As the group descended Mount Kabunian, Ezra decided to take stock of his situation. The climb and discovery of the Rune of Restoration had solidified his role in this world, and he needed to prepare himself for what lay ahead.
Checking the Quests
Ezra opened his Quest Log, and the system promptly displayed his ongoing missions:
Main Quest: The Eternal Stand
Objective: Gather all five World Runes and mount them on the dais at Mount Kabunian to shield Aelden from the Void's interference.
Runes Collected: 1/5
Remaining Runes:
Valsenna (Royal Archives)
Marveil (Possessed by Void Archmage Varathiel)
Verdant Dominion (Exact location unknown)
Freeholds of Ardyn (Hidden, potentially contested)
Main Quest: The Final Horizon
Objective: Save the world of Aetheria from being completely consumed by the Void within ten years.
Time Remaining: 9 years, 8 months
Side Quest: Restoring the Mountain
Objective: Restore Mount Kabunian's ability to act as a shield against the Void by collecting and mounting all five World Runes.
Progress: Rune of Restoration placed
Next Step: Valsenna
Objective: Travel to Valsenna to locate and retrieve the next World Rune in the Royal Archives.
---
Reviewing Player Info
Satisfied with the clarity of his objectives, Ezra accessed his Player Info panel.
Ezra Kaelith
Class: Warden
Level: 92
Experience: 8,350,192 / 8,500,000
Health Points (HP): 12,450
Mana Points (MP): 9,600
Strength: 320
Dexterity: 280
Endurance: 300
Intelligence: 290
Wisdom: 275
Luck: 190
Skills (9/12 slots filled)
1. Voidbreaker Slash – A heavy sword strike that disrupts magical energy.
2. Celestial Leap – Light-based leap for mobility or a crushing attack.
3. Sanctum Aegis – Combines Aegis of Eternity and Sanctum Field, summoning a protective shield and releasing an AoE buff to heal allies and weaken foes.
4. Ethereal Bind – Darkness-based chains that immobilize enemies.
5. Eternal Warden's Resolve – Boosts stats and deals bonus damage to Void monsters; chance for instant kill against Void-born creatures.
6. Radiant Pulse – Releases a light-based wave to damage nearby enemies.
7. Identify – Reveals information about people, objects, and environments.
8. Arcane Affinity – Increases damage and effectiveness of magic-based skills.
9. Alchemical Insight – Enhances crafting abilities and reveals hidden alchemical properties of materials.
Available Slots: 3/12
---
Inventory Check
Ezra flipped to his Inventory, carefully scanning the items he'd gathered:
Weapons:
Enhanced Voidbreaker Sword (Void energy-infused)
Backup Steel Longsword
Armor:
Warden's Plate (Level 90, with resistance to Void-based attacks)
Reinforced Boots of Mobility
Consumables:
20x Self-made health potions
15x Mana potions
10x Anti-Void Elixirs
Other Items:
Maps of Aelden and the Verdant Dominion
Rune of Restoration (Secured in a protective container)
Stone Pendant (Void-sensing artifact)
50x Rations
Assorted crafting materials (herbs, ores, and alchemical components)
---
Ezra's Thoughts
As he closed the menu, Ezra felt a sense of pride. Two months ago, he was just a confused newcomer in this world. Now, he stood as a seasoned warrior on the precipice of something monumental.
His goals were clear:
Immediate Objectives: Travel to Valsenna, secure the Rune in the Royal Archives, and gather more allies.
Long-Term Mission: Collect all the World Runes and ensure Aelden becomes a stronghold against the Void.
Ultimate Goal: Save Aetheria from the Void within ten years.
"We're making progress," he said aloud, his voice resolute. "But this is just the beginning."
The others turned to him, sensing the renewed determination in his tone. As the group prepared to break camp and head toward Valsenna, Ezra gripped his sword tightly, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Thalion, Elara," he began, his voice steady, "you two should remain here. Mount Kabunian is critical to our plan. With your connections, Thalion, and Elara's expertise as an archmage's apprentice, you can start building a base of operations."
Thalion crossed his arms, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "You're thinking strategically, Warden. Good. But don't forget to visit the Artisans' Consortium in Valsenna. Their builders and crafters could make this job a lot easier."
Ezra frowned, weighing the suggestion. "That's true, but gathering their support will take time we might not have."
Thalion's smile widened, and he raised his hand. "Then let me make your journey more efficient."
The guild owner muttered a complex incantation, his fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air. A glowing rune appeared before Ezra, its light softly pulsing as it entered his chest. The system chimed in Ezra's mind.
> Skill Acquired: Temporal Rift (10/12 slots filled)
A teleportation ability that allows instantaneous travel to places visited before or marked with a rune.
Ezra instinctively touched his chest where the rune had vanished, feeling a faint warmth. "You just gave me your teleportation spell?"
Thalion shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "I can manage without it. Besides, you'll need it more. We can't afford delays, Ezra. This will let you come back here or anywhere else when needed."
Elara stepped forward, her tone firm. "With Mount Kabunian becoming our base, the runes you collect need to come here immediately. Having that skill ensures we're always connected."
Ezra nodded, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, both of you. I'll make sure it doesn't go to waste."
Thalion smirked. "You'd better not. Now, get going. The Rune in Valsenna won't collect itself."
With their parting words exchanged, Ezra turned toward the descending path leading to the base of the mountain. As he walked, he mentally organized his next steps.
---
Updated Quest Log
Main Quest: The Eternal Stand
Progress: 1/5 World Runes Collected
Next Target: The Royal Archives in Valsenna.
Side Quest: Restoring the Mountain
Objective: Mount all five World Runes to create a shield against the Void's interference.
Main Quest: The Final Horizon
Objective: Save Aetheria from the Void within ten years.
---
Updated Skills
Ezra Kaelith – Warden
1. Voidbreaker Slash
2. Celestial Leap
3. Sanctum Aegis
4. Ethereal Bind
5. Eternal Warden's Resolve
6. Radiant Pulse
7. Identify
8. Arcane Affinity
9. Alchemical Insight
10. Temporal Rift
Available Slots: 2/12
---
Ezra descended Mount Kabunian with renewed determination. Valsenna awaited, along with the next step toward saving Aelden and ultimately, Aetheria.