Following Queen Elissar's directive, Rian, Ria, Brunok, and Marielle were heading into the depths of the High Elf Forest. They had set out to investigate the artifacts of the ancient god-titans that the Blight Elves were collecting and to thwart their conspiracy. The forest grew darker, and an ancient energy slowly enveloped them, guiding them forward.
The party discovered an old Elf they encountered in the woods. His silver hair held the clear marks of time, and his deeply wrinkled face was filled with wisdom and sorrow. He was Malion, a sage of the High Elves and a loyal retainer to Queen Elissar. As he had watched over Rian and Ria since they were infants, seeing them now brought back old memories.
Malion: "Rian, Ria... you have truly grown so much. To see you again like this after seeing you as babies, how quickly the years pass."
Rian was momentarily surprised by Malion's familiar tone but soon bowed his head with deep respect.
Rian: "Lord Malion, thank you for remembering us even after so many years have passed. We have come here under the command of King Merslin of Elysium."
Ria, recalling the stories her mother had told her of Malion in her childhood, spoke in a voice full of reverence.
Ria: "My mother used to tell me stories about you when I was little. She said you were a symbol of Elven wisdom and courage. It is an honor to meet you today."
Malion smiled and nodded. To him, Rian and Ria were like two small stars that had shone in his distant memories. Seeing them, he was reminded of the brother and sister he had lost, especially Idanna. The memory still lingered faintly in the deepest part of his heart.
Malion: "I am glad to meet you again like this. Much has changed as time has passed, but I hope your hearts remain pure. This forest now, unlike in the past, is being stained by darkness. The temptation of the ancient gods still remains, and it threatens us once more."
Rian nodded at Malion's words, his resolve hardening.
Rian: "Lord Malion, the reason we are here is to stop the Blight Elves' plan. We heard they are collecting artifacts of the ancient gods. What are they trying to do?"
Malion let out a deep sigh and looked out at the forest. His eyes seemed to gaze upon the glory of the past and the perilous reality of the present at the same time.
Malion: "The Blight Elves are consumed by the desire to reclaim their past glory. They have allied with the Blood Elves to indiscriminately gather the artifacts of the ancient god-titans. Those are things we originally sealed away, but they are trying to revive an ancient power through them."
Brunok spoke with respect, but in his characteristically blunt tone.
Brunok: "Lord Malion, if these Titan artifacts are so dangerous, why are they just left here, all broken like this? I just don't get it."
Malion shook his head at Brunok's question and explained.
Malion: "The Titan artifacts contain a sacred ancient power, but if that power is not properly preserved, it can cause adverse effects. The reason the artifacts here are broken is that their power has been distorted. It may be because the Blight Elves failed in their attempt to use them in the wrong way."
Marielle looked at the broken artifacts and crystals with a worried expression.
Marielle: "These crystals and artifacts should originally possess a powerful force of protection and healing. But now, their very essence is distorted. I believe we must purify these artifacts and seal them once again."
Ria turned to Malion and asked.
Ria: "Lord Malion, how can we purify these artifacts and keep them from the hands of the Blight Elves?"
Malion looked at Ria calmly and said.
Malion: "Your will and your courage are needed. Purifying and sealing these artifacts is no easy task. But I am certain that you can do it. It is possible because Queen Elissar, the Elves of this forest, and your companions believe in you."
Rian gripped his greatsword tightly and nodded.
Rian: "Lord Malion, we will do our best to protect and purify these artifacts. We will stop the Blight Elves from achieving their dark purpose."
Malion watched Rian and Ria and the rest of the party and smiled faintly to himself. He felt that they were the key to ending this dark era.
Malion: "You are the new hope of Elysium. Just as I promised Queen Elissar, I, too, will trust you and be with you until the end."
Following Malion's instructions, Rian, Ria, Brunok, and Marielle prepared to purify and seal the Titan artifacts in the depths of the High Elf Forest. Amidst the broken golems and distorted crystals, they continued their fight to restore the ancient power.
Marielle carefully stretched out her hand and chanted a spell to purify an artifact, while Brunok took out his weapon to disable the traps placed around it. Rian and Ria confronted a broken golem with their sword and magic, clearing the area. They were not simply purifying the Titan artifacts; they were carrying out a mission to purify the well-being of this forest and the darkness of the past.
Rian: "We won't end it here. We will seal these artifacts and protect the High Elf Forest and Elysium."
Malion was deeply moved by their firm will and courage and followed them quietly. He found a small comfort in the fact that Rian and Ria were fighting together, just like his own brother and sister once did.
Malion: "You two remind me of my brother and Idanna. If they had fought alongside me, it would have been like this. I am glad to be able to fight with you."
