In the underwater cavern, Brian found himself surrounded by an array of unrecognizable metals and rocks that sparkled in the dim light. A patch of land jutted out from the shimmering water, adorned with tufts of blue-gray grass swaying gently. Above them, the domed ceiling was a breathtaking expanse of clear crystals, casting a mesmerizing glow over everything below. At the center of this enchanting space stood a magnificent violet tree, its branches draped with delicate white blossoms that resembled freshly fallen snow. The air was alive with the vibrant flutters of peculiar birds, their long beaks and brilliant plumage creating a kaleidoscope of colors, some colors of which Brian had never seen before. A sweet fragrance, reminiscent of honeysuckle and passionfruit, wafted through the air, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
Paul and Brian made their way to the grand purple tree, and once they reached the shore, they secured their watercraft beside it and settled for a much-needed rest. They nestled into the thick ground cover, leaning against the sturdy trunk that comfortably accommodated them both. Brian retrieved some snacks and water from his watercraft, and together they snacked and drank bottles of water, while enjoying the intriguing view around them.
As they savored their snack, a peculiar warmth radiated from the crystals, accompanied by a calming fragrance that filled the air. Before they knew it, a wave of drowsiness washed over them, and they found themselves drifting off into an unexpected nap.
They slumbered more deeply than they had in years, lost in a dreamless haze. Yet, as they drifted further into the realm of sleep, an unsettling transformation unfolded. The once-ordinary tree, notable only for its peculiar hues, began to stir—not with the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind, but with an unsettling, deliberate motion. Its branches quivered, showering Brian and Paul with a cascade of white petals and fine pollen, lulling them into an even deeper slumber.
Then the roots of the tree began to emerge from the earth, writhing like serpents. One slender root danced cautiously, probing the air to ensure its unsuspecting guests remained in their enchanted state. Another root coiled around Brian's ankle, while yet another gently wrapped itself around Paul. Soon, a multitude of roots joined the fray, enveloping the two men in a snug cocoon, their snores echoing softly in the night. Sensing its prey was thoroughly ensnared in slumber, the tree tightened its grip, a sinister satisfaction coursing through its core. With a slow, deliberate pull, it began to draw Brian and Paul beneath the surface, to the dark, hidden depths where it feasted on the bodies of the unwary.
~~~~~~~~~~
Jayla lay In the cramped confines of room three, which she had staked her claim on, there was a lone twin bed, a petite nightstand, a solitary shelf mounted on the wall, and a closet that barely fit a week's worth of clothing. A small window adorned with gray curtains let in a hint of light. The six bedrooms available to them were almost indistinguishable in their dreariness, differing only in the purplish tint of the gray curtains in this room.
She slept in a most ungraceful fashion, limbs splayed wide and mouth agape, as ithunderous snores erupted from her throat like a beast in slumber. The bed, too small to contain her sprawling form, left one leg dangling precariously over the edge, swaying gently in the stillness of the night. In her dreams, she fought unseen foes, her leg twitching and grunting as if engaged in a fierce struggle. Little did she know, a brilliant red flame flickered to life upon her palm, dancing across the surface, but it did not burn her. Then she performed a particularly vicious arm-twist and sprayed tiny flames across the little bedroom she had claimed.
She pivoted and let out a grunt, raising her hand, which was engulfed in flames, high above her head. A spark brushed against the curtain, igniting it and causing the fire to begin its ascent. The fire crackled and hissed across the room, eagerly attempting to ignite some forgotten bits of fluff, while the flames on the curtain climbed higher with impressive speed.
~~~~~~~~~~
Inga looked at her readout with a deep frown. "They still aren't answering me and I can't figure out what this readout is doing. It claims they're straight below us, but we're already at the bottom. So either there's a tunnel I can't see or their equipment is on the frits. I can't believe I lost two Heroes on the first day, this'll definitely go down in history.
"Let's keep looking for a tunnel, is there a way for them to turn off their communication? If there is, I could see them doing that. My eardrums felt like they were about to pop while you were yelling," said Amy.
"I'll return to the carriage and see if there's anything they can do to assist in locating Brian and Paul," said Olivia.
