As the notification hovered before Thorian, a smile spread across his face. His teammates were gradually emerging from the hallucinatory state induced by the Shadow Queen's illusionary song. Despite his warnings, it had been too late; her ability was insidiously effective, nearly impossible to counter without acute mana control. Even with their ears covered as Thorian had advised, the faintest sound had sufficed to ensnare them within her illusion.

In the aftermath of their battle, the lair was disintegrating around them. Stones plummeted from above, threatening to bury them beneath. Though Thorian had confidence in his comrades' ability to withstand the pressure from the falling rocks, he was loath to test that theory.

"It's time to move out. Our task here is complete," Thorian declared, leading the way toward Forlune. The latter's poisoned leg hindered his movement, necessitating Thorian's support.

With minimal discussion, the group navigated their way out of the chasm. By the time they emerged, the chasm was collapsing in on itself, kicking up a massive cloud of dust and debris.

Turning to regard the chaos they'd left behind, Nox remarked, "That was a close call. I could have been buried alive under all that rubble."

"Field expeditions always carry more risk," Thorian replied. "Unlike dungeons, whose structures are inherently stable, the natural world is unpredictable and often volatile."

With Forlune still gravely injured, there was no time for rest. Thorian's brief explanation sufficed as they pressed on through the forest.

As they made their way back to the village, Thorian noticed the once-corrupted soil was now pure again. The rabbarians and thri-kreens that once menaced them now fled at their approach, their natural instincts restored.

Upon returning to the village, Thorian's first order of business was to seek out Vigil to attend to Forlune's wounds, as well as to have his own broken thumb treated. After Vigil had healed Forlune's leg, Thorian was enveloped by a profound sense of relief.

Testing his healed leg, Forlune expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for acting swiftly to cauterize my wound. Any delay and amputation might have been the only option."

"That Shadow Queen wielded terrifying powers," Zogarth lamented. "I never imagined a poison so potent that a mere kick could lead to this."

"My sword suffered greatly as well," Forlune added, examining his damaged weapon. "It's beyond repair. I'll need a new one."

"Weapons can be replaced. I'm just relieved you're safe," Thorian reassured him. "As for a new weapon, our arsenal contains many purple cloud swords. Feel free to choose one."

"I'll use one temporarily," Forlune replied. "I've already discussed with Faber about crafting a new sword. I've been collecting materials for it. I'm eager to see it forged."

"I should speak with him as well," Aqua interjected. "My power has grown such that my current staff no longer suffices. I've been saving a high-quality water orb, waiting to find an ice orb to pair it with for a new weapon."

"You might find yourself waiting indefinitely if you're set on that course," Thorian counseled. "It would be wiser to combine several water orbs to construct a formidable staff for current use. Once you acquire an ice orb, you can deconstruct the staff and forge a new one."

Aqua paused, pondering Thorian's advice, then nodded in agreement. "Your wisdom prevails, my lord. I've hesitated to use the water orb, fearing its waste. But since it can be reclaimed later, then it makes no sense to delay."

With their conversation concluded, the group proceeded to the Village Hall, where William and Tristan awaited them. After a brief exchange of greetings and small talk, the moment had come to receive the rewards for their completed quest.

Level up!

Level up!

Level up!

Level up!

Upon witnessing these notifications, Thorian couldn't help but smile broadly. Remarkably, the level-up bonus was applied to both my race and my class, resulting in a gain of four levels, rather than the anticipated two.

Simultaneously, a piece of equipment materialized before each member who had partaken in the quest. For Thorian, it was a magical robe, intricately woven with the four base elemental colors. Intrigued, Thorian examined its description to uncover its capabilities.

Ethersilk Robe

Rarity

Purple Cloud

Class Requirement

Magus

Advancement Requirement

Second Advancement

Level Requirement

Description

Crafted with the essence of the base elements—fire, water, wind, and earth—this robe is a marvel of magical tailoring. The fabric shimmers in the light, displaying all four colors of the base elements, seamlessly interwoven. While wearing this robe, the mage feels a deeper connection to the elemental forces, enhancing their magical affinity and control.

Stat Bonuses

Mana +30, Agility +10, Constitution +30

Abilities

Elemental Resonance: Increases the mage's affinity with the elemental magics, allowing for a 10% reduction in mana consumption when casting spells of the fire, water, wind, or earth variety.

Special Ability

Elemental Shift: Grants great resistance to a chosen elemental damage and boosts same-element spell damage by 15% for 5 minutes, once a day.