After Elahar set off a smoke bomb and vanished from the ruins, Rian's party remained on high alert for some time. But there were no further attacks, and the area fell silent once more. Rian, his body covered in wounds, quietly caught his breath and began to move deeper into the ruins with his companions.
Rian: "That Elahar fellow might have retreated, but this isn't over. We need to find answers here. There has to be something in these ruins."
Brunok: "Right, Rian. He was guarding this place, so we can't just leave empty-handed. We're bound to find something."
Ria quietly watched Rian, making a silent vow. 'Brother… I'll do better this time. I have to get stronger.' She matched her steps to his, taking in the Ruins of the Ancients.
The ruins were filled with old stone pillars and fragments. The ground was covered in faded tiles etched with ancient symbols, and toppled statues and broken artifacts were scattered everywhere. They headed toward the center of the ruins, carefully examining every trace around them.
Marielle: "These symbols aren't simple decorations. I believe they hold meanings related to ancient magic."
Ria: "Marielle, the ancient symbols look quite similar to the Elven language. Perhaps it's an ancient magical tongue."
Rian walked with heavy steps toward a place where he could feel an ancient energy. He stared at a picture carved into a stone pillar, lost in deep thought. The image seemed to show the lives of the Ancients and their tragedy. They had lived in prosperity and glory, but it seemed they were all turned to stone by a curse that had suddenly appeared one day.
Rian: "Damn it, this curse… it took everything from them. Why did something like this happen?"
Just then, Marielle discovered another symbol carved on the pillar and spoke up.
Marielle: "There's more information over here. There's a record that the Ancients sought a savior to break the curse."
Ria approached and began to read the symbols. Her eyes widened, unable to hide her surprise.
Ria: "It says even the savior who appeared to help the Ancients ultimately couldn't break this curse. The Ancients went extinct, and the curse was left, never to be undone."
Rian looked back at the picture as he heard her words. It depicted a savior fighting for the Ancients, but despite his efforts, the figures of the Ancients remained turned to stone. They had spent long ages trapped in the curse, waiting for a helping hand.
Brunok: "Well, that doesn't mean we can just give up, does it? We just have to do what that savior couldn't. Let's give it a shot, eh?"
Rian touched the stone pillar, his resolve hardening. 'A curse that even a savior couldn't break… It won't be easy, but I can't just leave it like this.' He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Rian: "You're right, Brunok. We will definitely do this. If we don't, we can't move forward."
Marielle placed a hand on Rian's shoulder and nodded.
Marielle: "Lord Rian, the divine will be with us as well. There must be a way to break this curse. Perhaps the answer lies within the legacy of Altechna."
Ria watched her brother, her own resolve firming. 'Just as my brother has always protected me, this time, it's my turn to protect him. I'll use all my strength to help break this curse.' She stood by her brother's side, her decision for the journey ahead now solid.
As they tried to find a clue about the Ancients' curse, they heard a sound from behind a pillar. The party quickly raised their weapons and assumed a defensive stance. What they saw was a giant Troll. But unlike other trolls, he held a long staff and wore a feather decoration on his head. His gaze was sharp, but it held no hostility.
Troll Shaman: "I have been guarding this place. But you were a match for Elahar, it seems."
Rian remained tense, watching the Troll.
Rian: "Who are you? What are you doing here? Are you friend or foe?"
The Troll Shaman slowly leaned on his staff as he approached. His voice was low and deep, but surprisingly calm.
Troll Shaman: "I am the guardian of this ruin's wisdom. I am neither foe nor friend. Many have challenged this curse of the Ancients, but none have succeeded. I, too, shall remain neutral. I will not help you, but I will not hinder you either."
Marielle: "In that case, how much do you know about this curse? Can you help us find a clue to break it?"
The Troll Shaman quietly shook his head.
Troll Shaman: "The answer you seek is not here. The Ancients are already extinct, and the curse cannot be broken. However, there may be another truth within the legacy of Altechna."
Rian looked the Troll Shaman straight in the eye and spoke with a resolute voice.
Rian: "I understand. Even if you can't help us, don't get in our way. We will continue moving forward to find a way to break this curse."
The Troll Shaman smiled as he looked at Rian. He seemed to fall into thought for a moment as he saw Rian's wounds.
Troll Shaman: "You may not believe me, but I ask for nothing. However, to show you that your resolve is not false…"
He raised his staff and approached Rian. Rian was momentarily on guard, but the Troll Shaman slowly waved his staff, sending a flow of energy over Rian's wounds. A blue light spread from his fingertips, and Rian's injuries slowly began to heal. Rian's eyes widened as he felt his wounds recovering.
Rian: "What… is this…? I'm healing?"
Troll Shaman: "This is merely a sign of neutrality. It is not my business for you to become stronger, but as a keeper of balance, I do what is necessary."
Ria was moved as she watched the Troll Shaman heal Rian. She was relieved that her brother was no longer in pain and, at the same time, surprised that this shaman was not an enemy.
Troll Shaman: "Your journey does not end here. Head to Altechna. The answer you seek may be there."
He slowly turned and disappeared into the depths of the ruins. Rian confirmed that his wounds were completely healed and turned to his companions.
Rian: "Alright everyone, let's pull ourselves together and go! This isn't the end! There has to be a way."
Ria: "Brother, don't push yourself too hard. I'll do everything I can to help you, too."
Marielle: "That's right, Lord Rian. The divine will be watching over us."
