=== Swamp Trip

“This is necessary for my development”, “It is crucial for my cause”, “It is unavoidable for the greatness that awaits”, I keep telling myself that, deep inside this marsh, that I am doing a huge mistake, but it's not the first time. What is more important is to play with others, in spite of the annoyance and difficulty of pleasing everyone.

In this eerie and untamed space, I travel with air brushing the tips of my hair. Due the update, as far as everyone can see, the light is cast no longer only by the Moon. The nocturnal time became illuminated and the stars appear on the sky again. But that only benefits the players who do push their sleeping schedules past the bed time. In our group, there is such a person.

Noctia, who I usually don't see playing at day, and who receives complains about her sleeping during the normal active time, is tonight with me, in this unwelcoming land of frightening shades and smelly greenery.

[It’s quite dark...and neither of us wants to fall down a hole right? Please be careful Oddia and let God illuminate our path.]

Not just her, but I also need to have a light at all times. Thanks to the shadows cast by the ominous trees, the lamp became imperative to even see my footing. That’s very important since I'm just a player who also have to abide to the rules of this game, so when I hover over a hole, I fall as if I was walking on the ground. I don’t want to do that, hence why I’m careful...I mean who thought that it would be a good idea to fill this place with so many devious traps?

[Why are you going here in the first place? Couldn't you find any other, more suitable place for gathering? You want me to suffer or something? Next time warm me before you decide to go to a thick forest at night.]

[Are you complaining my child? How would I find that a problem for me? I apologize, I lack the wisdom to answer that question. It is a necessity, I'm afraid, and so I tread the path laid upon by the nature that God created. It is a test for us both, Oddia, so suppose you steel yourself. We shall prevail together through this damp and unpleasant place. Grab my hand, don't be afraid.]

[I refuse, you are just going to be drag me down with you. But anyway, your idea sounded very nice in the beginning of course. Hey, let's go to this one place that everyone goes during the day. I heard you can gather rare and high tier materials there. A gullible girl would have believed that, but why I’m really regretting it now? I mean I should have persuaded others too.]

[Alas, they were already asleep, and you pressed me to come tonight. With your resolve alone I was also convinced, thus we are here now. Fret not my child, I shall protect you from monsters that lurk in the night, as my tapetum lucidum will reveal those who wish to harm us.]

I would rather depend on my Detect Foe, but I can only cast it every now and then. I have to leave the lead for her though—she seems to have a good idea about what she wants to gather and works fast as well. Fortunately, unlike some other members, Noctia appears to be very active, diligent and attentive during this time. That is a very good thing, a change from the usual if I could say so. If only others could learn from her...

Nevertheless, the marsh we were trekking through was a location that was clearly empty at night and that alone was dangerous. The monsters that appeared here usually had a good understanding of the traps around this area, they were smart and merciless. However, they were also not eager to strike—they stalked the prey until it would fall into quick sands or a swampy trench.

As for us, we didn't quite know when they will attack, or if at all, so understandably I was scared with each miniature step. I couldn't tell if that was the same case for Noctia, since she always turned away from me and covered her mouth while talking. If anything, reading up a bit on mobs here, I suggested that we both equip ourselves to deal with their magic ranged attacks.

[By the Lord, why it is so hard to find a single black mushroom in such an unwelcoming environment? Tell me why it is so, the reason behind the design of this place. Does nature despise humans so much that it rejected everything with this coat? Now my clothes started to change their colours, appearing as if they adapted to this place. Covered in some slimy extract, are my hands and my legs. In the shoes, wet and murky mud finds it way. Each step my nose and my body sinks deeper...]

[Noctia, are you okay? You have been mumbling to yourself for a while and I'm worried. Maybe we can rest for a while.]

[Ah, what was that sound? Did I say something? It might have been your imagination. I'm sorry my child, pray to God that we won't lose our way. I plead again, you should grab my hand if you fear separation.]

[Wait, are you sure you didn't...whatever, I don't really care anyway. And no way I'm touching that!]

Clearly her gloves were fully coated with a green-like gooey substance. Along the way we have found some grass, apparently it was something she needed for her upgrade. As for me, I was just waiting for enemies, away from filth. Though, it is quite understandable that she was too taken aback by this unforgiving land. Gee, I feel slightly bad even.

[Wait a second, those are tracks right? Then we should not interact with them, since that might help them to spawn. I suggest not going in their direction, but rather going the other way...wait a second, what is that sound? Water?]

[It appears so, if my ears are not playing tricks on my mind. I must say I am quite exhausted, from this gathering. Say, I won't force you my child, but will you be so kind and help me a little? I would be so ever grateful for that.]

[I can give you something to eat, I should have sandwiches. You want some?]

[Even simple bread would be enough, I shall gladly accept this gift from the God. Austerity is a virtue, they say.]

But yet, she was very reluctant with wanting to accept this gift, as quite visibly her hands were not unsullied. Due that, I simply shoved the provision directly into her mouth, and that somehow worked, since she accepted. Her mouth was now biting into the bacon, egg and cheese wonder, quite viciously too. However, at that time...

[Did you hear that? There is definitely something coming here. It is coming from the north river I guess? We should hide somewhere, there are bushes here...wait a second, is there something hiding there already?]

[Mmm...this is good! I suppose I should spoil myself from time to time, forgive me my Lord!]

[Quit munching! We are about to become a dinner for those monsters! We have to run and fast!]

