Chapter 28: Wyrnwoods (II)
Odin spurred his horse forward, signaling the end of their brief chat. The group continued toward Talonspear Mountain
Elyse glanced around the players with a smile, tugging at her lips since she could see their displayed names and levels. "Looks like they've leveled up quite a bit since the last time we passed through here. Not bad."
Purphoros laughed at the newbies' expense. "Yeah, but they're still stuck in this Hellhole. Sucks being a noob. Meanwhile, we're about to take on hobgoblins and gods know what else."
They passed the village square, where a small group of merchant players had set up stalls, selling potions, arrows, and various supplies to the passing adventurers. The sight of the Leviathan party on horseback drew curious glances from the vendors, but Odin barely acknowledged them.
His mind was set on the goblins. So many strategies to tackle and destroy them that it conflicted.
He also wanted to try getting a 1st Time Achievement against the Goblins and earn himself a Title.
Moving beyond Madelaire, they approached the densely forested areas that led toward Ording and Wesmar but also with a diverging path that took them toward Wyrnwoods.
The sounds of battle grew fainter, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the distant call of wild beasts. The party picked up speed, the horses galloping across the pathless terrain, and the atmosphere shifted once more as they entered the Wyrnwoods.
The forest canopy above them thickened, the sunlight filtering through the leaves in faint, dappled patches.
Odin kept his hand close to the hilt of his sword, his senses sharp in case of an assault from the goblins or other monstrous subraces.
"Don't let your guard down," Odin warned, his voice low but firm. "We've entered a hostile zone that's long left the control of the Empire."
Purphoros, riding just behind him, glanced around with curiosity and tension. "Wait, isn't this still part of the Empire?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Odin gave a grim chuckle, his eyes scanning the treeline. "On paper, yes. The Empire can claim whatever they want on the public stage, but the reality is different. There are pockets of land, like this one, where the Empire's reach doesn't extend, and the monsters rule unchecked."
"If the previous ancestors ruling the Empire didn't do the job at their time, why would the current Emperor do the opposite?
Purphoros frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the answer. "That's a messed-up mindset. Isn't this near the Fullbaz Marquisate? Why doesn't the Margrave take care of this place? I mean, it's his land."
"Economics and fear, mostly," Odin replied with a bitter edge. "Subjugating a place like this takes a lot of resources… money, soldiers, time. The Marquisate doesn't want to risk heavy losses for land that doesn't offer an immediate reward. If they send an army and come back with high casualties, the high nobles would see them as weak, easy prey for political attacks."
"Politics," Purphoros muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. He wasn't yet aware of how deep and murky the politics of the Nihilaine were.
"So they'd rather let monsters roam free than risk their necks."
"That's the way of the Empire," Odin said simply. "Every nobleman's biggest fear is getting chewed up by his rivals the moment he shows any weakness. It's not just the monsters at the gates that keep them up at night, it's the hyenas circling from within."
As Odin and his party entered the dense, foreboding heart of the Wyrnwoods, the atmosphere darkened, and the air was thick with the scent of wet earth and moss.
As they pressed on, the trees grew more gnarled and ancient, their thick trunks looming over the path like silent sentinels.
The sound of distant growls and leaves rustling hinted at the dangerous creatures lurking in the shadows.
It didn't take long for trouble to find them.
Just as the words left his mouth, Odin felt it. A shift in the air. The faint tremor of the ground beneath their horses' hooves. The unmistakable presence of something massive moving through the forest.
'Sovereign Insight'
His crimson eyes narrowed as the skill activated, sharpening his senses and giving him an instant read of the threat.
Odin was the first to notice the hulking figure of an Ogre stepping out from behind a large tree, its towering form blocking their path.
[Ogre - LV.120](Normal) (22,225/22,225 HP)
The beast stood over ten feet tall, its bulging muscles straining beneath thick, dirty skin. Its yellowish eyes, sunken and dull, gleamed with a predatory hunger.
Draped in animal skins and brandishing a massive, crude club that looked like it had crushed more than its fair share of skulls, the Ogre radiated danger.
