Chapter 324: Poisonous Thornbush
Chapter 324: Poisonous Thornbush
Lindsey sat in the boat, holding a piece of gray, thorny wood with sharp spikes.
During his journey in the Black Mountain World, Lindsey had collected quite a few Hardwood Seeds after defeating the Tree Mother. However, he hadn't had the time to cultivate them until now.
It was only during the two weeks they spent in Nine Bays City that he finally managed to grow these seeds.
Although they were just the most basic Magical Seeds, the thornbush wood that grew from the Hardwood Seeds was surprisingly strong.
Aside from using it as timber to craft various equipment, there were two synthesis options that caught Lindsey's attention.
Arrow: Thornbush Venom Arrow
"Thornbush wood arrows that, upon hitting a target, release venom causing intense pain!"
"Arrows designed to cause excruciating pain to affect prey's movements without killing them, often used for live captures and of lower value."
Armor: Thornbush Venom Plate
"Armor made from poisonous thornbush wood, with strength comparable to steel, but differing in heat resistance and flexibility. Touching the venomous thorns causes toxic pain. This armor is fragile and cannot be repaired once damaged."
Toxic Plant Set - (1/7)
"Armor with a poisonous thornbush effect, of moderate value."
Naturally, Lindsey crafted a batch of Thornbush Venom Arrows, storing them away for future use.
As for the Thornbush Venom Plate...
This set of armor had a fearsome appearance, with toxic thorns growing on the gray wood.
Even the wearer might accidentally injure themselves if not careful.
In a real combat situation, enemies wouldn't be foolish enough to reach towards the venomous thorns.
However, Lindsey's situation was different.
He had an equipment slot!
By activating the Thornbush Venom Plate in his equipment slot, Lindsey's appearance remained unchanged, but the corresponding anti-injury venom effect was very real, making it an incredibly sneaky defense.
The only minor inconvenience was that he couldn't control when the effect activated, so he couldn't wear it all the time.
Otherwise, anyone who brushed against him would end up howling in pain, their bodies curling up in agony.
In the future, if he could complete a set inspired by the Fisherman's equipment, there might be some unexpected surprises.
"..."
"Mr. Lindsey, dinner is ready!"
At that moment, Weknar approached Lindsey with food served on a leaf.
The fleet had been traveling away from Nine Bays City for two weeks.
Although they were a unified team, subtle power dynamics had begun to emerge within.
The Awakened individuals formed their own small factions, sticking together.
Ordinary people sought the protection of the strong, pledging themselves to the Awakened they admired.
Due to his identity, Lindsey kept his distance from these groups, maintaining a level of independence.
Weknar, a young man who had grown close to Lindsey, became his constant companion, running errands and delivering meals to Lindsey daily.
"Thank you," Lindsey said, expressing his gratitude.
He tossed two copper coins to Weknar as a token of appreciation for his efforts.
Lindsey didn't want to reveal his skills, so he didn't cook himself, instead using the food prepared by others.
Lindsey opened the emerald green leaf, revealing the rich produce from the Forest Courtyard. As the fleet sailed along the river, food was abundant but somewhat monotonous.
The menu mainly consisted of grilled fish and fruits picked from the forest.
Following the locals' custom, Lindsey squeezed fruit juice onto the fish, taking a couple of bites. The tangy fruit juice complemented the slightly greasy river fish, creating a delightful taste.
As Lindsey ate, he asked Weknar, who sat across from him:
"Weknar, any news from the fleet today?"
"Like secrets of the forest or something."
Hearing Lindsey's inquiry, Weknar glanced at the man at the front of the fleet.
Explorer - Lezer.
The team that set off from Nine Bays City was a diverse group, each member bringing their own expertise.
This explorer excelled in reconnaissance and exploration, taking charge of many tasks on the ship, including navigation and food management.
After over ten days of getting to know each other, this expedition team had consistently demonstrated exceptional initiative.
Wicknar often moved about the ship, and as he approached, he cautiously spoke to Lindsey, "There's some news today."
"Among the first batch of ships that left the city, many people suddenly went missing today, and it's said that monsters are attacking humans."
Lindsey unfolded the map, revealing numerous red and yellow dots around the river.
Whether the monsters in this world are hostile towards humans largely depends on whether they are hungry.
Relying solely on the information provided by the map is no longer accurate.
As Lindsey contemplated whether to offer some assistance to the team, a burst of hearty laughter came from the front.
"Yes, that's right!"
"The statue of the great explorer Will I stands in the town of the outpost. After we finish our adventure here, let's head to Black Mountain. There must be more secrets waiting for us there!"
The owner of the ship, explorer Lezer, was at the front, happily chatting with his friends.
He was one of the few men not influenced by the Organizer's skills.
His abilities originated from his exploration endeavors, so joining the forest expedition was a perfect fit.
However, as Lindsey watched the exuberant explorer, he frowned and said, "Be careful..."
Bang! Just as Lindsey opened his mouth, a thick, long shadow surged from the water, heading straight for the people at the bow of the ship.
The crisis was right before their eyes, an instant away.
"Hmm?"
The explorer, who had been laughing just a moment ago, first kicked away his unarmed companions.
He then drew a short knife from his waist, not retreating but advancing towards the danger ahead.
A python, over ten meters long and exhibiting Essence Reaction, burst out of the water.
The explorer faced the challenge head-on.
However, he didn't display excessive skills or strength.
He took a step forward with one foot, slightly leaning his body. The dagger he had just drawn slashed through the air, creating an arc in front of him as he raised his body.
Crack!
With courage and perfect timing, he dodged the python's attack at the last moment and severed its head with a single stroke.
The entire process was as smooth as flowing water, as if it were a pre-arranged filming scene.
"..."
Lindsey, who had just stood up, sat back down. The prepared support was also withdrawn.
"An explorer who can organize a ship fleet indeed has some skills."
"..."
Soon, the bow of the ship became bustling with activity.
After the monster python was killed, its body was dragged onto the ship with a hook.
Before they could even process the corpse, a shocking scene unfolded before everyone's eyes.
The monster python's belly bulged, faintly revealing a human shape!
"This beast eats people?!" Lezer's expression turned furious.
He slashed open the snake's belly with a knife, causing viscous fluid to splatter out, and a half-digested human corpse slid out as well.
It fell to the ground with a loud thud.
The corpse slid a little due to the digestive fluid, as if the deceased was struggling.
"This..."
"Damn it! Ugh—"
The atmosphere became tense, and some people even vomited from the discomfort.
This was the first casualty of their adventure, and while the explorers could accept it, their expressions were somber.
Amidst the somber atmosphere, some were annoyed, some were tense, and others regretted leaving the city.
Just then, Lindsey spoke up, breaking the awkward silence, "Snake-like creatures usually don't attack others for a long time after feeding. This attack is quite abnormal."
Rustle, rustle—
A dense sound of leaves flapping filled the forest.
The surrounding trees swayed without any wind, and the peaceful summer scenery suddenly transformed into a scene from a horror movie.
And right on the ship, there was the open snake belly and the half-digested human corpse.
Someone spoke with a trembling voice, "The forest... is it changing again?"
(End of Chapter)
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