Predation and Inspiration

Xia Lin's "monster army" of skeletons, animals, and golems had nobly fulfilled its mission at the greenhouse entrance. As their time ran out, they dissolved into motes of light or dust.

"Rest in peace, my gold coins," Xia Lin muttered mournfully.

Celia also released the injured sonic bees. Before letting them go, she thoughtfully healed their wounded wings with Divine Art. "Off you go, good little bees."

"Ready?" Xia Lin asked.

Everyone nodded.

Xia Lin took a deep breath and slashed through the vines tangled across the doorway. At last, the greenhouse interior lay before them.

For a moment, everyone froze.

Countless thick vines wove together overhead, forming an impenetrable dome. Enormous roots and tubers covered the ground, coiling around one another like snakes and constantly writhing.

Strangest of all, every plant was "breathing."

Their stems swelled and contracted in rhythm like living lungs. With every breath, they released clouds of pink spores.

"Iomedae above—" Kade's voice shook.

Swish, swish, swish!

A dozen or more vines suddenly lashed at them from the side.

Information flashed through Xia Lin's eyes:

[Mutant Vine Whipper]

[Plant, Level 7]

[Status: Overbred, energy overloaded]

[Note: This creature has been "watered" with high-level Life Energy, causing excessive reproduction. Energy source: extremely chaotic and vibrant. Warning: This creature's reproductive drive is out of control.]

"Fuck." Xia Lin's face darkened. "They're all like this!"

Sera had already raised her staff. "Less talk! Fireball!"

Boom!

Flames erupted inside the greenhouse. The flesh-colored tendrils shrieked in the heat, twisting as they turned to charcoal.

But more vines surged in from every direction.

"Hold the line!" Kade charged to the front, sweeping his shield across one vine after another.

Xia Lin swung his flaming sword, severing the tendrils that tried to ensnare his teammates. Every strike brought a foul