By the small river in the marshland, the Hero and the Gleaming Scale Serpent hastened their steps, growing more alarmed as they proceeded.
Although the pollution of the water source had been detected, the authorities who issued the commission probably didn't foresee the pollution upstream being so severe.
It was nearing noon now, the sunlight on the highland was exceptionally bright, but the water surface that should be reflecting light, now felt ominously dim.
Rich Dark Elements blended into the water stream, absorbing all the sunlight, and as the Hero advanced, the grass on the riverbank began to turn scorched black.
Despite the water looking clear and transparent, there was not a single fish swimming in it, and the riverbank, where various animals should be gathering to drink, was completely devoid of life.
It seems, aside from brainless Magic Creatures like Goblins, other life forms have sensed the danger.
Though it was a shallow stream visible to the bottom, in the Hero's perception, it felt as profoundly deep as the abyss, a heavy sense of oppression enveloping her heart.
Elements are basic constituents of the world, but they are not substance to be consumed; pure elements can destroy life's structure, assimilate, and pollute it.
I guess those Goblin corpses and the scorched blades of grass will soon sink into their own shadows, disappearing without a trace under the light.
Moreover, within these Dark Elements, there was a mix of some even more dangerous force, elusive even to the Hero.
Even without any particular talent, as a descendant of Mage Nobles, she was naturally familiar with elemental classifications.
Pure Dark Elements also possess significant destructive power, but never to this extent of terror.
'What exactly happened at the Central Volcano...'
The Hero's eyes reflected a brilliant blue as she looked up toward the distant horizon, but apart from the endless lush greenery, no volcanic landscape was in sight.
The terrain of the highland is complicated; if she were to proceed to the volcano at the center of the highland, it would likely be a long journey ahead.
After proceeding for a while, the Hero's pace was no longer as hurried, she adjusted her breathing, trying not to let her inner anxiety affect her.
She had browsed information in the Martial Monk Stigmata during her spare time, and although she hadn't learned any new techniques, she remembered quite a few sayings about cultivating the mind and spirit.
Thinking back, the reason her current mission has a relatively generous deadline might be that, in three days, the military will dispatch a professional advance team for investigation,
The commission from the Adventurer Guild probably was just a marginally better preparation, so it didn't matter if she achieved no results.
But since she had accepted the commission, she naturally should put her heart and effort into it, otherwise, she wouldn't do justice to the Receptionist lady who helped her with teary eyes...
Thinking this way, she suddenly stopped in her tracks.
The Gleaming Scale Serpent raised its head and hissed softly, and the Hero crouched down vigilantly.
[Type of Magic Creatures]
10. Critical Success / Extreme Failure
[Racial Modifier for Insect Monster (below 10 is Rank 4+ (individual), above 10 might be a group or R5)]
9. Spartan Rhinoceros Beetle
10. Critical Success / Extreme Failure
[Glowing Beetle Rank 5]
A carnivorous rare Magic Creature.
There have been few sightings, but each appearance brought significant casualties, although not directly caused by it.
This single-bed-sized giant beetle has hard orange-red wing covers, the reflected light when the shells open possesses the Magic Power to induce mind madness.
Almost immune to Spiritual Magic, highly resistant to Fire Magic.
Although it eats meat, it actually shows little interest in human flesh, typically preying on other insect monsters.
However, if provoked, they wouldn't mind having an additional meal.
Believed to derive nutrition from conflict and death, often appearing at large-scale bloodshed or disaster scenes, and using that light to further escalate the situation, deemed an ominous symbol.
Aged historian from the Hall: That was a war that should never have happened,
In the subsequent investigation, surviving soldiers claimed that there was a strong blaze that night,
Subsequently, the envoys who came for peace talks were killed by the general drawing his sword, sparking massive bloodshed as a fuse...
Although the situation was eventually quelled, the lives lost would never return.
But was this the misdeed of the Monster, or the loss of control of human hearts?
The truth has long been buried in history.
[Glowing Beetle LV48]
Otherworldly Trajectory LV7: It moves as unpredictably as a constellation. Cannot be targeted, makes Agility checks to gain Dodge bonuses.
Chaotic Confusion LV6: Medleys of illusion mingle truth and falsehood, beguiling those who are disturbed. Makes Perception checks on attacks, plunging enemies into illusions and frenzy.
Blazing Blood Light LV6: Red light like blood, the horror brings about madness and war. Causes group Illusionary Damage.
Blood Battle Banquet: Gathers nutrients from wartime, enhancing Armor and various abilities depending on the Strike Intensity around.