The field extended indefinitely beneath a sky that was unrecognizably from any of the memories Amadeus could recall. The grass was too flawless, glowing dimly, as though each blade were stealing light from the atmosphere. A whisper, more like a presence than a sound, was carried by the wind.

  Amadeus stood at the heart of it all, his white fur glowing radiantly against the odd light. His posture was perfect, his back straight, his tail sweeping out behind him in a deliberate arc, like a royal banner proclaiming his arrival. His ears flicked once, twice, as he picked up the differences in the air pressure, for in this world, sound was not as it should be.

  He flicked his tail once, glancing down at the glowing grass and out at the endless, couchless landscape with a faint sneer. No thrones. No cushions. Not even a decent rock to sit on. A kingdom without a seating, was hardly a kingdom at all.

  This world is tragically lacking in furniture, he thought.

  And then the earth before him swelled, as if the very land itself was taking a deep breath. The reeds trembled and parted, and something wet hauled itself out of the shadows.

  A toad.

  It was nearly as big as Amadeus. It had a short, robust body with muscles packed tightly under swollen skin that gleamed like rotten jade. Each slow, laborious breath caused the skin to swing low around a thick throat pouch. Beneath the skin dark veins coursed, thick and sluggish, as though something heavier than blood passed through them. It wasn’t quick. Nor was it a delicate thing. It had the weight of something that was supposed to last. Its flat, dull eyes, like stones drawn from still water, were fixed on him.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  Then symbols burned into the air, blazing above the toad’s head.

  Bog-Tongue Toad

  Level 2

  HP: 40 / 40

  Amadeus halted a short distance away. And for a brief moment they just gazed at each other, abomination and predator locked in a measuring silence.

  Finally, he said out loud. “You look offensively moist.”

  Stretched taut over cords of muscle that flexed like drawn bows, the creature’s throat widened until the skin turned translucent. Amadeus changed his position, his tail lifting slightly to balance his weight on his hind legs, his pupils narrowing to deadly slits.

  The tongue then stuck, exploding into a living lash that slammed into his shoulder, cracking like a wet thunderbolt and tearing through the glowing air. Amadeus felt pain flare white and hot across his nerves as the force twisted him sideways. He hissed, ears flattening against his skull.

  [ENEMY ATTACK: Tongue Whip]

  Damage Taken: 8

  “That tongue will cost you.” he remarked calmly.

  He glanced over his head and noticed his name floating there.

  Amadeus

  Level 2

  HP: 52 / 60

  He moved before the frog could retreat.

  Amadeus sank low and charged ahead, his body a silver-white stream of movement. His strides were free of pauses and wasted motions. The air seemed to part before him. In a single heartbeat, he closed the remaining distance.

  The flesh of the creature tore like wet parchment as his claws arced across its flank. There was a sharp, metallic smell in the air as dark fluid exploded outward, sizzling faintly as it hit the ground.

  [ATTACK: Clax Swipe]

  Damage Dealt: 9

  Bog-Tongue Toad

  HP: 31 / 40

  The frog’s huge body trembled from the impact as it croaked in agony and rolled backward. As he watched the dark fluid seep from the ripped flesh, Amadeus made a soft landing a short distance away, flicking his tail once in satisfaction.

  Bleed properly, he thought.

  Something moved inside the swollen pouch as the frog’s throat convulsed violently. Inside its gaping mouth, two shadows writhed in such a manner that the air itself seemed to recoil. Amadeus’ whiskers twitched as he took in the sight.

  Two? How gauche.