OBS Chapter 81 Misty Forest
Chapter 81 Misty Forest
Once we obtain the dungeon fragments, we prepare to leave the first phase.
'The second phase will be even more difficult to handle,' I think.
As we approached the barrier, we found it had been dispelled. This was because the dungeon fragments that provided the energy had fallen into our hands.
"From now on, we will encounter different types of monsters, and the environment will change. Stay alert and obey my every command."
Unlike the first phase, Anya's voice sounded much more serious this time. She knew that in this environment, arrogance could become extremely dangerous.
“Understood, Captain,” Ethan said first.
"Understood, Captain," the others echoed.
"very good."
As we venture deeper into the underground city, the environment begins to change.
A strange, swirling mist filled the air, obscuring our vision, making every step feel like walking into the unknown.
This is now the second phase.
Looking at the thick fog that enveloped our vision, I recalled the events of the second phase. This was the place where Fred used the fog to escape and steal the dungeon fragments while everyone was fighting the boss.
However, this dense fog not only makes people disoriented but also makes them feel uncomfortable.
It has the property of causing sensory impairment.
This mist can make people feel drowsy when inhaled. It clings to the skin, leaving a moist and sticky feeling that is both uncomfortable and itchy.
'Indeed, bringing along the antidote pills and purifying potion was a good idea,' I thought, glancing at our 'healer.'
“Alright, everyone,” Anya’s voice broke the oppressive silence, “we’re now entering the second phase. This fog will be a challenge, but we can’t let it hold us back. Get closer and stay alert.”
Anya turned to me, a hint of anticipation on her face. "Morse, can you see anything through this fog?"
I squinted, trying to see through the thick fog. "It's not very clear, Captain."
Of course, that was a lie. With my keen eyes, I could see much more clearly than others, but I needed to reassure Fred. So, I didn't reveal much.
She nodded, her brow furrowed. "Then your archery skills might not be very effective."
“It’s not as effective as before, but I can still find my target,” I replied, staring into the thick fog. Normal visibility is five meters, making a bow and arrow less than ideal in these conditions.
"Morse, didn't you used to primarily use a dagger?" Just then, Ethan interjected, just as I expected.
"Yes. I can also use a dagger."
Hearing this, Anya nodded.
“Alright, everyone listen up. We can't rely on sight like before in this fog, so we'll have to rely on our other senses. Morse, stay alert and watch out for any unusual sounds. Use your dagger to protect Fred. Emily, Harry, be ready to respond to any sounds you hear. Your weapons are relatively short, so stay in the rear. Faye and Ethan, you two stand behind me. Because our range of motion is limited, we can't move around carelessly and lose formation. You two will provide damage from behind me. Fred, start using your buffs now. Got it?”
Everyone responded in unison, saying "Understood." After confirming the formation and strategy, everyone quickly took their positions, their senses becoming sharper, ready for the challenges ahead.
'This is the same as in the game.'
In the game, Anya made the same formation, but if there was any difference, it was that Emily was the one protecting Fred behind me.
Squeak
A piercing scream suddenly shattered the eerie silence, echoing through the fog.
It sent chills down my spine, and I instinctively drew a dagger from my spatial ring, bracing myself for what to do.
It's a forest monster.
I immediately remembered the monster's name and characteristics, and prepared to fight.
"Prepare to meet the enemy." Anya's voice was firm, reminding us to be ready.
As if responding to her warning, the thick fog began to swirl and shift, as if it had acquired an evil wisdom.
Whoosh! Squeak!
From the thick fog, several figures suddenly appeared—swift and agile humanoid monsters. They leaped out of the fog like ghosts.
Swoosh
Without warning, one of the monsters lunged at me, as if it had appeared out of thin air. Its claws reached for my neck.
This
I blocked its attack and felt its power. Clearly, my weakened body was insufficient from the start.
Swoosh
I infused my dagger with moonlight magic, and I could feel my body becoming lighter. My improved dagger skills are all thanks to Senior Maya's guidance.
Swoosh
I stepped forward, and swung my other dagger at the monster, slicing it through its chest.
"Gah!"
The monster screamed, but I had no time to waste.
Swoosh
I dodged the ensuing flustered claw strikes and got into position.
'Dagger Technique - Thorns.'
Chop! Thrust! Chop!
Using the techniques I had learned, I attacked precisely, targeting the monster's weak point. In just one second, I struck three times in quick succession.
boom!
Then, the monster collapsed to the ground.
However, this was not the end. More monsters appeared, surrounding us.
Squeak! Squeak!
