After leaving Sanctum Aurora, Van and Lyria headed south toward a region known as Terra Marvell, an oasis city situated at the border between the desert and the tropical forest. The city served as a trade hub and was home to various races coexisting together, from humans, elves, and dwarves to beastfolk.
However, Lyria warned Van that they needed to remain cautious in this place. Rumors had it that the Cult of Revival had significant influence in Terra Marvell, and the fragment hunters likely already knew about their movements.
---
The Journey to Terra Marvell
The journey to Terra Marvell took two days, crossing grasslands and rocky hills. Along the way, Van began to feel the second fragment he carried radiating a stronger energy than the first. At times, he could feel a surge of heat coursing through his arm whenever he touched the crystal.
"What's happening to my body?" he asked, stopping in his tracks. His face looked weary, as if a force was constantly draining his energy.
Lyria turned to him, her gaze full of concern. "That's the effect of fragment resonance. The more fragments you collect, the greater their power will affect you. You need to be careful, Van. If you can't control it, the fragments will become a burden rather than a weapon."
Van sighed, suppressing the discomfort creeping through his body. "It seems like things are getting more complicated."
"But you're also getting stronger," Lyria said firmly. "Remember, we're not just up against the Cult of Revival. There are other forces in this world that may try to take the fragments from you."
---
Arriving in Terra Marvell
Upon entering Terra Marvell, Van and Lyria were mesmerized by the city's beauty. Brightly colored buildings with golden domes stood majestically in the barren desert. The markets were bustling with merchants from various races, selling everything from jewelry to rare spices. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, haggling, and music.
However, beneath the cheerful atmosphere, Van felt something odd. He could sense cold gazes following them from the moment they entered the city.
"We're being watched," he whispered to Lyria.
Lyria nodded, her eyes scanning their surroundings sharply. "We need to find shelter before nightfall."
As they searched for an inn, they came across a small tavern called The Silver Hawk. Its owner, a silver-haired beastfolk named Kaelitha, seemed wary of Van and Lyria at first. However, upon noticing Van's sword, her expression shifted.
"You're not ordinary travelers," Kaelitha said, serving them two plates of food. "Your sword carries an unusual aura."
Van was taken aback. "What do you mean?"
Kaelitha pointed to the sword. "It's made of Divine Mithral. The material can only be found in ruins from the Outsider era. How did you acquire it?"
Reluctant to explain in detail, Van replied curtly, "I found it during my travels," trying to hide his surprise.
Kaelitha narrowed her eyes but didn't press further. "You should be careful. There's an underground movement searching for something. They have eyes everywhere."
"Do you know who they are?" Lyria asked.
Kaelitha nodded. "The Cult of Revival. They often gather in the eastern district of the city, at a place known as the Shadow Temple. If you want to know more, I can help... for a price."
Van glanced at Lyria before turning back to Kaelitha. "What do you want in return?"
Kaelitha gave a faint smile. "There's a desert monster attacking merchant caravans. If you can deal with it, I'll help you get information about the Shadow Temple."
---
Desert Mission: The Sand Wyrm
Van and Lyria agreed to help Kaelitha. That night, they rested at the inn. The following morning, they prepared to head out to the last reported location of the Sand Wyrm. However, before they left, they encountered a man named Jareth.
Jareth was the leader of a small faction in Terra Marvell known as The Shield of Marvell. He was a large man clad in armor bearing the marks of battle. His face was covered in scars, but his eyes held a wise gleam.
"You're going after the Sand Wyrm?" he asked, stopping them outside the inn.
"You know about it?" Van frowned.
"Of course. That creature has caused us major problems. I've already lost two squads trying to hunt it down." Jareth sighed. "But I won't let you face it alone. I and some of my men will help you. Consider it a small gesture of goodwill."
Van looked at Lyria, then nodded. "Very well. Your help will be greatly appreciated."
Jareth grinned. "Good. Let's set off now."
In the middle of the desert, strong winds carried grains of sand that stung their skin. As they reached the location, the ground beneath them suddenly trembled. The sand began to churn, and from below, a massive, scaly creature emerged. The Sand Wyrm was over 30 meters long, its mouth lined with razor-sharp teeth.
The battle was fierce. Jareth and his men worked to distract the Sand Wyrm, while Van sought an opening to strike. With the aid of Lyria's magic, they finally managed to slay the monster when Van drove the Divine Mithral sword into its head.
---
An Ally Gained
After the battle, Jareth patted Van on the shoulder. "You're truly strong. I'm glad I could assist you. From now on, consider me and my men your allies."
"Thank you, Jareth," Van replied. "We'll remember your kindness."
Back in Terra Marvell, Kaelitha was impressed by their success. "It seems you're not ordinary people. The information about the Shadow Temple is yours."
Kaelitha explained that the Cult of Revival often conducted rituals in the eastern district of the city, at a hidden location known as the Shadow Temple. "If you're looking for the next fragment, that's where you'll find it," she added.
Van nodded. "Thank you for your help."
Kaelitha smiled. "Be careful, Van. I sense this is only the beginning of a long journey filled with peril."