The road to the meeting point with the Guild team passed faster than I expected. Perhaps because As kept making sure I didn't accidentally fall off the cart, while Lux didn't stop throwing snide remarks about his overprotectiveness. Before us stretched a forest, its dark trees forming a natural barrier. On the clearing in front of the forest, with a view of the surrounding hills, the Guild team awaited us.

"This is the place," Lux said, pointing to the people gathered in the clearing.

"Ready, Omora?" As asked, as if we were about to enter the jaws of a dragon... hehe... having As as a companion, I found this expression amusing.

"Yes, yes, dad," I muttered under my breath, rolling my eyes. Why is he suddenly treating me like a porcelain doll? In a moment, he'll start holding my hand at every step. Maybe soon he'll tell me to hold his hand like a little child?

As we approached the rest of the group, I immediately recognized them. It was like something straight out of a dungeon exploration manual – a real compendium of stereotypes (Wait, where did I get that thought from? Where did I see this before? I can't remember... doesn't matter). At the front stood a giant barbarian with a wild grin on his face, looking like he could charge at any enemy with a battle cry at any moment. Next to him, almost invisible in the shadows, crouched a rogue who seemed to be already assessing what he could steal. And nearby, with a proud expression on her face, stood her – the captain of the guard, the same one who had earlier so irritated me with her behaviour towards As.

"Oh, look! It's her, the little princess with her valiant escort of bodyguards," she said with a mocking tone, looking straight at me, and then flirtatiously at As.

I clenched my teeth, but before I could respond, I heard a familiar voice in my head.

[New passive skill acquired: Anger I]

"Thanks, I really needed that," I muttered sarcastically out loud, which, of course, didn't escape As's notice.

"What did you say?" he asked, leaning slightly toward me.

"Nothing, nothing. I'm just savouring the thought of my first expedition in the company of such a noble group... can't wait for someone to shout 'I'll give you my bow, my axe, and who knows what else... just not a sock...'"

The captain of the guard moved closer to As, completely ignoring me. Although my heart started beating faster, I tried not to react, but it was hard to endure how she disregarded my presence. She simply reached out, smiling broadly.

"Maybe we should talk before we move on? I could show you a few things that might come in handy when dealing with Tarks," she suggested, gently placing her outstretched hand on his shoulder and biting her lower lip as she looked at his body. Ugh!

"He doesn't need your help," I blurted out before I could stop myself.

As looked surprised by my reaction, maybe even a little amused, but before he could say anything, Lux burst out laughing.

"Looks like your little princess doesn't need a nanny," he joked, which only fueled my irritation.

"I'm ready. Let's go before the Tarks make us their appetizer," I said, trying to focus on the task at hand and not on the idiotic comments from my companions.

Although, if they ate HER, I wouldn't mind...

"Let's get moving," As muttered, trying to regain control of the situation, but I could detect a hint of amusement in his voice. It was irritating that he found this funny.

Our merry band headed into the forest. The barbarian led the way, of course, with a massive sword, the rogue at the ready, the captain of the guard closely watching As... and I, almost unnoticed, followed just behind them. I had the urge to complain about my lot in life again, but I heard a soft "It'll be alright" in my head.

[New passive skill acquired: Encouragement I]

"Encouragement? Seriously?" I sighed, barely audibly.

"Did you say something?" Lux suddenly appeared beside me.

"Nothing, just... giving myself some encouragement... ahem..."

Why do I have to talk to myself out loud?!

Lux laughed. "Well, everyone needs that sometimes. Even... brave little girls like you."

I shot him a look but decided not to say anything. At least someone was in a good mood. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that this expedition would bring more surprises than I wanted.

As we made our way through the dense forest, I noticed that As kept glancing back at me, as if afraid I'd get lost. When one of the branches, released by that vile woman just ahead of me, nearly hit me in the face, I decided I'd had enough.

"Maybe I should ask the trees to clear the way," I muttered under my breath, irritated by how I kept getting caught in bushes. Sure, I was a FLOWER... but that didn't mean I enjoyed getting tangled up in nature this much.

[Skill "Bond with Plants III" active: Path cleared]

In that instant, the tree branches began to move aside, and the bushes retreated, creating a perfect path. I stood frozen, not quite believing it had worked.

"What happened?" As turned to me, concerned.

"Nothing... just... it's a bit strange, but thank you," I said towards the plants, hoping they understood.

"Alright, let's keep moving," As muttered, still giving me a suspicious look, and then glancing at the team, who seemed too focused on the small creatures and scanning the area to notice something as OBVIOUS as plants moving out of the way... For goodness' sake... We're all going to die.

