The Desert Scrabbler, whom Kev mentally nicknamed "Sandy," became a regular visitor. It would arrive, drink its fill, sometimes even nap in the slight coolness radiating from Kev, and then scamper off into the dunes. Each visit granted Kev a meager but steady trickle of experience points and mana.
[Level Up! You are now Level 2.]
[Stat Points Awarded: 5.]
[Available Skills: [Minor Healing]. Would you like to unlock this skill? (Cost: 3 Mana)]
"Yes!" Kev mentally shouted, or as close as a body of water could get to shouting. He focused his meager mana reserves, and a strange sensation rippled through his being. It felt… restorative.
[Skill Unlocked: Minor Healing (Level 1). Description: Allows for the slight regeneration of your water capacity at the cost of mana.]
Testing it out, Kev focused again, and a tiny amount of water seemed to coalesce from the surrounding air, adding to his volume. It was slow, but it was something! He wasn't entirely at the mercy of the environment anymore.
As Sandy continued his visits, Kev's understanding of his own existence grew. He could vaguely sense the subtle flows of mana in the environment, particularly after a rare desert rain shower. He learned to passively absorb trace amounts of moisture from the air, though it was a constant struggle against the dry heat.
Then, one day, after Sandy had finished drinking, a different notification appeared.
[Living Entity: Desert Scrabbler has a strong affinity for your presence.]
[Would you like to form a Symbiotic Bond? (Warning: This is a permanent decision.)]
Kev hesitated. A bond? With a sandy dog-thing? But Sandy was his only companion in this desolate world. And who knew what benefits a bond might offer?
"Yes," Kev decided.
[Symbiotic Bond Formed with Desert Scrabbler.]
[Gaining new Passive Skill: Shared Senses (Limited). Description: You can now perceive your immediate surroundings through the senses of your bonded partner.]
Suddenly, Kev wasn't just a stagnant pool anymore. He could see through Sandy's eyes! The world was vast, harsh, but also… alive.