Legendary Creatures

Eamon was impressed by Malakai's physical transformation. He promptly summoned his attribute panel.

[Malakai - Half-demon of the Graves (Middle Level Undead)]

[Attributes:

- **Strength**: 18

- **Stamina**: 20

- **Agility**: 11

- **Intelligence**: 9

- **Charisma**: 6 (Above Average)

- **Special Power**: Zombie Mastery, Sutured Reanimation.]

[Zombie Mastery: This ability enables the half-demon to control and animate zombies, with the quantity and quality of the corpses they can command being determined by their intelligence attribute. A higher intelligence score allows for the manipulation of a greater number of zombies and the ability to animate more intact and capable corpses.]

[Sutured Reanimation: Ability specific to the demonic creatures of the graves. The half-demon utilizes his power to fuse body parts from different corpses and create a new entity. The creatures are completely loyal to the half-demon, obeying his orders unquestionably. The viability of the creation depends on the freshness of the bodies and the seniority of the half-demon.]

Eamon's disbelief washed over him. "This... this can't be," he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible.

"A demon, it's a demon!" Richard exclaimed, his finger trembling as he gestured towards Malakai.

"Richard, calm down," Eamon urged him before resuming his observations.

"Simply incredible," he thought. With this newfound ability, the possibilities were endless. Creatures of unparalleled strength could be brought into existence. He could create winged zombies or even go further, crafting chimeras with razor-sharp claws, teeth, and impenetrable skin.

In addition to his power, Malakai's physical abilities had surged, even eclipsing Roxy's former capabilities. Eamon had no doubt that Malakai had benefited the most from the absorption this time.

Eamon turned his attention to Fred's attributes.

[Fred - Lictor (Low Level Undead)]

[Attributes:

- **Strength**: 15

- **Stamina**: 18

- **Agility**: 13

- **Intelligence**: 4 (Low)

- **Charisma**: 2 (Weak)

- **Special Power**: None.]

Eamon was pleased to see that Fred's strength, endurance, and agility had increased, and his intelligence had risen to 4. He should now be capable of making complex decisions more independently.

Finally, he observed the changes of Roxy.

[Roxy - Rat Ghoul (Medium-Low Level Undead)]

[Attributes:

- **Strength**: 17

- **Stamina**: 25

- **Agility**: 10

- **Intelligence**: 7 (Above Average)

- **Charisma**: 3 (Low)

- **Special Power**: Necrotic Bite and Scratch, Vital Drainage.]

Roxy's increased size had granted her greater strength and her endurance heightened. Her intelligence had also seen an improvement, promising better control over her ghouls in case she were to infect more of them.

Eamon felt satisfied as he observed the transformations. Contemplating the task ahead — conquering the lord dwelling in the abyss — he pondered the most effective course of action.

Eamon realized he needed to gather intelligence discreetly before making his move. The abysses were shrouded in utter darkness, posing a significant challenge to reconnaissance.

His gaze fell upon Fred. He had a predator perfectly suited for the mission.

"Let's move to the abyss," Eamon directed the group toward the corridor leading to the abyss.

Passing by the bound body of the female eagle, he noticed a large leaf filled with water placed beside her, presumably set up by Malakai. The female eagle appeared lethargic.

"Master," Malakai's voice resonated, now deeper and smoother with his transformation. "She's refusing to drink or eat, and it's the same with the young ones."

Eamon sighed, glancing at Cassandra, who avoided meeting his eyes.

"We'll find a solution," he assured before asking Cassandra, "Do you feel any changes in your aura?"

Cassandra shook her head, her expression downcast. "No, Master," she replied.

Eamon realized he needed to dedicate a portion of the corpses to Cassandra, hoping to accelerate the enhancement of her aura. It was a necessary step to ensure the survival of the eaglets and their mother.

Eamon then glanced at Richard and Emma, understanding that as ordinary humans, they would provide little assistance in the upcoming battle.

"I'm heading to a place too dangerous for both of you," Eamon began, addressing Richard and Emma. "Stay in the cave while I'm away. Keep an eye on the territory and the female eagle, and make sure to check on the eaglets."

They both nodded in agreement, visibly reassured.

The group moved forward, leaving Richard and Emma behind. They reached the sealed entrance, previously reinforced by Fred with stones.

"Roxy," Eamon instructed, "I need you to create an opening here."

Roxy rushed forward eagerly.

With her formidable claws, she carved out the stone as if it were mere soil. She swiftly cleared a sizable gap, large enough to accommodate her imposing form.

With the path clear, Eamon stepped ahead and peered over the edge, witnessing once again the abyss of unknown depth. He pondered on the strength of the lord established in such a place.

He gestured to Fred and said, "Go, observe, and return. If you encounter any creatures, dispatch them discreetly, take no unnecessary risks, and above all, remain covert. The lord must not suspect our impending attack."

Fred's gravelly voice echoed, reminiscent of stones grinding against each other as he uttered his first words, "Yes, master."

Fred's long, claw-tipped fingers gripped the edge of the abyss, and he began to descend the vertical wall effortlessly, moving headfirst like a spider, using his arms and legs to navigate without making a sound.

He descended rapidly, swiftly disappearing from Eamon's view as he vanished into the darkness below.

_____________________________

Eamon waited for a long time before noting movements coming from below.

He recognized the silhouette of Fred advancing rapidly, his legs and right arm propelling him up the wall. In his left arm, he held onto something, the contours of which were not immediately clear to Eamon. However, upon closer observation, he realized it was a body, its limp form dangling as Fred ascended.

Fred arrived swiftly at the edge and gently deposited the body at Eamon's feet.

Eamon observed the body.

Inspecting the neck, Eamon noted a gaping wound extending from the right ear to the left, slicing across the throat. The edges of the wound seemed jagged, indicating a violent and crude method of inflicting the injury, likely caused by Fred's claws.

The body was of a male specimen, the same size as that of a ten-year-old child but slightly larger. Its skin had a greenish hue, and scars covered its body. The figure wore only a tattered loincloth made of worn fabric, secured with a vine belt. Attached to the belt was a crude bone blade. His face displayed pointed ears, a long and wide nose, almost pressed against his face, and small, sharp teeth.

It reminded Eamon of a legendary creature.

He muttered under his breath, "A goblin."

"Thank you, Fred," Eamon said quietly.

Fred replied with a lowered head, "I simply obey your commands."

"What is the strength of these creatures?" Eamon asked.

Fred replied, "The creatures are weak, as weak as ordinary humans."

Eamon smiled at the response. "Tell me everything you learned about the lord," he requested calmly.