Three Spheres

Chapter 11 - Vibration

"The Mapinguari is a Fabulare typical from Ruber. It's a humanoid creature raging from 3 to 4m in height, with dark fur covering the entire body, except the feet and hands. It has a single eye and a gigantic mouth on the belly, occupying almost the entire trunk, either horizontally or vertically. Its skin is extremely resistant and the only weak spots are the eye and the throat. In general, it's classified as a Grade 3 threat, but it lives in isolated regions and rarely cause problems...", Amadeo reviews in his mind a paragraph of the "Bestiarius", holding his breath. He sees Johan doing the same, without blinking. "So why is there one here...?!", he concludes the thought, just before the furious roar of the monster makes the tree branches sway.

Johan holds the dagger firmly in his hand. He touches Amadeo's shoulder, signaling him to bend down. Obeying, the blonde squats and then throws a random item from the backpack away. The creature takes a few steps towards the sound, allowing Johan to come out of the hideout and run in the opposite direction.

The monster notices the movement and goes after the man. Amadeo, then, exclaims:

_ You must hit the eye!!

The creature slams both hands on the ground; Johan jumps off, but grabs its hairy arm. The Mapinguari reacts by lifting it up and bringing it close to the huge, already open mouth. Johan kicks the top of the monster's head and, at the same time, a golden arrow hits the back of its knee, making it howl and fall.

Johan walks away and sees Amadeo holding a bewitched bow. He throws the dagger in the direction of the creature's eye, which defends itself and soon reacts, sweeping the ground with its huge arms.

_ Dang it. _ The blonde exclaims, while Johan dodges.

Amadeo watches the surrounding terrain, thinking of strategies to contain that monster, without an excessive expenditure of energy. Johan's words echo in his mind "One of us is more valuable than the other"... After a few moments, Johan approaches again, without looking away from the huge creature. The monster stares back at him.

_ What do I do? _ Johan asks.

_ We need to hit the eye... If we attack together, he won't be able to defend.

With those words, Johan extends this arm backwards; his hand ajar, ready to receive something. Instantly, Amadeo understands the gestures and moves his hands once more, opening a sparkling portal like the one of Paladin Irma.

The monster reacts to the enchantment's beginning and accelerates towards them. Johan remains static and presses his injured leg hard against the floor. The distance between them shortens quickly. Amadeo mutters incomprehensible words and crosses metallic ornaments through the portal. Johan clenches his fists. The Mapinguari shows its teeth...

Less than 1m away, Johan feels the rough, warm weight of the forged metal in his hand and doesn't hesitate to attack the creature with a transversal blow...

_ Haa? ... A spear...? _ Johan stammers, seeing the weapon in front of him, much longer and less sharp than he expected.

He keeps the pressure of the cable against the monster's head, making it tremble. The creature resists and evades the attack, leaning back without taking any damage. At the same time, it strikes back by reaching for Johan and grabbing him by the torso.

_ Why did you make a spear?! A-Argh-! _ Johan says as he is dragged close to the monster and reposition the weapon to stick it on its rough leather.

_ I made the first thing that came to my mind! I don't use short weapons...! _ Amadeo responds running towards them.

The monster releases Johan and Amadeo supports him, avoiding his fall. It howls again and attacks. Johan instantly crouches down, grabbing Amadeo by his shirt to drag him along... He raises the spear and stabs the monster's arm. Standing, he pulls the creature forward. Looking over his shoulder at Amadeo, who's getting up, he says between his teeth: