Chapter 341: Can the Dead Dog Teleport?
"The most terrifying things in the forest aren't the Monsters."
Phoenix casually shot an Ice Bolt, freezing a viper as thick as a bucket that was hanging from a nearby tree and blending in with it. Then, repeating himself for who knows how many times, he said that if you were bitten by this viper and then swallowed, even a Class Changer would have a hard time.
"Because they aren't Monsters, we can't know their names. Even the most experienced Adventurers wouldn't dare say they recognize all the Creatures in the forest. Therefore, most of the time, we don't know how strong the Creature in front of us is. We might be deceived by its small size, or confused by its appearance, often misjudging and falling into danger. For example, that cluster of flowers..."
Saying this, Phoenix pointed to a dozen scattered flowers not far away, distributed under the tranquil Tree Shade. These flowers looked somewhat like Man-eating Tulips – or rather, Man-eating Tulips enlarged dozens of times. Their closed buds were as large as washbasins, emitting a rich fragrance. The pink buds and the emerald green Tree Shade complemented each other, with a few rays of Sunlight filtering through, rendering that patch of Tree Shade as tranquil and beautiful as a green Fairyland.
Oh, oh, I know about this. Cain's Book mentioned it. There must be some Monster hiding Underground, using this beautiful scenery and the flower's fragrance to attract passing Small Animals, then preying on them. The Corpses become fertilizer for those giant Man-eating Tulips. It's a win-win situation.
When I said this, Phoenix smiled without a word. Just then, a Dead Dog, acting fearless and thinking it was the best in the world, was attracted by the rich fragrance and the tranquil environment. Girls always like beautiful things, and Dragons are no exception.
"Are you okay?"
I pointed at the Dead Dog, who was swaying towards the trap with a dazed demeanor, and asked. Phoenix smiled and shook his head, indicating it was fine. But I still quietly clenched a Flying Knife in my hand. The Dead Dog was my Emergency Rations; how could I let others eat it?
Thinking this, the Dead Dog had already reached the foot of the Tree Shade. As expected, the enemy hidden Underground did not appear. It lay down comfortably on the Ground, enjoying the shade under the Large Tree. It seemed to want to take another nap. However, from our perspective, we saw the giant Man-eating Tulip bud slowly drooping, hanging over the Dead Dog, opening its bud to reveal rows of sharp Teeth completely contrary to its beautiful appearance. With a gulp, it swallowed the Dead Dog and immediately closed tightly.
"Gah—oh—Gah—oh—"
The Dead Dog's angry Roar came from inside the bud. It seemed to be thrashing around like a headless fly, but the structure of this bud was like rubber. No matter how it struggled, it was useless.
"..."
Serves you right for being so arrogant usually.
Just as I was about to strike and cut off the entire flower, a Glow flashed beside me. The Dead Dog, covered in the fragrant sticky liquid, had appeared beside me, sprawled on the Ground in a large 'X' shape, panting weakly.
Not just Phoenix, but even I, who was halfway through the motion of throwing a Flying Knife, stared at the Dead Dog, Dumbfounded and Incredulous.
"Bro... Little Brother, if I wasn't mistaken just now. This... this should be a Wizard's Teleport, right? But why didn't I detect any Magic Fluctuation?"
Phoenix rubbed his Eyes Incredulously – a Teleport Skill that even he was one Level away from mastering had appeared on a dog?
"This... if you ask me, I don't know either."
I was even more surprised than Phoenix. I knew that the Dead Dog would automatically Teleport to my side if it moved a certain Distance away, but this was the first time I had seen the Dead Dog use the Teleport Skill. Speaking of which, is this really still a dog? Could I have picked up some strange Emergency Rations? Will I get diarrhea if I eat it?
"Gah oh—"
Leona, catching her breath, stood up in a fit of anger and shame, barking furiously at the giant Man-eating Tulip. It was bad enough being bullied by lowly Humans, but now even a small flower dared to bully The Princess? If The Princess hadn't just remembered that the Master-Servant Contract also came with a Skill to actively Teleport to the other party's side, wouldn't she have become the first Dragon to be eaten by a flower? What a Shame, what a Shame.
Roaring like this, our fearless Dragon Princess Your Highness, shaking her golden curly fur, charged forward with great Presence, ready to engage in a spectacular Brawling with that damned Man-eating Flower.
"Wait, you can't go over there now..."
The sobered Phoenix quickly used Telekinesis, pulling the charging Dead Dog back out of thin air.