When we reached the spot where we had previously seen the Tarks, everyone stopped, tense. The captain of the guard gave orders to her men to position themselves strategically. The barbarian and rogue took up guard positions, while the three of us – me, As, and Lux – focused on the ground before us.

"This is the spot," I said, pointing to the place where I had earlier felt vibrations underground.

As crouched to take a closer look. The captain of the guard moved closer, completely ignoring me, focusing on As.

"Maybe we should wait for one of them to pop out and show us the entrance?" Lux suggested with a grin, clearly preferring to laze around rather than work.

"Give me a moment," I said, kneeling on the ground and focusing on the plants around us.

[Skill "Bond with Plants III" active: Environment analysis]

After a moment, I understood that there was a network of tunnels underground, and in them... more Tarks.

"There, underground, there are tunnels. And Tarks. Lots of Tarks," I said, looking up.

The captain of the guard furrowed her brow and was about to ask how I knew this – I was sure of it, when As spoke up.

"We need to be cautious. Those tunnels could be a deadly trap if we're not prepared," he said seriously. He probably wasn't thrilled about going back to such places after spending so much time in a cave.

"Sure, because we're so careless," I replied with irritation, glancing at the barbarian flexing his muscles and the rogue downing suspicious vials one after another like they were juice, but then I added in a more serious tone, "Better to be prepared for the worst."

I knew we were in for something more challenging than we anticipated. But one thing was certain – with a team like this, it was going to be an unforgettable adventure... unforgettable meaning full of torment and failures... for sure.

---Omora's Current Stats:

Guild Level: 1 (currently registered)
Actual Level: 3

Passive Skills:
Longevity: Significantly prolonged life. You are not immortal, but your life is comparably long to the lives of elves, dragons, etc.
Telepathy: The ability to communicate with other possessors of this ability without speaking - with thoughts.
Spikes: In case of danger, the hairs on the stalk harden, changing into spikes. Poison leaks from the tips of the spikes.
Thick Skin: Hard and durable stalk. It's easier to bend rather than break, you cannot cut the stalk with a knife unless you die or it's done with a special blade.
Desperation I: Increases strength and resolve in critical situations.
Luck III: Promotes a sense of well-being and can influence others' moods positively. Increases the likelihood of positive outcomes in various situations.
Resistance to Poison II: Provides enhanced resistance to poisons and toxins.
Intellect II: Enhances cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
Observant II: Increases awareness and the ability to notice fine details.
Sixth Sense I: Heightened awareness of danger and unusual occurrences.
Breath Holding I: Ability to hold breath for extended periods.
Reflex I: Improved reaction times.
Madness I: Allows for unusual and unpredictable thinking patterns.
One-Handed Sword Fighting I: Basic proficiency in using a one-handed sword.
Bluff II: Enhances ability to deceive or convince others.
Acting II: Enhanced ability to convincingly portray different roles or emotions.
Listening II: Improved auditory perception.
Bond with Plants III: Deep connection with plants, allowing for communication and manipulation.
Anger I: Increases strength, endurance, and determination when experiencing intense emotions such as anger or irritation. This can lead to enhanced effectiveness in combat, but there is also a risk that strong emotions may influence decision-making, leading to more impulsive actions.
Encouragement I: Boosts morale and confidence in challenging situations, helping to maintain composure and make better decisions under pressure.

Active Skills:
Treatment I: Ability to heal wounds and injuries.
Poison I: Ability to poison targets.
Identification II: Ability to identify and analyze objects or beings.
Shape-shifting I: The ability to change shape into a form of a being whose energy has been absorbed. Available forms: Human.
Magic Dispersion I: Ability to disperse magical effects.
Curse Breaker I: Ability to break curses.
Craftsmanship - Plant Clothing II: Ability to create clothing from plants.

Special Skills:
Absorption IV: Allows you to absorb the energy of a creature or object by feeding on it. Thus, it gives you the chance to take over the host's abilities, knowledge, or qualities.

New Skills and Knowledge:
Knowledge of Magic: Understanding and knowledge of magical principles.
Knowledge of Black Magic: Understanding and knowledge of dark magical principles.
Knowledge of Curses: Understanding and knowledge of curses and how to break them.
Trap Creation: Ability to create traps.
Farming: Basic knowledge of farming techniques.
Theft I: Basic ability to steal without being noticed.
(One-Handed Sword) Flank Strike 2/3: Advanced technique for striking from the side.
(One-Handed Sword) Strong Blow 1/3: Basic technique for delivering a powerful strike.