Chapter 62: Chapter 62: The Ironclaw Warrens
Chapter 62: The Ironclaw Warrens
Malfurion arrived at the Hunter's Copse, his steps hesitant as he took in the carnage spread across the clearing.
The ground was littered with ash, splintered goblin weapons, and faintly glowing scorch marks still pulsing with residual energy. He gripped the shaft of his staff tightly, his eyes darting toward the treeline, where every shadow seemed alive, watching, waiting.
"What in the gods' name happened here?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
His unease grew as he moved further into the scene of destruction. The silence was unnerving, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves and the soft clink of his boots against discarded coins and scraps of leather.
In the center of the devastation stood Odin, leaning casually on his Guardian's Blade, the faint arcane glow of the weapon casting long shadows. Beside him, Nyx, his black mare, pawed at the ground, her sleek coat glistening faintly in the dim light.
Odin's posture was relaxed, and his expression calm, as if the battlefield around him were nothing more than an ordinary inconvenience.
"Was this… all you, Guildmaster?" Malfurion asked, his voice filled with awe and disbelief.
Odin glanced at him, smirking. "Who else?"
Malfurion shook his head in astonishment, stepping closer to the aftermath. The charred remains of goblins lay scattered like discarded puppets, their health bars long since extinguished.
"You do realize this could attract more, right? Goblins aren't exactly known for letting things slide. They'll come in greater numbers."
Odin chuckled lightly, the sound almost mocking.
"Let them. Saves me the effort of hunting them down."
Malfurion groaned, running a hand through his hair.
"With all due respect, but did you think ahead? This will make our path harder."
Odin swung himself into Nyx's saddle with practiced ease, his movements smooth and effortless. "Thinking ahead is exactly why I'm still alive," he said, his tone casual. "You, on the other hand, should probably shift into your flight mode, and get on my shoulder so we can advance quicker into the Hobgoblin Instance."
Malfurion sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. He knew Odin enough to recognize that arguing further would be pointless. "Fine," he muttered. "But if you're wrong and this draws out something we can't handle—"
"Then we handle it," Odin interrupted, his tone final. "Now, are you done bitching, or do you want to keep wasting time?"
Malfurion paused briefly, considering the situation before giving a measured nod. "Alright, but if I'm taking to the skies, I'll need a mana potion later. Transformation drains a fair bit of mana."
Odin grinned, his tone light. "Done. I'll even toss in an extra one if you promise not to harp on me the rest of the way."
Malfurion chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his otherwise calm demeanor. "I wouldn't dream of it, Guildmaster."
He stepped back, placing his staff into the ground with deliberate care. A soft glow enveloped him as his form shifted gracefully. Feathers unfurled from his skin, his body narrowing and reshaping until a large, dignified owl emerged, its amber eyes calm and discerning.
With a few deliberate beats of his wings, Malfurion ascended and perched on Odin's shoulder, his talons gripping the leather pauldron firmly. He adjusted his position slightly, settling comfortably.
"Comfortable?" Odin teased, casting a sidelong glance at his feathery companion.
Malfurion let out a quiet hoot.
⤷ Malfurion: I can't use my voice while in this form. Only the text-to-speech.
Odin chuckled, his confidence unwavering as he urged Nyx forward into the shadows of the Wyrmwood. "Good. Stay sharp, Malf. Things will only get trickier from here."
The owl's eyes gleamed with quiet focus as the forest closed in around them.
As they pressed deeper into the Wyrmwood, the forest seemed to breathe with a life of its own. Bioluminescent fungi glowed faintly, their pale light casting strange shadows on the ancient, twisted trees.
The air was thick and damp, the faint smell of decay mingling with the earthy scent of moss and wet bark. Every distant howl or rustling leaf made the oppressive silence seem more sinister.
⤷ Malfurion: They're out there
Malfurion's voice resonated in Odin's mind, though it felt more like a text-to-speech
⤷ Malfurion: I can feel them watching us.
