The Grassy Behemoth #7

Standing over the cliff that overlooked my base, I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me. The scene below was one of organized chaos, a testament to the hard work and effort I had put into building this new life.

Two days had passed since I first started capturing and assigning tasks to the pals, and now the fruits of my labor were evident.

The Lamball and a pair of Chikabis wandered around the ranch, a simple circular enclosure made of wood. The Chikabis basked in the sun, occasionally laying eggs, while the Lamball stopped now and then to shed some of its wool.

Whenever there was a good amount of materials, Cattiva would stop mining rocks and carry them into the storage chest, its nimble movements a blur of efficiency.

Near the ranch were three small red berry plantations. Pengullete, a small blue penguin-like creature, tended to them with dedication, watering the plants with precision.

Beside it, Gumos, a creature that resembled an acorn with two leaves at the top of its head, seeded the plantations diligently. Another Cattiva would then come along to harvest the berries and deposit them in a feeding box, ensuring all the pals had food whenever they were hungry.

In the midst of this bustling activity, a Foxparks, a fox-like pal with a flaming tail and paws, tended to the campfire. It was roasting some meat over the flames, its focus unwavering as it ensured the food was perfectly cooked. The aroma of the roasting meat wafted up to where I stood, reminding me of the simple pleasures of life.

Vito appeared beside me, his presence a constant in this strange new world. He looked down at the base, a smirk playing on his lips. "You know, depending on how clever these creatures are, this place could make you a very rich and powerful man if you manage to find a way home..."

I watched the bustling activity below, the pal's harmonious work a stark contrast to the chaotic life I left behind. "These pals would probably fetch a hefty price if sold back in your world, Vito," I said, almost to myself. "But the best outcome for them would be ending up on some crazy scientist's operation table to be dissected. It's out of the question."

Vito burst into mocking laughter beside me. "You'd be an idiot to sell these creatures, John. They're worth more than a quick buck."

I turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? And what's your bright idea then?"

He gestured toward the plantations, a gleam in his eye. "If they can plant and harvest berries, what's to stop them from cultivating opium poppies, cannabis, or even coca? You could run the most efficient drug operation this world has ever seen."

I clenched my fists, anger flaring up. "You can forget about turning me into a goddamned dope dealer, Vito. Besides, Even if I went through with your crazy idea, I'd be left with raw materials and no idea how to process them."

Vito smirked, his eyes filled with a dangerous glint. "If these creatures can make weapons like bows and spears, who's to say you won't find a pal that can make drugs as well? Hell, you might even be able to create modern firearms in the future."

I shook my head, frustration boiling over. "I'm already in deep trouble thanks to the mess you created before I took over this body. I refuse to dive headfirst into an even bigger one."

Vito's expression hardened, his voice dripping with contempt. "The only way out of this mess is to dive deeper into it. In the eyes of everyone, you're already a criminal. You won't shake that away anytime soon."

"Shut up, Vito," I snapped, irritation seeping into my voice. "I don't need you playing the devil on my shoulder right now."

Vito just grinned, unfazed. "Think about it, John. It's a golden opportunity."

I ignored him, shaking my head. "I've wasted enough time standing around. I need to test the bow and the other stuff I had the pals craft for me."

Vito shrugged, his smirk never fading. "So, what toy do you want to start with?"

I took a deep breath, eyeing the simple glider made of wood and cloth. "This," I said, lifting it up. The makeshift parachute felt surprisingly sturdy in my hands, but the thought of actually using it was daunting. Looking down the cliff, my stomach churned.

"On second thought..." I muttered, my voice trailing off.

Vito laughed, a mocking edge to his tone. "What, chickening out already? I thought you had more guts than that."

Gritting my teeth, I shot him a glare. "I'm not chickening out. I'm just being cautious."

"Sure, sure," he taunted, leaning against a nearby tree. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, pal."

Determined to prove him wrong, I made my way down the cliff until I reached a height that seemed more manageable—one that wouldn't break any of my bones if something went wrong. The drop still looked intimidating, but it was a far cry from the dizzying height above.

Vito appeared beside me again, still grinning. "This ought to be good. Come on, show me what you've got."

I took a deep breath, positioning the glider above my head. My heart pounded in my chest as I took a running start. Every step felt like an eternity, but I didn't stop. Just as I reached the edge, I jumped, raising the glider high above me.

For a split second, panic set in. Then, to my surprise, the glider caught the air and I felt a gentle lift. The descent was smooth and controlled, a stark contrast to the chaos I had braced myself for. The ground rose up to meet me slowly, and I landed softly on my feet, my heart still racing but filled with exhilaration.

Vito clapped slowly, a sarcastic edge to his applause. "Not bad, John. Not bad at all. Looks like you didn't chicken out after all."

I shot him an exasperated look. "Don't patronize me you damned, two-bit thug. Not all of us can be psychopaths like you..."

He chuckled, crossing his arms. "I like to think of myself as a high-functioning sociopathic four-bit thing, but whatever..." he said. "So what's next, oh master of survival?"

I glanced at the horizon beyond the base, where the tall tower and the gigantic tree loomed over the horizon. "I was thinking about trying the bows and the shield gadget... I think it's about time I headed further west into the island..."

...

Activating the great eagle statue in the hilly area rising over the shore, I glanced at the map on my wristwatch. The screen displayed the area's name, and I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at it.

"I wonder what it's called the Grassy Behemoth Hills..." I wondered aloud.

As if waiting for those exact words, Bito appeared beside me. "You're basically asking for something bad to happen," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I shot him a glare. "I didn't take you for the superstitious type. I figured you'd be--" I began, but my words trailed off as the ground beneath me began to shake.

Ignoring the smug look on Vito's face, I turned around, my heart pounding. From behind a tall cliff, a gigantic creature emerged. It was like a mammoth, but even more colossal. Long tusks curved majestically from its face, and its back was covered in thick, heavy green grass with jagged rocky protrusions sticking out.

Vito whistled in awe at the sight. "Now that looks like something that could kill and eat you."

I didn't respond, rooted in place as I watched the gigantic creature. Its eyes, intelligent and intense, locked onto me for a moment. I held my breath, feeling the weight of its gaze. Then, just as suddenly, it turned away and lumbered off, each step shaking the ground.

I remained frozen until the mammoth-like creature finally disappeared from sight. Only then did I let out a sigh of relief, feeling the tension drain from my body.

Vito's mocking voice broke the silence. "I remember you saying you wanted to catch a pal that would be a good fight. Looks like you just wasted your opportunity."

I shook my head, still catching my breath. "Not in a million years. That thing looks like it could kill with one mean look."

Vito laughed, clapping me on the back. "Smart choice. Let's not get ourselves killed just yet."

As I turned to leave the area, I couldn't help but glance back one last time, feeling a strange mix of awe and dread. This world was full of wonders and dangers, and I was just beginning to understand the scope of it all.

...

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