As the echoes of the king's departure lingered in the air, all eyes turned towards Erick, the newly appointed leader tasked with leading the expedition and shaping the future of their kingdom. The room hushed in anticipation, and Erick, sensing the weight of the responsibility placed upon him, took a deep breath to address the assembly.
However, before he could speak, a commanding voice cut through the silence. "Give me a reason why you should lead this mission?" Everyone's gaze swiftly shifted towards the source of the voice, revealing Countess Seraphina, a seven circle mage.
Erick turned his gaze towards Countess Seraphina, asserting with confidence, "Countess Seraphina, I may not be the most experienced among you, but I have devoted the past five years to an intensive study of the relic. I have diligently pursued every lead, unveiling its secrets and pinpointing its elusive location. The depth of my knowledge regarding the relic positions me as the most fitting choice to lead this crucial mission." Countess Seraphina gave a nod of satisfaction, acknowledging the validity of Erick's claim.
Erick, having garnered Countess Seraphina's satisfactionary nod, proceeded to address the assembly, "Before delving further into the details about the relic, it's crucial for you all to understand why we must retrieve this weapon."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before revealing the dire situation. "The shield that was cast by the great seven kingdoms to stop the god of death has started getting weaker and will completely disappear in the coming twenty years." A collective gasp echoed in the silent hall as everyone absorbed the gravity of the situation. A mage in the assembly spoke up, "That's why the dimensional gates are appearing more frequently."
As the assembly processed this alarming revelation, the urgency of their quest became even more apparent. The weakening shield not only jeopardizes Eldoria but also puts all our universe at risk. The dimensional gates pose a threat that extends beyond our borders. The quest for the relic was not only about safeguarding their kingdom but also about preserving the delicate balance that protected their universe from impending doom.
Erick shifted his attention towards the mage and addressed the assembly with solemnity, "We can no longer rely on the shield. As it fades away, the god of death will seize the opportunity to open the dimensional gate and unleash chaos upon our world. The only means to avert this impending doom is by obtaining the ancient weapon, the sole key capable of eliminating the god of death. Our mission is clear – retrieve the weapon before any other kingdom or shadow enclave does and secure the continued prosperity and invincibility of our kingdom."
The room descended into silence once again. The weight of the future and the impending threat was palpable in everyone's eyes. The gravity of their quest hung in the air as each member of the assembly contemplated the magnitude of their responsibility and the crucial role they played in the destiny of their world.
Erick explain further, "The weakening of the shield served as the catalyst for King Aric's directive to ensure me with the investigation about the rumored prophecy. Embarking on a journey, I traversed all seven great kingdoms, tirelessly gathering fragments of information about the prophecy from each realm. These carefully amassed hidden pieces now stand as integral components in our quest to unveil the ancient truth."
Erick unfolded the scrolls he had retrieved, revealing intricate markings and symbols that represented the gathered knowledge. "The prophecy speaks of a relic hidden in a realm between dimensions, accessible only through a specific gateway that lies in the center of a dark forest."
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Gasps escaped the lips of the assembly members, The mention of the dark forest sent shivers through the assembly, as it is known to be the most dangerous and unsafe place in the world. The dark forest is a realm where nature itself is warped, and the boundaries between reality and the arcane are blurred. The mutated and unknown magical beasts roam within its depths are not bound by the laws of the natural world. Some are remnants of ancient spells gone awry, while others are creatures twisted by the malevolent energy that permeates the forest. Moreover, the trees in this ominous realm are not passive observers. Each possesses a consciousness, and ancient whispers rustle through their twisted branches. Legends speak of trees that harbor secrets as old as time itself, repositories of ancient knowledge concealed within their gnarled forms.
Yet, the dark forest is not only a realm of arcane wonders; it is a place where the very fabric of reality seems to play tricks on those who dare to enter. Unpredictable weather patterns shift with capricious intent, shrouding the forest in an ever-changing cloak of mist, rain, and shadows. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth, and the haunting calls of unseen creatures echo through the dense foliage.
Navigating this labyrinthine expanse becomes a perilous task as the trees themselves, imbued with an ancient sentience, subtly rearrange their positions. The path that was clear one moment may vanish into an impenetrable thicket the next. Travelers find themselves at the mercy of a living maze, where each step can lead to an unexpected destination. The disorienting dance of the trees challenges even the most seasoned explorers, as the forest itself seems to conspire against those who seek to unveil its secrets.
A voice of fear cut through the tension as a boy spoke, "Isn't it a suicide mission?"
Erick turned his gaze toward the speaker, revealing it to be Derik. A smirk played on Erick's lips as he replied, "It is, but don't panic. I've already found a way." Erick's reassurance brought a momentary relief to the assembly, yet an air of uncertainty lingered.
Erick pressed on, addressing a crucial aspect of their quest. "The weapon can only be wielded by the blood of the seven kingdoms. That means only royal members of the great seven kingdoms can unleash its power." As he spoke, Erick deliberately looked towards Lord, a warning embedded in his gaze, signaling the potential consequences of betrayal. Despite this information, Lord appeared relieved, and Erick couldn't help but feel puzzled by the calmness in his demeanor.
Erick had anticipated a reaction from Lord, expecting unease or concern. However, the absence of any visible distress from Lord sent a cold shiver down Erick's spine. Unable to comprehend Lord's behavior, Erick decided to focus on delivering his speech to the assembly, "Our journey is twofold – to retrieve the relic hidden between dimensions and to ensure everyone safety as we will be facing not only the party of kingdom of Frostholm and Emberfall but also the shadow enclave, known for their sinister intentions and cunning tactics. Each of us, whether a mage, a swordsman plays a crucial role in this mission."
Erick took a moment to brief the selected individuals on the specific roles they would play in the mission. He proceeded to name of ten high mages, ten swordmaster, and five high healers, assigning each of them the responsibility to bring a young heir or their disciple along. The mages were tasked with enhancing the group's magical defenses and unraveling any arcane barriers they might encounter. The swordmasters were designated as the frontline defenders, their expertise crucial in facing the unpredictable and formidable creatures that lurked within the dark forest. Erick's attention then turned to the five high healers, stressing the importance of their role in ensuring the physical well-being of the expedition. Their skills would be essential in mending injuries sustained during encounters with the mystical denizens of the forest or any unforeseen challenges along the way.
He handed the prepared list to Lord, instructing him to provide magical items tailored to each individual's abilities. These items, enchanted to enhance their wielders' strengths, would prove invaluable in the treacherous journey that lay ahead.
With a final call for unity and cooperation, Erick asked everyone to convene in front of the capital gate within an hour. Little did they know, an uninvited guest was clandestinely observing their meeting, an unforeseen presence skilled enough to elude the swordmasters and high-ranking mages.