Following the advice of the two elders we talk for several moments before deciding that Gulag will accompany me along with Gorm and the pond scum creature into these rot fields, hopefully in a successful attempt to find the Thorncallers. Inspecting the strange creature I nod in appreciation of something so unique and unexpected in this world.

  [Algoid Level 19]

  Algoids are rare creatures made up of a colony of millions of sentient algae that take on a humanoid form. Rarely hostile, when forced into combat these creatures use psionic abilities to defend themselves and are immune to most slashing and piercing attacks. They can heal themselves quickly by absorbing algae in the surrounding area's and also by absorbing magical liquids such as through water based spells or magical potions. These creatures only true weakness is dehydration, meaning if enough of the sentient algae it is composed of dries and dies the entire being will lose cohesion and quickly fall apart.

  "How do you know the region and where these Thorncallers are? And what do we call you young one?" Gulag asks as we finally enter the tree line and make our way through the peaceful swamp. The algoid looks behind its shoulder as it continues walking, the scum making up its body seeming to settle and then move again as it nods.

  "I was a recruit for the Thorncallers crafting division. Names Bloom and i was supposed to begin training the day I was captured. Was going to be trained in alchemy and summoning was the hope but I have a feeling they were going to start me in the marsh fields tending to the herbs and sproutlings. I was given coordinates to arrive at on that day and even though its probably not their base of operations I feel like it must be close by. I figured if I can help you guys find and save them maybe they'll offer me a better position but if not they were good folk and don't deserve the type of torture the grand matron spoke of." Bloom replies as he nods his head towards Alex at the title of grand matron.

  Looking at the dryad in confusion she just nods her head at me and smiles before patting the algoid's ankle gently. As she touches the creature it shudders in ecstasy as a gentle light begins to flow through its body, a golden glow spreading from the point of contact and finally ending at the head before a prompt appears before me.

  {Your familiar Alexandria The Yggdrasil Dryad has just blessed her first Defender! Using an ability only this legendary being has access to she has turned the algoid into a dedicated defender of both her and her master. This being is now able to use his mistress's abilities once daily as well as has a limited ability to use light and earth magic. It will devote itself to it's mistress's well being and if defeated can possibly be revived by his mistress with certain materials.}

  "Thank you mistress! I swear upon my soul I will serve and defend you until my usefulness is at an end!" Bloom states grandly as he kneels in front of Alex and bows his head, golden slime dripping to the floor and causing small swamp flowers to bloom.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  "Lift your head Mr. Bloom! I just wanted to make sure you would be safe! I can feel this corruption the closer we tread and I fear in your previous state you would have joined the other children of the earth in torment! I hope this small gift can protect you from such a fate!" Alex says in embarrassment as she blushes a vivid green and waves her hands shyly at the bowing of the much larger being. Standing straight the algoid nods once at her words before moving forward once more, its gait more assured as a new feeling of strength emanates from the being.

  "Guess we know what the little lady can do now. Question is what happens when we find the Thorncallers." Gulag says quietly as I nod my head before freezing and pointing my can forward before releasing a psi blast into a nearby tree. Watching the pulse impact everyone jumps as the tree releases a pained pitch before a slimy women made of nettles, reeds, and mangrove bark pulls itself out of the roots of the tree, her eyes full of hate and jealousy as she stares at the tiny form of Alex.

  "You filthy sprout! How dare you use such power without having your own grove to protect! How dare you tread upon these waters, defiling this place with your divine touch!" Screams the woman as I inspect her quickly and frown while preparing to attack.

  [Deathbark Dryad Level 30 Elite]

  Deathbark Dryads are rare creatures that are created when a healthy dryad fails in its sole purpose of protecting its tree and territory but is left alive. As the feelings of failure and negativity begin to seep into the once beautiful guardians they become corrupted and rotten. Keeping their previous abilities they also gain new spells focused on rot and decay, the magic used to both spread its new influence and to cause others to feel its negative emotions and become as lost within them as they are.

  "Oh sister.....what have they done to you. Master we must grant her rest, I'm afraid the corruption has fully claimed her mind and there's nothing more we can do but end her suffering." Alex whimpers as she tries to guard herself before the dryad attacks but before the blow lands a golden hand of slime intercepts the blow and forces the creature back.

  "Have no fear Mistress, I will end the suffering of this creature. It's sad to see one of the guardians of the Thorncallers in such a state and I wish I could do more for you." Bloom says as he rushes towards the dryad and unleashes a haymaker into her stomach, the enemy barely flinching before she grabs the algoid and tosses him aside before trying to move forward.

  "Its no use monster, I've already infected you. Your last mistake was touching me." Bloom laughs as the dryad begins to growl in pain as small golden splotches begin to appear across her body. As she tries to rips them off they spread across her claws and wrists, her body quickly becoming covered in the golden spores as algae begins to multiply and eat away at the corruption within her, the last screams fading quickly as Bloom approaches and absorbs the new puddle of algae and lets out a satisfied huff. Inspecting the algoid again I notice he now has the class of recycler and his level has gone up by two, the creature once again kneeling before Alex but this time looking her in the eye as he speaks.

  "I already told you Mistress that I will defend you against all comers. I may not be much right now but give me time to grow and I will turn your worst enemies into more power for which you can grow." Bloom says as Alex nods her head before wiping the tears from her eyes and walking towards the spot of the dryads death, she kneels and picks up a small seed before popping it into her mouth and swallowing the item.

  {Familiar Alex The Yggdrasil Dryad has absorbed another dryads core granting her an ability from the previous dryads race. Skill gained- Nettle Whip}