Elara walked along the rampart walkway, her footsteps echoing against the ancient stone. The path led her to an unexplored section of the fortress, and as she approached, she noticed the ballistics Flamebeard had mentioned. She approached one of the mounted weapons, eager to take a closer look. Upon reaching the ballista, she noticed a peculiar glyph where an arrow would typically be nocked. There was no string or projectile, as the weapon was designed to fire magic instead. She ran her fingers along the smooth surface of the ballista, trying to discern how to adjust its angle.
After a few moments of experimentation, she discovered how to manipulate the weapon's trajectory. She moved it with increasing confidence, imagining the potential advantages it could offer in combat. As she familiarized herself with the ballista's controls, her thoughts drifted to the mana crystals in her possession. Reaching into her satchel, she retrieved one of the twelve remaining crystals. She turned it over in her palm, contemplating whether to attempt firing the ballista. The prospect of harnessing its power in battle was enticing, and she couldn't help but wonder if there was a specific skill associated with operating such a weapon.
The thought of gaining an edge in future confrontations filled her with excitement. She pictured herself standing atop the ramparts, raining down magical projectiles upon her foes. The ballista could be a game-changer, a tool that would allow her to approach challenges from a new angle.
As she stood there, mana crystal in hand, she weighed the decision to test the ballista's capabilities. The allure of unlocking a skill was strong, but she also knew that her supply of crystals was limited. Each one was a precious resource, and she had to consider the wisdom of expending them without a clear purpose. She pondered her options, realizing that aimlessly wandering in search of the Griffin would yield little progress. The idea of using bait to lure the injured creature struck her as a promising approach. Though the Griffin could still take flight, its hunting abilities had likely been compromised by the wound inflicted upon its wing.
A plan took shape in her mind. If she could place the carcass of a Wisp Cattle near the statue where she had encountered the Griffin, the beast might be enticed to claim the easy meal. Once the Griffin had taken the bait, she could track its movements, following it back to its nest and, hopefully, the obsidian cuff it had consumed.
The more she considered this strategy, the more it appealed to her. With renewed determination, she focused her energy on Voidwalk, picturing the statue in her mind's eye. As the world blurred around her, she felt the familiar sensation of her body being pulled through space, the distance between her current location and the statue rapidly diminishing.
When she rematerialized near the statue, she took a moment to steady herself. Each time she utilized Voidwalk to traverse great distances, she grew more accustomed to the ability's intricacies. However, she also noted the limitations she experienced, the strain it placed upon her body and mind. She knew that she would need to be mindful of these constraints as she proceeded with her plan, ensuring that she did not push herself beyond her limits.
She surveyed the surroundings, taking in the familiar sight of the statue and the remnants of the battle that had taken place. The once vibrant daisies lay trampled and charred, a somber reminder of the confrontation with the Griffin. A pang of guilt struck her as she silently apologized to the Warden, acknowledging the destruction that had occurred in this sacred space.
Seeking to regain her strength, she settled beneath the tree, crossing her legs and closing her eyes. She focused on her breathing, allowing her mind to quiet as she slipped into a meditative state. Gradually, she felt her mana and stamina replenishing, the gentle flow of energy coursing through her body. As her meditation concluded, she rose to her feet, renewed determination etched upon her face. She set out into the forest, her senses attuned to any signs of the Wisp Cattle. The underbrush crackled beneath her feet as she navigated the dense foliage, eyes scanning the surroundings for clues.
After a period of searching, her high wisdom paid off. She noticed a trail of partially eaten leaves and disturbed vegetation, indicative of the Wisp Cattle's passage. With a sense of purpose, she followed the trail, her movements quiet and deliberate to avoid alerting her prey. As she pressed deeper into the forest, the distant sounds of gentle lowing reached her ears. She crept forward, using the trees as cover, until she caught sight of the Wisp Cattle grazing in a small clearing.
