Cyrus emerged from the castle, stepping through a shimmering portal that transported him to the next floor. He found himself in the Aelorian Thicket, a dense, mystical forest bathed in emerald light. The air was filled with the scent of wildflowers and the distant calls of unseen creatures. Ancient trees with gnarled roots and vibrant foliage surrounded him, their branches intertwining to form a natural canopy.
Cyrus took a deep breath, feeling the fresh, invigorating air fill his lungs. He adjusted the amulet he had acquired in the previous floor, its dark energy contrasting with the vibrant greens of the forest. With his sword and shield at the ready, he ventured deeper into the thicket.
As Cyrus made his way through the dense undergrowth, he noticed the ground becoming increasingly treacherous, with thick vines and brambles snaking across his path. Suddenly, the earth trembled, and a massive creature burst forth from the ground. It was a Thornbeast, a monstrous boar-like creature covered in sharp, thorny protrusions.
The Thornbeast charged, its tusks gleaming with a deadly sheen. Cyrus sidestepped the initial attack, feeling the wind rush past him as the beast barreled by. He struck at its side, his sword clanging off the thick thorns. The creature roared, whipping around to swipe at him with its spiked tail.
Cyrus activated his Resistor’s Barrier, the metallic sheen protecting him from the worst of the damage. He retaliated with a flurry of strikes, aiming for the softer underbelly of the beast. The Thornbeast reared back, attempting to trample him, but Cyrus was quick, rolling to the side and slashing at its exposed legs.
Using Mana Empowerment, he infused his sword with energy, each strike glowing with a blue aura. He aimed for the creature's eyes, managing to blind it momentarily. With the Thornbeast disoriented, he activated Resistant Strike, channeling his energy into a powerful blow that pierced through the beast's defenses and struck its heart.
The Thornbeast let out a final, pained bellow before collapsing to the ground, its thorny body disintegrating into the forest floor.
You have killed a
Thornbeast (LV 50)
Thorny Vambraces:
UNCOMMON
+10 Strength
+5 Vitality
Defense Rating - +15
Reflects 5% of Melee Damage
These vambraces are infused with the wrath of the forest
Cyrus equipped the Thorny Vambraces, feeling a surge of strength, he pressed on.
Cyrus stumbled upon a serene clearing, bathed in ethereal light. In the center stood a massive, ancient tree with glowing runes etched into its bark. As he approached, the runes began to shimmer, and a soft voice echoed in his mind.
Cyrus placed his hand on the tree, feeling a warm energy flow through him. The voice spoke of the forest's plight, corrupted by dark forces, and tasked him with purifying the sacred groves scattered throughout the thicket. He was fine to help the tree, perhaps even some extra rewards would be gained. He kept moving.
Deeper into the forest, Cyrus encountered a group of Sylvan Spirits, ethereal beings composed of what seemed like pure nature energy. They floated gracefully, their forms shifting between humanoid and tree-like shapes. Despite their beauty, their eyes glowed with hostility.
They spotted him. The spirits attacked in unison, unleashing barrages of magical energy. Using his agility, Cyrus weaved between their attacks, striking with precision. The spirits retaliated with blasts of energy, but his Bronze Skin and Thorny Vambraces absorbed much of the impact.
New General Skill Acquired:
Nature RESISTANCE (Common)
The Skill to Be Able to RESIST the Effects of Nature
Based on Skill Level and RESILIENCE
Level 1
Mother nature is more dangerous than any man
He focused on one spirit at a time, using Mana Empowerment to enhance his sword strikes.
The spirits’ forms flickered as they took damage, their ethereal bodies dissipating with each blow. With a final, coordinated attack, Cyrus struck the last spirit down, the forest around him returning to its tranquil state.
You have killed 3
Sylvan Spirit (LV 38)
Level Up!
Level 29
5 Stat Points
He felt the forest’s gratitude and a new surge of energy entered him.
