Cherreads

Chapter 48 - Wyvern Valley

Boran and Noemi left the Eternal Tavern. Boran began following Noemi. After a few minutes of walking, they were in front of a passage with a slight reddish tinge.

"We'll be here until level 50," said Noemi.

"Preview," said Boran, looking at the passage.

[Valley Venomwings (Level 10-14)]

[Possible Drops: Wyvern Claw (Low Quality), Thin Wing Membrane]

Small but highly dangerous creatures that move with remarkable speed and agility through the valley's lower regions. These venomous wyverns are known for their coordinated pack hunting behavior, often gathering in large swarms to overwhelm their prey with quick, successive strikes.

[Nimble Stonehides (Level 15-18)]

[Possible Drops: Hard Wyvern Scale, Earth Extract (Low Quality)]

Heavily armored, resilient creatures that conceal themselves beneath the earth's surface, waiting patiently for the perfect moment to launch their ambush. These territorial beings burrow through the rocky terrain with remarkable efficiency, using their natural camouflage and surprising agility to emerge from the ground with devastating surprise attacks against unsuspecting prey.

[Muffled Breath Wyverlings (Level 18-22)]

[Possible Drops: Wyvern Claw, Burnt Scale, Fire Extract (Low Quality)]

Juvenile wyverns still developing their elemental abilities. Though not fully matured, these creatures possess a natural talent for producing concentrated bursts of flame from specialized glands in their throats. While their fire attacks are considered mild compared to adult wyverns, they can still pose a significant threat, especially when encountered in groups. These wyverlings often use their developing flame abilities both defensively and during hunting.

[Blind Shadowwings (Level 22-26)]

[Possible Drops: Wing Membrane, Pale Wyvern Scale, Shadow Feather]

Unique wyvern species that have evolved to thrive in darkness, characterized by their bat-like wings and complete lack of eyes. These creatures have developed extraordinarily acute hearing abilities to compensate for their blindness, allowing them to navigate and hunt through echolocation. They are extremely sensitive to sound vibrations in their environment, using this heightened sensory awareness both for detecting prey and avoiding threats.

[Valley Reaper (Mini-Boss - Level 28)]

[Possible Drops: Thick Wyvern Claw, Hard Wyvern Scale, Medium Quality Physical Extract]

A formidable six-legged wyvern known for its exceptionally aggressive hunting behavior and territorial nature. Its most distinctive feature is a deadly, scythe-like tail that can slice through armor with devastating precision. This fearsome creature combines its multiple limbs and lethal appendage to execute swift, coordinated attacks, making it one of the valley's most feared predators.

[Winged Visitors (Level 30-39)]

[Possible Drops: Crystalline Wing Membrane, Shiny Wyvern Scale, Wind Extract]

Majestic wyverns that have migrated from distant crystalline mountains, distinguished by their translucent, prismatic wings that catch and reflect light in mesmerizing patterns. These rare creatures have adapted to harness the valley's unique crystalline formations, using them not only for navigation but also as natural amplifiers for their innate wind-based abilities. Though not native to the area, they have established a permanent presence in the middle layers of the valley where the crystal deposits are most abundant.

[Ice-Tailed Wyvern (Mini-Boss - Level 40)]

[Possible Drops: Thick Wyvern Claw, Frozen Wyvern Scale, Ice Extract (Medium Quality)]

A fearsome creature whose every movement leaves a trail of frost in its wake. Its signature weapon is a massive tail encased in thick layers of magical ice that can instantly freeze anything it touches. As this formidable wyvern traverses the valley, the ground beneath its feet crystallizes into sheets of slick ice, creating treacherous terrain for would-be challengers. The constant temperature manipulation from its presence causes localized snowfall and ice formations, permanently altering its chosen hunting grounds into a miniature winter landscape.

[Steel-Horned Queen Wyvern (Boss - Level 50)]

[Possible Drops: Steel Wyvern Scale, Queen's Claw, Wyvern Egg (Rare), Elemental Extract (Medium-High Quality)]

The undisputed sovereign of Wyvern Valley, this majestic creature commands respect through its mastery of both devastating physical combat and powerful elemental magic. Its reinforced steel horns can pierce through the strongest defenses, while its command over multiple elements allows it to unleash combinations of fire, ice, and lightning attacks. As the apex predator of the valley, it maintains strict control over its territory through displays of overwhelming strength and tactical intelligence.

