The Old Axolotl Novels & Stories

They were like the tiny, breathless creatures floating in liquid in the jars where they were dropped, except that they breathed. What kind of little creatures? Well green frogs, mice as black as coal, small snakes, but still scary, even moles or bats. And there were plenty of eyes or parts of various small animals in those jars, gathered like sweets in a grocery store, forming piles of eyes, claws or teeth, stuffed to the brim. All of these seemed hypnotic, inducing drowsiness. Along with the potion class, of course. "Really ... what an enchanting magic," Alexander said, drained of energy to one of his colleagues. "We’d been waiting for almost two hours to change the colour of a blouse?"

“I’m really pressed for time. My friend is dying. Please, what do you know about those venom from hybrid salamanders? Just tell me what to do, you don’t have to come with me. I just—I just— I will pay you handsomely!” He cuts her rambling with a gesture of his wrinkly hand. “Lead the way.” “I’ll carry you on my back. It’ll be faster.” The old man wasn’t happy with her suggestion, but her desperate cry for help made him suck up all his pride. While on the way, he picked up herbs he saw while Uneece was itching to get to Alexander. “Calm yourself.” “We’re almost there.” “I can see that.” The transparent dome-like crystal was visible.

Chapter 05: Knowing Hellbender After the signing contract, I returned to my room. Yes, mine since I became part of this giant moving ship. The Hellbender. On my way back to my room I always saw banners with a skeleton hellbender blowing fire. According to the biology book I once read before, it's the Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis, much more known by the name Hellbender, a large aquatic salamander. Its appearance is not that appealing but its sharp teeth are enough to cut through human skin.

I ask. “They are a type of salamander, aquatic animals that can spend time out of water, but prefer to live in the water.” As she speaks, I lift my hand and see that I have a white, blue, purple and tan axolotl in my hand. They have little protrusions on their head that stand out in the water, but lay against their head when they are out. “Those are external gills.” Anastasia says, gently running a finger over the axolotyls in her hand. She has a yellow one with black spots that keeps nipping at the others.

Sasha was referring to errant sister tribes on the eastern islands, who shared their water element minus its crystalline frozen form. “Toyotamahime ocean lizards,” he continued, “are one of the oldest species of animals in the world, older than even the Great Serpents, and we learned many things from them. They have warm eyes and brains that stay alert in our cold waters. They’ve also honed a kind of sixth sense that detects minute electrical fields, from the slightest twitch of a muscle to prey that’s buried under sand. “The problem is when they get sensory overload. The same thing I told you that I’m apt to experience when I’m in Kuma-wani form.”

Axel's pov I scoffed lightly through my nostrils, he's obviously interested in her. The Old man has been searching for a deserving disciple to continue his teachings, but he claimed he had not found the right choice. And, seeing the genuine curiosity in Exalia's eyes, and the fact that he seemed to have a good impression of her, he might… Forget it, I will agree if Exalia wants it. Old man Harrick nodded, “That's a general detoxifying pill, it works as an antidote for common poisons.” He explained, and Exalia's eyes widened in surprise, just like a naive child.

I keep my voice just as low as his, but for the first time since starting this game, I genuinely feel scared. “It is an Ahuizotl. Otherwise known as the water dog. The Aztec legend spoke of a man who lured people to their deaths and transformed into a water dog to kill them. It is a crafty creature and one that is going to be difficult. Zane tried to convince me to use it, but I didn’t think it was an innovative idea. Although it isn’t impossible to defeat, it is extremely difficult. I thought about using it for the final boss, but Zane and I both agreed to use a Lycan.”

He trembled and sat on the sofa, glancing from his phone to Grandpa. “What's Axolotl?” I asked, suddenly interested in their conversation. “I have no idea.” Grandpa shrugged. “Jeremy, I believe you looked it up.” “Never mind,” he gave a wry smile and sat quietly. “You should do as he said, don't exist.” Grandpa flatly said. “Of course.” I could see he was quaking, but I didn't know the cause of it. Perhaps it was the cold weather, or suddenly, he had become feverish.

Curious beyond belief as to what it was they were murdering. There was what looked like a huge black rat, lying flat with the axe pierced through it. It had a long whipping tale. Almost like some lizards I’d seen back along the Sourthern Shores. It was a vicious looking thing with a thickly furred body on tiny spindly legs. Though it clearly had far too many legs for a rodent. Nearly as many as a spider. I’d never seen anything so horrifying. “What is that?” I pulled my head in to ask them.

The old man snorted and hurled the toad in his right hand at Alexander. The toad landed in front of Alexander and exploded, spraying white liquid in all directions and filling the air with a foul smell. It was the first time Alexander had seen a parasite grenade in action. "How fancy!" Alexander wrapped his vital energy around himself, blocking the white poison. "Get out of my way. Don't force me to use all of it!" The old man threatened as another blood-red toad appeared in his hand. Inwardly, he felt Alexander's overpowering him.