章 32: Walking Mischief
Looking over at the shadowy puppy, I felt my heart race. What the actual hell happened? My memories were still settling in, flooding back in an unending stream.
Bit by bit, I started piecing together what had transpired.
Finally, I understood what had happened. [Precaution], the ability I had created before fighting Nephis, had activated as intended.
It did exactly what it was supposed to—except I never anticipated 'this' to be the result of it working. Sure, it fulfilled its function, but still, this was what it considered a "boon" for me?
And I wasn't the only one who was shocked.
Both Nephis and Cassie were staring in disbelief, while Sunny was babbling about whatever he was.
"Regis?" I echoed dumbly, my voice breaking from the shock.
The pup—Regis—snorted again, his small, flaming tail flicking lazily behind him.
"Yes, Regis. That's right. No need to act so surprised. I know I'm adorable, but I assure you, I can get real scary when I wanna."
He looked over at me "You should know best."
Cassie tightened her grip on my arm, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and fascination. "Is... is it another Nightmare creatures?"
'She can see him?'
Regis glanced at her with an unimpressed look, his glowing white eyes narrowing slightly.
"Nightmare creature? No. I'm much more refined than those vile things you've been slaying." He gave an exaggerated yawn. "Though, technically, I suppose I was born from his tantrum, so... eh, probably close enough, I guess."
Nephis, still visibly shaken, remained in a defensive stance, her weapon raised cautiously between us and the small wolf.
"How do you know us? And what do you mean, 'born from his tantrum?'"
Regis tilted his head slightly, clearly amused by the tension.
"Oh, it's a long story, really. But the short version? Your pal here," he nodded toward me, "was going a little crazy—thanks to a rather flawed ability he cooked up.
So, as a result, a little thing he made just in case something bad happened decided it'd be a great idea to make me. I'm basically here to keep him from falling apart. You're welcome, by the way."
"You came from True Destruction, right?" I asked.
Regis nodded, looking at me with something close to pity.
"Yeah, buddy. You were getting pretty close to losing it for good there. Lucky for you, the little ability you made decided to give your destructive urges a separate form—me—so you don't go blowing yourself up or worse. Now I've got all the fun parts of your chaos and none of the drawbacks."
I groaned inwardly, covering my face with my hand.
'Great, now I've got a fictional character... well, technically everyone here is fictional, but this one's from a completely different damn novel! What's next, the mother goddess of depravity jumps me?'
Nephis backed away slightly and glanced at me.
"Is this... true?" she asked, her tone laced with uncertainty. I gave her a grim look and nodded.
"Yes… it sure is."
I glared at Regis, who slowly tottered toward me.
"Oh, my pitiful master. I'd ask if you were alright, but I can already see the answer to that."
Growling softly, I gently pushed Cassie away and came face to face with the smug little shadow creature.
"Do you... know everything?" I asked, and Regis simply nodded.
`>>You mean about the fact that this whole world is fictional? Yeah, I'm aware of it.<<' His voice suddenly echoed inside my mind, and I panicked.
[What the hell are you saying, moron?!] I sent back, clamping his mouth shut.
(What? I asked if it was an echo, so is it?)
>>Echo? I'm way better than thoes things.<<
Suddenly, I felt Sunny's panic surge. (Wait! Both of you can talk to me like this!?)
>>Yup<<
[I guess, real unfortunate for you]
Sunny began cursing, meanwhile, I focused solely on speaking to Regis.
'[Is it like this?]' I sent privately, to which he confirmed with a nod.
Exhaling deeply, I sat down and glanced at Nephis.
"I'll probably go talk with this mutt in my Soul Sea. We're on the path that leads to the city, so just keep the ship going like this. If something comes to attack... good luck."
"Mutt? I'm a proud wolf, thank you very much" Regis retorted with a huff.
Nephis looked from me to Regis, then hesitantly nodded.
Regis tilted his head as I pointed to where my soul core was, he sighed dramatically, revealing his sharp, marble-white teeth.
Entering my Soul Sea, I found myself amidst the familiar sight of glassy waters.
Above me, the large triangle hovered, surrounded by stars representing my abilities. From the water, Regis emerged, twisting his body like a dog drying itself off after a swim.
He looked around and whistled.
"Cool place."
I scratched my temple and narrowed my eyes.
"Shouldn't you already have my memories? You should know what this looks like."
He looked thoughtful for a second before answering
"I've got all your memories, but none of the feelings that come with them." He whimpered for a moment before looking away, playing it up.
Not impressed by his show of philosophy, I rolled my eyes.
"Oh, hop off it. You're not fooling anyone with that bit."
Regis clicked his tongue and trotted around the Soul Sea.
"Yeah, yeah. I know everything you do. I was just trying to make conversation. No need to get all... prickly."
Standing up, I grabbed him, causing him to bark in surprise. I looked him over and frowned.
He grinned like a fool.
"So... you gonna keep staring, or finally admit you like what you see?"
"Did you seriously try to flirt with me?" Regis cackled before I dropped him back on the ground.
Whipping his tail around, he turned and locked eyes with me.
"As if. I'm more into the assertive type of women."
I smiled. "Oh my, what a crude little doggy."
Regis chuckled.
"I have the same tastes as you, dumb dumb."
I paused, realizing my mistake, and looked away, embarrassed.