Her eyes darted from one creature to another, assessing her options. She focused on a smaller Wisp Cattle, its movements slightly less coordinated than its larger counterparts. With practiced stealth, she maneuvered herself into position on a branch, her body low to the ground and her breathing controlled. She took a deep breath, focusing her energy as she prepared to strike. With a swift motion, she extended her hands, releasing two Void Bolt simultaneously. The projectiles streaked through the air, striking the Wisp Cattle with precision. The creature stumbled from the hit.
Without hesitation, she repeated the attack, launching another pair of Void Bolt at her target. The Wisp Cattle let out a distressed cry, its movements becoming more erratic as it attempted to flee. She watched as her mana depleted, the exertion of her abilities taking its toll.
Mana: 80/180
As the Wisp Cattle turned to flee, she seized the opportunity. She aimed carefully, sending two more Void Bolt hurtling towards the retreating creature's back. The bolts found their mark, causing the Wisp Cattle to falter in its stride. She maintained her focus, ensuring that she reserved enough mana for an emergency Voidwalk if the need arose.
With the Wisp Cattle weakened, she settled into a meditative stance. She closed her eyes, allowing her mind to quiet as she concentrated on replenishing her mana. The gentle flow of energy coursed through her body, gradually restoring her reserves.
Once her mana had returned to a sufficient level, she rose to her feet and pursued the herd. She repeated her earlier tactic, launching Void Bolt at the injured Wisp Cattle. The creature's movements slowed, its life force ebbing away with each successive strike. Finally, with a final, well-aimed bolt, the Wisp Cattle collapsed to the ground.
You have defeated Wisp Cattle [Level 22].
You have earned 3872 Exp.
You have leveled up to Level 13.
You have 5 unspent Stat points.
Elara felt some happiness at the system's notification. Her efforts had paid off. Without hesitation, she allocated all five of her unspent Stat points into Vitality. She recognized the importance of increasing her stamina, as it would allow her to utilize Voidwalk more frequently in the future.
The decision to invest in Dexterity during the fight had already yielded benefits, increasing her stamina to 61. This meant that Elara could now cast Voidwalk three times in succession, providing her with greater mobility and tactical options.
As she confirmed the allocation of her stat points, she felt a noticeable change in her physical capabilities. Her health and stamina increased, the result of her investment in vitality.
Health: 120/120
Stamina: 76/76
She took a moment to calculate the relationship between her Vitality and Dexterity stats and their impact on her stamina and health. She determined that each point of Vitality increased her stamina by 3 and her health by 10, while each point of Dexterity contributed an additional 2 points to her stamina. Satisfied, she walks up to the carcass of the Wisp Cattle.
She approached the fallen Wisp Cattle, its lifeless form a testament to her growing prowess. She knelt beside the carcass, grasping it firmly with both hands. With a deep breath, she focused her mind on the field of daisies, picturing the scene vividly in her mind's eye. She channeled her energy into Voidwalk, feeling the familiar sensation of her body being pulled through space.
In an instant, she materialized in the field, the Wisp Cattle's carcass still clutched tightly in her grasp. She surveyed the area, noting the distance between the carcass and the tree. With careful deliberation, she moved the carcass to a spot far enough from the tree to be easily seen, yet close enough to serve as an effective lure for the Griffin.
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Taking a deep breath, she carefully laid the Wisp Cattle's lifeless form on the ground, positioning it in a natural stance. She then parted the creature's jaws and poured the expired potion inside, hoping that a small amount would seep into the carcass for the Griffin to ingest. Stepping back, she surveyed her work with satisfaction. The carcass appeared convincingly lifelike, as if it had simply collapsed in the field, an effortless prey for any opportunistic hunter.
Satisfied with her preparations, she made her way back to the tree. She settled beneath its branches, finding a comfortable position in the shadows. She crossed her legs, assuming a meditative posture. She closed her eyes, allowing her mind to quiet as she focused on her breathing.
As the hours passed, she remained still and silent, her senses attuned to the surroundings. She listened for any sound that might indicate the Griffin's approach, her eyes occasionally scanning the sky for signs of movement. The sun's position shifted, casting longer shadows across the field, yet she remained vigilant.
The wait was long and tedious, but her patience never wavered. She understood the importance of this moment, the need to remain hidden and ready. The Griffin's arrival could be the key to retrieving the obsidian cuff and, with it, the hope of freeing Flamebeard from his imprisonment.
