"The surrounding magic energy index continues to decline. We have left the living magic patrol range. Cave 122 serves as a rest area for testing purposes. Proceeding there to recuperate is recommended."
Following No. 17, they ran into a small cave measuring less than ten square meters. It was utterly bare. Aside from a weather-beaten leather boot lying on an old, empty bedroll, Tang saw nothing else.
Heaven knew what had happened to the boot's owner. Judging by the accumulated dust, it had been a very long time. Even if they had died in some unknown corner, their remains would have become unidentifiable bones by now.
Tang could only offer a silent Good luck before letting out a breath, still panting.
"Finally shook it off."
As he recalled what had happened a short while ago, his doubts refused to fade.
"But why was that thing chasing us so relentlessly?"
When the Living Magic first discovered them, Tang had thought its pursuit was mere coincidence. Then he realized it seemed drawn to something, chasing them without pause and spreading its body as though it meant to engulf all three of them.
Only then had Tang played a song, casting [Mighty Step] while granting them [Poet's Inspiration], allowing them to escape swiftly with a burst of adrenaline-
Being struck by the Rainbow-Light Pseudopod would, at worst, be like having two Fireballs explode right in front of them.
But if they were completely enveloped in rainbow light, they would suffer the combined damage of all seven intertwined colors at once. The magic stored within that radiance could easily blast a person to pieces.
Fortunately, as a Mud Monster, it moved slowly. The only one it could catch was Dwarf, making a straightforward retreat the best way out of danger. Shalti answered thoughtfully:
"I