With the teams set on their respective tasks, Viru, alongside Pyra and Luro, embarked on a new adventure. Luro's knowledge of the forest and its inhabitants was invaluable, and he mentioned a particular area where powerful monsters were known to roam. Intrigued by the possibility of encountering such creatures, Viru saw this as an opportunity to not only test their strengths but also potentially find a formidable guardian for his dungeon's core and a suitable boss monster for the first stage.
Viru had to add a Dungeon boss for the first floor that could regulate the entire first floor forest domain. He also still needed a monster to guard the dungeon core, if a powerful enemy appeared.
The objective was twofold: to secure a powerful ally that could bolster the defense of the dungeon and to provide a significant challenge for any intruders attempting to breach the first stage. A strong boss monster would add an extra layer of security and complexity to the dungeon, enhancing its effectiveness as a stronghold.
As they ventured into the forest, Albus shared a crucial piece of information with Viru. With the permanent dungeon now established, the core's power extended through Viru himself, granting him the ability to turn monsters into subordinates even when he was outside the dungeon. This development significantly expanded Viru's capabilities, allowing him greater flexibility and strategic options in building his team.
Empowered by this newfound ability, Viru felt a surge of confidence. The prospect of recruiting powerful monsters directly into his ranks opened up new possibilities for strengthening his domain. It was an advantage that he was eager to utilize, especially in the uncharted areas of the forest where untapped potential and unknown challenges awaited.
As the trio delved deeper into the forest, guided by Luro's knowledge, they remained alert and prepared for whatever encounters lay ahead. Each step took them further into a land of mystery and danger, but with Viru's leadership, Pyra's fiery prowess, and Luro's dark abilities, they were ready to face whatever challenges they might find in the depths of Revara's untamed wilderness.
'Master Viru, I would like to ask your permission for something' Luro asked politely
'Sure, let me hear it' Viru said with a smile on his face.
Luro's request to Viru was a solemn one, reflecting his own capabilities and desires within the team. He asked for Viru's permission to raise any monsters they encountered, which Viru did not wish to turn into his subordinates, as undead creatures under his control. Viru, understanding the value Luro's skills brought to the group and respecting his wishes, gladly agreed to the arrangement.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, moving steadily and cautiously, they stumbled upon an intriguing sight. There lay the corpses of a couple of dire wolves, their fangs exceptionally long and formidable. This was a perfect opportunity for Luro to demonstrate his necromantic abilities. Without hesitation, he began the process of summoning the dire wolves as his undead.
Viru and Pyra observed with keen interest. Pyra, in her preferred veery form which allowed her more freedom and closeness to Viru, leaned in to get a better look at the newly raised creatures. Contrary to Viru's initial expectations, the undead dire wolves were not grotesque or off-putting. Instead, they possessed a certain dark charm, their black and shadowy forms exuding an eerie beauty.
Curiosity got the better of Viru, and he reached out to pat one of the wolves on the head. To his surprise, the wolf responded positively, leaning into his touch. This interaction sparked further interest in both Pyra and Viru. Luro, observing their reactions, felt a sense of relief and pride that his abilities were not only accepted but also appreciated.
As Viru inspected the undead wolves, he began to consider the potential of Luro's powers for the future, particularly in defending the dungeon core. With a larger undead army under Luro's command, he could become the dungeon core's guardian. His potential was really up for it.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, Luro continued to utilize his necromantic skills, this time turning the corpses of dead rabbits into undead. While these creatures were not particularly powerful, Viru recognized their strategic value. They could serve as distractions or sacrifices during combat, playing vital roles in complex battle strategies.
Contemplating further about the first stage of his dungeon, Viru considered capturing some live dire wolves to introduce into the ecosystem. These formidable predators could enhance the natural defense of the area while contributing to the ecological balance. Just as he was mulling over this idea, Pyra, in her heightened alertness, signaled for them to stop.
In front of them was a striking and terrifying creature - a black monster with glaring red eyes, resembling a panther but with an unusual anatomy. Its paws bore long, sharp claws typical of a panther, yet its muscular body structure was more akin to a gorilla's. The sight of this hybrid beast was intimidating.
Albus quickly assessed the creature, identifying it as a "Grayon." This creature was carnivorous, cunning, and an exceptional hunter. Its anatomy allowed it to be incredibly flexible, adept at climbing and sprinting at high speeds with its lethal claws. The Grayon was a perfect embodiment of the deadly predators that inhabited this part of the forest.
Viru realized the seriousness of Luro's earlier warning about the dangers lurking in this area.
'Perfect addition to my First stage' Viru said in an excited tone.
The encounter with the Grayon presented a thrilling challenge for Viru, Pyra, and Luro. Viru recognized the immense potential of adding such a powerful creature to his dungeon's defenses. With his extended abilities from the core, he could now preserve the monster's life force, making it an ideal candidate for subjugation.
The battle that ensued was intense and awe-inspiring. The Grayon, with its ferocious agility and razor-sharp claws, proved to be a formidable opponent. Its hybrid physique allowed it to maneuver with both the speed of a panther and the brute strength of a gorilla, making it unpredictable and dangerous.
Luro was the first to act, summoning his undead dire wolves and rabbit corpses to engage with the Grayon. The undead creatures swarmed around the beast, their numbers providing a momentary distraction. However, the Grayon swiftly and ruthlessly dealt with them, its claws tearing through the undead with ease.
Viru and Pyra joined the fray, coordinating their attacks with precision. Pyra, in her veery form, darted around the Grayon, using her agility to avoid its deadly swipes. She unleashed bursts of fire, aiming for the creature's vulnerable spots, while Viru engaged it head-on, leveraging his combat skills and the enhanced powers he had gained.
The Grayon, undeterred by the flames and assaults, fought back fiercely. It lunged at Viru with its powerful claws, forcing him to rely on his reflexes and combat prowess to parry and dodge the attacks. Meanwhile, Pyra continued her aerial assaults, her fiery attacks gradually wearing down the beast.
Luro, utilizing his necromantic powers, kept reanimating his fallen summons, maintaining the pressure on the Grayon. The constant barrage of attacks from all sides began to take its toll on the creature.
After a grueling battle, the tide finally turned in their favor. Exploiting a brief opening, Viru delivered a decisive blow, weakening the Grayon considerably. Pyra swooped in, her fiery talons striking with precision, further debilitating the beast. Luro's undead creatures, relentless in their assault, overwhelmed the Grayon, giving Viru the opportunity to subdue it.
As the Grayon finally fell, Viru used his extended abilities to preserve its life force, ensuring it could be transformed into a powerful ally for his dungeon. Exhausted but victorious, Viru, Pyra, and Luro took a moment to catch their breath, the thrill of the intense battle still coursing through their veins.