novelnext Chapter 4198 Support
Chapter 4198 Support
Chapter 4198 Support
"So please tell Darkman that I will be fine in this kind of forest environment. Please tell him not to risk coming in."
Instead of immediately agreeing, Angell asked, "Do you think Darkman will listen?"
Kemai fell silent instantly.
He knew Darkman's personality all too well. The reason he hadn't come in with him earlier was because he suppressed his impulses with a sense of responsibility to "get the message out."
Now that the matter of the Misty Swamp Forest has been reported, he has no more worries and will most likely try to find a way to get into the instance.
Kemai could even imagine that Dakman was currently frantically searching for gray porcelain.
Just as he was pondering how to persuade Darkman, Angel's voice came again: "However, I mentioned to Darkman before that if Gray Porcelain sets a high risk level for the instance, I will temporarily close this place off from the public, and Darkman will be no exception; but if the risk level is relatively low, I will not stop anyone."
Angleton paused, then changed the subject slightly: "If Gray Porcelain doesn't rate the danger of the Misty Swamp Forest as high, then there will definitely be other challengers who want to enter this instance."
“Personally, I think that instead of hoping for a stranger to come in, you might as well let Dakman in—at least you know each other and can help each other out if something happens.”
Ke Mai pursed his lips, his fingers clenching and unclenching, clearly weighing the feasibility of the suggestion.
But Angor didn't give him more time to think. He coughed to straighten his tone and steered the conversation back on track: "Alright, let's continue talking about your findings. I promised Darkman that I would do my best to help you leave safely, so I need more intelligence."
Ke Mai nodded, glanced at the thick fog flowing deep in the forest and the traces of some kind of creature left on the broken wood and withered branches in front of him, and slowly said, "I haven't been here long enough to find more information yet."
"However, not long after I entered the instance, I heard rustling voices coming from the woods."
After pondering for a moment, Ke Mai decided to quietly go and check on the situation.
After all, the only way for him to leave the Misty Forest and see Wes again was to uncover the truth about the "evil spirit." But right now, he knew nothing about the dungeon, and searching blindly would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
So when he heard voices, he immediately realized that this might be the best opportunity to get clues, and naturally he wouldn't let it go.
Not long after venturing deeper into the dense forest, several figures began to appear faintly in the mist.
Kermai breathed a slight sigh of relief upon confirming that it was a real "person," not an illusion created by the fog, nor some kind of ghost or undead.
However, what to do next has become the current issue to consider.
Or should we just go over there, state our purpose, and ask for help?
The idea had barely crossed his mind when he rejected it himself.
His years as a scout had instilled in him a habit of keeping things under wraps. He wouldn't dare to reveal anything easily if he didn't even know who the other party was or whether they were friend or foe.
Furthermore, the main storyline overview mentions that forty bandits are suspected to be lurking in the Misty Swamp Forest.
If the other party is one of the "Forty Thieves," wouldn't going there be like going to your death?
After thinking for a moment, Ke Mai decided to keep the group at a distance and observe them for a while before making a decision.
"Aren't you afraid you won't be able to observe anything?" Angell asked.
Kemai shook his head and replied in a low, hoarse voice, "No, the Misty Swamp Forest is now in a closed environment that isolates it from the outside world. In this environment, people are more likely to let down their guard and their true nature is released more directly."
Of course, judging them as "good" or "bad" solely based on their behavior in this environment is a bit far-fetched. But at least their more uninhibited words and actions can reveal some of their true intentions.
Moreover, Ke Mai's requirements were not high. As long as he could confirm that the other party was not a vicious person, even if they were selfish, scheming, and petty people, he felt there was room for communication.
"So, what did you observe?"
As Angell asked questions, his gaze drifted toward the group of people ahead who appeared to be a "caravan".
Ke Mai: "That group of people were generally wary, but not very much, and didn't seem to have received professional training. Among them, the few riding in the center of the pack leeches seemed to be of higher status. They had hardly done any work and seemed to be the ones being protected. Perhaps they were the leaders of this group?"
"The others almost circled around those few people, looking like guards."
