Alaric
Class: Ranger Warrior
Level: 7
Main Skills:
* Weapon Mastery: Expert in longsword combat and dueling. Proficient with bows and throwing knives.
* Wilderness Survival: Knows how to read the signs of the forest, track creatures, and find safe paths in dangerous environments.
* Trap Detection: Can spot and disarm hidden traps, a vital skill for navigating ancient ruins.
* Increased Endurance: Can endure long marches and prolonged battles without tiring.
Attributes:
* Strength: 16 (Physically powerful, capable of strong strikes)
* Dexterity: 14 (Quick and agile, useful for dodging and slipping through tight spaces)
* Constitution: 15 (Resistant to injuries and poisons)
* Intelligence: 12 (Insightful, able to solve puzzles and devise combat strategies)
* Wisdom: 13 (Good sense and ability to read others' intentions)
* Charisma: 10 (Natural authority but not necessarily charismatic)
Kael
Class: Sorcerer
Level: 6
Main Skills:
* Light and Illusion Spells: Can create blinding lights and illusions to disorient enemies.
* Magic Shield: Able to cast a protective spell that absorbs physical and magical attacks up to a certain point.
* Elemental Manipulation: Can control simple elements like fire and ice, but with limited power at his current level.
* Magical Knowledge: Knows about magical creatures and ancient artifacts, useful for deciphering magical texts and identifying objects.
Attributes:
* Strength: 8 (Physically weak)
* Dexterity: 12 (Quick with his hands for casting spells)
* Constitution: 10 (Average endurance)
* Intelligence: 18 (Very intelligent, master of the arcane)
* Wisdom: 14 (Knowledgeable in magical arts and able to sense danger)
* Charisma: 13 (Able to persuade others with his knowledge and mystical presence)
Lira
Class: Scout Archer
Level: 6
Main Skills:
* Shooting Accuracy: Capable of shooting with great precision, even in difficult conditions.
* Keen Vision: Can see in the dark and see through illusions and magical disguises.
* Stealth: Expert in stealth movements, able to move undetected.
* Herbalism: Knows medicinal and toxic plants, useful for healing wounds and preparing poisons.
Attributes:
* Strength: 11 (Moderately strong)
* Dexterity: 17 (Extremely agile and fast)
* Constitution: 12 (Good endurance)
* Intelligence: 13 (Capable of complex strategies and making quick decisions)
* Wisdom: 15 (Ability to stay calm under pressure and make wise decisions)
* Charisma: 10 (Average level of persuasion, prefers action over words)
----------------------------------------
The sun slowly sets behind the mountains, casting a golden glow over the dense forest. The ancient trees, tall as towers, sway gently under a nocturnal breeze. On the horizon, I can see the snow-covered peak of the Ebony Mountain, where, according to legend, the last dragon egg rests, an ancient artifact of unimaginable power.
I stand at the edge of a clearing, my hands slightly trembling with excitement. In my worn leather bag, I carry a tattered map I found in the forgotten library of the village. It points to the Ebony Mountain, but the path is filled with dangers: mythical creatures, ancient traps, and mysterious enchantments. Beside me stands Kael, a young sorcerer with a sharp mind, who murmurs incantations to maintain a magical shield around us. Behind me, Lira, an archer with a keen gaze, adjusts her quiver and surveys the surroundings for any potential threats.
Suddenly, a crack sounds in the gloom. Red eyes gleam in the underbrush, and a low growl rises from the creature's throat. Kael grips his magic staff, ready to cast a spell, while Lira draws her bow, an arrow already nocked.
"I think we're not alone," Kael whispers.
Lira throws a quick glance in my direction, waiting for my signal.
I take a deep breath and let out a powerful roar, a primal scream that echoes through the dark forest. The shadow wolves, startled by the sudden noise, immediately turn their attention towards me. Without losing a moment, I start running in the opposite direction of Kael and Lira, hoping to draw the four beasts away from my companions. My rapid steps crush the dead leaves under my boots, and I hear the heavy footsteps of the wolves pursuing me, their growls turning into furious howls.