As the forest monsters closed in from all directions, I knew I had to protect Fred and the others. Most of the pressure was concentrated on the front lines, making things relatively easier for me.
'Anya is really good at leading a team.' She used her skills to draw away the monsters that were about to attack the rear, and thanks to her, I was facing a relatively small number of monsters.
My role in this battle is very clear: use my agility and skill to deflect attacks, keep enemies at bay, and ensure the team works closely together.
Swoosh
I acted swiftly, using every part of my body to engage in a fierce battle with the forest monster.
Their movements seem swift and unpredictable, but I have learned to recognize their attack patterns.
'Games are indeed different from reality.'
Despite their attempts to create a terrifying atmosphere, games still can't compare to reality.
Slash, dodge, block.
With these three elements working together, I can attack and defend simultaneously.
However, at that moment, I realized that Emily was about to make a common mistake.
'Tsk... the fog is already affecting her.'
As her senses gradually dulled, she began to drift away from the group. Fred's negative effects and the fog's influence might make it even harder for her to determine her location.
boom!
I threw a small stone over her head and shouted, "Emily, come closer to Fred! Don't go too far!"
clang!
"what?"
Realizing she had gone too far, Emily immediately looked around and retreated.
"Thank you," she said as she continued fighting the monster.
"Tsk."
Even though the battle was still going on, I could still hear Fred clicking his tongue from the side.
......
"Is everyone alright?"
After our first encounter with the forest monsters, we've fought five more waves. While the battles weren't particularly difficult objectively, the team members' persistent fatigue is a worrying sign.
This is not physical fatigue, but mental exhaustion.
"Captain, have you noticed anything wrong?" Ethan asked, looking at his team members, seemingly finally realizing the impact of the fog. "I think the battle is going to be much more difficult than before."
“What do you mean? We’re in the second phase now, it’s normal for the monsters to get stronger,” Faye said, her tone tinged with displeasure. She clearly wanted to leave as soon as possible.
Ethan's observation made the air heavy, and everyone exchanged worried glances. As the fog thickened, they finally realized that something truly seemed amiss. Faye's displeasure turned to concern, and the tension within the group gradually escalated.
“No, the problem isn’t just with the monster. I feel like my body is becoming increasingly difficult to move,” Ethan continued, his voice trembling with unease. “Haven’t you noticed? Sometimes I forget where I am, feeling like I’m getting lost in this fog. Sounds are starting to confuse me too, as if something is interfering with my senses.”
'Just as I expected, Ethan is exactly like he is in the game.'
Fred failed to get everything he wanted from the dungeon because of Ethan's suspicions. After a series of memories, he finally realized that Fred was the root of the problem.
Anya, being a meticulous captain, began to examine her senses. She checked her hands and inhaled the mist, her brow furrowed as she pondered. "Indeed, now that you mention it, I feel my sense of smell has been affected as well."
When Anya raised her hand to signal us to stop, we all gathered around her and waited quietly for her instructions.
“This…” she began.
“It’s because of the fog,” I interjected. There was no need to waste any more time. “I’ve been observing for a while now, and every time I inhale this fog, I feel myself getting weaker and weaker. I don’t know the exact reason, but there’s definitely something in the fog.”
Ethan interjected again, confirming my 'suspicion'. "I feel the same way. The fog is the only thing that's always there."
Anya nodded thoughtfully. "Then this must be hypnotic mist. Now everything makes sense."
She turned her attention to Fred, who looked somewhat flustered. "Fred, use the Purify skill on everyone here."
"Okay...okay," Fred stammered, his hands trembling slightly as he began to cast the purification spell.
The mist around us seemed to react, swirling and churning as if it were alive. Fred's magic pierced through the mist, and a purifying wave swept over us.
Gradually, we felt the drowsiness and disorientation lessen. Our senses gradually returned, and our bodies became more agile.
But I know this is only temporary. The reason those evil followers masquerade as healers is that they can temporarily disturb a person's senses, giving them a brief period of comfort.
They are healers, but they also possess the ability to disguise demonic abilities as healing.
Boom!
My rapidly beating heart testifies to this. This phenomenon occurs whenever demonic energy approaches, and it seems Fred is using his abilities.
I injected the potion into my arm to confirm it. The wound I had just inflicted was still there, although it had temporarily disappeared after Fred used his skill.
'He's finally starting to show his cards.'
Thinking that the Boss monster was coming soon, I looked at our captain.
"Let's go."
Following Anya's command, everyone began to move forward, and soon we arrived at the Boss monster's lair.
A huge, rotting tree, with the Boss monster lying beneath it.
"Prepare for battle."