Free Web NovelChapter 183: Forest Treant (1)
The dense forest was filled with an eerie silence as Shinon and Selena trod carefully through the undergrowth. It had been a few hours since they began their hunt for Acid Spitters, but they had no success capturing them ’alive’.
"Looks like we’ll have to settle for their glands," Shinon said, frustration evident in his voice. "At least we can extract the needed corrosive acid from them."
"You should start collecting the acid," Selena muttered, swinging her crossbow over her shoulder as the remains of three Acid-Spitters lay around them. "I’ll stand watch."
"On it." Shinon took out a small container from his belt and a pair of gloves to protect his hands.
He then delicately cut into the first acid spitter’s neck, searching for the glands hidden beneath the flesh. It was a delicate process, and he had to be cautious not to puncture the glands accidentally, or it’ll make a huge mess.
"I often wonder how you get all these ideas in your head," Selena chuckled when she saw Shinon struggling to find the gland. "I mean, we have been living amongst the zombies for over a decade, and even we did not think of using acid from the undead to protect ourselves."
"What can I say," Shinon replied, carefully extracting the first gland and placing it into the container. "I just happen to think out of the box 24x7."
"I guess that’s what makes you the best blacksmith of two worlds," Selena said with a smile, watching Shinon work his skilled hands. "Always finding innovative solutions to our problems."
Shinon chuckled softly, a hint of pride in his voice. "Well, being a blacksmith does come with its perks. You learn to see potential in everything, even the most unexpected things." freёwebnovel.com
They moved on to the second acid spitter, repeating the process. The forest around them was still, with only the soft sounds of birds chirping in the distance. Shinon’s focus was unwavering as he skillfully removed the glands.
So much so that he didn’t notice the zombies creeping up to him... or at least he pretended not to. Shinon was aware of their presence but chose not to react, wanting to observe how Selena would handle the situation.
"Shinon, behind you!" Selena suddenly called out, her arrow notched on her crossbow.
In a split second, Selena took aim and released the arrow. It whizzed past Shinon’s ear, finding its mark with deadly precision, striking the zombie right between its eyes. The creature crumpled to the ground, lifeless once more. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
"Thanks, Selena," he said, relief washing over him.
"No problem," she replied, her voice slightly shaky. "Always got your back."
With the fourth acid spitter dispatched, Shinon returned to collecting the glands. Each one had to be handled carefully, as even the slightest mistake could result in a dangerous acid leak.
As they finished collecting the last gland, Selena scanned the area again. "I think we got what we came for," she said.
Shinon nodded, sealing the container securely. "Let’s head back to the settlement. We can’t waste any more time."
However, fate had other plans for them. As soon as they retraced their footsteps, a sudden rumbling echoed through the forest. The ground shook beneath their feet, and Shinon and Selena exchanged worried glances. Whatever was causing the disturbance, it was close.
"What was that?" Selena asked Shinon, "Could it be another one of those undead trees?"
"Beats me," Shinon Shurgged. "Let’s take a look."
No sooner had they taken another step; the rumbling sound echoed through the trees again. This time, it was louder, more intense.
Suddenly, a massive creature burst through the trees, its grotesque form towering over them. It was a mutated and hideous abomination, a product of the apocalypse that had ravaged the world.
The creature’s flesh was oozing with a vile mixture of decay and toxic mucus, and its eyes glowed with a malevolent green light.
Thick, twisted vines protruded from its back like deadly whips, and its razor-sharp claws scraped against the ground, sending sparks flying. It let out a deafening roar that shook the very leaves from the trees.
Shinon and Selena stood frozen momentarily, their hearts pounding in their chests. This was no ordinary threat they could handle with ease. The mutated creature was a formidable opponent, and they could feel its nasty aura.
"We need to get back to the settlement," Selena said in a hushed voice. "This thing is too dangerous to handle on our own."
"As much as I want to disagree," Shinon sighed. "You’re right. We’ll need more people to deal with this monstrosity."
They turned to run back, but the creature had other plans. It cut off their escape route with a mighty sweep of its vine-like appendages. The ground trembled as it charged toward them, its eyes locked onto its prey.
"We have to fight it!" Selena exclaimed, her crossbow at the ready. "There’s no other choice!"
Shinon immediately retrieved his blade from the inventory, intending to attack the beast. But the creature was faster and lunged at them with frightening speed, its claws reaching out to shred them to pieces.
Shinon immediately conjured up a shadow shield to protect himself and Selena. The impact was powerful, and the force behind the attack pushed them backwards.
"What is this thing?" Selena exclaimed, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and curiosity.
"Asking it over and over won’t change my answer," Shinon rolled his eyes, focusing on maintaining the shadow shield as the creature relentlessly attacked. "But it’s strong and aggressive, that’s for sure."
The mutated creature continued its onslaught, each strike fueled by a terrifying rage. Soon the shield shattered, leaving the humans to defend themselves.
Shinon and Selena dodged and countered as best they could, but it was clear that they were facing a formidable opponent.
"Selena, aim for its eyes!" Shinon called out.
"You’re a trouble magnet, you know that!?" Selena yelled as she shot an arrow towards the creature’s eye, but the zombie deflected it with ease.
"Yeah, that’s why I brought you with me!"