Behind me, I see Kael raise his staff. He murmurs incantations, and an ethereal light suddenly surrounds him and Lira. In the blink of an eye, they seem to blend into the air, becoming invisible to the wolves. The illusion spell is perfectly cast. Kael and Lira are now hidden, the wolves unaware of their presence.
I keep running, leading the wolves on a wild chase through the forest. My heart races, but my training allows me to maintain a steady pace. The four wolves follow closely, their ragged breaths echoing in the darkness.
Kael, well hidden by his invisibility spell, whispers to Lira, "Get ready. If they scatter, you know what to do."
Lira nods, her bow still ready, even though she is invisible to the predators' eyes.
The wolves, spurred by the hunt, seem closer than ever. They begin to close in on me, one of them lunging to try and bite my leg. Thanks to my dexterity, I make a quick leap to the side, narrowly avoiding its poisoned fangs. I know I need to keep them focused on me, at least until Kael and Lira have a better position.
With the wolves now focused on me, and me alone, I need to decide my next action.
I glance quickly behind me, assessing the distance between the shadow wolves and myself. I need to act fast and smart. I know I can't face them all alone, but I trust in Lira's skills and Kael's magic to balance the battle.
In one smooth motion, I slightly shift my course to face the wolves chasing me. Their eyes glow with a malevolent light in the darkness, and their black fur seems to absorb the surrounding light. I breathe deeply and mentally mark two of the closest wolves, calculating the best approach to fight them head-on. My muscles tense, and I take a defensive stance, ready to face the first wave of attacks.
"Lira, now! Use the enchanted arrows!" I shout, hoping she can hear me.
Invisible to the wolves, Lira nods. With a skillful gesture, she ignites the tips of her arrows with Kael's light magic. The arrows glow with an intense, almost blinding light. She draws her bow with precision, and as the wolves close in on me, she releases two arrows in quick succession.
The arrows whistle through the air, their light piercing the forest's darkness. They hit their targets with deadly accuracy. The first arrow embeds deeply into the flank of a wolf, and a burst of light explodes upon impact, forcing the creature to retreat, howling in pain. The second arrow strikes another wolf in the shoulder, causing another burst of light. The two beasts retreat, disoriented by the intensity of the magical light.
Taking advantage of the wolves' confusion, I lunge forward with renewed speed and strength. My sword glows in the twilight, and I deliver a powerful blow to the first wolf, which rises despite the wound inflicted by Lira. The blade cuts deeply into the dark fur, and I feel the resistance of its muscles under the force of my strike. The wolf howls and tries to bite me, but I am faster. I dodge to the side, avoiding its poisoned fangs.
Meanwhile, the two other wolves, still disoriented by the light of the enchanted arrows, shake furiously, trying to regain their sight and focus. Kael, remaining invisible, begins to prepare another spell, ready to intervene if the situation becomes too dangerous.
I know time is running out, and I need to eliminate these two wolves before the others regain their senses.
Keeping my calm amidst the chaos, I shout to Lira, "Lira, let's finish these off! Use a quick attack, conserve your energy!"
Lira, still hidden by Kael's illusion, nods and moves swiftly to get a better shooting angle. She pulls two arrows from her quiver, this time without the light magic, to conserve her strength. She quickly fires, using her talent for precise and deadly shots.
The arrows fly through the air and hit the two disoriented wolves. One penetrates deeply into a wolf's neck, piercing a vital artery, while the other strikes the second wolf just behind the ear, entering the skull. The wolves collapse, their growls fading with a final breath.
I take advantage of this moment of respite to turn towards the nearest tree, a massive oak with low, sturdy branches. I quickly sheathe my sword and leap towards the lowest branch, pulling myself up with agility. My training as a ranger allows me to climb quickly, and within seconds, I am on a higher branch that gives me a clear view of the clearing and the surroundings.
