Von awoke with a start, his eyes flickering open to a soft, diffused light that bathed the room in a gentle glow. The air carried the scent of medicinal herbs, and the muffled sounds of distant activity reached his ears. As awareness slowly returned, he realized he was lying on a comfortable cot in a spacious chamber adorned with tapestries depicting ancient healing rituals. The healer's hall of the renowned academy, a haven of rest and recovery for those who bore the scars of battles both physical and metaphysical.
His memories began to weave themselves together—the harrowing confrontation with Veknezimal, the malevolent cerebrenth demon lord, and the subsequent moments of darkness following his triumph. Von took a deep breath, feeling the cool, crisp air filling his lungs. He touched his chest, reassured by the familiar sensation of cloth against his fingertips. The mental wounds sustained in the battle with Veknezimal were gone, replaced by the tender warmth of the healing arts.
A soft voice broke through the tranquility of the room, and Von turned to find a healer, her gentle eyes reflecting both concern and relief. "You're awake," she said, a smile playing on her lips. "Rest assured, the battle has taken its toll, but you are in the Healer's Hall. You've been unconscious for some time." Von nodded, grateful for the reassurance. As he tried to sit up, the healer placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, encouraging him to take it slow. "You pushed your mind to the limit, but your youthful resilience prevailed. The academy is in your debt."
As Von took in the surroundings, he noticed, much like Milltown, hereto were intricate tapestries covering the walls showing healers in serene poses, surrounded by ethereal light. These grand wall hangings told tales of ancient wisdom and the power of restoration. The hall itself seemed to be a sanctuary, a place where the scars of battles were mended, and weary souls found respite.
The healer began a series of gentle inquiries about Von's well-being, checking for any lingering effects of the battle. "The essence of the demon was particularly insidious, but our healers worked tirelessly to purge it from your mind," she explained, her tone a blend of professional assurance and genuine care.
As the conversation unfolded, Von couldn't shake the sense of gratitude. Having only been in Sungrove a short time, it still became a place of learning and camaraderie, and it seemed that even the healer's hall embodied the spirit of unity defining the institution. The healer's hands glowed with a soft, healing light blended with a lush purple as she examined him concentrating on his head, her practiced motions a dance of magical prowess and medical expertise.
Once satisfied with Von's recovery, the healer offered him a potion—a concoction brewed from rare herbs and enchanted waters, designed to invigorate and fortify the body. As he drank, he could feel the potion's effects coursing through him, dispelling the last vestiges of fatigue and uncertainty. Stretching, he swung his legs over the side of the cot then took a moment to absorb the atmosphere of this healer's hall. The distant murmur of conversations between healers and patients, the scent of soothing herbs, and the ambient glow of healing magic created an aura of serenity. Unlike Milltown, this healer's hall was a larger more organized sanctuary within the academy, a testament to the importance placed on both the physical and mental well-being of its inhabitants.
The healer, sensing Von's desire to explore, gestured toward a mirror on the far wall. "Take a moment, let your reflection be a witness to your resilience. You are alive and mostly well. The battle with the demon was no ordinary feat. Even Master Trapper succumbed to his power. Remember this when you look in the mirror. She was taken over. You persevered!"
Von approached the mirror and beheld his own reflection. His eyes, though tired, sparkled with a fire that spoke of triumph and the weight of responsibility. The robe he wore, adorned with sigils of protection and mental health, gleamed in the soft light. As he regarded himself in the mirror, the door to his room within healer's hall creaked open, revealing the familiar faces of Monica, Oren, Alden, and the other council members present during the battle. As through they had been lifelong friends and allies, each carried expressions ranging from relief to unbridled joy, entered the room.
"Von! You're awake!" exclaimed Monica. "I am so pleased you are moving!" she added hug. "Master Eve is in the room beside yours and she has yet to stir in the least. The various mental healers have been trying to fortify her mind, but it seems to have been shattered as the demon took over. They don't know how long it will be until she's able to wake, move or talk on her own."
Von turned to his friend, a genuine smile spreading across his face. Surrounded by those so far above his station, he suddenly felt as though he were part of something huge. The camaraderie he felt in that moment, the unspoken bond forged through shared the shared knowledge of what happened and the comfort of the smiles from those he barely knew filled the room with a palpable warmth.
"Welcome back, Von," said Alden. His robe and shell emitting a faint glow of happiness at their saviour's awakening.
