Elara pushed the door open further, revealing a spacious room bathed in a soft purple glow. As she stepped inside, her eyes were drawn to the center of the room, where a large wooden table stood. The table was worn and weathered, its surface marked by countless scratches and dents, a testament to its age and use.

But it was what rested upon the table that truly captured her attention. A circle, crafted from an array of coloured stones, lay at the heart of the table. Each stone was unique, its hue ranging from deep, rich reds to vibrant greens and blues. The stones were arranged in a perfect circle, their edges touching to form an unbroken ring.

And within that ring, a mesmerizing sight: a purple flame danced, its flickering tendrils casting an ethereal glow upon the stones that surrounded it. As she approached the table, she noticed that the flame seemed to respond to her presence. With each step she took, the flame grew brighter, its light intensifying as if it were reaching out to her.

Her heart raced as she drew closer to the table, her eyes fixed upon the enchanting flame. She could feel a slight heat emanating from it, a warmth that seemed to permeate the very air around her. And yet, despite its intensity, the flame did not burn or consume the stones that held it. The entity danced as if it had a mind of its own, alive and breathing.

As she tore her gaze away from the enchanting flame, she began to take in the rest of the room. Her eyes were drawn to the right side, where a series of stone compartments lined the walls. Each compartment was adorned with intricate carvings and ornate embellishments, their designs so detailed and precise that they seemed to come alive in the flickering light of the purple flame.

Elara approached the compartments, her fingers tracing the smooth, cold surface of the stone. The carvings were unlike anything she had ever seen before, their patterns and symbols foreign, yet strangely alluring. As she moved from one compartment to the next, she noticed that each one was unique, bearing its distinct markings and decorations. The compartments stood tall and imposing, spanning the entire right side of the room. Their presence seemed to dominate the space just by sheer size.

Were they meant for storage, maybe housing ancient artifacts and treasures? Or perhaps they served a more mystical purpose, a place where arcane rituals and ceremonies were performed. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she found herself both intrigued and unsettled. This does not seem like a place where a total novice such as herself should be.

“Maybe there’s something that could explain where I am,” Elara wondered as she reached out and grasped the stone handle of the nearest compartment. Her fingers curled around the cool, smooth surface, and with a deep breath, she pulled, half-expecting resistance. To her surprise, the compartment slid open with unexpected ease. A faint scent of dust and age wafted out, tickling her nose and making her eyes water slightly.

Leaning forward, she peered into the compartment, her heart pounding with anticipation. But as her eyes adjusted to the dimness, she realized that the space was empty. A flicker of disappointment passed over her face, but she quickly pushed it aside. Perhaps the other compartments held the treasures she sought.

Moving to the next compartment, she repeated the process, pulling open the stone drawer with a mix of hope and trepidation. Once again, she was met with nothing but dust and emptiness. Undeterred, she moved on to the next, and the next, her movements becoming more frantic with each empty chamber.

As she reached the final compartment within her reach, her heart sank. Like the others, it was devoid of anything that could help her, containing only a fine layer of dust that had accumulated over countless years. She stepped back, her shoulders slumping as the weight of disappointment settled upon her. She had expected to find something, anything. She had secretly hoped for ancient relics, powerful artifacts, or even just a clue to where she was.

She turned back to the table, her gaze drawn once more to the mesmerizing flame. It seemed to mock her. She sighed, her mind tired enough that it made her believe a fire to be mocking her. But then again, the color suggests it not being a normal flame.

She turned her attention to the other side of the room, where three wooden shelves stood, seemingly crafted from the same aged wood as the table. The shelves were adorned with an array of glass bottles. As she approached, she noticed that each shelf was marked with an identical glyph.

However, only two rows of the shelves were still illuminated by a very soft glow of the glyphs. Upon these rows sat two glass potion bottles, their contents a mesmerizing light purple hue. Beside them, a flask containing two small gray pearls caught her eye.

Her gaze drifted to the rows where the glyphs had faded, their light extinguished. These shelves held only a handful of potions, their containers murky and dark, seemingly devoid of any liquid. The contrast between the vibrant, glowing potions and the lifeless, empty ones was stark, and she couldn't help but wonder about the significance behind their placement.

Intrigued by what she saw, she stepped closer to the shelves. She reached out, her fingers hovering just above the surface of one of the glowing potion bottles. The glass felt cool to the touch. The pearls in the flask also drew her attention. Their color was a deep, smoky gray. She wondered what purpose they served, whether they were ingredients of some kind.

Her gaze lingered on the potions and the flask. Her curiosity was piqued, but she resisted the urge to inspect them more. Instead, she turned her attention to the faintly glowing glyph on the row, its soft light drawing her in like a moth to a flame. As she studied the glyph, a thought struck her. Could it be that this very symbol was responsible for preserving the potions, preventing them from decaying over time? The idea seemed plausible, and she found herself nodding slowly as she considered the possibility.

