Chapter 137
Head Merchant Rume Ironbark spotted Nille and Professor Caelum entering the secured courtyard of the swamp castle settlement and immediately waved both arms enthusiastically.
"There you are!" he called out with a broad grin.
The open courtyard had been transformed into a temporary expedition staging area. Crates filled with supplies lined the stone walls, Rune Forge engineers performed final equipment inspections, and several Dark Elven guards maintained security around the perimeter.
What immediately drew Nille's attention, however, were the five mechanical constructs resting silently upon the gravel-covered ground.
The spider-like golem carriers were far more impressive than he had expected.
Each stood roughly four feet tall and nearly five feet wide. Their bodies resembled large armored spiders crafted from a combination of reinforced dwarven steel, draconic bone composites, and enchanted crystal arrays. Six articulated legs supported their compact bodies, allowing them to traverse rough terrain with surprising stability.
Their movements were eerily silent.
Embedded within their chassis were four major enchantments carefully integrated by both Elven enchanters and Dwarven runesmiths.
Gravity Lightness Enchantment reduced their effective weight while preserving structural durability, allowing them to move quickly even while carrying significant loads.
Spatial Storage Enchantment granted each carrier an internal storage capacity far beyond their physical dimensions, capable of holding weeks of food, water, medical supplies, ammunition, replacement equipment, and emergency provisions.
Camouflage Enchantment allowed their metallic surfaces to mimic surrounding colors and textures, making them difficult to detect from a distance.
Lastly, Barrier Enchantment provided defensive shielding capable of protecting both the carriers and nearby expedition members during emergencies.
Most importantly, each golem had been programmed to maintain a safe following distance from its assigned host while adapting to terrain automatically.
Nearby, Nille spotted Nhulla Loresong and Lin Yue Meiying adjusting their newly crafted expedition gear.
The suits themselves reflected their intended roles.
The two combat-focused suits were designed for mobility and protection. Reinforced drake-scale fibers had been woven into flexible dark fabrics, creating lightweight armor that protected vital areas without sacrificing movement. Modular attachment points allowed users to customize weapon placements and utility tools.
Professor Caelum and Lin Yue wore these variants.
Professor Caelum's attire maintained a refined appearance despite its practical function. Silver enchantment patterns traced across deep green fabrics, complementing his High Elven heritage. Attached to his waist rested a slender elven longsword alongside several prepared spell catalysts.
Lin Yue's combat suit favored functionality. Black and blue reinforced layers hugged closely enough to allow unrestricted movement. Protective forearm guards housed emergency injection vials and defensive talismans. A spiritual composite spear rested securely across her back while a short enchanted blade remained at her hip.
The two data-gathering suits focused on reconnaissance and support.
Nhulla wore one of these specialized variants. Her attire incorporated numerous scanning arrays woven into the fabric itself. Small crystalline nodes positioned near the shoulders continuously collected environmental data. Enhanced sensory enchantments assisted with mapping terrain, analyzing spiritual signatures, monitoring atmospheric conditions, and cataloging flora and fauna.
Integrated communication systems allowed seamless coordination between team members.
Tracking sensors constantly updated the expedition's relative positions.
Advanced scanning functions provided threat assessments and structural evaluations of unknown environments.
The fifth suit had been designed primarily for defense.
Its layered construction prioritized survivability over mobility. Barrier projection nodes reinforced its protective capabilities while emergency medical support systems remained readily available.
Nille was surprised when Lin Yue approached him carrying his assigned equipment.
"You'll need this," she said softly.
Carefully, she handed him the expedition suit prepared specifically for him.
Unlike the others, Nille's suit emphasized versatility.
Its practical jacket design blended reinforced draconic materials with the adaptable properties of his Celestial Cloth integration. Utility compartments lined the interior without adding excessive weight. The suit maintained its casual appearance while incorporating communication systems, mapping interfaces, threat detection arrays, and environmental scanners.
Rume Ironbark approached with barely restrained excitement.
"What do you think?" he asked proudly.
Nille stared at the assembled carriers and equipment.
"It's... more than I expected."
The Dwarven merchant leader grinned widely.
"Of course it is!"
He pointed toward the spider-like golems.
"We also prepared three additional support carriers."
Nille blinked.
"Three more?"
Rume nodded enthusiastically.
