Chereads / The Mortal Phoenix / Chapter 22 - The Forest

Chapter 22 - The Forest

Art looked at the big gate in front of him and felt a chill when he saw the warning sign. Nick walked to a smaller door to the left of the big gate. "This is the point where it gets dangerous so be careful."

Art slowly started walking towards the metal door. When Nick opened the gate Art could see that there was a small room with another door. Inside the room Art saw a first aid kit and other helpful things if you get hurt. 

When everyone was in the room Kelley closed the door behind them and then asked "Are everyone ready?" Art looked around him and saw that Nick, Clarice and Kelley looked calm. After everyone had said yes Kelley opened the other door and walked through. 

When Art took his first step out he saw trees in different shapes and sizes. The green leaves on the trees rustled as the wind blew through them. Art, who had lived a really busy life, had never seen a forest before. 

Nick Started walking towards one of the trees. Nick touched the branches and saw how they had been damaged by some type of claws. "These branches have been damaged and by the looks of it, It was most likely a Metalmouth."

Kelley and Clarice walked up to the tree as well and looked at the mark and nodded. "It looks like a Metalmouth mark but it could be something else too so let's be careful and remain on high alert." Clarice said while continuing to walk further into the forest. Art who felt like he was useless transformed his eyes and started to look around.

When they had walked for 10 minutes Art saw something from the corner of his eyes. Before he had a chance to see what it was it disappeared from his sight but still felt unsure about it. "I just saw something moving in the bushes to the left. But before I could see it more clearly it left." Art informed them. "Okay, Let's keep an eye out if it comes back." Kelley said while looking towards her left.

Art saw that the terrain started to change from a flat forest to hill's with fewer trees on. If the monster that he sensed earlier would come out now he would definitely see it. 

"It's really strange that we haven't found any monsters yet." Clarice said with a concerned look on her face. "Yeah, I thought about that too." Nick said while looking through the thin trees. "Why don't you use your magic to create a sound so the monsters know where we are?" Kelley suggested while looking at Clarice. 

Clarice thought about it for a while and eventually answered. "I initially didn't want to because what if a dozen monsters hear the call and start running towards us... But I don't think that there are many monsters in this area so it should be fine." She said and screamed. Art looked at her and waited to hear the scream but he didn't hear anything. "What is going on?" He asked them. "Clarice screamed so high that no human could hear it, just monsters. Combine that with one of Clarice's abilities to attract living creatures with her voice." 

Art looked at her and saw how she stopped screaming. "Now we just wait." Clarice said. Not even half a minute had passed until Art saw something running towards them and a message appeared.

[You have received a new quest]

[Defeat the monster in front of you]

[Reward: 50 exp]

The monster was as big as a car and had a big jaw with really sharp teeth that probably could tear him apart in seconds if he came too close. 

"It's here, get ready Clarice shouted while running to the side and screamed. This time Art could hear it but it didn't bother him that much because he was too focused on the monster in front of him.

Before Art had the chance to move the Big monster just stopped moving and looked around it. This was the opportunity Kelley had been waiting for. She transformed into a light blue snake that was as long as a truck and as thick as a tree trunk. She easily wrapped around it. When she had wrapped around it she bit it and held him still. This was when He and Nick would punch it.

Nick ran forward with a transformed hand into a big white claw. Art ran right after and transformed his right Arm but no one saw because of the hoodie that covered up the feathers. When Art saw that Nick's punch had pierced its upper body he punched the big head instead. When Art's punch landed he saw how the Monsters head turned around in an unnatural way.

[You have defeated the Monster]

[Reward: 50 exp]

[You have leveled up to Level 6]

[You have gained 3 stat points]

[Optional but recommended]

[Incinerate the target for extra stat points]

[Yes/No]

Art looked at the message that had come up when he thought against the Red tear member. Art needed the monster though so he chose no and looked at his stats and saw that he had leveled up. And was a little surprised because he thought that it would be a while before he leveled up but he didn't complain. Art thought about which stats would be best to put the point's in and decided that he needed strength if he wanted to defeat the Metalmouths faster. 

When they saw the Metalmouth lying lifeless on the ground they transformed back. Art wondered how the hell they would take the corpse with them when it was so big. Art looked at Clarice who looked like she took out a little bag that was no bigger than a fist. When she opened the bag Art could see that there were some kind of particles flying out from the bag and sucking up the big Metalmouth. 

Art looked with a stunned look at the bag and asked. "What is that?" Clarice looked at Art and said "It's a Magic bag. They cost a fortune but are really handy when you are out hunting or assassinating someone."