Chapter 191: An Obvious Misstep

Chapter 191: An Obvious Misstep

In contrast to the other treehouse I had made, I built this one in the lower middle area of the tree layers. Above the understory, but far below the canopy. The focus is to be out of reach of most creatures near the ground, but most importantly, be far away from the canopy.

Contrary to the non-poisonous part of the jungle, there is a large concentration of predatory creatures flying above the canopy.

The reason is that the poison is concentrated near the ground, so creatures that try to escape it usually climb the trees only to get picked off by fast moving flyers.

The ground is also not safe because any creature that can actually handle the poison lives down there. Its part of the reason the Panther was so cautious about approaching this area at this level. One wrong misstep and its poisoned to death.

Because of this, I still created it in the tree, but used more of it as part of the house. I also cannibalized other trees to fortify this one a bit more.

I ended up with a mostly air tight space with a variety of types of wooden vents strategically reaching to the sky. It pulls clean air in and contaminated air out, using the natural wind gusts to push it through. I made access to the area accessible via a set of staircases. By the time I was done, it was already daytime again.

Not that I could tell, as this place is lockdown currently, while I work on my movement plan.

Of course, I have my scan, so I can see where everything is outside of it.

My main goal is to collect as many ingredients and useful items as possible. My scan is working to help me plot out a course to effectively grab these while avoiding danger.

Ive also put out the avoidance taming contract for creatures around here. So, I should mostly only need to worry about the environmental dangers.

Or so I thought.

Its actually coming back. And its messing up the scan.

To be specific, almost every road to these ingredients involved the creature. Despite the damage that is happening to it, it is remaining near this area where it can monitor me and see where I go.

With its constitution, it could probably last for a month here before being paralyzed.

Obviously, I dont have that sort of time.

I need to confront it.

I should get prepared. And since this is going to be a tough battle, I should tame some creatures here.

actually, I feel that maybe I shouldnt.

Its part of the reason I havent done so already. I think instead of being an enemy, if I can get this creature on my side, it would be a far greater benefit to me than if I gathered a bunch of weaker creatures.

It clearly can think for itself and doesnt just go along for benefits. This shows higher level of reasoning and choice that I havent seen from other creatures.

I can view this as a duel rather than a fight to the death.

I feel that If I bring other tamed creatures into this, I will lose all chance of having it as an ally.T/his chapter is updated by nov(ê(l)biin.co/m

Using my scan, I look into its history to learn more about my enemy and how I can defeat them.

And discover a surprisingly tragic history.

This feline was abandoned by its family during a migration through this area, although the species typically stay together in packs all the way until adulthood.

Once Ive completed this journey, I have three main categories of alchemical weapons to use while I fight the creature.

The first is a series of mist-like toxicants, which will fill the air with a variety of types of debilitating, paralyzing, or even deadly combinations. These are composed of spores, ground caustic dust, and simply contaminated water. You should never underestimate the effect of heavy metals in water.

Next are sticky trap poisons, which hold or impair movement, while still being poisonous. They should burn the skin and stick tightly even when theyve been shaken free of. Its like that stain on the carpet that you cant just quite get off no matter what product you use on it.

Or napalm. Just with thicc poison.

Last, theres the poison thats meant to be attacked with. These need to go be sliced into the skin or anywhere into the body in order to have a major effect. Technically, a venomous attack.

The last one will have the greatest effect, as it will circulate through the body much quicker than the others.

Now I need to find the battle area. Somewhere that is open enough for me to move around in comfortably. The normal jungle is only to its advantage.

My scan quickly searched and finds the perfect area for a direct confrontation.

A rare open area, with flattened brush and cleared trees. I can see that a few of the trees around are unstable, but are normal. The ground is also high above a cave, but is quite stable. Nothing short of an earthquake should collapse the ground.

I immediately begin sprinting towards this area in the normal jungle. Catching my fast movement, the Panther follows as fast as it can. Being in an awkward position and slightly poisoned already, it takes awhile to catch up.

This buys me ample time to reach the area and pull out a crafted bandolier and slot the potions inside.

Despite it being daylight, the pitch-black panther leaps into the open area, almost as in excitement.

Its purple eyes lock onto mine as we slowly circle each other.

It moves left. I move left.

We pause before moving in the opposite directions, but then it stops.

It seems to be at a disadvantage, as something seemingly caught its paw on a vine, wound near the edge of the open area.

But its not an accident.

My eyes, which were still focused on theirs, can see the smirk in its expression.

It jerks the vine, freeing its paw, and leaps into the air.

The strangely strong vine goes taut and the sound of snapping echoes around me.

At the same moment, a cascading effect occurs with the trees all around. They fall partially parallel to the circled open area, like a series of dominoes all triggered at the same time.

I say partially, because they are falling inward and the only way out seems to be through the open air where the panther has leaped, claws waiting at the ready.

A trap, which because of its complexity, wasnt considered one to my scan.

A hole in my scan parameters.

Check.

this isnt how the script was supposed to go.