Frenzied vegetation, a muddy environment, and a nature that seemed to devour everything. This was the dreadful Ndipaya Rotten Swamp. Instead of calling it a swamp, it was more appropriate to call it a wetland. The average water level here was less than a metre, but some areas were as deep as 2-3 metres, while others could only submerge the soles of one's feet. Dead swamps that could drown a person were scattered all over the water, making it impossible to distinguish. Massive amounts of reeds, wild agaric, ledum, blueberries, calamus, moss, peat moss and velvet algae were scattered all over the place.
Most of the creatures here were swarms of mosquitoes, gadflies and gnats. When they flew, they hummed like dark clouds blotting out the sun. If a creature of the jungle accidentally stumbled into this place, they would be sucked dry within hours, leaving only skin and bones! Of course, once one fell into the water, the odour of sweat and blood would diffuse into the surroundings. Leeches in the water would immediately flock over.
Although the water here appeared clear, most of it was actually replenished by the rainfall from the sky. The vegetation here constantly multiplied, grew and died, producing methane gas and toxins that accumulated in the water. According to Sheyan's estimations, even if a valiant contestant mistakenly drank this water, it wouldn't be fatal. Vomiting and diarrhoea, cholera, malaria, gastritis and even duodenal ulcers were unavoidable …...
Moreover, the Ndipaya people resided in such an incomparably vile place. They used special wood to construct buildings in the wetland, and even grasped extremely advanced construction techniques. Apart from that, they had already lived in this unique region for thousands of years. Hence, they had already become a part of this swamp, and were inextricably linked to this place.
To traverse through this place, the best tool was a hovercraft with a humongous fan on its back and a spacious bottom. It could travel at a speed not inferior to that of a motorcycle. Of course, it was impossible to get such an advanced thing in the swamp at this time. Other than that, there was also the kind of canoe that the aborigines used fire to break tree trunks and dug out grooves to make. Such a wooden canoe could roughly carry 3 people, and could easily capsize.
Sheyan, of course, still remembered that he had three Overlord eggs, but when he wanted to use them, he found that the use of these eggs was still restricted in this place. Although the storyline world didn't state the difficulty of this hidden world, but according to Sheyan's inference, it should be at least 'A' difficulty! Back in the Lord of the Rings world, this thing couldn't be used, so it was normal for it to be restricted.
Left without a choice, Sheyan could only allow the natives to cut wood and build boats. Fortunately, the construction of these canoes was extremely simple and quick. At this moment, Mbenga awoke. After learning that their destination was the Ndipaya lair, he didn't speak much. Instead, he remained dazed for a brief moment, before shaking his head and sighing. Then, he extended his hand for more wine.
With the trio's assistance, constructing 7-8 canoes didn't require much time. In order to subdue these aboriginals, they had to display their powerful strength. Previously, they had already rewarded them. Now was the time to establish their might and give these aboriginals some confidence.
The natives, who were in a primitive and ignorant state, worshipped power the most. When they saw that their employer was so powerful, they naturally became more confident. After arriving here, some of the natives started to congregate and discuss. Mbenga silently drank his wine for a while, before plotting out a route with them.
According to Mbenga, the Ndipaya tribe that resided here was usually extremely lax. Due to hunting for food and harvesting vegetation, they would usually congregate 20-30 individuals to survive. Mbenga told Sheyan that the last time he entered this place was a long, long time ago. Truthfully speaking, he was completely clueless about the situation inside. Therefore, it was better for them to attempt a sneak attack, and capture some survivors to interrogate.
Truthfully speaking, Mbenga's words were reasonable. Yet Sheyan understood that this was actually a test for him. If a person who coveted the secret of the 'Stairway of the Sun' couldn't even deal with a Ndipaya commoner gathering point, then he should just wash up and sleep early!
Initially, Sheyan wanted to probe the foundations of the Ndipaya barbarians and test out their depths. Advancing step by step was his objective. Therefore, he agreed to this plan. Thus, they rode the canoes into the depths of the swamp.
*****
"Hualala, hualala …"
The sound of splashing water echoed through the night, sounding monotonous, mysterious and rhythmic. Sheyan's current title of 'Pirate Captain' was similarly useful in these wetlands. Following the route pointed out by Mbenga, they swiftly approached a small scale Ndipaya settlement.
The night in the swamp wasn't tranquil. Whether it was Cadaveric Toads, Poison Dart Frogs or Water Scorpions, they were all creatures that were adept at using sound to attract the opposite sex. Their cries could make one dizzy. Outside, these creatures would at least pause for a moment when they sensed a human approaching. But here, the closer one approached, the more excited they became. At this moment, Sheyan began to feel that having a guide was a wise decision. Otherwise, just by relying on the vile and complex geography of the wetland, one would definitely feel dizzy and disoriented, or at least waste a lot of time!