A group of shambling figures emerged from the dense foliage, their forms twisted and decayed.
These were no ordinary monsters; their flesh was mottled and torn, their eyes glowing faintly with an unnatural light. They were Xoroth's undead, acting as patrolling sentinels he had scattered throughout the Wyrmwood while he was deep inside Braham's Labyrinth.
Odin relaxed slightly, his hand leaving his sword as he recognized the creatures. "Xoroth's pets," he muttered, a wry grin tugging at his lips. "Guess the Death Knight couldn't resist sending a welcoming party."
One of the zombies stepped forward, its head tilting at an unnatural angle as a deep, gravelly voice emerged from its gnarled throat. Xoroth's voice channeled through his undead minion, carried a faint echo as if spoken from a great distance.
"Odin, I see you've made it deeper into the Wyrmwood. Heading for the Hobgoblin Dungeon, I presume?"
Odin smirked, leaning slightly in his saddle. "What gave it away? The direction or the fact that I haven't burned this entire forest down yet?"
The zombie emitted a hollow chuckle, its glowing eyes flickering.
"Fair enough. I've got several more patrols scattered through the woods. I could summon them to aid you. Clearing the Hobgoblin Instance would be much faster with an undead army at your side."
Before Odin could respond, Malfurion's calm voice echoed in his mind.
⤷ Malfurion: Might be worth considering. These woods are crawling with threats, and the hobgoblins won't go down easy.
Odin shook his head, his grin widening. "Tempting, Xoroth, but no thanks. I'd rather do this solo. Well, I have Malfurion here with me, for heals."
The zombie's head tilted further, a grotesque motion that made the bones creak audibly.
"Solo? You can't possibly be serious. Why refuse an advantage? Efficiency is key, isn't it?"
Odin's expression turned playful, almost cocky. "Efficiency is boring sometimes. Where's the fun in overwhelming numbers? Besides, I don't feel like splitting the experience points. I'm not here to share the loot with you."
Malfurion hooted softly, a sound that conveyed both amusement and mild exasperation.
⤷ Malfurion: Classic Odin. Always more interested in a challenge than the easy way out.
"As stubborn as ever, my friend. Fine, have it your way. But don't come crying to me when you're overwhelmed and begging for reinforcements."
Odin chuckled, tapping Nyx's side to urge her forward. "If it gets to that point, I'll buy you a drink for doubting me. But don't hold your breath."
The zombie's glowing eyes dimmed slightly, the faint shimmer of Xoroth's influence fading as it returned to its patrol. The rest of the undead followed suit, disappearing into the forest's shadows.
As they moved on, the distant howls and faint rustling of the Wyrmwood seemed to intensify as if the forest itself were displeased by their presence. Odin's expression remained confident, his posture relaxed despite the tension hanging in the air.
Soon, it got to the point where the background looked more desolate, where the forest seemed to have been corrupted by demonic magic. Seeing all of those sights reinforced Malfurion's idea that he was on the money.
This might as well be the last part of his Hidden-Quest that would boost his Druid Class as long he was successful.
The dense canopy overhead allowed only faint streaks of pale light to filter through, casting jagged shadows over the rugged terrain. The ground beneath Nyx's hooves shifted with every step, a treacherous mixture of damp soil and uneven roots.
Ahead, the landscape gave way to a steep hillside shrouded in thick mist.
Half-hidden among the gnarled trees was a crude opening, reinforced with jagged wooden spikes and surrounded by piles of discarded bones—grim warnings to any would-be intruders. Flickering torchlight from within the cavern cast eerie shapes onto the surrounding stones.
As they neared, a low chime echoed through the air, followed by a familiar system notification appearing before their eyes.
[You are about to enter the Ironclaw Warrens (High-Difficulty Dungeon).]
[This dungeon is designed for parties of five or more players.]
[Recommended Level: 150+.]
