Chapter 10

Deviation from the main street of the first floor of the labyrinth and further into the crab area reveals a naturally twisted cave. The floor is paved, but stalactites grow from the ceiling like a bed of needles. The stone pavement, wet from dripping water, is very slippery, and to make matters worse, it's a downhill slope. The gentle incline is easy to go down, but with a cart in tow, the return trip is a concern.

By the time I reached the dome-shaped square, the water droplets and humidity had soaked my underwear.

In the center of the square was a resting place, a simple structure surrounded by bricks.

I sat on the stone bench, took out a towel from my bag, and wiped my face. If there were a magician, they would use wind or fire magic to dry me, but I remained a wet rat.

The hall had stalagmites and pillars, and the lights embedded in the walls created a fantastical scene. Water droplets formed a stream that flowed into the depths. If this were a tour, there would be nothing to complain about, but during exploration, the existence of shadows is a matter of concern. If something were to hide behind a stalagmite, it would be a nightmare.

Further ahead, the passage widened to about twice its size, and the humidity decreased. In its place, the walls and floor became warm. The moisture evaporated from my body.

I felt so comfortable that I began to doze off.

Just as I was completely relaxed, a large cave appeared before me. At the end of the paved corridor was a naturally formed, massive cave that shone black like obsidian.

The ceiling was high, and several light stones embedded in the walls cast a strange light on the glossy floor.

It was a Pitcher Plant nest.

"How are we supposed to hunt these?"

Nearly a hundred Pitcher Plants clustered on the hard rock, maintaining a delicate distance that could easily link them together, standing motionless and looking up at the ceiling. Each supported its rootless body with two long tentacles, their flower crowns pointing upward.

If I can't take them down in one hit, they will definitely link. Even if I manage to kill one, item recovery will be difficult. Other ones will definitely react. The parts will disappear if too much time passes. What should I do?

I held my breath and searched for a target that was separated from the group. Each one was in a delicate position.

Are they already in a position to link? My doubts never end, but I don't even know the linking distance.

I could throw a 'Magic Bullet' to eliminate them, but that would leave nothing behind.

With my sword in hand, I slowly entered the cave.

Kyu?

A cute sound came from my feet. It was the sound of tentacles rubbing against each other. A single Pitcher Plant was nestled in the shadow of a dry stalagmite.

I intended to make this one chapter, but it ended up being too long. So, I split it, but there wasn't a good place to cut. Therefore, this part is shorter (sweat).