NABC Chapter 27 Relics, Glowing Mushroom Harvesting Commission
Chapter 27 Relics, Glowing Mushroom Harvesting Commission
Rowling looked at the map, then at Mason.
He needs to weigh the pros and cons.
Helping Mason means venturing into more dangerous areas, but the rewards are considerable. Not only will you gain a large number of contribution points, but you will also receive a map of the area containing some clues.
Moreover, although Su Ri'an seems lazy and decadent, Ma Sen is able to do cross-regional reselling business, and his information channels and connections seem to be extensive. Maintaining a good relationship with him may be useful in the future.
"Let me take a look at the map first."
Rowling did not agree immediately.
Masen readily handed over the map.
Luo Lin unfolded it and examined it carefully.
The map was rather crudely drawn, covering only a small area on the outermost edge of the rotten depression. It marked several locations where fluorescent mushrooms might grow, as well as several areas marked as "dangerous," "abnormal nests," and "unknown force field interference."
One of the markers, located in the general direction of the possible ancient grey tower ruins mentioned earlier by Mason, doesn't seem to be too far away.
Rowling memorized the map and then returned it to Mason.
"I can give it a try."
"That's what Rowling finally said."
"But we cannot guarantee that we will definitely find them, nor can we guarantee the quantity."
"Moreover, I need time to prepare."
"No problem! Great!" Masen was overjoyed.
"As long as you're willing to help!"
"Time is not an issue, safety comes first!"
"I'll wait for your news at the outpost. I'll also take this time to rest and take care of some other things."
After agreeing on how to contact him, Luo Lin got up and left.
He needs to be better prepared for this exploration of the edge of the decaying depression.
The clues and maps provided by Mason were like pebbles thrown into a lake, creating ripples in his heart.
The possible existence of the ancient gray tower ruins, like a distant allure, drew him in.
But he knew that he had to have enough strength and preparation before taking that step.
For now, completing the collection of fluorescent mushrooms might be a good starting point.
For the next two weeks, Rowling maintained a regular routine, but secretly devoted more energy to this exploration.
He used his patrol breaks and rest time to repeatedly study and memorize Mason's simple map.
I memorized every marker, every possible path, and every danger zone.
He noticed that one of the locations where fluorescent mushrooms were suspected to be growing was on the edge of the "unknown force field interference zone" marked on the map, which made him pay special attention.
Rowling carefully inspected and maintained all his equipment.
The enchanted dagger was polished to a gleaming shine, and the items in the dimensional bag were reorganized to ensure that what was needed could be retrieved immediately in an emergency.
He inventoried and replenished his potion inventory. In addition to a large quantity of Stamina Recovery Potions and Lesser Spirit Boil Potions, he also specially formulated several antidotes for common swamp toxins, as well as some new potions with stronger paralyzing or dispelling effects, modified using Black Forest materials.
In terms of magic, he focuses on practicing spellcasting stability in complex terrain and energy-disrupted environments.
He even found a relatively chaotic area on the edge of the outpost to conduct simulation training in order to adapt to the force field interference that might exist in the rotten depression.
He has practiced [Gentle Breeze Cleanses Dust] to near proficiency, hoping to better cope with swamp miasma and energy pollution.
He also spent a lot of contribution points to exchange for two items from the outpost's logistics department.
A pair of boots engraved with runes suggesting levitation, though unable to actually fly, can provide brief leverage on the swamp surface to prevent complete sinking.
The other is three [Powerful Flash Runestones], which are not offensive weapons, but are used to create a bright light at critical moments to interfere with certain monsters that rely on sight or light perception to hunt, thus buying time for oneself to escape.
Once everything was ready, Rowling chose a relatively quiet period for the outpost mission and reported his itinerary to Captain Holm, citing "deep patrol and collection of specific materials" as the reason.
Although Holm had some concerns, he approved it based on his trust in Rolin's abilities.
They repeatedly warned him not to venture into dangerous areas and agreed on a latest return time.
At dawn, a thin mist, like a gray veil, enveloped the entire Black Forest.
