However, Lance’s attention was already focused on her. Before she could succeed, his greatsword fell, severing her head. The mushrooms on her body withered as if they had lost their nourishment.
Lance slew the formidable enemy without any joy. Instead, he furrowed his brow, pondering her dying words.
Who are "they"? Where are they headed? What do they want to do? Lance was certain this was related to the corruption of these wilderness areas.
From discovering the parasites and launching an investigation to finding mature parasites and the corruption rituals...
After sorting through all the information at hand, Lance suddenly realized something.
Damn it! It was the old scoundrel’s feint! I’ve been lured out; Hamlet is in danger...
Parasites infected with germs would enter hibernation, waiting for the germs to draw nutrients from the Flesh for bodily modification. During this process, if they detected blood or Flesh, they would awaken. Spreading the germs and their own development both required the consumption of Flesh.
The ritual sites he had destroyed in the wilderness indicated the germs had definitely spread. But why weren’t other parasites seen besides these specific ones?
There was only one answer: these parasites were looking for Flesh. And where was there Flesh nearby? Wasn’t Hamlet the only place?
It was obvious that the lush, though deformed, wilderness must have bred many beasts, not to mention the refugees lost there during this period.
All of these combined would mean a zombie horde!
It was hard to imagine what a few instructors and reservists, with only a few days of training, could possibly do...
Realizing this, Lance immediately cleared the battlefield, sacrificing the old witch and the Corrupt Giant.
Lance had thought that such "Elite monsters," so difficult to defeat, would surely drop some good loot. But after sacrificing both, he only received Spiritual Essence in return. What paupers! Lance couldn’t help but curse inwardly.
However, among the items they left behind were some interesting objects: the red tail pendant the old witch wore at her waist and the Toe Necklace from the Corrupt Giant’s neck. Both turned out to be Extraordinary items.
With the situation urgent, Lance had no time to study these objects. He stuffed them all into the Exhibition Room before turning to summon his team.
But there was a problem: Boudica had contracted a disease. The specifics were unknown, but now she couldn’t open her eyes, and she coughed weakly.
Lance looked to Paracelsus, but she slowly shook her head, indicating she was powerless to help. Fresh chapters posted on novel⦿fire.net
Seeing this, Lance took a deep breath to compose himself. He could heal physical injuries, but he was helpless against this kind of germ infection.
"Why has it gotten dark... Boss, where are you..."
Boudica fumbled with her hands, her voice trembling. She clearly realized what was happening but didn’t dare to imagine what would befall a warrior who lost her sight...
"I’m here," Lance said, reaching out to support her. He could feel how tightly she clung to his hand, as if terrified of being left behind.
Or perhaps she feared being abandoned. In the harsh environment of the Mountain Tribe, resources were scarce, so the tribe wouldn’t support any invalid.
Those who lost arms or legs could still contribute some labor, but blindness was akin to a death sentence.
Lance could sense her fear and could only reassure her, "It’s okay. This is only temporary. I will cure you."
Already frantic, Lance had no time for more words and quickly shouldered her.
"I won’t give up on any comrade. Let’s go, we’re going home."