Terrific sounds entered my ears, they were akin to hollow rattles that preyed my surroundings. As soon as I opened my eyes I was surrounded by a myriad of plants, all of them just as dark as the other. Moonlight filtered through the trees as my danger senses flared. There was yet another timer atop of my vision.
[Trial Period: 29 days 23 hours 58 minutes]
There was also a small marker next to it.
[Find the first seed. Hints: To be revealed.]
I looked around with a frown. I didn’t like where I was, that was a certainty. Everything around me was dangerous, and even though the plants around me gave me a sense of familiarity, they also gave me a different sense; one of hostility. It was as if they were comfortable with my presence, but not comfortable enough to be touched or socialized with. I took a deep breath and re-examined my situation.
Food, well it was out of the question. But it also didn’t feel necessary. The nectar from the Royal Azalea could keep me alive on its own, it was just that fantastic, but even then, I did feel like I should’ve heeded Elasia’s concern a bit. Maybe— No, she said that she was unsure of its contents. It was also a trial that was going to help me grow much stronger, though the likelihood of dying was also supposedly high.
Still. A trial based on experiences?
If she thought I was going to die, then I wonder. How much did Elasia struggle here? I couldn’t help but regard the plants around me, the noises of the forest, and the sparse moonlight. I was almost in total darkness, and Glim— Glim was missing. I was completely alone, though it was a different kind of alone.
Once I was done here… I would return home. I smiled to myself and reached for my bow and nocked three arrows simultaneously. I had a spore arrow, a coiling vine arrow and a tendril one. They were the ones that I felt gave the most utility in the first engagement. One would weaken them, the other one would paralyze them and the last would eat their flesh and attack their weak spot. With a careful step I proceeded forward, careful to not get too close to any plants.
I walked for what felt like a few minutes in silence before I shook my head. The danger was still present, but I saw no monsters or threats aside from the plants. Perhaps I was going about things in the wrong way. A quick look through the forest I took note of a myriad of plants, all of them were distinctly shaped. Some were bushes full of spikes, others had long leaves sprawling from a single point; the trees were wicked and curved, some had openings through its wood, others had low hanging leaves.
[Darkness Nightshade.]
[Interloping Gloom.]
[Coiling Drop.]
Those were among the bushes, the trees were just as foreign to me. Perhaps the first step was investigating one of them, though I found the choice somewhat hard. The rattling and random monster shrieks continued resounding through the forest, however, every so often there would be a yelp of pain instead. It was a forest of dark plants, a forest that would take away life rather than give it.
I closed my eyes recalling Lumina’s rather weird words.
Dark plants should serve their ruler after all.
I looked towards the nearest plant. It was a weird mentality but I decided to adopt it; I was the ruler to everything in this forest. The plant was just meant to be my servant. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes and extending my hand towards the bush. Its leaves were solid, and their edges were sharp and laced with poison, they bobbed up and down as if they were breathing.
Slowly— I winced as a leaf shot towards my hand and shallowly cut through my skin, not drawing blood. I felt a burning sensation linger for a second before it disappeared in its entirety.
I was a bit stumped, I felt it necessary to touch the plant to reach some form of friendliness, though at the same time it was— it was a plant. They relied on reflexes rather than having any thoughts of their own. I was a neutral party to them, not an enemy but not an ally either. I had to show them that I was beneficial to them, rather than harmful.
I frowned as I began to think of things. I tried the first thing I thought about, namely sprouting some type of dark plant in the vicinity, perhaps if I showed them that I could control them or create them they would like me? I was a bit unsure, but I shifted a seed to the most inoffensive dark plant I could think of. One whose sole purpose was to give rather than take.
Evergrowing Puff.
It sprouted, and— the forest rattled, in an instant dozens of sharp objects were thrown at my feet where the puff stood. It died in less than a second, annihilated under the tens of different poisons and corrosive agents the plants had. I frowned once more. Perhaps they took it as competition?
Approaching slowly did not seem to work either, doing it fast just caused spikes to be launched at me. There was something else I thought of, it was based on one skill I had gotten in the past.
The plants fed off vitality in of itself.
