Our Family Has Fallen

"The muscles have completely fibrotized, with mycelium replacing the blood vessels and nerves, but the fungi parasitizing them are clearly not the same species..."

Paracelsus put away her scalpel; before her lay the dissected corpse of a monster.

The situations were similar. The parasitic fungi would remodel their hosts, and as time passed, the transformation would deepen. For instance, one body discovered earlier was only in an initial stage, while these were obviously in a later phase. Apart from their bones and overall shape, their bodies were largely unrelated to humans.

However, there was an interesting discovery: two different species of fungi parasitized the bodies.

The yellow ones seemed more inclined to parasitize the brain, while the red preferred the nutrient-rich viscera. The changes they induced in the human body also differed. The reasons for this would require further research.

"No, I believe the red fungi were deliberately implanted into human bodies to cultivate these monsters, probably with the intent of controlling the other parasites," Lance had his own theory. From the way the pathogens eroded the body, it was clear that despite being bizarre, the process still followed the laws of the human body, causing slow decay. For example, the "mushroom-head" type of parasites, even in their mature form, did not significantly alter the human shape.

But the reverse bending of the red creatures' limbs was abnormal. Only after a complete transformation in the later phase, when they had freed themselves from the constraints of human joints, could they move. Before that, they could only lie on the ground, unable to even get up, let alone move as nimbly as the one they had encountered earlier.

There was also the substance sprayed out earlier that attracted the "mushroom-heads," so he was certain it was a man-made modification designed to control the monsters.

"We need more testing. Maybe we can…"

"Exactly, both of their weaknesses are clear: they fear fire," Lance interrupted Paracelsus, knowing without a doubt that she was about to request live experiments again. Was that something to be discussed so casually?

Paracelsus seemed to realize something and corrected herself with emphasis.

"When corruption reaches its later stages, the two types of parasites have different weak points—one in the head and the other in the abdomen. Damage must be severe enough to disable the monster.

In reality, it's about severing the mycelium, removing their capacity to move independently. But at this point, the fungi are still active—it takes burning to truly eradicate them."

Of course, Lance had a better way of handling it.

After collecting samples, he sacrificed the bodies. The Spiritual Essence returned from the monsters' bodies was indeed much higher than that from ordinary corpses, possibly because these fabricated monsters carried remnants of Supernatural Power.

After cleaning up the area, Lance sacrificed the fungal mat and the monsters. However, the mushrooms scattered on the ground presented a dilemma. He did not have enough time to deal with them. He first had to cut off the enemy's corruption of the wilderness, and then he could manually advance to fully purify it!

"The enemy's schemes have become evident, and there is certainly more than one such ritual in this wilderness. To protect Hamlet Town, we must destroy them all!"

What had initially been a reconnaissance mission turned into a corruption-clearing task. After the battle, the others showed no strong aversion. On the contrary, they were gradually getting used to the wilderness.

"I need more samples."

"My greatsword has long been thirsty for action!"

"Fergus will find those enemies."

"WOOF!"

"Please, My Lord, let us in."

"We can work; we just need some food."

"We've been hungry for days..."

Over a dozen ragged refugees were being stopped by the soldiers on duty outside Hamlet Town. They tried to evoke sympathy by presenting their plight, but the soldiers were unyielding, clutching their sturdy spears. One of them rebuked, "No! There's nothing for you here. Move along."

Among the refugees, a person in a tattered hood stepped forward, questioning the soldiers, "Why were those refugees before us allowed in?"

"That was before. Now it's not possible."

Certainly, they used to take in refugees. Lance had cleared this road, and Reynard had previously led a caravan through it, indeed rendering this old route more navigable. These days, it was common for refugees to reach this place, seeking to join Hamlet.

The benevolent Lord had not turned them away, even setting up a small camp just outside the town. Refugees simply had to register to stay temporarily, and once their numbers reached a certain level, someone would come to officially take them in.

This was a well-established process. Dozens of refugees had been continuously accepted over the past few days and were allocated according to their situation.

Those with craftsmanship skills stayed in the town, while those without particular talents went to work on the farms. After all, everyone could survive through labor.

But starting yesterday, martial law had been declared. Everyone entering and leaving Hamlet required inspection, and the intake of refugees had been temporarily suspended. These soldiers were merely following orders.

"Please have mercy; no one will know we entered." The person in the hood drew forth two silver coins, offering them. "This is a small token of our goodwill."

The meaning of this gesture was clear, but the soldier dared not accept, his expression displaying strong aversion as he shook his head in refusal.

"No, it's not possible! If you can't enter, you can't enter."

If he let them through, he'd lose his chance for a permanent position. He'd also lose the hard-earned opportunity and its benefits. Furthermore, accepting bribes was a serious violation of military rules. Such an act would not only result in harsh punishment but also bring shame and scorn upon him and his family from others in the town. It would make it impossible for him to ever stand tall again. No amount of money was worth that.