Sylvar looked at her scrolls in search of answers. "I think I have an idea that might provide some answers, but it's not guaranteed." Taking a quill, she began drawing a representation of six circles. "We can use the Elemental energy from the primordial plane and focus the energy of the earthly plane to refine the primordial magic, with the basis of locating a disturbance point in the barrier or the source causing the disruption, but we'll need a catalyst to contain the primordial energy."
Sylvar glanced at Teraz, who seemed a bit more confident. "Lucky for us, I have a catalytic crystal," he said with a smile.
Sylvar, somewhat incredulous, said, "Seriously, where did you get a catalytic crystal, Teraz? These things aren't just given to anyone. You know what? I don't want to know. But where is the crystal?"
Teraz responded with some annoyance, "It's at my house, and no, I didn't steal the crystal. It was given to me as a gift by my father."
Sylvar gave him a look and said, "Sure, your father gave it to you. Let's say I believe you, but go get that crystal soon." Before she finished speaking, Teraz had already started to leave and shouted to Sylvar, "Okay, I'll go get it. Wait for me, and no crazy ideas, Sylvar." Sylvar returned to the table where the scrolls were and said, "Now, let's find out what kind of energy entered the city."
***
Leaving his house, Uviz seemed paranoid. "Whom can I trust? Who is a friend?" His thoughts were disturbed by the load of information he had received. Every face that passed by on the city streets was a potential enemy, and he walked quickly, staying in the shadows whenever possible.
He needed to find answers and reliable allies. His path led him to the city center, where he noticed some commotion in front of a shop. Uviz approached, and to his surprise, he spotted Teraz.
Teraz noticed Uviz's tense expression and approached, greeting him with a smile. "Uviz, are you okay? You seem a bit disturbed."
Uviz looked around before responding, his voice in a tense whisper. "Teraz, things are happening—things that threaten us all."
Teraz furrowed his brow, sensing the gravity in Uviz's voice. "What's going on?"
Uviz showed the letter to Teraz, who observed the message with growing concern. Teraz was alarmed by the content of the letter. His voice faltered as he spoke, "How do you mean they disappeared? Where did you get this letter?"
With a glance around, Uviz answered Teraz's question. "I found it in an alley near the square. I saw a soldier being taken somewhere, and then I saw him as if nothing had happened. Now, I don't know what to do. They might already be infiltrated within our ranks."
Teraz widened his eyes, absorbing the gravity of the situation. "Infiltrated? But how can we be sure? And who are 'they'?" Uviz sighed, frustrated by the lack of concrete answers. "I don't know. The letter doesn't reveal many details. But something is happening, Teraz, something that threatens not only the city but all of us. We need to figure out what's behind this before it's too late." Teraz scratched his head, thoughtful. "So, what do you propose we do? We need to gather information, allies, something that gives us an advantage. We can't act in the dark." Uviz nodded. "I agree. My initial idea is to find out more about these strangers who took the soldier. If we can track them, maybe we'll discover who is behind this. And, of course, rely on the help of trustworthy people, like you." Teraz chuckled lightly. "Lucky for you, I already have the right person to ask for help. I was already curious about a certain matter and was asking for help from a friend to get an idea of what was happening. Now, this matter is urgent." Uviz looked at Teraz with interest. "Friend? Who is this person, and how can she help us?" Teraz smiled, confident in his friend's abilities. "Sylvar. She's a powerful sorceress and knowledgeable about ancient magics. If anyone can understand what's happening, it's her." Uviz nodded, recognizing the importance of having someone with magical abilities. "Great, let's look for Sylvar then. The sooner we know what's happening, the better."
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***
"Teraz and Uviz arrived at Sylvar's house, an imposing structure with magical details in its architecture. As they approached the door, Teraz knocked forcefully, aware that Sylvar might be busy. It didn't take long for the door to open, revealing Sylvar with a curious expression.
"Sylvar, the problem is more serious than we thought. Something is happening in the city, and we have reason to believe that the weakening of the barrier is related to it," Teraz began to enter Sylvar's house with a sense of urgency.
Teraz looked towards Uviz. "Hey, Uviz, show the letter to Sylvar. It's reliable. Tell her what you've been through."
Heading towards the table, Teraz threw some of the scrolls on the floor to make space. "We need to start soon to get an idea of where to begin."
"Hmm, this is getting worse. If what you say is true, we'll be in big trouble," Sylvar expressed her concern.
"Sylvar, what do you need to start? I already have the crystal," Teraz said, taking the crystal from his cloak and placing it on the table. The crystal was small, intricately shaped, with colors resembling a rainbow.
"Well, we already have the crystal. Now, grab a map of the region from my desk, five candles, and a bowl of water. Also, put another bowl with some soil," Sylvar instructed.
Teraz turned to Uviz, who was standing and observing. "Uviz, can you get some soil from outside?" With a nod, Uviz went out to fulfill the task.
While Uviz fetched the soil outside, Sylvar continued preparing the necessary elements for the ritual. Teraz watched attentively, eager to understand what was happening to the city.
Uviz returned with a handful of soil in a makeshift bag. Sylvar thanked him and asked to put the soil in the prepared bowl. Meanwhile, Teraz approached the table, curious to learn more details about the upcoming ritual.
Sylvar began to explain: "We'll use these elements to create a magical focus. The catalyst crystal will serve as a conduit for primal energies, and the elements represent fundamental pillars. Water symbolizes renewal, earth represents the cycle, and candles are to represent the destructive fire, the abundance of air."
Teraz nodded, absorbing Sylvar's explanations. Uviz, although still uncomfortable with the situation, showed interest in understanding how each component would contribute to the investigation.
Sylvar continued instructing: "Now, we need to focus our intentions and channel magic through the map. The crystal will help us sense disturbances in the barrier and guide us to the source of the problem."
Teraz looked at Uviz, sharing a determined look. "We're ready when you are, Sylvar."
The sorceress nodded and began reciting ancient words, channeling energy from the primal plane through the elements composing the ritual. The room began to fill with a gentle luminescence.
The map, now under the influence of the crystal, started reacting. Magical lines appeared, revealing subtle patterns that were not visible to the naked eye. Sylvar, with intense concentration, followed the lines with her finger, trying to interpret the signs.
"It looks like we already have a place to go: the Sapphire Mountain," Sylvar spoke confidently."