As they delved deeper into the narrow cave, sunlight streaming in from above illuminated Valicar’s path. Despite its cramped confines, the cave seemed to descend further into the earth, and with each step Mike took, the elevation seemed to rise incrementally.
After a minute of navigating the winding passages, they arrived at a spacious chamber bathed in a soft, pale blue glow. Intricate carvings adorned the walls, portraying armored figures locked in fierce combat with towering, almost monstrous foes—abnormal humans. Dominating the scene was a majestic blue dragon, its form looming large, while a man clad in golden armor brandished a flaming purple sword.
“Wow, look at that. Kind of reminds me of Alduin's wall,” Sophia remarked, her eyes scanning the intricate artwork.
Surprisingly, Mike caught the reference this time. “Why? Because they’re fighting a dragon?”
Sophia couldn't resist teasing her brother. "Wow, I'm surprised you made it that far. Did you ever beat the game?”
Mike scoffed, “Who has time to beat the whole game anyway? No, I never killed him, but who knows? Maybe we can take on a real dragon now.” His tone was playful.
Traversing along the wall, they ventured deeper into the chamber to investigate. “We must be in some kind of ruin. And where the hell is that light coming from?” mused Sophia.
The answer became apparent when they looked up. Suspended from thick golden chains was a display made of gold and glass. There it was: Blue Dawn, the legendary sword. Said to have been dipped in the blood of a dragon, it gleamed with blue flames, its hilt adorned with gold, and its silver blade shimmering like moonlight.
“Holy shit… How do we get it down?” Mike began to jump for it, although the box was well over 50 feet in the air.
“Mike, knock it off. There has to be another test around here somewhere.” Sophia urged him to stop, her voice tinged with exasperation.
“Oh, fine. But if we don’t get it soon, I’m smashing shit till it falls.” Mike relented, walking around the chamber. They noticed more carvings and what appeared to be words written in some places.
“Wait, Mike, let me try that spell,” Sophia suggested, casting the incantation "Albox Vaenlox." Suddenly, the words became clear to her, just like when they were first born into the world, her magic at work yet again.
Despite the newfound understanding, the context seemed confusing, akin to a poorly written poem. But after several minutes, it began to make sense, albeit with some details lost on her.
“Mike, these aren’t human ruins—they're dwarvish!! Fucking dwarves actually lived here, can you believe it?” Sophia exclaimed, excitement coursing through her. Ignoring Mike's growing questions, she delved deeper into the revelations of the dwarven origins.
Sophia's discovery filled her with excitement as she shared the story. “It’s a tale of the human Empire to the south. They waged a holy war to purge magic, clashing with the dwarves for centuries until the dwarves were driven from the continent. Those who remained met their end nearby, attempting but failing to unlock the door, I guess, so who knows how ancient this thing really is.”
While thrilled to learn about the existence of demi-humans in this magical world, Sophia couldn't shake off the disheartening reality of their tragic fate.
Mike, however, remained less enthusiastic. “Why are you so excited about dwarves? Aren't they just shorter humans? Besides, I’m not surprised people in this shit hole are bigoted toward them, but full-on genocide is just beyond the pale.”
Sophia's excitement won out over the grim mood as she delved deeper into the story. "There's more. The human Empire's war took a turn when someone called 'the Pillar' emerged. It seems like a pivotal moment in the conflict. As for what's behind the door, it's a bit confusing. It could be their inventions or perhaps ancient treasures. But there's also mention of necromancers hiding something behind it. And get this—the Pillar was apparently searching for this place but never found it.... and something about demons."
Mike scratched his head, trying to make sense of it all. "So, what you're saying is that we stumbled upon some ancient battlegrounds, possibly filled with dwarven inventions, old treasures, and whatever the hell necromancers are hiding. Along with being hunted for our magic just like these poor bastards. Great. Just our luck, huh?" He grimaced and let out a chuckle.
Sophia’s excitement dimmed slightly, a shadow crossing her features. “You said there would be cool shit, so sorry to disappoint. The empire and church have stood for over a thousand years. I guess you don’t survive that long without doing some evil shit to stay in power.” Sophia cringed at the thought of the government that overlooked their country.
As they moved along the wall, they discovered a map of what could only be the known world. It was vastly different from Earth, with five continents roughly the same size, each positioned in a cardinal direction—North, South, East, and West. The one they were currently occupying was in the middle, known as the central continent.
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“It looks like a map some lazy Dungeon Master stole from a bad anime,” Sophia said unimpressed.
“At least it’s simple. I mean, look at the names. Who the fuck names a continent the western continent? Like, what if there is one farther west of that one? Would it be the westernmost west continent?” Mike snickered at his joke.
“It looks like the map has a trail that leads to the eastern and southern continents. Maybe that’s where the dwarves fled to.”
Before Mike could respond, GG flew into the cave, dropping fish at their feet before landing on top of the display holding Blue Dawn. “That is a map to the final key, Pipsqueak. Yet, it will be a few years before you could make a journey like that to the land of the elves and magic.”
