Chapter 78
The Alraune plant monster is a fascinating and terrifying creature that comes in a variety of sizes. While some of these monstrous beings may be relatively small, others can grow to be quite imposing. The tallest Alraune plant monster ever recorded was a staggering five feet tall, its thick, green stem and leaves reaching upwards like a twisted, nightmarish tree. This massive specimen was a sight to behold, its very presence seeming to fill the air with an unspeakable horror. Despite its size, the Alraune moved with a strange, unnatural agility, its roots squirming and twisting like snakes as it lurched forward with an unsteady, menacing gait.
In contrast to the towering five-foot specimen, some Alraune plant monsters are much smaller, barely reaching a foot in height. These smaller creatures are no less deadly, however, and are often found in large, densely packed clusters that can be almost impossible to navigate. The smaller Alraune are also incredibly agile, darting back and forth with a speed and ferocity that makes them nearly impossible to catch. Despite their size, these tiny terrors are capable of inflicting terrible wounds, their sharp, thorn-like leaves and stems ripping and tearing at flesh with ease. Whether large or small, the Alraune plant monster is a creature to be feared and avoided, its very existence a reminder of the darker, more sinister forces that lurk in the shadows of our world.
The varying sizes of the Alraune plant monster have led some to speculate about the creature's origins and habits. Some believe that the larger specimens are older, more mature creatures that have had time to grow and develop over the years. Others propose that the size of the monster is determined by the specific conditions in which it grows, with larger Alraune found in areas with more abundant nutrients and smaller ones thriving in poorer soil. Whatever the reason, it is clear that the Alraune plant monster is a highly adaptable and resilient creature, capable of surviving and even thriving in a wide range of environments. This adaptability, combined with its deadly paralyzing venom and dual behavior in the morning and night, makes the Alraune a formidable foe that is not to be underestimated.
By day these plant creatures walk slowly, so any place within their territory, their actions are triggered by the scent of blood, and because many goblins were forced by the Orc race to enter the lower basement of the Anchorage Castle. Many died and became victims of the abandoned, ruined bridge castle defense traps. The scent of blood that escaped the lower corridors toward the basement reacted to the Alraune plant last night, and due to hunger and desperation, their entire race marched and surrounded the castle while the orcs and goblins continued to besiege the lower portion of the castle, hoping to obtain the imprisoned creature under its foundation.
There are countless numbers of different humanoid-looking monsters with some sentient intelligence and even culture, race, and tribes near the gorge's upper forest and surrounding mountain terrain. These groups are scattered all over the place, including the mountain connected to the land area near the forest of Rithakwood and the domain of Lúthien in the west region. .
The many different types of land surrounding the vast, rough land terrain on all the tower floors were designed to enclose, separate, and isolate each area, making it nearly impossible to travel in the mountain area as more and stronger monsters roam the vast peaks. Looking at the geographical landmass, it would be impossible for nature to create such an unusual and treacherous landscape without some sort of supernatural intervention.
The native inhabitants of this digital world were resigned to their fate, blind to the artificiality of their existence. They lived within the established parameters, never questioning the strange landscape that surrounded them. However, a stark contrast existed with the veteran players, those who understood the game's true nature. They recognized that the seemingly natural world was meticulously crafted for entertainment, a playground designed by the twisted ingenuity of twelve game developers. These creators had poured countless hours into constructing a terrain map that deliberately flouted the laws of physics and reason. The familiar concepts of geography were shattered, replaced by a surreal tapestry of floating mountains, suspended continents, and expanses of land and forest that defied all logical placement.
Dane used the castle surroundings to hide his presence and carefully entered the basement. That same way he did before, the secret passageway toward the lower floor was still undiscovered by the goblins; their dead remains are scattered all over the long staircase. Most goblins were killed by projectile needles that came out from the ceiling as pressure sensor floor traps were placed every few steps down. The long corridors also had traps placed. Dane knew where to go as he walked on the hidden path away from all the traps. The path was narrow and could only fit a single person, but using this hidden route, it was clear of any threats. As Dane made his way down the secret passageway again, he could hear the faint sounds of the goblins walking on the other side of the narrow path wall.
