The battle at the Plains of Warfare ended up only being a complete slaughter, and the monkeys hadn't even made it close to Josh.
There was only a single survivor: a lone scaly devil. But, one look at Josh was enough to send it running in panic. Since it was running toward enemy land, Josh was actually rooting for it: "Happy hunting out there, little buddy!"
"Amazing, Master! You scared it with a single glance! This is so impressive!" The dog girl cheered from the side.
Just as she was done saying that, the plain trembled as the old rusty elevator suddenly emerged from the ground aking to the worms he had fought previously.
"Master, that thing's back again!"
"Indeed. There is only one thing to do now. Try and put a foot inside that elevator." Josh asked sternly.
"Like this?" The husky girl inserted her paw inside without any sign of discomfort. There was no invisible barrier! "Should I enter it?" She hesitantly asked.
"Fuck no! We have to head back to the Savage Land right now. Let's go!" Josh decisively started running.
If there was even a slight chance he could bring helpers unto the next Floor, he would do it! How many raptors could he fit in that one elevator? Perhaps 20-30, or even more?
Josh ran straight at the military camp with extreme urgency. Seeing his loss of composure, the dogs couldn't help but feel down. For their hero to despair, it could only mean that they were facing annihilation. They instantly began comforting him.
"Leader, we're sorry that we're so weak. Otherwise, we could help."
"Leader, you should go on ahead. We'll stall the incoming army, and you can slowly avenge us later on."
"Yes, Leader. There is no need for you to die here alongside us. It was an honor meeting you in this lifetime!"
"Let us bark for the dog race that today will come to an end. But, we will die standing on our paws, as proud warriors!"
????????????????
????????????????
????????????????
"Please stop barking already! Just stop! Alright, get me plenty of bags and helpers to carry them. Quick!" He ordered them.
"A-ah, sure, Leader! We'll do anything it takes to defeat these abominable monkeys!"
"What are you talking about?! Stop dawdling! The monkeys are all dead, but we gotta hurry up!"
They had no idea what was happening, but they did their best. It took them a few hours. Then they were back at the elevator with tons of bagged scaly devils and a huge dog crowd. The dogs kept glancing in fright at their bags, fearing that they would magically explode.
"Alright, guys. Cram as many as you can in there while making sure they don't go free! I need enough room to enter too."
They could only look perplexed at the big cage that had appeared out of nowhere. What was the use of this?! They were akin to a young man seeing porn for the first time, so full of curiosity!
But, the husky girl began barking at them and made sure they executed their task perfectly. That's how there was soon a hole the size of a person left for Josh. But as he observed it carefully, he couldn't help but remark.
"I think we can add a bit more."
"No, Master. Otherwise, they could all tumble down." She seemed highly confident in her analysis.
At this point, there were about 30 reptiles in the elevator. Would a few make that big of a difference? Probably not. Josh decided to give up and hope for the best. Who knew if these would even be useful up there.
"Alright, this is goodbye. Take care, you all." Josh waved at them one last time.
"Leader, do you really have to go?!" Old Napolitan asked with great deception.
"Son, take care out there." Old Bernard forcefully held back the tears.
His maid surprisingly remained quiet. Josh had no clue how they interpreted the current situation, but they would respect his wishes either way. He then took a decisive step inside the elevator.
The doors began closing, but that's when she struck! The husky girl charged at an insane speed, barely passing through and pressing her body against his. They were so tight that he now felt the scales of the lizards digging into his back.
So, this had been her plan all along, hence the added space! The elevator began moving as she held her head low in shame, fearing his reaction. Still, she took this whole event calmly compared to the people outside:
"It's rising in the air! How is this possible!"
"What kind of divine power is this?!"
"I knew it! Heaven itself has chosen my son! HAHAHAHA!"
"Gods, please allow our Leader to remain. We need him desperately! Please, let him at least teach us how to become better heroes too!"
Josh could picture them kneeling while kowtowing. He turned his eyes back at the husky, twisting in anxiety.
What was the point of her clinging to him? She'd get reset as soon as he left the Alter Tower. Still, he didn't have the heart to tell her that all her efforts were vain. Would she even understand?
He wordlessly patted her head as her tail began to wag happily. This would do for now. Her being illusory didn't mean that he couldn't spare her the torment.
A few minutes later, they stopped on Floor 5 with a ding. But as the doors slowly opened, Josh felt something move behind him.
Oh god, no! The pressure from their bodies had weakened the strings. The raptors would break free any second now! What was he supposed to do? Kill them? Not after all the effort of bringing them over! Plus, these fuckers were sturdy!
Josh grabbed them and threw them as far as possible toward the opened door without a moment of hesitation. He didn't even know what he was throwing them at, but he didn't care! Seeing what he was doing, the husky girl did the same.
Only after they were done did they observe the situation. In front was a dark gray hallway, haunted house style. He could almost picture the blood on the walls, spooky! The raptors sent one last resentful look their way before running off. Luckily they wanted freedom above revenge!
"What is this place, Master?"
"I have no clue, but it should be another trial like the one I accomplished with you guys."
"Trial?"
"See it as missions that are relatively hard to accomplish. Whenever I succeed, something good happens. This time I'm doing it to help a friend with their training." He explained.
She couldn't truly understand, but this answer would suffice for now. She nodded as she stared at his face intently, seemingly wondering what hid behind his impassible face.
Her master seemed used to it, and she would do her best to assist him. She carefully inspected her surroundings and then jumped in surprise.
"What is it?"
"I can hear something, Master. It seems like the scaly devils have found a prey."
"How do you know?"
"I can hear their small feet excitedly stomping on the wooden floor. They also began growling in hunger and anger. It's the same sound they were making back when they were attacking the monkeys."
"Can you follow them?"
"Yes, Master. I should be able to if we hurry."
"Alright, lead the way."
What had the creatures found? Ally or enemy? They would know soon….
Creator's Thought
There is something so beautiful about showing up to a Floor with an army of summons. So far, I had only experienced summoning a few skeletons, but bringing a speedy scaly army made me feel great. The only problem was that they didn't obey me in any manner.