Chapter 301: Stream?

Eventually, the dense scarlet vegetation surrounding them began to thin. The crimson branches overhead gradually separated, allowing more vermilion illumination to spill across the forest floor. Surprisingly, the air also grew cooler, carrying a refreshing dampness that had been absent beneath the thicker sections of the canopy.

Beneath the familiar fragrance of leaves and damp earth, another scent gradually emerged, like a breath of fresh air after a long confinement: the clean, mineral-rich smell of flowing water.

In a place as corrupted and inhospitable as the Nether Lands, such a fragrance was utterly incongruous. Its freshness seemed almost unnatural, sending a subtle jolt of surprise through the group.

The sensation reminded them of the waterfall near the Drake’s cave. After all, if there was anywhere in the Nether Lands they could describe as picturesque, it was that particular location, with its magnificent cascade, crystal-clear lake, and scenery that seemed almost too beautiful to belong in a land inhabited by monsters.

Yet, remarkably, they had not even seen this new source of water, and their enhanced sense of smell had already detected its presence.

Regaleon lifted his head slightly, his golden eyes narrowing as he listened. Beneath the rustling of leaves and the occasional creaking of branches, a faint rushing sound had begun to emerge. It was distant, certainly, but unmistakable. Something was flowing nearby, and the steady rhythm suggested that it was considerably larger than a mere trickle.

Before Regaleon could voice his thoughts, Kaeloris beat him to it. "Is that water?"

The failed Gnost sounded genuinely surprised, his curiosity momentarily overpowering the usual caution with which he approached unfamiliar surroundings.

His reaction was hardly unwarranted. The group had spent an entire week scavenging and hunting throughout the Scarlet Canopy, yet the only substantial source of water they had encountered was the lake formed beneath the waterfall near the Drake’s cave.

Consequently, even the possibility of discovering another water source was enough to excite them.

After all, discoveries did not always have to involve ancient mysteries, forgotten civilisations, or relics of immense historical significance.

Sometimes, something as seemingly ordinary as finding a stream in an unexpected location could be equally remarkable, particularly when its existence contradicted everything one had come to expect from the surrounding environment.

Aelric glanced over his shoulder. "No. It’s not water... It’s sand."

There was an unmistakable hint of sarcasm in his response, accompanied by a faint trace of lingering irritation. The group immediately recognised the tone. Apparently, their earlier display of suspicion and incessant questioning had not been entirely forgiven.

Regaleon almost smiled.

If Aelric believed that discovering another source of water was sufficient compensation for dragging them this far into the forest, he was mistaken.

As surprising as the discovery might be, it was hardly enough to justify the journey, especially considering that the group had already encountered something considerably more impressive near the Drake’s cave.

Fortunately, before anyone could offer a sarcastic retort of their own, Aelric pushed through a final cluster of crimson fronds and stepped into an opening.

The others followed.

Immediately, the sound of rushing water became louder and more distinct, filling the air with a steady, soothing roar. However, it was the sight before them that truly captured their attention.

A broad, pristine stream stretched across the landscape, its clear waters flowing steadily over a bed of smooth stones. It was considerably wider than an ordinary woodland brook, spanning enough distance for two kayaks to travel side by side with ample room for a canoe between them.

Its surface rippled beneath the gentle current, reflecting the crimson canopy in broken patterns of red and gold. The water was astonishingly transparent, allowing them to distinguish the pale stones beneath its surface, their smooth contours softened by the constant passage of the current.

In terms of purity, the only comparable body of water they had encountered was the lake formed by the waterfall near the Drake’s cave.

Tiny fish darted between the submerged rocks, their scales flashing whenever they crossed a shaft of vermilion light. Like much of the vegetation surrounding them, the fish possessed reddish hues, although their colouring was considerably more natural and subdued. Rather than appearing grotesque or monstrous, they looked remarkably ordinary, almost resembling the sort of fish one might find in a peaceful woodland stream.

Their presence created a peculiar contrast with the Nether Lands’ reputation.

Near the banks, slender aquatic plants swayed beneath the water, their crimson fronds bending with the current without breaking free from the riverbed. There was no visible sediment clouding the stream, nor any trace of the foul residue they had encountered elsewhere in the Nether Lands.

The water possessed a clarity that seemed almost unnatural. Its immaculate surface reflected the surrounding foliage so perfectly that the forest appeared to continue beneath their feet, creating the illusion of a second world concealed beneath the first.

"What the hell?"

Valmyr gaped as he followed the stream with his eyes, seemingly attempting to locate its source. Unfortunately, as far as he could see, there was nothing but water stretching across the landscape.

Indeed, calling it a stream seemed somewhat inappropriate. Considering its considerable width, length, and steady volume, it would have been more accurate to describe it as a river.

The distinction was not lost on the others.

Caelestra stood near the bank, studying the water with an expression of quiet fascination. Kaeloris, meanwhile, seemed particularly interested in the aquatic vegetation, his scholarly instincts already searching for explanations concerning the unusual purity of the water.

Even Aureleah’s attention lingered on the river longer than usual.

For a brief moment, the group seemed to have forgotten that they were standing in the middle of the Nether Lands. The tranquil scenery possessed an almost disarming quality, and the gentle movement of the water offered a welcome contrast to the constant tension that accompanied their journey.

Unfortunately, Aelric had little intention of allowing them to admire it indefinitely.

"Are you coming with me, or are you more interested in staring at the water?"

His voice successfully snapped them out of their reverie.

They turned towards him, only to discover that he had already begun walking in the direction followed by the river.

The watercourse continued towards their right, following the natural contours of the land before disappearing behind a dense stretch of crimson vegetation. To their left, however, the terrain gradually rose, forming a rocky embankment partially concealed by moss and trailing plants.

The rushing sound they had heard while approaching seemed to originate from somewhere beyond it and Aelric was heading in that direction.

The group exchanged uncertain glances, curiosity and apprehension mingling in their expressions. Although they still had no idea what the green-eyed youth intended to show them, the discovery of the river had already made them considerably more interested in following his lead.

One by one, they moved away from the bank and followed him towards the rocky embankment.

The terrain became increasingly uneven as they approached its base. Exposed stones protruded from the reddish soil, while crimson roots clung to the rocky surface, forming natural handholds. The ascent was not particularly difficult, although the dampness required them to watch their footing carefully.

As they climbed, the vegetation gradually gave way to patches of exposed stone. The rushing sound grew louder with every step until it seemed to fill the entire forest, its deep, continuous roar reverberating through the surrounding terrain.

At last, Aelric reached the summit and he stepped aside, allowing the others to approach.

One by one, the group emerged onto the rocky ledge, and the moment they saw what lay before them, their jaws dropped so hard that they might as well have scattered across the ground...