Oren clapped Von on the back. "You had us worried for a moment there, but it seems even the fell demon lord couldn't keep you down. You are an impressive individual, Von."
The reunion was accompanied by laughter, shared stories, and expressions of gratitude. This small room within the bowels of the healer's hall, became a hub of celebration through this unexpected nourishment of camaraderie. His triumph over Veknezimal not only secured the safety of the academy but had strengthened the bonds between them creating a friendship he never would have expected.
As the elders inquired as to how he not only resisted but fought off the demon lord, a senior mage named Alisha, the academy's resident historian, entered the room. Her eyes, wise and filled with the knowledge of ages, met Von's with a mixture of respect and curiosity. "Von, your victory over the foul demon lord will be inscribed in the annals of our history," Alisha declared. "Your bravery will be remembered for generations to come."
Von felt a swell of pride but knew without the help of those surrounding him and his system, the battle would have been lost. What worried him the most was the academy, a bastion of knowledge and arcane prowess, had been infiltrated by such a formidable adversary. It was only through the efforts and power of his system he was able to emerge victorious. System, am I doing alright? Can you see if there is any lingering damage from the battle?
As he waited for the response, food was brought in for everyone. The room, which upon waking felt spacious began to feel close. Luckily, it was filled with those he thought he could trust. Realizing his system still hadn't answered, he asked again. System, are you there? A wave of panic washed through him as his system, upon which he had become dependent had yet to respond.
As he worried, the food kept arriving and drinks were added to the tables along the walls. Slowly, his recovery was becoming a celebration for the defense against the unknown powerful foe. Alendoria leaned over to the boy and from within his robe, pulled out an enormous crystal pulsing with power as though it was in fact a beach ball sized heart.
The energy coming from the core could be felt by all within the room as she placed it in front of Von. "This, young master, belongs to you. It is an incredibly rare demon lord heart. It may be made into a grandmaster level artifact. After spending last night and this morning and afternoon divining over it, Cordelia has determined it can be made into almost anything of your choosing. A weapon, a focus, a breastplate, nearly anything.
The merwoman, Cordelia, affirmed Alendoria's words. "Alden," she nodded in his direction, "has strongly recommended a focus. The choices for such are in order of most powerful to least are: myalomantic, agnomantic, venomantic and necromantic. Further, while you were unconscious, we determined you could use any of those foci once given time to study. As armor, it would make a great helmet protecting you from psychic attacks. As a weapon, it could potentially add psychic damage, but no matter what form of divination was used, we weren't able to be certain what a weapon would do."
"Let me think on it for a few minutes."
System, do you have any suggestions?
Receiving no reply, he knew the system needed focuses to improve. Maybe absorbing a mind focus would help it repair itself or allow it to work again or something. Having it in his mind became a bit of a comfort, but with it silent, he began to worry. He walked toward the double doors with the windows which appeared to lead onto a balcony.
The balcony of the healer's hall in the academy provided a unique and enchanting view encapsulating the mysterious beauty of the surroundings. Situated against the wall nearest the city, the healer's hall was several stories high offering a vantage point to behold the natural wonders and vibrant city life thriving in this watery landscape.
To the immediate wat, the expansive bog unfolds like a mosaic of interconnected waterways and marshy terrain. Tall, slender reeds sway with the gentle breeze, and the water's surface is dotted with vibrant lily pads, their delicate blossoms showcasing an array of colors. Fog often clinging to the water, creating an ethereal ambiance blanketing the bog in a soft, mystical glow.
In the heart of the bog, small islets adorned with weeping willows and exotic flora emerge from the water. These islands provide a habitat for a diverse array of fauna, from bioluminescent insects that flicker in the night to elusive creatures that navigate the bog's waterways. The sounds of croaking frogs and the occasional splash of a water-dwelling creature contribute to the symphony of nature that permeates the air.
The eastern view from the balcony encompasses the heart of Sungrove City itself. Built upon sturdy stone platforms created from the ground beneath the swamp, the city rises above the marshy terrain. Quaint, lantern-lit streets wind through the city, and buildings are adorned with intricately carved wooden facades, blending harmoniously with the natural environment. Canopies of willow branches create shaded walkways, and vibrant flowers hang from balconies, adding splashes of color to the nearby structures.
Directly out the doors, the view of the entrance to the academy and several of its towers could be seen. The sounds of Sungrove city and the academy echo through the air—the laughter of children playing, the gentle hum of conversation from the nexus below, and the distant melody of traditional music played by street performers to the east.
