Monster Merchant Class: A LitRPG Adventure, page 7
Never miss leg day. Never miss merchant skill day.
I would never make the same mistake that I did with the pebble golems. Not knowing much about the Celestial Inventory everyone else had made things harder, but now I at least knew one couldn't put living creatures in them.
That made sense.
If a twelve-year-old got one in this world, I would surely get the opportunity sometime soon. Hopefully. Maybe?
“Ready?” Amara looked up at me as she stood in front of the bristlehorn and scratched its big black wet nose.
“Ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s go.” I grabbed the leather reins and handed them to Amara. “Want to lead for now?”
Amara grabbed the reins and started walking along the dirt path that generally headed south. It was well-used for now, but Duncan and Taryn both warned me that this wouldn't be the case for too long. Maybe an hour into the journey, it would turn wild and almost disappear.
“Use the force.” Earlier, Taryn made the statement. He didn't really say that, of course, but that's how I envisioned the conversation going. He really just said to keep my eyes open and use my intuition.
Same thing.
The first 30 minutes of the journey went off without any real interruptions. Some larger branches needed to be moved so that the cart could make it through, but otherwise it was uneventful.
My tracking skill did raise to level four. I used it on every creature I knew about, Amara recited, or she pointed out as they appeared. My area creature knowledge was slowly growing. Once I allocated the time to read the bestiary Duncan loaned me, I hoped to know every creature in the area. That information would benefit me in ways I couldn't even imagine yet.
Just as Taryn warned, at just over the hour mark, the trail all but disappeared. There was a crossroad that continued south, but also opened up east and west. The other directions were more traveled and worn, which made them more distinguishable.
Amara stopped, and so did the cart and bristlehorn. I watched as she looked around the area and sighed. “Haven’t been this far before. There hasn't ever been a reason.”
I grunted. “Want me to take the reins, or chop through the brush while you lead the bristlehorn through?” I shrugged. “Either way works for me.”
This was going to take a lot longer than three hours if we needed to clear the entire road south. I had it in my mind that this was some twisted plot Taryn and Duncan had together to clear the road for a mining expedition for the village or something.
Amara dropped the reins and the bristlehorn visibly relaxed its large neck muscles as if it knew work was over for now. It lowered its head and started munching on the leaves of a small sapling, nipping the top completely off. There went that tree’s future.
She leaned up against the cart and produced a chunk of dried meat and a water flask from her Celestial Inventory. Amara waved the meat in the air toward me. “Come get some, big man.”
I did, in fact, get some.
The hard meat was surprisingly tasty for travel rations. Vera had cooked a delicious dinner for us, which Amara was carrying right now. I placed the food inside one of the wooden crates, which she then stored in her Celestial Inventory. I suspected there was a way Amara could figure out something odd was in there, but to beat a dead horse again, I didn't have one, so had no clue.
We rested for a few more moments. We both drank water to wash down the dry, yet delicious, meat snack.
“Did you see that?” I stood up straight and peered into the thick vegetation beyond us. I swore something was glowing faintly in the distance. I pointed straight at what I saw.
Amara continued to lean against the wagon but turned her focus to where I was pointing. “What is it? I don't see anything, Blake.” She shook her head but continued to sweep her vision across the area I was singling out.
How did she not see it? I mean, it wasn't the brightest glow, but it definitely stood out from the rest of the forested area. Was it a skill of mine I didn't know I was using?
I didn't dare take my eyes off of whatever it was, for fear it would disappear or run off without me noticing. The figure shifted slowly parallel to our destination.
Amara moved forward, covered her eyes, and leaned toward the glowing creature.
“Holy shit, Blake. That’s a shimmer fox!”
Chapter 10
Burn this Bitch Down!
If it was a shimmer fox, it disappeared at the mention of its name. Whether the glowing stopped and I just couldn't see it anymore, or it was literally gone, I had no idea.
“Shimmer fox?” I placed my hand on the bristlehorn’s neck. It instinctively flexed at my touch. I stroked it anyway. Its large head raised, and its horns rubbed against my hand. The bristlehorn enjoyed a good scratch.
Amara continued staring in the woods. She looked stunned.
“You good?” The bristlehorn moved its head up and down. This thing acted like a giant dog seeking affection now. Better affection than aggression.
“You’ve never heard about shimmer foxes?” Amara stood up and placed both hands on her amazing hips. “Seriously? Where are you from?”
I smirked at her. “A galaxy far, far away.” This, of course, didn’t help the situation. Amara stuck her tongue out at me and then moved into the forest where the shimmer fox had previously been.
My smooth brain finally realized I should use my tracking skill.
Nothing. Figures.
“Can’t track the shimmer fox. Maybe it wasn't one?”
Amara turned and shook her fist at me. “You can’t just track a shimmer fox—they track you!” She blew stray hair out of her eyes, and didn't seem too happy with the situation. “This is either really good or really bad for us.”
“How so?” Both hands were now the bristlehorn’s rubbing post. The reaction put a smile on my face.
Amara cleared her throat and moved two steps closer to me and my new friend. “You need to take this seriously. A shimmer fox can mean your death or the best future you could imagine!”
