Lootbox Hero (Old)

Chapter 2: The Key of Poe Tenshal

Numbing darkness; that was all that remained of Tayka Chanz. He didn't really mind. Although, his life hadn't flashed before his eyes.

"Wasn't that what everyone said was supposed to happen as you died?"

Tayka thought to himself. It was kind of a ripoff that he missed out on that. Even though there wasn't much in his life he'd like to look back on. Wait... Why was he able to still think? Wasn't he dead? Wasn't this the great beyond or whatever?

"It is not."

A voice immediately responded. Granted, it was less of a voice and more of a horrid cacophony of bees. All swarming and buzzing together to make up the words as they entered Tayka's mind.

"You, who has recovered the Key... I give you a second chance."

Tayka had no idea what that meant, or who the hell was talking to him. None of this made sense. There wasn't any time for him to fully comprehend what just took place, though, as the black around him burst into blinding light, and he found himself back in the crypt's chamber staring death in its twisted-toothed-canine-esque mouth.

With an admittedly embarrassing yelp Tayka rolled to his right, and he did it with such speed that it surprised him. The momentum causing him to slide along the floor on all fours. On top of that he realized his body had somehow completely healed. Well, with the exception of the dagger that was still sticking out of his chest. Luckily, for whatever reason, it didn't hurt in the slightest.

"W-wha..."

How bizarre; Tayka had never felt like this before. Since his reawakening a strange and unknown power had been welling up inside him. For once in his life... Anything seemed possible. Despite the precarious situation he was in a smile crossed his lips. He could do this now.

"Yeah... You're in for it now! I can feel the strength flo-"

Just as Tayka was getting back onto his feet he once again felt something slam into his side. The beast had gotten in close while he was distracted by all the new sensations, and swiped him with one of its large paws. The teen's body slammed into the wall. The ancient rock buckling under the impact; sending shattered stone across the room like shrapnel. At the center of the newly formed crater was a groaning Tayka.

"Damned... Thing... You're gonna... Pay... For that..."

While it was extremely painful still Tayka realized that nothing was broken or disfigured this time around. In every way that mattered he was more than okay. Pulling himself out of the rubble Tayka confronted the large dog-beast. The only problem was... He didn't exactly have a lot of combat experience. In the past he spent all his time in the lowest level dungeons. They were monster free zones, and allowed non-combatants to make meager livings. So he did the one thing that came to mind. Tayka sprinted towards his foe with a full on battle cry.

The sudden change in demeanor of its prey threw the monster for a loop. It was extremely confused now that this weak thing was suddenly charging at it. So much so that it did nothing to dodge the incoming punch from its small human prey. An unfortunate miscalculation on its part for sure, as Tayka's powered up fist collided with, and smashed into the beast's snout. Crunching the cartilage and bone; the force sending it flying backwards into the wall.

"Yeaahhh! Take that, you dumb animal!!"

Tayka cheered loudly; making several obscene gestures at the monster as it lay on the floor. He had done something he never could have imagined before. Looking down at the dagger he was now extremely glad he got stabbed. The weirdness of being grateful for such a thing not lost on him. His celebration would be cut short, however, thanks to the movement across the room from him. The monster was getting back onto its feet. Noticeably shaken, but still determined to get its meal.