From this height, I quickly assess the situation. The last two wolves, although still alive, are still slightly blinded by the light magic and move slowly, their senses disturbed. I see Kael further away, focused, ready to cast a spell if necessary. The clearing is surrounded by thick forest, but I notice a slight rocky slope leading to a hill to the north. At the top of this hill, ancient ruins loom, half engulfed by vegetation.
I realize that these ruins could offer a strategic advantage or a temporary shelter, but I first need to deal with the remaining two wolves. Looking around, I also spot several large rocks that could be used for cover or to set an ambush.
The two remaining wolves begin to shake the confusion from their heads and reposition themselves, their predatory instincts slowly returning. They turn towards me again, growling with renewed determination.
From my perch, I observe the two remaining wolves as they slowly regain their senses. Their movements are still clumsy, offering an opening I do not want to miss. In a fluid motion, I draw several throwing knives from my belt, holding them between my fingers, ready to throw. Their weight is familiar and reassuring in my hands.
Aiming at one of the wolves that still seems slightly disoriented, I quickly throw the knives. My precise training and experience allow me to hit the targets with great accuracy. The knives whistle through the air and embed in the wolf's flesh. One knife lodges deeply in its flank, another pierces its shoulder, and the last one strikes just below its eye, causing a cry of pain and rage. The creature staggers, its dark blood mixing with the earth.
Without losing a moment, I jump from the branch, using my momentum and dexterity to land softly on the ground. Sword already drawn in a swift and fluid movement, I rush towards the second wolf. Using my quick step ability, I move with blinding speed, my feet barely visible on the ground, leaving a trail of dust behind me.
The wolf, still in shock from the previous attack, only sees me coming at the last moment. With surgical precision, I aim for one of its vital points, just below the ribcage where the ribs leave a small exposed space. My blade pierces the thick fur and sinks deeply into the beast's body, reaching its heart. A final piercing howl echoes through the forest before the wolf collapses, its glowing eyes losing their light.
I withdraw my sword and turn around, breathing hard but with a sense of triumph. The first wolf, riddled with throwing knives, finally collapses, blood flowing from its multiple wounds.
Lira and Kael emerge from their hiding place, Kael releasing the illusion spell that had concealed them. They approach me, inspecting the wolves' bodies to ensure they are truly dead.
"Well done, Alaric," says Kael, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Those wolves were no easy feat."
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
Lira retrieves her arrows from the wolves' bodies and nods, her expression serious. "We should head towards those ruins you saw up ahead. It might be a good place to rest and evaluate our next move."
I nod, casting a final glance at the inert bodies of the shadow wolves. "Yes, but we must stay on our guard. These ruins could harbor other dangers."
As we approach the mysterious ruins, a palpable tension fills the air. Each step echoes with a strange resonance, as if the ancient stones whispered forgotten secrets. Kael, always sensitive to magic, suddenly stops and raises a hand.
"Wait," he says. "There is a powerful magical energy here. Something protects these ruins, perhaps an ancient enchantment or a trap."
Lira scans the surroundings, her sharp eyes searching for clues in the shadows and collapsed walls. "I don't see anything unusual for now, but we better stay cautious."
Observing the ruins, I notice several possible entrances: a large central arch that seems to be the main entrance, and two smaller passages on the sides, partially covered with debris and vegetation.
We stand before the mysterious ruins, the air heavy with ancient magic. The stone walls, worn by time, are covered with indecipherable carvings and runes that glow faintly in the growing darkness. Lira and Kael await my instructions, each aware of the potential danger.
"These runes...", Kael murmurs as he cautiously approaches a wall. "They seem to belong to an ancient magical language used by the Ash Mages centuries ago, even before the great war of the Western Kingdoms."
Lira, her senses always alert, surveys the surroundings. "Maybe these side passages are less protected by enchantments. They could allow us to enter without triggering anything."
I take a moment to think. The history of the Ash Mages is vaguely familiar to me, powerful sorcerers who ruled a vast territory before mysteriously disappearing after a great magical war against the Western Kingdoms. This war disrupted the world's balance, and its consequences are still felt today in the current geopolitics of different regions.