"Gah oh gah oh—"
What are you lowly Human trying to do? Why are you stopping The Princess from taking Vengeance? Do you want to oppose our Dragon Race? I'll kill you, The Princess will really kill you.
Looking at the golden curly-haired Pekingese Dog constantly puffing itself up towards him in a cute Appearance, Phoenix looked at me with Helplessness and amusement. Little Brother, are all the things around you so full of Personality?
Soon, Phoenix cleared up our confusion. He controlled several Large Stones, simulating rumbling Footsteps, and "ran" towards the Man-eating Tulip. As soon as they reached its base, countless sharp Ground Spikes suddenly emerged from the Ground. The hard Stones were instantly pierced by these Ground Spikes.
"The Prey caught by the Man-eating Flower is just bait. Small Animals usually live in groups. When one is caught by the Man-eating Flower, the others will immediately rush to rescue it. This is the hunting time for these Thorn Worms."
Phoenix said this, but compared to his explanation, I was more surprised by his Control Ability over Telekinesis. He could control the Dead Dog while simultaneously manipulating several Boulders to accurately simulate the sounds of a Wild Beast running. At least, I am far from being able to do that now. Wandering Mages really have many Unique Skills.
"The combination of Thorn Worms and Man-eating Flowers poses no Danger to us Adventurers. I just wanted to tell you that even some plants and Insects know how to use Strategy, so never underestimate any Creature in the forest. Their ancestors have lived here for countless years, and the Hunting Techniques passed down are already quite perfect. In Kurast, many more Adventurers die from other accidents each year than from the hands of Monsters."
I nodded, carefully taking Phoenix's words to Inner Heart. Then I looked at the Dead Dog still struggling under his Telekinesis control.
"Alright, alright, I'll help you get Vengeance."
With a light touch of my finger, a Volcano as thick as a bucket erupted like lit Fireworks, accompanied by white smoke rising from the cracked Ground, suddenly bursting forth from the Ground. In an instant, it burned the Man-eating Flower to Ashes. In the charred Large Pit after the Volcano, many roasted, fist-sized disgusting Insects appeared. These should be the Thorn Worms Phoenix mentioned.
Leona: Roar roar~~ You hateful Human, don't think you can curry favor with The Princess just because you made a Master-Servant Contract. Let me tell you, The Princess won't thank you for this, not one bit. You dared to steal The Princess's enemy, you should apologize, that's right, apologize with your death to The Princess.
Thinking this, she still quieted down. After being put down by Phoenix, she muttered under her breath, lowering her round black Eyes. Although her mouth was stubborn, she felt a sense of defeat in her Inner Heart, as if she had lost...
"Little Brother, not bad. It seems I still underestimated you." Seeing me display this technique, Phoenix's Eyes lit up, and he sighed sincerely.
"Just a slightly modified Volcano, nothing to make a fuss about, right?" I glanced at him dismissively. Druids of Kurast Level can do it, can't they? That's what the Old Drunkard told me.
The Druid's Tier 3 Skill, Volcano, has the biggest advantage of being impossible to guard against, almost impossible for even Assassins to dodge. Its biggest disadvantage is its unpredictability; you never know if it will hit the enemy you want to hit. And the Level 9 Volcano I currently master consumes up to 19 Mana each time, which is one of the most Mana-consuming Skills I possess, including other Class Skills. If it doesn't hit the enemy, wouldn't I vomit Blood?
Therefore, the first thing I considered was practicality. I corrected the random Attack and random waste of the original basis. The result of the modification is as I just showed: consuming 1.5 Mana to cast a targeted Volcano. This is much more practical. It's just that I can't control it very well yet. To cast it accurately, I must aim with my finger at the casting location to concentrate my Energy and Spirit.
"Oh, my God. Which idiot told you that? I've never seen any Druid Adventurer in Kurast capable of performing this Technique. I've seen a few in Harrogath, though. To be honest, you Druids also have Shape-shifting and Summoning, far unlike us Sorceresses who can fully dedicate ourselves to Magic research. Therefore, as far as I know, at least Druids of Harrogath Level can master this Technique. If you don't plan to develop Elemental Skills, you probably won't comprehend it even in Harrogath..."
I'm angry. That Old Drunkard Kashya has been lying to me all along, making me practice hard Trembling with Fear, afraid of being ridiculed by Adventurers of the same Level. That bastard, when I get back to Rogue, I'll buy up all the Inn's alcohol and let her experience what it feels like to be in agony...
"So you've been to Harrogath? Tell me about the situation there."
I suppressed the bulging veins on my forehead and asked with a "pleasant expression." Wanderers are not like us Adventurers, who have to complete Quests to go to the next Act. So it wasn't surprising that Phoenix had been to Harrogath.
