Large advantage.

With eyes wide in curiosity, she continued to explore, transcending the dense vegetation rising above the water's surface.

She found herself in need of frequent rests, though it was difficult for her to admit.

A sudden realization made her freeze in place. What if the power goes out again? Would she drown in this shallow water?

Anna had been inside for over two hours when she sensed an unknown presence trailing behind her.

The melody she had been crooning up until now got stuck in her throat as she cautiously glanced over her shoulder but found nothing out of the ordinary.

It couldn't possibly be another player; battling formidable aquatic creatures in these depths would have surely given them away.

Is that some caiman following her from the shore? Or maybe a humanoid NPC?

She saw a ladder and thin rope bridges above her head earlier, it might be it. But it's a dark night, and anyone living there is probably in deep sleep by now. Or it could be abandoned.

For the first time, she walked through a small island full of epic buttercups, where she harvested and replanted most of the seeds. There's not much use for them anyway, at least they'll grow back in some time. She tucked her sickle into her belt and opened her inner sight to look around.

There were quite a few legendary plants in the vicinity, the nearest one wouldn't be more than 60, maybe 70 meters in that direction... She turned around, rearranged her backpack, and closed her inner sight so she wouldn't bump into some monster by accident.

As she approached the steep shore, the surrounding trees opened up, revealing a broader expanse with a smooth water surface. The lake seems to be much deeper over there. Her rhythmic croon ceased for a moment before she picked up where she left off when she remembered how the song went on.

Seeking a safe entry, she reached for a sturdy bush and perched herself on the bank. Overcoming initial doubts, she stretched her legs down and just as her feet were about to touch the water, dread engulfed her, causing her to quickly pull her knees up to her chin.

Desperate to escape, she tried to crawl back up but the loose dirt betrayed her, propelling her down into the water.

That creature was neither hostile nor aggressive anymore, so he already had to watch her for a while.

Coldblooded Crocodilian ~ Neutral ~ 100% HP

She sat just a meter away, her eyes fixed on the crocodile head discreetly peeking from the thick cover of green duckweed. Was his presence behind the reason Bugak was so reluctant to let her explore these lands?

He raised his head above the surface and backed away from her a little.

"No need to be afraid," His vocal cords rattled. It was such a deep sound, unlike anything else she ever heard she just froze in astonishment.

"You are afraid, but I will not hurt you," He cautiously backed away a bit further, ensuring he didn't come across as a threat to her.

"I'm sorry. Please understand - I didn't intend to offend you, I got scared as I noticed you this suddenly," she explained and tried to straighten her dirty skirt over her knees "I am actually searching for a very special plant, and I apologize for interrupting your peace. I'll leave you be and continue on my way," She cautiously lowered herself deeper into the water to be able to stand up.

After a brief pause, he fixed his gaze upon her and spoke in his characteristic raspy voice:

 "You will get lost. I can take you. Come," Without waiting for her reply, he pivoted and effortlessly propelled himself forward, moving through the water with graceful, waving motion.

She had no choice but to follow him.