"Judging from the composition of this team and the large amount of unopened luggage on the leeches, I personally think it might be... a caravan?"
If it's a caravan, it's actually quite easy to deal with.
However, one thing prevented Kemai from revealing himself immediately: caravans generally wouldn't put themselves in a dangerous situation.
The misty swamp forest is clearly a "dangerous wall." Although it is only on the outer edge of the misty swamp forest, Kemai has already discovered many dangerous swampy areas and areas with obviously different smells, which are very likely to be obstructed by the mist.
Caravans would always travel along safe and proper routes, and would never easily venture onto such dangerous paths.
Unless, of course, they came to the Misty Forest to make a deal or meet with someone.
Following this line of thought, who would be in such a dangerous place to coordinate with a caravan?
Ke Mai immediately thought of the "Forty Thieves" mentioned in the Wonderland hint.
If this caravan is indeed connected to bandits, then he needs to reconsider whether or not to show himself.
After listening to Kemai's account, Angell agreed with his guess. Indeed, a normal caravan would not suddenly venture into such a dangerous place as the Misty Swamp Forest, where there was not a single proper road.
It's highly likely that they have someone to meet in the Misty Swamp Forest.
"So what are your plans next?"
Kemai thought for a moment: "I plan to continue following the leech and see..."
"and many more."
Ke Mai paused for a moment: "Where did I go wrong in my analysis?"
Angel shook his head: "No, I've heard you mention leeches several times just now, and I'm a little curious. What are you referring to as leeches? Do you know them?"
“No, I don’t recognize it.” Ke Mai shook his head. “It’s the first time I’ve ever seen one either. It’s a big worm that looks like a fat earthworm, carrying a lot of cargo.”
Angell: "Then how do you know its name?"
"There is body fluid left by the leeches on the ground. It is an acid that can soften the dry branches on the ground, making it easier for the leeches to move around."
Although this acid is not very corrosive, it still causes some damage.
As Kemai followed the leech's path, it inevitably came into contact with the acid and suffered minor corrosive damage.
The moment the injury occurred, a corresponding injury warning appeared in the text box.
"You have absorbed the bodily fluids of the 'Man-Legged Leech'..."
It was through this injury that Ke Mai realized that the worm that looked like a giant "earthworm" was actually a multi-legged leech.
The name "Tuotuo" (驮) basically confirms that it was a pack animal specifically trained to carry goods.
At this point, Kemai suddenly changed the subject: "Didn't you ask me about my plans earlier, sir? I actually have an idea. Since the injury information can reveal the other party's identity, perhaps I can find a way to make them attack me, and then I can..."
Before Kemai could finish speaking, Angel interrupted him, saying, "This is not a good method."
Angell was naturally aware that information about injuries could be used to obtain intelligence.
Previously, the Konoha clan team obtained some key information about the "Earth Angels" by relying on the information about the injuries they sustained.
However, this method of intelligence gathering is too dangerous.
The fact that the Konoha clan obtained such crucial information meant that the entire team would be wiped out.
Perhaps the caravan's attack is unlikely to kill Kermai directly like the angels on earth, but what if something unexpected happens?
It is absolutely unwise to rashly choose to exchange injury for information without fully understanding the other party. — Of course, this only applies to Kermai. If Angor were in the instance, he would most likely take this path, because it can quickly break through the deadlock in terms of information, but not in Kermai.
Since Angell had promised Dakman that he would do his best to ensure Kemai's safe departure, he naturally couldn't let him take such a risk.
“At first glance, this ‘caravan’ doesn’t seem to have any high-end combat capabilities, but what if they have some powerful weapons as a trump card?” Angell: “If you get killed instantly, how can you face Wes and Darkman?”
"Besides, I'm not exaggerating. Think about it yourself, if you can see the danger in the Misty Swamp Forest, don't they think they can too?"
Since they realized this, yet still chose to enter the Misty Swamp Forest, doesn't that mean they likely have the ability to handle the risks?
Upon hearing Angel's analysis, Kemai's sudden surge of enthusiasm gradually subsided.
"I understand. Then I'll stick to the original plan and follow them from a distance to see who they'll meet with..."
