As Leo walked, the clay golem lumbered behind him, its movements stiff and awkward. "Tarra," he said, testing the name. It felt right, a simple, earthy sound for his creation. He focused his thoughts on the golem, trying to establish a connection, a sense of control.
He accessed the golem's status.
Name: Tarra
Type: Clay Golem
Level: 1
HP: 50/50
MP: 0/0
Strength: 8
Agility: 3
Defense: 12
Skills: Crude Clay Fists
Tarra wasn't particularly impressive, but it was a start. He needed to find a way to improve it. He remembered Elias' journal. Maybe it held clues, not just about crafting, but about the history of Golem Makers and the secrets of the Ancient Golems.
He found a relatively flat rock near the Whispering River and sat down, pulling the journal from his newly accessible inventory. The leather was worn and cracked, the ink faded in places, but the meticulous handwriting was still legible. He flipped through the pages, searching for any mention of 'Ancient Golems' or 'Golem Maker history.'
After what felt like an age of reading, Leo finally found a passage. It was scrawled in a rushed hand, as if Elias had been writing under duress.
"The Old Ones spoke of a place… a nexus of elemental power… The Emerald Glade. They said it holds secrets… secrets the Council sought to bury. Ancient Golems… more than just clay and stone. Lifeblood… souls… forbidden arts… Find the Glade… uncover the truth…"
The passage ended abruptly. The Emerald Glade. That was his lead. He needed to find it. But where was it?
He continued reading, hoping to find more clues. Eventually, he found a map sketched on the inside back cover of the journal. It was rudimentary, but it showed a clearing marked with the symbol of a stylized emerald. It was located to the east, deeper into the dark forest.
"Tarra," Leo commanded, pointing east. "We go that way."
The clay golem responded instantly, turning and lumbering in the direction he indicated. Hope surged through Leo. This was it. He was on his way.
They journeyed for what felt like hours, the environment growing darker and more oppressive. The illuminating mushrooms cast an eerie glow on the gnarled trees, creating grotesque shadows that danced in their peripheral vision. The air was thick with the smell of damp earth and decaying leaves.
Suddenly, Tarra stopped, its head cocked to one side. A low growl emanated from its clay throat.
"What is it?" Leo whispered, his hand instinctively reaching for the crude dagger he had fashioned.
A rustling in the undergrowth answered his question. A hunched figure emerged from the shadows, its eyes glinting in the dim light. It was humanoid, but distinctly rat-like, with coarse fur, a long snout, and sharp claws. It brandished a crude wooden stick like a weapon.
Name: Rat Man
Level: 2
HP: 30/30
Attack: 5
Defense: 3
Weapon: Stick
"A Rat Man," Leo muttered. He knew from Elias' notes that these creatures were scavengers and often aggressive. Level 2 wasn't a complete pushover, but it also wasn't insurmountable, especially with Tarra.
"Tarra, attack!" Leo commanded.
The clay golem charged forward, its clay fists swinging awkwardly. The Rat Man squealed and dodged the first blow, lashing out with its stick. The stick connected with Tarra's chest, dealing minimal damage, but still causing it to stumble.
Leo knew he couldn't just stand there and watch. He gripped his makeshift dagger tightly and moved to flank the Rat Man, hoping to distract it.
The Rat Man, focused on Tarra, didn't notice Leo until it was too late. Leo lunged forward, stabbing with his dagger. The blade pierced the Rat Man's flank, drawing a squeal of pain.
The Rat Man turned on Leo. Its eyes burned with rage and it swung its stick. Leo barely managed to parry the blow with his dagger, the impact jarring his arm. He stumbled backward, giving the Rat Man an opening.
Before the Rat Man could capitalize, Tarra roared and slammed its clay fist into the Rat Man's head. The blow connected with a sickening thud, and the Rat Man collapsed to the ground, unmoving.
[System Notification:]
You have defeated Rat Man!
Experience gained: 50
[System Notification:]
Tarra has gained a level!
[System Notification:]
[Level Up!]
You have gained a level!
Leo felt a surge of adrenaline. He had survived his first real fight. He felt the knowledge of what happened and how to do it again.
His stats updated automatically:
Name: Leo Makjin
Race: Human
Class: Unspecified
Title: Golem Maker
Level: 2
HP: 120/120
MP: 70/70
Strength: 12
Agility: 9
Intelligence: 15
Vitality: 11
Luck: ?
Skill: Survival Instinct, Golem Crafting (lvl 3)
He distributed the skill points. Intelligence went to 17 and Vitality to 14
Tarra's stats also updated:
Name: Tarra
Type: Clay Golem
Level: 2
HP: 70/70
MP: 0/0
Strength: 9
Agility: 4
Defense: 14
Skills: Crude Clay Fists, Rock Throw
Tarra had learned a new skill: Rock Throw. This could be useful.
[System Notification:]
[Looting Unlocked!]
[Inventory Unlocked!]
Another system message popped up, indicating that he could now loot defeated enemies and store items in an inventory.
He approached the Rat Man's corpse. A new window appeared, showing the available loot:
[Rat Man:]
- Stick
- Rat Pelt
- 5 Copper Coins
He selected everything and clicked 'loot.' The items disappeared from the Rat Man's corpse and appeared in a new window: his inventory. It was a simple grid, capable of holding a limited number of items.
He already had Elias journal, the Golem Crafting scroll, his dagger, the Rat Man stick and pelt, the 5 copper coins. His inventory was starting to feel full. He also have stone pickaxes for mining.
He felt a sense of accomplishment. He was learning, adapting, and growing stronger. The Emerald Glade was still his goal. He was one step closer.