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Chapter 5 - Alchemical Discovery

In the heart of the ever-shifting Drusken Forest, the Lich found himself drawn to one of the most peculiar sights—the enigmatic plants that moved of their own accord. His guardian instincts kicked in, and the visor embedded within his armor came to life with a subtle hum, projecting a holographic display before his eyes. This advanced visor served as a cataloging and data-processing tool, an indispensable asset for a Guardian. 

With a mental command, the Lich activated the visor's scanning function. As his gaze fell upon the mysterious plant, the visor's sensors whirred to life, capturing detailed images and data. Information flowed through the Lich's thoughts as the visor identified the plant and its unique properties.

The holographic display provided him with a wealth of knowledge. The plant was named "Verdant Veil," a fitting moniker for its swaying, ethereal nature. The data included its applications, revealing that Verdant Veil possessed alchemical properties that could be harnessed for various purposes. 

As the Lich continued to examine the plant, a subtle icon appeared in his visor's interface—an option to upload the scanned data to the universal Guardian data stream. Uploading data was a common practice among Guardians, as it contributed to the collective knowledge shared across the solar system. In return, Guardians were rewarded with Glimmer, the standard currency of the system.

However, the Drusken Forest was a mapped planet, a place where every discovery had already been cataloged. Thus, the system rewarded those who uploaded data with a premium currency known as Silver, reserved for the influential and the elite.

With a silent command, the Lich uttered the word "Scan" within the confines of his own mind. The visor responded, finalizing the scan of Verdant Veil. It displayed an option to upload the data to the stream, and he hesitated. 

The caution that had grown within him, fueled by his suspicions of a hive mind in the forest, held him back from immediate action. He opted to withhold the upload for now, preferring to keep his newfound knowledge close to his chest.

The Lich's visor allowed him to review the information he had collected, displaying a catalog of scanned flora and fauna within the Drusken Forest. He knew that these discoveries held the key to unlocking the true potential of his power, and he was determined to delve deeper into the alchemical properties of the forest's resources.

His journey through the forest had revealed not only its mystical inhabitants but also the promise of alchemy—a path that would intertwine with his burgeoning power as a Lich. He knew that these discoveries would be vital to his destiny, and he was prepared to explore every facet of the Drusken Forest to uncover its secrets.

With newfound purpose, the Lich continued his exploration, his visor ready to scan and catalog the mysteries that awaited within this enigmatic realm.

The Lich's journey through the Drusken Forest led him to one intriguing discovery after another. Each plant he encountered was a testament to the forest's unique connection with a Lich's power, and his visor played a pivotal role in unraveling their mysteries.

His footsteps echoed through the forest as he approached a cluster of luminescent flora. These radiant plants, known as "Luminaflora," stood tall and proud, their iridescent leaves casting a gentle glow. The Lich marveled at their ethereal beauty, his curiosity piqued.

He activated his visor, its scanning function revealing the Luminaflora's secrets.

Luminaflora

- Applications: When the petals of Luminaflora are carefully harvested and dried, they can be ground into a luminescent powder. This powder, when mixed with water and ingested, grants temporary heightened senses and increased perception.

Continuing on his journey, the Lich soon stumbled upon a cluster of peculiar plants with twisted vines that seemed to writhe like serpents. The crimson leaves of these plants, identified as "Serphenthrall" by his visor, pulsed with an eerie energy.

Serphenthrall

- Applications: Serphenthrall leaves, when properly harvested and infused into a potion, can grant the imbiber temporary resistance to poison and toxins. The potion must be brewed with precise measurements and timing to unlock its protective properties fully.

His path through the forest led him to a tranquil glade with a shimmering pool at its center. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the vibrant colors of the surrounding flora. As he bent down to examine the aquatic plants that floated on the pool's surface, his visor identified them as "Aquafloralis."

Aquafloralis

- Applications: Aquafloralis petals, when brewed into a potion, grant the drinker the ability to breathe underwater for a limited time. This potion is highly sought after by Guardians and explorers alike for its utility in underwater exploration and missions.

With each discovery, the Lich's understanding of the forest's alchemical potential deepened. He moved from one plant to another, scanning and cataloging the knowledge hidden within their unique properties. Each plant held a piece of the puzzle, revealing the intricate tapestry of the Drusken Forest's power.

As he ventured deeper into the forest, he marveled at the interconnectedness of the ecosystem. The plants, the creatures, and the very essence of the forest itself seemed to resonate with the power of a Lich, growing in both strength and knowledge.

With the forest's mysteries unfolding before him, the Lich continued his journey, eager to uncover more of its secrets and unlock the true potential of his newfound power. The alchemical wonders of the Drusken Forest held the key to his destiny, and he was determined to explore every facet of this mystical location hidden from the Guardians perception.