The Mage's Path: Chapter 13

Hi all, 

Here’s the next chapter. It’s over 9000! Words, that is. Seriously, this chapter is too long and self-indulgent, but the dungeon segment is finally finished. 

Chapter 13

The garden didn’t hold any nasty surprises. Nothing attacked them after they opened the treasure chest and found the grimoire. It marked a departure from the dungeon's norm.

"That was anticlimactic," Celeste sighed. "I thought we'd have to work harder for the loot."

"I'm not complaining," Harry said. "Sometimes, it's nice when things are straightforward."

He placed the new Grimoire in his inventory, thinking about the possibilities. Having another party member to assist in combat was appealing on its own, but there were potential applications beyond that. He needed to keep some path points in reserve, as he wanted to dive into its secrets as soon as possible.

He walked over to the patch of bloodroot. As he began harvesting, Celeste zipped off to explore the rest of the garden, her curiosity getting the better of her caution. Just as he finished storing the last bunch, a notification popped up:

======Congratulations! Sub Objective 1 completed: Find and harvest 100 rare ingredients! The reward will be given once the main objectives have been completed. ======

Harry closed the notification and he'd barely straightened up when Celeste's excited shout pierced the air.

"Harry! Harry! Come quick!"

He spun around, his hand instinctively going to his dagger. But Celeste wasn't in danger—she was flitting excitedly among a cluster of vibrant flowers.

"What is it?" he called, jogging over.

"There's another chest here!" Celeste exclaimed. "But it is so small, it is difficult to see among the flowers."

Harry dropped to his knees, pushing aside the flowers. Sure enough, a tiny chest lay nestled in the greenery, its ornate design almost camouflaged by the surrounding flora.

"Good eye," he said, reaching for the lid. "Goes to show we need to check every nook and cranny in this place."

The chest revealed another crystalline shard.

======Manor Fragment: Greenhouse | Level: -- | Epic | Effect: Manor Room 

Description: A crystalline shard filled with stored knowledge. This fragment represents a greenhouse, a place of growth and nurturing. When combined with other fragments, it will form part of your manor, providing a space to cultivate magical plants. =======

"Brilliant," Harry said, storing the fragment away. "One more down, and several to go.”

Harry and Celeste left the laboratory and returned to the surface. Before they left, they searched the lake area but found nothing of interest. They backtracked through the tunnel, returning to the main forest hub.

Wasting no time, they delved into another underground location. The new tunnel twisted and turned, a labyrinth of tight corridors and dead ends. They encountered and destroyed several more corrupted nodes, along with the Rootborers guarding them. 

Harry discovered that his new skill, Gale Force Push, was great for keeping monsters away. If the MP cost weren't so high, he would use it more often. It would be especially helpful when facing several enemies at once.

As the seventh Rootborer fell, a notification pinged in Harry's HUD:

Ten Rootborers defeated. The enchantment gem Arboreal Defender has been added to the loot pool.

Harry's eyes lit up at the prospect of new loot. "Let's take a breather," he suggested. "We've earned enough experience to level up."

Celeste bobbed her head in agreement. "I should learn some new skills."

Harry opened his menu and spent his experience points, pushing him to level eight. He weighed his options on where to spend his AP. It was tempting to boost his Intelligence to meet the requirement for his new grimoire, but he intended to train that attribute after leaving the dungeon. While still inside, he should work on improving his combat abilities. Even if he met the requirement to unlock the grimoire, he still needed the materials to construct the golem.

His Willpower steadily increased on its own as he received a free point with each level-up. Now, it hovered just shy of the requirement. So, he increased his Agility instead, pushing it to twenty-one. 

He felt his body becoming lighter and more responsive. He took a moment to adjust to the newfound nimbleness. These small gains may appear insignificant, but they add up over time. If he didn't take time to recalibrate, he risked throwing off his movements during battle.

Celeste levelled to seven and poured her points into Willpower, raising it to seventeen. It was her most important attribute, as it affected the potency of her skills. 

After taking a look at her skills, she decided to continue with the Cursed Amplifier Path and spent six path points to acquire two new skills.

======Fairy's Sacrifice | Active | Level: Max | Upgrade: -- | Cost: 80 MP | Attribute: WIL/END

Description: In a desperate act of protection, Celeste forms a magical link with Harry, shielding him from harm at great personal risk. For the duration of this skill, Celeste absorbs all damage intended for Harry, no matter the source or type. Once cast, the skill works from any distance, but it must be within five metres of Harry to first take effect.

* Duration: 1 minute

* Celeste takes all damage meant for Harry, regardless of the attack's nature (physical, magical, status effects, etc.)

* Harry becomes immune to all forms of damage and negative status effects for the duration.

* Celeste cannot use any other skills while this is active.

* After the effect ends, Celeste is exhausted and cannot use skills for 5 minutes.

* The damage mitigated is determined by Celeste's defence. 

* WIL > 30: Increases duration to 1.5 minutes.

* END > 40: Celeste gains 50% more defence while the skill is active. ======

“It’s very situational, but it may come in handy in a pinch,” Harry said. “I knew you were a masochist, Celeste.”

“I don’t have a say in the kind of skills available!” Celeste protested.

"Hmmm..."

Celeste needed to boost her Endurance to use this skill effectively. It would unlock the skill's full ability and improve her defence as well. Her fairy constitution, with physical attributes only half as effective, left her vulnerable. To compensate, she'd need to focus on either obtaining better armour or significantly increasing her HP. 

The next skill sounded much more useful in general but also risky.

======Shadow Veil | Active | Level: Max | Upgrade: -- | Cost: 20 MP/min | Attribute: AGI/PER

Description: Harry melds with the shadows, becoming one with the darkness. This skill shrouds him in an inky veil, rendering him nearly invisible in low-light conditions and muffling the sound of his movements. However, this mastery over shadow comes at a cost, leaving him vulnerable if detected.

* Reduces the chance of being detected by 50% in optimal conditions.

* Synergises with the Sneak skill, granting an additional 20% reduction in detection chance when both are active.

* Halves Harry's defence while active.

* If noticed by an enemy, Harry is stunned for 2 seconds, leaving him open to attack.

