CHAPTER 40: ORIGIN OF MOONMIST III

The slime also served as an early warning system, his sensitive tendrils detecting hidden dangers and alerting Rhys to ambushes. Puddle’s presence not only increased Rhys’s survivability but also boosted his morale. The little slime’s unwavering optimism and cheerful disposition were a welcome contrast to the grim surroundings.

One particularly harrowing encounter involved a colony of [Gloomshrooms], giant, bioluminescent fungi that released clouds of poisonous spores. Rhys, aided by Puddle’s ability to create a protective barrier of purified air, managed to navigate through the treacherous field of spores, burning the fungi to ash with carefully aimed blasts of [Light Bullets].

As the days wore on, Rhys noticed a subtle shift in the environment. The corrupted mana grew even more concentrated, coalescing into swirling vortexes of dark energy. The trees became more twisted and grotesque, their branches adorned with pulsating, bioluminescent sacs that emitted a sickly green light.

He began to encounter more powerful creatures: [Shadow Imps] that flitted through the darkness, hurling bolts of shadow energy; [Carrion Crawlers] whose venomous bites could paralyze even seasoned adventurers; and hulking [Grotesque Ghouls] that lumbered through the mist, their decaying flesh reeking of death and corruption.

Rhys’s Ancient Light Magic proved invaluable in these encounters. The [Radiant Pulse] was effective at weakening the creatures, while the [Halo Spear] could pierce even their toughest hides. Puddle’s [Light Shield] provided crucial defense, and his [Purify] ability helped to dispel curses and debuffs.

Despite their successes, Rhys and Puddle were starting to feel the strain. The constant fighting, the oppressive atmosphere, and the lack of proper rest were taking their toll. Rhys was forced to ration his healing potions and mana restoration crystals, knowing that he couldn’t afford to run out of supplies in this hostile environment.

One evening, as they huddled beneath a towering, gnarled tree, Rhys noticed a faint glimmer of light in the distance. It was unlike the sickly green glow of the Gloomshrooms or the malevolent red eyes of the Corrupted Dire Wolves. This light was pure, warm, and inviting.

"Puddle, did you see that?" Rhys asked, pointing towards the distant glimmer.

Puddle vibrated excitedly, releasing a series of happy bubbles. Rhys took it as a confirmation. He had to find out what was creating that light. It could be a trap, but it could also be the key to completing his quest.

He followed the light, his senses on high alert. The terrain grew increasingly difficult, forcing him to scramble over rocky outcroppings and wade through waist-deep pools of murky water. The corrupted mana was almost suffocating, making it difficult to breathe.

Finally, after hours of grueling travel, he reached the source of the light. It was a small clearing, bathed in the ethereal glow of a single, perfect Moonpetal Flower. The flower was unlike any he had ever seen. Its petals shimmered with an otherworldly radiance, and its fragrance was intoxicating, filling the air with a sense of peace and serenity.

The clearing was untouched by the corruption that plagued the rest of the Hollow. The air was clean and pure, and the ground was covered in soft, green moss. It was a small oasis of light and life in the midst of the encroaching darkness.

As Rhys approached the Moonpetal Flower, he noticed something else. Kneeling beside the flower was a figure cloaked in white. The figure was surrounded by a faint aura of light, and their presence seemed to radiate warmth and compassion. Could it be the Nameless White? He was finally here.

As Rhys approached the Moonpetal Flower, he noticed something else. Kneeling beside the flower was a figure cloaked in white. The figure was surrounded by a faint aura of light, and their presence seemed to radiate warmth and compassion. Could it be the Nameless White? Had he finally reached her?

"Um... excuse me?" he said, as the figure turned. What he saw stunned him—it was a woman with pure, butterfly-like white wings and sharply tapered ears. The moment he saw her, a name rose unbidden in his mind.

She was a fairy—a radiant, ethereal being of the ancient and hidden Fairy Race.

The Fairy Race was one of the secretive lineages in FLO, known to be elusive and shy. They rarely interacted with others, but they were incredibly powerful. Their magic—called Fairy Magic—was an advanced and rare form of magic, said to rival even the power of dragons.

"A human? How did you get here without dying?" she asked, her voice light as she narrowed her eyes and moved closer to Rhys. He felt a strange pressure from her presence—it wasn’t hostile, but certainly overwhelming. Then her gaze drifted to Puddle.

"I see. So you’ve tamed this Ancient Creature. That explains why you’re immune to the corrupted mana here," she said.

As Rhys looked at her, the dense aura she gave off was oppressive—but not enough to kill him, just enough to keep him cautious. He tried to understand what she meant.

"What did you mean by ’I’m alive thanks to Puddle’?" he asked.

She released him and replied, "You might not realize it, but the creature you’ve tamed is not made of normal matter. It’s formed from mana essence—the purest form of mana that only Ancient Creatures can consume or exist within. That’s why they’re called Ancients.

A long time ago, mana essence used to fill the air. Most sentient beings were born able to use it—and live in harmony with it. But in this era, only corrupted or weakened mana remains. That’s why Ancient creatures are so rare now. I don’t know how you found one, much less make a contract with one, honestly," she said, placing a hand on her chin, studying him like he was a walking miracle.

Just then, a system notification rang in front of Rhys:

[You have learned Hidden Historical Knowledge!]

→ [Intelligence and Wisdom permanently increased by 100 points.]

→ [You have gained insight into your own mana usage. You have learn of the true name of your mana.]

→ [Your mana state has evolved into Mana Essence.]

[Mana Essence : A form of mana which is five times more powerful than the normal mana ]