"You dare mock me Merecritt?" The Doervus spoke with its mouthless face. The deer creature's red orbs gleamed with a mixture of rage… and disappointment, an almost pitiful sight.

I could only blink as my ears pricked, after understanding its words.

It spoke? Of course, it did. And how was it possible for a creature—without any discernible mouth—to speak. Was it using telepathy or some other form of communication?

But before I could even further consider those questions, the Doervus spoke again, this time with a more resigned tone. "Merecritt, you do not know what you are doing. By sparing my life, you have sealed your own fate. The other creatures of this world will see you as weak and easy prey. They will hunt you without mercy."

The Doervus's words took me aback. I agreed with it... but... was this world truly so dangerous? Was every single creature that inhabited it really at risk of hunting and killing me?

However, as I thought about my brief time here—not even a day had passed, if there's a concept of time in this place—I realized that since my arrival in this world, the creatures here had attacked me without remorse.

But even as the fear of what might happen to me began to take hold, I couldn't shake the sense that sparing the Doervus's life had been the right thing to do. Something deep inside me told me that there was more to this world than just survival of the fittest.

With a deep breath, I spoke again. "I don’t care."

The Doervus appeared stunned.

"And no," I locked eyes with the Doervus, "I am not mocking you. I am sparing your life. That is final, and I vow to uphold those words," I repeated, attempting to make myself understood. "Especially when you no longer intend to or seek to harm me."

The Doervus continued to stare at me, its expression unreadable. Then, it spoke again, this time with a softer tone.

"Why?"

It was a simple question, but it caught me off guard. I had never really thought about why I spared the lives of my enemies before. I guess it was because I didn't want to become a monster myself, to lose my humanity in the face of adversity.

"Doervus. I spare you because I don't want to become a monster. I want to retain my humanity, even in this strange world," I said, hoping that it would understand.

The Doervus didn't say anything for a while, but it seemed to be contemplating my words. Then, it spoke again. "I see. You are strange, Merecritt, yet your words hold truth. Other Eldriyssals would have never show mercy to their enemies."

"Eldriyssals?" I repeated, confused by the term.

"That is what we are called, Merecritt. The creatures of this world, the beings who roam the vast and numerous realms of the Abyss. We are all Eldriyssals." The Doervus explained. "How do you not know this?" Its eyes sparkled with intrigue, "You are a Merecritt, are you not?"

I gulped. Yeah… about that... I wanted to say, but I couldn't be too careful about my origins.

The Doervus examined me carefully, "Surely you must have some knowledge of this world?"

I did not. I may have been a Merecritt in form, but I was Human in mind and heart—still new to this world and everything that came with it.

The term Eldriyssal was one I had never heard before, wait… I believe the G.A.I.A. mentioned it during its analysis? Still, it would take some time getting used to.

Not only that, but it was also a strange feeling, to be given a name for the inhabitants of this world. It made it all the more real, and all the more alien. But at least now, I had a name for them.

"I am new to this world," I admitted, "I don't know much about it or its inhabitants. But I want to learn. I want to find a way back home. Can you help me with that?"

The Doervus tilted its head, considering my request. "I do not know of any way to help you, Merecritt. My knowledge is limited to the time period of my existence, and I have never ventured out far within this extensive zone—the UvoSath."

It then paused before speaking again, "Yet, I have seen firsthand that you mean well, especially with our conversation." Its eyes narrowed. "There might be other beings with the answers you seek, but I can hardly imagine any of those Eldriyssals will ever lend their assistance, especially to us at the lowest levels of our kind."

So, Rank F is the lowest…Disappointment washed over me as that realization sank in.

If the Eldriyssals are indeed as hostile as I have confirmed through my personal experience, then undoubtedly, finding the answers I need will be more challenging than anticipated. Unnecessary fighting holds no appeal for me, but should it come to that, I will exert every effort I could muster to ensure my survival without a shred of doubt.

"Your words have made things a little clearer in understanding this world, thank you." I nodded my gratitude to the Doervus, "Is there anything that I could do for you?" I went and gazed at the two separated portions of the Doervus with a nervous frown.

Yeah… After conversing with the Doervus. I felt a bit worse.

As I turned my gaze back to the Doervus’s face, I noticed that it seemed as though the creature was taking consideration toward accepting my aid. Eventually, it spoke, “I do not believe there is much that a creature with your capabilities can do for one such as I. Leave me here to my fate; you're the one who emerged victorious."

"No. I refuse,” I gestured a paw in its direction. "I cannot do that."

I genuinely could not do such a thing, especially to the first being I held a conversation with. Was there no other option? I had to think for a moment.

Maybe I could find some materials to stitch the Doervus back together? I examined the clearing, only to discover that there was not much here to mend the Doervus. All it will lead me to do is venture out into the forest around us, and who knows what would happen if I were to leave.

"Was there no other options?" I whispered to myself.

