Chapter 15: The Mantis

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On the next day, 14 November 2422.

The Vorheus household unfolded that morning with a deceptive tranquility. The events of the previous day, filled with revelations, unexpected encounters, and tantalizing new possibilities, seemed almost like a distant dream. Yet, life persisted in its routine, clinging to the familiar rhythms of daily existence.

Alan Vorheus, hands hardened from tending to his modest farm, was already immersed in the day's chores. Rows of crops swayed gently in the breeze, bearing silent witness to his dedication. Meanwhile, O'kuyo Moukoko, having finished the morning dishes, sought solace in the pages of a book, allowing the written words to transport him to distant lands and times.

However, the usual inertia that gripped Ryland Vorheus was conspicuously absent this morning. Instead of surrendering to the temptation of slumber or enduring the familiar chidings of Michael Lambda at Olha Mine, Ryland felt an insistent tug at his curiosity.

Today, he was determined to unlock the mysteries held within the summoning staff.

With a deep breath to steady himself, he began the incantation, focusing his energy and intent. "White Boy," he called out, anticipation painting his features.

"How are you feeling?" he inquired, concern lacing his voice. White Boy responded with a simple affirmation, "Okay."

Intrigued by the experience of being stored within the summoning staff, Ryland continued his line of questioning, "What does it feel like when you're inside the staff?"

"It feels like I'm sleeping," White Boy conveyed, "but I dream of everything happening outside."

A thoughtful nod from Ryland acknowledged the response. "I want to find another creature to be my summon," he declared, seeking White Boy's opinion on the matter.

White Boy, ever the loyal companion, agreed with a nod.

Emboldened by their mutual understanding, Ryland and White Boy embarked on their quest to find another creature for the summoning experiment. While any creature would suffice for the initial trials, finding a suitable one proved to be a challenge.

Ryland recalled his past attempts at forging pacts with houseflies within the confines of their home, only to watch them buzz away in defiance whenever he drew the staff near. Reflecting on the wisdom imparted by Alan, he realized that the key lay in immobilizing the creature, either through its own volition or by external means.

As they scoured the vicinity, Ryland harbored a secret hope of encountering the Royal Owl that occasionally graced their compound. It often perched majestically on the signboard, patiently waiting for the Soil Rodent to make an appearance.

A Level 3 Beast, the Royal Owl boasted an impressive wingspan of three meters. Despite its relatively small stature, its formidable strength was not to be underestimated.

Aware of the slim chances of encountering a Royal Owl during this time of day, Ryland decided to explore the area around their modest farm. As he wandered, Alan, engrossed in his farming activities, noticed Ryland's distracted demeanor and inquired about his intentions.

Ryland shared his experiment with the summoning staff and his quest to find another creature to summon. Alan, ever pragmatic, expressed his wish for Ryland to capture some of the elusive Soil Rodents responsible for damaging his potato crop. Ryland acknowledged his grandfather's suggestion with a resigned nod, thinking that it was better than returning empty-handed.

Amidst his exploration, Ryland was jolted from his thoughts by a call from White Boy. "Where is it?" he questioned, trying to pinpoint the source of White Boy's excitement.

Ryland quickly informed Alan about White Boy sensing a potent creature that could potentially serve his summoning experiment. Intrigued, Alan and Ryland followed White Boy's lead.

Their pursuit led them to a dilapidated factory nearby, an unexpected distance for White Boy to cover from the farm. Ryland was both surprised and impressed by White Boy's determination and speed. As White Boy greeted his master with an excited chirp, he guided them towards the location of the mysterious creature he had detected.

The dilapidated food processing factory stood as a relic of a bygone era, its once-bustling halls now overtaken by nature's relentless advance. Creeping vines and tendrils of lush green plants had woven their way through cracks in the concrete walls and broken windows, creating a verdant tapestry that draped over rusting machinery and conveyor belts.

The scent of dampness pervaded the air, mingling with the musty aroma of decay and the occasional drip-drip of water leaking from corroded pipes. Sunlight streamed through gaps in the ceiling, casting dappled patterns on the moss-covered floor and illuminating the overgrowth with an ethereal glow.

In this forgotten corner of the factory, White Boy hovered in mid-air, its gaze fixed intently on a particularly vibrant green bush nestled by a cracked windowpane. Ryland and Alan exchanged puzzled glances, marveling at the sight of thriving flora in such a desolate environment.

Despite their keen eyes scanning the bush, they could discern no signs of a creature lurking within. However, White Boy's insistent shriek left no room for doubt.

Curiosity piqued, Ryland cautiously extended his summoning staff towards the bush, half-expecting a reptilian inhabitant like a lizard or snake to emerge. When his initial prodding yielded no results, he swiped more forcefully at the foliage, prompting White Boy to issue a cautionary chirp, warning its master to tread carefully in this unexpected sanctuary of nature amidst decay.

As Ryland expressed his disappointment to White Boy, turning his body slightly towards the hovering creature, he prepared to dismiss the oversized insect as a mere curiosity.

However, without Ryland realizing, the mantis shifted its posture, assuming a defensive stance with its serrated forelegs raised menacingly.

White Boy knew that this is a formidable creature before them. The mantis's size alone was imposing, but its aggressive stance and the uncanny effectiveness of its camouflage added an element of danger that was hard to ignore.

White Boy insistently tell Ryland telepathically about the creature's strength. The hovering companion seemed adamant, signaling to Ryland that appearances could be deceiving, and this creature warranted more respect than he was initially willing to give.

Ryland extended his staff once more, this time aiming a tentative poke at the mantis. In a flash, the mantis lunged forward with deadly intent, aiming a lethal strike at Ryland.

Before he could react, Alan leaped into action, intercepting the attack with a resounding clash of metal against metal. As the confrontation escalated, White Boy joined the fray, launching a flurry of claw slashes at the mantis. Yet, the creature proved to be a formidable opponent, parrying each blow with razor-sharp precision.

Amidst the clash of weapons and the crackle of sparks, Ryland found himself locked in a desperate struggle against a foe they had underestimated. With every passing moment, the stakes grew higher, and the outcome of this encounter hung in the balance.