Chapter 9: Spit and Salvation: A Nursery Nightmare
With 20 Reputation Points finally burning a hole in his mental inventory, Ethan wasted no time. He focused his thoughts on the SYSTEM: SHOP and navigated to the Skills section.
There it was, shimmering enticingly:
SYSTEM: SHOP - SKILLS
- Purifying Spit: (20 RP) - Cleanses targets of dark magic and corrupting influences with a potent stream of saliva. (Side effects may include temporary squeaky-clean feeling.)
He mentally selected "Purifying Spit" and confirmed the purchase.
SYSTEM: SKILL "PURIFYING SPIT" ACQUIRED!
A surge of power coursed through him, even stronger than before. He could feel the potential within him, a tangible force capable of banishing darkness.
He refocused on Lady Elara. Above her head, the corrupted label pulsed ominously:
[@$#?*&%√¢£¥€¤π^]
It was time.
He willed a large globule of saliva to form, but this was different than before. This wasn't just ordinary spit. This was Purifying Spit. It shimmered with a faint, golden light, radiating warmth and power.
He took a deep breath and aimed at Lady Elara.
Then, just as he was about to launch, the nursery door burst open.
Sergeant Gruff stormed into the room, his sword drawn, his eyes wide with alarm. "They're here! The shadows! They've surrounded the nursery!"
Behind him, the shadows coalesced, solidifying into grotesque, vaguely humanoid figures with eyes that burned with malevolent energy. They were the same shadows Ethan had seen flickering on the wall, but now they were real, tangible, and terrifying.
One of the shadow creatures lunged at Sergeant Gruff, its shadowy claws outstretched.
Without hesitation, Ethan acted.
He launched the globule of Purifying Spit.
It soared through the air, striking the shadow creature squarely in the chest.
The creature shrieked, a high-pitched, ear-splitting sound that sent shivers down Ethan's spine. The golden light of the Purifying Spit burned into its shadowy form, causing it to writhe and convulse.
Then, with a final, agonizing wail, the shadow creature dissipated, leaving behind only a wisp of smoke.
Sergeant Gruff stared in astonishment. "What… what was that?"
Ethan, still babbling incoherently, pointed at Lady Elara. He needed to purify her, and he needed to do it now.
Sergeant Gruff seemed to understand. He nodded grimly and turned to face the remaining shadow creatures. "Protect Lady Elara! I'll hold them off!"
He charged into battle, his sword flashing, his face a mask of determination.
Ethan focused all his mental energy, summoning another globule of Purifying Spit. He aimed it at Lady Elara's head, specifically at the corrupted label that hovered above her.
He took a deep breath and launched.
The golden light struck the label, engulfing it in a blinding flash. For a moment, everything was silent.
Then, the light faded.
Above Lady Elara's head, a new label appeared, clear and serene:
[Lady Elara - Dutiful Mother. Level 30]
The corruption was gone.
Lady Elara blinked, her eyes clearing. "What… what's happening? Why is Sergeant Gruff fighting those… those things?"
Ethan gurgled with relief. He had done it. He had saved her.
But the battle was far from over. Sergeant Gruff was surrounded, outnumbered, and beginning to tire.
Ethan knew he had to help. He was just a baby, but he had a power, a skill that could turn the tide of the battle.
He focused his mental energy, summoning another globule of Purifying Spit. He aimed it at the nearest shadow creature.
Then, he launched himself.
With a surge of adrenaline, he propelled his tiny body out of the crib, soaring through the air towards the battle.
It was time for the Saliva Samurai to truly shine.
End Chapter 9