to howl in pain as it raised its foot higher into the air.
"I see you!" I heard Nacho shout out. Suddenly, before I knew it, I was launched into the air as the black fog cleared as I bear witness Nacho in his beast trigger form tackling the beast to the floor.
"Umm…somebody catch me!"
Nacho immediately turned around, saw me, and flew in to catch me. He caught me bridal style and I couldn't help but sigh in relief.
"Whew, just in time huh?"
"May I remind you, that I wouldn't be in that situation if you didn't recklessly tackle the monster?"
"Oh uh…"
Nacho gave a bashful look and turned away from me out of embarrassment, but I stopped him by simply grabbing his head, "It's fine love, as a reminder though, I may land on my feet but it's still going to hurt from this distance. So, thanks for the save."
I gave him a quick kiss which gave him a smile before he helped me quickly get back on the ground. Just in time too as the monster recovered and was looking worse for wear. I can see the stab wounds I gave it on its right leg and the cracked chest from Nacho's tackle. It was tired after that full-on assault and as a result is panting and drooling. It gave off weaken growls as it attempted to release gas from its staff. However, it was struggling to do so. Nacho immediately called for an attack for the creature's legs in order to knock it down. He on the other hand went straight for the staff and fired a fireball from his mouth into the gas port of the staff and immediately caused it to blow up and splintered into multiple pieces.
The explosion immediately stunned the beast and we had no problem knocking it down. The beast shifters taking on their animal forms and the rest of us stabbing and slicing the more vulnerable areas. However, our assault came to an end as a sudden wave of magic pushed us all back. Suddenly the creature leapt into the air and far from us, crackling with dark energy before it gave on last mighty howl as more wildlife showed up. Immediately a mix of large boars, bears, Deer and Alligators went in to attack us. We fended them off, but I saw this was only a distraction.
Looking beyond the horde I saw some the animals were being eaten by the beast for it to regain strength. We tried plowing through, but it was too late as the creature stopped eating after finally having its fill. I gave a powerful howl as it lunged at us with it's one arm. We scattered immediately as it slammed into the dirt and growled at all of us. Almost immediately it opened its mouth and began shooting a stream of fire, a flamethrower as you will. As for its remaining hand it began spewing purple clouds of what anybody could guess is a poison cloud. It was slowly waving them around ins a wide motion to keep us away. Occasionally the streams would connect and cause an explosion.
"We aren't going to get near it at this rate!" I heard Diva shouted.
"We just need to get behind it! But that gas and fire stream is blocking the way!" Isabelle added.
"Nacho! You're fireproof right? Can you make an opening?" I looked over to my currently dragonized lover.
"Heat resistant technically, but yeah I can. Not too crazy about that poison gas though."
"Then just avoid that, we need to you to get through that offense!"
"Will do!"
We kept our distance as Nacho braved the fires to get to the beast. There wasn't much we can do but stand by as Diva kept the fire from getting too close with her water magic. Her magic is on par with the flamethrower but couldn't overpower it. However, we didn't have to wait long as he jump up and uppercut the monster in the face and knocked it back as it closed its jaw shut just for a moment. This shut off the poison gas from the remaining hand and once the remaining gas cleared, we ran in for the attack. Nacho was already ahead of us as he pulled the vent open forcefully and gave me an opening shot as I fired another fireball into the vent. Another explosion ensured and now the monster has no hands anymore.
Yet, the creature still stood up. Enraged, and worse for wear as now even the jaw is broken and hangs loosely. It was astounding how much punishment this beast was taking and still getting up. Reminds me of Nacho's near-death experiences, but except he still in one piece. This thing on the other hand should be dead beyond measure.
"I guess it won't go down until we blow up the head then," Nacho commented.
"Easier said than done, look!" Diva pointed to the creature's loose mouth and showed us the gas vent inside. It was closed tight for good reason and we need to wrench it open. However, before we can form a plan the creature lunged at us, forcing us to dodge as it crashed into the dirt. It didn't care anymore, it wanted us dead.
"Rrrgghhh…*Gurgle*"
The sound it made was just disgusting as it hopped over to the nearest person and began slamming it's face into the dirt in an attempt to crush its target. It was just disturbing to see it so driven to kill even though its body is practically falling apart. Practically, its broken jaw fell off!
"The monster's mad! Never I seen a beast driven to such desperate measures!" Rock Skipper exclaimed.
"Then we need to put it out of it's misery," Amr added, "Mistress, by your order!"
"Amr, open that vent!" Diva declared.
I watched in amazement as Amr went to work, dodging the creature's slams with his weapon drawn. The crocodile man, after seeing his opening leapt into the monster's mouth and jabbing into the vent inside. The creature was helpless as it swung its head around, the gas from it's destroyed hands pouring everywhere. It wasn't long until he broke through and the last gas pocket was released, and gas was pouring everywhere. It was open for the last attack and it was time to finish it off. After Amr got out of there, Nacho and I grouped together for one last attack.
"Nacho! Together!"
"On it!"
I charged a fire ball in my hand while Nacho charged one in his mouth. Together we launched our fireballs together into the maw of the beast. The beast was only able to let out one last groan before finally exploding in a brutal explosion. We all had to look away as the pieces of the creature flew everywhere. When we looked back there was nothing left but a burning pyre that reached to the sky. The skull of the creature just landed in front of us, no life left in it.
We all let out a sigh of relief for a bit until we saw the mana well began to flash. We were surprised by this, even more so by the shock wave it gave out that pulsed throughout the entire area and perhaps the den itself. After that, the surprises kept coming as the corrupted plants began to die and the remaining corrupted creatures released from their bonds. The dead plants gave way to life as the flora began to glow green and was restored.
