Morning broke on Aiden's mountain home with Jax making sausages in a skillet, using an interestingly designed wrapping system around his paw.
"I said I was sorry."
Jax said this through crocodile tears.
"And I said you shouldn't have made bets on whether I would stay or leave."
Aiden replied, annoyed, as he continued to mix and measure ingredients.
He had just finished a batch of five energy potions after spending the early morning collecting borage and alleha from the home garden.
He handed one to Selene, who eagerly chugged it down.
Aiden turned to his next project, making four flasks of Firestarter.
He used 50 of his MP to fill liquid crystal vials, then set four aside for the flasks. After grabbing the ingredients from his bag, he realized that while he had a surplus of fetref, he needed to make a mental note to get more Hebbenus bark since he only had seven stalks left.
Aiden pulled out his grandfather's mortar and pestle, then tossed the fetref into the stone bowl. The herb resembled green moss with white dots, but it slowly became a grayish-green paste as he continued to work it.
The runes on the pestle hummed slightly as Aiden felt his remaining 9 MP trickle into the mixture.
After a bit, he took a sniff of the paste-like substance and recoiled slightly from the acidity, marking it as processed enough. He grabbed the sticks of bark and used a small knife to whittle off small slivers, which landed in the paste and seemed to partially dissolve.
Once he finished adding them, Aiden turned to the small cauldron, placed the paste inside, and carefully poured in the vials of liquid crystal. He constantly stirred, waiting until each vial was fully absorbed before pouring in the next one.
When he finished, the mixture turned from greenish gray and started to form small flakes of black and orange. He lifted the cauldron higher, leaving it less exposed to the heat of the fireplace, then turned to where Kaelen had just taken a bite of sausage.
"When you're done with breakfast, come here. This needs to be constantly stirred for an hour or it may explode."
Kaelen paused, a second bite of sausage halfway to his mouth.
"What? Why me? What about Selene? She already finished breakfast."
Selene had indeed finished her breakfast and was drinking the second energy potion Aiden had given her.
Aiden turned back to Kaelen.
"Because I'm not 100% sure Selene isn't here and helping us because she was too shy to say no, she is a patient, and she didn't bet on me 'flaking' as you put it."
"I said I was sorry."
Kaelen moped as he finished his sausage and came over to take the spoon from Aiden before he started stirring.
Once Aiden sat down and took a sausage for breakfast, Liora leaned in and asked in a whisper,
"Will it actually explode if he stops?"
"No, but I figured with his endurance, he needed motivation."
Aiden tore into his sausage while they all ate and talked about the plan ahead of them as well as making doubly sure that Selene was actually there because she wanted to be and not just because of being roped in by accident.
"Well, I need the energy potions, and even if you brew a bunch for me it will cost a lot, so since I was already looking for work, why not? It even comes with the benefit of potions on the house."
Aiden went to check on the potion, finally releasing Kaelen who acted as if his arm had been reduced to noodles.
Aiden took the cauldron and poured the potion into four bottles before tying a rope around the top of each bottle so he could throw them easier.
Everyone gathered in his living room area while Aiden checked his system and saw his MP bar slowly as his body began to accumulate energy in rest.
He sat down around the others while Liora pulled out a piece of paper and began to draw a diagram for their newest member.
"From what Jax said on his patrol, the ash spirits will be too close to our edge for the next 30 minutes or so. After that, we should have a straight shot in to take a crack at the Blood Trent."
"So what's the plan then?"
Kaelen asked, rolling his shoulder in a way Aiden could only assume was him exaggerating his injury….. hopefully
Jax seemed to think for a minute before turning to Aiden.
"How long do those Firestarter things last?"
"Burns for around a minute or so."
"In that case, the plan as I see it is we try to avoid going into the barrier. Since it's physically trapped, it can't do as much to us while the barrier holds it back. From there, we have Aiden set it on fire, Liora stokes the flames and attacks from a distance, Selene and I block any attacks that get past the barrier, and Kaelen heals injuries and attacks when he gets a chance."
Everyone blinked at him for a moment.
Aiden was a bit surprised that the person he had thought of as their airheaded party leader had just come up with a pretty good plan.
Jax looked up from the map at the rest of them and asked,
"What? I was in charge of hunting strategy in my family."
"Ahhh."
The rest of them said this as they all understood.
He was still an airhead. Just a tactical airhead. Did that technically upgrade him from airhead to blimp?
