The ethereal figure disappeared, leaving Aria and Eldric in a state of shock. They took a moment to collect their thoughts and regroup before continuing on their journey.
Aria, still holding the staff bestowed upon her by the Wise Sage, attempted to use some magic with it, hoping to unlock its true potential.
"Come on, show me what you've got," Aria muttered, frustration evident in her voice. She waved the staff in different patterns, reciting incantations she had learned over the years.
However, no magical energy surged forth from the staff. It remained as lifeless as a regular stick.
"Huh? Why isn't anything coming out?" Aria confused. "Let me try my staff... There we go, it worked."
"But why can't this one work?"
to their surprise, nothing comes out even after trying it a couple of times.
"Why can't this staff work for either of us?" Aria wondered aloud, her brow furrowed in puzzlement. "It was given to me by the Wise Sage herself, but it seems like an ordinary object."
Eldric pondered the situation, his mind racing with possibilities. "Perhaps there's more to this staff than meets the eye," he suggested. "We should keep try again once were back at home."
Resuming their exploration of the labyrinth, Aria and Eldric came across various chambers that seemed to reflect the personal belongings of the Wise Sage.
They discovered a bedroom, a kitchen, and even a magical farm that provided sustenance without the need for conventional nutrition. While tempted by the provisions, they decided not to take anything, feeling a sense of respect for the Wise Sage's possessions.
After hours roaming the labyrinth without finding anything useful, they decided to exit the labyrinth.
As Aria and Eldric emerged from the labyrinth's entrance, they were met with a chilling presence. A group of shadowy figures stood silently, their eyes gleaming with a sinister intent. Before Aria and Eldric could react, a spell was cast, engulfing them in a deep slumber.
Aria's quick thinking allowed her to cast a dispel spell, breaking the enchantment on Eldric. Eldric, momentarily losing consciousness, regained his senses and swiftly unsheathed his sword, ready to confront the shadowy figures.
With sword in hand, he cautiously approached the group, his mind focused on the best way to handle the situation.
As Eldric confronted the shadowy figures, he felt a mixture of anger and desperation, but calm. His eyes darted around, searching for any sign of Aria. There, in the grasp of one of the figures, he spotted her, unconscious but seemingly unharmed. But what had they taken her for?
Eldric's gaze shifted to Aria's bag, the one she always carried by her side. It contained the artifacts and treasures they had collected on their journey through the labyrinth. The realization hit him like a thunderbolt. They had abducted Aria because of the items she possessed.
"They wouldn't kill her, it seems they are seeking the treasure from the labyrinth." Eldric mumbled to himself.
"Why do you want those treasures?" Eldric demanded, his voice trembling with a mix of fury and concern.
The figure holding Aria sneered, their eyes gleaming with a sinister light. "Those artifacts hold immense power," they replied cryptically. "We seek to wield that power for our own purposes."
Eldric's grip on his sword tightened as he prepared to fight. He couldn't let them take Aria and the treasures. With a swift and decisive strike, he engaged the figures in a fierce battle, his sword clashing against their weapons.
The shadowy figures, seemingly had finished their job, tried to flee. They ran out the waterfall into a forest. Fortunately, Eldric manage to capture one of the shadowy figure and forced him to surrender.
With the captive figure at his mercy, Eldric demanded answers. He tightened his grip on the shadowy figure's collar, his eyes burning with a mix of anger and determination.
"Where are they taking Aria? What do they want with those artifacts?" Eldric's voice resonated with a commanding authority, leaving no room for deception.
The figure, trembling under Eldric's intense gaze, finally gave in. Fear and desperation filled their eyes as they revealed the truth.
"Our master, he tasked us to steal the artifacts from the labyrinth, it is said to bring forth an ancient power," the figure admitted, their voice quivering.
Eldric's heart raced as he processed the gravity of the situation. He knew he had to find Aria and put an end to their nefarious plans.
"Tell me where they've taken her," Eldric demanded, his voice unwavering.
The figure hesitated for a moment, fear evident in their eyes. Finally, they relented and divulged the location.
"They've taken her to our headquarters," the figure revealed. "It's a stronghold hidden deep within the dense forest. There, we intent to unlock the true potential of the artifacts there."
As Eldric interrogated the captive figure, he learned that the headquarters location was a closely guarded secret. The figure, fearing Eldric's wrath, revealed that only a select few within their group knew the exact whereabouts of the citadel.
Realizing that he needed more information, Eldric decided to delve deeper into the captive figure's mind using his unique ability of foresight. With focused concentration, he unlocked glimpses of the figure's memories, piecing together fragments of images and locations.
Through these fragmented visions, Eldric caught fleeting glimpses of a particular landmark, a distinct tree with twisted branches that stood as a marker on the path to the headquarters. It was a landmark known only to the members of the shadowy group.
Eldric's mind raced, formulating a plan to rescue Aria and thwart their dangerous ambitions.
With a sense of urgency, Eldric released the captive figure, warning them to stay out of their way.
"I will find you Aria, wait for me." Eldric declared, his voice filled with determination.
Armed with the newfound knowledge, Eldric embarked on his journey, following the treacherous path towards the elusive stronghold where Aria was being held captive.