Rian's party was heading to the ruins of an ancient Elven temple deep within the High Elf Forest. This was a place where the Elves had sealed the power of the Titans long ago, and the artifact was surrounded by a powerful magical barrier. However, the Blight Elves and Blood Elves had recently been exploring this area, conspiring to reactivate the artifact, and Rian's party had to cooperate with the High Elves to stop them.
The artifact was located in the deepest part of the High Elf Forest, at the heart of the ancient Elven temple. The site was protected by a powerful magical barrier and complex puzzles, and the space itself was distorted by the fragments of broken golems and Titan artifacts. The temple, bearing the scars of ancient wars, was an unstable environment where magical energy ran rampant, creating anxiety and chaos.
The Blight Elves and Blood Elves sought to reclaim their past glory and power through the Titan artifact. They planned to reactivate the artifact to awaken a giant golem and use it to threaten the worlds of High Elves and humans. Blight Elf assassins had secretly located the artifact in the forest, and the Blood Elves had deployed mages and warriors to guard it. Among them, the Blight Elf leader, Zakril, was confident of his victory as he reactivated the golem.
Rian, Ria, Brunok, and Marielle, guided by Malion, approached the center of the temple. Ria used her magical knowledge to solve the temple's puzzles and tried to strengthen the artifact's protective barrier. Rian protected Ria, fending off enemy attacks, while Brunok and Silverfang engaged enemies at the front. Marielle used defensive magic and buffs to boost the team's combat power, supporting them so they could continue to advance.
However, the powerful energy emanating from the artifact began to sway them. The artifact tempted each of them by stimulating their weaknesses, and Rian was momentarily shaken by the temptation for the power to protect his kingdom and family. His fingertips briefly reached for the artifact's blue light, but Ria's sharp cry brought him back to his senses.
Ria: "Rian! Snap out of it! That thing doesn't belong to us!"
Rian shook his head hard, clearing his mind. He suppressed the ominous desire spreading in his heart and gripped his greatsword firmly once more. Ria, too, was momentarily swayed by the desire for greater magical knowledge, but she overcame it after seeing Rian's resolute expression. They reaffirmed their resolve, cast off the artifact's temptation, and were able to move forward.
The Blight Elves and Blood Elves succeeded in reactivating the giant golem through the Titan artifact, but the reactivation was incomplete. Zakril, confident that the golem would obey his commands, let his guard down, but the golem, corrupted by the Titan's darkness, began to go berserk. The Blight Elves suffered great damage from the very golem they had revived, and a panicked Zakril fell back.
Zakril: "How can this be?! I'm the one giving the orders... Stop, Golem!"
However, the golem ignored Zakril's shouts and began to attack everything indiscriminately. Its giant, stone-like fist slammed into the ground, and the earth rumbled as a powerful vibration shook the ground beneath the party. A blue light flashed from the golem's eyes, releasing a powerful energy that destroyed the surrounding trees and rocks. The Blight Elves and Blood Elves tried to stop the golem with their own weapons and magic, but their efforts were in vain. Zakril realized his mistake and was horrified by the fact that the golem was out of control.
Rian and his party also faced a moment of crisis. The golem's stone fist flew toward them, and Rian screamed.
Rian: "Everyone, get back!"
Before his warning was even finished, the golem's fist struck where they had been standing. With an explosive impact, dirt and dust shot up, and the party was scattered and thrown to the ground. Rian fell, protecting his head with his arms, the vibration of the earth ringing in his ears. For a moment, his vision blurred, and he felt dizzy. Ria, who had gotten to her feet, quickly helped Rian up, gritting her teeth.
Ria: "Rian! Are you okay? We have to focus, the golem's power is too strong!"
Rian took a deep breath and nodded. His ears were still ringing as if muffled, but he didn't forget that the golem before them was the more important situation. He raised his greatsword again and charged at the golem, but its shell was harder than steel, and even Rian's sword couldn't scratch it. Ria used ice and wind magic to try and stop the golem's movements, but the golem had strong magic resistance and was not easily controlled.
