Chapter 35: A true experience.

The morning came with no surprise. As we left the meditation pool a sense of unity washed over us. "Gravitas," Master Shikan spoke, his gaze shifting between the four bodies. "I sense a change in your essence. A new presence has joined your collective. Explain."

"This is the last part of my will separated out into a new body. This one was plaquing my second body's mind for a while and has finally given itself form." 

Master Shikan observed us with a discerning gaze, his weathered face revealing a trace of curiosity. The four bodies stood together, each with its unique essence and purpose, forming a collective presence that seemed to intrigue the wise martial arts master.

Zenmaster, the newly awakened fourth body, resonated with a sense of eagerness and determination. The integration of mind magic and puppeteering skill had given rise to a consciousness that held its own identity within the shared neural network.

Master Shikan nodded, acknowledging the explanation. "Unity with diversity," he mused, "an interesting path you tread. But remember, the strength of a warrior lies not only in the power they wield but in their ability to harmonize with the forces around them."

We absorbed his words, recognizing the wisdom in his guidance. The journey ahead was filled with challenges, and the diversity within our collective offered a unique advantage. Master Shikan continued, "Today, we shall venture beyond the dojo. The world outside is filled with challenges and opportunities. It is time for you to face them and grow."

A sense of anticipation filled the air as we prepared to step outside the familiar confines of the dojo. We stood united, ready to embark on the next phase of our journey. With Master Shikan's guidance and the strength of our collective, we would begin to venture into the unknown, eager to face whatever challenges awaited us.

As we grab our weapons and begin to leave the dojo Master Shikan informs us that he will be only stepping in when he knows that we can't handle something, otherwise it will be up to us all to take down everything we face today.

Leaving the dojo we head in the direction unfamiliar to us all this direction is almost polar opposite to where helmsmouth cavern is and from what we can tell Master Shikan is letting up on the pace either. Traveling swiftly and smoothly through the terrain as if there was nothing in the way, finding the perfect footing with each step and guiding us through it like it was a stroll in the park. 

Suddenly, a rustling in the underbrush grabbed my attention. I swiveled my bioluminescent cap towards the source of the sound, revealing a disturbing sight: floral-like creatures emerging from the dark foliage. What truly chilled me to the core were their sunflower-like faces, which were transformed into hair-raising, grinning skulls. These macabre visages grinned with malevolence as their multiple spindly legs dragged with an unnatural hypnotic grace. Despite their floral appearance, their skull-like faces exuded an aura of death and dread. They ominously hummed a haunting, low, steady, singing sound in unison, as though guided by some sinister, unseen force. It was abundantly clear that they perceived me both as a threat and as a potential source of sustenance. I realized that I needed to defend myself. Hastily gathering into a defensive form I lunged at the creature. The creatures screeched harrowing shrieks and writhed in pain as they struggled to break free from my assault. In a final, desperate bid to escape, the creatures let out a collective chorus of otherworldly cries. In their last attempts to survive, these abominable floral entities unleashed a fiery retaliation. Their sunflower-like skulls erupted in flames, casting an ominous, flickering glow across the forest. Fire surged towards me, engulfing my fungal form in searing heat. For a moment, I was engulfed in flames, the searing agony seeping into my fungal body. It felt as though my very existence was at stake. With sheer determination, I managed to extinguish the flames with the most prestigious of moves from my home world, tuck duck and roll, however after a couple seconds of this I began to gain my bearings again. Soon they succumbed to my relentless assault, and their forms crumbled into lifeless heaps on the forest floor leaving smoldering embers in their wake.

[You have defeated a Level 2 Mors Solis Flos.]

[You have gained XP.] 

[You have reached Level 2. One skill point awarded.]