New General Skill Acquired:
Verdant Regeneration (Uncommon)
Nature’s Energy Increases Health Regeneration
Based on Skill Level and Nearby Flora
Level 1
The forest comes to your aid
Cyrus set out to purify the sacred groves, guided by the ancient tree’s whispers. Each grove he encountered was guarded by corrupted creatures, twisted by dark magic it seemed.
In the first grove, he faced Corrupted Treants, hulking tree-like monsters with gnarled limbs and glowing red eyes. Their roots were tearing up the ground as they advanced.
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He circled around them, striking at their weak points when possible. The treants’ bark-like skin was tough, but his Mana Empowered strikes chipped away at it.
The treants retaliated, their massive limbs crashing down. Cyrus dodged nimbly, counterattacking with precise strikes. He had Verdant Regeneration anyway; every hit he took was healed quickly.
The battle was long, but Cyrus's persistence paid off. One by one, the treants fell, their corrupted forms crumbling into the earth. He never even fell below half-health.
You have killed 5
Corrupted Treant (LV 50)
Level Up!
Level 30
5 Stat Points
New Class Skill Choices:
Guardian’s Taunt (Class Skill - Uncommon)
The Skill to Attract Enemies Attention
The Skill Applies On Sight
All Enemies Taunted Will Be Focused On You
Based on Skill Level and Charisma
Level 1
Come at me, bro
Fighter’s Spirit (Class Skill - Uncommon)
The Skill to Be Able to Defend One's Mind and Soul
Basic Defense Against Mental Effects
Basic Defense Against Soul Effects
Based on Skill Level and Wisdom
Level 1
When skill is equal, the mind is key
Unyielding Defense (Class Skill - Uncommon)
The Skill to Always Block
Even When Failing to Block an Attack, 50% of Defense Will Be Applied
Based on Skill Level and RESILIENCE
Level 1
Block this punch… WITH YOUR FACE!
After some deliberation, Cyrus chose Fighter’s Spirit. He didn’t particularly enjoy the thought of his mind being messed with. With the first grove purified, the forest's corruption lessened. The ancient tree's voice thanked him, guiding him to the next grove.
The second grove was infested with a few green feminine creatures, yet as always, they were hostile. Twisted forest spirits with poison-tipped arrows and thorny whips; of course. As Cyrus watched, he saw them move with agility and grace and their whips dripped with seemingly purple poison.
These enemies were more difficult to fight. They never allowed him to target a single one of them, rather they gathered together and synergized their attacks. He was hit multiple times while trying to find an opening.
Poison RESISTANCE (Common)
The Skill to Be Able to RESIST the Effects of Poison
Based on Skill Level and RESILIENCE
Level 14
That berry looks delicious!
His natural regen plus his increased regen through his skill, along with his newly increased level of resistance caused the poison to be quite weak against him. He continued his assault, using his agility to dodge and strike. He mixed up his attacks, throwing in Power Strikes and Resistant Strikes along with a generous amount of Mana Empowerment. The dryads were running out of steam, yet he was only gaining it. Soon they fell to his Edge of Pride.
You have killed 4
Venomous Dryad (LV 52)
Level Up!
Level 31
5 Stat Points
Venomstrike Bow:
RARE
Archer class required
+20 Dexterity
Damage = (100+(Dexterity*2)-200+(Dexterity*2))
This bow was acquired through the death of venomous dryads
Its poison is formidable
While he wasn’t planning on using it, it could come in handy some other time. He purified the second grove, the forest around him becoming more vibrant and alive.
With two groves purified, Cyrus felt the forest's gratitude and a growing sense of purpose. The ancient tree’s voice guided him to the heart of the thicket, where the source of the corruption lay.
A colossal elemental being composed of stone, wood, and vines emerged. Its eyes glowed with a mixture of rage and sorrow, and it wielded a massive club made of wood.
The Guardian roared, its voice shaking the very ground. It swung its club with immense force, but Cyrus was ready. He activated his Mana Empowerment on his legs, swiftly evading the swing.