[But my child, were you not to say those monsters never actually attack unless provoked? *crunch* And why would have your Detect Foe skill didn't pick anything? It's faultless, you said *chump*]

I wanted to pinch her, but my hands held something in them already, and she was right, it was too late to do anything. I felt like something is watching me, a creature that is smart enough to evade the spell due some unknown ability. Without thinking much I took my companion by the hand and with a quick pace I started running, hoping she would follow. It didn't matter that my hand got covered with an undefined and viscous texture—I simply had to do something and quick.

And so, with my rapid reaction, we did escape their gazes and the sound of something stomping towards us also ceased. It has a nice quiet night and nothing resounded in the deep marsh, not the monsters, not the bugs, not even the wind. Usually this is a bad sign, but I didn't really care about the atmosphere, since the casting of Detect Foe relieved me.

Now I was sure, despite Noctia not responding, there was nothing nearby that could jump us by surprise. Albeit embarrassed, I couldn't hide the fact I was still trembling a little, gripping her slimy glove. Why didn't it return to normal by now? It might be a specific mechanic or so, so I didn't bother with thinking about it. And just as I turned my head toward her...

[Hey Noctia, you should stop being silent for a while? Where are you? Also if you worry about the sandwich, I put it back, it’s in my inventory.]

My head was turning left and right but...where was she really?

[I’m down here. I'm afraid that your impulse has brought us a little inconvenience. I pray that no ill will was involved, but nevertheless I can't force myself to speak of the obvious. See for yourself, and think about what have you done.]

[Wait a second, are you serious? What are you doing sinking down in this mire? Yuck! It is so ugly looking! Here I can help you, that way I can reimburse. I'm sorry...okay any time now! Why is this not working?]

[Because as you might see below you, there is something awfully smelly and disgusting that prevents us from moving.]

She was right! I was so used to this floating sensation that I haven't noticed that I was sinking all this time! Colour me green and call me a pickle, how my senses become overwhelmed quickly! My whole body was experiencing it, an awful slimly substance which blemished it all the way to my chin. My tiny nose couldn't stand the horrid stench. Below the bumbling viridescent pond, my limbs struggled against the gelatine-like goo, unfortunately all in vain.

[Wait why I can't just swim out of this? Why is this so hard to escape from? Honestly, the devs are true to their word, this is truly an unforgettable experience! Above all else, I thought this was supposed to be a fair and enjoyable game, where you never get into sticky and hopeless situations! Like please tell me, when will it stop? Let me play already!]

[You must have missed an important part during your study. They said so on the forums, this place is filled with traps. Once you are mired in, you have to either expect others to save you or become patient. Don't worry my child, soon we will...]

[Forget it, I'm just going to relog or use the teleport stone. Would you mind if I did?]

[Leaving your partner behind? May the Lord forgive you.]

Noctia said with her face sunken partially in the ooze. Honestly, I do feel kinda bad for her. But what can you do, I simply can't stand this! I am never going back to this, but then again...

[Wait, okay I'm going to stay. It's my fault after all...How long till we can escape again?]

[It is two minutes from the time you fall in, or so my wisdom tells me. Fear not my child, for only your stamina is tested.]

[It drains stamina? Oh okay, I was afraid it actually leads to death...I would not want to die in such a stupid way!]

[It also deaggroed the monsters I presume, but quite frankly, there was no reason to act rashly to begin with.]

Yea, I guess it was my fault for once. Nevertheless, I felt that my punishment was enough for today, so as soon as the time was up, me and Noctia crawled out of the mire and found ourselves lying on the grass. As I eventually realised that we were safe again, I started squirming on the ground while hiding my face from the embarrassment I brought to us both. Regardless, her reply was warm, despite her mouth still being covered with the substance. Soon, the gooey sludge started to disappear, along with the horrid smell.

[Okay, I am done with this place now. I don't think we can find anything and I'm exhausted. Let's just head back for tonight and hope we will never visit this place again...*Yaaaawn*]

[No my child, you are staying here to repay for the disgrace you have caused us. I can't simply forgive for such thing.]

[If you want to say go ahead, I can even give you the rest of my food I prepared.]

[Not tonight. Did you know that a certain girl visits my church with impure intent? I heard that she stalks others as well. As a servant of his holiness I shouldn't publicly announce her faults, but I pray that she will repent for her sins one day. Let the God be the only witness, but a saintliness fraulein like yourself Oddie, would have never do such things, yes? pff~]

Sure, if you put things that way...

[Okay, I'm going to stay! I can even let you wash at my house later...just keep that a secret okay?]

[Yes! I will gladly accept your hospitality! Oh God, forgive this pitiful devotee, for she is trying to act on goodwill.]

Anyway, I think I had that coming to me, as soon as I decided to embark with Noctia. This place truly has some rare materials, but most of them are only useful for her. There is no way she would have normally chosen this place or come alone...I was baited.

Nevertheless, we did profit, at least as a group. A healer is most precious and you should always help her develop strong. That is the usual rule in games, so this was no different. As for the monsters, some did appear, but they were not as scary, neither as cunning as I thought. We dealt with them quickly and got some mats, so there was even some gain for me as well.

Afterwards we retreated to the hut I was living in, it was nothing special and we did need a bath after all that. Following the refreshing shower we took together, I thought I was going to fall asleep in the bathtub, but Noctia had it covered, and lead me to the bed before saying her "goodnight", though the morning sun would beg to say "good day" instead.