Once everyone got up and gathered their gear, Aiden handed two of the remaining three energy potions to Jax and the last one to Selene.
Even as they made their way through the woods there was a level of tension running through the group that could hardly be unexpected. This was their first big hunt for a monster that could be way too strong for any of them to take on, much less survive an encounter with.
They continued their solemn march in silence until they arrived at the edge of the ash. Inside it, there was an ominous feeling in the air. While the feeling faded a bit whenever Aiden turned to the others, there was a nervous energy from all of them.
They waited for the Ash spirits to pass before beginning the more harrowing part of the trip, marching at a fast pace until they could see the edge of the shrine.
They all crouched in a circle to make sure everything was set before the attack began. Aiden had expected everyone to be on edge, yet there was also a bit of excitement in the air. Aiden checked for almost the eighth time to make sure Misty was safe in the pendant. Her normal attitude and energy seemed drained from the environment as wasn't unexpected of a nature tied spirit, but otherwise she was ok.
Satisfied with their preparations they all stepped out, making a semi organized formation before the shrine.
The buildings themselves were all the same, and yet the sunlight that landed on them was tinted a haunting red as they looked up to see the cause.
Its large towering tree had now sprouted pink cherry tree like leaves, the light diffusing through to form a haunting shade.
They stared for a moment before some of the leaves started to change color, shifting into a deeper red hue. The tree seemed to crack and shift like someone stretching after sitting for too long.
The bark darkened as patches flaked off, revealing pulsing red glowing wood underneath. Some of the branches wrapped together, forming arms with four fingers that ended in jagged points. A smiling face, with glowing eyes and a glowing mouth, smiled back at them from the bark. Sharp triangular teeth formed inside it.
It towered over them, seeming to grow bigger as it took an almost humanoid form, standing at least 20 feet tall.
"It seems the adventurers I tried to warn away didn't listen."
The Blood Trent's voice boomed, deep and grating.
"Stick to the plan!"
Jax yelled.
Everyone got into position. Aiden stayed in the back, Jax and Selene moved to the front, Liora took his left, and Kaelen took his right.
"Whatever happened to the adventurers who were so eager for conversation? You all are just plain rude! "
The Blood Trent reached into its leaves, plucked a seed, and threw it.
The seed passed through the barrier to the right of Kaelen and sprouted into a small bush covered in blood-red leaves. Eyes hidden in the leaves blinked open, and it hissed at Kaelen, who yelped in surprise.
Aiden's system appeared and gave a sudden announcement, which was a bit surprising.
Enemy Blood Trent is using the skill Blood Seed Creation (E) to summon a Blood Bush.
The bush sprouted a thorny vine that lashed at Kaelen and struck his arm. He cried out in pain. When the vine pulled back, Aiden could see several bleeding holes left by the attack.
Everyone turned to the bush, but out of the corner of his eye, Aiden saw that the Blood Trent was moving. It was slow, but it was moving.
It was headed for the magic circle.
Jax spun in place and yelled to Selene,
"I'll help Kaelen. Keep the big guy busy!"
He leapt over Kaelen, striking out with a paw that slammed through the leaves and hit the ground.
"The bush is smaller than its leaves show!"
Liora looked between the large tree and where Jax was fighting. She held out her staff, and the wind seemed to swirl around the end of it. Then she swung. The ball of wind flew off and curved, striking the bush at an angle as Aiden's system gave another announcement.
Party Member Liora has used the skill Wind Blast (E)
7 Wind Damage done
Wind Blast's movement effect has been resisted by enemy Blood Bush
A patch of the bush's leaves were ripped off, and it seemed to lean back, but its roots gripped the ground and kept it from being knocked back by the air.
"It's not moving easily!"
Liora called.
Aiden grabbed one of the ropes attached to the Firestarter flasks and swung it around his head like a sling, launching it at the Blood Trent center mass.
The Blood Trent lazily swung one of its arms to swat the vial away, but when it touched the glass, the vial exploded and ignited in a burst of heat.
The Blood Trent seemed to hiss as its wood started to catch, covered in the flammable liquid.
You have used item Firestarter Flask (E) on Blood Trent
Target is vulnerable to fire
8 damage done
"It's burning!"
Aiden rushed over to where Kaelen was and slammed shoulder first into the Blood Bush. Normally, he probably would have bounced right off it, but Liora's wind blast had tipped it off balance enough for Aiden to be able to send the somewhat spherical creature rolling backwards.
