HP: A Sociopath Gamer In Magic World [ Chapter 27: Pathfinder! ] (Patreon)
Content
"Sqee? Sqee sqee ee?" it seemed to be asking unsurely, and perhaps a little hopeful.
"Sorry, I can't understand you?" I said gesturing with my other hand.
"Sqeee…" it said looking down, before it flinched and held its leg. Looking up it gave me a tear-filled look, "Sqee, sqeeee Sqee?"
Times like this, I really wished there was a subtitle option available, but there wasn't. I already checked the menu window. Still the game decided to intervene at this time.
[A quest has been created]
[Pathfinder]
[A young gnome has requested for your help in returning to her village. The jungle is filled with many hungry predators who would enjoy making a meal of an injured gnome. Only a cold-hearted bastard would refuse a quest from such a cute creature.
Completion Award: 1000 EXP
Fauna Journal
Completion Failure: Enemy of the Gnomes.]
While the experience wasn't that much, the fauna journal did catch my interest. Unlike the zombie dungeon which was mostly empty, this dungeon had a number of resources. I recognized many of the plants that I passed from my potion's book, meaning that this entire jungle was filled with potion ingredients.
"Fine, I'll help you," I said with a nod before standing up.
It seemed to have understood me as it gave a joyous squeal. It then used one of its hands to point in the direction of its village. I collected its leaf pack that seemed to contain something heavy. She hugged it like her life depended on it and seemed to almost be afraid of letting it go.
I jumped down to the ground and made a note of where I was for future reference.
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With the gnome acting as the guide, the trip went relatively smooth except for a few minor hiccups involving a curtain of vines that turned out to be some sort of snake-plant hybrid.
Along the way I collect different potion ingredients, at least the ones I was able to remember. The gnome didn't look too pleased at my destruction of nature as it crossed its arms and puffed up its cheeks trying to look mad.
Rolling my eyes, I scanned the area and located a plant with blueish green leaves and chewed some of the leaves until it was mush. I then took it out of my mouth and applied the paste on the gnome's leg.
At first it looked disgusted at my actions, but quickly realized that the pain in her leg had lessened.
What I had just applied was paste made from a plant whose leaf carried a strong numbing agent. My mouth felt a tingly sensation, but it quickly disappeared as [Gamer's Body] took care of the effects.
After that, there were no longer any complaints, with the gnome occasionally pointing out other medical plants.
We reached a raging river about 40 feet wide.
"Sqee?"
"Yeah, yeah, I can see the water."
The force of the current was too much for me to swim across even with my strength, so that only left flying over it.
Stepping back, I took a running start then used all of my strength to jump, making it a 3/4 of the way there. Just as I was going to touch the water, I used [Flying] in a short burst to send me up in a small arc.
Reaching the other end, I was greeted with a new message.
[A skill has been created through a special action.]
[Double Jump] has been created.
[Double Jump] (Active) LV 1 EXP: 0.0%
[Description: It's me, the most iconic power of video game history. This will allow you to gain some extra height as you can create a temporary platform to kick off in mid-air. Number of platforms you can create before you need to touch a solid surface is 1.
Cost: 5 MP]
"Useful," I thought.
I tested it out by jumping up slightly and activating it. Immediately a small glass platform formed under my feet which shattered into nothing as soon as I kicked off again.
This would certainly be more cost effective than using [Flying] to reach higher places.
The gnome girl looked curious and awestruck, waving its hands excitedly.
Nothing more happened as we quickly reached the base of a hill that had a grove of venomous tentacula growing around it, acting as a natural defense against predators.
Using a combination of [Double Jump] and [Flying] I cleared this obstacle easily.
At the top of the hill was a cluster of large trees planted in a circle.
When we neared it, we were met with a squad of gnomes all brandishing spears and bows. I stayed a respectful distance away from them as I placed the gnome girl on the ground.
They didn't lower their weapons until an older looking gnome with a white beard and purple pointed hat burst forward and embraced the girl. It must have been the girl's father I realized.
They talked in rapid squeaks, with the girl occasionally pointing to me.
[Quest: Pathfinder] Complete!
[You earned 1,000 Experience.]
[You obtained the item Fauna Journal.]
The aged gnome stepped forward and squeaked out something that must have been thanks to it bowing to me.
I was led to the village.
"Observe."
[The Last Gnome Village
Description: This is the last known village of the gnomes. This once peaceful race of creatures has been hunted to near extinction by the inhabitants of the dungeon causing them to be weary of outsiders. They have built their village around a spirit stone which houses a dormant spirit that exhibits an aura of protection, keeping enemies at bay. This village works tirelessly to produce a mysterious honey like substance called Life Nectar, which they sacrifice a portion to the spirit stone.]