After spending months refining his newfound powers within the castle, Eldric Thorne knew it was time to venture beyond the ruins that had become both his prison and his sanctuary. The knowledge and strength he had gained were invaluable, but the world outside beckoned, filled with mysteries to uncover and a future to shape.
Before leaving, Eldric meticulously gathered all the valuable items he could find within the castle. The lich, in his centuries of existence, had amassed an impressive collection of rare artifacts, precious metals, and ancient tomes. Eldric knew these would be crucial for his journey ahead, providing not only material wealth but also knowledge and resources.
The Grimoire, the mystical book that had become a part of him, was the perfect vessel to store these treasures. The lich had enhanced the Grimoire with a space storage function, allowing it to hold an extraordinary amount of items. Eldric, with a simple mental command, opened the Grimoire's storage space and began transferring the valuables into it. The process was seamless, the items disappearing into the book's pages as if being swallowed by a black hole.
Once he had gathered everything of worth, Eldric held the Grimoire in his hands, feeling its familiar weight and the connection it shared with his soul. With a thought, he commanded the Grimoire to return to its place within him. The book shimmered and dissolved into a wisp of energy, merging back into his soul where it would remain until called upon again.
With the castle's treasures safely secured, Eldric took a final look around the grand hall where so much had changed for him. The once-oppressive atmosphere of the castle now felt empty, the dark energy that had permeated its walls dissipated with the lich's demise. It was no longer a place of fear and darkness but a relic of his past that he was ready to leave behind.
Eldric set off, leaving the ruins of the castle behind him as he made his way through the dense, ancient forest that surrounded it. The journey was arduous, the terrain rugged and wild, but Eldric's newfound strength and resilience carried him forward. After several days of travel, he finally emerged from the forest and found himself overlooking a vast landscape dotted with signs of civilization.
His destination was a nearby city known for its bustling trade and diverse population. As he approached the city gates, he observed the guards stationed there, collecting taxes from those seeking entry. The city was large and well-fortified, its walls towering above, built from sturdy stone and guarded by vigilant soldiers.
As he joined the line of travelers waiting to enter the city, Eldric listened to the conversations around him. The city's name, **Ravenwood**, was mentioned frequently, a place known for its thriving marketplace and melting pot of cultures. The tax to enter the city was two silver coins per person—a small price to pay for access to the wealth of resources and information within.
Stolen novel; please report.
When it was his turn, Eldric handed over the required coins, two pieces of silver that clinked softly into the guard's collection box. The guard, a grizzled man with a stern expression, gave him a brief once-over before nodding him through. Eldric stepped past the gates and into the city of Ravenwood.
The first thing that struck him was the sheer diversity of the inhabitants. The streets were filled with humans, but also demihumans of various kinds. Dwarves with thick beards and stout frames walked alongside beastmen with animalistic features—fox ears, rabbit ears, and tails among them. The city was a vibrant tapestry of cultures, each race bringing its unique flair to the bustling atmosphere.
Ravenwood's architecture was reminiscent of medieval western cities from Eldric's previous world, but with a distinctly magical twist. The buildings were tall and sturdy, built from stone and wood, with intricate carvings and symbols adorning their facades. Market stalls lined the streets, selling everything from fresh produce and exotic spices to enchanted trinkets and magical artifacts. The air was filled with the sounds of haggling merchants, clinking coins, and the hum of life that seemed to pulse through the city.
As Eldric walked through the crowded streets, he took in the sights and sounds of Ravenwood, marveling at the blend of the familiar and the strange. He passed by a blacksmith's forge, where a dwarf hammered away at a glowing piece of metal, sparks flying with each strike. Nearby, a group of children chased each other through the streets, their laughter echoing through the narrow alleyways.
He wandered through the marketplace, his eyes scanning the wares on display. There were stalls selling potions in glass vials, their contents shimmering with magical energy. Others offered spell scrolls, neatly rolled and tied with ribbons, promising powerful incantations to those who could afford them. The scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the sharp tang of alchemical ingredients and the sweet aroma of flowers from a nearby florist.
Eldric knew that his journey was just beginning. The city of Ravenwood held many opportunities, but also dangers and secrets waiting to be uncovered. With the power of the Grimoire at his disposal and the knowledge he had gained, he was ready to explore this new world, to seek out the truth behind his mysterious rebirth, and to forge a new path as Eldric Thorne.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city, Eldric found himself a quiet corner to rest. He leaned against the cool stone wall of a building, his mind racing with plans for the future. Ravenwood was just the first step, a place to gather resources and information before setting out on a grander adventure.
For now, though, he allowed himself a moment of respite, taking in the beauty and chaos of the city around him. The future was uncertain, but Eldric Thorne was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with the strength and knowledge he had earned in the ruins of his past.