55: Poisoning

The Thunder Sword magic power on the tusk daggers was transferred to the two spiders, which were now enveloped in explosive magical energy.

With a gentle flick of my wrist, the two daggers flew back like homing swallows.

The two Phase Spiders shrieked in pain, their sharp cries piercing the night sky and echoing in my ears.

Just then, John and George's spears were about to strike the spiders' rear abdomens, but those were mere afterimages!

The two Phase Spiders activated their blink skill again, appearing behind us like ghosts.

"Crack-boom..."

A tremendous thunderous roar exploded behind us; the Thunder Sword's magical effect had taken hold! The two Phase Spiders, having moved more than five feet, suffered thunder damage again, and fine cracks appeared on parts of their exoskeletons.

Fiona, who had retreated to the side, cast a healing spell, remotely healing the fallen Black Little Leopard.

The Black Little Leopard, its minor injuries recovered, flipped over and stood up again.

In front of it, the one-legged Phase Spider, which Randall had pinned down with his body and shield, blinked again, appearing behind Randall and in front of me.

Just as its massive fangs lunged at me, the Black Little Leopard's figure flickered, leaping instantly from the void above the one-legged Phase Spider, landing precisely on the spider's back and pressing its body down.

Randall sprang up from the ground, knelt on one knee, and as he straightened his body, his right hand, gripping his greatsword, swung backward fiercely, the blade sweeping horizontally.

"Crack, crack, crack..."

The remaining six legs of this Phase Spider were all cleanly severed.

"Thud..."

The spider, having lost all eight of its long legs and with the Black Little Leopard still on its back, crashed down with a thud, kicking up a cloud of snow mist.

The Black Little Leopard's fangs bit tightly into its head, attacking the legless spider, which was completely defenseless.

Two Wild Dogs also rushed over, biting the trembling base of the spider's large legs and dragging it away.

After the Dragon King dealt with one spider, it soared into the air again, flying towards the Phase Spider behind us.

The spider in front of the Water Elemental was also smashed into a pile of mangled fragments by its water balls and ice blades.

Then, it also ran towards the Phase Spider behind us.

Randall twisted his body, raised his shield, and charged forward, heading straight for the only two remaining standing spiders on the field.

However, the joy of impending victory did not last long, "George! George is poisoned!" John's cry reached my ears.

George had unfortunately been bitten by a spider during the previous battle, and his face quickly turned ashen.

Fiona's remote healing spell glowed faintly on George's wound, but the poison continued to spread.

"Hmm, why isn't it working?" Fiona ran to George's side, quickly examined his wound, and frowned deeply, "This is a spider bite wound. Lilian, come take a look."

Lilian once again used water magic to treat the wound, "I still can't cure this poison." She also couldn't completely clear the strange toxin, and a look of helplessness appeared on her face.

Fiona said seriously, "I must find the nest of these Phase Spiders to see if I can find an antidote."

Lilian immediately turned and began to sing a song facing a Phase Spider.

It was the Forest Nymph's charm spell!

Ripples of faint light diffused through the air, a magnificent halo woven from magic and temptation.

Lilian's singing grew sweeter, each note like an invisible chain, tightly coiling around the Phase Spider's will.

Finally, as Lilian completed her last incantation, the Phase Spider's massive body trembled slightly, and a hint of daze flashed in its eyes.

It lowered its head, showing obedience to Lilian in an almost reverent posture.

For the next 12 hours, this Phase Spider would become Lilian's loyal companion, serving her unreservedly, whether it was traversing between reality and shadow to scout for enemies or acting as a powerful combat partner when necessary.

Lilian smiled as she gave the command, and this Phase Spider turned, joining Randall, the Water Elemental, and the Dragon King to attack the other, and final, hostile Phase Spider on the field.

Not long ago, the Black Little Leopard and its companions had dealt with the legless spider.

Soon, the battle ended.

Fiona examined the corpses of several Phase Spiders, then walked over to me with a frown and said, "Ryan, I just gave George an antidote, but it can't completely remove the toxin from his body.

Now, all I can do is alleviate his pain and extend his time. Lilian and I must go to the nest of these Phase Spiders. If we can bring back the correct antidote before dawn, George still has a chance."

"I'll go with you," I said firmly.

"My Lord, I will go for you!" Randall immediately said, "The Phase Spiders' nest is too dangerous! My Lord, stay at the camp and wait for our return."

"George was poisoned protecting me," I said with a firm tone, "and saving him is my responsibility as Lord."

Seeing my determination to go, Randall could no longer stop me, but he insisted on guarding me.

Finally, I decided that John would stay behind to look after George, and the Black Little Leopard and two Wild Dogs would stay to look after them and the four puppies.

During the battle just now, the four puppies had hidden inside the tent and were not harmed, though they were greatly frightened by the loud noise of my Thunderclap magic.

Afterward, I took out some food and had everyone preparing to depart eat something to fill their stomachs.

Then, I left the mist crystal at the camp, expanding the mist's coverage and setting up a mist defense maze for them.

As dusk deepened, the Water Elemental's figure slowly dissipated, and puddles of clear water on the ground bore witness to its fierce and brutal participation in the battle.

Lilian had the charmed Phase Spider lead the way, and our group advanced deeper into the forest.

The moonlight, like a cleansing wash, poured down, piercing through the gaps in the deep forest and gently scattering upon the pristine white snow.

As we delved into the profound woods, the night did not seem darker; instead, under the interplay of moon and snow, it was several shades brighter than any previous night.

Around us, occasional low chirps of nocturnal birds and strange insect sounds could be heard, these natural sounds infinitely amplified in the silent night.

The shadows between the trees seemed to conceal countless pairs of prying eyes, and every gust of wind felt as if unknown creatures were stirring in the darkness.

Fiona followed closely behind the Phase Spider, guiding the team forward with her keen senses; her eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, able to detect even the slightest imperceptible movement in the darkest corners.

As we delved deeper into the dense forest, the path became increasingly difficult.

Fiona and I navigated the various terrains of the forest with ease, yet Lilian and Randall were often hindered, slowing their progress.

Fiona had no choice but to slow down and guide everyone to avoid dangerous terrain.

Forest Nymphs are skilled at concealment and camouflage; they can use the forest environment to hide themselves and avoid detection by enemies.

As we went deeper, the atmosphere of the forest grew more oppressive, and an indescribable unease permeated the air.

Suddenly, a rapid rustling of branches broke the night's silence, followed by the appearance of several pairs of glowing green eyes in the darkness—they were several hungry forest beasts, silently closing in...