Global Fog Survival

Regional Channel, Current Population: 539

“Anyone near the Withered Woods? I made a big discovery! This is a great opportunity!”

Seeing this message, Colin perked up. He was almost certain the person was referring to the area at the foot of Crow Mountain where he had been yesterday. However, Colin decided not to respond and opted to observe quietly for now.

After this person spoke, others quickly followed in the chat channel: “I know that forest. I saw it yesterday, but I was too scared to go in. What did you find?”

“No wonder when I was chased by a few mutants, they stopped following me when I entered. I didn’t realize there was a boss in there…” someone said, relieved.

Colin scanned through and saw that around twenty people had either approached or entered that forest. This somewhat indicated that these people were not far from him.

“It seems that a region shouldn’t be too large. What about beyond the region?” Colin wondered. Then, he saw the person who initiated the conversation appear again.

“Check this out! [Glowstone] [Sunshine Mushroom]. Yesterday, I ventured into the forest and saw a collapsed open-air mine filled with these things. Unfortunately, I only managed to grab a bit before monsters showed up…”

Colin had seen Glowstone before. He curiously clicked on Sunshine Mushroom for a look: glowing white mushrooms growing together like long needles.

Note: Consuming it will dispel inner fear and provide a slight attribute boost. Contains trace toxins; overconsumption leads to adverse effects. [Hint: You seem to hear the mushrooms making a barely noticeable sound: Praise the Sun!]

[Consuming more than three portions daily causes involuntary praise of the sun. More than five portions daily result in temporary idiocy, only praising the sun. More than ten portions daily turns one into a glowing, sun-praising fool.]

This thing is dangerous. Colin shivered, sensing its sinister nature.

By now, the regional channel was buzzing with excitement over these items. The initiator continued: “I’m forming a team. Let’s gather in the morning, explore in the afternoon, and share the loot in the evening…”

“I’m interested, but how do we meet up? That forest seems big…”

“I’ll mark the perimeter. Follow the marks, and I’ll wait outside until noon.”

“How much blood do you have to wait that long?”

“No, you misunderstood. The mining area has no gray fog, so I can wait indefinitely.”

“Friendly warning, there’s a big monster in the forest. I saw it yesterday; its footprint is bigger than my entire body.”

“How can we trust that you won’t trick us? Why would someone share such a good thing?”

“Okay, the mine has some monsters. I can’t handle them alone. More people mean a better chance.

“As for that huge monster, I know about it. It’s pretty dumb. Stay in the mine area long enough, and it will leave. But I don’t know where it goes, so just escape the forest during that time.”

“Guys, I have a hunch the mine has something to permanently drive away the gray fog. You don’t want to carry a lantern forever, right?”

“Plus, this Glowstone can enchant weapons. It’s definitely good stuff.”

“Also, those who can’t even travel far, don’t bother joining.”

“…”

This person is lying. Colin was certain. If it were that easy, the corpse he saw yesterday wouldn’t have been so devastated. But Colin wasn’t clear about the liar’s motive.

The lord-level monster indeed abandons its target for more achievable goals, so perhaps the person, like Colin, wanted to use others as a distraction to escape.

“It might be worth a try. Starting at noon?”

“Count me in!”

“I’m not going. Be careful. Schemes in the gray fog are common.”

The regional channel began to rally. Colin decided not to join, knowing how terrifying the lord-level mutant was. Without a sure way to kill it, he wouldn’t risk it. In a situation with so many uncertainties, risking one’s life was foolish.

With guidance from the hints, Colin didn’t need to take such risks. While monitoring the regional channel, he searched the trading market but found no good deals and shook his head.

Time to move.

“Number One, here’s 100 ml of blood. Your task is to collect as much water as possible and make sure it’s boiled into Grade 3 water before storing. If you find ores, especially iron ore, mine and store them in the warehouse…”

A level-2 territory had a storage space like an inventory, capable of holding large amounts of supplies. Servants also had inventory, but with only one slot and a weight limit of around 10 kg.

As for finding the way, Colin wasn’t worried. His starting point was good. A few minutes’ walk would reach the river. Keeping track of this route was not hard.

“If you encounter danger and can’t handle it, flee immediately. Don’t try to fight. Safety first. As long as you return to the territory, you should be fine.”

“Yes, Lord!” Number One nodded.

After instructing Number One, Colin turned to Number Two’s group, who had improved but were still disorganized.

A neat formation didn’t guarantee combat effectiveness, but a disordered unit couldn’t perform well.

“Alright, meal time! We leave fifteen minutes after eating!”

Colin took out several black loaves and some slightly spoiled meat in front of everyone. He had wanted to buy fresh meat from the market, but food’s importance was now well-known, so no one sold meat. After half an hour of frantic trading, water prices had finally dropped…

“Yesterday, during exploration, I didn’t see a single animal track. Did the priest kill them all?” Colin muttered, then placed the ingredients on the synthesis table under the green-eyed gazes of his subordinates.

[Hard Black Bread*30 + Slightly Spoiled Rat Meat*3 + Slightly Spoiled Venison*2 + Slightly Spoiled Wolf Meat*4 = A Pot of Stew (Energizing Meat Porridge, one bowl gives energy for a whole day~)]

“Let’s eat!” Colin announced with a smile, no longer holding them in suspense.