Ria: "Magic isn't working! Just what is this golem?!"
Malion, too, cast a powerful ancient Elven spell, breathing life into the trees to momentarily stop the golem's movements. His magic caused the trees to wrap around the golem's arms, buying the party some time.
Malion: "It's stopped for a moment... but this isn't enough. The golem's Crystal Core is the key. It won't end unless we destroy it!"
Rian: "The protection around its Crystal Core is weak. We have to aim for that."
Ria: "It seems the Blight Elves' reactivation was incomplete."
The incompletely reactivated golem's Crystal Core was not properly protected, and the coordinated attack of Rian and Brunok shone through. Ria quickly prepared her magic, watching the golem's movements.
Ria combined ice and wind magic to weaken the golem's barrier, and Marielle protected Rian and Ria with defensive magic, blocking the golem's attacks. Meanwhile, Brunok commanded Silverfang to attack the golem's legs, and the golem briefly lost its balance and staggered.
Marielle: "The defense is holding! Rian, aim for the Crystal Core!"
Thanks to Marielle's protection and Ria's support, Rian got his chance. He swung his greatsword, now imbued with magical energy, and managed to cleave through the golem's outer shell. As the greatsword reached the Crystal Core in the golem's center, its movements slowed slightly. In that moment, a strong resolve to protect his family and companions shone in Rian's eyes.
Rian: "This is it... Let's push harder!"
Brunok did not miss the moment and aimed at the golem's Crystal Core. He felt his heart beat faster, realizing that everything could be decided by a single shot. Brunok's hand trembled slightly, but he did not lose focus.
Brunok: "This is it... one shot is all I need!"
Brunok took a deep breath and pulled the trigger. The bullet hit the opening Rian had created with perfect accuracy. As the Crystal Core shattered, a powerful energy was released from within the golem as if in an explosion, and the giant golem slowly began to collapse. As it fell, the ground shook again, and the party braced themselves to keep their balance. Dirt and debris flew in all directions, making them feel the reality of the golem's collapse.
Rian's party watched the golem fall and let out a deep sigh. They had finally defeated the golem corrupted by the Titan's darkness, and in the process, they were reminded of how important their cooperation was.
Malion cautiously approached and collected the golem's shattered Crystal Core. Old memories flickered faintly in his eyes.
Malion: "This artifact must be taken to the High Elf city and sealed. So that something like this never happens again."
With the help of Queen Elissar, Rian's party moved the golem's remains and the artifact to the High Elf city, where it was thoroughly sealed through an ancient sealing ritual so that it would never awaken again.
Elissar: "Your courage and determination have saved the High Elf Forest. This artifact will be sealed so that it may never see the light of day again, and it will remain in a place where none of our hands can reach it."
Rian and his companions overcame the artifact's temptation, reaffirmed their team's bond, and strengthened their alliance with the High Elves. They pledged to continue fighting to protect each other and prepared for a greater journey beyond the High Elf Forest.
Rian: "We can do this. No matter what challenges come our way, we'll face them together."
They had earned the trust of the High Elves and were ready to fight for Elysium with new strength and knowledge. Rian's party now steeled themselves for greater challenges and dangers and began a new journey from the High Elf city.
****
Episode : The Ruins of the Ancients and the Duel with the Strongest Swordsman of the Elves
Rian, Ria, Brunok, and Marielle bid farewell to Malion and Queen Elissar in the High Elf Forest and headed for the Ruins of the Ancients. The High Elves wished them well on their journey, hoping they would find the wisdom they needed.
Queen Elissar: "Rian, Ria, may the blessing of the ancients be with you on your path. The Ruins of the Ancients can be dangerous, so you must act with caution."
Rian: "Thank you, Your Majesty. We will do our best to complete this journey."
Malion: "The artifacts of the Ancients are also connected to Altechna. You will learn much there."
