After the events in Snowhearth, Van and Lyria realized that their journey not only involved threats from the Cult of Revival but also betrayal from those they once trusted. Even so, they could not stop. Their next clue led to a mysterious place: Aetherion, the legendary floating city that hovered high above the skies.
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Clues About Aetherion
On their way back to Terra Marvell, they encountered Kaelitha, who brought important information.
"You've stirred up quite a commotion in the north," Kaelitha said, crossing her arms. "That third fragment do you still have it?"
Van nodded. "For now, yes. But Jareth... he knows too much about us. How can we anticipate his next move?"
Kaelitha gave a faint smile. "By moving faster than him. The next clue points to a place that exists only in legends: Aetherion, the floating city."
Lyria tilted her head in surprise. "Aetherion? Isn't that just a myth?"
Kaelitha pulled out an ancient document containing a map of the skies. "No, Aetherion is real, but it can only be accessed through specific pathways. It is said that the city is where the gods first created the seal of the Outsiders. One of the fragments might be stored there."
Van studied the map intently. "How do we reach it?"
Kaelitha pointed to a location on the map. "You'll need to find the Skyforge, an ancient gateway hidden in the Astralis Mountains. From there, the journey to Aetherion can begin."
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Journey to the Astralis Mountains
Van and Lyria set out on a new journey, this time toward the Astralis Mountains, known for their treacherous terrain and thin air. Along the way, they passed through ancient ruins filled with traps and still-active guardian creatures.
During their journey, they encountered a mysterious man named Eren, a wanderer who seemed to know a great deal about Aetherion. With sharp eyes and a laid-back demeanor, Eren offered to guide them.
"I know the way to the Skyforge," he said, casually swinging a wooden staff over his shoulder. "But I don't work for free."
Van eyed the man warily. "What do you want?"
Eren grinned. "A share of whatever you find there. Not much, just something to fund my next adventure."
Lyria tried to sense his intentions through magic but detected no deceit. "We don't have much of a choice. We need a guide."
After a brief negotiation, they agreed to let Eren join them.
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Unveiling the Skyforge
After a long and challenging journey, they finally arrived at the Skyforge a half-buried temple surrounded by snow and strange energy. Massive pillars with glowing carvings surrounded the area, and at its center stood a circular altar facing the sky.
Eren approached the altar and pointed to the carvings above it. "Here it is the path to Aetherion. But I have to warn you, this place is unstable. If you misstep, you may never return."
Lyria examined the carvings. "It seems we need a specific type of energy to activate it. Van, your fragments might be the key."
Van brought out the three fragments he possessed. As he brought them closer to the altar, a brilliant light emerged, creating a massive portal that unleashed a strong gust of wind.
"We have to go through," said Lyria.
"Let's hope you know what you're doing," muttered Eren as he stepped into the portal with them.
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The Floating City of Aetherion
Upon passing through the portal, they arrived in a breathtaking place. Aetherion was a majestic city floating above the clouds, with shining crystal towers and bridges connecting various parts of the city. However, the city appeared desolate, as though it had been abandoned for centuries.
"I can't believe this place actually exists," Van muttered, marveling at the city's beauty.
But their awe didn't last long. Heavy footsteps echoed from afar, and massive creatures resembling living golems began to approach them.
"City guardians," said Lyria. "They won't let us roam freely."
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Fighting the City Guardians
The guardians of Aetherion were unlike any foes they had encountered before. The golems were made of crystalline material that reflected magical attacks, making it difficult for Lyria to combat them. Van, using the power of his fragments, attempted to strike with his sword, but the golems kept regenerating.
Eren, who had mostly been observing until now, suddenly joined the fight. Using his staff, he triggered a collapse in part of the bridges, causing several golems to plummet into the cloud-filled abyss.
"You need to focus on their cores!" Eren shouted. "Destroy the energy cores in their chests!"
With this crucial advice, Van and Lyria were finally able to defeat the guardians, albeit with great effort. However, their victory was only the beginning of the challenges ahead.
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The Fourth Fragment
After defeating the guardians, they finally arrived at a small temple in the heart of Aetherion. Inside, a glowing fragment hovered, surrounded by a protective energy field.
As Van stepped forward to claim it, a deep voice echoed within the temple.
"Who dares disturb this sacred place?" The voice came from a massive shadowy figure that slowly emerged before them.
It was the final guardian of the fragment, an ancient entity that seemed to remain loyal to the gods.
"You must prove yourselves worthy to wield this power," said the entity.