Chapter 39: Heart’s Journey
The foreboding gates of the keep receded behind Deo as he set forth, with the familiar presence of Pyro pacing by his side, flames undulating with every graceful step. The hold, once a marvel of dwarven architecture, now bore the scars of the recent siege. Cooled magma formed grotesque statues amidst the ruined town, a sombre display of the devastation that had taken place.
With the map from Thane Veldora safely tucked into his robes, Deo navigated the intricate pathways leading into the vast network of tunnels that sprawled beneath the hold. The luminescent mushrooms that occasionally dotted the walls provided a soft, ethereal glow, enough to light their way without the need for the Magma Forge Lantern just yet.
Deo couldn't help but glance sideways at Pyro, a wistful smile forming on his lips. "It's been a while since it was just the two of us, hasn't it?" The hellhound's ember eyes met Deo's, flames flickering brighter for a moment in acknowledgment. The bond they shared had only grown stronger over their adventures, and even though they were heading into the unknown, Deo took solace in the fact that Pyro was by his side.
Deo activated his skill, Nature's Symphony, as he ventured forth. The ability heightened his senses, allowing him to perceive the subtle sounds of nature more acutely, and providing a premonition of impending threats. The faint vibrations of the earth, the occasional scurry of a small subterranean creature, and the distant echo of dripping water became discernible to him.
As he moved through the tunnels, he felt as if he were journeying through an endless maze. The pathways twisted and turned, branched off into multiple directions, and sometimes narrowed to the point where he had to carefully navigate his way forward. He frequently consulted the map provided by Thane Veldora, double-checking his bearings and ensuring he remained on the right path.
Yet, despite his preparations, there were moments when doubt crept in. Had he taken a wrong turn? Was he truly heading in the right direction? But just as these uncertainties threatened to overwhelm him, the tunnel gave way to the expansive sight of the Mycelium Grove.
The atmosphere within the grove was both haunting and captivating. Towering mushroom caps, some ascending several meters, stretched towards the cavern ceiling. Their vast stalks glowed with an unsettling array of colours, dominated by aggressive reds and sickly yellows. Beneath, a dense mycelium network blanketed the ground, appearing more animated than it should.
Ghostly light from the fungi illuminated floating spores, imbuing the entire grove with an otherworldly quality. The profound silence was punctuated only by the soft settling of these spores. Deo paused, trying to reconcile the enchanting beauty with an underlying sense of malevolence, feeling a strange duality of awe and unease.
Venturing further, it became clear to Deo that the Mycelium Grove had been tainted. The scene before him sharply contrasted with the image he had conjured in his mind upon hearing Thane Veldora's description. Instead of a harmonious, bioluminescent wonder, he encountered an atmosphere thick with unease, the light from the mushrooms revealing disturbances that spoke of a deeper malaise.
The sprawling mycelium at his feet, rather than lying dormant as in a normal forest, pulsated and seethed with life. Closer examination revealed tendrils snaking out, their movements almost sentient as they probed and sensed for anything living. This carnivorous evolution was clearly a deviation from nature's design, no doubt a mutation instigated by the abyssal corruption's insidious touch.
Above, the towering caps of the mushrooms throbbed in an unsettling rhythm, periodically releasing cascades of spores into the air. These weren’t the gentle, drifting particles he might have expected; they hung heavily, their very presence an oppressive weight. Landing upon surfaces, they sizzled ominously, leaving behind traces of their caustic nature. These spores weren't agents of life and reproduction but instruments of destruction, infused with an acid potent enough to dissolve organic matter swiftly.
Deo tightened his grip on his staff, realizing that the Thane's warning about the spore mists had taken on a new, deadly significance. The Grove had become a treacherous landscape, where even the ground beneath his feet might betray him. It was clear that the heart of abyssal corruption had cast a deep, transformative malaise over a once harmonious realm. The natural order had been subverted, replaced with a predatory hunger.
