12 The Grind (1/2)

Valerian led us through the village and back towards the Grootslang den. As we walked, we got to know each other better. We talked about funny moments from our past, our friends and family, things we have done, all kinds of things.

From the conversation, I was able to understand a lot about Valerian. After he gained control of his abilities Corytheius let him live in the village. He is an energetic guy who enjoys making friends and isn't afraid to be at the center of attention. More importantly I can tell he is the loyal type, the kind who will standby someone no matter what. Eventually, we made it to the Grootslang den. Valerian had us stop about 100 meters away.

He whispered to me, ”We have to be careful, according to reports there can be as many as 20 Grootslang offspring around the cave at any time. We will have to draw them over here in twos or threes to kill them. It'll be an arduous process but we will be able to kill quite a few this way.”

I looked at his nervous face. Part of me wanted to laugh and explain my new ability to him, but the other part of me decided it would be more fun to see his reaction.

Before Valerian could say anything else I dashed towards the cave.

I could hear him shouting behind me, ”It's too dangerous! Troy! Stop!”

For a second I thought he would try to slow me with his vines, but for some reason, he didn't. He just chased after me. However, with a 10 dexterity, I was just fast enough to stay ahead of him. I quickly arrived in front of the cave. Valerian continued shouting for me to come back and turn around.

When I got within 20 feet of the cave numerous Grootslang offspring swarmed towards me. There had to be at least 30 of them.

I couldn't help thinking, maybe I should have practiced this before I tried to use it against so many at once. For a moment I slowed down and fear began to creep into my mind. I quickly calmed my mind, I needed to have domineering thoughts and direct them towards my enemy.

I began to think of all the events in my past life, how many times I was forced to bend my knee for someone else. How many times my hard earned rewards were taken for someone else's gain. I thought about how much I would make those people suffer. How I would rise to the peak of the human race, looking down on them.

My back straightened as I glared at the Grootslang offspring. The air around me seemed to stagnate. The offspring immediately froze, they slowly bent their heads down.

Valerian caught up to me grabbing my shoulder like he wanted to pull out of danger. He was about to start dragging me backwards but suddenly stopped.”

Troy. What... What is going on?”

I turned around, his face a mix of confusion and fear.

”Don't worry they are under my control.”

His jaw dropped, I couldn't help but bust out laughing. It just looked hilarious with his leafy eyebrows arched up and his wooden mouth hanging open. It looked like the perfect place for a bird's nest. I almost fell to the ground in laughter.

I explained the effects of the Snake King Aura and how ALIC can allow humans to gain certain abilities from enemies we kill. A huge grin grew on his face.