Elysian and Kaela arrived back at the guild hall just as the first rays of dawn broke over the village. The hall was empty, save for a few early risers who barely glanced at them, accustomed to the odd hours kept by adventurers. Elysian knew that he needed time to process everything he had learned, but the questions kept mounting.
After Kaela left to report to Garroth, Elysian made his way to the study room, where he spread out the scrolls he had brought from the archive. Each one contained fragments of ancient knowledge, spells from the time of the demon lord. The containment spell was just the beginning; there were others that promised even greater power and more complex magic, some of which had been lost to all but the most knowledgeable sages.
"Aria, assist me in decoding these spell formulas. Focus on any that could help us analyze or stabilize ancient creatures."
Aria's voice replied with a faint chime. "Decoding initiated. Analyzing multiple summoning and stabilization spells. It appears that these scrolls incorporate runes from several different ancient dialects, suggesting a hybrid magic system unique to the demon lord's era."
Elysian tapped his chin thoughtfully. The demon lord's era must have been a time of vast magical experimentation, with creatures and spells that had since faded from memory. He leaned over the scrolls, noting how each rune connected to the next, forming layers upon layers of meaning.
As he studied, Kaela returned, a look of excitement on her face. "Garroth wants to see you. He found something he thinks you should know."
Elysian's curiosity piqued. Gathering up the scrolls, he followed Kaela through the winding corridors until they reached a smaller, private study where Garroth was waiting. On the table before him lay a peculiar artifact—a smooth, dark stone with veins of red that seemed to pulse faintly, as if alive.
"This is what the villagers discovered in the forest," Garroth said, motioning toward the stone. "We believe it's a remnant from the demon lord's time. The aura around it is... unsettling."
Elysian studied the stone closely. He could feel the dark energy emanating from it—a lingering power that pulsed in time with an ancient heartbeat. The sight sent a thrill through him; this was the first real artifact he'd encountered that directly connected to the game's lore.
"Aria, identify this artifact."
Aria responded instantly, "This is an Arcane Core, a condensed source of magic often used by demon lords to amplify their power. It has traces of binding magic, indicating it may have been used to control or empower summoned creatures."
Garroth's eyes widened. "You can tell all that just by looking at it?"
Elysian nodded. "It's a skill I've honed. This core could be a valuable clue. If relics like this are scattered throughout the forest, it might explain the resurgence of magical creatures—and why they're drawn to this village."
Garroth crossed his arms, his gaze intense. "What do you propose we do with it?"
Elysian thought carefully. Destroying it might be safest for the village, but keeping it could provide him with insight into the ancient magic he sought. This core held the potential to unlock lost spells, spells that could bring him closer to understanding the demon lord's true power.
"Let me study it," he said finally. "With the right precautions, we could learn more about the magic of that era. This core could contain knowledge we can't find anywhere else."
Garroth hesitated, then nodded. "All right. But take care. Whatever that thing holds, it's beyond anything we've dealt with before."
As Elysian took the core, he felt a surge of energy course through his hand—a faint echo of the demon lord's lingering power. The core's pulsing seemed to quicken in his grasp, as if responding to his touch.
Back in his study, he placed the core on the table and began channeling his magic carefully, attuning himself to the core's energy. Aria spoke softly in his mind.
"Elysian, I recommend using a stabilization spell to prevent any magical discharge. The core's energy is highly volatile."
He nodded, casting a protective barrier around the core. The red veins pulsed steadily, and he could almost hear a faint whisper, as if something ancient was stirring within the stone.
As he focused, the whispers grew louder, forming words. "Sage of the past... keeper of lost knowledge..." The voice was deep, echoing with power and sorrow.
Elysian's eyes widened. This core was more than just a power source—it was a fragment of the demon lord's soul, a memory that had been sealed away with the relic. He had heard of soul-bound artifacts in the game, but encountering one here, in this world, was an experience unlike any other.
"Aria, can we communicate with it safely?" he asked, his voice low.
"Direct interaction may be risky," she replied. "However, using a basic telepathic connection spell should allow controlled communication. The core may contain memories or insights, but proceed with caution."
Elysian took a deep breath, casting the spell to bridge his mind with the core. The room faded around him, and he found himself standing in a dark, formless space, facing the spectral image of a man draped in shadows.
The figure's voice echoed in the emptiness. "So, you have come seeking the knowledge of ages... What do you desire, mortal?"
Elysian met the gaze of the specter, unflinching. "I seek the knowledge lost with the sages—the power of the magic circles and the secrets of the demon lord's era. Show me what you know."
The specter's eyes glinted, as if amused. "You are bold, sage. But knowledge comes at a price. In my time, we wielded powers that could alter reality itself. Are you prepared to face the consequences?"
Elysian's resolve didn't waver. "If it means protecting this world—and those who inhabit it—then yes, I am prepared."
The specter nodded, and a flood of memories washed over Elysian—visions of ancient battles, spells that could reshape the very fabric of existence, and glimpses of a world once filled with wonder and terror. The memories burned in his mind, each one a fragment of a past long forgotten.
When he opened his eyes, he was back in his study, the core pulsing faintly before him. Aria's voice broke the silence.
"Elysian, your energy levels have dropped significantly. Are you all right?"
He nodded slowly, feeling a newfound power settle within him. The core had given him more than knowledge—it had unlocked potential he hadn't known existed. The weight of it was overwhelming, but he knew he was one step closer to mastering the magic of the sages.
"Aria, prepare for more study sessions," he said, his voice steady despite the exhaustion. "We have much to learn—and time is of the essence."