Drawing upon his inherent bond with nature, Deo activated his ability, Botanical Knowledge, to glean more insight into the twisted flora that surrounded him:
Carnivora Lucidum Fungus
Tier: Epic
Description: A towering and rare specimen of the fungal world, the Carnivora Lucidum Fungus stands several meters in height and typically forms underground mushroom forests. Its stalks shimmer in an unsettling dance of deep, aggressive reds and sickly yellows, culminating in a massive cap that pulses ominously. The ghostly light it emits casts an eerie atmosphere, making these subterranean forests both a mesmerizing and treacherous sight.
Properties: The bioluminescence of the Carnivora Lucidum serves a dual purpose. It provides a spectral source of light in the pitch-black underground settings and acts as a deceptive lure to unsuspecting creatures drawn by its glow. The cap's rhythmic pulsing is a forewarning of the impending release of a dense stream of spores. These spores, instead of bearing nourishment or aiding in reproduction as with most fungi, unleash a potent acidic toxin deadly upon contact. The fungus's vast stalks, though they appear to be mere supports, house a complex network of nutrient channels, allowing the mushroom to efficiently extract sustenance from the ground below and remain resilient in its environment.
[Experience Gained: +500 XP]
[Skill Level Up! Botanical Knowledge has reached Level 14!]
Ahead, Deo could spy one of the paths that Thane Veldora had mentioned, a meandering trail that snaked its way through the foreboding mushroom forest. It appeared as a thin strip of relative safety amidst the twisted, carnivorous growth. With caution in every step, Deo and his companion, Pyro, began their careful trek.
The towering caps of the Carnivora Lucidum Fungus loomed above them, their bioluminescent glow casting eerie, shifting shadows on the ground. Every so often, a mushroom would pulse, and a surge of spores would release, their luminescence creating fleeting trails of light. Deo and Pyro kept a close eye on the spores, grateful to see they didn't drift too close to the path, although the tension of what might happen if they did was always present.
The path itself was treacherous. Overgrown in places with aggressive fungi, it was not always clear where safe footing could be found. Their pace was deliberate and slow, the tension palpable. Every rustle, every subtle movement of the mycelium beneath them made Deo's heart race.
As they ventured further, they reached a particularly daunting stretch: the path was entirely choked by an overgrowth of mushrooms and mycelium, creating what looked like a deadly strait. Deo observed how the spores seemed to come down in coordinated waves, a rhythmic but perilous dance. "We'll need to time our move correctly," he whispered, his eyes assessing the pattern of the descending spores. "Once the spores have passed, we move quickly through. We can't linger."
Through their unique bond, Pyro sensed Deo's intent and plan. A low, affirmative growl emanated from his throat, his fiery eyes glinting with a playful yet intense challenge, as if suggesting a race.
The opportune moment presented itself. As the last of the spores from the current wave lazily dropped to the ground, Pyro's muscles tensed. With an explosion of energy, he bolted forward, flames trailing from his paws, turning the ground beneath him to steam and ash. Every step he took was precise, weaving through the hazardous fungi with an uncanny grace, a blazing arrow darting through the shadows. Within moments, Pyro had reached the end of the perilous stretch, standing on the relative safety of the path beyond the clutches of the carnivorous fungus.
Taking his cue from Pyro, Deo moved in tandem, rushed forward as he used his staff as an extension of his arm to maintain his balance and avoid the subtle snares of the hungry mycelium. Just as the end was within grasp, a tendril, more aggressive than the others, whipped out and coiled around his ankle. The pull was swift and uncompromising, bringing him crashing to the ground. He felt the chilling sensation of the ground's writhing carpet and heard the unmistakable, haunting pulse from above. Twisting onto his back, he looked up, horror dawning, as he witnessed a dense cloud of spores, beginning their ominous descent.
A distressed whine reached Deo's ears from Pyro, but he shouted, "Stay there, Pyro! I've got this!"
With urgency fuelling his actions, he activated his Ironbark Armour ability. Almost instantly, a rich, greyish bark-like substance began to spread over his skin. It crawled up his limbs, encasing his torso, and crept up his neck, transforming him. To any observer, Deo would now resemble a living embodiment of nature itself—a man forged from ancient groves, echoing the timelessness and strength of trees that had stood sentinel for centuries.