"They'll remain hidden approximately half a mile behind the primary team."
"Emergency reserves."
"Additional supplies."
"Medical contingencies."
"If something happens to the first group, the expedition won't immediately collapse."
Nille inspected one of the nearest carriers more carefully.
His expression shifted into surprise.
"These cores..."
Embedded within each construct rested a powerful energy source.
Level 200 spiritual cores.
Stable.
Refined.
Extremely expensive.
The spatial storage compartments contained enough food, water, medical equipment, replacement tools, and survival resources to sustain the entire team far longer than Nille had originally planned.
Rume's face practically glowed with satisfaction as he observed Nille's reaction.
"Worth every coin," he declared proudly.
Professor Caelum stood nearby, watching quietly.
Eventually, he glanced toward Nille and offered a small smile.
To anyone else, it appeared as simple approval.
Nille, however, understood immediately.
The message hidden behind it was obvious.
Don't rely on your Enclave recklessly.
Nille slightly gave a nod, because He understood the implication perfectly.
Not everything needed to be solved using his own abilities.
Sometimes preparation was enough.
The team spent the next hour conducting final equipment checks.
Communication systems synchronized successfully.
Tracking arrays calibrated correctly.
Mapping enchantments linked across all five expedition members.
Golem carriers completed their self-diagnostics.
A brief strategic meeting followed.
Routes were reviewed.
Fallback positions established.
Emergency retreat procedures confirmed.
Everyone understood their responsibilities.
Finally, preparations concluded.
The five expedition members gathered near the staging point.
Nille took a slow breath before opening a Gate.
Spatial energy gathered before him.
The portal expanded gradually.
Beyond its threshold lay the outer border separating the swamp territories from the Draconian Mountain Range.
The expedition immediately moved.
According to plan, everyone ran through the Gate as soon as it stabilized.
The scenery changed instantly.
Gone were the wetlands and restored mangrove forests.
The Draconian frontier stretched endlessly before them.
The landscape was harsh and unforgiving.
Flat rocky plains extended outward before abruptly giving way to towering mountain formations stripped bare by centuries of violent environmental pressure.
Vegetation grew sparsely.
Stubborn gray-green grasses clung desperately to cracks in stone.
Twisted shrubs survived where they could.
Food resources appeared scarce.
The air itself felt heavier.
Older.
The mountains ahead carried an unnatural silence.
Nille recognized this place immediately.
Not far from their current location stood the remnants of a leveled hillside.
The ground remained scarred.
Blackened.
Melted.
This had been where Nille encountered the two Aswang entities.
Where an overwhelming controlled explosion had completely erased the hill they once occupied.
Even now, evidence of that terrifying power remained etched into the terrain.
Further beyond the damaged landscape, colossal shadows moved slowly across distant cliffs.
The Level 600 Draconian Behemoths.
Massive creatures resembling monstrous cousins of lesser dragons.
Each easily surpassed one hundred meters in height.
Despite their intimidating appearance, they moved peacefully through the mountainous domain, seemingly indifferent to the expedition's presence.
The sight reminded Nille just how dangerous these lands truly were.
The expedition had officially begun.
And beyond the desolate mountain frontier awaited whatever had caused even the ancient Behemoths to remain watchful.
Nille extended his hand, and the Gate stabilized before the group.
Unlike the first time they had witnessed his spatial ability, none of the others reacted strongly. The portal had already been anchored at the edge of the swamp territory beforehand, allowing everyone to familiarize themselves with the process.
Without hesitation, Nille stepped through first.
The others followed closely behind.
The moment they emerged on the other side, the atmosphere changed completely.
Gone were the humid wetlands, dense mangroves, and signs of growing civilization surrounding the swamp castle.
The Draconian Mountain frontier was harsh and unforgiving.
Dry winds swept across a rugged landscape shaped by time and violence.
The earth was uneven, covered in cracked stone and layers of loose gravel. Rolling hills stretched toward the horizon, their surfaces broken by countless jagged outcrops. Massive boulders littered the terrain, many large enough to crush entire houses or overturn heavily reinforced carriages with ease.
Vegetation was scarce.
Only small patches of stubborn shrubs and tough grass managed to survive among the rocks.
It was a land where resources were precious.
Then Lin Yue stopped.
"...Those aren't mountains..." she whispered.
