Global Fog Survival

Chapter 5: Strike It Down

?A shallow trench emits a stench like decaying rats, which you deduce was left by a “Mutant” who passed through not long ago.

Seeing this prompt, Colin finally felt half of his worries ease. Though he suspected there were numerous “Mutants,” he was anxious about what would happen if they didn’t encounter one on this trip. If the lantern oil ran out, they would lose the chance to explore again and be doomed.

But now, this concern could be set aside.

“Follow me. These are the tracks of a ‘Mutant,'” Colin announced. The slight drop in morale instantly rebounded. The two servants didn’t doubt Colin’s judgment, believing they were following a wise leader.

Colin analyzed the clues from the trench in a matter of seconds and concluded that they were left by a “Mutant.” This sharp reasoning impressed the servants, who did not fully comprehend their lords’ powers but were aware that some abilities were beyond the system’s scope.

Colin’s prompt-based judgments were interpreted by the servants as evidence of his own powerful deductive abilities, which increased their admiration for him.

Unaware of the servants’ thoughts or that his status had mysteriously risen in their minds, Colin quickly moved towards the shallow trench after making his decision.

It had been about thirteen minutes since the lantern was lit, time wasted without results. Colin had around twenty-five minutes left. If he couldn’t deal with the “Mutant” within this time, he’d have to return or risk getting lost in the fog forever.

Despite quickening his pace, Colin remained cautious, studying the tracks closely. As he moved closer, he noticed the trench also contained sticky, foul-smelling slime, handprints, and holes made by sharp objects scraping the ground.

Analyzing these signs and the continuous prompts, Colin pictured someone crawling, dragging themselves forward with their hands in the dirt, moving bit by bit. His conjecture wasn’t baseless. The intermittent stops in the trench suggested this method of movement. The sharp burrows indicated the creature had spikes.

A few minutes later, Colin spotted a shadowy figure lying on the ground ahead and halted abruptly. After a brief hesitation, he bent low and shouted, “Get down!”

The two servants dropped instantly without thinking. At that moment, a black shadow whooshed overhead, accompanied by a whistling sound. They felt a massive object with tremendous force brush against their scalps.

The impact created a powerful gust that left Colin momentarily stunned. If they had been hit, they would likely have been killed or seriously injured. A heavy thud behind them snapped Colin back to reality. The terror of that instant brought a flood of relief.

Had it not been for Colin sensing a malicious gaze and receiving a prompt, he might have perished.

The prompt had warned: ?”A ‘Child of Suffering’ has spotted you! It’s charging an attack. If you are hit, you will likely die instantly.”?

In desperation, Colin had dropped to the ground, avoiding severe injury or death. However, this wasn’t the time to celebrate. The prompt indicated the attack was charging, so the next strike wouldn’t come immediately.

“Charge!” Colin ordered, springing up, lantern and axe in hand, rushing forward. Within five meters, he saw the “Child of Suffering” and thought: Monster.

Indeed, it was a monster. It seemed to have only an upper body, skinless, with melted flesh stuck to its skull. Its face had five gaping holes, resembling a skinned person left to rot.

The exposed flesh suggested constant pain, emitting low, desperate moans. Unlike normal humans, the “Mutant” had thorny spines on its back, which dragged along the ground. Its lower body was shriveled, an unidentifiable mass of flesh, dragging itself with its hands, as Colin had imagined.

Having just launched an attack, it posed no immediate threat. But the sight and stench were overwhelming, and Colin’s steps faltered two meters away.

Though holding an axe, Colin had never fought like this, especially not against such a grotesque creature. He wasn’t sure what effect his axe would have. What if it didn’t even pierce the skin? What if the monster was faking its weakness? What if it was a trap? Was he being reckless?

Fleeting thoughts of retreat filled his mind; fear was swelling within him.

Realizing the mental turmoil stemmed from the monster, Colin bit the inside of his mouth hard. The pain helped clear his thoughts momentarily.

“Running means death. Charging in could also mean death. I’d rather gamble now and fight!”

Colin focused his thoughts, suppressing other fears, aware that the influence came from the monster. But it didn’t matter.

The monster was right in front of him, an axe in his hand, and no retreat was possible.

He had only one choice: Strike!

“Strike it down!”