G ran toward the hallway leading to the Sphinx and the magical door it stood guard over for many centuries. Tocai had said it wanted to leave, and G could certainly use the help, but how would this thing leave? He didn't think he could put it in his inventory, even if he could figure out how to use Tocai to get it off the ground. On top of the limited space left in there, he also strongly suspected it was alive enough that the inventory magic would reject it.
He came to the large arched entrance, pausing. "Bitsy, stay here, please. "said G. She looked at him but stood there watching him as he entered the chamber.
The room beyond was darker than the forge area, and his eyes needed to adjust to the lack of lichen-emitted light. The Guardian became visible where it had been sitting when G had left here a few days ago.
G approached the Guardian construct, a towering, metallic behemoth. "Greetings, Guardian," he said. "You requested to speak with me?"
The Guardian nodded. "Yes, I have a request of you, G. I would like to accompany you on your journey. I wish for you to take me from here."
G raised an eyebrow. "You? And why would I need a guardian construct to accompany me? And why can't you just leave on your own?"
The Guardian leaned forward. "Because I have been tasked with guarding the dwarven forge for centuries, and my duty has come to an end. I have grown tired of standing in one place and desire to see the worlds beyond these walls. I can not just leave, I do not possess the same will as dwarves, elves, or humans. If I were to truly free myself from here, I would be just another mana spirit, as you saw when the spiderling constructs were destroyed. Free to leave, but not with the memories or thoughts I possess now. I would be…. less."
"And you can not just walk out or climb out? "asked G.
The Sphinx turned to look at the open entranceway. "I can not pass that threshold in this form. The magic is quite strong."
G thought about this as the silence dragged on awkwardly, "I see. And why should I take you with me?"
"Because I can be a valuable asset to you," the Guardian replied. "I contain extensive knowledge of the dwarven craft, and I possess considerable strength and durability. I can help you in your quests, and in return, you can help me achieve my desire for freedom."
G crossed his arms. "I'm not sure. How do I know you won't turn against me or just wander off and cause great destruction once I free you from this place?"
The Guardian's voice boomed. "Do not insult my honor, elf. I have faithfully served my duty for centuries and have no reason to betray you. My desire for freedom does not outweigh my duty to serve and protect. You have little time to make your decision, the creatures that inhabit Mirbor have come to the doorway above in force, and several magicians are among them."
The Sphinx had the key to leave but stayed here to fulfill his mission. Yeah, G could use someone like that, not just here, but anywhere, really.
G looked at the door he had opened with the small cube he had assembled just days before, "What happens if I pull that cube? Does it close the door? "
"It would, " replied the Guardian.
G looked at the Guardian with concern, "I'm afraid I won't be able to bring you along on this journey. You are a large construct, and there's no way to get you up the elevator or stairs."
The Guardian paused for a moment before replying, "I understand this problem. However, there is a way for me to join you on your journey. I can be removed from this particular construct and exist as a mana spirit control crystal."
G raised an eyebrow in surprise, "What is that exactly?"
In the dimly lit expanse of the chamber, the Guardian's voice resonated deeply, echoing off the stone walls. "Each construct," it began, "is empowered by a mana-infused control crystal. This crystal not only fuels our functions but also preserves our memories." The ancient construct's eyes glowed with a faint light, emphasizing the importance of its revelation. Its metal form, towering and imposing, stood as an example of centuries of arcane craftsmanship.
G, listening intently, furrowed his brow in concentration. "How do I extract the control crystal?" he asked, his voice echoing slightly in the vast chamber. The importance of preserving the Guardian's memories weighed heavily on him, sensing the gravity of what might be lost should the crystal be damaged.
The Guardian extended a clawed front paw, revealing a small key hanging from a loop beneath its metal chin. "There is a panel on my back," it explained, the key glimmering with a soft mana aura, "where the control crystal is securely housed. This key," it continued, handing it over to G, "was given to me by the dwarf master before his descent into madness. It was meant to ensure that the crystal could either be removed for safety or to prevent the key from falling into the wrong hands. Perhaps it was meant for both reas…."
