The danger level in the oasis was incomparable to the desert.
Almost every area they entered presented peculiar creatures and environments.
Here, the hunts within the food chain were more intense.
After traversing the sea of flowers, they entered a 'life forbidden zone.'
This zone was called a life forbidden zone because it contained numerous 'Ghost Whistle Grass Clusters.' At first glance, they resembled bushes, but their branches were extremely hard, like metal. Furthermore, they grew naturally in peculiar arrangements on the ground. The grass clusters had many small holes, and when the wind blew, they produced other sounds.
These sounds had a strong hypnotic effect. When creatures fell into a slumber and collapsed, strange worms hidden in the soil would emerge and devour the unconscious life forms.
These grass clusters seemed to have a cooperative relationship with the strange worms. The latter were unaffected by the sounds and only consumed flesh and blood, while the blood dripping from the corpses nourished the grass clusters.
Fortunately, the Ghost Whistle Grass Clusters' abilities were soul-based, which Oboro could counter. The four of them passed through without major incident.
Moving further, they finally saw herds of beasts active in the oasis.
These creatures were similar to the life forms in the desert; they did not involve bizarre phenomena or rules, only being large in size and resembling creatures within human comprehension. At least, Oboro had seen them in illustrations from the original work, and they were likely some of the more common and widely distributed species in the Dark Continent.
There were dinosaurs with two horns, herds of elephants with ears like prayer mats, and sharp-toothed seals that would be more fitting in the ocean... Oboro's team of four was drawn by the commotion of the herds. As soon as they appeared, they saw a seal firmly biting a dinosaur and slowly swallowing it.
The seal was ten times the size of the dinosaur.
And that dinosaur had originally been chasing the elephant herd...
In the Dark Continent, the appearance of creatures and their adapted environments were unpredictable.
Human common sense was useless here.
The four did not act rashly. Oboro observed quietly for several hours and found that this area was the most active region in the oasis so far. This indicated that there were no life forms with destructive powers like the treants, elves, or grass clusters, making it relatively safe.
Of course, 'safe' here did not include the bloody feast that was unfolding; it was the true face of the food chain.
The ground trembled incessantly. Various species emerged one after another, hunting the food they desired... The constant roars made Menchi and the other two's hearing almost go deaf. They found it difficult to adapt.
Chaos and intensity.
After observing for several hours, Oboro keenly noticed that no matter how these life forms fought, they deliberately avoided a certain type of plant, seemingly unwilling to damage it. It was a winding, twisting plant, like a vine, that stood upright on the ground without any support. It also had leaves, and when small, injured creatures approached, the branches and leaves would actively secrete droplets of sweet dew for them to lick.
And after consuming the vine's liquid, the creatures' injuries healed rapidly.
For smaller creatures, about the size of humans, the leaves would actively curl up and enclose them.
Like a small house.
After the fighting in the vicinity ended, the creatures hidden inside were released.
"Amazing..."
Oboro realized with a start.
The Dark Continent had a unique environment. While large life forms could hunt smaller creatures, smaller creatures could also seek refuge by utilizing external resources. Every creature had its own way of survival, and this vine, for the creatures of the oasis, seemed to be a 'rescue station,' capable of saving lives in critical moments. Moreover, the special scent emitted by the vine itself was almost unbearable to some larger species.
Even when the branches and leaves of some vines were occupied, the subsequent smaller creatures would 'politely' seek out other available 'rooms.'
"Found it."
Oboro smiled.
This was simply the best 'shelter.'
Firstly, there were no supernatural life forces here. What existed was only the chaos between predators and prey. Although still fraught with danger, it was the best situation for the four of them. Both large and small creatures were present, providing a natural training ground for Menchi and the other two to hone their skills.
Secondly, the oasis was not smaller in area than the desert, but the difficulty of traversing it was greater... It took them over half a year to leave the desert, and this oasis would likely take even longer.
He himself didn't mind, but for Menchi and the other two, they wouldn't be able to endure it.
Then, before Menchi and the other two could react, the captain suddenly shot into the air like a rocket. Utilizing his terrifying jumping ability, he joined the chaotic battle among the beasts.
Initially, no creature paid attention to this minuscule life form.
But when Oboro deactivated 'Zetsu,' instantly, the various creatures that had been fighting and tearing at each other stopped their actions simultaneously, their gazes converging on the inconspicuous black dot on the ground.
"Natural instinct..."
Oboro smiled slightly.
The food chain in this area alone had its own unique balance and had become the norm.
And when a more powerful life form suddenly appeared, disrupting this food chain, all the creatures in the chain reacted in one way: 'flee!'
Because... a new order was about to be established here.
Boom!
The sky-shattering black mist exploded and spread like a virus.
At this moment, the sea-beast, as large as a mountain, roared in terror and scuttled clumsily, even abandoning the half-eaten dinosaur carcass.
The elephant herds scattered like startled birds.
A giant white centipede desperately burrowed into the earth, trying to escape underground.
However, it was all in vain.
Wherever the ghost fog passed, life was extinguished.
The centipede had barely inserted its head into a crack in the ground when the black mist and ghosts engulfed its body. When the mist dissipated, it lay motionless, forever frozen in that posture.
"Captain... is too strong. He evolves every day... he never stops."
To Menchi and the other two, this scene was undoubtedly incredibly shocking.
The beast herd, chaotic and restless moments ago, filled the heavens and earth, showcasing tenacious vitality... The next moment, it was as if a switch had been flipped, and a deathly silence fell. Those vibrant lives, regardless of size, vanished before their eyes so quickly...
"He belongs here."
Menchi added.
After so much time, the three had a good understanding of Oboro's abilities.
As long as he absorbed souls, Oboro could become infinitely stronger.
