They reached the Mid-Boss Room. It was a large chamber filled with toxic gas. In the center stood a Myconid Hulk—a giant mushroom man with tree-trunk arms.
[Enemy: Myconid Hulk (Level 12)][HP: 2500/2500]
"Tank and spank," Brok ordered. "Silas, burn it. Elara, eyes on adds."
They engaged. Brok held the aggro well, but the Hulk had a passive skill: Poison Cloud. Every time Brok hit it, a cloud of gas expanded. Brok's HP began to drop. "Healer! Wait, we don't have a healer!"
"Use a potion!" Elara shouted.
"I'm out!" Brok panicked. The Hulk raised its massive fists.
Brok looked back. He saw Kaelen standing by the entrance. A cruel idea formed in Brok's mind.
"Tactical retreat!" Brok yelled. "Reset aggro!"
Brok used [Charge]—not at the monster, but past it. He grabbed Kaelen by the collar.
"What are you—" Kaelen started.
"Distraction!" Brok laughed and threw Kaelen into the poison cloud.
Kaelen tumbled toward the Hulk. The monster roared, turning its attention to the new target. The party ran toward the exit tunnel.
"Sorry, kid!" Elara shouted (she didn't sound sorry). "We'll revive you at the temple... if you have the credits!"
They left him to die.
Kaelen lay in the poison gas. [Warning: Poison Damage. -10 HP/sec.][HP: 90/120]
The Myconid Hulk raised its fist to crush him.
Kaelen didn't run. He looked at the poison gas swirling around him. "It's fluid," Kaelen realized. "Like the slime."
He activated his Aspect of Fluidity. His skin rippled and turned semi-liquid. The Hulk's fist slammed down. SPLAT.
Kaelen wasn't crushed. He splattered like a puddle of water, avoiding the impact damage. He reformed behind the Hulk.
[HP: 50/120]
"My turn," Kaelen whispered.