The slime also served as an early warning system, his sensitive tendrils detecting hidden dangers and alerting Rhys to ambushes. Puddle's presence not only increased Rhys's survivability but also boosted his morale. The little slime's unwavering optimism and cheerful disposition were a welcome contrast to the grim surroundings.
One particularly harrowing encounter involved a colony of [Gloomshrooms], giant, bioluminescent fungi that released clouds of poisonous spores. Rhys, aided by Puddle's ability to create a protective barrier of purified air, managed to navigate through the treacherous field of spores, burning the fungi to ash with carefully aimed blasts of [Light Bullets].
As the days wore on, Rhys noticed a subtle shift in the environment. The corrupted mana grew even more concentrated, coalescing into swirling vortexes of dark energy. The trees became more twisted and grotesque, their branches adorned with pulsating, bioluminescent sacs that emitted a sickly green light.