"That's a great idea! Just be careful on your way back, I don't need to lose another person," said Inga.
~~~~~~~~~~
A stunning woman, her skin and hair a striking white, approached the Somnus Tree, her golden eyes gleaming. She wore flowing, sheer garments that billowed around her as she moved. The tree held two men captive; one was barely visible, his head the only part above ground, while the other was exposed up to his shoulders. With her mesmerizing golden eyes, which had snake-like pupils, she focused on the man still with his shoulders exposed. Her hands, delicate yet formidable, were webbed with sharp, glass-like nails and adorned with tiny white scales. With a gentle yet powerful grip, she wrapped her fingers around Paul's shoulders and effortlessly lifted him from the earth, as if she were simply uprooting a carrot.
She seized her prize, lifting him by the shoulders, and extended her long forked tongue to gauge the mana concentration surrounding him. Discovering it to be quite potent, she tossed him over her shoulder as if he were a hefty sack. In an instant, a brilliant light enveloped her, transforming her lower half into a sleek white snake tail. Effortlessly, she slithered away with Paul draped over her shoulder, while Brian continued to plunge deeper into the earth at a concerning speed. The Somnus Tree, having lost one of its victims, was eager to secure its remaining catch and swiftly began the process of digestion.
Brian descended further, drawn deeper into a maze of writhing roots that snaked through tunnels, their surfaces polished by the passage of countless creatures. Old, dried blood marked the pathways. Suddenly, he found himself inside a round vessel crafted from dark wood. The bottom of this vessel was littered with an assortment of bones, each in various states of decay, riddled with tiny pits. Above, a spout began to release a vibrant, neon green fluid.
The Somnus Tree reveled in the pathetic struggles of its prey. During this time, its victim would soon futilely attempt to escape. It left the tunnels ajar, just enough to tease them with a glimmer of hope, but resistance was utterly pointless; its corrosive acid would obliterate any chance of survival in mere moments, crippling them past their ability to escape. The only creature that ever managed to break free was that insufferable white snake, a brute that simply smashed its way out, tearing roots apart and leaving a gaping wound in the tree. Ever since, it had the audacity to return, treating Somnus like a buffet, snatching up prey at will. Yet, in a rare moment of consideration, it would leave some scraps behind, understanding that the tree needed sustenance to remain functional.
But this time, Somnus had been hell-bent on keeping both victims; they were brimming with mana, a once-in-a-lifetime treasure. Capturing both could elevate Somnus to new heights of power and perhaps finally give it the upper hand against that annoying snake! Somnus had yanked its victim down with all the speed it could muster, yet that slippery snake still managed to snatch one away. But it still got its roots on one, and now it would feast and strengthen. After digesting this morsel, it might not be powerful enough to take down the white snake with ease, but it would definitely make her life more difficult.
It buzzed with an insatiable excitement, emitting a sound so shrill that only a select few could even begin to perceive it. It was salivating at the thought of devouring its meal and relishing the sight of its prey's desperate writhing. The corrosive acid slithered up, finally wrapping around the base of its victim's body. With a sinister grin, it opened its metaphorical jaws and bided its time. The acid gnawed away at the back of the prey's clothing, seeping into the skin, and jolting the little snack awake. Just as the mana began to flow into its roots, and the tree squirmed in bliss, the sustenance was abruptly severed.
A bewildered little tree root slithered toward its unsuspecting target, poking and prodding for mana. To its surprise, it detected a surge of mana—more than double what it had sensed before! This prey was a goldmine, promising enough sustenance to boost its cultivation without any help! Somnus, brimming with anticipation, it decided to close off its tunnels, and eagerly dumped in more acid, buzzing with excitement!
Brian jolted upright, his heart racing as he realized he was submerged in a vile pool of green goo that reeked of decaying eggs. The repulsive, slimy substance clung to his skin, and he frantically tried to shake it off, scraping away the remnants that clung stubbornly to him. A wave of nausea washed over him as he surveyed the eerie wooden pod enclosing him. How in the world had he ended up here after simply drifting off for a peaceful nap beneath a tree?
Coming Next Time: Large and Charge