The air in the grand hall was thick with the scent of dust and ancient decay, but it was the unnaturally sweet perfume of the Millennium Willow Tree that dominated, clashing with the chilling, earthy aroma of death emanating from Mortalyn, the Death Dancer. The skeletal humanoid creature, its crimson tendrils writhing with malevolent intent, stared at Sebastian and Kael, its vacant eyes burning with a life-draining hunger.
Sebastian stood ready, his Twin Starfang Blades drawn. The Dawn Blade glowed with a faint, hopeful light, while the Dusk Blade absorbed the surrounding shadows, its edge a seamless line between light and nothingness. Kael, a bastion of steel and stone, held his Star-Iron Warhammer and the Obsidian Soul Shield, his new armor, the Veil of the Silent Sentinel, making him look like a dark, immovable monument.
"Its primary element is Shadow/Nature, a Death/Life Hybrid," Sebastian said, his voice a calm counterpoint to the tense atmosphere. His Book of Beast Records had provided him with all the details he needed. "Its tendrils seek to drain life force, and its 'Grasping Bites' can both attack and heal. Kael, our priority is to keep our distance and avoid its tendrils. Your Obsidian Soul Shield will be our primary defense. I'll focus on its appendages and the carnivorous flowers."
"Understood, My Lord," Kael rumbled, his massive form shifting into a defensive stance. His Stoneclaw Grizzly and Boulder Fang materialized, both Rune-Beasts ready for battle.
Sebastian's Blairon Giant and Springshoot Panda also appeared, taking their positions. The Blairon Giant raised its metallic fists, its form a powerful contrast to the delicate-looking Springshoot Panda, which began to secrete a shimmering mist of mana, a healing aura for any potential injuries.
The fight began with a chilling, silent grace. Mortalyn moved with the unnerving elegance of a macabre ballet dancer. Its root-like crimson tendrils shot forward, seeking to ensnare Sebastian.
Sebastian, however, was faster.
- First Stance: Twilight Draw – "Heaven's Threshold"
He spun, both blades moving as one. The Dawn Blade slashed with a blinding arc of light, and the Dusk Blade followed with a dark, silent cut. The twin strikes severed several of Mortalyn's tendrils, causing the creature to shriek, a dry, rattling sound. The tendrils did not bleed but thrashed on the ground like living things, seeking to reattach.
"Kael, watch out for the 'Grasping Bites'!" Sebastian warned.
The carnivorous flowers, clutched in Mortalyn's hand, launched themselves at Kael, their petals unfurling to reveal rows of razor-sharp teeth. Kael, unflinching, met them with his Obsidian Soul Shield, deflecting the blooms with the strength of a battering ram. The flowers exploded on impact, releasing a cloud of life-draining energy that the shield's powerful runic enchantments absorbed harmlessly.
Kael's Rune-Beasts charged. The Stoneclaw Grizzly lunged at Mortalyn's legs, its sharp claws seeking to disable the creature's unnaturally agile movements. The Boulder Fang, its scaled hide glistening, slammed its tusks into the ground, a powerful Earth Shatter attack rippling towards Mortalyn. The creature, however, danced over the tremors, its long, skeletal legs barely touching the ground.
Sebastian realized that conventional attacks would be difficult. Mortalyn was a creature of finesse and deception. Its movements were too unpredictable, its form too elongated and disjointed to target its vital points effectively from the ground.
"Kael! We need to disable its movement!" Sebastian called out. "I'm going to get a closer look. Cover me!"
With Kael and his Rune-Beasts occupying Mortalyn's attention, Sebastian sprang into action. He activated the Irontalon Anchor, firing the grappling hook to snag a protruding stone from the ancient, broken ceiling. He ascended swiftly, using the winch to pull himself up and get a better view of the battlefield.
From his aerial perch, Sebastian could see Mortalyn's full form, its macabre grace on full display. He also saw the source of its power: a pulsating core of swirling shadow and nature energy within its exposed ribcage. But getting to it was the challenge.
"Blairon Giant, smash the floor beneath it! Stoneclaw Grizzly, go for its arms! Boulder Fang, use a focused attack on its legs!" Sebastian commanded, his voice clear and sharp from above.
