Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 42: Crash Landing, Evil Forest, Prison Cage

Alex clings desperately to a metal beam to avoid being hurled overboard by the explosion.

The bomb's blast inflicted colossal damage on the Prima Vista, tearing into the poor luxury airship. Many of its propellers sputter and falter, with some stopping completely. Despite this, the airship barely escapes Alexandria's grasp, struggling free of the chains anchoring it to the castle. Yet it now bears a large gash along its left side, listing dangerously as it limps westward, descending at a slow, uneven pace.

With its controls lost, the ship dips lower and lower, descending toward the dreaded Evil Forest. Through the mist, Alex can see the looming trees of the forest beneath them, thick and dark. The Evil Forest lies in a basin just west of Alexandria, a perilous place shunned by all nearby towns and settlements. Overrun with aggressive monsters, especially malicious plants, it's a place most travelers avoid at all costs.

Alex knows the forest's deadly reputation well. "So the easy life in Alexandria is over," he mutters. "This is the first real test. Welcome to hell, where one misstep means becoming plant food or getting petrified forever."

As the ship lurches lower, Alex braces for impact and spots Zidane just a few feet away, struggling to maintain his footing as they brace for the inevitable crash.

BOOM

The airship crashes into the forest, carving a deep path through the thick trees, uprooting and tearing through everything in its way before coming to a slow, shuddering halt. It's clear from the wreckage around them that the ship is damaged beyond repair.

Alex and Zidane, thrown off by the first impact, hit the ground nearby but, miraculously, manage to land on a soft grassy cliff. Shaken but unharmed, they get to their feet and look over the ruined airship now embedded within the dense, eerie forest.

You have taken 11 fall damage

"Damn, that hurt," Alex yells, grimacing as he tumbles down a slope, rolling over the grass until he finally crashes against a large stone.

Groaning, he reaches into his inventory and pulls out one of his [Freshly Baked Pumpkin Bread], taking a quick bite to heal some HP and boost his regeneration. He knows exactly what dangers are about to appear. Looking over, he spots Zidane next to him, sporting a similar look of mild irritation and relief.

"This is...awkward," Alex says, scratching his head.

Zidane nods with a grin. "Yeah...so let's bury the hatchet and check if the others landed safely, okay?"

Alex's expression softens, and he breaks into a smile. "Thank god you're reasonable, unlike my Captain. This is the forest of death. It's already as dangerous as it gets, and if we start fighting with each other, we don't stand a chance."

Zidane glances around at the dense trees surrounding them. "Forest of death? Damn, looks like we really messed up this getaway and landed in the worst place possible."