Odin's grin widened as he read the notification.
"Well, isn't this a warm welcome?"
Odin dismounted from Nyx with practiced ease, and while doing so, he patted her flank, and the black mare stepped back, vanishing into a swirl of light as she returned to her pocket stable.
Malfurion shifted on Odin's shoulder, his green eyes narrowing as he read the notification. The calm and measured tone of his voice carried a hint of dry humor. "A high-difficulty dungeon… Are you sure that you can clear it solo, Master? Maybe we should accept Xoroth's offer and take some of the undeads."
Odin chuckled, stretching his arms before gripping the hilt of his Guardian's Blade, its arcane glow faintly illuminating the mist around them. "Hardly a challenge. I got my First Advancement, got my hands on Legendary Magic Spells, Saharan Successor Skills are also not to be underestimated, and my Swordsmanship is close to hitting Advanced Mastery."
"Heh, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy a good challenge. Besides, I've got a Heal with me in case I'm pulling more than I can handle. I got Mana Pots to keep you going for days, so don't worry about that."
Malfurion ruffled his feathers, hopping from Odin's shoulder to the ground as his form shifted back into his human guise.
He adjusted his staff, its faintly glowing runes reflecting his inner calm. "Don't think I'm some Heal E-girl that would be "Yes, Master, I'll happily heal you." That only happens in dumb anime and manga."
"I'm not here to bail you if you pull more than I can handle."
"Yeah, yeah, we'll just roach out if shit hits the fan. Relax, we can handle a dungeon in a Duo."
As they reached the threshold, Odin turned to Malfurion, his expression briefly turning serious. "We do this methodically. Goblins might be weak on their own, but they're deadly in numbers. I'd rather not waste time dealing with a full-scale ambush because we got sloppy."
Malfurion smirked, tapping his staff lightly against the ground. "Methodical, huh? Good, since we also have my Quest to deal with."
Both stepped into the dungeon instance, leading them into a dimly lit outer tunnel.
The flickering torchlight illuminated the jagged walls of the passage, each shadow seeming to writhe.
He gripped his blade tightly, his senses sharp.
"This is it," Odin murmured, his eyes scanning the shadowy depths of the tunnel. "If goblins are anything like they usually are, these areas will be crawling with traps."
Malfurion's voice was dry as ever, his green eyes glowing faintly in the gloom. "Not to mention the patrols. If even one gets away, we'll have the entire warren after us." He adjusted his staff. The faint rune glow complements Odin's blade.
"You still planning on going solo, or should we take the express route to a party wipe?"
Odin smirked, his confidence unwavering. "Relax, Malfurion. I've got a plan. First, let's see what we're dealing with."
Lowering his blade slightly, Odin closed his eyes and began to channel mana.
'Magic Detection'
[User has consumed 3000 MP]
A faint hum resonated in the air around him, growing louder as threads of light-blue energy spiraled outward, rippling across the tunnel like an unseen wave.
The activation of Magic Detection took six seconds, during which Malfurion began placing buffs on Odin and then drank a Mana Potion that was handed to him by Odin. His eyes remained alert, keeping watch for any surprises.
The spell was completed with a pulse of energy that radiated outwards. Odin's mind was instantly flooded with information.
His detection radius revealed a complex network of tunnels and chambers. Glowing silhouettes of goblins appeared on his mental map, containing groups of patrols pacing erratically, archers lurking in hidden alcoves, and even a few goblin scouts crouched near trap mechanisms.
He also sensed the traps themselves—subtle changes in the mana flow revealed tripwires, pitfalls, and pressure plates scattered strategically throughout the tunnels.
"Well?" Malfurion's voice cut through the silence, though his tone carried a hint of sarcasm.
"Did you just ping half the dungeon? Are we going full-blown and pulling the entire instance's aggro?"