"Looks like we've got company," Odin said, his tone calm. It wasn't the first Ogre he had ever faced in his tenure inside Satisfy World, especially as a Black Knight.
Purphoros let out a low whistle. "A level 120 Ogre? Well, this will be a hard job tanking. Watch my back, guys. Hehe, this will be interesting."
"Hold down, I'll take care of this Ogre. You just watch the attack patterns of the monster, and make sure you don't die if you Tank them yourself."
Without further warning, the Ogre let out a guttural roar and charged, "HUMAN! FRESH MEAT! ME EAT YOU!"
Then, in its charge, it began swinging its club in a wide arc meant to crush Odin, who stood with his black horse, watching its large figure with curiosity.
Before it got to him, Odin was already moving, dismounting his horse in one fluid motion as he unsheathed his sword. The club came down with terrifying force, but Odin was ready.
'Stalwart Parry.'
[User has consumed 50 MP]
Odin's blade met the Ogre's club with a sharp clang, the impact sending a jolt through his arms but deflecting the strike to the side.
'This brute got strength, no joke. If this was a normal parry, it would have failed, getting me hurt instead.'
[You have successfully parried the enemy's attack. Defense will be decreased by 25% for the following attack.]
Odin pressed forward with the beast temporarily off-balance, activating Piercing Thrust as he drove his blade into the Ogre's side, aiming for a vulnerable spot beneath its ribs.
[Critical Hit!]
[ You have dealt 6,257 damage to the target.]
The Ogre howled in pain as the blade sank deep, black blood oozing from the wound. It swung its club, aiming to catch Odin off-guard since his blade was already sinking deep in his body. Akin to a Sword Dancer, he jumped with ease, withdrawing his sword and striking with his simple attacks, aiming at its large body.
Compared to his fights against the Wild Beasts and Dire Beasts, this Ogre could take some punishment.
Odin's movements were fluid, his strikes precise, and each step was calculated to avoid being caught with his pants down by a swing out of nowhere that could spell his doom.
Doing some combos of sword strikes that were mainly 'Basic Attacks' where he was aiming at the Ogre's legs. Though the beast's health bar was draining steadily, it was far from finished.
The Ogre roared, its yellow eyes wide with fury as it lifted its massive club for another overhead strike.
The ground shook beneath the sheer weight of its movement, the wind from its swing howling in the still air. Odin could see every telegraphed move, each brute-force strike slow and predictable compared to his agility.
His eyes flickered to his sword's status as the cooldown for Piercing Thrust finally reset.
"Now."
The Ogre's club came crashing down with a deafening thud, splintering the ground where Odin had been just a moment before. But Odin had already sidestepped, his form a blur as he positioned himself behind the creature's exposed side.
The Ogre, sluggish in its enraged state, was slow to recover, its breath coming in heavy, ragged gasps.
Odin took full advantage of the opening.
With a swift step forward, he activated Piercing Thrust again, his body twisting in a perfect lunge as his sword aimed for the same vulnerable spot beneath the Ogre's ribs.
Soulrend shimmered with deadly precision, its edge glowing faintly with the blood essence it absorbed.
The sword pierced deep into the thick flesh of the Ogre's side, the force behind the strike causing it to stagger backward with a pained howl.
[You have dealt 3,250 damage to the target.]
The Ogre's health gauge plummeted with the strike, dropping dangerously low as its movements grew more erratic, fueled by pain and rage.
"Almost done," Odin muttered, his breath steady as he locked eyes with the beast. His hands gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, readying for the final blow.
But it wasn't enough to bring the creature down. Enraged, the Ogre swung its club wildly again, forcing Odin to retreat a few steps. Its eyes bulged with fury, veins popping across its forehead as it charged again.
[Ogre has entered an 'Enraged' state. Its Strength will increase by 100%.]
It was irrelevant if the monster got enraged or lethargic; Odin's movements were blurry as he closed in on the mastery of the blade.
With his advanced swordsmanship, he circled the Ogre, slashing at its legs and torso in quick succession. He was faster, and more agile, each strike calculated to wear down the massive creature.