Angell: "And then?"
Ke Mai hesitated for a moment: "If it really is a rendezvous with the Forty Thieves, I will try to infiltrate their lair and obtain intelligence."
The fact that the names of the Forty Thieves are specifically mentioned in the main storyline suggests that they are very likely related to the mission objective.
Therefore, given the opportunity, Kemai would definitely try to obtain some information from the Forty Thieves.
“But if it’s not a meeting with the Forty Thieves, or if they’re just taking a shortcut through the Misty Forest, then I’ll show myself and talk to them directly.”
"Of course, this is just a simplified plan."
Ke Mai knew very well that most of the time plans couldn't keep up with changes.
If he overheard any other important intelligence during the pursuit, he would certainly make corresponding decisions based on the circumstances.
Angell neither supported nor opposed Kemai's idea.
Because there's very little that KEMET can do right now.
They could either lie in wait to gather intelligence, reveal themselves directly, or... take a risky battle.
None of them can be considered the absolute best solution, but they represent the limit that KEMET can currently achieve.
After all, Ke Mai was just an ordinary person.
But now he has met Angell.
"Your plan is based solely on your personal abilities. You can adjust it a bit now."
"Adjust?" Ke Mai was stunned, not understanding for a moment how to change it.
Angell: "Consider two more variables. First, after the danger level is determined, new teammates are likely to join the Misty Swamp Forest."
Ke Mai reacted instantly.
Indeed, if other challengers enter the instance later, then we can try to find a way to fight together... Just thinking about fighting side by side, the image of Darkman unconsciously appeared in Kemai's mind.
He quickly closed his eyes to clear his mind.
"But what if this place becomes very dangerous after it's been classified?"
“You don’t need to worry about that. Even if the final rating shows that the danger level here is very high, teammates will still come,” Angel said.
If the difficulty level is below D, Angor will open this dungeon directly, and challengers will naturally come.
For players ranked D or above but below B, Angel will contact the rabbit girl to try and organize a dedicated team to conquer the game.
However, if it's difficulty A or higher, then Angor will have to enter personally and try to see if he can use his privileges to forcibly bring Kerma out.
However, Angel personally believes that this dungeon is unlikely to be rated higher than B, and may even be difficult to rank D.
From his perspective, the Misty Swamp Forest didn't appear to have any particularly dangerous areas.
"As for the second variable you need to consider, that is... my support for you."
Ke Mai was taken aback: "My lord... your support?"
Angel raised an eyebrow: "What, you think I can't help you while I'm out here?"
Ke Mai quickly shook his head: "No, I just think this is a bit too much trouble for you."
“I don’t like making excuses. I was the one who sent you here to guard the area, so naturally I won’t let you risk your life alone. Besides, this instance itself has considerable research value for me…”
The existence of the Dreamers is the reason why this instance has attracted Angor's attention.
Although the "Dreamers" now include April 1st and Uriel, in terms of total numbers, they are still extremely rare.
Each instance related to the dreamer is an excellent vehicle for studying the capture and transformation of the power of the fairy realm into real consciousness!
Having access to more samples like this would greatly benefit his research.
Kermay successfully brought the Misty Forest to life, and for that reason alone, Angell certainly cannot treat him unfairly.
At the very least, his safety inside the misty forest must be guaranteed.
Since Angell had already said so, Kemai naturally couldn't refuse any longer: "Then what should I do now?"
"You don't need to do anything, just wait here."
Kemai nodded, and just as he was about to ask what exactly "support" meant, he suddenly felt a gentle breeze...
The surrounding thick fog, stirred by the gentle breeze, began to swirl and flow wildly, forming a vortex-like funnel shape.
It not only resembles a "funnel," but its behavior is also like that of a piping funnel used for piping cakes.
The mist in the upper part spun wildly and gathered, slowly flowing and compressing downwards through the "funnel opening".
The mist that would have drifted away was shaped by this force and transformed into a solid, illusory entity. It slowly spread out along the "funnel" and eventually piled up and condensed in front of Kemai, turning into a miniature three-dimensional sand table!