Chapter 42
The valley was shrouded in mist before dawn.
Seed 237 and Sprout 12 are lurking at a water vein node, preparing to destroy the monitoring seed pods that the Dark Root forces have just planted.
However, they did not expect that the patrolling root beasts of the Dark Root had already laid an ambush.
The root beast's vine whips tore through the mist, its sharp roots seemingly carrying venom.
Sprout 12 acted decisively, releasing her unique "Freedom Pod Net," weaving rapidly moving vines across the battlefield to intercept attacks.
Sprout 12 (urgently):
"237, don't fight back! Retreat to the west ditch first!"
Seed 237 nodded, intending to do as instructed, but just as he was about to move, the whispers of the shadow parasite suddenly invaded his consciousness:
Shadow Parasite (cold voice):
"Is she directing you?...No, she's controlling you."
If you follow her lead, you are relinquishing control.
To win, you must take the lead—eliminate all obstacles in your path!
Black mist surged, invading his eyes. Instantly, 237's arm transformed into a barbed whip, lashing forward fiercely.
However, the attack did not hit the Root Beast, but instead swept straight towards Sprout 12's protective circle.
"Bang!"
Sprout 12's vines were shattered instantly, and she was knocked back several steps, green juice spilling from her mouth.
Sprout 12 (shocked):
"237...what...what are you doing?!"
Seed237 was stunned, its eyes struggling between the black mist and clarity.
Seed 237 (Pain):
"I...I didn't mean to!"
Shadow Parasite (Grinning):
"Not on purpose? But her eyes have changed."
Did you see that? That's doubt, that's fear.
Do you think you can erase it all with just a "it wasn't intentional"?
Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Root Beast pounced. Sprout 12, enduring her injuries, swiftly counterattacked, severing it with a shimmering "Freedom Pod Rope." But she didn't look back at 237; instead, she coldly said:
Sprouts 12:
"Next time... if you can't be sure who's controlling you, don't fight alongside me."
Her voice wasn't accusing, but rather conveyed a profound sense of disappointment.
Seed 237 trembled all over, and the remaining black mist in his hand slowly dissipated, but he felt a pain heavier than any wound.
The shadowy creature in his heart let out a low laugh, as if planting the first real crack.
The night was as dark as ink, and the distant mountains were swallowed up by thick, dark clouds.
Sprout 12 carried out the task of severing the third tributary of the water vein alone. Her "free pods" intertwined in the dark strata, but she did not notice the subtle tremors in the surrounding soil.
—Hiss hiss hiss.
Several black roots emerged from the ground and suddenly coiled around her legs and waist like venomous snakes.
Sprout 12 reacted instantly, releasing its pods to sever several vine tendrils, but the next second, a root beast war puppet covered in iron crawled out of the mud, its immense weight pressing her down into the damp soil.
Sprout 12 (in a low voice):
"...Oh no, it's a trap."
She fought back desperately, but as she was suppressed, more Dark Root soldiers burst out of the ground and completely trapped her with "blockade pods".
In the distance, Seed 237 was attracted by the abnormal fluctuations in the water veins.
He saw Sprout 12 being dragged by the Dark Root forces towards the underground abyss, and his chest tightened suddenly.
Seed 237 (inner voice):
"No...I have to save her!"
But before they could take a single step, the black mist reappeared.
The voice of the Shadow Parasite carried a deep, seductive quality:
Shadow Parasite:
"You want to save her? She just questioned you and almost abandoned you."
Think about it, what would you gain if she fell into enemy hands?
—Only when the hidden roots' attention is drawn to her will you have the opportunity to grow freely.
Abandon her; she is your 'shield.'
Seed 237 clenched its fists, and green sap seeped from its knuckles due to excessive force.
Seed 237 (gritting his teeth):
"Shut up... She's an ally, not a sacrifice!"
Shadow Parasite (sneer):
"Companion? Ha, her eyes said it all when you injured her."
She no longer trusts you. She only harbors suspicion.
Why save someone who might betray you at any moment?
Seed 237 (roaring):
"shut up!!"
At this moment, Sprout 12 was struggling underground. Her voice was suppressed by the soil, but it still came through clearly:
Bean sprouts 12 (urgent):
"237! If you still believe me... now!!"
At that moment, in Seed237's mind, the shadow parasite's cold laughter and Sprout12's urgent shouts intertwined, almost tearing his consciousness apart.
Option 1: Submit to the Shadow Parasite, let Sprout 12 be taken away, and exchange it for your absolute safety.
Option 2: Fight back against Dark Root and risk rescuing her, but the risk is that Shadow Parasite may completely erupt.
Seed 237's chest jolted violently, and in the next instant, his arm transformed into a double root whip, half black and half green, which plunged fiercely into the ground!
The soil shook violently, the Dark Root soldiers were forcibly thrown into the air, and some of the sealing pods burst on the spot.
Sprout 12 was so shocked that it spat out a mouthful of green blood mist, but for the first time, a complex wavering appeared in its eyes.
Sprout 12 (whispering to herself):
"...He is still fighting for me."
Meanwhile, the shadow parasitizing the heart of Seed 237 roared with deafening fury:
Shadow Parasite:
"Foolish!! You'll ruin yourself because of her!!"
The battle has officially entered the brink of spiraling out of control.
For the first time, the power of Seed 237 completely tore apart the boundary between darkness and light.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
