Ch 36 Ancient Guardian's Awakening
Necro's voice trembled with disbelief, "This can't be happening! There was supposed to be a bustling city here, not... this!"
Faye's ethereal presence chimed in, her tone oddly congratulatory, "Well, congratulations, Necro. You've stumbled upon a relic of the past – a statue of the ancients."
Necro's confusion was palpable, "Statue of the ancients? What are you talking about?"
Faye's response held a somber weight, "The world as you knew it was shattered by the demon lord's wrath in the year 2030. He aptly named it 'The Big Reset.'"
Necro's voice carried disbelief and desperation, "You can't be serious. The whole world, gone?"
Faye's response held a touch of grim truth, "As serious as the reality you now find yourself in."
"Well, you've certainly found more than you bargained for, Necro."
As he continued his path toward the statue, an unsettling sensation crawled up his spine – a heightened awareness, an eerie sense of something lurking nearby.
As he cautiously approached the statue, the air seemed to thicken, a sense of foreboding growing with each step, and then he sensed it:
I apologize for the misunderstanding. Here are the stats for the Level 100 Stone Dragon:
**Ancient Stonewyrm**
The Ancient Stonewyrm is a legendary dragon that embodies the very essence of stone and earth, possessing unparalleled strength and resilience.
Stats:
- Level: 100
- Type: Earth
- Size: Massive
- Health Points: 8000
- Attack Damage: 180-220 (Stone Breath), 160-190 (Rock Slam)
- Defense: 250
- Speed: 8
- Agility: 20
- Stone Breath: The Ancient Stonewyrm can unleash a devastating breath attack that petrifies and shatters anything it touches, dealing immense earth-based damage over time.
- Rock Slam: The dragon smashes the ground with its mighty claws, creating shockwaves and causing rocks to erupt from the earth, dealing area damage to foes.
- Stoneform: The Stonewyrm can temporarily enter a stone-like state, greatly reducing incoming damage and rendering it immune to status effects.
- Tremor Quake: The dragon can create tremors in the ground, causing earthquakes that disorient and knock down enemies within a certain radius.
- Behavior: A guardian of ancient caverns and mountains, the Ancient Stonewyrm is a reclusive and territorial creature. It strategically uses its earth-based abilities to control the battlefield and protect its domain.
- Habitat: Deep underground caverns, mountainous regions rich in minerals and stone.
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to water-based attacks, can be lured away from its lair with valuable gems and minerals.
- Drops: Rare gemstones, petrified dragon scales, fragments of enchanted stone (earth-based crafting material).
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In a split second of instinctive panic, Necro clung to his companions, the wolf, and slime, and triggered the homecoming magic. As if on cue, the dragon's enormous maw snapped shut at the very spot where he had just stood.
Bewilderment flickered in the dragon's eyes, its colossal form surveying the surroundings with an air of confusion. For a fleeting moment, its gaze pierced the forest's edge, searching for something elusive. Satisfied, or perhaps simply resigned, the dragon's attention shifted, and with an almost nonchalant air, it retreated to its dormant state.
Relief washed over Necro as he slowly released his grip on his companions. He shot a sideways glance at the wolf and slime, his expression a mixture of disbelief and incredulity.
The wolf's eyes seemed to twinkle with amusement, its demeanor suggesting a sardonic grin as if to say, "Well, that was a close call, wasn't it?"
Faye's voice chimed in, and a hint of amusement was evident, "Congratulations, Necro. You've managed to confuse a dragon."
Necro's retort held a touch of dry humor, "Oh, just another day in the life of the bewildered traveler."
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A mere heartbeat after the tumult on the shore subsided, Lyra Shadowhoof arrived at the edge of the forest. Her emerald hair caught the glint of the sun as her gaze locked onto the dragon. A shiver of paralysis coursed through her, freezing her in place.
Her thoughts raced, and she mentally chided herself, It was best not to venture beyond the forest after all.*
As the dragon's attention shifted elsewhere, its formidable presence seemingly dulled, Lyra's grip on reality returned. She exhaled a long-held breath, her racing heart gradually calming.
In a hushed whisper, she murmured, "The tracks lead that way, it seems. Poor beastmaster, at least his fate was swift."
Resignation crept into her tone as she continued, "Well, back to my training then."
With a final glance at the dragon's massive form, Lyra turned and faded into the depths of the forest, her enigmatic journey continuing, shadows masking her path. Unbeknownst to her, her encounters were entwining with another's, setting the stage for a story neither could have anticipated.
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Necro's voice crackled with urgency, "I'm brimming with questions. Tell me more about this demon lord."
Faye's luminescence flickered gently as she responded, "I don't possess an abundance of information, just that in the year 2030, he brought about the world's destruction. The life-forgers under his control engineered countless deadly creatures that wiped out 99% of humanity."
Necro's brows furrowed, his mind racing. "Hold on a second, what year is it?"
Faye's response hung heavy in the air, "Today is the 1st of January, 4029."
Necro's exasperation surged, his words echoing with incredulity, "What in the world! Why on earth didn't you tell me this from the very beginning?"
Faye's ethereal form remained composed, her explanation unwavering, "Because, Necro, the passage of time doesn't change your purpose."
Necro's frustration spilled over, "You've been keeping vital information from me!"
Faye's voice softened, her demeanor more conciliatory, "Fine, let's rectify that. I'm an open book now. Ask me anything."
Necro's determination settled, and he seized the opportunity, "I have no memories, no past. Where do I begin?"
Leaning into the conversation, he pressed on, "Oher day you mentioned a strategist. How did the Second World War conclude?"
Faye's response was succinct, yet laden with weight, "Two mana bombs exploded in a nation."
Necro's brows knitted, his curiosity piqued, "Mana bombs?"
Faye's voice held a note of uncertainty, "I lack the knowledge to instruct you on that front. All I know is that two tech mages, Oppenheimer and Albert Einstein, were responsible for their development."
Necro's mind shifted gears, determination resurging, "Hold on, we're veering off course. Is the demon lord still alive?"
Faye's response was candid, "I can't offer certainty. For that, you should consult the locals."
Necro's inquiries marched on, "What transpired after the cataclysmic events of 2030?"
Faye's glow wavered, her explanation delivered softly, "I don't know, my purpose is to equip you with the basics of combat and magic, enough for survival. The rest is in your hands."
In the face of the revelations, Necro's voice resonated with a blend of exasperation and realization, "Unbelievable."