* Effectiveness is greatly reduced in well-lit areas.

* AGI > 30: Increases movement speed by 30% while sneaking.

* PER > 40: Grants thermal vision, allowing Harry to see heat signatures while shrouded. ======

“I should have chosen the other path,” Celeste grumbled. “These skills only benefit you.”

Harry grinned. “You're an amazing sidekick.”

“Do you want a beating?!”

Harry and Celeste pressed on through the tunnel. They came to a section where the walls closed in on them, roots and vines reaching out like grasping fingers. 

Suddenly, the floor crumbled beneath him. He lurched forward, arms flailing wildly.

"Harry!" Celeste shrieked, her wings a blur as she rushed towards him.

He caught the edge, fingers digging into the soft earth, heart pounding against his ribs. Below, wooden spikes jutted from the pit floor. They looked sharp enough to impale him right through his body. 

"Bloody hell," Harry muttered, arms straining as he pulled himself up. 

When he peered into the pit, he spotted a small platform with a treasure chest at its centre. The chest seemed to taunt him, promising riches just out of reach.

"It's a trap," Celeste said, hovering nervously by his shoulder.

"A trap within a trap," Harry snorted. "But we can't leave it behind. It might be something valuable."

Harry took a deep breath, gauging the distance. He jumped and hit the platform with a thud, wincing as it creaked ominously beneath his feet.

He opened the chest and shoved the contents into his inventory without inspecting them, fully aware of the platform's increasing instability. The wood splintered, and the platform began to tilt.

Harry activated Gust Leap, and the wind surged beneath him, propelling him upward. He sailed over the spikes and landed safely on solid ground, legs shaky from the adrenaline rush.

Celeste shook her head. "That was too close. And you call me crazy for being obsessed with loot.”

 "But worth it. Let's see what we got." 

He opened his inventory, curious about their new acquisitions. The chest yielded several crafting materials. When he appraised them, they revealed no immediate use. Their presence puzzled him. The dungeon usually provided items that had a use inside of it. Which meant he was full of expectations, suspecting they'd prove useful soon.

They pressed on and eventually reached the end of the underground area: a small, circular chamber. A raised altar took up most of the space. Several chalices sat on a stone table, each flickering with flames, and there was a plinth in the centre.

To the side stood an unusual Aspen tree, unlike any they'd encountered. It appeared humanoid, clad in crude armour that seemed to have grown naturally from its trunk. In its gnarled arms, it clutched a massive, two-handed sword, which looked like it could do damage.

"What's that?" Celeste whispered, eyeing the tree warily.

They waited, but the tree remained motionless. Giving it a wide berth, Harry approached the altar and stepped up onto the platform. He was greeted with a prompt:

====== Aspen Altar of Sacrifice 

Sacrifice materials to receive equipment in return. The altar accepts only crafting materials found in the dungeon. Each chalice contains a unique piece of equipment and only gives out one copy. The level of the equipment is determined by the user’s current level. Place the equipment on the central plinth and spend experience points to increase its level, but it cannot surpass the dungeon's level limit.

Warning: Must defeat the Aspen Sentinel to use the altar. ======

Harry’s eyes widened when he read the last line. “Celeste! Heads up!”

The Aspen Sentinel creaked to life, its wooden joints groaning as it hefted its massive two-handed sword. With startling speed, it swung at Celeste, the blade whistling through the air.

Celeste darted sideways, her tiny wings a blur. The sword missed her by a hair's breadth and struck the wall. 

"What’s your problem?!" she squeaked.

Harry took the opportunity to scan the monster. 

======

Aspen Sentinel | Level: 11 | Type: Normal | Corrupted Plant | HP: 400/400 | MP: 80/80 |

Primary Attributes: Strength: 25 | Agility: 20 | 

Defence: 20

Primary Skills

Cleaving Strike: A powerful sword swing with extended reach.

Sap Spray: Releases a sticky substance that traps and slows enemies.

Sentinel's Surge: Dashes forward with twice the agility to catch an opponent off guard. However, after use, its agility is temporarily reduced to half.

Barrier: Temporarily increases defence against magical damage while decreasing other attributes. 

Wooden Regrowth: Regenerates HP over time.

Monster Traits

Living Wood: Doubles the Vitality to HP conversion ratio. 

Not Phased at all: It’s effective in both dungeon phases. During the magic phase, it gains mid-range abilities and can unleash a sword beam.

Weakness to Fire: Takes 50% additional damage from fire-based attacks.

Sentinel's Duty: Gains increased strength when defending its assigned area. 

======

Exp: 400 

Loot: 50 pounds, Sentinel's Essence, Living Wood Core, ????. 

Bestiary Entry: 0/5 defeated. 

Description: The Aspen Sentinel is a formidable guardian of the corrupted forest.  Standing at 3 metres tall, its bark-like skin is as tough as armour. The Sentinel moves with unexpected agility for its size, combining brute strength with magical abilities to overwhelm intruders. Beware its sap spray, which can immobilise the unwary, leaving them vulnerable to its devastating sword strikes. ======

Harry relayed the pertinent points to Celeste as she dodged another swing. He leapt from the altar and prepared to confront the sentinel.

The Sentinel changed targets when Harry landed on the ground. It brought its sword down in a vicious arc.

Harry quickly executed Gust Leap. Wind magic propelled him upwards, the blade missing him by inches. He felt the rush of air against his face as he sailed over the Sentinel's head, landing behind it in a crouch.

Without missing a beat, Harry spun around and unleashed an attack. Two razor-sharp gusts of wind materialised, slicing into the Sentinel's back. Splinters flew, peppering the nearby walls, but the damage seemed minimal against the creature's tough bark.

The Sentinel whirled around faster than its size suggested possible. It dashed forward, closing the gap between them in an instant.

Harry's eyes widened. He activated Wind Dash and narrowly avoided the attack.

Celeste zipped around the Sentinel's head, her tiny form glowing with dark energy. "Dark Resonance!"

The Sentinel swatted at her with its free hand, but she was too quick, darting between its wooden fingers. 