"Wow…is this? The power of the mana well?" I said as I was just stunned by how fast the well began restoring the tainted lands.
"It is something still being researched today," Azhum said, popping out of nowhere, "Mana wells have a great importance in the ecosystems they inhabit in. We just don't know why they exist though."
"I guess you can call it a miracle of the gods then," I said absentmindly.
"Heh, perhaps. In a world where magic is prominent, I can say with certain that can be the case."
Nacho and I regrouped with Isabelle and sat down together. Taking sighs of relief as Lucky came around and brought us health potions and some energy drinks. The task is done, the monster is slain and maybe we just prevented something bigger from happening. I doubt the guild would believe us that we slain such a mighty monster unless we bring its head. Not something pleasant, but proof is proof. However, I still have the burning question brought up by Azhum, just how did this creature ended up here if it wasn't supposed to be here? This had to be caused by somebody, but how and why?
"Something wrong Ankha?" Isabelle asked with concern.
"It's about the monster isn't it?" Nacho added.
"Yeah…just I feel like this is an omen for things to come."
They both hugged me as they sensed my unease. It help me a bit, but my experience told me to expect the worse even when hoping for the best.
/
Adolfo's P.O.V.
"Mmm…" I awaited in this accursed temple. This vile place for only one reason alone, him. The one who I sworn loyalty since the beginning.
I didn't have to wait long as a portal opened and my mastered stepped through. Gone his holy robes, replaced by dark robes decorated with symbols mixed with Egyptian religion and symbols of evil. His face obscured by shadows and the hood of his robes. The only thing I can see is his golden eyes that glow with an unearthly glow.
"Adolfo, have you been waiting for me?"
"Yes master, I have sworn loyalty to you. It is only natural that I will await your arrival."
"Ah you warm my heart with your unyielding loyalty. More than I can say than the men I was given to lead. I will reward you greatly for this when the time comes."
"Thank you master."
"Come, we must inform the master of the task he gave us."
"Yes master, Aten," It was a bitter taste in my mouth to call him my master anymore. He has long since fallen from the path given to him by the gods.
Obsession, power, and domination replaced his former noble traits. He was once a man born into royalty, but with a grander purpose. Chosen by the Egyptian gods, by Anubis no less. Yet he has thrown it all away, his destiny and his betrothed. I cannot understand why he decided this one day and continued to spiral downward. It is the only reason why I stay with him, to learn why and how.
I followed him throughout the temple until we finally reached the main chamber. A big pit was in front of us for what can be considered a large torch. As soon as we stepped in, the pit erupted in evil dark flames as a pair of piercing gold eyes stared back at us. I did my best to fight against the pressure as it began to speak in a sinister royal booming voice.
"Ah…Aten, how is my chosen? Have you done your task?"
"Yes master, the beasts are in place and should be awaken anytime now. They will certainly cause disruptions across the world. Heh, one of which has already delayed a…certain group from reaching Egyptapia."
"Then the beast has served it's purpose. What about my cult?"
"They continue to worship you in secret and away from the eyes of the leaders of Egyptapia. There are plans in trying to sway some officials or royals to our side. As for the other parts of Mythica I have yet to receive reports."
"Hmm…I wish to have those reports soon. I need to know how things are going in order for my goal to be reached."
"Yes master, I will make sure of it."
"Good Aten. As long as you don't get…distracted. Everything should proceed as planned."
"I am aware of my past failure master, for that I thank you even more for clearing my head and helping me focus."
"Yes…just remember. You will only attempt to capture Ankha after the plan is successful."
"I am aware master. I know she will be mine one day, but until then I will carry your will without question."
"Good…maintain your current goals. Make sure the cult is not discovered and weed out any spies."
"Yes master, by your will it shall be done."
"See it be so."
The being in the shadowy flames disappeared and the pressure was released from my body. I had a good feeling who is this…thing is. However, that conversation is an omen for things to come. Things I'm forced to witness to and unable to act on without compromising my position. By the gods and goddesses, I know I am guilty by association to the terrible acts committed by my master. I will gladly take any punishment that will come my way, but until then I shall stand by his side and do what can to discover the truth behind my master's fall. If possible, I shall minimize the damage he will cause in the future.
"Come Adolfo, we have some business to conduct."
"Yes master."
/
Magi-Beast Profile:
Marshogi – The Feral Swamp Shaman
Location: Umbran Marshlands.
Magic it can use: Fire, Poison, and Nature.
Status ailments that can be caused: Burn, Poisoned, Confusion.
Weakness: Fire (Greatly so in gas ports).
Summary:
A primate magi-beast that used to be an Umbran Chimpanzee until it absorbed enough mana from a mana well to transform into a magi-beast. Gaining great intelligence and great magical power in the process. They are very territorial and often try to create giant dens they call home near a mana well. Corrupting the lands, fauna, and flora to their whims and those who resist are destroyed. They are more tactical fighters that prefer to hang back and firing off spells while their minions do most of the dirty work. However, when pushed to the edge they may lose their composure and go berserk. Some even desperate enough to use self-harming tactics if it means to destroy their enemies. Male and female variants have been seen, but reproduction has not been witnessed if anything they seem to avoid each other and their non-mana powered kind.
Azhum's Thoughts:
This crazy monkey is capable of many things and rightfully earned its gold ranked status among other magi-beasts. However, they aren't invincible. First off, they tend to be overconfident and as such leave them open for some surprise tactics. Secondly, they hate fire especially aimed at their gas ports located on the palm of their hands and their throat. Any fire magic sent in there will severely damage the monster, but also enraging it. Thirdly, aim for the staff, that is how it aims its magic. Without it, it will be far less powerful. Finally, make sure it is dead, these beasts are tenacious and will fight to the bitter end unless they have been completely destroyed.