2023-09-12 01:32:51The Adelweirn Flower, a precious and elusive bloom, held the key to Serein's mission. In this particular time frame, she was aware that there would be someone else vying for the same prize. Determined to outpace this mysterious character, she hastened her steps, determined to reach the flower before it could be taken to the Amaranth Kingdom.
Once all the necessary ingredients were gathered, the cure for Stiriacrus could be successfully created. It was a mythical illness that plagued the land, and finding the cure was of utmost importance. However, fate had a cruel twist in store. Even after consuming the precious cure and experiencing the miraculous healing, the Queen Regnant of the Amaranth Kingdom was destined to meet her demise through another cause.
—Obviously, This fact, the twisted outcome orchestrated by Min Suhyun's writing, was known only to her.
"I feel bad for the Queen, but surviving two months wouldn't bring such drastic change to the kingdom or anyone else."
Either way, if that plan were to fail and she had to wait for another four years for the flower to grow, there was still a glimmer of hope. A hidden item awaited her, concealed within the depths of Ervenyl Mountain. It held the potential to alter Serein's fate and spare her from the impending doom that awaited her. With that goal sets in stone, she knew she had to find it. The quest for survival had only just begun, and Min Suhyun was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"This is weird," Serein muttered to herself.
After walking for a while, she noticed something out of the ordinary.
"My... how fascinating."
She stared up at the cloudy sky, feeling the droplets fall onto her face. It was a sensation that felt all too real, unlike her other dreams. She quickly put on her hoodie and began to dash, seeking shelter from the rain. The wetness against her skin felt strangely lifelike. However, she dismissed the thoughts and pulled her raincoat closer, determined to continue her journey.
Making her way into the woods, Serein attempted to recollect as many details as possible about this world and the storyline.
"It seems like I'm not even at the beginning of the story yet."
In essence, she had arrived at a timeline that was never mentioned in the draft. She was currently living within the backdrop of a background story.
"There isn't much happening at this time."
Furthermore, Serein wasn't even supposed to be here. According to the intended plot, she should have been back at the inn, engaged in a scuffle with some drunken individuals who desired her body, only to effortlessly defeat them. It was not a fair fight but rather a one-sided beatdown that resulted in the drunkards being thrown into jail. Despite acting in self-defense, people seemed to fear her due to her cold demeanor, causing them to avoid her at all costs after the bar fight.
"Nevertheless..."
Those were not the crucial details she needed to remember.
Humming softly, Serein's mental gears whirred as she delved into her recollections of what had been written about her destination. Almost as if reacting on cue, the half-transparent screen appeared once more, opening the draft and conveniently highlighting the section that supported her memory. It read:
[To reach the Ervenyl Mountain, one must go through Blasphemos Woodland, a rainforest that is forever raining,] the draft stated.
Although it was renowned as one of the infamous treacherous regions, Serein didn't hesitate to enter the dark and gloomy land. She knew the safe path through.
[There are two paths that can be seen from the main entrance of Blasphemos Woodland. There's a wide red path, spacious enough for two horses side by side, and a rocky path that can accommodate a carriage.]
Min Suhyun vividly recalled these particular lines, reflecting the immense effort she had put into creating this specific place.
[Two paths branched into four. Four branched again into eight. Those who don't know the way would surely get lost and become the next prey for the vicious land and its inhabitants.]
By inhabitants, it means mutants of monsters that have been residing there since The Forgotten Era.
Unlike the typical conventions of Fantasy Novels, these mutants are active during daylight, while the forest itself becomes the main problem when night descends.
Venturing deeper into the forest, she chose the third path—the true path, the only safe route to navigate.
[The Moss will lead you the way,] the draft emphasized.
A slender smile adorned Serein's pale face as she climbed upon a peculiar large boulder covered in slippery moss.
"This shall be the starting point," she murmured, marking the beginning of her journey.
From that moment onward, she would no longer traverse on the ground. Instead, she had to navigate by leaping from tree branches, following the growth of the moss in specific locations that would guide her to the checkpoint—a cave situated in the heart of this rainforest.
It was at that very moment...
A strong gust of wind swept past her, intensifying the freezing sensation she had been struggling to suppress.
"...So cold..."
Serein gritted her teeth, in an attempt to stop them from chattering. Three hours in the rain had only exacerbated the chilling coldness that enveloped her entire body. She could practically see her fingers turning pale and lifeless.
"Ideally, I'll reach the oasis before sunset. Then, I can continue..."
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a series of screams emanating from the south.
"AAAAARGH!!!"
Those were not the screeches of monsters she had grown accustomed to hearing as the day waned.
No.
Those were the screams of humans.
Pausing in her journey, Serein turned her head towards the source of the commotion, muttering in disbelief, "They're already here?"
She knew exactly who these people were.
The group that also sought the Adelweirn Flower, just like her. She recalled that only one person had survived facing that fate. And even then, a mark would be left behind as if the forest itself had branded its targets.
As the sun began to set, Serein knew she had to head west as quickly as possible if she wanted to survive the first night. However, her conscience wouldn't allow her to press on after what she had just heard.
Serein let out a sigh.
‘I guess this was bound to happen one way or another…’
Grumbling quietly to herself, the adventurer veered off her path and leaped from branch to branch, making her way towards the source of the agonizing screams.