"Shadow Lance!" A spear of darkness formed, twice its usual size, and pierced the Sentinel's shoulder. It staggered back, dark ichor oozing from the wound like sap from a tapped tree.

Harry pressed the advantage, seeing the Sentinel off-balance. A concentrated burst of wind slammed into the Sentinel, pushing it further back, its wooden feet scraped against the stone floor.

The Sentinel's eyes flashed, and a sticky substance shot from its body in all directions, coating the floor around it in a glistening layer. 

Unfortunately, Harry was moving at the time and stepped right into it. His feet stuck fast to the ground, his movements slowing to a crawl. He tugged at his legs, panic rising in his chest.

The Sentinel, seeing Harry immobilised, raised its sword high. A beam of energy formed along the blade, crackling with power. It swung, releasing the beam towards Harry with a thunderous crack.

Using Gust Leap, Harry barely managed to propel himself out of the sap's grip, feeling it stretch and snap as he lifted off. The beam scorched the ground where he'd stood, leaving a smoking furrow in the stone.

Celeste swooped in, her tiny face set with determination. "Void Burst!" 

An explosion of darkness engulfed the Sentinel's head, momentarily stunning it. The wooden creature staggered, its movements becoming erratic.

Harry landed hard, his legs nearly buckling beneath him. But he pushed through the pain, immediately casting another spell. The wind magic carved deeper gouges in the Sentinel's wooden hide, its defences weakened by Celeste's attack. Chunks of bark flew off, revealing the pulsing, corrupted interior.

The Sentinel shook off the stun. A shimmering field surrounded it, bolstering its magical defence. 

"Celeste, now's our chance!" Harry called, noticing the Sentinel's slowed movements. "It's lowered its strength for that barrier!"

The monster was buying time while it regenerated its health.

Celeste nodded, concentrating intently. "Dark Resonance! Shadow Lance!" 

The empowered lance of darkness struck the Sentinel's chest, piercing deep into its wooden body. The creature howled, a sound like a forest in agony.

The Sentinel roared in pain, its barrier flickering like a faulty light. It swung its sword in a wide, desperate arc, forcing both Harry and Celeste to dodge. The blade sliced through one of the altar’s pillars.

Harry noticed the Sentinel's movements had slowed significantly, its earlier surge taking its toll. Its wooden joints creaked with every movement. Seizing the opportunity, activated Wind Dash once more. He darted in close, feeling the rush of air around him. 

He unleashed Gale Force Push at point-blank range. The burst of wind sent the Sentinel stumbling backwards, its feet tangling in its own sap. It crashed to the ground with an earth-shaking thud, its sword clattering away across the stone floor.

"Now's our chance!" Harry shouted, his voice hoarse from exertion. "Give it everything you've got!"

Celeste nodded, her tiny face set with grim resolve. "Void Burst!" she cried, pouring her remaining energy into the spell. The darkness that erupted from her tiny form was deeper than any shadow, seeming to devour the very light around it.

As the darkness engulfed the Sentinel, Harry leapt into the air, his legs burning with the effort, and unleashed another Whirlwind Blade. 

The combined assault tore into the Sentinel with devastating force. The Sentinel thrashed, its movements growing weaker with each passing second. With a final, thunderous groan that shook dust from the ceiling, the Aspen Sentinel collapsed. Its form dissolved into motes of light. Unfortunately, the sword disappeared with it.

Harry landed hard, rolling to disperse the impact. He lay there for a moment, chest heaving, staring up at the chamber's shadowy ceiling. 

"We did it," he said, panting. "How was that a normal enemy?"

Celeste fluttered down and landed on Harry's shoulder. “That overgrown splinter could have left the sword behind.”

A notification appeared on his HUD:

======Aspen Sentinel defeated! Experience gained: 200 each.

Loot: 50 pounds, Sentinel's Essence, Living Wood Core. ======

They rested for a few minutes, catching their breath. When Harry felt recovered enough, he slowly pushed himself up, wincing at the protest of his sore muscles.

They returned to the altar. There were four chalices, and closer inspection revealed words encircling the base of each, detailing the materials required for activation. Some of them were monster loot, while the remainder were the crafting materials obtained from the chest.

Harry rifled through his inventory. "We've only got enough for two."

He placed the Sentinel’s Essence, along with the other required materials, into the first chalice. They seemed to melt into the chalice, disappearing from view.

A flame appeared, surging upward with a whoosh and transforming into a pillar of fire that almost reached the ceiling. He yelped, stumbling backwards and patting his eyebrows frantically. 

"Bloody hell! Did I singe them off?"

Celeste giggled, darting around his head. "Nah, they're just a bit crispy."

As the flames died down, the chalice dissolved into wisps of smoke. In its place lay a pristine piece of armour. It resembled leather, but it was a pale, luminous white that matched the bark of Aspen trees. 

Harry lifted the piece, marvelling at its lightness, and activated his Appraisal skill. The information materialised before him.

======Sentinel's Armour | Level: 8 | Rare | Type: Defence | Enchantment Slots: -- 

Description: This armour, crafted from the essence of the forest's guardians, offers superior protection while enhancing the wearer's awareness. It resonates with the wearer's intent to protect, its power growing stronger in natural environments.

* Defence: 14

* Durability: 200/200

* +30% resistance to corruption-based effects.

* +30% damage mitigation against plant-based attacks.

* Increases Perception by 5 while worn.

* Regenerates 1% of max HP every 5 minutes while in forested areas. ======

"This is definitely an upgrade, but its capabilities are situational."

It didn’t have the same wind properties as the cloak, but he was not going to complain. He would choose the extra defence over the offence any day. Furthermore, as he levelled up, he could improve it even further. 

Harry shed his tattered cloak and donned the new armour. It felt stiff at first, like a shell around his torso. But within seconds, the Sentinel's Aegis seemed to come alive, softening and moulding to his body as if it were a second skin.

Celeste flew around him, inspecting the armour from all angles. "Very fancy," she said. "But I bet the next one's for me."

Harry moved on to the next chalice. He placed the Living Wood Core and more crafting materials into it, then quickly stepped back, remembering the previous flare-up.