“Well, we’re alive still, aren’t we?” I didn't understand the entire situation, and it was quite obvious.
“Shimmer foxes make one of the best animal companions and are sought by the most powerful people in the world. Like I said before, you can't truly seek them, they will seek you.” Amara laughed and smiled. “One of us might be its target, good or bad.”
I laughed. “Or maybe it wants my new friend here for lunch?” The bristlehorn was now even more unrelenting in getting its scratches. Luckily for me, he was in a harness; otherwise, I’d probably be under this more than a thousand-pound creature, dead. It’d still be rubbing on me.
Amara chortled. “As if.”
“We’ve wasted enough time.” I waved my arm around the forest. “We need to get in there and find those damned sunshard beetles. Otherwise, this whole trip will be a waste.”
“We could die now, and this trip wouldn't be a waste after seeing even a glimpse of the majestic shimmer fox.” Amara slowly fell to the ground, awkwardly feigning death.
I stared down at her and then proceeded to slowly fall until gravity seized control. Amara rolled to the right, but the ground came too fast for me. I slammed into the packed ground chest first, leaving me breathless and gasping. My eyes closed reflexively.
“Thanks, I needed that.” Amara pushed herself up and continued showing me what she needed—a hilarious diatribe of laughs and coughs.
My lungs quickly filled, and my stomach unclenched just enough for me to roll over and stare into the blue sky. “You done yet?”
I froze. Was Amara licking my face? She gasped and pulled away.
What the hell did I get myself into?
My eyes slowly moved to Amara. Every other part of me was tense and frozen in place. Instead of Amara a sleek, fox with a shimmering, golden coat enveloped my vision. Its large reflective eyes seemed to hold a glint of mischief as it stared into my soul.
Did it have me under a spell of some kind?
Was its saliva paralyzing me?
Questions swam through my head, and they all collided together as the shimmer fox licked my face again.
I immediately pushed myself backward and jumped up. I could move again! My face was still wet, so at least I knew the fox’s saliva wasn't paralytic.
A choked sob drew my attention and as I turned, a single tear rolled over Amara’s pale cheek, hitting the ground below. She covered her mouth and shifted a step back.
This shimmer fox really had a hold on her mentally. More magic of some kind, or was it just the lore surrounding this majestic creature? I reached toward Amara as she continued to step backward.
“It’s ok, Amara.” I moved my hand toward the shimmer fox this time. “We’d be dead already, remember?” The shimmer fox stood still. Its flowing fur changed from gold to a vibrant reddish-orange. I pulled back my hand as the fox exposed its sharp, white teeth and let out a chatter of rapid barking noises.
“I won't hurt you.” The fox pounced up and down and stopped with its front legs low and hind legs at full height. The impressive tail waved back and forth in rapid succession. The shimmer fox stared directly into my eyes. An orange glow pulsed through its orbs in return.
All things pointed to the shimmer fox enjoying this interaction. At least this is how normal foxes acted when being mischievous or having a good time of some sort. A good time at my expense, but we were alive.
Monster Merchant, Blake. You can’t hurt me. Be assured, I won’t hurt you.
The glorious beast was telepathic! Sweat rolled down the center of my back. The air grew hotter around me, and my cheeks felt like they were literally burning.
I’m no beast. Remember that, or dire consequences will befall you, young one.
The shimmer fox pushed up on all four and advanced a step toward me. Amara shuffled nervously. I could tell she was very uncomfortable about this whole situation, and that had me nervous, too. I knew she was brave enough to hold her ground, even with the unknown approaching.
I am known by many names, most you cannot pronounce or comprehend. You may call me Feylux.
Feylux stretched and stood to its full height again, about two feet tall. I didn’t find this that impressive, due to my comparative height to everything around me , but to Amara’s people's height standard, it was probably an interesting sight.
Amara swung her gaze from the shimmer fox to me, and back again. “Is he talking to you?” She shuffled her feet, dust slowly lifting into the air as tiny pebbles rolled under her boots. “It is said they are telepathic.”
“He?” I stopped down a bit but couldn't get that low.
An uneasy giggle escaped Amara’s lips. “Yeah, I can see it all from this end.”
Feylux sat down on his haunches, possibly uncomfortable with Amara checking out his manhood. All the same, I wasn't an animal psychologist, just a simple pet store owner turned Monster Merchant.
I am he. A reynard seeking his vixen.
“Reynard?” I was always told male foxes were dog foxes or tods; this one was new to my brain. Maybe it was a specific term to this world and its people?
“A male fox. Makes sense!” Amara placed both hands on her hips. “No offense meant, shimmer fox.” Amara slightly bowed toward the fox.
“Can she call you Feylux, too?” I waved toward Amara.
Feylux pounced up and down a few times and settled once again. He faced Amara this time and tilted his head, mimicking Amara’s previous action.
I smiled. “Feylux is his name.” I knelt down on a single knee and looked closer at the shimmer fox. Feylux was extraordinary, and I couldn't believe I was talking to such a creature. “He’s seeking his vixen.” A grin crossed my face again.
“Aren’t we all in our own right?” Raucous laughter escaped Amara’s throat. Birds flew from the tree tops and leaves fell from the unexpected disturbance.
