The Phantom Grove loomed ahead, its canopy choked with spectral mist that writhed like living tendrils. Fortune''s obsidian claws sank into the mossy earth as he let out a low growl—the drake equivalent of a raised eyebrow.
Environmental Alert:
? Zone Discovered: Withershade Canopy (Lv50-150)
? Active Debuff: Rootrot (-10% Movement Speed | Fungal Spores)
I flexed my hand, the newly acquired [Veil of the Eclipse] pulsing with void energy on my finger. Its ruby eye seemed to drink the dim forest light.
Item Analysis (Fully Identified):
? [Veil of the Eclipse] (Artifact | Soulbound)
├─Equilibrium: Syncs all base stats to highest attribute (Current: STR 377 → All 377)
├─+20% Shadowspell Potency
├─Abyssal Arsenal: Unlocks all Tier 1-5 Dark Magic
└─Soulthread: 20% Damage Converted to Mana
Krag''s warning echoed in my mind: "That ring''s no trinket—it''s a pact. The Abyss always collects."
Fortune sniffed at a gnarled root crawling with bioluminescent fungi. His tail lashed suddenly, smashing a [Lv55 Mossfiend] into pulp before it could ambush us.
Combat Log:
[Fortune] uses [Tail Whip] → 1,240 Crushing DMG (Overkill)
? +380 XP (Shared)
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? Loot: [Glowcap Spores] (Alchemy Reagent)
"Showoff," I muttered, channeling the ring''s power. Dark energy surged through my veins as I triggered [Umbral Sight]—the forest''s shadows sharpened into razor-edged clarity.
New Ability Unlocked:
? [Death''s Embrace] (Channeled AoE)
├─25% HP Drain/sec from all targets in 15m radius
└─Cost: 100 MP/sec
The grove came alive with skittering threats—[Lv63 Thornspire Crawlers] burst from rotten logs, their barbed legs clicking in dissonant rhythms.
"Time to test the merchandise." I raised the Eclipse Reaver, its blade humming with fresh Nethersteel edge.
Tactical Engagement:
Phase 1 - Suppression:
- Fortune activates [Abyssal Barrage] to cluster mobs
- Player casts [Shadowbind] (Roots enemies 8sec)
Phase 2 - Harvest:
- Chain [Death''s Embrace] + Basic Attacks
- Utilize [Soulsiphon] healing to sustain mana burn
Phase 3 - Cleanse:
- Trigger [Veil of the Eclipse]''s Equilibrium burst
- Fortune executes [Dragon''s Descent] finisher
Post-Combat Analysis:
? Player Level: 70 → 73 (+3)
? Fortune Level: 70 → 73 (Sync Maintained)
? Loot Acquired:
- [Witherthorn Blade] (Rare | 45-65 ATK | Poison DOT)
- 22 Gold 47 Silver
The real prize came as the mist parted—a crumbling monolith etched with Elder Futhark runes.
Lore Identifier Activated:
"Here lies the Threshold of Screams, where the Veil wears thin. Tread lightly, mortal, for the Hungering Dark remembers."
Fortune''s growl deepened as shadowy figures coalesced ahead—not mobs, but [Lv?? Voidstalkers] with featureless obsidian masks.
Quest Alert:
? Eclipse Prophecy (Mythic)
├─Investigate the Monolith
├─Survive Voidstalker Assault
└─Reward: Unlocks [Starfall] Ultimate
The drake spread his wings in challenge, hellfire gathering in his maw. The grove held its breath.