Rumor has it that the Ash Mages aimed to unleash an ancient entity, a God sleeping in the earth's depths. But no one really knows what happened to them or what they left behind.
The architecture of the ruins seems to confirm this story: a mix of ancient beauty and subtle menace. I can almost feel the echo of spells cast long ago, still resonating in the stone walls.
Before deciding which path to take, I raise my hand to signal my companions to stay still.
"Kael, can you decipher these runes? If we understand their nature, it could give us an advantage," I say, pointing to the carvings on the stone wall in front of us.
Kael approaches cautiously, his staff faintly illuminating the ancient carvings. He waves a hand over them without touching, sensing the residual energy emanating from the stones. The runes glow slightly under the magical light, and a murmur seems to resonate in the air, as if the stones whispered forgotten secrets.
"These runes belong to the ancient language of the Ash Mages," he murmurs. "They are rare, but I studied some of their texts during my years of apprenticeship. Give me a moment."
Kael closes his eyes and begins to murmur incantations in an ancient language, his hands tracing symbols in the air. After a few minutes of intense concentration, the runes begin to shine brighter, a soft blue glow enveloping the wall.
The runes then start to change, transforming into understandable words. Kael reads slowly aloud:
"Only those who seek the truth beyond shadows and fire may pass. Those who enter with ill intent will see their souls burn in the eternal light."
Kael frowns, turning to me. "It’s a warning, Alaric. A test of purity of intent. If we enter with deceit or malice in our hearts, these ruins will consume us."
Lira listens intently, adjusting her quiver on her shoulder. "We are here to discover what lies within these ruins and maybe find something useful for our quest. Our intentions are pure, but will that be enough?"
I ponder for a moment. The ruins could hold treasures and ancient knowledge, but they are also protected by powerful enchantments. I wonder what the Ash Mages wanted to protect or keep secret. Perhaps a powerful object, a source of lost magic, or even forbidden knowledge.
"We must be honest with ourselves," I say calmly. "We don't know what awaits us inside. But if what we seek is truly for a just cause, then these protections shouldn't harm us."
Kael nods, still focused. "I can also cast a protection spell on us before we enter. It could shield us against the most dangerous magical traps."
I look at the side passages, still partially covered with debris and vegetation. If they are also enchanted, it would be wise to take extra precautions.
I take a deep breath, carefully observing the runes on the walls and thinking about the best way to proceed. The message of these ancient carvings is clear: these ruins will not tolerate any deceit or ill intent. The idea of leaving Kael and Lira outside starts to seem like the best decision to minimize risks.
I turn to them, determination in my eyes. "I'm going to go in alone. These ruins seem sensitive to our intentions, and I don't want to risk your lives. Stay here. Keep watch over the entrance, and if I haven't returned in..." I pause, thinking. "In an hour, consider that I've failed. Find a safe way out of here and continue without me."
Kael approaches, his face worried. "You can't do that, Alaric. We're a team. We should face this danger together."
Lira, though agreeing with Kael, also understands the logic behind my decision. "If that's what you want, then we'll stay here. But know that I don't like the idea of letting you go in alone."
I give them a resolute nod and start to remove my weapons. I lay down my longsword, my throwing knives, and even my bow and quiver, leaving my personal belongings on the ground, next to Kael and Lira. By shedding my weapons, I hope to show that I enter the ruins without any hostile intentions, emphasizing my purity of intent.
Before heading to the entrance, Kael murmurs a final incantation and places his hand on my shoulder. "A basic protection spell. It won't last long, but it might give you an extra chance against minor magical traps." I feel a slight warmth envelop my body, a sign that the magic is in place.
I take one last deep breath, slowly heading toward one of the side passages. Heart pounding, I cross the threshold of the ruins. The world seems to hold its breath as I enter, the daylight dimming behind me.
Inside, the air is heavy, filled with a strange blend of ancient magic and dust. The walls are covered with more runes and magical symbols that faintly glow, illuminating my path with a bluish light.