"Hear me, Mother of Love and Family. May those who wish to do the innocent harm be burned by your protective flame!"
Kaelen yelled this while holding his staff out.
A gold and white flame formed at the top of it as he pointed it up. He went to swing his staff toward the bush, but when he moved his right arm, he winced. His hand flexed open and dropped his staff, making the flame flicker out.
Party member Kaelen has used the skill Condemn the Wicked (E)
The skill has failed
Selene stood, watching the Blood Trent, standing to defend everyone from any stray attacks before her eyes opened wide and she paled a little. She charged forward and into the barrier, standing between the Blood Trent and the remainder of the shrine building.
Realization dawned on Aiden seeing where the Blood Trent was moving.
If it knew we may fight, why didn't it do this before? No time to think about that, focus on the fight.
"It's trying to distract us so it can break the magic circle! Jax, go help Selene!"
Jax turned and quickly nodded, running in after Selene.
"It is rude to block the way for your ELDERS!"
The Blood Trent roared as it swung its massive arm at Selene.
She raised her mutated arm to catch the blow. Her feet skidded sideways as the weightclass difference became apparent, but her arm held strong. Selene's entire body shook with effort before she threw her arm up, letting the Trents arm fly over her head as she rolled to the side, getting back in between the magic circle and the Blood Trent
Jax charged and jumped, landing a kick on the Trents lower back. A strange white wave seemed to pass over the Blood Trent's body that only traveled half way before it shattered like shards of glass before disipating.
Party Leader Jax has used skill Ki Disruption (E)
11 Damage done
Ki Disruption has been resisted by enemy Blood Trent
"You think such paltry techniques will work on me, little mutt?!"
The Blood Trent roared in a surprisingly offended tone.
The Blood Bush turned from where it had been shoved, ready to attack Aiden next, before it stopped and seemed to shake itself. Bunches of leaves shook off and went flying toward the Blood Trent, where they clung to the tree.
Enemy Blood Bush has used the skill Sanguine Bond (E)
Blood Trent has been healed for 6 HP
"It can heal itself. That is so not helpful!"
Liora yelled as she fired another blast of air from her staff. It struck the Blood Bush in the side and sent it flying away from Kaelen and Aiden.
Party member Liora has used the skill Wind Blast (E)
Wind Blast strikes a vital point. CRITICAL HIT
14 Damage done
Blood Bush is pushed by Wind Blast
"Focus on the little guy first so he can't heal the big guy!"
Jax yelled as he ducked underneath a swinging vine.
Aiden turned to Kaelen and grabbed a healing potion from his bag. He popped the top off, poured part of the red liquid onto the wound, and poured the rest down Kaelen's throat.
You have used item Healing Potion (E) on Party member Kaelen
Party member Kaelen is healed 15 HP
Kaelen hissed as the healing energy of the potion knitted his arm back together painfully. After a moment, he opened and closed his hand, then gave Aiden a nod of thanks as he picked up his staff.
Selene threw her mutated arm back. Her fingers sharpened as a growth like a gauntlet of bone ending in talon like fingers. She ducked underneath another swinging arm stabbing her arm forward like a knights lance. Several roots burst from the ground, wrapping around her armored arm. She might have been able to fend it off better if she had been in a defensive stance, but with her weight forward she was pulled to the ground.
Jax jumped, using one of the buildings like a springboard to launch, flying at Selene and snapping several of the vines in a savage bite. Selene ripped her arm free, the pair jumping back as one of the Blood Trents roots came down with a heavy step.
Party member Selene has used the skill Claws of the Beast (E)
Selene's condition did not act up
"Goddess of love, guide my friends to strike true against those who would serve to oppose you."
Kaelen called out as he thrust his staff toward Jax. A golden glow enveloped Jax, concentrating especially around his paws.
Party member Kaelen has used the skill Guiding Faith (E)
Party member Jax has received the buff Guided Strike
Party member Jax's accuracy has been increased
The Blood Trent turned to the now glowing Jax and thrust its hand out. However instead of its arm shooting forward in a strike it seemed to swell before bursting into a thorn filled blast. Selene and Jax saw it too late, both just bracing, unable to dodge.