"There is one." The Doervus spoke again, catching my attention. "The very least you can do is absorb the abyssal particles that are dispersing from me. It would be a waste if you didn’t." Its head gestured to the particles drifting out from the exposed parts of its wounds.

I gritted my teeth, as I watched the particles continue to seep out from the Doervus. There was more to it, I could feel it, if I were to absorb the particles.

The Doervus continued. "Do you not seek answers in this world, Merecritt? If you are to acquire them, then you must attain power through all means or else you will be doomed to fail." Its eyes proceeded to glisten with a solemn but doleful gaze. "I cannot promise that my kin will not come after you, but I respect your decision."

I took a closer look at the Doervus, and I confirmed that the particles were made of some sort of energy, slowly dissipating into the air, leaving behind only a faint residue.

I had no idea what it could mean, but one thing was clear—the Doervus was not a mere physical entity. It was made of something else, something much more mysterious.

It had mentioned something about abyssal particles, a term that keeps being mentioned, a plausible magic to this world? Or simply a source of energy that grants life to these entities.

Lastly, are all Eldriyssals, and even myself like this?

I went to check the wound where the Doervus had bitten me during our engagement, and I winced as my sight fell on it.

It was there that I saw those same particles drifting out from the wound.

I turned back to the Doervus, and my curiosity got the better of me. I cautiously approached it.

As I got closer, I noticed that the particles were not just harmless dust but rather, they were a strange mix of glowing colors and odd shapes. As I peered closer, I suddenly felt a strange pull, an alluring force that was urging me to touch them.

I hesitated briefly, but this urge overcame me and before I knew it, my small and delicate paws reached out for it…

And I ignored the particles.

Further reaching out my tiny paw, I placed a it on the injured Doervus. Instantly, I felt a surge of energy flow through me. It was like a spark of electricity, and it made me comprehend something else.

Slowly, I began to channel the energy through my own body, feeling it course through me with an invigorating warmth. Soon, the Doervus lay before me, its gaze curious and vigilant. With a gentle touch, I placed both of my paws on its bowed head, feeling the soft fur beneath my pads.

I closed my eyes and focused on the Doervus, willing my energy to flow into its body and ease its pain. As I did, I felt a connection between us, a bond of shared experience.

This was the least I could do, but it was everything to me.

 

─ NEXUS Awakened!

 

A voice resounded, except it was not the G.A.I.A.'s. Oddly enough, it sounded like someone I knew. Who? I was not sure…

 

─ Mercy: You have shown mercy towards another Eldriyssal in this unforgiving dimension. This has resulted in a bond to form between the user known as Aera and the Eldriyssal known as the Doervus.

─ Budding Bond: You have bonded with a Doervus! Your bond has increased from 'Faint' to 'Mild'. This means that your relationship status with this creature is no longer considered that of prey-predator but instead is akin to having an acquaintance—in fact, it is possible that your relationship may develop into something greater in time.

─ Do you wish to activate the Nexus to further this bond?

 

I blinked in surprise, my mind reeling from the sudden influx of information. A bond with the Doervus? That was unexpected, considering our encounter.

But as I looked into the creature's eyes, I realized that the bond was real, and that it was a result of my decision to spare its life.

However, I wasn't sure to completely trust this new voice. I had never heard of the Nexus except for it being listed as one of my inherited skills, but it seemed to be some kind of system that measured my interactions with the other Eldriyssals. Yet, if it was offering me the chance to further my bond with the Doervus, then maybe it was worth exploring.

Maybe it will allow me to save the Doervus, even if that would be wishful thinking.

Taking a deep breath, I focused on interacting with the Nexus.

"Yes," I said, my voice trembling with excitement. "I want to activate the Nexus to deepen my bond with the Doervus."

 

— NEXUS Activated

 

Out of nowhere, a levitating diamond with wings materialized from thin air. A voice spoke out from the crystal.

"Greetings, Aera, do not be alarmed. I am the Nexus, a tool designed to facilitate the bond between you and the Eldriyssals. Your bond with the Doervus has been recognized and approved. Do you accept the terms and conditions of the bond?"

 

 

At first, I wasn't sure what the bond would entail. But the allure of the unknown was too great, and I found myself nodding in agreement before I could second-guess myself.

 

"Yes, I accept."

 

"Very well," the Nexus said, as it turned towards the Doervus, "The final configuration for this bond is dependent on the Doervus and their willingness to enter into this bond. Doervus, do you accept the terms and conditions of the bond with Aera?"

The Doervus looked at me for a long moment, its eyes studying me. Then, it turned to the Nexus and spoke.

 

"I accept the terms and conditions of the bond with Aera."

 

With those words, the Nexus began to glow brightly as the bond between the Doervus and I was sealed. Warmth spread through my body as I felt the bond growing stronger by the second.

 

BOND ACCEPTED!

─ Status Changed!

