The moment I stepped into the Forest of Lament, the air thickened like congealed blood. Ancient trees twisted into skeletal hands clawing at a sky choked with necrotic mist. Even Fortune''s obsidian scales seemed muted here, as if the forest itself drank the light.


    System Alert:


    ? Zone Discovered: Ashenreach (Lv150-??? | Cursed Lands)


    ? Active Debuff: Soulsap (-1% MAX HP/sec | Stackable)


    Phantom''s voice slithered through my mind: "Master, this place reeks of ancient betrayal. Proceed with caution—even the shadows here have teeth."


    A guttural moan echoed ahead. Through the gloom staggered a Lv160 Wailing Banshee, her tattered burial shroud billowing in an unfelt wind. Rotting flesh sloughed off bone as she raised a spectral scythe.


    Combat Protocol:


    <ol start="1">


    <li>


    Phantom Merge: Activate [Eclipse Veil] for stealth recon


    </li>


    <li>


    Fortune''s Barrage: Suppress with lightning AoE


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    </li>


    <li>


    Darkfire Combustion: Cleanse cursed terrain


    </li>


    </ol>


    But before I could act, the banshee froze mid-scream. The forest floor erupted as Lv185 Corpsevine tendrils speared upward, impaling the spirit. The writhing roots pulsed as they drained her essence, leaving only a fading wail.


    Lore Unlocked:


    "The Trees Hunger - Corpsevines consume spirits to fuel the forest''s eternal decay."


    Fortune landed heavily, crushing a cluster of skeletal mushrooms. "We tread upon a god''s grave," Phantom whispered. "The Black Mother''s final resting place lies ahead."


    New Objective:


    ? Navigate Corpsevine maze (Pathfinding DC: 30)


    ? Collect 3 [Wailing Essence] from banished spirits


    ? Avoid triggering [Soulthicket] spawns (Lv200+ Elite)


    As we pressed deeper, a flicker of unnatural blue caught my eye—a Lv210 Ghostfire Wisp dancing above a moss-crusted altar. The spectral flame coalesced into a familiar face.


    "You trespass where even death fears to linger," intoned the wisp in Krag''s voice. The blacksmith''s visage twisted in the blue fire. "Turn back, fool. The Black Mother devours all hope here."


    Choice Prompt:


    ? Defiance: Claim the altar''s power (High Risk | Mythic Reward)


    ? Caution: Mark coordinates for later return (Safe | ???)


    I gripped the Eclipse Reaver, its void edge humming in resonance with the cursed soil. Somewhere in this necrotic heart, answers waited—and perhaps armor worthy of a demon lord.