Overlord: Enter The New World

The corrupted tree loomed before Dawnfyr and Zephyrion, its massive roots pulsating with dark energy. Wisps of fog twisted unnaturally around its branches, and the air was thick with the sound of guttural growls from the swarm of mobs gathered at its base. Marcus tightened his grip on Crimson Fang, the faint glow of his vine-like markings casting flickering shadows over the twisted terrain.

Zephyrion was no less tense, his molten hammer radiating heat that caused the murky water of Mireth's Hollow to steam slightly around them. "We take the mobs first," Zephyrion said, his voice steady. "Then we figure out what's going on with that tree."

"Agreed," Marcus replied, his voice carrying the weight of determination. "Let's not waste time."

The first wave of mobs descended upon them, a mix of Rotbark Crocodiles, Venombloom Spriggans, and Blackmire Serpents, all more corrupted than the ones they had faced earlier. Their glowing eyes and twisted forms made it clear that the tree's influence had turned them into something far worse.

Marcus activated Fearsome Aura, the passive skill lowering the Agility of nearby enemies by 10%. The crocodiles staggered slightly, their movements less coordinated, giving Marcus the opening he needed.

He swung Crimson Fang in a wide arc, activating Quick Slash to land a series of rapid strikes.

Damage Dealt: 75 Physical ATK per strike.

Damage Taken: 30 Physical ATK (tail swipe from Rotbark Crocodile).

Zephyrion, meanwhile, waded into the fray, his molten hammer releasing bursts of fire with every swing. The AoE damage cleared clusters of smaller mobs, leaving Marcus to focus on the larger threats.

Zephyrion's Damage Dealt: 70 Fire ATK per target (AoE).

Damage Taken: 40 Physical ATK (Serpent bite).

The battle raged on, the two players working seamlessly together despite their contrasting styles. Marcus relied on precision and crowd control, using Nature's Grasp to immobilize enemies while landing devastating hits with Sylvan Strike.

Damage Dealt with Sylvan Strike: 90 Physical ATK + 40 Magic ATK.

MP Cost: 50 MP.

Zephyrion countered with brute force, his hammer smashing into the ground and releasing fire shockwaves that burned enemies over time.

As the second wave of mobs approached—a group of Venombloom Spriggans and Blackmire Serpents—Marcus decided it was time to use his Tier III spell. Activating Verdant Cataclysm, he summoned a colossal wave of roots and thorns that swept across the battlefield, tearing through the corrupted creatures.

Damage Dealt: 120 Magic ATK per target (AoE).

Healing Received: +15% HP (forest synergy).

MP Cost: 100 MP.

The spell cleared the area, leaving only the corrupted tree itself standing. Marcus and Zephyrion paused for a moment, catching their breath as they prepared for the final challenge.

The corrupted tree stirred, its massive branches creaking ominously. From its trunk, a twisted figure emerged—a Corrupted Treant Elder, its bark-like armor glowing with dark energy. The Treant roared, its massive arms swinging down with earth-shattering force.

"Now this is more like it," Zephyrion said, his grin sharp as he stepped forward.

Marcus nodded, his grip tightening on Crimson Fang. "Let's take it down."

The Treant swung first, its massive arm slamming into the ground and sending a shockwave of corrupted energy toward the two players. Marcus dodged to the side, activating Blossom Shield to absorb some of the damage.

Damage Taken: 45 Physical ATK (reduced by Blossom Shield).

Zephyrion retaliated with a fire-infused strike, his molten hammer crashing into the Treant's side and leaving a trail of lava that burned its bark-like armor.

Damage Dealt by Zephyrion: 100 Fire ATK.

Marcus followed up with Sylvan Strike, landing a powerful blow to the Treant's leg.

Damage Dealt: 90 Physical ATK + 40 Magic ATK.

The battle was intense, each swing of the Treant's massive arms threatening to flatten them. Marcus relied on **Verdant Cascade** to deal consistent damage while using Nature's Grasp to slow the Treant's movements.

Damage Dealt with Verdant Cascade: 80 Magic ATK per target.

MP Cost: 60 MP.

Zephyrion continued to use his fire-based abilities, pairing them with AoE attacks to chip away at the Treant's massive HP pool.

After an exhausting battle, Marcus activated Verdant Cataclysm one final time, the massive spell overwhelming the Treant and tearing through its corrupted form. With a final roar, the Treant collapsed, its massive body crumbling into glowing shards of bark.

A system notification appeared:

Treant Elder Defeated: Corruption in Mireth's Hollow Reduced.

Experience Gained: 2,500 XP.

Marcus leaned on Crimson Fang, catching his breath as he surveyed the aftermath. "Not bad," he said, his voice tinged with relief.

Zephyrion smirked, resting his hammer on his shoulder. "Good teamwork, Cinderstalk Slayer. Let's see if we can keep this up."

As the two players prepared to leave, Marcus noticed a faint glow emanating from the remains of the Treant. Approaching cautiously, he found a small, crystal-like fragment embedded in the bark.

Item Acquired: Shard of Verdant Memory.

A pop-up appeared in Marcus's quest log:

Objective Updated: Investigate the Shard of Verdant Memory for clues about the Dryad Queen's imprisonment.

Marcus studied the fragment, its glow faint but steady. Whatever secrets it held, he was determined to uncover them.

Join my Patreon to support my work and read chapter in advance patreon.com/Writing_when_bored