While exploring the area, I came across a small library with a collection of books. The location was empty, so I asked the receptionist if I could browse and read the books there. She said yes, but I had to leave the books there before leaving. This was fine with me, so I went back to look at the books and realized that there were books about the fauna and flora of the Steelwall area!
This is exactly what I am looking for. As our Monstrology professor says, we can never know enough about our enemies, and now my enemy is the Treealtor. So, I settled at one of the tables and started reading. After finishing the small book, I found some interesting information about the Treealtor:
"This medium-sized humanoid monster resembles a tree and has vine-like arms that resemble snakes. They can be found near forests and rivers. They are capable of leaping onto their prey, which includes small creatures, magical beasts, and humans. They attack with crushing blows and then strangle their prey with their arms. Their body is generally protected by bark-like armor, and their head is vulnerable. This species moves in families of two to five members."
After acquiring this knowledge, I knew I would have to be extra careful not to be surrounded during my hunt. It would be the end if that happens. As for the Paralunes, I also found a paragraph about them in the same book:
"Red half-moon-shaped flowers are mainly used to create a vitality potion. Recognizable by its red swirls and pear-like taste. They usually grow on female Treealtors."
Whether I harvest the flowers or not, I will have to kill the Treealtors to accomplish my mission. Once all the necessary information was gathered, I set out to find the monster I was looking for, hoping to find it quickly.
About an hour's walk from Steelwall is a forest with a river snaking through it. I think this will be the perfect place to find what I am looking for. On the way, I spotted some small animals and a few harmless monsters. After about twenty minutes of arriving in the forest, I thought I saw a tree moving. I wasn't sure if it was my imagination or not, so I decided to move forward cautiously.
Crouching down, I kept watch from a distance with my musket at the ready. Suddenly, three trees moved. Surprised, I advanced slowly, still armed with my musket. The monsters did not notice my presence and continued as if I did not exist. On closer examination of their actions, I realized they were sharing something, and looking closer, each creature was eating what looked like a rabbit.
Now convinced they were Treealtors, I aimed for the head of the one closest to me and fired. BAM! The projectile hit it in the head, and the monster collapsed, leaving the other two perplexed. I took the opportunity to reload while one of the two monsters leaned over and took the rabbit from the dead Treealtor.
They continue to eat and I take advantage of the opportunity to shoot again. Another monster falls. This time, the third one finally realizes that he is being attacked and decides to flee. As he does not move quickly, I decide to use him as a target and use my Psionic Attack skill. The Treealtor stops abruptly and shakes his head as if in pain. I finish reloading, but continue to move forward before shooting. The effect of my skill dissipates and I activate it again. The monster continues to shake his head and emits a series of shrill noises, similar to nails scratching a chalkboard. The effect ends and I try to restart it, but a wave of nausea overwhelms me. I feel my body become heavy and my stomach churn.
"I think I've overused my skill and now I'm running low on mana," I think to myself. I have no time to waste, so I aim and shoot the last Treealtor. He dies instantly and I quickly gather their green heads with kiwi-like eyes.
On the way back, my body stabilizes and I begin to feel better. My mother used to have this often, it's called mana overuse syndrome, or more commonly known as MOS. Once stable and confident, I return to the mercenary association to complete my request.