I grabbed one of the weaver knives from my storage, and brought it to my finger. I pushed mana onto the blade, enhancing its power and sli—
Don’t, Lumina’s voice went off in my mind. They’ll just think you’re prey to be hunted. I won’t be helping too much since I too am interested in whatever this trial is, however, it’s not in the blood but something else. It is still unique to you.
With those words, there was silence as once more I heard the sounds of the forest.
Something that was unique to me? Something that only I could offer to them.
◇ ◇ ◇
Mana.
It went off in my mind like a spark, it took me almost an hour of thinking and simply being alert. But I got it now. All of the plants I placed under my control had my mana, mana was my way to exercise control— it was the method in which I made things happen. Whether it was the alliance with Sun, now pack, or taking the leadership rights of the Woodland elves. It was all related to mana.
I took a deep breath and pushed some of my mana onto my hand. In comparison to the start, my mana no longer stuck together, instead it had become a part of my body. It was a weird expendable part of my body, but I could control it with almost full liberty. Soon, I extended my now glowing hand towards the nearby plant, the one I had first tried things with.
Its semi-rhythmic breathing-like motion seemed to almost slow down as my hand approached. It was the first positive reaction that I had seen. As my hand was about to reach it, however, its leaves somewhat retracted almost as if they didn’t want to be touched. I frowned and inched my hand closer only to almost be cut by a leaf that suddenly jutted out in defense.
Was it with my intention?
It was truly a slow process.
Minutes passed as I tried different things, but none of them seemed to work. Whether it was friendship, peace, camaraderie, or just altogether ‘serve me’ none of them got a different reaction. The plant simply did not want me to touch it. I knew I could force myself into it, it was a plant after all, but that wasn’t the point— also it sounded like if I bled things would be bad.
Perhaps, I didn’t want to make excuses. It depends on the plant itself? It felt a bit ridiculous to simply think, it wasn’t the right plant, or something along those lines. At the same time, however, it hadn’t shown a different reaction regardless of intention, so…
Maybe I am onto something?
◇ ◇ ◇
I walked through the forest attempting to touch any plant within reach three times each. Some were almost willing to be touched but at the last second they would place some sort of warning sign, whether it was poison, thorns, or retractable spikes— all of them would put a stop to it whenever I would try to make contact.
Hours seemingly passed as I continued trying the same thing. I realized at least, that trees seemed a bit more willing to be touched, the bushes some— would remain aggressive even with my mana. They didn’t want me, they loathed being near me. When they sensed my mana they would almost attack, almost as if they found my presence to be some sort of threat—or nuisance, their reactions were a bit weird. I got a weird nagging feeling that I wasn’t good enough to touch those plants.
At the same time, the yelps and dying cries of random monsters wouldn’t stop resounding through the forest. It was a bizarre thing. Firstly; how many damn monsters could die? Secondly; was the forest really killing that many monsters? Were they weak?
As I continued, I found myself at a clearing where I saw the sky for the first time— or well clearly. It was a very dark blueish color, with a bright moon shining overhead. The forest itself almost had a red tint to it amongst all the other bizarre dark colors. At the center of the clearing, there was a tree, it was almost familiar to me in its appearance, it had crimson leaves and its bark almost seemed to be knitted together.
I approached with some skepticism as I took a look at it.
[Grand Sangir Tree]
It wasn’t remotely familiar at all, but my instinct told me to approach it anyway. It wasn’t a rational thought or anything, but considering my senses for danger were as sharp as ever and I saw nothing, I went with it. The walk towards it was riddled with uncertainty, but nothing happened.
Soon I was under it, and once more, I tried the same thing. I pushed my mana towards my hand and the tree did not react, its leaves did not even move. Skepticism suddenly filled me as I reached towards its trunk with my mana filled hand, and there was indeed nothing. Even though I did it as slowly as ever, with only the wind and animal howls in my ear, nothing happened.
I touched the tree.
I felt my mana spread through its tree bark in a comfortable manner before I felt a tug at it. It was almost as if it was being guided towards the center of the tree, underneath the ground. It took a few seconds but eventually I reached something— it was warm and, a calm but old voice entered my ear, it was gruff and hard to understand.
