The new area I entered was within a valley.
On both sides, large walls of slightly grayish and white stone stretched upwards, with roots and branches protruding from them. Some herbs and flowers decorated the area as well.
The valley was reasonably wide, with a depth that made it impossible for me to see its exact end.
I tread carefully through the area. The mist here seemed somehow thicker than before. Levi was my greatest help, sending out mana waves that acted like small radars, transmitting information about anything he detected.
As I moved forward, I swung my water whip to the side.
The claws of a weasel struck against my whip, but I manipulated it to coil around its body and trap it.
Putting more force into the whip, I slammed the creature against the valley wall.
The sharp edges of the rock pierced its body.
But I wasn't done yet. Turning my left hand, which held my wand, I cast a shadow trap beneath my feet, a playful smile crossing my face.
Not even a second after I cast the spell, dark tendrils burst from the ground and ensnared the body of another weasel. I didn't even glance back.
Moving with reasonable speed, I turned my wand to prepare another spell.
"Water Ball, Shadow Ball!"
Two massive spheres of water and shadow appeared before me. With a small motion, I directed them toward the weasel still caught in my water whip, dealing substantial damage.
Afterward, I fired some magic arrows and struck with my whip again, quickly eliminating both creatures.
However, the environment didn't cease its hostility.
Proof of this came when—
"Argh!"
I cried out and turned to my side, seeing a small snake biting into the right side of my body.
Feeling the sting, I gritted my teeth, pointed my wand at its face, and fired.
A dense mana arrow struck its neck, sending it flying several meters away.
Small red droplets fell slowly to the ground from my shoulder as my eyes coldly assessed the snake.
.....
Cobra Tu – Lvl 21
Race: Mist-Spiritual Snake Monster
Description: One of the monsters inhabiting the mysterious Truman Forest. This creature is in a transitional state between a physical and spiritual body due to its race's affinity with mist and water elements. It possesses heightened stealth abilities, making it a dangerous foe. Exercise caution.
....
As a monster, it intrigued me greatly. I also thought about the Pet function and other systems for binding with monsters. Though distinct from summoners, who have skills designed to synchronize with monsters, form contracts, evolve them, and grant abilities, other players can also establish monster bonds or acquire pets. This typically requires certain levels and a specific item or assistance from a summoner-class player.
Despite my momentary distraction, my wand remained active.
I created a water wall to block the snake's advance and then used my whip to pierce through it. The whip, infused with water, drew from the wall to amplify its power and volume.
Like a massive current, the small snake was "drowned," taking significant damage from the pressurized water and becoming entirely restrained.
With my left hand, I continued casting spells, swiftly eliminating the serpent.
Beyond the usual loot, it dropped something peculiar.
....
< You have obtained a Small Soul Fragment >
Item: Small Soul Fragment (01/???)
Type: ???
Description: A mysterious fragment containing traces of a being's soul. This intriguing item seems to form when a monster's soul is divided into multiple pieces. What might happen if all fragments are collected?
Note: If the user leaves the area without collecting all fragments, they will return to the valley, and new snakes will spawn.
.....
This item, which I had never heard of, piqued my curiosity.
Driven by intrigue, I continued deeper into the valley, which exuded a mysterious and captivating charm. Along the way, I encountered more unique weasels and snakes, all dropping fragments upon defeat.
One peculiar observation during my journey was that not all snakes attacked me outright. Some hid in small crevices or underbrush, requiring sharp senses and Levi's assistance to locate.
After several hours (in-game) of collecting fragments and navigating the valley, I reached a more open area.
The space had a circular shape, surrounded by the same valley walls, but with a partially open roof.
Various plants and stones adorned the surroundings, and the mist here was even denser and more unique than before.
I felt an unusual sense of danger emanating from the area.
At the center, atop a massive stone, was a creature that appeared to be the area's boss.
What caught my attention most, however, was the item clutched in its claws and mouth—a curious object it seemed to treat as a toy.
The item resembled the more than 50 soul fragments I had been collecting.
It was like a massive crystal, with an exterior that appeared as a small white jewel interspersed with black hues.
At its center was an image of a snake—or something similar—surrounded by mist swirling inside the crystal. A strong concentration of mist and energy was contained within, pulsating as if alive and in constant motion.
