It felt like a lifetime since he left home, but our young adventurer was far from reaching the finish line. His journey started with great challengers, and came with an epiphany about what's yet to come.
He heard the whispers of old gods, and traveled across the shifting lands! His goal changed from finding answers to survival, as the hostile lands were both deadly and beautiful.
The guidebook he found in the hut was useless, the journal he found in the cave was useless, and the map he found on the ridge was useless as well. He got so far on his own, going against all odds.
PV prepared his ropes, hooks and mountain gear, and took a leap of faith. He landed on the first platform, and prepared for another jump. It was scary but this was the only way down!
He was nearly half-way, and his hands and legs were hurting from the effort. The mist was left behind, and he could see the plains below without any obstructions. He could see shapes in the distance... he could see tents and signs of civilization.
Camp Ahead! It was clear that other adventurers were camping in the valley bellow, and he was hoping to reach them soon. He was alone since the start of the journey, and was looking for guidance and support!
The young explorer reached ground level few hours later, and the fluffy cat was nowhere to be seen. He knew that the camp was straight ahead, and he started marching towards it. However, he had to rush, as the darkness will soon cover the lands.
PV had no choice than to find a place to rest overnight. His search was successful, as he found shelter between the rocks within the canyon. It wasn't the most comfortable bedroom but will serve the purpose.
He had a good sleep, and when he woke up... the lands shifted again. This time he wasn't that surprised as the previous times. He got used with the overnight metamorphosis, and was ready for a fresh new start.
Ahead of him was a maze, with metallic fences and yellow brick roads. He could still see the camp on the hill ahead, so he started to walk. PV soon reached the centre of the maze, where a giant rusty cube was set as a landmark.
The metallic sides were full or rush, a clear sign that the cube was there for eons. The state of decay was so bad that the rust dig deep into the cube's core. A big "DON'T TOUCH IT!" warning sign was carved on the front!
The memory of when was attacked by rock golems was still fresh in his mind, so he stayed away from the rusty old cube! However, he could still notice from a fair distance that the rust was moving in-between the cracks and holes.
He quickly realized that the "rust" was a colony of metal-eating insects, which could devour skin and bones in seconds. The thought of a horrible end made him fast in the opposite direction, and when the panic ended... PV noticed that he was at the end of the maze.
According to his calculations, he will reach the camp once he's out of the jungle. He had to go through the tick vegetation, and hopefully he will be greeted by humans in only few hours.
PV took out his binoculars and looked for the best route, ready for another chapter of his expedition! All he could see was trees and bushes!
It took half day to be free from the jungle, and he was tired of chopping wines and branches! As the vegetation began to fade, he could see the camp. More tents then he noticed from the ridge, and something sinister over watching the settlement.
A tall scarecrow was looking towards him, and even if the effigy was lifeless... PV went into a deep state of sorrow. The camp had negative vibes, and a sadness he could feel but not understand. Even if the campfires where lit, there was no one around to greet him!
He looked around, trying to find clues on why the camp was abandoned. As he looked into the tents, he found an antique camera that looked in good shape. PV took it and add it into his backpack, but not before he took a picture of the scarecrow!
The journey continued, as PV left the camp behind and started walking towards the horizon. He followed a road that may lead towards the end of the adventure, walking slowly along palm trees and shrubs.
How long will take? He had no clue about what was waiting for him and how his journey will end. The test wasn't about reaching the end, was about learning along the way. It's the journey not the destination.
PV walked along the road for hours, following it towards what he believe it was the end of his awesome quest. His senses went into panic mode when the ground started shaking and a trembling noise was becoming louder and louder!
He had no were to hide, and also froze in panic in the middle of the road when a jumbo silhouette covered the sun. All he could see was a massive creature advancing towards him. As it moved away from the sun he could see that it was the kitten he met on the ridge!
The jumbo kitten was strutting down the road like it owned the place! PV's fear gone away when he seen the familiar face, and knew that the fluffy kitten was here to help him again!
Chapter IV - Sadness:
Zingtober Day 22 - Camp (Ahead)
Zingtober Day 23 - Rust (And Decay)
Zingtober Day 25 - Scarecrow (Of Sorrow)
