Chapter 71 : Mountains of Shadows and a Lack of Luck

With the information gleaned from the captured cultist, Drake and Corvus knew their next destination: a hidden temple nestled deep within a nearby mountain range. The cult's activities were escalating, and they needed to stop the Voidbringer before he could complete his ritual.

Before embarking on their journey, Drake decided to take a moment to review his progress. He opened his Codex and accessed his status screen.

*Notification: "Status"*

* Name: Drake

* Level: 12

* Experience: 4200/11000 (Two levels gained)

* Stats:

* Strength: 53

* Dexterity: 50

* Constitution: 38

* Intelligence: 20

* Wisdom: 22

* Charisma: 25

* Luck: 10

* Skills:

* Street Fighting (Level 6)

* Shadow Rend (Level 7)

* Shadow Cloak (Level 9)

* Void Step (Level 4)

* Void Embrace (Level 4)

* Void Shatter (Level 2)

* Void Tendrils (Level 3)

"Ten Luck?" Drake muttered, staring at the screen. "Ten measly points of Luck? Seriously? What kind of cosmic joke is this? Did the gods run out of lucky pennies when they were handing out stats? I swear, if I ever meet the stat-distribution committee, I'm going to give them a piece of my mind. Or maybe a Void-infused wedgie. That'll teach them."

He shook his head, a wry grin spreading across his face. "Well, guess I'll just have to rely on skill and witty banter to get me through this. Because clearly, luck isn't on my side. Thanks a lot, universe."

He then allocated his stat points, putting 4 into Constitution, 4 into Intelligence and 4 into Wisdom.

*Notification: "Stat Points Allocated: Constitution +4. Current Constitution: 42."*

*Notification: "Stat Points Allocated: Intelligence +4. Current Intelligence: 24."*

*Notification: "Stat Points Allocated: Wisdom +4. Current Wisdom: 26."*

He closed his Codex and turned to Corvus. "Ready to go mountain climbing?" he asked, a grin spreading across his face. "I've always wanted to see what the view's like from up there. Though I'm hoping it doesn't involve any more creepy cultists or world-ending rituals. Or at least, not too many."

Corvus nodded, his expression serious. "The journey will be dangerous," he said. "The mountains are treacherous, and the cult's temple is likely heavily guarded."

They gathered their supplies and set off the next morning, heading towards the distant mountain range. The journey was long and arduous, involving steep climbs, treacherous paths, and encounters with various mountain creatures.

As they approached the mountains, Drake noticed a change in the environment. The air grew colder, and the wind howled through the canyons. The landscape became more rugged, with jagged peaks and deep valleys.

*Notification: "Environmental Hazard Detected: High Altitude. Reduced Breathing Effectiveness."*

*Notification: "Environmental Hazard Detected: Extreme Cold. Reduced Stamina Regeneration."*

Drake used his enhanced Dexterity and *Street Fighting* skills to navigate the treacherous terrain, scaling cliffs and leaping across chasms. He also used his improved Void Step to quickly traverse long distances.

As they ventured deeper into the mountains, they began to encounter hostile creatures: mountain goats, giant spiders, and even a few snow harpies. These encounters provided valuable training opportunities for Drake, allowing him to further refine his combat skills.

*(Example Combat Encounter - Snow Harpies)*

While crossing a narrow mountain pass, they were attacked by three snow harpies. These creatures were swift and agile, with sharp talons and piercing screeches.

Drake activated Void Embrace and used Shadow Rend to quickly dispatch one of the harpies, the shadowy blade slicing through its wing.

*Notification: "Skill Activated: Shadow Rend (Level 7). Cost: 70 Mana. Damage Dealt: 170. Bleed Status Effect Applied."*

*Notification: "Health Drain: 1. Drake Health: 70/100"*

*Notification: "Enemy Defeated: Snow Harpy (+400 XP)."*

He then used Void Tendrils to ensnare another harpy, pulling it down to the ground, where Corvus quickly dispatched it with a well-aimed spell.

*Notification: "Skill Activated: Void Tendrils (Level 3). Cost: 60 Mana. Damage Dealt: 40 (each tendril). Ensnared 1 target"*

*Notification: "Health Drain: 1. Drake Health: 69/100"*

*Notification: "Enemy Defeated: Snow Harpy (+400 XP)."*

The last harpy tried to flee, but Drake used Void Step to teleport in front of it and finish it off with a swift strike.

*Notification: "Enemy Defeated: Snow Harpy (+400 XP)."*

*Notification: "Experience Gained: Snow Harpy Encounters (+1200 XP)"*

*Experience: 4200 + 1200 = 5400/11000*