The morning sun streamed through the windows of Marcus's penthouse, its warm light energizing him for the task ahead. After yesterday's grueling fight in the Verdant Aerie, Marcus had taken the evening to rest, both physically and mentally. The thought of the Elder Treants still haunting the dungeon didn't unsettle him—it motivated him. Today, he would push forward and reach the boss room.
With his gaming pod ready, Marcus suited up, logged in, and took a deep breath. Dawnfyr materialized at the fourth key point within the Aerie, the glowing roots and tendrils of the dungeon stretching ominously around him.
The air was still, but Marcus could feel the weight of the Elder Treants lurking deeper into the chamber. He opened his inventory, carefully assessing the supplies he currently took with him.
Healing Potions of Vital Grace: x10.
Mana Crystals: x6.
Stonebark Powder: x5.
Antidote Blossoms: x6.
He swapped his Moonlit Talisman for the Verdant Song Pendant, prioritizing magic effectiveness and nature resistance for what lay ahead. The Emberwoven Shroud shimmered faintly on his back, its enchantments ready to protect him from whatever the dungeon threw his way.
Finally, Marcus activated a Stonebark Powder, feeling his Defense stat surge as a golden shimmer enveloped Dawnfyr. "No holding back now," Marcus muttered, drawing Crimson Fang as he stepped forward.
The sound of roots snapping echoed through the chamber as the Elder Treants stirred. Their massive frames emerged from the shadows, their glowing rune-covered bark and twisted limbs moving in unison. It wasn't just a fight—it was a war of attrition. Marcus would have to pace himself to survive.
The first wave charged, their heavy footsteps shaking the ground. Marcus activated Blade Storm, the whirlwind of strikes cutting deep into their bark-like armor and forcing the Treants to stagger back.
Damage Dealt with Blade Storm: 100 Physical ATK per target.
Cooldown: 5 minutes.
The Treants retaliated with synchronized strikes, their massive arms slamming down with enough force to create a shockwave. Marcus dodged to the side, activating Blossom Shield to mitigate the damage from the fragments of root that flew his way.
Damage Taken: 60 Physical ATK (reduced by Blossom Shield).
A second wave of Treants appeared, their numbers seemingly endless. Marcus gritted his teeth and activated Verdant Cascade, the AoE spell summoning magical vines to entangle the advancing Treants while dealing consistent damage.
Damage Dealt with Verdant Cascade: 120 Magic ATK per target.
Healing Received: +15% HP.
MP Cost: 60 MP.
The roots worked to slow the enemy horde, but the Treants' overwhelming strength made them difficult to contain. Marcus quickly downed a Mana Crystal to replenish his energy as he switched tactics.
To conserve resources, Marcus relied on his Spirit Fist subclass, weaving in agile attacks like Mystic Jab and Spiral Kick to deal quick damage and stay on the move. The Treants struggled to keep up with his speed, their massive frames too sluggish to counter his strikes.
Damage Dealt with Mystic Jab: 90 Physical ATK + 20 Magic ATK.
Damage Dealt with Spiral Kick: 75 Physical ATK per target.
The battle continued for what felt like hours. Marcus activated Verdant Cataclysm sparingly, saving it for moments when the Treants grouped too closely together. Each use of the Tier III spell tore through their ranks, restoring Marcus's HP and providing brief respites in the chaos.
Damage Dealt with Verdant Cataclysm: 120 Magic ATK per target.
Healing Received: +15% HP.
MP Cost: 100 MP.
By the time the last of the Elder Treants fell, the chamber was littered with shattered bark and glowing runes that flickered faintly before fading away. Marcus stood amidst the wreckage, his breathing heavy but his resolve unshaken. His HP bar was dangerously low, but he quickly drank one of the Healing Potions of Vital Grace, watching as his health surged back to near-full.
Ahead of him, a massive, ornate door materialized at the end of the chamber. Its surface was adorned with intricate carvings of vines and leaves, glowing faintly with the same green light as the Shard of Verdant Memory in Marcus's inventory.
"The boss room," Marcus whispered, gripping Crimson Fang tightly.
He approached the door cautiously, taking a moment to steel himself. This was it—the final trial of the Verdant Aerie, and the culmination of his months-long quest to save the Dryad Queen.
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