"Harrogath, ah, that's truly a hellhole of only Steel and Blood, where the Sky and Earth are gray. The Monsters are also abnormally strong. I only went out once and didn't dare to go again. Perhaps only someone with your Strength, Little Brother, can roam there..." The well-informed Phoenix immediately started talking non-stop.
Under the guidance of Phoenix, this competent Guide, I finally got a general understanding of the forest. Of course, it was only a general understanding. It could only ensure that I wouldn't encounter any unknown Dangers if I walked along the River. We also encountered many Monsters, such as Thornwood Fiends with negative Hide Skill Levels. These poor Creatures, corrupted by Evil Force, have astonishing Strength, but their Weakness to Fire is very prominent. As long as there is a Wizard or a Mercenary with Fire Skill in the Team, dealing with them is not difficult.
Swamp Dwellers, these despicable Monsters skilled in Guerrilla Tactics. With Phoenix's guidance, we finally mastered the Method of luring them ashore and then surrounding and Annihilation them. Of course, if that doesn't work, fishing them out is also an option.
There are also two other types of Monsters that I dislike even more. One is the Jungle Hunter. Although called a Hunter, it's actually a disgusting large baboon with a green Appearance and slippery Skin like the Swamp Dwellers. It's an Evolved Form of the Dune Beast that appeared in Lut Gholein. Their greatest Skill is using Camouflage to ambush people. If the Thornwood Fiends' Camouflage Skill is negative Level, theirs is Master Level. Even Phoenix, an old hand, was caught off guard a few days ago when one jumped down from a tree and Sneak Attack him head-on. As a result, he couldn't lift his Head in front of us for a whole day.
And another type, ugh, speaking of this Monster, it's simply infuriating to both Humans and God. I don't know how that old fellow God created such a frustrating thing. Leechers, a type of flying Insect Monster. They have a sharp proboscis at their front mouth, and their transparent thin wings buzz. They look like enlarged Mosquitoes. Behind them is a soft, red belly. While their Appearance is somewhat terrifying, it's not enough to make us depressed. What's truly disgusting is their Ability. Leechers, as the name suggests, although their Attack is not high, they can drain the opponent's Energy and Mana. If surrounded by dozens of these Leechers, in less than a minute, even a vigorous Barbarian can be drained until their face looks like a Necromancer's...
Of course, the forest's two major forces, the Little People, are definitely indispensable. However, along the way, we only encountered Projections or Little People corrupted by Evil Force. We didn't encounter a single pureblood Dwarf Tribe. Perhaps their Intelligence is relatively high, so they deliberately avoided the places where we Adventurers frequently appear.
After walking like this for a few days, Phoenix unexpectedly leveled up to 36, learning a Tier 4 Skill – especially Teleport, the Wizard's ultimate life-saving Skill. His Strength increased by more than just a little bit. He also became more flamboyant than just a little bit, constantly using Teleport to flash around in front of us for no reason. As a result, one time, because he had just learned it and wasn't proficient, the Teleport landing point was off, and he directly moved into the water. We were wondering, how could a perfectly fine Living Person suddenly disappear like that? It wasn't until we saw the bubbles gurgling up from the nearby River that we had a Realization. Then, Phoenix jumped out of the water screaming, with several Piranhas still attached to his Buttocks. After this incident, this old child who never grew up finally settled down sullenly and honestly began to practice his new Skill, no longer daring to show off.
Hmph, when I reach Level 36, I'll get a Staff that adds to the Teleport Skill. Let's see how smug you'll be then?
Unconsciously, it had been over a week since we left Kurast. However, we were following the winding River, so we hadn't gone far from Kurast. If we knew the way, we could cut straight through the forest, and it would probably take about two days to get back.
On this day, when we encountered a Dwarf Tribe numbering over a hundred, Phoenix was particularly excited. He pointed to the two tall, strange Stone Pillars resembling Totems at the entrance of the Tribe and told me that this was a Tribe that had not been corrupted by Evil Force. Only these clear-headed Little People would have nothing better to do than make these symbolic things after eating their fill.
Although it was the first time I had seen such a pure Dwarf Tribe, it did broaden my horizons. But Phoenix was acting too excited, wasn't he? It wasn't his first time seeing one.
"You don't know this, but these pure Little People are especially easy to deceive precisely because their Intelligence is neither high nor low." As if he had thought of something, Phoenix's mouth was already crooked with laughter. He took out a strange Hat. Upon closer inspection, it was actually the same as the tribal Hat worn by the Dwarf Shaman.
