Phase 11: Defeated!

<Bind>! Just as the second and third willow branch started their attack, Ally casted bind on the branches. The two branches were restrained and all the party members could now see the details of the second enemy that appeared.

<Desert Willow> <Level 3>

HP: 120/128

H20 had already pounced towards Kent and bit off the vine trapping his ankle while Ally fought the <Desert Willow>. Her skill did not cause much damage to the tree and it was barely enough to restrain the branches. So, she approached the tree trunk and start attacking it physically. Of course, she wasn't as strong as Kent or as agile as H20 but she was determined to do her part. At least, she had a decent weapon. Even if she gets injured, they will still have Marie as backup.

Marie clenched her fists as she watched the party of three fought the two enemies. It doesn't seem like their lives were in immediate danger but she was still worried. Now that both enemies were already exposed, she knew the battle would be over soon.

The <Green Ivy> only has a few attack skills. <Trust>, <Strangle>, <Pull> and all three had limited attack power. The members had barely lost any HP fighting it, especially as they were able to dodge and defend appropriately. The <Desert Willow> was harder to deal with as it can also <Heal> its companion and even <Hide> but its attacks are straightforward and slow. There is no doubt, however, that the damage caused when one is directly 'punched' by one of its branches will be dreadful.

Finally, after slashing for the nth time, Kent gave the <Green Ivy> the last blow. Although it had been healed one more time by <Desert Willow> while they fought, the combination of H20's and Ally's attacks had also weakened the <Desert Willow> severely enough that it could not cast <Heal> for the third time.

You have defeated <Green Ivy>!

Rewards has been distributed to your Party!

After taking care of the <Green Ivy> Kent joined the focused attack on <Desert Willow>. Its defense also broke down with the concentrated damage received and was defeated quickly.

You have defeated <Desert Willow>!

Rewards has been distributed to your Party!

Flecks of white light representing experience points cover all four of them including Marie. All of them had <Leveled Up>!

Status : Ally <Level 4> LEVEL UP!

Species : Human <Female>

Artefacts : <Nightshade Cloak> <Elderwood Staff>

Physique

Strength 7(+2)

Agility 9 (+2)

Vitality 8 (+2)

Endurance 9 (+2)

Resistance 7 (+2)

Spirit

Intelligence 11 (+2)

Wisdom 7 (+2)

Willpower 10 (+2)

Attack 18-20

Defense 12

Health 102/102

Bonus: Magic Attack + 15% , Magic Defense +5%

Ally checked her new Status window and was pleasantly surprised that her experience was enough to give her 2 Level-ups! Both Kent and Marie were checking their status too. Ally also looked at H20's updated status details and felt more confident in completing their quest. Kent have received enough experience to level up twice too while Marie only increased her level by one. Kent is at Level 4 like Ally while Marie is only at Level 2. Both of them also have increased attack damage and defense as well as higher health points. Moreover, they still had more rewards waiting!

The Treasure Chests that appeared after defeating the two monsters totaled up to 9. This is probably due to them being the first to challenge the dungeon and the increased bonus rewards given. However, what caught Ally's attention is something else. Both monsters that had scattered into white flecks of lights as experience points also dropped something else. In the place of the <Green Ivy> is a small clear crystal emitting red light floating in the air while <Desert Willow> also produced another crystal emitting green light in its place.

Kent and Marie tried to touch the crystals but their hands only passed through it. Even H20 wasn't able to trigger anything when he swiped at the crystals with interest. Ally however, was able to elicit a response when she approached the crystals. When she touched the red crystal, a notification appeared.

You have found an item compatible with your Unique Skill <Bind>. After absorbing this crystal, your skill would receive a boost and may be upgraded. Would you like to absorb it? Yes/ No

Yes! There is no need to consider. That's the privilege of learning a Unique Skill so early on! This item may not even drop if it wasn't for her having this skill. She was elated!