Rowling left Gray Tower outpost quietly, without alerting anyone.
He wore a set of dark leather armor that allowed for easy movement, covered by a waterproof travel cloak, with his dimensional bag and weapons placed in the most convenient locations.
Instead of choosing the usual patrol route, Rowling, based on the map he remembered, took a more secluded and rarely visited path.
The paper cups here are more densely packed and twisted, and the whitish smell in the air is even stronger.
He proceeded with extreme caution, his mental energy acting like invisible tentacles, perceiving the surrounding environment to the fullest extent.
[Weak Force Field Armor] always maintains operation at the lowest possible cost.
Along the way, Rolin encountered many dangers common in the Black Forest.
A seemingly ordinary patch of moss suddenly collapsed, revealing an acidic swamp bubbling beneath, which he narrowly avoided by using the brief effect of his levitation boots.
A swarm of vampire bats hidden in the tree canopy were attracted by his life force and swooped down like a dark cloud, but he successfully dispelled them with a combination of area-of-effect attacks using [Acid Splash] and [Powerful Flash Runestone].
The closer you get to the rotten depression, the stranger the environment becomes.
The trees gradually thinned out, replaced by vast swathes of strange, brightly colored fungi that exuded an ominous aura.
The ground became increasingly soft and muddy, requiring careful exploration with every step.
A strange, sweet, and rotten smell began to fill the air—a mixture of swamp miasma and secretions from certain monsters.
Luo Lin timely enhanced the effect of [Gentle Breeze Dust Removal], maintaining a small area of relatively clean air around his body.
Following the map's directions, he carefully avoided several areas marked "Aberrant Nests," vaguely sensing the chaotic and violent energy fluctuations emanating from those places.
He had even spotted one or two swamp mutated creatures in the distance; they were distorted, covered in pustules and tentacles, and emitted a nauseating stench.
Without disturbing them, Rolin quietly slipped away, taking advantage of the terrain and the fungal colony for cover.
After a day of arduous trekking, in the evening, Luo Lin finally arrived at the first suspected growth site of fluorescent mushrooms marked on the map.
This is a depression nestled between several huge, slippery, black rocks, the ground covered with a thick layer of dark-colored humus.
Next to it was a small pool of murky water with tiny bubbles rising to the surface.
He carefully observed his surroundings and, after confirming that there were no obvious signs of monster activity, cautiously approached.
Mental energy carefully scanned the humus and rock crevices.
Soon, he found several clusters of umbrella-shaped mushrooms emitting a faint, bluish glow at the base of a rock in the shade.
The natural ring-shaped patterns on the cap of the mushroom are a characteristic of fluorescent mushrooms.
Luo Lin was delighted, but did not rush to collect the materials.
Sometimes dangerous guardian creatures or traps roam near glowing mushrooms.
He observed patiently for a moment, and then gently stirred the surrounding humus with a long twig.
Sure enough, when the soil beneath a cluster of fluorescent mushrooms was disturbed, several thin, transparent threads, almost blending into their surroundings, were stirred!
Immediately afterwards, several fist-sized, vicious insects with sharp mouthparts, resembling nautiloides, suddenly sprang out of the nearby Huzhuode pool and rushed straight at Luo Lin.
Roland was prepared. He activated [Hand of the Mage] instantly, not to attack, but to violently lift a sizable piece of gravel from the side and precisely smash it at the insects.
Puff puff!
The insect was hit by a piece of gravel, making a dull thud. It fell to the ground, struggled for a few moments, and then lay still.
At the same time, a green light flashed at Luo Lin's fingertip, and an ordinary [Acid Splash] shot towards the source of those transparent threads.
An inconspicuous hole at the edge of the pool.
laugh!
The acid seeped into the hole, and a faint hissing sound came from inside, followed by silence.
Having dealt with the potential guardian creature, Roland then carefully used a specially made jade knife to cut the rapidly glowing mushroom clean at the root and placed it into a prepared wooden box lined with leaves.
He did not pick them all, leaving a few smaller plants to maintain the local ecosystem and avoid unnecessary trouble in the future.