Chapter: 16

“This would definitely deter anyone from becoming an adventurer” he grimaced as he held his nose, though it did nothing to stop the putrid smell.

—

Jay began exploring, avoiding murky ponds and bubbling swamps. Soon enough, he came to an enormous log.

Jay approached the side of this gigantic decaying log; it was only getting bigger as he came closer, and as it was finally within spitting distance he realised even a carriage could fit inside the log if it were hollowed out. It was as tall as a house.

Wondering how he would get over, he looked to each side. The log appeared to go off into the distance forever.

“Huh, must be some sort of soft-lock to stop idiots getting in… or just really drunk people”

Looking right, he spotted another decaying log which had fallen onto the huge log, forming a ladder of sorts – though its base was submerged in another murky pond.

Jay sighed “Damn, let’s get this over with.”

He walked back into the murky brown water, frowning as he felt the slightly colder water enter his shoes again and more bubbles being produced with each step.

Reaching the log, he found that it was stripped of bark.

The wood had turned black after absorbing the muck over the years, and it was beyond dead.

“You slippery bastard” Jay said as he spread more water over it – though no muck washed off. The slimy surface seemed to be a part of the log now.

Jay attempted to crouch-walk up it, but this was a sad mistake. After getting about half-way up, he lost balance and fell face-first into the murky water below.

“MMMMMM!!!!!!!” he couldn’t scream or the muck may enter his mouth.

He quickly clambered out of the water, causing another stir of stink bubbles.

Wiping his face in frustration, he used his shirt to wipe his lips and spat.

“FUCK!” he yelled through a clenched jaw.

He felt like his face was grimacing since he was in here, but in this situation, he realised he could break through his own limits and grimace even harder.

Perhaps his nose would implode?

“I’m sick of this place already, it’s no wonder no one would come here.”

For a moment he felt hopeless, but he pressed on.

He made his way back to the log. This time, anger and frustration helped him ignore the slime and the possibly impending fungal infections.

This time, he didn’t take any chances, gripping the log and laying on his stomach as he slowly shimmied up the log until he was at the top.

“Finally.” He exhaled and checked his energy.

[Energy – 24/30]