### 249

With little effort you are able to draw on your mastery of Nexus to protect yourself from the effects of the corrosive acid. Where you have been splashed, you cause the affected skin to exude a strong alkaline that immediately neutralizes the acid. Quickly the pain recedes and you are able to escape along the tunnel, away from this deadly shower.

You reach the distant staircase and stop to cut away the parts of your cloak and tunic that have been eaten by the acid. To your annoyance you find a smouldering hole in the top of your Backpack and, when you check the contents, you discover that two items have been damaged beyond repair. (Erase from your Action Chart those items which you have noted second and fourth on your list of Backpack Items.)

To continue, turn to 28.