Kael's and Sebastian's Rune-Beasts worked in perfect coordination. The Blairon Giant's metallic fists pounded the stone floor, creating a deep crack right where Mortalyn had been a moment ago. The Stoneclaw Grizzly and Boulder Fang followed, their coordinated attack forcing Mortalyn to take to the air, its crimson tendrils flailing wildly.
- Ability Activated: Shadow Wisp Barrage
As Mortalyn ascended, it began to channel its shadow energy. Small, fleeting motes of darkness condensed and shot towards Kael and his Rune-Beasts. Each wisp, though small, carried a powerful curse, sapping the vitality and strength of anything it touched.
Kael raised his Obsidian Soul Shield and took the brunt of the assault, the runes on his shield flaring to life as they absorbed the shadow energy. The shield held, but the relentless barrage pushed him back. His Rune-Beasts, however, were not so lucky. The Stoneclaw Grizzly and Boulder Fang took a few hits, their movements slowing, their forms momentarily weakened.
Sebastian knew he had to act now. He couldn't let his companions fall.
- Second Stance: Radiant Fang, Fading Claw – "Eclipse Fang"
He dropped from his perch, his descent a controlled fall. As he landed, his Dawn Blade shone brightly, the light overwhelming the dark aura of Mortalyn and momentarily stunning it. At the same time, his Dusk Blade, silent as a whisper, found its mark. It didn't aim for the core, but for the cluster of 'Grasping Bites' on the creature's hand. With a quick, clean slice, the hand was severed.
Mortalyn shrieked again, its rattling scream echoing through the hall. The 'Grasping Bites' fell to the ground, withering instantly. The loss of its primary source of life-draining energy was a significant blow.
The creature retaliated. Its crimson tendrils, now devoid of the 'Grasping Bites', became a blur of motion, whipping towards Sebastian and Kael. They were no longer just seeking to drain life; they were now hardened, razor-sharp appendages.
"Final attack, My Lord!" Kael roared, seeing his opportunity.
- Ultimate Technique: Storm Hammer Technique – "Heaven's Fury"
Kael's Star-Iron Warhammer began to hum, its celestial energy flaring to life. He leaped into the air, a massive pillar of light and muscle, and brought his hammer down with all the force he could muster, aiming for the center of Mortalyn's skeletal body.
The creature tried to evade, its body twisting in a final, desperate dance. But it was no match for the speed and power of Kael's attack. The hammer's impact was a cataclysmic event, a thunderous clang that reverberated throughout the ruin, shaking the very foundation of the hall.
The Mortalyn shattered. Its skeletal form disintegrated into a fine powder of dark dust, and its crimson tendrils evaporated into a wisp of shadow. The last thing to remain was a pulsating core, a shimmering orb of shadow and nature energy, which Kael quickly collected with a Beast-Ring.
The battle was over. Kael, panting and exhausted, stood over the remains of the Tier V beast. The Blairon Giant, the Stoneclaw Grizzly, and the Boulder Fang all looked tired but victorious. The Springshoot Panda's healing aura had kept them from any serious harm.
"Good job, Kael," Sebastian said, sheathing his blades. "You were magnificent. We make a good team."
"Thank you, My Lord," Kael said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You too. We couldn't have done it without your guidance."
Sebastian walked towards the small treasure chest that sat at the base of the Millennium Willow Tree. His All-Seeing Eyes and the Book of Beast Records had already identified the items within, and he knew they were of immense value. As he and Kael opened the chest, a soft, magical light emanated from the items, illuminating the hall.
[ • First Item: Robe of the Starweaver
* Description: This exquisite elven ceremonial robe combines flowing fabric with ornate metallic armor plating. The deep purple silk is adorned with golden runic inscriptions and geometric patterns that seem to shimmer with magical energy. Intricate golden shoulder guards and chest pieces feature elaborate elven knotwork designs, while the hood bears a distinctive curved ornamental crest. The garment's lower portion flows like a traditional robe but incorporates protective armored segments seamlessly woven into the fabric.
* Tier: Legendary (Grade A)
* Stats:+50% Magic Resistance
+30% Mana Regeneration
+40% Elemental Damage Reduction
* Inscriptions provide advanced runic weaving abilities for creating powerful illusions or barriers.