Odin opened his eyes, the faint glow from his spell fading. "Hardly," he said, his tone amused. "I might be a Legendary Class, but I'm not suicidal. No need to aggro everything in sight just to make a point. Methodical is better than rushing and getting wiped."
Malfurion crossed his arms, leaning slightly on his staff. "Methodical, huh? I'm curious how it looks when you're doing this slowly."
Odin raised his hand, summoning a series of glowing red orbs around him.
These were his Magic Missiles, and they hummed faintly as they hovered in the air, ready to be unleashed. He gestured toward the nearest cluster of glowing goblin silhouettes his spell had revealed.
"Let's start with those archers. They're the biggest threat if we want to stay quiet."
With a flick of his wrist, the missiles shot forward, weaving through the narrow tunnel-like streaks of light.
In an instant, the goblin archers collapsed without so much as a cry, their bodies crumpling silently to the ground.
[You have slain the Goblin Archer (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 3,200 EXP, Goblin's Ear (Common) ×2, Broken Arrow (Common) ×1, 24 Silver Coins.]
"One step at a time,"
He sent out another volley of missiles, targeting the goblin scouts nearest to the traps. He made sure to target the monsters he was assassinating with enough projectiles that they would be one-shotted, which, for the normal-rated monsters, was only two Magic Missiles.
As they pressed deeper, Odin continued to methodically pick off goblin patrols and archers, his movements precise and calculated.
Malfurion provided support when needed, occasionally muttering incantations to enhance Odin's defense or boost his mana regeneration, but he was still useful when Odin couldn't kill the monsters from the first seconds by using his CC, such as Entangling Roots to bind the fleeing monsters down.
At the end of the tunnel, the path widened into a massive chamber.
The air was stifling, filled with the oppressive hum of mana. Veins of glowing red ore ran along the walls, pulsating like a heartbeat, illuminating the area in a sinister glow.
At the center of the chamber was a monstrous figure crouched over a pile of freshly dug earth.
The shadows partially obscured the creature's hulking form, but as the light of Odin's spell caught it, its features became clear. It was a grotesque amalgamation of goblin and beast.
Standing nearly three meters tall, it had the hunched frame of a goblin, but its limbs were unnaturally long, ending in razor-sharp claws caked with dirt and blood. Its skin was a sickly green-gray, stretched taut over a muscular frame, and its back was covered in jagged, rock-like protrusions. Two glowing red eyes, filled with malice and feral cunning, peered out from its grotesque face.
A system notification flashed in front of them.
[You have encountered Grukthar the Tunneler (Boss).]
'So this is what was at the end? Felt it using the Magic Detection.'
'Sovereign Insight'
[Grukthar the Tunneler - LV.125](Boss) (125,525/125,525 HP)
[Skills: Earth Rend (A), Rock Spines (A), Burrow and Ambush (A), Stone Fortification (A), Tunnel Call (S), Earth's Wrath (S)]
[Passives]
[Earth Affinity: 20% increased damage with Earth-based attacks.]
[Stalwart Endurance: Gains 1% HP regeneration every second when below 50% HP.]
Odin's lips curved into a grim smile as he absorbed the information. His Sovereign Insight revealed every weakness and strength of the creature, giving him a clear roadmap to victory.
'Earth Rend and Rock Spines are predictable enough,'
'But that Burrow and Ambush… that could be a problem. And that ultimate skill, Earth's Wrath, will need a full disengage to not get caught with our pants down.'
He glanced at Malfurion, who was waiting for instructions. "He regenerates below half health. Keep track of it, and let me know when he dips. We'll go all-out then to burst him down before he can heal."
Malfurion nodded, already preparing himself with the channel for Entangling Roots and his defensive spells.
Unlike Malfurion, who was still new to boss riding and took all sorts of steps to make sure he was ready, Odin, on the other hand, was casting his Alarm + Magic Missile combo, taking the right steps to achieve a quick and overwhelming victory against the Hobgoblin monster.
"I'm ready now, Guildmaster."