As the light faded, Harry squinted, struggling to see the item that had appeared. It was minuscule, barely visible on the altar's surface—a delicate circlet woven from twigs and leaves.

Celeste's eyes widened, glinting with unabashed greed. She darted forward, snatching the item before Harry could react. 

"Mine!" she declared, clutching it to her chest.

"Oi!" Harry protested, laughing. "Let me appraise it first, you little magpie."

Celeste reluctantly held out the item, and Harry activated his skill once more:

======Aspen Crown | Level: 7 | Rare | Type: Defence | Enchantment Slots: -- 

Description: The circlet embodies the vitality of the living forest. Delicate Aspen twigs intertwine gracefully, sprouting tiny leaves that change colour with Celeste's mood. Despite its delicate appearance, the circlet offers substantial protection and attunement to nature's power.

* Defence: 4

* Durability: ∞ (self-repairing).

* +25% to plant-based spells.

* +30% resistance to corruption-based effects.

* +5 Vitality when worn. ======

Celeste beamed, carefully placing the circlet atop her head. The tiny leaves rustled, shifting through a kaleidoscope of colours before settling on a vibrant green that matched her excitement. 

"It suits you," Harry observed, "but the boost to plant-based spells seems a bit wasted, doesn't it?"

Celeste's wings fluttered indignantly. "Who knows what the future holds? Besides, the Vitality boost is brilliant. I’m never taking it off!"

With her fairy constitution, the Vitality boost would only give her 25 HP, but that was significant given how low her HP was already. 

Curiosity piqued, Harry removed the armour and set it on the central plinth. A prompt appeared before him, asking if he wanted to spend experience points to level up the armour. The cost was steep—half of what he'd need to reach level nine.

Harry frowned, donning the armour once more. Even if he had the points to spare, using them would render the armour unwearable due to its increased level requirement. A nagging question tugged at his mind: how was he supposed to earn enough experience to upgrade the armour to its maximum before he ran out of monsters to kill? 

They took a final look around the chamber, but there was nothing else of interest. 

"We’ll have to return here after we have gathered the necessary materials," Harry said. 

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

There were only three underground entrances left to explore from the forest hub. Harry hoped they would find the safe zone soon because their resources were running low. They would have to dip into their potions soon, but that wasn’t something Harry was willing to do.

Fortunately, the next entrance they chose proved to be the correct one.

Harry and Celeste emerged from the underground passage, blinking as their eyes adjusted to an unexpected brightness. Before them stretched a camping ground bathed in daylight, a stark contrast to the perpetual gloom that shrouded the rest of the dungeon. A large four-man tent was pitched next to a fire pit, while a quaint cabin nestled against a backdrop of towering Aspen trees.

Their path to this sanctuary, however, was far from straightforward. A yawning chasm separated them from the campsite, its depths an abyss of impenetrable darkness. Spanning this void, a series of floating platforms hovered in the air, forming a precarious bridge.

Harry eyed the platforms warily. He didn’t trust the dungeon to give him such an easy pass.

“Should I fly over?” Celeste asked.

"Hold on," Harry cautioned, approaching the edge for a closer look. As he neared, a familiar heaviness settled over him. The air thickened, each movement becoming a laborious effort. 

"Gravity field," he grunted, reaching for his Spatial Pouch. He retrieved the gravity stone from his inventory, and a prompt appeared before him:

Do you want to use the stone to cancel the gravity field? 

Harry confirmed, and the oppressive weight lifted instantly. To his surprise, the stone remained intact in his palm. "Looks like we got lucky. We can use this again."

"I'll fly across first," Celeste said. She reached the other side in seconds, turning back with a triumphant grin.

"All clear!" she called, her voice barely carrying across the chasm. 

The platforms weren’t booby-trapped, so he made it to the other side without incident. As his feet touched solid ground on the other side, a notification pinged:

======You have entered the Aspen Grove. This safe zone is at your disposal. Use of amenities is unrestricted, but you may only use the bedroll to sleep and recover your resources twice. 

Cooking Skill detected! 

The ingredients available in this safe zone are magically conjured and lack the essence required to imbue meals with special properties. For optimal results, use personally sourced ingredients.

======

The limitations of his Cooking skill were disappointing, but he could bring a variety of meals into the next dungeon, in larger quantities. While he still had some prepared meals in his inventory, they would wait until they continued exploring. 

"We can sleep here twice, with time left over for meals and preparation,” Harry said. “It should be more than enough to finish this dungeon."

They began exploring their temporary haven. The cabin's interior was small but had a well-equipped kitchen, along with a living area and bathroom. 

As they circled the perimeter of the camp, something caught Harry's eye. Near a gnarled tree, partially hidden by overgrown grass, lay a skeleton. A wooden stake protruded from its rib cage; the bone bleached white by time and exposure. Scraps of decayed cloth clung to the bones, fluttering weakly in the breeze.

Celeste hovered closer, her wings beating nervously. "What's this doing here? I thought this was supposed to be a safe zone."

Harry frowned, a memory tugging at the edge of his mind. "Victor's friend," he said slowly, recalling the journal entries they'd found. "The one he mentioned in his writings."

As if in response to their speculation, a notification appeared:

======Congratulations! Sub Objective 3 completed: Find all traces of the Stranger. The reward will be given once the main objectives have been completed. ======

Harry's frown deepened after his suspicions were confirmed. He knelt beside the skeleton, examining it more closely. The stake was crude but effective. The spear appeared to have been made by someone, rather than coming from a monster. 

“Victor claimed his friend was killed by a creature in the forest. This doesn't look like a monster attack."

Celeste's eyes narrowed. "You think Victor lied? That he did this himself?"

Harry stood up, brushing dirt from his knees. "Most likely. I’m sure there's more to the story than we've been told. But this shows how ruthless Victor is, so we need to be careful if we encounter him."

They left the grim discovery behind, returning to the relative comfort of the campsite. Harry set about preparing a meal, grateful for the chance to rest and recover. 

They ate in comfortable silence, the weight of their journey settling over them. After finishing their meal, neither felt compelled to rush back into the dungeon's dangers. Celeste flitted about the campsite, alternating between sunbathing on a nearby rock and investigating every nook and cranny of their surroundings. Her usual frenetic energy seemed tempered by the day's exertions.