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Chapter 85: Hard Knocks (pt.5)
“If you were any smarter,” he retorted, echoing her earlier words, “You’d realize that I am not negotiating.” His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. “You know it too, despite all of your empty threats, you’re the one disadvantaged if this matter goes any longer. So, either take it or the deal is off.”Amidst the temporary lull in the conflict, Serein remained vigilant, her senses attuned to the subtle shifts in the atmosphere. The air crackled with tension, the quietude belying the underlying currents of hostility and mistrust. She couldn't afford to be lulled into complacency by the semblance of peace.The leader's words reverberated in her mind, each syllable ringing with unyielding resolve. His demeanor exuded a steely determination, a stark reminder of the ruthless pragmatism that governed his actions. There was no negotiation, no room for compromise; it was a simple ultimatum, delivered with unwavering conviction.Serein's hazel eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of defi
Chapter 84: Hard Knocks (pt.4)
"We'll negotiate for the return of the egg you seek," Serein proposed, her voice steady despite the tension thick in the air. "Cease your attack now, or we'll no longer defend it. Instead—-" The man's laughter echoed across the chaotic scene, his demeanor shifting from indifference to outright hostility. His eyes bore into Serein with undisguised malice, challenging her resolve. "Why would you 'protect' something you've stolen?" he jeered, his words laced with venom. Serein paused, weighing her options amidst the relentless assault. Finally, she spoke, her voice calm yet firm, "Believe what you will. But know this..." The leader was taken aback by the sudden shift in demeanor from the human before him. Gone was the desperation he had detected earlier, replaced by an air of regal confidence that seemed to emanate from her very being. The leader, accustomed to dealing with mere mortals begging for their lives or scrambling for a shred of mercy, found himself intrigued by this unexpe
Chapter 83: Hard Knocks (pt.3)
— Whooooshhh! The gusts of wind whistled through the air, accompanied by the sharp clang of metal meeting metal, creating a cacophony that echoed across the ship. It was a symphony of chaos, a tumultuous blend of natural elements and the clash of weapons, perfectly encapsulating the dire circumstances unfolding on deck. — Clang! Clang!! On one side, the ship's crew fought desperately to defend against the relentless onslaught of merfolk attackers. Their movements were fueled by fear and determination, each strike a desperate attempt to repel the invaders and protect their vessel. Meanwhile, the merfolk moved with an eerie grace, their attacks calculated and precise. They seemed almost playful in their approach, toying with their human adversaries as if engaged in some twisted game. Their movements were fluid, their strikes swift and deadly, as they closed in on their targets with ruthless efficiency. The contrast between the frantic efforts of the ship's defenders and the effortle
Chapter 82: Hard Knocks (pt.2)
Cevahir's soft call carried a hint of frustration, barely audible amidst the chaos. "Fuckers," he murmured, his voice strained with the effort to convey his desires. He’s not sure what happened, but he knows that his siblings are in danger. And him, despite his injured statem longed to take action, to do more than he was currently capable of, but the weakness brought on by his wounds held him back. "Don't you dare taking them from me," a low growl escaped his lips. His words tinged with resolve despite his physical limitations. Though prideful and determined, he couldn't deny the reality of his weakened state.That being said, if anyone were to see his dimmed eyes, In that vulnerable moment, the fragility of his heart was laid bare, its protective layers stripped away. All pretense fell away, leaving behind raw emotion and stark vulnerability. In that fleeting moment of desperation, he found himself consumed by a singular focus—‘Someone save them.’Cevahir's desperate desire to spe
Chapter 81: Hard Knocks (pt.1)
“Little Human! Little Human!”The urgency in Pam's voice cut through the chaos like a blade, commanding Serein's attention. As he slithered up her leg and onto her back, she couldn't suppress a shiver, feeling his presence against her skin. However, there was no time to dwell on discomfort. With a quick mental steeling, she focused on the task at hand.Serein had just dispatched another merfolk with precision, her movements fluid and decisive. The clang of metal against metal echoed in the air as her blade found its mark, sending her opponent crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. The ship's deck bore the marks of their struggle, but she paid it little heed as she turned her attention to Pam's urgent cry for help.“Little human, help!” Pam's plea rang out, a note of desperation underscoring his words. Despite the urgency, Serein couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for the young wyrm clinging to her back. She knew he trusted her to come to their aid, just as she had done i
Chapter 80: Pan-Pan or Mayday? (pt.5)
Death. That dark thought loomed over Cevahir's mind like a dark cloud, creeping in and casting a shadow over his resolve as he struggled to maintain composure in the face of their new adversaries. Despite his efforts, weakness seeped through his facade, betraying the inner turmoil he battled to conceal.He wants to protect them, he needs to do that. Protecting them was paramount. It wasn't just a matter of duty; it was a deeply ingrained instinct, a primal need that pulsed within him. But it wasn't the humans he felt compelled to shield; Sam and Pam.it was the two young wyrm siblings whose well-being he had willingly taken upon himself to safeguard. They were his responsibility, his choice, and he would do whatever it took to keep them safe from harm, even if it meant facing death itself.The memories of Pam and Sam's hatching remained vivid in Cevahir's mind, a poignant reminder of the bond forged between them from the very beginning. Despite the accusations hurled at him by the
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