"Alright. No need to be nervous, this one will end swiftly."
With that said, Odin raised his hand again, his Magic Missiles forming a deadly halo around him. "Time to dig this tunneler's grave."
'Magic Missile'
[User has consumed 400 MP]
As the oppressive hum of mana intensified around Odin as his red energy was charged up to 100%, revealing the dignified crimson aura, Grukthar the Tunneler let out a guttural roar that echoed through the cavern, shaking loose dirt and pebbles from the walls.
His massive claws slammed into the ground, sending a shockwave reverberating through the chamber.
The Hobgoblin's murderous eyes locked onto Odin and Malfurion, gleaming with feral malice.
"Intruders… your bones will feed the earth!" the monstrous voice bellowed, its guttural cadence echoing with unnatural resonance.
Grukthar charged forward, his immense frame barreling across the chamber with surprising speed.
Each thunderous step kicked up dust and debris, the jagged rock-like protrusions on his back scraping against the ore-veined walls and casting sparks into the dim light. The glowing veins of ore pulsated faster as if feeding off the beast's rage.
Odin stood unmoving, calm as ever, his crimson eyes fixed on the advancing monstrosity.
This last Magic Missile triggered a series of alarm rings that echoed lounder inside the chamber. Out of nowhere, three crimson orbs crackling with mana shot out from the void of space and time, circling around Odin like celestial bodies.
The four Magic Missiles orbiting him crackled faintly with red mana. With a flick of his wrist, the missiles shot forward, streaking through the air like meteors.
They weaved through the chamber with impossible precision, striking Grukthar square in the chest. The impacts echoed with dull thuds as the boss staggered, snarling in pain.
[You have dealt 5,658 damage to the target.]
[You have dealt 5,658 damage to the target.]
[You have dealt 5,658 damage to the target.]
[Critical Hit!]
[You have dealt 11,317 damage to the target.]
Grukthar snarled, clawing at his chest as his glowing red eyes burned brighter. With a roar of fury, he slammed both claws into the ground, sending a shockwave rippling outward.
"Roots!" Odin commanded, sidestepping the initial tremor.
Malfurion responded immediately, raising his staff high as he chanted an incantation. Thick roots burst forth from the ground, twisting and coiling around Grukthar's legs.
The Hobgoblin roared in frustration, struggling against the magical bindings as his movements slowed.
[Entangling Roots Activated: Grukthar's Movement Speed Reduced by 50% for 8 Seconds!]
Odin took the opportunity to close the distance, sliding his hand to the hilt of his Guardian Blade, and using Swift Charge, he shortened the distance in an instant while also colliding with the Boss-monster, triggering a 0.5-second Stun.
'Arcane Cleaver'
[User has consumed 250 MP]
The magic sword thrummed with arcane energy as he channeled mana into it. The blade's surface shimmered, glowing with a vibrant blue light as intricate runes etched themselves into its edge.
He lunged forward with a single, fluid motion, bringing the sword down in a diagonal arc. A burst of light erupted from the impact, cutting into Grukthar's chest and leaving a glowing wound.
[Critical Hit!]
[You have dealt 20,833 damage to the target.]
[Grukthar the Tunneler - LV.125](Boss) (76,397/125,525 HP)
The hulking boss let out a deafening roar, wrenching free from the roots with a surge of brute strength.
His claws slammed into the ground, sending cracks spiderwebbing across the chamber floor. Molten red light seeped through the fissures before jagged stone spikes erupted upward in a chaotic pattern.
"Move!"
Odin shouted, darting to the side with practiced ease. Malfurion stumbled but managed to roll clear as a spike shot up where he had been standing moments before.
[Earth Rend Activated: AoE Physical Damage to Targets within 10 Meters.]
[Missed Both Targets!]
Grukthar snarled in frustration, his attacks unable to land a decisive blow.