The party headed for the ruins, and as soon as they left the forest, they were met with a new landscape. It was a mystical place that seemed to defy time, littered with old stone pillars and broken artifacts. There, Rian felt an ominous sensation, as if someone's gaze was watching him.
Marielle: "Are these the Ruins of the Ancients? The traces of such a long-lost age remain just as they were."
Ria: "That's right. This is a place where ancient knowledge and power lie dormant. The information we're looking for must be somewhere around here."
Rian took in the air of the ruins and cautiously surveyed his surroundings. The ominous energy set his nerves on edge, but the fact that his companions were by his side sustained him.
Rian: 'No matter what happens, if we're together, we can overcome it. We have to uncover the secrets of the Ancients.'
As they went deeper into the ruins, an ancient energy surrounded them, and the area grew darker. The symbols carved on the stone pillars glowed faintly, the light flickering as if to guide them. Just then, a man in a black cloak emerged from between the pillars. His eyes glowed red, and he held sharp dual weapons in his hands. He was Elahar, known as the strongest swordsman of the Blight Elves.
Elahar looked at the party and spoke calmly.
Elahar: "Rian, I have heard of your reputation. This is the Ruins of the Ancients. If you wish to gain anything here, you will have to defeat me in swordsmanship. Show me your skill."
Rian accepted Elahar's challenge and drew his sword. The opponent he had to fight seemed more powerful than any he had faced before. Rian flinched for a moment at his intense aura, but that only hardened his own resolve.
Rian: "Alright. If you're the strongest swordsman of the Elves, then I'll test my own limits. I'll handle this myself. Everyone, stay back."
Ria and his companions looked worried at Rian's words, but seeing the determination in his eyes, they retreated. Rian raised his greatsword and charged at Elahar. Believing he had to strike hard from the start, he unleashed an attack with all his might.
Elahar lightly dodged his attack and countered. His dual weapons struck sharply, precisely aiming for Rian's openings. Rian managed to block the attack with difficulty, but Elahar's movements were beyond his predictions at every moment.
Elahar: "Your technique is excellent, Rian. But it is not yet enough to defeat me."
Elahar casually parried Rian's greatsword and instantly spun his body, aiming for his side. Rian barely dodged, but Elahar's speed was difficult to follow with the naked eye. Sweat beaded on Rian's forehead, and his breath grew ragged.
Rian: 'Is this the strongest swordsman of the Elves...?! Nothing I've trained for is working!'
Rian, though stunned by Elahar's overwhelming skill, did not give up his will to defeat him. Rian quickly switched his greatsword to twin blades and tried to attack again. He used all the techniques he had learned from Lisa and Serena and rushed at Elahar.
Rian: "I don't give up easily! I'll see this through to the end!"
However, Elahar seemed to anticipate Rian's movements, deflecting all his attacks and launching a counteroffensive. Rian's twin blades were blocked by Elahar's swords, and he was pushed back once more. A painful wound opened on Rian's arm, and blood began to flow.
While dodging Rian's attacks, Elahar used Blink to instantly move to a different location. Rian tried to keep up with Elahar's movements, but his speed and blinking ability left him frustrated. Rian felt a sense of despair as he watched his own sword cut through empty air.
Elahar: "Your skills are good. But I am already seeing your next move."
Elahar instantly blinked behind Rian and slashed quickly. Rian staggered forward from the impact but managed to keep his balance without falling. He swung his twin blades at Elahar again, but Elahar lightly dodged and blinked to a new position.
Elahar: "That was merely my afterimage."
Rian engaged in a fierce exchange with Elahar using his dual weapons. He reacted to Elahar's movements and landed a few successful attacks, but Elahar deflected all of Rian's blows, gradually gaining the upper hand. Rian's breathing became more ragged, and his arms grew heavy. In contrast, Elahar still moved lightly and fluidly, precisely targeting Rian's openings.
Rian: 'Damn it, he's one step ahead of me...!'