A moment later, the black mist dissipated, leaving behind corpses everywhere.
"There's no danger now... Come out."
Within the hearts of the three, Oboro's laughter echoed.
After a while, the four of them stood beneath a vine that stood upright, growing straight towards the sky.
Looking up, the plant's height rivaled that of a large building.
Before Oboro and the three could act, a vine, along with its leaves, actively lowered itself. As if sensing Anthony's injury, it gently wrapped around him and enveloped him.
"Don't be nervous."
Seeing his uneasy expression, Oboro comforted him.
After just a few minutes, the branches and leaves lowered and unfurled again. Anthony, with an incredulous expression, landed on his feet and looked at his severed arm.
The arm that Menchi had cut off had regrown.
This sight made Menchi and Gebuwich gasp with their mouths wide open.
"It seems not all powers in the Dark Continent are malicious..."
Oboro reaffirmed his thoughts and said calmly, "Let's make this our base for now... You two should also rest well. I'll stand guard outside."
As he spoke, new branches and leaves lowered, reaching for Menchi and Gebuwich.
A branch also moved towards Oboro, but he dodved it.
He apparently didn't need healing...
Although the nearby life forms had been temporarily eliminated, it didn't mean absolute safety. This area was vast, and other creatures could appear at any moment. Moreover, it was the same principle as his arrival. The stability of this food chain was temporary; once a more powerful life form intruded, it would become problematic.
"Captain... you..."
Gebuwich, who had been unusually quiet since Fant and Rita's deaths, looked at Oboro, wanting to say something but hesitating.
"It's okay... I'm in good condition."
Oboro knew what he wanted to say.
The branches and leaves of this vine formed a 'small room.' By knocking forcefully on the leaves, they would actively expand and release whatever was inside. If left undisturbed, people could stay inside indefinitely. According to Anthony's description, the leaves secreted a liquid that would immerse and repair the body. The temperature inside the leaves was also very suitable.
At the same time, it released a gas beneficial to life.
"Healing ability. Its method of feeding... is it by consuming 'pain'...? Or perhaps by harvesting joy?" Oboro walked to the base of the vine and touched the plant, guessing.
The soul network of this vine gave him a warm, pure feeling.
...
Inside the leaf room, Gebuwich awoke from the liquid covering his body. It was magical; even lying in the liquid, he could breathe without any discomfort.
This was because a certain gas within the room was very concentrated, able to penetrate the liquid and permeate his body.
And once he recovered, the liquid in the room would automatically disappear, leaving it dry.
He only needed to knock firmly on the leaf to leave.
But he didn't. Instead, he took out a diary.
This diary was very special. It wasn't for recording the team's experiences in the Dark Continent or documenting species and information.
This was his personal diary.
'Today is May 18th. Under the Captain's leadership, we finally overcame numerous dangers and reached a 'safe zone' in the oasis. Calling it safe is relative; for myself, Menchi, and Anthony, it remains a death arena. Of course, with the Captain here, everything becomes different...'
'The Captain is still so powerful... He is always a symbol of strength, both in ability and will. Sometimes I even wonder how he does it, being only a few years older than me... Heh.'
'In the human world, everyone who knew the Captain perceived him as cold, terrifying, unfathomable, and ruthless... But as time went on, I realized it wasn't like that... He cares about us deeply, but he doesn't say it. His actions speak for themselves. In unfamiliar environments and unknown dangers, he is always at the forefront... He never shows fear or panic in front of us. He bears everything he can, and I don't regret following him to the Dark Continent. He allowed me to meet the most interesting group of people in my life.'
'There's a wondrous plant growing here that can heal all flesh wounds. Thanks to this new discovery, we can finally relax a bit. The Captain has designated this place as our base. I believe what awaits the three of us next will be a long and arduous period of training and refinement. But I don't resist it; instead, I look forward to it... I will definitely work hard, strive with all my might, because I never want to lose another companion.'
'The Captain hasn't accepted treatment... The disaster back then left shocking scars on his face and body. He possesses the means to absorb life energy but has never used it. I think... he treats these scars as a warning, a reminder not to forget, and also a way to commemorate Fant and Rita. Although the Captain has never mentioned Fant and Rita since then, and we have all consciously avoided talking about them... in our hearts, everyone remembers.'
Midway through writing, Gebuwich took out something from his backpack: a crumpled pack of cigarettes.
Fant used to smoke them often.
'Uncle Fant, when the Captain wasn't around, it was often you who stepped up to protect us... And I am growing too, becoming stronger. One day, I will become a true man like you! As for Brother Anthony and Sister Menchi, don't worry, I will take care of them and protect them.'
'Rita... don't worry. When I return from the Dark Continent, I will definitely visit your hometown and donate a large sum of money to ensure everyone lives a good life. Also, about that thing you said on the ship... you were right. Haha... you truly understand the Captain the best. He is a man we all admire. His words will definitely come true. We all believe this.'
With a rustling sound, Gebuwich finished writing in his notebook and smiled.
Then, his expression changed. He put away the diary and returned to his usual cold demeanor.
After composing himself, he knocked firmly on a leaf, and it detached, falling to the ground.
"The exploration ends here. From now on, the three of you will gradually adapt to the food chain and environment here, learning to fight the surrounding life forms independently. Before that, let's scout the surrounding area."
Oboro looked at the three, who had regained their composure, and said softly, "Setting aside Nen cultivation, here, it's closer to the source of life energy... I will also guide you and change your way of thinking and perception, familiarizing you with the diversity of life energy... With this vine here, you can fight with peace of mind, but if you encounter bizarre phenomena or rules, remember to evade immediately."
"This process will be incredibly long..."
After Oboro finished speaking, seeing no wavering in the three's eyes, they nodded. "Let's begin."
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