As the spores rained down, they seemed to come alive with malevolent intent, swirling and sizzling as they sought their target. They devoured his robes, causing them to smoke and fray, but upon reaching the Ironbark Armour, they met an unyielding resistance. Each spore that made contact hissed and evaporated, failing to mar the iron-like defence. Deo could feel the heat and slight stings as the spores bombarded him, but the armour held firm, protecting him from harm.
Rising to his feet, Deo continued his trek through the last stretch of the deadly strait, finally joining Pyro on the other side. The fiery creature nuzzled against him, relief evident in his eyes, and gave Deo a reassuring lick on his face.
Laughing in relief and catching his breath, Deo ruffled Pyro's flaming mane. "Guess in that race," he remarked with a grin, "I was more of a turtle than a hare."
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Surveying himself, Deo's gaze fell upon his once immaculate robes, now marred with gaping holes and scorch marks from the acidic spores. He let out a resigned sigh. With a determined focus, he began channelling mana into his robes, touching the damaged areas of his attire. As if drawn by an unseen force, the threads of the robe began to dance and weave, stitching back together. The tattered regions merged and melded until they seamlessly rejoined, restoring the robe to its pristine state. The once fragmented fabric now pulsed faintly with the residual energy of the spell, a soft luminescence that soon faded away.
Feeling restored with his robes now mended, Deo gestured ahead. "Onward, Pyro," he stated with renewed resolve. The pair continued their journey along the winding path, their steps now more confident and sure. The towering mushroom caps gradually became less imposing, and the oppressive weight of the Mycelium Grove began to lift. Eventually, the dense thicket of predatory fungi began to thin, giving way to a clearer passage.
The duo emerged from the Grove, exiting the hauntingly beautiful yet perilous maze of mushrooms. Grateful to have survived the Grove’s treacherous challenges, Deo took a moment to catch his breath. The path ahead remained uncertain, but with Pyro by his side, he felt prepared to face whatever lay ahead. With renewed determination, the duo continued on, leaving the dangerous depths of the Grove behind them.
The tunnels after leaving the perilous Mycelium Grove were more spacious, with walls that sometimes widened to the extent that Deo couldn’t see the other side in the dim light. The path began to gently slope downward, indicating that he was delving even deeper into the bowels of the world.
As he walked, the cool air of the tunnel began to warm. At first, it was a subtle change, but with each step, the temperature seemed to rise incrementally. Soon, the reason became clear. Up ahead, the tunnel opened up into a vast expanse, the ground illuminated by a soft, orange glow. Deo had arrived at the Magma Flats.
Before him lay a massive expanse of molten rock. The magma bubbled and roiled, throwing up sporadic spurts of flame and heat, making the air waver with its intensity. Across this liquid inferno, a series of stone pathways snaked their way, connecting a patchwork of stable landmasses. Some of these pathways were no wider than a few feet, forcing anyone who dared to cross them to tread with extreme caution.
Taking a deep breath, Deo began his crossing. Pyro, seemingly invigorated by the fiery surroundings, moved with an added zest, clearly relishing the intense heat. With each step, Deo could feel the warmth of the magma radiating through his boots. He focused on the path ahead, acutely aware that one misstep could send him tumbling into the molten sea below.
The pathways wound intricately across the flats, sometimes looping back on themselves, and at other times branching out in multiple directions. Thanks to the innate heat resistance granted by his bond with Pyro, Deo was able to withstand the intense heat. Still, sweat poured down his face, stinging his eyes. Undeterred, he pressed on, determined to reach the other side.
Halfway across the flats, Deo found their progress abruptly halted by a wide chasm where the pathway had once been. The edges bore the scarred, blackened signs of a recent eruption from the molten abyss beneath. The magma gurgled and spewed occasionally, sending hot droplets onto the surrounding area.
Understanding the gravity of the situation and the impossibility of a simple jump, Deo firmly planted his staff on the ground. With a focused intent, he channelled mana through it and activated his Sylvanus' Grasp skill. Almost immediately, a robust and verdant vine sprouted from the ground beside him. With surprising speed, it snaked its way toward the opposite edge of the chasm. The intense heat caused the vine to sizzle and smoke, but the surge of mana fortified it, allowing the vine to resist being consumed by the heat.