'Frost Armor'
[User has consumed 300 MP]
Odin wasted no time, activating Frost Armor with a murmured incantation. A shimmering barrier of ice enveloped him, the air around him chilling noticeably as frost crystals formed in his wake.
The temperature drop slowed Grukthar's movements further, giving Odin an edge as he maneuvered the hulking beast toward the cavern's center.
"Keep him here," Odin called out, his voice steady and commanding. "We can't risk damaging the ore veins on the edges. They are an important mechanic of this instance. If they are damaged, the boss will recover its HP and get empowered."
Malfurion nodded, planting his staff into the ground as he began channeling a supportive spell. A green light swirled around him before flowing toward Odin, wrapping him in a protective barrier of nature magic.
[Nature's Ward: Reduces Incoming Damage by 15% and Restores 200 MP/Second for 10 Seconds!]
Grukthar's fury seemed to peak as his glowing red eyes flared. The veins of ore lining the chamber pulsed rapidly, mirroring his rage.
He reared back, his claws glowing with fiery red light, signaling the activation of another skill.
"You think your tricks can stop me? The earth will swallow you whole!" Grukthar roared, slamming his claws into the ground.
Sharp, jagged spines erupted in a deadly wave, arcing toward Odin and Malfurion with terrifying speed.
Odin tightened his grip on his blade, his expression unreadable as the spines approached. Calmly, he sidestepped the attack, his Frost Armor absorbing stray debris.
Odin's crimson eyes glowed with a cold, calculating intensity as he used his strongest fighting assistant, his Sovereign Insight, which expanded his horizons.
Odin executed the 'Stalwart Parry' in a seamless, practiced motion, his magic sword meeting the first of the oncoming spines with a resounding clash.
The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the air, while the force of the blow caused the spike to deflect off his sword's edge, sending it spiraling off into the cavern wall.
Odin's arm remained steady, with no strain in his posture.
"Impossible! How are you... resisting my earth-shattering power?! You dare deflect my attack?!" Grukthar's voice shook the air, his fury palpable as he slammed his claws into the ground again, causing the earth beneath them to tremble.
"You're not the first to stand against me, but you'll be the last!"
His crimson eyes flicked to the next spike, already in motion.
He parried again in the same fluid motion, deflecting the incoming attack with a precise swipe of his blade.
The spines were relentless, but his movements were like the wind, never wasting a motion.
After standing his ground against the attack of the Boss monster, with the 5th spike coming barreling at him, this time, Odin wasn't content with merely deflecting.
'Blade Dash'
[User has consumed 500 MP]
[User's Movement Speed has been increased by 30% for 5 minutes. Cooldown: 30 minutes]
With a breath, the surge of energy rushed through him like wildfire.
His body blurred with speed as he surged forward, leaving behind an afterimage of motion, and the chamber seemed to slow as Odin closed the distance between himself and Grukthar in the blink of an eye.
The boss, still mid-roar, was caught off guard as Odin effortlessly slipped through the gaps in his defenses.
Odin's blade crackled with arcane energy as he approached, the air itself bending around him with the intensity of his speed.
Grukthar, realizing too late that he was being flanked, swiped a massive claw through the air in a desperate attempt to catch Odin. But the speed at which Odin moved was impossible to track. In an instant, Odin had positioned himself right beside the Hobgoblin, his blade already raised.
Without hesitation, Odin thrust his sword forward, activating his 'Piercing Thrust' where the blade of the Guardian's Blade glowed with an ethereal blue-purple hue as it pierced through the air like a spear of vengeance.
Odin's blade slammed into Grukthar's exposed side with devastating force, the impact resounding throughout the chamber as the sword sunk deep into the Hobgoblin's flesh.
A flash of blue-purple light erupted from the wound, the runes along Odin's sword shimmering as they consumed the magic channeled into the strike, triggering the 'Arcane Echo' passive of the sword. Grukthar's monstrous form staggered back, the damage radiating in a burst of force that sent tremors through the chamber floor.
