Chapter 07: AFTERMATH OF BATTLE

Dorian leaned against the tunnel wall, chest heaving with exhaustion. 

Lyra approached him, concern etched on her face:

"Dorian, your injuries... we need to tend to them immediately."

The Black System updated his status:

**CURRENT STATUS**

 + Health: 57%

 + Magical energy depleted by 40%

 + Physical strength reduced by 20% due to injuries

Dorian nodded weakly, allowing Lyra to guide him deeper into the tunnel.

They reached a hidden chamber filled with ancient Eldrida medical artifacts and herbs.

Lyra began treating his wounds, her skilled hands moving swiftly.

As Dorian's pain eased, he asked, "Lyra, what does Valkor want with me?"

Lyra's expression turned grave:

"Valkor serves Korvus, who seeks your Eldrid bloodline's power to break the ancient seal... 

A seal that imprisons a terrifying evil – one that could destroy Tenebrous."

Dorian's eyes widened, determination burning within him:

"I won't let that happen.

Lyra nodded solemnly:

"Exactly what I hoped you'd say, Dorian. But to defeat Korvus and Valkor, your strength must return – and quickly."

She finished treating his wounds, then handed him a small vial filled with glowing liquid:

"This rare potion, 'Eldrida's Vitality', will restore some of your health and energy."

The Black System updated:

**ITEM ACQUIRED: ELDRIDA'S VITALITY POTION**

 + Restores 30% health

 + Recovers 20% magical energy

 + Costs: 800 System Coins (purchase from System store with remaining coins)

Dorian had just enough coins to buy it from the System store earlier, and Lyra doesn't know about it

He drank the potion, feeling vitality surge through his veins.

The Black System confirmed:

**HEALTH RESTORED: 87%**

**MAGICAL ENERGY RECOVERED: 60%**

Lyra smiled:

"Now, let us plan our counterattack against Korvus... 

Shall we strike at Korvus's stronghold directly or gather allies first?"

Dorian considered their options carefully.

The Black System presented strategic insights:

**ANALYZING OPTIONS**

 + Direct Assault: 

 - Pros: Surprise attack, potential to catch Korvus off guard

 - Cons: High risk, likely heavy casualties

 + Gathering Allies: 

 - Pros: Increased strength, better chances of success

 - Cons: Time-consuming, risk of betrayal

Dorian looked at Lyra:

"Gathering allies seems wisest. Who can we trust?"

Lyra nodded thoughtfully:

"Three possibilities come to mind:

1. The Wyvern Clan - skilled warriors sworn to oppose Korvus.

2. The Moonwhisper Elves - magical archers with a vendetta against dark magic.

3. Thane Blackwood - a former Korvus ally turned rogue, seeking revenge.

The Black System updated:

**POTENTIAL ALLIES PROFILED**

 + Wyvern Clan: 80% loyalty guarantee

 + Moonwhisper Elves: 90% magical combat strength

 + Thane Blackwood: 60% trust rating due to uncertain motives

Dorian weighed their options carefully:

"Let's seek the Wyvern Clan first. Their warriors will bolster our physical strength."

Lyra agreed:

"I know their leader, Kaelin Darkhunter. She owes me a debt.