But even Odin's speed wasn't enough to avoid what was about to hit him.
The Ogre, furious and frenzied, caught him off guard with a lung. He scoffed inwardly as its pattern became memorized in his mind, but then unexpectedly, as he was about to slash at its large body, its massive fist swung toward his chest with terrifying speed.
'An instant skill? Which one was it? This is the A-rated one?'
When Odin inspected the stats of the Ogre, he saw all of its skills but not in a detailed fashion, just the ratings and not the effects.
'From the looks of it, it's the Crushing Fist. Who would have thought that this is a instant attack…'
A direct, imminent hit that could shatter a large boulder.
Only if one was a sitting duck waiting to be hit without countering. As a Grandmaster in the art of Monster Hunting, Odin prepared his cards for the worst-case scenarios.
'Blessing of Earth'
That activated his defensive skills to absorb most of the impact, gaining the buff of the 'Terra's Resilience'.
[You have consumed 25 RE. User receives the 'Terra's Resilience' Buff.]
[The user is infused with the strength of the earth for 5 minutes. The user's physical and magical defense is enhanced by 200% for the duration of the blessing.]
The Terra's Resilience buff manifested as a series of layered, stone-like plates covering Odin's body, each etched with glowing runes that pulsed with a steady, rhythmic light.
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These plates moved with him, seamlessly shifting and adapting to his movements, providing unparalleled protection while maintaining his agility.
The regal crimson aura belonging to the Sovereign of Red Energy shifted with the activation of Terra's Resilience. Now the aura around him gleamed with a dark, earthen glow, and with every breath, he could feel the power of the earth coursing through his veins, and it felt as if he turned into a mountain himself.
He got hit on the stone-like plates, but the brunt of the damage was absorbed. Still, the Strength of an Ogre was unmatched among the Monster Races. The force still sent Odin flying into a nearby tree.
He grunted as he hit the bark, the wind momentarily knocking the air from his lungs. The damage report flashed across his vision.
[You have received 1,854 damage.]
'How didn't the 'Knockback' denial didn't kick in effect? That skill wasn't a Knockback or what? Anyway, to think I got blasted like some goblin mongrel. Makes it humiliating.'
'Fuck, now I'm nolonger in the mood for messing around.' Odin muttered to himself while his calm expression suddenly turned frigid as he pushed off the tree trapping him.
The damage he got from that hit was massive, considering that this hit dipped his health gauge by 35% from his total pool. Even a Tank such as Purphoros wouldn't fare so well under this strike.
His now icy crimson eyes flashed with a red glow as the Ogre roared in frustration, approaching Odin with its blunt weapon. The creature's rage blinded it, making it sloppy.
Odin's mood shifted as he prepared to kill this Ogre in a cold, brutal fashion. To regain all the lost momentum, he activates his movement speed skill 'Blade Dush' which made his figure almost disappear from its initial spot.
[User has consumed 500 MP]
[User's Movement Speed has been increased by 30% for 5 minutes. Cooldown: 30 minutes]
In an instant, he closed the distance between himself and the Ogre after being blasted into one of the trees of the Wyrnwood Forest.
The Ogre barely had time to react before Odin was upon it, his sword slicing through its thick skin in a series of rapid, precise strikes.
"Let me cut your misery faster."
Even if it got a damage boost from its Enraged state, the slow Ogre was left helpless when Odin no longer allowed him a chance to act. It made a final last stand by trying the 'Crushing Fist'.
"Nice try, but you can't fool me twice."
Odin's sharpened instincts took over as the Ogre's massive fist came crashing down once more.
With a single, fluid movement, he stepped backward, his feet light and precise, just enough to dodge the trajectory of its fist, almost at a hair-length, so confident Odin was in his abilities to gauge distance from thousands upon thousands of hours practicing his Sword inside Satisfy.
'Those eyes are really scary now. It makes it addictive using Sovereign Insight.'
The Ogre's fist slammed into the ground where Odin had stood, splintering the earth with a thunderous crack, sending shards of rock and dirt flying into the air. But Odin was already a step ahead, his icy crimson eyes never leaving his target.