[Critical Hit!]
[You have dealt 15,121 damage to the target.]
[Arcane Echo - You have dealt 2.268 damage to the target.]
As Grukthar reeled from Odin's devastating strike, his roar turned into a guttural growl that echoed with a supernatural resonance. The chamber began to quake violently, dust and debris cascading from the ceiling as glowing red fissures spiderwebbed across the ground.
Grukthar's massive form tensed momentarily before he plunged into the ground with a thunderous crash, his jagged claws digging through the earth like butter. The tremors subsided momentarily, leaving behind an eerie silence.
'So, this is that Burrow and Ambush skill. Hopefully it doesn't take long since it would be annoying to waste time playing games.'
'I'm too old for Whack-A-Mole, but… I can't deny that is great content for the kids on SkyNet.'
"What now, Odin? Is this the 2nd Phase?"
Odin's eyes narrowed, scanning the chamber as faint tremors began to ripple outward. "Hmm, just stay alert and watch for the cracks. He's going to resurface with a burst."
The ground pulsed faintly as glowing red cracks began to streak across the chamber floor, shifting unpredictably as Grukthar moved beneath the surface. The pulsations grew stronger, a clear warning of his imminent attack.
Malfurion kept his distance, his staff glowing with defensive magic. "Got it! I'll keep the roots ready for when he resurfaces!"
With a deafening explosion of dirt and stone, Grukthar erupted from the ground, his claws swiping in a wide arc. Odin leaped back just in time, his Frost Armor absorbing the blasts from the debris but slowly weakening from the absorbed damage.
Grukthar's eyes burned brighter, his guttural laughter chilling. "You cannot escape me for too long!"
He dove back underground, the sequence repeating as the red fissures moved faster and erratically.
The chamber trembled with Grukthar's fury, and with the Boss monster erupting from the ground again, targeting Malfurion, he got caught in the blast range, being sent flying into one of the ores. Still, before the impact, he transformed himself into his owl form, evading his own wipe.
Then, a deafening roar heralded the Goblin monster's next move. He slammed his massive claws into the ground, and a ripple of molten red light surged outward, illuminating the glowing veins of ore along the chamber walls.
The jagged cracks in the earth widened, and six Goblin Miners clawed their way into the room, their hunched forms illuminated by the sinister glow. Their bloodshot eyes locked onto the ore veins, gleaming with a feral hunger.
Without hesitation, they began their frenzied charge toward the pulsating veins. Instead of attacking Odin or Malfurion, it seemed that their mission was clear: detonate the ores, their claws already outstretched.
Odin's crimson eyes flicked to the incoming threat, Sovereign Insight flashing tactical details into his mind, making him click his tongue in annoyance.
[Goblin Miner - LV.80] (Normal) (15,255/15,255 HP)
"Malf, don't let them get to the Red Ore Veins! Use all your CCs!" Odin's voice cut through the cacophony of Grukthar's laughter and the miners' snarls.
Malfurion hesitated for only a moment. "What about the Boss Monster? Shouldn't I put prio on him instead?"
"The adds are more important now! Start casting."
Malfurion nodded, summoning a swirl of green energy as he raised his staff. "Entangling Roots!"
Thick vines erupted from the stone floor, writhing like serpents before lashing out to ensnare three of the Goblin Miners. Their progress halted abruptly as the roots coiled tightly around their legs and torsos. The miners hissed and struggled, their claws scraping furiously against the tendrils.
"Three down, but the others are breaking through!" Malfurion called, his eyes flicking between the entangled goblins and those that darted toward the glowing ore veins.
The remaining three miners darted toward the glowing ore veins, their claws carving chunks from the rock.
Odin moved swiftly toward them since he was still benefiting from the Blade Dash movement speed buff, trying to intercept them before they got a chance to hit the ore vein.
