The tavern was dimly lit, the warm glow of lanterns casting flickering shadows across the room. Wooden beams lined the ceiling, and the air was thick with the scent of roasting meat and the sound of clinking mugs. Damien stepped in first, his eyes sweeping the room as if mentally marking exits and potential threats. Cass and Kiyara flanked him, the former with a relaxed, almost lazy smile, and the latter with a look that could cut through stone.
Tyson and Grizz followed close behind. Grizz had to duck slightly to fit through the doorway, his ears brushing against the wooden frame. Tyson walked beside him, a step lighter but still imposing, his blue eyes shifting around the tavern.
They made their way to a table near the back, where the shadows were thicker and the hum of conversations quieter. The chairs creaked under Grizz's weight as he settled down with a grunt, while Tyson took his seat opposite him, keeping his back to the wall.
A Cait Sith waitress approached, her movements graceful and almost feline. She couldn't have been more than nineteen, her brown cat ears twitching at every shift in the room's noise. Her wispy tail flicked behind her as she came to a stop at their table, holding a small notepad and a pencil that looked comically small in her hands.
"What'll it be?" she asked, her voice soft but steady, showing the practiced calm of someone used to dealing with all sorts of customers.
Damien glanced around the table before giving a curt nod. "A round of ale and whatever's roasting on the spit," he said, his tone leaving little room for negotiation. Cass leaned back, a teasing smile playing on her lips as she studied the waitress, while Kiyara gave a brief nod, her gaze flicking to the girl's tail, which seemed to dance with its own energy.
Grizz rumbled in agreement, his eyes gleaming at the thought of food, while Tyson remained silent, eyes scanning the room, muscles tense as if he expected trouble at any moment. The waitress scribbled their order with quick, deft movements, then turned and disappeared into the crowd, her tail swaying in rhythm with her steps.
Typically, NPCs had a faint, glowing label floating near their heads, but this girl had none. She wasn't part of the game's script—another player, then, who had chosen a simpler life in this world rather than pursuing glory and adventure, like the shipcrew.
She returned after a short while, balancing their platters and mugs with practiced ease. The table filled with the rich aroma of roasted meat, fresh bread, and the hoppy scent of ale. Damien grabbed his mug first, taking a long drink. Across from him, Cass had already torn into her meal with the gusto of someone who hadn't seen decent food in days. Kiyara ate in careful, measured bites, and Grizz, with a satisfied grunt, dug into a thick hunk of meat. Tyson was the only one who ate slowly, his eyes scanning the room even as he chewed.
The conversation drifted over their meal, moving from idle chatter to more serious topics. Damien leaned back in his chair, recalling the words of the captain they'd met in Fort Keller. "He said if we're serious, we need to see the capital," he said. "Phantia."
Cass glanced up from her food, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "Phantia's the place to be, right? Center of the kingdom, filled with quests, opportunities, all that good stuff."
Kiyara nodded, setting her fork down neatly. "It's not just about getting there. We need a plan for what comes next."
"First thing's first," Grizz grunted, tearing off another piece of meat. "We need horses. I'm not walking all the way there."
The waitress returned as they finished, balancing a tray of refills. "Need anything else?" she asked, her voice smooth and steady. Her eyes shifted between them, reading their mood effortlessly.
Damien leaned forward slightly. "Actually, yeah," he said, eyes meeting hers. "How do we get to Zeras? To Phantia?"
She hesitated just a moment, a flicker of curiosity crossing her face, then nodded. "From here, you'll want to head east along the main road until you hit the crossroads. From there, it's a straight shot south to Phantia. On foot, you're looking at a few days' travel." She paused, her ears perking up. "But if you're not keen on walking, there's Shaunee's Stables, not far from here. Player-run. She's got some of the best griffins around."
"Griffins?" Damien echoed.
"Yeah." The waitress glanced at their empty plates and nodded. "She set up shop about a month ago. Fair prices, and she often gets rare breeds if you're interested."
Damien slid a few coins across the table. "Thanks for the tip."
She pocketed the coins with a quick, practiced motion and offered a small smile before turning away.
Tyson cleared his throat, looking skeptical. "Griffins? You mean, like, the giant lion birds?"