As evening descended, the view becomes even more magical. The lanterns of Sungrove city dotted the landscape creating a sea of shimmering lights. Fireflies emerge from the marsh, adding a touch of whimsy to the night. The healer's hall, surrounded by the captivating beauty of Sungrove, stands as a beacon of tranquility and healing within this lively and enchanting cityscape.
Looking up, the sky was a canvas of celestial wonders. Stars twinkled with an otherworldly brilliance, and the northern lights danced in vibrant hues of green and purple. A celestial tapestry unfolding to tell stories of cosmic forces and arcane energies shaping the very fabric of the far world.
As Von stood on the balcony, the view became a source of solace and inspiration. It is a reminder of the vastness of the world and the interconnectedness of the magical and natural forces defining everything around him. The healer's sanctuary, nestled within the academy, served as a haven where the wonders of the external world meet the healing arts, creating a space of respite and contemplation amidst the ever-unfolding tapestry of the arcane.
As Von stood on the balcony, gazing at the night sky, a sobering realization settled upon him. The victory against Veknezimal was undoubtedly a significant triumph, but it represented just a fraction of the forces lurking within the dark depths of the Fell. The rifts leading here had been explored in the past and it was known to be a vast expanse, and hundreds of demon lords still held sway over their respective domains, each one a malevolent force to be reckoned with. Above these stood demon kings a leap above the lords in power, and finally, the emperor demons. These creatures were practically unknown. As far as anyone knew, they were creatures of legend as no one had ever seen one and returned to tell of them.
The academy, though a bastion of knowledge and arcane prowess, was not immune to the pervasive reach of the Fell. Veknezimal's infiltration had revealed the vulnerability of even the most fortified institutions. The cerebrenth demon's insidious influence managed to seep into the academy's halls, and Von couldn't shake the gnawing concern other demon lords might have exploited similar vulnerabilities. The one place said to be completely impenetrable to demonkind was the Ouranios Haven. Its presence had been lost long ago in the distant history of Khehep. It was said to have disappeared, most likely to have sunk into the endless depths of the Bonechill Bog.
The dim glow of magical wards and protective sigils on the academy's towers and walls cast long shadows, creating an eerie contrast to the celebratory atmosphere within. Von's mind was now occupied with thoughts of worry. How many more demon lords could have infiltrated the academy?
Seeking answers, Von returned from the balcony and made his way through the room past those congratulating him on his recovery. He sought out Alisha, the senior mage and historian whose wisdom often shed light on the arcane mysteries that plagued their world. Finding her setting up a small desk with scrolls open on which she could take notes, Von shared his concerns. "Alisha, the victory against demon lord was a triumph, but I can't help but fear it may have exposed the academy to further infiltration. How many demons or demon lords could have exploited the vulnerabilities, especially since one of the college heads was affected?"
Alisha's gaze, penetrating and thoughtful, met Von's. "The Fell is a realm of shadows, and its denizens thrive on deception and subterfuge. The one you slew was but one among many, and the remaining demon lords are cunning in their own right. It is wise to be vigilant, Von, for the forces of the Fell are relentless in their pursuit of dominance. In the morning, once you are released, we shall scour the library for information." She smiled at him with great warmth. "I heard you will eventually be a master of bibliomancy. Such a talent would be perfect for this endeavor."
The celebration of Von's destruction of the demon lord continued into the evening, with the entire floor of the healer's hall transformed into a haven of jubilation. The healers, their skills praised by those they had tended to, joined in the festivities. Tables were laden with food and drink, and the sounds of music and laughter echoed through the academy corridors. All patients save one, Eve, joined in the festivities. Several times during the evening, Von wandered into the next room to look at the unconscious woman, wondering if he had met any part of the real Eve Trapper, or if it was all Veknezimal the entire time.
He wrestled with these thoughts throughout the evening and decided he needed more protection and strength against the next demon which chose to attack him or his family. Returning to his room, he sought out Alden and Oren. "I would like the core to be made into a focus, however, I would like the focus to appear as a helmet. I want it to be able to grow as I age. This way, it will be the last helmet I need to wear to defend myself against the mental assault of cerebrenth demons. Can you do it?"
Alden looked to the elven smith. "Well? You are the master here. I've seen you create rare foci and your hand was involved with the hourglass as well as the archways of the council tower. Can you make a helmet from that thing?" He asked pointing at the enormous pulsing crystal sphere near the bed. "You have the only forge capable of melting such a thing."