Every step I take seems to echo in the silence, as if the stones themselves were watching my progress. I feel observed, not by physical eyes, but by an intangible presence, something that judges my intentions and heart. I continue to move cautiously, looking for clues about the magic protecting these places.
The corridor splits into several directions, leading deeper into the ruins. I feel a draft coming from the right, a slight breeze that could indicate an exit or a more open space. To the left, a corridor seems to slope downward slightly, leading to a darker area, possibly a chamber or an underground room.
As I proceed, memories start to surface. I recall childhood stories, tales told around the campfire about the Ash Mages and their mysterious downfall. There are also more personal memories, moments of training, difficult choices I had to make to get here. The runes on the walls seem to almost react to my thoughts, their glow intensifying at times.
I decide to stay put, my gaze fixed on the ancient runes and symbols covering the walls around me. Each mark seems to vibrate with a subtle energy, as if they were alive and reacting to my presence. I take a few moments to calm myself, listening to the heavy silence that fills the air. The ruins seem to be waiting for something, a sort of response or action from me.
I know that the magic of the Ash Mages is powerful and enigmatic, capable of discerning the true intentions of those who dare to enter their sanctuaries. I close my eyes, breathing deeply, and focus on my motivations. Why am I really here? Is it truly the quest for knowledge, or is there another, darker reason pushing me to explore this place?
After a moment of reflection, I open my eyes again and, with a clear and honest voice, I say aloud: "My intentions may not be as pure as I thought. Yes, I am driven by curiosity. I want to learn the history of this place, understand the hidden secrets here, and discover what the Ash Mages were protecting. My desire to know more is driven by personal interest, a thirst for knowledge, and perhaps even to take advantage of what I might find here."
The words echo through the corridors of the ruins, and for a moment, there is only silence. Then, slowly, I feel a vibration beneath my feet, as if the walls were reacting to my confession. The runes start to glow more intensely, their bluish light intensifying, and a strange warmth fills the air, as if an invisible presence weighed down on me.
Suddenly, an ethereal voice resonates in the corridor, deep and distant, like an echo from a distant past. "Those who seek with a desire to learn, and not out of greed, may still be judged worthy... Approach with sincerity."
The runes in front of me suddenly part, revealing a secret passage that slowly opens in the stone wall. A staircase leading down to a soft, golden light appears, inviting but also mysterious. The magical presence that weighed on me seems to calm, as if my words had been heard and judged sincere. Perhaps the history of these ruins will be revealed to me, not because of my purity of intent, but because I was honest about my quest for knowledge.
My heart beats faster, torn between apprehension and excitement at the thought of discovering what lies beyond this newly revealed passage. The words of the mysterious voice still echo in my mind, reminding me that each step must be taken with caution and sincerity.
Deciding to proceed with caution, I stand before the secret passage, my mind alert and my body tense. I know that these ruins are not to be taken lightly and that each decision could have profound consequences. Taking a deep breath, I focus on every visible detail around me.
The steps of the descending staircase seem ancient but well-constructed, with smooth edges worn by time. The stones forming the walls of the passage are engraved with more runes, more complex than those I saw at the entrance. They are interwoven, forming circular patterns that repeat, like a kind of visual language that could be an ancient spell or a warning.
I lean closer, examining the engravings more closely. Some runes resemble those I saw at the entrance, but there are others, smaller and more detailed, that I have never seen before. It's possible that these new runes serve a different function – perhaps protective spells or magical preservation marks to maintain the integrity of the ruins.
Focusing further, I also notice small red crystal inlays in some of the stones. They glimmer faintly, almost imperceptibly, emitting a faint reddish glow. They could serve as a source of magical energy, powering the runes or activating a spell if the passage is crossed by those deemed unworthy.
Cautiously, I extend my hand toward the walls without touching them and use my trap-detection ability. My training allows me to sense subtle fluctuations in magical energy, and I feel a slight pulse in the crystals, confirming they are active and ready to trigger something if an intruder disturbs them.