─ NEW Connection Status: ALLY

─ You have formed a bond with the DOERVUS

─ BOND LEVEL: 

[⭐️(1-STAR)] → [⭐️⭐️(2-STARS)]

 

In succession, a soft glow began to emanate from the Doervus, and its segmented halves started to knit themselves back together before my very eyes.

The particles that had been leaking from its wounds swirled around the Doervus’s body, coalescing into a healing energy that seemed to defy all logic. It was a breathtaking sight, and I couldn't help but be amazed by the power that was at work. In that moment, I realized that I was witnessing something truly extraordinary.

While I watched in awe as the Doervus's wounds healed before my very eyes, the same particles that had been escaping from the eldritch deer started to swirl around me in a miniature galaxy of colors and shapes. Before I knew it, they were absorbed into my body. It was as if I had been infused with a new kind of energy, a power beyond anything I had ever experienced before.

I felt a surge of power rushing through my veins and my heart raced with a new intensity. It was like a wave of energy, coursing through me and making me feel more alive than I had ever felt before! My own wounds had closed up from this odd, but magical process.

Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the glow around the Doervus dimmed. The particles that had been escaping its body had all but disappeared.

As the healing process finished, the Doervus stood up, its red orbs shimmering. It peered at me before leaning its head and spoke, "You. You have shown mercy where none was expected, and your words bear truth. You have earned my respect, Merecritt."

The Doervus tilted its head, "Perhaps, there are things I could learn from you." It proceeds to further dip its head, "I was mistaken to only believe that the strong should eat the weak. Your bond with me has shown this to be untrue."

Eat… the weak, huh..? Nerve wracking as those words were, I still gave them consideration before replying.

"I believe that there is more to life than just strength and power. There is compassion, empathy, and the willingness to understand others. These are the traits that make us strong as well." I paused, looking up at the Doervus, "I think that we could learn a lot from each other, Doervus." I said with a grin, an expression that I would never expect to exhibit in this godforsaken place–all thanks to Aion…

The Doervus was silent for a moment, taking in my words. Then, it nodded slowly, "Perhaps you are right, Merecritt. Perhaps there is more to life than just ruthlessness." It then turned to look at the forest, "There are many secrets to this world that even I have yet to uncover. Perhaps, with your help, we can discover some of them together."

Looking down at my tiny paws, I realized that I had a long way to go. But at least now, I had a companion in the form of the Doervus, and that was something that I could cling to in these uncertain times.

I smiled. It seemed like things were finally starting to look up for me in this strange and alien world.

"Of course," I said with resolve in my voice. "Let's explore this world together, Doervus."

The Doervus nodded and kowtowed in a gesture to allow me to get on its back.

With a mighty leap, I accepted the offer, and was awfully surprised as to how soft its pelt was.

As the Doervus and I disappeared into the trees, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way for me to survive in this world without sacrificing my humanity. And there might be others like the Doervus who saw the world in a different light—those who were not hellbent on merciless and brutal aggression.

One Eldriyssal had a change of heart, so maybe others who inhabit this world could too?

 

◇ ◇ ◇

 

"I sense a great potential within this bond," the Nexus said, its voice tinged with excitement, "May it bring forth great things for both of you. The bond has been sealed and completed. Good luck on your journey, Aera, and godspeed on the bonds you make. Your survival depends on it."

And with that, the winged-diamond vanished into thin air. Momentarily, a large figure, hidden in the tree canopies, hissed, as it watched observantly. A sly smile curved on its face before it headed off in another direction... Little did Aera know that this encounter was only the beginning of the dangers that lay ahead.

 

---

 

─ G.A.I.A. Online!

NEW STATUS:

─ New Bond Obtained!

─ Due to the Skill: [ Nexus ], Aera has obtained the Doervus's natural skills from the bond made with the Eldriyssal. 

Skills obtained:

• Doom Zap
• Regal Ram
• Cruel Chomp

─ However, due to the incompatibility of these skills with Aera’s current form, the skills will be converted to techniques and will be adjusted for the user:

─ Adjustment Activated!

─ Elemental Affinity Obtained: Lightning ⚡️

─ New Technique Obtained: Doom Zap (Aera)

This technique allows you to unleash a current of electricity upon your target. It can be used by charging up your electrical current using abyssal mana and discharging it at your enemy when ready!

─ New Technique Obtained: MereSphere - Doom Zap (Aera)

This technique allows you to unleash an orb of electricity upon your target. It can be used by charging up your electrical current and abyssal mana and unleashing it at your enemy when ready!

─ New Technique Obtained: Regal Ram (Aera)

This technique allows your Merecritt ears to harden with abyssal mana and strike your opponent with a devastating blow!

─ New Technique Obtained: Cruel Chomp (Aera)

Your fangs will sharpen with abyssal mana and make quick work of any prey that stands before you. The more powerful your bite is against a creature, the greater damage inflicted!

─ G.A.I.A. Offline!