novelraw Chapter 662: Lunar Phases
Chapter 662: Lunar Phases
This is a relatively safe period, most suitable for long-distance reconnaissance or advancing directly.
It is worth mentioning that the moonlight attribute is a unique attribute of the Elf Plane, and the free energy particles of the moonlight system are entirely different from the common free energy particles of other systems.
These special free energy particles are likely derived from the three bright moons in the sky, a unique product of this plane.
Currently, Wizards have not yet developed corresponding moonlight system Magic, but there are a large number of Casters proficient in moonlight system Magic among the dark elves.
When the pale purple Moon of Eilistraee becomes the protagonist of the sky, the environment will, like what Duke and the others are experiencing at the moment, be shrouded in a hazy, mysterious, and slightly soothing purple halo.
Natural energy is most active and friendly during this period, plant growth accelerates, the healing effect is slightly enhanced, and illusion and Spiritual Interference Abilities may be strengthened.
However, when the dark red, blood-like Moon of Shar rises, entering the dark moon phase, the forest falls into the deepest and most dangerous darkness.
The light of Shar not only fails to illuminate but instead absorbs and distorts light, making shadows denser and borders blurred, with a strong corrosive attribute.
Shadow energy reaches its peak, the abilities of shadow chanters among the dark elves increase greatly, various stealth, assassination, and shadow Magic effects are exceptional, and many dangerous nocturnal demons also become unusually active and ferocious.
This is the most dangerous period, least suitable for going out, unless there is a special purpose or strong backing.
In addition to the dominant moon alternation, there is also a more complex phenomenon of tidal overlap.
When two or even three moons appear in the sky simultaneously, and are in specific relative positions to each other, their energies converge, clash, or resonate, triggering more intense and extensive energy tides.
During such times, local areas may experience violent energy, drastic climate changes (such as moonlight rainstorms, shadow storms), large-scale demon disturbances, or even extreme situations like Moon Well energy leakage.
Experienced Explorers must learn to observe the moon’s trajectory and predict tidal changes to plan their actions accordingly.
Duke and the others entered the forest during the purple moon period dominated by the Moon of Eilistraee.
This was also the reason Master Ted chose to set out at this time—a relatively good view, a relatively mild energy environment, suitable for initial reconnaissance.
As time passed, Duke could clearly feel the purple halo of Eilistraee in the sky gradually dimming and thinning, while a deep, oppressive dark red, like ink, began to seep in from the horizon and the higher tree canopy gaps.
The naturally active and friendly energy particles in the air started to mix with more and more cold, obscure shadow energy that seemed to absorb light and warmth.
The surrounding luminous plants also seemed to sense the change, their glow becoming unstable, some flickering on and off, while others turned to a darker hue.
"The Moon of Shar is rising," Master Ted halted, looking up through the branches and leaves for a moment, his tone heavy, "The purple moon period is about to end, we should turn back. During the energy tidal transition, the environment will become unstable, and shadow creatures and dark elves will begin to become active."
Everyone nodded and began to follow the predetermined route and map marks, heading back in the direction of Darkmoon Town.
The return journey required more vigilance because the safe path during the approach might not remain secure during the tidal transition.
Just as they turned and advanced less than a mile, passing through an area where ferns grew exceptionally densely and the ground moss flickered with unstable green light, Duke, in the middle of the team, subtly frowned.
He already possessed an extremely strong Shadow Perception Ability, and especially after learning that dark elves excel in stealth within the Shadow Space, he maintained high alert for the Shadow Space.
In his perception, the already dense shadow energy around them seemed to exhibit extremely subtle, regular pulsations.
It was not the rhythm of natural energy flow, but more like breathing, or, rather, near-perfect energy ripples caused when some existence moved in the shadow layer.
They did not originate from one direction but rather spread like a net, silently closing in on them with astonishing synchrony and stealth from the front and both flanks.
The opposition was very adept at utilizing the increasing shadow energy tide as cover, their stealth was so exquisite that it seemed natural, akin to the instincts of shadow creatures.
Such stealth ability, even if Wizards had some ordinary Shadow Space detection means, would be difficult to timely detect.
If it weren’t for Duke’s extraordinary dual shadow perception, the team might not have realized until the moment the attack commenced.
"Hold on." Duke lowered his voice, his tone carrying undeniable caution, "Something’s approaching in the shadows, many, from three directions. Their stealth ability is extremely strong and closing in."
Just as his words fell, Una at the front and Hal responsible for side vigilance almost simultaneously froze, evidently, after Duke’s prompt, they too, leveraging their rich experience and elf bloodline, detected that barely noticeable intent to kill and energy disturbance blending seamlessly into the environment.
Master Ted’s face instantly became grave, magic power fluctuated on his body, poised for action.
Everyone understood what Duke’s words implied, in such a place, possessing such exquisite shadow stealth ability, it could only be the dark elves, and it was highly likely a complete, well-coordinated hunting or reconnaissance team.
The forest seemed to fall into complete stillness at that moment, even the glow of the luminous plants seemed to dim slightly.
The cold aura converging from all directions, like an invisible rope, slowly tightened.
Just as Duke raised the alarm and the team’s nerves suddenly tensed, the attack descended without any warning.
There were no shouts, no prelude of magic chanting, not even violent energy fluctuations were suppressed to a minimum.
All there was, was the sudden, cold, and deadly moonlight that lit up from all directions.
On the left side, behind a giant fluorescent mushroom about fifteen meters away from Una and Hal, two silver-white light balls shot out without any forewarning.
These light balls were not explosive attacks like the Fireball Technique but rather like two liquid moons compressed to the extreme, their flight paths unpredictable, carrying a strong purifying and penetrating aura, each attacking Una and Hal, a common offensive Magic of the moonlight system known as Lunar Beam.
Meanwhile, from a right side tree canopy unusually dense with dangling luminous aerial roots, two slender figures seemingly weightless, floated down.