The boss, however, simply gnawed at the crystal like a chew toy.
Yet, upon closer observation, it seemed the boss was trying to absorb the power of the item—or whatever was sealed within it.
In particular, I noticed a small opening in the crystal.
At that moment, I felt part of the mist strangely wrapping around my body.
I became highly alert, my wings expanding defensively from my back as I prepared both my whip and wand in case of an attack.
However, the mist encircled my head, and a soft voice began echoing in my mind.
"Hello, young adventurer… What is your name?"
Startled for a moment, I nonetheless responded.
"I'm Alan. What's your name? And who or what are you?"
"I am Zuri, the serpent. Or rather, the remnant will of the ancient mist serpent and guardian of this valley. I sense within you numerous fragments of my soul… I have a small request. Would you be willing to accept it—or at least hear me out?"
Hearing this, I realized it must be related to the fragments I had been collecting, and more specifically, to the one in its mouth.
"Speak," I said—or rather, responded telepathically.
"Years ago, the forest was invaded by a horde of weasels. The attack was sudden, and we barely managed to resist. I was able to save a few of my subordinates by sacrificing my own soul, splitting it into numerous fragments. These fragments of myself helped distract the enemies and protect this place while the members of my race scattered throughout the forest to seek their own fates."
Intrigued by the story, I asked, "Do you want me to help reunite the members of your race?"
"No. After I protected them, the law of monsters dictated that each must fight for their own survival. Besides, years—or even decades—have passed since then. What I ask is for you to gather the final soul fragment. Once this is done, you'll have two choices for your reward. Personally, I hope you choose the second, but for now, you must defeat the boss and recover the last fragment."
....
Mission: Recover the Final Soul Fragment
Objectives:
-Recover the final soul fragment of the ancient guardian of the valley.
-Gather all fragments together.
Rewards:
-+5 Levels, Class Skill Book, Gold Pouch.
-????? (The white serpent hopes you'll choose this one!)
Description: The soul of the ancient serpent guardian of the valley makes a unique request of you. Defeat the boss and help the serpent achieve freedom and vengeance against the usurper of her home. By doing so, the ancient soul and memories of the white serpent can finally be at peace, unburdened by the past, and her new soul can return to its pure, beautiful freedom.
....
Upon seeing the mission, I decided to accept it—fighting the boss was inevitable anyway.
The rewards also caught my attention. The first option was certainly appealing, with its Skill Book and direct level increases. However, the mystery of the second option made me itch with curiosity.
"I accept."
"Thank you, young one… A final gift to assist you."
She spoke, and I felt a portion of the mist's energy envelop me.
< You have gained the ability to perceive everything within the mist during battle.>
After the notification, it was as if the mist no longer existed. I could see and sense everything around me clearly. The mist that had once dulled my senses was now irrelevant.
Finally, I could see the boss with absolute clarity—and what I saw was something I had expected.
....
Mini Theater - Side Story
(This is something I enjoy doing from time to time—short, fun stories in just a few lines.)
Within the Tuman Forest, a group of snakes moved silently through the trees. They seemed sorrowful yet carried an air of wildness and a strong will to survive.
In their minds lingered a desire—one they couldn't even remember the origin of.
In truth, after decades had passed, many of them had forgotten, or the memory had receded deep into their subconscious.
Still, it seemed to echo faintly within them, and somehow, it resonated even in their new offspring and descendants.
At that moment, the snakes raised their heads and turned to face a particular direction within the forest.
Something—or someone—from their past seemed on the verge of being freed, returning to its true existence.
Their heads lifted high, and they began to hiss.
"Ssssshhhh…"
A unique symphony of hisses echoed throughout the forest.
In the distance, within the naga tribe, the leader opened his eyes and looked toward the forest.
"Hmm… Could it be that boy? Some of the creatures tied to our animalistic side seem… joyful. How curious."
Though he noticed this, it didn't trouble him. Yet, old memories began to resurface in his mind.
Images of a time when he was an innocent naga, whose reckless actions had brought harm to a group of monsters in a certain valley. A time when their savior had sacrificed themselves, forcing the members of that nest to scatter.
"If that's the case… I'm truly grateful to whoever made this possible. Thank you…"
He murmured, as tears of longing and relief welled up in his eyes.