The sun dips behind the mountains, casting a golden glow over the dense forest. The towering ancient trees sway gently in the cool evening breeze. On the horizon, I catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Ebony Mountain, said to hold the last dragon egg—a relic of immense power, according to legend.
I stand at the edge of a clearing, gripping a tattered map I found in a forgotten library. The path marked on it leads straight to Ebony Mountain, but it's fraught with danger: mythical creatures, ancient traps, and hidden enchantments. Beside me, Kael, a sharp-minded young sorcerer, quietly mutters incantations to maintain a protective shield around us. Lira, an archer with eyes like a hawk, readies her bow, scanning the shadows for any sign of threat.
A sudden snap breaks the silence. Red eyes glint in the darkness, and a low growl rumbles from the underbrush. Kael grips his staff tightly, ready to cast a spell, while Lira pulls back her bowstring, an arrow already nocked.
"We're not alone," Kael whispers.
I nod to Lira, signaling her to wait for the right moment. I take a deep breath and let out a loud roar, a primal cry that echoes through the forest. Startled by the noise, the shadow wolves immediately turn their attention towards me. I sprint away from Kael and Lira, my footsteps pounding against the forest floor. I need to draw the wolves away from my friends.
I hear Kael's voice behind me, chanting softly. A sudden flash of light envelops him and Lira, and then they vanish from sight—his invisibility spell cast perfectly. The wolves, now focused solely on me, pursue with increased ferocity, their growls turning into howls as they close in.
I weave through the trees, my mind racing. I can't take on all four of them alone. Trusting in Lira's archery and Kael's magic, I need to buy them more time to get into position. I veer to the side, glancing back to gauge the distance. The wolves are fast, too fast. One leaps towards me, its fangs aiming for my leg, but I sidestep just in time, narrowly avoiding its poisonous bite.
"Lira, now!" I shout, hoping she's ready.
Invisible to the wolves, Lira releases two arrows. They soar through the air, glowing with enchanted light, and strike their targets. The first arrow pierces a wolf's side, bursting into a flash of light that forces it back, yelping in pain. The second hits another wolf on the shoulder, causing it to stagger.
Seizing the moment, I pivot and charge at the disoriented wolves, my sword flashing in the dim light. With a powerful swing, I cut deep into the closest wolf, feeling my blade slice through muscle and bone. It collapses with a final, pitiful whimper.
The remaining wolves, still blinded by Lira's enchanted arrows, struggle to regain their bearings. Kael, still hidden, begins preparing another spell, his eyes never leaving the scene. We don't have much time—I need to finish this before the others recover.
"Lira, let's wrap this up!" I call out.
She fires two more arrows with rapid precision. One strikes a wolf in the neck, and the other hits its mark just behind the ear of the second. Both fall silent, collapsing to the ground.
Breathing heavily, I pause to scan the surroundings. There's a rocky slope to the north leading to some ancient ruins—potential shelter, or perhaps more danger. Either way, it's our best option.
"Let's head to those ruins," I say, gesturing to the hill. "We might find some answers there."
We move cautiously towards the ruins, each of us on high alert. The air grows thicker, almost charged with energy. Kael halts suddenly, his eyes narrowing as he senses something.
"Wait," he warns. "There's a powerful magic here. We need to be careful—there could be traps or enchantments protecting this place."
I nod, noting the faint glow of runes carved into the stone walls—ancient symbols I can't quite decipher. "Can you read them, Kael?"
He steps closer, studying the runes. "These are from the Ash Mages' time, an old language used long before the Great War. They might be a warning... or a test."
I look around, weighing our options. "We need to figure out a way in without triggering anything dangerous."
Kael murmurs a few words, tracing symbols in the air. The runes flicker, glowing brighter. "Only those pure of heart may enter," he reads aloud. "Those with ill intent will meet a fiery end."
Lira frowns. "We're here for knowledge, but who knows if that's enough."
I think for a moment. The path forward is uncertain, but we have come too far to turn back now. "Stay close and be ready for anything," I say, taking the first step towards the entrance.
With every step, the ruins seem to watch us, ancient eyes hidden in stone. The adventure is just beginning, and I can't shake the feeling that whatever lies ahead will change everything