Once it had securely anchored itself to the other side, Deo tested its strength briefly before making his way across. The vine, though warm from the surrounding heat, remained sturdy beneath his weight.
Pyro, unfazed by the change in pathway, followed suit. The creature's lithe form moved with ease across the vine, his natural affinity for hot environments making the challenge less daunting for him.
Reaching the opposite edge, Deo gave one last appreciative look to the vine that had aided them, and with a slight gesture the vine began to retract, pulling itself free from the opposite side and coiling back into the ground from whence it came, leaving no trace of its existence. With Pyro by his side, they continued their trek across the scorching flats.
After what felt like hours, the far end of the Magma Flats came into view. With a final surge of determination, Deo made his way to solid ground, the temperature gradually decreasing as he moved further from the molten expanse. He took a moment to rest, grateful for the respite from the relentless heat, and mentally prepared himself for the challenges still to come.
The relief from the Magma Flats was short-lived as Deo soon found himself standing at the entrance of another daunting challenge – the Gloomweb Tunnel. The name itself was ominous, and as Deo peered into the tunnel, he understood why. It was as if someone had poured ink into the very air, the blackness so dense that it seemed to swallow up even the faintest light. The darkness was not just an absence of light but seemed to be a living, breathing entity of its own.
Adjusting his backpack, Deo fetched the Magma Forge Lantern and held it aloft. He activated its mechanism, and immediately, a soft, warm light emanated from it, pushing the encompassing darkness back, if only by a few feet. The walls of the tunnel, now faintly visible, displayed irregular patterns indicating the presence of the dense webbing from which the Gloomweb Tunnel earned its name.
The duo proceeded cautiously, the lantern's narrow beam revealing just a few feet ahead in the suffocating darkness of the tunnel. As they delved deeper, the absence of any signs of life became increasingly evident. Deo had anticipated some encounters based on the Thane's accounts of the tunnel's inhabitants. However, the eerie silence and lack of any movement started to gnaw at his expectations. "Where are the creatures the Thane mentioned?" Deo whispered to himself, growing uneasy at the desolation.
As they ventured further into the depths, a soft, distant skittering sound pricked Deo's ears. Dismissing it initially as just the echoes of their own movements, the skittering grew steadily louder, more persistent. The rhythmic pattern suggested many legs, moving quickly and with purpose. The realization dawned on Deo that they might not be alone in the tunnel after all.
With every step, the sound drew nearer. Pyro's head swivelled, attempting to locate the source, his flames flickering in response to his heightened alertness. The atmosphere grew tense, the oppressive darkness of the tunnel making it impossible to discern the direction or distance of the approaching threat. Recalling Veldora's advice, Deo lifted the lantern high, hoping its light might deter or reveal whatever approached from the shadows.
Suddenly, from the oppressive darkness, a monstrous spider lunged into the light. Its grotesque form was covered in a mottled, coarse exoskeleton with shades of muddied browns and deep blacks, as if it had been birthed from the very rock of the tunnel. The spider’s body was enormous, nearly the size of a large wolf, with long, spindly legs covered in coarse bristles. Each leg ended in a sharp point, conveying their ability to grip and pierce.
Most terrifying of all were its eyes. Eight in number, they gleamed with a blood-red luminescence, arranged in a semi-circle on its cephalothorax. They gave off a sinister light, which in the brief moment they met Deo's gaze, conveyed a malevolence and hungry desire that sent a shiver down his spine.
However, as soon as the creature emerged into the lantern’s glow, it reared up on its hind legs, letting out a shrill, pained screech. Its eyes, once menacing, now displayed unmistakable anguish. It seemed the light of the Magma Forge Lantern was too intense for the deep-dwelling beast, causing excruciating pain to its sensitive eyes.
Acting swiftly, Deo activated his Wildlife Insight skill, hoping to gain a better understanding of this abomination:
Corrupted Gloomweaver
Level: 20
Tier: Epic.
Lifespan: Indeterminable due to their unnatural origins.
Diet: Carnivorous. Driven by an insatiable hunger, it attacks and devours anything in its path.
Maturity: Reaches early adulthood at 2 years. Full maturity by 4 years.
