Submission (#547) Approved

“Ghostmallow, the most formidable foe of the Night of Haunts”... Rowan had heard many rumours about this legendary creature, and today was the day he would finally come face to face with this horrible fiend! - Well, that was what he thought until he sized up said creature as he stood before it. He had expected something much more intimidating from all the gossip, yet the enemy in front of him… was a squishy marshmallow that was not even half his height?

For a few long seconds, the young warrior-in-training stared into the ghostmallow’s eyes, though there was little (if any) information he could gauge from those large, empty eyes reminiscent of burnt spots on a toasted marshmallow. It wasn’t long until the newbie's mind started drifting off elsewhere.

He thought back to the time Sycamore had brought him to the campsite. Luminites had gathered around the campfire and told plenty of scary stories as they roasted s’mores and marshmallows. It was also then that he’d learnt of the tales of the Ghostmallow. If I can defeat it, then I can prove myself! - Rowan had thought, as he proclaimed that he’d be taking on the challenge when he retold the story to his father. Back then, Sycamore had chuckled, and simply cheered him on without much explanation.

Thinking back on this, was it due to the resemblance to toasted marshmallows that the Ghostmallow was even brought up in the first place? What did the Ghostmallow think of marshmallows? Were they born out of campfires, too? …Actually, did they taste like toasted marshmallows themselves?

– There was no time to contemplate whether or not he should take a bite out of the ghostly marshmallow, however, for the Ghostmallow had seemingly grown tired of the staring contest, and chosen this moment of distraction to strike. Snapping back into focus, Rowan managed to barely dodge the Ghostmallow’s tackle. Right, this was no time to think about tasty camping snacks, he was on the battlefield!

Springing back into position, Rowan gripped his trainee sword and countered with a blade strike. The sword hit the Ghostmallow squarely, except… the blade simply sank into the gooey, marshmallow-like material. With a bit of effort, he managed to dislodge his sword before the slow creature had a chance to use the opportunity for another hit. Rowan checked his weapon - the blade now had a sticky texture to it, something that would surely be an inconvenience in a battle of attrition. It was clear now, that the rumours weren’t all exaggerations - this battle was nowhere as simple as the Ghostmallow’s harmless exterior may have suggested. Perhaps it was even a tactic, for its enemies to let down their guard so it could take them by surprise…?!

No matter the case, Rowan needed to focus. Mentally preparing himself for a tough fight, he pounced at the Ghostmallow once more…

Reward	Amount
Blood Sucker (RECIPE)	1
Candy	40
Warrior Points	10
QuBits	310