She leaned closer to the glyph, her eyes narrowing as she focused on its intricate lines and curves. The longer she stared, the more she seemed to see. It was as if her vision was zooming in, magnifying the glyph until it filled her entire field of view. What had once appeared to be a single, unified symbol now revealed itself to be an intricate web of words, each one woven seamlessly into the next. Elara's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight, her mind racing to make sense of the complex tapestry before her.

As she studied the glyph more closely, understanding dawned on her. She could see how each word, each line, and each curve played a vital role in the glyph's construction. It was like a puzzle, with each piece carefully crafted and placed with a specific intention in mind. And that intention, she realized, was protection. The glyph was designed to ward off decay, to preserve and sustain the potions that sat on the shelves. It was a testament to the skill and knowledge of whoever had created it, a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Her heart raced as she took in the full scope of the glyph's power. She had never seen or experienced anything like it before. As she marveled at the glyph, a sudden chime echoed through her head, startling her from her thoughts. A blue holographic screen materialized before her eyes.

Notice Glyph Insight Skill Leveled Up!

[Notice Glyph Insight lvl 9]

The screen flickered, and a new message appeared.

You have learned the Glyph: Preservation Mark.

She leaned closer to the screen, eager to learn more about this new ability. The screen responded to her unspoken query, displaying a detailed description of the Glyph Preservation Mark.

The Glyph Preservation Mark is a powerful glyph with the ability to preserve and protect objects from decay and deterioration. When applied to an item, the glyph will create a barrier that shields it from the ravages of time and the elements.

As she continued to read, she discovered that the effectiveness of the Glyph Preservation Mark depended on the skill level of the user. The higher the level, the stronger and longer-lasting the preservation effect would be. With a flick of her wrist, she dismissed the holographic screen, her mind already racing with ideas about how to put her newfound ability to use. She turned back to the shelves; her gaze falling once more upon the potions and the flask of pearls.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

She picked up one of the glowing potions, studying it closely in the soft light of the room. The liquid within seemed to shimmer and dance, its light purple hue mesmerizing. She wondered what properties this potion possessed, and what benefits it could bestow upon the user. A sudden chime echoed through her mind, causing her to nearly drop the potion she held. A blue holographic screen materialized before her, its text glowing softly in the dimly lit room.

Congratulations!

General Skill Acquired: Inspect

Your perceptive abilities have expanded, granting you the power of an Insightful Gaze. With this skill, you can now peer into the very essence of objects and living beings, discerning their true nature and identity. As you grow in experience, your Insightful Gaze will evolve, revealing deeper layers of understanding and insight with each encounter.

Elara blinked, her eyes widening as she processed this new information. Inspect? She focused her gaze on the potion in her hand, willing the skill to activate. Instantly, the screen flickered, and a new message appeared.

Luscious Locks Luxury

This luxurious shampoo is infused with a blend of exotic oils and essences, designed to leave your hair soft, smooth, and utterly irresistible. Lather up and let the intoxicating scent transport you to a world of indulgence and relaxation.

Elara stared at the screen, her mouth agape. Shampoo? In this gloomy, mysterious place? She had been expecting some sort of magical elixir, a potion that could grant her incredible powers or maybe even give her wings. But shampoo?

A hysterical laugh bubbled up from her throat, echoing through the room. She couldn't help it. The absurdity of the situation was just too much to bear. Here she was, trapped in a strange, glyph-filled labyrinth, and she had just discovered that one potion was nothing more than a bottle of fancy shampoo. Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of it all. Had she stumbled upon some sort of ancient shampoo factory? Were the glyphs and symbols adorning the walls and ceilings just labels for different hair care products? The thought was so ridiculous that she couldn't help but laugh even harder.

She glanced around the room, taking in the stone compartments, the wooden shelves, and the mesmerizing purple flame. Everything had seemed so mysterious, so full of arcane purpose. But now, knowing that she was holding a bottle of shampoo, it all felt like some sort of cosmic joke. She shook her head, trying to regain her composure. She couldn't let herself get carried away by the absurdity of the situation. There had to be more to this place than just shampoo, right? She couldn't have gone through all of this, learned all of these skills and abilities, just to end up in a glorified hair salon.

With a deep breath, she set the shampoo bottle back on the shelf, her gaze drawn to the flask of gray pearls that sat beside it. Without hesitation, she reached out, her fingers closing around the cool glass of the flask. As she lifted the container, the pearls within shifted and clinked against each other, their sound echoing softly in the stillness of the room. Her curiosity was piqued, and she focused her inspect skill on the flask, eager to uncover the secrets it held. Instantly, a holographic screen materialized before her eyes, its text glowing with a soft blue light.

Fasting Pills

These small, unassuming pills hold a powerful secret. When one is ingested, it grants the consumer the ability to forgo food for an astonishing 20 days. No hunger, no thirst, no cravings, just pure, uninterrupted sustenance. Perfect for those long journeys or extended periods of focus where food is nothing but a distraction.