As the hours stretched on, her mind wandered to thoughts of Boogie, her faithful companion. The loss still weighed heavily upon her, a constant ache in her chest. She silently vowed to honor Boogie's memory. Her thoughts also drifted to Flamebeard, the ancient dragon who had become an unexpected ally. She pondered the bond between Flamebeard and the Warden, the depths of their connection that had been hinted at in the statue. Yet, for now, she had to remain focused on the task at hand. She sat motionless beneath the tree, her body hidden in the shadows, her mind alert and ready. The field of daisies stretched out before her, the Wisp Cattle's carcass a silent invitation to the Griffin. She waited, her patience unwavering, determined to see her plan through to its conclusion.
As the sun began its descent, the sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of red and orange hues. She remained seated beneath the tree, her body perfectly still, her senses attuned to the slightest sound or movement. Time seemed to stretch on indefinitely as she maintained her vigil, waiting patiently for her prey to arrive.
She had fallen into a trance-like state, her mind focused solely on the task at hand. She listened intently to the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the distant sounds of the forest, all while ensuring that she made no noise herself. She knew that even the slightest indication of her presence could alert the Griffin and ruin her carefully laid plan.
As the sun disappeared beyond the horizon and darkness enveloped the field, she remained steadfast in her position. She had become one with the shadows, a true stalker of nature, her patience unwavering. The hours ticked by, and still, she did not move, her eyes fixed on the Wisp Cattle's carcass that lay in the center of the field. Just as the night seemed to stretch on endlessly, she noticed a flicker of movement above the treeline. Her heart quickened its pace, and a surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes straining to make out the shape in the darkness.
As the shape grew clearer, her suspicions were confirmed. The injured Griffin had arrived, its once majestic form now marred by wounds. The creature landed heavily in the field, its eyes scanning the surroundings with a mixture of wariness and hunger. She held her breath, her body pressed tightly against the tree trunk. She watched as the Griffin's gaze swept over her location, its keen senses searching for any sign of danger. For a heart-stopping moment, she feared that she had been discovered, but the Griffin's attention soon shifted to the Wisp Cattle's carcass lying in the center of the field.
With a powerful stride, the Griffin approached the lifeless form, its talons sinking into the soft earth. It circled the carcass, sniffing the air, before grasping the Wisp Cattle firmly in its claws. She held her breath as the Griffin spread its wings, preparing to take flight.
As the creature lifted off the ground, she emerged from her hiding spot, her movements swift and silent. She relied on her Soft Footing skill, her footsteps barely audible as she pursued the Griffin through the darkened forest. The skill, currently at level 1, aided her in maintaining a stealthy approach, allowing her to keep pace with the injured predator. The chase was arduous, lasting for hours as she navigated the dense undergrowth and treacherous terrain. The Griffin's flight was labored, its injured wing hindering its usual grace and speed. Her keen senses and unwavering focus kept her on the trail, even as the creature disappeared from view at times.
There were moments when she nearly lost sight of the Griffin, the darkness and the forest's depths conspiring to conceal its path. Yet, each time, she managed to pick up the trail once more, her determination and skills guiding her forward. As the pursuit continued, she felt her Soft Footing skill growing, the system notifications confirming its progression to level three.
As the night wore on and the forest grew denser, she remained focused on her quarry, her senses attuned to the slightest sound or movement. As the dense forest abruptly gave way, she found herself in an unfamiliar section of the fortress. She paused at the treeline, her eyes scanning the surroundings, trying to get her bearings. The Griffin's labored flight caught her attention, and she watched intently as the creature soared towards a distant corner of the fortress.
She focused her mind, looking at the location where the Griffin had flown. With a deep breath, she channeled her energy into Voidwalk, feeling the familiar sensation of her body being pulled through space. In an instant, she materialized in a shadowed alcove, close to the Griffin's location but still concealed from its view.