“You are too weak. Too weak to be. Part of this place.”
I paused. “What?” There was no reply to my words. I frowned and tried with my mana instead, imagining as if I could speak.
What does that mean?
“You are unworthy of residing among us. Too weak. Too feeble. Letting you rule would be a death sentence for any of us. Yes— you are of the royal line, but you’re too weak, too diluted…”
I frowned. How do I become worthy?
“Be stronger. I sense familiarity within you. Ah, the first seed, the first. You feel similar to her.” It almost whispered. “Soon, an enemy will encroach for my fruit. Defend it and then we may speak. Don’t worry, the forest is on our side. You don’t need to kill, just defend…”
What must I defend against? I asked for clarification, but there was only silence as a response.
I felt my mana almost be hammered out. I reluctantly withdrew it along with my hand as I scanned the tree from top to bottom. It can talk? Ah—
A sentient plant.
A clue to C rank Prophecy.
A clue to reaching C grade.
I took a deep breath as I prepared my arrows once more. An enemy was going to come soon, and I had to— a side of the clearing exploded into a myriad of splinters and tree bark. Dirt and greenery alike streaked through the wind as I turned with shock. My entire vision became clouded in red as I stared towards what I simply thought was some sort of nightmare creature.
It stood on two legs and two hands, its legs were akin to sticks but its arms were thick and full of muscle. Spikes of bone littered its long and deformed body, it was akin to a malformed wolf, its head was a mix of human and wolf, and atop of its head, there was a protruding horn.
[Blight Corrupted Lycan. Lvl. 129]
My heart stopped.
Almost C grade? This trial was well inside C grade
I took a pause as its crimson eyes looked towards me. A prime directive formed in my mind as I forgot about the defending part.
Survive.
I pulled back the three arrows as it faced towards me. Without a second thought, I gave all of them the power to Burrow, and coursing my mana through my bow I shot with utmost power. In an instant the arrows connected with the lycan. It placed its arm as protection as all three arrows hit some bone— bloom. The vines coiled around the bone and dug into its arm, the spores exploded and the tendrils tried to dig into it, but to no avail. At least, there was something.
[Activated: Mark of Death.]
The monster coughed momentarily as it locked eyes with me. I paused for a second as I saw it grin, before it shone in a purple light and— danger spiked behind me as I turned in horror. I saw an arm swung towards me, and I felt it collide with my chest. In an instant, I caved under the strength, I almost threw up my insides as I was thrown into the forest. At that moment I recalled an almost random thought, it was related to what Lumina had said.
If I bleed, they’ll just see me as prey.
The plants avoided me, not even daring to break my fall. I felt a shock pass through my being as I made a decision.
The forest is on my side.
I took out the broken Verex from my ring and pushed my mana onto it, immediately copying the enhancement from the gem.
[Mimicry Enhancement: Immediate Fate.]
That wasn’t all, however. The skill had been improved by my feat. I momentarily gripped my spear and—
[Mimicry Enhancement: Poisonous Acid.]
I had to be stronger. I activated Frenzy, and my attributes soared, my condition momentarily improved as I hurriedly ate a nectar orb. I still barely held onto my bow, and this time I nocked three arrows and simply focused on what I did best. I looked towards the clearing, where the lycan was simply staring at me, and I grinned. I riddled two arrows with Immediate Fate as well as the string, and the last one with the acid enhancement instead.
I had a lingering feeling that my theory was correct. I took a breath as the lycan was turning around— if I made it bleed, then— I shot the first arrow.
In an instant it crashed against the hulking monster with an explosion, it stumbled forward and I saw blood that was suddenly covered by bone. A smile formed on my face as I let go of the second arrow, once more it exploded but this time it bloomed into crimson flowers that ate at its flesh. It yelped with pain as it finally turned to me with irritation.
I smiled and fired the last arrow. It flew at a normal pace, a far cry to Immediate Fate. It almost looked at it in confusion as it placed its arm with bones to defend. In an instant it hit, it drilled into the bone with corrosion and smoke and soon it pierced— I felt it move deeper into its arm as it went for its insides.