Brunok: "Hey, Rian. That Troll fellow may have patched you up, but let's try not to make any mistakes."
Rian nodded with a determined face and looked ahead. Before them lay the secrets of the Ancients and the path leading to Altechna. They resolved to become stronger and cautiously moved in the direction the Troll Shaman had disappeared.
***
Episode : The Shaman's Abode and the Apprentice's Debut
After the battle with Elahar, Rian's party explored the Ruins of the Ancients and learned about their curse. However, the fact that the curse could not be broken left the party in deep contemplation. Having learned that the curse of the Ancients was not simply about destruction but was connected to a transformation of life, they were momentarily at a loss for where to go next.
Rian: "Damn it, where are we supposed to go now? Elahar's gone... and we know too little."
Ria: "Brother, I think it's best if we cool our heads and think for a bit. We need to find a clue we can follow, rather than just walking aimlessly."
Marielle: "The divine will show us the right path. Don't be too hasty, Lord Rian."
Brunok: "Yeah, well. We're not machines, so let's take it slow."
Rian listened to his companions and slowly nodded. They didn't know which way to go, but they began to walk, letting their feet guide them naturally. Following a path that felt somehow familiar, they gradually entered a deep forest.
Before long, they realized they were instinctively heading toward the shaman's abode. The shaman's home was nestled deep in the woods, surrounded by giant trees and moss-covered stones. As they reached the door, the Troll Shaman, Karg, opened it as if he had been expecting them.
Karg: "Just as I expected. Come in. I knew you would find your way here."
Rian hesitated for a moment, but sensing that Karg's attitude was not hostile, he entered the dwelling with his party. Karg's home was a small cave filled with all sorts of magical tools and mystical objects. A soft light illuminated the space, and the scent of incense created a strange sense of tranquility.
Rian: "You knew we'd come here? What exactly are you thinking?"
Karg: "I knew that after you confronted the curse of the Ancients, you would return to find an answer. I am neutral, but I know the courtesy of welcoming guests. Rest easy."
Karg served the party tea, providing them with the rest they needed. Rian was wary of Karg, but since he showed no hostility, he cautiously took a seat. Ria sipped the tea Karg had offered and looked at her brother.
Ria: "Lord Karg, if you know more about this curse, could you please tell us? So that we can move forward."
Karg: "I have already told you what I know. The answer you seek is not here. However, it is certain that your journey is not over."
Just then, the sound of footsteps came from the cave entrance. Rian's party turned their heads to see Karg's apprentice reveal herself. She was not a Troll. She was an Elf, tall and slender, with sharp eyes. Her ears were long and pointed, and her body was adorned with various charms and magical trinkets. The Elf Shaman, Eris, bowed her head quietly in greeting.
Eris: "Master, we have guests. My apologies for the late greeting."
Brunok furrowed his brow at the sight of Eris.
Brunok: "Hey, a Troll's apprentice is an Elf? Isn't that a bit of an odd combination?"
Karg: "Eris is my apprentice. It is my way not to be bound by race. Are you not also on a journey that transcends race?"
Rian watched Eris's arrival with interest. The fact that Karg's apprentice was an Elf was unexpected, but he thought she might provide a new clue they needed to know.
Ria: "An Elf Shaman... that's quite unique. Do you happen to know anything about this curse?"
Eris: "I am learning the knowledge of ancient magic and shamanism. The curse of the Ancients has similarities to the legends of the Dwarves and Gnomes. It is a curse where their bodies, made of stone and machine, transform into living beings. But the Ancients did not accept it. They refused to become flesh and bone and chose the path of returning to stone."
Karg: "The Ancients made a choice to protect their own essence. The transformation into life was a curse to them, and returning to bodies of stone and metal was their decision."
Rian was lost in deep thought as he listened to Karg and Eris. The Ancients had not simply accepted the curse; they had tried to hold on to their original state of stone and metal. Their choice was an expression of their will to protect their essence against the curse.
Rian: "So... they rejected a new form of life and wanted to return to their original state. What we need is more knowledge. We might find more clues if we go to Altechna."
Karg sipped his tea and quietly watched the party.
Karg: "Which path you take is no concern of mine. But remember one thing. A curse does not end simply by being broken. Overcoming it is your task."
Karg was silent for a moment, then looked at Eris and said.
Karg: "Eris, you will go with them. Your knowledge and abilities will be of help to them. My knowledge alone is not enough. Share what you have learned with them."
Eris looked at Karg with a surprised expression.
Eris: "Master, you want me to... go with them?"
Karg: "Yes. You need to learn more, and you will be needed on this journey. Their path will not be easy, so you must help them."
Rian hesitated at Karg's proposal but agreed, thinking that the knowledge and abilities Eris possessed could be helpful to them.
Rian: "Alright. Let's go together, Eris. We can all help each other."
Eris nodded and made her decision.
Eris: "I understand, Master. I will do my best to help in any way I can."
Rian's party rested for a while at the shaman's abode, preparing for their next journey. They resolved to head for Altechna, and a new challenge awaited them with their new companion, Eris.
Rian: "We'll definitely do this. I don't care about Elahar or the curse. We'll overcome it with all our strength."
Ria: "That's right, brother. This time, we'll be the ones to find the answer."
Marielle: "The divine will be with us. Let's not lose courage."
Brunok: "Alright, everyone. Let's get going again. Our goal is Altechna!"
Rian's party set off again, leaving the shaman's abode. Before them lay an unsolved curse and the path leading to Altechna.