Time seemed to slow as he watched the Ogre's enraged swing pass through empty space, its overextended arm leaving it wide open. The creature snarled in frustration, veins bulging as it struggled to regain balance.
But Odin wasn't going to give it the chance. He had seen enough.
He raised his Soulrend Blade akin to a Reaper of Souls, his body radiating the cold aura of the Earth Elementals. "You're done," he muttered under his breath.
He advanced with a masterful gait and a couple of steps to get in range.
The Soulrend Sword began spilling off chunks of flesh as the intent of its master was only death.
Odin slashed across the Ogre's torso in a series of rapid cuts, the blade cleaving through thick flesh and muscle with ease.
The Ogre bellowed in pain, staggering as its massive body struggled to hold itself upright.
Odin wasn't finished with this, he wanted to take revenge for the previous strike that hit him.
He raised his sword above his head, channeling his strength into one final blow.
"Die."
'Mighty Strike'
[User has consumed 350 MP]
Soulrend Blade descended with the force of a thunderclap. The sword sliced through the beast's thick skin, cutting through muscle and bone like nothing more than air. The impact was so powerful that the ground beneath the creature cracked, shocking the three outlookers who watched the spectacle unfold.
It was quick and intense, ending in a spectacular fashion for the Knight.
The Ogre's body fell with a heavy thud, shaking the ground as its lifeblood spilled across the forest floor.
[You have slain the Ogre(Normal))', gaining the following rewards: 21,500 EXP, Ogre's Skull Fragment (Rare), Ogre's Eye (Rare), Weapon Enhancement Stones (1x), 75 Silver Coins, ]
The commotion he created by clashing against the Ogre couldn't get passed unnoticed by the creatures inhabiting this twisted forest.
The ground trembled as two more Ogres, larger and equally brutish, lumbered into view from the dense trees.
Their eyes locked onto the lifeless body of their fallen comrade sprawled across the forest floor, black blood still oozing from the grievous wound Odin had inflicted.
The first Ogre's face contorted in fury, its yellowish eyes bulging as it let out an enraged roar that echoed through the Wyrnwoods. "YOU... KILL BROTHER! NOW YOU DIE!" it bellowed, its jagged club raised high.
The second Ogre, followed suit, snarling and stomping the ground, its massive hands gripping a crude weapon tightly. Their raw, animalistic rage filled the air as they barreled toward Odin and his party, determined to avenge their fallen kin.
Odin wiped the blood from the Soulrend Sword with a flick of his wrist, his crimson gaze unfazed by the sight of the approaching beasts. "Two more. Just as I thought," he muttered coldly.
The rest of the party dismounted their horses swiftly, their expressions set and focused. Malfurion, standing a few paces behind Odin, raised his Druidic Staff to the sky, the glow of nature magic gathering around him. With a chant, he cast his spell.
"Entangling Roots!"
Thick vines burst from the ground, wrapping themselves around the legs of the charging Ogres. The roots tightened with surprising strength, slowing their advance to a crawl as they tried to break free, roaring in frustration.
Elyse began to channel her magic at the exact moment, the air around her crackling with fiery energy as flames danced along her fingertips. She stepped forward, eyes narrowing on the trapped Ogres.
"Fireball!" she shouted, launching a massive orb of fire at the first Ogre.
The fireball slammed into the creature's chest with a deafening explosion, flames engulfing its thick hide as it screamed in pain. The searing heat scorched its skin, leaving blackened flesh in its wake.
Purphoros, seeing his chance, grinned as he tightened his grip on his sword and shield. "Guess it's time for me to have some fun," he said, his voice filled with excitement.
"Have fun, but you better be focused," Odin warned, his tone sharp as he watched the battlefield with practiced eyes.
Purphoros didn't need any more encouragement. He charged forward, shield raised, meeting the enraged Ogres head-on. Though still trapped by the roots, the first Ogre managed to swing its massive club, but Purphoros expertly blocked it with his shield, the impact ringing out through the forest.
"Ha! You'll have to try harder than that!" Purphoros taunted, bashing his shield into the Ogre's side, leaving it open for an attack.