Keeping to the shadows, she crept along the fortress walls, her movements silent and deliberate. As she approached the corner courtyard, her eyes widened in surprise. The area had towering walls and an array of formidable ballistics. It was a far cry from the high nesting sites Flamebeard had described.
In the center of the courtyard lay a massive nest, its size more than sufficient to accommodate two of the injured Griffin. She watched as the creature landed heavily beside the nest, the Wisp Cattle's carcass still clutched in its talons. With a ravenous hunger, the Griffin tore into the lifeless form, consuming it whole.
Elara remained hidden as she observed the Griffin's every move. Her mind raced, analyzing the positioning of the ballistas, trying to determine which one would provide the best vantage point for a clear shot at the creature. However, she knew that she had to bide her time. The expired potion she had poured into the Wisp Cattle's jaws needed time to take effect, to weaken the Griffin and make it more vulnerable. If it even had an effect, that is. With a deep breath, she settled into a meditative stance, focusing her mind and allowing her body to rest.
As the minutes stretched into hours, she remained in her meditative state, her senses attuned to the slightest sound or movement from the courtyard. The system notifications confirmed her progress, her meditation skill rising steadily and has reached level 19. She waited patiently, her eyes fixed on the Griffin's nest, her mind focused on the task at hand. She knew that the moment to strike would come, and when it did, she would be ready.
As the night wore on, Elara maintained her vigilant watch over the Griffin's nest. The creature grew increasingly restless, shifting uncomfortably within the confines of its sanctuary. Her eyes narrowed as she observed the Griffin's agitated movements, her mind racing with possibilities. The Griffin's discomfort intensified, its body contorting in visible distress. she leaned forward, her heart pounding as she watched the creature struggle. Suddenly, the Griffin began to convulse, its throat working furiously as it attempted to regurgitate the contents of its stomach.
Her breath caught in her throat, her eyes fixed on the gruesome scene unfolding before her. She hoped that the bracelet would emerge from the Griffin's gullet, expelled along with the remains of its recent meal. However, as the creature continued to retch and heave, no glint of the obsidian cuff caught her eye.
Realizing that time was of the essence, she made her decision. With the Griffin preoccupied by its own distress, she seized the opportunity to move to a higher position. Her gaze fell upon a nearby ballista, its imposing form silhouetted against the night sky. She approached the ballista, her movements swift and purposeful. She reached into her pack, retrieving one of the four fire mana crystals she had collected earlier. With a steady hand, she placed the crystal into the small compartment at the side of the weapon.
Her eyes scanned the intricate glyphs etched into the ballista's surface, her mind working to decipher their meaning. With a flash of insight, she understood the sequence required to channel the mana from the crystal and activate the weapon. She positioned herself behind the ballista, her hands gripping the controls with determination. She took a deep breath, aligning the weapon's sights with the Griffin's vulnerable form. Her focus sharpened as she made minute adjustments, ensuring that her aim was true.
With a final check of her alignment, she placed her left hand where the arrow would normally rest. She slowly slid her hand back, watching in awe as a line of fire extended from the tip of the ballista to her fingertips. The fiery strand grew longer and slimmer, pulsing with barely contained energy.
She drew in a steadying breath, her eyes locked on her target. In one fluid motion, she lifted her hand, releasing the pent-up power. The ballista erupted with a deafening explosion, launching a searing projectile towards the Griffin.
The impact was devastating, the force of the explosion rocking the courtyard. The Griffin let out a piercing cry, its body convulsing in agony. She wasted no time, already reaching for another fire mana crystal to reload the ballista.
With practiced efficiency, she placed the second crystal and took aim once more. She fired again; the projectile streaking through the air with unerring precision. This time, the explosion engulfed the Griffin entirely, its form disappearing in a blinding flash of light and a spray of gore.
Elara stood frozen, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and horror at the sheer destructive power she had unleashed. The courtyard fell silent, the only sound being the pounding of her own heart as she struggled to process the gruesome scene before her.
Congratulations!
General Skill Acquired: Arcane Ballistics Mastery [Level: 1]
You have defeated Griffin [Level 112].
You have earned 34,848 Exp.
You have leveled up to Level 26.
You have 65 unspent Stat points