→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←
By the small river in the marshland, the Hero and the Gleaming Scale Serpent hastened their steps, growing more alarmed as they proceeded.
Although the pollution of the water source had been detected, the authorities who issued the commission probably didn't foresee the pollution upstream being so severe.
It was nearing noon now, the sunlight on the highland was exceptionally bright, but the water surface that should be reflecting light, now felt ominously dim.
Rich Dark Elements blended into the water stream, absorbing all the sunlight, and as the Hero advanced, the grass on the riverbank began to turn scorched black.
Despite the water looking clear and transparent, there was not a single fish swimming in it, and the riverbank, where various animals should be gathering to drink, was completely devoid of life.
It seems, aside from brainless Magic Creatures like Goblins, other life forms have sensed the danger.