Together with Malion, Rian's party advanced into the depths of the High Elf Forest, resolving once again to fight to protect the artifacts of the ancient god-titans.
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Episode : The Assassins' Trap and the Battle in the Trees
Rian, Ria, Brunok, Marielle, and Malion walked deeper into the mystical High Elf Forest. Guided by Malion, they were heading toward a place where ancient artifacts were hidden, but unbeknownst to them, Blight Elf assassins were following close behind. The assassins, who had been waiting for an opportunity in the darkness of the forest, finally activated their trap when the party reached the artifact's location.
The surroundings were plunged into an even deeper darkness, and the forest trees soared high, obstructing their view. In the middle of the forest, they arrived at the site of the artifacts, a place littered with broken crystals and shattered golems. The party realized this was not simply a place where artifacts were hidden, but the stage for a cleverly laid trap.
At that moment, smoke bombs thrown from the treetops obscured the party's vision. The assassins moved with agility between the trees and branches, firing arrows. Rian's party was flustered by the assassins' cunning attack but immediately entered a battle stance.
Rian: "Enemies! Everyone, watch out! The forest has turned against us!"
The assassins moved quickly through the treetops, attacking the party while concealed. Rian swung his greatsword to cut through the smoke and find the enemies. However, the assassins, moving swiftly in the canopy, were not easily caught.
Brunok aimed his gun at the assassins, but it was difficult to deal with enemies who were leaping about in the trees. He moved through the woods, trying to find a sniping position and ascertain the enemies' locations.
Brunok: "Damn it, these bastards are fast. I thought I'd have the advantage with them up in the trees, but this is unexpected!"
Ria quickly assessed the situation and used her ice magic to create steps of ice in mid-air. Rian used them to leap up into the trees and charge at the assassins. Rian's twin blades flashed with a sharp light, cutting through the trees and felling the assassins one by one.
Ria: "Rian, they're attacking from up there! I'll make you some ice steps. Get up there and take care of them!"
Rian: "Got it, Ria! I'm ready!"
Ria also raised a wall of ice at Brunok's feet, helping him to shoot with stability from a higher position. Brunok found his footing and quickly began to counterattack.
Brunok: "Now I'm starting to see you! I'll end you right here!"
Brunok's bullets flew through the trees and branches toward the assassins. His animal companion, Silverfang, also remained alert, tracking and continuing the attack on the assassins. Silverfang's keen senses located the hidden assassins and struck at them.
Meanwhile, Marielle carefully cast a magical barrier, protecting the party. The barrier, infused with her holy energy, blocked the assassins' attacks and strengthened the party's defense. At the same time, Marielle cast buffs on her allies, increasing their combat power.
Marielle: "The grace of the divine will protect us. Everyone, focus!"
Thanks to Marielle's defense and support, Rian's party was able to fight on with stability. Her buffing magic increased Rian's and Brunok's attack power, and Ria's magic was also cast more powerfully.
At that moment, Malion began to chant an ancient spell from the rear. His voice echoed deep and low, and the trees began to sway as if responding to his magic. As Malion's spell concluded, the trees of the forest seemed to come to life and began to wrap around the assassins' bodies.
Malion: "Ancient forest, bind our enemies!"
Massive tree trunks moved, grabbing the assassins' feet and suppressing their movements. As the life force of the trees restrained the enemies, the party began to pick them off one by one.
Rian: "Alright, now we have a chance! Everyone, focus and let's finish this!"
Marielle: "That's right! Let's all focus and end it!"
Rian, Ria, Brunok, and Marielle joined forces to defeat the assassins. Rian's twin blades cut down the assassins in the trees, and Brunok's gun accurately targeted their hiding spots. Ria's ice magic bound their feet, and Marielle's buffs and defensive spells protected the entire team, maximizing their power.
With Malion's powerful spell, the High Elf Forest trapped the assassins, swallowing them up as if it were a single living entity. With Malion's help, the party completely neutralized the assassins. After the battle, the forest returned to its silence, and the threat of the Blight Elf assassins was gone.
Rian lowered his greatsword and let out a sigh of relief.
Rian: "I'm glad everyone's safe. This forest is really dangerous... Lord Malion, you were a great help. Thank you."
Malion smiled quietly and nodded.
Malion: "The High Elf Forest is protecting us, so we will be safe for now. But those who seek to harm this place will continue to appear, so you must not let your guard down."
At Malion's words, Rian's party steeled their vigilance once more and resolved to focus even more on the journey ahead. They trusted in each other's strength and were ready to protect the ancient artifacts and fight against the forces of darkness.
Now, they ignited a spark of victory in the deep darkness of the High Elf Forest and once again took a step forward.