Chapter 337: The Aftermath of the Mission
Chapter 337: The Aftermath of the Mission
"Did you hear? Lezer's team found a hidden realm in the forest!"
"I heard Mr. Drake led them to the discovery."
"That guy Drake is indeed remarkable. Not only is he skilled in hunting and reconnaissance, but now he's even found a hidden realm!"
"But I heard the place is not normal, filled with toxic fog everywhere?"
"..."
After Lindsey's group brought the news back to camp, similar discussions could be heard almost everywhere among the fleet.
In an open area by the shore, the Awakened had set up a temporary meeting ground, where they were engaged in a serious discussion.
"Since someone has already reached this hidden realm, there's no need for us to linger here any longer. It's just a waste of time."
"We can't just rush into that toxic fog-filled hidden realm, can we?"
"Hmph—our excitement was for nothing."
"Although Nine Bays City is not as good as Lookout City, there are still Life Scholars stationed here. I remember they have physicians specialized in toxicology research. Selling this place to them might be a good choice?"
"..."
The Awakened primarily discussed the discovery of the hidden realm and its subsequent handling.
Thinking of the potential gains, many had expectant eyes, and some even grew restless.
But as the atmosphere became more enthusiastic, Lezer suddenly interrupted the conversation with an unexpected suggestion:
"Ladies and gentlemen, since we've discovered the hidden realm, it's not going to run away. What we should be considering now is perhaps changing our mode of transportation."
Immediately, an Awakened asked in surprise:
"Lezer, what do you mean?"
Lezer calmly replied:
"I mean, the fleet's actions should shift from the water to the land."
"Don't you think this timing is a bit peculiar?"
"Think about when the forest's anomaly appeared and when the core of this hidden realm was taken away!"
The other Awakened also realized:
"You mean, there's a connection between the two?"
Lezer did not nod:
"I can't confirm this, but we should at least go and take a look."
"The timing of the two events is too coincidental. If our goal is to investigate the forest's situation, we shouldn't ignore this clue."
An Awakened nearby spoke with concern:
"But you also said the core of the hidden realm was taken away."
"If someone is indeed behind this."
"Then our task changes from calming the forest to confronting humans, which is not an easy task."
"..."
The people in the open area fell silent, and the atmosphere became somewhat tense.
While the forest's crisis was indeed terrifying, the prospect of human scheming made it even more dangerous in a different sense.
As the focus of their journey shifted from one concern to another,
Anxiety naturally began to ferment in people's hearts.
Lezer sighed softly.
He furrowed his brows, and a hint of helplessness showed through his calm expression:
"So, everyone thinks we should stay here and guard this hidden realm?"
Among the discussion members was also Lezer's original expedition teammate.
At this moment, as soon as Lezer spoke, he immediately realized Lezer was serious, and quickly tried to smooth things over:
"Lezer, don't get angry."
"Everyone is just expressing their opinions; no one is talking about giving up."
As he said this, the Awakened's gaze swept around, but he couldn't find the person he wanted to see.
So he asked:
"Lezer, where's Drake?"
"Weren't you guided by him to find the hidden realm? In the current situation, I think it's more appropriate to seek his opinion."
Lezer shook his head.
"He said the exploration of the hidden realm was too simple, so he returned to the shore alone to find some clues."
"..."
The discussion on the shore continued, and Lindsey had already set off on his own.
As Lezer said, he once again retraced his steps into the Poison Valley hidden realm. This time, only Lindsey came, and dealing with the venomous fog was much simpler.
Lindsey changed into his own equipment and directly used the 【Ancient Tree Emblem】 to transform into a Treeman form.
His exterior was protected by a rough and sturdy bark.
The venomous fog in the valley was also corrosive, but it couldn't take effect in a short time.
Not to mention Lindsey's body also had equipment that provided toxin resistance.
With all his skills and items deployed, he was almost completely immune to the toxins in the valley for a short time.
Lindsey carefully explored the Poison Valley.
Sure enough, it didn't take long before he found another glowing spot here.
"Nightlight Juk Mushroom—I knew there was more!"
Lindsey, in his Treeman form, didn't even need to use his knife.
He reached out and pulled out these Nightlight Juk Mushrooms, and at this moment, he looked at the task panel. His rough, bark-like face contorted in surprise.
【Jungle Expedition II】
【It seems there's a problem with the forest's hidden realm. Follow the clues to investigate the truth.】
【Task Reward: Sunflower, minor attribute/skill experience.】
The 【Jungle Expedition】 task was indeed complete.
But Lindsey was truly surprised that at a time like this, another follow-up task had popped up!
"Completing tasks like this is starting to feel more and more like a game."
Lindsey sighed as he searched for resources.
There were already several completed tasks displayed on his task panel, and he naturally understood the corresponding patterns.
Normally, a completed task wouldn't have such a continuation.
The only possible explanation...
...was those footprints near the pit.
This was what had triggered the appearance of the task.
And to complete the follow-up task, the most likely approach was to follow this trace.
The issue with the forest's hidden realm was far from over!
"But what about Lezer and the others..."
Lindsey thought of his companions and shook his head slightly.
He didn't doubt the courage and actions of his fellow explorers.
But the others...
"Hmm, what kind of mushroom is this now?"
As he pondered, Lindsey spotted another new mushroom in the hidden realm.
Unlike the Nightlight Juk Mushroom, this fungus had a bright red exterior and a cute, semi-circular cap, resembling a radiant red apple in shape and color, which made it look quite appealing.
【Fungus: Red Giant Mushroom】
【A mushroom that increases size when consumed but is toxic.】
【A valuable fungus with unique effects.】
"A mushroom that makes you grow bigger when eaten..."
"There won't be any flowers that throw fireballs after eating it, right?"
Lindsey scoffed.
He plucked a Red Giant Mushroom and casually placed it on the workbench to examine the formula.
【1 Red Giant Mushroom + 1 Dragon Beard Grass + 1 Clear Water + 1 Glass Vial = Gigantification Potion】
"..."
"Can this potion remove the toxic side effects?"
Lindsey had a decent knowledge of botany and remembered that Dragon Beard Grass was a medicinal herb with detoxifying properties, often found in arid regions like deserts.
This potion, made according to the formula, should be more effective than chewing the mushroom directly.
Lindsey nodded slightly and collected the 【Red Giant Mushroom】, putting it into his satchel.
Just as he opened the map to continue searching for resources, an unexpected situation left Lindsey stunned in place.
At some point, several green dots had appeared on the map.
(End of Chapter)
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