Strengths: Potent venom stored in fangs, swift and agile despite its size, ability to meld seamlessly within the shadows of its web.
Weaknesses: Extremely sensitive to bright light, particularly in its many eyes; vulnerable spots between its exoskeletal joints and underbelly; reliance on ambush.
Behaviours: Unlike more common tunnel spiders, the Corrupted Gloomweaver operates with an enhanced cunning. Its predatory skills are honed to perfection, allowing it to trap even the most vigilant of prey. It is known to lay devious traps using its silken threads, making escape almost impossible for those ensnared.
Description: The Corrupted Gloomweaver stands as proof to the profound and malevolent alterations the abyssal corruption can inflict upon once-normal creatures. While its base form is reminiscent of other tunnel spiders, the Corrupted Gloomweaver bears ghastly mutations. Its exoskeleton is jagged and rough, hinting at the internal turmoil it suffers from the corruption. The blood-red eyes, a hallmark of its corrupted nature, burn with a mixture of pain and malevolence, displaying both its suffering and its newfound predatorial prowess. These spiders are more than just mutated beasts; they are a direct result of the abyssal energies warping the very fabric of their being, turning them into efficient and relentless hunters of the dark.
[Experience Gained: +500 XP]
[Skill Level Up! Wildlife Insight has reached Level 9!]
[Congratulations! You've levelled up! You are now level 22!]
As Deo activated his Wildlife Insight skill, Pyro wasted no time. The fiery creature, reacting with the kind of swiftness only innate instincts can drive, lunged towards the Corrupted Gloomweaver. The lantern's glow had momentarily staggered the monstrosity, and Pyro was ready to capitalize on the opportunity.
With a fierce roar, Pyro launched himself into the air, flames trailing from his form, creating a daunting spectacle. He clashed with the spider, swiping at its large body with his flaming paws. Each swipe sent cinders flying, further blinding the Gloomweaver's many eyes. The scorching heat from Pyro's body alone seemed to singe and scorch the spider's exoskeleton.
But the Corrupted Gloomweaver was a tough adversary, not to be underestimated. It retaliated with rapid jabs from its spindly legs, trying to pin Pyro down. But Pyro, with his superior agility, danced around its attacks, leaving trails of fire in his wake.
Seizing an opportunity as the spider jabbed a leg at him, Pyro dodged and then lunged forward, clamping onto the spider's legs with his Burning Bite. The searing heat from his maw melted through the exoskeleton, causing the spider to screech in pain. The leg was rendered useless, tilting the odds in Pyro's favour.
The spider, now in a disadvantaged position, tried to manoeuvrer, attempting to use its webs to ensnare Pyro. But with a burst of speed, Pyro darted beneath the creature, avoiding the sticky strands and targeting its vulnerable underbelly.
With a final powerful swipe, Pyro struck at the Gloomweaver's soft underparts, bringing the monster down. As the Corrupted Gloomweaver lay defeated, Pyro, panting but triumphant, returned to Deo's side, his flames roaring even brighter from the exhilaration of the battle.
[Corrupted Gloomweaver Defeated!]
[Experience Gained: +200 XP]
The duo continued through the tunnel, their steps echoing softly in the vast underground expanse. The earlier encounter had put them on high alert, but as they traversed further, no more threats presented themselves. The eerie silence of the Gloomweb tunnel seemed to have been momentarily shattered by their battle, and now, all that remained was the continuous sound of their footsteps.
After traversing for what seemed an eternity, the dark, web-laden walls of the tunnel began to give way to intricately carved dwarven masonry. The change was unmistakable. The walls were etched with runes that glowed faintly, emitting a soft blue light. These runes, deeply engraved into the stone, pulsed at regular intervals, almost as if they were breathing.
Finally, they reached a grand door, made of dense ironwood and framed with more of the gleaming runes. At its centre was a circular depression, beckoning to be filled. Without hesitation, Deo reached into his pocket, pulling out his rune key. The artifact was a small, ornate piece, fitting perfectly into the door's indentation. Pressing it into place, there was a momentary pause, and then, with a loud, grinding noise, the door began to swing open, revealing the room ahead.