In the distance, enormous figures moved slowly between the rocky hills.
Nhulla's scanning equipment immediately activated.
The readings that returned made her go silent.
"These life signs..." she murmured. "They're enormous."
Even Rume Ironbark's confident smile disappeared.
"By the Forge..." he muttered.
The massive creatures resembled distant relatives of dragons.
Their bodies were broad and powerful, covered in thick scales weathered by countless years. Their long necks allowed them to graze among mineral-rich cliffs while heavy tails carved trails into the rocky earth.
Each movement caused faint tremors beneath their feet.
They were immense.
Creatures unlike anything recorded within the academy's official databases.
Professor Caelum Verdanis Eruien had not even fully stepped through the Gate before every instinct within him began screaming warnings.
His decades of experience immediately recognized the danger.
His expression remained controlled.
Internally...
He was panicking.
Unknown species.
Unrecorded Level Six Hundred signatures.
No existing field studies.
Why are we here?
Professor Caelum slowly adjusted his glasses.
"...Nille," he said carefully, "would you happen to know what those are?"
Nille immediately nodded.
"We need to move."
His calm response only made Professor Caelum more concerned.
"They're docile," Nille continued while already moving forward.
The others quickly followed.
"But that doesn't mean we're safe."
Professor Caelum blinked.
"Excuse me?"
Nille maintained his pace.
"This area has very limited food resources."
He glanced toward the distant Behemoths.
"Even docile and massive malignants become targets."
Nhulla frowned.
"Targets?"
Nille nodded.
"More aggressive malignants hunt them."
Everyone fell silent.
He continued.
"Studying them too long or remaining in one location increases the chance of attracting predators."
Lin Yue tightened her grip on her weapon.
"You mean creatures that hunt those things?"
She pointed toward the enormous Behemoths.
Nille simply answered.
"Yes."
A heavy silence followed.
Rume Ironbark suddenly looked much less enthusiastic about the expedition.
Professor Caelum's mind was rapidly processing the implications.
Level Six Hundred entities that were peaceful.
An ecosystem harsh enough to sustain such creatures.
Predators capable of targeting them.
The academy had absolutely no records of this region.
This wasn't merely unexplored territory.
It was a completely undocumented ecological system.
Professor Caelum adjusted his composure.
"We move immediately," he ordered.
"Observation only while advancing."
"No unnecessary engagements."
Everyone quickly agreed.
Even the spider-like golem carriers seemed quieter as they followed behind their assigned hosts.
Far in the distance, one of the colossal Behemoths lifted its head briefly.
Its ancient eyes observed the small group crossing its territory.
Then, seemingly uninterested, it returned to grazing among the rocky cliffs.
Nille glanced toward it briefly.
"We should avoid disrupting them," he said.
"They've survived here for a reason."
Professor Caelum nodded.
"And if possible," he added dryly, "I'd prefer not to discover firsthand what hunts Level Six Hundred Behemoths."
No one argued with him.
The expedition pressed onward through the dry, desolate landscape.
Behind them, the Gate slowly closed.
Ahead lay the unknown heart of the Draconian Mountain Range.
And for the first time since becoming a professor at Yamatai Academy...
Professor Caelum Verdanis Eruien felt like a student stepping into the wilderness once more.
The moment the Gate closed behind them, the expedition moved according to the plan they had discussed earlier.
No one lingered.
No one stopped to admire the impossible landscape surrounding them.
The dry plains at the edge of the Draconian Mountain Range were deceptively open. Visibility extended for miles, but the lack of cover also meant they could easily be seen by anything observing from a distance.
Nille took the lead.
Professor Caelum moved near the center of the formation, maintaining awareness of both the group and the surrounding spiritual environment.
Lin Yue remained close to Nille's position.
Nhulla and Rume occupied the rear sections, while the five spider-like golem carriers silently followed at safe intervals.
Each carrier adjusted its path automatically, navigating around boulders and uneven terrain without interrupting the team's pace.
The first thirty minutes of travel were spent establishing rhythm.
The expedition did not sprint continuously.
Instead, they followed a methodical pattern of movement.
Short bursts of speed.
Observation pauses.
Environmental scans.
Then movement again.
The terrain itself demanded caution.
