As the notification hovered before Thorian, a smile spread across his face. His teammates were gradually emerging from the hallucinatory state induced by the Shadow Queen's illusionary song. Despite his warnings, it had been too late; her ability was insidiously effective, nearly impossible to counter without acute mana control. Even with their ears covered as Thorian had advised, the faintest sound had sufficed to ensnare them within her illusion.
In the aftermath of their battle, the lair was disintegrating around them. Stones plummeted from above, threatening to bury them beneath. Though Thorian had confidence in his comrades' ability to withstand the pressure from the falling rocks, he was loath to test that theory.
"It's time to move out. Our task here is complete," Thorian declared, leading the way toward Forlune. The latter's poisoned leg hindered his movement, necessitating Thorian's support.
With minimal discussion, the group navigated their way out of the chasm. By the time they emerged, the chasm was collapsing in on itself, kicking up a massive cloud of dust and debris.
Turning to regard the chaos they'd left behind, Nox remarked, "That was a close call. I could have been buried alive under all that rubble."
"Field expeditions always carry more risk," Thorian replied. "Unlike dungeons, whose structures are inherently stable, the natural world is unpredictable and often volatile."
With Forlune still gravely injured, there was no time for rest. Thorian's brief explanation sufficed as they pressed on through the forest.
As they made their way back to the village, Thorian noticed the once-corrupted soil was now pure again. The rabbarians and thri-kreens that once menaced them now fled at their approach, their natural instincts restored.
Upon returning to the village, Thorian's first order of business was to seek out Vigil to attend to Forlune's wounds, as well as to have his own broken thumb treated. After Vigil had healed Forlune's leg, Thorian was enveloped by a profound sense of relief.
Testing his healed leg, Forlune expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for acting swiftly to cauterize my wound. Any delay and amputation might have been the only option."
"That Shadow Queen wielded terrifying powers," Zogarth lamented. "I never imagined a poison so potent that a mere kick could lead to this."
"My sword suffered greatly as well," Forlune added, examining his damaged weapon. "It's beyond repair. I'll need a new one."
"Weapons can be replaced. I'm just relieved you're safe," Thorian reassured him. "As for a new weapon, our arsenal contains many purple cloud swords. Feel free to choose one."
"I'll use one temporarily," Forlune replied. "I've already discussed with Faber about crafting a new sword. I've been collecting materials for it. I'm eager to see it forged."
"I should speak with him as well," Aqua interjected. "My power has grown such that my current staff no longer suffices. I've been saving a high-quality water orb, waiting to find an ice orb to pair it with for a new weapon."
"You might find yourself waiting indefinitely if you're set on that course," Thorian counseled. "It would be wiser to combine several water orbs to construct a formidable staff for current use. Once you acquire an ice orb, you can deconstruct the staff and forge a new one."
Aqua paused, pondering Thorian's advice, then nodded in agreement. "Your wisdom prevails, my lord. I've hesitated to use the water orb, fearing its waste. But since it can be reclaimed later, then it makes no sense to delay."
With their conversation concluded, the group proceeded to the Village Hall, where William and Tristan awaited them. After a brief exchange of greetings and small talk, the moment had come to receive the rewards for their completed quest.
Level up!
Level up!
Level up!
Level up!
Upon witnessing these notifications, Thorian couldn't help but smile broadly. Remarkably, the level-up bonus was applied to both my race and my class, resulting in a gain of four levels, rather than the anticipated two.
Simultaneously, a piece of equipment materialized before each member who had partaken in the quest. For Thorian, it was a magical robe, intricately woven with the four base elemental colors. Intrigued, Thorian examined its description to uncover its capabilities.
Ethersilk Robe Rarity Purple Cloud Class Requirement Magus Advancement Requirement Second Advancement Level Requirement 5 Description Crafted with the essence of the base elements—fire, water, wind, and earth—this robe is a marvel of magical tailoring. The fabric shimmers in the light, displaying all four colors of the base elements, seamlessly interwoven. While wearing this robe, the mage feels a deeper connection to the elemental forces, enhancing their magical affinity and control. Stat Bonuses Mana +30, Agility +10, Constitution +30 Abilities Elemental Resonance: Increases the mage's affinity with the elemental magics, allowing for a 10% reduction in mana consumption when casting spells of the fire, water, wind, or earth variety. Special Ability Elemental Shift: Grants great resistance to a chosen elemental damage and boosts same-element spell damage by 15% for 5 minutes, once a day.
Satisfied by the abilities of his robe, Thorian put it to the side before a new reward materialized. A skill crystal appeared atop his palm.