Mark of Death is still active. Its face twisted as it met eyes with me. I couldn’t tell if it was horror from the fact that I hadn’t died, or a resolution to kill me, but it was too late. Bloom.
Tendrils bloomed on its insides and broke through its flesh, blood flowed freely and bones sprouted to catch it.
Lumina had warned me. So many monsters died continuously.
There was also doubt in my mind. I was risking everything just to make it bleed rather than fight it.
As my doubts lingered, a drop of blood made it past the bones, and then, it hit the ground.
The forest itself let out hissing sounds as if it was something to be celebrated. And then, I heard the earth itself crack, massive underground vines sprouted from everywhere. All the plants around me turned in unison as some launched thorns and others, the vines from the ground loomed and then whipped onto its back.
More and more things sprouted from the ground, flowers and thorns and all of them unceremoniously attacked at the lycan. Soon the all familiar cries of pain filled my ears as I watched plants eat away at its flesh, corroding it and consuming it. The lycan screamed as its eyes looked at me with hatred, and with a final yelp a wooden stake came from the forest and pierced its head. It disintegrated into nothing but vines and they dug back onto the ground.
The lycan died and some notifications came.
[You have assisted to kill: (C) Blight Corrupted Lycan. Lvl 129.]
[Level up: You have achieved level 62. Prophecy Bonus: +1 WIS +1 VIG]
[Level up: You have achieved level 63. Prophecy Bonus: +1 WIS +1 VIG]
I took a deep breath. Based on the experience I received I practically only scratched the thing. At the same time another thought filled me as I looked at my finger then back at the spot where the monster died.
That could’ve been me.
My insides were in pain, and I felt blood within my mouth. I heard the forest activity and it truly settled on me.
If I bleed once, I’ll just die.
I shook my head and looked towards the tree once more. Regardless of things I was going to be stuck here for 30 days. Perhaps, it was best to get clues regarding the first seed objective. With that in mind, I pressed forward.
Azrie
You can read the entirety of book 2 (up to chapter 143) on patreon!
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Terrific sounds entered my ears, they were akin to hollow rattles that preyed my surroundings. As soon as I opened my eyes I was surrounded by a myriad of plants, all of them just as dark as the other. Moonlight filtered through the trees as my danger senses flared. There was yet another timer atop of my vision.
[Trial Period: 29 days 23 hours 58 minutes]
There was also a small marker next to it.
[Find the first seed. Hints: To be revealed.]
I looked around with a frown. I didn’t like where I was, that was a certainty. Everything around me was dangerous, and even though the plants around me gave me a sense of familiarity, they also gave me a different sense; one of hostility. It was as if they were comfortable with my presence, but not comfortable enough to be touched or socialized with. I took a deep breath and re-examined my situation.
Food, well it was out of the question. But it also didn’t feel necessary. The nectar from the Royal Azalea could keep me alive on its own, it was just that fantastic, but even then, I did feel like I should’ve heeded Elasia’s concern a bit. Maybe— No, she said that she was unsure of its contents. It was also a trial that was going to help me grow much stronger, though the likelihood of dying was also supposedly high.
Still. A trial based on experiences?
If she thought I was going to die, then I wonder. How much did Elasia struggle here? I couldn’t help but regard the plants around me, the noises of the forest, and the sparse moonlight. I was almost in total darkness, and Glim— Glim was missing. I was completely alone, though it was a different kind of alone.
Once I was done here… I would return home. I smiled to myself and reached for my bow and nocked three arrows simultaneously. I had a spore arrow, a coiling vine arrow and a tendril one. They were the ones that I felt gave the most utility in the first engagement. One would weaken them, the other one would paralyze them and the last would eat their flesh and attack their weak spot. With a careful step I proceeded forward, careful to not get too close to any plants.
I walked for what felt like a few minutes in silence before I shook my head. The danger was still present, but I saw no monsters or threats aside from the plants. Perhaps I was going about things in the wrong way. A quick look through the forest I took note of a myriad of plants, all of them were distinctly shaped. Some were bushes full of spikes, others had long leaves sprawling from a single point; the trees were wicked and curved, some had openings through its wood, others had low hanging leaves.
