The Guild of Shadows was now the talk of Ashvale. Their victory in the tournament had not only brought them fame and fortune but also painted a target on their backs. Rival guilds whispered in dark corners, plotting ways to challenge the newly rising force. But Canila Panort knew this was just the beginning. Their power was still growing.
After their triumph, the group gathered in their temporary hideout, a small tavern on the outskirts of town. The celebrations were still going strong outside, but Canila's focus was on what lay ahead.
"We need to move quickly," he said, his tone serious. "The victory will only buy us a small window before stronger enemies begin to take notice."
Kael nodded. "We'll need more than just gold. If we're going to survive, we need to grow our strength—individually and as a guild."
"That's why we're heading to the Obsidian Ruins," Canila declared. The name caused a ripple of surprise among his companions.
"The Obsidian Ruins? That's one of the most dangerous dungeons around," Fynn said, his brow furrowed. "We're barely strong enough to survive the outskirts, let alone go deeper."
"Which is exactly why we're going," Canila replied. His eyes gleamed with determination. "If we want to become the best, we need to take risks. The Obsidian Ruins hold powerful relics, secret quests, and something far more valuable: the Plunder Ability."
The Plunder Ability was a rare and feared skill, one that allowed its user to steal attributes or skills from fallen foes. It was a power that had shaped the course of Elysium's history in the past, and Canila knew its value in the coming battles. Once acquired, it would give him an edge no one could predict or counter.
The journey to the ruins was long and treacherous. The forest surrounding the ruins was known for its hostile creatures and natural traps. As they moved through the dense undergrowth, the air grew colder, and an eerie fog settled in.
"We should be close now," Rhea whispered, her eyes scanning the area for danger.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed from the shadows. Dark shapes shifted in the mist, moving swiftly toward them.
"Prepare for battle!" Kael shouted, drawing his sword.
The creatures emerged from the fog—Spectral Wolves, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light. Their ethereal forms seemed to flicker as they moved, making them difficult to track.
Battle Initiated:
Spectral Wolves [Level 22]
Spectral Wolf Leader [Level 25]
Canila activated his Shadow Step, vanishing from view and reappearing behind one of the wolves. With a swift strike, he severed the beast's form, but instead of falling, the wolf's body dissolved into mist.
"They regenerate!" Fynn called out. "We need to take down the leader!"
The Spectral Wolf Leader was larger than the others, its body surrounded by a dark aura. It moved with incredible speed, dodging attacks and launching ferocious strikes of its own. Kael and Braxus held their ground, blocking the wolf's attacks, while Rhea darted in and out of the shadows, looking for a weakness.
"Now!" Canila shouted, and the group coordinated their assault.
Experience Points Gained:
Defeated [Spectral Wolves]: +2,200 EXP each
Defeated [Spectral Wolf Leader]: +5,000 EXP
With a final, combined strike, the Spectral Wolf Leader fell, its form dissipating into the mist. As it vanished, a dark shard appeared where its body had been.
Canila stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the shard. A strange energy pulsed from it—a raw, chaotic force that seemed to resonate with him.
"This… this is it," he murmured. The shard was a fragment of an ancient power—one that held the key to unlocking the Plunder Ability.
Acquired Item: Shadow Shard (Fragment of the Plunder Ability)
"We're close now," Canila said, pocketing the shard. "Once we reach the core of the Obsidian Ruins, we can unlock the full power of the Plunder Ability."
The group pressed onward, their goal clear. The entrance to the Obsidian Ruins came into view, a massive, blackened structure that seemed to hum with ancient energy. The ruins were unlike anything they had seen before, the walls etched with symbols of long-forgotten civilizations.
"We need to stay sharp," Rhea said, her voice tense. "This place feels… different."
As they ventured deeper into the ruins, the air grew heavier, and the presence of something ancient and powerful loomed over them. Shadows moved along the walls, and the faint whisper of voices echoed through the corridors.
Finally, they reached the heart of the ruins—a grand chamber filled with towering statues of dark, armored figures. In the center of the room stood an altar, and upon it lay a black, glowing crystal.
Canila's heart raced as he approached the altar. The power emanating from the crystal was overwhelming, and he knew this was what he had been searching for.
As he reached out to touch the crystal, the shadows around the room came to life, coalescing into a towering figure clad in dark armor.
"You seek the power of plunder," the figure intoned, its voice reverberating through the chamber. "But know this: such power comes at a cost."
The figure attacked, its strikes swift and deadly. Canila barely had time to react, dodging to the side as the armored figure swung a massive blade. The battle was fierce, and Canila's movements were pushed to their limits as he fought the dark guardian.
But he wasn't alone. His guildmates joined the fray, Kael and Braxus blocking the figure's strikes while Fynn unleashed a barrage of arcane energy. Rhea's daggers flashed in the shadows, striking at weak points in the figure's armor.
As the guardian weakened, Canila activated his most powerful skill—Twilight Slash—and with a final, decisive blow, the guardian fell.
Experience Points Gained:
Defeated [Obsidian Guardian - Level 30]: +10,000 EXP
As the guardian disintegrated, the power within the black crystal surged into Canila. His body glowed with dark energy, and a new skill appeared in his status window.
New Skill Unlocked: Plunder Ability
Effect: Allows the user to absorb an attribute or skill from fallen enemies, increasing their own power.
Canila felt the surge of power course through him. With this ability, he could now grow stronger with each battle, taking the strengths of his foes and making them his own.
"This changes everything," he said, a fierce grin spreading across his face.
The Guild of Shadows left the Obsidian Ruins victorious, their power significantly increased. But Canila knew this was just the beginning. With the Plunder Ability in his arsenal, he was ready to face the challenges that awaited them—and whatever dark forces were stirring behind the scenes.
The Shadow King had reclaimed his throne, and the world of Elysium would never be the same.