"Anyway, what should we do now?" He asked.
"What do you mean?" Regis pointed at the large triangle above us with his paw.
"About the fact that I know next to nothing about what I am."
Following his gesture, I glanced at the triangle.
"No idea. I do remember something about essence absorption."
Pointing to my soul core, I continued.
"Try absorbing some soul essence from the core."
Regis approached, sniffing the air mischievously. I instantly regretted my suggestion as he jumped into the core and disappeared.
After a few moments, I felt some of my soul essence draining away. I was already down to about twenty percent of my core's capacity and now next to nothing was left.
He then finally reappeared, looking smug.
"Look! I grew some horns!" Inspecting his head, I noticed small violet horns protruding from his forehead.
I smiled, amused.
"Impressive. But when do you get your, you know... badass wolf form?"
"Maybe when I absorb more essence, or actually…" He seemed to consider something before adding, "I think this is the limit of essence my core can hold."
Curious, I focused on him and was surprised to see that within him was a small soul core of his own, bright and pinkish-purple in color.
"Well, damn. Look at that little thing."
Regis sat down and contemplated for a moment.
"How about I try to consume some soul shards or memories?"
Shrugging, I activated [Memorable Enchanter] and created a memory.
I then summoned the newly made transcendent-rank memory, manifesting it as a simple golden spear. I placed it near his feet and backed away.
"Go on. You need to grow big and strong."
He mimicked my words in a nerdy voice before biting down on the spear, which cracked and dissolved into sparks.
[Your memory has been destroyed.]
Regis blinked, then sighed.
"Nope, nothing."
I nodded solemnly.
"Well, it would've been unfair if you could just eat memories and grow stronger. I could have just fed you a couple hundred divine memories and had you rise in rank."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. With great power comes great... whatcha call it."
Sitting down in front of him, I frowned up at the large triangle.
"If only that thing would be a bit more talkative."
Regis flopped onto the ground and sighed softly.
"Then make an ability for it. Simple, isn't it?"
"Well, why don't I make an ability for everything, then?" I muttered sarcastically.
"Definitely wouldn't mess everything up that way, right? Think, Regis."
Regis glanced up at me, his tail wagging with enthusiasm.
"Well then, how about feeding me some soul shards? You've got those four Supreme ones, and who needs four anyway? One should be perfect!"
I thought it over, weighing the potential benefits and risks.
Sure, if I fed him even one of those Supreme soul shards, he might grow stronger, but I wasn't sure if he could even absorb soul shards yet. I had a few spare Awakened shards that I could test on him first.
"Well, first we have to figure out if you can strengthen your soul core by consuming shards" I said. Regis hopped around, clearly excited.
"So, you're going to feed me the Supreme soul shards!" He grinned, anticipation in his voice as he approached me giddly.
I pushed him back gently.
"Probably not. I plan to make Supreme memories out of those, remember? But I can feed you the Awakened ones and see what happens."
Regis wasn't discouraged. He almost drooled.
"Then how about one of the Transcendent ones? You were going to make a sword and armor out of those, right? You can feed me the last one." He circled around me, clearly trying to tempt me.
The idea wasn't half-bad. I hadn't decided what to do with the last Transcendent shard anyway. Absorbing it myself was the original plan, but if feeding it to him could make him stronger, that might be the better choice.
"Alright, I don't see why not."
Regis let out an audible giggle, jumping onto my shoulder with exaggerated reverence.
"Oh, benevolent master, I am unworthy!" he exclaimed dramatically, only to hop off and laugh.
"You think so? Well, I won't feed it to you then. Since you think you're unworthy," I teased, pretending to walk away.
Regis froze in his tracks, nervously giggling as he turned back to me with a shaky smile.
"Well... let's not be rash."
I stifled a laugh, enjoying his mortified expression. He grumbled, muttering curses under his breath, but I couldn't hold it against him.
I calmed down and looked up at the triangle of abilities once more before exiting my Soul Sea.
[I'm back. How's it looking?]
Sunny opened his eyes, responding dryly.
(Well enough, I guess, in the sense that nothing from the depths has attacked us.)
>>Yet<< Regis added ominously, causing Sunny to shiver.
(Great, now I have two voices in my head. Just grand.) Sunny's frustration was obvious and i found ome amount of enjoyment from it.
[Could get a bit more crowded. I can conjure up a few more little puppies if you want.]
(HAH... I'd rather plunge into the depths of this dark sea.)
>>And we'll get a whole pack to keep you from doing so.<< Regis retorted, laughing as Sunny cursed.
(This is gonna suck so badly...) Sunny groaned, despair sinking in.
[Oh boy, you haven't even reached the Dark City yet, Sunny. Just wait till you have to become a boy toy. Well, that won't suck, considering you've got no shame.]
(Boy toy? As if. I have too much dignity for that.)
>>At least someone will find you attractive, considering… well y'know<< Regis cackled, and I couldn't help but second that, laughing along with him.
Poor Sunny clasped his ears and cursed again, clearly losing patience with both of us.
Just then, a message came from my raven. Switching my perspective with its, I saw it—the Dark City. We were only a few kilometers away.
I smiled inwardly and pumped myself up.
Finally.
The real challenge was about to begin.
Next Chapter: Reaches of The Dark City
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