[Darkness Nightshade.]
[Interloping Gloom.]
[Coiling Drop.]
Those were among the bushes, the trees were just as foreign to me. Perhaps the first step was investigating one of them, though I found the choice somewhat hard. The rattling and random monster shrieks continued resounding through the forest, however, every so often there would be a yelp of pain instead. It was a forest of dark plants, a forest that would take away life rather than give it.
I closed my eyes recalling Lumina’s rather weird words.
Dark plants should serve their ruler after all.
I looked towards the nearest plant. It was a weird mentality but I decided to adopt it; I was the ruler to everything in this forest. The plant was just meant to be my servant. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes and extending my hand towards the bush. Its leaves were solid, and their edges were sharp and laced with poison, they bobbed up and down as if they were breathing.
Slowly— I winced as a leaf shot towards my hand and shallowly cut through my skin, not drawing blood. I felt a burning sensation linger for a second before it disappeared in its entirety.
I was a bit stumped, I felt it necessary to touch the plant to reach some form of friendliness, though at the same time it was— it was a plant. They relied on reflexes rather than having any thoughts of their own. I was a neutral party to them, not an enemy but not an ally either. I had to show them that I was beneficial to them, rather than harmful.
I frowned as I began to think of things. I tried the first thing I thought about, namely sprouting some type of dark plant in the vicinity, perhaps if I showed them that I could control them or create them they would like me? I was a bit unsure, but I shifted a seed to the most inoffensive dark plant I could think of. One whose sole purpose was to give rather than take.
Evergrowing Puff.
It sprouted, and— the forest rattled, in an instant dozens of sharp objects were thrown at my feet where the puff stood. It died in less than a second, annihilated under the tens of different poisons and corrosive agents the plants had. I frowned once more. Perhaps they took it as competition?
Approaching slowly did not seem to work either, doing it fast just caused spikes to be launched at me. There was something else I thought of, it was based on one skill I had gotten in the past.
The plants fed off vitality in of itself.
I grabbed one of the weaver knives from my storage, and brought it to my finger. I pushed mana onto the blade, enhancing its power and sli—
Don’t, Lumina’s voice went off in my mind. They’ll just think you’re prey to be hunted. I won’t be helping too much since I too am interested in whatever this trial is, however, it’s not in the blood but something else. It is still unique to you.
With those words, there was silence as once more I heard the sounds of the forest.
Something that was unique to me? Something that only I could offer to them.
◇ ◇ ◇
Mana.
It went off in my mind like a spark, it took me almost an hour of thinking and simply being alert. But I got it now. All of the plants I placed under my control had my mana, mana was my way to exercise control— it was the method in which I made things happen. Whether it was the alliance with Sun, now pack, or taking the leadership rights of the Woodland elves. It was all related to mana.
I took a deep breath and pushed some of my mana onto my hand. In comparison to the start, my mana no longer stuck together, instead it had become a part of my body. It was a weird expendable part of my body, but I could control it with almost full liberty. Soon, I extended my now glowing hand towards the nearby plant, the one I had first tried things with.
Its semi-rhythmic breathing-like motion seemed to almost slow down as my hand approached. It was the first positive reaction that I had seen. As my hand was about to reach it, however, its leaves somewhat retracted almost as if they didn’t want to be touched. I frowned and inched my hand closer only to almost be cut by a leaf that suddenly jutted out in defense.
Was it with my intention?
It was truly a slow process.
Minutes passed as I tried different things, but none of them seemed to work. Whether it was friendship, peace, camaraderie, or just altogether ‘serve me’ none of them got a different reaction. The plant simply did not want me to touch it. I knew I could force myself into it, it was a plant after all, but that wasn’t the point— also it sounded like if I bled things would be bad.
Perhaps, I didn’t want to make excuses. It depends on the plant itself? It felt a bit ridiculous to simply think, it wasn’t the right plant, or something along those lines. At the same time, however, it hadn’t shown a different reaction regardless of intention, so…
Maybe I am onto something?
