Civilization

Unknown to Solar, Frank, and Gyumi, I already somewhat knew where we were heading and who had attacked us. The lizardmen had been sighted various times in the past and other players have shared information about them, however, this information would only matter to you if you were in the West. Lizardmen were monsters that dwelled in the swamps in the West, with them venturing deep into land or out in the ocean. 

It seemed that they were able to thrive in different water conditions, and they were equivalent to the goblins that were roaming around HavenFall in its earlier days. However, the difference between the goblins and the lizardmen is that the lizardmen were constantly evolving and growing. They grew stronger over time, to the point that there were many variants of the lizardmen roaming around. I can only imagine what it would have been like if countless hobgoblins were roaming around HavenFall and the Krepost. 

Assuming that they came from the swamps in the West, that means this river that cuts through Everbloom, connects to the swamps and in turn connects to the ocean. The geography from this point on has a couple of key points. On the forums, they talk about two deadly zones that haven't been properly mapped. The first is the obvious swamp area that covers most of the 'land' in the West, currently dubbed as the Toxic Hole and the second is closer to the Center, Foggy Grove. 

The swamp is called Toxic Hole due to the toxic gases that fill the environment, coming from the murky muddy slow-moving sludge that is the swamp. Players who have ventured into the Toxic Hole have experienced severe cases of nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and then some. Yet, despite this obvious downside, Players continue to venture into the swamp, because many treasures lie await deep inside. Toxic fumes and a disgusting river system aren't enough for the players to reconsider diving headfirst into the swamp.

Moving from the West and towards the Center is the Foggy Grove. According to the forums, there is a piece of land that divides the West and the Center, and with it being covered in a thick layer of white fog, there hasn't been much documentation on it. However, that doesn't mean there hasn't been any documentation. Inside the Foggy Grove is a labyrinth made out of twisting and turning dead trees. Their branches are as hard as steel, and they wrap around each other forming small paths that bend around and around.

To the lucky few players who have walked along the edge of the Foggy Grove or slightly inside of it, they have found items and equipment that were better than their peers. Going past the Foggy Grove will be essential to reaching the Toxic Hole. Once we arrive at the Toxic Hole, we will need to search for the lizardmen's nest or maybe… It's not just the lizardmen that we are fighting. Maybe, just maybe, it is Cordelia.

Moving at a fast pace and following along the river, eventually, Gyumi reports back to me, along with the scouting party from Frank.

"My lord, there seems to be a cloud that has fallen From the sky. It is in our current planned route, and around it are mountain ranges." - Gyumi

"The scouts in the front have also told me that it seems eerily quiet. There doesn't seem to be any sound around us. Not even the sound of the wind." - Frank

Gyumi is right, even though I saw the ever-growing mountains loom in front of us, I half-heartedly assumed that the Foggy Grove would just be after crossing the mountain range. While it pains me to say it, I was hoping it wouldn't be the case of splitting the mountain in half and becoming a choke point. Though, the more worrying part is that there haven't been any monsters throughout this whole journey.

"For now, stay alert, and we move towards the cloud that Gyumi is speaking of. I believe it is not a cloud that has fallen from the sky, but a foggy area, one that is formed most likely due to the terrain. The fog will slow our progress, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Frank, have the scouting party stop at the edge of the fog and wait there until we arrive." - Ian

"Understood, my lord." - Frank

With a wave of his hand, the Vampiric Offspring dash ahead of us, returning to their prior position of scouts.

"My lord, for some reason, I'm feeling an energy that feels similar to mine the closer we get to this fog place in front of us, but that shouldn't be possible, right? I thought only Stellar and myself were the last elves…" - Solar

"Hmm… I don't know Solar. Maybe there are more elves than you thought?" - Ian

"Maybe…" - Solar

Like with knowing the general direction we are heading, there have been sightings of other elves. The forum has shown increasing interest in elves, especially when there were many sightings in the West, but that didn't mean they were only on that side. There were a few sightings in the North and even the South, but the elves in the South looked drastically different from the beautiful depiction of elves. 

What Solar must have felt were the presence of elves in the West, and looking at how close she is feeling this 'energy', there must be a group or even a small village inside the Foggy Grove. Will they be friendly, or will they be hostile to us? There is no guarantee that, even with Solar, they won't be hostile to foreign parties that enter their territory. However, there isn't much we can do but press forward.

It didn't take us much longer to reach the edge of the Foggy Grove. Waiting for us was Frank's Vampiric Offspring. They have not seen any movement from the Foggy Grove or the surrounding areas while they were waiting for us. At the moment it feels like a safe area, but that might change in a split second. Calling back the rest of the Vampiric Offsprings that were covering our sides and behind, Frank awaits my next command.

"Alright everyone, from here on there is a chance we may get separated. This place will have low visibility, and we have no information of what is inside of it. From what we can see, there are a lot of dead trees, compared to the lush forest that we have just passed. The river also goes into this place, so we will follow it and use it as a guide. Frank, have your Vampiric Offspring scout ahead of us, but just far enough that we can still see them. As for the others, spread them out around us, but keep it a tight circle.

Gyumi, stick with us for now, don't go anywhere else. If we are attacked, focus on protecting Solar, and keep close together. If we are separated, then try to find the river and follow it. Looking at the current… We will follow the flow of the river. Understood?" - Ian

"Yes, my lord." - Frank, Solar, Gyumi

Speaking directly to my mind, Selino, informs me of potential dangers.

"Ian deary, be careful. Through all my years of being alive, not once have I ventured into this place. In fact, I only knew of its existence through my spiders. I never came close and didn't want to come close." - Selino

"Hmm… Well, there is no choice but to go through it." - Ian

"I know, deary~ Don't be so coy. OH! By the way, deary~ There is something I do need to tell you…" - Selino

"What is it? Be quick." - Ian

"My oh my, is that how you ask? Someone didn't teach you manners. By you know, that is something I do~ Like from you." - Selino

"Selino." - Ian

"Hehehe~ Well, the thing I need to tell you is that very soon… You will be able to use more of my powers." - Selino

"What do you mean?" - Ian

"You can't possibly think that all I'm good for are my legs and spider web? There is sooooo~ Much more for you to uncover. Eventually, you will be fighting like how a King of Spider should be fighting." - Selino

"Is that the way you told me to abandon the spear?" - Ian

"YES~ Deary is so smart. I'm sure you will be able to tap into the different powers soon, but for now~ You will just have to be satisfied with what you have." - Selino

"... Alright. Not much I can do but heed your advice." - Ian

"Hehehe~" - Selino

"Everyone. Let's head inside. Frank, send out your Vampiric Offspring and we will follow them." - Ian

"Yes, my lord." - Frank

Frank's Vampiric Offspring leap into the fog, disappearing immediately. Letting out a small sigh, I take the first step into the Foggy Grove, letting the cold fog wrap around my body as I proceed forward. Following me were Gyumi, Solar, and Frank, as we wade into the fog.