Enemy Blood Trent has used the skill Thorn Spray (E)
Party leader Jax has failed to dodge
Party member Selene has failed to dodge
Party leader Jax has taken 17 damage
Party member Selene has taken 17 damage
Party leader Jax has used the skill Lifeforce Control (E)
Party leader Jax has spent 17 Ki to take 0 damage
Aiden looked up from the notification at Jax and Selene. Both had been staggered by the blast. Jax had used his aura to take the damage, but Selene looked like the damage was starting to build up. She staggered slightly, her body covered in small black needles still lodged in the wounds.
Aiden looked up at the Blood Trent. It was still burning, and patches of its bark were charred black, but at this rate, it would not be fast enough.
"Aiden, throw a healing potion to Selene!"
Jax yelled as he lunged at the Trent.
The Blood Trent raised an arm to block, but Jax's attack has been a faint as he darted to the side where he struck at the Trents Elbow, a wave of cracks spreading throughout the arm
Aiden reached into his bag, grabbing for a healing potion, when he heard Liora yell.
"Aiden, look out!"
Aiden turned just in time to duck underneath the lashing spiked vine of the very much injured but still fighting Blood Bush.
Liora fired another blast of air at it as she yelled,
"Just drop dead, you stupid weed!"
Party member Liora has used the skill Wind Blast (E)
9 damage done
Blood Bush has been defeated
500 XP has been awarded to each party member
"Nice work. Now let's deal with the tree!"
Kaelen said as they all turned to the final obstacle.
Aiden grabbed a healing potion and threw it to Selene. She reached to catch it in flight, but it bounced off one of the spikes in her arm, causing her to wince and pull her arm back. The potion fell to the floor, thankfully unbroken.
"Shoot, sorry!"
Aiden yelled as he started to run forward to see if he could help, but Kaelen stopped him with an arm.
"Remember, we can't take a hit from that thing. That's why we're back here."
Selene slid under a swinging arm and grabbed the potion. She downed its contents, then held a hand over her mouth for a moment, letting out a quiet muffled scream as the thorns were forced out by regrowing flesh.
Party member Selene has used Healing Potion (E)
Party member Selene has healed for 15 HP
Kaelen thrust his staff forward and said,
"Hear me, Mother of Love and Family. May those who wish to do the innocent harm be burned by your protective flame!"
He flicked the flame from his staff while Liora asked,
"Do you have to say that every time?!"
"Yes, it's really hard to get used to!"
Kaelen yelled in a panic as his flame struck the tree and seemed to burn into its arm, making it cry out.
Party member Kaelen has used the skill Condemn the Wicked (E)
Blood Trent takes 9 damage
Condemn the Wicked's secondary effect activates
Blood Trent takes 7 damage
The golden flames, the flames of the Firestarter flask, and the relentless poking attacks of Jax and Selene were starting to show signs of wearing down the towering tree. The Trent seemed to step back, and its left arm creaking before the wood exploded, shattering at the spot where Jax had landed his heavy kick.
"I have worked too hard to have it all end here, you miserable ingrates!"
The Blood Trent roared, seeming to swell for a moment as more chunks of bark fell off, revealing red pulsing wood underneath.
"Oh come on! This fucker has a second phase!!"
Jax yelled as he jumped across several of the buildings, dodging vines that shot through them from below. Jax's foot slipped on a tile, a vine wrapping around his leg before he could recover. He was dragged down through the roof before the Blood Trent began to slam him onto the ground over and over again.
"Oh god, the motion sickness!"
Jax called out, his voice racked with pain.
Blood Trent has grabbed Party leader Jax
Party leader Jax has taken 11 damage
Party leader Jax has used the skill Lifeforce Control (E)
Party leader Jax has spent 11 Ki to take 0 damage
Party leader Jax has taken 12 damage
Party leader Jax has used the skill Lifeforce Control (E)
Party leader Jax has spent 12 Ki to take 0 damage
WARNING: Party leader Jax is low on Ki. 6 remain.
Liora looked up from her screen and yelled,
"Hold on, Jax!"
Jax squirmed in the Trent's grasp and bit into the vine holding him.
The Blood Trent didn't give him time to free himself, instead rocketing him into Selene who was rushing to try and help, the two flying through a nearby building where they went bouncing painfully out the other side and outside the barrier.
Aiden turned, ready to rush to help his friends, but he paused, a cold feeling rushing through his body as he heard a sound like thin ice cracking. The barrier having once restrained the Blood Trent now falling away as a twisted, and charred grin formed on the demented trees face.