Chapter 40: A gift from the front lines.

It looks like everyone is ready to get back into leveling. To Master Shikans surprise he could see them clearly grow in front of his eyes. It was clear from his gaze that there was a level of confusion and interest as to what was going on. It would seem that through meditation we were able to miraculously grow miraculously… (maybe I shouldn't conjecture so hard about other people's thoughts. I feel like my mind bridge grabs at his consciousness once in a while.)

What was crazy though is that we may have been growing at a faster pace then even Master Shikan could have possibly hoped for. Where would we be in a month's time of just training. I know Master Shikan mentioned it off hand the other day about how it takes hundreds of years for a Fungal Person to grow a facemask but I feel like it won't be too long before we start to see ours budding.

Maybe I should start training magic now that we are at this level. I know we have been focusing on martial arts but with His Elegance gaining affinities in the elements, I feel like it is time for us to start growing in another direction. Not to say that we shouldn't practice our martial arts daily.

(Second Body)Do you think Master Shikan could teach us anything about magic? 

(Main Body)This might have to be a path we tread down ourselves without any help. 

(Third Body)We do have each other, don't forget that!

I really want to start working with time, space, chaos, illusion, and death magic. I feel like somewhere in that combination is the key to getting back home. I'm not sure if right now is the time to really think about this kind of stuff, someone remind me when we get back to the dojo. 

As I say that in my mind I can tell we are surrounded again. There was too much calm to this storm for this not to be a hard fight coming up.

As you prepare for the impending battle and contemplate your future paths of growth, the air around you grows thick with tension. Master Shikan, ever observant, senses the shifting energy and steps forward, his expression a mix of curiosity and determination.

"Your journey has taken an unexpected turn," Master Shikan begins to pull out his weapon. "This will not be a fight you can take on alone." A heavy looming aura of death encumbered us four. "This is pretty far from the northern line for a fungal abomination to be showing up, it must have been chased this way. A Being who serves under the Dark Fungal God must perish for our survival, wild beast lost in horrid thoughts."

From first glance all I could see was a towering beast, creeping out of the forest line. Covered in orange mushroom spores on its dark skin was a four legged draconic beast. A first for me to see such a thing. A being like nothing we have never seen. "These things are common on the front lines. Though they come in many different shapes and sizes. This one seems to have taken on the form of a dragon." Master Shikan explains. Alongside the beast is a plethora of dark snake flower-like hybrids with large maws. "It seems like the Fungal Dragon has corrupted the nearby fauna."

As the towering fungal dragon and its corrupted minions emerged from the forest, a sense of dread washed over us four. The sight of such a formidable creature, accompanied by its twisted allies, filled the clearing with an oppressive aura of darkness and death.

Master Shikan's words resonated in our minds as we faced this new threat. Alone, we might not stand a chance against the combined might of the fungal dragon and its minions. But together, with our newfound abilities and the guidance of Master Shikan, we could overcome even the most daunting challenges.

With a silent nod of determination, we positioned ourselves strategically, ready to face the impending battle. The fungal dragon's glowing orange spores illuminated the clearing, casting eerie shadows that danced across the forest floor.

"Remember your training," Master Shikan's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Adapt, overcome, and fight as one."

As the fungal dragon unleashed a deafening roar, signaling the start of the battle, we sprang into action. His Elegance, Captain, Zenmaster, and I moved with synchronized precision, our movements fluid and purposeful. Leaving the Fungal Dragon to Master Shikan, we began taking down the snake-like plant monsters.

Master Shikan stepped forward, his eyes ablaze with determination. With a swift motion, he unsheathed his sword, its gleaming blade catching the faint light filtering through the canopy above.

With a roar that shook the earth beneath our feet, the fungal dragon lunged forward, its massive claws slashing through the air with deadly precision. But Master Shikan was ready, his movements fluid and precise as he danced around the beast's attacks with the grace of a leaf on the wind.

With a series of lightning-fast strikes, Master Shikan unleashed a barrage of blows upon the fungal dragon, each strike finding its mark with unerring accuracy. His sword danced through the air with a deadly elegance, slicing through the dragon's thick hide with ease.

But the fungal dragon was not so easily defeated. With a roar of defiance, it unleashed a torrent of spores from its gaping maw, enveloping Master Shikan in a choking cloud of toxic dust. But even as the spores began to take their toll, Master Shikan remained steadfast, his focus unwavering as he continued to press his assault.

Drawing upon the depths of his martial prowess, Master Shikan unleashed a powerful technique known only to the most skilled of swordsmen.

With a shout that echoed through the clearing, Master Shikan unleashed the full force of his attack, his sword blazing with an incandescent light as it sliced through the air like a comet. The fungal dragon, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, reeled back in pain as the blade bit deep into its flesh.

But the battle was far from over. With a roar of fury, the fungal dragon unleashed a wave of pure darkness, engulfing Master Shikan in its shadowy embrace. But even as the darkness threatened to consume him, Master Shikan stood firm, his resolve unbroken as he faced the darkness head-on.

With a mighty cry, Master Shikan unleashed a surge of power. As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded, a sense of calm descended upon the clearing. Master Shikan stood amidst the wreckage of the fallen fungal dragon, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he surveyed the aftermath of the fierce struggle.

But even as the victory filled us with relief, a sense of unease lingered in the air. For we knew that the fungal dragon was not the only threat lurking in the shadows of the forest. There were still the dark snake flower-like hybrids, their menacing maws poised for attack.