Lord of Storm

"You want me to try and combine the two items?"

Kan'na nodded, "There might be a chance we can purify the water orb and get a different outcome."

Terwin considered the proposition, "Considering the flame came from a Hidden Boss there might be some sort of clue. I shall try it."

Pulling out the Essence of Pure Flame and the Orb of Corrupted Water he brought them together. As the flame touched the corruption a light flashed and caused Terwin to flinch.

<Congratulations! >

<Through your own efforts you have successfully rid the water of its corruption!>

<Objective Updated!>

<Rid the city of its corruption!>

<Warning! This is a Hidden Route! The difficulty will increase!>

<Do you wish to proceed?>

Terwin chuckled and confirmed, "Truly excellent! Partnering with you was the best decision I've made in a long time!"

"You flatter us, we'll be done resting here shortly."

Nodding happily Terwin inspected the new item.

[Droplet of Life]

Part of a lake once considered the fountain of youth. It's restorative properties are beyond any healing.

(This is a quest item, it will expire upon death or when leaving the dungeon.)

-End-

"This might really end spectacularly."

. . .

Two hours later they arrived at the castle gate. Kan'na had made the trip easy using her magic and Kiro had guided them.

The players gathered around the gate, maintaining their distance but remaining close enough to act. Terwin approached the pedestal and lifted the Droplet of Life.

It slipped from his hand and fell delicately onto the pedestal. As it landed a ring of golden energy washed over everyone. Spreading across the city.

<Warning! The Corrupted have sensed a powerful life energy!>

<Objective Updated!>

<Protect the Droplet of Life!>

<Or >

<Defeat the Storm King!>

The winds increased their strength sevenfold. Those caught unaware found themselves nearly falling over! Faced with two options Terwin hesitated.

Akiol watched the clouds, their movement was wrong. The winds were uneven and unnatural. He then informed Terwin, "I have an idea!"

Terwin felt momentarily relieved, "What is it?"

"When you defend the Droplet don't kill anyone!"

"Why?"

"I have a feeling!"

"We can't guarantee our own survival."

"Give us ten minutes! If we cannot defeat the Storm King within that timeframe you can do as you please!"

"Ten minutes. . . . Alright! I'll leave the Storm King in your hands!"

Akiol nodded in appreciation. Returning to the Party he informed, "We have to see what's up with the Storm King."

Everyone nodded, it was clear Akiol had some sort of plan. So with limited time they dashed through the now open gates. As they approached the castle the front doors swung open, rattling on their hinges.

A red carpet led to the throne room. Sitting upon a throne of gold was a giant figure. He must've been around 12 feet tall (366 centimeters roughly).

A dull crown was on his head, crooked and with several gems missing. A set of slightly rusted pale green plate armor was equipped. A blue trident rested next to him. His face showed clear signs of age. Wrinkles and grey hairs abundant, but still holding a bit of youthfulness. With eyes dull and no expression they sat on the throne motionless.

Probably the most notable feature was a disgusting purple mass on his left shoulder. It pulsated, as if breathing with life. It spread across his entire body, like veins connecting to a heart.

The Party took a singular step forward and the Storm King moved. Picking up his trident he stood, "Trespasser. . . why have you come here?"

It was not a question meant to be answered.

Tapping the ground with his trident he spoke with an old and croaky voice, "I shall rid of you, for my empire which commands even the Storms!"

<Warning!! >

<You have encountered the Main Boss!>

<<Lord 700 Of Storm (Corrupted): LVL>>

Flipping his trident into a stance he shouted, "Fall!"

Thrusting the trident forward a cyclone of wind shot forth. Tilia raised her hands and a bronze semi-translucent mountain formed. As the wind slammed into the mountain Tilia flinched, "This guy is not messing around!"

The true power of a Dungeon Boss! They cannot be rated typically. Rather than in Stages, it was safe to assume that it scaled accordingly! So even a team of 100 Second Stages would find the fight difficult!

The Dungeon had a level limit however, so no Third Stages could take place in it. It was a true Boss!

Tilia lowered her hands and removed her War Sight. The wind cyclone was no longer threatening. Akiol and Wrock dashed forward, aiming to grab an opening!

Bang~!

The Storm King blocked their attacks simultaneously. It seemed easy for him, for he showed no signs of exerting any effort.

Wrock and Akiol exchanged a glance. This opponent was going to prove to be a lot more troublesome!

A powerful gust of wind knocked them both away. Crashing into a wall Wrock hissed, "This guy has some power."

The Storm King rotated his trident with one hand, "Pathetic, you have not come all this way with such measly strength."

Taking a stance while stomping the ground the Storm King caused a whirlwind to form! The purple mass on his shoulder began to beat faster.

Then the Storm King challenged, "Come! I shall show why Trespassers are not welcome!"

Boom-!

Tilia charged forward with her War Sight in hand. The bronze semi-translucent tower shield glowing. Spinning his trident the Storm King thrust it towards her. As his attack merely bounced his face showed momentary shock.

Two shadows flickered and manifested into Akiol and Wrock. Attacking simultaneously they aimed to pincer attack the Storm King! Tilia already guessed their intentions and charged forward with her shield. Together they formed a three pronged attack!

The smartest option would be to dodge! Primarily using his reflexes the Storm King dodged backwards, evading the attacks he landed and caused wind to swirl around his trident. Just as he was about to return fire, the floor beneath him began to glow!

Kan'na smiled faintly and snapped her fingers. The magic circle began to spin and brighten further. In a blink of an eye five spears stabbed through the Storm King and bound him at that position. She too had seen their plan and prepared for the Storm King's eventual retreat!

