Chapter 80 : The Silverwood's Trials and a Whispering Guide
With the Swamp Hag finally dispatched (and thoroughly ridiculed), Drake, Corvus, Elara, and Borin set off for the Silverwood Forest. The journey was long and uneventful, giving Drake ample opportunity to practice his Void and Darkness abilities, further refining his control over the chaotic energies. He also spent some time trying to decipher the cryptic clues in the book they had found in the Grand Library, occasionally muttering the riddles aloud to the amusement (or annoyance) of his companions.
"Okay, so it says, 'Where the ancient trees whisper secrets to the wind, and the moon bathes the silver leaves in its ethereal glow…'" Drake recited, scratching his head. "Sounds like a romantic getaway spot for tree spirits. Or maybe a really creepy forest. Either way, I'm packing bug spray. And maybe a chainsaw. Just in case."
Elara chuckled. "It's a poetic description," she said. "It's likely meant to evoke the mystical nature of the forest."
"Mystical, huh?" Drake replied. "Hopefully, it's not *too* mystical. I'm not a big fan of talking trees or enchanted squirrels. Unless they're offering me a quest. Then I'm all ears. And acorns. I'm always down for some acorns."
They eventually reached the edge of the Silverwood Forest, a vast expanse of ancient trees with shimmering silver leaves. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and a sense of tranquility *and underlying danger* permeated the woods.
*Notification: "Location Discovered: Silverwood Forest. Mystical Energy Detected. Trials Expected."*
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the trees grew taller and more imposing, their branches intertwining to form a dense canopy overhead. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor. An unnerving silence settled around them, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig under their feet.
"This is actually quite beautiful," Drake admitted, gazing up at the towering trees. "It's almost… peaceful. Almost. I'm still expecting a giant spider to jump out at any moment. Or a talking tree to ask me riddles. Because, you know, forests."
As if on cue, the tranquility was shattered by a guttural roar. From the depths of the forest, monstrous creatures emerged, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent.
*Notification: "Enemy Detected: 3 x Silverwood Howlers. Threat Level: High."*
"Well, that's not a talking squirrel," Drake quipped, drawing his short sword. "Looks like our peaceful stroll just turned into a monster mash."
The Silverwood Howlers were large, wolf-like creatures with razor-sharp claws and teeth. They moved with surprising speed and agility, their howls echoing through the trees.
The battle was fierce. The Howlers attacked relentlessly, their claws tearing through the air, their teeth snapping. Drake and his companions fought back with all their might, but the Howlers were relentless.
Drake used Void Embrace and Shadow Rend, his shadowy blade slicing through the Howlers' thick hides.
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Shadow Rend (Level 7). Cost: 70 Mana. Damage Dealt: 170. Bleed Status Effect Applied."*
*Notification: "Health Drain: 1. Drake Health: 60/100"*
Corvus unleashed fire magic, creating walls of flame to block the Howlers' advance. Elara used her wind magic to create gusts of wind, disorienting the creatures and giving her allies an opening to attack. Borin, ever the tank, charged into the fray, his great axe cleaving through the air.
Despite their combined efforts, the Howlers were proving to be formidable opponents. They were strong, fast, and their attacks were relentless. Drake and his companions were pushed to their limits, their health dwindling with each passing moment.
Just when they were beginning to tire, and the Howlers seemed to have the upper hand, Drake, with a desperate surge of energy, unleashed a powerful Void Shatter, the chaotic energy engulfing one of the Howlers.
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Void Shatter (Level 3). Cost: 70 Mana. Damage Dealt: 120. Void Corruption Status Effect Applied."*
*Notification: "Health Drain: 1. Drake Health: 59/100"*
The Howler shrieked in pain, its body wracked by the Void Corruption. It collapsed to the ground, defeated.
With renewed determination, Drake and his companions pressed their attack, finally managing to defeat the remaining Howlers. They were exhausted, battered, and bruised, but they had survived.
*Notification: "Enemy Defeated: Silverwood Howler (+600 XP)."*
*(Repeated for each Howler)*
*Notification: "Experience Gained: Silverwood Howler Encounters (+1800 XP)"*
*Experience: 10400 + 1800 = 12200/11000*
*Notification: "Level Up! Drake has reached Level 14!"*
*Notification: "Stat Points Available: 14"*
*Notification: "Skill Points Available: 2"*
He allocated his stat points putting 4 into Constitution, 5 into Intelligence and 5 into Wisdom.
*Notification: "Stat Points Allocated: Constitution +4. Current Constitution: 49."*
*Notification: "Stat Points Allocated: Intelligence +5. Current Intelligence: 32."*
*Notification: "Stat Points Allocated: Wisdom +5. Current Wisdom: 34."*
He allocated his skill points, putting one into Shadow Cloak and one into Void Tendrils (Darkness).
*Notification: "Skill Point Allocated: Shadow Cloak (Level 10). Effect: Increased invisibility duration, reduced mana cost, grants a significant bonus to stealth, allows for silent movement even on rough terrain, and now allows Drake to briefly become intangible while cloaked, avoiding incoming attacks."*
*Notification: "Skill Point Allocated: Shadow Tendrils (Darkness) (Level 3). Effect: Increased damage, life drain, and can now temporarily bind multiple enemies."*
As they caught their breath, a voice spoke in their minds, clear and distinct. *"You have proven your strength,"* the voice said. *"Follow the path where the moonlight kisses the silver leaves. It will lead you to the heart of the forest."*
They looked around, noticing a path bathed in moonlight, shimmering through the leaves. It was as if the forest itself was guiding them.