Meanwhile, Harry took a book from his inventory that covered the basics of the French language. After they finished the dungeon, they would travel to France, so gaining some competency would make the trip easier.  

As the day progressed, Harry noticed his Language Comprehension skill gradually improving. The basics of French grammar began to click into place, and he found himself able to construct simple sentences with growing confidence. The greatest challenge he faced was that his memory was like a sieve. He needed to improve his intelligence quickly.

When night fell, Harry spread out his bedroll near the crackling fire. The promise of uninterrupted sleep was too tempting to resist. While meditation might restore his MP faster, it wouldn't replenish his other resources or soothe his battered body. 

The safe zone had a normal day and night cycle, which wasn’t made clear in the tutorial dungeon. Although it was a minor detail, it was nice to see some normalcy in the dungeon. 

Harry fell asleep almost as soon as his head touched the pillow. It was so effective, that he wished he could bring the bedroll back to the real world.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Harry and Celeste set out the next morning after the dungeon shifted back to the magic phase. Their goal was to finish exploring the remaining underground passages. The first passage led them back above ground, where they encountered a dense cluster of Aspen Horror Saplings.

The battle quickly turned chaotic as Harry found himself surrounded. His Whirlwind Blades carved through the air, slicing into the twisted saplings, but their sheer numbers proved overwhelming. In the midst of the fray, a Sapling managed to poison him. He fumbled for an antidote and quickly downed it. But he took several hits, and his HP became dangerously low.

Celeste, seeing Harry's dire situation, activated her Fairy Sacrifice skill without hesitation. The Saplings' attacks seemed to pass through him harmlessly, but Celeste bore the brunt of their damage. She quickly consumed a healing potion to restore her health. 

When the skill faded, Harry stood amidst a sea of fallen saplings. Celeste hovered nearby, visibly exhausted but triumphant. Harry's earlier scepticism about the skill's usefulness evaporated, replaced by genuine gratitude and a twinge of guilt for underestimating its potential.

After defeating the tenth sapling, Harry received a notification that its loot pool had been updated to include another enchantment gem. 

The continuous combat proved fruitful, as Harry soon accumulated enough experience to reach level nine. He immediately equipped the Aspen Thorn Dagger. Though the magic phase prevented him from using it straight away, Harry found himself eager for the next phase shift to test its capabilities.

Harry chose to spend his AP to increase his Spirit to 26. This decision was driven by two factors: his MP reserves desperately needed bolstering and reaching 25 Spirit provided a substantial boost to his Whirlwind Blades skill, increasing both its damage and range by thirty percent. He opted to save his path points for the moment.

Celeste also levelled up, reaching level eight. Despite Harry's tongue-in-cheek suggestion to focus on Endurance, she allocated her points to Willpower once again.

Their progress through the corrupted forest slowed to a halt as they encountered an impenetrable barrier—a wall of twisted, sickly vines that pulsed with an unnatural energy. As Harry approached, shimmering text materialised before his eyes:

To progress, gather enough Golden Leaf Dew to wither the corrupted vines.

Celeste's brow furrowed. "What does that even mean?"

"It means we have hit a roadblock," Harry sighed. "There is nothing else to do but leave for the moment."

They backtracked to the forest hub, deciding to rest and recuperate before tackling the final unexplored entrance.

After resting, Harry and Celeste entered the last underground passage, expecting another lengthy exploration of twisting tunnels. To their surprise, they quickly came across a dangling vine leading upward through the hollow trunk of a massive Aspen tree.

Celeste flew up to investigate, disappearing into the canopy above. She returned a minute later, her wings buzzing with excitement as she reported her findings. A vast network of platforms and bridges sprawled through the treetops, offering a new vertical dimension to their exploration.

Harry grasped the vine and climbed to the top. Emerging onto a small wooden platform, he found himself surrounded by a dizzying array of walkways and larger platforms stretching out in all directions. The scope of this treetop maze was far more extensive than he had anticipated. Like the safe zone, the area was bathed in sunlight.

Two narrow bridges extended from their current position, each leading to a different section of the labyrinth. Harry eyed them warily, noting the lack of handrails and the daunting drop below. 

The dungeon has shifted into the weapon phase.

A grin spread across his face as he drew the Aspen Thorn Dagger, finally able to put it to use.

“Harry, look at this!” Celeste called out.

Celeste was inspecting a watering can nestled against the tree trunk. He used  Appraisal on it, which revealed its purpose: to collect and use Golden Leaf Dew, essential for dissolving the vine obstacle. The can's capacity was precisely measured, requiring a full load to clear the vines effectively.

They ventured across the first bridge, their steps cautious on the narrow wooden planks. The lack of handrails made Harry acutely aware of the dizzying drop below. He decided to test his Sneak skill without Celeste's Shadow Veil ability first.

"I doubt this will work well in broad daylight," Harry said, "but it's worth a shot."

As they reached the third platform, a Rootborer emerged from behind a cluster of leaves. Harry's attempt at stealth proved futile, the monster immediately locking onto him with its beady eyes.

"Well, that answers that question," Harry grumbled, drawing his new Aspen Thorn Dagger. The weapon felt light and responsive in his hand as he engaged the creature.

Despite the Rootborer's resistance to physical attacks, the dagger's fire enchantment proved devastatingly effective. Each strike left smouldering marks on the monster's wooden hide. Harry dispatched it swiftly, conserving his MP in the process.

"Not bad," Celeste commented, eyeing the dagger with newfound respect.

After the skirmish, Harry spotted a small tree statue spouting water into a bowl. Golden droplets glinted in the air as they fell. He quickly filled the watering can, noting it was only a fifth full.

"One down, four to go," he said, storing the partially filled can.

As they pressed on, Harry had Celeste activate her Shadow Veil ability. The difference was immediate and striking. With her aid, he successfully ambushed three more Rootborers, his movements fluid and silent as he struck from the shadows.

His Sneak skill levelled up after the second kill. The most significant improvement was in his sneak attack, which now dealt more damage.

Celeste was becoming irritated with the frequent use of her skill. "Harry, I can't keep this up forever. Stop hogging all my MP!”

