In the depths of Greenpath is where I come across another vessel. I watch its movements and, as it draws closer, I drop down to make my presence known. I challenge it in combat. I have little faith in its abilities, but I must test it as I have the rest. The infection becomes stronger with every second and finding a suitable replacement may be the only chance Hallownest has left.

I draw my needle. It simply stares with lifeless eyes. It wields a dull nail and bears a mothwing cloak. But its movements are too slow. It is clear after only a few moments that this vessel is lacking. I thread a strand of silk through my needle. I jump behind my foe and cast my weapon in a fluid motion. The vessel turns to deflect the attack but, in doing so, its nail is knocked loose from its grip. I quickly take the blade myself and lunge forward. The nail pierces cleanly through the chest and void begins to leak from its mask. Another failure.

"Weak."

It wouldn't do to spend any more time here. I grab my needle and make my way towards the crossroads to search another area.

"The kingdom's edge may prove fruitful, or perhaps even Deep- "

My murmuring is cut off as I hear footsteps coming from nearby. I look down toward the sound and, to my surprise, I see yet another vessel. It looks up at me with typical, empty eyes. It continues to stare until finally it…tilts its head? Is it…curious? I can't help but focus on the vessel as its eyes bore into me. Then, suddenly, it leaps up from its place in an attempt to reach me.

That abrupt movement was enough to shake me from my thoughts, and I sprint into the tunnel behind me. I take a moment to look behind me for my pursuer, but I spot no one. Sure enough, there is no vessel where it once stood. It must not be able to jump high enough to reach this ledge. How pathetic. Still…its expression, its demeanor, its movements concern me. Just a single sway of its head was sufficient for me to realize that something was...off.

I backtrack into Greenpath. The vessel must be traveling through as well, either searching for me or searching for a different, unknown goal. In either case, I must find and test it. Using my needle and silk, I quickly make my way through the labyrinth of growth and, soon enough, I locate my target. It struggles to deal with the wildlife of the region as it cuts a path. There are bugs that masquerade as shrubs, plants that snap up from the ground, and even large mosskin that use the infection to harm intruders. Despite its troubles, the vessel continues to trudge through as I, instead, take the higher path. I dart through passages with little difficulty and I find myself in the same chamber where I battled the last unfortunate vessel, its own nail still impaled through it.

I realize that this area does make a useful spot for a duel and I take a minute to catch my breath, but It only takes a brief moment for the vessel to reach this room as well. It locks eyes with mine and starts into a dash as it approaches me. Startled, I flash my needle and point it at the intruder.

"Come no closer. I've seen you, creeping through the undergrowth, stalking me."

It tilts its head to the side again and points at itself.…Is it…confused?

"I know what you are. I know what you'd try to do."

It continues to stare.

"If that is truly your aim then show me that you are capable. Show me that you are worthy!"

To my surprise, the strange vessel proved itself quite capable indeed. It jumped over my needle when I threw it and struck swiftly when I was left open. For such a small thing, it puts a fair amount force behind each swing of that tiny nail. It was even able to use soul magic to fire attacks at me from a distance. How it learned such a technique, I haven't much idea, but it was impressive all the same. After it lands a number of clean hits on me, I decide that I've seen enough.

"I yield. I am convinced that you show promise, Vessel. You may go."

I stand aside and allow it to continue on.

It only lowers its nail and stares.

"Hmph. I wonder, do you know what it is you seek, or do you simply wander aimlessly?"

Of course, it does not answer. Vessels cannot speak, after all. Much to my annoyance, it holds its gaze, eyeing me as though I am some odd creature. I may be a practiced warrior, but I am not some…scary beast…am I?

Just as I am ready to give up on ever getting a response from the vessel and leave, it quickly charges at me. Caught off guard, my body tenses, I close my eyes, and I hold up my weapon to try and defend against whatever strike it throws at me. I wait and I wait, but no attack ever comes. Before I can look up, I feel something cold grab onto my leg and I let out an embarrassingly loud shriek. However, what I find clinging to my side is not some Greenpath bug, it's… the vessel.

"Wh-what do you think you-! Get off of me!"

I lash my leg out frantically, trying my hardest to free myself from this pest's hold and, with a mighty swing, I send the vessel flying. It sails through the air and collides with the wall. I almost wince as I hear the vessel's mask crack from the impact, but I am much too aggravated to care.

"You-what are you trying to do!? Don't touch me so suddenly like that you creepy little ghost! Next time you try something like that, I will not be so forgiving!"

I cast my thread into the leaves above, launch myself into the tunnel overhead, and leave the irritating, little ghost behind.