With the battle's aftermath settling around them, Orvell and his companions immediately turned their attention to the wounded and the search for survivors.

Orvell and Jakob moved quickly through the battlefield, lifting fallen comrades and administering first aid to those in need. Jakob's knowledge of herbs and quick-fix remedies proved invaluable as he treated wounds and eased pain. Orvell, using his strength, carried those too injured to move on their own to a makeshift triage area being set up within the gates of Elderglen.

Minerva and Eileen worked in tandem, using their magic to heal the more grievous injuries. Minerva's wand glowed as she cast healing spells, mending broken bones and closing deep gashes. Eileen used her staff to channel restorative energies, her magic providing a soothing balm to those in agony.

Liora, despite her own injuries, rallied the Elderglen guards and directed the efforts to secure the area. She moved through the ranks, her presence inspiring courage and resilience among the defenders. Her grimoire was set aside, replaced by practical, hands-on leadership.

Amidst the chaos, the quartet found moments of relief. Orvell spotted a young elf, barely a teenager, pinned beneath a fallen tree. With a grunt of effort, he lifted the tree and pulled the elf to safety, offering words of encouragement before moving on to the next task.

Jakob discovered a group of children huddled in a corner, fear evident in their eyes. He knelt down, speaking softly to them in their native tongue, reassuring them that they were safe now. Minerva and Eileen joined him, providing comfort and casting protective spells around the area.

As dusk began to fall, the immediate danger had passed, and the village of Elderglen started to resemble a place of refuge once more. Orvell, standing among his companions, looked out over the survivors. The faces of those they had saved were a stark reminder of what they were fighting for.

"We've done well today," Orvell said, his voice filled with determination. "But we need to stay vigilant. The real battle is still ahead of us."

Jakob nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We'll be ready, Orvell. We'll stop this darkness, whatever it takes."

Minerva and Eileen shared a glance, their resolve mirrored in each other's eyes. They were a team, bound by purpose and strengthened by their shared trials.

Together, they would continue their journey, ever vigilant, and ever ready for the challenges that lay ahead.

Hours later, the quartet and Liora gathered in the meeting hall, the weight of their recent battle heavy upon them. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows across their weary faces. Maps and scrolls were spread out on a large wooden table, detailing the areas of recent conflict and the possible whereabouts of the enemy forces.

Liora stood at the head of the table, her grimoire by her side. Despite her injuries, she exuded an air of authority and determination. Orvell, Minerva, Eileen, and Jakob took their seats around the table, their expressions reflecting a mix of exhaustion and resolve.

"We need to discuss what the hooded man said," Liora began, her voice steady but urgent. "He mentioned the Heart of Aeolus and the Stone of Despair. These are not mere relics. They hold immense power and significance."

Orvell leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "He said the real ending of Aeolus would begin once his master has the Heart of Aeolus. We can't let that happen. But who is his master? And where can we find this Heart of Aeolus?"

Liora sighed, her gaze distant for a moment. "The Heart of Aeolus is a legendary artifact, said to be the source of the realm's power and balance. If it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences would be catastrophic. The Stone of Despair, on the other hand, is known to corrupt and amplify dark powers. Together, they could unleash unimaginable devastation."

Minerva nodded, her wand tapping lightly on the table. "We need to find the Heart of Aeolus before they do. But we also need to understand more about this master they serve. Any information could give us an advantage."

Jakob added, "The hooded man also hinted that their forces are larger than we anticipated. We need to prepare Elderglen and any allies we can find for a potential large-scale conflict."

Eileen, who had been quietly contemplating, spoke up. "There must be records or ancient texts that can tell us more about the Heart of Aeolus and the Stone of Despair. We should search the libraries and consult with the elders here in Elderglen. They might hold the key to locating these artifacts and understanding the enemy's plan."

Liora agreed, her expression firm. "We'll start with our own archives. I'll send scouts to other allied cities to gather more information. In the meantime, you four should rest and recover. We'll need all our strength for what's to come."

Orvell nodded. "We'll rest, but we won't stop preparing. This battle was just the beginning. We'll find the Heart of Aeolus and stop this darkness from spreading."

Liora, still standing at the head of the table, looked directly at Orvell. "Before we move forward, Orvell, I need to understand something. Your transformation during the battle—how did you obtain such a power?"

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Orvell took a deep breath. "I discovered it after my recent battle with Duke Enmity. It's called GrimStone. It channels intense energy, but it's incredibly draining."

Liora nodded, a hint of recognition in her eyes. "I'm familiar with the aspect of it. It's a remarkable ability, but you must be cautious. Such power can be a double-edged sword. We'll need to ensure you have the strength and support to wield it without compromising your well-being."

Orvell nodded. "I understand. I'll be careful. But if it helps us protect Aeolus, I'm willing to use it when necessary."

