Elias took a deep breath, his determination evident in his eyes. He visualized the flames shrinking, their intensity diminishing, and the vibrant energy of the magicules retracting back into the ring. With a gentle release of his will, the flame obediently obeyed, gradually diminishing in size until it disappeared completely, leaving only a faint trace of warmth in Elias's palm.

As Elias pondered the peculiar sensation within his mind, he couldn't help but utter his confusion aloud. "What is this feeling?" he muttered, his voice filled with curiosity.

Dagda, with his ever-present wisdom, offered an explanation in response. "You have gained a spell," he calmly declared. Placing his hand once again on Elias's shoulder, a radiant combination of golden and green light emitted from Dagda's palm, flowing into Elias's being.

As Elias absorbed the newfound understanding that washed over him, he felt as though a veil had been lifted, revealing a hidden knowledge that now resided within his being. The words "Aethoria Common Language (Basic)" echoed in his mind, signifying the acquisition of a spell that would grant him the ability to comprehend and communicate in this mystical tongue.

This time, instead of the overwhelming ringing sensation he had experienced before, a gentle ping resonated within Elias's consciousness. Accompanying the sound, an androgynous text-to-speech voice softly announced the newly acquired spell. The words materialized in the air, floating before Elias's eyes, allowing him to comprehend the significance of his newfound linguistic ability.

A sense of relief washed over Elias as he realized that this revelation was far more manageable than the overwhelming pressure he had felt when facing the Formorain. The weight of the battle had been immense, but now he stood before Dagda, the ancient guardian, who had much more to share but limited time to do so.

As Dagda gracefully rose from the bench, he expressed his sincere appreciation for Elias's invaluable contribution. "Today, you have done me a great service," he acknowledged, his voice resonating with gratitude. He emphasized the significance of Elias's mortal presence, highlighting that his apparition would have been inadequate in defending against the formidable beast that had threatened the sanctuary.

Dagda's eyes shimmered with wisdom and anticipation as he presented Elias with a range of choices, each path leading to a distinct destiny. A gentle smile played on his lips as he explained the options before him. "You have several paths to consider," Dagda began, his voice filled with warmth. "One choice is to return home, never to set foot in Aethoria again. Alternatively, you can choose to stay and explore the vibrant and enchanting lands that surround you."

He paused, allowing the weight of the decision to settle upon Elias. "Your ring, a token of this realm, will grant you the ability to travel back and forth between your home and Aethoria," he continued, emphasizing the convenience and freedom it would provide. "Should you decide to embrace the wonders of this realm, I will bless you with a guide," Dagda added, his tone imbued with a sense of reassurance. "As the caretaker of many realms, I must attend to my duties, including finding a suitable sanctuary for Coire Ansic, which will take some time."

As Elias carefully weighed the options before him, he felt the weight of the profound impact that each choice held. The idea of returning home, carrying the memories of this extraordinary encounter, tugged at his heartstrings. However, the allure of venturing into the vibrant and mystical lands of Aethoria ignited a sense of adventure within him, urging him to embrace the unknown.

With a determined gaze and a voice filled with conviction, Elias made his decision. "I choose to explore these rich and vibrant lands," he declared, his words resolute and unwavering.

Dagda, acknowledging Elias's choice, flicked his wrist with a graceful motion. Like a skilled magician conjuring an ethereal creation, he began to manipulate the mist that enveloped his feet. In a mesmerizing display, the mist twisted and shaped itself into the form of a bird. With a final poof, the mist transformed into a majestic robin, its feathers glistening in the soft torch light.

The little bird took flight, gracefully circling the cavern before descending to land silently on Elias's left shoulder. Its presence symbolized the guidance and companionship that Dagda bestowed upon Elias as he embarked on his journey through the enchanting lands of Aethoria. The robin chirped softly, as if assuring Elias that he was not alone in this new adventure.

In Elias’ mind, he felt a connection

“Hi there little dude” Elias gently touched the robin's red breast.

"Dude, is that all I get?" a cold voice responded in Elias's mind, causing him to be taken aback.

"I apologize," Elias replied, surprised by the unexpected response. "I didn't mean to offend. How would you prefer to be addressed?"

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"I have been created by His Eminence to aid and guide you. I am not a 'dude,'" the robin's voice retorted firmly, emphasizing its importance and purpose.

Elias looked between Dagda and the little bird, feeling a sense of understanding dawning upon him. Wanting to establish a respectful relationship, he asked, "How would you like to be addressed, then?"

Dagda interjected... his wise gaze meeting Elias's. "You may decide on his name," he offered, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation. "Once I depart, he will possess all the information I would have imparted to you."

Without a second thought, Elias's face lit up with a smile. "Rusty," he declared, his voice filled with warmth. "I think Rusty will suit you perfectly."

