[jobiehanna]

Mars made his was toward the caverns. It was bright and warm outside, but he knew once he was inside it would be cold and dark. Although the conditions weren't ideal for training, this was the best place to increase his defensive and offensive skills. He had heard of different creatures lurking in the darkness that were ideal targets for practicing. He just hoped that none of them were too strong.

{34.169}

[jobiehanna]

The concept creature finally reached the cave entrance. It was large and ominous. Mars swallowed as he looked up at it. Was it really worth it? What if the cave held far more dangerous creatures than he expected? He shook the thoughts away as best he could. This wasn't the time for cowardice, this was a time to prove himself, if only to himself.

{35.170}

--> Level UP! <--

[jobiehanna]

Mars took a step into the cave. His soft footfalls echoed off the walls as he continued his way in. It was cold inside the cavern because of the lack of sunlight. But somehow he had managed to come in one of the entrances that had glowing crystals lining the walls so it wasn't completely dark. For that Mars was very grateful. He allowed himself a small smile, but that was all the celebration he would allow himself.

{35.171}

[jobiehanna]

Mars continued on his way. He was alert for any sudden movements or sounds. There was an eerie green glow from the crystals that reflected light onto him and his surroundings. He could see stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the ceiling and jutting out of the floor. He was careful not to walk into any of the obstacles that were in his way.

{35.172}

[jobiehanna]

There was a sudden movement from somewhere up ahead. It was darker up there, and Mars was hesitant to move forward. He stole a glance behind him and saw that the exit was but a pinprick in the darkness now. He was too far into the cave to run blindly and hope he made it out. He took a few more hesitant steps forward.

{35.173}

[jobiehanna]

Mars took a few steps forward. He unsheathed his claws and they began to click against the hard stone beneath him. The darkness grew and he allowed his eyes some time to adjust before going any further. As Mars continued he thought he heard a scuffling sound up ahead. Whatever it was didn't seem like it was too big.

{35.174}

[jobiehanna]

Mars neared the spot where he thought the sound had come from. Then he crouched and waited for whatever it was to appear. It had to be somewhere close. The eerie green lighting was enough for him to see once his eyes finished adjusting. He looked around him, but saw nothing. Confused, he stood up and looked around. He was sure he had heard something!

{36.175}

-->Level UP!! <--

[jobiehanna]

Mars decided to take a few steps closer. As he got closer, he heard another sound. Something was squeaking up ahead, and wings were flapping. What kind of creature had wings, was small and lived in caves? The answer was soon revealed.

{36.176}

[jobiehanna]

A small flock of morloths appeared within seconds of Mars hearing the sound. They came at his so fast, and their squeaking filling the cavern. They all flew towards him, not seeming to notice him. The concept draculi ducked low to avoid their wings and claws. Mars watched them as they continued to fly out the way he had come in.

{36.177}

[jobiehanna]

Once the small bats had evacuated the cave, Mars stood up. The morloths were the creatures he had heard! He must have disturbed them when he came in. He relaxed a bit and re-sheathed his claws. He chuckled in spite of himself. He had been afraid of a flock of morloths?

{36.178}

[jobiehanna]

Mars smiled to himself and looked toward the exit. It was always to be a little pre-cautious, right? What if it had been a bit scary battleheart or something? He doubted something that large could fit into the caverns though. Well, it could have been a hunter or an akail even, right? They were common in Craiss.

{36.179}

[jobiehanna]

After that little scare, Mars decided it was time to head out of the cavern. It had been a short adventure, but he was ready to get out of there. He may have stayed longer if he wasn't alone, but he was. He didn't like being alone in the cavern. He had tried it, but he discovered it was far more scarier than he thought it would be. Time to go back home and tell his friends what he had seen.
{37.180}

-->Level UP!! <--
{DONE}