Through Sandy's eyes, Kev explored the immediate vicinity. He saw strange, hardy desert flora, insects that scuttled across the sand, and even the distant silhouette of rocky outcroppings. The shared senses were blurry and lacked detail, especially at a distance, but it was a profound improvement over his previous sensory deprivation.
One day, as Sandy trotted through a narrow canyon, Kev felt a sudden surge of alarm through their bond. Sandy's ears were perked, and he was growling softly.
[Danger Detected!]
Before Kev could fully process the warning, three small, green-skinned creatures with crude weapons leaped from behind the rocks.
*[Goblin Ambushers (Level 5 Beast). Threat Level: Medium (Group).]*
Kev felt Sandy's fear, but also a flicker of defiance. The Scrabbler snarled and snapped at the closest goblin, which shrieked and swung a rusty dagger.
Helplessly, Kev watched the struggle unfold through Sandy's eyes. The goblins were weak individually, but their numbers were overwhelming. Sandy was agile, but he took a nasty gash on his flank.
[Bonded Partner Taking Damage!]
Panic surged through Kev. He had to do something! Focusing with all his might, he poured his meager mana into his newly acquired "Minor Healing" skill, directing the energy towards Sandy.
A faint blue glow enveloped Sandy for a moment. The bleeding from his wound slowed, and he seemed to gain a burst of energy.
[Bonded Partner Receiving Healing!]
The goblins, startled by the sudden glow, hesitated. Sandy seized the opportunity, darting past them and fleeing down the canyon. The goblins, surprisingly slow and clumsy, gave chase.
[Bonded Partner Health Critical!]
Kev poured more mana into healing, feeling his own water level drop slightly as he did so. It was a desperate gamble.
Finally, Sandy managed to outpace the goblins and collapsed behind a large boulder, panting heavily. Through their shared senses, Kev could feel his exhaustion and pain.
[Bonded Partner Health Stabilized.]
Kev felt a wave of relief wash over him, tinged with a bitter sense of his own powerlessness. He needed to get stronger, not just for himself, but for Sandy too.