Chapter 45

Frozen Kitsune

Ice Type

Level 17

He couldn’t hide his excitement as he watched the energy swirling out of the rift. Icy mist began to form around the creature as it started to take shape. It wasn’t a hot night, by any means, but the pure coldness of the creature as it began to materialize, caused a heavy mist to cling around it. Henry’s own breath came out in a visible fog as the air cooled. And yet, his heartbeat rapidly. A high leveled, rare D.E.D., was too good to pass up. This was an amazing opportunity.

“Whatever you do.” He said firmly to his D.E.D., “do not kill this one. We want to make it join us, either through conversation, or force, if need be.”

Killing it would be best. The Drakeling started. It would give us quite a bit of essence. And these fox spirits aren’t worth your time. They’re fickle, frail creatures. All you need is me.

Henry ignored his bloodthirsty Drakeling and prepared his party for the battle. Because Jewel wasn’t here, he didn’t have to worry about hitting it as it formed. He could afford to wait, and try and make contact with the D.E.D. before a battle started. Something that was risky, for sure, but he was in a position where he wasn’t too worried. It may be level 17, but so were two of his D.E.D. Combine that with his Storm Crow, and he should be fine. Even if it was rare, it was 1 on 3, and Henry liked those odds.

The icy figure finished forming, showing a small, cat sized creature covered in bluish purple fur. Up close, he could tell the features were more fox like than cat like, and he realized he’d likely associated the cat like appearance in combination with the cosplayer’s own cat like cosplay ears. He’d assumed, falsely, that it was a cat D.E.D. Instead, it was just a small, first stage fox D.E.D.

Oh my. A voice said in his head. Are you here to kill me? The voice continued, as the fox creature sat down, looking up at Henry with sad eyes.

That, caught him completely off guard. He’d been expecting something…but this sad cat act, was not it. His heart hurt as he looked at the creature. The Bladed Drakeling had been right, it did look frail.

“I’m here to seek a pact with you.” Henry said, while keeping an eye on his D.E.D. The Evil Eye would follow orders, but his Storm Crow and Drakeling both had authority issues at times. “If possible, I’d like to avoid violence.”

The kitsune’s tail swished happily at that, and it tilted its head sideways, looking over Henry and his group. It seems you, at least, know the importance of having a variety of my kind. But tell me, are you truly capable of handling more?

“I,” he thought back to his stats, as well as his own mob points. With his three D.E.D. he was using a total of 169 of his 520 points. Rare mobs, from his research, had a base cost of 30, plus an additional 5 mob points per level above 1. Meaning a level 17 Kitsune would cost him 110 mob points by itself to keep out an about. Which would result in him using 279 of his 520 points. A little over half, but still, plenty of room to grow. “I can confidently say I’ve plenty of points for you to join us.” He looked at his Evil Eye.

It is not your resonation capable I worry about. The fox swished its tail again. I already knew there was an Awakened One waiting for me as I formed. Your resonation, your feel, is one that all D.E.D. can recognize instantly. My question was more a matter of ability. Are you really, truly able right now, to deal with another D.E.D.?

The kitsune had a decent point. He’d been working with his D.E.D. on their teamwork and had made good progress between yesterday and today. However, he also knew there was a long way to go in making their interactions fluid. It was a lot of work managing the three of his D.E.D. at the same time. Especially when his Drakeling and Storm Crow enjoyed misusing freedom or vague orders from Henry during conflict.

Still, they hadn’t caused him any major issues. Yet.

“I’m sure my companions would be more than happy to have you with us. And as long there aren’t any issues, I’ve no reason to believe we couldn’t all work together.”

The Drakeling by him audibly snorted at that. The Storm Crow, on the other hand, simply seemed to increase its electrical output, making Henry’s hair stand up. Okay…maybe he didn’t have as much control over those two as he expected.

What then, would happen, if there were issues? It tilted its head. My kind are powerful. We are much stronger than those lesser D.E.D. you’ve got so far. What if they grow jealous? Will they get your support, or will I?

That was not what Henry had been expecting. Apparently, the Kitsune had a slight ego. Then again, he knew it was a Rare D.E.D., meaning its power was obvious. And also meaning…it’s appraisal of itself was accurate.

“I don’t believe that will ever be a problem. We all have a singular goal, and we are all working towards it.”

Oh? And what is this goal, Awakened One?

Henry figured that would be the question, and he knew his answer. “Power.”

How trivial-

- “Power to stop the approaching invasion of the Old Ones”

The Kitsune’s tail stopped swishing, and its eyes seemed to narrow as it looked at Henry. If that is what you seek. It said simply. Then I’ll never join you. I’m here to live, to grow, and to thrive. I’m not here for a suicidal mission. Especially not for one that would prevent me from truly being appreciated. The air around it seemed to chill even more, and its icy curtain of mist began to grow denser. I’m sorry, Awakened One, but it seems, we cannot find an agreement.

Henry could feel the bloodlust from his Drakeling at that statement. It was obvious, diplomacy had failed. And Henry knew his D.E.D. was preparing to feast on the essence the level 17 D.E.D. would give to Henry’s party upon its defeat. However, even though the Kitsune had just informed him it wouldn’t join his cause, that didn’t mean this had to be for naught. Plus, he wasn’t going to throw away a potential opportunity for a powerful D.E.D., without putting forth his best effort.

“Before the fighting that would lead to your death begins.” He said calmly. “Would you at least talk to one other exorcist? If not,” he shrugged, hoping it wouldn’t call his bluff. He really didn’t want to kill a Rare D.E.D. After all, the gamer in him knew rare or higher quality monsters always came with better stats and skills. “Then I can order my team here to kill you here and now. Your life will end instantly, you will not get to grow and thrive. You will simply be turned back to essence and dispersed.”

Which is still more favorable than angering the Old Ones. The fox creature responded, its voice cold. However, I suppose, on such a fine night, I can entertain one last human, before we part ways. Through discord, or discourse, shall be remained to be seen.

Henry nodded at the creature, feeling the resentment from his Drakeling at his actions. Either way, this would turn out positive for him. But his bloodthirsty Drakeling, he figured, was going to take it negatively in any way other than on that led to the dragon like creature feasting on the frail fox.

I’ll give you a chance to pact with it. Hurry up. e

He closed the app as he sent the message, looking down at the fox. While it stung that the creature wouldn’t join him, he wasn’t going to let this moment pass. Additionally, if he could avoid killing it, he would take that as a slight win as well. Especially if it meant whoever was coming, would give him something potentially as beneficial in return.

He grinned to himself as he waited in a Mexican standoff with the kitsune. Jewel was continuously questioning his actions and resolve. Little did she know, he was 100 percent committed to his plan. He would become strong. Stronger than any before him. Strong enough, to stand against the coming storm. But he would not become a cold-hearted murderer in the process. Of that, he was adamant.