◇ ◇ ◇
I walked through the forest attempting to touch any plant within reach three times each. Some were almost willing to be touched but at the last second they would place some sort of warning sign, whether it was poison, thorns, or retractable spikes— all of them would put a stop to it whenever I would try to make contact.
Hours seemingly passed as I continued trying the same thing. I realized at least, that trees seemed a bit more willing to be touched, the bushes some— would remain aggressive even with my mana. They didn’t want me, they loathed being near me. When they sensed my mana they would almost attack, almost as if they found my presence to be some sort of threat—or nuisance, their reactions were a bit weird. I got a weird nagging feeling that I wasn’t good enough to touch those plants.
At the same time, the yelps and dying cries of random monsters wouldn’t stop resounding through the forest. It was a bizarre thing. Firstly; how many damn monsters could die? Secondly; was the forest really killing that many monsters? Were they weak?
As I continued, I found myself at a clearing where I saw the sky for the first time— or well clearly. It was a very dark blueish color, with a bright moon shining overhead. The forest itself almost had a red tint to it amongst all the other bizarre dark colors. At the center of the clearing, there was a tree, it was almost familiar to me in its appearance, it had crimson leaves and its bark almost seemed to be knitted together.
I approached with some skepticism as I took a look at it.
[Grand Sangir Tree]
It wasn’t remotely familiar at all, but my instinct told me to approach it anyway. It wasn’t a rational thought or anything, but considering my senses for danger were as sharp as ever and I saw nothing, I went with it. The walk towards it was riddled with uncertainty, but nothing happened.
Soon I was under it, and once more, I tried the same thing. I pushed my mana towards my hand and the tree did not react, its leaves did not even move. Skepticism suddenly filled me as I reached towards its trunk with my mana filled hand, and there was indeed nothing. Even though I did it as slowly as ever, with only the wind and animal howls in my ear, nothing happened.
I touched the tree.
I felt my mana spread through its tree bark in a comfortable manner before I felt a tug at it. It was almost as if it was being guided towards the center of the tree, underneath the ground. It took a few seconds but eventually I reached something— it was warm and, a calm but old voice entered my ear, it was gruff and hard to understand.
“You are too weak. Too weak to be. Part of this place.”
I paused. “What?” There was no reply to my words. I frowned and tried with my mana instead, imagining as if I could speak.
What does that mean?
“You are unworthy of residing among us. Too weak. Too feeble. Letting you rule would be a death sentence for any of us. Yes— you are of the royal line, but you’re too weak, too diluted…”
I frowned. How do I become worthy?
“Be stronger. I sense familiarity within you. Ah, the first seed, the first. You feel similar to her.” It almost whispered. “Soon, an enemy will encroach for my fruit. Defend it and then we may speak. Don’t worry, the forest is on our side. You don’t need to kill, just defend…”
What must I defend against? I asked for clarification, but there was only silence as a response.
I felt my mana almost be hammered out. I reluctantly withdrew it along with my hand as I scanned the tree from top to bottom. It can talk? Ah—
A sentient plant.
A clue to C rank Prophecy.
A clue to reaching C grade.
I took a deep breath as I prepared my arrows once more. An enemy was going to come soon, and I had to— a side of the clearing exploded into a myriad of splinters and tree bark. Dirt and greenery alike streaked through the wind as I turned with shock. My entire vision became clouded in red as I stared towards what I simply thought was some sort of nightmare creature.
It stood on two legs and two hands, its legs were akin to sticks but its arms were thick and full of muscle. Spikes of bone littered its long and deformed body, it was akin to a malformed wolf, its head was a mix of human and wolf, and atop of its head, there was a protruding horn.
[Blight Corrupted Lycan. Lvl. 129]
My heart stopped.
Almost C grade? This trial was well inside C grade
I took a pause as its crimson eyes looked towards me. A prime directive formed in my mind as I forgot about the defending part.
Survive.
I pulled back the three arrows as it faced towards me. Without a second thought, I gave all of them the power to Burrow, and coursing my mana through my bow I shot with utmost power. In an instant the arrows connected with the lycan. It placed its arm as protection as all three arrows hit some bone— bloom. The vines coiled around the bone and dug into its arm, the spores exploded and the tendrils tried to dig into it, but to no avail. At least, there was something.