"I think that's exactly what she means," Damien replied, a grin spreading across his face. The thought of soaring through the sky on a griffin's back sent a thrill through him. He could almost feel the rush of wind and the vast expanse of the world below.
Cass raised an eyebrow, already entertained by the idea. "Looks like we're taking a flight," she quipped, pushing her empty plate aside.
Around the table, everyone seemed to have had their fill. The Cait Sith waitress had been quick with refills and portions, and the hearty meal left them feeling well-prepared for the journey ahead. As they leaned back, a glowing notification materialized in the center of the table, hovering just above the polished wood. It displayed their bill, followed by two options: "Single Payment" and "Portion Payments."
Damien reached out and tapped "Single Payment" before anyone could protest. "I've got it," he said, a flicker of resolve in his voice. The others exchanged surprised glances but didn't argue. The notification blinked, then disappeared, confirming the payment had been processed.
"Much appreciated," Tyson said, his usual stern expression softening into a rare nod of gratitude. Grizz grunted his thanks, and Kiyara offered a quiet smile. Cass, never one to miss a beat, clapped Damien on the shoulder. "Guess the first round in Phantia's on us then."
They stood, the chairs scraping against the floor as they pushed away from the table. The tavern buzzed around them, but they had their sights set beyond its dim, comfortable walls. As they stepped outside into the crisp morning air, the sky was a clear blue canvas, promising fair weather for their journey.
Shaunee's Stables was unlike any they had seen before. The stables were nestled on the edge of a grassy knoll, and as they approached, the faint sounds of distant roars and screeches reached their ears. The building itself was solid, made of aged timber and reinforced with iron, but it was the large, open pens behind it that captured their attention.
Shaunee greeted them with a welcoming smile, her expression a mix of pride and shrewdness. "Morning!" she called out, wiping her hands on her apron. "You're just in time to see the latest arrivals."
Damien's eyes widened as they rounded the corner of the stables. In the expansive pens, massive griffins strutted and flapped their wings, their plumage a riot of golds and browns. The griffins' majestic lion-like bodies and powerful wings made them look like creatures from legends come to life. Their sharp eyes and impressive claws added an intimidating edge to their beauty.
"Those are griffins?" Tyson asked, his voice tinged with awe as he approached the pen. "They're huge!"
"Yep, and they're not just for show," Shaunee said with a nod. "They're strong, fast, and perfect for long-distance travel. I've got a few that are trained for riders." She led them to a smaller, separate pen where griffins with slightly calmer temperaments were housed.
Cass leaned over the fence, eyeing a griffin with a particularly striking plumage. "This one's so cute!"
One by one, each member of the party chose their griffin, their excitement palpable. Damien selected the sleek silver griffin with blue eyes, which responded to him with a soft, curious nudge. Cass chose a powerful, tawny griffin with golden feathers that matched her fiery spirit. Kiyara opted for a calm, dark brown griffin with gentle eyes, while Tyson, ever practical, picked a rugged, gray griffin with a determined gaze. Grizz, who had initially looked hesitant, finally settled on a massive, burly griffin with a fierce but loyal demeanor.
Shaunee, with a knowing smile, handed them each a goodie bag. "Here's what you'll need for the journey," she said, her voice confident. The bags were sturdy leather pouches, filled with a variety of essentials. Damien peeked inside his bag and found:
Griffin Feed: A mix of dried meat and specially formulated grains, packed in a burlap sack, to ensure the griffin's energy and health.
Grooming Brush: A sturdy, bristled brush for keeping feathers clean and untangled.
Water Flask: A large, leather-bound flask for carrying water, crucial for both the riders and their griffins.
Healing Salve: A jar of ointment for treating minor injuries and soothing tired muscles.
Snacks: A few dried fruits and treats specifically for griffins, to reward and bond with them.
The party gathered their gear and led their griffins to the fenced field behind the stables. Shaunee opened the gate, and the griffins stepped out, stretching their wings and adjusting to the open space. The morning sun bathed the field in a warm, golden light, the tall grass rustling gently in the breeze.