As if in answer to her complaint, they found a treasure chest on one of the platforms. Inside, they found several mana potions.

They continued their exploration, filling the watering can whenever they encountered more statues. The treetop maze was vast and complex, with platforms of varying sizes connected by bridges and narrow beams. Some areas required careful navigation around gaps or over obstacles.

After thoroughly investigating the platforms, only one area remained unexplored: a massive platform accessed by a narrow beam stretching over twenty metres. 

"There's no gravity field," Celeste observed, flying a short distance out. "Should I see if I can make it across to the platform?"

Harry hesitated before nodding. "Alright, but be extremely careful. I don't like the look of this setup."

Celeste set off, her tiny wings beating furiously. However, as she reached the midpoint, violent winds suddenly buffeted her, threatening to blow her off course. She tumbled in the air, desperately trying to regain control.

"Celeste, come back!" Harry shouted, his heart racing as he watched her struggle against the gale.

"I'm trying," Celeste gasped, her voice barely audible over the howling wind. 

Harry made a split-second decision. He stepped onto the beam, using several Gale Force Push spells to counter the wind as he inched towards Celeste. The wood creaked ominously beneath his feet, and he had to constantly adjust his balance.

He managed to reach her position, but she remained just out of arm's reach, still battling the relentless gusts. Harry's muscles strained as he tried to maintain his precarious position on the beam while reaching for Celeste.

Realising he couldn't reach her without risking a fall, Harry decided to take a gamble. 

He activated Gust Leap, propelling himself upward and managing to grab Celeste. As they began to fall, he activated the skill again at precisely the right moment, ascending higher into the air. The sudden changes in direction made his stomach lurch, but he forced himself to focus.

Using a chain of Gust Leaps, each timed perfectly, Harry manoeuvred them through the turbulent air. With each leap, they inched closer to their goal, the massive platform growing larger in their vision. 

Finally, with one last burst of wind magic, they landed on the solid wooden surface of the platform. Both were breathing heavily from the ordeal, Harry's legs shaking from the exertion.

"That was too close," Harry said, setting Celeste down gently. 

Celeste nodded, her tiny frame trembling slightly. "Thank you. I thought I was done for back there."

As they recovered, Harry surveyed their new surroundings. The platform was even larger up close; its surface was weathered but sturdy. At its centre stood another statue, larger than the others they'd encountered. Golden water flowed from its outstretched hands, cascading into a wide basin below.

"This must be the main source," Harry said, approaching the statue. He retrieved the watering can from his inventory and began to fill it.

Watering Can filled with Golden Leaf Dew (5/5).

"That should be enough to deal with those vines," Harry said, storing the full can back in his inventory. 

Harry and Celeste meticulously searched the platform, their eyes scanning every nook and cranny. In one corner, partially obscured by overgrown foliage, they spotted a chest. Inside, nestled on a bed of dried leaves, was a translucent, swirling orb. When he examined it with Appraisal, he discovered it was a wind essence. Harry's eyes lit up with recognition.

"This is exactly what I need to upgrade Wind Dash," he said, picking the item up. 

When he received a prompt, he confirmed that he wanted to use the item. His Wind Dash skill upgraded to level two, giving him a further boost to Agility.

Finding nothing else of interest, they returned to the narrow beam. To their immense relief, the violent winds that had nearly spelt their doom earlier were now absent. They crossed the expanse carefully but without incident.

Retracing their steps through the arboreal maze, they eventually found themselves back at the vine barrier. Harry produced the watering can from his inventory. He poured the liquid over the twisted vines, watching as it seeped into the corrupted growth.

The effect was immediate. The vines began to wither, their sickly hue fading as they crumbled away. The process was accompanied by a soft hissing sound, like steam escaping. Within minutes, a narrow path had opened up through the dense foliage.

As they progressed along this new route, they encountered several corrupted nodes. 

After eliminating the fifth one, he received another notification. 

======Congratulations! Sub Objective 2 completed: Locate and destroy all corrupted Aspen nodes throughout the dungeon. The reward will be given once the main objectives have been completed. ======

"That's all the sub-objectives complete," Harry said. "Now we just have to complete the main objectives."

Celeste nodded. “Another dungeon is almost in the bag."

“Do you think the boss will pose a challenge?”

“Undoubtedly.”

Harry abruptly stopped walking. “We should wait until the magic phase returns.”

Celeste shook her head. “We don’t know what kind of boss we are going to get. I wouldn’t worry about too much.”

Harry and Celeste had yet to face an actual boss yet, so they were slightly apprehensive. They checked their supplies several times, making sure they were prepared for everything. Several strategies were discussed as they pressed on, but without knowing what kind of monster they were facing, it wasn’t worth much.

The path gradually widened as they walked. Eventually, the narrow trail opened up into a vast clearing. The sudden expanse of open space was almost disorienting after the enclosed forest paths.

At the centre of the clearing stood a colossal tree, its massive form dwarfing the surrounding forest. Harry and Celeste paused at the edge, their eyes travelling up the enormous trunk to its sprawling canopy high above. This was undoubtedly the dungeon's boss, its presence both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

Unlike the Aspen Sentinel they'd faced before, this entity didn't attempt to conceal itself. Though motionless, it exuded an aura of latent power. Hovering above its crown was a shimmering text:

Corrupted Aspen Colossus - Level 12 - Corrupted Plant Boss

Celeste's wings fluttered nervously. "How in the world are we supposed to take down something like that?" 

"Not a clue," Harry admitted, his hand instinctively tightening on his dagger. He studied the clearing, noting the positions of rocks, fallen logs, and other potential cover. "I wonder how close we can get before it reacts."

Celeste shot him a sidelong glance. "Why don't you ask it nicely?" she quipped, her sarcasm barely masking her anxiety. "Seriously though, why do you want to know?"

"I need to get close enough to scan it," Harry replied, taking a cautious step forward. "The more information we have, the better our chances."

"Hold on," Celeste interjected. "I thought you couldn't scan anything other than normal monsters. When did that change?"