Cyrus darted in and out of its reach. The Guardian's stone skin was tough, but he aimed for the joints and weak spots. The battle was intense, each swing of the club sending shockwaves through the forest.
The Guardian summoned vines and roots to attack and unfortunately, Cyrus got grabbed. He began to be brutally mauled by the club.
Nature Resistance (Common)
Level 2
Mother nature is more dangerous than any man
Nature Resistance (Common)
Level 3
Mother nature is more dangerous than any man
Nature Resistance (Common)
Level 4
Mother nature is more dangerous than any man
His health was plummeting, not even his regeneration could keep up with the damage the club was inflicting on him.
HP: 670/3920
HP: 250/3920
He was screaming now. The vines were like a steel vice on his limbs. no. NO. NOT LIKE THIS. Cyrus sent all of his mana out of his body, creating an explosion of arcane energy. He rolled out of the way, newly freed. The club struck next to his head. Without any mana left and his health still low, all he could do was swing his sword. He couldn’t lose yet, he wasn’t finished.
DING!
Edge of Pride Has Been Partially Unsealed
His sword glowed the deepest red he had ever seen, not even the blood which surrounded him was that dark. When he swung the sword, he poured all of his energy into it, now even his stamina was plummeting. A massive blade of black and red erupted from the newly reborn sword. The blade cleanly cut the guardian in half, and Cyrus fell on his back, exhausted.
HP: 250/3920
MP: 10/3920
SP: 500/3920
He had survived.
You have killed a
Nature’s Guardian (LV 64)
Level Up!
Level 32
5 Stat Points
Level Up!
Level 33
5 Stat Points
Level Up!
Level 34
5 Stat Points
Sash of the World Tree:
EPIC
+20 Dexterity
+30 Vitality
+15 Charisma
+15 Wisdom
Increases All Regeneration By 10%
Increases Effectiveness of All Nature Skill and Abilities By 30%
A sash made from the bark of the world tree, it is full of ancient energy
Soulbound to Cyrus Raven
Edge Of Pride (Partially Sealed):
EPIC
Fighter class required
+100 Strength
Damage = (10*(Strength)-20+(Strength))
This sword was acquired through the defeat of a sinful avatar
It has been partially unsealed by immense pride
Cyrus donned the sash, feeling a surge of power and connection to the forest. The corruption lifted, and the thicket returned to its natural, vibrant state. The ancient tree’s voice spoke once more, expressing its gratitude and granting Cyrus its blessing.
Title Acquired:
Guardian Of The Thicket (Rare)
+5% To All Stats
He now took some time to rest and clear any remaining enemies. After a couple of days, he checked his stats and tutorial information.
Perk Choice:
Improved Experience (Common)
Gives a Perk Bonus to Health
+2.5% Experience Gain
Improved Mana (Common)
Gives a Perk Bonus to Mana
+5% MP Pool and MP Regen
Improved Stamina (Common)
Gives a Perk Bonus to Stamina
+5% SP Pool and SP Regen
With his choice of Improved Experience, his stats were as follows.
Name: Cyrus Raven
Race: Human
Class: Guardian
Tier: 2
Level: 37
HP(Health Points): 3920 (+2.5%)
HP Regen: 216HP/Minute (+12.5%)
MP(Mana Points): 3620
MP Regen: 77MP/Minute (+10%)
SP(Stamina Points): 3650
SP Regen: 98SP/Minute (+10%)
STATS
Charisma: 29 (+35)
Dexterity: 64 (+26)
Intelligence: 47 (+35)
RESILIENCE: 110 (+78)
Strength: 63 (+112)
Vitality: 62 (+85)
Wisdom: 39 (+35)
Stat Points: 100
Total Defense: 1880 (+161) (+208%)
Tutorial Information
Time Remaining: 21D-15H-50M
Achievement Points: 1450
Remaining Humans: 3.7B