Chapter 57: The Whispering Wyvern
Drake and Corvus returned to Oakhaven, the city now feeling almost familiar after their recent travels. They headed straight for the Adventurers' Guildhall, which was as bustling as ever. Drake explained his situation to the stern woman at the desk, mentioning that he was now working with Corvus, a skilled mage. This seemed to impress her slightly, and she directed them to a quiet corner of the hall where they could discuss their plans.
After a brief discussion, Drake decided to focus on monster hunting contracts that would allow him to improve his speed and agility. He scanned the notice board, his eyes landing on a posting that caught his attention:
* **Wanted: The Whispering Wyvern. This swift and elusive beast has been terrorizing local livestock. Extreme caution advised. Reward: 2000 Gold.**
"A wyvern, huh?" Drake muttered. "That sounds like a good test of my speed."
Gareth, who happened to be passing by, overheard him. "The Whispering Wyvern is no ordinary beast, Drake," he warned. "It's incredibly fast and agile, and its breath weapon is highly corrosive. Only experienced hunters should attempt to take it down."
"Then I guess I'll have to become an experienced hunter," Drake replied with a grin. "2000 gold is quite the incentive."
He accepted the contract, and Corvus agreed to accompany him, providing magical support and guidance. They gathered supplies and set off the next morning, heading towards the mountainous region where the wyvern had been sighted.
After a day's travel, they reached a rocky, desolate area dotted with jagged peaks and deep ravines. The wind howled through the canyons, carrying with it the faint, high-pitched whispers that gave the wyvern its name.
*Notification: "Environmental Hazard Detected: High Winds. Reduced Visibility and Movement Speed."*
Drake activated *Observe*, scanning the surroundings. He spotted the wyvern's tracks: large, three-toed prints that led towards a narrow canyon.
They followed the tracks, the whispering sounds growing louder as they approached the canyon. Suddenly, the wyvern appeared, swooping down from the sky with incredible speed.
It was a magnificent creature, with a serpentine body, leathery wings, and a long, whip-like tail. Its scales shimmered in the sunlight, and its eyes glowed with a predatory yellow light.
The wyvern screeched, unleashing a torrent of corrosive acid breath towards Drake and Corvus. Corvus quickly erected a magical shield, deflecting the acid.
Drake used Void Step to teleport behind the wyvern, then unleashed a flurry of Shadow Strikes.
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Void Embrace (Level 1)."*
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Shadow Strike (Level 5, Enhanced by Void Embrace). Cost: 60 Mana. Damage Dealt: 150. Critical Hit!"*
*Notification: "Health Drain: 5. Drake Health: 70/100"*
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Shadow Strike (Level 5, Enhanced by Void Embrace). Cost: 60 Mana. Damage Dealt: 150. Critical Hit!"*
*Notification: "Health Drain: 5. Drake Health: 65/100"*
The wyvern shrieked in pain, but its thick scales absorbed most of the damage. It turned quickly, lashing out with its tail. Drake barely managed to dodge the blow, using Shadow Cloak to vanish just as the tail connected with the ground.
*Notification: "Skill Increased: Dexterity (Level 22)."*
*Notification: "Skill Increased: Shadow Cloak (Level 6). Effect: Increased invisibility duration and reduced mana cost."*
*Notification: "Experience Gained: Evasion Training (+100 XP)"*
Drake reappeared behind the wyvern again, focusing on speed and precision. He used his enhanced Dexterity to deliver a series of quick strikes, targeting the wyvern's wings and legs.
*Notification: "Experience Gained: Dexterity Training (+150 XP)"*
*Notification: "Experience Gained: Swordsmanship Training (+150 XP)"*
The wyvern roared in frustration, its movements becoming more erratic. It tried to take flight again, but Drake used Void Shatter, unleashing a burst of chaotic energy that struck the wyvern's wings, disrupting its flight.
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Void Shatter (Level 1). Cost: 70 Mana. Damage Dealt: 80."*
*Notification: "Health Drain: 5. Drake Health: 60/100"*
The wyvern crashed to the ground, giving Drake the opportunity to finish it off with a final, empowered Shadow Strike.
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Shadow Strike (Level 5, Enhanced by Void Embrace). Cost: 60 Mana. Damage Dealt: 150. Critical Hit!"*
*Notification: "Health Drain: 5. Drake Health: 55/100"*
*Notification: "Enemy Defeated: Whispering Wyvern (+2000 XP)."*
*Notification: "Experience Gained: Whispering Wyvern Encounter (+2000 XP)"*
*Notification: "Stat Points Available: 20"*