Chapter 65: Whispers from the Deep
Having successfully rescued the villagers from the Deep Ones, Drake and Corvus decided it was time to move on from the Shadowfen. Drake felt a pull to continue his training, but he also knew they needed to gather more information about the growing threat. The Deep One artifact they had recovered during the rescue might hold some clues, but they needed a place to study it in peace.
They decided to return to Oakhaven temporarily. It was familiar and safe, and they could use the Adventurers' Guild as a base of operations while they planned their next move.
Back in Oakhaven, Drake and Corvus found a quiet corner in the Crooked Tankard to examine the Deep One artifact. It was a dark, obsidian-like crystal, pulsating with a faint, internal light. It felt cold to the touch and emanated a subtle, unsettling energy.
Corvus examined the crystal carefully, using his magical senses to probe its secrets. "This is… powerful," he murmured. "It seems to be a focusing crystal, used to amplify magical energy. But the energy it channels… it's distinctly tied to the Void."
Drake felt a shiver run down his spine. He knew they were dealing with something far more dangerous than they had initially realized.
While Corvus continued his research, Drake decided to check the Adventurers' Guild for any new contracts. He needed to keep his skills sharp and earn some more gold. He found a posting that caught his eye:
* **Request: Investigate Strange Occurrences in the Sunken City. Reports of unusual activity and sightings of aquatic creatures near the ruins. Reward: 4000 Gold.**
"The Sunken City," Drake mused. "Sounds like a good opportunity to test my Void Tendrils in an aquatic environment. And 4000 gold? That's definitely worth investigating."
He informed Corvus of the contract. The mage agreed that investigating the Sunken City could provide valuable insights into the Deep Ones and their activities. They decided to take the job.
They traveled to the coast and chartered a small fishing boat to take them to the location of the Sunken City. The journey was uneventful, but as they approached the ruins, Drake felt a strange unease. The water around them grew dark and still, and the air was heavy with a sense of foreboding.
*Notification: "Environmental Hazard Detected: Submerged Ruins. Reduced Visibility and Movement Speed in Water."*
The Sunken City was a haunting sight. The ruins of ancient buildings emerged from the water, their stone walls covered in seaweed and barnacles. The water was murky and dark, making it difficult to see what lurked beneath the surface.
Drake and Corvus dove into the water, using magical breathing enchantments provided by Corvus to breathe underwater. Drake activated *Observe*, scanning the surroundings. He could see strange, shadowy figures moving in the distance.
*Notification: "Enemy Detected: 5 x Deep One Scouts. Threat Level: Moderate."*
The Deep One Scouts were smaller and less heavily built than the warriors Drake had fought in the Shadowfen, but they were still dangerous. They were incredibly agile in the water, moving with a speed and grace that belied their grotesque appearance.
They attacked Drake and Corvus, their webbed hands and feet propelling them through the water. Drake activated Void Embrace, feeling the familiar surge of dark energy.
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Void Embrace (Level 3). Health Drain per turn: 2."*
He used Void Tendrils, summoning several shadowy appendages that lashed out at the Deep One Scouts.
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Void Tendrils (Level 3). Cost: 60 Mana. Damage Dealt: 40 (each tendril). Ensnared 2 targets"*
*Notification: "Health Drain: 2. Drake Health: 73/100"*
The tendrils ensnared two of the scouts, holding them in place. Drake then used his enhanced Dexterity to deliver a series of swift strikes with his short sword, quickly dispatching the ensnared creatures.
*Notification: "Enemy Defeated: Deep One Scout (+300 XP)."*
*Notification: "Enemy Defeated: Deep One Scout (+300 XP)."*
The remaining scouts attacked with renewed ferocity, but Drake, empowered by Void Embrace and using his improved agility, dodged their attacks and countered with swift strikes.
*Notification: "Enemy Defeated: Deep One Scout (+300 XP)."*
*Notification: "Enemy Defeated: Deep One Scout (+300 XP)."*
*Notification: "Enemy Defeated: Deep One Scout (+300 XP)."*
*Notification: "Experience Gained: Deep One Scout Encounters (+1500 XP)"*
*Experience: 15700 + 1500 = 17200/9000*
*Notification: "Level Up! Drake has reached Level 10!"*
*Notification: "Stat Points Available: 10"*
*Notification: "Skill Points Available: 2"*
He allocated his stat points putting 5 into dexterity and 5 into strength.
*Notification: "Stat Points Allocated: Dexterity +5. Current Dexterity: 38."*
*Notification: "Stat Points Allocated: Strength +5. Current Strength: 42."*
He allocated his skill points, putting one into Shadow Strike and one into Void Step.
*Notification: "Skill Point Allocated: Shadow Strike (Level 6). Effect: Increased damage and now has a chance to inflict the 'Bleed' status effect."*
*Notification: "Skill Point Allocated: Void Step (Level 3). Effect: Increased teleportation range, reduced mana cost, and can now teleport with an additional small burst of speed after reappearing."*