As he reached the last floor, he was able to enter the same way, with a controlled push on the wall that one of the velvet knights closed, but using her rock manipulation, Dane Pierce went through the wall without effort. The velvet knights made a defensive line, assuming the enemies would reach them, but Bai Xifeng told her teammate it was the Netherborn.
As he slowly entered the chamber, he was greeted by Bai Xifeng and the rest of the remaining guild members. In his Netherborn form, they still couldn't wrap their heads around the idea that he could easily breach the wall without using mana; his raw strength was enough to break the rock wall their teammate had cast. The air was thick with a mix of awe and trepidation as they watched him move with a power that seemed almost supernatural. Bai Xifeng, however, greeted Netherborn with a sense of relief and gratitude, thanking him for fulfilling his promise. The guild leader's eyes conveyed a deep appreciation for the timely arrival, knowing that every moment counted in their current predicament.
Dane, still embodying his Netherborn persona, nodded in acknowledgement as he walked toward the Aspidochelone. The massive turtle, sensing his approach, mentally thanked him for coming back and gave a simple nod of its great head. The creature's eyes, ancient and wise, held a deep sadness, a reflection of the turmoil it had endured.
As Dane cast his assessment skill, he was met with a dire diagnosis the huge mana capacity of the Aspidochelone was nearing its end. The creature wasn't able to gather mana in a correct and natural way, leading to a gradual fade of its power. This realization was sobering, as the Aspidochelone had been using its dwindling mana to buff the orcs and goblins, hoping they would leave it alone. The strategy, though risky, was a desperate attempt to survive in a harsh environment where it was seen as nothing more than a resource to be exploited.
The situation was precarious, with the orcs and goblins relying heavily on the small buffs provided by the Aspidochelone to enhance their hunting and fighting capabilities. These creatures, known for their keen sense of smell and opportunistic nature, would not hesitate to kill any living being if they perceived it as a potential source of food or utility.
The Aspidochelone's actions, though aimed at self-preservation, had inadvertently created a dependency that could ultimately lead to its own death. As the guild members observed this delicate balance, they understood that their intervention was not just about saving the Aspidochelone but also about addressing the larger issue of coexistence in a world where might often made right, and the value of life was frequently measured by its usefulness to others. The challenge ahead would require not just power, but wisdom and a deep understanding of the intricate web of life in this unforgiving world.
Dane was waiting for the assessment scan to finish when a notification came to his arm, stating
That extracting the creature's soul can also be absorbed or released into the void and eternally gain peace. Dane mentally talked with the Aspidochelone and explained what was happening.
The medical scam is nearing its end, and the findings were not good. Saving the massive creature was never meant to happen if he wanted to get a positive outcome. The scenario in which the Aspidochelone was connected was related to the curse that was on Karion.
Dane recalled that setting the divine turtle free was never openly discussed by Derick Collins.
Miranda Saunders, Dane knew, understood the only freedom he could have was to give the Aspidochelone eternal peace. Even if he destroyed the entire castle, he couldn't remove the enchanted chains that bound it to the gorge foundation. The moment he set foot and communicated with the divine creature has already altered the scenario, leaning toward a fixed ending.
The script that was created for the Aspidochelone ending was still freedom, and the freedom relates to eternal rest and now physical freedom. Even being the head system creator from where the tower was based, he wasn't 100 percent knowledgeable in all the thousands of story scenarios his teammates created.
It might be a devastating realization for him, but it also opened up the possibility of new and unexpected outcomes that could lead to a more fulfilling resolution. As he navigated through the intricate plotlines and character arcs, he realized that sometimes letting go of control could lead to the most satisfying conclusions.