He put the Hat on his Head, then took out a strange jar and smeared his face and exposed parts with some unknown substance inside, blackening them. Then he held a Short Spear in his hand, which seemed to be commonly used by Little People. Looking at him like this, he was practically a living Dwarf Shaman, except for being a bit taller and wearing a Robe...
"This works?" I stared with wide Eyes, looking foolishly at Phoenix. Although his Appearance did resemble a Dwarf Shaman somewhat, his Height and Clothes were completely mismatched.
"Of course it works. Compared to Appearance, the Little People's Standard for judging their own kind is more based on scent. These Materials are all specially made by me, and they can completely deceive the Little People's noses. As long as these Little People haven't been tricked by the same trick before, it's fine. You watch from the side." Saying this, he shook his Clothes and walked towards the Dwarf Tribe with an impassioned Pace, looking like he was going to sacrifice himself heroically.
"Chirp chirp—" When he reached the Door, Phoenix, disguised as a Dwarf Shaman, was stopped by two Little People holding Short Spears, but he wasn't attacked. It seemed there was a chance. I watched Dumbfounded from behind a small Shrubbery.
Before long, a Dwarf Shaman led over a dozen Little People holding Short Spears or Cleavers, followed by five or six who blew Darts. They swaggered over. Upon closer inspection, the Dwarf Shaman was even Elite Rank, meaning this Tribe had undergone at least 10 Metamorphoses, and their Combat Power was already quite considerable.
"Wa... wa yo, this this this... Brother, so so so... so tall, so big... big ah."
The Dwarf Shaman stepped forward a few steps, sizing up Phoenix and speaking. The Legend that Dwarf Shamans can speak the Continent Language was indeed true, but the pronunciation was too stiff and not very coherent, like a foreigner with Brain and language difficulties speaking Chinese after getting drunk.
The average Height of Little People is about half a meter, while the Dwarf Shaman is chosen from the tallest and strongest Little Person in the Tribe and rides on its shoulder to show authority, so their Height is about one meter. Phoenix, on the other hand, is about 1.67 meters tall. In the eyes of the Dwarf Shaman, he was naturally very suspicious. If it weren't for the similar scent, it would have long ordered its subordinates to throw this fellow into the Large Pot to boil.
"That that that... that's right, I... I below. Have have... have two..."
Phoenix imitated the Tone of the Dwarf Shaman, stammering, pointing below himself. His waist and knees inside the Robe twisted in an extremely flexible posture. It looked as if there were really two Little People stacked below him.
Seeing this, I was impressed. Wanderers are indeed skilled in various arts. Putting aside Phoenix's strange posture, just imitating the voice of the Dwarf Shaman so accurately was something an Ordinary Person couldn't do.
Wa yo, so mighty? Riding one Little Person is already enough for me, but this Brother is riding two? Hearing Phoenix say this, the Dwarf Shaman immediately felt awe, but the suspicion in its Inner Heart was not completely eliminated.
"Bro... Brother, this... this Clothes of yours, where... where did it come from..."
It pointed at the Clothes on Phoenix's Body and said. Little People and Dwarf Shamans don't wear Clothes. The only thing covering their shame is the Grass Skirt woven from Tree Leaves around their waist. When the Wind blows, it really has a Hawaiian Flavor.
"From... from the Big Monkey's bo... body, snatched... snatched..."
Phoenix seemed to have said that Little People generally call us Adventurers Big Monkeys. As for their natural enemy, the Elf Race, they seem to call them Pointed Ears...
This time, the Dwarf Shaman basically believed him, but being habitually suspicious, it still wasn't completely at ease and proposed a final test.
"Bro... Brother, give... everyone... a per... performance."
Phoenix knew that the performance the Dwarf Shaman spoke of only had two possibilities. One was their signature Unique Skill, Fire Breath. The raging flames could burn a High HP Paladin down to half Health in a few seconds, with great killing power. The other was the Resurrection Spell. Like Fallen Shamans, Dwarf Shamans can resurrect their subordinates.
Fortunately, it didn't insist on me performing the Resurrection Spell, otherwise I would have been exposed, Phoenix thought. The Sorceress's Fire Element Tier 2 Skill, Inferno, was just similar to the Dwarf Shaman's Fire Breath Ability. He immediately performed it, even turning around flamboyantly with Fire Pillars.
Thus, Phoenix, who claimed that his Hometown had been raided by "Big Monkeys" and he had fled here, successfully entered the Dwarf Tribe. I wasn't worried. I don't know if he has other Methods to escape, but the Teleport Skill he mastered a few days ago was enough to keep Phoenix fearless in Danger. Of course, that's assuming he doesn't Teleport into the Little People's Large Pot like he accidentally Teleported into the River last time...