With a smile and a chuckle, Dagda agreed and gently turned Elias to face the descending stairs. The time for Dagda's presence in this realm was drawing to a close. He explained, "My time is shortening, and soon I will need to depart. Take Rusty and make your way towards the far wall. There, you will find a tunnel that leads to the outside. Once you are outside, you are free to return to your world. Rusty will be your trusted guide from now on. Put your trust in him."

Elias stood still for a moment, taking in the sight of the cavern. The lifeless body of the creature lay motionless at the bottom of the stairs, while the broken statues still scattered the cavern floor. Turning to face Dagda, Elias extended his hand in gratitude. "It has been a strange morning, filled with unexpected twists and turns. I'm not quite sure what lies ahead, but... thank you," he expressed sincerely.

Dagda warmly shook Elias's hand, a glimmer of wisdom in his eyes. As he was about to release Elias's hand, he offered a parting message. "Remember, in this realm, you are not as old as you may think. There is much to see and experience."

Elias began his descent down the stairs, feeling a sense of comfort as Rusty gracefully circled above him. The robin's presence provided reassurance and companionship. When Elias reached the fallen creature, he paused and bent down to retrieve the spear that he had used to defeat the beast.

As Elias picked up the spear, his Appraisal skill was triggered. The words flashed in his mind: Elite Guardian Spear. However, he realized that his Appraisal skill was still at a low level and would require further development in the future.

Carrying the spear with him, Elias continued his journey toward the far wall, guided by Rusty's presence. The tunnel leading to the outside awaited him, promising new adventures and discoveries beyond the boundaries of Aethoria. With determination in his steps, Elias ventured forward, ready to embrace whatever awaited him on the other side.

Elias swiftly made his way through the tunnel, and as the space grew narrower, Rusty decided to perch on his shoulder once again. Finally reaching the end, they were greeted by a pair of shattered doors. Elias couldn't help but marvel at the immense strength it must have taken to break through these sturdy castle-like doors.

Stepping through the doors, Elias was met with a breathtaking sight. Before him, a stunning vista stretched out, stealing his breath away. With his enhanced vision, he could see for miles. An endless expanse of trees sprawled out like a sea, reaching as far as the eye could see. To the distant west, a majestic wall of mountain peaks stood tall, their grandeur awe-inspiring. Looking towards the south, hills rolled out like waves, creating a mesmerizing undulation within the forests. Taking a few steps forward, Elias turned his gaze eastward, where the landscape gradually thinned out, revealing a lake that shimmered like a precious blue jewel set upon a tapestry of vibrant green.

As Elias stood in awe, captivated by the beauty and vastness of the world before him, a sudden rumble shook the ground beneath his feet. Startled, he spun around, only to witness a remarkable sight. The shattered doors that he had passed through began to shift and reform enveloped in a cloud of swirling dust.

With moans and creaks, the iron supports of the doors gradually regained their original shape. Splintered bits of wood rejoined, forming thick oak planks. The cracks in the stone frame vanished, leaving behind an imposing set of doors that stood tall at an impressive height of 7 feet. Their gothic design exuded a sense of grandeur as if they belonged at the entrance of a majestic castle or manor.

Elias marveled at the restoration, witnessing the doors' transformation from a state of disrepair to their former glory. However, as if to further emphasize the fantastical nature of the realm he now found himself in, the doors began to shrink and fold, as if they were made of delicate card. Within minutes, the once imposing doors had diminished to the size of a book-like plate resting on the floor. Intrigued, Elias stepped forward and picked up the plate, intrigued by its mysterious nature.

"Store it in your ring. You will find it useful," the voice of Rusty resonated in Elias's mind, offering guidance. With a mere thought, Elias watched as the plate vanished from his hand, instinctively knowing that it was now securely stored within his ring. It was as if a connection had formed between Elias and the objects he possessed, allowing him to manipulate their presence.

Observing the spear in his left hand, Elias decided to switch hands and store it as well. Once again, he effortlessly transferred the spear to his mind's inventory, a deep sense of familiarity guiding his actions. With a quick turn, Elias extended his hand and summoned the spear back into his grasp. To his delight, the spear shot forward with impressive speed, responding to his mental command. A smile spread across Elias's face as he realized the potential of this newfound ability. If he ever faced formidable creatures like the Formorain again, the ability to summon the spear at will would indeed be incredibly useful and advantageous.

Elias surveyed his surroundings, taking in the absence of the door that had once stood before him. In its place, he found himself standing on a small, flat area beneath an overhang that now provided a modest amount of shelter. Glancing out at the forest, Elias realized he was positioned high up on a hill. The air was refreshingly crisp, carrying the scent of pine from the trees below.

"You should go home," The robin chirped, offering his guidance. "Your body needs time to adjust, and there is still much for you to learn."