Chapter 22: Iridescent Worms

Chapter 22: Iridescent Worms

Getting out of the pool, I look out for any replacement clothes. There are none. I probably should have asked about that, before giving her my clothes. Didnt she say she washes clothes here? Why did she leave then?

Sigh.

Im just going to call out for her. I could scan for her, but Im honestly scared of what I might see. I can only take so much at this point. This is both highly erotic and really weird for me. Once everything is in a better position Ill deconstruct my feelings on this more.

Hey Gong? Can you hear me? I can still hear the slight echo of continued sniffing in the distance. Okay, shes obviously busy. I also feel like my hearing has gotten a ton better due to the healing constitution.

Seeing via the autoscan, that there are an insane number of transparent lines all along the floor of this area, probably to make sure I dont surprise her.

I purposely step on a couple, in the assumed direction of the sniffing.

As expected, the noises stop almost immediately. I step back into the water, to cover my dangly bits.

Hey Gong! Can you hear me?

YES! I mean yes, I can hear you. She rushes into the area, with my clothes in hand. Her eyes flicker to the transparent lines in confusion. I try to redirect her attention back to me.

Ah, so thats where they were. Were you able to wash them? I could have sworn that you mentioned they could be washed here. Her eyes go wide for a moment.

um yes. Though, I was just preparing them. Yes. Preparing them for wash. Since I really li want them to be clean. So clean.

She stares at me, clearly nervous and hoping that Ill buy this bullshit. I dont buy it, but I roll with it.

Thanks for the help, then! Ill take those and wash them myself from this point. I insist. She appears to want to decline, but a look into my eyes and what I believe to be the most subtle sniff from her yet, leads her to hand them helplessly to me.

She then sits there quietly as I wash them in the water. While I work on this, I take the opportunity to deep scan Gong:

Gong

Female, 32

5 Rose Man Spiritual Root

Proficient Languages: Common Speech (English)

Body heals quickly and can endure large amounts of wounds. Pressurization doesnt decrease even when ruptured.

These arent even spirit beasts and dont provide any useful cultivation resources, so it isnt even worth hunting for major sects. A demonic sect once used them as a way to strike out against other sects. They were quickly wiped out. However, the creatures already spread beyond the search capability of the sects and became a permanent fixture of this region. Particularly near the slums of cities. Many demi-humans believe they were kept as a way to keep the demi-human and poor human populations down.

Okay. This is messed up. Really really messed up. However, why is she telling me to use my abilities to take these things down and heal people? Not only that, but wasnt Gong the one who told me to keep my abilities hidden? There must be a deeper reason for this.

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Gong, why are you suggesting I look out for these creatures in particular? I remember you saying I need to use my abilities more carefully, but this seems to go slightly against that. If I save those women, especially if no one else can, then it will be even more revealing of my abilities.

As I say that, she becomes visibly uncomfortable.

I had a friend. She was the only one who defended me when I was young. Before I could defend myself. She was the one who made most of these tunnels.

Gong looks off to the side, her eyes watering. Ah. This is a landmine.

Those monsters took her, one day and I never saw her again. I can see her lip bunch up. It looks like shes biting her lips pretty hard.

I couldnt do anything to help her. I just want to make sure that no one else goes through that. When I searched for her, I saw what people turn into. No one. No one deserves that.

She continues after a pause and staring at the ground, Especially not her.

Still looking down, she continues, Ju just consider saving them. If you see anyone in that position. Please?

Theres no way I could say no in this situation. To hell with the hiding, if I saw something like that.

Yeah. I can do that.

I pause.

Should I go further? Yeah.

Let me know if you hear anything, Ill check it out.

Her lips quiver, as she mumbles Ive already been helped by you so much and I

I cut her right off at that, Stop. You dont have to worry about things like that between us. Especially for things like this. Just let me know if you see something. Ill see what I can do. Thats what friends are for.

At that she takes a moment, but looks up at me with watery eyes. She nods with what seems to be mixed feelings. With a swallow, she seems to collect herself again.

Okay. Okay. She breathes in and out slowly before continuing.