As I pulled the barnacle-covered chest from the water, I looked to my companions for help. They seemed to be not interested in the rewards and were focusing on the gate to the fourth floor. Thankfully, Gökbörü was there with me and we were able to pull the chest onto our ice. I heard Fealin scoff as I opened the chest.

“Humans. Even when that parasite’s presence fills the air you can’t help but to greed over some items.”

“Well excuse me for wanting something for my hard work, princess. Plus, there could be something useful for fighting against Nidhogg. It is better to be strapped than getting clapped.”

She would rather take a stab at me than gain a tactical advantage. Amazing. Not caring about her words, I opened the chest. It was the biggest one I have seen yet. I wondered if it had to do with the boss’s size or difficulty but it probably wasn’t as bosses at Wolf King’s Tomb were not only bigger but stronger too.

(Megalithic Ward of the Water)

(Defense: 30)

(Durability:800\800)

(+15 percent Water Resistance)

(Crafted from the reinforced fragments of the Megalithic Clawmarauder's rocky shell, this shield provides unparalleled defense against water-based and physical attacks. The Megalithic Ward of the Water is enchanted with protective runes, making it an ideal choice for confronting aquatic adversaries.)

(Gigantification: By consuming mana you can increase the size and weight of this shield. The duration of the gigantification will depend on how much size the shield gained.)

(Ward of Protection: Once a day, the wielder can invoke the Ward of Protection. This creates a protective dome based on the wielder's Mana stat, repelling water-based and physical attacks. Additionally, every ally within the dome benefits from a 20% increase in Acid Resistance.)

It was like a tower shield. It covered my entire body and was heavier than my hammer. The reinforced shell fragments were tightly interlocked, creating a mosaic of natural patterns. The shield's edges are smoothly contoured, eliminating any vulnerabilities in its defensive structure. As I ran my fingers across the surface, I felt the cool, rocky texture, a testament to the shield's origin. The central emblem on the shield depicted the silhouette of the Megalithic Clawmarauder, its claws raised in a defensive stance.

While it was going to be a pain in my ass to carry around before I could absorb it, it was definitely an upgrade from the Stone Cold Shield. Pleased with my gain I looked more into the chest but the remaining loot was gold, what I assumed was crafting materials and potions I didn’t know what they did. I shook some of the potions in hopes that my appraisal ability would work but nothing happened. I should ask Aliera to give me the ability to appraise things other than weapons and armor the next time I see her. I could even appraise accessories like rings, why not the potions? Whifur did have some people that could appraise potions but I had no way to access them here.

“May I have those if you don’t have a use for them?”

Elandris pointed to some of the potions and a blue crystal.

“Of course. You have the right over the drops too. But do you know what they do?”

I asked while handing him what he asked for. Elandris carefully examined the potions and the blue crystal I handed him. His keen elven eyes seemed to analyze the items thoroughly before he responded.

“These potions," he began, pointing to a set of vials with a shimmering blue liquid, "are Aqua Affinity Poitons. They can increase one’s affinity to water element allowing them to make a contract with a water elemental easily. The Mana Stone can be used for a summoning ritual to summon a high-ranked spirit. They can help my juniors in their journey to become elementalists.”

“I see. Can you also tell other types of potions apart?”

I asked. If he could I would be able to learn what the other potions I acquired at previous floors did. Elandris nodded.

“While I am not a master alchemist, I know one or two things. Do you have some other potions?”

I pulled the potions from my bag of holding.

“If you can tell me what they do, I will be happy.”

Elandris took the potions you handed him and examined them closely. His keen eyes studied the colors, textures, and subtle details of each vial. After a moment of contemplation, he began to identify the potions.

2 medium agility potions.

1 lesser strength potion.

3 medium stamina recovery potions.

While there were 3 others, they weren’t useful in combat so I put them away.

"Thank you, Elandris. Your knowledge is truly helpful."

I expressed my gratitude. Without him only way I could learn what they did was by drinking them which was risky. What happens if what I drink turns out to be an aphrodisiac? Grrhh, even thinking it is scary.

“I wouldn’t advise relying on potions too much, Poyraz. Consuming too many potions in a short span may have heavy adverse effects. While someone with your resilience could consume a fair amount of potions in one go, doing it repeatedly can affect your body negatively in the long run.”

I took a second to consume Elandris’s words. Blanche also said something similar after I drank two potions to fight against one of the bosses. While now I had more mana and Vitality, the body Aliera gave to me was the probably only reason I survived that time.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”

I got up and dusted myself. I offered my hand to Elandris who was crouching to inspect the potions. After some hesitation, he grabbed my hand and I helped him to stand up.

“Shall we go?”

