I climb beyond the ruined archway, each step leaving behind safe ground for unstable slopes. The shrine's presence grows clearer with every meter gained. The broken pillars and runes etched into scattered stones suggest I'm entering what was once a sacred domain. The wind is sharper here, colder, as if drawn from distant heights seldom touched by mortal feet. My breath comes slow and measured, my hand never straying far from the hilt of my Masterwork Longsword.
My summons remain quiet in their half-space. I could call on them at any moment, but I hesitate, not knowing what lies ahead. Draining my MP before reaching the shrine would be a foolish gamble. Still, the memory of the Windbound Colossus and the Wind Key Fragment it dropped stays fresh in my mind. If I need three fragments again—like in the Emberfang Grove and Mistgloom Marsh—then two more guardians or trials likely wait above. I scan the path for hints: scattered stones bearing faded runes might mark thresholds of these challenges.
A prompt flickers:
Information: Shrine Proximity Detected. Trial Chambers May Require Elemental Keys (3) to Proceed.
I was right. Three keys. The first fragment is mine already. I continue forward, boots sliding occasionally on loose gravel. The wind's howl becomes steady, punctuated by sudden gusts that nearly throw me off balance. I spot a flat ledge ahead. Sitting cross-legged near the far edge is an old man clad in patched leather and fur, a hood pulled low. He looks up as I approach, lifting a hand in a gesture of calm.
"Traveler," he says, voice thin but steady. "These high ridges do not welcome intruders. If you mean to claim the power of the wind, you must prove yourself in body and mind." He seems neither hostile nor frightened. I lower my guard slightly and step closer.
He gestures to a set of standing stones arranged in a circle on the ledge. "This is one of the trial sites. Within these stones, a chamber exists outside ordinary space. Enter it, face what lies inside, and claim your prize."
I nod. "I need three wind key fragments to enter the shrine's heart, right?"
He smiles faintly. "You've found one already, I see. Two more await. One lies within this trial, and another beyond." He inclines his head. "I once attempted these tests, but I lacked the strength. Now I remain here, guiding those who try." He waves a hand toward the standing stones. "Step into the circle when ready, and speak 'Yes' when prompted."
I approach the ring of stones. They stand uneven and ancient, surfaces chipped by centuries of relentless wind. I place myself within and wait for a prompt:
Mini-Boss Encounter: Tempest Warden (1) – Trial Chamber. Enter? Yes/No
I breathe deeply and say, "Yes."
The world lurches. The sky and stone fade, replaced by a dim chamber whose walls ripple with shifting currents. In the center waits the Tempest Warden—a tall, slender figure formed of twisting wind and scraps of ancient armor. Its eyes glow faintly, and it wields a long polearm forged of strange metal that hums with power.
Turn order: Warden first, me second, summons afterward if I call them. The Warden attacks instantly, sending a razor-thin gust my way. HP: 200/220. I grit my teeth and summon both Soldier and Archer. The Tempest Warden is likely fast and tricky; I need full force.
The Soldier appears at my side, shield raised, blade steady. The Archer materializes behind me, bowstring pulled taut. My turn: I strike, Flame Slash sparking as I tear a small chunk of armor from the Warden's body. The Soldier lunges, chipping away further. The Archer fires an arrow that slips through the swirling wind, scoring a hit.
The Warden hisses, spinning its polearm. A vortex slams into us. HP: me 170/220, Soldier 60/90, Archer 70/80. I counter with another strike, trying to find a weak spot. The Soldier slashes, and the Archer lines up a careful shot. The Warden shrieks as the arrow finds a seam in its armor, forcing it to stagger.
Desperate, it channels a surge of energy, striking me twice in rapid succession. HP: 130/220. I drink a healing vial, back to 190. The Soldier delivers a heavy blow, the Archer follows with another precise shot. The Warden tries one last attack, but I sidestep and plunge my blade into its core. It unravels in a burst of howling wind.
Victory!
+250 EXP
Loot: Wind Key Fragment (1), Twisted Metal Shard (1)
Two fragments now. The chamber fades, returning me to the ledge. The old man nods, impressed. "Well done. You have the second fragment. The last one lies deeper in the heights, guarded by something fierce. Beyond the next ridge, you will find a cave half-buried in collapsed stone. Inside that cave slumbers a beast of old storms. Defeat it, claim the final fragment, and ascend to the shrine itself."