Harry paused, a sheepish expression crossing his face. "Did I forget to mention that? The skill upgraded after I scanned the Sentinel. It can now analyse elite monsters and bosses, though the information isn't as detailed."

As he got closer, Harry spotted a massive corrupted node at the base of the tree. Harry thought he had destroyed them all, but this one appeared to be special. He wondered how it would come into play during the fight.

Harry scanned the boss as soon as he was in range. 

======Corrupted Aspen Colossus | Level: 12 | Type: Boss | Corrupted Plant | HP: 1500/1500 | MP: 600/600 | 

Primary Attributes: Strength: 40 | Spirit: 30 | Intelligence: 30 |

Defence: 30

Primary Skills

Roots of Corruption: ?????

Aspen Fury: ?????

Nature's Wrath: ?????

Gravity Field: Creates a gravity field that restricts the enemy. Can only be used once per day, but persists throughout the entire battle.

Corrupted Spore Cloud: ?????

Ancient Wisdom: ?????

Monster Traits

Living Fortress: Triples the Vitality to HP conversion ratio. Has a 50% resistance to physical assault.  

Corruption Nexus: ?????

Elemental Resistance: Takes 50% reduced damage from all elemental attacks except fire. 

Weakness to Fire: Takes 100% additional damage from fire-based attacks. 

Forest's Champion: ?????

Not Phased at all: Changes combat style and abilities with each phase of the fight.

=======

Exp: 2000 

Loot: 500 pounds, Colossus Core, Ancient Aspen Seed, Corrupted Heartwood. 

Bestiary Entry: 0/1 defeated.

Description: The Corrupted Aspen Colossus is an awe-inspiring and terrifying sight. Towering at 15 metres tall, this once-majestic tree has been twisted by corruption into a monstrous guardian of the forest. Its bark is as tough as steel, riddled with pulsing veins of corruption. Due to its enormous size, it can’t move fast, but it has plenty of abilities to deal with opponents. ======

Although a lot of information was kept from him, he gained a basic understanding of what he was up against. He quickly relayed the crucial details to Celeste.

"This is going to be a tough fight," Celeste said, swallowing nervously.

Harry pointed to a pulsating growth at the base of the tree. "That corrupted node looks important. If we can destroy it, maybe we can weaken this monster."

Before they could formulate a proper plan, the Colossus attacked. A massive root erupted from the ground beneath Harry's feet, catapulting him into the air. He slammed into a nearby tree with a sickening crunch, the impact knocking the wind out of him. Stars danced in his vision as he struggled to stay conscious.

"Harry!" Celeste screamed, darting towards her fallen companion. But her momentary distraction cost her dearly. A swarm of corrupted leaves, their edges gleaming like razors, engulfed her tiny form. She cried out in pain as they sliced into her delicate wings, sending her spiralling to the ground.

Gritting his teeth against the pain, Harry forced himself to his feet. His ribs screamed in protest, and he tasted blood in his mouth. "Celeste, hang on!" he called out, his voice hoarse.

Stumbling towards the fallen fairy, Harry narrowly avoided another root strike that would have impaled him. He scooped up Celeste, wincing at her battered state. Her HP was in the single digits. She had come so close to dying just like that.

"We... we need to retreat," Celeste gasped, her voice barely audible.

But retreat wasn't an option. The Colossus had completely surrounded them, its corrupted roots forming an impenetrable barrier. They were trapped.

Harry grabbed a health potion and quickly administered it to her. Her HP recovered, but she was still looking dazed.

He cradled her in one arm while holding the Aspen Thorn Dagger in the other. "We fight," he said grimly. "It's our only chance."

The battle began in earnest, a relentless onslaught that pushed Harry and Celeste to their limits. Harry weaved through a maze of thrashing roots and branches, his enhanced reflexes barely keeping him ahead of certain death. Each near miss left cuts and bruises, his strength ebbing with every passing moment.

Harry activated his Synergistic Strike, feeling a surge of power course through him. His movements became more fluid, his strikes more precise. He darted towards the corrupted node, his dagger blazing with enhanced power.

Just as he reached striking distance, the air around him thickened. An oppressive force bore down on him as if the weight of the entire forest were pressing upon his shoulders.

He immediately retrieved the gravity stone from his inventory and quickly confirmed when the prompt appeared. The weight vanished, but so did the stone after being used a second time. The gravity stone had nullified the gravity field. It was fortunate that he was able to use it again; otherwise, he would have been helpless. 

Harry continued with his attack, unleashing a flurry of strikes on the corrupted node, each blow amplified by Synergistic Strike.

The node pulsed angrily, oozing a foul-smelling sap that hissed and bubbled as it hit the ground. But despite the ferocity of Harry's assault, the node seemed to be regenerating almost as quickly as he could damage it.

"It's not working!" Harry shouted, frustration evident in his voice. "We need a new plan!"

Celeste, having regained some of her strength, flew closer to assess the situation. "The corruption is too strong," she observed. "We need to weaken it first. Harry, can you distract it? I have an idea!"

Harry nodded, steeling himself for what was to come. 

He activated Gust Leap, propelling himself high into the air. As he descended, he unleashed a barrage of Whirlwind Blades, the razor-sharp wind constructs slicing through the Colossus's branches.

The massive tree roared in pain and fury, its attention fully focused on Harry. This was the opening Celeste needed. Concentrating hard, she began to cast Dark Resonance, her tiny form glowing with ominous energy.

"Harry, get clear!" she warned, her voice strained with effort. As Harry used Wind Dash to retreat, Celeste unleashed a supercharged Shadow Lance. The spear of darkness streaked towards the corrupted node, its power amplified by Dark Resonance.

The impact was devastating. The node cracked, dark energy spilling out in noxious waves. The Colossus shuddered, its entire form trembling as if in agony.

But their victory was short-lived. The Colossus roared as he entered a new phase of the fight, which also altered the dungeon phase. Harry felt his connection to his weapon skills weaken.

"The magic phase has begun!" Celeste warned. "Harry, fall back and support me!"

As if to punctuate Celeste's words, the Colossus unleashed a barrage of corrupted spores. The air filled with a sickly green mist, each breath burning in their lungs.