Many of the hills were steeper than they initially appeared. Loose stones frequently shifted beneath their boots. Boulder fields forced them to constantly adjust their routes.
The colossal Behemoths remained visible in the distance.
Occasionally, one would slowly move across the landscape, its immense body casting moving shadows over the surrounding hills.
Despite their terrifying appearance, they showed no interest in the expedition.
Still, Nille deliberately guided the team away from their grazing paths.
"Why avoid them if they're harmless?" Lin Yue asked quietly.
"Because other things don't see them that way," Nille answered.
Everyone understood immediately.
Professor Caelum activated the environmental monitoring systems built into his expedition suit.
Soft blue interfaces appeared across the armband mounted on his forearm.
The display combined magical projection with modern digital presentation.
Data streams continuously updated.
Atmospheric pressure.
Ambient spiritual density.
Temperature fluctuations.
Unknown biological signatures.
Mineral composition.
Even Professor Caelum looked impressed.
Head Merchant Rume Ironbark immediately noticed.
"Wonderful, isn't it?" he said proudly.
The dwarf raised his own arm, displaying a similar interface.
"The Rune Forge teams spent weeks integrating everything together."
He tapped several floating windows.
"What you're seeing isn't purely magical."
"It's also human engineering."
He pointed toward the small crystalline modules embedded throughout the armband.
"These are high-tier assessment artifacts."
"They're connected directly to the expedition system."
Nhulla adjusted her own interface while reviewing gathered information.
"It updates in real time," she observed.
Rume nodded enthusiastically.
"Exactly!"
"The digital systems process incoming data."
"The enchantments analyze spiritual components."
"The assessment artifacts bridge both functions."
He smiled proudly.
"Human adaptability."
"Dwarven craftsmanship."
"High Elven enchantment theory."
"The best qualities from all three disciplines."
Lin Yue glanced at the interface appearing before her.
"...It's surprisingly intuitive."
"Of course it is," Rume replied.
"If it wasn't user-friendly, no one would survive using it under pressure."
He pointed toward the armband itself.
"If you maintain observation of a target for several minutes, the assessment artifact begins collecting increasingly detailed information."
"Behavioral patterns."
"Spiritual output."
"Energy fluctuations."
"Environmental interactions."
Professor Caelum studied the data thoughtfully.
"This level of assessment normally requires specialized research teams."
Rume crossed his arms proudly.
"Then we simply brought the research team with us."
The group continued moving.
Several times they were forced to change routes due to shifting terrain.
One particularly large valley contained evidence of recent conflict.
Deep claw marks stretched across exposed stone surfaces.
Several boulders had been shattered completely.
Professor Caelum crouched briefly near one impact crater.
"The force required for this..." he muttered.
He looked toward Nille.
"How long ago?"
Nille examined the surroundings.
"Probably within the last few days."
The professor stood immediately.
"We move."
Nobody argued.
As the expedition progressed deeper into the mountain region, the environment grew increasingly alien.
Vegetation became even scarcer.
Towering stone pillars rose naturally from the earth.
Massive skeletons partially buried beneath gravel occasionally appeared.
Most were too large to identify properly.
The air itself felt heavier.
Ancient.
Oppressive.
Despite this, the expedition maintained steady progress.
Their equipment proved invaluable.
The suits continuously adjusted internal temperatures.
Communication systems allowed quiet coordination.
Mapping functions gradually expanded their understanding of the terrain.
The golem carriers transported supplies effortlessly.
Several times, hidden spatial storage compartments automatically redistributed equipment loads to optimize efficiency.
Approximately two hours into their journey, the assessment artifacts detected movement.
Several interfaces immediately highlighted distant signatures.
The expedition slowed.
Everyone moved behind a large formation of stone boulders.
Nille carefully observed the distant figures.
The creatures resembled oversized reptilian quadrupeds covered in layered scales.
They fed peacefully among mineral-rich stone deposits.
The assessment artifacts immediately began recording information.
Soft notifications appeared across the expedition interfaces.
Species Designation:Unknown(Temporary Classification: Lesser Draconian Herbivore – "Stoneback Mountain Grazer")
Threat Classification:Level 600 Malignant Lifeform(Non-Aggressive Variant)
Behavior:Passive / Territorial Avoidance
Observed individuals display predominantly herbivorous behavior with low aggression toward non-threatening entities. They actively avoid conflict when possible and prioritize feeding, migration, and herd protection. Despite their passive nature, they demonstrate immediate defensive responses when perceiving threats directed toward themselves or nearby juveniles.