Odin wasted no time, still under the influence of his two supporting skills, Blade Dash and Terra's Resilience.
His sword moved like a blur, delivering precise, lethal strikes to the creature's exposed legs and torso. Blood sprayed with each slash as the Ogre stumbled, weakened by the relentless assault.
Malfurion, maintaining his entangling roots, added another layer of support, casting a healing spell over Purphoros to keep him in top fighting condition. The shield-bearing warrior grunted in appreciation as he swung his sword into the trapped Ogre's arm, slicing through its thick muscles.
With the combined efforts of the group, the two Ogres quickly began to falter. Seeing an opening, Elyse unleashed another fire spell…this time, a concentrated beam of fire struck the second Ogre square in the chest, burning through its flesh and dropping it to its knees.
Odin saw the moment to finish things. With a single, powerful leap, he brought his blade down in a final 'Mighty Strike,' cleaving through the Ogre's neck in one smooth motion. The creature's massive head fell to the ground with a thud, its body collapsing shortly after.
The last Ogre, weakened and bleeding heavily, could barely swing its weapon.
Purphoros didn't give it a chance to swing his fist since it left a deep impression on him after he saw Odin fly like a broken kite. With a mighty war cry, he drove his sword deep into its abdomen, twisting the blade before pulling it free.
The damage was satisfying for the Tanker to see. Without a doubt in his mind, all the money invested in enhancing the Raider Shortsword to (+7) was worthed. For once, he felt that his attacks were just for 'show' but actually contributed to the damage pool.
As fate would have it for Purphoros, or maybe Odin didn't bother to deliver the finish blow for this second Ogre, he did the Requiem, sending the monster on his way with one of his Warrior DPS skills.
The Ogre let out a final, pitiful groan before crumpling to the forest floor, defeated.
[You have slain Ogre (Normal) ×2, gaining the following rewards: 48,500 EXP, Ogre's Bone Club (2x), Ogre's Bloodstone (Rare), Ogre's Hide (Rare), 1 Gold Coin, 150 Silver Coins]
[You have leveled up! Congratulations on reaching level 78.]
--
"Fuck yeah! This is what I'm talking about. Maybe I should respec into a full DPS build," Purphoros declared, his voice full of excitement. He flexed his arms dramatically, basking in his small victory.
Standing off to the side as the residual flames from her magic slowly fizzled out, Elyse raised an eyebrow. She crossed her arms, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
"Respec into DPS?" she scoffed. "You barely scratched the Health Gauge. What are you talking about? It died because of the Burning Debuff I placed on it earlier."
Purphoros' grin faltered slightly, but he quickly bounced back, throwing her a mock-serious glare. "Burning Debuff? Sure, I saw those little flames, but it was my sword that did the job." He pointed at the large gash in the fallen Ogre's abdomen. "Look at that! I carved it like a roast."
Elyse rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. That 'roast' was already half-cooked thanks to me. Without my magic, you'd still be standing there, chipping away at its health with those baby hits of yours."
Purphoros gasped in mock offense. "Baby hits? This sword is a +7. I'll have you know, it's practically legendary"
Elyse let out a short laugh. "Legendary in what way? In missing? I swear, Odin finished that other Ogre in less time than it took you to 'twist your sword dramatically.'" She mimicked his exaggerated sword swing, eliciting a chuckle from Malfurion, who had been watching the exchange silently.
Unbothered by the noise, Odin stood over the fallen creatures, his crimson aura still pulsing around him as the forest once again fell into silence. He sheathed his sword, his expression calm as if nothing had happened.
Before Purphoros could retaliate, Odin's voice cut through their banter like a blade.
"Well done, everyone," he said, his tone even but authoritative. "Better than yesterday, but there's always room for improvement." He ignored their back-and-forth, his focus elsewhere.
The weight of his words instantly shifted the mood from playfully annoying to serious.
Elyse and Purphoros exchanged a glance but fell silent when Odin was still holding tight on the Soulrend Blade as he returned to his horse.
"Let's move," Odin commanded, sheathing his sword with a decisive motion.
