Doggone Academy

Chapter 106 Circulatory System (8)

Chapter 106 Circulatory System (8)

Trees that once dotted the landscape were now frequently in view, and towering rocks sprang up from the earth just as often. It was a sign we were entering a new environment.

We had ascended a hill that belonged to a relatively high altitude area.

And finally, the circulatory system came into our sight.

It was enshrouded in dark clouds. The place where we stood was basked in warm sunlight, but in the distance, torrential rains poured down and lightning flashed violently.

The boundary of the circulatory system was clearly divided as if a dark curtain had been drawn across it.

Through breaks in the curtain of rain and fog, craggy cliffs and dense primordial forests intermittently revealed their bare essence.

The clouds moved dynamically, making the region seem like a living organism.

In about three or four hours more of walking, we would enter the dangerous areas of the circulatory system. The leisurely part of our journey was over, and the real hardship was about to begin.

I stood still for a while, gazing intently at Luna.

She had a face that looked as though it had never been touched by rain. I wondered how this gently reared lady would fare in such a remote wilderness.

Are you okay with getting wet in the rain?

Yes.

Just a moment.

I took off my cloak and draped it over Lunas shoulders. We would have to brave the rain. While I couldnt prevent her hair from getting wet, at least the cloak could somewhat protect her clothing. For me, if my clothes got soaked, I could just take them off and dry them. Luna, however, could not.

The rain in the circulatory system was said to contain magical power too, so getting wet wouldnt necessarily be bad; it might even contribute to the process of becoming part of the system.

She clutched the cloak with her hands and said,

Thank you.

Lets find a cave or a suitable spot for camping once were in the danger zone.

Luna nodded.

Contrary to my concerns, she seemed a bit excited.

***

While Bertang and Marta were away scouting, Cecil asked Trisha,

Trisha, why have you been so listless all day?

Its nothing.

Though she said so, her face was that of someone suffering inwardly.

What is it, annoyed by someone? Is Bertang getting on your nerves again?

No

Tell me, Ill listen.

Trisha clenched her lips tightly, then after much deliberation, spoke up.

Do you think Im useless?

The words Trisha finally managed to utter carried a faint trace of frustration.

What could have happened for her to say this? It might be related to Damian, whom she had wanted to bring into the group before suddenly stopping all mention of him, as if he was a trophy of some kind.

Hmm, who told you that youre useless?

No, its not like that

Then?

I dont know

Hesitating in her response, Cecil dug deeper.

Hmm, do you feel like youre useless yourself?

Yes something like that.

Is it because of Damian? What did he say to you?

Trisha denied it vehemently.

No!

***

We cut through the forest, where rocks and trees mixed half-and-half. The circulatory system we stepped into drizzled with a fine mist, as if flour had been sprinkled.

Our first goal was to find a cave suitable for camping, and next, secure food.

Rock formations jutting out of the ground frequently hinted that finding a cave wouldnt be difficult. The challenge was food. Still no signs of animal life had been spotted. Ideally, we had to look for animals that occupied the higher tiers of the food chain, or alternatively, collect herbs or mushrooms.

As we made our way, Luna stopped me.

One of the spirits I command has found a cave.

The news was welcome, especially with the mist thickening around us. Lunas spirit was proving to be a time-saver.

Good. Lets go check it out.

We had to avoid caves leading underground; if rain came, they could flood, and they might be teeming with insects and bats.

I followed Lunas guidance.

The cave she led us to was situated on an appropriately elevated area, with the rock itself being solid, implying no risk of collapse. The spirits had found a proper place.

We unpacked our belongings there.

Ill go and chop some firewood.

Setting up a campfire was of utmost urgency.

Linear trees were ideal since the bark could be removed, leaving the insides dry even in snow or rain, making excellent fuel. If I could find one, that would suffice.

Luna, unwilling to sit idle, followed me.

You can wait here if you want.

She shook her head.

Ill go and pick some mushrooms.

I didnt insist further since she wanted to do it herself.

I had seen plenty of mushrooms along the way, but none worth eatingat least, thats what I had thought.

We headed off separately. By the time I had gathered a pile of suitable Linear wood and stripped off the bark, Luna returned to the cave, her arms full of mushrooms.

Proudly, she presented the mushrooms to me.

I checked them and found myself at a loss for words.

They were a rainbow of colorssome as red as apples, others as green as unripe ones. At a glance, they were picturesque and tempting. However, every single one was poisonous.

The look of pride on her face made me feel I should eat them without complaints. Her naive look endeared her to me more than irritation did, but life was at stake, so I had to tell her the truth despite the pain.

Theyre all poisonous.

Without exception, they contained deadly toxins.

!

Seeming to have worked hard on gathering them, I was unsure of what to do but eventually threw them outside. Luna didnt show it, but she seemed to take the news hard, remaining silent for a while.

Why do I feel so guilty? Maybe I should have eaten at least one.

We washed Lunas hands thoroughly to prevent any spores from the poisonous mushrooms from lingering and lit a fire at a spot where the smoke could escape well. Just then, the downpour intensified as if it would sweep away the entire world.

We sat side by side at the entrance of the cave, warming our bodies. The rain made the interior of the cave feel even more comfy. Luna, still seemingly in shock, remained silent.

After warming up enough, I stood up and took my wooden sword. Luna followed suit.

If we go out now, even with the cloak, youll be drenched. Wait here. Im going hunting.

Luna hesitated for a moment, possibly recalling the poisonous mushrooms, and then assented.

Okay.

As I was about to step outside the cave, Luna suddenly called out to me.

Hey Your pocket is glowing. Is it okay not to check it?

Uh?

I checked my waist, and indeed, light was leaking from one leather pouch.

That was the pouch containing Cecils Stitch.