I step back slightly, satisfied that I took the time to observe. It seems the passage is secure, as long as I do not disturb the runes or crystals. This information could be valuable for Kael, who might have a better idea of the exact nature of the protections.
I close my eyes for a moment, mentally visualizing everything I have observed: the ancient staircase, the interwoven complex runes, the circular patterns, and the glimmering red crystals. Every detail is etched in my mind, ready to be described to Kael with precision.
I turn toward the exit of the ruins and cautiously make my way to the entrance. As I emerge into the daylight, Kael and Lira turn to me, a mix of relief and curiosity on their faces.
"Alaric! What happened in there?" Lira asks, her bow still within reach.
I take a second to breathe, then I share what I discovered with Kael and Lira, detailing the secret passage, the runes, and the red crystals. Kael listens intently, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
"Interwoven circular runes and red crystals?" he murmurs. "That’s fascinating. These crystals are probably magical amplifiers, powering the rune spells. And the circular patterns... they could indicate protection against wandering spirits or a barrier against ill-intentioned intruders."
Lira listens carefully, but her gaze remains fixed on the ruins. "So, it's safe to go down as long as we don't touch anything?"
I nod. "Exactly. But we must stay on our guard. There could be other protections further inside."
Kael stands up straight, clearly thrilled by the discovery. "We must explore this passage, but with caution. It could contain ancient knowledge or lost magical items."
Before continuing our exploration of the ruins, I take a moment to assess the situation and make sure everyone is ready, both physically and mentally, to face the potential dangers ahead.
I turn to Kael and Lira, giving them a serious look. "Before we go any further, I want to know how you're feeling. We've faced dangers, and these ruins aren't a place to take unnecessary risks. If either of you is tired or feels exhausted, we should rest. And if you're ready to continue, we should get rid of our weapons. It's better to avoid giving an impression of threat here."
Lira takes a deep breath, briefly closing her eyes as if to gauge her condition. "I feel fine, Alaric. Physically, I have no major injuries and I can still fight if needed. But... psychologically, it's another story. These ruins emit a strange aura. They make me nervous, as if they're trying to tell us something, but I don't know what."
Kael nods in agreement, his gaze shifting from the runes around us to me. "I agree with Lira. My magical energy is still sufficient for a few spells if needed, but there's something unsettling about this place. These ruins are ancient and seem to watch every move, as if they have a consciousness of their own. Still, I'm ready to continue. My curiosity is piqued, and I want to know what lies here. It's not just a quest for knowledge, but a chance to understand a forgotten era."
I listen to them carefully, considering their words. I know Kael is a seeker of knowledge, always looking for ancient magic and secrets of the past, while Lira is more pragmatic, focusing on the team's survival and safety.
"And you, Lira?" I ask, trying to understand her motivations. "What drives you to want to enter these ruins despite the risks?"
Lira crosses her arms and thinks for a moment before responding. "For me, it's about the quest for a purpose. We've traveled together for a long time, seeking answers, treasures, and hidden truths. But beyond that, I want to make sure we stay safe. And if these ruins hold something that could help us or pose a threat, then I want to know what it is. I'm ready to go in, but I don't want us to take unnecessary risks."
Kael nods, seemingly approving of Lira's caution. "For me, it's the opportunity to learn. These ruins are linked to the ancient magic of the Ash Mages, and if we can uncover their secrets, it could not only enrich our quest but also provide knowledge that has been lost for centuries."
I reflect on their answers, sensing the determination in their voices. They are tired but ready to continue, motivated by a mix of curiosity, caution, and hope. I know it's important to respect their motivations and work together to explore these ruins.
"Very well," I finally say. "We'll go in, but we must exercise the utmost caution. And as I said, we'll leave our weapons here. Let's hide them well so they aren't stolen during our exploration."
We find a discreet spot, under a thick layer of vegetation, to hide our weapons. I make sure everything is well concealed before we all head towards the entrance of the ruins.
Together, without weapons and with determined hearts, we prepare to descend into the secret passage, ready to discover the mysteries that lie beyond...