Second Evolution Path Unlocked
The colossal gate slowly opened. A deep vibration spread throughout the chamber.
On the opposite side stood a lone knight. Unlike Ashen Warden Garrick, this guardian carried no sword. Its left arm bore an enormous tower shield covered in emerald runes, while its right hand held only a short war hammer.
Moss crept over its stone armor, and green light pulsed from the cracks between its plates. The moment its eyes opened, the chamber shook.
---
Elite Mini Boss
Ashen Warden Baldric
Level 15
---
Ironwall frowned.
"A defensive boss..."
Before anyone could react, Baldric slammed its shield into the ground.
Fortress Domain!
A green barrier spread throughout the arena. The party immediately felt their attacks become heavier. Movement slowed slightly. Defense increased.
"So this affects everyone..."
Starveil muttered. The battle began. Ironwall charged first. His shield crashed into Baldric's.
BOOM!
Instead of moving, Ironwall was the one thrown backward several meters.
"What strength!"
Cole seized the opening. Her sword slashed across Baldric's shoulder.
Clang!
Sparks flew. Only a tiny scratch remained. Starveil immediately cast a barrage of stone spikes. The spells struck Baldric's chest.
Yet the damage barely accumulated. Then, something unbelievable happened. The tiny wound on Baldric's shoulder slowly closed.
Green vines emerged from beneath its armor before restoring the damaged stone.
"...It regenerated."
Lifebloom whispered.
Within seconds, every injury they had inflicted disappeared. Ironwall clenched his teeth.
"We're not making progress."
Again and again, hey attacked.
Again and again, the wounds healed.
Five minutes passed. Then ten. Baldric's health remained above ninety-five percent.
Even Aster narrowed his eyes.
"...Interesting."
He stopped attacking. Instead, he simply watched.
Every movement.
Every breath.
Every pulse of emerald light beneath Baldric's armor. The others continued buying time.
Meanwhile...
The Primal Codex quietly awakened. The familiar ancient pages turned by themselves.
---
Primal Codex Activated
Analyzing...
Target:
Ashen Warden Baldric
Unique Trait Detected:
Ancient Regeneration
Compatibility Found.
Searching...
Searching...
Analysis Complete.
---
A translucent page appeared before Aster alone.
---
Evolution Path Detected
IIron Body Foundation
Current Rank:
Uncommon
Evolution Progress:
0%
Observation Target:
The Principle of Regeneration
Requirement:
Comprehend how life continuously reinforces itself through circulation, recovery, and structural strengthening.
Current Progress:
3%
---
Aster's pupils contracted.
"...So that's how."
Iron Body Foundation, was never merely a breathing technique. It was the foundation of the body itself.
Every breath.
Every heartbeat.
Every muscle fiber.
Strengthening.
Recovering.
Enduring.
Just like Baldric, the boss wasn't healing through magic alone. It constantly circulated vitality through its entire body.
Every strike merely accelerated that circulation. The stronger the assault, the faster the regeneration.
Aster suddenly shouted.
"Stop attacking!"
Everyone instinctively obeyed. Silence filled the battlefield. For the first time, Baldric's emerald glow weakened.
Its regeneration slowed noticeably. Aster's eyes sharpened.
"It consumes energy. The regeneration isn't free."
"The shield stores vitality. The body circulates it. When we attack recklessly, we're feeding its rhythm."
The others stared at him. No one had noticed, only Aster. The one constantly searching for the truth behind every skill.
The Codex shimmered once more.
---
Iron Body Foundation
Comprehension Increased.
Progress:
12%
---
Aster slowly smiled.
"I understand, not completely. But enough."
He raised his longsword.
"This battle, isn't about overpowering him. It's about breaking his cycle."
Behind him, the four members tightened their grips on their weapons. Once again, they waited for Aster's commands.
Not because he was the strongest.
But because every observation he made brought them one step closer to victory.