Threat Assessment:Moderate to Extreme (Conditional)
While naturally docile, the immense size and spiritual capabilities of this species make direct confrontation highly dangerous. Defensive actions appear proportional to the perceived threat. Their ability to manipulate earth-element spiritual energy significantly increases battlefield control potential.
Physical Classification: Lesser Dragon-Type Herbivore
Unlike traditional predatory draconic species, this organism exhibits evolutionary adaptations consistent with large terrestrial grazers. Its anatomy prioritizes endurance, environmental integration, and defensive survivability over active predation.
Physical Measurements
Estimated Height: Approximately 25 meters
Estimated Length: Approximately 80 meters
Estimated Width: 18–22 meters across the dorsal region
Estimated Weight:180,000–250,000 metric tons
Weight estimations remain preliminary due to the species' composite biological and mineralized physiology. Significant portions of their dermal layers contain dense stone-like deposits integrated directly into their skeletal and muscular structures.
External Characteristics
The creature's body is covered by a thick, rock-like dermal armor resembling naturally weathered mountain stone. Surface examination suggests the "skin" consists of heavily mineralized scales fused with layers of hardened biological material.
Remarkably, extensive vegetation growth has been documented across dorsal surfaces.
Observed plant life includes:
Small grasslands Moss colonies Shrub-like vegetation Flowering alpine plants Young saplings in older specimens
This suggests a long-term symbiotic relationship between the species and surrounding ecosystems.
Several specimens support entire microhabitats upon their backs.
The mineral composition of their dermal armor appears capable of retaining moisture and nutrients sufficient to sustain plant growth.
Defensive Adaptations
Primary Defense Mechanism: Dorsal Earth Spikes
Large mineralized spikes protrude across the neck, spine, tail, and shoulder regions.
Estimated Spike Length: 4–9 meters
Composition analysis indicates these structures possess hardness comparable to highly compressed granite reinforced with spiritual energy.
Potential functions include:
Predator deterrence Territorial display Physical defense during charges Spiritual energy conduction during earth-based spellcasting
Tail structures also appear capable of generating devastating blunt-force attacks if provoked.
Locomotion Assessment
Despite extreme body mass, individuals move with surprising efficiency.
Observed maximum movement speed:
Walking: 12–18 km/h Defensive Charge: Estimated 35–40 km/h
Ground tremors have been detected during movement.
The species likely uses earth-aspected spiritual reinforcement to reduce stress placed upon skeletal structures.
Rume whispered excitedly.
"It's working."
Nhulla remained focused.
"We need additional observation time."
The group maintained position.
Minute after minute passed.
More information gradually populated their displays.
Professor Caelum remained amazed.
"This level of field analysis normally takes weeks."
The assessment artifacts continued processing.
Eventually:
Dietary Classification
Primary Diet: Herbivorous
Feeding behavior indicates consumption of:
Mineral-rich vegetation High-density mountain flora Spiritual crystal deposits Nutrient-rich mosses Certain rock formations containing trace spiritual elements
Their ability to digest both organic matter and mineral resources suggests highly specialized biological adaptations.
Spiritual Affinity
Primary Element: Earth
Secondary Element: Nature
Observed spiritual output demonstrates exceptionally refined earth-aspected control.
Documented abilities include:
Earth Shaping
Manipulates surrounding terrain to:
Raise defensive walls Alter pathways Create protective barriers Stabilize unstable environments Stone Spear Manifestation
Rapidly generates sharpened stone spikes from surrounding terrain.
Potential use against predators.
Rock Armor Reinforcement
Further hardens external dermal structures through active spiritual enhancement.
Significantly increases resistance against physical and magical attacks.
Localized Seismic Pulse
Limited tremor generation capable of destabilizing nearby threats.
Appears primarily defensive rather than offensive.
Social Structure
Observed Herd Size: 3–9 individuals
Evidence suggests highly protective group behavior.
Larger specimens often position themselves between younger members and perceived threats.
Communication methods remain unknown but may involve:
Low-frequency vocalizations Ground vibration transmission Spiritual resonance signals Ecological Importance
Preliminary observations suggest this species functions as a keystone ecosystem engineer within the Draconian Mountain Range.
