I climbed onto Uuk’s back, and we set off. The journey was long; it took nearly two hours on foot. We headed toward the mountains, an area of high peaks where the air grew thin and dry, and the cold began to bite deep into my bones. Upon reaching the cave entrance, I hopped down, but Uuk stopped dead in his tracks.

  —Until here I accompany you, little Samuel —he declared.

  —Why? —I asked, looking at the massive stone maw.

  —This cave is too narrow for me. I do not like the feeling of the rock pressing against my scales.

  —That makes sense. I’ll be right back.

  —I shall wait for you here.

  Uuk lay down to rest on the sparse mountain grass. I entered the cave; the walls were made of a black rock with brown veins and small embedded crystals. I pulled a small torch from my abdominal pouch and lit it—I forgot to mention that, during these three years of training, I managed to find flint to make fire—. With the light leading the way, I ventured into the depths until I reached a much wider chamber.

  The light from the torch wasn't much, so I had limited vision. I checked every corner of the chamber as best as I could, but there was no sign of green or red rocks; then, I came across another passage and followed it. After walking for a few minutes, the walls were changing; small reddish cracks could be seen. "This could be it," I thought. I hurried toward the back, reaching a larger space where a crimson glow could be seen in the distance.

  I approached, and a swarm of winged animals resembling bats began to fly and flee; that gave me a good scare. Once I calmed down, I followed the glow; it grew more intense with every step, tinting everything red. When I got very close, I realized the reason: there was a giant crystal embedded in the floor. I touched it out of curiosity and, suddenly, I felt a spark bolt through my entire arm.

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  —Does this thing have electricity? —I said to the air.

  I looked at it closer; it didn't look like anything I knew. It wasn't a battery, let alone an electronic device. What was this, really? Something magical? Does magic exist here? I wouldn't be surprised, considering I’ve seen colossal beasts and things resembling gods. That would explain my resurrections.

  —How could I use this? —I asked the void.

  I drew my knife, raised my arms, and gave it a good whack. In my mind, it seemed like a great idea, but I instantly realized it was the dumbest thing I’d ever thought of. As soon as my tool hit the crystal, an explosion sent me flying backward, slamming me against the wall. I felt my back crack.

  —Damn it! —I exclaimed while trying to get up, but I couldn't. For a moment, I couldn't feel my legs. I had to stay there sitting for a while.

  —This is what I get for being impulsive. At least I don't have the System mocking me —I looked toward the ground, worried as I realized something: the System hadn't said a single word in three years. What could have happened?

  —Better for me, that way I don't have an annoying voice talking all the time —with an effort, I stood up. I observed my surroundings carefully and found red stones that didn't glow. Maybe it's iron ore. I approached and tucked the loose ones into my abdomen.

  In the end, I decided it was best to take these and not that crystal. I have no idea what it is, much less how to use it; I’ll come back to study it better later. With that said, I left the cave, limping from the pain.

  —Did you find the blood rock, little Samuel? —Uuk asked when he saw me emerge.

  —Something like it, look —I showed him my find.

  Uuk stared at it.

  —But this does not glow. Are you certain this is what you sought?

  So, what my companion had been referring to was that thing that sent me flying.

  —I think I’m fine with this for now. There was something glowing inside, though.

  —Why do you look as though you are in pain?

  —I tried to touch the glowing thing and it blew me away.

  —I did not know it did that —Uuk said, puzzled.

  —I guess since I’m small, I couldn't handle the energy —I replied, clutching my back.

  —Those of my kind eat those when we run out of strength. I did not know an inferior creature would end up like that.

  —You can do it because you’re huge! I’m tiny! —I said, a bit frustrated.

  —Hahahaha. Calm yourself, little Samuel. I only wished to tease you a bit. Come —he stood up and offered his back—. Climb on.

  —I’ll take your offer, but I am deeply insulted.

  After that short chat, I climbed back onto his back. We set off and returned to his home to spend the night.