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Arachnid's Laceration Web Skill Crystal Use Grants the user the active skill "Arachnid's Laceration Web," enabling the conjuring and manipulation of razor-sharp webs for attacking, cutting through obstacles, and setting traps.
Upon examining the skill description, Thorian was initially taken aback. At first glance, it seemed weaker than the powers exhibited by the Shadow Queen, yet its versatility was unmatched. This skill is ideally suited for an assassin. It's capable of offensive, defensive, and even utility applications.
Placing the skill crystal on Melina's desk, Thorian turned to see his companions marveling at the armor pieces they had received. Nox was gifted a black cloak that complemented his abilities perfectly. William, Tristan, and Forlune each received steel armors, each differing in shape, volume, and weight. The magi were awarded robes, each a color to match their elemental alignment.
Motioning for Nox to approach, Thorian handed him the skill crystal. "This ability suits you best. Dedicate time to mastering it," he advised.
"Thank you, Thorian," Nox replied, his grin wide as he accepted the crystal.
After acknowledging Nox with a nod, Thorian addressed Tristan and William, "I hope you've found our recent adventure fulfilling."
"I most certainly did," William responded with a chuckle. "And these rewards are a delightful bonus."
William's gaze shifted from his son back to Thorian. "As much as I'd relish spending the remainder of the day here, my absence in Locksley has been prolonged enough. My men are likely awaiting good news."
"Understood," Thorian nodded. "Alacritas will escort you back to Locksley."
With nods of agreement, William and Tristan departed from the Village Hall. As they exited, Thorian faced Forlune and the others. "Though I'm certain you're eager to test your new armors, there's still one quest reward we haven't collected."
"Are you referring to the Eärendil quest?" Forlune asked, a grin spreading across his face. "I've been looking forward to this."
With a confirming nod, Thorian turned to Melina to claim the rewards for the second quest chain.
Congratulations, you have unlocked the title “Guardian of the Feywild”
Level up!
Following these notifications, Thorian's additional rewards appeared before him: a short bow, a cloak, and a small green gem. Eager to understand their functions, Thorian promptly examined the descriptions of the newly acquired items.
Amelia's Echo Cloak Rarity Purple Cloud Class Requirement Archer Advancement Requirement Second Advancement Level Requirement 7 Description Woven from the ethereal threads found only in the deepest parts of the Feywild, Amelia's Echo Cloak blends the wearer into their surroundings, making them nearly invisible to the untrained eye. The cloak carries a faint, mystical shimmer, echoing the elusive beauty of Amelia, the legendary archer known for her unmatched stealth. When worn, it feels lighter than air, granting the wearer enhanced agility and a whisper of Amelia's own stealth capabilities. Stat Bonuses Agility +30, Strength +20, Constitution +15 Abilities Whisper Step: Reduces the sound of the wearer's movements, significantly increasing stealthiness. Special Ability Veil of Amelia: Once per day, the wearer can activate the cloak to become invisible for up to 5 minutes. While invisible, the cloak also masks the wearer's mana presence, making it difficult for magical detection methods to locate them.
Eärendil's Short Bow of the Forest Guardian Rarity Purple Cloud Class Requirement Archer Advancement Requirement Second Advancement Level Requirement 10 Description This exquisite short bow, named after the legendary forest guardian Eärendil, is crafted from the heartwood of an ancient Treant who willingly gave a part of itself for its creation. The bow is adorned with intricate carvings that tell the tale of Eärendil's guardianship over the feywild. It is imbued with the essence of the forest, allowing its arrows to fly with unerring accuracy and speed, as if guided by the spirit of the forest itself. Stat Bonuses Strength +35, Agility +20, Mana +15 Abilities Forest's Whisper: Grants the archer the ability to communicate with the forest, providing an intuition of the best vantage points and paths. Special Ability Guardian's Volley: Once per day, the archer can invoke the power of the forest to unleash a volley of arrows that rain down on enemies, each arrow seeking its target with the precision of the forest guardian.
Lesser Gem of Fey Insight Purity High Description A luminous, green gem containing fey wisdom, essential for crafting high-class magical artifacts. Its light pulses with ancient knowledge. Crafted in the Everlight Forest by fey artisans, it enhances items with perception, agility, or elemental magic based on the artisan's skill and the blueprint used. A key component for magical archers seeking to imbue their weapons and armors with the fey's natural affinity.
As Thorian perused the descriptions of his newly acquired items, his delight was evident. Yet, a pressing concern emerged, prompting a silent contemplation, Are all these items intended for an Archer?