Potential ecological roles include:
Soil enrichment through mineral redistribution Vegetation propagation across barren regions Stabilization of mountainous terrain Formation of temporary habitats supporting smaller lifeforms
Their movement patterns may significantly influence regional biodiversity.
Predator Vulnerability Assessment
Despite immense size and defensive capabilities, evidence suggests this species is occasionally preyed upon by more aggressive high-level malignants inhabiting the Draconian Mountain Range.
Likely contributing factors:
Limited offensive aggression Predictable migration routes Juvenile vulnerability
Extended observation periods are not recommended due to increased likelihood of attracting apex predators.
Temperament Assessment
Disposition: Gentle Giant
The species demonstrates no inherent hostility toward unrelated lifeforms.
However, provoking defensive responses should be considered catastrophic due to their overwhelming size and environmental manipulation capabilities.
Recommended engagement protocol:
Maintain observation distance exceeding 500 meters. Avoid sudden movements near juveniles. Do not interfere with feeding behavior. Immediate withdrawal if earth-aspected spiritual fluctuations intensify. Current Data Collection Status
Threat Assessment Reliability: 63%
Biological Assessment Reliability: 48%
Spiritual Analysis Reliability: 41%
Behavioral Study Reliability: 56%
Data Collection Progress: 69% — Ongoing
Assessment Note:
"Although classified as a Malignant species under existing Yamatai taxonomy, current observations indicate that aggression alone is insufficient for determining ecological threat. Further study is required to reassess the classification standards applied to higher-level draconian lifeforms."
— Rune Forge Expedition Assessment SystemIntegrated Human-Dwarven-Elven Research Interface
Data Collection Progress: 100 % complete
The team carefully withdrew without disturbing the creatures.
As they resumed travel, Professor Caelum glanced toward Nille.
"You've effectively created a mobile research expedition it only took 2 minutes ."
Nille shook his head.
"Everyone else built this."
Rume immediately objected.
"You provided the opportunity!"
The dwarf smiled.
"And frankly, most people wouldn't even think to combine these disciplines."
Several more hours passed as the expedition pressed deeper into the Draconian Mountain Range.
The landscape gradually changed once again.
The hills became steeper, forcing the group to carefully choose their routes between narrow rocky passages and unstable slopes. Massive boulders, some larger than small buildings, littered the terrain as if giants had scattered them carelessly across the mountains.
The signs of larger life became increasingly obvious.
Deep tracks were pressed into hardened earth.
Ancient claw marks scarred cliff faces.
Entire sections of stone formations had been shattered by forces beyond ordinary understanding.
Even the gentle Level 600 Stoneback Mountain Grazers had disappeared from view.
The atmosphere became noticeably heavier.
More ancient.
More dangerous.
Yet despite the growing tension, the expedition continued exactly as planned.
They moved.
Observed.
Recorded.
Adapted.
Each member fulfilling their assigned role.
As they traveled, the assessment systems embedded within their equipment continuously cataloged the unknown lifeforms inhabiting these forgotten lands.
Expedition Assessment Log #014 Species Designation: Verdant Colossus
Threat Level: Level 420
Classification: Sentient Flora – Territorial Guardian
Behavior: Passive unless territorial boundaries are violated.
Appearance: Massive tree-like entities standing between 18–25 meters tall. Their bark resembled dark ironwood reinforced with mineral deposits. Multiple vine-like appendages served as arms, while glowing green cores pulsed beneath their trunks. Entire ecosystems of moss, flowers, and smaller creatures thrived upon their bodies.
Abilities:
Rapid plant growth manipulation Thorn barrage projection Accelerated regeneration while rooted Pollen-based sleeping spores
Assessment: Extremely difficult to eliminate due to regenerative capabilities. Avoid disturbing root zones.
Data Collection Progress: 41%
Expedition Assessment Log #021 Species Designation: Obsidian Hornback
Threat Level: Level 480
Classification: Lesser Draconian Omnivore
Behavior: Neutral. Displays defensive aggression when protecting offspring.
Appearance: Six-legged reptilian creatures measuring approximately 14 meters tall and 50 meters long. Black obsidian-like scales covered their bodies, while crystal formations protruded from their backs. Two forward-curving horns extended from their skulls.
