Master Of None

Looking around Walker began to see some grey and jagged looking egg shapes. They would easily be confused for some strange rock formations if he didn't know this was a rock horned viper nesting area. 

The next shapes he made out were some points and curving formations. These were also slightly moving as if sleeping. This was clearly the rock horned vipers that were burying themselves under the sand and dust to rest or hide away. The spikes were a perfect camouflage for them so that they wouldn't be seen by prey or predators. The large spikes at one end would be the rock horn that gave them their names. 

" I count at least twenty vipers and fifteen eggs. It's a small nest but the rocks look to be higher quality so I would say they have been here for some time." Zenith was recording this without any fear that her voice was too loud. When she noticed Su and Walker giving her looks she explained more. "They won't wake up so easily and even if you yelled they would just try and avoid you." 

This made Midnight and Onyx less careful and they started to explore a little. They did not approach the eggs or the vipers but they were excited to see what else was around. Midnight was sniffing constantly while Onyx kept a sharp eye out. Their sibling teamwork quickly uncovered some of the yellow puff mushrooms which Walker gathered. 

"This cave is much cooler than the one from before and I can feel a slight breeze." Su had been standing still trying to get a feel for things while also watching some of the rock horned vipers move now and then. 

"Yes, there are some small holes in the ceiling that we think leads to the higher caves where the rock horned vipers hunt. It would be ideal for them since not many other monsters can travel down them. If a cave rat managed to then the vipers would tear it apart before it even got here." Zenith pointed to the ceiling showing the smaller holes. It was good to know that there was air flow since if there wasn't they would need to stop exploring. 

"Let's go, I have most of this mapped out but it could be better to map this out after we have a breeder here to evaluate things. I have already marked the quality and size of this passage. I think it has been hollowed out by the rock horned vipers over time. The scratches along the walls match the horns and spikes on their backs. It is good because the most stable caves are where they make their homes." This was an interesting fact but made sense to them. 

Su led the way down the passage giving the rock horned vipers their space. The nests were smaller than they expected making it easier to avoid them. They were just about halfway through when Midnight huffed a little.

"Brother, there is a strange rock horned viper over there. Sister says it smells like metal." Onyx and Midnight were getting Walkers' attention. They were looking at a curled up horned viper that looked slightly shinier than the others. 

'Mutated rock horned viper

This rock horned viper has been alive for twenty years and was able to grow in to a unique skill. The ability to grow stronger rocks and horns is common for a rock horned viper, but to create spikes and horns with quartz crystals is extremely rare. The crystals help the rocks bond and cause the viper to have stronger horns than others. This allows it to live longer and give birth to more over time.'

"It has quartz crystals in the rocky parts of its horn and spikes. That is amazing. I bet it has much more use than the regular rock horned vipers do." Walker was sure that this was a monster that would make many of the dwarves jealous. 

"You're right about that. Just having that one here makes this ten times more valuable to a breeder. Their shed rocks and skins can be used for household stoves and even some of the smaller furnaces. It will be a great find to report." Zenith was happier than could be to have this pointed out. She wouldn't have noticed it without their help and she made sure to give Midnight and Onyx her thanks. 

"Then we keep moving on?" Su wanted to be sure and with a nod from Walker, she skirted the area with the mutated rock horned viper. She saw that the stones ahead of them were a bit different. "Leader, this appears to be the start of the ruins. There are some cut stones that make up the walls here." 

Walker examined them and could only agree, but before he could speak he heard a loud hiss. "Brother, there are five angry looking rock horned vipers starting to fight over there." Onyx directed Walker to a group of rock horned vipers fighting over a dusty round area. They were fighting for a nest. 

"This is a good show. They often fight for their nests and it is a rare chance to see it." Zenith pulled a different scroll out and started to record the scene. She knew that breeders would pay a nice bit of gold for this information. 

The group watched as the vipers started to rear up and strike at each other. One of them was able to instantly shatter the horn of another causing it to retreat. The next two ambushed another and tried to wrap around it. However, this action caused all three to lose a significant amount of their spikes. 

Seeing that the others were tangled, the one that had shattered the firsts horn attacked the intertwined and broke away their horns too. "Looks like that's the dominant female there. They break away the horns of their competition making them less desirable for mating. It is a very intense battle but they can regrow their horns so none are actually harmed." Zenith recorded all of this until the vipers calmed down. It was a small spat but enough to bring light to the natural lives of the rock horned vipers. "Now for the ruins." 

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