Chapter 8: The Avatar's Wrath

The Heart's Avatar towered over him, its body pulsating with energy drawn directly from the Verdant Heart. Vines writhed like snakes, and the ground beneath trembled as the massive creature took a step forward.

[Boss Alert: Heart's Avatar Lv.10]

[Strategy Tip: Exploit elemental weaknesses to deal critical damage.]

He held his Energy Blade tightly, and the new Thorn-Infused Armour snug against his body. The Echo hovered beside him, its light illuminating the dark battlefield.

"Stay agile," the Echo warned. "Its attacks will destroy everything in their path."

The Avatar roared, raising a massive limb to slam down. He dodged, rolling to the side as the ground cracked beneath the impact.

> "If it hits me even once, I'm done for," he muttered, sweat dripping down his face.

He circled the Avatar, testing its defences with quick slashes. The Energy Blade glanced off its bark-like skin, leaving only faint scorch marks. The Avatar retaliated with a flurry of vine strikes, each one narrowly missing as he ducked and weaved.

[Ability Activated: Enhanced Evasion Lv.1.]

The Echo provided brief openings, its light flaring to distract the Avatar. But his attacks weren't enough.

"You'll need to target its core," the Echo said. "The glowing centre at its chest—it's the source of its power."

> "Easier said than done!" he shouted, dodging another devastating blow.

Realizing he couldn't win with brute force, he retreated to the edge of the battlefield. His inventory held several items looted from previous fights:

Energy Core Shards (x3)

Alpha's Thorn Fur

Spectral Core Fragment

"Can we use these to craft something?" he asked.

The Echo shimmered, scanning the items. "Yes. Combine the Energy Core Shards and Spectral Core Fragment to create an explosive device. It should disrupt Avatar's defences."

He quickly initiated the crafting process, the Echo guiding him through the steps.

[Crafting Completed: Spectral Charge.]

Effect: Emits a concentrated blast of energy, stunning enemies, and weakening their defenses.]

The Avatar charged, its massive form barreling toward him. He activated Enhanced Evasion Lv.1, narrowly avoiding its attack, and planted the Spectral Charge near its feet.

> "This better work," he said, retreating to a safe distance.

The charge detonated, a blinding light engulfing the Avatar. The creature let out a deafening roar as its bark-like armour cracked, exposing the glowing core at its chest.

[Heart's Avatar Defence Reduced by 50%. Core Vulnerable for 30 Seconds.]

"Now's your chance!" the Echo urged.

He sprinted forward, his Energy Blade humming with power. Dodging the thrashing vines, he leapt into the air, aiming for the exposed core.

The blade pierced the core, a surge of energy coursing through his body. The Avatar let out one final roar before collapsing, its massive form disintegrating into glowing particles.

[Heart's Avatar Defeated. XP Gained: 500.]

[Loot Acquired: Verdant Core, Bark of the Ancients.]

Panting heavily, he fell to his knees, the weight of the battle catching up to him.

> "That was... intense," he muttered, looking at the glowing Verdant Core in his hands.

The Echo hovered closer, its light dim but steady. "You've proven yourself. The Core Beacon is now within your grasp."

At the base of the Verdant Heart, a pedestal emerged, its surface inscribed with ancient runes. The Verdant Core fit perfectly into a circular slot, and as he placed it, the pedestal lit up with radiant energy.

[Core Beacon Activated: Verdant Heart Region Secured.]

[New Ability Unlocked: Nature's Wrath Lv.1.]

The forest around him began to shift, the oppressive darkness lifting as the Beacon's light spread.

"You've taken the first step toward reclaiming this world," the Echo said. "But many challenges lie ahead. Prepare yourself."

He nodded, determination flickering in his eyes.

> "I'll be ready."

As the Beacon's light expanded, a shadowy figure watched from the edge of the forest. Its red eyes glowed with malice, and it disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind only a chilling whisper.

> "He won't make it much further."