After the successful mission in The Lost Souls' Caverns, the team waited in the headquarters' resting room. Diana returned, her expression a blend of seriousness and excitement, and beckoned the team to follow her to a private meeting room. The air was thick with anticipation as they settled around the table.
Diana began the debriefing. "The clan leaders were quite intrigued by our discovery of the Minor Soul Strengthening Potion recipe," she shared. "They've never come across anything like it before. As such, they've instructed us to keep this information strictly confidential."
The team exchanged looks of intrigue and surprise. Orion listened intently, aware of the significance of their find.
"The leaders have also decided to proceed with caution," Diana continued. "Our clan alchemist is preparing the first batch of the potion as we speak, using the Minor Soul Essences we collected. This is a rare opportunity for us to explore new potentials in our abilities and the art of potion-making."
The revelation sparked a wave of curiosity among the team. The idea that they had uncovered something entirely new to the clan was both exhilarating and daunting.
"And there's more," Diana added, a hint of pride in her voice. "In recognition of our successful mission and the importance of this discovery, the clan leader has personally awarded each of us 2000 points. Combined with the drop evaluation from the dungeon, each team member will receive a total of 2131 points."
The team erupted into quiet cheers and congratulations. Orion felt a deep sense of accomplishment. Not only had they completed a challenging mission, but they had also contributed something of potentially great value to the clan.
The meeting concluded with the team discussing the possible applications and implications of the Minor Soul Strengthening Potion. Orion, in particular, was deep in thought about the potential this potion held, not just for him but for all awakeners.
After the meeting concluded, Orion and his teammates went their separate ways, each filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for what the future might hold. With the substantial reward of Clan Contribution Points now added to his account, Orion saw an opportunity to upgrade his equipment, particularly his armor which had become less effective for his current needs.
His existing Set of Agile Leather Armor, though reliable, provided only a modest increase of 2 agility points. Given the recent progress in his skills and the escalating difficulty of his missions, he needed something more substantial. It was time for an upgrade that matched his evolving role as an awakener.
Orion accessed the clan's online Trade Hub through his communicator. This digital marketplace, exclusive to the Keepers Of Void clan, offered a wide range of items, each tailored to the needs of awakeners. As he browsed through the selection, his eyes searched for armor that would enhance his agility and complement his combat style.
That's when he found the Moonshadow Armor Set. Priced at 2000 Clan Contribution Points, it was within his newly acquired budget. The armor set promised a significant agility boost of 10 points, a substantial upgrade from his current gear. More intriguingly, it offered a 30% increase in stealth capabilities during night operations, aligning perfectly with Orion's penchant for stealth and agility-based tactics.
Upon closer inspection, the Moonshadow Armor Set exuded a sense of enigmatic elegance. Crafted from a material that resembled the night sky, dark fabric seemed to absorb the surrounding light, perfect for blending into the shadows. The armor was sleek, accentuating agility over bulk, with contours that promised ease of movement.
After confirming his purchase, Orion felt a surge of anticipation. The thought of integrating this new equipment into his missions, testing its limits, and utilizing its enhanced capabilities excited him.
Orion, feeling a mix of satisfaction and anticipation, completed the transaction for the Moonshadow Armor Set. Before leaving the Trade Hub, he decided to submit his old Set of Agile Leather Armor. Although it had served him well, it was time to part with it. In exchange, he received 29 Clan Contribution Points, a modest but welcome addition to his account.
Realizing it was time to pursue a personal challenge beyond the clan's purview, Orion set his sights on the Bloody Forest dungeon.
Orion, stepping into the familiar territory of the Bloody Forest dungeon, felt a sense of ease and confidence. This F-rank dungeon, which he had cleared more than ten times, posed little challenge to him now. His familiarity with its layout and the creatures that lurked within made navigating to the center an almost routine task.
Upon entering the dungeon, he summoned Auf, his faithful companion. The mana wolf appeared beside him, larger and more formidable than ever after reaching level 10. Auf's presence not only provided companionship but also added an extra layer of security and combat support.
As they moved through the forest, the path to the center was unhindered. The creatures that once posed a threat were now easily handled by Orion and Auf, showcasing their improved skills and synergy as a team. The Moonshadow Armor Set proved its worth, enhancing Orion's agility and melding seamlessly with his combat style.
Reaching the center of the Bloody Forest, Orion found the usual tranquility of the area, a stark contrast to the perils that surrounded it. Here, in the heart of the dungeon, he felt a deep connection to his journey as an awakener and Keeper.
With a deep breath, Orion took out the Key of the Great Keeper from his storage ring. This key, a powerful artifact he had earned through his achievements, was essential for initiating the challenge he sought. Holding the key in his hand, Orion felt a surge of determination coursing through him.
Standing beside him, Auf, now a formidable Alpha Mana Wolf, watched vigilantly, prepared to support Orion in the impending challenge. The bond between them was stronger than ever, a partnership forged through countless battles and shared experiences.
Orion began to chant the ancient words he had learned, words imbued with the power to summon the guardian of the Bloody Forest. The atmosphere around him grew dense with energy, the very air vibrating with the power of his incantation.
The ritual he was performing was an ancient rite, a way for awakeners to test their mettle against the formidable guardians of mystical realms.
As the final words of the chant left Orion's lips, the earth trembled beneath him. From the depths of the forest, a figure began to materialize – the Blood Giant, the Keeper of the Bloody Forest. It was a towering entity, its presence dominating the clearing.
The Blood Giant, with its eyes burning like embers, fixed its gaze on Orion, recognizing the challenge he posed. It was a creature of immense power, a true test of Orion's abilities and the strength of his resolve.
Orion, undaunted by the giant's imposing stature, stood ready for battle. The Key of the Great Keeper glowed in his hand, a symbol of the challenge he had initiated. With Auf at his side and clad in his new Moonshadow Armor, Orion faced the guardian of the forest, prepared for a confrontation that would test his limits.