“Well, Feylux the impressive shimmer fox, what can we do for you?” I stood up and wrapped my arm around Amara’s shoulder. “I assume you aren't going to steal this beautiful vixen from me?” Amara and I both smiled, and she visibly relaxed a little bit at my words.
The shimmer fox sat there in silence. I wondered if he was communicating with Amara or simply ignoring my hopeful joke. He looked back at the bristlehorn, our wagon, and then the road ahead.
Feylux stretched his paw out and placed it onto the top of my hand.
It burned like hell!
I was surprised to see a familiar screen assault my eyeballs.
You have been offered the following contract:
Contract Title: Animal Companion
Contract Owner: Feylux the Shimmer Fox
Type: Companion Contract
Length: One Year
Details: The majestic shimmer fox, Feylux, offers himself as an animal companion. You will both be indebted to each other’s success. This will require you to meet basic needs, achieve goals, and ensure overall survival of both parties.
The contract may be renegotiated at the end of the contract length.
Reward(s):
-New Animal Companion: Feylux the shimmer fox
-Increased standing with the contract owner.
-Increased standing with the town of Timberfall.
Penalties:
No new contracts from Feylux the shimmer fox.
Reduced standing with the contract owner.
Reduced standing with the town of Timberfall.
Accept the animal companion contract?
Yes / No
“Holy shit! An animal companion!” I didn't move my hand to not interrupt whatever this magical creature was doing.
Impressive, human. Most would have pulled away at my first touch. You are different. Special. Strong.
I mentally selected ‘yes,’ as if there was any other option. That would be ridiculous if what I already felt and also what little Amara shared with me about shimmer foxes was true.
Congratulations! Feylux is now your animal companion. May your bond grow and benefit the world of Valdoria.
“You know what I am? I haven’t seen another human with my background in these lands since my arrival.”
Feylux removed his little paw from my hand. The heat and terrible burning sensation immediately subsided. I stared at the top of my hand, where there was now a fox paw seared into my skin. As with the shimmer fox, everything but the black outline glowed from deep oranges and yellows to vibrant reds and back. The waves of color were mesmerizing.
I know many things, Blake. My knowledge has no bounds.
The paw imprint was warm to the touch, but the offended hand was numb to the sensation. This was going to be hard to hide, but I doubted I would have the need.
Congratulations! New skill learned:
Companion Bond (Rare)
Strengthens the emotional and magical link between you and your companion, allowing for better communication and synergy. Distance is a factor and will increase as does the skill.
Level 1
Call Companion (Rare)
Summons the companion to your side instantly. Animal companions must accept the summons request. Distance is a factor and will increase as does the skill.
Level 1
“Rare Skills!” I thrust the hand that wasn't branded into the air.
Would you hide my gift, Blake? This marks you as mine, and I am yours. For now. I see you doing great things in this world. I will help you, and you will help me.
Amara grabbed my hand, but quickly released it. “Damn, that’s hot!”
“I think we—more accurately, I—have a new companion on this journey.” My eyes returned to Feylux. “I will never hide your mark. It was a fleeting thought, my friend.”
Feylux jumped up and down with excitement. I could now physically feel his emotions through our new bond. This trip definitely wasn't a waste, even if Duncan doesn't get his sunshard beetles.
Why would you go back on a contract when you are this close?
I waved at the thick forest ahead, which hid the road to our destination. “I’m not giving up, but we might need more tools to get to our destination.”
Feylux strolled a few strides toward the forest. Colors pulsated through his fur and the air around him as an immense heat expanded outward.
Amara and I both moved a step back, and the bristlehorn tried to do the same. It bellowed and snorted as it slammed its front hooves into the packed ground.
I activated my Animal Bond skill and targeted the bristlehorn again. Just as fast as the agitation grew in the beast, it also subsided. A smile crossed my face and Feylux chattered as he continued to move forward.
Feylux was going to burn this bitch down!
Chapter 11
That Was New
The heat was insane. I’d rather my flesh burn and scar like branded cattle than be the target of Feylux’s heat.
Shrubs, trees, and other foliage incinerated as the gorgeous shimmer fox moved forward, revealing the path little by little. I walked behind Feylux’s reign of terror, but had to wait longer. The ground was still intensely hot.
Smoke, paired with steam from the sudden plant explosions, rose in the air as Feylux pushed forward. He followed the dirt path, exposing rocks and holes that weren't visible before. A glint of light caught my eye along the path. What looked like little black glass pieces littered the ground behind Feylux.
I paused and pointed at them.
“Is that obsidian or something valuable?”
Amara looked over my shoulder at the ground. “What? Where?”
I pointed and waved my hand across the entire pathway. “Everywhere. The black glass-looking stuff.”
That would require a heat of 1600 Fahrenheit or higher. I’m not a lavawrath.
“Lavawrath?” I immediately activated the tracking skill and fortunately didn't find one close enough to track. I needed to make sure Feylux was, in fact, not a lavawrath.
Feylux chortled and gave a strange, high-pitched chirp-screech-bark sound. I had to imagine he was quite proud of himself.
You barely left your mother’s teat.
