The Man Tree's massive form lurched forward once more, its bark cracking and limbs swinging with destructive force. Nug, still on the ground, felt the world spinning around him, pain pounding through his body. Just as darkness threatened to swallow him again, a gentle breeze swept over him. It was soft, warm, and carried a hint of white smoke. The air shimmered, and in a whisper, the muses confirmed it: Daku had used the Healing Wind, the second skill he learned from fighting alongside his father.
The smoke curled around him, seeped into his skin, and warmth flooded his being. Every wound and ache began to mend, life rushing back into his limbs. He opened his eyes slowly, breathing deeply, and saw Daku blowing a gentle wind that carried the white mist. It was clear his magic was infused with purpose.
While unconscious, Nug's mind had churned with thoughts. It was the pieces to the solution falling into place. The monster's true weakness, like any humanoid monster, especially those with the base form of a creature like this, was low Mg Def. That meant a magic attack could deal significantly more damage. He remembered how Gabbas, the injured orc, had been vulnerable to certain attacks; he pieced together the core skills of humanoid beasts.
He realized that, just like warriors, these monsters relied heavily on the Move and Attack core skill, a mad dash and strike, taking advantage of their speed but leaving their flanks exposed. The Man Tree's aggressive attack patterns became predictable. Nug's smile widened. He could even the score, turn the tide.
He turned to Daku, voice strained but determined. "Daku, do you have any magic-based attacks? Something that can pressure it?"
Daku nodded, eyes fierce with effort. "Yes. I can do a Fire Breath. It'll use the last of my mana, but I can burn it if I catch it right."
Nug's mind spun with calculation. He knew he'd have to force the monster into a vulnerable position. Then he would have to cut off its retreat, block its dash, and trap it so Daku could hit hard before it could react. The slow chase would turn frantic, the fight desperate.
Then the battle commenced. The Man Tree's limbs swung in wider arcs, its movement still sluggish but threatening. Nug's agility was painfully close to his limit, narrowly dodging a sweeping trunk. The creature's trunk cracked the ground, sending debris flying. Nug scrambled backward, muscles aching, blood rushing in his ears.
Barely, he slipped past a crushing blow, rolling behind a fallen trunk. The Man Tree's movements adapted, its roots anchoring and pushing off for another dash, faster, more ferocious. It used Earthen Strength, swelling its form, thickening its bark to withstand his strikes. The creature surged forward, nearly catching Nug in a fatal strike.
Daku's eyes lit with a new understanding. In a flash, he unleashed his Fire Breath, flames licking from his mouth, engulfing the creature's side. The beast howled, limbs scorched and staggered. It was wounded and vulnerable.
Nug seized the opportunity. Summoning every ounce of strength, he closed in, his blade flashing in the dim light, striking true into the creature's core. The Man Tree's trunk shuddered, then finally collapsed with a thunderous crack, its mighty form echoing into silence.
They stood for a moment, catching their breath, exhaling ragged but victorious. The dungeon of pain and fear had broken, replaced with triumphant relief.
In their triumph, both felt the weight of their growth. Daku's eyes gleamed as he leveled up to Level 3 Beast Tamer, as well as learning Earthen Strength, and Nug's fists clenched in silent pride, feeling his own power surge to Level 2 Green Ranger.
But peace lingered only briefly. A faint sound, distant but urgent, caught their attention, a voice, a cry for help. It sounded like a Half-Orc.
The air grew tense once again. They exchanged glances, aware that even victory could not quell the storm. Every step forward might bring new danger. Their journey was far from over.