I approach the high plateau with steady steps, boots scraping loose gravel. The Undead Soldier marches at my flank, blade raised, while the Undead Archer stands a few paces behind, bowstring taut. Thin clouds thread the pale light above, and the gusts here blow in restless patterns, stirring grit beneath my feet. I recall the traveler's warning about the Windsoul Eagle: a creature of fierce cunning and sharpened feathers. To ascend further, I must confront this apex predator.
Another prompt appears:
Boss Encounter: Windsoul Eagle (1) and Brood (Variable)
Yes/No?
I inhale slowly, gripping my Masterwork Longsword. Two summons at my command, healing vials at hand, a relic resonating in my pouch. I have come far, survived dungeons, guardians, and vicious creatures. This is just another challenge. I select "Yes."
The wind swells as a massive form descends from a nest of gnarled branches. The Windsoul Eagle spreads its wings—each feather edged like a blade, each movement silent and deadly. Its eyes narrow at my presence. Two smaller shapes stir behind it, likely fledglings, waiting for its signal.
Turn order: Eagle first, me second, Soldier third, Archer fourth, Fledglings after that. The Eagle dives, kicking up a swirl of grit as it rakes its talons across my chestplate. HP: 190/220. The impact rattles through my bones. I counter, slashing upward with Flame Slash. Sparks dance as my blade strikes the Eagle's flank. The Soldier lunges, carving a shallow cut near the creature's talons. The Archer fires an arrow that hits a wing joint, drawing a screech from the beast.
Enraged, the Eagle lets out a shrill cry. Two fledglings bolt forth from the nest. They are smaller, but their beaks still look sharp. One charges at the Soldier, dropping it to 50/90 HP. The other lunges for me, cutting my side. HP: 170/220.
I grit my teeth and swing hard at the Eagle again, aiming to force it off-balance before it summons more brood. My strike lands true, cracking a layer of hardened feather. The Soldier shifts focus and dispatches one fledgling with a brutal downward slash. The Archer targets the remaining fledgling, arrow striking its throat. It collapses before it can strike again.
The Eagle hisses, feathers rattling. Without its brood, it must rely on raw strength. It swoops low, unleashing a gust that shreds the ground. I shield my face. HP: 150/220, Soldier 40/90, Archer 60/80. The Eagle tries to circle above me, seeking an opening.
I take a healing vial, pushing HP back to full capacity. My sword glows faintly as Flame Slash readies again. The Soldier steps in front, swinging at the Eagle's legs. The Archer lines up a shot and fires an arrow into the Eagle's side. The beast shudders, hatred burning in its gaze.
It dives again, this time aiming at the Archer. I intercept, stepping into its path, taking the hit. HP: 180/220 now. My turn: I bring the Masterwork Longsword around, Flame Slash igniting. The blow lands on the Eagle's chest. A shriek tears from its beak. The Soldier follows with a crushing overhead strike. The Archer's arrow hums as it finds a gap beneath the Eagle's wing. The creature staggers, its form trembling under combined assault.
Desperate, the Eagle tries a last gambit, snapping its beak toward me. I dodge to the side, losing only a few HP (160/220). I lunge forward, blade driving through layered plumage. The Soldier hammers the wound wider, and the Archer releases another arrow. The Eagle's wings falter, its mighty presence unraveling into ragged gasps.
With a final cry, the Windsoul Eagle collapses. The body twitches once, then stills. A prompt flares before me:
Victory!
+500 EXP
Loot: Eagle Feather Blade (1), Wind Infusion (1), Rare Artifact Fragment (1)
A Rare Artifact Fragment is a precious find. My vision highlights it, indicating that with enough fragments, I might forge something that elevates my summons to even greater tiers. The Wind Infusion might grant new properties to my gear or summons. The Eagle Feather Blade could prove a valuable upgrade, or at least a source of trade and coin.
I feel a surge of strength—Level 14 achieved. HP and MP rise again. My summons stand ready, having survived another encounter. I dismiss them gently, letting them return to the quiet realm from which I call them. My chest rises and falls with controlled breaths. The fight was tough, but I managed to stay in control.
A new path reveals itself beyond the nest, a steep trail leading higher into the Peaks. Rumor claims a shrine of wind-element magic may rest at these heights, much like the elemental shrines I conquered before. If I can reach it, perhaps I'll gain another powerful skill or artifact, pushing my summoner abilities further.
I check my updated status, noting the increase in Intelligence and the new fragment. If I gather more Rare Artifact Fragments, I might create another Lesser Artifact or something even greater. The Summoner's Relic in my possession thrums warmly, as if acknowledging my progress.
Stepping around the fallen Eagle's nest, I move onward. The wind whistles more fiercely, and the terrain grows unforgiving. Loose rock and steep inclines challenge each step. But I have proven my worth here, defeating a guardian of these skies. Whatever trial awaits at the summit should tremble at my approach.
I clasp the Eagle Feather Blade, examining its edges. It hums with subtle power. Perhaps I can fuse it with my current weapon or trade it for scrolls to strengthen my summons. Every victory offers branching choices—paths toward mastery and dominion.
The Peaks stretch ahead, and I march forward, braced against the relentless gusts. My summons wait at the edge of my call, ready to appear at a thought. I have gained strength not just in blade and minions, but in understanding how best to wield them together.
Leaving the Eagle's roost behind, I push upward. New challenges beckon, and I intend to meet them with sharpened steel and loyal undead at my command. After all, I have only begun to claim the power that this unforgiving world has laid at my feet.