They all mounted their horses, resuming their advance into the dark heart of the Wyrnwoods.
Odin rode ahead of the group, his crimson eyes scanning the forest with a sharpness that never dulled. His hand instinctively hovered near the hilt of his blade.
As they reached a particularly dense thicket, Odin felt something shift in the atmosphere.
'I have this nagging feeling that someone is watching me?'
'Mhm, what is hanging on those branches? Are they human Ears?'
The sensation of being watched gnawed at him. His eyes narrowed, and he reached out with his senses.
'Sovereign Insight'
[You have consumed (5) Red Energy]
[You have penetrated the essence of things!]
Suddenly, his vision blurred as if he was staring into the fabric of the forest itself.
The shadows sharpened, the faint sounds of distant growls and movement became clearer, by now this nagging sensation that someone watched him got elucidated.
Through the enhanced clarity of the skill, a faint glow caught his attention. The aura of something large, moving in the distance, its presence exuding malice.
Trolls.
'Now this one might suck ass if there is a Field Boss among them Might be a bit challenging by myself.'
Odin's brow furrowed.
He could make up further ahead using his enhanced sight, like a true predator. It was a den of Trolls.
He could make out their sluggish movements, the unmistakable silhouette of their towering frames. There were several of them, and they were close. Too close.
"Trolls." Odin's voice cut through the still air like a blade, drawing the attention of the others immediately.
"How many?" Malfurion asked, his eyes scanning the area nervously.
The path they were on twisted sharply ahead, leading to a clearing concealed by a thick curtain of vines and bramble. Behind that was the trolls' den, an open cavern that reeked of rot and decay. The trolls themselves were hulking creatures, their green and grey hides blending into the overgrown forest like camouflage.
"A group. Six, maybe seven of them. And more in the den, including the matriarch," Odin finally said, his voice cold and matter-of-fact.
"Matriarch? Is there a difference among them?" Malfurion asked, his tone curious but tinged with unease.
Odin nodded, his crimson gaze never leaving the path ahead. "Uh-huh. Matriarchs can use Magic. Think of them like Baba Yaga or some Hag Witch. Stronger, smarter, and nastier. They can throw curses, summon undead, even manipulate nature around them. If we're unlucky, she's got a few nasty surprises waiting for us in that den."
Elyse let out a quiet sigh. "So not only do we have to deal with their brute strength but curses too. Lovely."
Purphoros, ever the optimist, groaned loudly. "Great, more giant, smelly monsters. And the matriarch too? This is going to be fun." His voice was sarcastic, but his hand still tightened around the hilt of his sword, ready for the inevitable clash.
Odin shot him a sidelong glance, his expression serious. "She might be a Field-Boss, so don't be too arrogant, kid. Shield up—" Odin's words trailed off as his sharp instincts kicked in.
Thwip. Thwip.
Two arrows sliced through the air, their fletching barely visible against the darkened backdrop of the forest. Purphoros caught mid-smirk and didn't have time to react. But Odin, already on high alert, moved with blinding speed.
"Shield up! Now!"
Purphoros barely had time to process Odin's command before he instinctively raised his shield. The heavy wooden shield thudded loudly as the first arrow lodged into its surface, inches away from his face. The second arrow glanced off the edge, ricocheting harmlessly into the trees.
"What the hell? Archers?" Purphoros exclaimed, lowering his shield slightly, eyes scanning the treeline.
Elyse, her face tense, quickly summoned a glowing barrier of flame around the group. "Since when do trolls use bows?"
Odin's eyes narrowed as he searched for the source of the arrows. "They don't." He paused, his gaze shifting to the shadows of the trees ahead. "Which means we're not just dealing with trolls."
Malfurion gripped his staff tightly, glancing around nervously. "Then what else is out there?"
'A fuck ton of goblins. Heh, it explains why this region turned into a Monster Wave Event.
'God, there are also lots of goblins along with the Trolls. Now, I regret not waiting for Mi-Jung, but what can I do…'
'Maybe I get a Goblin Slayer or Troll Slayer for all the kills.'