Chapter 41: A corrupted battle.

With a swift motion, Master Shikan turned his attention to the remaining foes, his sword gleaming in the dappled sunlight. With a steely resolve, he charged forward, his movements a blur of speed and precision as he engaged the hybrids in combat.

With each strike of his blade, Master Shikan dispatched the creatures with deadly accuracy, his martial prowess on full display as he danced through their ranks with the grace of a seasoned warrior. But even as he fought, more hybrids emerged from the shadows, their numbers seemingly endless.

Undeterred, Master Shikan pressed on, his movements fluid and controlled as he unleashed a flurry of blows upon his adversaries. With each strike, he sought out the weaknesses in their defenses, exploiting them with ruthless efficiency.

But the hybrids were relentless, their attacks coming fast and furious as they sought to overwhelm Master Shikan with their sheer numbers. Yet he remained resolute, his focus unbroken as he continued to hold his ground against the onslaught.

As the dark snake-like beings slithered forth, their menacing maws agape, I gripped my spear tightly, my heart pounding with anticipation. With each approaching foe, I braced myself for the impending clash, my eyes locked onto their sinister forms as I prepared to defend myself.

With a swift and fluid motion, I twirled my spear with practiced ease, I readied myself for combat. As the first of the snake beings lunged forward, its jaws snapping hungrily, I sprang into action without hesitation.

My spear flashed through the air with deadly precision as I drove it forward, aiming for the creature's vulnerable underbelly. The tip found its mark with unerring accuracy, impaling the creature with a sickening thud as it writhed in agony.

[You have defeated a Level 1 Mors Serpens Folium.]

[You have gained XP.]

But there was no time to dwell on my victory, for more of the snake beings surged forward, their hissing cries filling the air with menace. With each strike of my spear, I danced through the chaos of battle, my movements a blur of speed and grace as I deftly parried their attacks.

[You have defeated a Level 1 Mors Serpens Folium.]

[You have gained XP.]

[You have defeated a Level 1 Mors Serpens Folium.]

[You have gained XP.]

….

With every thrust and sweep of my weapon, I carved a path through the ranks of the snake beings, leaving a trail of fallen foes in my wake. But still, they came on, their numbers seeming endless as they continued to press the attack.

[You have defeated a Level 1 Mors Serpens Folium.]

[You have gained XP.]

[You have defeated a Level 1 Mors Serpens Folium.]

[You have gained XP.]

….

With renewed determination, I redoubled my efforts, my muscles burning with exertion as I fought with all the strength and skill at my disposal. And as the last of the snake beings fell before me, their twisted forms writhing in the throes of death, I stood victorious amidst the wreckage of the battlefield.

[You have defeated a Level 1 Mors Serpens Folium.]

[You have gained XP.]

With a solemn nod, Master Shikan turned to us, his gaze unwavering as he spoke. "The path ahead may be fraught with peril, but together, we will overcome whatever challenges we may face. For we are not just warriors, but companions bound by a shared purpose."

As the new mushroom person arrives from the front clearing, their appearance immediately draws our attention. Covered in spores and bearing the marks of battle, they exude an aura of determination and resilience.

Master Shikan steps forward to greet them, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Welcome, traveler. What brings you to these parts?" he inquires, his voice calm yet filled with sincerity.

New Mushroom Person Breathing heavily "Master, I've been tracking a monstrous aberration, one unlike anything we've seen before. It led me on a wild chase through the heart of the forest, but we finally cornered it here."

Master Shikan "Describe this aberration. What manner of creature are we dealing with?"

New Mushroom Person "It defies description, Master Shikan. A towering behemoth, covered in orange mushroom spores and with eyes that glow with an otherworldly intensity. It's unlike anything I've encountered on the front lines."

Master Shikan nods thoughtfully "This sounds like the same creature that we just faced. It seems the forest is teeming with new threats." as he directs the mushrooms' attention to the body of the aberration.

New Mushroom Person "Thank goodness for your strength Master. Without you It would have taken me another week or so to take down that foe."

Master Shikan "Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, brave traveler. Your courage and determination in facing such a formidable foe are commendable. It is through the combined efforts of warriors like yourself that we can hope to safeguard our world from the encroaching darkness."

As the gravity of the situation sinks in, Master Shikan turns to us, his gaze firm. "It seems that the forest harbors more dangers than we initially anticipated. We must remain vigilant and continue to hone our skills if we are to prevail against these threats."

With a nod of agreement, we four acknowledge Master Shikan's words, understanding the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of adversity. The presence of the fungal dragon and its minions serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges that lie ahead on our journey.

New Mushroom Person: "I will report back to the front lines and inform my comrades of what transpired here. We must remain vigilant and prepared for whatever may come."

Master Shikan: "Indeed. May your journey be safe, traveler. And may we all find the strength to face the trials that lie ahead."

After trading a few more tidings with Master Shikan the mushroom doesn't stick around too long. He seems to be heading back to the front lines. I'll have to make a mental note of the direction he is going. Building a mental map is tough.

Me and my clones thought of something crazy, what if we were to use cell absorption on the fungus dragon. 

(Second Body)What would happen? 

(Third Body)I don't know but let's find out.

As we made our way over to the beast we realized how grandiose the thing really is. Cell Harvest! Cell Absorption! A huge chunk of it falls off into my hands and is absorbed into my skin without a trace. The others follow suit. It looks like it didn't do anything. 

(Second Body)I wonder why. 

(third body)Maybe it takes time to fully absorb.