I thank him. He merely closes his eyes, perhaps content that he has witnessed another step toward the shrine's secret. I depart, following a jagged path that winds upward and inland from the cliff's edge. The wind never fades, always pressing against me, as if testing my resolve. The Soldier and Archer fade back into half-space as I dismiss them. No need to waste MP.
Ahead, the path narrows, funneled between tall spires. A distant rumble warns of unstable terrain. I navigate cautiously until I find a break in the rock face—a cave mouth choked with fallen debris. A prompt:
Access Hidden Cave? Yes/No
I say "Yes." The world shifts slightly, placing me at the cave entrance. Inside, pale light filters down through cracks in the ceiling. The floor slants downward, leading into gloom. I move carefully, sword raised, scanning for threats.
Footsteps echo behind me—soft, cautious. I spin, blade ready, but see only shifting shadows. Possibly my imagination, or something choosing not to show itself yet. I press on, deeper. Soon, a larger chamber opens. Broken columns and toppled statues suggest this was once a guarded hall, maybe a watchpost for the shrine.
A low growl rumbles from a dark corner. I tense. The prompt appears, confirming my suspicion:
Boss Encounter: Storm Devourer (1)
Yes/No?
A full boss, not just a mini-boss. This must be the final challenge before the shrine. The Storm Devourer presumably holds the last fragment. I check my inventory: one healing vial left, a stamina draught, and my summons available. My level and gear should suffice. The Archer worked wonders against elusive foes, while the Soldier tanked hits. Perhaps this beast demands even stronger firepower? I recall the R-Tier Crossbowman scroll. Summoning the Crossbowman would replace both summons with a single, more potent unit. Might be worth it against a boss.
Before selecting "Yes," I pull out the Skill Scroll: Summon Undead Crossbowman (R-Tier). I use it. A surge of energy flows through me as the skill locks into my repertoire. Now, I can choose my summons carefully. The Crossbowman alone consumes both summon slots, promising higher damage output and tougher defenses than the Archer. If the Storm Devourer is a heavy-hitting foe, a single powerful summon might serve me better than two weaker ones.
I consider the trade-off. The Soldier plus Archer combo gives flexibility—one tanks, one provides ranged support. The Crossbowman might offer heavy ranged damage and sturdier presence, but leaves no frontline shield. Still, R-Tier suggests a higher tier than UC. The Crossbowman might be tougher than both UC summons combined.
I select the Boss Encounter: "Yes." The chamber's shadows twist, and the Storm Devourer emerges—a hulking mass of muscle and plated hide, crackling with static charges. Its eyes gleam with malice. This is no time to hesitate. I summon the Undead Crossbowman. The space warps slightly as a formidable figure steps forth: a towering undead warrior with a heavy crossbow, armor stitched with runes, stance unshakable.
Turn order: Storm Devourer first, me second, Crossbowman third. The beast roars, charging me. Its claws rake my side. HP: 180/220. I slash back, Flame Slash striking sparks off its plating. The Crossbowman lifts its heavy crossbow and fires a bolt that lands with a resounding crack. The beast snarls, surprised by the impact. Good.
It lunges again, slamming me hard. HP: 150/220. I strike once more, carving a line through tough flesh. The Crossbowman reloads with supernatural speed, firing a bolt that digs deep into the beast's shoulder. The Storm Devourer howls, releasing a shockwave of wind and electricity. HP: 120/220, Crossbowman down to 80% of its HP bar (a silent measure, but I sense it's still strong).
I drink my last healing vial, HP: 190/220. I circle the beast, slashing its hind leg. The Crossbowman fires a third bolt, puncturing another gap in its hide. The beast tries a desperate leap, aiming to crush the Crossbowman. My summon braces, tanking the hit, losing some HP but holding firm. I seize the opening, driving my blade into the beast's exposed flank.
Roaring, the Storm Devourer staggers. The Crossbowman fires a final bolt, striking the beast's head. With a shuddering groan, it collapses.
Victory!
+500 EXP
Loot: Wind Key Fragment (1), Stormhide Pelt (1), Rare Artifact Fragment (1)
The third fragment is mine. Three keys total now. The shrine awaits, and with it, another step toward ultimate power. I dismiss the Crossbowman, storing this lesson: a single high-tier summon can turn the tide in a tough fight. The cave fades as I backtrack, emerging into the wind-lashed heights. The path to the shrine should now open. I press forward, each footstep a promise of greater might.