The dim light of the archive flickered as Elysian poured over the ancient scrolls, each one unlocking more secrets of the demon lord's era. He'd been at it for hours, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd barely scratched the surface of the knowledge within this hidden vault.
As he examined one of the scrolls, a particular set of symbols caught his eye. They resembled the intricate spell circles he'd often used in the game, symbols that were thought to have been lost after the demon lord's defeat. But here they were, preserved and waiting to be understood.
"Aria, run a quick analysis on these symbols," he murmured.
"Analyzing," Aria replied. After a few moments, she continued, "These symbols align with high-tier summoning spells, specifically designed for containment and control. This type of magic was commonly used by sages to summon and bind creatures to their will."
Elysian smirked. This was exactly the kind of magic he'd been hoping to find. Such spells could allow him to control ancient creatures and potentially create a powerful ally from the fragments he'd gathered so far.
As he read further, a faint sound echoed from the stairwell, drawing his attention. He turned, alert, as the door creaked open and a young woman stepped into the archive, her cloak barely concealing the light armor she wore. She looked around with wary curiosity until her gaze settled on Elysian.
"Are you the new sage Garroth mentioned?" she asked, her voice steady but guarded.
"Yes," he replied, studying her. "And you are…?"
"I'm Kaela, a tracker for the guild," she introduced herself, her eyes keen. "Garroth sent me to check on you. He thought you might need an extra hand in exploring the forest."
Elysian raised an eyebrow. It seemed unusual for Garroth to send someone after him, but he appreciated the offer. "I was planning to go deeper into the forest, yes. These spells may help me handle whatever creatures have started to appear."
Kaela's eyes lit up with interest as she glanced at the scrolls. "I've never seen anything like those runes. Are they really from the sages?"
"Yes," Elysian answered, noting her curiosity. "These scrolls hold spells from an age long before our time, knowledge that was hidden away to prevent it from being misused. But I believe it's possible to bring some of it back—carefully."
Kaela seemed to consider this. "If these creatures really are returning, then maybe that knowledge can help protect the village. I'd like to join you."
Elysian nodded, recognizing a kindred spirit in her. "Then let's set out together. But be warned—the magic I'll be using isn't something most people have seen. Stay close, and if anything feels off, step back."
She nodded. "Understood."
With Kaela by his side, Elysian packed up a few select scrolls, particularly the one containing the containment spell. Together, they left the archive and headed back into the forest, the moonlight casting long shadows on the trees. Elysian's mind raced with the possibilities of using his newfound knowledge in a live situation.
The forest felt even more alive tonight, the air thick with energy. As they walked, Kaela leaned in. "What exactly are you hoping to find?"
"Answers," Elysian replied, his gaze fixed on the dense woods ahead. "And perhaps a way to protect the village from whatever is causing these changes."
They didn't have to wait long. Moments later, they heard the rustling of leaves, followed by a low growl. Elysian recognized the sound—it was another dire wolf. He extended his hand, drawing on his magic as he prepared the containment spell.
"Stay back," he warned Kaela, his voice steady as he channeled the spell.
The wolf lunged at them, but Elysian was ready. With a muttered incantation, he released the magic, forming a shimmering circle of energy around the creature. The wolf was caught, unable to move as it struggled against the invisible barrier.
Kaela watched, astonished. "Incredible… You contained it without a fight."
"It's one of the spells I found in the archive," Elysian explained, maintaining the barrier as he examined the wolf. "If I can refine this magic further, it may allow us to safely study these creatures and uncover what's causing their reappearance."
The dire wolf's red eyes glinted with a strange intelligence as it glared at him, as though understanding his words. Elysian could sense something unusual about this creature, something that hinted at a connection to the ancient magic.
"We should return to the village," he said, releasing the barrier. The wolf darted off into the darkness, leaving only the sound of its heavy paws fading in the distance.
Kaela looked at him, awe and respect in her gaze. "You're really not like any other mage I've met."
Elysian shrugged. "I'm just using the tools I have."
As they walked back to the village, he couldn't help but feel that this was only the beginning. The return of ancient creatures, the lost spells, and the strange energies in the forest were signs of something much larger. And he would need every ounce of his power—and perhaps even new allies—to face what lay ahead.