[Ashen Sky Tyrant - Varkhaz](Optional Boss - Level 50*]*

[Possible Drops: ????]

[Location: ???]

[Activation conditions: ????]

"Can you tell me more about these creatures?" asked Boran, examining the information before him. "Especially the Poisonwings... I guess we'll start with them."

Noemi nodded. "The Poisonwings are actually a good start. They attack in small groups, which makes them difficult to fight alone. But as part of a group... like with guild members, it's much easier."

"What about their poison?" Boran asked anxiously.

"Their poison isn't strong, it just slows you down. Carrying a simple antidote is enough, but you don't really even need it. The main thing you need to watch out for is their numbers. They can be dangerous when three or four of them gather together." Noemi paused. "But the items they drop are used in making poisons and antidotes. They sell well."

"What about the others? Like those Nimble Stonehides..."

Noemi laughed. "Ah, they're annoying creatures. They move underground and escape just when you're about to hit them. They require patience. But the Earth Extract they drop is a valuable material. It's used for reinforcing armor."

"What about... the final boss? The Steel-Horned Queen?"

"Don't even think about that for now," Noemi said firmly. "We'll talk about it when we reach that level. For now, let's focus on the Poisonwings. It'll be a good starting point."

Boran nodded. "You're right. We should progress step by step. So, are you ready?"

"Wait," said Noemi, rummaging through her bag. "I bought healing potions with my last 100 gold. Here, take these," she said and handed Boran 2 small, red vials.

Boran smiled as he took the potion vials. "How much are these each?"

"10 gold. They're the lowest level potions though."

[Low-level healing potion]

[Heals 50 health points within 2 seconds when consumed]

Boran and Noemi passed through the gateway. As they emerged onto the peak of a large hill, a cool, crisp breeze caressed their skin, carrying the subtle scent of mountain herbs and distant crystals. They stood in awe of the magnificent view of Wyvern Valley spreading before them. Their elevated position provided a perfect vantage point to see the entire valley from a bird's eye view, while gentle wind currents swirled around them, a reminder of the valley's mystical nature. Below them, the valley's different layers opened up like an amphitheater.

Wyvern Valley was an enchanting geography where nature and danger intertwined. The valley's unique layered structure created natural habitats for wyverns of different levels. Each layer was like a unique habitat containing its own ecosystem.

"What's in the top layer?" asked Boran.

Noemi pointed with her hand. "There are rocky outcrops and sharp cliffs close to the sky. The strongest and most dangerous wyverns live there. They say the Steel-Horned Queen Wyvern's nest is in that area too."

"That place looks really dangerous," said Boran worriedly. "What about the middle layers?"

"I haven't been there, but it's full of caves and hollows," said Noemi, gesturing at the view. "The most striking thing is the crystals – especially the Winged Visitors really love it here. We've seen these from our distant observations."

"What about the lower layers?" Boran asked curiously.

"In the lower layers," Noemi began, pointing downward, "everything is lush green. We can usually find the Poisonwings there – they like to hide among the plants. There are small waterfalls and pools, so it's a humid place."

"But the most interesting thing," she continued, her eyes sparkling, "is how the weather constantly changes. Each wyvern species affects the air differently. Sometimes it's hot, sometimes ice-cold – due to the wyverns' elemental powers."

"And when night falls, the Blind Shadowwings come out. That's what I've heard." Noemi's face grew serious. "I don't know where the Valley Reaper's territory is. I just know that its surroundings are covered in claw marks."

"What about the Frost Tail's area?"

"I'm guessing it's an icy place."

"You don't say..." said Boran with a slight smile at her joke.

"It's an incredible place," Noemi whispered. "You know," she said with a thoughtful expression, "this valley is actually in perfect balance. Every wyvern in its own territory. Dangerous but... fascinating."

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