The sun rose over the towering ancient redwoods of Skyreach Forest, casting long shadows on the village of Loparr nestled below. Loparr was abuzz with excitement on this day, for it marked the beginning of the rite of passage for their youths.
Sixteen young villagers awoke with eager anticipation, having prepared their entire lives for this moment. Elsewhere flexed his three muscular legs, confidence bolstering in his mutant strides. Flattus gazed out his window at the vibrant red hues of the forest, hoping to prove himself on this journey. Hydro splashed his face with water, washing away the last remnants of childhood. Longshot carefully inspected the tip of his spear, imagination racing with thoughts of heroic battles ahead.
The morning light filtered through the leaves, dappling the fur of Cloud G, a hulking mutant gorilla known for his jovial laugh. His brother, Cloud H, spread his wings in the open air outside, relishing the feeling of the wind through his feathers. Prodigy reviewed his studies, six fingers fluttering through ancient tomes, eager to utilize his intelligence. Nearby, Smokey snored loudly, hooves twitching in restless dreams of glory.
In another hut, Bucks admired his vibrant green skin in the polished metal mirror, a mutation he hoped would make him stand out. Dust frowned at his useless semi-transparent eyelids in the reflection. Exo nodded confidently at his mutant body, hooves stomping with anticipation. Hybrid strapped on his armor, ready to prove himself and break free from his harsh upbringing.
Elise shook her head with a sigh, not keen to exert herself on this journey. Jeffries punched the wall of his hut, amping himself up to bully others during the trip. Paulo yawned, indifferent to the day’s events, absentmindedly scratching his back with his tail. Zooper beamed, passionately reciting the oath of loyalty he planned to uphold on the quest.
When the youths gathered with the village elders, the air hummed with nervous energy. Pip, speaking for Red the ancient redwood, and Sam the Seeker addressed the crowd, outlining the details of their journey. They would venture deep into Skyreach Forest, seeking out the ancient tombs near a massive burrower mound. Their goal was to recover a relic from within the ruins to present to the village upon their return. Only then would they be recognized as adults and potentially elevated to the honored status of Seeker.
Before leaving, there was time for the younglings to trade and barter for supplies. Many came from wealthy families and had pearls, shells, and shiny trinkets to trade. Cloud G, while strong and lucky, did not have much wealth. He gathered his meager belongings along with those of some friends - clubs, knives, water skins - and tried convincing a surly ferret manimal named Drell to exchange them for armor. Drell eventually agreed, but demanded Cloud G bring back two ancient relics.
Elsewhere traded his bag of seashells for leather armor and a shield. Others procured potions, weapons, and rucksacks. The poorest youth, Exo, held only a telepathic rat named Ratso Rattington. To gain equipment for his friends, a tearful Exo sold Ratso to a hungry cat manimal named Grimsnak the Fleshfeaster.
The elders departed to prepare the way by luring out the deadly dig one burrowers that guarded the mound. After hours of waiting, the coast was clear and the youths were led to the massive 30-foot tall mound, riddled with entrance tunnels. Gripping their weapons tightly, they stood at the precipice of adulthood, staring into the dark unknown ahead. All their lives had led to this moment. Taking a deep breath, they descended into the tunnels, ready to prove their worth.