Chapter 143: Spirit of the Mountains
Chapter 143: Spirit of the Mountains
"The little guy with the adorable floral crown?"
At the sound of this voice, Lin Sai reached up and touched his head.
Feeling the delicate Mountain Azalea flowers, he suddenly realized what had happened.
He now understood why the owner of that giant eye had appeared in a neutral state.
The reason lay in the Treant Crown on his head.
The battle with the Magok Fire Elemental had been intense, leaving him no time to remove this equipment from his head.
So, when the explosion occurred and the ground collapsed, he fell.
This increased affinity with nature had caused this giant creature dwelling underground to take a liking to him and lend a helping hand at the most critical moment, preventing him from falling to his death.
"Little one, you can't see me."
"Few humans can discern objects in the dark."
The loud rumbling continued.
At that moment, a warm yellow light illuminated the surroundings, and Lin Sai looked up to see the light emanating from a massive crystal resembling tourmaline.
This enormous crystal was embedded in a body composed of rocks.
"..."
For a moment, Lin Sai was speechless.
The giant eye he had seen earlier was also embedded in the head of this rock-formed creature.
The massive rocks resembled mountains, forming a Behemoth that seemed to have emerged from the heart of the earth.
Its face was rugged and hard, carved with ravines and rocks.
Countless rocks of various sizes made up its body, each seeming to have a history of thousands of years. These rocks were tightly connected, forming an indestructible armor.
"What is this...?"
Lin Sai felt as if he had suddenly stumbled into a monster movie.
But he reacted quickly and shouted loudly to the creature:
"Great being, I thank you for your rescue!"
"As you can see, I also fell into this place by accident. If you agree, I'm ready to leave!"
Lin Sai's Beast Language was a bit awkward, but he managed to convey his meaning clearly.
The giant rock creature heard Lin Sai's response and changed its posture.
Boom! The rock creature's arm leaned against the earthen wall beside it.
Its forelimbs were wide and sturdy, each finger resembling a small mountain. Resting here, it seemed like a bridge between heaven and earth.
From Lin Sai's position, he couldn't even see its legs.
Instead, he noticed a rugged mountain range on its back, covered in gravel like a natural tattoo. When it moved, the sound of rocks rubbing against each other made it seem like the earth's crust was trembling.
From this colossal creature, Lin Sai sensed an unconquerable power.
At that moment, the giant rock creature spoke:
"Of course, you may leave."
"However, according to ancient covenants, the Elemental Plane is entitled to a long period of recovery. Awakened humans should avoid disturbing its healing process."
"Elemental Plane?"
Upon hearing this term, Lin Sai immediately understood that the creature was referring to the Hidden Frontier.
Unveiling the true face of the world! This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
A surge of courage filled Lin Sai, and without hesitation, he loudly explained what he knew:
"If I have offended you, I apologize!"
"Humans have only recently arrived in this world 120 years ago, completely unaware of the Elemental Plane. Now, we are trapped here because a powerful Draconoid in the neighboring world is blocking our path of departure!"
"..."
The giant rock creature had not expected Lin Sai to respond in this manner.
"Tens of thousands of years ago, the Sovereigns of the Abyss, together with the Invaders, threatened the entire universe. The nine most powerful sentient species united to fight against them and ultimately defeated them," the massive rock creature explained after a moment of contemplation.
"The Elemental Plane was the final battleground of the Second Abyssal War."
"It was during that great war that the world crumbled and fell into the Maze Sea. I merged with the remaining land, restoring this world that was about to sink."
"According to the ancient pact, this place should remain quiet until the Elemental Plane is restored."
Tens of thousands of years ago?
The Second Abyssal War?
These were terms Lin Sai had never heard of before.
Lin Sai didn't want to bring up the topic of forgotten history with this enormous rock creature. As he gathered his thoughts, the rock creature asked another question:
"If you're trapped now, what brought you here in the first place?"
Lin Sai quickly explained, "It's an expedition. Many powerful Awakened ones have gathered to explore the world's edge once more!"
"..."
The rock creature fell silent upon hearing Lin Sai's response.
Lin Sai wasn't sure what was wrong with his answer, but after checking the map and seeing that the neutral marker color hadn't changed, he patiently awaited the creature's reply.
After a long while, the massive rock creature spoke again.
Contrary to Lin Sai's expectations, the creature stood up and extended its hand toward him, gesturing for Lin Sai to jump onto it. "Excellent! Great endeavors should be carried on.
"I must continue restoring the world and cannot leave this place. But little one, jump onto my hand, and I'll help you escape."
Given the creature's demonstrated strength, Lin Sai had no doubt that jumping onto its palm would free him from this predicament.
However, two conflicting thoughts battled within him.
One voice shouted, "Get out of danger quickly, inform the town of the situation, and then focus on the Dragon Beast Expedition! That's your top priority!"
While the other voice yelled, "This is your chance to pursue the truth! Are you really going to give up and leave safely without seizing this opportunity?"
"..."
"Cough..."
Lin Sai couldn't hold back a cough due to his injuries.
The pain acted as a catalyst, and whether it was adrenaline or heroism, his courage overcame his desire for safety.
So, instead of jumping onto the rock creature's palm, Lin Sai sat down in front of it and addressed the creature, which was absolutely unresisting and a hundred times his size:
"My apologies for the disturbance. This was an unexpected journey!"
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lin Sai, a human Awakened one."
"If you permit, I'd like to stay here and learn about some things with you, about the past and this world!"
"..."
A voice like a mountain's roar sounded in Lin Sai's weakened hearing.
The massive rock creature retracted its palm and responded to the brave human Awakened one:
"According to your human customs, Lin Sai, you may call me Suramo."
(End of Chapter)
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