'Tempest Sword: Wind Pull'
[User has consumed 580 MP]
The air around him shimmered as an invisible force erupted outward, forming a spiraling vortex. The pull of the wind dragged the miner on the far left back toward Odin's position, its claws raking uselessly at the air.
"Got you!" Odin leaped toward the disoriented miner.
In one fluid motion, he activated Rapid Assault, a skill that surged his body forward like a bullet. The Guardian's Blade constantly caused AoE attacks by triggering the 'Arcane Echo' with each of his sword strikes.
His sword immediately turned into a blur as he struck Goblin Miner with the swift four strikes at its vital points.
[Critical Hit!]
[You have slain the Goblin Miner (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 1,450 EXP, Goblin's Ear (Common) ×2, Goblin's Leather Scrap (Common) ×1, Vein-Shard Fragment (Rare), Torn Goblin Satchel (Common) ×1 42 Silver Coins]
Odin pivoted sharply, spotting the two miners barreling toward the central vein. His hand flared with arcane energy as he conjured a trio of glowing crimson missiles.
"Magic Missile"
The projectiles streaked through the air, striking one of the miners dead-on and sending it tumbling away from the ore vein. The impact wasn't lethal, but it bought Odin precious seconds.
The other miner was now within feet of its target. Odin clenched his teeth, his legs pumping as he closed the gap.
"Swift Charge."
Energy surged through him, propelling him forward like a comet. His blade whirled into a devastating horizontal arc.
"Mighty Strike!"
The combined momentum and power of the attack cleaved through the miner, its body collapsing in a heap just short of the vein.
[Critical Hit!]
[You have dealt 26,226 damage to the target.]
[You have slain the Goblin Miner (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 1,450 EXP, Goblin's Ear (Common) ×2, Goblin's Leather Scrap (Common) ×1, Vein-Shard Fragment (Rare), 21 Silver Coins]
"Odin, one of them managed to break off from the Roots!" Malfurion's warning drew Odin's gaze to a miner that had clawed its way free of the vines.
Seeing one of the Goblins so close to the vein made Odin furrow his eyebrows. His Magic Missile was on cooldown, and his ranged spells, such as Arcane Cleaver or Wind Pull, were also on cooldown. There was only one that he could try.
"Tch, no time…" Odin muttered.
He closed his eyes briefly, focusing his energy.
"Manifestation of Will"
Odin used his Manifestation of Will, creating an intangible, invisible sword made only out of his Willpower, to plunge the blade straight into the heart of one Goblin Miner, drawing its full attention, but it wasn't enough to kill it or knock it back since this power was still weakened, incomplete for his use.
Two of the miners reached the nearest vein, the one knocked by his Magic Missile and the one struck by the invisible blade. Their claws were carving chunks of glowing red ore, at which point the chamber dimmed momentarily before the vein erupted in a fiery blast of raw mana energy.
[Ore Explosion Triggered]
[You have been stunned for 2 seconds.]
[You have suffered 9,500 damage. Frost Armor has absorbed the damage. The limit has been reached.]
While he wasn't hurt, the stun kept him frozen, allowing the Goblin Miners to wreak havoc and keep him into a continuous explosion, stunning him until the Boss managed to kill him.
Odin staggered as the shockwave washed over him, his muscles locking in place. Malfurion's chant faltered, his movements ceasing as the stun took hold.
The Goblin Miners snarled triumphantly, the two closest ones grabbing fragments of ore and sprinting toward the center of the room where Grukthar's glowing burrow pulsed ominously.
- Grukthar's guttural laughter echoed. "You think you can stop the earth's bounty from returning to its master?"
The miners deposited the ore, and Grukthar roared as his wounds began to knit themselves together, glowing veins appearing across his hide.
[Grukthar Heals for 10% of Max HP: Current HP 87,273/125,525.]
Still recovering from the stun, Odin glared at the scene, his fists clenched.
"I hate bosses with healing and CC mechanics."
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