* Usefulness: A masterwork of elven craftsmanship, blending practicality with ethereal beauty—suitable for a high mage, noble diplomat, or ceremonial guard of an elven court. ]
[• Second Item: Whisperwind, the Living Bow
* Description: This masterwork elven longbow appears grown rather than crafted, its organic curves suggesting it was shaped from a living tree through ancient druidic magic. The bow's limbs flow in elegant, asymmetrical arcs that mimic natural branch growth, while vibrant green magical energy pulses along its length like sap through wood. Delicate leaf-like protrusions emerge from key stress points, indicating the weapon retains its connection to nature's power. The warm, honey-colored wood gleams with an inner light, and wisps of verdant energy dance around the string.
* Tier: Legendary (Grade A)
* Stats: +75% Enhanced Accuracy
+50% Nature-Based Magical Properties in Combat
+60% Attack Speed and Range
* Can summon animated vines and thorns to ensnare enemies.
* Usefulness: This legendary weapon would grant its wielder enhanced accuracy and nature-based magical properties in combat.
[ • Third Item: The Commandant's Codex
* Description: This enchanted tome serves as a tactical command nexus, its pages alive with swirling cyan magical energy that connects distant forces across battlefields. Ancient leather binding houses parchments inscribed with strategic diagrams, troop movements, and communication spells. When activated, the book projects ethereal paper planes that carry orders instantaneously to unit commanders, bypassing traditional messengers. Mystical currents flow through its pages, allowing real-time updates of battlefield conditions and troop positions. The crystalline energy ribbons enable two-way communication, letting field officers report back through the magical network.
* Tier: Legendary (Grade A)
* Stats:
- Allows for real-time tactical overview of the battlefield.
- Instantaneous communication with Rune-Beast companions and other units.
- Can cast powerful, area-of-effect buff spells on multiple allies.
* Usefulness: This legendary artifact transforms any general into an omnipresent battlefield coordinator, ensuring perfect military synchronization.
Kael looked at the items, his awe evident. "My Lord, none of these equipments suit me."
"Don't worry," Sebastian said, his hand already reaching for the tome. "I will keep the Commandant's Codex. Its ability to command multiple units and communicate instantly will be an invaluable asset in future battles. As for the other two, they're not useful to either of us right now. The Robe of the Starweaver is for a mage or a diplomat, and the Whisperwind Bow is a legendary weapon, but I've already upgraded my own. We will sell them on the academy for Credits later. The value of these alone will be enough to solidify our future."
"Okay, My Lord. Then we should prepare to leave this ruin," Kael said, his senses on high alert. The triumphant roar of the battle had echoed far and wide, and he knew they were on borrowed time.
"Hmm, but first, let me extract the core of this Millennium Willow Tree," Sebastian said, walking towards the majestic tree. He carefully unsheathed his Dusk Blade, its edge now honed to a near-impossible sharpness. He knew what he had to do. The Millennium Willow Tree's core was a one-in-a-million prize, a rare, high-grade material that could evolve his Springshoot Panda without any risk.
With a single, precise cut, Sebastian sliced the willow tree in half. The ancient tree, a testament to time, fell with a soft, rustling thud, its leaves losing their ethereal glow. From within the trunk, Sebastian extracted a pulsating, green-hued core—the very heart of the Millennium Willow Tree.
Just as he secured the core in his spatial ring, a chorus of voices and the thunderous footsteps of Rune-Beasts echoed down the corridors. The other students had arrived.
The hall filled with a rush of students—the Elven students, the Princes and Princesses from the three Empires, their squires and companions. They were all there, their eyes wide with a mix of fury and disbelief. They saw the remnants of the battle, the shattered stone floor, the lingering mana, and the felled Millennium Willow Tree. They had been too late. The prize was already gone.
Prince Tovros Erem Darakel, his eyes burning with rage, stared at Sebastian and Kael. "It was you," he spat, his voice filled with venom. "You were the ones who made the Storm Hawk fly as a distraction. You are the masked plunderers."
Sebastian, his face still concealed by his mask, simply looked at Prince Tovros, then at Kael. The Commandant's Codex was now safe in his spatial ring, the Millennium Willow Tree's core secured, and the other legendary items were ready to be sold for a fortune. He had everything he had come for.
"It seems our time in this ruin has come to an end, My Lord," Kael said, his hand on his Star-Iron Warhammer, his stance ready for a fight.
Sebastian looked at the enraged crowd of students, their powerful Rune-Beasts snarling and pawing the ground. He knew a confrontation was inevitable.
"Yes," Sebastian said, his voice a cold whisper. "It seems it has."