Damien approached his griffin, gently patting its side as he fastened the saddle. The griffin's muscles rippled under its feathers, a powerful creature ready for flight. Cass, with a grin, had already mounted her griffin, which let out an eager chirp. Kiyara, calm and focused, adjusted her saddle with practiced ease, while Tyson, his face set in determination, prepared his griffin with methodical precision. Grizz took a bit longer, but once mounted, he looked right at home atop his massive griffin.
With a signal from Shaunee, the party readied themselves. Damien gave a firm squeeze to his griffin's sides, and the creature responded by crouching, its powerful legs coiling. With a mighty leap, it sprang into the air, and Damien felt the exhilarating rush as the ground fell away. Cass's griffin took off almost simultaneously, its wings beating strongly.
The griffins climbed into the sky, their powerful wings beating in rhythm, creating a wind that tousled their hair and whipped around them. Below, Shaunee's stables and the surrounding landscape shrank into a patchwork of greens and browns. Damien glanced at the others, their faces a mix of exhilaration and focus, their griffins gliding effortlessly alongside his.
As they soared higher, the griffins adjusted their wings, gliding gracefully through the sky. The wind roared in their ears.
This is incredible, Damien thought.
Tyson swooped past him, laughing, and yelled, "I'm never walking again!"
The sky was a vast canvas of azure, stretching endlessly, with the sun casting shimmering trails across the clouds. Damien wasn't admiring the sky.
He stole a glance at Kiyara, riding gracefully beside him on her dark brown griffin.
The griffins adjusted their pace, their wings beating in a synchronized rhythm that created a soft whoosh in the air. Damien's griffin, sensing his rider's distraction, eased into a gentle glide. Kiyara's griffin mirrored the movement, and the two riders floated side by side, their bodies barely moving as they took in the breathtaking view.
Damien's gaze lingered on Kiyara, whose face was illuminated by the golden sunlight streaming through the clouds. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of awe and joy, and her hair danced with the wind. He couldn't help but feel an almost magnetic pull toward her.
"Isn't this incredible?" Damien's voice was a soft murmur, barely reaching Kiyara over the wind's roar.
Kiyara's lips curled into a smile that seemed to outshine the sun. "It's beyond anything I imagined. It feels like we're flying in a dream."
"Right?"
Their griffins slowed to a gentle hover, floating effortlessly above a sea of clouds that looked like a fluffy, white ocean. Damien took the opportunity to draw closer, his heart racing as he maneuvered his griffin alongside Kiyara's.
Without breaking eye contact, Damien reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against Kiyara's hand as she held the reins. Kiyara's eyes widened slightly, a blush rising to her cheeks as she glanced at his hand.
Kiyara's voice, filled with wonder, cut through the wind. "It's crazy to think that this is just the beginning... There's still so much we haven't seen."
Damien nodded, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of the horizon. "What a beginning," he replied.
Tyson's voice suddenly rang out from beside them, startling Damien. "Hey, guys, look down! What are those blue lines in the ground?"
Damien shifted his gaze downward and saw what Tyson was pointing at—an intricate network of glowing blue lines crisscrossing the plains below. The lines shimmered and pulsed with a faint, ethereal light, forming a complex web that seemed to cover the land like a delicate lace.
Curiosity piqued, Damien's thoughts raced back to the lore he'd read during the beta phase of the game. "Those are ley lines," he began, his voice filled with excitement. "In the lore, they're described as the veins of magic that flow throughout Zeras. They channel magical energy across the land and are essential for the balance of magical forces."
As he spoke, he could see Kiyara's eyes widening with interest. "They're like the lifeblood of the world," she said, her voice tinged with wonder.
Damien continued, his tone animated. "Yeah, exactly. These ley lines are crucial for spellcasting."
Cass sighed, her gaze lingering on the shimmering ley lines below. "The more time goes on, the more I wish I'd picked one of the magical races... Dang it. If I had known this would be a real-life or death thing, I definitely would have."
Grizz, who had been quietly observing, rumbled in his deep voice, "But if you had, you might never have met any of us."
Cass smirked, a hint of playfulness in her eyes. "True, true. I'm not mad about it, and even if given the chance... I think I'd stay a Human. I like how strong I've become."
Damien shot her a grin, his eyes bright with admiration. "That's the spirit. Right there is the essence of what makes us human. We don't need magic when we have strength, intelligence, and the indomitable human spirit."
