Fire Elemental

Once Maxius stopped panicking over his look, he became very useful in getting rid of the rest of the skeletons he raised. Instead of fighting each skeleton as they came, Maxius conjured a ring of fire to surround you and him while walking.

A monk should not be lazy, but you did find relief that you could walk at ease without having to turn around everytime an undead snuck up behind you. The ring of fire also helped illuminate the area you walked, making an effective barrier and light source.

Skeletons came and immediately perished, crumbling in flames as soon as they came in the vicinity of the fire that floated around you and the sorcerer. Thanks to that, Maxius is able to ramble on to his liking.

"...these doctors are foolish. Of course, I know rats are dirty and carry diseases, but they aren't ever bothered. Why? They became immune to many diseases living in their bodies thanks to their unhealthy lifestyle for thousands of years! It's precisely the reason why I suggested trying to slowly synchronize humans with the blood of the rats by adjusting these healing potions. Of course, we can decrease the risk of becoming sick by making the disease dormant and giving our bodies a fighting chance! None of these doctors and clerics believed me! All they thought was, 'Oh no! We can't let our healing water become dirty by rat's blood!'. Fools! They are missing the point! This is why rats have caused plagues in the past because society is too clean! Tell me Araatris, have you gotten sick?"

You are half-listening, but you understand the gist of what he is saying. You hum nonchalantly as skeletons left and right burn before they are able to reach you. Occasionally one throws a weapon at you which you either are able to dodge or catch successfully.

"Yes, I've gotten sick plenty of times, but as monks, we learn to use our bodies efficiently. All we require is meditation and we can clean our bodies of any foreign element whether it be poison or a disease. The longest I've been sick is a day due to a unique poison a bandit carried," you recall.

Maxius hums and grins with fascination. "How interesting! I've heard that druids use a similar technique whenever they are poisoned or get sick. Honestly, it's a shame that the rest of the people of this world are too lazy to learn to use their bodies to the fullest potential or lack the bravery to take risks! Imagine the strength of the human race!"

For a once skinless man, the sorcerer is able to recall a lot of his work and attempts to convince people of their wrongs. The sad part is that he remembers very little personal or social moments. Perhaps the reason is because he loved his work so much. There is a lot of truth in his words, but it is a shame that he had few that would listen to him.

You are able to, at least, understand what he is interested in. Yes, he primarily specializes in necromancy, but only because he desires to improve the living rather than the dead.

The talks stopped short though as you see another fire ahead that is foreign. Could it be another person with a torch? No, that can't be right since you never sensed anyone.

"You see it too, Maxius?"

The sorcerer hums. "I sense a lot of magic. That is certainly no regular being up ahead."

You channel your ki within yourself in preparation for a fight. As you slowly inched closer to see exactly what the speck of fire in your view actually is, you widen your eyes in surprise.

Fire Elemental by Vij-8

It looks like a woman engulfed in flames but upon a second look, it's actually a woman who is comprised of fire!

"Wow...she looks magnificent and dangerous!" Maxius praises with eyes widen in awe.

"This is not the time to be examining with your definition of 'beauty'" you flatly warn, "Stay focused. I doubt that this ring of fire you created will help if we get attacked."

Maxius hums. "Yes, I suppose you are right. There doesn't appear to be any more skeletons. I believe we may have eliminated them all!"

Sensing around you as far as you can realize, you found no other creature beside this strange fire elemental. You have heard of elementals being summoned before but they never look like a human, much less a female.

Maxius disperses the ring of fire and you stop, holding the sorcerer from moving on. When faced with an uncertain creature, there were always questions that filled your mind. Was it summoned? Does it have a conscious and able to communicate? Why is it here? Is it guarding something?

You curl your lips. Honestly, as boring as it was, you feel content with facing skeletons, but the mountain won't make it that easy for you, apparently.