Chapter 35: Shadows of the Forgotten
"This place is worse than the mist," Mia muttered, her bow at the ready. "Feels like we're walking straight into a nightmare."
"Keep moving," Ryan said, his voice steady but tense. "The shard wouldn't lead us here if it wasn't important."
Lily's pendant glowed faintly, casting a soft light that pushed back the oppressive darkness. "The energy here is different. It's not just dark—it's... broken."
[New Zone Discovered: The Forgotten Grove]
[New Objective: Secure the Fourth Anchor Node]
The deeper they ventured, the more twisted the forest became. The trees seemed to shift when they weren't looking, their gnarled forms almost appearing humanoid. The ground beneath their feet was soft and damp, and every step seemed to echo unnaturally in the silence.
Suddenly, a notification appeared:
[Enemies Spawned: Phantasmal Shades – HP: 600/600 each]
From the shadows, translucent figures emerged, their forms barely distinguishable from the darkness around them. Their glowing eyes locked onto the trio, and a low, mournful moan echoed as they advanced.
"Shades," Ryan muttered. "Stay close and don't let them flank us."
Ryan raised his halberd, activating [Radiant Barrier (Enhanced)]. The golden shield flared to life, creating a protective dome around the group as the Shades lunged forward.
[Damage Absorbed: 300 HP]
Mia loosed a radiant arrow, the shot piercing through one Shade and dispersing its form into wisps of smoke.
[Damage Dealt: 400 HP](Phantasmal Shade Defeated)
Ryan swung his halberd in a wide arc, activating [Courage Strike (Advanced)]. The radiant energy burst outward, striking multiple Shades and causing them to flicker and dissolve.
[Damage Dealt: 350 HP to all enemies]
(Phantasmal Shades Defeated: 3)
Lily cast [Celestial Flare], her magic illuminating the grove and weakening the remaining Shades. "Keep pushing forward! They're endless!"
As the last of the Shades faded, the shard in Ryan's hand pulsed brighter, projecting a path through the forest. It led to a clearing where a massive, ancient tree stood at the center, its bark covered in glowing runes.
"That has to be it," Ryan said, pointing at the tree. "The Anchor Node."
As they approached the tree, the ground trembled, and the runes on its surface flared with dark light. A deep, guttural growl echoed through the grove, and a massive figure stepped out from behind the tree. It was a towering, beast-like creature made of shadow and twisted roots, its glowing red eyes fixed on the trio.
[Boss Encounter: Warden of the Forgotten – HP: 7,000/7,000]
"Of course," Mia muttered, notching an arrow. "Big, ugly, and angry."
The Warden roared, slamming its massive fists into the ground. Roots erupted from the soil, surging toward the group. Ryan activated [Blinding Radiance], stunning the Warden and clearing the roots before they could ensnare them.
[Warden Stunned: 3 Seconds]
"Hit it hard!" Ryan shouted, charging forward. He activated [Resonant Blade (Enhanced)], his halberd glowing as he struck the Warden's side, causing chunks of shadow and bark to splinter off.
[Damage Dealt: 600 HP]
(Warden of the Forgotten HP: 6,400/7,000)
Mia fired a volley of arrows at the Warden's exposed core, each shot striking true.
[Damage Dealt: 450 HP]
(Warden of the Forgotten HP: 5,950/7,000)
The Warden roared again, summoning smaller shadow creatures to its aid. Lily cast [Sanctuary], creating a protective zone around the group and healing their minor injuries.
[Healing Received: +20 HP]
Ryan swung his halberd in a wide arc, activating [Lightforged Strike (Enhanced)] to clear the smaller creatures while landing a solid hit on the Warden.
[Damage Dealt: 550 HP]
(Warden of the Forgotten HP: 5,400/7,000)
As the battle raged on, the Warden's attacks grew more erratic, its massive roots and shadowy limbs lashing out wildly. Mia used her agility to dodge its strikes, firing precision shots that chipped away at its health.
[Damage Dealt: 400 HP]
(Warden of the Forgotten HP: 5,000/7,000)
Lily cast [Celestial Flare], her magic bursting outward and staggering the Warden. "Now, Ryan! Finish it!"
Ryan activated [Courage Strike (Advanced)], his halberd surging with radiant energy as he charged forward. With a powerful swing, he struck the Warden's core, shattering it in a brilliant explosion of light.
[Boss Defeated: Warden of the Forgotten]
[Rewards: +8 Skill Points, Core of Shadows Unlocked]
The ancient tree's runes began to glow brightly as the shard projected a beam of light into its trunk. The ground steadied, and a notification appeared:
[Anchor Node Stabilized: 4 of 5 Secured]
At the base of the tree, a glowing orb appeared. Ryan picked it up, feeling its dark energy swirl within.
[New Item Acquired: Core of Shadows]
Passive Effect: Shadow Resistance – Reduces damage from dark-based attacks by 20%.
Active Skill: Shadow Nova – Unleashes a wave of shadow energy that damages and slows enemies for 10 seconds. Cooldown: 90 seconds.
"Four down," Ryan said, slipping the Core of Shadows into his inventory. "One more to go."
"And it's probably the hardest," Mia added, slinging her bow over her shoulder. "Let's hope we're ready for it."
The shard projected another glowing line, this time pointing toward a distant, towering spire that pierced the clouds. The trio exchanged determined glances before setting off, their resolve unshaken as they pursued the final Anchor.