"Well said," Kiyara remarked.
As the griffins glided steadily through the sky, a massive metropolis loomed on the horizon, its sheer scale and brilliance pulling the party's attention away from the tranquil plains below. The cityscape stretched out like a living mosaic of light and metal.
The skyline was a dazzling fusion of sleek towers and neon lights, their hues painting the night in vibrant streaks of purple, blue, and gold. Enormous digital billboards projected dynamic holograms that shifted and morphed, showcasing everything from futuristic advertisements to animated cityscapes.
Flying cars darted between the skyscrapers, their smooth, aerodynamic shapes leaving trails of shimmering light as they maneuvered through the air. Below, the streets were teeming with robots—some in sleek humanoid forms, other with complex designs. Their movements were perfectly synchronized with the flow of traffic.
Cass's eyes widened as she took in the spectacle. "It's like we've stepped into a cybertopia."
Tyson's voice crackled with excitement. "I mean, just look at that! The flying cars, the holograms—this place is straight out of a sci-fi movie!"
Kiyara leaned forward, her gaze filled with awe. "It's so vibrant and alive. I've never seen a city with such a futuristic vibe."
Damien's heart raced as he took in the scene. "This must be Phantia... It definitely didn't look like this in the beta. I see the devs wanted to spice things up a bit."
The griffins banked gently, their wings catching the shimmering city lights as they descended toward Phantia.
Damien slid off his griffin, the creature's feathers ruffling as it stretched its wings briefly before settling down. His boots landed with a soft thud on the polished metal of the landing platform, which vibrated gently beneath the constant hum of the city. Arnenia sprawled before them like a scene from a dream—glass spires reaching for the sky, connected by glowing energy bridges that pulsed with a life of their own. Hover trams zipped silently along their routes, casting brief shadows over the crowds below. This was a city where magic and technology danced together, each feeding into the other in a seamless blend of ancient and modern.
Kiyara was already on the ground, her griffin giving an indignant squawk as she swung off its back. "So," she said, her eyes wide as they took in the sheer scale of the city around them. "Where to first? It's a big city." Her tone was light, but there was an edge of awe in her voice that even she couldn't mask.
Damien glanced at her, then turned his gaze to the horizon, where the central spire of the Archives loomed. It stood like a monolith, an enormous structure of steel and glass that shimmered under the midday sun. "We should go to the Archives," he said, eyes narrowing as he mapped out a route in his head. "The Captain said we could find information there."
Kiyara nodded, her eyes still locked on the cityscape, a smile tugging at her lips. "Good idea." She glanced back at him, her eyes flicking over his determined expression. "But try not to look so intense. It's a library, not a battlefield."
"Depends on the library," Damien muttered, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips as he turned to the others.
"Everyone ready to go?" he called out, his voice cutting through the ambient hum of the city. He looked over to see Cass, Grizz, and Tyson clustered around their griffins, which were busy munching on snacks they'd picked up from Shaunee. In a city of technological marvels, the sight of their griffins was almost jarring. Yet the animals seemed completely at ease, crunching on apples and carrots as if they were in the middle of a tranquil field instead of a high-tech metropolis.
"One sec," Cass replied, holding up a piece of dried fruit as if to make a point. She flashed Damien an innocent smile. "They've earned it," she said, popping the treat into her griffin's mouth.
Damien pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a slow breath. "Cass, this isn't exactly the time for a picnic."
Cass arched an eyebrow, feeding her griffin another treat. "Who said anything about a picnic? I'm just making sure our griffins are well-fed for the inevitable chaos ahead. Besides," she added with a grin, "happy griffins mean a smoother ride. You don't want them throwing a fit in the middle of a city street, do you?"
Kiyara let out a short laugh, leaning against her griffin. "She's got a point, Damien. We've been going non-stop. A few minutes won't make or break us."
Damien glanced around, eyes flicking to the bustling city below. Elevated walkways crisscrossed the air, casting shadows onto the streets below, where vendors peddled their wares amidst the gleaming architecture. Holo-screens floated in the air, displaying everything from the latest news to intricate magical symbols that shifted and morphed like living things.
"Fine," he muttered. "But let's make it quick. The Archives aren't going to wait forever."
