Single Part
Thalon found himself in a vast and ancient library, the walls lined with shelves stretching as far as his eyes could see. Books of all shapes and sizes, some covered in dust, others with shiny, well-preserved covers, filled the shelves. The smell of aged parchment and faded ink permeated the air, creating an atmosphere of wisdom.
Floating candelabras softly illuminated the environment, casting dancing shadows on the spines of the books. There was a profound silence, broken only by the occasional sound of pages turning. Thalon felt a strange mix of wonder and discomfort as he walked through the narrow aisles, his steps echoing softly on the polished wooden floor.
Suddenly, something caught his attention. At the back of the library, isolated on a shelf that seemed older and more worn than the others, was a peculiar book. Its cover was a deep black, as if it absorbed all the light around it. The texture seemed rough, like untreated leather, and the edges were frayed and tattered. On its cover, there was a title written in a crude and irregular manner: "Scriptores Veneficus."
Thalon reached out hesitantly and picked up the book. As soon as his fingers touched the cover, he felt a strange vibration, as if the book was pulsing with a life of its own. He carefully opened the first page and saw that the text was written in an indecipherable language, filled with unknown symbols and unrecognizable drawings. Even without understanding the exact meaning, Thalon felt a wave of power emanating from the pages, as if they contained ancient and dangerous secrets.
Suddenly, a sensation of unreality enveloped him. He blinked, realizing that the library around him was starting to dissolve, like a painting being erased. Thalon quickly understood that he was in an illusion. He closed his eyes, concentrating, and forced his mind to wake from the false reality.
When he opened his eyes again, he was back in the garden of night-blooming flowers. The soft glow of the flowers contrasted with the vision he had just had. However, a soft and threatening sound caught his attention. He turned his head and saw a huge spider, its multifaceted eyes gleaming maliciously, about to attack Lirian, who was still trapped in the illusion.
"Not so fast," murmured Thalon, raising his hands and beginning to conjure a spell. His fingers moved in complex patterns, and roots began to emerge from the ground at his command. The thick, twisted roots quickly advanced, wrapping around the spider and violently pulling it back, throwing it several meters and leaving it dizzy.
Seizing the opportunity, Thalon ran to Lirian and shook his shoulder. "Lirian, wake up!" he ordered, while using his magic to cancel the illusion that held his companion.
***
Lirian found himself in a vast, green field, the horizon touched by the golden light of the rising sun. He could feel the gentle breeze caressing his face and the fresh smell of morning grass. This place seemed strangely familiar, like a distant echo of a dream he used to have in his childhood.
In the distance, he saw a picturesque village with thatched roofs and white stone walls. People walked through the streets, laughing and chatting cheerfully. There was a peace and joy in the air that Lirian hadn't felt in a long time. He started walking toward the village, feeling a strange urge to get closer.
When he reached the village, he was greeted by familiar faces. People he recognized from his childhood, friends, and family he had lost over the years. His younger sister ran towards him with a radiant smile. He picked her up, spinning her around in the air. The reunion was emotional and full of affection, bringing him a sense of home he thought he had lost forever.
The little girl led him to a cozy house in the village. His parents were there, sitting at the table, smiling at him. Lirian's heart filled with joy and relief at seeing the beloved faces of his parents, something he hadn't seen in many years.
But as the conversation progressed, Lirian began to feel a strange sense of discomfort. Something didn't seem right. He looked around the room, observing the faces of his family and friends. There was something in their eyes, a shadow he couldn't define.
Suddenly, the image of the house began to blur. The voices became echoing and distant, as if they were submerged in water. Lirian blinked, trying to clear his vision, but the illusion faded even more.
***
Lirian woke abruptly, his eyes blinking as he tried to adjust to reality. The sight of the huge spider, with its sharp mandibles and multiple eyes gleaming with malice, brought him back to the present with a shock of adrenaline. The spider, sensing the interruption, launched itself at the two of them with a quick, deadly attack.
Thalon dodged nimbly, pulling Lirian out of the way at the last second. "Keep it occupied! I'm preparing a spell!" Thalon shouted, retreating as he began to concentrate, his hands forming an unusual symbol.
Lirian quickly drew his bow, pulling an arrow and shooting it in a fluid motion. The arrow whizzed through the air and struck the spider in one of its front legs, causing it to retreat with a hiss of pain. It turned towards Lirian, its mandibles clicking threateningly.
While Thalon continued to conjure his spell, the spider advanced again, its long, hairy legs moving with frightening speed. It leaped, its mandibles open, ready to bite. Lirian rolled to the side, shooting another arrow that hit the spider's body, but it wasn't enough to stop its charge.
Thalon was almost ready to release his spell. "Lirian, keep it up! Just a little more!" he shouted, feeling the unfamiliar energy pulsing in his veins.
Lirian fired another arrow, hitting the spider in the head, but the creature seemed tireless. Suddenly, it lunged forward with surprising speed, pushing Thalon against the wall with enough force to knock him unconscious. Thalon's body slid to the ground, the incomplete spell dissipating into the air.
"Lirian!" Thalon's shout faded as he fell unconscious.
Lirian ran to Ellen's side, who was still under the illusion's effect. He shook her, trying to wake her up. "Ellen, we need you now!" he said desperately, his eyes constantly checking the approaching spider.
The spider, now without the distraction of Thalon, turned its full attention to Lirian. Its front legs rose, ready to strike a deadly blow. Lirian pulled Ellen out of the way just in time to avoid the spider's venomous bite.
With one last look at Thalon, now motionless against the wall, Lirian prepared to do whatever he could to protect his group companions.