Overlord: Enter The New World

The glowing pulse of the Shard of Verdant Memory led Dawnfyr through the thick canopy of Alfheim's enchanted forest. Marcus focused on every movement and sound around him as he navigated deeper into unfamiliar terrain. He had marked the Verdant Aerie on his map weeks ago, but locating the precise entrance had proven far more difficult than anticipated. The faint whispers of the shard guided him like a beacon, yet the dense vegetation and twisting paths seemed determined to obscure his destination.

"Couldn't make this easy, could they?" Marcus muttered as he hacked through thick vines with Crimson Fang. The forest wasn't just alive—it was actively shifting, creating obstacles that Marcus needed to outsmart.

The search dragged on as Marcus encountered warped terrain and scattered mobs—Thornshade Predators and Rootbound Constructs—both remnants of chaos left behind by the World Enemy's corruption. Marcus cleared them methodically, using Blade Storm and Verdant Cascade to dominate the encounters while conserving resources for the dungeon ahead.

Damage Dealt with Blade Storm: 100 Physical ATK per target.

Damage Dealt with Verdant Cascade: 120 Magic ATK per target.

Healing Received: +15% HP in forest zones.

Damage Taken: 30 Physical ATK (minor claw swipes and root strikes).

Each victory brought Marcus closer to his goal, but the relentless pace tested his endurance. After hours of searching, Marcus finally came upon a clearing where the trees parted to reveal a towering structure. The Verdant Aerie was unlike anything Marcus had seen before—a massive tree spiraling upward into the clouds, its roots forming intricate bridges and walkways that seemed to defy gravity.

"This is it," Marcus said, his voice filled with both relief and anticipation. "No turning back now."

The moment Marcus stepped inside, the environment shifted dramatically. The interior of the Verdant Aerie was a labyrinth of glowing roots and shimmering pathways. The air hummed with magic, and faint melodies echoed from deep within the structure. A notification flashed across his screen:

Raid Dungeon Discovered: Verdant Aerie

Mission Directive: Reach all five key points within the dungeon to progress. Logging off outside of a key point will result in mission failure.

Time Remaining: 12Hrs.

Marcus's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the gravity of the challenge. "Five key points, huh?" he muttered. "Guess I'd better pace myself."

The first chamber of the dungeon was vast and illuminated by glowing vines that coiled along the walls. Marcus took a moment to review his inventory, ensuring he was prepared for the trials ahead. The Healing Potions of Vital Grace sat at the top of his inventory list, a comforting reminder of the precautions he had taken.

With Crimson Fang in hand and his new Emberwoven Shroud equipped, Marcus stepped into the first trial. The ground trembled as the glowing roots shifted, and a swarm of Verdant Shades—spectral enemies imbued with nature magic—emerged from the walls.

The Verdant Shades moved with eerie grace, their ethereal forms weaving through the air as they cast bursts of Nature Wrath, a high-damage magic attack. Marcus activated Fearsome Aura to slow their movements, then unleashed Blade Storm to deal consistent AoE damage.

Damage Dealt with Blade Storm: 100 Physical ATK per target.

Damage Taken from Nature Wrath: 40 Magic ATK per hit.

The shades retaliated with coordinated strikes, their attacks targeting Marcus's defenses. He activated Verdant Cascade, summoning magical vines to immobilize the shades and deal heavy damage while restoring his HP.

Damage Dealt with Verdant Cascade: 120 Magic ATK per target.

Healing Received: +15% HP.

One by one, the Verdant Shades fell, their spectral forms dissipating into glowing particles that merged with the dungeon's walls. A notification appeared:

Key Point Reached: 1/5. Logging permitted. Progress saved.

Marcus exhaled, his grip on Crimson Fang steady as he prepared to press on. "One down," he said, his voice firm. "Let's keep going."

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