Krusk was so cooperative while he was being questioned and Vincent couldn't help but be suspicious about it.
It could be because he's just innocent and honest or he was just trying to loosen their guard against him.
Nevertheless, Vincent was finally able to understand what was going on. Apparently, after Krusk woke up and got out of its shell, he was already alone and has been living in this cavern for quite a while.
He doesn't know how long had passed but he had basically grown up in this cavern alone.
He feeds himself by eating the fruits that this tree would bore from time to time.
Furthermore, Vincent learned that his group wasn't the first visitor who reached this place. There seems to be another humanoid creature here that warned him about humans who might cut down this tree.
Based on his description, Vincent guessed that it could be the humanoid River Dragon! This creature seems to be very injured and has been recuperating somewhere in the dungeon for a very long time!
'River Dragon… It's definitely one of those Mythical Beasts… If this information gets out, I'm sure that there would be numerous magicians that will explore this dungeon and hunt it down.'
Vincent sighed as he felt that this exploration is really going well.
Anyway, Krusk also added that he was able to observe a few places within the dungeon once he connected his mind to this tree…
This is another reason why he doesn't want this tree to be cut down!
It seems that it is his entertainment to watch the adventurers explore the other parts of this dungeon as they fought against creatures and loot any materials they could find.
'This is like the control room of the dungeon? The dungeon's core?' Vincent mused.
The only thing he was curious about now is the glowing tree. He wanted to know what fruit it could give them or at least get a few leaves from it to be appraised.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"There's no dry leaves on the ground…" Vincent muttered and Krusk heard it.
"Hmm? They turn into ashes before they reach the ground…"
"I see… Anyway, Lizardman—I mean, Krusk, can you stop us if we wanted to cut this tree?" Vincent's question was so abrupt that the young lizardman was stunned.
After a few moments, Krusk shook his head.
"I'm not strong… I can't even destroy that rock… My scales just fell off."
"Hmm? Your scales fell off?" Vincent's attention was shifted as he added, "Can I have one of your scales? In exchange, I'll give you some tasty food. I'm sure you're bored at the taste of the same fruit every time…"
"No way! I won't get tired of its fruits. They're really good. Anyway, I don't really care much about my scales so just take it, I don't need your food. I collected a bunch of them take as much as you want but don't destroy this tree."
"Alright… I promise. I won't cut it down." Vincent said. Since the tree is related to the dungeon, he felt that destroying it might affect the dungeon itself and it might even collapse.
Based on what he heard from his grandfather, it's possible to destroy a dungeon and it actually happened in the dungeon where Tara's Sleeping Chamber was previously located.
With that said, Vincent asked Rem to take a few of the scales that Krusk gathered. From its size, it's definitely not the River Dragon scales that were being found here. It was just too small.
However, as soon as Vincent appraised the scales, he was frozen.
[ Appraisal Successful. ]
[ You have discovered the Scale of a Young River Dragon. ]
[ Damaged Young River Dragon's Scale ]
[ Quality: Unique
Number of Enhancements: 0/10
Durability: 18/95
Magic Resistance: 30
Blunt Weapon Resistance: 10
Description: A badly damaged scale from a young river dragon. The condition of scales stops it from being a decent item to craft a weapon or armor.
Remarks: Special Resistance Attributes found. Durability and its attributes will be upgraded in every enhancement. ]
Vincent did his best to calm down after getting the result of his appraisal.
Tara and Rem noticed his reaction and they were curious.
"It's not a lizardman… Maybe that's the offspring of the River Dragon that has previously appeared here." Vincent was excited.
If he could just appraise this humanoid river dragon, he would've probably done it by now.
"Are you not aware of what species you are? Is it not in your inherited memories?" Vincent asked.
"Hmm? No. I can't recall. The memories I inherited don't even show me the images of my parents. But at least, I know that I'm different from the humans that have been exploring this dungeon."
"Is there anything more you can recall regarding your inherited memories? I will compensate you…"
"I have a few more. But if I answer you, can you leave this place?"
Krusk finally negotiated with them.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"I can't... I still want to get a sample of the leaves from this glowing tree…"
"You can't take them. They will turn into ashes in a few seconds after being cut."
"It's fine… I should have enough time to check it."
With that said, Vincent stepped forward as he was planning to take a leaf or two. Krusk wanted to stop him but after looking at the two Celestial Beings holding their weapons, he decided to back off and allow Vincent to take it.
It seems that he really has no combat abilities or he's aware that he can't win against their group.
Clack…
Vincent jumped to get a few leaves.
After forcefully grabbing a few of them, he immediately appraised the ones that were left in his hands. He also noticed that the glowing light on them was already dying at this brief moment.
[ You have discovered the leaves of the Tree of Faith. ]
[ Failed to further appraise the item. ]
[ Increase the level of appraisal skill to find out more. ]
Vincent wryly smiled at this as the leaves turned into ashes.
'It's been a while since I failed to appraise something…' He wasn't disappointed at all since this only meant that this tree is something very valuable.
He then looked at the glowing tree with even more curiosity before he shifted his gaze back at Krusk…
"Alright, we will leave this place after you tell me what other important memories did you inherit."
Krusk paused for a moment as gathered his thoughts. After taking a deep breath, the young River Dragon replied.
"When I grow up and got stronger… I must kill the Overseer…"