"Quick snack break, got it," Cass said, looking like she'd just won some small victory. She dug into her pack and tossed an energy bar to Damien. "Here. You look like you're about to chew someone's head off."
Damien caught the bar, glaring at her for a moment before tearing it open. The first bite was a rush of sweetness, and he realized just how hungry he was. "Thanks," he grumbled, unwilling to admit that he might actually need the energy.
"No problem," Cass replied cheerfully.
"Alright, let's move out," Damien commanded. The group mounted their griffins once more, their gear clinking softly as they moved. They made their way into the city, navigating the crowded walkways and passing under the glow of floating holo-screens.
As they approached the base of the Archive spire, its sheer size became even more daunting. The building gleamed with layers of glass and metal, its surface alive with shifting symbols and holograms. The entrance was flanked by two towering constructs, their eyes glowing with an eerie blue light as they stood motionless, keeping watch.
Damien dismounted, eyes fixed on the massive doors that loomed ahead. "This is it," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "The Archives."
Inside the Archives, Damien sifted through a jumble of old manuscripts, digital records, and flickering holographic maps. The place was a labyrinth of knowledge, every corridor stacked with glowing screens and shelves of ancient tomes, each claiming to hold the secrets of ages past. Yet, after hours of searching, the Tears of Daemora remained elusive. Not a single mention.
He sighed and leaned back, rubbing his temples. "It's like it never existed," he muttered. Kiyara, nearby, gave him a look that mixed frustration with concern. Cass had given up and was now juggling small trinkets he'd found on a desk, while Grizz and Tyson had moved on to interrogating an ancient-looking catalog bot in the corner.
"Maybe we're going about this the wrong way," Kiyara suggested, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Let's ask for help."
Damien nodded, pushing himself up from his seat. The librarian, a silver-haired woman with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor, sat at the main desk, her presence almost blending into the solemnity of the Archives. Damien approached her with a faint hope.
"Excuse me," he began, "we're looking for information on something called the Tears of Daemora. Anything you can point us to?"
The librarian's eyebrows rose slightly. "The Tears of Daemora?" She tapped a slender finger against her lips, her eyes drifting to the side as if searching her memory. After a long pause, she shook her head slowly. "I'm afraid I don't know of any such thing. If it's not in our records, it must be very old or... forgotten."
Damien's heart sank. They had hit a dead end. But then, the librarian's eyes lit up as if struck by an idea.
"However," she continued, "you might be referring to the Temple of Daemora."
Damien blinked. "The Temple of Daemora?"
The librarian nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Yes, it's an ancient site on the outskirts of the city. Most people don't know much about it, but the temple is said to be connected to Daemora herself. It holds a significant place in the city's history. Many believe it's where the goddess once wept for the world, though those are just myths, of course."
Damien exchanged a quick glance with Kiyara. Could this be a lead? It wasn't exactly what they were looking for, but the name was too close to ignore.
"So, you're saying the temple might have something to do with the Tears?" Kiyara asked.
The librarian spread her hands slightly, a gesture of uncertainty. "Who can say? The temple has been a place of pilgrimage for ages. Some claim to have found relics there, but whether they are the Tears you speak of, I cannot say. It might be a coincidence, or it might be exactly what you seek."
Damien mulled this over, staring at the librarian as if he could somehow pull more definitive answers from her gaze. But the Archives had already given all they had. If the Tears of Daemora were not common knowledge, then they were either well hidden or completely erased from history. In other words, the devs made it very hard to find them. A shiver of excitement ran through him.
"Where exactly is this temple?" he asked.
The librarian gestured toward a large, holographic map on the wall behind her. "It's situated at the city's edge, beyond the Old Ward," she explained. The map flickered to life, zooming in on a part of the city that Damien hadn't noticed before. It showed a vast expanse of buildings, gradually giving way to rolling hills and ancient structures. There, nestled at the border between the city and the wilds, was a small, unassuming marker labeled "Temple of Daemora."
"You'll need to go through the Old Ward," the librarian continued, "past the abandoned districts. The temple lies in the foothills, almost hidden by the forest that has reclaimed the area. Be cautious—the place has a reputation. Monsters have made their nests there."
"Let's move out," Damien said, leading the way out of the Archives. "To the temple."