The next day, Elysian wasted no time. The encounter with the cloaked figure at the gate had left him unsettled, but it also fueled his resolve. Whoever or whatever was behind this, he needed answers—and power—to confront it.
He headed to the guild hall, where he found Garroth and Kaela in deep conversation. The moment they saw him, they quieted, nodding as he approached.
"Garroth," Elysian began, "I need any information you can find on groups dealing with dark magic—specifically, anything involving homunculi."
Garroth raised an eyebrow. "Homunculi? That's forbidden magic, Elysian. No one has seen or even spoken about homunculi creation in generations."
"That may be true, but I've come across... evidence suggesting a group may still be pursuing it." Elysian kept his voice steady. "We're dealing with something dangerous, and I need all the help I can get."
Kaela's eyes narrowed as she listened, a spark of curiosity and worry in her gaze. "What exactly did you encounter last night, Elysian? You looked... different when you returned."
Elysian considered his words carefully. "Something, or someone, is interested in the Fragment of Shadow I acquired. A cloaked figure appeared at the gate and claimed to be a messenger from 'the one beyond the Veil.' Whoever it is, they know about the fragment, and they threatened me to return it."
Garroth's brow furrowed. "That's... troubling. And you think they're connected to a guild dealing in homunculi?"
"I do," Elysian replied. "The presence I felt from them was like nothing I've experienced outside of the fragment itself. It's a dark, ancient energy, and if this group is as involved as I suspect, they could be using forbidden magic to summon or create creatures from the shadows."
Garroth crossed his arms, a grim expression settling on his face. "I'll start searching our archives and reach out to my contacts. There might be rumors or old records of such a guild from long ago. But be careful, Elysian—if you dig too deep, you may draw more attention than you want."
Elysian nodded. "I understand. But if I don't investigate, we could all be in greater danger."
Later that evening, Elysian returned to his room, contemplating his next steps. His mind kept returning to the mention of homunculi. In his time as the top player, he'd read about forbidden arts, including the creation of homunculi—artificial beings given life through alchemical means, usually requiring a powerful soul to animate them.
The thought intrigued him. A homunculus would be bound to its creator, a servant and guardian of immense power. Yet he knew the risks. The process could be unstable, and it required materials that were both rare and deeply connected to dark magic.
"Aria," he said, addressing his AI companion, "I need information on homunculus creation—specifically, whether it's possible to bind a powerful soul, like that of the demon lord, to one."
Aria's light flickered. "Based on your knowledge, homunculus creation requires a rare set of materials: alchemical catalysts, a physical vessel, and a powerful soul to animate it. The process is highly complex and unstable, with a high risk of corruption if not handled carefully."
"So it's possible," he murmured, his eyes gleaming with interest. "If I can find a dark guild dealing in homunculi, I might be able to acquire the materials and knowledge needed to create one."
His mind drifted to the fragment and the latent power it held. Perhaps this dark guild, if it existed, could provide more than just materials—they might possess ancient tomes or techniques that could help him understand the fragment better and gain control over it.
"Aria," he said thoughtfully, "keep a list of materials and spells required for a stable homunculus creation. And alert me if I come across anything in the archives that matches."
"Understood, Elysian," Aria responded. "I'll monitor for any relevant information."
Two days later, while studying a series of old manuscripts in the guild's library, Elysian found something interesting. A faded parchment detailed a legendary guild from centuries ago known as The Shadows of Elaris. They were infamous for practicing forbidden arts, including homunculus creation, and were believed to operate in secrecy, carrying out contracts that no other guild would dare touch.
Rumors in the manuscript hinted that the guild still existed in some hidden location, their secrets passed down through generations. It mentioned their involvement in "shadow-binding," a technique eerily similar to the powers he had seen in the Fragment of Shadow.
Elysian leaned back, excitement brewing. This was exactly what he had hoped to find—a lead on a guild that might hold the knowledge he sought. He knew it wouldn't be easy to find them, but with his skills and his top-level sage powers, he felt prepared to take the risk.
The following night, he left the village under the cover of darkness, making his way toward the last rumored location of the Shadows of Elaris. The journey was quiet, with only the moonlight to guide him through the winding forest paths.
Hours later, as dawn approached, he finally arrived at a dilapidated stone structure nestled in the heart of the forest. It was silent and foreboding, the air thick with the scent of old magic. He took a deep breath, summoning his courage.
As he stepped inside, a low, echoing voice greeted him.
"Welcome, seeker of shadows. What brings you to the domain of Elaris?"
Elysian squared his shoulders, his gaze steady. "I've come seeking knowledge of the forbidden arts—and I have something that might interest you in exchange."
A figure cloaked in shadows materialized before him, their face obscured. "Many come seeking the power of darkness. Few understand its price."
Elysian held up the Fragment of Shadow, watching as the figure's gaze fixed upon it, their eyes gleaming with recognition. "I believe this fragment is proof enough of my understanding—and my resolve."
The figure studied him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Very well, sage. We will see if you are worthy of wielding the power you seek."