The Megalithic Ward of the Water strapped to my back, I felt the weight of its defensive potential. The party turned their attention back to the ominous gate leading to the fourth floor. I was the first one to step into it as I was probably the tankiest among us. The first thing I noticed was the air getting thinner. The moisture in the air was also gone, replaced by a drastic dryness. The ground beneath me was no longer soft and wet dirt but sharp and hard rocks. I was pretty sure one couldn’t walk without heavy boots here if they wanted their feet to stay in one piece. I heard coughing behind me as my companions entered.

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“What is this?”

Fealin said between coughing. Aelith also seemed to be in discomfort as he breathed rapidly. I looked at Elandris, who was making a pained expression.

“Are you guys okay?”

Was there some kind of poison in the air? I looked at Gökbörü but he looked fine. Then again, our resistance towards it was massive.

“The elemental energy, the nature it is gone.”

Elandris explained with pain in his voice. He sounded like he just lost someone important. Considering their relationship with the forest, he must feel like he actually lost someone.

“Is it Nidhogg?”

“No. If this was caused by Nidhogg, it would have turned the energy into poison. It feels like something absorbed everything alive instead.”

Elandris, still visibly affected by the altered surroundings, elaborated on the situation. His words hung in the air, painting a grim picture of the floor's state. The absence of elemental energy and the desolation indicated a severe disturbance in the natural balance, leaving behind a lifeless wasteland. The impact on the elves, who were closely connected to the forest, was palpable. Concerned for your companions, I inquired further:

“Will you guys be okay?”

Elandris shook his head, a mix of frustration and concern evident in his expression.

“I will be fine as I am fully mature. However, my companions are not fully adults so they won’t be able to bear this place. Fealin, Aelith you should return back and notify the Elders. Poyraz and I will take care of this.”

I tilted my head and examined the younger elves. They were clearly struggling with the harsh environment of the fourth floor. Fealin's expression was a mix of discomfort and concern, while Aelith seemed to be gritting his teeth against the challenging conditions. I looked back at Elandris with curiosity for answers. He must have seen the confusion in my eyes as he explained:

“We are not fully creatures of flesh and blood. A part of us is elemental which is why Mother who pulls and nourishes elemental spirits here is crucial for our people’s survival. That elemental aspect, which connects us to the forest, is being suppressed here. Since I am a Guardian of the Forest and already bonded with greater elemental spirits it doesn’t affect me that much.”

Elandris's words painted a somber picture of the challenges ahead. If what happened on this floor spread to a greater area it could make this area unhabitable to elves. Fealin and Aelith exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the severity of the situation. Fealin spoke up, her voice strained from the inhospitable environment.

"I can't leave you alone in this, Honored Ranger. We need to find a way to proceed together."

Elandris placed a reassuring hand on Fealin's shoulder, his elven features softening.

"I appreciate your concern, Fealin, but you must prioritize your well-being. We have a duty to protect the forest as we are one with it, and the part you will take now is carrying information back to the Elders. The more knowledge they have, the better they can guide our people."

Fealin hesitated but ultimately nodded, her expression reflecting determination mixed with concern. Aelith, though silent, echoed a similar sentiment as he adjusted his gear. Fealin pointed her finger toward me.

“I etched your smell and face to my mind, human. If you were to pull some tricks, we would hunt you down.”

I shrugged. The two younger elves navigated the transition from the barren fourth floor back to the previous one, disappearing from view.

With the departure of Fealin and Aelith, I, Gökbörü, and Elandris stood alone in the desolate landscape. The oppressive atmosphere and the absence of elemental energy were palpable, making every step on the rocky terrain feel heavier than before. I wasn’t sure if it actually affected me or if it was just brain-playing tricks on me.

The landscape unfolded with jagged rocks, lifeless trees, and an eerie stillness that contradicted the vibrant nature of the previous floors. The air felt thin and dry, a stark contrast to the lush environments encountered earlier in the dungeon. I inspected some trees closer, maybe my encounter with spriggan scarred me more than I realized. Their branches reached out like skeletal fingers, and the bark appeared withered and lifeless. I stomped my foot to the ground, feeling the dry and harsh rocks. It was almost like all the nutrients on the ground were gone.

“It is very drastic. I thought it would happen gradually as we went through the floors. The previous floor was still filled by nature.”

Elandris nodded, his gaze fixed on the altered landscape. The impact of the desolation weighed heavily on him, evident in the creased lines on his forehead and the tightness around his eyes.

"I can't sense any elemental beings nearby. It's as if they've all been driven away or extinguished."

The party continued to traverse the bleak terrain, moving toward the heart of the fourth floor. No monsters were present. As I thought that to myself, Gökbörü sighed heavily. Guess I should have stopped myself from thinking it. Out of nowhere I suddenly noticed Elandris’s ears twitch and move, which while cute was a little bit concerning. He turned his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as if focusing on a distant point.

“Enemy, incoming.”

He pulled his bowstring back as I got in front of him with my massive shield to create a cover for him. Gökbörü growled from my shoulder. I focused on where they were looking at and soon enemies entered my range of vision.