Sophia couldn’t contain her delight. “Of course elves existed! Why didn’t I think about it? If dwarfs are real, elves have to exist too.” Now it was Sophia’s turn to jump for joy, much like Mike’s prize. However, it would be years until they could reach it.
“Yes, they exist, and trust me, their stuck-up asses won’t put up with a pipsqueak like you until you can back up your words with some raw power, which you currently lack,” GG stated plainly.
“So hurry up and unlock my sword, bird. No one will be able to challenge me once I wield it!” Mike exclaimed eagerly.
GG’s laughter rang out in the massive chamber, causing it to echo. “Haha! That sword would cook you to a crisp the second it leaves its prison. At least until you can control its power, it stays put,” GG stated firmly.
Mike, irritated by this revelation, yelled, “And how long will that fucking take? There's someone I have to save, and I don’t have time for all this bullshit! I’ve already put up with you for a week, GG, so stop fucking with me!”
All playfulness left GG’s face as he replied solemnly, “Listen to me, Valicar! I have no doubt you will inherit my master's legacy. But if you go running off to challenge the greater powers of this world, you will find yourself in an early grave. Valicar, you have the potential to surpass those who came before you and become a true legend, but there is something you should know first.”
Mike, now attentive, absorbed GG’s tale about their family. They hailed from a noble house called Norail from the Empire to the south. Their great-grandfather, Dullen, was the firstborn son of House Norail. He brought his son to this remote village only after their great-uncle, Valicar, started to show signs of having Mana. Fearing for his son's safety and the survival of House Norail if the church ever found out, he passed on his role to his brother, the second son. Dullen left his lands and titles behind him. After his previous wife died in childbirth, he remarried in the small village to their great-grandmother. They had another child, Valicar's brother, who was named Keldance. Keldance had his son, Theodore, when he was young and passed away while Valicar was off adventuring, making Valicar the twins' great-uncle. Valicar's father, Dullen, was already an old man when they had moved here, and he had also died years ago. Valicar collected one of the keys, Blue Dawn, and had left it here when he died, joining his brother and father. The sword was returned by GG after his passing to look for the next heir in the family, it was the only mark that his grave was here since the body could not be retrieved.
“So what’s behind the door?” Sophia fixated on the mysterious vault.
“No fucking idea, but Valicar was obsessed with opening it. Half the shit we did was for the funds just to keep exploring. I mean, you know we stole that sword from Ignial's horde, right?” GG explained nonchalantly.
Sophia’s mouth dropped. “You stole it from a dragon!”
GG chuckled once more. “Yes, and quite a bit more. But we didn't start there. Valicar began with simple guild missions, slaying goblins and bandits, as you should. You know magic and demi-humans are hunted in this land, but that doesn't mean they have completely vanished.” GG's advice lingered as the twins contemplated their next move.
“I don’t have time for that, GG. It’s already been a week, and I've done nothing!” Mike retorted with frustration.
GG sighed heavily. “Then go to the city of Drisco. It’s a shit hole to the south, but you may find answers about your loved one's whereabouts there. Although, I fear it may be too late. Once you're satisfied with what you find, return here to continue your journey.”
Sophia interjected this time, her voice tinged with concern. “Is there nothing more you can do, GG?”
The bird looked solemn. “I’m sorry, Val. There's nothing more I can do other than guide you. I can't leave this mountain without losing my intelligence now that your uncle is dead. But this place is your home now, and you can practice your magic here without worry of the church.”
Valicar looked as if she had given up hope. “However, I do sense great power coming from that book you carry. Its power is dark, but magic is never truly evil. Like any other tool, it is about how you wield it. So study hard. I will be here when you return.”
With that, Valicar stood and left the cave, taking nothing but the fish GG had brought and Sophia's trusty grimoire.
“Well, that was a waste of time,” Mike grumbled. “All we learned is that the Empire fucking sucks, and there are some super weapons locked up until that bird thinks we're ready. So what now, Soph?”
Despite the disappointment, Sophia remained optimistic. “We got to learn about our family’s origins at least. We should make a stop there eventually and see what they have been up to. For now, let’s head to town. Maybe we can catch Alexandra’s trail, and I can study while we walk.”
The arduous journey took them well over two weeks. They had to backtrack at times to avoid Templar scouts, nearly stumbling upon one as they neared their village. Finding food and water proved challenging, adding to the length of their travels until they finally reached a road.
“Finally!! I fucking hate the woods!” Sophia exclaimed with relief, glad to be walking on a flat surface at last.
“What are you complaining about? I had to do all the walking as per usual,” Mike teased, though his own fatigue was evident.
“Hey, we still share the same feet, so I'm just as sore as you, Mike, hmph!” Sophia retorted dramatically.
After another hour of walking, they caught sight of the city walls for the first time. Twenty feet high, constructed of stone, and thick enough to support the men walking atop them.
“Finally, civilization!” Valicar exclaimed, sprinting toward the gatehouse, all soreness forgotten in the excitement of their arrival.