Elion sent ten shadow scouts ashore at first light. Through his mental link, he experienced their landing—feet touching white sand, moving into the treeline, senses alert for threats.
The scouts spread out, mapping the immediate coastline. They found no signs of habitation—no structures, no cleared land, no evidence of previous colonists. Just pristine jungle and distant wildlife sounds.
"This is strange," Lyssa said, her druidic senses extended. "I should be feeling the island's natural consciousness, but there's nothing. It's like the land itself is sleeping, or waiting."
"Waiting for what?"
"That's what concerns me."
As morning progressed, Elion recalled the scouts. They'd found nothing threatening in the coastal area, but that wasn't reassuring. Something had driven off fifty armed colonists fifteen years ago.
"We camp on the ships tonight," Elion announced. "Tomorrow, larger expedition inland. I want to know what we're dealing with before committing to landing."
The night passed without incident, though Elion's dreams were filled with images of the island—a clearing deep in the jungle, ancient stones forming a circle. Something about it felt important.
Morning brought Thalor with news. "The ocean floor here is unusual. There are structures beneath the waves—buildings, or what's left of them. This island was once much larger. Part of it sank, perhaps during some ancient cataclysm."
"How old?"
"Thousands of years, maybe more. Whatever civilization built those structures is long gone. But there are still magical emanations from some ruins."
The landing party assembled—Elion, Mira, Kael, Lyssa, Helena, Garrick, and fifty shadow soldiers. They used small boats to reach the beach.
Elion's boots crunched on white sand as he stepped onto dry land for the first time in two weeks. The sensation was both wonderful and strange.
"Form a perimeter," he ordered the shadows. They spread out instantly in a defensive circle.
The jungle began just beyond the beach—massive trees with trunks wider than houses, vines hanging like curtains, undergrowth thick enough to hide anything. Birdsong echoed through the canopy.
"Stay close," Kael advised. "Jungle fighting is different. Lots of places for ambush."
They moved inland slowly, shadow scouts ranging ahead. The jungle was humid and hot, air thick with moisture and vegetation smell. Elion was sweating within minutes.
After an hour, they reached a stream—crystal clear water flowing over smooth stones. Lyssa tested it with magic and declared it safe.
"Multiple freshwater sources," Mira said, filling a waterskin. "The island can support a larger population. We could establish farms near the coast."
"Assuming whatever lives here lets us," Garrick added.
They followed the stream inland, using it as a natural path. The shadows reported no threats—just normal wildlife like birds, small mammals, insects. It was almost disappointingly peaceful.
Then they reached the clearing from Elion's dream.
It opened suddenly—a perfect circle of grass surrounded by ancient stones. The stones were carved with symbols that hurt to look at directly. In the center stood something that made everyone stop.
An altar. Or perhaps a throne. The stone structure seemed to shift between forms depending on how you looked at it. And sitting upon it was a figure.
At first, Elion thought it was a statue. Then the figure moved.
She was humanoid but clearly not human. Tall and slender, with skin that seemed made of living stone, hair that moved like water flowing upward, eyes that glowed with inner light. She wore robes that appeared woven from moonlight.
"Finally," she said, her voice resonating with multiple harmonics. "After fifteen years, someone with courage enough to reach the heart of my island."
Elion's hand went to his sword but didn't draw it. The figure radiated power—vast and ancient. This wasn't something he could fight.
"Who are you?" he asked, keeping his voice steady.
"I am the Guardian. Or I was, before my purpose ended. Now I am simply waiting. Hoping that someone worthy would come."
"Worthy of what?"
The Guardian smiled sadly. "Of claiming this island. Of accepting the responsibility that comes with it. Of understanding what was lost here and ensuring it is never forgotten."
She stood, reality warping slightly around her. "This place was once the heart of a great civilization—the Luminari. Masters of magic and builders of wonders. But they grew arrogant, delved too deep into powers they didn't understand, and brought about their own destruction."
The Guardian gestured, and images appeared—cities of light and crystal, floating ships, impossible gardens. Then darkness, corruption spreading, cities crumbling, people screaming.
"I was created in their final days," she continued. "Given a single purpose: guard the island, prevent anyone from accessing the deep ruins where their greatest mistake lies buried. For three thousand years, I have performed this duty. But the magic that sustains me is fading. Within a generation, perhaps less, I will cease to exist."
"You drove away the colonists fifteen years ago," Elion said.
"I did. They were fortune seekers, interested only in plundering ruins. I could not allow that." The Guardian's glowing eyes fixed on Elion. "But you are different. System Bearer. Shadow-touched. Leader of the desperate and hopeful. You don't seek to plunder. You seek to build."
"How do you know that?"
"I am connected to this island. I feel every step taken upon it, know every intention of those who land here. Your people are refugees seeking home, not raiders seeking treasure. That makes all the difference."
The Guardian moved closer. Up close, she was even more otherworldly—her stone skin had veins of light running through it like glowing circuitry, her eyes seemed to contain star fields.
"I offer you a bargain, Elion Crestfall," she said formally. "Take this island as your own. Build your settlement, raise your people, create something lasting. In exchange, you must swear never to disturb the sealed ruins at the island's heart. Never attempt to access the Luminari's final experiments. Let the past remain buried."
╔════════════════════════════════╗
║ MAJOR QUEST AVAILABLE ║
╚════════════════════════════════╝
Quest: The Guardian's Bargain
Accept guardianship of Island Seventeen
Promise to leave ancient ruins undisturbed
Rewards:
Island claim recognized
Protection from minor threats
Access to Guardian's knowledge
Hidden benefits (???)
Warning: Breaking this oath will have severe consequences
Accept? [YES] / [NO]
Elion looked at his companions. Mira gave a small nod. Kael shrugged—he didn't trust it but saw no better option. Lyssa's expression was thoughtful.
The decision was his.
"I accept," Elion said. "On behalf of myself and all who follow me, I swear that the ancient ruins will remain sealed. We seek only to build new lives, not awaken old disasters."
The Guardian smiled genuinely this time. "Then Island Seventeen is yours, Elion Crestfall. Build well. Protect your people. And perhaps, in time, create something even the Luminari would have admired."
She raised one hand, and power flowed into the ground. Elion felt it through his connection to his shadow soldiers—the island itself acknowledging him, accepting his claim.
"I will remain until my power fades completely," the Guardian said, already becoming more translucent. "If you need guidance or knowledge, seek me here. But my time grows short. Soon, you will be the only protector this place has."
She faded like morning mist, leaving only the ancient stones.
For a moment, no one spoke. Then Mira let out a breath.
"Well," she said. "That was unexpected."
"Did we just get blessed by an ancient magical construct?" Kael asked.
"We did," Lyssa confirmed. "And it's genuine. I can feel the island's acceptance. This place will welcome us now."
Elion looked around the clearing, then back toward the distant beach where their ships waited with two hundred and forty-six hopeful people.
They had found their new home.