Zane was stable, his breathing more regular, his face less pale thanks to the Bloodwood Tree's energy. Kai, Arthur, and Elara had also somewhat recovered their strength after the battle. With the new information about the "World Devourer" and the Shadow Seal, along with Zane's plea for help towards the Ancient Dragon Sanctuary, their objective was clear.
"It's time," Arthur said, gripping his hammer. "We can't stay in Bloodwood Valley forever. The Shadow Syndicate will surely find us soon."
Elara nodded, her bow slung over her shoulder. "The Eternal Forest is a dangerous place. Even experienced hunters need to be careful."
Kai, with his upgraded "Awakened Senses," felt it more keenly than anyone. The forest ahead of them was not just vast, but also harbored countless mysterious energy signatures, some ancient, others carrying decay and danger. He felt the Ancient Soul Emblem in his chest faintly vibrate, like a guiding compass.
"Let's go," Kai said, his voice steady. "We'll take a detour, staying away from the main paths. Stealth and speed."
They began their journey into the Eternal Forest. Immediately, the difference became apparent. The trees here were older, their dense branches interwoven to form a canopy that almost completely blocked out sunlight. The air became heavy and still, with only the rustling of leaves and the buzzing of insects.
"The air is so heavy," Arthur whispered. "It's as if the forest itself is watching us."
Elara drew her bow, her sharp eyes scanning every nook and cranny. "Be careful. I have a feeling... we're being watched."
Kai felt it most clearly. Not a single creature, but multiple small energy signatures, lurking in the shadows, moving in sync. They weren't wild monsters. They were trained trackers.
"Don't stop!" Kai warned, maintaining their pace. "The Shadow Syndicate. They've found us. Or they already knew our direction."
Suddenly, a "WHOOSH!" tore through the air. A pitch-black net, woven from giant spider silk, descended from above, aimed directly at them.
"Poison Net!" Elara shouted, quickly using her dagger to cut a strand of silk coiling around her leg.
Arthur roared, swinging his hammer to smash the net encircling him. Kai, with his speed, escaped the trap just before it closed.
Attacked by 'Poison Net' - Afflicted with 'Bound' and 'Poisoned (Minor)'.
[-5 HP/second for 3 seconds for Arthur and Elara.]
From the dense canopy, soft hissing sounds emerged. Giant, black-bodied spiders with glowing red eyes descended.
Monster: Night Venom Spider Level 12 (x5)
HP: 150/150 each
And they weren't alone. Standing on high branches, hidden in the shadows, were Venomweb Hunters Level 13, clad in light black armor, carrying poisoned bows.
Enemy: Venomweb Hunter Level 13 (x3)
HP: 160/160 each
"Shadow Cultists!" Arthur roared. "They dare use venomous spiders!"
Elara quickly nocked an arrow, aiming at the Venomweb Hunters in the trees. "We're surrounded!"
The battle erupted. The Night Venom Spiders lunged, attempting to ensnare and bite. Arthur, with his hammer, created an impenetrable wall of steel, smashing any spiders that dared approach. Elara moved agilely, firing precise arrows, taking down a hidden Venomweb Hunter.
Kai knew this was the time for his new skills. With the poisoned Spiders and Hunters, he had an advantage. He didn't charge in for a direct attack. Instead, he activated "Mist Camouflage" and glided between the trees.
"Soul Taming!" Kai focused his energy. Instead of attacking, he chose to control. He touched a Night Venom Spider lunging at Arthur, and a stream of blue energy from his claw transferred directly into its body.
Night Venom Spider Level 12 has been affected by 'Soul Taming' - Afflicted with 'Confusion' for 3 seconds.
The spider immediately stopped, twitched, then suddenly turned, attacking its own kind.
"What?!" Arthur exclaimed in surprise.
Kai continued to use "Soul Taming," making another spider attack the Venomweb Hunters. This skill didn't deal massive damage, but it created extreme chaos in the enemy ranks, turning their own allies into threats.
The Venomweb Hunters from the trees began firing poisoned arrows at Kai, trying to stop him.
"Venom Breath!" Kai didn't hesitate, spewing a large cloud of toxic mist that enveloped the area.
[-10 HP/second for enemies in the mist. Visibility significantly reduced.]
The toxic mist covered the entire area, reducing the Venomweb Hunters' visibility while continuously damaging them and the spiders.
The battle became a game of cat and mouse. The Shadow Syndicate had set an ambush, but the tables were turned by the environment itself and Kai's new abilities. With limited visibility, poisoned, and attacked by their own kind, the Venomweb Hunters began to panic.
"Retreat! We're exposed!" A panicking Venomweb Hunter screamed from above.
They began to attempt a retreat, climbing back up trees or fleeing deeper into the forest. But Kai wouldn't let them escape easily. He continued to use "Soul Taming" on nearby spiders, turning them into deadly puppets attacking anything that moved.
When the toxic mist gradually cleared, only the corpses of spiders and Venomweb Hunters remained scattered. Arthur and Elara, though lightly poisoned, still stood firm.
All Night Venom Spiders and Venomweb Hunters have been defeated!
You have received a total of 900 experience points!
Experience Points: 3170/100 (Level 25).
Congratulations! You have reached Level 26! All attributes slightly increased.
"What the hell was that?" Arthur said, looking at the spiders killed by their own kind. "What did you do, Kai?"
Kai exhaled, his mana almost depleted. But he had done it. He had overcome a perfect ambush, not just with strength but with cunning and environmental utilization.
Arthur and Elara came to his side, their faces filled with admiration.
"You... you did the impossible," Elara said, her eyes still bright from the battle. "Your coordination with the Ancient Soul Emblem is truly astounding."
Arthur nodded, placing a hand on Kai's shoulder. "You're no longer a weak little hatchling, Kai. You're a warrior. And I think... a leader."