[Activated: Mark of Death.]
The monster coughed momentarily as it locked eyes with me. I paused for a second as I saw it grin, before it shone in a purple light and— danger spiked behind me as I turned in horror. I saw an arm swung towards me, and I felt it collide with my chest. In an instant, I caved under the strength, I almost threw up my insides as I was thrown into the forest. At that moment I recalled an almost random thought, it was related to what Lumina had said.
If I bleed, they’ll just see me as prey.
The plants avoided me, not even daring to break my fall. I felt a shock pass through my being as I made a decision.
The forest is on my side.
I took out the broken Verex from my ring and pushed my mana onto it, immediately copying the enhancement from the gem.
[Mimicry Enhancement: Immediate Fate.]
That wasn’t all, however. The skill had been improved by my feat. I momentarily gripped my spear and—
[Mimicry Enhancement: Poisonous Acid.]
I had to be stronger. I activated Frenzy, and my attributes soared, my condition momentarily improved as I hurriedly ate a nectar orb. I still barely held onto my bow, and this time I nocked three arrows and simply focused on what I did best. I looked towards the clearing, where the lycan was simply staring at me, and I grinned. I riddled two arrows with Immediate Fate as well as the string, and the last one with the acid enhancement instead.
I had a lingering feeling that my theory was correct. I took a breath as the lycan was turning around— if I made it bleed, then— I shot the first arrow.
In an instant it crashed against the hulking monster with an explosion, it stumbled forward and I saw blood that was suddenly covered by bone. A smile formed on my face as I let go of the second arrow, once more it exploded but this time it bloomed into crimson flowers that ate at its flesh. It yelped with pain as it finally turned to me with irritation.
I smiled and fired the last arrow. It flew at a normal pace, a far cry to Immediate Fate. It almost looked at it in confusion as it placed its arm with bones to defend. In an instant it hit, it drilled into the bone with corrosion and smoke and soon it pierced— I felt it move deeper into its arm as it went for its insides.
Mark of Death is still active. Its face twisted as it met eyes with me. I couldn’t tell if it was horror from the fact that I hadn’t died, or a resolution to kill me, but it was too late. Bloom.
Tendrils bloomed on its insides and broke through its flesh, blood flowed freely and bones sprouted to catch it.
Lumina had warned me. So many monsters died continuously.
There was also doubt in my mind. I was risking everything just to make it bleed rather than fight it.
As my doubts lingered, a drop of blood made it past the bones, and then, it hit the ground.
The forest itself let out hissing sounds as if it was something to be celebrated. And then, I heard the earth itself crack, massive underground vines sprouted from everywhere. All the plants around me turned in unison as some launched thorns and others, the vines from the ground loomed and then whipped onto its back.
More and more things sprouted from the ground, flowers and thorns and all of them unceremoniously attacked at the lycan. Soon the all familiar cries of pain filled my ears as I watched plants eat away at its flesh, corroding it and consuming it. The lycan screamed as its eyes looked at me with hatred, and with a final yelp a wooden stake came from the forest and pierced its head. It disintegrated into nothing but vines and they dug back onto the ground.
The lycan died and some notifications came.
[You have assisted to kill: (C) Blight Corrupted Lycan. Lvl 129.]
[Level up: You have achieved level 62. Prophecy Bonus: +1 WIS +1 VIG]
[Level up: You have achieved level 63. Prophecy Bonus: +1 WIS +1 VIG]
I took a deep breath. Based on the experience I received I practically only scratched the thing. At the same time another thought filled me as I looked at my finger then back at the spot where the monster died.
That could’ve been me.
My insides were in pain, and I felt blood within my mouth. I heard the forest activity and it truly settled on me.
If I bleed once, I’ll just die.
I shook my head and looked towards the tree once more. Regardless of things I was going to be stuck here for 30 days. Perhaps, it was best to get clues regarding the first seed objective. With that in mind, I pressed forward.
Azrie
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