A loud metal ratcheting noise pierced the quiet, followed by the slamming of a heavy door. G's head snapped towards the source of the sound, the chute on the far wall of the chamber. Two shadowy figures, a pair of goblins, tumbled out, sprawling across the stone floor with a clatter of arms and armor.
Without hesitation, G raised his hand, channeling newly his learned spell, Thornburst Lance. The air around him crackled with the vibrant energy of Life mana as he conjured a sharp, barbed thorn. With a flick of his wrist, the thorn shot toward the first goblin at blistering speed, striking with deadly precision. The initial impact was brutal; the thorn pierced through armor and flesh, embedding deeply. Over the next few seconds, the thorn grew, burrowing and expanding within its targets, causing increasing agony and damage as each second passed. The goblin fell to its knees and then to the floor as G sent another one at the second goblin.
More enemies poured through the chute, goblins and hobgoblins landed with heavy thuds on the floor of the chamber, their numbers swelling quickly. G scanned the overwhelming influx, his mind racing.
The Sphinx, its voice calm amidst the storm, "More come, we should leave, magic will restrain me from assisting you until I have asked them their purpose. I believe that will be too late for both of us." Realizing the futility of standing his ground, G decided it was time to run.
The Guardian's eyes flared with an intense blue light as the new waves of goblins and hobgoblins fell into the chamber. The Guardian unleashed a potent wave of mind magic, sweeping across the assailants. Almost instantly, the creatures froze mid-stride, their bodies locked in place by the paralyzing spell. Two fell over. The chamber was filled with a sudden, eerie stillness as the creatures stood immobilized, caught in the invisible grip of the Guardian's power.
G, meanwhile, grappled with the Guardian's back panel. Now slick with nervous sweat, his fingers struggled against the smooth, cold metal. "I'm trying, but it's stuck," he grunted, frustration mounting, each second that ticked by brought them closer to potential disaster.
"Quickly, G," the Guardian urged, its voice steady yet filled with an edge of urgency. "More come, we must leave this place. Take my head with you so we may converse at a later time." Motivated by the Guardian's insistence, G doubled his efforts, pulling at the mechanism with renewed vigor. With a final, forceful twist, he heard the satisfying release of the catch, and the panel swung open to reveal the glowing control crystal nestled within.
"Really? Now your head, too?" asked G, clearly frustrated with this new request.
Tocai responded, "Yes, his voice is in the head. He probably can't do anything without some host, just like me."
G huffed and moved around, gripping the sides of the head that had loosened when the spirit crystal had been removed. One of its teeth dug into his duster's sleeve.
The relative silence following the paralyzing spell was soon broken by another disturbance at the chute. This time, ropes were thrown down, and figures descended with fluid, menacing grace. These were not goblins, but dark elves, with eyes glowing red and bodies clad in a mix of leather and silk armor, made their way into the chamber. Two of the elves, clearly powerful casters, began chanting arcane spells, their voices weaving complex magical weaves.
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G observed as the other two dark elves took a moment to assess the chaotic scene before them. Their gaze lingered on G, the immobile goblins, and the imposing figure of the Guardian. The tension in the air thickened, charged with the potential for violence at any moment.
The metal spiders, previously dormant along the chamber's walls, sprang into action. Propelled by some unseen signal, they leaped toward the intruders, their metallic limbs glinting in the dim light. The chamber erupted into chaos once again as the spiders clashed with the newly arrived dark elves and goblins, providing an unexpected distraction.
With the dark elves momentarily occupied, G returned his attention to the Guardian. He gripped the head firmly, bracing himself against the massive form of the construct. With a powerful yank, the manacing-looking Sphinx head broke free, accompanied by a loud clang and a cascade of sparks from severed magical connections. Triumphantly, he hoisted the head, now surprisingly light, and used it as a makeshift shield.
Having dealt with the immediate threat of the nearer two spiders with relative ease, the two assassin-like dark elves turned their attention back to G. They advanced, their movements sleek and deadly. G brandished the Guardian's head, hoping to intimidate or at least distract them. The intricate metalwork of the head gleamed menacingly as Tocai analyzed them.