Akiol and Wrock dashed forward, embers of Aura and Spirit falling like leaves behind them. They seemed to flash as they moved, appearing directly in front of the Storm King. Akiol was crouched and aimed for the legs. Wrock was hovering above Akiol in the air, aiming a kick towards the Storm King's face. Faint signs of Spirit and Aura lingered around their attacks.

With a rapid spin of his trident the Storm King blocked both of their attacks. Using a strong gust of wind he pushed the two back. Spinning his trident rapidly around him he caused a tornado to form. Lifting his leg he shouted, "Behold! The power granted by the Lake of Gods! [Roaring Whirlwind]!"

A twister sprang forth and maneuvered towards the Party. Akiol leapt towards the twister, Aura swirling around his sword. A large silver tornado formed and clashed with the twister.

{Cataclysm Technique: Tornado}!

A shock wave spread as the two canceled out. Through the remnants of the Aura Wrock's figure arose, a light-blue flame swirling around him. The image of a phoenix appeared behind him for just a brief moment! A trail of flame followed his path as the dashed forward, leg extended. Swinging his trident to clash with the attack the Storm King found it immobile! A bronze semi-translucent kite shield blocked its path!

Stomping the ground he summoned wind, but nothing came! His eyesight flicked towards the side, a wolf with fur crackling with electricity stared at him with defiance. His wind was stolen!

Wrock's foot made contact with the Storm King, the powerful kick causing him to lean back. A slight burn lingering on his face, but the strange purple mass healed the wound. Tensing his muscles he prevented all further recoil, "Very well!"

Thrusting his trident forward he adjusted his grip. The moment he spotted the shield appearing to stop the trident's path he immediately changed the trajectory. It curved through the air aiming towards Akiol!

Twang~!

Akiol slid backwards, he had blocked the attack but the force was too much to handle. Meanwhile the Storm King changed his focus to Wrock, delivering several stabs forward. Moving his body to dodge each strike with as little motion as possible. Ducking under a swing he balanced himself with his palm and delivered a sweep kick. Flicking his wrist the Storm King pointed the trident towards Wrock's leg and thrust it forward, aiming to compete in a not-so fair clash.

Not willing to be impaled Wrock retracted his leg. Lifting himself with his arm he pushed himself upwards and closer to the Storm King. Spirit formed at his feet as he extended both legs towards the Storm King.

Bang-!

Light blue flames lingered around the trident. Wrock found his attack blocked by the Storm King's swift movements! Flipping backwards Wrock gained a bit of distance, but he still kept his body low to the ground! Why? Because Tilia was directly behind him! With her tower shield in hand she jumped over Wrock and charged into the Storm King. As shield and trident clashed the Storm King found himself once again unable to push back the powerful defense. Sliding to the side he escaped the clash and spun his trident-

Trang~!

Akiol found his sword between two prongs on the trident. Twisting the blade he locked it within the trident and pulled it to the side. Unwilling to follow Akiol's plan the Storm King began a contest of strength! However Akiol shouldn't be his only focus! Wrock's figure buzzed forward and he delivered a swift but powerful blow to the Storm King's face!

With this, the tempo of the battle changed!

Freeing his sword from the trident Akiol delivered three swift strikes across the Storm King's body. Nine cuts formed across his chest, although it was rapidly healed by the strange purple mass. Wrock remained in sync, as Akiol attacked he also delivered his own attacks. Small impact circles of flames formed from his punches.

The two circled around the Storm King, flickers of silver Aura and light-blue flames followed their paths. As they moved they unleashed a flurry of blows, not giving the Storm King a single chance to recover! Wounds appeared on his body and others were healed. After five seconds it became clear that their attacks would cause no serious harm. So in one smooth move they both broke off and retreated in opposite directions.

Tilia charged forth and her tower shield warped, morphing around her body. Grabbing the Storm King's arm she quickly twisted it and pinned him for just a moment. That time was just what was needed, Kan'na clapped her hands together and two massive magic circles formed both above and below the Storm King. Four beams of light shot from four different points, creating the corners of a square shape. These spun extremely quickly, blocking sight from what was happening within.

Kan'na turned her focus to Jarvis, "You almost done?"

Jarvis nodded, "There's going to be a small window where he'll regain his wind. Keep an eye out!"

"As long as you're confident!"

The beams of light faded, revealing the Storm King who was heavily injured. Tilia was completely fine however, her War Sight failing to lose even its luster. Her senses were screaming at her, and she quickly retreated with the rest of the party.

The Storm King lifted himself up using his trident, a massive burst of wind was suddenly released. The walls and roof of the throne room were easily demolished, revealing the cloudy sky. Now that the roof was gone, small clear droplets rained through. Although sparse in number.

The Storm King reached out a hand and caught a few droplets, "To rid the pool of it's godly power. To try and take this from me. . ."

As the droplets touched his skin they evaporated into steam. A faint sizzling sound forming. Slamming his trident into the ground the Storm King bellowed, "I will rid of you Trespassers!"

The Storm King's armor fell apart and landed on the ground with a thud. Revealing the gruesome body that was contained within. Lifting his trident he spun it with his palm, the motion looked far more casual than it had before. Yet the speed created a powerful wind. Water formed at the tip of the trident, creating a circle.

<Warning! You have awakened Hidden Main Boss!>

<<Storm Lord - Caller of Endless Rain: LVL ???>

<Objective Updated?>

<Defeat the Storm King!>

<Or >