Her eyes widened as she read the description, her mind racing with the implications of such a pill. Twenty days without food? It seemed impossible, and yet, here it was, right in front of her. She turned the flask over in her hands, watching as the two pearls tumbled and danced within their glass prison. The idea of not having to worry about food for nearly six weeks is exactly what she needed.

She shook her head, a wry smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She had been so quick to dismiss this place, so ready to write off the potions and elixirs as mere hair care products. But now, with the knowledge of what these pills could do, she realized that there still is potential. Her stomach let out a soft growl, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten in what felt like ages. With a deep breath, she opened the flask and carefully tipped one pill into her palm. The small, gray sphere felt cool against her skin, its surface smooth and unblemished.

She raised the pill to her lips, pausing for just a moment before placing it on her tongue. She swallowed, the pill sliding down her throat with surprising ease. For a long moment, nothing happened. She stood still, waiting for some sort of sensation, some sign that the pill had taken effect. But as the seconds ticked by, she began to feel a change. It started as warmth in her stomach, a gentle heat that spread outward, filling her entire body with a sense of contentment. The gnawing hunger that had started to plague her began to fade, replaced by a feeling of fullness, of satisfaction.

Her fingers tightened around the flask, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She slipped the flask into her pocket, the weight of the flask with the remaining pill a comforting presence against her leg. At least she wouldn't have to worry about food for a while, which was a small comfort. As the effects of the pill continued to wash over her, she took a moment to examine herself. She was dressed in a loose-fitting black t-shirt and light gray trousers, hardly the attire she would have chosen for an adventure like this. But then again, she hadn't exactly planned on waking up from her nap on the sofa to find herself in this strange, glyph-filled place.

Her gaze traveled down to her feet, and she couldn't help but chuckle. At least she still had her socks on, even if they had seen better days. The once-white fabric was now a dingy gray, stained with the dust and grime of the various rooms and hallways she had traversed. But despite their less-than-pristine condition, she was grateful for her socks. They provided a small measure of comfort. And in a place like this, where everything was strange and unfamiliar, even the smallest comfort was welcome.

She turned her attention to the other potions on the shelves without a working glyph. She focused her inspect skill on each one but got the same message. As she read the description, a wry smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

Expired Potions

These potions have long since passed their prime, their once vibrant hues faded to a dull, murky brown. Whatever magical properties they once possessed have long since dissipated, leaving behind nothing but a stale, lifeless liquid.

But fear not, dear adventurer! While these potions may no longer grant you the strength of a bear or the speed of a cheetah, they still have their uses. Should you find yourself in a particularly sticky situation, a few drops of these expired elixirs in your enemy's drink will surely send them running for the nearest chamber pot.

Just be sure not to mistake them for your own refreshments, lest you find yourself in a rather unpleasant predicament.

She couldn't help but crack a smile at the system's humorous take on the expired potions. It was clear that they were no longer of any use, at least not for their intended purpose. But the idea of using them as a makeshift poison was intriguing, if not a bit unsettling. She picked up one of the bottles, studying the murky liquid within. The glass was slightly warm to the touch, its surface slightly sticky with age. She wrinkled her nose at the thought of actually ingesting the contents, her stomach churning at the mere idea.

With a sigh, she set the bottle back on the shelf, her gaze lingering on the lifeless potions for a moment longer. The idea of taking one of these expired elixirs with her was a bit tempting, if only for their potential use as a makeshift poison. She patted her pocket, feeling the reassuring weight of the flask with the remaining fasting pill. There was still space in her other pocket, and the thought of having a backup plan, no matter how unsavory, was appealing.

Her eyes darted between the shampoo and the disgusting-looking laxative, her nose wrinkling at the thought of carrying either with her. The shampoo, while luxurious, seemed like an unnecessary luxury in this strange place. And the laxative, well, the mere thought of its potential effects was enough to make her stomach churn.

The idea of having a weapon, even an unconventional one, was tempting. She reached out, her fingers closing around the neck of one of the expired potion bottles. The glass was slightly sticky to the touch, and she could feel the warmth of the liquid within, even through the thick glass. With a deep breath, she lifted the bottle from the shelf, holding it up to the light of the purple flame. The liquid within was a murky brown, its surface flecked with bits of undissolved sediment. It looked absolutely vile, and the thought of actually using it made her skin crawl.

But desperate times called for desperate measures, and she knew that she couldn't afford to be picky. She slipped the bottle into her other pocket, the weight of it not giving her the same comfort against her hip that she felt before.

She turned away from the shelves, her gaze sweeping over the room once more. The purple flame continued to flicker, casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. She turned her attention to the flickering purple flame and focused her Inspect skill on the fire.

Juvenile Fire Elemental [Level: ??]