"Death is absolute, and freedom from pain and suffering is accepting death openly."
This newfound perspective allowed him to embrace the unpredictable nature of storytelling and appreciate the beauty in letting go of rigid expectations. By accepting the inevitability of death and finding freedom in surrendering to it, he was able to craft more authentic and emotionally resonant narratives within the tower.
Aspidochelone opened its eyes and looked at Netherborn and thanked him as he longed to be set free, but Dane wasn't about to physically kill the creature. The tower system has data information related to souls and their transformation and its sentient awareness from just being another energy source to be harvested and used.
Dane had never had the opportunity to beta test all of the scenarios. As he wanted the players to personally experience it without being biased toward what he knew. Leaking information to gain the upper hand was never part of his personality, but he was not perfect. Dane used the information he had to gain the skill seed tree..
He just wanted to fulfill his promise to the Aspidochelone; it might be an irrational response for him to do so, but he already crossed the bridge, and going back was no longer an option. So he might as well push through with his promise, and Dane plans to absorb the Aspidochelone soul for it to gain real freedom.
Meanwhile, the Velvet Knights were talking to each other when Jin Xifeng told them that they needed to quickly move out. No matter what happens, they needed to fulfill their task to obtain the lotus plan and return to their home country to save their family members from medical and financial crises.
Jin Xifeng explained to them that helping the Netherborn and answering his request to guard the turtle was repaying his help. They might not be the most accomplished guild when it comes to quests, but they knew how to repay kindness with the same gratitude. The remaining eleven members waited until Netherborn finished his task. They were still unsure of what would happen, as they never gained any information about the turtle under the castle. They took a risk in boarding the cargo-flying merchant ship illegally, just to look for the lotus plant along the gorge wall.
Meeting the Netherborn was an accidental blessing. Hoping this interaction would benefit them in the near future, they prepared to move as soon as the Netherborn mission was done. Dane was standing still in front of the huge head of the imprisoned creature. As Dane confirms his response toward what he must do, he asks the Chelone for forgiveness, as this was the only way he could fulfill his promise. The ancient creature thanks Dane and is actually happy that it could finally be set free..
The eleven velvet knights saw the Netherborn raise his other hand and cast an unknown spell, causing a blinding light to fill the room. The velvet knight shielded their eyes, unsure of what was to come next. The light that swallowed the chamber spread out, and the light traveled through the tiny cracks of the floor foundation. One goblin noticed this faint light and was able to notice it and followed the place it was coming from. The secret route that Dane took was finally discovered. At the same time the sun was slowly setting down, the Alraune plant started to twitch and move differently; their bodies started to change, and thorns and spikes were coming out from their bodies. The orcs and goblins in the basement corridor saw the change, and before they could react, they were suddenly attacked..
And because the Alraune plants were also near and scattered all over the castle upper and lower floors, they were surrounded in all directions. The slender, skinny, five-foot-tall plant was now covered in pointy and paralyzing two-inch thorns all over its body; its long, branch-like arms and legs moved, and it was now faster and more agile than before, making it difficult for three-foot-tall goblins to defend themselves against the unexpected threat. The once docile plants had transformed into formidable adversaries, catching everyone off guard with their newfound strength and ferocity.
The Alraune's closed head-like flower bud was now opening and finally exposed its sharp teeth and glowing red eyes, revealing its true nature as a carnivorous monster. Its eerie screech echoed through the castle halls, sending shivers down the spines of all who heard it. The goblins were caught completely off guard by the Alraune's transformation, realizing too late the danger they were now facing. As the carnivorous monster grabbed the goblins, it tore them limb from limb. Some were able to fight back, but because the enemies numbers were overwhelming and they had surrounded the goblins and a few orcs, they were quickly overpowered, as the alraune's awake, insatiable hunger drove it to continue its gruesome feast, leaving a trail of food frenzy in its wake.