Chapter 18

The way James found t relax or at least to think about his problems was to skin the rats he brought along from where the adults were killed and baby taken. So much that his [Dismantling] skill went up 5 levels which by the final one had far less mistakes. With all the extra hide his home was now able to have noticeable improvements: a blanket and rug. On a now usual night sleeping would have been much nicer but tonight James was busy planning on how he would approach.

If there was just more time than I could level [Sneaking] but since I don’t know what they will do with that baby faster is safer. This time someone like Tom would not be saved.

James suddenly stopped himself thinking that way then anger rose up within himself. Slamming a fist onto the ground to release the anger he just as quickly released it.

No, now is not a time to be lying to myself since what I am about to do is so stupid and dangerous. All of this is for myself, being targeted by rats and almost killed countless times. Pieces of a puzzle half paid attention to is no longer enough, it is time to figure out what is going on even if it is just for revenge

Thinking about his mother and how she used to care for him with his rat blanket up to his neck and his head resting on his good hand. A great life if James was forced to compare it to the blackness he was latterly sitting in and clawing at the chest protecting his life. James knew now he was the type of person who feared the unknown more then what he knew and was willing to take great risks to figure out the questions he had.

Eventually sleep came and the morning James had been waiting for longer than he knew had finally come. The chest felt heavier this time as he pushed it out of the way showing the first chamber and where all his gear was placed. Quickly James brought another rat out to the area he had cleared to use [Leatherworking] and made something that was on a sort of wish list of his.

Shoes, o goddess how I have missed shoes and there wondrous powers of repealing pain. Enough of every sharp stick and stone finding its way under my feet causing a never ending stream of pain and things to pull out of them!

Still shabby but the best things he had made yet even without laces but James still had trouble getting the right sizes for things given his baby fat. That was also the reason his fingers had no gloves, until he put more points into strength and dexterity which seemed to somewhat thin them. Putting them on James made an effort to take his time putting everything else on making sure it was secure.

Baby armor V1 is all set, hope it last or else this really will be a waste of time

Guiding his way back to the lost battle was an easy one given the distance and sure enough stepping on top of the ridge down below him James could see the bones of the adults. There was something different about the scene but could not tell what until he realized it was the lack of things seen. Before the bodies had been eaten but everything else was there now there was just scraps of cloth and bones.

They must have sent rats to pick up anything of value, glad I did not stay and try to bring the Barbarian guys armor

Another thing that was different was an indent about an inch deep and larger than his body almost amusing James to imagine even all those rats struggling to take it with them. Deciding better than to walk directly on this new trail James decided to follow it from the sides.

For nearly two hours he followed it but James was able to figure out where he was going long before then. Walk came into view ever since he first washed ashore and saw from his home every morning were mountains. Normally they would be large for an adult but for a baby only one fifth the size they were seemly five times larger than any he was used to seeing in his previous life and most likely made his fear of heights worse.

Before James got to the base of the mountain, the new trail to what he guessed was leading to the rat base came to a sudden clearing that caught him off guard. Looking to his left and right the lack of forest was only around this area and if he needed any other proof dozens of rats were in front of a large opening.

It’s like in the sewer but even more built up…

Large holes where the trees use to be were just left up until the cave entrance where huge spikes shot out and little homes on top of earth mounds, it reminded him of ant hills. Seeing the sight of so many made it clear there was no way to walk up and in without being seen.

James was hunched over hiding behind the edge of the tree line while he admired his lack of options, each idea shot down due to a lack of skill on his part.

Those holes are pretty annoying now that I have to keep seeing them, if I could order rats around you bet those holes would be filled. Just think of all the places the trees that were there could reach…. That’s it!

Now excited with the idea still ringing in his head James pulled out the spare tool that had been recently made with the last of the sharp stone: A shovel. This would be the first time it will be used and James expected great things. Without any waiting the digging started behind a bush at the tree line and made quick progress.

Normally it would not be possible to dig there but give how thick the forest was in this area and the hole not being filled greatly cutting down the amount of work needed. The plan was to dig along where roots use to be making whatever material was there now far easier to dig through and given his baby body small enough to make it work.

You can do it James, just keep pushing and the reward for answers will be mine!

If he had to compare this feeling to something it was the flashes of memories from world war two shows or movies that had the troops crouching the ground as mortar fire rained down rains down around them. In this case is was instead once again in small spaces constantly digging and pushing the excesses gravel behind him.

In order to get through such intense effort James made a game in his head, checkpoints would be after he started the next leg of the tunnel after exiting the previous one and landing in the hole the tree use to be. At first it was fun but as he got closer and eventually heard noises it became a higher risk being in between lines. Sweat was all but pouring and the strain made his shoulder wound throb and his strength becoming harder to call upon.

This is where it gets hard and the most important as the mountain is so close now to the point my speed must increase or be discovered

There were only two holes by James guess between him and going under the mountain and there was only now a thin layer to the first hole. Taking a rest he just sat on his sitting in the cramped space with an intense heat almost making it not helpful at all to spot moving. Deciding a few minutes was enough James prepared himself and his now shaking hands and started to rapidly dig the last remaining dirt away.

Once again like shined through but James already started sliding down to the bottom, his eyes darting across the other side picking which former root hole would be good to dig and picked one. Striking away at the ground in front of him James heard to well for confront even the movements of the rats above. Desperation was the battle to be won and to do so were simple, dig fast enough or he would die. James felt himself about to hit a wall where his body would just stop moving so he pushed himself even harder. What drove him now was his anger, his need for that revenge he had thought about for so long. So instead of the mental wall spotting him James broke through it with his rage.

[1 Constitution] acquired

Title [Digger] acquired

Rewards came and the dirt parted easier than before allowing James to go back into the earth in time before a rat looked down. The first part of his journey was now complete for the most part so he allowed himself plenty of time to rest.

Well its official now, I am a digger but there will be no complaining coming from me no sir. Also got that fancy new constitution point showing that they can only be gained during extreme effort so will have to figure out a way to gain them just training. Rats have to sleep like everyone else so if I rest now maybe things will be easier later