Elysian spent the day preparing for his next encounter with the dark guild, strategizing his approach to gain the guild's trust without revealing too much. The room he and Astra had rented was filled with diagrams and enchanted components he'd been crafting in preparation.
"Master, I have processed all the potential outcomes based on our previous interaction," Aria chimed in. "If the guild decides to test your knowledge, they may present you with forbidden artifacts or magical quandaries beyond even a sage's typical skillset."
"Perfect," Elysian replied with a smirk, "that'll work in our favor. Let them try and underestimate me."
Astra, meanwhile, had been silently absorbing his teachings, proving herself a fast learner. Elysian noted the focused look on her face as she examined the sigils he was crafting, seemingly able to process and remember every detail. She was quickly becoming an invaluable asset.
As night fell, Elysian and Astra slipped into the city's underbelly once more, following the now-familiar path to the dark guild's base. They were met at the door by the same robed guard from the previous night, who escorted them into a grand hall illuminated by floating orbs of dark, swirling energy. A group of high-ranking guild members stood waiting, their faces masked, their posture wary but intrigued.
One of the masked figures stepped forward. "Sage, we have heard of your prowess, but talk is cheap in our line of work. Prove yourself, and the guild's resources shall be at your disposal."
Elysian remained calm, gesturing for Astra to remain close. "Then present your test, and I will demonstrate what true mastery looks like."
The figure gestured to a set of ancient scrolls on a stone table. "These contain spells from the era of the Demon Lord. They have stymied our best minds for centuries. If you can decipher and cast even one, then you are worthy."
Elysian stepped forward, unrolling the first scroll. His eyes flickered over the characters, symbols he knew intimately from his previous life in the game. While the guild had likely managed to translate the words, they lacked the understanding of the deeper mechanics—a problem he didn't share.
With a wave of his hand, he activated the spell, summoning an illusory form of the Demon Lord himself. The guild members gasped as the figure coalesced, the dark, fiery aura filling the room.
The leader recovered quickly, giving Elysian an appraising look. "Impressive. You truly know the lost arts."
Elysian allowed himself a slight smile. "This is but a fraction of what I'm capable of. Shall we continue?"
The leader inclined his head, clearly eager to test Elysian further. "Very well. You've earned our interest. Follow us."
They led Elysian and Astra through a labyrinth of rooms and corridors, each filled with relics, rare magical components, and artifacts. Finally, they reached a sealed chamber, where the guild leader stopped, facing Elysian.
"This is the Heart of Darkness," the leader said, gesturing to a stone pedestal where a pulsating black crystal sat. "It holds ancient power but defies any attempt to unlock its secrets."
Elysian approached the crystal, reaching out to sense its energy. It thrummed with a dark, chaotic force, one he recognized from his game's lore. The Heart of Darkness had been an item used to control demonic forces, but in this world, it seemed dormant, inaccessible.
"Do you have the key to unlocking this?" Elysian asked, his tone light but curious.
The leader nodded, holding up a silver amulet. "This amulet allows temporary contact with the Heart. But it's unstable—those who have tried to wield it lose their minds to its influence."
Elysian held out his hand, and the leader hesitated before giving him the amulet. He could feel the raw power contained within as he slipped it on, his connection to the Heart immediately deepening.
Aria's voice sounded in his mind. "Master, be cautious. The Heart's energy is volatile and could interfere with your own magic if left unchecked."
Elysian focused, letting his mastery over dark magic merge with the crystal's energy. He sensed its resistance, its chaotic pull, but forced it into submission. A moment later, the Heart's energy stabilized, and he was able to tap into its core knowledge.
Gasps echoed through the room as dark tendrils of energy surrounded Elysian, controlled and calm. He withdrew from the Heart, letting its power subside. The guild members watched him in awe, the leader's eyes glinting with respect—and a hint of fear.
"You have succeeded where countless others have failed," the leader said quietly. "We welcome you, sage, as an honored member of our guild."
Elysian nodded, pleased, and glanced at Astra. She looked at him with admiration and trust, her violet eyes reflecting the flickering lights around them. In that moment, he felt a deeper connection with her—a bond that was evolving beyond the simple creator and creation.
"Very well," Elysian said. "I accept your offer. Let us work together, but understand this—I am no mere sage. I am here to reshape this world."
The leader bowed his head, acknowledging Elysian's ambition. "Then consider us allies. Together, we will unlock every secret this world hides."
As they left the dark guild's hall, Elysian felt a surge of satisfaction. He had gained powerful allies, access to rare resources, and a path to even greater strength.