Chapter 222 Further Marsh exploration (1/2)

[You have consumed a new source of Bioma.s.s, Sus Aquarum armatae, you have been awarded one Bioma.s.s]

[Basic profile of Sus Aquarum Armatae has been unlocked]

[Sus Aquarum Armatae, Armoured Water Pig. This giant monster possesses robust defence, boasting a tough skin and extremely durable sh.e.l.l. Offensively, the Water Pig can deploy its vicious bite and has been known to utilise water magic to attack its foes]

Water magic huh? This one didn't use it, but it may not have had the chance.

After the fight, I had Tiny tip the beast onto its back, a difficult feat, even for him, and then we commenced feasting on the creatures flabby Bioma.s.s.

Somewhat vindictively, I started on the legs.

How do you like it?! d.a.m.n pig!

My legs have regenerated at this point. The new limbs are still somewhat stiff and a little tender, nothing a day or two won't fix. Having my legs get eaten is still irritating.

[”We need to make sure that we don't get ambushed by these d.a.m.n water pigs again guys”]

[Tasty] Tiny disagrees.

”Yeah! Tasty!” Vibrant registers her opinion cheerfully.

[I will be three times as vigilant! No such filth shall approach you again] Crinis is wiggling her tentacles in the air furiously to emphasise her words.

…..

The unity of this group is severely lacking.

More to the point, listen to me dammit!

Other than Crinis, the other two are only interested in eating!

She might get a little over-enthused sometimes, but at least she listens and pays attention.

[Thanks Crinis, I appreciate your efforts] I give her a quick tap on the top of her tennis ball form with an antenna.

[HAGA!]

Eh?

Standing next to me, elevating her main body on a few slender limbs, Crinis freezes and ever so slowly, begins to topple over until she's lying flat on the ground.

”What happened to Crinny!?” Vibrant dashes over to the small ma.s.s tentacles lying unnaturally still on the ground, poking her friend with a foreleg.

.....

All of them are useless. Hopefully, the next generation of ants will prove to be more helpful than this lot.

Did I just jinx myself? No flags! Shut up Anthony!

After finis.h.i.+ng off the d.a.m.n pig and letting Crinis recover until she's able to take her place on my back once again, I pause to consider the next move. The lush growth of the marsh expanse surrounds us, pools of murky water everywhere and the extensive mangrove-like trees with their vast, overly fleshy leaves.

Those small shadows are still up there also. I can see them now, little shapes that change their position every now and again, shuttling about in their own airy domain. I think I'll get myself up there, I've had enough grubbing about down here.

More than anything, I'm curious as to what these creatures are. What exactly are they doing up there?

Informing the others of my plan, I head straight towards the nearest of the trees and place one claw against the wood of its trunk. There is something odd about this bark. I can't quite put my finger on it. Not that I have fingers. Leaning back, I reach forward with my front four legs and try to pull myself up.