To them, time was undoubtedly the most precious thing! None other than
Ahead of them was the unique architecture of the Ndipaya barbarians. This architecture was similar to a stilt house, with long wooden legs piercing deep into the water as a foundation to support the house. The floor of the house was 2-3 metres above the water's surface. Inside, a thick layer of dried grass was laid down, allowing one to sleep comfortably. Of course, the roof was laid with another type of grass, which could be used to weave straw hats and straw raincoats.
There were also wooden stakes around the house. On top of the wooden stakes, there were totems or bison skulls stained with blood. It looked particularly barbaric and primitive. There were also some crisscrossing straw ropes tied above the wooden stakes. On top of the wooden stakes, there were some dried prey, and the smell was unpleasant. The entire architecture and its surroundings were dyed with a greyish atmosphere, causing it to feel exceptionally stifling.
Sheyan glanced at Mogensha. Mogensha's current ability had advanced yet again, allowing him to scan with infrared rays from afar through his rifle scope. With this, he could easily discover traces of enemies.
Brother Black raised his AK, squinting his eyes as he carefully observed. Then, he swiftly gestured with his hand, before gesturing with a '3'.
"8 of us." Sheyan instantly understood Mogensha's intentions, as he and Reef both stood up from the canoe. This wasn't his first time entering a high difficulty world. In fact, the Lord of the Rings world was an exceedingly perilous experience for him.
Sheyan reckoned that at least in the outer regions of this hidden world, the enemies wouldn't pose a threat of instant annihilation. Moreover, there was the existence of the freakish 'Life-link' ability. Furthermore, it was to boost the confidence of the natives, as well as to express that he didn't intend to use them as cannon fodder (Actually, that was Sheyan's intention). Therefore, Sheyan decided to test the waters with Reef for this battle.
Following that, Brother Black transmitted back the information he had obtained.
These guys were actually named: Ndipaya Outer Regions Barbarians.
The rest of the information was as follows:???
Sheyan knew this was probably due to the suppression of this world's difficulty. Back in the Lord of the Rings world, such a situation had occurred as well. Therefore, he wasn't too surprised.
Muffled gunshots resounded in a flash. Probably due to a Ndipaya barbarian waking up in the middle of the night to relieve himself, he staggered to the side of the canoe with drowsy eyes, and attempted to pour his piss on Sheyan's head. Hence, Sheyan's plan was forced to be brought forward.
Upon noticing the stealthily infiltrating Sheyan's group, that Ndipaya barbarian opened his mouth to shout in astonishment. Instead, a malicious bullet had already lodged itself into his mouth.
Following that, Sheyan dashed forward. Amidst the twinkle of a deep-blue saber, his saber had already cleaved into the barbarian's throat. Instantly, a mournful gash of blood appeared! Instead, Sheyan could sense that the skin of that Ndipaya barbarian was exceptionally tough, unlike that of a human. If not, that saber would've effortlessly beheaded him!
While the Ndipaya barbarian was scrambling to escape, Reef abruptly raised his shield and dashed forward. This was the first time Sheyan witnessed a Growth-hunter like Reef in action. After his shield collided against the Ndipaya barbarian, the Ndipaya barbarian instantly tumbled to the ground. His throat gurgled but no sound could be heard. He should've entered a stunned state.
Seizing the opportunity, Sheyan viciously slashed twice, causing blood to splatter all over the barbarian's body. When that Ndipaya barbarian finally regained his balance and crawled back up, his life was already in imminent danger. With a single kick from Sheyan, the barbarian was sent flying, crashing through a simple wooden wall and landing into the water. Seizing the opportunity, Mogensha followed up with a volley of bullets, as large clumps of blood churned out from the water. Instantly, the trio received a notification.
[You have slain a Ndipaya barbarian.]
[Do you wish to activate the milestone 'Invaders' – Slay 10 Ndipaya barbarians?]
[Warning: If you are unable to complete this milestone within the duration of your stay in this world, you will receive a punishment – a random milestone title will be erased.]
At present, Sheyan unhesitatingly chose to accept. Just by clearing out this village, they could eliminate 8 barbarians. Hence, they could easily amass 10 barbarians. Based on the current situation, the Ndipaya barbarians didn't possess formidable combat prowess. Instead, according to the information he obtained from Little Lord Fokke, they should be capable of unleashing curses or diseases that were extremely troublesome to deal with. (To be continued.) If you like this work, I welcome you to donate your recommendation votes or monthly votes to * * (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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