Death Flower Party (3)

As the second caravan advanced cautiously, the path was strewn with the mutilated remains of grotesque creatures, their dark green blood oozing from the severed limbs and gaping wounds. This viscous, slimy substance seemed to cling to everything it touched, adding to the macabre atmosphere.

These abominations bore the heads of deer, but their bodies were twisted and gnarled, resembling the gnarled trunks of trees. The hands of these creatures were akin to long, sharp razor like leaves, capable of inflicting unimaginable pain and suffering upon their victims.

Decapitated heads lay among the carnage, their lifeless eyes staring blankly into the void. Mangled bodies were strewn about haphazardly, some sliced cleanly in half while others were torn limb from limb, their appendages scattered in every direction.

Evidence of spells could be seen in the form of gaping holes in the creatures torsos, though it was clear that the majority of the damage had been inflicted by weapons rather than magic.

Larry's voice was barely audible, as he identified the creatures before them. "Grove Stalkers," he murmured.

Hugo's brow furrowed, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he grappled with the situation. "These creatures are known for their pacifism, not aggression. Why would they have killed so many of them?"

He swallowed hard, his voice wavering with apprehension. "Aren't they afraid of the consequences, of incurring the wrath of the Head Grove Stalker, a being of peak adept rank?"

Larry responded, "There must have been a happened. Previously, the Emberfangs were relatively simple to vanquish, as they lacked any semblance of coordination. They would recklessly charge into battle without any strategic planning, and there was no discernible alpha leading their ranks."

Hugo furrowed his brow in contemplation before admitting, "I had overlooked that part."

***

After several minutes of quiet, steady progress, a sudden, ear piercing screech from an unseen creature reverberated through the forest.

The trees quivered, shedding a shower of leaves that fluttered gently to the ground. Hugo instinctively covered his ears as the cacophony caused the caravan to shudder.

As the deafening sound subsided, Hugo exclaimed, "That's the Head Grove Stalker!"

Berto, maintaining a composed demeanor, responded after a brief pause, "Should we abandon them?" He continued, "They're as good as dead already. If we go there, we'll be sealing our own fate. The pact states that we shall not harm one another, but it doesn't compel us to help."

A palpable, heavy silence enveloped the room as Larry weighed the gravity of the situation. The dark skinned woman paid them no heed, remained preoccupied with her own thoughts.

Gabbi broke the silence, his voice steady and deliberate, "We need Joaquin's formidable prowess when fortune favors us in our quest to catch a glimpse of the elusive Chrysanthemum."

Larry, along with the others, gazed intently at Gabbi, who was donning a full mask adorned with menacing, protruding fangs.

Berto spoke, "The Chrysanthemum, as they say, boasts vibrant violet petals. Its strength rivals the dormant rank, which possesses lethal toxins that can instantly kill if one is not careful. These can be found in both the outer and inner depths of the Accursed Forest."

Gabbi mused to himself, 'Hmmm… I suspect I can already discern what these two are thinking.' before responding in a composed manner, "Chrysanthemums are solitary creatures, and their strengths are intrinsically linked to their growth. In addition to their potent toxins, they possess the remarkable ability to pounce with exceptional agility. Furthermore, they are among the most vigilant beings in existence."

Berto arched an eyebrow, his voice laced with skepticism as he inquired, "And how have you come to possess such knowledge? Do you have any evidence to support your self proclaimed expertise?"

Gabbi rose from his seat and began to walk away. Pausing briefly, he turned his gaze in Berto's direction and replied, "It's because I've already encountered one." With that, he leaped out of the caravan, leaving the others to ponder his words.

Upon leaping from the caravan he cautiously approached the source of the harrowing noise. With each step, the air grew heavier, suffocating him with an oppressive sense of dread. After several tense minutes, he halted in his tracks upon seeing the creature.

In the distance, a monstrous creature could be seen, reminiscent of the one he had saw earlier, but this time, it was far more terrifying. Towering at the height of a two story building, it had menacing black sclera and blood red pupils.

[Lvl. 50]

The beast was engaged in a fierce battle with Joaquin, who wielded two axes and fought valiantly against the abomination. Joaquin's body was battered and bruised from the relentless onslaught.

[Lvl. 51]

The surrounding area was a gruesome sight, with blood splattered across the ground, painting it a sickening shade of red. Dark green viscous fluid oozed from the creature's wounds, adding to the macabre scene.

Trees lay destroyed, their trunks snapped like twigs, and the ground was marred by deep, gaping holes, evidence of the ferocity of the battle that raged on.

In an instant, Gabbi's instincts kicked in, compelling him to take a nimble step backward. He could sense the imminent danger as the elongated, spiky wooden appendages of the Grove Stalker lashed out at him with lethal determination.

The creature, once concealed within the foliage, revealed itself as the fearsome Grove Stalker.

[Lvl. 22]

The Grove Stalker brandished its elongated, barbed wooden appendages, aiming to end Gabbi's life. With lightning fast reflexes, Gabbi ducked and deftly sliced through one of the creature's arms.

Seizing the opportunity, he sprang forward with astonishing speed, his keen eyes catching sight of a crimson orb embedded in the center of the creature's chest.

With a swift, decisive motion, Gabbi plunged his dagger deep into the orb dictate, eliciting a guttural groan from the Grove Stalker. As he withdrew his weapon, the creature collapsed to the forest floor, defeated and lifeless.

Gabbi cautiously approached the heated confrontation between Joaquin and the Head Grove Stalker, intent on assessing the situation.

Within the confines of the caravan, Berto cast a dubious glance at Larry and the dark skinned woman, his tone dripping with incredulity. "Do you truly believe him?"

The woman replied with an air of neutrality, "I perceive no deceit in his statements." With that, she gracefully stepped out of the caravan.

Larry's fingers clenched around his circular locket, the metal edges digging into his flesh. Gripping his mace firmly, he followed the woman, exiting the caravan.

Hugo leaned in, his voice hushed and urgent as he whispered to Berto, "Don't forget the strategy we've concocted. We're well aware of our objectives."

Berto nodded in silent agreement, and together, they emerged from the caravan.