Harry activated Gale Force Push, releasing a concentrated burst of wind that scattered the deadly spores. 

His MP reserves were now dangerously low, so he quickly drank a mana potion to replenish them.

Celeste took the lead, her small form darting through the air as she peppered the Colossus with Shadow Lances. Each strike left a smouldering wound in the corrupted bark, but the massive tree seemed far from defeated.

In retaliation, the Colossus summoned a storm of razor-sharp leaves. They filled the air like a lethal green blizzard, forcing Harry and Celeste to take cover behind a fallen log.

"We can't keep this up forever," Harry panted, his body aching from numerous cuts and bruises. "We need to end this quickly."

Celeste nodded, her glow dimming as she expended more and more of her energy. "I have one more trick up my sleeve," she said grimly. "But it's risky. Harry, I need you to get me close to the main trunk."

Understanding dawned in Harry's eyes. "Celeste, no. It's too dangerous!"

But the fairy's mind was made up. "It's our only chance, Harry. Trust me."

Reluctantly, Harry nodded. As the leaf storm subsided, he scooped up Celeste and charged towards the Colossus. Activating Wind Dash again, his form blurred with speed as he weaved through a maze of thrashing roots.

Just as they neared the trunk, a massive branch swung towards them like a giant club. Harry activated his skill, propelling them both into the air at the last second. The branch passed harmlessly beneath them, but the close call left Harry's heart pounding.

As they descended, Celeste flew from Harry's grasp. "Now, Harry! Get clear!"

Harry landed and immediately used Wind Dash to retreat, watching as Celeste activated her skill.

"Cursed Weapon!" Celeste cried out. A wave of dark energy washed over Harry's dagger, imbuing it with devastating potential. However, the cost was immediately apparent as Celeste's HP fell dangerously low.

Harry didn’t have time to worry about Celeste. The Colossus, sensing the danger, was bringing all its considerable might to bear on the tiny fairy.

With a roar of defiance, Harry charged forward. "Synergistic Strike!" he shouted, feeling the combined power of Celeste's curse and his own skill flow through him. He leapt, his empowered dagger leading the way, aiming for the heart of the corruption.

The Colossus unleashed everything it had. Roots erupted from the ground, branches lashed out like whips and a miasma of corrupted spores filled the air. But Harry pushed through it all, driven by desperation and the knowledge that Celeste's life hung in the balance.

Just as he reached the trunk, a massive root slammed into his chest. Harry tasted blood in his mouth as he was lifted off his feet. But even as the life was being crushed out of him, he managed to drive his dagger into the heart of the corrupted node.

There was a moment of absolute stillness, then an explosion of energy that sent Harry flying. He hit the ground hard, skidding to a stop next to Celeste's motionless form. Through blurred vision, he watched as cracks spread across the Colossus's trunk, dark energy spilling out.

But their ordeal was far from over. As the corruption began to consume it from within, the Colossus thrashed wildly in its death throes. The entire clearing became a maelstrom of splintering wood and lashing tendrils.

With the last of his strength, Harry dragged himself over to Celeste, shielding her tiny body with his own as debris rained down around them. 

Harry felt his consciousness slipping, the pain of his injuries and the suffocating miasma of corruption overwhelming him. Then, barely audible over the creaking of fallen wood, a faint chime sounded. A notification flickered into existence:

======Congratulations! You have defeated the Corrupted Aspen Colossus!

Experience gained: 1,000 each

Loot acquired: 500 pounds, Colossus Core, Ancient Aspen Seed, Corrupted Heartwood. ======

Harry's eyes fluttered open. Celeste stirred next to him, her wings twitching as she struggled to move. They looked at each other in disbelief, then at the notification still hovering in the air.

"We... we're alive?" Celeste said, her voice filled with wonder.

Harry nodded, still too overwhelmed to speak. They had come closer to death than ever before, the memory of their near-demise etched indelibly into their minds. But they had survived, emerging from the crucible of battle forever changed.

He had several notifications waiting for him, but he ignored them for the moment. He used the last of his healing potions to restore both himself and Celeste to full health.

Standing up, Harry surveyed the destruction in the clearing. He hadn't expected the boss to be so bloody difficult. Next time they faced one, they would be better prepared. He noticed that the gate leading out of the dungeon had materialised at the far end of the clearing.

He didn't care much about the remaining equipment left at the altar; he just wanted to get out of there. When he opened his menu and browsed through the notifications, one in particular caught his attention.

======The player has unlocked the Dungeon Recall feature in the main menu. After a dungeon is closed, the player cannot usually return to it. But with this feature, he can respawn the monsters in a dungeon, and finish up on any unfinished tasks. Only the Boss monster cannot respawn.

A dungeon is added to the list once it has been closed. The Dungeon Recall may be only used once per day. Time will still pass like usual when in the dungeon.

Take note, that the player doesn't gain any more experience after a combination of his level, and experience totals, reaches the dungeon limit. But he may still improve his skills, and receive loot drops from monsters. All services will also be the same, such as the safe zone. ======

Harry whistled, excited for the new feature. With it, he could extract every last bit of resource from the dungeons. Not to mention, he could grind out his skills without risking facing the boss again.

"This is such a cheat," Celeste said, reading the notification from his shoulder.

"Why are you complaining? You benefit from it as well."

"Well, I'm not coming back here anytime soon after that ordeal."

Harry nodded, understanding her reluctance. "Let's pick up the loot and get out of here."

They gathered the dropped items from the Colossus. Harry stored these in his inventory, making a mental note to examine them more closely later.

As they approached the exit gate, Harry felt a sense of accomplishment. They had survived the dungeon, defeated a formidable boss, and unlocked a potentially game-changing feature. The Dungeon Recall would allow them to revisit and maximise their gains.

"Ready to leave?" Harry asked Celeste.

She nodded, her tiny form still showing signs of exhaustion from the battle. "More than ready. I could use a proper rest."

With a final glance back at the clearing, Harry stepped through the gate. The familiar sensation of transitioning between realms washed over him as they left the Aspen Grove dungeon behind, eager for the respite that awaited them on the other side.

So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Harry and Celeste board a ferry to France.

Thanks for reading.