Dark Pathway's Shadow Elf
Level: 12
Hitpoint: 140
Mana: 420
The Shadow Elves are a mysterious class of Dark Elves that have mastered both the art of magic and stealth. They are known for their exceptional skills in assassination, combat, infiltration, and illusion. Their agility and dexterity make them perfect candidates for the role of assassins, spies, and saboteurs. Shadow Elves are also powerful spellcasters, able to harness the dark energies of the Underworld to devastating effect.
Appearance: Shadow Elves are slender and agile, with dark purple skin and hair that ranges from black to silver. They have pointed ears and piercing, reddish feline-like eyes that glow with an eerie light in the dark. They wear tight-fitting black silk and black chain armor that provides both protection and flexibility. Their weapons are also made of black metal, which they enchant with dark magic.
Abilities: Shadow Elves have exceptional stealth and agility, allowing them to move quietly and swiftly through shadows and darkness. They can blend in with their surroundings, becoming nearly invisible to the naked eye. Their magical abilities allow them to create illusions and deceive their enemies, making them even deadlier in combat. They are masters of both evocation and necromancy, able to cast spells that can cripple or kill their foes.
Weapons: Shadow Elves prefer weapons that are lightweight and concealable. They often carry a pair of curved daggers, which are perfect for close-quarters combat. They are also proficient with short bows and crossbows, which they use to take down their enemies from a distance. Their weapons are always enchanted with dark magics, which enhances their effectiveness in combat.
The dark elf casters, now assisted by the goblins and hobgoblins, continued their battle with the remaining spiders. The chaos provided by the fighting goblins and descending hobgoblins filled the chamber with clashes and magical bursts, followed by a low boom as one of the spiders exploded into bits causing may in the chamber to cover their ears.
Seizing the opportunity, G sprinted towards the chamber's giant door, where the control mechanism, the cube, waited in its floor indentation. His heart pounded as he darted across the stone floor, the sounds of battle echoing behind him. Reaching the cube, he yanked it from its place, triggering the massive door's closing sequence. The stone groaned and began moving slowly, gaining momentum as the door inched toward closure. G jumped to the other side of its threshold and turned.
As the gap narrowed, G prepared himself for a last stand. He cast brambles across the area just beyond the swinging doors. He readied another spell, his fingers tingling with the buildup of magical energy. He had an advantage. He was certain Ryan had told them not to kill him and to take him alive. Wound him, sure, but kill him? He doubted it.
G saw the two dark elves rushing towards the door, their faces set with determination and rage as they danced through the brambles, which didn't seem to slow them much. However, the closing stone proved too quick, and with a definitive boom, the door sealed shut, cutting him off from his pursuers.
Leaning against the now-closed door, G exhaled a long, slow breath. The resonant boom of the stone reverberated through the chamber. Behind the barrier, the muffled sounds of ongoing conflict gradually diminished, enveloping G in sudden, profound silence.
His last visual exchange with the lead dark elf was vivid in his memory. Her fierce, red eyes seemed to promise that this confrontation was far from over. Indeed, if Phan bore any resemblance to those two when angered, G would be wise to avoid her wrath at all costs. He noticed something else: the two dark elves here carried daggers whose hilts looked much like Phans.
He placed the Sphinx's metal head into his inventory and secured the spirit crystal in a newly formed pouch adjacent to Tocai's spot on his belt. This pouch was seamlessly integrated into the belt without any openings, a design that would thwart any pickpockets.
He quickly stowed the cube and gathered essential smithing tools, hammer, chisel, and several rusty ingots, into his inventory, urging Bitsy to follow. He had been thrilled that she had stayed behind the door where he asked her to stay.
G cast his travel spells and activated his dark elf disguise again.
"Let's move it, we are going up," said G as he jumped onto the lift, moving out of the way for Bitsy to follow. He closed the small gate and pushed the lever, sending them up into the unknowns of the upper mines.
They traveled upward for a while. G wasn't sure how such a lift could function. He was interested in finding out if he ever had time, but he didn't. They bypassed three platforms that seemed like former stops, perhaps where dwarfs had once operated additional forges, now lying abandoned. Eventually, they reached the top of the lift, arriving at a loading area very similar to the one above the mushroom forest, with more tunnels branching off in three directions. Consulting his map, G found they were a couple of levels below the top of the sewers, placing them near Muck Town, just outside the city walls. He looked at the tunnels again and hooked the lift to the platform with a rusty chain, hoping to delay any pursuers who would now have to use the stairs, and there were many.
