The obsidian maze gave way to an ancient forest — twisted, dense, and alive.
A heavy mist hung thick, and the air smelled of damp earth and old magic.
System Notification:
"Boss Floor Activated: The Elderwood Tyrant and its Verdant Horde."
Suddenly, the ground rumbled.
From the roots and trunks, dozens of tree-like creatures erupted, their bark-like armor hard as iron and eyes glowing with cold green fire.
They moved with unnatural speed and ferocity — branches whipping like whips, roots lashing like serpents.
At their center stood the Elderwood Tyrant, a towering colossus of gnarled wood, moss-covered armor plates, and glowing runes pulsating in its core.
Its voice boomed like thunder:
"You trespass on sacred soil. You will be consumed, as all who defy the forest's will."
The team immediately formed ranks.
Eron gripped Requiem Edge, mana crackling around him.
Vythrax spread massive wings, claws sparking with molten energy.
Neha chanted, summoning protective flames.
Seryn darted like a blade of light.
Veyrix summoned skeletal warriors to block incoming strikes.
Slime split to dodge and attack simultaneously.
The Blade Hound, however, stepped forward—its senses heightened beyond before, eyes glowing a fierce amber.
[System Notice:]
"Blade Hound Evolution Triggered: Unique Path Selection Based on Hunter Instinct."
Option 1: Shadow Stalker – Focus on stealth, critical strikes, and speed. Gains camouflage and shadow-step abilities.Option 2: Earthbreaker Alpha – Gains enhanced durability, root-shattering strikes, and aura that debuffs enemy defenses.
Eron's mind raced, but his instincts were clear.
This is a fight of raw power, defense, and breaking the forest's grip.
He chose:
Earthbreaker Alpha
The Blade Hound's body shimmered.
Its form grew larger and more muscular, fur darkening with streaks of earthen brown.
Roots and stone fragments embedded in its paws, claws sharpening into natural hammers.
An earth-shaking roar ripped through the battlefield.
[Evolution Complete: Blade Hound – Earthbreaker Alpha]
The battle intensified.
The Elderwood Tyrant slammed roots into the ground, sending shockwaves that shattered rock and knocked the team off balance.
But Earthbreaker Alpha charged headlong, smashing roots and minions alike, breaking through the thickest bark with brutal force.
Vythrax unleashed torrents of flame, igniting the forest, but the horde's regeneration was swift.
Neha's protective flames shielded the team from poisonous spores released by the horde.
Seryn's blade danced with newfound precision, cutting through illusions and attacks alike.
Veyrix and his undead soldiers pressed the frontline, holding the waves.
Slime absorbed poisonous mists and erupted in acidic bursts.
As the Elderwood Tyrant prepared a devastating strike, Eron and Earthbreaker Alpha coordinated perfectly.
Eron channeled mana into Requiem Edge, which blazed with an intense, earthen fire.
At the same moment, Earthbreaker Alpha smashed the ground, causing the forest floor to tremble and crack beneath the Tyrant.
The Tyrant's runes flickered—its defenses faltered.
With a roar, Eron lunged, driving Requiem Edge deep into the Tyrant's glowing core.
The forest shuddered violently.
The Elderwood Tyrant let out a death rattle before collapsing.
The remaining horde dispersed like shadows retreating at dawn.
System Rewards
[Floor 3 Completed]
▸ Massive EXP Gain +90%▸ Team Level Up +1▸ Summon Capacity Bonus Maintained (+1)▸ Blade Hound Evolution Confirmed: Earthbreaker Alpha▸ New Skill Unlocked: Earthquake Slam (Blade Hound)▸ New Dungeon Feature: Regenerative Terrain (Slows enemies, heals allies)
Eron felt the earth pulse beneath his feet—this victory was a statement.