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

Chapter 193: Wall of Corruption, Slow Steps

The group advances deeper into the forest, occasionally hearing the chilling screams, screeches, or other unsettling sounds of animals and beasts. Each sound causes Perlah to twitch or step back, her movements loud enough that even Alex, as the Vanguard, immediately notices.

...This is bad. This needs to stop now. We can't deal with a liability later on if things get serious.

Alex turns around and whispers, "Perlah, switch positions with Rishi. Also, calm down, please! If enemies approach, I'll stop them. You saw Tereza's wings, right? If someone can't take it anymore, she can evacuate them!"

These words seem to make Perlah feel a lot better. "Thanks...." she whispers, moving to switch positions with a calm-looking Rishi. Roja tries to maintain her cool expression while Tereza stares at Perlah but manages to avoid saying anything that could cause conflict.

Sometimes I'd be so interested in Rishi's thoughts. He stays calm, never complains, and is seemingly above everything. Anyway, at least everyone is trying to work as a team. It's far better than most groups. We're all acting pretty rational here.

As they continue forward, the group spots several normal animals and magical beasts. Among them is a scary-looking Blood-sucking Bugbear, which quickly runs away—seemingly uncorrupted. They also encounter foxes, Nifflers, small spiders of various sizes, and Mooncalves.

"Why are we not doing anything, Alex?" Tereza asks, confused by Alex's passive approach.

Alex thinks for a moment before explaining, "These are all uncorrupted beasts and animals. Also, they spotted us from far away and weren't a threat. I'd say we focus on corrupted animals and beasts for now, unless you want to risk offending Hagrid and Dumbledore. If we start slaughtering normal beasts, we'll probably also make enemies of the Centaurs if we run into them."

"I agree with Alex," Rishi adds. "Ignore these animals. We'd only gain minor rewards anyway. Our task is simple: find and get rid of the corruption. A few fox pelts aren't what we're after."

The group moves on, continuing deeper into the forest. Suddenly, Tereza makes the sign for "stop" and makes a soft hissing sound.

Alex turns to her, and Tereza points eastward toward an area where the trees are even thicker overall. Alex carefully scans the ground and notices something growing in the weak sunlight filtering through a tiny clearing.

Alex changes direction and approaches the spot, smiling as he recognizes the herbs.

"Dittany and Horklumps," he says with satisfaction.

Dittany is a basic healing herb, while Horklumps appear like pink mushrooms but are actually small beasts.

Alex decisively rips the Horklumps out of the ground, and their previously mushroom-like appearance changes dramatically. The underside reveals nasty, worm-like bodies with sharp horns and mean-looking jaws.

I dislike this, but I should remember what Menchi told me. Stay calm, stay focused, and breathe carefully.

Perlah covers her mouth in disgust, and even Roja draws her rapier, ready for a fight. Meanwhile, Tereza and Rishi look at Alex with interest, seemingly unbothered by the sight.

In one swift motion, Alex draws the [Butchering Knife] gifted to him by Rishi. Using the flat side of the blade, he stuns the Horklumps, then pulls out a few bottles. Without hesitation, he cuts off the heads of the creatures, letting their juice flow into the containers.

Tereza quickly grabs a few of Alex's bottles and helps him, using her daggers to assist in the process.

The group quickly gathers 10 bottles of [Horklump Juice] and 20 units of [Dittany].