The main hall of the fortress was spacious and bright, with an exquisite crystal chandelier hanging from the high, arched ceiling, illuminating the entire room. At the center of the main hall sat a massive stone table surrounded by ancient books and artifacts. A beautifully detailed map was laid out on the stone table, with markings for the surrounding mountain ranges, rivers, and towns.
Giant stone pillars lined both sides of the main hall, each carved with various mysterious runes and patterns that looked very ancient and mysterious. At the far end of the main hall, there was a large stone door, on which was carved an image of a bull, the totem of the Rek Kingdom. The bull looked incredibly vivid and lifelike, as if it could leap off the door at any moment. The muscular lines of the bull were clear and powerful, with horns and tail intricately carved into sharp angles, giving off a sharp and dangerous aura. The eyes of the bull were also intricately carved, deep and mysterious, as if they held an endless wisdom and power. The entire image gave an impression of being ancient and mysterious, evoking thoughts of ancient myths and legends.
The stone door itself was grand, made of large stone blocks, appearing very sturdy and solid. There were also some ancient symbols and runes carved onto the surface of the stone door, seemingly remnants of a mysterious magical civilization. Brown and yellow banners hung on the walls of the main hall. These banners looked very old and were adorned with various patterns and symbols, suggesting that this place was once a prosperous and powerful fortress. The patterns and symbols on the banners, such as the bull's horns and various symbols and runes, evoked thoughts of ancient myths and legends. The colors on the banners were also vibrant, with a mix of brown and yellow that conveyed warmth and antiquity. The edges of the banners were adorned with golden patterns and decorations, suggesting that this place was once a rich and powerful civilization.
An ancient and mysterious atmosphere permeated the air in the main hall, inducing feelings of awe and shock. This atmosphere seemed to originate from the history and legends of the entire fortress, conveying the impression that this place had weathered countless storms and witnessed countless histories. Each banner, every wall, exuded an ancient and mysterious charm that transported one back to the world of the ancients, evoking thoughts of the mysterious ancient civilization.
A young man dressed in a white robe slowly walked into the main hall. His name was Lian, a trusted assistant of the current fortress leader, Raven Darkholme. Lian, an apparently cultured young man, didn't have outstanding looks, but his unfathomable eyes made him intriguing. He wore a white robe made of delicate brocade, embroidered with intricate geometric patterns that sparkled, symbolizing his status. A golden belt was tied around his waist, with a blue gemstone embedded in the buckle. His black hair was neatly tied back, revealing his clear features and deep blue eyes.
However, Lian's eyes hid a cunning and sinister nature. His gaze was like a glinting cold sword, penetrating hearts and seeing through people's weaknesses. A sly smile, barely perceptible, often played at the corners of his mouth, as if he was always plotting some undisclosed scheme. His words were always polite, but each sentence contained veiled barbs, making him difficult to fathom. His actions were elegant and thoughtful, but the cunning and scheming behind them incited a deep sense of unease. He was often assigned by Raven Darkholme to handle important tasks.
"Lord Darkholme, everything has been arranged," Lian replied, his firm gaze demonstrating confidence in his mission.
Raven Darkholme nodded satisfactorily. She knew that Lian had never disappointed her. "That old man's secret must be uncovered this time," her eyes glittered with determination and ambition.
Raven Darkholme looked at him, her eyes full of trust. She knew that Lian would not let her down. "You should rest for now, act once Sok and the boy become acquainted. We can't let Sok notice anything."
"Lord Darkholme, there is something else. The boy is somewhat special. His color was blue in the test, an exceptionally clear light, something we've never seen before."
Hearing this, a flicker of surprise flashed in Raven Darkholme's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. "Blue, you mean the kind of light that only appears on the most pure and flawless of people?" Her voice was full of interest.
Lian nodded, "Yes, Lord, it is a very pure light. We were all dazzled when we were testing him. I think, perhaps, we can take this opportunity to see if this young man can move Sok, and get him to reveal his secret to us willingly."
A sly gleam appeared in Raven Darkholme's eyes, "Your suggestion is good, Lian. We can give it a try. Sok may be cunning and strategic, but he's also emotional. He's always been unable to bear his loneliness. The people we've sent haven't been real enough. If this boy is by his side, perhaps he will let his guard down, making it easier for us to learn his secret."
"I understand, Lord, I will arrange it right away," Lian replied. He was already planning how to better use the boy to obtain the information they needed from Sok.
After he left, Raven Darkholme sat quietly in her seat, her eyes shining with excitement. She was imagining how Sok would voluntarily reveal his secrets. She could already foresee the success of her plan. However, what she didn't know was that the relationship between Sok and Elwin would exceed her expectations.