Chapter 350 Chapter 350 - Foggy Grove
Unknown to Solar, Frank, and Gyumi, I already somewhat knew where we were heading and who had attacked us. The lizardmen had been sighted various times in the past and other players have shared information about them, however, this information would only matter to you if you were in the West. Lizardmen were monsters that dwelled in the swamps in the West, with them venturing deep into land or out in the ocean.
It seemed that they were able to thrive in different water conditions, and they were equivalent to the goblins that were roaming around HavenFall in its earlier days. However, the difference between the goblins and the lizardmen is that the lizardmen were constantly evolving and growing. They grew stronger over time, to the point that there were many variants of the lizardmen roaming around. I can only imagine what it would have been like if countless hobgoblins were roaming around HavenFall and the Krepost.
Assuming that they came from the swamps in the West, that means this river that cuts through Everbloom, connects to the swamps and in turn connects to the ocean. The geography from this point on has a couple of key points. On the forums, they talk about two deadly zones that haven't been properly mapped. The first is the obvious swamp area that covers most of the 'land' in the West, currently dubbed as the Toxic Hole and the second is closer to the Center, Foggy Grove.
The swamp is called Toxic Hole due to the toxic gases that fill the environment, coming from the murky muddy slow-moving sludge that is the swamp. Players who have ventured into the Toxic Hole have experienced severe cases of nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and then some. Yet, despite this obvious downside, Players continue to venture into the swamp, because many treasures lie await deep inside. Toxic fumes and a disgusting river system aren't enough for the players to reconsider diving headfirst into the swamp.
Moving from the West and towards the Center is the Foggy Grove. According to the forums, there is a piece of land that divides the West and the Center, and with it being covered in a thick layer of white fog, there hasn't been much documentation on it. However, that doesn't mean there hasn't been any documentation. Inside the Foggy Grove is a labyrinth made out of twisting and turning dead trees. Their branches are as hard as steel, and they wrap around each other forming small paths that bend around and around.
To the lucky few players who have walked along the edge of the Foggy Grove or slightly inside of it, they have found items and equipment that were better than their peers. Going past the Foggy Grove will be essential to reaching the Toxic Hole. Once we arrive at the Toxic Hole, we will need to search for the lizardmen's nest or maybe... It's not just the lizardmen that we are fighting. Maybe, just maybe, it is Cordelia.
Moving at a fast pace and following along the river, eventually, Gyumi reports back to me, along with the scouting party from Frank.
"My lord, there seems to be a cloud that has fallen From the sky. It is in our current planned route, and around it are mountain ranges." - Gyumi This content has its origins in n0v£lbin★
"The scouts in the front have also told me that it seems eerily quiet. There doesn't seem to be any sound around us. Not even the sound of the wind." - Frank
Gyumi is right, even though I saw the ever-growing mountains loom in front of us, I half-heartedly assumed that the Foggy Grove would just be after crossing the mountain range. While it pains me to say it, I was hoping it wouldn't be the case of splitting the mountain in half and becoming a choke point. Though, the more worrying part is that there haven't been any monsters throughout this whole journey.
"For now, stay alert, and we move towards the cloud that Gyumi is speaking of. I believe it is not a cloud that has fallen from the sky, but a foggy area, one that is formed most likely due to the terrain. The fog will slow our progress, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Frank, have the scouting party stop at the edge of the fog and wait there until we arrive." - Ian
"I know, deary~ Don't be so coy. OH! By the way, deary~ There is something I do need to tell you..." - Selino
"What is it? Be quick." - Ian
"My oh my, is that how you ask? Someone didn't teach you manners. By you know, that is something I do~ Like from you." - Selino
"Selino." - Ian
"Hehehe~ Well, the thing I need to tell you is that very soon... You will be able to use more of my powers." - Selino
"What do you mean?" - Ian
"You can't possibly think that all I'm good for are my legs and spider web? There is sooooo~ Much more for you to uncover. Eventually, you will be fighting like how a King of Spider should be fighting." - Selino
"Is that the way you told me to abandon the spear?" - Ian
"YES~ Deary is so smart. I'm sure you will be able to tap into the different powers soon, but for now~ You will just have to be satisfied with what you have." - Selino
"... Alright. Not much I can do but heed your advice." - Ian
"Hehehe~" - Selino
"Everyone. Let's head inside. Frank, send out your Vampiric Offspring and we will follow them." - Ian
"Yes, my lord." - Frank
Frank's Vampiric Offspring leap into the fog, disappearing immediately. Letting out a small sigh, I take the first step into the Foggy Grove, letting the cold fog wrap around my body as I proceed forward. Following me were Gyumi, Solar, and Frank, as we wade into the fog.