Biu~~
With that familiar sound effect, Asher's body began to grow exponentially. Thick fur erupted across his skin as his waist curved sharply forward, forcing him onto all fours until he'd transformed into a massive canine creature, larger than any terrestrial predator like tigers or lions!
Wildmutt!
The moment the transformation completed, his vision vanished entirely. Darkness consumed everything, but in its place came something far more powerful. An intense, all-encompassing perception flooded his consciousness, allowing him to map his surroundings through pure sensory awareness rather than sight.
It was similar to advanced echolocation, but infinitely more sophisticated.
The greatest strength of this perception? It functioned perfectly in complete darkness, where normal vision would be utterly useless.
"This big dog doesn't have any eyes," Gwen said, approaching Wildmutt cautiously. She reached out and ran her small hand through his coarse, bristly fur, petting him like an oversized dog. "How's he supposed to see in the dark down there?"
"Whufffff! Huffffff! Hufff!" Wildmutt turned toward Gwen, trying to communicate, but all that emerged was heavy breathing, like a bull's panting. He couldn't form human words at all!
"What's he trying to say?"
Gwen and Ben exchanged confused glances, neither understanding Wildmutt's meaning.
Frustrated, Wildmutt raised one massive paw and tapped his chest repeatedly, then scratched at his own fur, trying desperately to convey his message through gestures.
"Wait, I think I get it," Gwen said tentatively. "You want us to come over to you, grab your fur, and then you'll take us down?"
Wildmutt nodded vigorously and made an affirmative "hmmm" sound deep in his throat.
"Oh man, I've never tried this before!" Ben approached Wildmutt excitedly, practically bouncing with anticipation. "So how do we do this?"
Wildmutt extended one powerful forearm and carefully tucked Ben's small body between his limb and chest, creating a secure pocket that would absorb most of the impact if they fell.
"It's so itchy!" Ben complained immediately, squirming as Wildmutt's coarse fur tickled his skin.
"My turn."
Gwen walked to Wildmutt's other side, and he repeated the process, securing her with his other forearm.
His powerful legs tensed, coiling with energy. Then, with just a light push against the ground, his body launched upward before arcing down toward the gaping pit!
The instant they entered the darkness...
Everything changed. The complicated lighting, buildings, and scenery all vanished, and Wildmutt's perception exploded outward with incredible strength!
His sensory awareness spread like invisible radar, instantly mapping every corner of the deep pit. The raised soil, scattered rocks, and the entire structural layout became crystal clear in his mind!
"Ahhhhh!!!"
Gwen felt the rapid descent and couldn't help screaming, her arms tightening around Wildmutt's body. In contrast, Ben shouted with pure exhilaration!
Whoosh!
Wildmutt suddenly extended his hind legs, rapidly kicking off the protruding rocks along the pit walls. Each stone he stepped on shattered under the immense force, unable to withstand the impact!
Bang bang bang!!
Their descent was accompanied by the sound of countless rocks breaking apart!
However, Wildmutt's falling speed gradually decreased as he controlled their momentum. His legs found purchase on larger outcroppings, allowing him to jump downward in a controlled manner rather than free-falling!
"We're slowing down! The fall's stabilizing!" The worry that had filled Gwen's expression completely disappeared.
This alien's ability was incredible, like having a superpower that let him grasp the entire pit's structure without even seeing it!
"His super ability is so powerful," Ben said enthusiastically. "Let's call him Wildmutt!"
From deep within his throat, Wildmutt released a rumbling growl, his way of responding to Ben's suggestion.
"Wildmutt," Ben started to say something else, but Wildmutt's arms suddenly tightened around both children, hugging them securely. Their bodies entered a brief state of weightlessness.
They were falling again!
This time, however, the descent lasted less than two seconds before Wildmutt's body slammed heavily onto the underground passage floor, sending up a cloud of dust!
They'd arrived!
Wildmutt was completely unscathed.
The two children in his arms, protected by his thick fur, were also safe and sound, though the thrilling experience had been a hundred times more intense than any roller coaster!
"Phew!"
Wildmutt released his grip and carefully set both children down. His perception immediately began exploring their new surroundings.
Multiple passage entrances surrounded them, huge corridors leading deeper underground, like pathways into a subterranean kingdom!
The sheer number of choices left him confused. Which way should they go?
At that precise moment...
"Ding! Congratulations, host! You've successfully signed in!"
"You've received a blue-tier reward: Spider-Man's Spider-Sense! Would you like to merge it with Wildmutt's perception?"
"Spider-Man's Spider-Sense?!"
Wildmutt froze in surprise.
This was an extraordinary ability! Wildmutt's original perception was already incredibly powerful, but if he merged it with Spider-Sense...
(TN: WOuld have been better if it was Observation Haki, but meh)
He couldn't even imagine how far his awareness would extend!
"Merge!"
Wildmutt agreed without hesitation.