With his strength and constitution significantly improved, Drake decided it was time to refocus on his speed and agility. He needed to be able to move quickly, dodge attacks, and reposition himself effectively in combat, especially if he was going to face the powerful being that had destroyed the Voidwatch fortress.
He and Corvus returned to Oakhaven and searched for a contract that would test his agility and aerial combat skills. They found a posting that seemed perfect:
* **Urgent: Eliminate the Mountain Griffon. This territorial beast has been attacking travelers crossing the high mountain passes. Extreme caution advised. Reward: 3000 Gold.**
"A griffon," Drake mused. "Now that's a challenge. I've never fought anything that can fly before. This should be interesting."
Gareth, ever present with his warnings, approached them. "The Mountain Griffon is a formidable predator, Drake," he said. "It's incredibly fast and agile in the air, and its talons are razor-sharp. Its screech can also disorient its prey, making them vulnerable to attack. This is a very dangerous creature."
"Sounds like just what I need," Drake replied with a determined grin. "Time to take my training to new heights. Literally."
He accepted the contract, and he and Corvus set off the next morning, heading towards the high mountain peaks where the griffon had been sighted. The journey was arduous, involving steep climbs and treacherous paths. The air grew thinner with each upward step, and the wind howled through the canyons.
After several days of travel, they reached a high mountain peak, its summit shrouded in swirling mist. The air was frigid, and snow blanketed the ground.
*Notification: "Environmental Hazard Detected: Extreme Cold. Reduced Stamina Regeneration."*
*Notification: "Environmental Hazard Detected: High Altitude. Reduced Breathing Effectiveness."*
Drake activated *Observe*, scanning the surroundings. He spotted the griffon's nest, a large collection of branches and bones perched precariously on a rocky outcrop.
Suddenly, the griffon appeared, swooping down from the sky with incredible speed. It was a magnificent creature, with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. Its feathers shimmered in the sunlight, and its eyes glowed with a fierce yellow light.
The griffon screeched, unleashing a powerful blast of wind that sent Drake and Corvus stumbling back. Corvus quickly erected a magical shield, protecting them from the full force of the blast.
Drake activated Void Embrace and used Void Step to teleport behind the griffon as it passed. He unleashed a flurry of Shadow Strikes, targeting its wings.
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Void Embrace (Level 2)."*
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Shadow Strike (Level 5, Enhanced by Void Embrace). Cost: 60 Mana. Damage Dealt: 150. Critical Hit!"*
*Notification: "Health Drain: 5. Drake Health: 70/100"*
The griffon shrieked in pain, but its thick feathers and tough hide absorbed most of the damage. It quickly turned, lashing out with its powerful talons.
Drake used his enhanced Dexterity and Shadow Cloak to evade the attack, disappearing just as the talons reached him. He reappeared on a nearby rock, using the environment to his advantage.
*Notification: "Skill Increased: Dexterity (Level 24)."*
*Notification: "Experience Gained: Evasion Training (+200 XP)"*
*Notification: "Experience Gained: Aerial Combat Training (+250 XP)"*
The griffon screeched again, unleashing another blast of wind. This time, Drake anticipated the attack and used Void Shatter to disrupt the air currents, creating a counter-blast that sent the griffon tumbling back.
*Notification: "Skill Activated: Void Shatter (Level 1). Cost: 70 Mana. Damage Dealt: 80."*
*Notification: "Health Drain: 5. Drake Health: 65/100"*
The griffon recovered quickly and swooped down again, this time targeting Drake with its razor-sharp beak. Drake barely managed to dodge the attack, feeling the wind from the beak graze his face. He knew he was in trouble. The griffon was incredibly fast and agile, and the high altitude and extreme cold were taking their toll.
He felt the Swamp Rot still lingering in his system, further weakening him. He was running low on mana and his health was dropping rapidly. This was a near-death experience in the making.