Undead Mage: I Have a Skeleton Clone-Chapter 574 - 401: Archrival Upgrade, Trench Warfare With the Undead Mage?

They had originally thought that with Zhang Wu on the team, the Calamity Squad wouldn’t be wandering around like headless flies.

However, reality gave Zhang Wu a rude awakening.

Although Zhang Wu had explored the Forest of Nature multiple times during his Upper Stage, the recent anomaly in Energy Concentration had caused fundamental changes to its internal geography. This rendered the map he had acquired from a Flower Elf unreliable.

Based on his suggestion, the Calamity Squad’s next objective was to locate the Flower Elf tribe. They would then leverage Zhang Wu’s reputation to get an updated map.

Then, they would learn about the current state of the Forest of Nature from the elves, allowing the squad to clear out demons more efficiently.

The four members of the Calamity Squad followed the wide road built by the Sea City Military Academy. They each took out a Skeleton Warhorse rein, an item sponsored by Fang Zhou, and summoned their mounts.

With the creaking of bones, the Calamity Squad galloped along the forest road, advancing toward the Flower Elf Clan’s outpost.

Along the way, Liu Diewu and Zhang Wu explained various precautions for traveling in the Forest of Nature to Fang Zhou and Gu Yueyuan.

Strictly speaking, this was Fang Zhou’s first mission outside, so despite his overwhelming combat power, he remained cautious.

With Zhang Wu, a seasoned local expert, leading the way and the tireless Skeleton Warhorses for transport, the Calamity Squad moved swiftly.

However, the flat grassland soon disappeared abruptly, replaced by a muddy swamp. Riding atop his Skeleton Warhorse, Fang Zhou furrowed his brow.

The vast swamp ahead reminded him of the rotting swamp he had passed during the hunt in Cave 1. The stench and humidity emanating from it made him feel nauseous.

Zhang Wu’s expression wasn’t good either. He turned to report, "Captain, based on my last visit, there should be an invisible Flower Elf outpost a few kilometers ahead. But in my memory, this place was a forest full of birdsong and fragrant flowers. How did it become a swamp?"

Fang Zhou opened the reference map provided by the Sea City Military Academy. After a quick glance, he said, "Perhaps this is the result of the increased Energy Concentration and the spatial anomalies. On the way here, the academy instructor repeatedly warned us not to determine our route based on old experiences. It seems your experience might not be entirely applicable here, Zhang Wu."

Zhang Wu nodded, checked his direction again, and said, "Fortunately, the magnetic field is still normal. Following the instructor’s guidance, heading south should lead us to the Flower Elf outpost. But that means we have to cross this swamp." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Liu Diewu waved the vine staff in her hand and said cheerfully, "A swamp is part of nature, too. It’s fine, let’s go!"

The four urged their Skeleton Warhorses forward, slowly entering the desolate swamp.

Fortunately, the area seemed to have been cleared previously by either the Flower Elves or soldiers from the Sea City Military Academy. Coupled with Liu Diewu’s spellcasting, and despite the harsh environment, no low-level demons like Swamp Flies, Swamp Fishmen, or Swamp Mud Monsters appeared.

Liu Diewu’s skills as a Natural Druid played a significant role in the swamp. She used her staff to guide the surrounding plants, clearing a relatively clean path and making the team’s passage smoother.

As they ventured deeper, the path gradually became easier to navigate. The surrounding foul water and sludge receded, replaced by increasingly firm ground.

But Zhang Wu grew more and more perplexed, until he finally couldn’t resist hurrying over to Fang Zhou.

"What’s the matter? Have you already forgotten the way?"

For an experienced explorer like Zhang Wu, losing his direction was an unacceptable mistake. If he made such a basic error, Fang Zhou might have no choice but to send him back.

Zhang Wu shook his head hurriedly, his expression tense. "It’s not that, Captain. In fact, we’re gradually approaching the location of our last mission, but..."

He paused, seemingly searching for the right words to express his confusion. "Please, look at the ground."

To draw Fang Zhou’s attention, Zhang Wu stomped his foot forcefully.

Normally, walking in a swamp meant each step would sink into soft mud, splashing it everywhere.

This time, however, the situation was completely different. The ground underfoot was firm, almost indistinguishable from the vast grasslands outside.

The only sign that this place had once been a swamp was the network of small cracks scattered across the ground. Like wrinkles on the earth’s skin, they were proof that the land had endured a long drought, leaving it extraordinarily dry.

Fang Zhou’s gaze shifted from Zhang Wu to the ground, his brow tightening.

"It wasn’t like this the last time you were here?"

He had initially assumed it was just a natural phenomenon, but now it seemed things weren’t that simple.

Zhang Wu shook his head again, his expression growing more solemn. "From the moment we entered this swamp, I’ve felt something was off. Common sense dictates that the deeper we go, the muddier it should become. But this time, not only did it not get muddier, it actually became this dry. It completely defies logic."