As G proceeded through the tunnels, he noticed the walls were adorned with intricate carvings, and in some places, he felt a faint magical energy emanating from them. He encountered a large stone door in the underground passage that seemed out of place. The door's archway was covered in ominous carvings, and G could feel dark magic pulsating from it. A tall shield with dwarven symbols was oddly positioned as if leaning against nothing, braced against the archway.
The closer they got to the sealed doorway, the stronger the feeling of malignance and anger became. G could feel it in his bones, a palpable sense of unease that made him want to turn and run in the opposite direction. But he knew he couldn't. He had to keep moving forward, even as his stomach churned with fear.
He approached the door cautiously, and as he did, he heard a faint groaning noise from behind it. It was still dwarvish carvings, but this was unlike anything he had seen so far. This entrance was open with two large carved dwarven statues, one on each side of the door. Each held a staff he could see with his magic sight magic flowing from the stone staff into the door. The dwarven faces had a look of determination and anger. Their bears swept back across their chests at an angle as if a great wind gushed from the room. G couldn't feel any wind and couldn't see beyond the entrance. The room was in a shadow that hummed with a dark mana that G had never seen before.
Tocai spoke, "The Guardian says those statues guard this place. They held it so others could escape the city. They were once dwarven enchanters, alive like any other."
"What do you mean?" asked G.
There was a long pause before Tocai continued, "Before when the dwarves operated the mine and forge, this center of trade was Mirbor's lifeline. The Orb I now inhabit was much as I am now. The Orb and the Sphinx were both crafted by the same artisans; the Guardian was meant to protect the forge, and the Orb was to empower the city's master smiths to create the weapons and armor needed to keep the city and its people safe. However, disaster struck when they went too far, attempting to infuse magic into a new metal discovered in the mines, a metal unlike any they had seen before, which resisted and rebelled against the magic. One among them, a cleric, had warned against pursuing this endeavor, but the craft guild was blinded by ambitions of becoming the most powerful and renowned among all dwarven craftsmen. They weren't after wealth or gold, but power and fame."
"The cleric warned that their gods disapproved and urged them to rebury the metal and forget about it. The explosion that destroyed the Orb also transformed it into an embodiment of rage and destruction. Dozens of dwarven enchanters died trying to seal the creature here, in this very spot, hoping to buy their fellow dwarves time to escape the city of Mirbor. Like the Sphinx, the creature has been trapped here alone in the dark for many cycles. The spirit in there used to have another name, but in the end, they simply referred to him as 'Aevum Malum', eternal evil. It's wrong, you know."
"What? What is wrong? Is he the Sphinx's evil brother?" asked G.
Tocai's deep voice carried a sad undertone, "The Guardian says, No, he is not inherently evil, he is just angry and hurt. He killed many people. He lost his mind. I've talked to him a few times over the centuries. He was one of the few beings I could still communicate with after the dwarves left. Let us free him; he has endured enough at the hands of the dwarves."
Tocai spoke frantically after repeating what the guardian crystal relayed, "That's a bad idea, G. I can feel it. Aevum Malum wants the Orb back. I will not survive without the Orb. It is a part of me."
G nodded, "I agree with Tocai. I don't think freeing an angry, insane, magical spirit is going to be a good thing for us."
G felt something akin to an exasperated sigh from the spirit crystal on his belt, and Tocai relayed its response, "I understand your concerns, but I believe it is the right thing to do. Aevum Malum has suffered long enough and deserves a chance at freedom." Suddenly, a beam of light shot from G's belt where the crystal resided, and a sound of cracking echoed through the tunnel. The polished stone staff held by the rightmost dwarf statue cracked, and a piece fell to the floor with a crash much louder than its size would suggest. The shield dropped to the ground.
"Hey, no, don't. Put it back," shouted G.
Tocai repeated what the Guardian said next, "You should run," was all it said.
The statue of the dwarf began to crack, with snaps and crackles emanating from it. G quickly snatched up the shield, put it in his inventory, and sprinted down the tunnel towards Mirbor.