Asukem hurriedly searched for any signs of civilization but soon found himself surrounded by trees. The ground beneath his feet turned squishy and wet as if it had become muddy. He couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched from the shadows of the trees. The whole area was dark, damp, and starting to feel chilly. It didn't feel like a typical forest but more like a marsh or wetlands. The tree roots lifted the trunks from the ground, creating a dome-like space with water underneath, almost like a puddle. The branches of the trees intertwined, blocking out most of the sunlight.

The scent of mold lingered in the air while vines dangled from the trees like serpents camouflaging themselves. The constant buzzing of insects and the distant growls of beasts grated on Asukem's nerves. With each step, his foot sank into the ground, engulfing his ankles. The ground didn't swallow him up any further. As he ventured deeper into the forest, unease crept over him. The growls grew louder than the buzzing, and the sensation of being watched intensified.

Out of nowhere, Asukem found himself surrounded. Instead of the usual scenery of trees, cold air, and bugs, a pack of wolves encircled him. These wolves were much more significant than him, with fur drenched in mud. The unmistakable odor of wet dogs filled the air, accompanied by a bone-chilling howl and growls. Their hungry and furious eyes were fixed not on Asukem but on his pixie companion, Gimp, an easy target in his arms. The wolves attempted to intimidate him by circling around, but Asukem remained unfazed. He barked back at them, shouting, "I don't have time for this! Leave me alone, you bunch of mutts!"

Asukem's anger flared up when one of the wolves made a sudden dash towards Gimp, attempting to snatch him away. Reacting swiftly, he seized the wolf, holding onto its fur tightly. The wolf yelped in agony as Asukem pressed it down, pinning it on the ground, and snapped, showing his intimidation, "Wrong move, mutt!"

Asukem scanned his surroundings, desperately searching for a way out as the pack of wolves closed in on him. Little did he know, he was not the only one observing the situation. Frustration boiled within him as he couldn't spot a single opening to escape. "Just let me be! My friend needs help!" he bellowed in anger. While grappling with one wolf, another lunged towards him, ready to attack.

Out of nowhere, a man sprang out of a tree and swiftly brought down the wolf about to pounce on Asukem. He jammed his daggers into the wolf's skull, ending the danger. Once the wolf was taken care of, the man shifted defensively and glanced back at Asukem. He pointed towards an opening and urgently instructed, "Go that way, and you'll stumble upon a town. Hurry, go!" Asukem wasted no time and dashed towards the opening, making his way to the town without even having a chance to see or thank the man.

Asukem pushed on through the swampy woods until he caught sight of a faint orange light in the distance. With a burst of energy, he sprinted towards the glowing torches. Bursting into the village, Asukem carried Gimp in his arms, introducing the town to his companion, "Hey, is anyone around? My buddy could use some assistance!"

The village stood above the ground, propped up by sturdy wooden pillars to prevent sinking into the muddy terrain. Constructed from wood and thatch, the buildings featured balconies accessible via stairs and ramps. 

A particular structure stood out with its superior craftsmanship and a noticeable religious emblem adorning its facade. As the door opened, a mysterious mist with a distinct fragrance emerged, revealing an elderly man dressed in black and yellow robes.

Asukem carefully watched the man, paying even closer attention this time. The hooded figure was an elderly gentleman with a long grey beard and a scroll case attached to his belt. A strap holding a book was on the other side of his belt. As he walked, he leaned on a staff with a lamp. The light from the lamp seemed to emit a sacred aura as if it had the power to ward off evil spirits or demons. This made both Asukem and Gimp feel a bit vulnerable.

The elderly gentleman scowls at Asukem and Gimp while speaking in a trembling voice that betrays his age, "What are you after, vile creatures!" as he forcefully plants his staff on the ground. Asukem drops to his knees and cradles Gimp in his arms, pleading, "Please, sir, we mean no harm or trouble. My companion is gravely hurt. I beg for your assistance."

The old man arches an eyebrow at Asukem, looking puzzled as he gazes at Gimp. "He does seem injured. I  will assist, but I'll keep my spell active just in case of any funny business." Asukem nods, agreeing, "That's okay; if your spell gives you peace of mind, I get it."

The old man motioned to Asukem, welcoming him into the village, and led him to a building. Asukem looked around the village, and the villagers' faces were intensely terror-stricken. The old man glances at Asukem with concern. In a shaky voice, he says, "Sorry for the incense, but I have to be careful with creatures like you." Asukem shakes his head as if he doesn't mind, "It is fine." 

As he gets closer to the old man, Asukem finally asks, "Have you been having issues with demons?" the elderly man nods as he glances at him with a puzzled look, as he was trying to read Asukem, "Not demons, but a curse, our people have been turning into creatures almost like you." Asukem looks down in sorrow and apologizes, "I am sorry to hear that." He raises a brow, and his eyes glance at Asukem in confusion, as if he is surprised by what Asukem said.

The old man guided Asukem and his injured companion into a structure. It appeared to be a regular house, but it was adorned with hanging herbs on the walls and ceiling. Inside was a counter that led to a room equipped with tools and a fireplace, where a pot of water simmered. This building had a few rooms designated for those who had been harmed. Behind the counter stood another man who seemed knowledgeable about medicinal healing. The elderly priest, leading Asukem, glanced at the other man and asked, "I have someone here who is injured. They seem to be travelers and mean no harm to us. Do you think you could assist them?"

The man, who appeared to be a medical professional, approached Asukem. He gestured towards Gimp and inquired, "Can I take a look?" Asukem escorted Gimp to a room where he settled him down while the doctor examined and treated him. Asukem watched as the doctor assessed Gimp. The doctor mentioned, "I'm not sure if I can help him, but I'll give it a shot." Asukem nodded in comprehension and replied, "Please do your best." Asukem exited the room to allow the doctor to assist his friend.