Kai sat on the temple's crumbling steps, catching his breath as the corrupted ruins loomed ominously behind him. The air felt lighter now, though the oppressive energy of the place still lingered in the corners of his mind. His hands trembled slightly from the adrenaline, but the system's notifications filled him with a sense of achievement.
[System Notification: Skill – Purging Strike Details Available.]
He mentally tapped the notification, and a screen unfolded before his eyes.
---
Purging Strike
Type: Active
Description: Unleash a concentrated burst of radiant energy, dealing immense damage to enemies corrupted by darkness. Effective against shadow entities and Wraiths.
Cost: 15 Energy
Cooldown: 30 seconds
---
Kai's lips curved into a smirk. This is exactly what I need.
Elyra approached, her armor smeared with ash and blood, but her eyes were sharp as always. "We should leave before nightfall. Corruption often lingers, even after its source is destroyed."
Varek stomped over, his axe resting on his shoulder. "Good call. I don't fancy camping in a haunted forest."
Kai nodded, standing up and stretching his stiff muscles. "Agreed. But we need to report this to someone who can help. The corruption is spreading faster than we expected."
Elyra frowned. "The problem is, the only people with the resources to act are the Guildmasters or the Council. Both have their own agendas."
"Then we start with the Guild," Kai said. "They might have records or leads on who's behind this."
---
The journey back to the village was uneventful, though the forest still bore signs of its taint. Twisted trees and patches of dead earth reminded them of the darkness they'd just faced.
By the time they reached the outskirts, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the small village. The locals greeted them with a mix of gratitude and awe, though their relief was tempered by lingering fear.
An elderly man, the village elder, approached. "You've saved us from certain doom," he said, his voice quavering. "But... do you think it's truly over?"
Kai exchanged a glance with Elyra. "The immediate threat is gone," he said. "But the corruption runs deeper. This was just one piece of a larger puzzle."
The elder nodded solemnly. "Then take this, as thanks." He handed Kai a small, intricately carved amulet. It pulsed faintly with a soothing energy.
[System Notification: Item Acquired – Amulet of Clarity (Rare).]
---
Amulet of Clarity
Type: Accessory
Effect: Protects the wearer's mind from fear and mental manipulation. Reduces corruption effects by 10%.
Rarity: Rare
---
Kai tucked the amulet into his pouch. "Thank you. It'll help."
After some quick farewells, the trio made their way to the nearest town, where they could rest and gather supplies. They walked in silence for most of the journey, the weight of their mission settling heavily on their shoulders.
It wasn't until they reached the outskirts of the bustling town of Falkrest that Varek broke the silence. "So, how do we even find out who's behind this? It's not like the bad guys have a directory."
Elyra smirked. "No, but they leave trails. People talk, and rumors spread. We start by asking questions."
As they entered the town, the crowded streets and lively atmosphere were a welcome change from the oppressive silence of the forest. They found an inn and secured a room before heading to the local guildhall.
---
The guildhall was a massive, bustling structure filled with adventurers of all kinds. Kai's eyes wandered over the weapon racks and job boards, taking in the sight of seasoned warriors and eager novices exchanging stories and plans.
A gruff receptionist eyed them as they approached. "New recruits? Or are you here for a bounty?"
Elyra stepped forward. "Neither. We're investigating the spread of corruption in the region."
The receptionist raised an eyebrow. "Corruption? That's above my pay grade. You'll want to talk to Guildmaster Halden. Third floor. Good luck getting an audience, though."
Varek snorted. "We'll manage."
---
Guildmaster Halden's office was surprisingly modest. The man himself was tall and broad-shouldered, with a stern expression and a streak of gray in his beard. He looked up from his desk as they entered, his piercing gaze assessing them.
"You're the ones who dealt with the Nexus near Rivermark?" he asked without preamble.
Kai nodded. "Yes. But the corruption is spreading. We need information—maps, records, anything that can help us trace its source."
Halden leaned back, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "You're not the first to report incidents like this. Corruption is flaring up across the region, and it's not random. Someone—or something—is orchestrating it."
Elyra crossed her arms. "Do you have any leads?"
"Some," Halden admitted. "There have been sightings of strange figures near old ruins, similar to what you described. But there's one name that keeps cropping up: Malakar."
Kai frowned. "Who's Malakar?"
Halden's expression darkened. "A rogue mage turned cult leader. He's been experimenting with forbidden magic for years. If anyone has the means to spread corruption, it's him."
[System Notification: New Quest Unlocked – The Hunt for Malakar.]
Objective: Track down Malakar and uncover his connection to the corruption.
Kai's fists clenched as the notification appeared. "Then he's our next target."
Halden nodded. "Be careful. Malakar is dangerous, and his followers are fanatical. You'll need to be prepared for anything."
---
Later, as they settled into their room at the inn, Kai stared at the amulet in his hand. The weight of their mission pressed heavily on him, but he couldn't ignore the fire burning in his chest—a mix of determination and anger.
The system's next notification only fueled his resolve.
[System Notification: Progression Milestone Reached – Level 6 Achieved. Attribute Points +5.]
With a deep breath, Kai turned to his companions. "We've got a name. We've got a direction. Let's make it count."
The hunt had begun.