Following from a distance, I saw Phoenix and the Dwarf Shaman seemed to be chatting, but the Distance was too far, and I couldn't hear anything at all. After chatting for a while, he seemed to be warmly invited by the Dwarf Shaman to the side of that Large Pot, which was similar to the one in the Fallen Camp. The Atmosphere suddenly fell silent for a moment. Suddenly, a Frost Nova burst out from Phoenix's Body, freezing all the Little People, including the Dwarf Shaman, into ice pops. Then, with a Teleport, he appeared at the Tribe's Door, fleeing in a panic while shouting, "Little Brother Wu Fan, hurry and save me!"
I almost covered my stomach and burst out laughing, but my hands didn't dare to be slow. Because even without the Dwarf Shaman's command after thawing, the Little People guarding the Door had already chased after him. At their Speed, it would be easy to put two flowers on Phoenix's Buttocks.
Instructing Light Snow and the others to charge out, I unhurriedly prepared a Molten Boulder. When the Dwarf Shaman, filled with Anger, charged up screaming, I threw it at its Head. The Dwarf Shaman, who dodged with nimble Dexterity, hadn't even had time to breathe a sigh of relief when the entire Molten Boulder suddenly exploded under my control, hitting over a dozen Little People, including it, like a sieve. Eliminating the Dwarf Shaman is the primary Quest for clearing out a Dwarf Tribe. Not to mention they can resurrect, just their Fire Breath Skill is something I wouldn't dare to directly withstand.
Without the Dwarf Shaman, the remaining Little People were all killed by Light Snow and the others and Phoenix, who had turned back, in less than a minute. After collecting the scattered Gold Coins and Potions on the Ground, I was quite interested in what Phoenix had encountered that made him so panicked.
"Ugh, don't mention it. I calculated everything, but I didn't calculate that these damned Little People are so hospitable."
Saying this, Phoenix came to the side of the Large Pot and kicked it fiercely, immediately knocking over the entire half-human-high Large Pot. The black, disgusting soup flowed all over the Ground, along with various Corpses. Upon closer inspection, there seemed to be a Human Skeleton among the Corpses.
Ugh, I finally know why Phoenix fled so frantically. These things, I wouldn't touch them even if I starved to death...
"But this time wasn't without Gain either." After smashing the entire Tribe to pieces, Phoenix, having vented his Anger, suddenly turned to a smiling face.
"Didn't you say you wanted to find that lost Gheed? I inquired about some News from the Dwarf Shaman. I can't guarantee its Accuracy."
I was stunned for a moment, and my Inner Heart felt a little touched. So that was it. I wondered why Phoenix would pretend to be a Dwarf Shaman for no reason. The Quest for Gheed was just mentioned in passing when I was chatting with him, but I didn't expect him to take it so to Inner Heart. Although his Personality is a bit frivolous, he is indeed a warm-hearted and careful good guy. This Friend is worth making.
According to the Dwarf Shaman, a few Little People from a Dwarf Tribe in the south last month seemed to have secretly sneaked into Kurast and brought back a lot of good things. The Wizard of that Tribe was so smug, as if afraid other Little People wouldn't know, showing off the Loot everywhere, so even the Dwarf Tribe here had heard a little about it.
Leaving aside whether the News is true or not, just the vague Statement "a certain Dwarf Tribe in the south" is enough to give one a Headache. However, Phoenix said that the south is exactly in the direction of the Spider Forest Waypoint, so even if Hope is slim, it's worth exploring along the way.
In addition, after Phoenix's random smashing, we discovered that there was a Spring and a Stash behind the Dwarf Tribe. Although our Buffs were full, we still drank several mouthfuls. It's not easy to find a Spring. Most of the few remaining ones are in remote Corners. Speaking of Temples, we haven't encountered one in a long time either. Could it be that I don't have Luck in this regard?
As for that Stash, this was actually the first time I had seen a Kurast-style Stash. So Phoenix fully displayed his demeanor as a Local Guide and generously indicated that I should open it and that the contents would also be mine. In his opinion, what good things could be in a Stash from a Dwarf Tribe numbering over a hundred?
After repeatedly confirming with Phoenix, I finally found the Mechanism and pressed it down. With a sound of Stone, the Stone cover on the Stash moved aside. Looking inside, well, there really wasn't anything good. Only a dozen Gold Coins, a bottle of medium Healing Potion, and...