The lamp flickered as Elysian leaned over the stone tablet, carefully tracing his fingers along the ancient runes. His mind was whirring as he recognized the intricate, layered symbols from his memories as the game's top player. This tablet might be one of the last pieces of knowledge tied to the demon lord's era—a relic carrying power that most people in this world would never understand.
Aria's voice broke into his thoughts. "Would you like me to cross-reference these symbols with your knowledge base, Elysian?"
"Yes, Aria, do that," he whispered, glancing over at Garroth, who was watching him with intense curiosity.
"You really know what these are?" Garroth asked, his brow furrowing.
Elysian nodded. "These symbols are from a lost age, an era when magic was boundless and… dangerous. Few could harness it safely."
Garroth grunted, folding his arms. "Well, there's been no sage born since the demon lord's defeat. It's said that much of the world's magic has faded since then."
"That makes sense." Elysian carefully set the tablet back down, trying to seem nonchalant, though his mind was racing with possibilities. So, after the demon lord's fall, magic was gradually forgotten, taking knowledge of these spells and artifacts with it.
He felt a thrill of excitement, tempered by the responsibility that lay ahead. His level of knowledge—alongside his inventory filled with demon lord artifacts—was a combination no one else in this world possessed. And he wasn't sure if that made him a fortunate scholar or a target.
"Garroth," he began, looking at the guild master. "Do you mind if I take a few of these relics with me for further study?"
Garroth's eyes narrowed. "These belong to the guild, lad. Can't just let you take 'em."
Elysian expected this. "Understood. Perhaps I could stay in the village for a few days? I can help with any tasks or quests in return for time to study the relics here."
Garroth seemed to mull it over, then nodded. "If you're as capable as you look, I might have something for you. Nothing too dangerous—just clearing some troublesome creatures from the nearby forest."
Elysian agreed, relieved. With some time here, I can start piecing together this world's lost magic—and maybe even figure out the role these relics play.
Just then, Aria's voice chimed in again. "Elysian, would you like to check your status screen to ensure optimal readiness?"
"Yes, let's take a look," he murmured.
As he thought the command, the familiar transparent status screen appeared before him, with his basic stats displayed as a reminder of his nearly unlimited potential.
Status Screen - Elysian: Sage of Eternity
Name: Elysian
Class: Sage
Level: MAX (999)
Race: Human (Reincarnated)
Titles: Hero of Arcadia, Sage of Eternity, Demon Lord's Bane, Master of All Arts
Primary Stats
HP: 999,999 / 999,999
MP: 1,000,000 / 1,000,000
Strength: 999
Agility: 999
Endurance: 999
Wisdom: 999
Intelligence: 999
Luck: 999
Charisma: 999
With his stats in mind, Elysian dismissed the screen, confident in his capabilities.
"I'll handle the creatures in the forest," he told Garroth. "When I return, I'd like a few more hours with these artifacts."
Garroth grinned. "Deal. Just make sure you come back in one piece. That forest has spooked plenty of good men."
With a nod, Elysian exited the guild hall and headed toward the outskirts of the village. The forest loomed in the distance, shrouded in mist, the trees dense and ancient. As he drew closer, he felt the eerie hum of faint magic—another reminder of the remnants of the demon lord's era.
Perhaps this world's history is even more complicated than I imagined, he thought, stepping into the misty woods.
It was time to put his max-level strength to use.