When Rian tried to attack again, Elahar blocked his twin blades from both sides and countered. Rian's defense began to crumble, and Elahar's sword grazed his side, leaving a deep wound. Rian cried out in pain but gritted his teeth and charged at Elahar again.
Rian: "It's not over yet! I won't give up!"
Elahar's expression was full of composure. He nodded as if in respect for Rian's courage but did not slow his assault. Elahar used Blink to dodge Rian's attacks while simultaneously countering. Rian suffered several more wounds from Elahar's sword, and his stamina was rapidly depleting.
Ria watched her brother, swallowing her tears. Every time she saw Rian get hurt by Elahar's attacks, her heart felt like it was being torn apart.
Ria: "Rian! Please, stop! You can't win on your own...!"
Rian: "I... can do it! I'll fight to the end!"
However, despite Rian's determination, Elahar casually deflected his attacks, driving him further and further into a corner. Rian charged one more time, trying to use wind magic to cut Elahar. But Elahar had already moved, and Rian's sword only cut through empty air.
Brunok could watch no longer. Despite Rian's plea, he took out his gun and aimed for Elahar's weak point.
Brunok: "Damn it, we're not letting Rian fight alone! We're in this together!"
Marielle also strengthened her defensive magic and fired a holy light at Elahar. Silverfang moved nimbly, aiming for Elahar's feet. The four attacks simultaneously pressured Elahar, testing his reaction speed.
Elahar seemed momentarily surprised but soon showed a composed smile. He dodged all the attacks with lightning-fast reflexes and continued to fight against the four of them. Elahar dodged Brunok's bullets, deflected Ria's wind magic, and blocked Silverfang's attack. His dual weapons moved rapidly, easily parrying every blow.
Elahar: "You are strong, all of you. But it is not yet enough."
Elahar instantly set off a smoke bomb. Thick smoke enveloped the party, obscuring their vision. Rian and his companions were momentarily confused and lost track of Elahar's position. From within the smoke, Elahar's voice echoed.
Elahar: "Make it more interesting for me next time."
When the smoke cleared, Elahar was already gone. He had retreated from the ruins with a laugh, without a trace. Rian clutched his chest, scanning the area, but Elahar's presence was nowhere to be felt. Rian fell to his knees, panting. His body was covered in wounds, but his eyes were still alive.
Rian: "Elahar... Next time, I swear I will defeat you! With all of our strength!"
Ria came and took Rian's hand. Her eyes were full of tears, but Rian gripped her hand tightly and stood up.
Ria: "Brother, don't push yourself... We have to fight together."
Rian avoided Ria's worried gaze and slowly got to his feet. But in his mind, the fight with Elahar was not over. The feeling of powerlessness and defeat he had experienced in that fight was being carved deep into his heart.
Rian: 'I have to get stronger... I can't go on like this. I need the strength to win, even on my own.'
Rian quietly clenched his fist behind his companions. He solidified his resolve to become stronger and began to think about how he could do so on the journey ahead. He didn't want anyone to know, but a clear goal was now fixed in his eyes.
Ria saw the determined look on Rian's face and unknowingly clenched her own fist. Seeing her brother push himself this far, her heart ached. Her brother had always protected her, and he never showed his own weakness, no matter how hard things got. But now...
Ria: 'Just as my brother protected me, this time, I have to protect him. I have to get stronger... me too.'
Ria hid her own resolve and stood quietly beside her brother. In her heart, a vow to protect her brother and her companions was blazing. Just like Rian, Ria had also resolved to become stronger through this fight.
Rian: "Thanks, everyone. Together, we're not afraid of any enemy!"
Rian's party gathered their strength again to explore the Ruins of the Ancients, solidifying their new resolve for the journey ahead. Although they had not achieved a perfect victory in their duel with Elahar, they were ready to fight together, further strengthening their individual skills. In the hearts of Rian and Ria, the determination to become stronger had taken firm root.