Abilities:
Stone reinforcement High-speed charging attacks Obsidian shard projection Enhanced durability
Assessment: Highly resilient. Defensive nature suggests avoidance over confrontation.
Data Collection Progress: 36%
Expedition Assessment Log #028 Species Designation: Floating Lantern Mycelium
Threat Level: Level 410
Classification: Sentient Fungal Colony
Behavior: Passive.
Appearance: Giant mushroom structures reaching 10 meters in height. Numerous floating bioluminescent spores drifted around them, creating the illusion of lanterns suspended in the air. Root systems spread beneath entire valleys.
Abilities:
Environmental purification Spore communication network Limited emotional influence through airborne particles
Assessment: Non-hostile. Potential ecological importance in maintaining environmental balance.
Data Collection Progress: 52%
Expedition Assessment Log #033 Species Designation: Mountain Echo Stalker
Threat Level: Level 530
Classification: Predatory Mammalian Malignant
Behavior: Solitary ambush predator.
Appearance: Massive feline-like creatures standing 8 meters tall and 22 meters long. Their silver-gray fur blended almost perfectly with rocky environments. Six eyes lined their elongated skulls, granting exceptional perception.
Abilities:
Enhanced camouflage Sound suppression field Short-range burst acceleration Spatial awareness detection
Assessment: Extremely dangerous. Avoid isolated encounters.
Data Collection Progress: 29%
Expedition Assessment Log #039 Species Designation: Crystal Antler Sovereign
Threat Level: Level 460
Classification: Greater Cervine Spirit Beast
Behavior: Passive.
Appearance: Deer-like entities standing 12 meters tall. Large crystalline antlers branched outward like frozen trees, refracting sunlight into brilliant displays. Their bodies appeared partially translucent.
Abilities:
Spiritual energy purification Illusion resistance Environmental stabilization Minor healing aura generation
Assessment: Beneficial ecological species. Observation only.
Data Collection Progress: 47%
Expedition Assessment Log #044 Species Designation: Stonevine Titan
Threat Level: Level 590
Classification: Sentient Flora Construct
Behavior: Dormant unless provoked.
Appearance: Enormous humanoid entities reaching 35 meters in height. Their bodies consisted of intertwined stone and ancient vegetation. Vines reinforced their limbs while entire trees grew from their shoulders and backs.
Abilities:
Massive physical strength Earth manipulation Root entrapment High regenerative capacity
Assessment: Engagement strongly discouraged.
Data Collection Progress: 24%
Expedition Assessment Log #051 Species Designation: Azure Wing Drifter
Threat Level: Level 610
Classification: Lesser Celestial Dragon
Behavior: Passive aerial grazer.
Appearance: Graceful dragon-like creatures with wingspans exceeding 80 meters. Their blue scales reflected sunlight like polished gemstones. Long feather-like structures extended from their tails.
Abilities:
Wind manipulation Atmospheric pressure control Enhanced perception Long-distance migration
Assessment: Despite high spiritual levels, displays no hostile tendencies.
Data Collection Progress: 18%
As more species were documented, Professor Caelum found himself increasingly astonished.
"These creatures..." he said quietly while reviewing the assessment logs.
"None of them exist within Yamatai's records."
Nhulla carefully archived the incoming information.
"Entire ecosystems," she murmured. "Completely undocumented."
Rume Ironbark's expression had long shifted from excitement to disbelief.
"Do you understand what this means?" he asked.
"This isn't just discovering new species."
"We're uncovering an entire world that people assumed didn't exist."
Lin Yue glanced toward another distant silhouette moving across the mountains.
Even now, she could hardly believe what she was seeing.
These were not mindless monsters.
Many lived within structured ecological relationships.
Predators hunted.
Herbivores migrated.
Flora adapted.
The mountains themselves felt alive.
Nille silently observed the surroundings.
Professor Caelum's earlier lessons returned to him.
Not everything powerful was evil.
Not everything dangerous sought conflict.
Sometimes, understanding was more important than strength.
As the expedition ventured deeper into the ancient mountain range, each new discovery challenged everything Yamatai Academy believed it understood about the entities thay classified and named as Malignant
They had come seeking knowledge.
Instead, they were finding an entirely new perspective on the world itself.