Liora's eyes widened at the mention of GrimStone. She quickly moved to a nearby cabinet, retrieving a small pouch of shimmering dust. With a practiced motion, she tossed the dust into the air, and it began to sparkle and form images as she spoke.

"GrimStone," she began, her voice taking on a tone of reverence and caution, "is one of the powerful Gems locked deep inside the realms of Grass Mark, Aeolus, and others. These Gems hold immense power, each with unique abilities. GrimStone, the Stone of Death, allows its user to become the reaper, channeling deadly energy and potentially dominating other Gems."

The dust formed a dark, swirling gem, radiating an eerie energy.

"Then, there's the Stone of Despair," Liora continued. "It enables its user to absorb others' magic energy and wield it as their own. It's a dangerous power, capable of draining the life force from opponents."

The dust shifted, forming a deep, dark gem that pulsed with an absorbing force.

"There are others," she said, her tone now more speculative. "The King Gem, the Caster Gem, and the Matrix Gem. Their powers are less known to me, but each is said to hold abilities that could tip the balance of any battle."

The images formed by the dust shimmered briefly before fading away.

"These Gems," Liora concluded, "are not just tools of power; they are artifacts of immense significance. We must be careful in how we use them and vigilant against those who seek to exploit them."

Orvell nodded, absorbing the gravity of Liora's words. "Thank you for the information, Liora. We'll proceed with caution. Knowing about these Gems gives us a clearer picture of the stakes involved."

Liora sighed, "The battle is not just against physical enemies, but against the very essence of power these Gems represent. We need to prepare for the challenges ahead, both known and unknown."

The room fell silent as everyone contemplated the weight of this new knowledge. They understood that their journey had only just begun, and the real challenges were still to come.

While in his quarters, Orvell found it impossible to rest. The revelation about GrimStone gnawed at him, compelling him to seek more information. Determined, he made his way to the Elderglen archives, hoping to uncover deeper secrets about the Gem.

Hours passed as he pored over countless books, each one failing to provide the answers he sought. Frustration began to set in, but he pressed on, driven by a sense of urgency. Finally, tucked away in a dusty corner, he discovered an ancient tome, its cover worn and pages yellowed with age. The date on the book read 115 BGM.

As Orvell carefully turned the pages, he found fragmented accounts of the Stones. Each page was filled with cryptic descriptions and illustrations, hinting at their origins and powers but leaving much to the imagination. One passage in particular caught his eye:

"GrimStone, the Stone of Death, shrouded in mystery, its true nature and capabilities remain largely unknown. What is known is that it binds the user to a greater destiny, intertwined with the fate of all other Stones."

Orvell's heart pounded as he absorbed the information. This book provided glimpses into the enigma of GrimStone and the other Gems but left many questions unanswered. The lack of detailed knowledge only deepened the mystery and the danger surrounding their quest.

Clutching the tome, he resolved to share his findings with the quartet. While the book held limited answers, it underscored the perilous path ahead and the need for vigilance in uncovering the true nature of the Stones. Their journey, fraught with unknowns, had only become more urgent.

Orvell then overheard footsteps approaching, and it was Liora. She leaned over Orvell's shoulders and told Orvell, that GrimStone was banned from being used until one day it was stolen.

A knight who goes by the name Silver Blade. Liora tells the tale of how he found it, and stole the stone from the keepers and sealed it away into a child. Liora then places her hand on Orvell's shoulder and says that it was Orvell's father who placed the stone inside of him. But Orvell questioned why. To which Liora does not know

Orvell's heart raced as he absorbed Liora's revelation. The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, mingling with the musty scent of ancient tomes. The tale she shared painted a picture of intrigue and betrayal, weaving a narrative that intertwined with his own lineage.

As Liora spoke of the banishment of GrimStone and its subsequent theft by the enigmatic Silver Blade, Orvell's mind raced with questions. Why would his father, Arthur, choose to seal such a dangerous artifact within him? What purpose did it serve, and what implications did it hold for his own fate?

Unable to quell the surge of emotions rising within him, Orvell turned to Liora, his eyes alight with intensity. "Why would my father do such a thing?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

Liora's expression softened, her gaze meeting Orvell's with a mix of empathy and uncertainty. "I wish I had the answers, Orvell," she replied, her voice laden with solemnity. "Arthur was a man of many mysteries, and his motivations often eluded even those closest to him. But one thing is certain—there must have been a reason, a purpose behind his actions."

Orvell nodded slowly, the weight of Liora's words sinking in. The revelation left him with more questions than answers, yet it also ignited a newfound determination within him. If GrimStone was indeed sealed within him for a purpose, then it was his duty to uncover that purpose and confront the legacy of his father's choices.

With resolve hardening in his heart, Orvell turned back to the ancient tome, his mind racing with newfound purpose. The journey ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but armed with the knowledge bestowed upon him, he was determined to face whatever challenges lay in wait.